Pokemon Syndicate

Episode 17: Is This A Safe Space?

(Flashback to 7 years ago)

"Welcome to Group. In this space, we like to push the cardinal rule of a judgment-free zone. This is a space where we'd like to facilitate the chance to freely express what we feel comfortable enough to share with the group to help each other get through the challenges in our everyday lives. I am your co-moderator, Illumise. This is my husband and colleague in the realm of Poke-psychotherapy, Volbeat."

"Hmm...and it would seem that we have three new additions to the group. Siblings. We'll allow them to introduce themselves individually."

Volbeat gave the four siblings the floor to speak, eager to gauge their personalities.

"I guess I'll go first. I'm Vaporeon, the eldest of the four. I'm here because our case manager asked us to be here. That's all I got..."

"Thank you for sharing, Vaporeon", spoke Illumise in a concerned tone.

"Hmm...I'm Umbreon...and I miss my mom and dad."

"Umbreon chill out...Just accept reality", interjected a frustrated Vaporeon.

Illumise turned to Umbreon and Vaporeon hoping that one of them would elaborate. She finally took it upon herself to ask them more about their parents.

"Please, tell us about your mom and dad. Where are they? How about you, little one? Tell us about yourself and your parents", pried Volbeat.

"I'm Sylveon. Mom and Dad were really important people who worked for the government. They had me only just a few years before their last mission..."

"It's okay, Sylveon. You don't have to say anymore."

Illumise turned to the elegant-looking Pokemon of lavender fur.

"I'm Espeon. Umbreon and I are, well, were twin Eevees at birth. Naturally, you can see our differences in personalities."

"You are more outspoken and articulate. Somewhat sarcastic", confirmed Volbeat.

"Not something I would expect a therapist to say," replied a defensive Espeon.

"I do apologize. I did not mean to offend. I assure you that this is a safe space, but we do get to the meat and bones of matters. More progress is made when we are all bearing it all in our most honest and authentic expressions," responded Volbeat in a reassuring tone.

Espeon seemed dissatisfied with Volbeat's response.

"Is this a safe space, Mr. Beat? Doesn't seem like it."

"Espeon, please calm down. It's group therapy, not a war of wits" interjected a frustrated Vaporeon.

"Tch...fine. I apologize to the group", replied Espeon.

The other attendees looked on with empathetic confusion before one of the usual members addressed the siblings in a welcoming voice.

"I promise you guys that you're among friends. I'm wearing my mother's skull for comfort. I have no room for just anyone who misses their parents, dead or alive. My name is Marowak by the way."

"I'm...sorry for your loss, Marowak", replied Umbreon.

"Don't worry about it, kid. That was years ago. But it does take some of us longer to heal than others. Don't beat yourselves up."

Another Pokemon decided to introduce itself to the siblings.

"I'm Zorua. I'm an orphan. Family isn't a lost concept to me, but let's just say that I've had to choose my family as I went. I'm...a little jealous of you guys. Can you tell us more about your parents?"

"They were two very special Eevee who never considered evolving until their last mission," explained a more jovial Umbreon. "Right before our family vacation, they were called for an "important matter" and that evolution wasn't a choice anymore."

"And that's when we said goodbye to Momma & Poppa Eevee and hello to Father Glaceon and Mother Jolteon."

"Well it seems like our discussion has veered into a tangent, but I, too, am curious to know more about your upbringing, young ones."

"I think they've said too much already. They were government officials (you idiots)", exasperated Vaporeon. 

"We apologize if you feel we were prying, Vaporeon. We can move on." responded Illumise.

"We can also put a pin in this and save it for our next group meeting's discussion where we actually will talk about our early childhoods and upbringings. Now, let's get back on track, people" replied Volbeat, trying to reassume control of the conversation. "And for today's topic..."