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[The screen flickers on to show a boy who looks like he’s a little bit in a fog. Behind him, a Buizel bounces around happily through the snowdrifts, nearly disappearing only to poke her head up every now and then, her whiskers and fur caked with snow.]

Hello? Is anyone out there? My name is Shaun Mars. There was this lady who called herself my mom, and she gave me a backpack full of food and clothes and stuff, and I sorta...just wanted to know if that had happened to anyone else. And also, if the food was...safe to eat. It’s like rice, and I think there’s fish and vegetables and stuff too, or something.

I think I might've gotten someone else's Pokegear thing. It says it's my birthday today, but my birthday was two days ago.

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[Shaun's expression is still angry, but he believes the disbelief on Norman's face.]

Right after he rescued me. He said he had to put me down so he could open the door, and then...and then...

[His voice tightens up again, and he has to blink away tears. Even though it's been three months, he still remembers the safe feeling of being carried in his father's arms. The metallic screech of the warehouse door opening. The thrum of the helicopter blades, and the man with the beard ordering them to fire.

The blood somehow still soaked into his clothes, even with as wet as he already was.]

They just started shooting him... And he wouldn't get up.

[He goes quiet. Not from the shock from what he just heard but in an attempt to piece it all together. Hearing everything from Shaun brought the story into life in some way. He doesn't know how but this is Shaun's reality. Who was he to deny what he saw with his own two eyes? Does it make any sense? Fucking of course not. But he just made a little boy recall those events. Norman felt a twinge of guilt but the truth is out there in the open.]

Shaun, listen to me. I can't explain why the police did that to your dad but I know your dad is innocent. He didn't do anything to deserve that.

[He tells him simply and straight to the point with his brows furrowed.]

[Shaun draws a deep, shuddering breath at that, and swallows.]

I-I know. He'd never hurt me. I know it wasn't him. The police apologized to me and my mom, after they found out Dad was innocent...

But that doesn't change anything. He's still dead.

[Shaun's expression is defiant and angry, daring Norman to try and justify the police gunning down an innocent man in front of the son he'd been willing to give his life to save.]

I know.

[And leaves it at that. There is nothing tangible in this world to compensate from what apparently happened.]

We can talk about this later. Let's get you over to the next town, alright?

...Okay.

[A mittened hand wipes trails of wetness off of Shaun's cheeks, which are already red from the cold.]

Where are you, Norman?

Violet City. Just right next door from Cherrygrove.

[Okay maybe they're not right next door to each other but this is the one exception where he will spare Shaun the details. Seriously, a whole week of hiking? You gotta be fuckin' kiddin' me...]

All you have to do is follow the trail. Don't wander anywhere else. It'll be a lot easier for you if you can find a buddy to go with. Is there anyone else nearby?

Edited 2013-01-25 06:59 (UTC)

...Will you stay there until I get there?

[Norman you're the only tie he has to his home and his dad right now don't go running off into the wilderness YOU ARE THE ONLY PERSON HE'LL VOLUNTARILY TRAVEL WITH.]

Nnnn. I guess... Maybe.

[He wants to go alone. He wants his mom. He wants his dad.]

I'm not going anywhere.

[Nahman ain't going enehwhere, Shaon. Count on it.]

It's just for a couple of nights. After that, you can hang tight in Cherrygrove until I get there. I'll fly over there.

[That small assurance gets a shy smile from the boy.

He resolutely tries not to think of how that was practically the last words he ever heard from his dad.]

How long will I have to wait?

[He wants to put space between him and not-Mom.]

Just a few hours tops. All you have to do is tell me when you're there.

Oh, okay.

[You've earned his tiny little trusts, Norman, don't give him a reason to doubt you.]

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