Chapter Text
The Archipelago. A network of branching islands, dotted amongst each other across the salty, barren seas. Where the elusive, enigmatic world of Pokรฉmon can flourish, without the interference of other forces. Where a world full of so many different species can cooperate, and strive towards a greater future, a greater goal, a greater destiny.
Yet, what lies in its wake?ย Political rampage, cultural imbalances, and the loss of what it meant to be free.
Such evils in an otherwise clean world, meant that society as a concept cannot stand. Notably the western hemisphere, where industry and economy comes before the public, before the needs of the workers. The empire of greed that is so shamelessly spearheaded by those with all the money. Each island scattered around the western hemisphere is described by the east as being 'alike in mindset', as they each share similar political views.
Rich, thieving governors that stand at the pedestal of being their island's proud voice, yet say so many things that its residents find controversial, and borderline illegal and prejudicial.
Below them, the owners of companies and businesses, each with golden fingertips and a lust for power so great, that they cease their needless maltreatment of their workers only if held at gunpoint. The bedazzled rooms and lavish lives they live, with their glistening houses, sticking out from the rest of the cities like diamonds in a dirt mound. Below still, are the workers themselves. The common rabble, as the rich would call them. They make up the majority of the population, and yet they have the least say in any and all political discussions across the west.
Faces sullied with muck and grime, and their arms and legs calloused from the harsh, laborious work that they partake in each and every waking hour of the weekdays. No island has this problem to the degree of Osore.
To the odd onlooker, Osore might seem like just another small, irregular island, dotted within it's numerous lookalikes, adrift on an ocean wave. A tall, snowy mountain protruding from its center, and foothills rising and falling around it's base, the green trees billowing in the whistling, overcast wind. Yet, the island harbors a menacing, deceitful fact. Not a secret, but an ugly, repugnant fact.
Located on the Northern Coast of Osore, is the gigantic, industrial Capital of the Western Hemisphere, Blackfall.ย Blackfall, known by outsiders as the 'City Of Misery' is an enormous, industrial wastebin of a city, with a tattered economy and a tired population, only wishing for salvation. The people wander the meandering, black streets of the Victorian city, darting past city lights, in order to remain cloaked by the vast, shadowy darkness of each road's parameter.
They do this to avoid the harsh, cruel magistrates, comprised of tough, bulky Pokรฉmon that wander the crowded, narrow streets during the night, peering down the alleyways in hopes of scouring for the nearest victim for them to needlessly chastise. Whether it be for lack of money, or some sort of identification item, many of which were too expensive to purchase. The long, serpentine boulevards, barren of trees and happiness, cut between the tall, looming buildings. The yellow glint in every odd window lit up the roads at day, as the sky was often clouded by smog that was coughed up from neighbouring factories. Blackfall was a city that was built on industry, much like it's neighbours. Yet, Blackfall took this idea to a heightened level, producing uncountable megatons of many unfavourable gases into the atmosphere annually.
Yet, the workers themselves oppose all of the carnage, rampant homelessness and political unfairness within the city, and none held a grudge more than Myuku Cirimei.
~
"Fucking writer's block, again..." muttered a Jolteon, laying down his pen, briefly, and leaning back in his rickety, wooden chair. He leaned over, turning to the Weavile that sat on a bed adjacent to him. "You got any ideas?"
"What makes ya think I have any ideas? I'm not nearly as good of a writer as you are." The Weavile responded. The Jolteon considered this before resting his chin in his hands, making a grunt of disdain.
"Fair point, Tsume. Ugh, maybe should've stuck with just the one book." The Jolteon spat, disappointment in his voice as the Weavile sighed. "Bit overzealous writing a second one. Besides, the first wasn't even published, so I've got no reason to start another until it's published."
"I guess that's a decent way of seein' it. Like, why worry about a sequel when the first one is so... unfinished? Not the best analogy, if you can even call it that, but you get my point." Tsume replied, easing his aching bones as he relaxed into the bed he sat on moments prior. "God, did I ever tell you how comfy your bed is?"
"Yes, you tell me every time you visit, actually." The Jolteon remarked quickly, not making eye contact with Tsume. "But, back to the topic at hand, I guess I just want the name 'Myuku Cirimei' to not be recognised as... just a one-hit wonder, y'know?"
"Well, yeah, there's that whole thing too. Look, I've made some shitty life decisions, so I wouldn't take advice from me in any other scenario, but I can tell you this," Tsume proposed, prompting Myuku's attention, who turned to look at him.
"Live your life how you want to. Don't let anyone tell you how you should make yourself happy throughout life. So long as you're not hurting people, do what ya like. We're only here for so long, might as well enjoy it, yeah?" Myuku nodded along, silently agreeing with what Tsume explained to him.
"Yeah, I like your way of thinking more than mine."
"I thought you would, pessimist."
"I am not a pessimist!"
The conversation and banter between the duo ricocheted back and forth like a tennis match, before the Weavile unfortunately had to part ways.
"Hey, see ya soon, alright? Try to be calm around ol' Saiaku, or he'll get you!" Were Tsume's final words before he rounded the old door, and walked away, his footsteps slowly trailing away as he walked down the halls.
Myuku took a sigh of relief as he returned to the comfort of his yellow, tattered bed. It was uncomfortable, itchy and falling apart, but in Blackfall, it was the best he was getting.ย It was getting late, on top of that. Working on the second novel would have to wait until tomorrow.
~
Dawn found its way over Blackfall, not that many residents could tell. The sun crept over the horizon, colouring the brackish water into an elegant, gradient display. The wind whistled softly across the streets, prying through open windows and sending shivers down spines.ย
Myuku awoke, yawning significantly as he rubbed his eyes. His ears twitched slightly as they drooped, before perking up. He shook himself awake as he sat upright in bed. He closed his ajar window, which allowed the chilled wind to slowly sneak its way in. Looking at the clock, he saw the time.ย
7:24
That time would do just fine for him. Work didn't start until 9, so he had a decent amount of time to contemplate about life events before he had to get moving anywhere quickly. He might have to give breakfast a miss, given how he was running somewhat slight in the pockets, and payday, though nearby, had been a while since happening last. He inched slowly out of his bed, stretching his limbs and arching his back as he felt slightly limp. He sat upon his wooden chair beside the desk as he leaned forwards, reaching lazily for his pen before giving up and resting his head on the desk.
8:33.
An hour had passed? It didn't feel like it to him. He must've napped for a little longer than he thought. He picked up his scarf from beside his bed, wrapping it around his muzzle. It was sort of dirty, and probably need a wash at some point soon. Beneath his scarf, there were also a pair of aviation goggles, leathery and worn. His father's, from when he worked in the Goldshire Navy. Sighing, Myuku picked them up and put them over his ears, wincing slightly as they snapped to his forehead.ย
He opened the door to his room, and made his way down the dark, rotting hallways, overhearing the sound of the other awake tenants carrying out their morning routine. He slunk down the stairs, face still battling sleep. After reaching the ground floor, he was approached by a Roserade. She wore a small apron, bearing the logo of the building he was in.
"Morning, Mimi." The Roserade smiled happily, as Myuku gave her a look of frustration.
"Come on, Holloway, I've told you to call me by my actual name..." The tired Jolteon responded, sitting on a sofa propped up against the brown walls. Holloway joined him, frowning slightly as his apparent tiredness.
"Everything alright? You look a bit more forlorn than usual..." She asked worried, to which Myuku responded with an unenthusiastic nod. "I can get you some food if need be. On the house."
"No need, mate. I should be alright. Just... I didn't have the best sleep. I do appreciate the offer."
"Hm, shame. Bad dream, perhaps?" "Yeah, yeah, that was it. I don't remember much about it, except some... figure sitting within my window frame. I sorta collapsed after that point, falling into a better dream, but it's certainly worrying for me." Myuku admitted, as Holloway sat still, her mind in thought.
"Well, hey. I may work here, but I'm your friend too! If you need anything, you know where to find me, m'kay?" She replied, as Myuku nodded at her, a little more confidence this time. "Now, isn't it time for you to go to work soon?" Holloway added, as Myuku was stricken with realisation.
"Shit, you're right! Thank Arceus that I'm a Jolteon... In a bit, Holloway!" Myuku called, already making his way out of the door as his red scarf billowed behind him. Holloway responded with a gentle wave, before returning behind the counter to her fellow employee, who was a Zoroark.
"Something different about that guy, huh?" He asked, prompting Holloway's attention.
"Right you are, Hackney. I don't feel too strongly about most people here, but he's certainly my favourite tenant. Don't tell anyone I said that, though." She hastily added, as Hackney grinned happily.
"Secret's safe with me, Holly. Anyhow, have we got anything else to address?" Hackney replied, looking around the room.
"Yes, as a matter of fact. We do have a couple of reservations to address. Don't know why anyone would do that kind of thing this early in the morning, but hey, who am I to judge?" Holloway replied, as Hackney nodded understandingly.
"Right... well, we've got one here for a Mr. Lyzaki..."
~
As per usual, the streets of Blackfall were packed.ย There was the constant noise of bustling conversation, clinking of money atop counters and the blaring noise of boats by the docks. The dirty paths were vibrating with the sound of footsteps and the sky above was coated in smog. Just another day, as far as Myuku was concerned. He was heading to a particular spot by the docks.
Noir Industries, a company built on the sole prospect of helping with the construction of Blackfall's undefeated Navy. He was entirely opposed to the idea of a Navy, but it was the only job that would take him and paid somewhat consistently well.ย Standing outside of a large, metal door, cigarette in mouth, was a familiar Weavile.
"Ah, Tsume, good to see ya!" Myuku waved towards the Weavile, who looked toward the Jolteon and smiled. "Myuku, mate! Glad to have you here. Let's just get this shift over with before Saiaku gets on our case for the umpteenth time." Tsume joked, as he pushed open the door, and walking down the plank stairs that followed. Myuku followed shortly behind, looking around the narrow, metallic hallway, before entering a small, square room. Said room had a window to its left, tinted with methane and noxious gases.
"So, this is our new work station? Bit shit, if I'm honest." Grimaced Tsume, as he reached for a drawer propped up against the window, and pulling out a slip of paper. "Well, at least it's got all of our stuff that we need for that project."
"Hm, so it does. I'll give Saiaku credit where it's due, prick knows some organising skills." Myuku noticed, opening a cupboard full of files and documents.
"Well then, let's get to work, shall we?" He asked the Weavile, who nodded begrudgingly.
"Yeah, yeah. Let's just get this shit over with..."
~
"So, you have a reservation for room 118? So, that makes you Mr. Lyzaki, correct?" Holloway asked as the hooded figure at the counter responded.
"Mhm, Mr. Lyzaki. Need anything signed? I've paid in advance. Though I'm normally quite stingy, I'll make an exception for this place." He replied, grinning from beneath his hood.
"Yes, actually, just the one thing done, and then we can escort you to your room. Just sign here, confirming your species and date of birth, m'kay?" Holloway responded, as Hackney gave the figure a side-eye, not entirely familiar with him. Handing the hooded figure a paper and pen, he outstretched his paws and writ down the information asked.
"Thank you very much, sir. Now, my colleague, Hackney here, will escort you to your room, if that's alright." Holloway smiled, gesturing to the Zoroark to her side with her petal.
"118, eh? Alright, let's get you there." He muttered, hiding his suspicion as they walked up the stairs. "So, what brings you to the Gentille Inn? We don't get many visitors, to the point where we're familiar with most of our tenants."
"Ah, uhm, I'm looking for a Jolteon. Not a particular one, just one in general." The hooded figure spoke, his accent prevalent and his eyes still not visible. This only made Hackney even more confused, yet intrigued.
"Hm? And why would that be?" Hackney questioned, as the hooded figure began to grow ever so slightly exasperated. "Well, our boss thinks that things in the workplace have been slow, so we need a fast worker and Jolteon seemed like the smartest option. I don't come from Blackfall, you see. So, I have to have a hotel here for about a week. Would you happen to know one?"
"You know, coincidentally, one of our tenants is a Jolteon. He's already employed and doesn't show any sign of exchange soon, I'm afraid. Funny how fate works, eh?" Hackney replied, as the figure smiled.
"Ah, I'd still like to meet him, though. I've always wanted to meet an Eeveelution. That's why I was so insistent to my boss that I was to be sent to Blackfall to look for one." The figure responded, smiling to himself as Hackney chuckled.
"Well, maybe on a weekend, you can see him with Holloway, that Roserade from earlier. Them two get along really well. I think they've known each other for about... 6 years? They go way back. And, he's a very nice Jolteon as well. He'll be a bit nervous though, so be nice." Hackney grinned, as the hooded figure reciprocated the toothy smile.
"Oh, don't worry. I myself used to be shy, I get it. Anyway, is this the room?" The hooded Pokemon asked, pointing to a wooden door with the number '118' engraved on the door.
"Yup, enjoy your stay, Mr. Lyzaki." Hackney replied smoothly, bidding the Pokemon farewell as he turned around and walked back towards the stairs. He found his way back to the desk, where Holloway stood.
"Ah, Holly, I've escorted the tenant to his respective room. Turns out he wants to meet Myuku." Hackney replied, as Holloway smiled.
"Well hey, he seemed nice! Hopefully he can understand how shy Myuku is..."
"Oh, he said he used to struggle with shyness too, so hopefully he understands. I'll step in if there are any issues." Hackney reassured, flashing a thumbs up.
"Hopefully I won't need to."
"No, you shouldn't have to..."