//------------------------------// // Chapter 19 : Plan of Action // Story: A New World, A New Dawn // by Uber Reaper //------------------------------// All of us would do anything, absolutely even the most senseless thing in an attempt of either protecting or saving those that are most precious to us. So many people have fallen to this machinery called love. That fact is unavoidable even to myself as I had prepared myself to go to the ends of the earth to save my dad - Eric Angelo Play this as the second opening theme Another day, another wave of oddness had struck the city of Vanhoover in the form of one Goodra walking through the streets with a happy smile on her face and the excitement of a child, as she had a bag slung over her shoulder. If one were to look closely, they could have sworn they saw her spring with every step she took. Of course, that alone wouldn’t have garnered much attention in itself. But another companion of the Dragon had made herself known, head bowed low, wings tucked in, and a saddlebag was visible on her person. That alone was enough to warrant enough attention that the mare accompanying the Goodra didn’t want, for she never did enjoy being in the spotlight like this. However, the crowd couldn’t help but stare at the mare because of the recent turns of events had converted her domain into one big boarding house for groups of Pokemon. Noticing her friend was falling behind, the Goodra glanced over her shoulder and motioned for her. “C’mon, Dawn, time’s a wasting,” The Goodra called over her shoulder toward her companion. Face still adopting the smile that could brighten everyone’s day. The mare however, didn’t seem to be one of them. “Slow down, Sylvia.” Dawn said through her gritted teeth, focusing on her happy place. That only helped a little, as the feeling of everyone staring at her was getting on her nerves. “Celestia above...” The inner trainer within Sylvia took over due to her new friend’s distress, so she slowed down as per the mare’s wishes. “Dawn? Something the matter?” With the speed now at a more comfortable level, Dawn answered, followed with a scratch of her head. “It’s....it’s nothing.” Sylvia had noticed the curt tone taking it’s place over her usual one. She tilted her head. “Dawn, what’s wrong? C’mon, you can tell me.” Looking over at the Goodra, her smiling face had struck yet another chord within her heart. How hard she tried she didn’t know, but found that she couldn’t say no to that kind of face, for that face had an image of a mother smiling down upon her child as she sat down and listened to his/her troubles. So different in attitude, yet the same. She found that she could place her trust upon the Dragon, just like her son before her. “How am I supposed to say this....” Dawn tried to project the thought she had. “I have some...some....trouble, okay?” Her tone was undecidedly curt again as she gritted her teeth. “I don’t like being the center of attention.” Sylvia had leaned forward in excitement, knowing where this is going. “Yes? Go on.” The mare opened her mouth to say...nothing. “I....I....sorry...what I mean to say is that I was...I was....“ Dawn cursed herself at her lack of conversation skills, once more missing whatever it is she had intended to say. “Embarrassed?” Sylvia had offered with a smile. “No problem, Dawn. Then I’ll keep my excitement to a minimum then!” Now she found herself staring at the former human with a jaw-dropped expression that says it all. It meant, ‘is she for real?’ Her expressions was not missed by the Dragon. Sylvia decided to provide an answer to this conundrum. “Yeah, I know, like mother, like son. Kinda like father, like son, only backwards.” Throughout all of that, Sylvia had never lost her smile as she rubbed the back of her head. “Oh, look, we’re here. What do you know?” Frowning, she looked forward. Indeed, they had arrived at their destination : the Marketplace. With Dawn’s domain turned into an impromptu boarding house, she had little choice but to go to the market in order to purchase newly needed necessities for her and her guests requirements. Sylvia, sharp as ever, called her companion out of her stupor. “C’mon, Dawn, the foods aren’t going to buy themselves.” “Uhh...right.” She nodded briskly and soon joined her companion in purchasing their daily requirements. As any other marketplace before this, it was littered with stands on either side of the streets. With every stands, it housed several known foods in the form of vegetables, fruits, and all other variety with each different ones manned by the inhabitants of the city. The appearance was understandable, because it’s location was found within the suburbs district of the city, but to top it all off, there are, of course, a singular building market where all the necessities Nonetheless, both were here and they needed to shop for whatever necessities required to support them. “Hmmm, where should we look first?” Sylvia shaded her eyes as she let her tracking mode take over. “They have all these important stands, I can’t choose.” Dawn was unsure herself, they had come here to fill up the drained up kitchen supply, yet she herself couldn’t choose. “I....don’t know.” Hearing her friend’s plight, it was up to her now. But there was no need to wait, for Sylvia had spotted the first of the goods, within the supermarket. “Alright, let’s go buy something, I wanna serve something for everyone!” She told with unspoken glee as she wanted to try her recipe. But first, she needed the money for the purchase itself. “Dawn, dear, do you have some money?” Pulled out of another trance she was in, she answered. “I, uh...sure.” The mare fumbled with her saddlebags, operating things with mouth weren’t easy after all. Yet, she managed to open it and pull out a respectable amount of bits which found themselves onto her hoof. “Here it is. Nodding in appreciation, Sylvia led the way. “Thanks a lot, now, c’mon, Dawn!” “Hey, hold on!” Moving with three hooves still harder than she had thought, yet she managed to catch up to her friend on the entrance to the establishment. Sylvia led the way inside, followed by Dawn. The internal part of the building was of a respectable size, aisles and finally the stands holding all sorts of items that form aisles. Ponies of all kinds and other species were happily browsing the stands for their needs. Sylvia was all but ready to join up in her fellow shoppers hunt for necessities as her heart filled with excitement. And of course, she spotted her first quarry, a stand filled with all sorts of fish. “Yeah, fish, I needed those.” Much like her son before her, she had the need to learn all the new things this world has to offer, and that includes the lack of Magikarp, but the fishes serves the same purpose nonetheless. Putting back the bits she had fished out, Dawn joined up with her companion without word. Now that with all her hooves free, she could easily keep up with the surprisingly light footed Goodra. “Hmmm, let’s see.” Sylvia mirrored Eric’s thoughtful mode which is a finger to the chin. “One, two, three fishes....yeah, three should be enough.” Picking up the number of fishes required, she had stored them within her own shoulder-slung bag for later. “Say, Dawn, do you need something? I’ll be happy to shop them for you.” Sylvia added cheerfully. “Well,” With how the Goodra got everything covered, she felt that she had not needed to intervene. “Not really, besides, I don’t see anything that needs...to-“ She cut herself off the moment she saw the ultimate prize. Noticing the change of demeanor, she waved a hand back and forth in front of the mare’s face to knock her out of whatever stupor she is in. “ Dawn could almost literally feel the drool gathering at the edges of her mouth at the sight of her favourite of all fruits, bananas. “Alright, alright, I want some bananas.” If Sylvia had heard correctly, her friend demanded some bananas, and she is to serve them. Following her gaze, she found the item needed for her friends demand. “No problem, Dawn. One express banana coming up.” She giggled before skipping over toward the bananas and lifted a bag big toward the mare. Only now did Dawn register the sight of all the bananas nearly shoved into her face. Looking around, she spotted the Goodra’s goofy face who smiled at her. “Here you go!” “I mean...I mean, not that many.” The mare was at a loss of words as she did another of her signature head scratch, cannot believing that Sylvia offered a whole bag worth of bananas. “Then how many do you want?” Sylvia merely tilted her head in question. Giving it some thought, the mare came up with a number. “Let’s see....I...uhm...” Once more, she fumbled with her words. “....ah, to Tartarus, four to five is enough. I always eat bananas after breakfast.” A horrified gasp followed the statement. “That means, I missed yesterday’s bananas for you. Then I won’t forget it this time.” Dawn almost swore that she could see fire in her eyes. Said Goodra neatly picked five bananas before depositing them into her bag before skipping over and put the rest back into it’s place. “And done! Now I need the second ingredient.” Her eyes in tracking mode, she tried to find the ingredient within the sea of ponies and stands. “Where are you?” She walked off, but not before beckoning her companion to follow. Resuming their search for whatever Sylvia had in mind, they soon found themselves upon rows of cabinet that store in perfect synchronization rows upon rows of yellow jar. “Ah, there we go,” Sylvia lifted a jar full of yellow content into the air before deftly catching it and depositing it into her bag for later purchase. “Two down, one to go.” Hearing that, Dawn just had the urge to question it. “One more?” “Of course, now I need some seasonings and we’re good to go!” Emphasizing with a solid thrust of her arm, she skipped ahead to find the last of the ingredients. “H-hey, wait up!” She moved herself to join up with her friend, only to find her standing over some leaves. “Are they the last ones?” “Yeah, last one!” She said cheerfully, depositing the seasonings needed for her special treat. “Now onto the cashier!” No matter how much she tried to keep up, the Goodra was faster than she looks. She herself had nearly exhausted the stamina that was supposed to be saved for the trip home, yet she witnessed a sight at the cashier that seems doable, Sylvia was barely winded, face still adopting that sunny smile of hers. “I really need to exercise.” Huffing and puffing for breath, her wings itself had twitched in response to her exhaustion. Her need to catch up was unfounded, for a pair of hands had clicked the saddlebag of her bags and it quickly found it’s way onto Sylvia’s shoulder. “Wait, wait, wait....what?” Once she was sure that her eyes did not trick her, she did a double take to the fact that her bag was one Sylvia’s shoulder. “Sylvia, what are you doing?” Her habit had shown itself once more, in the form of a scratch to her head. “No worries, I’m no thief, there is no way I’ll make off with your bag. Although that would be funny.” Sylvia giggled. “Anyway, you seem winded, I’ll be happy to help for a while.” While the mare was happy that her burden was relieved off her shoulder, she is not one to be a fool of a hostess and let her guest carry her weight. She scratched her head in nervousness. “But, but...” Before she could say anything, a finger found it’s way onto her mouth “Now, now, let your friends help, okay? It’s in my nature to help after all, so I couldn’t help it.” Her tone had noticeably changed from childish to a mother softly scolding their child. Now Dawn had been reduced into a putty in her hands, she couldn’t help but agree. “Alright, alright, if you insist.” Now she had seen the resemblance between the mother and the son, even if at first sight didn’t show it at all. “But, are you sure about that?” “Don’t worry about it, always happy to help.” Sylvia giggled as she skipped beside her friend. “Now c’mon, I bet the others are already starving, and I’m not about to let them starve, you know?” Chuckling at the Goodra’s apparent childishness, Dawn just let it slide in the end. “Alright, alright, I’m coming.” In the queue, they had literally attracted dozens of witnesses willing to burn the image of a Goodra accompanied by the famous Bat Pony of Vanhoover there. This is not the situation that Dawn had wished for because it made her nervousness return with the force of a hundred Minotaur. Unfortunately, Dominus wasn’t there to help, but fortunately for her, a friend in the form of a Goodra was there to comfort her with regular pats on the back. “That would be 200 bits in total, sir.” The mare of the greenest of grass said “Thank you, come again!” She smiled at the latest pony who had bought and paid for their groceries. Now the next contender came for her to deal with.“Alright, can I help....you.” Taking in the sight before her, instead of the usual pony and the uncommon griffons or minotaurs, instead the cashier was greeted with the sight of a smiling Pokemon wearing what appeared to be a lot of...manebands? Taking up an uncertain facade, the mare behind the counter addressed her. “Can I, uh, see the groceries....ma’am?” Honestly, she didn’t know the Pokemon’s immediate gender. Before she knew it, two bags worth of groceries was dumped onto the counter. Looking aside the bags, she saw that the odd Pokemon was merely smiling, much to her chagrin. Nonetheless, with wariness, she deposited the contents of the bag. before taking account of each and everyone coupling with a total bits needed in order to purchase the groceries. Whatever words or language the Pokemon had spoken, she couldn’t understand, much like every other Pokemon that she had met. But it seems somehow, the Vanhoover premiere Bat Pony had understood, if the nods every now and then were of any indication. “Here you go, ma’am. 455 bits in total right?” The mare added it with a scratch of her head in uncertainty. Wrapper in her own uncertainty, she took the bits and deftly counted them like a well-oiled machine. Nodding in satisfaction, she turned toward the two buyers. “It seems everything appears to be in order, ma’am. If you can just give me a....” Her words weren’t formed fast enough because the items she had deposited out of the bag somehow had found themselves inside the bags again and slung on the Pokemon’s shoulder. Saying the Pokemon’s equivalent of a thanks, the Goodra bowed her head as a sign of gratitude before she vacated the premises. The mare beside her chuckled nervously while she scratched her head again. “Uh, sorry about that. She’s just like that.” With that, she removed herself from the queue to rejoin her friend. Once the pair of shoppers had left with their purchases out the door, the mare said with a sigh of relief. “What a weird couple...” They would have heard had they stayed a listened just for a second. Like a pair of happy shopper they are, both exited the supermarket, one still with a smile while the other with a neutral face. Although, looking closely, the bags that are on the Goodra’s person are fat full of their purchases for whatever her guest had in store for everyone. Sylvia had skipped ahead of Dawn in all of her childish excitement, but not before turning around and stated. “Done and done. Now, what do you say we head back and I’ll treat everyone, hmmm?” The last couple of days, she got to taste what appears to be a food that is appears to be made out of heavenly material, courtesy of her new guest. Not to mention bananas as a dessert to top it all off, things would get really interesting once they get home. Requiring all of her self-control to not embarrass herself in public there and there, she resolved to say a simple : “Well, alright. I suppose we could.” The answer had satisfied Sylvia, now all she had to do is to get home. “What are we waiting for then?!” Joyfully, the Goodra almost had a spring in her steps as she led the charge homeward. With the goodies safe within their respective bags, and no words were exchanged they went toward their next destination : Dawn’s household. “We’re home, everyone!” Sylvia’s cheery voice had rang through the house, scaring the daylights out a certain Braviary and Salamence which also indicate her and the hostess return from their market trip. True enough, in the main doorway into the household, the Goodra and the Bat Pony was carrying bags choked full of all variety of foods. Although, the most strange sight was a banana that was seen poking out of Dawn’s saddlebag. That only give Eric one conclusion. “....she must’ve bought that thing.....considering she does have an affinity toward bananas.” “Perfect timing!” Will snarked nonchalantly from his seat as he turned his attention upon the Hydreigon who was sitting silently and witnessed the sight of the pair’s return. “Hey, brooder, want to get up and prepare some food? Some of us are starving here. As much as I’d love to watch Sally’s thin figure, I don’t want to starve too.” In an instant, said Dragon had rounded up on him. “What did you say?” The Salamence growled. “I said, I love you.....of course, I said, I’d love to see your thin physics. Oh, I’m surprised that is quite hard to comprehend.” Coupling with a roll of his eyes, Will had to top it off with his signature overbearing grin. That was not a good combination against someone with a temper problem. “You little....” Dominus sighed from his perch on the seat’s headrest. “Dude, it’s in the morning, can you guys....” Eric had turned off whatever argument was about to come for he had enough on his plate already. “....alright.” With a sigh, he stood up to prepare the food necessary to energize them. Before he could so much as lift an arm, a firm grip had found it’s way onto his shoulder and pushed him down back onto the sofa. “No, can do, sonny!” The Goodra said with an admonishing tone, but it seems to lack authority due to how childish it is. “Let mommy take care of things, you just sit here and wait, okay?” She let out a heart wrenching smile that could move mountains. Due to their circumstances, Eric had yet to get rid of his house caretaker mentality he had adopted the moment he and his team had found Dawn’s home as a place to spend their nights in, partly stems from his need to repay the hostess. That was no longer necessary, with how the Goodra insist that every household problem will be dealt by her from now on. Kenneth, who had watched the spectacle, merely chuckled as he leaned beside the door. “I advise you do, kid. Your mother are as stubborn as you after all.” “Kenneth....” Sylvia complained while giving him the sad look she could pull off. He had long built immunity to it. It had succeeded toward her son, however, for Eric could not put up defenses against it. He sighed while resisting the urge to rub his head. “....if you say so, mom...” She clapped her hands together in joy. “Perfect,” Noticing something brewing to her left, she called out. “And no fighting, you two. Be friends.” She sing-songed the last part, with that, her form had gone into the kitchen alongside Dawn to store their purchases. Sally had been startled the moment she and Will had been addressed, losing whatever retort she could think of. Meanwhile Will was in his usual nonchalant pose. “Well, of course, milady.” He snarked. “That would be the last thing on our thoughts.” Everyone knew that was more snarky than sincere. The Dragon was about to renew the argument, yet one look from Sylvia dissolved any thoughts on such a thing. “Fine!” She grumbled, stomping off somewhere. “Round one, I won, yeah.” The Reuniclus lifted an arm nonchalantly. Kenneth just faceclawed before resuming his arm folded posture on the wall. Meanwhile in the kitchen, both Goodra and Bat Pony quickly emptied the contents of their bags and put the whole thing in the freezer of the fridge for later use. With that concludes their minor search for the missing supplies, and now onto the next problem, breakfast time. “Phew,” Sylvia had wiped the sweats free from her eyebrows, developed in the times she had carried two bags worth of groceries at once. “I think that should do for now. Thanks again, Dawn.” Dawn found herself smiling, she never could have lug all that with her own strength alone. She found herself saying thanks. “No problem, ” “Awww, don’t mention it. Say, Dawn, how about you do the sketches of yours while I prepare my special dish?” Just like that, her friend had offered for her to be exiled from her own kitchen as she left her childish friend do whatever it is she is going to do to serve breakfast to them all. But judging from the previous day dishes, then it is one to look forward to. So she decided that arguing would be meaningless, besides, if that little display she had witness correctly, then the Goodra was possibly as stubborn as her son. “Well...okay, I think.” She didn’t know what to say, other than to scratch her head some more. A solid clap meant Sylvia was satisfied with the arrangement. “Wonderful, now, off you go, dear.” She made a mook shooing gesture and sound that it sounded more childish than filled with authority. “Whatever I need, I’ll call you. Oh, and don’t worry about a thing, I won’t break a thing.” Chuckling at her friend’s antics, she just resolved to finish whatever sketches for some clients before the expected deadline arrive, where they have to once more, traverse Equestria. After all, she had promised her three-headed friend. Sylvia, one hand on her back, paced back and forth drill-sergeant style as she investigated the slightest of problems to be rectified. “Fish done, seasonings done, veggies done, butter done, frying pan done, wooden board and knife in place.....everything is ready.” In short order, she had picked and dropped all ingredients and the tools necessary to provide the breakfast she had envisioned. Now all she need was a method, and the magic of her hands to do the work. Flexing her fingers, she let her memory do the rest as she giggled in anticipation. “Let’s do this.” Her hands shot toward the knife and veggies. Humming a tune, her hand had sliced the veggies into smaller pieces without mercy before her. Next, was the fish, they were not spared from a cut to ribbons fate. The frying pan found it’s way onto the stove and it’s underside felt the fire dancing underneath, heating it up. Once it heated up to the temperature of Sylvia’s desire, she had slid the sliced-up fish into the frying pan before adding some cooking oil cue the sound of boiling fish. Opening the yellow jar from before, she scooped up a small piece of the yellow content, revealing itself to be butter and she had neatly dropped onto the pan, where it melted into the fishes. All she had to do now is to ensure that her dish won’t end up as a pile of soot. The dishes had been prepared, and such the buttered fish were placed neatly on each and everyone all the way to the eight dish before the sliced vegetables were applied to add to the taste. Once that was done, she rained down seasonings just at the right amount to bring out the best once it hit the tongue. Looking over at the row of dishes, she put a finger on it and sucked. Giggling at her success, she shouted. “Breakfast’s ready! Anyone interested?” Finishing the word, she could feel the slight change in draft blow past her. In a flash, a door opened, dust followed and a familiar Braviary was sitting in the spot he had always took whenever a food about to be served. Looking closely, the are signs of droll on the edges of his beak. But that is not the source of Dominus’ immediate attention because his gaze was solely on the food that is placed on the palm of the Goodra. Noticing the eagerness of said Braviary, Sylvia skipped toward the table and in one swift movement, placed the dishes ready on each seat of the table. The smell that is best described as heavenly quickly spread like an overflowing water through the kitchen and into the house proper, kickstarting the rest of the occupants appetite. Taking deep breaths in, Dominus had savored the smell of the grilled fish before him, one with visible vegetables sliced-and-diced into smaller pieces with some sort of yellow gel been added into the mix. Face begging, he looked at the smiling Goodra who was waiting for the eagle to start it off. “Can I?” Sylvia put her hands behind her back, an image of cuteness especially coupled with the pink apron. “No need for permission, Dominus. Dig in!” The Braviary need not another push, for he had already dug his beak into the tasty fish before him. Once, he tore a bit of chunk out, he let it swirl inside his beak first to taste as much as he could before letting it flow into his gullet. Hearing the previous call for breakfast, Dawn poked her head in to find that Dominus had fancied himself to start before the others. Looking at the Braviary in question, she found that his face was stuffed full of unchewed food, obviously trying to taste every single corner of it. And she found the image to be cute enough for her to chuckle as she scratched her head. Hearing as sharp as a bat, only now Sylvia found that the hostess had enjoyed the sight, she called out. “Dawn, come in, breakfast ready and it won’t wait for everyone, you know?” Whatever trance she was in was quickly ditched as she took her usual seat as well. As expected, the type of cuisine served by her new guest, had caught itself into her nostrils. A slight glance was enough to tell what it was. “Grilled fish?” Dawn knew what it was, her son had served her the same one, yet she knew the difference from the smell alone. “You will never know until you try!” Sylvia skipped over to the kitchen to attend the rest of the dishes. “So, eat up, you two.” Just as Dawn had began to dig into the delicious food, Eric had entered the scene. He took a look at the kitchen occupants before silently took a seat himself, food already in front of him. He knew what it was, and thus wasn’t all that surprised. After all, his mother was a great cook herself. Taking the knife and fork required, he maneuvered both to slice a part for him to feast on, all the way without saying a word. “I swear to Arceus.....” Dominus let his tongue do the work of tasting every single piece of the food he had place into his beak. But, of course, like all food, it must be swallowed, so he did. After the slow swallow, he had turned to look at Eric as he stated. “Okay, dude, no offense, but this is one of the best foods, I’ve ever tasted. “....she taught me to cook, so it’s obvious that her’s was better....so none taken.” Eric nodded to indicate that he doesn’t take offence, much to Dominus’ relief. Dawn couldn’t help, but agree with Dominus’ assessment as well as silently thankful he had spared her from saying anything, for she feared that she will something amiss again. The food that Sylvia had prepared was on a whole other level than that of Eric. She doesn’t mean that she hated his, but when it comes to comparison, Sylvia was as a whole, a lot better. “Oh, Dominus, stop it.” She giggled. “You make me feel embarrassed. Although, thanks for the praise by the way. And sonny, I’ll have you know that I don’t want any self-doubt or feeling of inferiority, okay?” Eric’s mom knew just the right words to remove from the dump he is in. “....of course, mom.” Had she let her sight home in on the Braviary a bit longer, she would have saw his blush. “You were never one for being embarrassed, Sylvia.” Kenneth pointed out as he made his presence known leaning against the doorway. “How could you, Kenneth?” The Goodra put on her best sad face to move his heart. Kenneth huffed in amusement, once more showing his immunity toward the assault. “I do remember that I’m always the one to pull you out of trouble when we were both young.” He chuckled as he remembered the old days. Sylvia merely giggled at the thought. “Ah, yeah, to feel young again.” “Anyway, I should mention that all of us in the back also awaits for your breakfast. That is if you didn’t forget the first time.” Knowing his trainer, she probably did considering her excitement had blinded her to the real goal back then. “Of course not, forgetting it is the last thing, I’ll do.” Two dishes found it’s way onto the Goodra’s waiting palm. Walking over to Kenneth, she leaned forward with two dishes waiting. “For you, Kenny. Pick one!” The Garchomp took one of the two plates, he could feel his throat screaming for food to be swallowed. “My thanks.” One hand, free, she picked the rest up and exited the kitchen. Skipping out onto the rest of the house, Sylvia wasn’t surprised to see the argument between Sally and Will had been renewed while Alex was trying his best to make sure he disappear into the floor. “And I’m a Yeah, real professional, girl. Next time, why don’t you try kissing his face while you’re at it? Oh, that will be quite the scandal!” “Don’t change the subject, Will!” Sally snarled, her paw met her face. “Can you please, for the love of Arceus, stop flapping that trash mouth of yours. If not, I’m going to-“ “Yeah, yeah, feed me to the fish, throw me down the mountain, etc.” His insufferable grin had returned as he turned his back onto Sally. “Do I need to list it all? Oh wait, I already did. Haha.” This only further enraged the Salamence, and in turn causing her to return with vigor unseen before. “Uh...” The soft voice of Alex tried it’s best to cut through the argument. “Can you guys....stop? Try as Alex might, but his voice was drowned in favor the continuity of the argument. Only Sylvia’s divine intervention had managed to give death to the argument, by the way of the heavenly smell as well as her childish voice. ”Now, now, why have I told you two about fighting?” It was one thing Sally was always unsure, it was her trainer’s mother. The way she stared at you made you want to kneel and beg for an apology. “S-sylvia.” Mockingly , dusting himself off, Will floated up straight. “And here I was spending my time having some friendly conversation with this woman here and in an instant, the conversation went out the window. Perfect timing, swell, really.” All he had gotten for a reply was a frustrated snarl. But Sylvia was undaunted. “Ah, that’s so sweet of you, Will. Anyway, how about my treat?” Instantly, Sally’s mouth almost watered into overflow while Alex stared eagerly onto the food that awaits for no one. Will was his usual nonchalant self, but inwardly, he simply couldn’t wait for the food to be gulped down his maw. “There we go,” A simple swipe across the table later and the dishes had been laid out in a perfect row beside each other. “Eat up, guys!” Their wish had been granted, the food had been placed on the living room table, waiting to be swallowed by three hungry Pokemon. Sally, had ducked in eagerly, yet in a controlled way that she won’t accidentally spill anything outside the plate. Being the eager one, Alex had lifted his plate using Psychic and dug into it mirroring Sylvia’s own childishness. As far Will, he was about to dig in as well.....that would have happened were it not for the slippery fingers that had seized his plate at the last second. Will didn’t have a chance to say anything as Sylvia wagged her fingers disapprovingly, sunny face and all. “Ah, ah, ah, before that, first you gotta do something for us, Will.” “Oh, great, this’ll be fun.” The Reuniclus swung his arms into an arm fold. “What is it this time? “Apologize to Sally, if you don’t mind.” Her smiling face had not allowed more argument. His mind that has been made to withstand mental assault had been shut down with three words. “I think I must be hearing things now. That’s right, I must’ve, something scrambled my-” “Will, this is very real, you know? The real world and all that. What I just said is very real.” He was going to do anything to gulp the food down, but not that! Will had adopted a look of horror for one of his sarcastic streak, but this one was much more real. “No, no, no, no, anything, but that.” “No, can do, Will. C’mon, it will be easy. Just say, I’m sorry and we’re all back to being friends.” “But,” Looking at Sally or Alex for salvation, he found his hopes were dashed. Instead, Sally had the grin of a winner while Alex was unwilling to intervene. Sylvia just smiled expectantly. Sally, who was always on the receiving end of Will’s streak of trash talk, leaned forward to absorb it all in. “Yes!?” Her voice carried anticipation as well as a grin. Alex had felt for Will, even if he is a jerk, he decided to intervene. “Sally, uhm,” The Volcarona fumbled with his tiny legs in nervousness. “I don’t think we should....” A paw held up had silenced him. “Hold on, Alex, I want to hear this.” Her grin had almost cut through her cheek. “Well? C’mon, show that excellent gentlemen attitude of yours.” Right now, Will wanted to imitate whatever Alex did to remain inconspicuous. “Thanks a lot for the support guys. Real swell to have you both as a team.” “Oh, Will, is not that hard. Just say, ‘I’m sorry,” then everything will be fine again.” Sylvia deliberately waved the plate back and forth in order to catch hold of his desire. As much as Will hated to admit, they had left him little to no choice. So, he spoke. “I’m....I’m....” The two females had leaned forward, one was smiling, the other had a grin. “I’m...I’m.....sorry.“ He said through gritted teeth. Everything went dead silent....but iwas broken when a laughter of amusement came. Hearing that was music to Sally’s ears, and thus her laugh was heard all over the house. Paw pointed at Will, she said in-between laughs. “I-I can’t b-believe this! The trash mouth apologized. Oh, I’m gonna die!” Tears were escaping her eyes. Even Alex couldn’t help, but giggle. It is rare to see Will, the living incarnation of a snarker had apologized for his wrongdoings. “Yeah, yeah, laugh it up.” Will skulked, his appetite suddenly went out for lunch itself. “Next time, woman. Next time....” “Yeah, next time, I’ll feed you to the fish for real.” Feeling good, she dug into her food with renewed vigor. Will scooped his food like a person whose energy had been drained with Giga Drain. “Now, I hope you two behave now!” She leaned forward on the other side of the table, hands on her hips. “ Sally was beyond happy after that hilarious show, so she showed her thanks. “Yeah, thanks Sylvia!” “...thank you.” Alex said quietly. The Reuniclus mumbled something incoherent. Satisfied that a feud had been dissolved, Sylvia returned to the kitchen to eat up the fish she had prepared in advance for herself. “So, sonny!” Sylvia’s sing-song voice called out to him, just as he was cleaning his own dish. Breakfast had come and gone in a flash, everyone had returned to their daily routine....at least, what could pass on as a daily routine for the guest of Dawn’s home. Meanwhile, the hostess herself had moved in to finish what sketches she had started. The mother and son duo, however, had volunteered to run dishwashing duty. Try as she might, but her son had refused to sit by and let her do all the work. In the end, she had relented, and allowed him to help a little. Noticing the tone, Eric could guess her intent just as much she could read him. Once more, he choose to play along and turned around. “......yeah, mom?” “Now, that we are all here....well, except Joe that is.” She smiled sheepishly. She stared at the ceiling in contemplation. Sylvia could guess the look he had given her, it merely screams, ‘Elaborate’. She could read her son so well, that she might as well knew the back of her own hand. “Your mommy just need an answer to one particular question!” She put her hands onto her hip, putting her best smiling expression, before leaning forward in anticipation. “What are you going to do now?” Eric had an answer to said question, he had discussed this with Reynard after all. But he needed to know what exactly she meant. “....which part? Going after Joe or trying to find a way to heal dad? Mom, you know that I will go after the latter. We both know that Joe could take care of himself.” He vividly remember what the person could do even by himself. Not surprised he had read her in return, she slapped his shoulder in appraisal. “You know me too well, sonny.” “....so....” He took a deep breath to signify what is to come. “...what exactly are you trying to say, mom?” “Nothing....nothing at all.” Eric merely raised an eyebrow at her answer, never betraying the surprise that had overtaken him for a moment. “....then what is it?” “Remember what we talked a couple of days ago?” A nod had answered her. “And of course, I expected you to follow through with it, okay? Now Eric knew where the conversation was going. “....don’t worry about that, mom. I’ll....tone it down, I promise.” Who was he to disappoint his mother? that was the last thing he will think about. “Of course.” With that, she put on hand on the Hydreigon’s head and smiled. “Mommy’s counting on you to do that. Now with that taken care of-” She found herself suddenly cut off. “....but that leaves us with another thing...who is going to take care of the house this time? And I know mom,” For the second time, her words died in her throats. “....pairing up Sally and Will was like pairing up a bomb and a timer with Will being the timer. So....who’s going to take care of the house?” “Leave the house to me.” No hesitation was found in her voice as she pointed a thumb at herself as a volunteer. “After all, that’s what all mommy do, right? Take care of the house while everyone was away...” She sing-songed. Raising an eyebrow at the offer, he knew that there is a catch. “....what are you trying to do, mom? Aside from behing the house’s guardian for a while, there must be a particular reason....right?” Once again, she was caught red-handed in their impromptu battle of wits. “Sonny, you’re still as sharp as ever.” “....and you’re still sharp yourself, mom.” He nodded in agreement, she is not to be underestimated. “Well, anyway, the reason was that...” Her face become that of a frown, an expression Eric didn’t want to see. “....I want to visit your daddy...and to at least keep an eye on Joe. Because he might have noticed the news and might have gone to the capital to find Dave.” Eric found Sylvia’s assessment to be straight on the spot. He nodded. “.....considering Joe’s job....I think having yourself keep up with the news of the world is pretty important...so...he had to have been there either before, right now or in the future.” A snap of finger had indicated that his assumption was correct. “Exactly as I thought, sonny. Joe will find his way to Canterlot sooner or later, and I plan to have Reynard or Anna tell him to find us here. Who knows, our fellow team member might just find themselves flocking there, thinking to find us as well.” “.....right, that will kill two birds with one stone as well as not waste precious time.” “Where exactly are you going anyway, sonny?” She tilted her head, mimicking the curiosity of a child. The million dollar question had been given, now it was up to the Hydreigon to answer, yet he came up blank. “....I still haven’t thought of that exactly. I still tried to find where’s the best place to search.” This in turn, put Sylvia herself as she strained her brain to think up of a solution to this problem. A moment later and she slapped her hands together as took her gaze back to Eric. “I got it, sonny!” “....you do, mom.” He wasn’t surprised, when it comes to smarts, they are equal. “....what is it anyway?” “Manehattan, sonny. The biggest city in Equestria, best bet to find a good doctor is there, a thriving metropolis with lots of equipment that couldn’t be found anywhere else, right?” Finding that his mother had the correct assessment, he nodded in agreement. “....that’s right, although that’s a big city, we’ll be there for a little while than probably expected.” “And don’t forget to free your roster up to near zero. What’s with that being a big city and all, and without Pokeball, it will be quite a hassle, right?” “.....that’s exactly what I just thought, mom.....how should we do this?” He put a head underneath his chin as he tried to think of the best answer. “....at the very least, I shouldn’t bring all of them into the train car, it will be cramped enough as it is with Sally’s own big stature. It’s best we keep this to only one companion, and one who could help find our way and locate their way back to us in such a big city.” “You’re talking about Will, aren’t you?” Nodding at her correct assessment, he continued. “....right, but I need to speak to Dawn first.” “What for sonny?” “.....she and Dominus have volunteered to come with me on this endeavour, which I don’t exactly guarantee finding the cure. They insisted anyway.” The thought of such powerful loyalty had sparked the feeling of friendship within the Goodra. “Now that’s what I call a nice bunch of friends. How about I call Dawn here and we’ll discuss how to-“ “Huh, what?” Dawn confused voice rang out before said mare’s head poked into the kitchen. “....did someone call my name?” “Speak of the Giratina!” Sylvia exclaimed as she rounded on the mare. “Dawn, what do you say that I’ll be the one to take care house, while you and sonny go do your thing out there, hmmm?” Switching her gaze toward the Hydreigon beside the Goodra, he merely shrugged and said. “.....just leave it.” And she did, for such questions will be hollow soon enough. Entering the kitchen proper, she faced the mother and son duo in a questioning gaze that spare no formalities. “So...leave the house to you...Sylvia?” She scratched her head at the prospect of leaving her house in the hands of another Pokemon. She didn’t even know how her house had remained intact through their trip to Canterlot. “Of course, when it comes to house cleaning, you don’t have to look far because I’m the woman you’re looking for!” Sylvia said with utter confidence in her. Now Dawn cursed herself for not thinking things through when she volunteered to accompany her stoic friend on his journey. “But, but-“ Her uncertainty reach greater levels, Eric felt the need to intervene.“....Dawn, one thing you should know. This time, it won’t be like both Sally or will, I guarantee that the house will be safe in my mom’s hand. And who knows, it might be more spotless than I could ever do in her hands.” Hearing this bit of information, her eyeballs moved back and forth between mother and son. She scratched her head as she unable to come to a decision. Even if she could, she found herself unable to say anything as a Goodra had leaned her face forward and smiled. “Like I said, dear, don’t worry. When it comes to house cleaning, I’m the woman for the job!” She said with pride. Uncertain still, she switched her gaze toward the son for answers instead. All she had gotten was a simple nod telling her it was fine. Her defenses had been crippled and the son had dealt the final blow, she sighed. “Alright, alright, if you say so, I think I can believe you.” “That’s good to hear, dear!” Sylvia had leaned back to clap her hands together, while her son simply nodded. That leaves two questions for the mare, partly from her insatiable curiosity. “But...” She scratched her head for emphasis. “Where exactly are we going again, Eric? I haven’t exactly figured-“ “...Manehattan...” Eric answered simply. Sylvia nodded excitedly. “That’s right. Manehattan, is the biggest city in all of Equestria, right? It will be a trove of hospital as well as library. I think finding information there where everyone flocks to sounds good to me. So I’m sure that will be the best place to start for you two.” She wasn’t going to ask how the Goodra had known about Manehattan because Dawn’s mind was on the fact that she knew where the Goodra was going and she does have a point. “Uhhh....yeah, right.” A simple word and her question had been answered, now for the second one. Hearing the question, Eric had glanced over to his mother, who has yet to lose her cheerful expression. Noticing the gaze given to her, she simply tilted her head forward. In turn, Eric sighed as he braced himself. “....I think bringing Dominus with you would be a good idea, the ma...ponypower can be of a help, and he is your partner, he could protect you. As for me, I think it’s best to avoid a full team, it might bring unwanted attention to us and we might lose each other in a big city like Manehattan. So....I choose to bring Will with us.” The second one had been answered, and she couldn’t believe it. Now she stared at her three-headed friend like he had grown another trio of head. “Wait, wait, wait, let me get this straight. You want us to go to Manehattan...with Will of all pon...pony...I mean,-“ “...Pokemon,” Both mother and son corrected. “Right that, but bringing Will to a bustling metropolis with lots of ponies in there?” She shook her head while applying a hoof to the face at the absurdity of the idea. “Celestia, I couldn’t even imagine...” The mare trailed off. The Hydreigon raised an eyebrow at the statement, and he pressed forward. “....don’t worry about him....because I’ll deal with him if he starts throwing sarcasm left and right.” He said ominously. Somehow, the tone had brokered no argument and with an added secondary effect of sending chill down her spine. The Hydreigon can be so honest that it actually send shivers instead of sending wave of relief. She nodded almost mechanically. “Uh, okay.” Dawn had smiled sheepishly while showing yet another view of her bad habit. “But when exactly do we leave anyway?” Glancing over to his mother, she had left the decision making to her son once more. He sighed. “....tomorrow, we’ve been doing nothing for the last two days including this one. But, if you can and only if you had finished whatever you need to do, Dawn.” She tried to say something, yet a head has been held up to silence her. “....I think, this trip can wait a little bit if you still have business to take care of.” For his troubles, Dawn had waved her forehoof back and forth in disagreement. “No, no, no, I’m fine. The client gave me a pretty long time to finish his order, so I don’t think that will be a problem.” A thought had occurred to her. “Unless, we’ll be spending a lot of time out there and going from one city to another then there won’t be a problem....” A look of horror flashed across her face when she realized the implication. “That’s....that’s not going to happen....is it?” Her uncertainty transformed into the form of a familiar head scratch. Another glance to the Goodra later told each other what they needed, and Eric translated. “....no, we’ll be heading back and fro from our destination and back here. And with this,” Pulling a familiar golden ticket, he flashed it at Dawn knowing she’ll know. “I don’t think we’ll have any monetary problem when it comes to getting us tickets. Who knows, it might even reserve us VIP seats.” Sylvia tilted her head back and forth as her eyes scanned the golden ticket for anything that might come across as strange. None could be spotted that she knew of, more importantly, this topic was not The gaze had penetrated deep, yet his defenses stood. “.....I think it must’ve slipped my mind. Otherwise, something happened on the trip to Canterlot...more or less.” Only someone sharp like Sylvia would notice the difference between half-truth and full truth. And now her son was speaking half-truth. She adopted her game face....which is her pleading look. “Sonny.....” Sylvia sing-songed in order to find the truth the motherly way. The stoic wall crumbled. He sighed at how easy Sylvia to worn down his walls. “.....alright, what I meant to say is....on the trip to Canterlot, it turned into a nightmare. We encountered Fox for the third time and ended up assisting in the capture of a crime lord. Because of that, we were summoned to the owner of the Equestria Railways then we were given this as compensation for our troubles.” Jumping headfirst into danger was her her son’s most recognizable demeanor. But she felt he wasn’t telling her everything, but being cryptic has always been her son’s attitude, so it was better than nothing. “Hmmm, oh well, I guess it couldn’t be helped now. But of course...” Sylvia trailed off to let the implication sink in. Of course, Eric read her and deftly caught on what she was trying to say. “....right.” He nodded. Not knowing what just happened, Dawn was more than willing to let it slide if it means not getting in the way between a mother and a son. The feeling stems partly from her unwillingness being in the spotlight for too long. After the wordless exchange, the mother and son’s gazes had returned to Dawn, much to her displeasure. “So, Dawn, what do you say?” She sighed at her pointless chatters, her friend had this all figured out after all. “Okay, first, I’m gonna talk to Dominus about this....” “Of course, Dawn, take your time. Me and sonny, won’t be going anywhere now, won’t we?” Glancing knowingly at her son, he gave a simple nod. “See?” “Okay. By the way, other than that I agree.” “.....I’m going to talk to Will. I’ll talk with you two again later.” Wordlessly, Eric had left the room. Giggling, Sylvia spoke. “Always the unpredictable. That’s my son to you.” Unsure what to do, Dawn decided that a head scratch was pretty viable. “Uh...right. I guess I’ll talk to Dominus now.” Once more, she mentally cursed herself at her lame excuse. Before she could leave the kitchen, she had heard Sylvia call out to her. “Dawn,” Stopping herself, she had glanced over her shoulder. “Thank you by the way.” Frowning, she replied. “For what?” Dawn’s tone switched to her curt one. “For going with my sonny on his endeavour. That’s so sweet of you by the way, I’m glad you two get to be friends.” Not expecting a thank you as well as compliment, Dawn resolved to smile and nod. “No problem, Sylvia.” With that she left, door left open. Seeing, she had killed two birds with one stone, now was to take care of the third bird. Skipping over to the door, she poked her head out to see her Garchomp had taken his pose next to the doorway again with arms folded. A single look later, and Kenneth had known what it was he desired. That is to talk. “So what do you say, Kenny?” Once Dawn had agreed upon the decision the mother and son duo had cooked up, Sylvia had vacated the premises for a one-on-one with her Garchomp, Kenneth. After explaining the status quo on her faithful partner, now she awaits for his decision. Said Garchomp was still heavy in thoughts, his trainer was given the answer soon enough. “....I agree on your assessment, Sylvia.” Kenneth had agreed on his trainer’s decision. “After all, it will help us in the long run. I shall assume that you need.” “Please, Kenny?” She put on her best pleading face, eyes closed and a smile in place, coupled with the palm of her hands stuck together in front of her. How could he say no to such a face...he could, actually, but he was compelled to obey due to her being his trainer. “Of course, you can leave the matter to me. I shall travel to Canterlot early the moment the sun peaked on the horizon.” “Perfect.” The Garchomp was rewarded with a solid pat on the shoulder. “I’ll be counting on you with this.” “Do not worry, Sylvia. I’ll be sure to keep an eye out for Joe.” He made sure to flex his shoulder after that muscle-numbing slap. He could never knew how her son had gotten used to it. “By the way, I hear that Eric will be leaving soon?” “Yeah, you heard right, Kenny.” Staring at the back door leading into the house, she couldn’t help but thought of how her son was going to handle such endeavour, she could only pray to Arceus for his blessing. “For what reason exactly does he felt the need to leave? I didn’t find the appropriate one.” The Garchomp folded his arms as he awaits his answer. But what answered him was a frowning expression instead. “Oh, Kenny, I really hope that you stopped being so serious at times. You’re quickly becoming like sonny, you know.” Her frown made one wanting to kneel and beg for an apology. The Garchomp could not believe she said that thus administered one faceclaw to the face. “The last thing I need to let down my guard when I’m supposed to keep you out of trouble.” Hearing that, Sylvia quickly adopted the expression of innocence, smiles and all that. “Aww, Kenny, c’mon, what’s wrong with a little relaxation every now and then. Now, smiiiile!” The second faceclaw was properly applied onto Kenneth’s face. How did the conversation gone from his trainer’s son to his demeanor he would never know. Much to his blessings, Sylvia corrected the course of the topic back into it’s previous one. “Anyway, you don’t need to worry about that. I’ve already talked to sonny about that, and I’m sure that he won’t be doing it again anytime soon.” “Yes, I never did continue our conversation, with what you have done so in my stead, Sylvia.” Kenneth wasn’t surprised, because he knew that as a mother, Sylvia is very dependable. “So you’ve heard everything then, Kenneth?” A simple nod answered her. “That makes things easier then.” “Indeed,” One thought came that concerns the well-being of Sylvia’s son. “Though, may I ask something?” “Hmm, I don’t remember giving you to command to ask me for permission.” The Goodra held up a finger as she spoke. ”Rule number one, Kenny, dear, no need for permission, Kenny. Ask away.” Said Garchomp resisted the temptation to apply another faceclaw. Instead, he just asked. “Will Eric be travelling alone? If that’s the case, then shouldn’t we-“ “No, he won’t.” Kenneth was abruptly cut off. “And if he did, then this mommy needs to give him another talk.” She patted her own chest for emphasis, face still adopted a smile. Nodding, Kenneth continued. “And the second one. What exactly does Eric hope to accomplish by doing such a travel?” “Oh, he’s just going to traverse this country to search for something to cure Dave, nothing more nothing less.” As if she didn’t say something unbelievable, her face was still as sunny as ever. “Sylvia, did you just say what I thought you just said?” Kenneth made sure to strain his hearing as to ensure his ears had not tricked him. “Yep!” Her childishness went through the roof. She hoped Kenneth would agree. “Such a journey won’t be easy, not by any standard. It will be long and a hard one.” He knew that Sylvia of all people knew, with what being a trainer and all, it takes dedication. “And it won’t guarantee a cure can be found.” As much as she didn’t want to admit it, Kenneth was right. Three years searching for something back in their own world, and they came up empty. Her frown was that of a hurt child, it made Kenneth wanting to apologize. “I’m not really sure either. All I did was give him advice, nothing more. The rest is up to him.” “You’ve done what you could do. And you were right on the latter, the rest is up to him now. I know enough that he seems to have inherited his stubbornness from his mother, he won’t do any half-measures.” He chuckled at the reminder of that fact the his trainer back then is very stubborn. “Although, like you, I do worry for his general health.” “Me too, Kenny,” Gazing over her shoulder, she could hear the beginning of another argument once she strained her hearing and blocked everything else. Inwardly, she had hoped that her son maybe, just maybe discovered something that may assist them in curing Dave from his state between life and death. “I do hope that he finds something.” As if her heart was screaming out for help, she put her hands on it. “Trust your son, Sylvia. Trust him, just like you always did. He had pulled through many troubles before, what’s to stop him from doing so again?” As much as Kenneth wanting to agree, the last thing he need is to have his trainer doubt herself on top of her son doing so himself. “He will need us, now more than ever and I shall pray to Arceus to bless him on his journey later on.” Hearing her life-long partner says that made her frown thrown out the window. “Aww, Kenny, you’re so sweet.” Before Kenneth could sigh in annoyance, she continued. “But thanks for caring anyway.” “Don’t mention it, Sylvia. Now come, I’m sure that they awaits us.” He brushed past Sylvia and opened the door before going inside. Before she could follow, the strangest urge to look up at the sky was there and she followed it. Now she was staring at the clear blue skies that is Knowing that being in the dumps won’t help, she resolved to exterminate every last self-doubt in herself as well as her son. She knew she will need every confidence if he were to follow through. And thus, she re-entered the house to make sure things are in order. The day of departure has arrived which is today. Exactly as planned, the four, Eric, Will, Dawn and Dominus arrived at the train station early in the morning the moment they had sated their hunger. Just as they wished, there are hardly any crowd that would hinder them. A conductor doing his morning shift, spotted the group of Pokemon and one mare was heading right for him. But he sees that they passed straight from the ticket booth and held his hoof up in the process. “I’m sorry….sir...and...ma’am.” He was unsure of their gender, but continued regardless. “I’m going to have you to check into the boo-” Instead of replying to his request, Eric simply held up the ticket he would need to secure a ride to his and his companion’s destination. “Sir, is that?” Shaking his head, he held out a hoof. “Can I see that, please?” What he requested fluttered onto his hoof as he do a quick check over to ensure it was legit. Knowing a real Golden Ticket when he sees one, the conductor resumed his posture and addressed. “I see you have a Golden Ticket, sir! That would mean, free ride for all that accompanies you. Which class would you like to take?” Dawn was...unsure, as this is the first time she was offered a class instead of the usual ones she took. Taking a sideway glance at everyone else, she tried to confirm what they wished. “So, guys…..what exactly do you want for a carriage?” She scratch her head in nervousness. “.....I’ll take whatever that you wished, Dawn.” Eric shrugged, not caring for their seating in the slightest. “What the brooder had graciously said for us….” Will waved off nonchalantly. “....But if you want, considering this a free ride, we could get a VIP seating.” Dawn Hydreigon friend finished. Perking up at the prospect, Dominus squealed excitedly. “Yeah, VIP sounds good, dude.” His face went all dreamy. That...never cross her mind “Well….okay.” Turning to face the conductor with the decision, she stated. “I think we’ll take VIP, sir.” Nodding at the request, he gestured for them to follow. “Follow me, please.” He trotted off toward the back most of the carriages. The four looked at each other before following the pony conductor. They found him waiting beside the doorway leading into a single carriage, although just a few glances inside through the windows let them know it was not a regular carriage. The pony presented the carriage with a hoof. “Here we are!” He smiled before letting said hoof slid the door open into the carriage for theirs to take. “Please call me if you have any question. Excuse me.” He politely led himself off their backs. “So, this is where we’ll be staying for the ride?” Dominus poked his head inside to find that the structure was….more than he could imagine. Inside, there two two sofas that faced each other along with a table with the image of the sun and a moon and a few seats just beside one of the windows with a great view to the countryside. The sun and the moon also found it’s way into the designs of the carpet the covers the floor of the carriage. All in all, this made the Braviary a happy mon. “Happy for you too, kid.” Will snarked off outside. “......c’mon, let’s get inside.” Eric said from behind them as they all agreed. “Sonny!” Eric didn’t need to turn around to know whose voice it is. Glancing over his shoulder, he found jackpot, a familiar Goodra was sprinting toward their location. “Wait up!” The equivalent of a Rhyhorn was closing in on him fast. Turning around, Eric stood his ground unflinching, his other companions, however, was growing unsure and starting to step backward a little to ensure safety. “Uhh….Eric,” She called out, growing more concerned as the seconds went by. “I think we should-” “....no,” He shook his head as he awaits his mother’s arrival. “We don’t need to this time.” It was proven a few seconds later that Dawn’s concern was not necessary and this time, Sylvia’s brake was functional therefore was able to stop in time right in front of the unconcerned Hydreigon to make sure she didn’t create a heap of Pokemon and one mare under her. Without appearing the least bit winded, Sylvia quickly reached toward her back before shoving something toward Eric. “You didn’t carry this!” The thing she meant, revealed to be a saddlebag, only with a longer strap which should be suitable for a normal bag for any humanoid Pokemon. “.....mom, I don’t think I’ll-” His mouth promptly shut by an admonishing finger. “Then how will you carry some stuff, hmmm?” She tilted her head knowingly before removing her finger from his mouth. Eric knew when it’s time to surrender, it was now. “....if you say so mom.” He sighed before taking the saddlebag and secured it across his shoulder. “....by the way, what’s inside. I know enough about you, mom, that you will disguise something.” Sylvia let out a hum before putting both hands on her hips. “You got that right, inside you’ll find your daddy’s pocket watch. Eric frowned at her actions. The last thing he remembered was that it was supposed to be secure in Dawn’s home, definitely not out here. “....mom, I’ll take the saddlebag, but definitely not dad’s pocket watch. It’s too precious to us all to be risked.” Just as he was about to reach inside the saddlebag and grab said pocket watch, and a hand prevented him from doing so. “Your daddy would want you to have it, you know?” Sylvia hoped that her son would get the implication. And he did, without another word, he took the pocketwatch. Giving it a lookover before he let out a small smile directed at his mother. “.....then I’ll look after it for him when he comes back.” She practically beamed the moment she saw the smile alone. “Come here.” Her arms found themselves around her son and hugged. “Be careful, sonny. I mean it, mommy, don’t want you to break promises now.” She patted his back. He returned her pat and embraced the feeling of closeness. “....you too, mom.” Dawn smiled at the heartwarming scene while Dominus folded his wings against his chest. The only exception was Will, who made a gagging gesture against the ground. “All Express Railway attendant, trains will be leaving soon. Please attend to your seats!” As much as Eric loved to be in this motherly embrace, he knew it’s time. “.....I have to go, mom.” “I know, just let mommy get a few seconds of hug.” Sylvia smiled, letting her son go a few seconds later. “There you go, sonny. Take care now.” Before he could even float into the carriage, his cheek was patted. “Have I ever told you that you’re the best son ever?” “....you already did.” He floated backward just before his arm slid the VIP carriage doors close, but not without a few parting words. “....several times even before this. I’m….sorry…...if I couldn’t be the son you always imagined to be, mom.” Her face quickly adopted a cute mask of innocence. “What are you talking about, sonny?” A train whistle quickly drowned out the surround sounds, causing the need to speak up. “You will always be my perfect son!” Another whistle and the sound of train engine starting and several loud hiss followed. The train, slowly, but surely starting to move itself down the rail tracks. “CAREFUL, SONNY! AND STAY OUT OF TROUBLE YOU HEAR!?” His reply, instead of words, was a mere nod, but it was enough to convince the Goodra. She skipped across the station to let out a few finals wave to see her son off just as the train finally got out of the reach of the station and toward it’s destination. She stopped herself at the edge of the station, staring at the carriage her son was in as it slowly becoming more and more of a dot instead of a locomotive. The only sound that accompanies her was a series of footfalls, indicating that someone was approaching. It was Kenneth, arms folded and staring at the distant locomotive. “Trust in him, Sylvia. He’s stronger than he looks.” “I know, Kenny.” Sylvia smiled by knowing how her son had grown so much. But she had other business to attend to, and she’s not going to break promises now if not ever. “Anyway!” Her right arm reared back. A pat on the back that nearly popped his eyeballs caught Kenneth off-guard. He rubbed the spot where the pat had nearly send him doubling over as he stared at the source of his discomfort in bemusement. If she had noticed his stare, then the Goodra didn’t show it. She merely smiled with hands behind her back. “C’mon, Kenny, we got work to do, two Pokemons to meet, etc. No time to waste!” And she skipped off, almost leaving him behind, but she spun around again to re-face him. “C’mon, Kenneth! Don’t just stand there!” The Garchomp merely sighed at his trainer’s wild nature, otherwise smiled before moving at a reasonable pace to rejoin her. Play this as the second closing theme