Furthermore, he was more than content to allow the Grand Watcher to presume she knew what it was she was truly asking, and thus what the answer actually meant. Oracle experienced visions rather frequently. Regularly, even. But, such extreme and intense visions - ones that she couldn’t handle herself, were very rare.

He also didn’t report to her, so she was free to underestimate his team all she wanted.

Spending what little time he could with his family, the Guthermuth’s included, was well-received by Tristan and Ether. While the latter was understandably on-edge, it was here on Mossdeep Island that he let down his guard in a way he almost couldn’t anywhere else. This was home. His Trainer’s parents doted on him more than they might a child - spoiling him rotten. Tristan would joke that he would have to be careful, otherwise Ether might leave him for his parents. 

Ether rarely contradicted the idea.

And his colleagues in the Elite Four - it wasn’t so long ago that they were testing would-be Championship competitors, but he had already almost forgotten their various quirks. He was, of course, much too caught up in everything that had happened during the past 24 hours. He was glad that Fredrick was taking this seriously, at least. He was always the more level-headed of the three. But he was also a bit disappointed that Bingham couldn’t seem to be bothered.

But, none of them could really know. Tristan himself didn’t really understand everything that was going on. But he knew it would only be worse than the Mauville Explosion.

He would stay awake most of the night in the courtyard of the Condo Complex, laying amongst his pokemon. They were the closest thing to a family that he had, after all. Ether stayed curled up at Tristan’s feet atop the thin blanket he had gotten for himself. Veritas had to break up Vertigo and Aequitas more than a couple times. Arine, meanwhile, enjoyed the pool, rushing back and forth, jumping out and to perform brilliant tricks. It was nice to watch Arine enjoy theirself and relax while they had the time.

Jynx had to be roped in by Ether a few times as well, having wandered off to find where her “friends” had gone, and she knew almost everyone on the island. It was the middle of the night, Ether had to remind her. They’re all asleep. And luckily they’d be away before most of them woke up. Zen mostly just hovered around a bit, making sure they were impeccable and meticulously blemish-free before “shutting down”.

Ether ended up having to wake Tristan up at 0500 so he could wash up, get ready, and have a quick breakfast with his family before heading out.

It didn’t take him too terribly long to get ready. He decided to wear something a little different for this particular mission. A burgundy long-sleeve button-up shirt with khakis held up by a black belt. Black wingtip derbies finished off the otherwise simple ensemble. A tan sport coat draped over his shoulders like a sort of cape. While ultimately rather similar to his all-black outfit yesterday, he looked like an entirely different person.

By the time Tristan made it to his parent’s house, Percival and Persephone were already there. “Sorry I’m late!” Tristan called out as he opened the door. “In the kitchen!” Deirdre called back.

The house was rather nice - Tristan’s parents made good money, and it showed. Their house was light and minimalistic. A couple of mirrors helped open up the hallway and a room. Flowers would add that splash of color and would liven up otherwise muted rooms. Efficient would be an accurate word to describe the home. Tristan appreciated it; his condo being furnished in a rather similar manner.

In the kitchen he would find everyone. Leon was finishing up the food while Deirdre readied drinks. Percival and Persephone sat at the counter ready to be served the light but delicious-smelling meal. Oracle was in the corner like a statue, unmoving even as Tristan entered the room. His heart skipped a beat then started to race at the sight of her. “How’s she doing?”

“Well enough. Don’t put her through whatever you did before, though. She could use a couple more sessions.” Deirdre was stern, on the verge of scolding her son. Ether wasn’t the only one she spoiled. All of Tristan’s pokemon would get the star treatment when given the chance. Indeed, Ether had his own place set and was already walking over to it, taking some laps of water and sitting ever so patiently to receive his food.

“I cooked your favorite!” Leon couldn’t help but go over and pet Ether’s velvet fur. “Dad…” Tristan sighed disapprovingly. “How’s my favorite Espeon?” Deirdre only piled on the praise and love in spite of her son’s protests.

Tristan just rolled his eyes and sighed. He was used to not being the favorite when his team was involved.

“Oracle is resilient. You should be glad…” Persephone’s praise was, at the same time, complementary and a warning. She seemed privy to and would thus echo Deirdre’s sentiment about her. “I’m lucky…” His voice trailed off as his gaze settled on Oracle, then to Ether who was purring and fully taking in all the petting and attention he was getting. His tail flicked lightly as he did so.

“I can’t stay for long. Sorry.” Tristan realized the time and wasn’t about to be late to his own mission. He’d drink some juice and take a few bites of food, but otherwise tried his best to forget about what he was about to do and try to catch up as best he could. 

This was one of the few instances where that was easier said than done. Tristan spent quite a lot of his time in Mossdeep. It was his home. He was born and raised here, after all. And with travel times not really being a thing, it was never really an issue to stop by between engagements. While his jobs kept him busy, he always made time to see his parents and his best friend at least once a week. 

However, with each passing year there were all those missions he was on, official and not, that he couldn’t tell them. It seemed like most of his life was a secret from even the people he cared about most. It was hard at times, but he always managed to get through it. Especially after this mission he’d have more than one session with his therapist.

“I’ll see you soon,” he felt like he was lying as he said that and gave everyone hugs and they said their goodbyes. His gaze would linger on Persephone and Percival - a knowing glance. They were accomplished trainers and he knew they would be a comforting and welcome layer of protection for his parents atop the Rangers that had already made themselves known. Tristan was impressed that they had a pretty decent cover story - his parents were important people in their own right, and while it made sense, Deirdre and Leon were pretty sharp and knew how to read between the lines. While Deirdre had been in some sort of denial, there was no way to ignore that their son was doing something potentially dangerous. That said, he received extra long and tight hugs from his parents and even Persephone.

Much was left unsaid - they knew he wouldn’t answer even if they asked. They would only share their love as much as they could. 

Offering each of them an emotional smile, he held up a hand to wave for a moment while his other hand reached down to pet Ether’s head, and the pair disappeared to leave the four of them behind.