Pokémon: Out of the Woods | A Galar, Unova & Sinnoh Fanfiction

Chapter 78: The Split Hero

Triton was the officer sent to request Desiderio's help. This time, he didn't disguise himself or send Zoroark into Craving Books. He showed his International Police badge to the assistant who greeted him.

'Oh... I'm really sorry, Sir, but... Mr. Machado's not here...'

'Mind if I check?'

'No. Go ahead.'

The assistant told the truth. Desiderio was nowhere to be found in the shop or at his house. His employees had no idea where he was, but the bloodied towels in his laundry basket explained it. Triton searched the Regional Health Service's database. He was treated for a broken nose, concussion and light wounds at the King's Medical Centre hospital in Ballonlea.

When Triton arrived, his face and arms were so bruised and swollen that it looked much worse than it was. He felt bad when he sat at his bedside to show his badge.

'Howdy. I'm here on behalf of the International Police.'

'Oh... yes? You aren't worried about me, are you? I'll be just fine.'

'Well, I actually came to ask for your help, but... now I am worried about you. What happened, bro?'

'My help? What might I help you with?'

'Forget that. What happened?'

'I got into a fight... that's all.'

'With who? Where?'

'No-one I recognise... a man outside the local pub... the local police have already interviewed me. Don't you worry...'

It looked like he was hit with an object like a bat or cane. Heather said that when Pluto's Zorua produced an illusion of Jahzeel, he had long hair and carried a cane, just like Ghetsis.

'What did this man look like?'

'Grey hair, quite tall. But like I said, it's nothing to worry about... my nose will heal. What can I help you with...?'

He was unwilling to say more about the fight. Perhaps, after some time there, he would confide in the people at the lab... or even his father. Though when he was discharged the following morning and joined Triton in a Flying Taxi to Wedgehurst, Neptune and his parents were no longer there. They were at Sonia's home on Route 2. After all these years, Neptune had to prepare himself. He didn't want to be a broken wreck when he finally met his son.

'Ah! One of my books!'

Perry looked up to tell him that his book wasn't very helpful, but he grimaced instead.

'Dude! What happened to your face?!'

'I got into a fight. Nothing too troubling.'

'Who'd you piss off?!'

'You know what these Galarian battling hooligans are like, don't you?'

'That is extreme, pal. Even for them.'

'Anyway. I'm to help you with this translation, aren't I? Budge up.'

Sonia already dragged a chair over for him. He winced at the light of the screen. Triton assured him it could wait if he wasn't feeling well, but he insisted he was fine. He wondered if, whilst Desiderio wasn't willing to directly blame Jahzeel for his injuries, he was rushing on in a way that was safe because he knew Team Plasma had to be stopped before they caused further harm.

Triton understood a little of Desiderio and Perry's Kantonian bickering. Sam understood everything. Once it was established that Perry was only pretending he didn't need help, they talked exclusively about the translation. There were 22 pages by noon. Someone knocked on the door. Pluto delivered a shopping cart filled with Wishing Stars.