Eevee Therapy: Chapter 4.4, Sakura makes two Friends

…what happened to you is not your fault, and you are not ‘dirty’ or inferior due to what occurred, Gothitelle reiterated, one hand holding Sakura’s as the girl sat on the couch. At this point, I think you can recognize the difference between your own thoughts, that of your other self, and those pushed upon you by outsiders.

Sakura closed her eyes, nodding. I know. But it’s hard, especially after so long… She sniffed. I can still feel them, sometimes– the worms under my flesh… Her breath sped up as she relived the torment of her parasites, shuddering as her mind was pulled back towards darker times.

Gothitelle’s grip tightened. Focus on yourself. Feel your heartbeat, the pump of blood. Feel each part of you, as I taught; ground yourself in reality. The worms are gone, and you are alive.

…sorry, Sakura responded as she calmed down, finding solace in her therapist’s grip and mind. On her lap, Ren purred, and she moved her free hand to rub between his ears.

There is nothing to apologize for, Gothitelle responded. Those who suffer often have the memory of such burned vividly, if inaccurately, into their minds. Reliving it again is not weakness, merely a fault of the mind, one which can be corrected.

Couldn’t you do it, then?

I can ‘fix’ a broken mind, yes. But your mind is merely wounded and scarred, not broken. And more importantly, those scars touch your soul as well, Gothitelle explained. Altering your mind to mismatch your soul would break you, and not in a way easy to fix. Thus, such alterations must be organic. Besides, your other would be destroyed if I were to begin removing memories; and I think she would object.

I would, yes, Alter Sakura interjected, before the Other faded back into the Prime. …I suppose that makes sense. Thank you for telling me.

With your power, I would not want you to try something on yourself.

Sakura paused. My power?

Ms. Juniper, have you not realized? You have yet to say a word this entire session.

“We… haven’t been talking. At all,” Sakura vocalized for the first time in the whole session, Huh, cool.

Indeed. You have significant psychic potential, Sakura, Gothitelle smiled. Perhaps this will be a reminder that you are not your sister’s inferior, hmm? She sat back, removing her hand from Sakura’s own. Speaking of her, we do need to discuss recent events, don’t we? Now, how did you feel when Rin was late coming home from her expedition?

I would have been more worried if she didn’t call to explain why she was late, Sakura started, breathing a deep, meditative breath, I had been worried the whole day that she would leave forever again, even though I knew it was irrational; Nee-san has been making a genuine effort to spend time with me and atone for her own perceived shortcomings as a sister, and she’s harsher on herself than I would ever be on her.

It’s good that you recognize that. Gothitelle paused. I did notice that you didn’t seem concerned for her safety, merely that she might leave. Why do you think that is?

Nee-san has always been a figure of strength for both me and my alter. For me, she’s the one that was good enough for father to keep. For my alter, she’s the impossible obstacle to overcome.

She was, yeah. Then she sat down and had a talk with us, Alter Sakura interjected, before once more ceding control to the ‘prime’ Sakura, who shivered almost imperceptibly.

I would like to remind you that your sister is not perfect in any way, no more than you, I, or anyone is, Gothitelle reminded them. From her account, she did have a close call on her trip. When you learned that, how did you react?

I was scared, Sakura replied instantly, Then a part of me wondered briefly what it would be like to watch her die, but I think that part of me was just a darker version of those idle thoughts all people have, like you’ve been teaching me. Ones we have but will never actually act on.

Nee-san dying would prevent her from atoning, so I was furious with the person that hurt her. I wanted to kill it, but I’m fully aware that is an overreaction, Alter added, before pausing visibly. I’m trying to be better, if only for Prime, you know. It’s not easy. You better appreciate it!

Gothitelle kept herself from shaking her head. Sakura’s mind was interesting, but having the two souls in one head made things difficult at times. Ignoring the waylaid thought for a moment, she continued. I’m glad you’ve developed self-awareness and emotional comprehension. To deal with your emotions, you must understand them, despite what some popular sci-fi movies would tell you.

I liked Vader. Awesome fashion sense.

Is there any other reason? Gotheille asked, sensing something more in the statement,

He redeemed himself for his family. He reminded me of a Nee-san that could have been and myself.

Sakura shook her head as her Alter sat back. But he went too far. We need to learn before we get to that point, not over-commit to our emotions. She bit her lip. Also, he was willfully blind. We can’t afford that.

I don’t know enough of Skywalker’s character to debate that point. But I want to, Alter replied psionically, Huh, is this what it feels like to really like a certain fictional character?

We often emphasize with characters we see ourselves in. I often see myself in a similar position to Obi-wan, Gothitelle admitted. While I cannot say for certain what a ‘real’ Skywalker went through, I think on the whole you have a good grip on his portrayal. He rejected his feelings until they overwhelmed him, despite many chances to come to grips with it, at the advice of a father figure. Gothitelle tilted her head slightly. The similarities are there, that is true.

Sakura nodded, prompting the Pokemon to sit back on her stool. Now, we’ve made some progress today, but for us to keep it up, you will need to keep up with your homework. Practice your self-reflection each evening, and try to meditate once a day if possible. She levitated a slim book out from behind her potted plants. In addition, this is a guide I’ve found very useful for beginner human psychics. I cannot teach you how to hone your powers, but this should teach the basics.

Sakura coughed as she read the title. “Ten Easy Ways to Practice Psionic Pranking?” She mumbled aloud, Ren blinking awake from his nap as his human spoke. Is this a joke?

No, it truly has actually useful control exercises. It is simply directed towards children your age; and they tend to be far less mature than you two are, Sakura.

You may overestimate us. I wonder if I can give her a wedgie from across the room?

Alter no!

Alter yes!

Gothitelle’s face quirked into a tiny smile. Anyway, we are done here for the day. She looked outside, and as Sakura followed her gaze, the human was startled to see the gray sky streaked with orange and pink. Will you be getting picked up soon, or are you going to walk home? It has gotten a little late.

“We will be fine, I think,” Sakura replied aloud, even as Ren hopped off his perch and stretched on the floor. “Thank you.”

This is my job, but it is rewarding in its own way, The psychic type psychologist acknowledged. Be safe, and I will see you next week.

See you next week, Doctor. Sakura replied, pushing the door open gently so as to not disturb the others in the clinic. As the young girl walked through the clinic towards the exit, Sakura briefly pondered if she’d need to stop by the local market for ingredients since Juniper-Mom was home while her wife was not.

As she walked into the streets of Accumula town, Sakura frowned as she watched the markets close up for the evening. “...I suppose it has gotten pretty late.” She murmured, before turning and heading towards Route One, Ren loping at her side. Looking down, she smiled at her partner. “What do you think, Ren? I suppose we’ll have enough ingredients for tonight at home…”

“Vuh!”

Sakura nodded as she passed outside city limits, heading down the path as the sun slipped below the horizon. Frowning slightly, Sakura blinked before the path lit up in her vision, her Alter doing something which let her see in the shadows of the low light. Thanks.

Can’t have you dying on me, Prime. Her alter-ego demurred, Besides, I’m just sharing what I can see.

Nodding, Sakura continued down the path, watching the woods as a group of Deerling cantered through the underbrush on either side. As she crested a hill, she stopped. A single figure in a long coat stood near a small campfire, just off the path, watching her on her approach. As she slowed to a stop, the man sent out a large, bulky pokemon. “Gliscor, put the fire out, please.”

“Ah, hello?” Sakura ventured, even as the fire was put out by a blast of mud. “Were you waiting for me?”

“Yes, I was.” The figure’s voice filled the air, causing Ren to rock back a step. The man stepped forward, pulling and lighting a signal lantern from beneath his cloak in one motion. With the added closeness and the light, Sakura could see the orange stripes and large buttons on the man’s overcoat, and the curious pink sash worn over the suit beneath. The man’s sharp gaze and sharper sideburns framed a dour mouth and a prominent nose. “I am Ingo, and I have been asked to speak with you. I did not expect to find you on this route, but I am not opposed.”

“Is it because I am a faller?” Sakura asked, running through the reasons someone would want to speak to her and finding none besides that which were not negative.

“Indeed. My clan–” He coughed. “We have experience with fallers. They have the potential to do much good, or much harm.” He tilted his head slightly. “But you are not the only Fallers to have come through in the last weeks. Another train delivered two much alike to you and your sister, on the same schedule, no less.” He set his lantern down. “The Pearl clan has observed them, and they do no harm. But I am the only one here in Unova, so such track assessments passed to me.”

“Two others?” Sakura asked curiously, “May I have their surnames, if not their given ones?” Her sister would appreciate this information regardless, if Ingo was willing to give it.

“Ah, I would be happy to share information once the assessment is complete.” Ingo nodded. “I am not good at people. Not directly. And I do not do stealth well, so sneaky observation is out.” He withdrew a Pokeball from his coat. “I am many things. I am Ingo. I am a Warden. I am a brother, and a Subway Boss. But I am also a trainer, and thus I shall find your heart in the way I know best.”

“... I accept!” Sakura chirped, her eyes alight with glee.

“Well spoken!” Ingo roared back. “Luggage secure, safety checks complete! All aboard!” He spoke, Pokeball flying outward and snapping open, releasing a small green pokemon with a pungent scent.

“Trubbish!” It squeaked, setting itself opposite Sakura.

“Ren, I’m counting on you!” Sakura cried in reply, the Eevee climbing down from Sakura’s head onto her shoulder, then leaping off her arm onto the battlefield as Sakura swung it forth. Ren landed, then immediately cried out in challenge.

“Trubbish, Acid Spray!” Ingo called, leading the little garbage bag to puff its cheeks, before releasing a noxious blast of purple goo towards Ren. The little Eevee dodged, sweeping to the side and replying with a hail of stars which slammed into his opponent.

“Hmm. You trust your partner enough to fight on his own?” Ingo ventured.

“Ren-kun knows what to do. I interject when I feel the need.” Sakura nodded in reply, “We are a team, and we shall act like it!”

Ren, as if acting in tandem with his trainer closed in rapidly, his tail gleaming with the dull silver of steel as he did so. With a bark, he closed the distance and slammed the Trubbish with the Iron Tail, sending the little pokemon tumbling before it rightended.

Ingo smiled. “I see! Trust between partners is essential as we ride the rails!” He took a pose, finger outstretched as his cap slid down slightly. “Trubbish, you have free control! Put up some track hazards!”

Trubbish nodded, before burping, a hail of tiny, purple caltrops arcing from him to cover the battlefield with spikes. Ren was forced to dance to avoid the attack, then flattened his ears as he eyed the field. “Vuh…”

“Careful of the toxic spikes, Ren,” Sakura murmured, thinking hard. “Actually, chase your tail! Get some spin going!”

“E-vuh!” Ren agreed, spinning in a circle until he began to rotate rapidly, spinning across the field and scattering the hazards. Trubbish responded with a counter-tackle, but the force of the rotation and collision left a safe space between the two Pokemon.

“Well done setting up a makeshift Rapid Spin! This is a fine battle. But it’s not over yet! Trubbish, scattershot!” Ren’s opponent opened his mouth, rocky debris filling it before releasing a wide spray of Rock Blast fragments, peppering Ren with sharpened shards four times before the move ended. The Eevee grimaced, content to simply taking the shots until,

“Defend with Iron Tail!”

Sakura’s order snapped him out of the instinctive reaction to simply take the hits, and the Eevee leaned back onto his training to shield himself with his hardened tail. As soon as the barrage ended, an in anticipation of his trainer’s order, Ren blitzed forth with Quick Attack, striking Trubbish with the move and using the opportunity by his opponent’s almost insignificant flinch to flip himself around, planting his four paws onto the Pokemon as,

“Follow up!” Sakura barked sharply, and Ren slammed a dual double kick into the trash-bag Pokemon and sent him flying, gracefully landing back on the ground, tail alight with steel once more, his ears flat against the back of his head in challenge.

Ingo nodded. “Very good! Full steam ahead, and no hesitation.” He looked at his Trubbish, which had slumped over in defeat. “I seem to have underestimated the strength of your partner. Trubbish did well, but this was not a good match.” He held up a ball, and Trubbish vanished in a pulse of red light. “While my true team is still out of your reach, I do have another teammate which may be only a little above your level. Are you out of steam, or do you think you can make the next station?”

“Ren?” Sakura asked, wiping the gathering sweat around her eyes as she asked her starter his opinion,

“Vui.” The Eevee declared gruffly, flicking his ear in acknowledgement, “Evui.”

“We’re good to continue,” Sakura interpreted, her manic delight at the battles showing itself upon her face.

“Safety check confirmed! Klang, continue the battle!” The next Pokeball released a pair of interlocked gears hovering in midair. “Second gear! Prepare for a hard battle! This is no ordinary opponent!”

The steel-type beeped, gears grinding as it buffed itself. “Kl-kl-ang!” As it finished the move, it whirled forward, sparks covering its form as it attempted to bash Ren into the ground.

“Evade with Dig, second pattern!” Sakura called immediately in response, Ren once again giving a small flick of his ears in acknowledgement as he dived into the ground, sparks of electricity striking him before he managed to completely get away. Sakura tapped her foot twice as her starter continued to do as she ordered, more to let herself know the timing of their prepared plan before calling; “Iron Kick!”

Ren burst from the ground a few feet away from Klang, blitzed the Pokemon without the assistance of Quick Attack and slammed his already silver tail into the Gear-Pokemon, attempting to replicate his earlier strike against Trubbish by diving off the larger Pokemon with a fighting type infused kick. The large gears spun with the impact, but Rin’s hit was countered as the Klang struck him with a channeled beam of sparks.

“Well done with the evasion, but Klang is a little tougher than that! Discharge!” Ingo countered, electricity crackling off the evolved steel type and sweeping over and through Ren before he could evade. The little normal-type was thrown, sparks crackling off him as he pulled himself to his feet. “Now, gear change! First gear!” The Klang closed on Ren, metal teeth whirring as they attempted to catch and grind him down.

“Jam it with Iron Tail!” Sakura called, putting her hopes on Ren’s already abnormally high durability. Ren’s tail caught the move, causing the Klang to shudder in dismay at the counter, before backing off, even as Ren winced from the impact.

“You know your Pokemon well, I see! Normally, attempting to counter a natural type user with a move like that would fail, but you two made it work.” Ingo nodded resolutely. “However, this will be it, I believe. Shift up, then prepare for the crash!”

Klang whirred with a set of beeps, the pokemon spinning faster and faster in place before rocketing upward, an orange glow surrounding it. “KLANG!” It roared, coming down in a sped-up Giga Impact. Ren, stunned by the speed, barely managed to get out of the direct hit, instead being sent tumbling by the graze.

“Ren! Are you alright?” Sakura cried into the dust, even as the Klang wobbled in place, unsteady from the vigorous move and the impact with the ground.

“Um-bre!” In response to her worry, a black shape hurled itself out of the dust, colliding with the Klang in another Double Kick. As it reeled, Ren landed, tail lashing. “Umbreon!” He barked, rings glowing on his body, before a blast of dark energy ripped from his throat and struck his opponent, shadows seeping in from the hit.

“It’s not often that a train gets an upgrade mid-journey,” Ingo barked, looking suitably impressed at Ren’s resolve, “That your partner is willing to evolve for you speaks well of your conducting! But the journey isn’t over yet!” He took a pose. “Evolution grants a power boost, but requires a new hand at the helm. Can you adapt?”

“Ren, keep up with Snarl!” Sakura ordered in lieu of reply, eyes tracking her partner, “Try and whittle Klang down!”

The Klang spun, shaking off the dark with ease, but shuddering as it’s power levels dropped with each subsequent hit. It rapidly closed, but Ren danced to one side, avoiding the clumsy strike with a quick attack, pivoting to keep his gaze focused on his opponent. Ren’s third shot connected, but the fourth spoiled off a quickly erected Protect, Klang turtling to keep up its strength.

Ingo’s frown quirked slightly. “Cornered, a bit. No healing, and I do not think I should use another teammate on this track.” He dipped his hat. “So, we go all out. Klang, Brake Break, then prepare for a final crash!”

The Klang spun it’s gears quickly accelerating to max its speed and attack power, hitting it’s climax just before its barrier failed. Whirling out of the line of fire, it sparked ominously as it flew, gathering inertia before coming around for one last attack run. “KLAN-KLAN-KLANG!”

“Dodge it, Ren!” Sakura cried, only for the newly evolved Pokemon to stumble at the last moment, the last dregs of his evolution charged energy leaving him at the exact wrong moment, the Steel Type throwing the Umbreon clear through the air. And as he landed, Klang landed upon him, both Pokemon bouncning to lay upon the dark earth.

Sakura watched, eyes going shut as her opponent’s pokemon wobbled into the air, Ren twitching, but unable to rise. Ingo touched the brim of his cap. “Very close, young lady; very close.”

“We lost.” Sakura muttered.

“Two on one, against a Battle Facility head.” Ingo countered, walking up and recalling his Klang with a quick gesture. “No shame in that. A little more practice, and I would be congratulating you… and likely handing you a Facility symbol.” He paused, then fished in his coat. “As a matter of fact, I think you’ve earned this regardless.”

Sakura recalled Ren, looking over as Ingo pulled out a foil packet from his coat. “Not often that I find the need to issue one of these outside my job, but being prepared is a mark of a good conductor.” He held out the packet, the glint of steel visible within. “As is checking and providing tickets.”

Sakura reached over, looking at the steel train pass card within. “Good for six months?”

“Emmet and I run the battle subway, but we are also the managers of Unova’s core train network.” Ingo explained. “He and I prefer to give out practical gifts to inspiring trainers, rather than useless medals.” He shrugged. “A gold ticket is lifelong, but you’ll need to give us a proper fight to win one of those.”

Sakura and her alter grinned at that. “We’d love to, once we believe we are closer to your level, Subway Master Ingo.”

Ingo blinked. “Ah… do you have an extra passenger in your car?” His brow furrowed. “Regular exorcisms are a necessity for proper maintenance.”

“Alter and I have an agreement,” Sakura chirped happily, her smile growing. “She gets to drive during training and some of our official battles, and she’s happy to let me be the one in primary control.”

“Not possession, then.” Ingo gave an imperceptible shudder. “All-points bulletin, when a ghost does that. Never a good thing.”

Sakura nodded, only to pause as her X-tranciever began to beep. Sakura looked at the device, then froze when she saw the time. “Oh shit, Rin.” She accepted the call. “Ah, Onee-san.”

“Sakura, are you okay? You didn’t call for a pickup, and your device placed you as being in the middle of the woods!” Pausing, the elder sister took a breath, “Do I need to cave someone’s skull in, or have you already taken care of them?”

“Ah….”

Ingo nodded. “Big sisters appear to be similar to big brothers.” He waved a hand behind Sakura. “I am Ingo! I encountered your sister on the path, and challenged her to a battle. She is fine, but her journey has been delayed.”

“Would you like me to send Agate to escort you home, Sakura?” Rin asked, pausing, “If you need her, at least.”

“I will escort her. I have need to speak to you, as well.” Ingo nodded. “We are halfway between stations, but I can put us on a faster track. We should be there soon.”

“Thank you for escorting my sister home, Subway Master Ingo. I will expect you soon; Sakura, did you want me to heat up any leftovers or dinner for you?” Rin added, a note of finality in her voice, “It was hamburgers tonight.”

“That would be lovely, thank you.” She paused. “Ingo, would you…”

“Garbodor plate, please,” He responded. “Hamburger patties are perfect for such a thing.”

“Right,” Rin sighed.

“And that’s the itinerary,” Ingo finished, even as he forked the last of his macaroni into his mouth. “After Emiya and Einzenbern arrived in Sinnoh, my friend contacted me to see if I’d heard anything. Your arrival - and the circumstances - made the rounds, and so she asked me to contact you two.” He looked both the sisters over. “Miss Sakura passes with flying colors, and I can see you’re coupled close. No need for any more safety checks, beyond the norm.”

“Makes sense that the people most affected by fallers in the past have historically checked up upon them,” Rin mused, blinking at Sakura’s ever present smile, “You know Emiya-san, right, Sakura?”

Sakura blushed, causing Rin to blink rapidly. “...yes. How do you know?”

“I wasn’t going to just ignore you!” Rin stammered, her sister well used to her tsundere tendencies by now. “I…” She swallowed. “...messed up. But I still cared. And I watched you when I could.” She drooped. “Not closely enough, though.”

“You tried, nee-san. And that’s more than I thought you did,” Sakura allowed, a small smile crossing her face, “I’ve already forgiven you, you know that.”

“That doesn’t stop me from feeling like an absolute idiot.” Rin deadpanned, a look of true consternation crossing her face, “I wonder how many other things I missed in my self-assured confidence…”

Two coughs sounded as one, Ingo and Ivy each preparing to interject. Ingo nodded, tipping his cap, letting the woman lead. “Rin, you’re being entirely too hard on yourself. You are eleven  years old, and despite being an intelligent and capable little girl, you are not responsible for caring for everyone else.”

Ingo nodded. “A junior conductor is not responsible for the full running of the train, only the tasks set to him.”

Rin’s face darkened. “I’m Fuyuki’s second owner. It’s my job to be on top of things!”

“Didn’t you say you’re the regent, and the one who held the purse strings and communication with the larger magical association, was useless?” Ivy responded, eyes narrowed.

Sakura gulped. “Grandfather told us once that the priest would never move against us, since he didn’t have a heart to care about anything.”

“... Honestly, that… makes sense, knowing the fake priest,” Rin sighed, tiredly waving her hand, “Anyway, something else to talk about now?”

“...we will revisit this later,” Ivy warned. “But for now, sure.” She turned, clapping her hands. “Sakura, I see Ren evolved! Congratulations!”

Sakura nodded, her smile returning. “Yes! He’s an Umbreon now. Is he going to be alright?”

“Aurea thought so. She should be finishing up her inspection soon, and we’ll know for certain.” Ivy responded with a smile, just as the door opened and a black shape bounded to place himself on Skaura’s lap. Behind the newly evolved eeveelution, Aurea Juniper stepped in, carrying a steaming tea mug and a clipboard.

“Everything seems good, Sakura. Ren will be fine.”

“E-on!”

“I’m glad. I know you’ll continue pushing yourself for me Ren, so I won’t bother chiding you for doing that,” Sakura answered, relief coloring her voice, “... But don’t scare me like that again.”

Ingo shook his head. “Taking the tracks will always be a rough business. A clean train is one underused; best for you to be ready and accepting of little dents.” He called out.

Juniper nodded. “Pokemon can take a lot of punishment, and since development of the artificial healing machines seventy years ago, deaths due to Pokemon battling are very, very rare. So long as you’re in official battles and you withdraw a Pokemon when they start taking actual physical damage, you’ll be fine.”

Sakura nodded, “I knew that. I was worried because I thought I heard something snap internally.”

“Well, yes. Something did.” Ren wilted as Aurea turned a glare on him. “Evolution grants a serious energy high, but doesn’t actually heal wounds or reinvigorate a Pokemon’s natural armor. Him fighting on after his ‘health pool’ was depleted led to him breaking a rib.”

“... I see.” Sakura turned her gaze on the wilting Eeveelution, “No sweets for a week.”

“... Eon…”

“Yes, well, that was before I realized you actually broke a rib,” Sakura retorted.

As they continued talking, Ingo paused as his own communicator began to flash. “One moment please.” He stopped and tapped his wrist. “Emmet, I am still here.”

“Good! I needed to check. Next check-in will be in three hours, unless you are home by then.”

“Alakazam will bring me home shortly, Emmet. Teleportation is very efficient.”

“Good!”

The call ended, and Ingo tucked his device back into his sleeve. “Frequent check-ins are necessary when there have been missing passengers on a ride.” He absently explained.

“Missing passengers?” Rin ventured, not quite getting the situation.

“Sometimes, people fall in reverse.” He shrugged. “I was uncoupled from my brother for two years of his time, and ten of mine. Neither of us were meant to be a single-car train.”

“Ah, the incident that sent you to the Hisuian Crisis,” Juniper stated, drawing the attention of the two sisters, “How is Lady Akari by the way?”

“...she has gotten much more detached from her old cars. A distant track.” Ingo sighed. “My return did her some good, as have some of the other immortals and the Legendaries slowly coming out of hiding.”

Rin’s eyes gleamed. “Legendaries?” Behind her, LIbra floated into view, the little ghost-type taking rapid notes as she smiled at their guest.

“Conductor zone only! Stay back behind the yellow line!” Ingo retorted. “Very dangerous, do not approach without a good reason!” He waved one hand. “Ask me other questions, but that information is not available to passengers.”

Rin nodded slowly, “Fair enough. I actually was more curious on their lore and attitudes more than anything. I have no desire to actually piss off one of the local deities.”

Aurea clapped her hands. “I actually have the most recent reports on the local legendaries available. I’ll need to check them for classified info, but I can hand off the redacted files in a couple days, Rin.”

“Thank you!” Rin grinned, nodding at Sakura, “go ahead with your question now.”

“Ah, thank you nee-san,” The girl demurred, “Akari?”

“...a faller. From time, not space.” Ingo looked down. “I was derailed before her, but the trip cost me my memories. When she completed her journey, saved the world, she gave me her ticket, rather than hold onto it for her own use.” He sighed. “She stayed in the past, and I came home. When we met again, she’d taken the long track to meet my station.”

“Immortality?” Rin asked sharply, receiving a sad nod from Ingo, “Ah. The true kind. She must be lonely.”

“She has her partners, but only a few.” He acknowledged. “Regardless.” He finished his garbodor plate, before looking back at the girls. “More questions?”

“Can you tell us more about being Pokemon trainers, Conductor?” Sakura answered, curiosity glimmering in her eyes, “The unwritten stuff, if you will.”

“Hmm. First rule!” He chanted. “Unless you are very close to home, keep two Pokemon with you at all times, and only make or accept battles which leave you with an active member.” He paused. “Also, the old station rules are not in effect! Locking eyes with another battler does not guarantee a battle. All forfeits or prizes must be declared before the battle begins, not after!” He yelled. “Too many violations, or young trainers getting their starters poached. Do not allow this!”

Aurea growled. “Happens every year, though not on the most recent routes. Jonas Henderson, the Striation Gym Leader, polices the local area pretty well, but past him there are always trainers looking for a quick buck or a new conscript for their team.”

“Despicable,” Rin spat, looking genuinely angry, “Hey Sakura, if one of them tries that with us, shall we teach them why you don’t fuck with magi?”

Sakura blinked, eyes shifting to red for a moment. “Oh, I don’t know. After all, if we win, we get to take from them what they wanted from us, correct? Retribution is fair game…”

Ivy winced. “Girls, please don’t go hunting aggressive trainers. You’re both plenty strong, but I’d rather not have to bail you two out for excessive force.” She paused. “Or justified force. Scare them off, sure, but I’ve seen what one of your Grandr shots can do.”

“Oh we won’t kill them, mom,” Rin replied sweetly, “Just give them nightmares that will haunt them for the rest of their lives~”

Ingo nodded once. “Good compromise!” As both the other adults in the room shot him incredulous looks, he shrugged. “I spent ten years fighting bandits, aggressive Pokemon, and the occasional Diamond clan extremist. Track defense can not be done with half-measures!” Pausing, he shuddered, “Akari no longer believes in leaving survivors after the incident at Mount Coronet.”

Rin nodded. Sakura spoke up. “Ah, do you have any suggestions for another Pokemon?”

Ingo blinked. “Well…”

Aurea coughed. “Sakura, we actually have a Pokemon for you and… well, we had plans for you and Rin, but then Rin went and caught Libra after nearly dying several times.” The regional professor shot her not-yet-adopted daughter and her litwick a look before turning back to Sakura. “You are both technically lab trainers, or will be. And that means a Lab Starter.”

“Oh, but won’t that take one from someone else?” Sakura asked.

“This one… she’s a little bit of a special case,” Ivy allowed. “...actually, should I go bring her in?”

“Sure?” Sakura blinked, before staring at the Snivy that had trotted into the lab, “... She’s very pretty.”

The little pokemon huffed, her leaves sleek. Aurea sighed. “...wrong thing to say, dear.” She motioned to the grass type. “Snivy’s first trainer wanted to go directly to the Contest circuit, but this little lady is a battler through and through. Snivy actually broke loose after a couple months and came back to the lab, but there’s not many trainers who’re willing to work with a Mon who left a trainer before.”

“... You can be pretty and strong at the same time,” Sakura harumphed. “And the contest circuit is useful to competitive battlers for learning creativity.” Snivy groused, huffing. Sakura eyed her, then softened as she felt the trepidation. “But I do intend to pursue the Gym challenge. You don’t need to worry about that. If you don’t want to do contests, I won’t force you.”

Snivy nodded once, crossing her arms. “Sniie.” Her gaze narrowed, and she shot a look at Ren. “Nii-vi.”

Ren leaped down from Sakura’s lap, padding to stand across from the smaller Pokemon as she continued to talk. Rin pulled out her tablet, glancing over the screen. “Snivy says that… well, she can tell Ren might be strong, but she wants reassurance. Also, no dieting. Apparently, that was the last straw with her last trainer.” Pausing, the older Tohsaka stared at the screen for a few moments, “... What kind of insane moron did you have for a trainer?” she continued incredulously, “Pokemon need more calories than the most athletic humans as a baseline, because of the sheer amount of food you guys need after battling seriously. What kind of absolute buffoon would try and put them on a diet?!”

Aurea groaned, even as Snivy cheered in agreement. “...there are trainers out there with more money than sense. As a registered lab, we choose ten to twenty upcoming trainers to sponsor, but there are always ‘recommended’ trainers we have to take on. Some are good, some are bad, and some are riding off their parents’ money.”

Ingo grunted. “We receive challengers boarding with Pokemon not their own frequently! Without their bonds in order, they fail invariably!” He said sternly.

Snivy looked up, then pointed at Ingo. “Sni-vi!”

Rin looked at Sakura. “Ah, she wants to challenge Ingo. Right now.”

“... Sure. Are you up for another round, Subway Master?” Sakura asked, a familiar fire in her eyes.

“Absolutely not!” Ingo thundered. “You have only just met this passenger!” He shook his head. “Also, my currently capable team members are Gliscor, Alakazam, Chandelure, and Excadrill! You are not ready to fight them.” He stood, then knelt to get on the level of the little grass-type. “Go with your new trainer. She gave me an excellent fight earlier. And when you reach Nimbasa city, seek us out.” He stood. “Miss Sakura! I apologize for the abrupt track derailment earlier, though an inspection had to be made. However, I believe you may be suited to a personal project of mine. I will see you at the station in Nimbasa! Farewell!” The man shot off a sharp salute.

Sakura stood up, and shot one back. “See you, Ingo sir! Thank you for a great battle, and no harm done!”

The man nodded, touching the brim of his cap, then turning and striding out through the doors. The entire room watched him go. Rin blinked, then wiggled one finger in her ear. “He’s…. Very loud.”

Sakura smiled. “I like him. Do you think I can get one of those coats?”

“As long as you don’t start talking like him, why not,” Rin replied gently, shrugging. If it kept her sister happy, who cared what she wore.

Sakura beamed, a happy smile on her face. Beside her, Snivy looked at Ren, and shared a grin of her own with her new teammate.