"I want you to take him."

Tide had returned to Castelia City after journeying across Unova. After defeating the Hoenn League, he decided to continue his journey across the different regions, completing the challenges that each one presented. Kanto's Indigo League felt almost nostalgic, even if he had never been there. The whole region had this dream-like quality to it, a simplicity in the Kanto way of life, and straightforward battle that he had not quite captured anywhere else. Ultimately, as much as he enjoyed the region, it was a straight shot to the Kanto Pokemon League, and he cleared them without too much trouble. Or, that is, altaria cleared them, with help from sylveon, and even mightyena! It may not have been his first league, but he was proud of his team nonetheless. It's only after coming to Unova that thing's got crazy. He had a run in with a Team Plasma goon, discovered a gardevoir in the slums that had become a mother to the outcasts there, and... Well, that was most of it, but it's still exciting!

But to return to the present-

"You want me to do what?"

The man pinched his brows and frowned down at the smaller man in front of him. He was a trainer that operated in the Castelia City bug gym, Wilde, and he was all but forcing a pokeball into Tide's startled hands.

"Please. I... I can't. Spots needs a good home. A good trainer. I can't provide her with either."

Tide's frown deepend. He had never seen any hints as to anything wrong with the man. He battled with such fervor in the gym, just a couple months ago. What had changed? Whatever it was, it has left the smaller man harrowed in a way Tide has scarecely seen. He looked pale, and possibly frightened. [i]What had he gotten himself into...?[/i]

"Just take it!"

Wilde thrusts the ball into Tide's hands and hangs his head. When Tide finally, reluctantly accepts the pokeball, the man raises an arm to cover his face. Tide wants to say something, to learn more about what happened, but... It's clear whatever it is, he doesn't want to talk about it.

"I'll take Spots," he says softlly, and he lays a hand on the other's man's shoulder. He freezes under the touch, but doesn't pull away. "Just know, I will return. One day. And we'll sort this out, together. Okay?"

Tide waits for several long seconds, until Wilde gives a single, solemn nod. That's enough for Tide, and he leaves the man to his demons. He meant what he said, and he will be back... But not now. In fact, he has a message he should probably review. He was about to do just that before Wilde approached him in the streets, startling him so much he almost became a ghost-type on the spot. But that's int he past now. He should really read that letter.

Digging it out, he skims the contents with mixed worry and excitement. If this is true... Somebody has recognized his talent, and he's being invited to an exclusive tournament. Oh, his mother [i]has [/i]to hear about this! He has to get writing right away! Now, where is Castelia City's post office again...?