cambox | Da Future

[...Aaaahhhhh, it smells so nice in here. It's invigorating.

He's got a little spare change on him, so he's definitely gonna ask about a good smelling fruit in particular- they're actually Qualot berries!- and get a few of them. One for him, one for Weavile, one for Barett.

Don't ask him where he got the money- he's probably gonna lie.]

[Alas, Barett assumes the best. Obviously, winnings from battle, right?

Barett himself is picking out some herbs for Pokémon medicine, despite his ninetales' upset whining.]

Oh, shush. I know it's gross, but it's good for you.

[Yeah. Winnings from battle. Sure.]

Why not get berries or Potions? ...You can mix them with berries too, can't you?

It'd help if she liked sweet stuff, but she hates it almost as much as the medicine.

[He pays for the small pouch of powder.]

I fold it into some cheese for her, but it still has a nasty aftertaste. But it keeps parasites off of her and gives her a silky, healthy coat, so every now and then it's worth a minute or two of discomfort.

Does it work if you brush it directly into her coat?

Not really, hah hah. Medicine would be a lot better if it worked more than one way.

...Yeah. Yeah, it would be.

[Dad...]

It's okay. She gets mad at me... but it's fine. She'll forgive me, because she knows I love her.

[-Right. Nod.]

How long have you had her?

Since I was little. I found her, sleeping in a grove, and I sat with her. We became friends.

[He didn't have to battle her or anything.]

[...That's it?] Really? And she just decided to come with you?

Yeah. You can communicate the way you feel with Pokémon in more than just battling them.

[Barett started scratching Ninetales' ear, and she whined and leaned against his leg.]

She's going to stay with me for the rest of my time. And I'm sure she'll keep dad and Blue company for a long time to come, too.

...The rest of your time? [Blue made it pretty clear that he wouldn't live as long as her, but... What?...]

Not sure how long it'll be. But no matter when, I'm ready. We're both ready.

...How? [How can you be ready for death so early and easily?]

I've explored a lot of Unova. Most of it. I've tried everything it has to offer, and I've met a lot of Pokémon.

[He starts walking out of the market, not reaaaally wanting to let too many people catch the entire conversation.]

I did everything I really wanted to get done. Experienced the things I wanted to experience. I'm tired, but I'm happy.

[Ah, good, a bench nice and out of the way. He'll sit down.]

I'm done, though. I'm ready for it all to close... I really can't wait to meet mom, if there's an afterlife. If not, then it's okay... Blue can go on without having to drag me along with her everywhere.

...You're young. You've got so much more to see other than what's in Unova. The world is huge- bigger than either of us could imagine. There are so many things to do and you're content with death?

I know. But that's unrealistic. I'm getting worse, and worse...

I'd like to not be sick. But that's not the reality of it. Like this, I'm a burden. My sister can't go anywhere without having to think about where to fit me in. It's not fair for her. Is she supposed to take care of me when she starts trying to get a girlfriend? When she starts having kids? And I know dad is happy to do it, but...

It's okay. I'm looking forward to it, kind of.

[No. No, no, no that's wrong in every way imaginable, and-

...Why should he care, anyway? It's not his problem.

He fidgets uncomfortably and ducks his head down.]

Is it sad? Hah... sorry. I know I'm a downer, I try not to say anything.

[Which is why his father has no idea about this thought process]

[Huh- oh.] I don't agree with you, but who am I to judge? It's good to get it out and talk about it either way.

As long as you're living your life to the fullest until that day, I won't criticize you.

Yeah... I'm happy. Happiest I've ever been. I'm even here, spending time with you - seeing pieces of my dad that I wouldn't get to, otherwise.

I'm sorry you're here, but I'm not sorry that I get to spend time with you.

[dokidoki dad crush...]

...I wasn't doing anything important and it gave me a chance to see the other side of the world. As long as I can get back soon, it's okay.

[Young dad's ability is Oblivious, sorry Barett-]

[It's okay, Barett decided to not ever think romantically of anyone even by accident, because who wants a boyfriend that's going to die in a few months?]

Are you having fun?

[...]

...Yeah. I think so.

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