Act 1 - Chapter 6

"Oh, is that how it is, sweetie?" Kristine said, crossing her arms under her chest, "That is a real problem, but don't you worry. Just leave it to me and old grouchy. You're free to use the studio for now and I can teach those little ones everything they need to know!" she said confidently with a huff.

"Uhhh.." Trey grumbled unconvinced, "That's fine Kristine. I appreciate all the help you are giving me already, I don't want to troub-"

"It's no trouble at all! I used to be an elementary school teacher and Mr. Mime here used to help out. We have it down on lock right Mime?" Kristine said, shooting a first into the air suddenly.

"Mime Mime!" Mr. Mime reciprocated with a shout.

"O-ok…" Trey reluctantly agreed.

Rose cood in his arms as his shoulders slightly slumped, his thoughts turning to how the twins might turn out if they were taught by Kristine.

Patting Rose's head he sighed then turned his expression to a smile looking back at Kristine.

"I don't know how I can repay you. But I will someday. Thank you, Kristine," Trey thanked.

"Sweetie! How many times have I told you to call me Krissy? Kristine is for customers, not family," she smiled back pulling him in for another hug.

Trey protested only slightly out of subconscious habit and possibly because he was a little embarrassed, but he quickly relaxed in the woman's arms. Happy to just feel the warmth of another person who cared for him.

He suddenly remembered Miss Uruha and how she would also comfort him like this on the hard days. The memory passed and left Trey bittersweet.

Pulling away, he reminded himself of what he had to do, and who he had to find, rekindling his deepening hate for whoever was responsible. And Trey knew who he needed to find first.

Charles….

Kristine frowned at being pushed away, but bounced back, hooping her arm through Trey's.

"We better get inside before Donnie really does fire you. Come on Mimie, we're opening shop!" she cheered, pulling Trey inside.

"Mime Mime!"

"Ahhh, careful! You're going to smush Rose!" Trey scoffed.

"Allllltttsss….." Rose cooed.

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After changing into his uniform, Trey and Rose made their way through the hall and out onto the floor. The bar had just opened and the patrons had slowly started to trickle in.

Donnie stood behind the bar, sipping on amber liquid as he looked out to the floor, greeting the incoming patrons with terse nods. He noticed Trey walk through the door, and motioned him over with his chin.

"What am I doing today then Donnie?" Trey asked.

Donnie looked down at Rose for a moment, then focused back on Trey as he put down his drink and dug into his pocket.

"Your pay for the week, and a small advance. You're going to start working the floor," Donnie said, handing a stack of credits.

Trey looked down and counted the money.

"Donnie… I can't take this!" Trey said surprised.

Donnie had handed Trey his pay for the week, 600 credits but he had given Trey an extra 300 credits.

"Don't sweat it, kid, think of it as an investment. I've seen how you handle the customers at the bar, and you're turning 18 soon. It's time you take that charm to the floor. Remember what I've taught you about handling people and you'll do fine, and with any luck get some tips. Maybe even find yourself a nice broad if you're slick with it," Donnie explained.

Trey smiled, as he sighed. Donnie was always like this, trying to push him outside his comfort zone. But he somewhat understood it now. Donnie was trying to force him into experiencing new things, never letting him get comfortable, and it had truly helped him in adapting quickly.

"Sure thing, Donnie. Is it alright if Rose stays out with me? I want her to get used to things around here and I think seeing some of the psychic Pokemon do their thing might help her,"

"Help her..? Never mind, I don't want to know. Long as she doesn't cause problems, makes no difference to me, kid. Now go do your thing, I'll be at the bartending today, so ask Kristine if you can't handle anything. She'll be floating around," Donnie said waving him off.

Trey nodded gratefully back to Donnie, putting the money into his pocket before taking a tray and pad from the bar and moving to the floor.

He had since had to put Rose down on the floor, unable to carry her now that he was working.

Trey bent down making sure to let her know the rules for the bar.

"Ok, sweetie. Remember to always stay with me ok? Don't bother customers, no eating stuff off the floor, we always give a small bow when serving, and we always remain pleasant. And don't forget to smile," Trey advised.

Rose nodded along, eventually raising a white-sleeved hand in confidence.

"Looks like you got it then," Trey smiled, "Then off we go!" he said, walking to the first table, Rose trotting along behind him.

"Good evening everyone, I will be serving you for the eveni-'' Trey tried to ask, only to be cut off.

"Jin and tonic kid. Sam's gonna have his regular. Tommy, what you want?" the man said, interrupting Trey and firing off his order.

"Get me some Cognac, the good stuff, none of that cheap shit," Tommy ordered, taking a puff of his cigar.

Trey kept his smile, giving a small bow, Rose doing the same despite her feelings of anger spilling over her psychic thread.

"Understood, right away sirs," Trey said, turning to walk back to the bar.

Who is Tommy and what's his regular… Trey sighed.

But before he could get out of earshot he heard some whispering.

"Hey isn't that Charles Ralts?"

"Yeah, what's it doin' with some kid..?"

"Don't know, didn't that dumbass skip town?"

"Course not, you think that fuck up has the wits to do the smart thing? He's still probably skulkin' round like the worm he is."

Trey didn't let the information slip away, but he had to still work. Cursing he moved away from the conversation the voices melding into the noise of the bar as he got to the counter.

"Jin n' Tonic, Cognac, and some guy named Sam wants his regular," Trey said looking over his shoulder.

Donnie raised his brow, then slapped Trey with the towel on his shoulder.

"Hey, kid. Look at me when you're talkin'. I ain't no fucking shmuck. And Tommy's regular is a martini dry, remember that, cause the weird bastard tips well, just don't take any drink offer he gives you," Donnie said, shaking his head.

"Why's that?" Trey asked, looking back as he rubbed the side of his face.

"Don't worry about it, just don't take nothin' ya hear me," Donnie concluded, pouring out two drinks, and mixing another.

"They seemed to know about Rose's previous owner… Donnie?" Trey asked, watching him finish shaking the last drink, pouring it into a salted glass.

Donnie only exhaled a drag of his cigar in response, it bobbing up and down as if to say 'What Kid?'

"Have you heard about anything… About this guy named Charles? He was there… that night the Orphanage burned down…" Trey said, his face grimacing.

"Don't get caught up about Charles," Donnie said, slipping the full tray onto the counter, "He runs with some very deep and dangerous people. Take my advice and let it go kid. For your own good."

Trey clenched his jaw frowning as he thought back on the Orphanage and all of the people he had lost because of that night. Only to be pulled back to the moment when Rose pulled on his pant leg from below, a small coo of concern.

He patted her head but said nothing, unable to truly dismiss her worries he felt through their connection. His mind focused on how to get more information on the possible killer, Charles.

Taking the tray from the counter, Trey walked back over to the table that had ordered.

"Here are your drinks, sirs. Jin and Tonic, Tommy's regular, and the most expensive Cognac the house has. If there is anything else please allow me to get it for you while you enjoy your night.," Trey said giving a small bow.

"My, what a well-mannered boy, would you care to join us?" Tommy asked, waving a hundred credit bill in the air.

Trey bit his lip. He could use the money but he had self-respect.

"Unfortunately the floor is busy tonight and I will have to decline. Thank you for your considerate offer," Trey said bowing again and turning to go to the next table.

"Haha! Turned down again Tommy!" a voice cried out behind Trey.

A shiver ran down Trey's spine.

Good thing Donnie said something… I'm so desperate for cash I almost considered it… Trey thought, his arms mentally hugging himself as he cringed.

Looking down Trey noticed Rose shiver slightly as well, forcing a chuckle from him.

She must have gotten that mental image I just had… Hope that didn't scar her… Trey scoffed.

The next table was more accommodating with a gaggle of women.

"Good afternoon," Trey said bowing, "May I get you some drinks for this evening?"

"Oh! Would you look at this Sherry? Isn't he a cutie?!" one of the girls said.

"Calm down Trish, he's underage," a voice said from the side.

Trey looked over and was surprised to see Kristine walk over. She had changed into her serving outfit, a long red dress, with an open back.

"Mouuu, Kristine! Why would you have jail bait in the bar…. You know we come here to have fun!" Trish admonished.

"Don't pout silly, he's trying to make his way for his little ones. So don't forget to tip!" Kristine winked, patting Trey on the shoulder before waving goodbye.

"You have children? My that's very admirable of you to work at your age," one of the other girls said.

Trey gave a nervous chuckle wishing Kristine hadn't mentioned that small bit.

"Yes… They aren't blood-related, but I'm currently taking care of them nonetheless," Trey admitted.

Suddenly a hand gripped his own and he was forced to look at the owner of it, her eyes watering as she looked back at him.

"You're such a kind boy! How old are you again?" she asked, her tears beginning to well up enough to spill over her mascara.

"I'm 17.. Turning 18 in six months…" Trey said hesitantly, trying to pull his hand from her grip.

The girl began to sniffle, "Why are all the good ones either too young or taken! You hear me, once you turn 18 you let me take you out on a date. A proper date!" she said, beginning to wail.

One of the other girls quickly got up and helped separate them, "Haha.. sorry her boyfriend just broke up with her… Can we just get some tequila shots," she asked, then heard her friend wail again, her hand hitting the table, "Make that two rounds of shots, and come back often…"

Trey gave a wry smile and nodded.

"That won't be a problem. I hope she finds someone worthy of her very soon," he said, giving a slight bow and turning back to the bar once more.

Trey took no time to reach the bar once more, this time sighing for an entirely different reason.

"Is it going to always be like this?" he asked absentmindedly.

Donnie ignored him, cleaning glasses as he waited for the order.

Trey frowned then recited the order, "They want tequila, lots of tequila shots… Now is it really this bad all the time? How is Kristine not exhausted?" Trey asked again.

Donnie didn't answer right away, opting to grab more than several shot glasses lining them up on the counter.

"Girl's made of pure sunny spirit and Sunflora. I don't think even a Rainy Day could keep her down," Donnie scoffed, grabbing a bottle of amber liquid, "But I'm surprised you can't handle a small party of girls kid. Should be nothing but motivation for someone your age," Donnie said finishing pouring, "And besides, we do get some regular people in here, aren't all them dangerous types. Order up."

Trey pursed his lips to the sides, carefully pulling the tray to his shoulder, his eyes looking down to Rose who had her hands up, offering to help.

"It's alright sweety," Trey said pumping his free arm to show his nonexistent muscles, "I got this," he smiled.

Rose huffed crossing her arms in a pout, but slowly trotted behind him.

A few moments later Trey returned to the party-like table, or more accurately inhibitionless table where many of the girls were quickly losing articles of clothing.

Trey gave his best professional smile, placing the tray on the table and arranging the shots.

"Here you are, ladies. It is really getting exciting over here isn't it-" he tried to say suddenly being hit in the face with someone's red hot colored top, it slowly slipping off his face.

Trey sighed and kept his smile, pretending he was not just hit by someone's bra, and continued to arrange the drinks. When he finished he quickly bowed and turned, but heard a voice shout behind him.

"Hey kid, don't forget your tip!" someone shouted, throwing more undergarments at him.

Trey deftly dodged the incoming ball of clothing, his smile still plastered solidly on his face. Bowing once again he moved with more quickened steps to the next table only to hear more raving from the previous one.

"I'll show that bastard! I'll make him -hick - I'll make him regret dumping me! I'm a 10 damn it! A 10!!!"

"Yes, yes. You're perfect Karol, He was in the wrong," another said.

Trey shook his head for a moment then composed himself for the next table.

"Good evening, what may I get for you tonight?" he said again, bowing politely.

"Oh? Trey not on the bar today?" a smooth voice asked.

"Mr. Nivar? When did you come back into town?" Trey asked, surprised he hadn't noticed the man earlier.

"Came by Corviknight this evening. Amazing Pokemon those ones, might have to get one for my own personal use at this rate," Mr. Nivar laughed, "Donnie has you on the floor now?" he asked holding up a pair of cards.

Trey gave a wry laugh and scratched the back of his head, "Yeah… He wants to push me again since I'll be 18 soon."

"Is that right? Hey, why don't you skedaddle out this dump and come work for me then? Could always use a polite good looking kid to pull in more customers and publicity. We just got this new girl too! Name's Pressa? No, Hessa? No, Murina!"

"It's Nessa sir…" the woman in glasses said next to Mr. Nivar.

"Ah yeah, Ressa! Thank you, Sarah."

Trey looked over noticing the woman.

"You and she would make a great pair for the magazine," Nivar said, writing down something on a slip of paper, "She won't be here for another couple of months but you have to give me a call when you turn 18 Trey," he said handing the slip of paper, a phone number on it.

Mr. Nivar seemed to realize how excited he had gotten and coughed.

"Ah my bad Trey, I got overly excited when I started thinking of the possibilities. But that's getting ahead of myself. I heard what happened from Donnie. I'm sorry. If there is anything I can do…" Mr. Nivar said, suddenly getting serious.

Trey was taken aback momentarily by the switch in tone, almost like he had just received whiplash.

"Ah... No, it's fine, I appreciate the offer but I don't think I could cut it as a whatever… it is you do…" Trey said, trying to be as polite as possible.

"I never told you, did I! Haha, that's my own fault. I run a League-wide Magazine. It features independent models and trainers. We've even had some Gym Leaders on the cover now and again. But don't turn me down before you've thought about it! Just wait until you've turned 18 then give me a call yeah?" Mr. Nivar asked, placing his hands together.

Before Trey could answer, a familiar tug came from his pant leg, as well as a mental tug of irritation.

Mr. Nivar followed Trey's eyes down to his side.

"Oh? Who is this little one? I didn't know you had a Pokemon Trey. And a Ralts at that! Quite rare in this region…" he mused.

"A lot has happened Mr. Nivar. This is Rose. And she's my starter Pokemon I guess you could say. I'm an Independent Trainer now, well almost, I still have nine more battles to get through for it to be technically official. But we have a lot of work to do before that… I have a lot of work to do," Trey amended, bending down and giving a light pat to Rose.

"That's very admirable Trey. It makes me want you more!" Mr. Nivar said, spreading his arms and laughing loudly.

Trey laughed wryly.

"Your order Mr. Nivar," Trey asked, standing back up and giving a glance at the party table seeing that they were going through the shots he had brought over fairly quickly and may be in need of a refill soon.

"Ah my fault," Mr. Nivar chuckled, "What shall we celebrate with tonight Sarah? Whiskey?!" he cheered raising a ringed finger.

"Sir, you know I don't drink. Yet you still bring me out with you every time," Sarah said sighing.

"Who else am I supposed to bring Sarah? You've been with me since the start and you're the only one who can tolerate me," Mr. Nivar chuckled, "Now some juice for her I guess, and a bottle of the good whisky. Donnie will know. Thanks Trey, and here," he said, handing a 100 credit bill.

"Mr. Nivar... I can't take this, I haven't done anything yet," Trey laughed.

Mr. Nivar waved, "Don't worry about it kid, think of it as an investment and goodwill. I know how hard it is to be alone, no matter how you got there."

Trey gave a solemn smile grabbing the bill, "You know… Donnie said almost the same thing," he chuckled wryly.

"I'd expect nothing less. Donnie and I grew up together. Now off you go, and don't forget to give this old man a ring, I need young talent like you since I'm all busted up! And you're a trainer now besides! How time flies," he shouted laughing.

Trey couldn't help but chuckle along with him, caught up in the uplifting energy of the man. But turned around heading for the bar with his order.

Donnie gave a point with his chin towards Mr. Nivar as Trey approached, "How's Mr. Big and Important."

"He said give him the stuff he likes," Trey joked, "I didn't know he had a business like that and an assistant," Trey said looking over his shoulder at the table, "Also I think that party table needs another round. I'll go as-" Trey was about to say before his phone rang startling him.

Trey had never gotten a phone call before and had almost forgotten that he had one.

Slipping it out of his pocket Trey flipped the device open.

"Hello?" Trey answered hesitantly.

"Ah, is this Trey?" a familiar voice asked over the line.

Trey raised a brow recognizing the voice on the other end of the phone.

"Jenna?" Trey asked, "Yeah this is Trey..?" he answered but then suddenly a pit formed in his stomach, "Did something happen?!"

"Ah nothing bad it's jus-" she tried to say before another voice was heard over the phone.

"Where the fuck am I!? Who are you people!?!? I won't ask again!? Let me go you fuc-"

Jenna seemed to have left the room as the voice cut off abruptly, the faint sound of crying becoming muffled.

"The twins have woken up, but the girl, Yuki, seems to be having some sort of psychotic episode. I think you should get here as quickly as you can. The boy Sasha is just overwhelmed but that's perfectly normal for their situation," Jenna explained.

"W-what? Yes, I'll be there right away!" Trey said, hanging up immediately to ask Donnie.

Rose's face turned concerned as she cooed from below him.

"It's ok sweetie, everything will be fine. Just the twins woke up," Trey said, then turned to Donnie, "Donnie, the twins seemed to have woken up, and there's a problem… Is there any possible way-"

Donnie didn't even let him finish, pointing to the door.

"Don't worry about it kid, but you ain't getting paid for the lost time. I expect you to pick up Sunday night for leaving early," he scoffed, pulling an expensive-looking bottle of whisky from the cabinet behind the bar, "Get goin'"

Trey almost teared up expecting Donnie to fight him a bit more about it, but thanked him and quickly scooped up Rose making a way for the changing room.

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A few sweat-filled minutes later Trey made it to the Hospital, b-lining for the counter.

"Hi, Nurse Joy! Are the twins alright?" he asked desperately.

"Trey. Yes, they are fine, we had to give the girl a small sedative because of her outburst but they are both doing well. Sign in here and you can go right up," Nurse Joy said handing him a clipboard.

Trey quickly put his Aerodactyl scratch on the paper, handing it back and sprinting for the elevator, Rose in hand as she gripped onto his shirt for dear life.

"Hey! No running in the Hospital! Mou…" Nurse Joy sighed, her hand going to her side as she stood up to yell at Trey.

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Trey went from the elevator to the room as quickly as he could, dodging gurneys and nurses left and right. Finally, a few moments later he made it to the room seeing a sitting figure behind the curtain of the beds the twins were supposed to be at.

He rushed to the bedside, pulling back the curtain and seeing the small boy, his head still bandaged on one side. In his mouth was a plastic spoon and in one of his hands was a green Bulbasaur jello cup.

When Trey pulled back the curtain the boy turned, his eyes turning from surprise to tears.

"B-big Bro Trey?! Ahhhhhh" Sasha wailed, trying to reach for him over the bed rail.

Trey hurriedly moved to the side, not wanting the boy to fall over as he was still hooked up to some of the hospital equipment.

"Sasha…. I'm so glad you're awake… How are you feeling?" Trey asked, suddenly realizing what a dumb question it was but had asked it out of reflex.

"I'm… okay… It hurts a bit but.. Yuki was being loud and noisy so they… the-" Sasha tried to say his lip starting to quiver before he wailed and cried, "They gave her something and she went to sleep again!"

Trey couldn't help but give a doting smile.

Kid's worried about his sister even after everything, and waking up in a hospital… Trey thought.

"It's alright, they just didn't want her getting hurt again. Here, want to meet someone?" Trey asked.

Sasha pulled away from Trey slightly looking at him confused, but nodded slowly not truly sure.

"This," Trey said, bringing Rose up a little more so Sasha could see her, "Is Rose, she's my Pokemon."

"Oh! She's so cute! I love her! Can I hold her?!" Sasha asked, turning excited.

That was a fast switch. Trey laughed.

"Well, sweetie? Do you mind if Sasha hangs out with you for a bit?" Trey asked looking down at Rose.

Rose was a bit pensive but couldn't help but nodded her green cap when she saw the puppy eyes coming from Sasha.

"Thank you, Rose, you two get to know each other for a bit, I'm going to check on Yuki alright?" Trey explained.

Sasha and Rose both raised a hand in the air.

"Haii!" Sasha said, Rose, cooing in agreement.

Trey smiled and slowly moved to the next bed, not pulling the curtain away. The bed that came into view as he passed the divider had a red-haired youth in it, sleeping soundly with one side of her face covered just like Sasha.

He moved to the bedside, brushing the strands of hair from her face. A bittersweet feeling overcame him knowing she had woken up but had to be sedated again because of some outburst.

"At least they didn't restrain her…" Trey chuckled lightly.

Suddenly Yuki began to stir, her small moans and grunts turning to rough breaths.

"W-where the fuck am I…" she asked her eyes blinking wearily as they searched the surroundings, "Who the fuck are you!? I'm supposed to be at work!?" she screamed.

"W-what?" Trey asked in disbelief.