My hand wrapped around Swanna's Poké Ball as I recalled him. He would've liked being out in the rain, even if it was starting to slow down, but I couldn't have him by my side in public. If someone caught sight of a Unova-native Pokémon out of his Poké Ball, it wouldn't take long for them to figure out who I was. 

Gila and the rest of Team Miasma would be waiting for my return promptly after I'd made the deal. Once back, I'd be expected to go through some training with the Krait twins or research Lantana's whereabouts. Things would be worse than going to the Distortion World, or being on the other end of Yveltal's attack.

Today, I was certain Gila would torture me more than usual. I wasn't ready for that. Not right now at least. Instead, I just shoved my hands into the pockets of my raincoat, kept my head low, and walked around Jubilife City.

It must've looked strange to see a young woman walking down the streets in this sort of weather. I knew I was getting weird looks. When I got close to a store, one man tried to sell me an umbrella for a ridiculously low price. After declining, he tried to just give it to me, but I just kept walking, pulling my cap further down my head to try and hide my face from everyone around me.

The rain was a nice change to the usual partly cloudy weather I'd seen in Sinnoh. As I pass the windows and saw my reflection, I realized the bleak sky made my skin look paler and my hair look shorter than it really was. My gray eyes almost looked black due to how pasty white my skin had become. Scars and bruises were the only things that gave my skin any sort of color at this point. I knew how they got there, but I pushed the thoughts away. There were just some memories that were best left unvisited.

I eventually made my way to a stop sign where a car was driving away. I looked back at the telephone pole that was right next to me, finding a soggy wanted poster with my face on it.

Wanted Dead or Alive

For Crimes of Murder, Assisting Criminals, Theft, and other Misdemeanors

Last Spotted in Veilstone City

They used an old photo I used for my nurse ID badge back when I worked at the Pokémon Center. My face wasn't as pale from lack of nutrients, nor was my hair as short as it was now. Now that I thought about it, I'd never cut my hair in the twenty years I'd been alive. The only reason it was cut was because Team Oblivion had chopped it off. If I wanted to fool them, I had to go along with whatever they wanted. At least now it gave me some sort of disguise, as not many people had caught on to what I looked like with short hair.

My hand threaded through my hair for a moment, reminiscing about the long locks that used to be there. I missed it. I was lucky enough that my hair grew at least an inch or two within four months, but it wasn't growing as fast as I would've liked.

After hearing a car honk at me, probably realizing I was standing there too long, I tore the poster down and crinkled it up. All it would take was for one person to realize I looked exactly like the nurse in the photo for them to realize who I was.

That woman on the wanted posters didn't have to worry about that. I did.

"Miss those days?" an almost hauntingly familiar voice asked from behind.

The wanted poster fell from my hands as I turned around and froze. For years, I was convinced that my parents died when I was only two. With no family relations, I thought I was the last person in my family. It didn't matter—at least, it didn't until I followed in their footsteps, becoming a superhero.

Just days before I left Unova, I learned that I had a brother. I didn't want to believe it at first. He was cunning and untrustworthy, but I couldn't deny the truth. He wasn't much taller than me, with shaggy, mocha colored hair. It was vastly different than my own, but his steel colored eyes were the exact shape and shade as my own.

We never had time to get to know each other well. I wasn't even sure how to react seeing him in front of me, especially now that I was a member of Team Miasma. Judging by the trench coat he wore with an International Police badge on top of it, I could tell he somehow turned his life around. Unless, of course, he stole the trench coat from the International Police or someone else, which wouldn't be surprising.

Lethe offered his bright colored umbrella to me, but I shook my head. "What are you doing here?" I asked.

A once neutral expression sunk into a frown. "I could ask the same, since you're with Team Miasma."

Leave it to Lethe to not give a straight answer. I just shook my head. There wasn't much I could say, not without getting in trouble. If I got in trouble one more time...well, let's just say the consequences would be much worse than the last few times.

"You need to leave," I warned him, without allowing a response. "A few months ago, you tried to suggest everything you did was to protect me. Well, I don't need protection. I'm already screwed, but you clearly aren't."

My brother was shocked. I don't know why. Maybe it was because I had dared to cut him short like that. Part of me thought that he would be shocked that I actually paid attention to him when he told me the things he'd done to protect me. All those things he did weren't exactly what one would think of as protection. Lethe had a lot of making up to do with everything he'd pulled in the past to protect me.

At the same time, Lethe was my only living relative. I grew up thinking everyone in my family was dead, which clearly wasn't the case. I was glad that wasn't the case, and that I had someone. Still, Lethe was younger. He shouldn't be the one protecting me like a mother Ursaring would treat her baby Teddiursa. That should be my job. I was older. Unlike Lethe, I didn't have much to really live for anymore. Once this whole thing was over, I would either be killed, spend a lifetime in jail without my Pokémon, or live off the grid, which was the toughest option of all. I didn't want that kind of life. It scared me. But with everything, I knew that was what was left for me. Lethe didn't have to go through that. He had a chance in life. For years, he did what he thought was right for me, even if I didn't know it or agreed with it. Now, it was my turn to return the favor. That was what siblings did, right?

Lethe sighed. "I turned myself in, gave my case, and was able to work in the International Police. I could help you if you just come with—"

"Stay back," I hissed as I took a step back, realizing the rain was starting to slow down. "You'd be safer if you did."

"Syl, don't say that," Lethe sternly said. "You know that's not true."

"Stop," I told him, shoving my hands into my pockets and grabbed two Poké Balls just in case. "You just need to trust me. I can't do anything until I find Lantana. I'm sorry."

Lethe was silent for a moment. I looked into his eyes for a moment. I was about ready to let Swanna out of his Poké Ball so I could get out of the city when something funny happened. Lethe's eyes turned blue. Not just any kind of blue, either. They were navy blue. I froze, my lip trembling. Four years ago, I remembered seeing that shade of blue for the first time in my life. They were so full of life and kindness, and I was never going to see them again. Yet they were right here. How was it Lethe's eyes turned from gray to blue just like that?

I took a step forward, and as I did I realized Lethe was as still as a Sudowoodo. No, even that Pokémon would move occasionally. Lethe was frozen as though he had turned to stone. It made me worried.

My hand reached towards him. When I touched him on the shoulder, Lethe blinked. His eyes snapped back to the steel gray ones I was used to seeing, almost as if nothing happened. Lethe blinked a couple of times, almost as if he was trying to process something.

"What was that?" I asked. "Your eyes...they changed!"

My brother shook his head. "Yeah...I—I told you that I can see into the future, right?" His voice trembled a bit, as he was cautious with what he had said. I nodded in response, though, I hadn't really believed him back then. Now, I was almost positive I had to. There was something about his eyes that made me change what I had thought, and as if to answer, Lethe further explained himself. "I don't exactly see it through my own eyes, but rather, someone else's."

"That's not possible," I shook my head, remembering the navy blue that had replaced his gray irises. "Your eyes...they were blue, like--"

"It wasn't him," Lethe told me.

"He's alive, isn't he?" I asked. "How is that possible? I saw him—"

"Sylvia! Get a grip!" Lethe yelled as he dropped his umbrella and grabbed me by the shoulders. I flinched under his touch as he shook his head. "It wasn't him. Might be someone with the same colored eyes, but trust me. It was not him."

I shook my head, refusing to believe him for a moment. "Then how is it your eyes turned that color? What does it have to do with you seeing the future? It makes absolutely no sense."

"My eyes change to the color of whose eyes I'm seeing through," Lethe explained, "but I also have access to what that person thinks or feels. It wasn't Rudi. I'm sorry. I'm sorry that you had to lose him. It's not fair."

"But your eyes—"

"Means nothing! We all were there that day in Castelia City. There was no hope for him. After everything was done, he's not coming back. Rudi is dead, and there's nothing that we can do to go back."

I jerked myself out of his grip and looked down at the ground. Tears were stinging my eyes again. For a moment, I thought I would be able to see him again, but Lethe was right. I saw him take his last breaths. I heard him utter his last words. I felt his skin turn as cold as ice.

There was no way to bring him back. Seeing Lethe's eyes turn to the exact shade of Rudi's for that split second made me jump to conclusions too fast. I shouldn't have done that. There was nothing to be done. It still felt unreal what had happened back then, like it was all some messed-up dream. As the days rolled by, I had to slowly realize there was no turning back on what had happened.

It should've been me. I should've been on the other end of the attack. Then none of this would be happening. No one would be helping Team Miasma. There would just be people putting a stop to them.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have let things spin out of control. His death has been hard on all of us. I saw it coming, and I just let it happen. I'm sorry," Lethe's voice quietly said. "I've been keeping in touch with the Rhea's. They wanted you to have this. Open it when you're alone, okay? Don't let Gila know about any of it."

I looked up to see Lethe pull out a small white box out of his trench coat pocket. It was a bit smashed and damp from the rain, but it was still intact. That was what mattered.

Slowly, I took it from him and nodded. It was hard for me to think that they would trust me with whatever was in the box, especially after everything I'd done. I didn't deserve this. I'd stolen, hurt, and had even caused the deaths of people and Pokémon. To have something from them, even if I was close to him, I didn't feel like I deserved it. 

But I wasn't going to give it up. It would be the only thing I had of his. Maybe I'd be able to turn this thing around when I'd finished my search. Maybe there'd be some clue as to how to finally stop Team Miasma, or at least, maybe there'd be some way to stop some criminals from succeeding. That was what Rudi would've wanted. I have to honor his memory in some way. Team Miasma couldn't win. I couldn't let them. There just wasn't anything I could do to stop them at the moment. Their rules bound me to their side. If I didn't, the consequences would be horrifying.

"I should let you get going," Lethe said as I tucked the gift into my pocket. I looked up at him as he gave me a small smile. "Just think about your options, okay. I know Team Miasma and these posters probably don't help, but I know you have a chance of pulling through."

A smile crossed my face as I thought of something. There was no way things could go back to the way they were, but Lethe had a point. I had to keep moving forward.

I took a step forward and wrapped my arms around him. Lethe didn't pause for a second as his arms wrapped around me, pulling me closer to him.

"Thanks," I whispered.

Lethe let go of me and nodded his head. "We're the last of the Gray family. We have to stay strong."

He waited for me to say something, but I didn't say a word. Instead, I pulled out a Poké Ball and threw it out. Swanna popped out from the light, looking Lethe right in the eyes. His eyes widened as he saw Lethe. I didn't say a word as I mounted on Swanna's back and gave him a tap on the shoulder.

Swanna extended his wings and took off. There was no water to pelt my face, meaning that the rain had stopped. As we flew into the sky, I looked down at Lethe. He too seemed to notice that the rain had stopped, and he closed his umbrella before walking away.

(-o-)

Back at Team Miasma's base, I made sure I didn't interact with anyone. The place was just a dingy, forgotten motel, but it worked. No one dared to set foot here as it was just outside Hearthome City; Trainers avoided it because they'd rather stay in the city than a place like this.

While the motel was a good hiding place, at the same time, it reeked. If I had to guess, no one had used the place in over twenty years. Mold spread across the walls and ceiling like a carpet, and various small Pokémon made their homes here, coming out when they thought no one was looking. I didn't mind the few that were living in my room, being that they had been here first. If anything, I felt sorry for them because when Team Miasma and I moved here, we had to exterminate a lot of them.

My room wasn't much. There was a hard mattress with broken springs underneath it and a chewed-up frame from whatever Pokémon decided wood would be good to eat. Across from it was a small vanity I used as a desk. The mirror on it was covered with stains, but I didn't have time to wash it knowing we would probably move to another region once Gila got her hands on whatever she wanted. Because of that, all I had on it was my laptop that was strictly for finding Lantana.

I plopped down on the mattress, frightening a few Spinarak and Rattata which scurried from under the bed and crawled out the window. The only wild Pokémon that weren't scared were the few Burmy that hung on the ceiling. Unlike the Rattata and Spinarak, the other members of Team Miasma didn't even seem to notice the Burmy there as they looked like mold themselves. The room's door was locked so no one would come inside. Swanna settled on the bed beside me, nudging my side. He knew I had to open that box. It might have been the last chance I got before the night ended.

I slowly pulled the box out of my pocket and opened the lid. Inside were four small items: a white, shiny Poké Ball, a keychain, a smaller box, and a note. I placed the box of items beside me as I took out the note.

Noticing the handwriting, I nearly nearly cried.

In case anything happens to me during our fight against Team Oblivion, I need this letter and the items listed sent to Sylvia Janine Gray.

Hopefully this letter never sees the light of day, but if it does, I'm sorry I couldn't make it out alive, whatever the situation was. Hilbert warned me that their fights would get physical and that I may lose my life. I'm sure he warned you this as well, but because of it, I'm worried about what could happen to any of us. Hopefully you make it out alive because out of the two of us, you're Unova's best hope.

When I first met you, that day with your Ducklett, I knew there was something special about you. I mean, who in their right minds would let themself get injured for a wild Pokémon? I mean, you didn't care what the consequences were. And when you were in pain, you tried not to show it. It killed me every time I saw you hurt.

You even stood up to me, which reminded me why I started fighting for good in the first place. Granted, I don't know why anyone in their right minds would try to pick a fight with a handsome and heroic superhero like myself, but you did. I realized that you are the one that will give Unova hope as you do what's right, even if it hurts you in the end.

You know exactly what to do to help others fulfill their full potential. Keep that up. There are people out there that need sort of help.

It's because of that, I'm entrusting you with three items. The first is Braviary. He may be a bit stubborn at times, but I've talked to him about what I want if things go south. Braviary was my first Pokémon. He used to belong to my dad, but I found him when I was younger. Did I ever tell you that story? Hopefully I did, but if I didn't, you can ask my dad about it. I wouldn't be offended if you decided not to though. I know how you are about keeping things in the past in the past.

The second is that Castelia City keychain you gave me on my 18th birthday. I've always had it attached somewhere on me wherever I went since Castelia Cones are the best thing to ever be invented (don't tell Rena that though...she might kill me...though, I guess it's too late for that to happen if you're reading this). Hopefully you can still eat a few for me. Not the ones with Miltank Milk though. I don't need you having an allergic reaction.

Lastly, well, I want you to open it. My plan is to give that to you on your birthday, since this will be the first year we can actually celebrate it together. I'm hoping that's how things go. If not, I still want you to have it.

Again, I hope this letter never has the chance to see the light of day, but if it does, I don't want you feeling sorry or sad. I know this is weird, but contrary to what my family believes, I don't think there is a place after this one. I think we are all reincarnated as a Pokémon. I mean, you told me yourself about how Phantump are the spirits of children who were lost in the forest. Maybe I'll come back as a Legendary, like Zekrom or Victini, and protect you, help you find happiness elsewhere, or something.

I won't forget you, and I will come back to you to help guide you as a Pokémon. Just be happy, move onto someone else if you can, and be the best superhero anyone can be.

I love you,

Rudi

Swanna leaned his head against mine as I kept my eyes glued onto his handwriting. He was so prepared. He knew what the consequences would be if something happened, and he prepared for the worst.

I had four Pokémon with me. I was lucky I didn't have a full team. Even so, I couldn't have Braviary on me at all times. Team Miasma would recognize his Poké Ball, so I'd just have to be careful and keep him hidden.

My head dropped to the small box. He wanted to give me one last gift, one that was meant to be a surprise. Seeing the small white box laying on my lap, my mind rushed to all the possibilities that could be inside. Rudi knew I wasn't one to wear jewelry since it was a distraction whenever I was working. My fingers slowly pried open the box, revealing a dainty, silver necklace with a Swanna charm on it. I brushed my fingers over it, afraid that if I put any more pressure on it, the necklace would break. It was beautiful.

I carefully took the necklace out of the box and clasped it around my neck. My eyes looked down at the charm, wondering what in the world Rudi was thinking when he got it. Not that it mattered. Somehow, it felt as though I was missing it the moment the necklace hung around my neck. I knew I was never going to take it off.

There was a knock on my door. Unsure of what to do, I tucked everything back into the box and threw it under the bed. Swanna took the lead and flew to the door, waiting until I would give him the signal. I gave him a nod, and with his beak, he unlocked the door and flew back as someone swung it open.

Standing there was the leader of Team Miasma herself: Gila. Her hair was cut at an angle, but at least it was an improvement as her hair started to grow back from Zekrom's attack four years ago. She hid most of her burns, bruises, and scars under pounds of makeup, a long black dress with a high neckline, and a purple jacket. Her green eyes narrowed on me.

"Swanna Girl," she said, "I need your Holo Caster and laptop right now before you train with the Krait Twins for the rest of the night."

I nodded my head. "Of course."

Author's Note:

RIP, Rudi, RIP.

One of those items Rudi gave isn't really of much importance to the storyline, but I had to put it in there for sentimental reasons. Being that there are many Items in the Pokémon universe—like the Town Map, Exp. Share, Razz Berry—I want to know, what Pokémon item is your favorite?

Take care everyone!