#calem responds

[twinchampionsofkalos]

Calem: Hm... other me, I think, is a 🐰, and Serena would be a 🐱.

Serena: I would agree. (Though maybe bump other Calem down to a 🐹.)

(@bunch-of-kalosians)

Man, y'all are just ripping into me today. I can be intimidating when I want to be.

[rivalkieran]

using "kuroshipping" to describe whatever the fuck solisverse hilbert and cheren have going on feels inaccurate. theyre like kuro doomed yuri to me

[bunch-of-kalosians]

Hey, hey, an alt me who's actually me. That's surprising.

Really? That's what you lead with? And you say I have no tact.

You don't.

Yes I do and I'll prove it now. Bonjour and hiya alt uses and also alt Shauna. How's it going?

-Calem and Serena (@twinchampionscalemandserena)

Calem: Personally, I think he did fine, all things considered. But yeah, it goes. Not sure I was exactly expecting to run into another me, but uh... y'know. Not every day something like that happens lmao

Serena: Bonjour! We're doing quite well. How about you two?

Shauna: oh hi!! :D!! there's four of them-???

[books-are-my-life-stuff]

Thank you, Calem. I hope you're doing better now. Take care of yourself.

[bananapaliooza]

I will spread my pkmn feminine player characters trans gay propaganda.

[corner-stories]

anywhere you go, let me go, too

Serena. Calem. Lumiose City. Hugs. Engagements. 861 words. (ao3.)

Lumiose City feels the same — the sun of the sky on her skin, the feeling of cobblestones under her shoes, and the sound of Kalosians living their best lives.

With a grin on her face, Serena feels nothing but bliss as she makes her way down South Boulevard. While she goes, her Sylveon happily follows at her feet. 

She takes in the sights of the city, ranging from locals enjoying espresso and croissants cafe tables, lovers walking down the street hand-in-hand, or children playing with their Pokemon on the pavement. Every time she glances over, it feels like the first time. 

It’s strange that the region that has been her home for the last ten years still finds a way to seem brand new.

When Serena arrives at the beige and green building, her smile gets just a bit wider. It seems that by the grace of Arceus, the exact person she’s looking for is the exact person stepping out. 

Calem is looking like his usual self — tall, dark-haired, and absolutely exuding a sense of boyish prettiness. It’s hard to believe that he’s already in the middle of his twenties.

Then again, Serena knows that people probably think the same thing about her. 

The second Calem sets eyes on her, the usual humorless expression on his face softens into a look of relief. He pulls on his jacket just as he hops down the stairs and almost jogs towards her. 

“Hope I didn’t keep you waiting,” says Serena as she approaches her fiancé . 

Without thinking, she spreads her arms wide and pulls him into a hug. As always, Calem embraces her and rests his face in the crook of her neck. 

“Not in the slightest,” he responds. The sound of his voice tickles her skin. 

She feels his warmth as his arms wrap around her waist and hold her tight. For a brief moment she feels him lifting her up, then spinning her around exactly three times. 

Once he puts her down the first thing Serena sees is the smile on his beautiful face. She leans forward and presses a kiss to his lips. It’s brief and over in half a second, yet it brings her the sweetest kind of comfort. 

With her arms grasping his shoulders, Calem reaches up and places his hands on her face. Like the rest of him, his palms are warm. 

But before anything else can happen, Serena feels something pawing at her legs. When she and Calem look down they are greeted to the sight of her Sylveon swiping at the hems of her trench coat. 

“Still jealous, aren’t you?” asked Calem, grinning playfully at the pink little thing. 

Serena lets out a chuckle as she leans down and pats her Sylveon on the head, assuring the creature that no, her love for this “fiancé” of hers will not in any way detract from her love for her team. 

Once all is said and done, Serena takes Calem’s hand as the two begin to walk down the Lumiose streets. Sylveon trails behind them. 

Years ago, Serena was walking these very streets with a Pokemon from Sycamore, an anxious knot in her stomach, and her humourless, often frowny next-door neighbour by her side.

Now she’s here, walking down the streets with her fiancé, a vastly better grasp on the French language, and wedding plans on her mind. 

“So… the reservation’s at six, but we can arrive fashionably late,” Serena explains as they go, referencing the dinner plans they had made last week. 

“And oh! I got a reply back from the location!” she adds on. “If we’re lucky, then we can book Shalour in May. Sounds good to you?”

Calem nods along. For the last few months, he’s made it clear to her that it doesn’t matter to him whether they get married at the Tower of Mastery, under the windmill in Dendemille town, or in her mother’s backyard. What matters to him is that they’re together. 

Anywhere she goes, he’ll go too. 

“It’s fine by me, Neighbour,” Calem says, squeezing her hand tight. 

As they turn a corner on the street, Serena looks at him with an eyebrow raised. 

“Neighbour?” she speaks in disbelief, then a playful grin comes upon her face. “You haven’t called me that in years.”

There’s a brief moment where Calem — at the tender age of twenty-seven — looks about to blush. Perhaps his old nickname for her had brought up something in him that he had not felt for a long time. 

“I know, I was just feeling…” Calem starts, then spends a moment thinking. “...nostalgic, and thought I’d try bringing that back.” 

The cheeky smile on Serena’s beautiful face persists as she lets out a hum. He’s speaking like they don’t spend each day, each night, and each morning together — like he hadn’t made a home with her inside a North Boulevard loft. 

“And how’s that working out for you?” asks Serena, eyeing him teasingly. 

Calem shrugs before gently tugging her close to him. He puts an arm around her and places a kiss on her cheek. His voice is husky as he replies —

“I’ll tell you a bit later.”

[incorrect-poketagonist-quotes]

Dawn: Doctor = $140,000 a year, Furry artist on patreon = $160,000 a year. Calem: I think you’re lowballing the furry art amount tbh. Dawn: Sorry for the inaccuracies Doctor Yiff. Calem: No matter how I respond I don’t look well, well played. I walked into that. Brendan: Well, furry artists are typically more competent and courteous than your average doctor, so I can see that. Dawn: Did you legitimately just tell me that a person who draws wolf ass is more competent than a dude who spent 8+ years in an university to give you a lung transplant? Hilda: Doctors are bullshit and furry artists perform an infinitely more valuable service to society compared to them. Dawn: You will die in 7 days. Gloria: It took doctors 10 years to diagnose what was wrong with me, some insisting I was faking it for attention while a furry artist I knew said “Sounds like Crohn’s” after hearing me complain once and ended up being right. Gloria: Besides I can’t go to a doctor and ask them to draw Rouge the Bat wider than she is tall with tits to match, now can I? Hilda: You could if you weren’t a fucking coward. Florian: This was like 50 consecutive punches to the face, what the fuck went on here.

[czv-hops-kalos-arc]

📚💙💫Introducing post

[All Ooc posts will be made in brackets] || 💫Some of Hop's post will include a spinning star symbol (trust me it'll make sense lol) || [all non canon posts will be tagged as HKA, canon posts will have the full title]

[Notice! This au is on the more mature side! I will be tagging stuff accordingly but this is just to let ppl know!]

[Credit for pfp goes to! https://twitter.com/MikkuSushi/status/1210043262280634368?s=20 ]

[All basic DNI rules. Anons on but if you're rude and spam you will be blocked]

[Welcome! To my THRID! Pokemon RP blog. My name is Deerly, my main is @deerdeardarling I am insane. Specifically about this boy. Which is why he must go through horrors. I already have two fanfics for this AU with a third otw!! I will be rebloging the links to them from my main blog as well as some of the base au posts]

[I am specifically looking for Older!Calem, Serena, & Shauna. As well as Elio & Selene.]

[But as always I am flexible with whatever :]

Blog lore ||

|| A year and a half after the events of SwSh, a 17 year old Hop decides to study abroad in Kalos; with a recommendation from Professor Sycamore himself.

But; Not only is Hop journeying to Kalos to further his academics on becoming a future pokemon professor, but he is also the sole respondent of trading information about Dynamax and Infinite energy. Things that could change both; maybe eventually all region's futures.

However, there is another reason he chose Kalos over the other regions; one he hadn't told to anyone, not even his best friend. A year and half prior; Hop was granted the honor of capturing one of the regions legendary pokemon; Zacian.

Hop doesn't understand why he got that honor, because to him he hadn't done anything worthwhile. I mean sure; he managed to calm the wild beast when she was stricken with dynamax energy, but he's still not sure how he even managed to do that. What he does know is that ever since the night after capture; he's felt... alone? He wasn't sure what he felt. Yes he could just talk to his friend; but he doubt they would have more information than he had; having only caught the brother legendary within the same hour.

So; what would any teenager do when feeling alone. Go straight to the internet! And as he was boarding the ship to the neighbouring region he was glad he did. For he might not have gotten in contact with not only others who seemed to also manage to capture other legendaries. Hop also managed to get in contact with one of Professor Sycamore's former students, and she promised to give Hop any awnsers he needed.

Hop was setting off on an opportunity of a life time. To active awnsers not only for himself. But maybe for the Galar region as a whole. He was sure this trip abroad would fly by due to him having a lax but exciting year ahead of him.

An easy in & out trip; (and as he reassured he family and friends many times) He would be back home safe and secure!

...right?

Hop's current team!

[Hop couldnt take most of his galar team, except for Basil who is registered as his partner pokemon.]

[The nicknames are as follows;

Basil the Dubwool

Amysthst (or 'Mist) the shiny Vaporeon [the names not set yet]

Luke/Lucas [lucadius??] The Lucario

Tarra the Fletchling]

[This will update, and some of his catches wont appear on list]

[little-creatures-in-my-head]

General Rules and Information

General information that is applicable to all blogs:

Mun goes by Calem and is 18+

Please do not engage if under the age of 18, Mun typically likes to explore dark topics that are not suited for minors.

I am semi-selective on who I rp with as I want to get along with my rp partner.

OOC communication is important for me to help ensure all parties in a rp are comfortable and aware of anything coming up.

I will rping as both canon and ocs across different fandoms. Canon characters are simply my interpretation of them or, in the case of some video games, how I play those characters.

Mun =/= Muse. My muses will have a variety of beliefs and characterizations. They do not reflect me as a person and if an rp partner is feeling uncomfortable with a situation, please reach out to me and we will discuss how to solve it.

I will not always be prompt with responding to rps as I am struggling with personal irl things. I do not mind a nudge if it has been a few days and you have not heard from me. However, please do not go nudging me if it has been less than two days.

As an upfront warning: I do not rp to ship. I do enjoy shipping, but I would prefer a relationship be based off of chemistry.

On the same note: I do not mind multi-shipping, however, there are ground rules for this. Multi-ships are either all separate AUs from one another or is conversed and agreed upon by all parties in a polyamorous situation.

All sideblogs and the characters they contain will be listed below the cut. Please note that Sideblogs may be subject to their own extended rules. Each Sideblog will contain links to posts for character introductions unless it is a solo character blog, then the introduction will be apart of their pinned post along with additional rules.

This list is prone to changes and alterations as needed.

The Tales from the Gas Station: Marlboros and Blood Jerry "Marlboro" Pascal: (Canon)A rather chill guy who rarely seems serious. A part-timer at the gas station, who despite his idiocy, can be scarily smart.

Spencer Middleton: (Canon)An over the top and dramatic serial killer. He's a bit obsessed with the workers of the gas station for their tenacity and ability to survive deadly situations.

Meeko ?????: (OC)A naive amnesiac patron of the gas station who lives out in the woods taking care of the local raccoon population. Is often called in by the gas station workers to "handle" the unwanted guests.

[1998-be]

traumas se combatem, não se deve deixar perdurar e refletir em um suas interações interpessoais. como um homem que foi abusado sexualmente na infância, posso dizer que é um trauma que eu tratei ao longo do tempo e não disposto sobre os outros. E quem tem prologando esse conflito é você mesma. Assim como você não é obrigada a ser gentil com esses idiotas, você também não é obrigada a respondê-los. talvez você não lembre, mas o fato de você ser assim foi um dos motivos de não conversarmos mais.

Eu não culpei meus traumas por eu não gostar de homens necessitados de atenção no Tumblr, volte e leia novamente. Eu não fico de simpatia com homens necessitado de atenção pq, qualquer mulher com um pouquinho de entendimento sobre a vida, tem essa postura também. Lamento que não esteja acostumado a lidar com mulher que não atura isso, e agora está tendo que lidar com frustração e rejeição. E de fato, não sou obrigada a responder homem assim, mas faço questão de fazer quando posso pq homem assim, geralmente, está acostumado que mulheres agradeçam tais "elogios" apenas por educação ou medo, ou que se calem. Daí continuam agindo como um menino na puberdade com qlqr uma eternamente, pq sabem que lidarão com silêncio ou mansidão. Pelo visto você eh um deles kkkk Até pq eu, e vários outros caram que pintam/pintaram no meu chat, em todos esses anos que tenho tumblr, sabemos muito bem que sou bem paciente e educada com todo mundo que eh MINIMAMENTE decente. Até quem vem falar comigo, e solta "flertes" aleatoriamente, trato numa boa caso tenha um papo tranquilo por trás daquilo...só ignoro o papo de flertes e afins, e sigo minha vida, as vezes o papo flui, as vezes o cara desiste pq nota que ali não vai rolar nada. E eh por isso mesmo que sei que você se encaixa na segunda categoria, que eh o homem nojento que não sabe manter uma conversa civilizada por muito tempo sem objetificar uma mulher sempre que pode, e, nesse caso, saiba que eh um prazer não falar mais contigo. Saiba que eh só você que lamenta que não conversamos mais.

Elogio e validação masculina não faz brilhar meu olho, recebo esse tipo de "atenção" sempre, e desde muito nova. E nem se não recebesse...

Como já disse, e não tenho vergonha nenhuma de expor, minha carência e busca de aprovação eh pra um lado familiar mesmo, e você tentar usar isso pra tentar me fazer sentir mal vai ser em vão, pq não tenho vergonha de dizer que nasci e cresci em lar conturbado e que isso deixou marcas em mim, esse fato não me abala, não me faz me sentir diminuída ou acuada. Vai ter que tentar outra coisa, anôni, pq mesmo com minhas inseguranças e auto estima baixa, consigo bem ver a situação quando estou fora de períodos muito ruins e crises, e estou ciente que tenho o meu valor e meus pontos positivos e negativos, então reformule seus argumentos caso queira insistir em apontar algo sobre mim pra me "aconselhar" kkkkkkk

Aproveita e volta pra terapia pq não eh normal um homem adulto não saber lidar com uma rejeição de uma mina aleatória numa rede social, e, ATENÇÃO, ficar mandando ask anônima pagando de conselheiro pra disfarçar a frustração de não ter mais o contato comigo. Minha dica eh: quer minha atenção, me faz um pix generoso. Aí sim meu olho vai brilhar kkkkkk pq esse papo de se doer por outros homens que recebem meu fora, tá patético dms.

[twinchampionsofkalos]

🌧- For a heavy, emotional secret

*Sigh* There's only one thing I can think of and I guess... I just gotta hope and pray he never sees this. I'm worried about the Professor. Recently he's seemed... stressed. Like something's been weighing on him. I haven't said anything because I know he'll just brush it off like "Oh, it's nothing, I'm fine, don't worry on my behalf."

I just hope everything's okay.

[darlingdesiredelicious]

(Calem, Marionmaverick) "What do I want?" He asked back. He seemed surprised by the question. It was a few seconds before he answered. "I don't know, I've never really thought about it. Too busy scraping by mostly."

"Ah... I see." It felt a dangerous question, even, considering how Astarion responded to it before.

"Have you... ever been in love?"

[bunch-of-kalosians]

🕯@askkanjohtrio

Calem: Ah, Hibiki. He seems a good kid. Very strong trainer, though that shouldn't be much of a surprise, considering he's the current Indigo League Champion. Honestly, if I had much real comment on him... I really think he should take it easier on himself, if for no other reason than because it's hard to do your job when you're sleep-deprived and near constantly kicking yourself over one thing or another.

Red... what could I say about him that hasn't already been said? I mean, he's by far one of the most notable trainers in our generation. All that, and it doesn't seem he's let it get to his head. Especially with having been thrust into that kind of position at that young... massive, massive respect. Though, I wonder if he's doing okay nowadays?

As far as Ken or Gabena go, though, I can't say I know them well enough to say anything about them.

[emptycoffeemug]

Kyara's Journey || Ch. 2: A Midnight Conversation

wordcount: 4,357

When all the trainers’ Pokémon had had a chance to rest up, the three of them returned to the field. Only Kyara and Calem’s match remained.

As she took her place in the trainer’s box, Kyara tried to wipe her mind of the strange events of the previous match. She had lost to Alex, even after having a chance to watch him battle. He had even taken her on right after Calem and still won. It wasn’t her defeat that bothered her, though.

As if to remind her, the voice popped up in her head again. She wasn’t hearing things. The voice was literally in her head, intruding into the stream of her thoughts. It wasn’t necessarily talking to her. It was just as if she was overhearing a conversation in some other part of a room she was in.

I want to watch. Let me out.

As Alex took up his position as referee, he let Riolu out of its pokeball. Almost against her will, Kyara found her eyes glued to it.

Ever since Alex had first let it out of its pokeball, she had been hearing the voice. Surely it wasn’t a coincidence. Riolu was the Emanation Pokémon. It had Aura powers. Maybe it was somehow using those powers to talk to her. It didn’t make sense. Riolu wasn’t talking to her; it was just talking to itself most of the time, as if it didn’t think it could be heard.

In the background, she could hear Alex announcing the match. Stop staring. Focus on the match. She knew Calem. Well, kind of. Their moms knew each other, so they had run into each other. He was still several years younger than her, so they hadn’t really talked all that much. Both of his parents had been trainers, and his dad still competed. She knew he had been looking forward to this day, when he would follow in their footsteps. He knew what he was doing. But Alex had beaten him so easily.

Kyara brushed the thought aside as Alex yelled, “Battle begin!”

Just like in his first match, Calem went on the offensive right away. “Chespin, use Vine Whip!” Green tendrils shot toward Azurill, who waited for Kyara’s command.

Wait, wait, wait, now! “Jump over the Vine Whip and use Aqua Jet!” Kyara called.

But her timing was off. As Azurill leapt into the air, the vines grazed her tail. She wobbled in the air as water swirled around her. Her attack still landed, but it was weak, and Chespin was already strong against water-type moves. It was only knocked back a matter of inches.

Chespin recovered quickly. “Continuous Vine Whip,” Calem ordered.

“Dodge it!” Kyara responded. As the vines came crashing down relentlessly, Azurill bounced across the field, narrowly avoiding the attacks. It was only a matter of time until she was hit.

Think! Azurill was hit and went crashing into the dust with a shrill cry. She kicked up clouds of white dust as she skidded.

“Use Water Gun!” Kyara called as Azurill got up.

“Block it with Vine Whip.” Calem was unfazed. Chespin curled its vines in front of it, and the attack dripped harmlessly off of them.

“Use Bubble!”

“Knock them down.” A flurry of vines filled the air, as Chespin hit every bubble before it could reach him.

“Now, Azurill! Aqua Jet!” In the confusion, Kyara had gestured for her partner to circle around. When Chespin’s view cleared, Azurill was nowhere to be seen. Until she came crashing into it from behind.

Chespin stumbled forward.

“Water Gun! Keep Chespin off balance,” Kyara ordered. Azurill shot streams off water, targeting Chespin’s face and body, successfully disorienting him.

“Pick yourself up with your vines,” Calem shouted to his partner.

Chespin extended its vines and swung itself up into the air, where it wiped the water from its face and surveyed the battle field.

“Now, Tackle!” Chespin came swooping down from above, the force of its fall being added to the strength of its Tackle.

“Meet it head on with Aqua Jet!” Azurill burst forward to meet Chespin. She slammed into him before his attack reached its strongest point and the two tumbled to the ground together.

“Azurill! Are you alright?” It had been a risky move.

Slowly Azurill and Chespin got to their feet. Both were panting.

Unexpectedly, Calem called to her across the field, “Shall we call it a draw?”

Kyara looked to Azurill. She looked exhausted, but still willing to battle. It was her second battle today, too. Chespin was likely equally worn out.

“That sounds good,” she answered. There was no sense in prolonging a battle that would be a game of chipping away at the opponent and wearing them down.

Just when it was getting good.  The voice in her head complained. Kyara shot a glance at Riolu, who was standing next to Alex looking not exactly bored but somewhat indifferent.

Alex announced the battle a draw, and Kyara stepped out on the field to sweep up a tired Azurill into her arms. “You did really good,” Kyara told her. “You had a type disadvantage and still held your own. I’m really proud of you.”

Azurill made a little bubbly sound in her throat. It wasn’t quite like the way Espeon purred, but it was similar. She snuggled into Kyara’s arms, probably preparing for a nap.

While Calem talked to his Chespin, Kyara wandered over to Alex, who was staring vacantly at the edge of the forest beyond the grounds of the Pokemon Center.

“Um, hey. Weird question, but does Riolu talk to you?” Kyara asked. Maybe it was normal.

Alex turned his attention to her. “Well, yeah. It’s pretty normal for Pokémon to talk to their trainers.” He hastened to reassure her, “It’s not weird if Azurill there talks to you, or even if you talk back.”

That… wasn’t what she had meant. “No, I mean like, can you communicate in a special way, since Riolu has Aura powers?”

Alex shook his head. “I’ve heard of some psychic types using telepathy, but Riolu’s not a psychic type. His aura powers will develop more when he evolves into Lucario, but aura powers aren’t quite the same as psychic powers.”

So why?

Riolu was eying her inquisitively. On an impulse, Kyara tried saying something in her head, not the way she thought, but as if she were saying it out loud. You can hear me, can’t you?

Riolu’s ears twitched, but other than that he remained motionless. You can hear me?

Yes. Kyara thought back. Can anyone else?

Other Riolu and Lucario, and a few other Pokémon. Not many.  Riolu answered.

Not Alex?

No. Riolu’s reply was curt. Maybe it was a sore spot with him.

“Um, is something wrong, Kyara?” Alex’s voice intruded on their mental conversation.

“Nothing. Just spacing out,” Kyara replied. Can we talk later?

Very well.

The rest of the afternoon was spent in training. Alex and Calem discussed the technique Calem had used. Counter Shield, Alex had called it. Kyara had never heard of it. Calem was even surprised that Alex recognized it.

The two of them fine-tuned the coverage of the vines, using Azurill’s Water Gun and Bubble. It worked out quite well, since they needed some accuracy practice. The boys were so into it that only the sun going down snapped them out of their training trance.

Kyara couldn’t help but smile as they returned to the Pokémon Center. It was dusk outside, just dark enough for the windows of the Pokémon Center to glow with a warm, welcoming light. Alex was still talking about a battle from a League tournament several years ago and Calem was listening spellbound. It was interesting. Alex could seemingly remember every detail, and explain strategies and the battle records of the trainers.

In the lobby of the Pokémon Center, a few trainers were milling about. The cafeteria was open for the evening. Kyara and Calem had begun to drift toward it when Alex grabbed them both by the shoulders.

“Where are you going?” he asked with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Calem’s forehead scrunched up. “To eat,” he suggested.

Alex shook his head. “What about your Pokémon?”

“I have Pokémon food.” Calem informed him. Kyara thought she was beginning to see where this was going.

“So, one your first day with your new Pokémon, your partner who’s going to be with you for the rest of your journey, is going to eat canned food on your first day together?” When Calem still didn’t seem to understand what Alex was getting at, Alex took him by the shoulder and steered him toward the kitchens. “We are going to make some Pokémon food from scratch for our Pokémon.”

Kyara followed them into the Center’s kitchen, stocked with all the essentials for any basic recipe. Alex pulled out three bowls and began to look through the pantry. When he had assembled his ingredients, he turned back to the others.

“Ready to get started?”

“I’ve never made Pokémon food before”, Calem admitted hesitantly.

“I’ll walk you through every step of the way, both of you,” Alex assured him.

In the meantime, Kyara was examining his ingredients. “You’re only using oran berries?” she commented.

“Yeah,” Alex said, “they’re nutritious and good for recovering a pokemon’s energy.”

“I know, but aren’t they a little bland to use by themselves.”

Alex looked like he was considering it for the first time.

Kyara decided to take over. She turned to Calem. “Let’s find out what flavors Chespin likes, and then I’ll help you whip up something just for him. Making food tailored to your Pokémon's likes and dislikes is why many trainers prefer making their own food.”

Together with a slightly meeker Alex and a Calem following her every move like a baby Ducklett, Kyara sliced up several berries. Then they called out their Pokémon to sample them. As expected, Azurill went straight for the spicy Tamato berry. Surprisingly, Riolu did as well. Chespin opted for the sour Iapapa berry. After consulting her recipe book, Kyara decided that she and Alex could follow the same recipe, and she would supervise Calem while he followed a different one.

As they collected a new set of ingredients, Alex asked, “How do you know so much about cooking for Pokémon? You have so many recipes too.”

Kyara considered her answer for a minute. She had so much knowledge and cooking experience because she had learned everything she could so that when she felt ready, she wouldn’t have wasted her time. But she wasn’t ready to admit her cowardice to her companions. She smiled, “I want to be a performer, so knowing how to bake is a must.”

“That’s like being a coordinator, right? They don’t need to know how to bake, though. Even if it might be useful for any trainer.”

“Performers are a bit different from coordinators. There’s a bigger focus on presentation and the first round is always something specific. Every year, a couple showcases have a baking challenge as the qualifying round. I have to pass that before I even get a chance to perform. Unlike coordinators, performers don’t battle.”

“Wait, you don’t even battle?” Alex was shocked.

“Not in showcases,” Kyara said.

Kyara moved away to help Calem, but she could sense his confusion. He was so focused on battling, it probably didn’t occur that there were types of Pokémon competitions that didn’t involve battling.

With Kyara’s help, all of their Pokémon food turned out quite well. No one burned anything or lost any limbs, which was a miracle considering the way Alex liked to way his knife when he got too into a conversation about tactics. It was a welcome distraction from the questions without answers that were whirling around in Kyara’s head. Riolu had gone back in his pokeball after the taste-testing, so she hadn’t had a chance to schedule a meeting yet.

When they finally sat down to eat their own dinners, Kyara was ravenous. The pokemon were enjoying their food immensely and she couldn’t wait to do the same. Calem, however, was watching his Chespin eat happily with the beginning of a smile tugging at his mouth. He looked a little sad, too, somehow.

He caught her watching him and said as if defending himself, “Chespin seems to really like this type of food.”

“I can give you the recipe, so you can make it again,” Kyara offered.

Calem’s face instantly lit up. “Really?”

Kyara nodded and pulled out the notebook that held all of her recipes. She watched as Calem hastily copied it down. He was so excited over something so little. “You know, I think you’re a little different from other trainers,” she told him.

He looked up, not offended but smiling a little mysteriously. “I think being different from others is part of what makes me special,” he said.

With that cryptic remark, they returned to their meal. Kyara was just starting to feel a bit sleepy and thinking that a bed would be nice right about now when Riolu’s voice in her head interrupted her thoughts.

Tonight. After Alex is asleep. We need to talk.

There goes my peaceful night’s rest. Well, this was something she needed to figure out.

It was late when Riolu finally gave the all clear. Kyara carefully slipped out of bed, trying not to disturb Azurill, who was making little whooshing noises as she slept. She crept out of the room she had been assigned to. Luckily she was on a bottom bunk. There was only one other girl staying the night, and she was fast asleep as well.

As Kyara closed the door behind her, she noticed Riolu’s silhouette leaning against the wall a few doors down. He stood up as she approached.

Not here. He said. We don’t want to be disturbed. He padded down the hall, and Kyara followed on tiptoe.

They emerged from the lodgings and crossed the dark lobby. The main doors would be locked at this hour, but one of the side doors was unlocked, likely in case of emergency. Riolu stopped at one of the picnic tables outside and sat down cross-legged on top of it.

It was a chilly night, despite it being nearly summer. Kyara shivered in her pajamas and pulled her feet up when she sat down, on a chair, not the table. The moon was nearly full, but it still wasn’t quite enough light. Riolu’s face was still wrapped in shadows.

So, what did you want to talk about? Kyara asked. She was fairly sure it had to do with the telepathy. Hopefully, Riolu would explain.

For a few moments, Riolu didn’t reply. At last he said, The reason you can hear my voice, and speak back, is because you are aura sensitive.

It made sense. Lucario and Riolu were aura sensitive Pokémon. What didn’t make sense was that she shared those powers. What exactly is aura?

It is the essence of all things in existence. Everything has aura, even the rocks and trees. Every person and Pokémon has a unique aura all their own, although Pokémon aura can be categorized by type. They are able to harness the power of their aura to use abilities that would otherwise be impossible.

So why can’t humans use those same powers? Kyara wondered.

Humans for the most part aren’t very sensitive to their aura. Some Pokémon are less capable than others in harnessing aura, as well. Although, with enough training, theoretically, any person or Pokémon should be capable of it. Throughout history, however, there have been a limited number of humans capable of wielding aura, known as Aura Guardians. They often have Lucario as partners, due to their natural aura sensitivity. Unlike most other Pokémon, Lucario are capable of sensing aura other than their own.

If anyone is capable of it, why aren’t there more Aura Guardians?

Riolu sighed, Like I said, it takes a great deal of training. It becomes exponentially more difficult if one is not naturally aura sensitive, although, that those who have experienced great or long-lasting emotion tend to be more in touch with their aura, at least from my own observations.

Have you ever been able to communicate with anyone else like this? Kyara asked.

Never. Riolu shook its head. I believe you have a rare talent, and one that you should take advantage of.

What do I do, then? Go find an Aura Guardian to learn from? Kyara was beginning to think this was more trouble than it was worth. She had just started her journey. She wasn’t going to give it up.

No, Riolu mused. I’ve never even met an Aura Guardian. They are few and far between. There are probably only one or two per continent. That wasn’t what I had in mind. I thought that perhaps some of the techniques I use might be helpful. Of all living things, Lucario and Riolu have aura abilities most similar to those of humans.

Alright, Kyara took a deep breath. This she could handle. What do we do?

We’ll start with the basics, learning to sense the things around you. Take a seat on the ground like I’m sitting.

Kyara dutifully sat down on the ground, adjusting her posture at Riolu’s insistence and closing her eyes.

Now you need to empty your mind of thoughts and focus on the sensations of everything around you, until you are able to sense where everything is.

The seconds ticked by. Kyara tried her hardest to sense, but she wasn’t even sure what she was looking for. She became almost hyper aware of the grains of sand sticking to her bare feet and the breeze tickling the hairs at the base of her neck. Even her own heartbeat seemed to echo in her chest cavity.

I can’t sense anything, she admitted after what felt like ages.

You weren’t supposed to, Riolu said matter of factly. Before Kyara had a chance to give an angry retort, he explained, It takes a long time before you start sensing. It took me a year and a half, but you’re older so it might be easier for you. Just do it for a few minutes every day. Hopefully by the next time we meet, you’ll be able to sense. Then we can move on to the next step. He got up and stretched his arms above his head. That should be enough for tonight. I’m going to turn in. Alex probably has a busy day planned for us tomorrow.

Do you want me to tell him, about all this? Kyara asked.

Riolu looked back. Why should you? This is between the two of us. Good night. His voice in her head was curt. He disappeared inside the Pokémon Center.

Why? Because he’s your partner, Kyara had wanted to throw after him. But she hadn’t. She wondered how she would feel about Azurill keeping something like this from her. Like Azurill couldn’t trust her. It wasn’t her place to meddle. If Riolu wanted to keep it between them, she would respect his wishes.

Now that she thought about it, it would be a bit awkward. What would she say? So, I can telepathically talk to your partner because I’m special. Must suck to be you and not be able to talk to your own partner as well as a perfect stranger can.

Kyara stayed outside for a while longer, thinking over everything that Riolu had told her. It all made sense, but it was strange and new. Philosophically, she decided to sleep on it. It was late after all. And so, she turned her back on the moon and the stars, and returned to Azurill and slumber.

The next morning came far too early for Kyara’s taste. At times like these, she really hated herself for setting her alarm so early. When she went out into the hallway to find the lavatory and brush her teeth, she noticed that the light was on in Alex and Calem’s room. They were awake as well. It was utterly unfair that they hadn’t had to sneak out at midnight. Kyara had lain in bed thinking for far too long even after she went back in. It was going to be a long day.

The three of them met up at breakfast. Calem’s Chespin was sitting on his lap eating out of his dish which was on the table with Calem’s plate. Kyara remembered Azurill doing that when she was a baby. She kind of wished the little ball of blue still did it. It had been cute.

The boys were already eating when she arrived. Calem smiled and Alex said good morning a little absently, but Riolu only gave her a cold nod, just barely acknowledging her presence. He was strange like that.

As she sat down with her own breakfast, Alex asked what she had planned for the day.

“Not much. A lot happened yesterday, so Azurill and I will take it easy today. Maybe just choreography and a little practice,” Kyara answered taking a bite of her cereal without looking up. “What about you?”

“I’m planning on challenging the Sanatalune Gym today. You’re welcome to come watch if you’d like to,” Alex offered.

Kyara managed to swallow her cereal without choking. “You’re challenging the Gym already?”

“I don’t see why not.”

“But you only have one Pokémon!”

I’ve been travelling with Riolu for a long time. Besides I feel like I need to get my bearings,” Alex was very calm about his insanity.

Riolu wasn’t reacting, so maybe this was normal behavior for Alex.

“What about you, Calem?” Kyara asked the younger boy, hoping for a more sane answer.

Calem did not disappoint. “I’m going to train, maybe catch a new Pokémon. I don’t plan on challenging the Gym for a week or so.”

“Thank you,” Kyara said. “Alex should learn from your example and slow down a little. Maybe catch another Pokémon.” Kyara felt a tinge of annoyance as she spoke, but she shook it off.

The conversation turned to places they wanted to visit in Kalos. Calem only had a few places, and Alex didn’t have any. He was too obsessed with battling to have put much thought into anything else, it seemed. Kyara had a list, and even persuaded the boys to visit several of the locations if they were ever in the area.

After the meal, when they were clearing away their dishes, Alex waited for Calem to go ahead of them and paused beside Kyara. “I wanted to apologize for yesterday,” he said, his eyes locked on his plate.

“What for?” Kyara asked.

“Well, I probably pressured you into battling yesterday. I didn’t realize you were a performer, that you didn’t battle.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Not that you’re not good at it. What I mean is, I’m sorry. It was rude of me.” His face flushed and he still wasn’t looking at her.

Kyara held back a laugh. “You didn’t pressure me into battling. I wanted to battle. Just because I’m a performer doesn’t mean I don’t battle. I plan on battling, too, maybe even challenging the gyms,” she explained. “And I really enjoyed battling with you and Calem. It was my first time battling.”

“Oh,” Alex took a breath. “Thank goodness. I felt awful about that, after you explained about how performers don’t battle. I felt so bad. It kept me awake last night.”

Kyara laughed now. It couldn’t have kept him up later than she’d been awake. Maybe that was why Riolu had taken so long to call her out for their talk. “You could have just asked yesterday. And I’m still taking you up on that offer to watch your gym battle. I plan on finding out what I’m getting myself into before I challenge the gym, unlike a certain reckless someone.”

“It’s not like I haven’t done my research,” Alex defended himself. “Viola uses bug type Pokémon. She has a Surskit and a Vivillion that she usually uses in matches. She’s also a photographer and engaged to Grant, the Cyllage City Gym Leader.”

“I get why you know about her Pokémon, but why do you know about her relationship status?” Kyara teased.

Alex shrugged, “It was on her Pokevision account.”

“You have Pokevision? I’ll have to add you sometime.”

They finished clearing away their dishes, and it felt as if the air was cleared between them. Alex wasn’t avoiding eye contact anymore.  Riolu had been silent through it all. Maybe he just didn’t want to get involved. It would be weird if he did, considering only Kyara could hear him.

Kyara was looking forward to the afternoon. Despite watching and even attending tournaments, she had never seen a Gym Battle. It would be a first. She was nervous about her own upcoming battle. Watching Alex and getting a feel for Viola’s style would calm her nerves. She hoped.

Azurill hopped up into her lap, chirping anxiously. Kyara rubbed her head affectionately. “I’m fine. No need to worry.” Azurill curled up in her lap contentedly.

Sitting there, watching Calem play with his Chespin with that hesitant smile on his face and Alex mentally rehearsing battle strategies while the Pokémon Center began to hum with activity around them, Kyara let an indescribable excitement bubbling up inside of her. This was what she had dreamed of for years. She was quite literally living the dream.

Now was not the time to be afraid.

[marionmaverick]

Calem didn’t groan when he woke up, but he did wish he could slip back into being unconscious. But no, the pin had woken him up, so he’d likely be unable to use sleep to ignore it.

There was nothing like multiple days on the road to make every malady you have make itself known. With not a little effort, he pushed himself up on sore joints and stinging skin, wincing as a headache that made him feel like his body was split in two turned his vision into a cloudy white. What a wonderful morning.

He flicked his tail when he registered someone saying hello to him, but didn’t respond otherwise. Did they ask him a question?

[a-corda]

Quarta-feira, 07.06.2023.

São quantas?

Ao acordar uma delas me diz "hoje é o dia" e a outra rebate "ja é a hora de levantar? fica mais um pouco.. hoje não" Enquanto peso o alimento e sinto o cheiro de água quente outra vem e me diz "tudo isso pra quê?" outra responde "mas foi você quem me disse pra planejar, que o sucesso da realização viria disso" "volta pra cama cara…."

São quantas? Qual eu devo ouvir?

Me lembro que uma delas me disse um dia : "e se você desse na cara dele?" e o que me segurou ? Outra delas… Mas afinal, QUANTAS SÃO ? quem de vocês é a certa? Tem a certa? "o que é o certo ?" outra delas me indaga neste momento. Temos certo e errado? Uma é viciada, a outra é pacífica, a outra é agressiva. e que vozes são essas que colocaram na minha cabeça? ou é apenas uma, indecisa ? que nunca está feliz. Aqui a simulação faz sentido, na verdade a voz é a consciencia de quem está sendo simulado neste momento… de novo uma explicação sem explicar nada. vinda de quem ?

Outra delas.

Ela, que não tem timbre, que não tem nota, que não tem sexo, que não tem nexo, que não tem referência… Ela só vem e joga mais uma frase solta nesse caldeirão de letras. Palavras juntas separando o ser , Quando convém tu vem , e quando da errado tu manda a outra né!? Aquela que te joga no chão, te pisa e diz "TU FEZ TUDO ERRADO, DEVERIA TER ME OUVIDO"

Mas…. eu te ouvi , porra !

Respiro, sento em silêncio, e aí começa o entretenimento mental . Uma querendo se sobresair às outras, uma gritando pra parar e a outra suplicando pra continuar. Afinal, isso aqui é um mercado ? quem grita mais leva a mercadoria?

Calem a boca, todas !!!

Quando eu precisar eu vou atras de vocês.

A-CORDA! (e cala-te)