~Silver's pov~
I gently swiped my pass over the doors lock, listening as the mechanical beep confirmed my identity and granted me permission to enter. Pushing the door open, I walked into the room Emma was staying in. She was the same as yesterday and yesterday was the same as the five months before that. Laying beneath her starchy white duvet keeping her warm, a range of tubes connected to her body, serving various purposes to keep her alive. I hated seeing her like this but I'd promised myself that I'd visit my little sister every day to sit and talk with her, even if she couldn't do so back.
Red was already with Emma, neatly arranging the new bouquet of flowers he'd bought her in the ceramic vase he'd also gotten her months ago. He did the same thing every two weeks, buy her new flowers that is. He'd fuss and fret over the way they sat, wanting them to be perfect for when his girlfriend did eventually wake up. I must admit, he was loyal. Red had refused to leave Blackthorn City on all but one occasion to visit his mother, he was scared that if he did, he would miss the moment Emma woke up from her coma. I didn't expect him to stay this long honestly, I figured he'd give up and leave a month or two after Emma fell into the coma but he remained loyally by her side to this day.
The ruby eyed trainer wrapped up the dying flowers in a plastic bag, sitting it aside before taking his seat next to Emma, holding her hand as he watched her face for signs she may be waking up. For a moment, the shiny Umbreon at her feet raised its head, yawning slightly before watching Red with her amber eyes.
Hope had been released from the Pokémon Centre's care a few months ago with nothing more then a broken hind-leg remaining of her battle against Kathrine. The Dark-type had been by Emma's side since, refusing to leave for anything. Trust had been much the same although she had a later release then her sister due to internal injuries needing more time to heal but now the two were perfectly fine with the exception of Hope's leg remaining in it's cast, until next week anyway.
In fact, all Emma's Pokémon had made a full recovery. They were devastated when they'd been told about their trainers condition- each feeling horrible for their inability to protect Emma better then they had but they all agreed they were at least happy she was home and relatively uninjured, despite being in a coma. Melody had said Emma's coma was caused from the exertation of too much power, it was simply more than she had right now and without that source of power to depend on, her body and mind had shut down to her comatose state. Although, the Meloetta didn't think it would be much longer until Emma woke as she had recovered much of the lost energy.
Red turned, content with the condition of his newest gift to Emma, spying me by the door. "Silver..." He stated, unsure of what to do in the situation. I'd always found it amusing how on-edge he could be around me. He understood that I was Emma's older brother and was only just below Claire's authority when it came to any decision involving my little sister. "I was just erm... leaving..."
"Don't leave on my account." I stated, leaning against the wall with a dull smirk. "I'm sure Emma enjoys your visits and gifts."
My little sisters boyfriend shook his head. "No, I promised to call my mother this morning anyway, I just wanted to get Emma's flowers set up before that. Keep the room bright you know, happy for when she does wake up."
"And I'm sure she appreciates that." I smiled somewhat as I turned my gaze to my unconscious sister. "Listen Red, thanks for- you know- sticking around. I honestly didn't expect you'd stay with Emma this long but I'm glad you did. I'm not sure how'd Emma react if she woke to find you'd gone but--" Oh Arceus why do I suck so bad with words? "Just thank you."
Red smiled softly, following my gaze to Emma. "What can I say, I do love her." He sighed, a love struck sparkle in his eyes. "She's the most perfect girl I've ever met and I love everything about her, even the broken parts."
I rolled my eyes. "Okay, no need to get sappy on me, I do believe you have a phone call to make."
"Yeah... yeah... I'm going to go." He blushed lightly as he left the room in a fluster, closing the door behind him. "I'll come back later to talk to Emma."
Leaving Red be, I took my seat by Emma's side, watching as the clear mask over her nose and mouth fogged with each of her breaths. I always felt awkward during these situations, I never knew what to say to my little sister. The doctors all said it was good for close friends and family to talk and be with people who were in a coma, that there was a chance they could hear but not respond. I couldn't help but think of it as Emma's consciousness trapped in a room with no doors, no windows, no light. Able to hear the outside world but not touch it. Even Night couldn't communicate with Emma, though nobody had seen much of Night in months. I'd sent her back here with the rest of Emma's Pokémon but since then she and her Pokéball had vanished. Melody had told us not to worry and it was a matter only concerning Emma.
"Well..." I sighed, running my fingers through my shaggy red hair. "I erm, spoke to Destiny yesterday... She's going to come visit you next week but she's been so busy at her mother's cafe since her aunt passed away that she hasn't had the chance to come visit in ages..." I gently took her hand into my own, holding onto it tightly. "Please wake up soon Em... I know you're just recovering but things have become so confusing without you... I almost didn't realise how much I've come to depend on you..." Again I sighed, looking out the window briefly at the beautiful day behind the opened glass.
Red opened the window every morning. Since he stayed at the Pokémon Centre over night, he was the first one to visit Emma every morning, opening the curtains and the window, turning off her bedside lamp and removing her nighttime blanket so she didn't overheat during the day. I came a bit later since I needed to wait for Anne to be ready and take her to Blackthorn City's small school before coming to visit.
Glancing briefly at my watch I sighed in disappointment, I was going to be late for the gym if I didn't leave soon. Though I'm sure Claire would understand, she always did. "Well, I have to go otherwise I'll be late... apprenticeship at the gym and all..." I stood up and lightly kissed my sisters forehead. "I'll come by later, as usual."
Pausing for a moment, I waited for some sort of response but none came, not even a muscle twitch. Her pulse remained steady, as did her breath so with a small sigh, I turned to leave without another word. Please don't be much longer Emma, I miss you.
~*🌸*~
~Emma's pov~
When I woke up, I found myself in a bizarre situation. My head felt awake, I thought I could hear but the rest of my senses seemed dead. I heard the sounds of Pidgy tweeting nearby, singing a morning song that not even I could understand. Faint sounds of a Pokémon battle also reached my ears, a feeling reminiscent of home as Claire's battles were often so intense, they could be heard through most of Blackthorn City.
So, you're finally awake now?
"I think so, I'm not entirely sure though. Am I?"
How the hell should I know? I've been stuck in the Council for the past few months. Arceus is not happy with me at all. Night sighed, I could almost imagine an eye roll from my Ninetales. But Melody convinced him to wait until you woke up to pass any judgement, provided that I keep myself out of trouble... It's been agony.
"Months? What do you mean months?" I questioned, finding most of what Night had said going over my head. "How long have I been out?"
Too long, I'll give you some help to wake up but leave explaining from what has happened to your friends.
The familiarity of Night sharing her strength with me was a welcomed warmth. With it, I felt the rest of my senses seemingly reawaken, along with it the ability to move. My eyes fluttered open, met with a hazy fog blurring my vision. A sight moan passed as the light caused my head to ache slightly but the pain was almost a welcomed one for some strange reason.
~Emma?~ A voice called, one I knew well and rejoiced to hear.
Looking down, I spied Hope through the mist, curled up on a cushion at the foot of my bed, her azure rings glowing slightly with happiness. I closed my eyes for a moment, squeezing them tightly close in effort to clear them. When I opened them again, my shiny starter was hovering by my side, eyes filled with the very essence for which she was named for. With my vision clear, I smiled up at her, meekly raising my hand to caress her cheek.
"Hey." I muttered, my voice horse and my throat dry who knew the last time I'd had anything to drink. "I haven't seen you in forever." But how long was forever?
Hope nuzzled my cheeks taking my mind off time, small tears rolling down her cheeks as she did. ~Yeah, something like that. I'm so happy you're finally awake!~
~Wait Emma's awake?~ Trust bounded up onto the bed, the violet eyes wide. She beamed brighter then a sun ray, her twin tails flicking in delight as she licked my cheek happily. ~It's so good to see you-- awake anyway...~
"Yeah." I muttered, feeling drowsiness settle back in. "You guys to, are you okay? Where are we?"
~Down to three legs but I'm fine.~ Hope smiled reassuringly as she looked over at her right hind leg which was wrapped up in a cast. ~I'll have my fourth one back soon anyway. We're home Emma, we're in Blackthorn City Pokémon Centre. All safe and sound.~
"I'm glad to be home." I muttered, rolling onto my side to face them more easily. Pain jabbed at my knees, proving that they weren't better yet but I was able to ignore what pain their was in favour of the attention given to my Pokémon. "I'm glad you're okay."
~Get some more sleep Em, I promise we will be right here when you wake up.~ Hope prompted, wiggling herself into my arms. ~You are still very tired.~
"Okay..." I muttered, kissing her forehead lightly. "I love you."
~We love you to.~ She muttered before I faded back out completely.
~*🌸*~
The next time I woke must have been a few days later, Hope was still sleeping at the time, although she had moved back to the foot of the bed, as was Trust but both were asleep. Claire was here this time, reading allowed from one of her books. I smiled slightly to myself, listening as she read the words off the page in a way that made the story feel almost real.
Her eyes flicked up for a brief moment before flicking back down only to again rise and meet my gaze with a look of surprised disbelief. "You're awake?" She questioned... or maybe stated. I'm not quite sure.
"Yeah... I'm guessing so." I replied, still somewhat groggy from my sleep before I yawned silently. "Still deciding if this is a dream or not."
Claire smiled, setting her book aside before leaning over and stroking my hair. "I've missed you." She said softly. "I've come to read to you everyday since you've been home and I'm glad you were awake to hear today at least."
"Really?" I questioned, closing my eyes and thinking about if I could remember. Words briefly spun through my mind, Claire's voice with the words of stories. "I think I remember hearing you... I don't know for sure though..."
My guardian just smiled. "It's okay. I just did it because it felt right, after everything that's happened, I didn't think you'd want to be on your own long, even if you've been in a coma for the past few months...." For a moment Claire frowned with a wince before continuing. "Did Hope tell you that you've been in a coma or did I tell you in completely the wrong way?"
I couldn't help but chuckle, just a little. "No, Night actually told me I've been out for the past few months but she didn't do it much better then you did."
"Well that at least makes me feel better." Claire smiled, I could see the overwhelming amount of joy in her eyes as she continued to stroke my hair softly.
"Can I leave?" I questioned. "Can I come home with you?"
With a small sigh, Claire shook her head. "Not yet, when you're waking up a bit more, then you can come home but right now your body is just too weak to risk taking off life support. Soon though, promise." She smiled reassuringly. "Until then, anything you need or want, just ask for and someone will get it for you. Silver and Red are here for you, me too and your Pokémon. You're not alone anymore Em."
I let out a breath of disappointment. "Okay Claire... Could you do me a favour though and bring me a few of my things from my room?" I pleaded, looking up at my guardian with scared eyes.
"Of course, what do you want?" Claire smiled, sitting up straighter in her chair.
"Could you bring me my own pillows and blankets from my bed? I like those ones... and my IPod, earphones and charger please." I asked, my mind scowering my known positions for anything I might need. "I think that's it... though some ice-cream would be nice too."
Claire chuckled lightly. "Yeah, I think I can get you those things. Do you think you'll be asleep by the time I'm back or will you stay awake?"
"I don't think I could stay awake that long even if I tried." I sighed in disappointment. "I want to, but I don't think I could."
"Don't push yourself." Claire soothed. "The more rest you get, the quicker your recovery will be, okay. You have all the time in the world now so please don't push yourself."
"Okay Claire." My reply came out with a half-hearted attempt to hide my emotions. "Can you stay with me until I'm ready to sleep again at least...?"
"Of course." Claire smiled, stroking my light brown hair softly. "I'll stay with you for as long as you need me too, okay?"
I gave my guardian a smiled. "Thank you..." I yawned slightly before continuing. "So what have I missed in my time asleep?"
"Well, for starters you have been out for five months." Claire began, leaning back in her seat. "I had you transferred home within a week of you falling into your coma so I could keep a proper eye of you and because I knew you'd want to come home as soon as possible, I thought you'd prefer waking up at home then in Kalos anyway."
"Yeah thanks for that, don't think I'll be back anytime soon." I replied, squeezing my eyes shut for a few moments as shivers of horrid memories raked though my body.
Claire sighed, pausing her hand through my hair. "Emma, I don't want you to let this beat you, okay? I know it was hard and I know it'll be hard to get better from this but don't let it beat you. You're stronger than this, I know you are."
"I'm sick of being strong Claire. I always have to be the strong one, I can't anymore, I don't want to be strong anymore..." I cried, wiping tears from my eyes. "I want to be the one who's allowed to be weak, just this once..."
Claire just continued to smile softly, pity filled in her eyes. "I know it's hard Em, okay. If you don't want to be strong anymore, go ahead, I'll still love just as much as the day I took you under my wing. If you want some time to relax and tap out for a bit, go right ahead. I'll look after you for as long as you need."
"I--" My words wouldn't form the way I wanted them to. I wanted to thank Claire, tell her I loved her to but my mind just went white, not even shaking it would clear it so I simply accepted it and shut my eyes, waiting to fall asleep once more, knowing sleep would come soon.
~*🌸 One month later 🌸*~
It was a slow month, I slept through most of it but each time I did wake up, I was able to stay up longer and the time between each time I did wake up was closer to the last. I saw many doctors specialising in many different fields, post-coma trauma and nerve damage specialists were the most common of which. Claire tried to keep the stress down with the doctors, making sure I didn't see more of them then I could handle as I was still quite... Skitty-ish for lack of better word. I got over whelmed quite easily. I also had to speak to a therapist every week and unsurprisingly my Persistent Depressive Disorder had only gotten worst during my time in Kalos. I was almost completely past that phase of my life before Kathrine had to charge in like a Hurricane and ruin it all just as my father had. I'd been prescribed antidepressants to assist with it which only annoyed me further at I'd been off them for years now.
However, on a positive note, it didn't take too much longer for the doctors to say it was safe for me to be taken off the support machinery that had been working to keep me alive for the past five months. I'd found it hard to comprehend that this year had gone by so quickly and my 16th birthday seemed to be just around the corner now.
I gave a small sigh, I shook my head to clear it as I stole the ice cream tub from the freezer and spoon from the draw before limping into the lounge room and collapsing on the couch to binge watch Once Upon A Time. My legs were still very weak and I'd come to the compromise with Claire of one month from my release from the Pokémon Centre before seeing the physiotherapists and whatnot to begin the healing process on my knees and legs. I wasn't looking forward to it as I knew it was going to hurt a lot for the first few weeks but in the end it would only serve to help.
"Emma did you take my ice cream again?" Claire called from the kitchen as my episode ended.
Shovelling another spoonful into my mouth I shouted my reply. "No." The truth was clear since my mouth was full of ice cream and I'd been doing it since I got home.
My adoptive parent entered the room, leaning against the doorframe with a raised eyebrow at me snuggled into my doona, eating ice cream straight from the tub. "If you're going to mope around and eat ice cream all day, can you at least not eat my Rockruffy Road?"
I shrugged. "But it's good and everything else mysteriously disappeared." I explained, not having any idea what so ever where the rest of our ice-cream went.
"I wonder where it ever could of went," Claire sighed, clearly knowing the culprit of the missing ice-cream mystery. "and I'm glad you approve of my ice cream choice Emma, but seriously, stop."
"Nope."
Again Claire sighed. "I'm going to the shops, what do you need or want?"
"Ice cream- Bouncesweet Berry flavour and Kookies-and-Kyurem flavours, more milkshake flavouring aaaaannnnnd I want Nachos for dinner." I replied before shovelling another scoop of ice cream into my mouth. "I'd hurry if I were you, this Rockruffy Road won't last forever." Yes, I know I'm being incredibly spoilt right now but I rarely acted like this and considering I could hardly even walk on my own, I felt like it wasn't wrong to take advantage on Claire's willingness to look after me as long as I didn't become a spoilt brat. I'd given Silver permission to lock me in my room without ice-cream for a month if I even become a brat.
"Don't you dare eat that all, it's limited edition." Claire demanded, her eyes narrow but playful.
"As I said, better hurry." I smirked, poking my tongue out at Claire. Of course I wouldn't really eat all her ice cream, since I was currently relying on her to buy me more whenever we ran out due to the fact I refused to leave the house, but Claire didn't know that.
My guardian left the room and moments later I heard the front door shut. I replaced the lid of Claire's favourite ice-cream and held it out to Trust who's curled up by my side. "Would you mind putting this back for me?"
My Psychic Type rolled he violent eyes but used her telegenic powers to levitated the tub and carry it to the freezer. I yawned, resting my head against the arm of the lounge, exhausted from doing nothing all day. My boyfriend chose then to walk in, sitting by my side and curling up with me.
"You tired?" Red questioned, stroking my light brown hair.
I nodded softly. "Unfortunately... I hate it." I sighed.
Red smiled softly, kissing me lightly on the cheek. "Do you need help getting to your bed or need a blanket?"
Chuckling lightly, I pecked his cheek. "Nah, I'll be fine. Thank you though." I grabbed the controller and turned the TV off. "I need some air, can you take me outside please? My legs are sore still."
"You know, they'd be better if you'd started seeing the physiotherapist like Claire said, the damage won't fix itself, you know that." Red sighed standing up, I too sighed, looking away as my boyfriend helped me up and held onto me as we walked outside.
"You don't get it." I replied as Red sat me down on the swinging chair. "I'm just not ready to start doing things again... I just want to rest a little longer..."
The ruby eyed trainer sat by my side, pulling me close to cuddle up with him. "I know and I'll support you all the way."
"I love you." I mumbled sleepily.
Red kissed my forehead. "I love you more."
"I love you most." Was my only reply before I shut my eyes for a few minutes, listening to the serenity that was my home. One of the things I loved about being on an isolated mountain was the peacefulness that always seemed to be in the air. There were no cars or trucks up in Blackthorn City and it was stuck a tightly knitted together community that everyone knew everyone else. The biggest disturbance the city ever has was noise from Claire's Gym Battle's when they got really intense. It was beautiful.
"Hey, wanna know something." Red teased, running his fingers through my light brown hair. "While you were out, I had quite a bit of time on my hands between my many visits so I took up a new hobby."
"Oh really?" I hummed, looking up at the raven haired trainer. "What would that be?"
Red smiled thoughtfully. "Well, since I have such a musically talented girlfriend, I though it might be nice for us to you know, play together..." He blushed lightly. "So I learnt how to play guitar, just like you... Though I'm not as good as you yet."
I couldn't help but giggle to myself. "That's so thoughtful of you! I'd love to hear you play."
"Oh well, if you're gonna beg." He smiled, kissing my forehead. "I'll be back, I'm going to get my guitar, I'll be back in a moment." Red promised, getting up and dashing inside. I smiled to myself, I have such an amazing boyfriend.
Kanto's previous Champion came back outside within a few minutes, carrying a guitar which was very much similar to my own. Red took a deep breath in before he stroked a few practice cords to make sure it was tuned. "Ready?"
"Mm-hmm." I hummed, closing my eyes.
{Nightcore - Perfect Two (Boy Version) - (Lyrics) By Sinon on YouTube}
"I can be the peanut butter to your jelly
I can be the butterflies you feel in your belly
I can be the captain
And you can be my first mate
I always get a chill when I think of our first date"
"I can be your hero
And you can be the sidekick
I can be the tear that you cry if we ever split
I can be the rain from the cloud when it's stormin'
Or I can be the sun when it shines in the mornin'"
"Don't know if I could ever be without you
'Cause girl you complete me
And in time I know that we'll both see that we're all we need
'Cause you're the apple to my pie
You're the straw to my berry
You're the music to my life
And you're the one I wanna marry"
"'Cause you're the one for me, for me
And I'm the one for you, for you
You take the both of us, of us
And we're the perfect two
We're the perfect two
We're the perfect two
Baby me and you
We're the perfect two"
"I can be the prince and you can be the princess
I can be the sweet tooth you can be the dentist
I can be the shoes and you can be the laces
This'll be love that'll last for the ages
I can be the vodka and you can be the chaser
I can be the pencil and you can be the paper
I can be as cold as the winter weather
But I don't care as long as were together"
"Don't know if I could ever be without you
'Cause girl you complete me
And in time I know that we'll both see that we're all we need
'Cause you're the apple to my pie
You're the straw to my berry
You're the music to my life
And you're the one I wanna marry"
"'Cause you're the one for me, for me
And I'm the one for you, for you
You take the both of us, of us
And we're the perfect two
We're the perfect two
We're the perfect two
Baby me and you
We're the perfect two"
"You know that I'll never doubt ya
And you know that I think about ya
And you know I can't live without ya
Nooo
I love the way that you smile
And maybe just in a while
I can see me walk down the aisle"
"'Cause you're the apple to my pie
You're the straw to my berry
You're the music to my life
And you're the one I gonna marry"
"'Cause your the one for me, for me
And I'm the one for you
You take the both of us
And were the perfect two
Were the perfect two
Were the perfect two
Baby me and you
We're the perfect two"
"Me and you are
Me and you are
Me and you are the perfect two
Me and you are
Me and you are
Me and you are the perfect two"
"You're so cheesy." I giggled, hugging my boyfriend tightly as he finished playing. "I love you so much!"
Red smiled, setting aside his guitar before hugging me in return. "You think so? I've been working on it for five months..."
"You missed a few cords here and there but overall pretty good, the fact that you learnt it for me made it amazing." I smiled, kissing him lightly on the lips for a few brief seconds before pulling back and looking in his ruby red eyes.
Red smiled back before looking up and frowning at something behind me. "Silver? How long have you been there?"
I turned around to find my brother leaning against the doorframe with his eyebrows raised. "Long enough." He stated, smirking slightly as a blush grew on my cheeks. "I've been forced to listen to you practice the same song for five months, I should at least get to hear the end product."
Snuggling in close to my boyfriend, I smiled to myself. The two began to bicker about Red's guitar practicing, bickering wasn't uncommon for the two though I wish they'd stop sometimes, it really gave me a headache. It didn't take long to drift off into sleep from there as I found little interest in the boys argument and the warmth brought by Red's hold brought a sense of protection and security, enough so for me to let my guard down and slip off without a word.
~*🌸 One week later 🌸*~
~Silver's pov~
I peaked into Emma's room, seeing her curled up beneath her bed covers, her face drenched in sweat and her eyes squeezed tightly shut against what was most likely a nightmare. They were a lot more common then they used to be and Emma hardly ever slept through the night because of them.
"You're worried about her aren't you?" I spun around, meeting Claire's knowing gaze as I did.
Biting down on my lower lip, I nodded. "Yeah, she put herself though a lot of physical and emotional strain to protect me and Red from Kathrine. I kinda feel bad for making her feel like she had to put herself though that pain to keep us safe." A brief sigh passed.
"She cares a lot about the both of you, even if she has a different way of showing it. It's going to take her quite a while to recover and as long as she knows you two are here and appreciate what she did, she will know that what she did, she did right and that you two still support her. But you can't expect her to bounce back straight away, especially after confronting both Cyrus and Kathrine at the same time." Clair explained, looking over my shoulder to look at Emma. "Loosing to them both wouldn't help either, which is why I keep letting her eat all the ice cream."
"What do you mean?" I inquired, leaning against the wall.
"Emma finds comfort in her strength. Not in a power hungry way but in a way that reassures her he strong enough to overcome whatever would try to hurt her. Cyrus did a lot of horrible things to her, things I can't bare to mention more then I've heard. But once she's stronger, rested and trained herself more, she'll march right back into Kalos with her head held high and challenge Kathrine to a battle again, a fair one this time. She'll do it over and over again until she wins, until she knows she's stronger. It's how Emma is. Knowing nothing can hurt her is Emma's way of knowing she's safe." Clair looked over my shoulder to Emma. "And I let her eat the ice cream because it's her comfort food and she has a high metabolism so she probably won't gain any weight-- win/win."
Claire moved past me to shut Emma's bedroom door. "She's obviously fallen into depression again despite how she tries to hide it. It doesn't surprise me really. Emma's strong but not unbreakable." She gave a small sigh and turned to walk back down the hallway. "Emma's been though a lot, I've helped her though a lot of tough times but I haven't seen her this bad since I first took her in. Sure she seems happy and playful at times, but I've been providing her with support long enough to know when she's putting on that mask... I hate it when she does, it's so much harder to fix what's hurting when she does... but if she just pulls down that wall..." Again Claire sighed, shaking her head and walking back down the stairs. "Let her sleep now, she's hardly slept all month. Her Pokémon will wake her if the nightmare is too much for her to handle."
I hated leaving Emma like this back Claire was right, since being home, Emma rarely slept. It was best for her to get the rest when she could otherwise she would never recover to a proper extent.
~*🌸 Two months later 🌸*~
~Emma's pov~
I sat up, breathing in the stale morning air of my bedroom. The sun barely made itself known above the distant horizon as early morning sunbeams touched the sleeping region of Johto. Pushing my blankets aside, I carefully stood up and felt the achy numbness in my knees caused by the damaged nerves.
Peaking up on the new top bunk that had been built over my bed to where Anne slept soundly. Claire was currently fostering my little sister as neither Kathrine or Lopez were capable of taking care of her and Claire was still qualified as a carer from when she first took me in. She had plans to adopt Anne soon but she still had a lot to deal with since I was still having to see so many doctors so for now, we'd settled was fostering until I was a bit better. My home only had three bedrooms, mine and Claire's and Silver had moved into the spare room after Claire's offer. In return for the room, Silver worked in the Gym as a Trainer and Claire's apprentice. She had given my brother a Dratini to train, as she did with all her Gym Trainers and Silver used the Kingdra he already owned.
Leaving my little sister to her land of dreams, I left my room and used the morning light to path my way through my house as I snuck downstairs. I'd only recently started my physiotherapy to get the strength back in my knees and legs but I was still a long way off being able to run and be on my own for long periods of time.
I found Aura sleeping beneath the largest tree in my backyard, as she usually did. My Lucario never liked to be far from my side, even if she did keep her general distance. Crouching by her side, I gently shook her. "Aura, are you awake?"
~Yes Emma, I'm wide awake, can't you tell.~ She muttered under her breath as she yawned loudly. ~What do you want?~
"I want to train." I replied, standing up and using the tree for support. "And I want you to help me."
Aura looked very much concerned as she too stood up. ~Emma I don't think you're in any condition to train. You only just began the treatment for you legs, do you really think you have the ability to activate your powers o the extent it would take for you to actually improve? You only woke up up from you coma two months ago and Melody said that you're not even fully recovered yet, you just have the necessary energy to go about your life--~
"Yes I know." I snapped. "But I want to start getting better. I want to improve so I can beat Kathrine!"
With a sigh Aura shook her head. ~I will not do it and neither will your other Pokémon Emma, not with the way you train which normally, I am fine with but I do not want you to hurt yourself more.~
"Please Aura." I begged, eye level to my Lucario. "I need to get stronger."
Out of frustration, Aura pushed me roughly in the chest causing me to stumble but not fall. She glared at me harshly. ~Fine, you want to train, fight me!~ She demanded, baring her fangs as she held her arms open for attack.
I immediately charged a sphere of energy in my hand but my knees gave way and the energy disappeared as I took hold of the tree once more, leaving myself open. Aura punched me lightly in the arm, it hurt and would bruise for sure but it didn't hurt as much as knowing Aura wasn't even trying to win yet she was beating me with ease.
Out of frustration I through another sphere of energy against a tree before running my fingers through my light brown hair, tugging it from it's roots. "Just stop Aura!" I yelled before the Lucario shoved me in the chest, I only just managed to keep my balance. "This isn't what I wanted!"
~No! You stop.~ She snarled. ~Stop before you hurt yourself!~
Shaking my head out of frustration, I pushed her back. "No, leave me alone! I have to fight this, if I don't then I'll be weak! I need to be strong again!"
Aura pushed me again, her face hardening as I stumbled a few steps back. ~What would you do if Kathrine walked through here right now!? What would you do if she tried to take you!?~
"I'd fight her!" I growled, stomping my foot in anger. My knees wobbling and threatened to drop me.
My Lucario wouldn't have any of it, pushing me for a forth time and knocking me to the ground. ~How!? How would you stop her from taking you again when you can't even stop me!~ I flinched away from her, fear bleeding into my bones, tears gathering in my eyes as she knelt down close to me, her features softening before she embraced me tightly. ~It's going to be okay Emma, you're home, you're safe now. I know you're hurting, but that's why you need to rest. If you don't, you will never be able to fully recover.~
I looked away, too ashamed to meet the eyes of my Lucario. "I'm scared." I admitted. "I don't want to be. I want to be able to defeat her, to protect myself from her Aura. I don't want her to take me back there."
~I know Em.~ Aura replied, her previous anger seemingly gone completely as she brushed hair out of my eyes. ~But you can't push yourself so hard yet. You need to rest to recover, okay? Remember when you first found me, hmm? I had a broken leg from a poachers trap. I hit you with a Bullet Punch right in the chest.~ Her eyes shone with the memory as she smiled slightly at the thought. ~I was scared but you tried again anyway. You took me to a Pokémon Centre and offered to take me home or let me stay and train with you, train to become stronger. You told me I was special. I wanted to start training right away, start trying to get stronger but you remember what you said?~
With a soft sigh, I nodded. How could I forget? "I told you that first you need to recover the strength you already had, that until your leg had healed you would never get stronger. I said you needed to rest."
~Exactly, and that is exactly the wisdom I'm passing onto you Emma. We will protect you, all the Pokémon you've helped and protected in the past. We'll join together and protect that one that protected us, the one who gave us all a second chance.~ Aura smiled softly, patting my light brown hair softly. ~We're all here for you, and even if you don't like it, we won't let you push yourself to the point you're only causing yourself more damage. Okay?~
Sighing softly, I nodded. "Okay..."
Aura breathed a sigh of relief, hugging me tightly. ~Good, now lets get you back inside where it is safe and where it's warm.~
The sounds of the backdoor opening and slamming shut prevented me from replying. I didn't need turn around to know that it was Silver coming to get me.
"Emma! What are you doing out here? You had me worried sick!" Silver scolded as he held onto my arm and cupped my face. "I told you before Emma, you need to tell someone before going out. I was worried you'd hurt yourself."
I huffed but didn't reply.
~Silver, perhaps you are being a little harsh on Emma.~ Aura interjected, carefully removing Silver's hands from me, most likely believing he would get too rough if he got too worked up. ~Emma's been locked indoors for a long time, she didn't leave the yard, I was with her the whole time.~
My brother sighed, looking down at me with concerned eyes, I knew he could see the anger and fear in my eyes before he looked away. "I'm sorry Emma, if I'm making you feel trapped... Am I?"
I nodded slightly. "I know you're scared for me Silver, but I can do that for myself. Cooping me up inside all day isn't going to help me get better..." With a soft sigh, I gently nudged Aura to begin walking me up to the house. "I've started the Physiotherapy and I'll be better soon, stop worrying so much."
"I do worry Emma, I've come too close to loosing you far too many times." Silver replied as he opened the back door for me. "You know how when you get angry or scared you get aggressive, you want to hit something."
"Or someone." I pitched in. "There is a long list of someone's I want to hit."
"Right." My brother rolled his eyes as he guided me to sitting on the couch which I did with my Lucario's help. "Well when I get angry or scared, instead of getting aggressive, I get protective-- of you. Which I know for you can get frustrating but sometimes I simply can't help it." Silver sat down next to me, leaning against the back of the lounge with his eyes shut for a few moments.
"Listen, I'm sorry about disappearing this morning." I sighed, leaning against him. "But we're going to need to work something out. So, if I promise to at the very least leave a note about where I am and who I'm with, can you promise to take a step back and trust me because I have a feeling we are going to need to learn to tolerate each other's bad points, meaning you need to accept the fact that I will run off and do what I want to do and I need to accept the fact that you will not like me doing so, no matter how strong I am. Okay?"
After a few moments, Silver sighed. "Okay-- but I can be protective over Anne right? She is my little sister too now after all." He smiled slightly, brushing my hair from my face.
"Yeah, go ahead there."
~~*🌸*~~
Word count: 7255
Well then... that's it... 'Why us?' is over. Well I still have the Epilogue which should also be up but I'm done now. I'm gonna leave a more sentimental comment next chapter (It's only short btw)