cane of justice

Kieran’s anticipation bubbled within him as he embraced his first genuine exploration of Sanctum City, guided by none other than his big brother. The warm water cascaded down his back in the shower, marking the start of an exciting day. He was grateful for the thoughtful adjustments made to the apartment, allowing him to navigate with ease and independence. Though these modifications were less extensive than those at their family home, where his wheelchair once defined his mobility, they were no less impactful.

Dressed in a crisp white button-up shirt paired with sleek black jeans, Kieran exuded a quiet confidence. He manoeuvred his way to the elevator, leaning slightly on his cane for support. Approaching his brother's door, he rapped firmly on the wood, his cane ready at his side as a playful threat.

“Kay! You better not be asleep!” The notion of barging in with his ‘cane of justice’ lingered amusingly in his mind.

The nostalgia of childhood memories washed over Kieran as he stood in front of his brother’s door. Those days of impromptu visits, running down the hallway, and bursting into his brother’s room with the uninhibited freedom of a younger sibling. He had always admired Keoni, striving to impress him, to earn his pride. Kieran had sensed, even back then, that both of them were destined for a world larger than their village—a place too small for Keoni’s expansive spirit and Kieran’s boundless heart. Yet, he hadn’t anticipated his brother departing without him.

Now, reunited in a different setting, Kieran felt a blend of familiarity and change. His love for Keoni was unwavering, the deepest of bonds, but he couldn't shake off the nagging doubt—had his injury been a burden to Keoni as much as it had been to him?

Upon entering Keoni’s apartment, Kieran's face lit up with a smile. “Nah, ‘t was easy,” he replied lightheartedly to his brother’s greeting. His gaze wandered curiously around the space, but he was soon captivated by the presence of Keoni’s Espeon. Gently leaning on his cane, he reached out to affectionately scratch the Pokémon behind its ears. “Hey Neph,” he greeted, his smile broadening. The thought of having a Pokémon companion of his own lingered in his mind, wondering about finding one that would thrive in his company and not mind his quieter lifestyle.

Turning back to Keoni, curiosity sparkled in Kieran's magenta eyes. “So, where are we going today?” he asked, eager for the day's adventures with his brother.

Kieran, typically wary of psychic types, found a sense of comfort in Keoni's Espeon. Unlike others of its type, this Espeon seemed harmless, a far cry from the invasive presence he had learned to associate with psychic abilities. It was just a gentle creature, its presence bringing a soothing warmth to Kieran's fingertips. As he affectionately scratched the Pokémon, a smile spread across his face, warmed by the thought of such companionship in his brother's home. This encounter sparked a desire in Kieran to have a Pokémon of his own.

When Keoni proposed grabbing a drink, possibly enjoying it outdoors, Kieran's attention snapped back. “Hm? Oh!” He pondered for a moment, then brightened up with the idea. “Could we get some coffee outside? I’ve been dying to try all the weird varieties they have here in the city. Back home, I thought mom’s coffee was the pinnacle, but here, there are so many types! Who knew coffee wasn’t just, well, coffee? I want to try them all, though I’d probably end up too jittery if I did that in one go. That’s definitely not great for my back,” he chuckled.