From Trainer to Beast Tamer Pokémon Trainer! Reader x Twisted Wonderland

Chapter 58: Existing is Not a Crime

I own nothing.
Chapter 58: Don't Apologize for Existing

"Absol!" Silver called out, racing after the Pokémon through the thicket. "How did you get here!? Why are you showing me this!?"
"Demon!" A voice shouted.
Scrambling to a stop, Silver gazed out at the scene in front of him. Absol had run into a village, calling out and patting, clearly in distress, but the humans took no heed. Children were herded inside as many elderly folks were glaring at the dark type.
"Foul creature! Here to cause trouble!"
"Drive it out! Breloom! Ninjask!"
Two Pokémon charged from the crowd, one that looked like a kangaroo crossed with a mushroom, and the other a speedy masked cicada. Ninjask charged in with a Fury Cutter, which Absol parried with his scythe, only to get jabbed by a Mach Punch. When Absol turned to drive Breloom off with Psycho Cut, Ninjask got that Fury Cutter in. Back and forth, one Pokémon would distract the outnumbered Dark type while the other went in for an attack, and quickly began to wear the Disaster Pokemon down, all the while he was howling and whining at the humans.
"The humans thought we were the disaster, but we had to warn them. Didn't we? Why did they think we did those things?"
Eventually, Breloom knocked him off his paws and sent him flying as the elderly folks cheered.
"No! Stop it!" Silver screamed as Breloom and Ninjask charged the unconscious Pokémon. "Leave him alone!"
"Crobat, use Acrobatics!"
The familiar purple bat swooped in and slammed into the two attacking Pokémon, launching them into a nearby wall and knocking them out in one blow. A younger (Y/N) then appeared, a smaller version of Luxray at her side as the pair ran to Absol.
(Y/N) knelt by the injured Pokémon, pulling out a pink spray Pokémon and applying it to the wounds.
Absol looked at her with closing eyes, and Silver could hear the shock in his head.
"You're...helping me?"
"You're gonna be okay. Promise." The child then glared at the crowd as Crobat landed on her shoulder. "What is wrong with you people!? Ganging up on an innocent Pokémon like that!?"
"Innocent!?" An old man, possibly the owner of the two Pokémon who had been knocked out, screeched. "That thing is a menace! It'll bring doom upon us if we leave it be!"
"Doom? Oh my Arceus! Do you fossils still believe that old superstition about Absols bringing disasters?"
"It's not superstition, girl! And you do well to listen to your elders!"
The girl rolled her eyes as Luxio hissed beside her. "Anyone living in this century knows Absol don't cause disasters, they warn people about them! Even bitter old geezers who don't deserve it!"
The old man lifted his cane as Breloom and Ninjask got back up and prepared to fight again. "Why you insolent whelp!"
"Better that than an ignorant fossil!" (Y/N) then pulled out a Pokeball and let Swampert out. "You wanna fight? Bring it on, old man!"
"Enough!"
Silver turned his head to see a man emerge from the thicket, his steps so steady and balanced, he hadn't even noticed him till now. The man was taller than him, with pale blonde hair. He was wearing a bright red jacket with a yellow interior and an insignia on the forearm. He also had a stranger device strapped to his waist.
The old man seemed quick to lower his cane. "A Pokémon Ranger?"
"What seems to be the issue?"
"This child is causing a ruckus, threatening us all!"
(Y/N) glared at the old man. "We didn't start this fight! These guys were ganging up on poor Absol!"
"That creature-,"
"Was trying to protect you." The Ranger stated, giving the elder a sharp look. "You know what I see? I see a Pokémon trainer defending an innocent wild Pokémon merely trying to warn you lot. She's right about that superstition. That kind of thinking is better off in the dark ages. Now, unless everyone here wants to be written up for abuse of a wild Pokémon, I suggest you all take cover if that Absol is to be believed."
Silver could only assume this 'Pokémon Ranger' had some greater authority because the old folks all began scrambling. (Y/N) made sure to stick her tongue out at the old man as he and his Pokémon skedaddled. She then smiled at the ranger.
"Thanks for that. That probably would've gotten messy if you hadn't shown up."
The man crossed his arms. "You didn't help much. I get it. Injustice like that makes tempers flare, but keeping a cool head will serve you much better in the future."
"Err, right." (Y/N) admitted, blushing. "I just...I see Pokémon that needs help, and I can't sit still, you know?"
"You're talking to a Pokémon Ranger. You just described my whole job." He then walked up to Absol, assessing his injuries. "They roughed him up pretty badly."
"I know. I had a Hyper Potion on hand, but I was actually on my way to restock."
"Well, it was good first aid, but he's gonna need a Pokémon Center. There's one down the road. Think your Swampert can get him there?"
"Easy! You heard him, bud!"
The humans gently laid the injured Pokémon onto Swampert's back and ran down the road. The scene then shifted to inside what Silver could only assume was some sort of Pokémon hospital. (Y/N) and the man were seated on a bench in front of a window, Luxio with her head in (Y/N)'s lap. Inside, Absol was laid out on a table, wounds bandaged and a pink marshmallow-like Pokémon seemingly healing him. A woman with pink hair and a nurse's uniform then stepped into the hall and (Y/N) immediately jumped to her feet.
"Nurse Joy! How's Absol?"
"Absol will be fine." The woman assured. "But you, young lady, need to be more cautious! I understand battles can get out of hand, but your Pokémon-,"
"I'm afraid this wasn't a battle accident." The ranger interjected. "That Absol is wild. It ran into the village in a panic."
Nurse Joy suddenly looked very upset. "Let me guess: the north side of the village? Honestly, I can only tell the old folks to stop believing in those old stories and to leave the wild Pokémon alone before I'm forced to confiscate their Pokémon!"
"I'll be sure to give them a talking to." The man assured. "I'm certain they won't brush off a ranger's warning."
"You can take Swampert with you if you want." He gave the girl a look. "Okay, bad joke. I'll be quiet."
Nurse Joy sighed. "I'm more concerned about what Absol was trying to warn them about."
"I'll be certain to look into it." The ranger said. "In the meantime, I suggest bracing for the worst."
The nurse nodded in agreement and rushed off to make preparations as (Y/N) took her seat back on the bench with Luxio. The stranger crossed his arms.
"I suggest you and your team settle in for the night. There's no telling what's going to happen."
"I think we'll stay until he walks up." She said. "I don't want him to be scared."
The man smiled. "With an attitude like that, I'd say you have the makings of a Pokémon Ranger."
"Maybe in a different life." She then extended her hand. "I'm (Y/N), by the way. (Y/N) Stone."
"Jack Walkers." The man introduced, taking the handshake. "Friends call me Jackie. I was actually checking in on some suspicious Pokémon activity in this area. Guess our friend here proved it's real."
"Well, if you need help, I'm always down to protect Pokémon...even if it means dealing with grumpy old people."
Jackie chuckled, ruffling her hair. "I'll keep that in mind. Be safe, kid."
The blonde took his leave as (Y/N) went back to watching the sleeping Absol.
Silver walked up to the window and just stared at the injured Pokémon. How? How did this Pokémon, scorned and beaten by humans for merely being the wrong species, ever learnt to forgive and trust a human? (Y/N) was a good person, to her core, but to Silver, she was the shining exception to the rule, and she had also been tormented by other humans. Humans were selfish, greedy, and...and...
"Not all humans..."
Absol's words echoed in his ears as Silver opened his eyes again. They were both standing in a void, looking at each other. The pale haired looked at the Disaster Pokémon.
"So I should just let it go? Is that what I'm supposed to learn from this? Just accept it? My people, my parents, destroyed the lives of those I love! I can't ever be forgiven-,"
"You shouldn't apologize for existing."
Silver looked up, hearing the child (Y/N) speaking. She was now in the medical room with Absol sitting up on the examination table, an empty Pokeball in her hand. She extended her hand to the Dark type, who sniffed her hand and gave her a lick.
"I know I spent the first part of my life having to apologize for being born, but someone's been teaching me that we don't need to do that. No one asks to be born as they are, especially with any baggage, but at the end of the day, we're all just trying to live our lives. No one should have to feel guilty about being alive. And, if you want to join us, I'll make sure no one will ever be able to make you feel like you have to prove you deserve to exist."
She held up the ball, and Absol did not hesitate to nudge it. From there, a stream of memories rushed past Silver: battles, contests, camping, laughter, tears, victories, defeats, and at the end, Absol and Luxray were curled up together as the white furred Pokémon groomed Shinx.
"What we are born as or who we are born to does not need to decide who we are. Silver, your father, Sebek, and Malleus love you. Please stop apologizing for being alive."
Silver felt tears slip down his cheeks as he threw arms around the Pokémon who hugged him. All around them, the ink seemed to loosen its grip as the voices of Sebek, (Y/N), and Grim all pushed through.
"SILVER! ABSOL!"
"It's no use!" (Y/N) shouted as Swampert tried to dissipate the blot. "It's not letting the, go!"
Sebek gritted his teeth. "Rgh... I only have one option. All of you, get clear before you get shocked!"
"Mrah? Shocked?!" Grim cried as Noivern scooped him up as everyone took cover.
The green haired male took a breath, drawing magic to his chest as lightning appeared. "Lightning, pierce the stormy skies! LIVING BOLT!" There were multiple strikes of lightning as both Absol and Silver flinched at the thunder, urging Sebek onwards. "SILVEEER! WAKE UP THIS INSTANT, YOU... YOU INCORRIGIBLE SLEEPYHEAD!"
A bolt then hit the pair, making Silver gasp as Absol snapped out his daze. In an instant, the Pokémon grasped the boy's clothes and made a leap of faith to safety. Silver shook his head, unsure of what had happened.
"Wha-? Absol?"
The Disaster Pokémon licked his face as Sebek approached, looking a bit unsteady.
"Gh... As I feared, I have yet to properly master my signature spell. There's still...electricity coursing through me... Aghaghagh!"
He nearly tumbled back as Silver looked up at him.
"Sebek?"
His dormmate rolled his eyes. "Honestly, Silver, you should be ashamed! Forcing an animal to make up for your shortcomings! I'm here to get you out, you coward!Remember what you said? That you'd break our liege's spell and liberate him, Lilia, and all the rest of the foolish student body? Are you going back on your word, Silver?!"
"O-of course not! I just..." Silver glanced downward. "Sebek, there's something you must know: I... I was born to Henrick's sister Leah and the Dawn Knight. I'm the son of Father and Malleus's mortal enemy. I don't know if I could ever-,"
Sebek cut him off with a slap. "FOOL! I've always known you were a fool, but I never realized it was to this extent."
"Maybe go easy on the tough love, Sebek!" (Y/N) said.
She was promptly ignored as Sebek drew his sword. "As things stand, no amount of verbal reasoning is going to get through to you. Draw your weapon, Silver."
Silver immediately shoved Absol away to safety, standing up. "Sebek, don't... Please, I don't want to hurt anyone anymore."
"Pathetic. How can you call yourself my elder pupil? I'm disappointed. If Lilia saw you now, there's no question he would be filled with sorrow." Silver had no response as Sebek readied himself. "So be it. I'm going to knock some sense into you before you disgrace yourself any further!"
The pale haired boy sighed, but drew his weapon as well. "All right. If that...makes you feel better."
"EN GARDE! HRAAAGH"
The two began to clash, leaving the residents of the Ramshackle dorm to just awkwardly watch, unsure how to handle this. Absol padded back to his trainer as Crobat, Hydreigon, and Noivern landed and watched the Diasomnia boys clash. The Brutal Pokémon nudged her arm, causing her to shake her head.
"No, just...let them go at it. I'm pretty sure this is how they communicate."
Eventually, Sebek went in for a finishing blow.
"You're finished! TAKE THIS!" Silver countered as the pair clashed a final time and began huffing. "It's over...Silver...You...Win..."
The green haired male collapsed, making Silver panic.
"Ah... Ah... What have I done?! Don't tell me you let me land that final blow on purpose, Sebek?!"
That immediately had Sebek back on his feet as he began persistently bonking his dormmate's head.
"On purpose? You absolute nincompoop! Why in the world would I TRY to lose?! I thought that this time I would finally defeat you... I fought with all I had! But I couldn't win, confound it! Do you know how frustrating that is?!"
To his credit, Silver was in more shock than pain. "Sebek... I'm sorry. My body flew into action before my mind could catch up..."
"You have this much strength...and you dare to say you weren't loved?! That you were hated?! Don't you dare insult me like that... And ESPECIALLY not Lilia!"
Silver took a step back in shock as (Y/N) nodded.
"There it is."
"If he hated you, he didn't have to give or teach you anything. He could've raised you into a dimwitted coward and made you a servant. But he didn't—and look at you now. Even alone and helpless, you stood firm. You spoke up, unfaltering in the face of our liege's madness. Even trapped in the darkest despair, you kept on fighting! Who raised you to be so strong? LILIA DID!" Sebek began weeping. "Why don't you see? Why do you doubt? You should have understood years ago! What can you call your strength, if not the direct result of Lilia's love?! Don't you ever make a mockery of my—of OUR teacher again, Silver!"
Silver looked at the ground, both Sebek's words and what Absol had shown him finally clicking into place.
"...You're right. Even in that darkness, I heard it the whole time: Father's voice, telling me to stand up. To never give up. To live." He then looked at Absol. "And someone reminding me that I don't need to apologize for being alive. I thought I was just imagining all of it...but now I finally see. Everything Father taught me proves his love. That's no dream or delusion... It's the truth."
(Y/N) smiled, patting Absol's head as Sebek huffed, sheathing his sword.
"Hmph! About time you figured it out. So what do you want to do now?"
Silver sheathed his sword, a look of determination on his face. "Where are Father and Baul?"
"They went toward the Tenebrous Wood." Sebek answered as (Y/N) turned towards their destination.
"Not alone. A group of Silver Owls went after them while we were fighting the blot."
"They could be in danger then. Let's hurry! (Y/N), can your Pokémon carry us?"
"Like you need to ask."
Sebek mounted Hydreigon, Silver on Noivern, and (Y/N) and Grim on Swampert. In an instant, they were blitzing through the woods, hot on the trail. As they ran, Noivern flew next to Swampert, allowing (Y/N) to ask some questions.
"So what did you see in there?"
"Plenty. About my father's past and my own. It hurt thinking about it, but Absol helped me understand that none of it was fake."
"Absol?"
"He showed me his past, about how you two met."
She blinked at him. "What? How did he do that? And why?"
"I don't know how, but I think I know why. Those people you protected him from believed he didn't deserve to exist just for being an Absol. No matter what, they're wrong, and Absol wanted me to understand that just because I'm the son of my father's enemies doesn't mean I don't deserve to exist." He then smiled at (Y/N). "I think he also wanted to remind me that there are also good humans out there, and they're good people because of their actions, not they're blood."
"Spoken like a true father." (Y/N) boasted, giving her Pokémon a proud look. "You'll be fine?"
"Yeah, I won't let this stop me from living in the present."
"We'll hold you to it. Otherwise, I'll be forced to let Sebek bludgeon you." Just then, a roar echoed through the valley that sent shivers down everyone's spines. "What was that?"
A Silver Owl burst in front of them, covered in soot and screaming about a dragon and demons.
"That would be her Highness." Sebek deduced. "We should assist-,"
"We can't get far from Lilia, remember?" Grim reminded, making Sebek mutter.
"Curses."
"Hang in there, Sebek." (Y/N) said. "I understand though. Even though this is a dream, I feel so frustrated not being able to help. To think Lilia had to go through this."
Silver perked up at her words. "I've been thinking about something ever since we entered Fathers dream. Malleus's spell is what's showing him all of this, right? So why is it all so horrible?"
(Y/N) paused, thinking about it. "Yeah, now that you mention it. These might be memories, but at the core, this is a dream. It doesn't have to be this way."
"In Sebek's dream, Father and Malleus were gearing up to do off-campus internships together. If we take Malleus at his word, his magical slumber is supposed to give people dreams that are perfectly tailored to make the dreamer happy."
"To keep the dreamer dreaming!" Grim reasoned, making Silver nod.
"It would make more sense for Father's dream to be one where fae and humans don't fight, where Malleus's parents are alive. A dream where Briarland remains a great nation."
Sebek nodded. "Hmm... You raise a good point."
"Malleus also said that he's monitoring our dreams and reigning over them. If he knew we were here, it stands to reason that he'd try to remove us, like he did in Sebek's."
"If you'll indulge some conjecture?" Sebek said. "Perhaps there's some reason that Malleus can't monitor Lilia's dream..."
"It's possible. I really want to wake Father up and get his help if we can, but-,"
Noivern suddenly screeched, picking up speed. (Y/N) tightened her grip on Swampert and urged him to go faster.
"He hears something! We're catching up!"
"I hear it too!" Sebek shouted. "Swords clashing?"
"In that case, gentlemen, get ready to rumble!"
The group burst into the clearing, spotting Baul by himself, surrounded by Silver Owls, giving them absolute hell. Instantly, Noivern swooped down and pulled him to safety, letting Swampert cleave through the crowd with an Earthquake. As the Soundwave Pokémon released the older fae, the Silver Owl captain stood up, baffled at the sight.
"Gah! More reinforcements?! Wait—humans?! Why are you siding with the fae?!"
"This has naught to do with species!" Sebek retorted, Hydreigon's mouth glowing from a charging Dragon Pulse. "You are simply loathsome. That's why we fight!"
Grim hopped up and down on Swampert's back. "Yeah, that's right! And when we loathe someone, we kick 'em to the curb! That's the Night Raven College way!"
The captain scoffed. "What vexing fools! We need to regroup! Soldiers, fall back!"
The soldier began running for their lives, making Grim hiss.
"Hey! They're runnin' away!"
Noivern moved to follow, but Silver pulled him back. "Letting them call for backup might mean trouble...but overextending ourselves could be fatal. We'd better tend to Baul."
At this, Sebek jumped off his mount and ran to his grandfather. "Baul! I'm sorry we're late!"
The old man was hacking. "You... Grk..."
"Sebek move." (Y/N) ordered, running over to assist. "Let me assess the wounds."
"He's badly injured. Get him a potion!"
A sharp whistle rang out, making Grim go stiff.
"Ack! I'm guessin' that whistle is the Silver Owls callin' for help!"
"We need to get out of here." Sebek stated, trying to pull his grandfather to his feet. "Baul, lean on me!"
"No—I'm going to stay here." Baul stated. "Someone needs to engage the enemy. You catch up to the general."
"You're in no condition to fight!" (Y/N) shouted.
"Enough! I don't WANT help from the likes of you!"
Baul broke out into a coughing fit, solidifying Sebek's next decision.
"Silver. Grim. (Y/N). You and the Pokémon all go on."
"WHAT!?" They all shouted.
"I'll stay with Baul and help him hold off the Silver Owls."
"You can't!" Silver shouted. "Not even the two of you combined can handle that many...And I've got no idea what will happen if you get any farther apart from Father."
"THERE'S NO TIME FOR DEBATE! Lilia's in a vulnerable position so long as he carries that egg. Go to him! Protect what you hold dear! And I'll protect what I hold dear!"
"Sebek..."
"Hmph. Don't take me for a fool, Silver. I'll dispatch the enemy and catch up with the rest of you in no time."
Silver eventually nodded. "...All right. Come on, (Y/N). Grim."
(Y/N) looked at the half fae before turning to Hydreigon. "Stay with him. And this is not up for debate. Come back alive."
With that, the remaining party took off as a rumble came from behind the Zigvolts. The Silver Owls from before returned with a machine behind them.
"The armored excavator's finally made it down the muddy roads! You're doomed now!"
Hydreigon launched him with a Dragon Pulse, baring his teeth as the excavator came into view. Sebek drew his sword, feeling assured with the dragon at his back.
"You're deluded if you think that oversized piece of scrap metal is any match for me! Baul, stay back and allow us to handle this."
The old fae blinked in surprise. "Human...Why would you go to such lengths...?"
"My fighting here won't change what happened in reality. Nonetheless... There are some things I will never yield. Silver Owls! You do battle with Sebek Zigvolt and Hydreigon now! EN GARDE!"
The pair jumped into battle. As Sebek took on the knights, Hydreigon went head to head with the excavator, ramming into it to prevent it from going any further. The Dragon type stubbornly bit into the steel, attempting to rip the machine apart bit by bit.
"Such a monster exists!?" A Silver Owl said, seeing how ferociously Hydreigon fought. "Leave him, you fools! Slay the dragon!"
"Not on my watch!" Sebek roared, charging the Owls and knocking out the final one. "Hydreigon! Expose the interior and get out of the way!"
The dragon nodded, ripping out a sizable plate, exposing wiring before backing away.
"You're finished! HRAAAGH!"
Sebek drove his blade in, causing the machine to start sparking. Hydreigon yanked him to safety as the machine blew up, leaving behind a cloud of dust.
"That's...the last of them..." He then smiled, hugging Hydreigon's neck. "Well done, you. How was that, Baul?! We did it!"
Baul stared at them. "You actually won... That was very well fought."
Sebek looked giddy at the praise. "I'm unworthy of such praise — oof, ouch...!"
Hydreigon rumbled and licked his cheek as Baul crossed his arms.
"Human... Tell me, why would you fight so hard to aid the fae?"
"My father is human...but my mother is fae, sir." Sebek tucked his head as his grandfather recoiled. "My maternal grandfather very much disliked humans. Loathed them, even. When his only child wed a human, well... You can imagine how much they fought. Even now, my grandfather and father's relationship is strained. But despite all that...my grandfather never once shunned his grandchildren. He's a taciturn man, always scowling. He's never uttered words of welcome when I visit...But he always had the latest children's books at his house. And he always kept candy and sweet drinks on hand, the kind he never consumed himself. I genuinely respect him. That's why I want to be of aid to you... To all of the fae!"
Baul clicked his tongue. "...Hmph. You couldn't help even if you wanted to, with the sorry state of your equipment. Your baton's cracked, and your protective garb's all torn up."
"Don't worry on that front! I'll just scrounge up a few things from the unconscious Silver Owls here, and—,"
"Human... No, Sebek Zigvolt. I am grateful for your efforts. Yours and the dragon. I shall bestow upon you suitable armaments to replace your damaged items. To honor the birth of a new warrior, I, Briarland Royal Guardsman Baul Zigvolt, hereby offer Night's blessings."
In a shimmer of light, Sebek's clothes were replaced by a set of armor, gleaming even in the dark.
The boy stared at it. "This armor... This magearm...?!"
Baul nodded. "It's the very same equipment that Briarland's royal guardsmen are outfitted with. The magearm comes from a fallen ally, but...it should suffice better than that all but broken baton of yours."
"Suffice?!" Sebek screeched. "Why, sir! I couldn't ask for any greater honor than to be clad in the same fashion as a royal guardsman!"
"You'll need a mask as well... Hmm. This should work well for you." He handed Sebek a crocodile mask, like his own. "Among those in our squadron, only I am permitted to wear a crocodile mask. If you share my surname, and your grandfather is indeed fae...Perhaps the general was right, and something truly did bring us together, Sebek Zigvolt. Half-fae warrior. And Hydreigon, a proud and powerful dragon. I expect you both to continue fighting as well as you have been."
Sebek was in tears, saluting his grandfather. "...Yes, sir! I shall fight in a way that does justice to the Zigvolt name and this mask. I swear to you, Grand—ah, Baul!"
"Now, we must hurry and catch up to the general!"