Doors swished open and Steel thoughtlessly walked forward without checking, her boots pressed against something squishy. Glancing down she found Brass sleeping on the path with Clefa and the ruby curled up in his arms.
“I found him!” Steel called, grabbing her friends by his foot and dragging him into the building.
“That was quick,” Galvin commented watching Steel drag Brass to Bill and his friend. Steel handed over the ruby to the scientists and dragged Brass to the escalators. She struggled for some distance before Galvin approached and lugged Brass up the escalators. Brass and Clefa were then placed down on a bed in the rental room. Now all that remained was to wait for Bill to finish his work and he would take them back to Cinnibar island and pay Brass for his hard work.
“I’m glad Brass is okay.”
“Yeah me too, I was a little worried that he wasn’t here at curfew.”
“A little? You were pacing in circles for hours!” Steel huffed. Galvin joined her on the couch.
“Maybe a little, but he’d fine now.”
“Are you sure about that?”
“Yeah, he has no sings of pneumonia or anything and he always was resistant to the cold air.” He glanced over to her, mildly concerned. “What about you?”
“What?” She blinked.
“Are you feeling okay? With Simon and all…?”
“I feel better… but I still worry about him. He’s so young and he must be scared to death… I just wish I knew what they were doing…” Galvin hugged her around her shoulders with a sigh.
“They won’t do anything to him, I’m sure of that.”
“But how can you be sure?”
“They wouldn’t of brought him all the way out here if he didn’t have some value to them. For the time being…. we just have to wait…”
—-
Galvin later disappeared that afternoon, more than likely to get a look around the islands some more, leaving Steel in charge of watching Brass. Not that she minded it. Brass woke up an hour or so after Galvin departed. Steel was ready to deliver a lecture about being out so late and not even taking a coat in this weather when Brass grasped her hand and stared at her mother’s ring.
“What are you…?”
“Articuno. That’s your partner, right?” Steel flinched, yanking her hand away.
“No! I-I dont have an Articuno, that’s silly.”
“Don’t worry, I can do that soul thingy too with Moltres. He was the one that told me about you and Articuno.”
“Oh….”
“How long have you been able to fuse?”
“About a week or so….”
“I see…” the air around the two quickly became silent and awkward. Brass scratched his head. “So, uh, Moltres, he said it’s my job to protect you and… whoever is the Guardian is. So, I’ll do my best.”
“I’ll make sure of that too… the only problem is… where can we even practice fighting?” Brass shrugged.
“That’s a good question. Maybe the birds have a castle in the sky somewhere we can sneak off to.”
“Right… Articuno had a castle inside the Sea Foam islands and it was huge. Well, we can ask them when we’re alone, Bill or Galvin can come up at any second and I’d rather not take that chance…” Brass nodded and fell back against the bed.
“'sides, I’m still tired…”
“Yeah, Articuno said the whole soul thing drains you at first. It takes a while to get use to it. You were also outside all last night.”
“The doors were locked.”
“We realized that.” Steel jumped to her feet. “but don’t worry about that. I’ll go get you something to eat.” Steel left the room with a smile, although on the inside she was troubled. It was nice to have another ally in this fight against Rune so she wouldn’t go into battle alone but, why Brass? Why did it have to be her best friend? Her friends were the last people she wanted involved with Rune…
Especially since the Rune incident from five years ago took Galvin’s father and mother from him and mortally wounded Brass’s dad to the point the man was trapped in a wheelchair for the rest of his life. While it wasn’t her fault, she was the heir to Rune and the guilt of the event burdened her for years.
.
..
…
..
.
“Do you know what’s going to happen to her?”
“They say she has a family friend in Pallet Town.”
“At least she wont be here. Viridain doesn’t need more trouble makers like those Hoffmanns.”
“Oh watch you mouth! She’s only a child!”
“You know it’s true! It’s all Rune’s fault for that explosion!”
Young Steel shook her head as she waited at the doorstep. Her black clad toes danced around and tiny fingers curled around the framed photo of her deceased parents.
“I can’t believe I got stuck dragging you here. This is so lame.”
“You can leave Sean.” Steel huffed through her depression. She didn’t need this jerk to be mean to her now, or ever really. The boy suddenly grabbed her by a chunk of hair, making her flinch.
“I will gladly go, but if I find out you do have something to do with that brat’s disappearance, you’re in trouble.”
“Shut up. He probably ran away because you’re a giant jerk!” Sean sneered, letting go of Steel and making his way back to home with his Shuppet at his side. She sighed as soon as he was gone. She knew where he was but she would never tell, he would never be safe if Sean knew where he was.
The young girl took a deep breath and reached out for the door. The door was suddenly yanked open before she could knock. The woman on the other side looked distressed and tired but noticing Steel she calmed down.
“Oh thank goodness, I was afraid you would still be alone in Viridian…” The woman smiled, reaching out and taking Steel’s suitcase. “Please, come in. I’ll show you to your room.”
—
Steel’s first night in Pallet Town went rather smoothly. The room her adoptive mother, Leena, set aside for her was in fine order and the girl easily unpacked her things and found a place where they belong in the room. Today was going to be her first day in Pallet Town Academy, she usually had a maid back at home tutor her so this was a new experience for her…
She stood before the class, keeping her eyes on her shoes the whole time as she was introduced to the class. She gave a meek hello when prompted to and looked up to the table the teacher pointed to. The table was empty, at least when compared to the other tables, save for two boys. One boy with coppery brown hair and brown eyes held his hand up high. The other boy seemed to lack that enthusiasm the other had, his sandy brown hair hanging over his green eyes full of sadness.
“Brass and Galvin, Steel will be joining you at your table.” her named seemed to get the attention of the saddened boy and quickly did his attitude shift to one of anger and rage.
From there, things did not flow so smoothly. While Brass seemed to accept her with smiles and friendship, Galvin did not so much. Any opportunity was he given he would drag Brass away from Steel and bully her. From hiding her lunchbox, dipping the ends of her hair in paint and in the process ruining her clothes and when it came to PE it was a field day. Purposely pelting her with balls, tripping and shoving her.
Her mother would always inquire why she came home a mess but she would never confess, thinking she could try again and talk to Galvin. Maybe they could fix it all with a talk but that was not how fate wanted it to go. Galvin managed to throw a dodge ball so hard at Steel she stumbled back and hit her head on the floor. Steel began to cry at the pain and Galvin laughed. This pushed Brass over the edge, he cross the field line and tackled Galvin, screaming as he threw kicks and punches. The class scattered to try and locate the teacher or remain behind to egg on the fight while some girls went to Steel’s side.
It was needless to say when parents and guardians came to the office no one was happy. Daisy apologized many times on the behalf of her younger brother and grandfather, who could not join them for the parental meeting, and promised she would talk to him about his behavior. Brass’s father was simply upset with that fact that his son got into a fight, with a friend no less. Lenna felt rather saddened that Steel couldn’t help her and wished she could of done something sooner.
That night the heated argument at the Oak household could be heard all around the town.
The days following the fight Galvin maintained a distance between himself and Brass and Steel. Everyone watched him dance about in his seat,, which was relocated for the time being, with hesitation, he seemed like he wanted to speak but was unable to. About a week later he finally managed to blurt it out as a group of students were trying to ask Steel to play with them.
“I’m sorry!” Everything seemed to stop for a moment. Steel opened her mouth to speak but downed out as the group of students unleashed a wave of scorn and anger upon him, making him flinch but he made no arguments. After all, he did bully Steel letting his sadness of his parents passing and anger aimed at Rune get the best of him. In the end, Daisy was right. She was unrelated, she just happened to be the kid of the two creators of the organization and she was suffering in her own rights too. So, he continued to stand still and silent as the students barked at him, claiming it was wrong how he suddenly wanted to be buddy buddy with her, and he was just lying.
“Shut up!” Brass barked with ferocity. Everyone jumped at his booming voice. Steel glanced between him and Galvin, who was near in tears at this point. Brass made a motion with his hand, as if a signal to speak up.
“Uhm… you’re all being mean to him…!”
“But…” a student tried to speak up but Brass gave them the scariest look he could muster.
“My mom said people can make mistakes! They don’t always feel bad but they can and it can be hard to admit some times! Galvin said he’s sorry… so he’s sorry!” Steel offered a hand, slowly. “So, let’s try this again… I’m Steel Selma, it’s nice to meet you!”
“I-I’m Galvin Oak.” The boy choked. He wasn’t really expecting her to stand up of all people after how bad he was.
“Let’s be friends!” and with that Galvin began to bawl.
—
Steel found herself smiling as she left her memories. It never was her fault but… she always felt bad…
“What are you still doing out here? It’s cold.” a voice called behind her. She turned to face Galvin. She cracked a smile.
“I was just thinking…” Assuming the worst, Galvin pulled her into a hug. She blinked but accepted it. “Don’t worry it wasn’t about Simon, just… Rune and stuff.”
“And stuff?” he questioned, holding her out at arm length. “What kind of stuff?”
“When we were little.” Galvin paled a little. He… didn’t like recalling those memories. He still couldn’t believe Steel wanted to be friends with him after how awful he treated her.
“Oh…” Steel threw here arms around his neck, throwing him off balance for a second. The two had a tight hold on the other as the regained balance. “Don’t worry about it, you’re my best friend Galvin.”
“I’m sorry…” he muttered none the less.
—-
The ship made it to Pallet Town with no issues. The group bid farewells to Bill and left to their houses for the night. Each household had a dinner waiting for their respective trainer. Steel shared stories and did all she could to keep her mother in the dark about Rune. After dinner she took and quick shower and made her way to Viridian City.
She could careless if it was getting late. She knew how Giovanni Hoffmann accepts challenges at any hour. Once she made it to the Poke Center she accessed her account in the PC and swapped her Rhydon for Paris, who was now a Parasect. She stormed out of the center and to the gym. As she predicted, it was unlocked.
She strolled in with a serious face, a strong poise and Paris’s pokeball firmly grasped in her hand. She noticed a body leaning against the wall. She glared at the person. A thin, pale young man with red hair dressed in a black dress coat and crisp navy dress pants.
“Well, well, well. I never thought I would see your ugly mug again Shinjiro.”
“It’s Selma now,” Steel huffed, wrinkling her nose. “And I could say the same about you Sean. Going to mock me all day or what? I’ve got to beat “daddy dearest” so get outta my way.”
He suddenly laughed, getting close to her face with a somewhat crazy look.
“YOU best my old man in a pokemon battle? You must be joking!” Steel swung her arm and slammed her fist square into Sean’s face.
“Shut up.” she grumbled, storming past him as he grabbed his bleeding nose. “You have no right to criticize me.”
That was the main reason she avoided coming here with Galvin and Brass. She had a history with the Hoffmann family. Her family knew what they did behind the scenes, and both heads of the households hated each other for their life styles. Rune dedicated to peace and tranquility, Rocket reserved for domination and war. Sean was the heir of Rocket and he made it his point to harass her due to being Rune’s heir and to drag out their parent’s battle. Hard to believe the two households didn’t break into warfare before the Rune Incident occurred.
Steel made it to the arena of the gym where onlookers gawked at her. Across the field and dressed in black was Giovanni. The man adjusted his tie and glared at her.
“I never expected you to reach this far Shinjiro.”
“Selma,” Steel corrected with a huff. “Let’s get this over with, I need to get home.”
“Tell me Selma,” his spoke her name with utter disgust and disapproval. “Where is my other brat of a son?”
“He probably ran away because you’re a shitty father.” she practically mirrored the same response she gave Sean years ago when he asked the same question
“I see, I will have to beat the answer out of you.”
Lass Steel VS Leader Giovanni!
Steel unleashed Paris onto the field and immediately started off with a Energy Ball. The grass type attack had the obvious advantage against the Rhyhorn. Overall Steel had the type advantage against Giovanni but not skill. He held the title of gym leader for quite some time, at least twenty five years, even more than Surge.
Steel commanded Paris to dig and follow up with an Energy Ball. The giant mushroom crab pokemon burrowed under the field and peeked out under the unprotected underbelly of the Rhyhorn. The green ball of earthly nature slammed into the rocky rhino, sending it up into the air and slamming down, unconscious.
Giovanni eyes widened for a second which followed a smirk. Usually he could whip out any smug brat in one go. It seems Steel had some strength. How amusing.
Dugtrio joined the battle, burrowing a hole too quick to be seen. The digger pokemon burrowed holes across the battlefield creating many holes and a huge amount of distance between Paris and it’s self. Frustrated by this game of whack a mole, Steel commanded Paris go underground and fight the Dugtrio. It was hard to tell what was even going on but regardless, both sides shouted attacks. Paris resurfaced, rather beaten up, so the pokemon was swapped out for Bubbles. She quickly ordered the pokemon to focus its water attack into the holes to flush out Dugtiro. The pokemon was ejected out of the underground tunnel system and hit the ground out cold.
Giovanni snarled, down to his last pokemon and so Nidoking took stage. Steel quickly ordered a blizzard from Bubbles. With a mighty roar strings of cold air and developing ice chunks pelted the enemy. With the floor being wet and muddy the cold air froze Nidoking’s muddy feet. The ice climbed over the pokemon’s body encasing it in ice.
Bubbles crouched down, charged its frozen pray and smashed his head into the Nidoking, dislodging it from the ground and sending it flying. The impact shattered the ice, the Nidoking slammed its foot on the ground. The ground under Bubble’s suddenly gave away as energy burst from it. Bubbles flew up but maintained a defense by withdrawing in it’s shell. Nidoking slammed it’s foot onto the giant shell, as if to crush it under its foot but Bubbles launched a hydro cannon which rocketed both of the pokemon into the air. Bubbles followed with yet another hydro cannon as it emerged from it’s shell. A direct hit to Nidoking’s chest and the pokemon plummeted to the ground, unconscious.
With a grin, Steel placed her hands on her hips.
“How’s that for you Hoffmann?” She casually strolled up to the referee and collected her badge. On her way out she made sure to step on the foot of the gawking Sean.
“Victory is very sweet.” She mused inspecting the leaf shaped badge.
—
“How long until we can move?”
“Only a couple of days. Once the opening ceremony for the Pokemon League begins everyone will focus all their attention there and not on us. The move will be smooth sailing from there.”
“That’s good and Linda?”
“She’s in good hands sir.”
“I see…”