Read Sweetly Sour :: [ 5th Slice - Here Comes The Sun ]

Po Town was always raining, some days lighter than others, but when it poured, it flooded easily, and practically everywhere was just one huge puddle. While you didn't hate the rain, you and your Rock-type dogs weren't fond of it either. It was just something you put up with so you could hang out with the other skullies.

"Hey, cmon Lemon Eyes!" Your friend shouted over the beat of the rain, his usually fluffy and wavy cloud-like hair soaked flat, hanging in his face as he kept running ahead of you. "If you go any slower, we're gonna leave your ass behind!" Your other friend joked as she nudged you, her green hair pulled into now messy pigtails looking like bundles of seaweed in the downpour. Not that you probably looked any better, probably looking like a waterlogged Rattata as you chased after them in the direction of the Team Skull manor, the laughs drowned out by the rain. Your clothes were soaked and heavy, the air was chilly, but you didn't care as you ran faster to catch up with Zephyr, Prima following on your heels.

Even though the rain wasn't your favorite, it would always remind you of the friends who lived in it. And you loved them.

▼〘╌⎔╌〙△

Opening your eyes, staring up at the pouring sky, gray clouds blocking out the sun, you were overcome with a familiar feeling, despite it being a different sky. Figures, the day you decide to have a small trip to yourself, it downpours. Luckily you managed to duck into a shop's doorway before the rain could give you an ice shower.

Rather than your standard yellow and white baseball-t, worn jeans and sneakers, you instead were wearing a yellow sundress your aunt had gotten you last Yule Times, your hair was down from its usual ponytail, held back by a matching yellow hair band. It felt nice to wear something other than just switching between sleepwear. You had wanted to feel pretty for a day. The sights and sounds were a nice distraction to clear your head too, then the rain came down, cutting your walk through Striation City short. Juuuuust perfect.

" Rrrwoo " Zesty nudged you, making you look down at him, [ " Just our luck, hu, bud? " ] you conveyed looking down at him.

"Ah, hello Ms. Sarah, I see the rain caused an unexpected detour," You flinched hearing a familiar voice. Whipping your head around, Ingo greeted you, tipping his hat. A big smile spread across your face as you took out your phone to talk to him. "This is quite an unexpected change of tracks, we have not seen your cab come through the station for two weeks. And usually, you're stationed in the pokè park with your passengers, sunbathing."

Letting out a raspy chuckle, you typed on your phone before showing him your screen, asZesty barked, running a happy circle around the man.

| You’re one to talk, since when do you or Emmet ever leave your tunnels?
| Last I checked, you pair are workaholics. There’s even a running joke you two are ghosts or some shit.

Ingo let out a louder chuckle than he probably intended, the corners of his mouth turning up to make that weird smile of his. "Fair enough. Though I assure you, we DO take days off for personal maintenance to ensure we are in tip top shape. May I be of some assistance to help you to your next destination?" The man in dark colors held up his umbrella, once again showing the twins adamant preparedness you lacked to a fault. Nodding in agreement, the man opened the large orange umbrella, which you noticed had that reflective tape on it, and he offered you his arm. Taking his offer, your hand rested on it as you began walking with him through the downpour. The rain drummed on the waterproof material, Zesty yawned, getting settled in your bag, as Ingo began talking about his day so far.

"-and as luck would have it, the book I had pre-ordered had taken a detour route by mistake and arrived at the wrong station, so I took a trip to retrieve it, hence why I am so far from my usual station." The man explained, gesturing to the paperbag he had clutched in the hand of the arm you were holding onto.

"That said, I hope I have not hijacked your course, you can let me know if we need to change tracks to reach your destination."

| Not really, just kinda taking a day trip to get a refresher for my head. I had planned stop by the hotel the Trio run, but ya know. Rain.
| Stress levels spiked something wicked, and left me more tired than the dead.

"Ah, yes… " Ingo's face fell, making you get a feeling you triggered something, and you slowly let go of his arm. "I read the report Emmet gave me, and Anderson told me what you had said while he was escorting you." FUCK.

| Ah, fer real? Ems and Andy snitched?
| Betrayed by Smiles n Blue eyes, harsh

Even though it was phrased like a joke, you felt a little peeved to be snitched on. Still you let the man continue as you both started walking again when the light turned.

"I hope I'm not overstepping by saying this, Sarah," Ignoring your attempt at the joke, and he dropped the Miss, double fuck- "but Miss Hilda has expressed worry over your time in the repair yard." You bit your lip, cringing. "And we have noticed that starting your engine has taken much longer than prior." You watched as the more stiff faced twin slowed his pace to ensure you didn’t fall behind, offering you his arm to hold onto again, which you took. The look on his face told you he was choosing his words carefully. It was a look you were way too used to.

"It's a call for concern- as unprofessional as that may sound for the Boss of a battle facility to say." Ingo took a deep, sullen breath, "Sadly-" his voice took a more somber tone, "Our facility's usual protocol for operations and safety checks are not equipped for all situations, especially for the-” he paused, his expression, the way his brow furrowed a bit, said he was choosing his tone carefully, “‘exposure therapy’ course you seem so adamant on taking, whether you're aware or not. Emmet has brought it up before, mentioning the reckless nature of it. And I agree."

"We are not mad at you, dear, only concerned…"

Shrinking a little, you bit your lip at feeling scolded, which was definitely what was happening, even if Ingo was using his gentlest voice. Attempting to keep an open mind as he continued talking, you took in everything he had to say the entire walk. The sound of the heavy rain blocking out everything else except Ingo's words. As each word sank in and settled in your brain like a rock, you felt something build in your chest.

▼〘╌⎔╌〙△

The walk was long, and a lot of it was taken in silence after the man said everything he had to say. When he finally finished, you felt a little overwhelmed, your grip on his arm tightening for a moment, like you needed help standing. Ingo kept a steady pace, letting you cling into him until your feet didn't feel like they were trekking in mud. Feeling was weird, but it wasn’t a pinch, or sickness like you used to feel when Islanders had scolded you. It didn’t make you feel small…

"I'm afraid this is where we must uncouple for today. Ideally, I hope you can find a suitable line that'll lead you to your preferred destination next we meet, Ms. Sarah." He patted your shoulder gently, smiling his weird half smile. “And I do hope you’ll take what I’ve said into account. I by no means intend to tell you, a young lady, how you should live your life, so the controls are in your hands.” you nodded your head, offering a smile, that feeling growing and moving to your chest. “But always keep in mind, Emmet and I are looking forward to the next time you challenge us. Until then, good day. Look both ways before crossing and stay safe." Ingo offered his sneasel like smile, saying his goodbye.

You waved goodbye as the man disappeared down the stairs leading to the subway, leaving you with his umbrella. Your chest felt heavy.

▼〘╌⎔╌〙△

You tried not to groan as you stared blankly at the menu. Nothing on it jumped out at you as appetizing, Ingos words still bouncing in your head like beans on a frying pan.

Mulling over it, he sounded like he was talking with a child, like you were being handled while using kiddie gloves. It hadn't felt belittling though, and your steps became oddly lighter too. It was a bit confusing… Just a huge "contradiction". You think that's the word at least.

When you had continued your walk, that feeling from before stayed cozy in your chest as you tried to figure out what it’s called. But on the other hand, there was something he said that left a bitter taste in your mouth.

“Mmmr…” a raspy groan quietly escaped your mouth as you slumped on the table.

Having it pointed out that you were subjecting people to your very public version of "exposure therapy" felt both like clarity and sickening. You had to actually look up what that meant during your walk. And yea, turns out, Ingo was hard on the money. The Battle Subway was being used as an extreme therapy session, and they were left to clean up all of your messes. Not your brightest idea… you really didn't mean for things to turn out like this. The mix of feelings was messing with your stomach.

With a sigh, you remembered how you could count on one hand how many adults you actually like being around. Adults were hard to talk to and trust. They were so judgy, they never listened, only thinking they knew more because they were older. And god forbid if you were a bad kid in their eyes, cause after that nothing would change. Ever. The thought of it, made your hands tighten into fists before almost as quickly uncurling, the anger that boiled cooled over.

But it was different with Ingo and Emmet. They were never like that… [ " So maybe that's why I ended up relying on them like I do with pops… " ] you thought, feeling your chest tighten, words and thoughts tangling up a mess in your brain.

Feeling the cold nose of Zesty nudge your hand, you looked at him, and pulled a smile stroking his fur. Another reason you loved dog pokemon is how they reacted when a person was sad. All pokemon did that, but there was a safety that came from rock type dogs. Sturdy but soft. Why would you need any other kinda pokemon?

{ Tink }

Snapping your head up at the soft sound, you noticed a teacup being slowly pushed in front of you. “Hm…?” sitting up straight, your eyes followed the pale hand as it was pulled back, and rested on a familiar face.

Chili-

“ Here comes the sun, doo-doo-doo-doo “
“ Here comes the sun, and I say “
“ It's alright “

“You looked like you needed something to heat you up,” the red brother smiled, his fire monkey on his shoulder, chirping at you with the same enthusiasm. “It’s herbal lemon tea, I know how much you like it.” he added fondly, smiling in that way that put color to your cheeks. Nodding a thank you, you quickly pulled the cup close, and watched as his Pansear offered your dog a treat as well.

“ Little darlin', it's been a long, cold, lonely winter “
“ Little darlin', it feels like years since it's been here “

It wasn’t the first time you had enjoyed the hospitality of the Striaton trio, the oldest brother just had a special way of making you feel, that sometimes left you flustered. You didn’t know what to say or how to convey it at that moment. Biting your lip as you scrambled for words to convey, so Chili, being ever the impatient spit fire, spoke up, “Listen, I dunno what’s bothering you, but hopefully the tea helps.” the redhead reassured with a supportive tone, his cerise red eyes glowing with warmth, “Take your time and let us know when you're ready to order-” he whispered the next part, leaning in a bit with a playful smile, "-and the tea's on the house." with that he walked away, his fire monkey waving as they left. You felt a little down, wanting to have more of a chance to talk to him, buuut he was working… you silently reasoned. So yea. All you could do is watch him leave.

You always had a hard time thinking around him.

“ Here comes the sun, doo-doo-doo-doo “
“ Here comes the sun, and I say “
“ It's alright “

Bringing the cup closer, with a deep inhale that nearly made your lungs pop, the smell made you feel a bit lighter. Taking a long drink of the tea, enjoying the sour taste of the herbal blend, it made you smile while it settled in your stomach. You still had a lot rattling in your brain, but maaaaybe you could take your time to untangle the mess. The sourness of the lemon tea also seemed to restart your stomach.

“ Little darlin', the smile's returning to their faces “ “ Little darlin', it seems like years since it's been here "

Nursing the tea, as you finally decided on what to eat, you felt your thoughts start to straighten out better. Out of everything that was tangled up, one thing was easy to find. [ " I think me 'n pops should have a talk… " ] you conveyed to your rockruff, who was enjoying a Pokeccino, getting cream all over his muzzle. The puppy pokemon, who was honestly older than he looked, tilted his head at you, and you just smiled. Feeling that tickle that only pokemon could cause.

As if on cue, your phone chimed with a notification just before your order arrived, but surprisingly, it wasn't your dad. It was one of your battle buddies.

Looking at the message, a raspy chuckle rubbled in your throat.

| Hilda:
| Mr. Ingo said you finally left your house! Why didn’t you tell me? Let’s Hang Out >: D

" Here Comes The Sun - The Beatles "