Work Text
Her tiny lungs burned, her tiny limbs ached as she hurried as fast as she could through the forest floor. Her entire body begged to stop and rest. But she knew if she stopped, she’d be the next the Seviper slaughtered. “Ralts!!!” She managed to let out, falling down a holler and sliding down the slope, leaves and more disorienting her as she tumbled, getting muddy and sore from every bump. Once she stopped sliding, she eased herself up, looking up and past her now messy hair, trying to see if she was still being followed. “Vi…..” She heard in the distance, knowing it was still hunting her. Gritting her teeth, she picked herself up and returned to running, desperate to get away. ‘ Please!’ She thought to herself, shutting her eyes as she ran forward, ‘Mama, Papa, if you can still hear me, send me one of Arceus’ Angels, I need them!!!’
Thud!!
“Ow!!!” A voice let out as she fell back on her butt, bringing her back to the world around her. Looking up, her eyes widened at the sight before her. “What’s going on?” One of the Humans asked the other, his hair long, with a decent portion of it an emerald green, his roots brunette. “This one ran into me horn-first.” The other replied, aiming her flashlight at her, blinding the tiny Pokemon. “Why is a Ralts all muddy like that?” The first one asked before hearing the hissing that she was running from. “My guess Travis? That.” The second one said, reaching down and scooping her up. “Ralts!! Ralts!!!” She cried out, trying to get out of her grip. “Of course, its afraid of people.” “Shut up Travis. We just gotta get back to Sanctuary.” She scolded him, starting to walk with her tiny body under her arm. “Do we gotta take it with us? We don’t know if it has a family.” “If it had a family, you know as well as I that the Mother wouldn’t let us get close to it, let alone see it. Besides, Shiny or not, the Boss loves this species.”
BEEEEP!!!!
The door before her slid up, revealing a large, well lit area before her. She cautiously shuffled out, peering around the corners to find a different-looking forest compared to what she’s used to. In addition, it was very warm, greatly different than what she’s used to for this time of year. Once she was clear of the tiny gate, it closed down and hid itself, cutting off the tiny box she was in. ‘Mama...Papa...I’ve been captured by Humans….’ She thought to herself before hearing a rustling nearby. “Mm? Who’s arrived now?” A feminine voice called out. Stepping through the brush out to her was a Tsareena, towering over the tiny Ralts. “Oh! You’re a sight for sore eyes.” “W-who are you?!” She managed to squeak out as she tried to back up, getting scooped up by the much larger Pokemon. “Easy, little one.” She reassured her, petting her head as she rested her on her hip. “My name is Cereza, and you’re safe now.” “But there’s Humans nearby!!” She pleaded. “I know. These ones are nice.” She reassured, strutting through the brush and walking her past several other Pokemon. The tiny Ralts was amazed at the various species around her. Surskit, Venipede, Burmy, Tailow, and many more all intermingling with each other. “This place is a sanctuary, where all Pokemon can interact without worry of predators or Poachers.” The Ralts listened as she explained, until she saw a Tyrannitar stomping in a flat area, several Larvitar hanging off its back. “I thought you said there weren’t any predators!!” She panickedly said, pointing. Cereza looked over, spotting what she was talking about. “Oh, don’t worry about Big Betty. You give her and her family space and she’ll leave you alone.” She reassured her, getting to a small meadow. “Viola, we have a guest!” “Ugh, whatever Mom!!!” A Steenee started to say as it walked out of the tree hollow it was resting in. “Huh? What’s with the Ralts?” “The Galactics brought her in. My guess is we just have to wait a while to find her Mother to reunite them.” She answered, seeing her own daughter roll her eyes before hearing quiet sobs coming from her arms. Looking down, she could see the tiny Pokemon crying before her “What is it, sweetie?” “….Mama and Papa aren’t moving…” Cereza and Viola looked at each other, knowing the meaning of that. “...it’s alright, sweetie.” Cereza said, petting the Ralts’ head. “You can stay with us. Besides, who knows, the Big Human might take you for his own.” Temperance, as she was called, meditated with a neighboring Medicham, focusing on the notes she’d taken in the months she’d been there by now. The Humans feed them every day between 9am and 5:30pm according to the flock of Hoothoot. No more than two Humans wheel all the food in on a flat cart before distributing it all to the Pokemon when they come to them. The Cart is scanned incoming and outgoing, so that isn’t a viable escape route. The Humans take 30 minutes to get the food out, they often try to hurry later in the day. While the dome for the sky looks to be endless, her friend Pomni and her scouted out a vent hidden by a tree. If you’re tiny enough, Big Betty will talk “to” you, but won’t really try to associate with you. With all this information, she had a decent escape plan. Though this time with the Humans was nice, something about the group that held them wasn’t sitting just right with her. Coupled with the fact that she’d yet to meet the “Big Human” that all of these other Pokemon around her seemingly idolized, she was determined to get out of there.
ding! Dong!!!
Her eyes fluttered open as the breakfast bell sounded, looking up to Mei Li, who looked back down to her. “Breakfast time, Tempy!” She cheered, reaching down to allow her to climb up her arm and ride her shoulder, being carried over to the main food distribution area. She studied the area around her, seeing the other various species circling the cart. She waved gently to Cereza and Viola, reassuring them that she was still okay. She knew they’d miss her after she left, but she knew that she had to leave. Looking back at the Humans, she was amazed at one thing. A Third Human with a clipboard was standing with the two tasked with feeding today. “That’s not normal…” Temperance said gently.
“No, it just means that it’s that time again.”
“That time?”
“Hello everyone!” The third Human said, projecting her voice out to the crowd. “Well, it’s that time of year again! Mr. Retahikari is going to be stopping by tomorrow to welcome one of you into his own personal Family!” The other Pokemon started to cheer, excited whilst Temperance stared in shock, seeing the Human scanning the group with her eyes. “He does try to be fair to everyone, so while some..” She focused on Temperance, keeping a smile up while their gazes met, “might seem like they have an advantage, rest assured he’ll give everyone a fair chance. He’ll arrive tomorrow at Nine sharp, so please be here and ready.” She finished, bowing and nodding to the two regular Humans before walking back towards the entranceway. “This can’t be happening….” Temperance said to herself, processing just how big of an Aipom wrench this threw into her plans. “It happens once a year, near when his birthday happens I think.” Mei Li explained, walking over to get their portions. “After that, some of the local children get to come in to try to find their first Partner Pokemon from the other youngsters. If he doesn’t pick you, odds are the kids will.” Mei Li nodded as she took their bowls, bringing them back to the meditation spot and letting her down. “Thanks...mind if I eat by myself today?” Temperance added, to which she got a nod. Levitating the bowl with her powers, something the training with her mentor helped her learn how to do with ease, Temperance hurried to the brushes to hide herself, before letting the food dish fall and spill as she took off, looking for the tree that held her friend. “Pomni! Pomni!!” She called out, looking up for the Noivern nest. “Mom, that’s Tempy, can I go talk with her?” She heard from the ground, not hearing the response from the more volume-controlled parent. “Thank you!!!!” Pomni took off, her tiny Noibat wings flapping fast to keep her mostly aloft until she got to Temperance, landing before her. “Hey Tempy, what game are we gonna play today?”
“No games. We’ve got to execute the plan. Tonight.”
“What? Tonight?!”
“Yes tonight, before that guy shows up!”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea. Mom says-”
“I don’t want to get taken by any Human!” The Noibat looked around, nervous, before nodding to her. “Alright. Five minutes before the dinner bell, be ready near Big Betty.”
“No.”
“Oh come on, you said you’d think about it!”
“And my answer is No.” The Tyrannitar said to her, sitting with her children playing and rolling off her spiny back.
“It’s just throwing me up in the air!”
“This place is safe, small one. It’s high time you accepted that.” Big Betty then stood, walking away from her. Temperance frowned, now worried as the main lift for her to get into the air began to walk away.
“What am I going to do…..”
“Psst!!” She heard from behind a rock. Looking around, she spotted the olive-green horn of Tortimer, her youngest son, moving behind. He stuck his tiny head around to make sure she was out of earshot, before waving her back over to him. Not looking a gift Mudsdale in the mouth, she hurried over to him, getting to whisper distance. “You said you needed a lift to get out of here?” “Yes, can you help?” Tortimer nodded to her. “I can use my horn to launch you up, but are you sure you wanna do this?” She nodded to him. “Okay….get ready.” He said, lowering his head as she aimed where he was going to throw her. After seeing Pomni start flying around, she tapped on his head, causing him to snap his head back upright, throwing her directly in line with Pomni’s flight path. “See you when you get back!!!” Temperance readied herself, counting the seconds as Pomni hurried to her, reaching out at just the right moment to get her tiny hands into her feet, gripping them as she held on tight. “Alright, hurry!!” Temperance said, getting flown into the treeline, lifting herself up so she doesn’t get hit with any branches while Pomni flew. “We’re here!!” After a few minutes, Pomni hovered, letting Temperance use her powers to gently rip the vent cover off the screws, before swinging her lower body and throwing her friend into the now open vent.
“Thank you Pomni. I’m never going to forget you.”
“No problem! I’ll see you when you get back!!” Temperance paused for a moment before nervously nodding, beginning her slow crawl through the vents. Temperance groaned to herself, covered in cobwebs, dust, and some patches of oil as she continued to crawl in the vent for the past three hours. Did she have regrets about leaving the Sanctuary? Well yes, it was nice and cozy, but she just couldn’t shake that something was off about it. She just didn’t expect the maze of vents to be where she’d get stuck at. “Just one of these paths needs to be the-” She began to say, before turning a corner to see another vent cover. Hurrying over to it, she could see the outside. The Actual outside. “Jackpot!!” She said to herself, using her power to throw the cover forward before gently lowering herself down to the ground. Once she got down there, she hurried to the treeline, focused on trying to go and hide as fast as she possibly could. “Just...gotta…..move….” She muttered to herself before sliding down a small hill. She continued to move before a lump landed before her. “Therrrrre you arrrre” the Seviper hissed at her, coiling up and smirking at her, watching her back up in fear. “Theyyyy said I was inssssane for sticking near thissssss place…” He moved slowly towards her, focused on the scent of fear she was giving off. “But how can onnnnnne resist the tassssste of a delicious Fairy.” Springing himself back, he launched himself at her, fangs first.
KLANG!!!!!
Temperance was thrown back as she saw an entirely different Human than the ones she’s seen intercept the Seviper, and with a very thin sword no less. Its blade was horizontal, catching both fangs before it could get to her. With a flick of his wrist, the Human sent the Seviper back, then intercepted the following strike from its bladed tail. Within a few moments, the pair traded blows and parries frequently, neither getting an upper hand. The Seviper landed after several lunges, far enough for the Human to slowly sheathe his sword, his thumb resting on the round guard encircling the thin blade. “There’s no food for you here. This Pokemon is under my protection. Leave, before I get my backup out here.” He told the snake Pokemon, pulling out a pair of Pokeballs, both shrunk down to travel size.
“Ffffoolish Human. Do you have a Deatttttth wish?”
“The only wish I have is to protect these Pokemon. Last chance.” He stated, putting the balls away and putting his free hand over the handle of his sword. “So be it, Human!!!” It lunged out at him, its fangs and tail glowing purple with Poisonous Energy at the Human. Within the blink of an eye, the Human drew and swung with his blade, the snake landing behind him. After a few moments, the Human slowly stood, his shirt ripping off from the swipes dealt to him. Seemingly ignoring them, he slowly sheathed his sword. Once the hilt hit the scabbard, the Seviper swayed and fell to the side, a deep gash in its side. Temperance stared at it for a moment, afraid to touch it before hearing the Human turn around. Looking up, she saw a new cut on his chest, alongside several dozen other scars and healed cuts. He walked forward, reaching into his pocket and pulling out one of those Pokeballs from before, tossing it and catching it after it bounced on the Seviper’s fainted body, capturing it inside with no effort. “Now….” He said, regaining the tiny Pokemon’s attention, the angle of him looking at her giving her the meanest glare possible. Crouching down, he scooped her tiny body up, looking into her face at his eye level. “See why you guys are kept in the Sanctuary?” He said happily to her, giving her a big toothy grin and a bright and cheerful expression past the thick beard. He brought her to his chest, carrying her back to the Sanctuary building. Temperance was befuddled to say the least. Of all the Humans she’d encountered, this one was not only the most different, she didn’t know if he was the bravest or the craziest. She could smell from the cut on his chest that there was poison working through his veins, and yet he was just….talking to her as if nothing was wrong. “It’s been a while since I’ve seen another Ralts in this area. I know I’ve got to pick a Pokemon tomorrow, but I’m thinking I might just adopt you too if you’re this adventurous.” He said to her. “You want that? A new Family with my other kids?” She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. He could easily be dying right now, and he was wondering if she- “Dad, what the hell!?!?” A familiar voice called out into their minds. Temperance looked over, seeing a Shiny Gardevoir and a Shiny Gallade running out to them. “Gwen, Galahad, I’m okay.” “Dad, you’ve got a giant slash on your chest and you’re carrying a dirtied Ralts child.” Galahad retorted, crossing his arms, keeping the blades retracted. “I told you, it’s alright….” “Dad, what did you even fight?” Gwen asked him. The question reminded him, making him pull out one of the Pokeballs. “A Seviper. Have Nurse Joy fix him back up, then send him to Birch to get it relocated away from here. It apparently has a grudge against this little one.” “That thing murdered my parents and it gets to get a new home?” The trio looked to her. “Oh….that’s the grudge….” Before the trio could comment further, she was lifted out of his arms with ease by an unseen source. “Gisosa Retahikari, you run out of the room because of one missing Pokemon and you’ve decided to go running out to get it?” A much larger Shiny Gardevoir asked them all, floating Temperance over to her. What really shocked her, however, was this mysterious Black billowing dress she was wearing, the longer blue hair swinging from her head and the crest having split in two. “Sorry Osiris…..You know I get defensive over our kids and anything that looks like them…..” He said sheepishly, walking over to her and nuzzling her forehead, holding her close at her waist gently. “It’s alright….now, let’s get this little one washed up and ready for bed.” Osiris said, gently lifting her onto her shoulder, turning and seeing some Scientists hurry to the Human, quickly trying to patch him up. These Scientists were different to Temperance. They had large, golden “G”s on the back of their lab coats, encircled by a starburst effect. Temperance carefully aligned the paperwork she was working on, more able to help her Father in running Team Go Galactic in helping the people of Sunyshore City. While he was excellent at doing his other job of being the Sunyshore Gym Leader, also being the leader of an Organization to reform other Teams and preserve Pokemon was a bit of a hassle for any one man. Hence why he always asked his family of Pokemon, either adopted or ones he captured himself, or even ones that hatched, to help him out. Hearing the door open, she turned to see her Father getting off of Chomp, his lead Tyrantrum. “Father!” She floated over to him, giving him a hug as she threw herself into his arms. “Ow! Tempy, you gotta be careful with your Chest Spike…..” He reminded her. She only evolved a few weeks ago, but she still was trying to get used to her new body.
“Sorry Father….So, how did you and Mom do at work? Any particularly strong Trainers?”
“Eh, not many, but one in particular did get the Badge from us. I’m pretty sure he’s gonna go places.” She smiled, letting go and heading to the kitchen to help him and her Mother cook once she was let out of the ball she was “required” to be in. Temperance was once a tiny, scared Ralts. But now, she loved her large family, and wouldn’t give it up for the world.