#heroftruth

"It is inspiring trainers such as yourself that show there is still hope for this world — use that status well, and you will see wonderful things in your future."

This...shouldn't send chills down Red's spine, but it does.

He has to read this message and sincerely wonder, why it's this and not something else. It's not like they wouldn't send each other messages just to remind them of how much they care for one another but... it didn't often happen so out of nowhere. Usually it was with pictures or a short conversation, there was more to say than simply this.

There's a sinking feeling in his chest that it sounds almost like a goodbye. But... surely that's being dramatic? Maybe he's just feeling shaken still from previous times she's ended up in the middle of things--

[To: Hilda 🤍] love you too. are you okay?

It loads for a long time, before red text shows up below.

Not delivered.

He knows better, but he tries again.

[To: Hilda 🤍] i thought you were just out training. whats going on?

Not delivered.

His chest is beginning to hurt, the way anxiety is building up in it. In his mind he feels frantic, but his movements feel so slow. His arms almost don't want to respond to his attempts, because he already knows what's going to happen as he continues.

[To: Hilda 🤍] pleaes tell me youre okay

Not delivered.

His phone gets tossed to the other side of the room, thankfully landing on a chair despite his racing thoughts. Every time, every time he thinks it's nothing, it became something worse that he learned after the disaster was over. Maybe this is nothing worse, maybe it simply is exactly as it says and... connection became spotty where she was.

Often times the most rational answer is the right one, but he is filled with dread over how it could still be wrong. Something doesn't feel right, something is wrong and he is here across the world; not there with her as he wished he was now.

But even now as Red sits in his panic, there is a much heavier reality to this. By the simple fact this initial message, does not exist.

He sits at their home unaware, drinking coffee while going back through missed messages. He does think to text her and ask how things are going over there, even though he does still feel a bit off. He's not sure when he's ever going to completely get used to being on... relatively friendly terms, even secondhand, with a form of Giovanni. But if Hilda was sure about trusting him, he wasn't going to argue too much.

[To: Hilda 🤍] no rush to reply. just wanted to ask how your day was

He idly waits for it to load, but lifts an eyebrow a moment later.

Not delivered.

Hm, must not be great signal where she is. Figures, connection can get pretty sporadic if you're far out into the forests or mountains.

@heroftruth transmitted:

TXT: Black fog and tsunami are in Pallet. I’m sorry.

TXT: Tell Red I love him

I'm sorry.

Tell Red I love him.

I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'M SORRY.

Rosa has done nothing but stare numbly at her phone for what feels like hours. Hilda's simple messages are followed by one of her own, as well as by an eerie notification.

[ 📲 • sms ⇢ Hilda ] don't be sorry. what's happening?

Failed.

That's weird... she has a full signal on her Rotom phone. She tries again, only to get the same response. Suddenly, the dread that she's been pushing back overcomes her and anxiety squeezes the air out of her lungs.

Something terrible has happened and there's nothing she can do about that. Right now, her focus should be shifting to what she can do to keep her own region safe from something that even master trainers are no match for.

But all she can do is think of Hilda.

"Please be okay..." she says quietly, her bottom lip quivering. Deep down in her heart, she's afraid it might be too late. Nevertheless, she refuses to give up hope. Reshiram is with Hilda, after all.

For every “⏳” I receive, my muse will openly talk about a bit of their backstory. // @heroftruth

"Wait, wait, you're not doing it right."

Proton had no idea who this girl was, but he could easily tell that she was Unovan-- entirely because she was struggling with navigating the glorious goods of the convenience store. Approaching from behind, he grabs a few more things off of the shelf; making instant ramen was easy enough, he'd seen the cup that the girl had grabbed, but, what was the POINT of convenience store lunch if it wasn't going to be done correctly?!

"You gotta add this--" He flicks the plastic bag holding the spicy dried squid bits, and plops it into her shopping basket.

"And some of this--" Oop, there goes a soft boiled egg into her basket as well.

"But the most IMPORTANT part, after ya add the hot water to the ramen cup, ya GOTTA put a slice of cheese on top--" Proton deposits a cheap package of single slices into Hilda's now EFFICIENTLY stocked basket.

"I LIVED off of this stuff before I started making more money, it's still good though, I eat it like-- two times a week, maybe three times! Oh-- And one of these."

In goes a pre-packaged pork floss onigiri.

"I BELIEVE IN YOU!"

And then he walks away.

The Kahuna was awaiting the other rather impatiently. Some trouble was stirring, at least so he had heard, and Hilda was on her way to meet with them about said trouble.

When there was a knock on the door, Hau practically leaps out of their seat, making the way over to the entrance.

"Alola! You must be Hilda-- ...?"

Upon seeing the other, there was that gut feeling he had gotten before. One that lead to finding out the other person was similar to him, in a way. Bonded to a legendary, or possessing mysterious powers, perhaps? He was sure she could feel the same air about him. They didn't want to outright pry, but once he leads her to the kitchen (which served as impromptu meeting room sometimes), he takes off his cape, revealing a set of colourful wings. He had a feeling he didn't need to keep his blessing a secret around her.

"As you probably gathered, my name's Hau. I'm the current Melemele Kahuna. It's nice to meet you. Do you want something to drink? We have iced tea, and lots of other things."

"Thank you for choosing a Cozy Cabin for the duration of your festival stay!"