Waking up at a much too early 9 PM, Indigo felt a splitting headache resonate throughout his skull, made even more unbearable by the tears on his pillowcase. Why, why had all of [i]that[/i] happened last night? What had he been thinking? Groaning, he closed his eyes, bombarded by all too sharp memories from the night previous.



[hider= The night before...]
As Indigo made his way to Quiet Road, he knew the chances of seeing the Vivillion were slim, but he had actually taken the time to do his research on his pokedex. Apparently Vivillion were attracted to specific flowers and often fed regularly in the same spots, especially if they were marked as their territory. With Quiet Road having some of the flora that Vivillion were attracted to, it was no surprise their family was so common on the trail. It took about an hour of searching, but finally he spotted one.

This one had deep, verdant green looking wings and was feeding on a cluster of lillies. The only reason he could even see it was because of the glittering from its jewel like scales, sparkling in the moonlight. 

[color=8882be]"Okay, we go up to it and don't scare it.."[/color] He said.

With his pokemon just stronger than before, and with Indy having more experience with a (grudging) thanks to Margo coaching him on his pokemon, they approached. Hawka, ever eager, presented the challenge and invitation to join the team. With some afterthought, the Vivillion accepted.

The battle was still incredibly difficult. With Vivillion being able to fly, his pokemon had to be quick and lucky to not suffer the effects of any powder moves it had. Some fierce Gusts and tricky Powder moves later, however, his pokemon hanging on by their skin. It all seemed lost, though Mimi was able to jump high enough and land a crippling hit on the butterfly pokemon. As Indigo threw the pokeball, it finally clicked after a few agonizingly long shakes.

Elated, he ran to the ball, grabbing it triumphantly and spinning around with it in glee. He was over the moon with giddiness. His pokemon jumped around him excitedly, chirping and cheering themselves. A new teammate!

[color=8882be]"Alright... I'll leave you guys in your pokeballs for now. Don't worry, Kovi, you'll be with us soon,"[/color] Indigo spoke towards the pokeball, smiling. Though the newly named Vivillion couldn't hear him, it felt good to say the words anyway. 


After a trip back to the center, it was nearing 10 PM and Indy was feeling exhausted. Still, his battle with Jack was tomorrow, and he was worried. [color=8882be][i] The last battle I got canned. I know he's going to use a water-type, but I can't risk not using Hawka. She's not going to sit back anyway. This Vivillion should definitely be strong enough, but Hero's not going to be.[/i][/color]

He paused, his teenage brain thinking up rash and stupid decisions based on ridiculous conjectures.

[color=8882be][i]I've got two bug types now but... I really don't need Hero. It was because of Hero we lost the last battle. [/i][/color] A bitter expression spread across Indy's face. Hero was [i]weak[/i], weak as they came, even when he trained with Mimzy and Hawka. He had made barely any progress, despite his trainings, and Indigo, quite frankly, was just about done with the lame grass and bug type. After all, Hero didn't fit into his team in the first place, neither aesthetically or combat-wise. He was just... a hindrance. An ugly one, at that. 

The plan had never been to keep Hero around anyways, Indigo resolved. [color=8882be][i] I mean, it was just to let him heal up for awhile. He doesn't need my help anymore. And what's the point if he can't do anything. He's just useless with his stupid Protects and Tackles... I've got a freaking Vivillion now. I never needed Hero and I don't need him now.[/i][/color]

Hero's pokeball button was clicked and the little bug rustled his leaf-cloak in excitement. It was rare that Indy took him out of his ball besides to train with the others. Though Mimzy and Hawka usually had plenty of time one on one with Indigo, Hero never did. The Burmy was happy; he had been beginning to think that Indy didn't like him like the others. As he went to leap into Indy's arms, however, Indigo stopped him.

[color=8882be]"Hero, I'm letting you go. I think it's better this way,"[/color] Indigo said, not sure why he felt awful. Immediately, there was a clenching in his chest. This felt wrong. But it couldn't be wrong, could it? He'd just spent the better part of an hour thinking up all the great reasons to let this stupid pokemon go. Right?

Hero shook his head, rightfully confused and frightened. 

[color=8882be]"Hero I just think you're better off in the wild. I mean, we're just holding you back, right?"[/color] It was such an ugly, bitter lie that Indigo could practically taste it on his tongue. He swallowed. No, this had to be done. 

Hero frantically tried climbing up Indy's arm. Things were going to be okay, weren't they? His human wasn't actually letting him go? What about Hawka and Mimzy? Couldn't he say goodbye? Tears started forming at the corner of the pokemon's eyes before falling down his face. It looked like dew on his earthy green leaves. In the moonlight, he almost looked beautiful.

[color=8882be]"No,"[/color] Indigo said firmly, pushing through his feelings. [color=8882be]"Sorry Hero, we don't need you anymore. You're too weak. And ugly. Just-- get away from me, already!"[/color] Indigo pushed the little bug back, frustrated and angry. Why did he feel this way when it was obviously his only choice left? Stupid Hero, trying to guilt him when he barely did anything in the first place! [color=8882be]"I can't keep you, sorry. You'll find a better trainer and better friends."[/color] Indigo stood up and Hero, sobbing, turned to flee somewhere on Quiet Road.

It wasn't 10 seconds before Indigo fully realized the extent of what had just happened. His eyes widened and started smarting. No-- No, what had he just [i]done?[/i] Hero was gone now, for good. But Indy had never expected it to feel like this. Expecting the sweet wash of relief to fall over him, regret and shame multiplied instead, bubbling up and making his very heart hurt. 

[color=8882be]"Hero! HERO! Wait! WAIT! COME BACK!"[/color] He screamed, running in the direction that Hero had gone. But the pokemon was nowhere to be seen or heard. His breath coming out in shaky gasps, Indigo kneeled on the ground. [color=8882be][i] I forced Hero to go... I can't believe I just did that. I made a mistake.[/i] 

"Hero, come back, please!"[/color]  

[/hider]

Having gotten out of bed and freshened up, Indigo was dreading his battle with Jack. He was going to need to explain to his pokemon what had happened, as well. [color=8882be][i]I've never felt so ashamed...[/i][/color] It was 9:30 AM. There was no choice but to get some breakfast and hope for the best. He headed to the pokemon center lobby.

 [hider=Current]
Hawka the Torchic F- lvl 20+1=21
[s]Hero the Burmy M -lvl 19[/s]
Mimzy the Buneary F- 20+1=21
Kovi the Vivillion M- 25

Items: small pearl ×1
White Herb x1
Kee Berry ×9
pokeball ×3-1=2
Cheri berry x6

Actions: Caught a Vivillion. Released Hero. 
[/hider]