Your P.O.V.

I slowly drag myself through the hallways. It's been months since I took a pretty bad beating from Matt, and things haven't been great ever since.

Everything got tougher. I'm not sure I'll be able to keep both lives. Matt and G have been on my ass, bringing me into whatever ridiculous mission they're planning. It's a miracle I made to school today.

"Miss (L/N), what should a Trainer do when their Pokémon get frozen in battle?"

I blink once, then twice. The whole class had eyes on me, except for that one kid. I adjust myself on my seat. Arceus, I don't even remember coming to the status conditions class.

"They should use an Ice Heal, Aspear Berry, or a Full Restore. If they don't have one of those items, a Full Heal or Lum Berry should work perfectly" I answer politely. Good thing I have the answers at the top of my head.

"Very good, miss (L/N). Thank you."

The class goes on. I don't remember hearing a single word the teacher said, I just remember being the first one to get out of the classroom. I need a moment for myself and my Pokémon.

The hallways are crowded, it's almost impossible to move. Students are chatting, walking around, preparing themselves for the next class, kissing, fighting, and I'm just staring at my locker. I find it incredible how the world manages to keep moving forward, even if it's falling apart.

I walk towards the school's entrance. There's a pretty sweet spot between the Pokémon Center and the Poké Mart, I love to spend some alone time there.

"Grovyle, Kirlia, and Swablu, please come out!" I throw their Poké Balls in the air, releasing my trusted partners.

My Pokémon stare at me. I can see concern dripping from their eyes, so I sit down next to them and smile.

"It's true that I've been through some tough times, but you've been there for me. And I love you guys for having my back, so..." I quickly grab a paper bag from my backpack. "We're going to have lunch together, yeah? There's Poké Puffs, Poké Beans, some berries and Lemonade for you!"

I arrange everything on top of a picnic towel. They start munching right away. I grab my own lunch and join them.

Grovyle is spitting seeds on a trash can nearby, Kirlia is practicing her meditation, and Swablu is sleeping softly on top of some Leppa Berries. I can't help but smile at their shenanigans. I don't know how Pokémon manage to stay strong for their trainer, but I wish I had the same capability.

My world is crashing. It has been crashing for a few years, but I always managed to keep it together and never break down. Where did that (Y/N) go? She was so strong. I miss her a lot.

I feel something soft land on my cheek. It was Grovyle's head leaf, trying to wipe my tears.

"Sorry, guys. Life has been rough for the last month or so..." I mumble. "Let's change the subject, yeah? Who wants to play tag?!"

I see a smile form on Kirlia's and Grovyle's lips. They start running after each other while I wipe my skirt.

They're so happy. No matter what happens to me, they always will find a way to brighten up my mood.

I have to be strong. Trainers are like parents to their Pokémon. Even though my own parents aren't here, I know they're fighting for me. When they went through tough times, they always made sure to smile at me. I have to do the same for my Pokémon.

I clean our mess and join my Pokémon in their little game.

3rd person's P.O.V

Stupid. I can't wait to break free from your crap.

His whole body was shaking as he walked out of his father's office. He swore his father was going even more insane every single day.

•••

You didn't bother coming back to school. There was no point trying to save something that's already lost, so you just retrieved your Pokémon and headed to route 104.

There was a flower shop nearby, you liked spending time in there. The little girl, Madu, was really sweet towards you, and you needed some sweetness in your bitter life.

"Hey, (Y/N)! What are you doing here so early?!" She asks as you enter the shop. The smell of flowers enrich your nostrils, making you smile.

"School ended earlier than usual, so I stopped by to see you!" You lie, picking her up.

"The Sitrus Berry tree is growing, do you want to see it?!"

You can't help but smile at her enthusiasm. Nothing can corrupt a child's innocent mind. The world can crash around them and they will always find a way to make you smile.

"I do!"

"Great. Follow me, then!"

She jumps out of your lap and drags you to the front of the shop by the hand. The Sitrus Berry tree is gigantic, two times bigger than last month.

"Hey, can you grab the Wailmer Pail? The tree is looking dry" You ask. Madu nods and happily goes back to the store.

A light breeze makes your hair fly. Leaves produce a calming song as the wind hits the trees. You close your eyes, enjoying this moment.

The sun is setting on the horizon. Pink, orange, and navy blue tones paints the sky. It reminds you of a canvas.

"Here you go, (Y/N)!" Madu happily hands you a Wailmer Pail, she has another one on her hand.

You kneel down by the tree and water the soil. It is nice and damp now.

"Hey, Madu, I got you something" You pull a bag of candy out of your bag.

"Candy! Are those Poké Blocks?!" She asks, almost stuttering.

"Yes, they are" You giggle. "Don't tell Swablu I'm giving them to you."

You place a finger on your lips. Madu smiles and runs her thumb and index fingers through her lips, like a zipper.

"My mouth is sealed."

The two of you sit down by the tree, just eating candy and drinking water.

You sigh, looking at Petalburg Woods exit. The tunnel might be long, but you still can see Pokémon roaming around and jumping out at novice trainers.

Nature makes you feel really good and calm inside. Even as a kid, you remember asking your parents to come play with Steven at Petalburg Woods. He made fun of you because of Silcoon and Cascoon, but you just threw a leaf at him and everything was fine.

I miss being a kid. Everything was so easy...

"Madu?" You call her softly.

"Yes?"

"Promise me you'll stay just the way you are right now? Always this happy and bubbly person. Never let anything or anyone take that away from you, yeah?"

She turns around to look at you, but you don't look back at her. You didn't want her to see the hurt in your eyes and how damaged you were. She always looked at you with happiness and excitement, just like your best friend did before you ditched her a few months ago. Now she looks at you with pity, just like everyone else. It gets tiring after a while.

•••

"Promise me you'll stay just the way you are right now? Always this happy and bubbly person. Never let anything or anyone take that away from you, yeah?"

He stops crossing the bridge after hearing your soft words.

Something felt weird on his chest. His heart felt warm somehow, and he liked it. He doesn't remember the last time he felt that way.

"I promise, (Y/N)" He murmured softly, even if the words weren't directed for him, before heading back to Rustboro.

•••
Final A/N

There ya go, double update!

Holy Moly, I woke up this morning to 100 reads and I'm djcnskxnsjxj?!?/&:&/&?! Thank you?!

Seriously, though, thank you so much for everyone that gave this story a chance (even if it sounded a little harsh at the beginning, and by little I mean a lot xD). I promise I won't disappoint you!

Luv, Angel.