Aftermath || Sequel to The World Without Them [HIATUS]

03 | Adjourned

No one spoke for what felt like an eternity. Frost gritted his teeth at the now tense atmosphere as those before him visibly mulled over his previous statement. He could nearly feel Sage and Acacia's stress as well as they continued to observe from behind him.

After a couple moments, the silence was shattered by the creak of Xenia's chair as the woman leaned back, brown eyes cold and stern.

"No," she simply said. "Sinnoh cannot rejoin the council."

Frost's eyes widened at her immediate refusal. He was taken aback by the disapproval her expression held, as if his request was the most ludicrous thing she had ever heard.

Before the boy could formulate a reply, Lucca cut in with a much gentler tone.

"I agree with the head of the council. Under the current conditions Sinnoh is facing, it is almost impossible to allow reentry. This region is in a state of awful disarray, the people don't know what's happening within their own government, and Pokémon haven't been introduced to the public yet." The man gave Frost an apologetic look. "I'm sorry to say it but, until things get better and more organized, we can't have a seat for Sinnoh among us."

"It would jeopardize the credibility of the council," Bradley added quietly.

Frost furrowed his eyebrows. "I understand your points, and they're all valid. However, as I already explained, it's exceptionally difficult for us to make progress without aid. We know almost nothing about Pokémon because all the records have been destroyed, hidden, or discovered but are of little use. There's no way for us to do this alone, which is the main reason I ask you to take my request into consideration."

"If all our points are valid, then right there you should know why we won't consider your reentry," Vincent shot back with a growl. "The people in our regions are unaware of what has happened to Sinnoh over the years just as we were. To blindly give you aid when we don't fully know what is going on would be suicide for world peace. Our nations would riot."

"Vincent, please hold your tongue. You are an assistant to a representative, not a representative yourself. You are in no place to give your opinion," Ano commented, making the redhead scowl but shut his mouth. The Alolan turned to Frost. "Your plea has been heard, at least by me. When things settle down and we get more information, I would be happy to lend assistance in the rebuilding of Sinnoh."

Frost dipped his head in thanks, only somewhat relieved that someone acknowledged the meaning behind his proposal. He had been hoping that Ano's statement would light a fire within the other representatives and motivate them to do the same, but one look around the table made it obvious that his ideal situation was not going to happen.

"This is a matter to be discussed when all the representatives are present," Flora informed, making everyone turn to her. She tucked a strand of blonde hair behind her ear. "This is too important of a notion for only part of the council and a couple assistants to hear out. It should be brought forward when there is more time for discussion."

Once again, they all fell quiet. Ano and Lucca nodded at the woman's remark while the other three sat completely still. Frost clenched his fists together under the table as he forced himself to push his growing frustration down.

There's nothing I can do or say to convince them. They won't listen right now.

As if on cue, Xenia got to her feet. She glanced around at her counterparts before letting her gaze settle on Frost once again.

"Flora is right. We cannot discuss this until the other committee members are present. Because of that I will not entertain the topic of Sinnoh's reentry any longer." She raised an eyebrow at the boy. "If that is all you wished to talk about, I will be on my way."

The adolescent barely nodded before Xenia promptly made her way past him. He could hear Sage, Mana, and Acacia step aside to let her through and only seconds later the sound of the door opening and closing reached his ears.

The others followed one by one. Vincent dismissed himself without a word and hurried in the direction Xenia had gone. Bradley and Lucca were next, both of which gave him a deep bow that Frost returned from his seat. Flora sent him a small smile before exiting as well, which only left the Inridians and Ano in the room.

A couple moments passed before the Alolan stood. Frost got up as well and, when the representative held out his hand for one last shake, the blue-haired boy took it gladly.

"I meant what I said," Ano remarked before releasing his grasp on Frost's hand. "I found your story very compelling and convincing, even if the others didn't think so right away. I'll have my team send you documents of information on the Pokémon we have in our records so you can further your research and knowledge. I hope it'll assist you some."

"I'm sure it'll help immensely. I really appreciate it."

"Of course. I want to see Sinnoh get back on its feet as much as you do. It'll take time, but I know that this region is in good hands if it has someone like you at the forefront." Ano stepped towards the door and turned the handle. He looked back over his shoulder at the small group. "Good luck. We'll be in contact."

They all nodded and, with that, Ano disappeared into the hallway. The boy and three girls stared at the door for some time without saying anything. But eventually Frost's calm exterior cracked, and he collapsed into his seat.

"I didn't think it was possible for us to make such infuriatingly small progress," he muttered, running a tired hand through his hair. He then leaned against the table with his elbows. "If you could even call whatever that was 'progress'."

Sage sat down beside him, and Mana leaped onto the tabletop. The Pokémon waddled over to her male partner and touched his cheek with the end of her club-like arm almost reassuringly before beginning to play with his face. Frost didn't pay the entertained creature much attention as he made eye contact with the greenette.

"We knew going in that this wouldn't be easy," she reminded as Acacia came up on his other side. "You said everything you needed to say; we had no control over what they'd think about any of it. You did a great job, Frost. Don't beat yourself up."

Acacia nodded. "Sage is right. The representatives have every reason to be nervous about this situation, especially after what you told them about Inridia's past. With a story like the one you told, I'd be afraid of letting us back into world affairs too. Not only that, but it's more than likely that they're going to be watching you to see what decisions you make. That'll surely play into whether or not they consider Inridia's eligibility for reentry."

"But they didn't look like they trusted me even a little bit," he complained in response, finally nudging Mana away so she'd stop poking his nose. "I thought I made it pretty clear that I was the good guy."

"You did, but I don't think trust is the problem. There are so many other factors playing into this right now. If anything, they're just trying to catch up." Acacia paused. "You still have time to make them come around, Frost, and I think it's promising that you at least seem to have Ano on your side. I think he'll prove to be a valuable resource."

Frost closed his eyes and rubbed his temples. He felt Sage touch his hand, and he immediately intertwined their fingers. Her touch was enough to comfort him, if even just for a moment.

A minute or so passed before the Silverkeep native could bring himself to sit up straight and steel his resolve.

They're right, I still have time, he thought determinedly, tracing circles over the back of Sage's hand. It might take awhile but I will convince them to help. I have to.

He looked over at Acacia, who peered back curiously. Frost took a deep breath.

"I need you to contact every media outlet and set a date for me to give a speech to the Inridian people." The two females gave him surprised glances as he continued. "If we don't tell them soon, then there's no way we're going to be able to move on. Our success depends on the reactions of the citizens."