A crescent moon hung over the canyon walls surrounding Pyrite Town. Cassia turned from the highway into an ominous tunnel, where most lights were smashed and few drivers bothered with headlights. Grimy buildings, dimly illuminated by the lights inside, stacked clumsily up against the town's russet walls. The slightly more upmarket Pyrite Heights apartments now glittered above. Seth looked down. His parents lived on the top floor, where his mother Rui ran a Pokémon Day Care, but he didn't want Wes telling his friends how easy the Gym Challenge was and how Orre was different 'back in my day.' Trip offered his grandma's house. He leaned over the front seats to give Cassia directions. The van threaded through dark, urine-scented alleys to reach a dead end. In the shadow of jutting rock, rusty cylinders circled a square where kids played. Teenagers smoked and kissed behind dumpsters.
Trip knocked on the crudely patched-up door of a cylinder in the corner. There was no answer. He took out his keys to let himself in. The door was stiff. He had to shove it. They stepped onto a gaudy yellow carpet. Crates substituded for furniture. Trip's 'room' was a sleeping bag, Cubone doll and football posters in a dusty corner of the main room. Seth felt guilty. He should have just taken them to his place...
Amber, meanwhile, was incredulous. The way his grandma spoke, the way Trip himself spoke, it was impossible to imagine they were this poor. She surveyed the posters. It was clear football was his true passion. Why did she stop him accepting that scholarship? He could have got out of here and earned them some money if nothing else.
'Sorry I can't offer a bed. Feel free to put your sleeping bags wherever. The bathroom's over there.'
He gestured to a stained door. Amber wandered in out of curiosity. Black mould crawled across the damp ceiling. Floral shower gels and lotions were arranged on a shelf over a silver bath. The toilet seat was clean, but rickety. She peered into the remaining room. Fluffy pink sheets covered a bed. It didn't surprise her to see a real wardrobe and dressing table scattered with expensive make-up. She was starting to wonder if Rosen cared about her grandson as much as she claimed.
'Trip?'
Amber tapped him on the shoulder. 'Can I talk to you?'
They stepped outside. He looked suddenly embarrassed.
'Sorry. I know it's a shithole.'
'I don't care, but maybe it is time you question your grandma. Why did she stop you taking that scholarship? I know you don't know, but think about it – is that reasonable? Of course it isn't.'
'I think she wanted me to be a Trainer. Like her.'
'Well, that isn't fair! You wanted to be a football player, really. Didn't you?'
'I don't know...'
'Yes, you do.'
'Well, whatever. It's too late now. Look at this place. I won't get another offer.'
'Why not? Write to them. Explain your grandma discouraged you. When's your next game? Invite the scout.'
'I can't. I'm meant to be dedicating all my time to Pokémon. Grandma will be pissed.'
'What about you? Shouldn't you be pissed with her? Write to them, Trip.'
'But I can't spell.'
'I can.'
She took a notebook and pencil case from her backpack, patting the curb beside her. He uncertainly sat.
'What am I going to say...?'
'Dear whatever the scout's name was...'
'Frankie Keegan.'
'OK, dear Frankie Keegan. My name is Trip Raco and I play for Pyrite Pangoro...'
He only needed her encouragement to start him off. The pen scratched away until his questions were only about spelling. Amber sealed the letter in a Zacian envelope from her stationary set.
'Well, they won't miss that,' Trip said, 'You have everything in there! You're the mom friend.'
'Not quite. No stamps. Shall we go and get some?'
He imitated her accent as he took her hand. 'Ga'an then.'
Emerging from the claustrophobic alleys, they found themselves between battling Pokémon. Amber ducked, but Trip just walked by. That was exactly as her parents described the citizens of Pyrite Town. One of the Trainers steered her out of the way.
'Wait there, kid.'
Glancing back, she recognised Cail. His opponent repeatedly yelled that he was a sellout. Amber disagreed. Despite becoming Gym Leader, he wasn't above battling anyone he came across in the street. His powerful Houndoom and Gardevoir effortlessly mowed down their weak opponents. The man was forced to back off. Cail waved to shoo him.
'Go! Fuck off. You ain't from here and we don't want you!'
Triumphantly folding his arms, he turned to the challengers. 'Sorry about that, little Leon and quarterback. What are y'all doing out so late?'
He shook his head as if to scold them, while still wearing a mischievous smile like his question was a challenge.
'Some shady people about. I was waiting for your mom and dad to come help me out, actually, little Leon.'
'Why?'
'Well, some punk blew a big ass hole in the colosseum and half my staff have bailed. There's somethin' weird afoot! Not that I'm out to rope Leon into it, but I was hoping his Charizard could help us patch it up. Anyway, your cousin's over there at Duel Square. He won't listen to me tellin' him to go home, but maybe he'll listen to you. Be careful, won't ya?'
Trip hesitated. 'Hey, Cail...'
'You look like there's something you're dyin' to know, #11. That your football number, too?'
'Yeah.'
'Turnin' down that scholarship... guess you really wanna be Champion, huh?'
'Well, actually... I don't really care. I mean, I love Pokémon, I really do. I want to be a strong Trainer. But I'd rather be playing football.'
'Dude! Then what're you doin' here?! That Rosen... did she talk you into this?'
'Yeah. That's what I want to ask you. You know my grandma, right? What do you think of her?'
'Decent lady... but she sure can be ruthless. I remember battling her back on her Gym Challenge...'
He lowered his voice. 'Look, I don't usually say this shit, but... if you're askin' me with that look on your face, I thought she was a little harsh on her Pokémon – and that's comin' from your rough old Dark-type Gym Leader. I would've told her, if she asked, that's why she couldn't beat Michael... but she knew it herself, to be honest. I saw your battle with Emili. You're way gentler on your Pokémon. I guess she's like that with you, too?'
'I mean, I never really saw it that way, but...'
'Look, kid... I only need to hear you say you'd rather be playin' football, knowing you turned down that scholarship, to tell you that if you can't figure it out on your own. What I don't get is why your grandma cares what you do.'
'I told Amber earlier... I think she wants me to be a Trainer like her.'
'Or because of her.'
'What?'
'Well, kids, look after yourselves. Go pick up your cousin and don't go off with any weirdos.'
Cail waved. Trip asked him to explain, but he loped off whistling. They uncertainly headed for the shop marked by a flickering Poké Ball hologram. Amber shoved the stamped letter in the postbox when Trip hesitated. Before they approached Duel Square, she turned.
'You know, Trip... I really like you, but I'm not sure if I can give you what you need.'
'I know.'
She was startled. A little unsettled. What did he know? He wore a resigned smile.
'There's way too much for you to explore and experience to stay with me. But I still want whatever you can give me while it lasts.'
'Well, I'd like that, too. I just don't want to hurt you.'
'I already know you will.'
'Oh... well, I'm hurting me, too, if it helps.'
He didn't ask what she meant. Of course he didn't. He never did. But you should. If I leave you with one thing, I hope it's that.
Duel Square's walls were covered in torn posters for events at Pyrite Colosseum and local high schools. Amber pulled off one for Pyrite Pangoro. She stowed it in her bag.
'A souvenir.'
Trip's face lit up. That was what he wanted most; for her to remember him because she wanted to.
The square was curiously empty. Only one Roller Boy remained, repeatedly battling Zane convinced he'd eventually win. He didn't. After his sixth loss, he skated off home. Zane knelt to pet the two new additions to his team: a Duosion he received in a trade and his most impressive catch yet, Larvesta. It made sense they lived in Orre, since they nested at the feet of volcanoes, but Amber wasn't even aware such rare Pokémon were here. Trip wasn't, either. That was the first time he sounded genuinely interested in wild Pokémon.
Zane yawned. 'Guess we'd better get some rest, too.'
He didn't have a choice. It appeared he scared everyone away. Amber expected him to challenge her when their eyes met, but he didn't.
'Arreet, Amber? Check out my new friends!'
Duosion floated curiously towards her. Larvesta gleefully hopped into Charizard's arms.
'Bidoof's gone home. Y'know, to the HQ Lab. Dad's gonna look after him and Maractus for me. I think I'm ready for Cail! By the way, I haven't seen Big-Head Bianka since Agate. Did she drop out or what?'