You loved riding the subway, it was your favorite thing about moving to the city. When you were tiny, trips to the mainland were few, but you remembered being mesmerized the first time you had ever ridden a subway train. Alola didn’t have such large machines like trains on any of the islands, on top of that your family only used personal riding pokemon so the feeling of being in a metal tube that could move was brand new.

     So of course when you learned about the Subway Battle Facility, you couldn’t wait to ride it. You would be out from first thing in the morning, till later in the evening, making your dad or your aunt come looking for you.

     At first, you tried to do the little treasure hunt route, where you had to collect stamps, but that didn’t work out. You were too new to how trains and subways were supposed to work. You’d lost count of how many times you got lost. So, instead, you took the longer route to reach your 7th battle on the subway then scheduled a departure time. It was still fun though.

     You’d never be able to forget your first time facing the Boss of the Single Train.

▼〘╌⎔╌〙△

     “Coupler! Dodge Now and use [ Toxic! ]” On command the Klinklang spewed a stream of toxic spray as the steel type maneuvered away from the ascending attack of one of your dogs, the [ Body Slam ] connecting with the ground, rather than her opponent. “Hostier! Slam through your opponent's defense and use [ X-Scissor! ]” charging the Midnight Lycanroc, the Crustle swiped at the dog with his claws. The hard claws of the crab pokemon landed it’s slashes, knocking the large red dog back, claws skirting against the tough metal of the subway car.

     Emmet was never the type to go easy on Battle Subway passengers, that's why you liked to battle with him. Both sides were pushed to keep the battle serious even in the first round, so you made sure not to let up, and your pokemon followed.

     Through the sounds of battle, the pitch of a whistle rang through, as you commanded your pokemon. Lemon Meringue, your midday Lycanroc managed to dodge a majority of the toxic spew, her rock typing helped to avoid a [PSN], but the effects of the acidic burn still tripped her up. Regardless, she followed your command to use [ Crunch ] charging at the Steel Type, locking her jaws around the other magnetic ring of the Klinklang, pulling on and swinging around the pokemon, like she would a stuffed toy. The steel type pokemons gears made a distressed screech as it was swung around, back and forth despite Emmet's commands to break free of the large dog's strong jaws. The electric sparks coming off it did nothing to the dog as she put more strength into one more strong swing, sending the gear pokemon flying into its ally. It took awhile to train her to react properly, but well worth it.

     The allied pokemon and trainer had no time to react as the Klinklang knocked over the Crustle sending them both crumbling into a heap. Rhubarb, your Midnight Lycanroc, given a chance to regain his footing, quickly answered your command to attack. Taking the opening, the red dog leaped into the air, ascending upon the two pokemon with a [ Mega Punch ] to the core of the Klinklang, slamming its metal body crashing deeper into the rock shell of the Crustle with a pain screeching-

{ {{C R S S S K !}} }

-finishing off the last of their HP.

     The crab pokemon tried to stay conscious, but quickly passed out after the gear pokemon did, ending the first half with your victory. “Oh No! Coupler-! Hostier-!” Emmet quickly recalled the two pokemon, “You two let boilers cool, you earned it.” he praised tenderly before putting away the two pokemon as you gave your dogs each a Sitrus berry. Meringue and Rhubarb happily chowed down on their reward berries, both making pleased sour faces before you recalled them. Like trainer, like pokemon.

     “I expect nothing less from such an adamant patron of this facility.” the man complimented, his smile almost dropped despite it, “However, I know the next track will take a sharp turn. Will you stop here, or press on.” His tone lost all inflection, the seriousness in his eyes sharp. It was a routine you were used to after battling him so much.

     You sent out your Dusk Lycanroc and Rockruff despite predicting the next outcome. You had to remind yourself to breathe again, a sickness rocking your stomach.

     “Very well.” Emmet sighed, steeling himself as he called two more pokemon, “Loco! Piston! All Aboard!”

     You had to press on. You had to get stronger.

     “ Yeah (yeah), yeah (yeah), yeah (yeah), yeah, yeah ~ “

     You would be fi-

     As the two pokemon forms appeared on the battlefield, your blood ran cold.

     Just breathe-

     “ Yeah (yeah), yeah (yeah), yeah (yeah), yeah, yeah ~ “

     Your heart beat began to thunder, and you could feel bile start to make its way up as the train car flooded with the foul odor emitted from the large, garbage shaped pokemon.

     You forced yourself to swallow down the rising bile, the acidic taste making your eyes tear up. You were OKAY as you raised your whistle with a trembling hand-

     The whistle fell out of your shakey grip.

     Looking down, you caught the stares of your pokemon, both turned to you instead of their opponents. Trying to shake the chill overtaking your body, [ "Don’t focus on me!" ] you shot them a glare-

     “ Yeah (yeah), yeah (yeah), yeah (yeah), yeah, yeah ~ “

     You're okay. You ARE okay. You kept telling yourself, even as the shivers rattled your bones, with the sickness coming in waves. Biting back as much as possible, you tried not to waver. You are OKAY. You're fine! You were fine when the Klinklang used [ Toxic ], the smell was manageable, so you can push thro–

     “ S A R A H — ! “

     A scream of panic cut through your thoughts as Emmet called your name. His pokemon were quickly recalled as you began to stagger back.

     You didn’t even notice you were falling until Kumquat was cushioning your fall, allowing you to lean against him as you slid to the ground. His furry body propped you up when your legs failed to hold your weight. The room began spinning, and you couldn’t even feel the tips of your fingers, meanwhile you could feel the pit of your stomach boiling. With blurry vision you watched numbly as the figure in white rushed to your side, the thundering of your own heartbeat drowning out anything he had to say to you.

     Things went black again.

     “ Yeah (yeah), yeah (yeah), yeah (yeah) “

     You were NOT okay…

▼〘╌⎔╌〙△

     “ Set the phasers to rot “

     “ What has got you distraught? “

     “ It's negative attention at best “

     “ But call it nothing ~ “

     [ I’m sorry… ] You conveyed with a somber look to the younger Subway Master, before averting your lemon colored eyes, having to wipe away the tears that began to leak. Your throat hurt from all the gagging, but finally it stopped. Your stomach had completely emptied, leaving you to dry heave till it felt like your guts were about to come up next.

     Zesty nuzzled his way into your lap when you managed to sit down long enough without sickness rocking you. He tried providing a bit of comfort as he whimpered worriedly. Stroking his fur, you had to hold back the need to start crying from pure frustration.

     You really thought you could do it this time…

     “ Maybe it's something, a little bit, a little bit “

     “ Maybe it's something to do a little bit “

     “ It's all about ascension, I guess “

    “ Don't put me to rest “

     Instead, once again, you were forced to forfeit the battle.

     Emmet had acted quickly, radioing in that assistance was needed at the emergency stop as your pokemon helped you to the nearest garbage bin in the second car. You gritted your teeth, seeing that all too familiar look of worry on the Boss’ face. Instead of feeling grateful, like you knew you should have, you wished he’d get mad.

     At least if he was mad, you wouldn’t feel so guilty about repeating the same mistake over and over.

     You hated the feeling of being leashed more than the guilt that was currently making you feel like crying.

     “ Go on and hand me your clothes “

     “ (O-oh, here you go) ~ “

     “ Take a picture or two “

     “ (Two or three?) ~ “

     “ I can see you “

     “ (Oh) ~ “

     His voice was softer than usual in an attempt to be soothing, his mouth tight, like he was choosing his words more carefully. “I am Emmet, and I am not bothered.” the smiling twin waved a hand before pointing to you, a practiced act of comfort you knew was coming, “However you are. So apologizing is useless.” His grip around your hand tightened as he reassured you as your eyes began to tear up more. Guilt nearly strangling you like a tight collar. “It is not your fault, Sarah.” It always felt better to hold someone's hand as you worked through an attack though. So, you tried to focus on the way his gloves felt. They were may from the familiar material most trainers used, thick, but smooth as you squeezed back.

     You were not going to cry.

You weren’t going to cry in front of the subway boss who was already too busy to be dealing with this.

     You weren’t-

     Why did Ingo and Emmet have to be so fucking NICE?

     “ Tears falling down at the party “

    “ Saddest little baby in the room “

     “ Fears, tell me fears, don't get me started “

     “ I get a little gray hair for every scare you share “

▼〘╌⎔╌〙△

     As the battle car slowed to it’s rerouted stop, you were helped to your feet, slowly. Swallowing the tears, you tried to focus on making your legs work instead of crying, but they were pretty much jelly. “I have got you, tug on me if you need me to slow down.” Nodding that you understood, the man turned and marched out the car once the doors opened, keeping hold of you on one side, and your large dog on the other side, as your smallest dog followed close behind.

     At the emergency stop, you were both greeted by a familiar, and worried face. “Hello, Agent Anderson. Sarah requires assistance. The safety checks failed her again.” you cringed at the “again”, though you knew he didn’t mean it maliciously. “Of course, sir,” the smaller man nodded his head before taking Emmet’s place, “Let’s get you seated,” he spoke gently as you were taken to the nearest bench.

     “ Those aren't meant to bend ~ “

     “ No, those aren't meant to bend ~ “

     “ Those aren't meant to bend ~ “

     “ No, those aren't meant to bend ~ “

     Arms swinging, Emmet made his way to a nearby vending machine with that funny little march of his, while you were eased into the bench next to it. “You have burned all your fuel, so I will get you a refill.” the man in white hummed as Anderson stood at the ready.

     Putting your face in your hands, you took deep breaths, in and out, to try and calm yourself. Even after all the sobbing you did while vomiting, your body continued to try and stay upset. Kumquat nuzzled your hair, while Zesty tried to push into your hands, both of them trying to divert your focus.

     “You are an excellent trainer, Sarah.” Emmet spoke up as he waited for the drink to fall, “You are a well oiled machine with your pokemon. It is verrry fun battling you.” You looked up at him as he returned with a can of cold lemonade. “You are working hard to make yourself stronger." He held the can out to you, his smile softening, “Safety first though. I would be sad if you got hurt...”

     “ I hear your eyes and I see those cries “

     “ I hear those eyes and I see those cries “

     “ I can't be the only one who hears you~”

     Emmet spoke in his usual monotone, but on the tail end, there was a bit of a tender inflection, his smile tight, which told you he was sincere about it. Not having a voice of your own, you paid stupid close attention to other people's voices and tones, expressions too. Giving a forced smile, you took the can of lemonade, though Emmet could probably see right through it. He was scarily good at weeding out lies. Looking over the can's design fondly, you noticed they had changed the design a bit since the first time you had seen this brand. It still tasted the same though, sweetly sour, so you took a moment to enjoy the taste, letting it wash out the bitterness that was sticking on your tongue.

     “ Tears falling down at the party “

     “ Saddest little baby in the room “

     “ Fears, tell me fears, don't get me started “

     “ I get a little gray hair for every scare you share “

     “You are verrry reckless though.” he sighed under his breath, making you glance at him. The look in his eye told you he wanted to say more, something heavy, but you couldn’t figure out what was stopping him. The younger twin only broke eye contact to glance at his watch, hearing it chime, his smile almost dropping.

     He took a breath, standing tall, arms behind his back, putting on a painful service smile.“I care verrry much about all passengers.” the man stated firmly, “I cant show too much favoritism… A good conductor has to keep sight of the destination.” he insisted, fidgeting as he stood before you. "So I will have to leave. The schedule needs to be kept."

     Emmet was a lot of things, but he didn’t lack compassion. His speaking was stiff, his tone often falling flat, but the way he moved and twitched when he was uncomfortable or wasn’t sure how to convey something, was very telling.

     “ Those aren't meant to bend ~ “
     “ No, those aren't meant to bend ~ “
     “ Those aren't meant to bend ~ “
     “ No, those aren't meant to bend ~ “

     You waved your hand at him, in a “ Go go” motion before nodding your head towards Anderson. The least you could manage is not to uselessly take up more of his time. “I will make sure she gets to the main terminal safely, sir. We know it’s important to follow the schedule,” The white haired man reassured his boss, in response Emmet nodded. “Right then. I shall be on my way. I hope you make repairs and come to battle me again.” The subway boss saluted you both, an action you and the agent returned with smiles. Emmet hesitated, only for a moment, giving you an apologetic glance, before turning on his heels and marching back into the car for a round trip back to the start.

     “ Tears falling down at the party “
    “ Saddest little baby in my eye “
    “ Fears, tell me fears, don't get me started “

     “ I might die ~ “

     "We'll move, once you're feeling a bit better." Anderson chimed in as his moth pokemon, Sathona, chirped in agreement. Nodded your head, dejectedly, feeling your grip on the can tighten, you took a few more drinks of the lemonade.

     For some reason, it suddenly tasted a little bit bitter…

“ Oh Klahoma - Jack Stauber “