Post by DrakeX on Jul 3, 2024 4:24:06 GMT 11
Time of day - ? (?)
Word Count: 1,173
Word Count: 1,173
Leaving New Bark Town behind, Johan slowly feels the weight of his new life settling on his shoulders. No longer will he be in a controlled environment aimed towards the comfort of humans. In the wild, he'll have to adapt to whatever is thrown at him. It is a daunting prospect to one such as him, but he feels that he should at least try and achieve his dreams of owning his preferred Pokémon. Trees line up on the side of the road, their leaves gently rustling in the breeze while the air was filled with the sounds of distant Pokémon calls. The chirps and scampering were fine, but every time he hears anything close to a bug making a noise, Johan can't help but rub one arm uncomfortably. At least there is still ample sunlight filtering through the trees to settle his nerves.
As he walks, Johan notices in the distance a shadowy figure sitting on what seems to be the stump of a tree. The closer he gets, the more details he can make out of the person. The moment he sees just what he's looking at, Johan's movements become stiffer. Sitting on the stump is a particularly sickly-looking boy dressed in full bug catcher gear from what you'd expect of a youngster; straw hat, net, glass or plastic case to put bugs in, some shorts and a shirt. Not that Johan has a problem with bug catchers per se... No, that's reserved for what they like to catch. On each of the boy's shoulders Johan sees a small, worm-like Bug Pokémon, ones Johan hasn't seen in a while.
Despite his frail appearance, the boy smiles warmly and greets Johan when he finally notices him. The two scatterbugs on his shoulders join his greeting with some chittering of their own. Forcing a smile, Johan waves at the boy.
"Hello there, I'm Johan. What are you doing all the way down here?" While he doesn't think New Bark Town and its surroundings have too many dangers, one can't be too certain. Especially for such a weak looking kid.
The boy makes an attempt to response, but a coughing fit interrrupts him. The two worms fret over the boy's sudden attack and if Johan didn't so... dislike Bugs he'd be placing a hand on the boy's back to steady him. Before he has the chance to gather up enough courage, the coughing fit dies down. The boy whisperingly reassures his companions before taking a big, deep breath in and out and addressing Johan.
"Hi there, nice to meet ya, I'm Kent. *cough* You can probably tell from my get-up, but I love Bug types. *cough*cough* Sorry about that, but you don't need to worry. I'm fine. *cough* My parents told me I'm suffering from this condition... It doesn't matter, don't mind me. What was I saying?" While the kid is clearly in pain, the smile that graces his face is nothing short of beautiful. Like the sun peeking through the dark clouds.
"Oh! Right. I love Bug Pokémon. There's one Pokémon in particular I really love though... Vivillon. A pen pal from abroad sent me a Scatterbug which can evolve into it. But what's REALLY special about Vivillon is it evolves into so many different patterns. *cough*cough*cough*wheeze* I wish I could see them all. My dream is to see each and every one and watch them fly off together into the horizon. *cough*cough* That would be my one true wish. I just can't travel around, you see..."
Kent's eyes shine with a mix of hope and sadness. Johan can see how much this dream means to him. To all three of them, as he notices the same mixed look in the two Scatterbugs. Once seems close to crying its heart out, while the other grits its teeth before looking away. Before he can give any input, Kent continues, his voice growing more urgent.
"Hey, I got an idea. You look capable. What if I gave you one of my Scatterbug and you go see if you can bring back every Vivillon variation there is? Could ya? PLEASE? In return, I got a lot of stuff I, er, won't really be needing... Here!" Kent says, his frail arms grabbing the two scatterbugs and presenting them to Johan.
Freezing up at the offer, Johan can't help but hesitate. The boy is willing to part with one of his beloved partners to fulfil a dream he never has the chance of completing. Johan can respect that immensely. On the other hand... Bugs...
Staring at the three of them, the brunet can't help but struggle internally before sighing. He's been meaning to get rid of his... dislike of Bugs for a while now. If he wants to catch all of his preferred Pokémon, he does need to conquer this, apparantly, sooner rather than later. Not to mention how his little twin sister would kick his ass if he didn't help out another Bug enthusiast with such a dream. She'd sick all her 'lovelies' at him.
Smiling at the boy, Johan nods while hiding a grimace at the mental image he gave himself of his sis' Pokémon. "Very well, Kent. I'll do my best to bring back every Vivillon variation for you."
Kent's smile grows wider, despite his obvious exhaustion. "Thank you so much, Johan. This means the world to me."
"It's fine, Kent. Now, do you mind actually giving the Scatterbug the chance to pick who'll stay and who'll go?"
Looking down at the two bugs the boy puts them down on the stump next to him, no longer able to hold them with what little strength he has. Johan sees that the decision weighs heavily on his mind, but in the end the choice is taken from him as one bug steps up. The little thing has tears in its eyes but also a resolute will. Kent's eyes moisten as well before he gives the little bug the biggest hug his tiny body can muster. "Thank you, Flutter. Thank you..."
Awkwardly standing in front of the touching scene, Johan fidgets slightly with his fingers behind his back as to not interrupt them. After a few minutes, Kent finally eases up on the hug before giving one last smile at his Pokémon and recalling the little one. Turning so that he faces Johan once more, the sick boy presents him with the Pokéball. "Please take good care of Flutter."
Nodding his head, while trying his best to hide a body shiver when he grabs the ball, Johan places it with the others on his belt. "Don't worry, Kent. We'll take good care of Flutter for you. When I'm in the area, we'll stop by and I can show you all the Vivillon I've gathered."
The boy gives him a wide smile as bright as the sun on a cloudless summer's day.
And so, with Flutter joining Julian, Johan embarks on his quest, knowing that every step he takes brings him closer to fulfilling Kent's dying wish.
Scatterbug
Name: Flutter
Gender: Female
Level: 5
OT: Kent (NPC)
Attacks: Tackle, String Shot
Ability: Compoundeyes
Nature/Personality: Bold
Flutter has a heart as delicate as her tiny wings. Despite her propensity to tear up at the slightest disturbance, she possesses a hidden bravery that emerges in the face of real challenges. She is able to make the hard decisions when no one else will. Joining Johan to fulfil an promise, she'll brave a few challenges, witness beautiful sights and bawl her eyes out almost the entire journey. But she won't have it any other way.
Flutter has a heart as delicate as her tiny wings. Despite her propensity to tear up at the slightest disturbance, she possesses a hidden bravery that emerges in the face of real challenges. She is able to make the hard decisions when no one else will. Joining Johan to fulfil an promise, she'll brave a few challenges, witness beautiful sights and bawl her eyes out almost the entire journey. But she won't have it any other way.
Inspired by Tarlar, inspired by Midnightive. Vivillon Evolution's (0/20)
Meadown Default | Polar Ice Path 1F | Tundra Ice Path 2F, 3F, 4F | Continental Caves | Garden National Park |
Elegant Ecruteak City | Icy Snow Hail Weather | Modern Goldenrod City | Marine Route 40, 41 | Archipelago Whirl Islands |
High Plains Route 45 | Sandstorm Sandstorm Weather | River Route 32, 42, 43, 44 | Monsoon Rain Weather | Savanna Route 47, 48 |
Sun Sunny Weather | Ocean Glitter Lighthouse | Jungle Inner Ilex Forest | Fancy Outer Ilex Forest | PokéBall PokéMart |
