Redemption

Chapter 25

        The sound of voices greeted (y/n) as she woke up. A pillow was clutched to her chest and a familiar Rockruff lay curled up near the pillow beneath her head. "Oh, that's the professor's Rockruff." Wait, where in the world was she?

        (Y/n) sat up in the bed to be met with the surroundings of the loft in professor Kukui's lab. Silver wasn't there with her, but she hadn't expected him to be. Well, maybe a little bit. It would have been nice to catch sight of his face as he slept, for it was truly a sight to behold.

        The Rockruff, the professor's faithful helper of sorts, woke up and gave her a high pitched yap of greeting. With a smile, she returned the greeting with a head pat before sliding out of the bed. As she decended the ladder with Rockruff in one of her arms, she caught part of the conversation that Silver was having with Kukui.

        "Ah, I see. And he's been unresponsive up until today?" Kukui was saying.

        "Yeah, I woke up this morning and he was out of his pokéball. He seems fine, but I just wanted to make sure," Silver said. (Y/n) stopped halfway down the ladder when she caught a glimpse of the giant blue pokémon standing next to Silver. Everyone looked at her when she did, the pokemon included, which only served to embarrassed her.

        "Good morning," she shyly uttered before sitting Rockruff down. Her greeting was returned by the professor whereas Silver settled for a warm smile. (Y/n) noticed that his hair was pulled back despite her having been asleep. He usually always let her do it. She tried not to stare too long, but Silver became concious of the fact very quickly.

         "I heard you did an excellent job at the Tapu Festival here on this island!" Kukui exclaimed. "I kind of feel bad for missing out." He had been on another island for the festival to take care of his wife and son. "I don't mind you staying here to get away from the crowd, but next time be careful. Silver told me that you overworked yourself."

        "I'll try," (y/n) said with a nod. "Who's that pokémon?" The blue giant stood taller thank Kukui though he seemed like a very gentle pokémon despite the sharp features that (y/n) caught sight of.

        "This is Feraligatr. He's my second pokémon partner," Silver explained. "He's been asleep for over half a year now, and I wanted to make sure that he was okay." Silver set his other pokémon free. "And this is Murkrow." The small bird happily rested on Silver's outstretched arm while swaying side to side. "They've both been hiding in their pokéballs for a long time until now."

        "Nice to meet the both of you," (y/n) waved at the pokémon, glad that Silver finally had his partners back. She would be devastated if none of her pokémon responded to her for over half a year.

        "I still think they're alright. I ran some checks on the two of them, and it seems like they only were just staying dormant. As for why, I'm not sure, but I assure you that they're perfectly healthy. Although, I would still stop by a Pokémon Center just to make sure they've got all of their energy back," Professor Kukui said to Silver. They boy nodded in response.

        "Thank you again, Professor, for everything. Oh, and tell Professor Burnet that I said hi!" (Y/n) headed towards the door.

        "Leaving already?" Kukui asked. He raised an eyebrow, and (y/n) missed the barely noticeable glance he gave Silver.

        "Yeah, I really need to get home. I left my phone, so no one has been able to call me. I'm pretty sure Lillie or Hau still have my pokémon, and I have to make sure that Koko returned safely," she answered.

        "I'll walk you there," Silver offered. No, that was more like a statement that he wasn't going to let her refuse. "I'll be back before you leave, Professor," Silver gave his regards and returned his pokémon. (Y/n) gave Kukui one last wave before they headed back to Iki Town. The duo had nearly reached the town when Silver stopped with a short sigh.