By the next morning, filled with water from a stream and fresh berries, two Houndoom stood by my side, ready to lead me to the next town. Hopefully I'd be able to get there with minimum hassle. The day was peaceful though my nerves were tense. It was the first time I'd been outside in more then a month but relief was not something I'd accept just yet. The outdoors could be admired when I was safely home, for now it could wait.

My two Houndoom guards led the way both swiftly and silently with the elder of the two - Cerberus - traveling slightly ahead of me, slinking through the shadows with a sharp gaze on anything that moved so much as an inch. He scared away any wild Pokémon he saw with a snarl, something I felt bad about as my aura was a natural attraction for wild Pokémon but I more complex things to focus on then a few scared wild Pokémon.

I glanced over my shoulder, sighting the second Houndoom - Tracer - close behind me. She was a bit more placid then Cerberus but had a much sharper sense of hearing then her elder. I'd been told before we left that she was the offspring of the pack leader and an avid fighter for a Pokémon of her age.

"How much farther?" I questioned with an exhausted sigh as my rib cage still had yet to fully heal and was causing me quite some pain by lunch time.

The Houndoom in front of me paused, turning his head to me with a frustrated growl. ~Not much longer Voice of Purity just--~ He paused, pointed ears twitching as he looked beyond me at Tracer who's expression also turned hard. ~There is danger here, run, we will cover your back young Voice. You will find the red roofed building if you continue straight.~ Cerberus ordered, snarling at something I could not see nor hear.

Regardless, I nodded, fleeing from the scene as fast as I could manage to move. Like the Houndoom said, the Pokémon Centre was straight and I made it without much bother - though my foot did get snagged on a tree root which caused me to trip. I was winded by the fall and fell on a rock, further hurting my damaged ribcage. As I stumbled into the Pokémon Centre, I immediately catching Nurse Joy's attention. Her Wigglytuff was at my side in an instant, catching me as my knees buckled in pain and helping me into a chair.

~Oh dear,~ She muttered as Nurse Joy came to my side with a glass of water. ~Are you alright

"Are you okay sweetheart?" She questioned, unaware her Wigglytuff had asked the same thing. She joined her Pokémon by my side, handing me a glass of water as she lowered herself down and felt my forehead for signs of a fever.

I shook my head brushing her away as I took the water, drinking from it deeply. "I- I need a phone..." I told her quietly, wiping my eyes.

She smiled softly. "We have the PC's always available for use..."

Again, I shook my head. "I don't have my ID..." I looked up at Nurse Joy desperately. My X-transceiver had died a weeks ago and I couldn't charge it myself. "Please, I really need to call someone."

A look of pity filled the Nurse's eyes as she sighed softly. "Okay, you can make a phone call, but only for someone to come and get you, okay?"

I nodded eagerly as I tried to stand up. It felt better this time but that might be from the fact I was one phone call away from my freedom. Nurse Joy lead me to the room behind her desk where a landline sat on her desk, the rest of the room mattered little as I was again sat down and handed the phone.

Not missing a beat, I punched in the buttons as quickly as I could, of a phone number I'd long ago memorised - praying for the other side to pick up

"Hello?" A tired yet easily recognisable voice answered, a voice that filled me with relief just hearing it.

With a tired, yet honest smile, I answered. "Claire!"

"Speaking, who is this? I'm very busy at the moment--" She replied, obviously not picking up on my voice.

"Claire, it's Emma." I interrupted, my tone pleading as I knew by now she would know something had gone wrong by the fact I hadn't been in contact with her for almost two months. "I need help."

"Where are you? Are you okay?" She asked, not waisting anytime as I'd hoped.

"I'm umm..." Looking up at Nurse Joy with a lost expression, I covered up the microphone. "Where am I?"

"Colmaine City." She answered with a helpful smile.

I relayed the information to Claire. "But I don't have money for a room or my ID for anything... I don't even have my Pokémon Claire and I don't know if Silver and Red are okay and--" My lungs seemed to tighten in my chest, I knew I was bordering on a panic attack and I knew Claire could tell from her end too as she spoke in the tone I normally only would hear after I'd had a really bad nightmare.

"Calm down Emma, it's going to be okay from here." She interrupted as I did my best to keep my anxiety at a manageable level. "I've already spoken to Silver... he called me yesterday and explained everything, he's getting your Pokémon taken care of and Red's with him but they're on the other side of Kalos right now, okay. Your Pokémon will be fine and so will you. Put Nurse Joy on and I'll get you sorted out until I can get to there. Okay?"

After a moment, I nodded, even though she couldn't see. "Okay..."

With trembling hands, I handed the receiver to Nurse Joy, collapsing into the chair as soon as it was out of my hand. I could, vaguely hear the conversation. Claire was trying to get a room for me until she could come, with promises to pay back any expenses it took to look after me. The Nurse took little convincing as she, like most Nurse Joy's, was willing to help out a trainer in need. After a few moments, I was given back the receiver as the Nurse excused herself and left me with her Wigglytuff.

"I got you a room, food and whatever care you need until I get there, okay?" Claire told me as I got the phone back, her tone was still the same motherly tone she used when she knew I needed it. "Now, are you hurt at all?"

"I don't think so but I feel sick." I answered, leaning back into the chair. "I might just be tired through, I haven't slept right in days... or eaten much either..."

After a moments silence. "Have something to eat then - and get some rest, Nurse Joy will provide anything you need and I'll be there by tomorrow. Okay?

"Okay Claire, I'll try."

"Attagirl." She praised, making me smile ever so slightly. "Go now, I'll be with you tomorrow, just please try to rest."

"I'll try." I repeated.

Nurse Joy came back into the room at this point, waiting patiently as we said out goodbyes. Claire had to hang up first because I just wasn't willing to cut my line short with her voice of reassurance right here.

Wigglytuff gently took my hand, smiling gently as she brought me to my feet. ~Don't worry Voice of Purity, we'll keep you safe.~

She and Nurse Joy lead me to through the halls of rooms the Centre carried, showing into one of the ones furthest from the entrance and quite out of the way. "You will be safe in here. I'll have Wigglytuff bring you some food soon. Keep the door locked and I will give Claire a key to get in. Don't let anyone who knocks in, okay?" The Nurse explained as I sat down on one of two beds.

I gave a gentle nod. "Okay, thank you for this."

"Always a pleasure." She smiled as she left. "Get some rest."

Hugging myself tightly I rose to my feet, giving the room a careful inspection, including the ventilation system. The room had two beds, each made with a teal and white linen. Beside each bed was a small table, each containing two draws. They were both made with wood - oak, if I had to guess - with metallic plastic accents or handles. A door to the side revealed a small bathroom, containing a shower, toilet and vanity. The cupboards beneath the vanity contained several white, neatly folded towels and sample packets of shampoo, conditioner and those little packets of soap you can find in fancy hotels.

When I found the ventilation system, hidden under one of the beds, I was relieved to find that although it was small, I would just be able to fit inside for an emergency exit. Collapsing on one of the beds, I stared mindlessly at the soft peach ceiling above my head. So close - I thought to myself, closing my eyes and taking in a soft but deep breath - once Claire gets here everything will be okay. I opened my eyes again, holding up my cuffed hand over my face looking at the black device strapped to my wrist, briefly considering trying to remove it. There was no gap between it and my skin and the whole outside was made of some weird black metal, tampering with it before had gotten me a warning shock of electricity, only a light one and the only time I'd continued to attempt to remove it got me knocked out. However, I was no longer in the base and I didn't think it could shock me from the distance I was at, nothing remote controlled could be that strong.

Wigglytuff entered the room with a tray of food in her hands, spooking my slightly as I jumped and pulled back on instinct. I felt more then slightly stupid when I looked up at the derpy smile over her features as she set the tray on my bedside table. ~How are you feeling now Miss Voice of Purity?~

"A little better." I replied, sitting up with one swift and fluid movement. "Though, you can call me Emma. It gets annoying being constantly reminded what I am rather than who I am."

With another derpy smile, Wigglytuff nodded. ~Okay then, Emma it is.~

I nodded as I turned to the food tray. "I don't have money to pay for this..." I frowned with a sigh.

~You're friend if paying for your expenses when she arrives. Her position as a gym leader gives good enough reason to trust her word by itself, not to mention your position as champion.~ Wigglytuff smiled. ~She said to take the very best care of you until she can get here and she'll pay for anything so do not worry about a thing.~

A small smile tugged across my features, of course Claire's looking out for me as always. "Thank you for your hospitality. Now, I'd like to get some rest so..." I didn't want to be rude by actually asking her to leave so instead I heavily implied it.

~Okay, I'll leave then and come back for the tray later. Enjoy your dinner Emma.~

"Thank you." I replied as she left me alone once more.

I ate my dinner slowly, the pasta was obviously handmade... well the sauce anyway. A nice change from the food that always tasted as if came from packets, jars or cans as they did in Team Rift's base. After finishing the meal, the juice and the small tea cake I'd been served along with it, I simply sat back and waited until Claire arrived. I knew I'd need to sleep eventually but I also knew that I simply wouldn't be able to if I tried with my nerves as anxious as they were now so I might as well keep on guard until my guardian arrived to take me home.

~*🌸*~
~Clare's pov~

A day after my call to Emma, I entered the Pokémon Centre she was staying at, walking right up to Nurse Joy without making a show of things, I was anxious to see my daughter but I knew I couldn't give her position here away with my own. I showed Nurse Joy my ID, asking for a room. Thankfully the Nurse already knew who I was and gave me a key and a room number, without the mention of another person in there as I'd asked her to act as if Emma didn't exist to everyone beyond the three of us for her protection.

Gently, I pushed the door open when I'd found the room, hearing the ruffle of fabrics as I did. When I entered, I easily found Emma curled up in the corner of the bed, doe eyes wide in fright like a Dearling in headlights. Though she sighed with relief when she saw only me entering the room, visibly relaxing as I closed the door behind me. It was obvious Emma was far from being in her prime, hair disheveled, her eyes gaunt and filled with a mixture of fear and desperation. With much hesitance she slowly pulled herself from her corner and stood up, refusing to look me in the eye as she met me half way through the room and embraced me. She was trembling from top to bottom.

Although I was surprised and slightly concerned by her action, I returned her embrace with a tight hug, lightly running my fingers through her hair. It was unlike Emma to want physical contact as a sign of reassurance, from me at least but it was clear she was quite distraught by everything that had happened.

"Do you need to talk?" I asked her softly, knowing that of bad things had happened from what Silver had told me.

Emma shook her head, burying herself in my shirt. "I want to go home." She whimpered softly. "Can we go home now please?"

I gave a small sigh, knowing I'd have to disappoint her. "Not immediately..." Emma made a small, displeased sound from the back of her throat at this news but I continued before she could get a word in. "But I have booked us both of the first flight back to Johto I could find on my way here. It leaves tomorrow morning."

With a small sigh, Emma pulled away, hanging her head low as she sat back down on her bed. "I guess that's okay... I just... I just want to go home."

She was obviously quite distraught. No doubt Kathrine had pushed Emma beyond her limits, leaving her in a state of shock and uncertainty. I sat down by my daughters side, letting her snuggle in close to me, brushing her bangs out of her face as she did. "It's going to be okay now Emma, I'm here now." I soothed, gently rubbing her arm.

"I'm scared..." Emma whispered, her normally bright blue eyes had noticeably paled since I'd last seen her, the once sapphire hues now a stormy grey blue colour. I hadn't seen Emma's eyes this faded since I'd first taken her in only a few months after she'd been taken out of Cyrus's custody. "I just want to go home now Claire." For the first time this morning, Emma met my eyes - seemingly about to burst into tears.

I hated seeing Emma like this, so distressed and hurt. Although she never referred to me as her her mother due to the negative feelings she had towards Kathrine, I'd always considered Emma to be my daughter since the moment her adoption was confirmed as just like any good mother, seeing my child in such a state of disarray upset me greatly.

"Listen, you go take a shower, I'll make a few calls and see what I can do, okay?" I questioned with a small smile as I brushed her hair with my fingertips. "I'll do whatever I can to get you home as soon as possible, but I want you to try and take care of yourself or let me take care of you until then."

With a subtle sigh, Emma nodded. "Okay, I'll go take a shower..." She rose to her feet, hanging her head slightly as she entered the bathroom.

"Wait a moment." I called after her, digging through my bag for a spare set of clothes I was glad I'd brought for her. "Here ya go."

Emma looked relieved as she took the clothes from me, thanking me before again heading to the bathroom. When she left and I'd heard the shower start, I pulled out my laptop. I sent out messages to anyone I knew who I thought could get me a plane or anything that I could use to get home earlier then my flight tomorrow before sending Nurse Joy a request to get Emma and I dinner as both the Nurse and I had agreed it would be safer for Emma if we both stay'd in the room until tomorrow's flight. My array of Dragon Types wouldn't be able to fly us both all the way back to Johto but if worst comes to worst I'd have to simply fly Emma from Kalos to the next closest Region, a set of islands collectively called Alola and get a flight home from there but for now I'd have to wait until tomorrow.

My Pokégear buzzed, alerting my senses once more. Are you there yet? Silver was the sender. He was worried his X-transceiver had been bugged by Team Rift, knowing that he and Red were among the first people Emma would turn to for help, obviously Emma knew this as well and called me instead. Silver had explained that we couldn't discuss matters that could give Emma away over the phone so unless using the Pokémon Centre PC as we'd done last night when I'd told him Emma had called me. He even said we should use a specific Pokémon when referencing Emma to detour traces or suspicion as well as reference her as if we didn't even know she had escaped so Team Rift would not track us down to find Emma. Red had been given the same instructions by my knowledge but I have yet to speak to him.

Yes, the Dratini is fine. I'm glad I got here in time, I'll take it home tomorrow. Do you have a location on Emma? I'd chosen for Emma to be referred to as a Dratini as I was a Dragon type trainer and she was my daughter. Though I was worried it was a little obvious.

Silvers reply was instantaneous. I'm glad to hear, I don't know the exact location of the base. Somewhere around Geosenge Town as that's where we met her the first time the took her and I'd imagine it would be close as she wasn't strong enough to make it far.

I kept mental note of that information as if things were to go pear shaped, with Team Rift appearing and taking Emma from me, I could march right over there and beat the crap out of whoever dared lay a hand on my daughter.

It only took Emma around ten minutes to shower, returning from the bathroom with a towel around her shoulders to protect her slightly baggy light blue T-shirt from getting wet. A pair of grey yoga pants accompanied the outfit with a slightly darker-blue-then her-shirt hoodie over her arm. The outfit was more a comfort outfit then a travel one but I could fly us both to Lumious City in the morning where we would catch a flight back to Goldenrod City in the morning.

Emma again curled up by my side, as silent as she'd been all afternoon. I gently rubbed her arm in return, allowing her to simply have a few moments of peace, something she so obviously been lacking in over the past few months.

"I sent messages to anyone I knew with a plane Em, as soon as anyone replies, I'll let you know." I told her softly, running my finger through her damp hair as Nurse Joy entered the room with Wigglytuff in tow. Each her a shiny metal tray with our dinners on top. Emma didn't react surprisingly but she most likely had activated her aura to assess her surroundings to know she was coming. "Are you hungry?"

My daughter paused, looking at Nurse Joy almost blankly before taking a sharp breath and shaking her head. "No... I don't feel well... Like I'm going to throw up." She said said softly, closing her eyes as she did.

Looking up at Nurse Joy rather then Emma. "Just sit them on the bedside table thank you." I gave a smile to cover up my concern for my daughter. Maybe I'd have to take her to a doctor before I took her home once we got to Johto. Just to be safe.

The nurse followed my request, as did her Wigglytuff before she turned back to me. "Do you want me to take a look at Emma? She doesn't look well."

Emma shook her head before I could answer. "I'm fine. I just want to go home." She replied firmly. I didn't scold her for the bad attitude she showed as I knew she was most likely sleep deprived, hungry and hurt. Not to mention how she spent the more then a month under the rule of her sadistic parents. I might also give her therapist a call when I got her safely home. On the to-do list with that.

"I'll call you if I need you Nurse Joy, but for now I think it best we leave her." I replied with a gentle sigh.

The Nurse nodded. "Okay then." She smiled politely before leaving.

I looked down at Emma with an expecting look, despite her eyes being closed.

"I know what you're going to say, I'm not hungry." She said, still keeping her eyes closed but obviously irritated.

As I ran my fingers through her hair, I paused and listed her chin, watching as her eyes fluttered open to meet mine. "Eat or sleep, your choice." I told her firmly, though making sure to keep my voice clear of any aggression as not to scare her or set off a anxiety attack.

Emma sighed. "Can I just lie down with my closed?"

Nodding softly, I again combed her damp, light-brown hair with my fingers. "That's fine, but you have to let me fix your hair." I negotiated.

"Okay." She replied, shifting away from me as I got up to fetch a hair brush from my bag. "But nothing other then a ponytail or plait..."

"Agreed." I smiled, knowing anything more would irritate her in her sleep. I sat down behind my daughter, letting her cross her legs before removing her towel and using it to massage the water from her hair before I began combing out the knots.

It took only a few minutes to fix her hair into a low lying plait. I made Emma drink some water so I wouldn't have to worry about dealing with her getting dehydrated and more sick before allowing her to settle down to sleep. Even though she didn't want to, I was confident Emma would sleep at least a few hours tonight as she was so obviously exhausted and now I was with her, she felt much safer and would be more likely to left her guard down.

As Emma lay down, I pulled her blankets up to her shoulder, rubbing her back in effort to soothe her nerves. "Claire?" She questioned softly. "If I fall asleep, can you stay awake for me, keep me safe? Please."

"Of course." I smiled, I could give up one nights sleep for the reassurance it gave my daughter. "I'll stay awake all night long if it would make you feel safe."

Emma nodded softly. "Okay... I'll try to sleep."

"Good girl." I praised, causing Emma to smile softly.

Her pale blue eyes seemed to have a little more life in them with the smile. "It's felt like forever since I've felt like this... Good I mean, felt good."

I gently kissed her temple, pulling back to push the hair too short to fit into her plait out of her face. "We'll be home before you know it. If I hear any good news, I'll wake you. Okay?"

Emma nodded, closing her eyes and letting herself drift off into sleep, giving me some much needed relief. I left her to her realm of dreams, picking up my book I'd bought with me from Johto. Sitting down beneath the covers of my own bed, I began flicking through the pages of the story about princes, princess and a age old war in Sinnoh.

~*🌸*~

As hours ticked by, I looked up at Emma every now and then, making sure my daughter was okay. She'd fallen fast asleep within an hour of the room going quiet which was quite a relief for me. Her fear of the dark worked well in my favour as I got had light to read by while leaving Emma undisturbed by the surroundings. Silver had told me how her ex-mother had forced her into a dark room for an entire day and told me how distraught she was afterwards so I knew I needed to be extra careful about keeping Emma out of the dark to prevent more damage to her mental health than what Kathrine had already caused.

As I glanced up from my book once again, I observed my daughter. Emma was still asleep, thank goodness. She was obviously exhausted and needed the rest. However, it took me only a few moments to realise that she was having a nightmare. Emma eyelids were squeezed tightly closed, twitching now and then with her lips pulled into a tight frown. She whimpered slightly, pulling her arms over her head as if trying to protect herself from some force that wasn't really there.

With a small sigh, I placed aside my book and got out of bed. I sat beside my daughters sleeping figure, gentoly stroking the side of her head to get her a more pleasant feeling as I woke her. "Emma." I called softly, knowing she was a light enough sleeper to be woken with a few soft calls. Anything too harsh would scare her further. "Wake up sweetheart."

Emma's eyes slowly flickered open, looking around with a frightened, tear-filled gaze. Her stormy coloured eyes landed on me where they lingered for a few moment before flicking away.

"Bad dream?" I questioned, continuing to run my fingers through her escaped bangs.

My daughter only nodded, slowly sitting up and curling up close to me. "She coming for me. I know it... I can feel her, she's close. Kathrine, she's coming." Emma's voice came out as a mumble but she was clearly wide awake.

"I'm not going to let Kathrine touch you Emma." I soothed.

Emma shook her head sharply, tears filling her paled eyes. "She's too strong, I couldn't even defeat her Claire..."

With a small sigh, I hugged my daughter tightly. I knew better then to ignore her instincts as Emma was smarter then most people I knew, despite only being 15. Glancing at my watch, I knew we still had quite some hours until our flight and I'd heard no good news about getting to Johto any sooner then that.

A sharp banging on the door made Emma jump, her eyes going wide as she clung to my shirt. I felt her muscles tense as she whimpered softly, shaking her head no. "She's here..."

~*~*~*🌸*~*~*~
Word count: 4658

Nice long chapter today! I was going to end it sooner but I have a chapter deadline to meet and I'm running out of space. Good for you, bad for me.

Hope you enjoyed. Be sure to vote and comment if you enjoyed.