A year after Esppurr Markus ran away, he traveled over the ocean. His parents never revealed his identity or that he went missing, so he could move about freely and focus on himself.
Lao Shen stretched on miles and miles longer and wider than Valor. After reaching one of the country's many harbors, he traveled further inland for no particular reason. He always knew some basic survival for the wilderness, but he started to improve rapidly.
Markus crossed over an empty mountain range and happened upon Lao Shen's capital; a coastal city unlike anywhere else in the world. It was designed as a castle the size of a small city. Its white and red walls with curved tops stretched around its whole exterior. It lacked Valor's skyscrapers and opted for low, two-story buildings with tight streets where anything could happen. Lao Shen's emphasis on family life didn't hold as much sway. The city's primary export: weapons like wands, orbs, and steelwork that fueled small political fires scattered across the globe. That was how Espurr Markus saw it from Valor Castle.
But, Markus had still not seen the inside of the capital for himself. With nothing else to do around the woods, he decided to.
The moon rose in the sky and illuminated the city's tall, stonewall paces in front of him. He approached a strong light coming from round the nearest corner.
A smaller than expected, cylindrical tunnel led into a brick and stone street. From around a tree, Espurr Markus walked forward. Two Politoeds stood guard, each leaning against the wall until he revealed himself. Unaware of the rules of entry, he stopped in front of them.
"Need something?" the right Politoed asked.
"I'm not from here," Markus said, "so I was just wondering about... uhm, entering."
"No weapons is the only rule," he said, "but you don't even have a bag on you. You good, kid?"
"Yah. Was just wondering."
"All the way from Valor?" Politoed observed. "Interesting pick of a place for a runaway. If you want, I can show you how to get on your feet here real quick. I haven't done my good deed of the week yet."
"Uhm, what are you trying to show me?" he asked.
"Good streets for work, and I'll buy you a bag at least. You look like you could use a hand."
"Okay..."
"Alright. Be back in ten, Jeff."
Markus followed Politoed into the sea of lights. His eyes had to adjust.
The buildings roofs were curved and red, and mainly made of wooden posts and beams. They had timber framework with artistic designs with mostly red and brown colors.
Markus heard that the walls of the houses didn't take the weight from the buildings, unlike anywhere else in the world. The beams, lintels, and joists supported the buildings instead. Although Valor, Verity, and Acuity were older, Lao Shen came second as one of the oldest nations in the world. Lamps that had been used for centuries along with electrical lights shined onto the streets.
Young adults crowded the streets at night. Markus wasn't out of place, but some parts of his accent would give away he was Valorian. He stayed silent while the Politoed led them.
"What kind of work are you looking for?" Politoed asked.
"Well, maybe something like your job," Markus said. "I think I could do well in law enforcement, if it's allowed."
"Oh, it's allowed alright. But being police is a dangerous job around here."
"Sounds cool."
"It makes them super desperate for more help, so you shouldn't need anything," he said. "I'll take you to the station and they should give you stuff, but don't blame me for anything else."
"Kay."
Politoed took a few turns. Markus stayed underneath his shadow. As they continued, multiple pokemon tried to talk to him with fliers, pamphlets, and strange colored-rocks in their grasp. He downloaded how he waved them away, and ignored others.
After a couple minutes, they arrived at the police station; a white, large building with a blue, curved roof. The stiff, concrete walls had a small archway leading inside.
"I gotta head back, but here you go," Politoed said. "I'm sure they'll get you a bag and stuff. Going back to my post."
"Thanks," Markus said. "See ya."
Espurr Markus watched him go for a second before heading in.
A wall of cool air relieved him. A thin, foggy film covered over stinging yellow lights on the ceiling. Past a white tiled floor and a glass barrer, a Simisage started off into space. The top of Markus' head only barely reached past the counter. He hopped up and held himself at face level with his arms.
"Hello," Markus said.
Simisage's eyes snapped to life and he looked down at him.
"Hello, sir. How can I help you?" he asked.
"I'm a traveler, and I heard you guys were hiring," Markus said.
"Ah, yes. We have some documents for you to fill out, but we have strict requirements. I wouldn't bother going through the trouble if you're not confident at least using moves."
"Then I should be fine."
Simisage reeled her head back, then smiled.
________________________________________________________________________________
Markus filled out the paperwork, which didn't get too personal, lucky for him. Much of it wasn't required to fill out, and he just randomly put the last name Valek that he made up a while ago. Compared to Valor, they barely required much information from him.
There were a lot of disclaimers for his safety being up to his decisions, and the job description didn't give him the luxury of specifics. He could be doing paperwork, deliveries, or work with criminals depending on what he was asked to do and what he wanted.
It made sense for there to be a lot of variety, and it sounded interesting. Markus had been feeling tired and bored lately. Productivity seemed as good a solution as any.
After turning in the information, Markus waited until Simisage took him through a locked, wood door. The hallways had a stiff carpet with white walls that felt like a more formal building than he had been in for a while.
Lao Shen was known for having elegant courtyards. Simisage brought Markus to one through the building. A free space opened up to them with bricks layered across the ground and plants growing along the edges. Markus had a general guess for what he brought him here for.
"Just to be on the safe side," Simisage said. "I want you to show me whatever move you know. Being a police officer is dangerous here."
"I'm surprised there aren't more requirements," Markus said. "I mean, I only arrived here tonight, and I'm from another country."
"Well, if you want my advice, you should just take a job as a waiter at some restaurant. I'm sure you could make great tips, too..."
"As curious as I am about why you say that, I'm ready to demonstrate."
Simisage nodded and smiled. He walked a short distance away and put his hands up in front of him.
Espuur Markus revved and used Psybeam as he made eye contact. The purple beam nailed the Simisage in his stomach with a bang. He fell forward and made wheezing sounds, gasping for air while Espurr walked up to him.
"That was good," Markus said.
"Okay... kid," Simisage huffed, "listen... Tone it down on civilians. If we ever fight criminals or something, that's fine... But lighten that."
"Oh, uhm. Okay. Sorry..."
"Just one second..."
Simisage took a minute or two to get on his feet. Markus stood in front of him, looking around at the red flowers from some of the bushes and other strong colors.
When Simisage got over the pain, he stretched his back with his palms and groaned.
"What times do you want to work?" he asked.
"At night sounds more active, right?" Markus asked back
"It is. Tomorrow night then."
"Do you know a place I could stay tonight?"
The question seemed to throw Simisage off. He stopped and stared.
"I've been kind.... outside,"Markus explained. "I haven't used money in months."
"Well, you smell okay considering that," Simisage said. "Yeah, I can do you a favor and pay a small motel thing for a week till you get your paycheck. After that, I know about some apartments."
"Thank you, uhm..."
"Yong," Simisage said. "I look forward to working with you, Markus. And the skill you're bringing to the table."
"And I look forward to taking a bath, so thank you."
When Yong said motel, Markus thought he might have to sleep on top of a bunch of paper towels to keep clean. As it turned out, the motels here had different standards.
The foreign ceiling and warm yellow lights hung over the cleanest place he had stayed other than his old room. The floor tile almost squeaked as he walked. Markus could almost make out his own reflection, but he focused on the artwork of the red pillars that held up the building. There were tables and couches in the lobby, and ornate chandeliers made from foggy glass.
Simisage took the lead in talking to a Flygon at the front desk for him. Espurr Markus took in the sight of the building while Yong set everything up for him.
After he finished, Yong gave him a quick goodbye. Markus followed Flygon up a ramp to the second floor. He followed him past artwork in the brown hallway to his room.
The bed took up a good percent of the space, but left enough room to walk around and a shiny water pit. Flygon closed the door behind him and left Markus alone.
He walked straight to the water pit. A white ramp led down into a faucet and knobs to turn. Soap stood idle in the rim.
After making the water hot and turning it on, Markus waited until it filled enough for his short body.. He leaned against the white rim and stared off into space, soaking up the heat. Decorative water lilies that rose to the surface when the water came in. He stared at them with an empty smile. Eventually, he stretched out his body in the heat and let out a small groan.
Over the months, Markus had been getting steadily happier but he hit a new peak. His family drama didn't haunt him all the way out here. He reclined back fee from the weight.
As his eyes got heavy and the steam disappeared, he dragged himself out of the pit, set it to empty, and went to bed.
________________________________________________________________________________
Espurr Markus shivered with newfound energy in the morning. After handling his messy fur, he headed back to the police station.
On his trip to the police station, the ages of everyone walking about seemed more mixed, and his instincts didn't give him any lurking feelings of danger like they did at night. Inside the building, a couple more people talked in the lobby.
Simisaeg Yong sat behind the glass again. He walked through the door out to the lobby as soon as he saw Markus.
"Hey, Markus," he said, "what's up?"
"Hey," Markus said, "just wondering what to do and things. Like how Lao Shen's police system works, I guess."
"It's pretty simple. We have detectives, officers, patrols... You're from the Trio Continent. You know how Verity's police works?"
"So it's relatively the same?"
"Yup. And we want you to do night patrols and just react if we call you or if you see something. We always work in pairs at least, so you'll be fine."
"What should I do till then?"
"Come with me."
Markus followed Yong through the same door as yesterday, to the same courtyard he had his test in. This time, it was swarming with other people. They were all scattered in groups, eating brunch from what Markus assumed.
"I'll have you meet the chief," Yong said.
"Okay."
Yong led Markus to a duo, a female Swellow and Froslass. They talked to each other with frowns on their faces. They paused and stared as Yong drew near.
"Hey," Yong greeted, "I brought the new kid from last night."
"Okay," Frosslass said.
"Any tips? He knows how to use a strong move."
"A strong move?" Markus asked. "I know more."
"What do you know how to do?" Swellow asked.
Markus mulled over how to explain it. Most of his fighting skills bloomed into existence when he burnt off steam or hung out with the soldiers at Valor Castle. Traditionally kings were strong fighters as they used to lead battles, a matter of pride.
He wasn't sure how to explain it, but he just started talking.
"It's something like a tradition in my family to be strong," Markus said, "so I am. Enough to satisfy them with that part, at least."
"Overconfident?" Froslass asked.
"I pray every day that I'm not."
"Care to demonstrate?"
Markus stayed silent. He wasn't sure what she meant, but he also wasn't sure whether or not to say yes or no.
"How?" Markus asked.
"Show us some of your techniques," Froslass said. "If you impress me, I'll spare you from doing chores for everyone today."
"Well, okay. Where?"
"It's been a long time since I've had food and a show. Go on, now."'
Markus walked to the center of the courtyard. With no one looking at him yet, he stared down and thought of what to do for a moment.
He moved his hands and fired blue pulses of psychic power into the air. He only did three when a voice rose up.
"Alright!" Froslass called. "That's enough."
Markus got a few glances, but the chatter never died down. Froslass floated up to him with her arms folded.
"I know your type," Froslass said. "Rather rare, but I've seen it once before. Perfect form, unstable attacks, and too rigid. If you want to reach your full potential, you need to let go."
"Let go?" he asked. "Of what?"
"I don't know, but you probably do."
Froslass' eyes fell. Through them, Markus saw her making a decision by rolling through some information.
"I have a free enough schedule today," she said. "I can teach you."
"I would if I were you."
Markus turned. Simisage smiled.
"She used to rule the arena in this city. She knows what she's doing."
"Thank you, Yong," Froslass smiled.
"Well, sure," Markus said.
"Alright then. Follow me."
________________________________________________________________________________
Froslass led Espurr Markus back out of the city. They took a path in the nearby mountain. She didn't seem much for conversation, but he didn't mind too much. The familiar sounds of the birds and nature satisfied his bored ears.
After half an hour, they reached a clearing in the woods. The sunlight streamed in through tree branches and landed on dry dirt.
"This is the place I found," Froslass said, "and I'm willing to share it with any soul who needs it."
"So you meditate here?" Markus asked quietly.
"Yes. The grass here will always have my tears from when I finally passed under a storm cloud in my life. Sit here."
Froslass gestured to a certain patch of dirt. Markus sat with crossed legs while she waited.
"The relationship between the body and mind has always been the heart of combat in Lao Shen. It's something that has been studied here for centuries. I used to be a competitor, but it helped me to finally end a long journey to being at peace."
Still unsure what to do, Markus stayed silent.
"Some find their peace on their own, and some find it together. You're quite young to have so much behind your attacks. You don't have to explain yourself... But listen to your body. Let the energy flow and let it guide your thoughts to the problem."
"How is it going to guide me?"
"It will. Just let go and exist, and your mind will go to who you are."
Let go and exist, a much more relatable place for Markus to start meditating as he closed his eyes. He let his energy move through his body. A tingle of extra strength wormed around his center.
After focusing, the tingle faded and he couldn't hear anything. It felt like a clean slate as if he was just born.
Markus wasn't even thinking when his mother came to mind. His whole world revolved around her, then she left. Starting with his brother, everything spun out of control. Upon opening his eyes, Froslass stared back at his face. Markus wiped off sweat from his forehead.
"I won't pressure anything," Froslass said, "but you look like you have a lot and need help."
Markus had met quite a few who he had wanted to vent it all to. But it was a risk to even talk about his family. Maybe he could describe it without the details.
After realizing it was possible, Markus decided to talk.
"I have a brother," Markus said. "My parents decided to have him because they thought I wasn't good enough to inherit something. My mother died when she had him, and I... well. Feel like he killed her, even though in my mind I know that's not true. And that it's my fault."
"Telling you it isn't won't change how your heart feels about it," she said. "Do you hate him for it?"
"No."
"It's okay to admit it. Okay to have it. Just because something you feel is bad doesn't mean you should pretend it's not there."
"But he doesn't deserve it," Markus said. "And I don't know where to put it."
"Your mind always puts it somewhere. The question is what you can turn it into."
There was a pause that hung over them. Markus took deep breaths of the fresh air, savoring the forest taste. Froslass gazed around at the top of the trees at the yellow light shining through.
"This is more than enough for one day," Froslass said. "Awareness is the start of the journey."
Like electricity, Markus realized he didn't know her name, and remembered she was a boss at a new job.
"Uhm," Markus said, "sorry to just kind of vent that, uhm..."
"Xiao Qiu," Froslass introduced. "It's going to be nice to work with you, Markus Valek. I'll show you how we do patrols tonight, so we'll head back so you can rest up."
"Kay."
Markus followed her on the way back. He was still reeling from the surprise of the conversation becoming so personal.
The people of Lao Shen must've treated combat differently than he thought of it. It was never a way of life to him, just a discipline like writing or science. She could be right. It could be more.