<div style="text-align: center"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(147, 101, 184)"><span style="font-size: 18px"><u>Thomas Wyse</u></span></span><br/>
<span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(255, 255, 255)"><span style="font-size: 12px"><i>The One with an aura of Kindness and Love</i></span></span><br/>
<span style="font-size: 12px">Guardians:<br/>
1). Artemis | 2). Kiara | 3). Dendra | 4). ??? | 5). ??? | 6). ???</span><br/>​</div><br/>Thomas quietly ate, he felt it too. Glares of unworthiness seemed to trickle down his back. Artemis had left, and Kiara was starting to sound nervous. He reached up and softly placed his hand on her shoulder and gave her a reassuring smile. It was then he could finally hear them. A few of the watching gijinka laughing, the trainers happily sneering and mocking them.<br/><br/><div style="text-align: center"><i>"Look at that Guardian! She's in rags! Well I guess rags are enough for that commoner."</i><br/>
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<i>"Hah! I'll bet they won't make it past the first Gateway! The Croagunk left and now the Aron! They must be so embarrassed in having a normal, boring looking trainer like him!"</i><br/>
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<i>"Well they all look homely themselves. Did you see the Croagunk? She looked more like a thug, it's the same with the Houndour. I guess he can't afford to give her nice clothing!"</i><br/>
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<i>"They're all dual types anyway. Dual types are weak to everything!  I doubt they'll even make it through the next forest!"</i><br/>
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<i>"Heh, I'll take you up on that bet! I'm glad I'm not his Guardian! What a silly Human."</i><br/>​</div><br/>Before more jeering could be heard Thomas instantly stood up. "<span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(147, 101, 184)"><i>SHUT UP!</i></span>" he shouted his hands were clenched in fists. Normally he would just ignore people making fun of him, especially the rich kids who also took part of this festival.  When they would visit his Inn, they all would make fun of him and his family so he was used to it, but his Guardians deserved more respect. "<span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(147, 101, 184)">Say what the heck you want to say about me! I get it, I'm the <i>"commoner"</i>!</span>" he spoke loudly to the other trainers, guardians, and gijinka that had surrounded his table with their comments. "<span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(147, 101, 184)">I don't care what you all think of me! No one makes fun of my Guardians! Each of them is strong, stronger than all you realize! Mock me all you want, but show some respect to my Guardians! If you think you're better than us go right ahead and prove it to me! Win the Festival this year, as what I've been told no one has for the past four years!</span>" he took a moment to catch his breath. The chattering, however, had been replaced with silence.<br/><br/>He didn't like to have his buttons pushed, to be backed in a corner and watch those he cared deeply about being mocked or hurt. Glancing over at Kiara he gently placed a hand on her shoulder, giving a light reassuring squeeze. The other trainers, gijinka, and guardians, slowly began to dissipate, leaving only Thomas and Kiara in the lunch hall. He took a moment and sat down with a sigh. "<span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(147, 101, 184)">Don't listen to them. I'm proud you're my Guardian. Tomorrow I'll show you where the shops are so we can get you and Dendra some traveling clothes. I need a few things too actually, like a new pair of shoes. I hadn't realized traveling for this long took a tole on my feet. Lucky for us we all share a room, and there are private baths in there, so if you want to take a bath in privacy you can.  I'm not saying you look horrible, but maybe a refreshing bath will help ease any unwanted nerves. Plus I've been to the room it's very nice, with enough beds and space to have a good night's sleep.</span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(209, 213, 216)">" tears were in his eyes when he spoke to her.</span><br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(209, 213, 216)">Kiara could notice the pain in them, not for her but for himself. Thomas had to be tough, to protect his Guardians from slipping into a mindset of self-doubt. Though words did hurt and he was kind of tired of being picked on for being himself. Wiping his eyes he blushed as his eyes darted away from hers. "</span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(147, 101, 184)">I think I'm going to...go to bed myself. You're welcome to finish eating or just follow me back to the room. I don't mind. Don't worry about Artemis she's probably just as annoyed as I am. Kiara don't be upset, I know all you wanted from me was money to survive. It wasn't like you were after my life earlier and even if you were, you would have taken it. I forgive you for attacking us, I'm sure Artemis does too. Try to clear your mind and get some rest okay? if you wish to stay our room number is 823. I'll leave the door unlocked.</span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(209, 213, 216)">" he softly stated standing up and giving her a light hug before leaving Kiara to her self. Thomas hopes that she wasn't too upset or hurt by the mocking. It might be a common thing for a while, until they evolved. </span><br/><br/><div style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 18px"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(209, 213, 216)">~~~~~~</span></span>​</div><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(209, 213, 216)">Thomas entered the bedroom and quickly shut the door wiping his eyes as more tears had fell. He went to one of the beds and took off his shoes.  Changing into a sweatshirt and pajama bottoms he brushed his teeth and relaxed on one of the beds. Pulling out the Trainers Tablet he noticed the phone button icon had a little ! point to it. Home had tried to give him a call a few hours ago. That's right he needed to let them know he was safe. Pushing the button he figured everyone would be in bed, as the screen changed to one of the offices. Though after a few minutes he heard singing, as a hefty and beautiful, stoutland woman wearing a head maid's outfit had entered the room.  With long brown hair, mixed with a bit of while her large ears twitched happily. She was stout due to the fact she loved stuffing her face but his Grandfather had always said she was like that, even back when she was a Lillipup. </span><br/><br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(209, 213, 216)">Gretchen was married to the police chief of the city, a shy Arcainine man who had caught her eye when they were young.  She had a beautiful rounded face with freckles and soft eyes that seemed to glow with a loving and motherly touch even though she tried to act tough. Just watching her work and sing made him feel a little better, yet just as he was about to turn off the phone. "</span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(226, 80, 65)"><i>Thomas!? Oi! My little Thomas oh we've all been so worried about ye!</i></span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(209, 213, 216)">" he blushed a little when she picked up the pad, they were mailed when he became a trainer, and took a seat. Her motherly eyes seemed to scan his and she frowned a little. "</span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(226, 80, 65)"><i>Everything alright?</i></span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(209, 213, 216)">" she asked in her soft and lovely irish accent. Gretchen was a family friend and had worked at his grandfather's Inn long before Thomas had existed. She was like a second mother to him, and even pretended she was.  When those words his hit ears he began to tear up again. Nothing got past this woman, even if you tried to fake your emotions.</span><br/><br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(209, 213, 216)">So he told her everything, letting the small pain out. About how he was nervous that first night, how excited he was and scared when Artemis and he had chose each other. How he had met Kiara and Dendra, all the way to the current events. Not once did the woman put the device down, she just stared at him with a loving and understanding expression, nodding occasionally until Thomas had run out of words. Normally if he had been hurt in the past she'd hug the pain away, but one of her calloused hands softly touched the pad and he placed his ontop of her image. "</span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(147, 101, 184)">I miss you all...I hope I can...make my Guardians proud...</span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(209, 213, 216)">" he sobbed finally. He was proud of his Guardians, he just hoped they felt the same about him. </span><br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(209, 213, 216)">"</span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(226, 80, 65)"><i>Oi quit your face leaking Laddie!</i></span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(209, 213, 216)">" Gretchen stated with a furrowed brow. "</span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(226, 80, 65)"><i>Ye just begun, so there will be a few knots in the road from time ta time! The Thomas I know had never quit even when he was sick. If ye can sweep all the rooms within three hours, keep up with washing all the dishes, and remember every room that our guests stay in, then this journey is nothing. Don't let people get to ye, just trust in those who have decided to share their hearts with ye!</i></span><i><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(209, 213, 216)">" she smiled letting out a laugh. "</span></i><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(226, 80, 65)"><i>Yer heart is the biggest and brightest thing about ye! I could tell from the moment I held you in me arms when you were a wee potato baby. We all miss ye, and are proud of ye too. We all love ye so don't worry Laddie. Even if this journey gets rough and ye cannot do anymore then ye and your Guardians have a home here. Yet I know you'll succeed Thomas, just believe in yourself and the Guardians that have vowed to fight for ye. Kindness and Love are a sharpened sword that can cut into the darkest of hearts leaving a path of warmth and freedom. I dunno much about this gang stuff but it seems like they've all made their peace. Ooh me little potato is growing up to be such a fine and handsome spud!</i></span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(209, 213, 216)">" she stated using part of her dress to wipe happy tears from her eyes. Thomas's face was red as a tomato. Sometimes her words were too much, but he felt better. When the whole family was awake he'd call them again, no doubt she'd tell on him before he could explain. "</span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(226, 80, 65)"><i>Speaking of potatoes...</i></span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(209, 213, 216)">" he voice suddenly melted into a proud and smooth motherly tone.</span><br/><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(209, 213, 216)">Thomas glanced back at the tablet to watch her move it to her pudgy stomach, she placed a hand on it and he gasped. "</span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(147, 101, 184)">Wait-Gretchen you're-</span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(209, 213, 216)">" instantly she moved the tablet up to her beaming face, nodding proudly. "</span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(226, 80, 65)"><i>Aye! Herbert and I have finally begun to start our own little potato patch! Oh ye should have seen how excited he was when he heard the news of my pregnancy! Me hubby is a kind and silly man, been like that ever since he was a pup himself.</i></span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(209, 213, 216)">" she happily stated, "</span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(226, 80, 65)"><i>Ye aren't the only one who's beginning to follow yer dreams! Hopefully ye'll be back before the twins are born. We just found out last week, ugh an' I'm starting to feel it. Hopefully I won't have to be rolled around the Inn to finish my chores in the coming months! I owe yer family so much, but they're happy to.  Herbert's been talking to them too, it's so cute. Don't worry we'll keep ye posted and stuff! When ye get back ye'll have two little potato pups following their Uncle Thomas around!</i></span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(209, 213, 216)">" both of them smiled at each other as the call ended. Thomas felt better and happy. For three years Gretchen and her husband have been talking about having a family after they had gotten married. It was nice to hear that, his family always knew what to say.  Closing his eyes he took in a deep breath, and released it. This was his journey, and the Guardians that followed him were counting on him to remain strong for them.</span><br/><br/>Placing the tablet in the bag, he settled into his comfy bed and fell asleep. Tomorrow would be a brighter day, and his journey had just gotten started. Three Guardians! He couldn't believe it!