A/N: Hello, everyone. What's going on at the moment is scary, anxiety-inducing. I hope this story can take you away from that fear, just for a bit, draw you into the vivid and wonderful world of Pokemon. I've loved writing this, hope you enjoy reading it. Please, stay safe, stay indoors, and if you can't, take care and be considerate. Thank you for the follows/favourites. All the best. :)

Chapter Sixteen

Three years later

"What about Sylvain, Alexander, Marnie, Victor? We've only been back a short time."

Celia held letter in hand, its contents throwing her for a loop. She'd been asked to join Unova's Elite Four, replace Caitlin, who was pregnant and wished to leave post.

"Bring Sylvain wit' us. The travellin' will do 'im good. Still indecisive?" Piers huffed, face stern, eyes hard. "You're clearly an amazin' trainer, a bleedin' wonderful woman an' a fantastic Mother, yet you still worry? Why?"

He sounded mad, agitated, body antsy.

"I won't watch you give up somethin' this incredible. This type of opportunity won't present itself again. This is your truth, can be a part o' it. Why fight tha'?"

Celia stepped back, volume in Piers' voice increasing, frightening her.

"What's with that tone? I didn't say no. I actually want to go for it."

"Then go! Seriously. You doubt us? We can always come back, it'll take a while, and I 'ate flyin', but for you, for my family? I'll do it."

Something snapped in Celia, wires frayed, fuses blown.

She picked up their son, turned, and left their room, heading to David's, asking him to look after Sylvain for a bit.

She didn't need this, walking briskly, uncaring for prying eyes.

You doubt us?

How dare Piers say that! Celia hadn't doubted him, Marnie or Victor, not once. She kept faith in them, no matter the circumstances.

We can always come back?

Duh. She knew that. Was man implying she was stupid? Couldn't comprehend such simple words, deconstruct basic sentences?

It wasn't that she didn't believe in herself.

It was the fact she didn't want to constantly take Piers away from Marnie, away from his nephew, away from his home city.

Each, every cell in her body burned, limbs aching as Celia walked length and breadth of Circhester, until lungs gave out, or she did...

"What happened?"

Piers had gone to his Father-in-law, lines ageing him greatly. He appreciated David's tone was non-confrontational.

"Celia doesn't realise her potential. I can't see why. We know how prodigious she is. Our faith is unwaverin'."

"Mine certainly is."

"Huh?"

"I don't think you realise why she acts the way she does. She could have shouted, stormed off, painting the air blue. She didn't. She isn't confrontational in the slightest. She left, of her own accord. Since she left?"

"Its my fault she did."

"I can see you are very upset, you clearly did not mean to hurt her. The reason she is reluctant to go is because she feels she is being selfish, taking you away from Marnie, Victor, Alexander, Team Yell, Spikemuth. Her heart is in the right place, her mind is all over the shop. She doesn't want to pull you away from all you know. You'd have to move to Unova, that's a long way away."

Piers went to reply, jaw working, nothing coming out, brain cells refusing to come up with words.

David turned back to man, giving him time to think, without eyes on him.

Grandfather decided to play with Sylvain, his stuffed plushy Cufant offered, little boy's favourite toy.

Shit...

I just accused Celia, my WIFE of being an idiot...

Arceus. What do I do?

Piers began pacing.

Facetious, being a right bastard.

He held his stomach. It felt as if someone had their fist around it, nails digging, searching for acceptable answer, reason for his reaction.

His son caught his eye, Father rushing through, the first wave.

The second? Husband. He needed to apologise.

"I only want her 'appiness. I want her to succeed."

"Is she holding herself back, or are you?"

"Me. I know she is more than capable. I want her to see tha'."

"She does. She told me she is going to call the league tomorrow, accept the position. Likely went to tell you the same thing."

"Wha'? Arceus..." He smacked forehead. "She couldn't 'urt me if she tried. I'm not abandonin' my family by leavin'. I'll always be there."

"Are you scared of waking somewhere new, knowing you can't pop in the next room, see Marnie and Alexander?"

"Yeh. I'm frightened of missin' out. I want to be brother, uncle as well as 'usband an' father. All of those at once, and its stressin' me out. I 'ad a go at the one person who knows I can be a moody sod, yet she accepts it."

"Just because you aren't there in person does not make you any less of those things. Piers." David's Fatherly voice utilised, it mollified man. "You spurred Marnie on, spurred my daughter, yet you seem unable to allow yourself the privilege? It isn't selfish to want to broaden your horizons. My daughter and I know you put everyone else before yourself. That's a lovely gesture, until you run out of steam, and need to help yourself. You can't, if you give all your energy away. This new venture? Who knows? It may give you the boost you need, creatively and mentally."

"I don't want to be me Dad, absent, uncarin' for anythin' other than gettin' Rattata-arsed..."

He paused.

"Sorry." Piers felt mortification clip him behind the ear. "Bein' merry, frequently..."

"Furthest thing from it, Piers. Do you think I'd hang back, if that happened? No. I'd have stepped in years ago. I've seen you drink, what, three times? If I were concerned, I'd have gotten the two of you together, had a good old chin-wag."

David picked Sylvain up, Piers ruffling son's hair.

"She is worried about Zeus, too. Said he's getting on, and she needs to rebuild her team. Both of you have lost much, but gained much more. This opportunity is for you and Sylvain. Whilst Galar is our home, Celia is jittery, wishes to fly. She doesn't wish to fly alone, but doesn't want to force you or Sylvain to participate."

"'eck yeh! Why wouldn't I? Sylvain?"

Sweetest, innocent, dazzling golden eyes looked up.

"Would you like to travel with Mummy an' me? Mum 'as 'ad a promotion. That means she is incredible."

Sylvain bounced, nodding eagerly, trying to mouth the word 'incredible,' charming Father and Grandfather.

"Yah!"

"Yeh."

Piers 'playfully' corrected, seeing boy's face harden, himself as a child staring back at him.

"Yeh, yeh, yeh."

He clapped, the way he replied giving off brass. Piers snorted.

"Come 'ere, ya ickle scamp."

Sylvain saluted, Piers' eyes watering.

"Celia taught him that, and, Sylvain?" Boy reached out for Father. "Captain!"

"Cap'n."

Piers took his son into his arms, drawing him in closely.

"Oh, Arceus. I'm sorry. David..."

David drew man and child into hug, letting former know, assuring him he wasn't reprimanding him.

He merely offered 'Fatherly advice,' wiser than he knew...

"Hello, Miss Celia."

Grimsley bowed, man's demeanour different, lighter, he radiated prestige, robes black and white.

"Hello, Grimsley. Please, its Celia. Pleasure to be back. I hope I find you well?"

"That you do. I have managed to forgo my demons. Its been two years since I slipped."

Celia grinned, offering hand.

"Excellent! I knew you had it in you."

Man returned smile, shaking hand, Marshal and Shauntal appearing behind him.

"Hello! You know Piers, my husband. Please, meet our son, Sylvain."

Piers walked in, bag slung over one shoulder, Sylvain held against the other. Celia quickly took the bag, wondering why he didn't let her carry it...

The three Elite Four let out their Pokemon, bar Cofagrigus, given her penchant for capturing people within her shell, turning them into mummies and spiriting their souls away...

Celia let out her team. Of the originals, Khonsu, Azurite and Zeus were present. Once she retired Zeus, Piers asked if she wanted to add Jupiter to the fray, as he was just as proficient at battling as his Father, nimble like him, and he could dish out fairly hard blows, like his Mother.

Celia accepted, grateful, her husband exceeding anything she could ask of him.

New additions included female Delphox, Carnelian, male Indeedee called Jasper, a female Meowstic called Invidia and a male Xatu called Janus.

Invidia destroyed anything she came in contact with, strength emanating in waves crowd feeling it, gasping as Pokemon swept opponents away.

Zeus was retired, four months into Celia's new career, Jupiter worthy adversary, running rings around foes, challengers growing frustrated, woman quickly becoming known for defeating them in five minutes or less.

It was when word spread she had most weakness bases covered, the word 'most' glimmering like beacon that people worked out how to beat her.

Celia would always smile, room redesigned so sunlight bathed her, her team, her audience. She wanted the space to feel warm, friendly, a space people could congregate, if they wanted something to help them forget about life's woes. Beams of sunlight resonated in her eyes, Pokeballs floating around her as she battled, whizzing towards her on command, mere flick of the wrist.

Her team were loyal, passionate and driven, driving home trainer's determination, vigour, exuberance.

She saluted Piers before each match, proudly wearing Team Yell's colours. Black lace, sweetheart neckline top, pink and black striped pants, studded neon pink jacket, silver accents in jewellery, silver heeled boots, hair brushed to one side, so it hung like curtain, giving her air of mystery. Her makeup accentuated features, angles highlighted reminiscent of her husband and his look.

Woman joked she was a 'Team Yell Admin,' Piers snorting, playfully correcting her.

Celia was his Second-In-Command, woman approving.

She didn't carry a horn, she would sing instead. If people didn't know they were together, they did now...

Piers and Sylvain watched her battling from the stands, pride visible on their faces.

Man had received a call, earlier that day. Marnie had given birth to a healthy, baby girl, calling her Diane, after their Grandmother. Celia was battling when he got the news, man showing his son, child jumping up and down, wanting to shout 'Mummy,' tell her, despite her being in the middle of doing her job.

Piers couldn't blame him, he wanted to blurt it out too...

Whilst gleefully informing his wife of the news, Piers' voice broke, sudden, sharp pain forcing him to pause, drink some water.

Celia asked that he get himself looked over, by a doctor, as soon as possible. Piers agreed. He doubted it was anything serious. He'd been singing more than usual lately, composing pieces for Sylvain, his small fingers attempting to drum on anything he could get his hands on, makeshift beat charming.

He'd also written little stories for him, and Alexander. He tried to illustrate them, resulting in each available pencil being chewed on, several scrunched up balls of paper, littering the floor, waste paper bin full...

More than likely, he'd strained his vocal chords, so he'd have to rest them.

In response? Celia bought him a notepad and pen...

Sitting on bench in Opelucid City, Celia let Sylvain stretch legs, thinking about what to have for lunch, planning to walk through Route Ten afterwards, area lush, green, air fresh, lovely place for a stroll.

"What would you like for lunch, chéri?"

"Poffins!"

"You can't eat those, sweetheart. They are for my team, Pokemon food."

Little boy pouted, bottom lip pushed out as far as he could manage. He spotted Invidia, and wandered over, Mum quickly getting to her feet.

"Careful, Sylvain. Invidia can be rather, impolite. She prefers being on her own."

She pointed to her team, congregated before one house, Azurite flying around in circles amusing them, chirps of entertainment delightful to their trainer's ears.

"Jasper would be great company. He's sophisticated, charming. Would you like to feed him?"

Invidia eyed boy, squinting golds, red pupils thinning. She wasn't about to hurt the child, but did not like him padding up to her, invading her space.

She made low, displeased grunts, Celia 'saving' her from the curious, inquisitive hands of a little boy...

"Here."

Celia handed son blue poffin, vivid sapphire hue attracting Jasper's attention.

"Jasper? Could you come over here, please?"

Jasper glided over gracefully, poise elegant, bowing his head at trainer and boy.

"Easy, steady, no sudden movements. Jasper is very calm, if I want something, if I think it, he'll do what he can to get it. Distinguished and amiable."

Woman smiled, Jasper's frown turning upside down. She pet him, Pokemon purring away.

"Why does he look sad, Mummy?"

Sylvain held poffin outstretched, Jasper bowing again, nodding thanks as he took it.

"Its his natural expression. Wouldn't walking around with a permanent smile be rather creepy? Indeedee are able to communicate with their horns. If he were sad, I would know. It would radiate off him in waves. We'd all feel it."

Jasper looked to Celia, woman taking a few seconds to register what he wanted.

"Oh!" She looked at satchel, filled with food. "Sylvain mentioned these, and you want to give these to him? Our own, personal butler?" She laughed. "He isn't able to eat these. You know that, Jasper..."

Pokemon tilted head wryly. He knew full well, playful jape perfectly executed, trainer giggling.

Piers exited Pokemon Centre, Bisharp following, quickly by Weavile and Pangoro, Obsidian trudging behind.

"They ran outta mint Poke Puffs, so this one is fumin'."

"I take it poffins will simply not suffice?"

"Nah. Not even sure I've actually tried those, though."

"Sassy nature? That would be bitter, then."

Piers snorted.

"And, 'ow would yeh know tha'?"

Celia held up handbook, man rolling eyes.

"O'course you 'ave an 'andbook..."

She laughed, holding stomach, slipping off bench.

"Obsidian? Would you like to try this?"

Celia got out emerald treat. Obstagoon took it, folded one arm across her torso, on the off chance she hated the offering.

She ate half of it, arm dropping to her side, quickly munching the rest.

"See?" Woman grinned. "I work magic, sometimes."

Piers looked over at Sylvain.

"Yes. Yes, you do."

"That wasn't just me, Piers..."

Wife murmured, praying to Arceus no passersby overheard that particular comment.

"Well, no. But, lets be 'onest 'ere. He 'as your brain, your knack for pickin' things up easily, he's a little genius."

"And a firecracker, he has that simmering look you get when you're mad. He's mastered it, and he's only three years and eight months old..."

"There's the specifics again."

"You love them, really."

"If I didn't, I wouldn't be 'ere."

Sitting, husband took wife's hand, watching their son playing with their Pokemon.

"Righ'. So, what's next?"

"Did Marnie find a replacement for the gym?"

"Oh, yeh, yeh, she did. You know Jade?" Woman nodded. "She's the best o' the bunch, Team Yell agree, Marn does an' I. Capable of achievin' a lot. The sky's the limit, there."

"Great! As for what's next? Well, I plan on staying here for at least a year, it depends on how much maternity leave Caitin wants to take, if she even wants to come back. If not? I'll have a lot to consider, plenty on my plate, but...," she 'shushed' Piers, "Unova has been wonderful to me, to us, and I want to stay here, regardless of what happens. I want to see if I help train others. I don't like giving up on people. I have been given many incredible opportunities, and want to give back. Maybe join the Trainer School?"

Piers approved, not that she needed that, he knew.

"I've written some pages of somethin' or other, tryin' storywritin', for Sylvain. I know he's gettin' a superb education, but I wanted to show him some o' our past. Our Pokemon, lives before we met, snippets o' life. No good at drawin, though."

"That's a marvellous idea. I can ask around, find some local artists, if you want to do that as a job? Professionally? What you write is idyllic, melancholic, romantic. But, for this? It needs to be silly, bright colours, some childish jokes thrown in. Not too silly, mind. He may be a toddler, but Sylvain is far from lackadaisical, learning-wise. He's hit all of his milestones."

"Maybe show him some o' those adverts you were in?"

Celia's jaw hit the floor.

"You've seen those?"

Piers smirked.

"I 'ave, indeed. David showed me 'em. That little button nose, puffy cheeks, toothy grin, missin' a few..."

"I was six, shush..."

Woman rolled golds, huffing laughter.

"I was thinking o' makin' up some riddles, things to keep Sylvain occupied."

"So we get some alone time?" Husband nodded, glint in eye..."I like that. I like that idea a lot."

Piers grinned.

"You did marry an artist."

"I married a blooming superstar. Love you."

Leaning head on her shoulder, Piers closed eyes, lop-sided smile cute.

"Love yeh too."