Chapitre 30: Chapter 30
Walking alongside the canal, Atsumu's hand tightly clenched the locket hanging around his neck. His thumb gently rubbed against the surface, and memories resurfaced. Memories that used to evoke only anger and frustration, but now...
They no longer do.
Atsumu could see past his feelings and felt guilt rise within his heart. The actions he took long ago, made him clench his teeth, his hands curled into tight fists, fingernails dug into his skin. As the memories replayed more and more, Atsumu felt his body stiffen up, he no longer walked down the road.
The hand clutching his locket clutched even harder. Atsumu brought his left hand up to stop his right from moving. If he hadn't, he may have just ripped off the locket and tossed it aside, all to escape this moment of painful self-reflection. His body stayed in that position for a while, till his muscles finally relaxed. His body felt heavy and his mind was all over the place. Step by step, Atsumu walked over to a bench and took a seat.
As the day went by, Atsumu watched people move around. Some walked, either by themselves or with friends. Others ran, going for a jog. Others had food in their hands or it was a drink they got from a vending machine. But while this occurred, Atsumu was rooted to the bench.
Jellicent sat beside Atsumu, simply sitting there with him till the sun began to set over the horizon.
' Hey Jellicent, why did you never have a grudge? ' Atsumu asked.
' Because there was no grudge to begin with. ' Jelliecent said.
' Yet you never... Ah... I wouldn't have accepted it, right? ' Atsumu said.
' ... Yeah. ' Jellicent confirmed.
' ... I'm... a terrible son. ' Atsumu chuckled condescendingly. ' I decided to choose the easy option, and stuck with it for this long! '
' Well... they weren't perfect either. She left you and him, and he... tried to care for you but couldn't shoulder everything by himself. ' Jellicent said. ' Which is why, he ended up behaving the way he did. '
' I kept telling myself that I killed them... But I never killed anyone until I played dress-up! ' Atsumu said, his hands turning into fists. ' I want to punch myself! '
' Don't. ' Jellicent said, placing a flipper on Atsumu's head.
' ... Was he inside? ' Atsumu asked. ' When we lit the house on fire. '
' No. ' Jellicent said and in response, Atsumu felt some weight being removed from his shoulders.
' ... Do you think he's doing alright? ' Atsumu asked.
' No idea. ' Jellicent said. ' Try asking Kukei, he could find out for you. '
' ... Yeah. I'll... try that. ' Atsumu responded, his eyes glued to the ground.
As the sun disappeared over the horizon, Atsumu stayed seated on the bench. If it wasn't for his stomach rumbling, the chances that he would stay like that for a good portion of the night were high.
Getting up, Atsumu walked back to the Pokemon Center with Jellicent floating right beside him.
' Jellicent... ' Atsumu whispered, catching her attention. ' Thanks... for stopping me that day. '
' No problem. But... I didn't stop you. ' Jellicent admitted. ' I just... directed you into making a better way of... '
' Killing someone. ' Jellicent said, mimicking quotations using her flippers.
' Yeah. ' Atsumu chuckled. ' And for that, thank you. '
Jellicent smiled.
...
" Lillie, it's time for dinner! " The young professor Kukui called out from the kitchen/dining room in his house/lab.
" C-Coming! " Lillie exclaimed, startled by Kukui's sudden declaration. Getting up from the couch, Lillie walked into the kitchen and sat down at the table where Kukui placed their dinner.
" Alright, let's eat. " Kukui said, handing Lillie a plate and began placing food on his plate. Lillie followed after him and put some food on her plate.
Kukui's phone began ringing. Seeing that Atsumu was calling him, Kukui placed his plate down and picked up his phone.
" Hey, hey! It's unusual for you to call me at a time like this. What's up? " Kukui asked.
" Can... you do me a favor Kukui? " Atsumu asked.
" It... depends on what you ask. " Kukui said, " Because if it is something outrageous again, then my answer is no. "
" Okay. Well, can you check... what... if... goddammit. " Atsumu said, groaning in frustration.
" ...You okay? " Kukui asked, taking some food and eating it.
" No... No, I'm not. I just... had a revelation and am currently; going through some stuff. " Atsumu said. " I... wanted you to... check what my father is doing now. Is he okay, is he doing well, or is he in critical condition? Stuff like that. "
" Why are you asking me to do that? Don't you have his number? " Kukui asked, perplexed.
" No, I... don't have his number. " Atsumu said. " We had... issues... and that ended with me running away and not wanting to see him again. "
" I see... " Kukui said, slowly looking towards Lillie who was eating her food, causing her to flinch.
" So... why now? " Kukui asked.
" I... don't know. " Atsumu said. " I just... don't hate him as much as before. "
" ... Okay. I'll do it. " Kukui said. " What's his name and do you want me to get his number for you? "
" No, no... I just... want to know what he's doing now. I will... talk to him after I come back. " Atsumu said.
" Alright then, what's your dad's name? " Kukui asked.
" ... Would you believe me if I said I don't know? " Atsumu asked. " Because I don't know. "
" Depends. How old were you when you ran away exactly? " Kukui asked.
" I... was 10. " Atsumu said.
" ... Can I least know why you ran away? " Kukui asked.
" I... did tell you. We had issues. " Atsumu said.
" And those issues were formed by... " Kukui said.
" ...Familial issues. " Atsumu said.
" Where was all of this when we traveled together? " Kukui asked.
" In the back of my head, I thought it was inconsequential and never brought up. Ever! " Atsumu said. " Plus, you never asked. "
" ... That's true. " Kukui said. " We were focused only on our goals then. Alright, I'll try to find him and see what he's doing. I won't bother him and I'll tell you so you can figure stuff out with him when you get back. "
" Thanks Kukui. " Atsumu said, grateful.
" Hey man, don't worry about it. " Kukui smiled. " Take care of yourself Atsumu and come back safe. "
" ... I will. " Atsumu said. " Goodnight Kukui. "
" Night Atsumu. " Kukui said before Atsumu hung up the phone.
" ... Who was that? " Lillie asked softly.
" A friend of mine. " Kukui said, smiling. " Seems he's making an effort to fix some past mistakes. No idea what they were though. "
" ... It sounded like he had... family issues though... " Lillie said softly, embarrassed and guilty because she ended up listening to the conversation.
" Yeah... he does. " Kukui said, taking another mouthful of food.
" ... Professor Kukui... are you... should I... " Lillie said.
" Huh... oh, no, no! " Kukui said, waving his hand at her. " I'm not trying to get you to do the same as him or anything! Families are different and so are issues! The fact that I... know two people with familial issues and ran away from their families, is a bit weird. I didn't expect this. "
" Oh... that... yeah, that makes sense. " Lillie said upon thinking about it.
" But for now, let's finish eating and head to bed. " Kukui said, continuing to eat.
" Okay. " Lillie agreed.
...
Walking through the streets of Lumiose City, Tobias held his badge case, staring at the Bug Badge he received from defeating Viola. It's been 3 days since then, yet he can't stop himself from admiring the badge he had earned. A smile graced his face as Tobias looked up at the sky above. Coming to a halt, Tobias carefully placed his badge case into his bag, then kept walking.
As he reached the next crossroad, Tobias stopped when a familiar trainer came into view from behind the bend, his Pikachu resting on his shoulders. Ash turned his head when Pikachu made a cry of recognition to his right. His eyes widened when he stared at the trainer whom he had faced in the Semi-final of the Sinnoh league.
" Tobias! " Ash exclaimed.
" Ash Ketchum! " Tobias said.
" The guy with the Darkrai! " Bonnie squealed, staring at Tobias.
" That's him. " Clemont confirmed.
" He's a lot taller in person. " Serena muttered.
" It's been a long time. " Tobias said, walking up to Ash.
" It has. " Ash said. " How's Darkrai? "
" Darkrai... " Tobias muttered, letting out a tired sigh.
" Is he alright? " Ash asked.
" Physically, there's nothing to fear. " Tobias said. " Mentally, however... is a different case. If it's alright with you, I'd like to ask you for suggestions to help Darkrai. I'm at a loss for what to do. "
" Sure. I don't mind. " Ash said. " I'd rather beat you when you're at your strongest. "
" He...hehehehe... " Tobias chuckled. " You've been thinking about getting revenge ever since you lost. "
" You brought a Darkrai and a Latios. " Ahs stressed. " If you weren't there, I would've won the league. "
" How bold. " Tobias said. " While your victory is not 100%, I can't deny that you did have the highest chance of winning. "
" Like I said, I would've won. " Ash smirked and Tobias smiled.
" Well... " Serena spoke up, catching their attention. " Since you want to speak with Ash, could you do it after we get the limited edition Limoncello Semifreddo? The shop is going to open soon. "
" Yeah. I've been waiting for an entire year for this. " Bonnie said.
" Creme... ? " Tobias muttered, confused.
" It's a dessert. " Clemont chimed in. " You can get it at La Yeah, but it's expensive. However, on one day of the year, they have a special giveaway of the desert where the price is reduced by 75%, but they never tell people when until 1 week before they sell them on their website. Serena managed to place an order for 4 this year. "
" That's... incredible. Congrats. " Tobias congratulated, looking at Serena.
" Thanks. But seriously, let's get going. I haven't been getting up at 2 am every single day for nothing. " Serena said.
" Wait... 2 am?! " Tobias exclaimed.
" Yes, 2 am. Now, let's move! " Serena said, clapping her hands.
...
' Is this the place? '
A large tall man stood outside the entrance of La Yeah. Passerby's glanced at him, keeping their eyes on him till they walked away or satisfied their curiosity. Standing at 9+ feet, looking like a homeless man, wearing a key around his neck with a red gem in the center, and holding a flyer in his hand, AZ kept glancing back and forth between the flyer and the restaurant's name.
' This seems to be the place... ' AZ thought. ' Guess I'll go in. '
As AZ approached the door of the establishment, he halted once he was in range. AZ had run into a massive problem, one that may deny him the Limoncello Semifreddo he craves.
' Ah... I'm too tall. ' AZ thought.
AZ's height exceeded the door's, thus he could not go inside the restaurant. Az's senses went ballistic when he looked down to see a little girl standing next to him to his left, staring at him and not making any movements.
" Hello... " AZ said cautiously.
" Hello! " Bonnie exclaimed, waving at AZ. " You're really tall! How did you get so tall? "
" I... got lucky... I guess. " AZ responded, taking a small shuffle to his right.
" Woah! Your parents must be giants. " Bonnie said in awe.
" ... Thank... you... " AZ said.
" You're welcome. " Bonnie said. AZ stared at her in utter confusion.
" Bonnie, stop. bothering him! " Clemont called out arriving with Ash, Serena, and Tobias.
" But big bro, look! He's huge! " Bonnie said.
" That doesn't mean you can make him uncomfortable. " Clemont sighed.
"It's... alright. She just startled me, that's it. " AZ clarfied.
" That so... Well if you aren't bothered by her then ignore what I said. " Clemont said.
" Just find a spot. " Serena said. " I'll go inside and get our desserts. "
" Oh! Excuse me miss! " AZ called out to Serena.
" Yes?! " Serena asked.
" Can you order me one of these? " AZ asked, bringing out his flyer.
" I will try. There's currently a sale on these, so it may have sold out by now. " Serena said.
" I see... then, if it's not there, can you order me a coffee? " AZ asked.
" Sure. " Serena agreed. " But, you'll need to pay me back. "
" I will. " AZ said.
Serena nodded and walked into the restaurant.
" So... how tall are you? " Ash asked.
" I'm... above 9 feet... that's all I know. " AZ said.
" 9 feet! " Tobias exclaimed. " How?! "
" ...Good genetics? " AZ offered.
" Is it alright if I can ride on your shoulders? " Bonnie asked. " I want to see what the view is like from up there. "
" You can say no. " Clemont said to AZ as Tobias took out his phone.
" I know, but I don't mind. " AZ said a small smile on his face.
" Really? Yes! " Bonnie cheered.
" There's a park nearby, we can go sit there. " Tobias said, taking a look at his phone.
While Bonnie got a shoulder ride on top of AZ as the group walked to the park, Serena was at the front counter to pick up her order.
" Thank you. " Serena said to the employee behind the counter. " Just a quick question. Do you have any more Limoncello Semifreddo in stock? "
" Uh... give me a moment... " The employee said, turning her head and calling out. " Hey, do we have any Semifreddo left? "
" ... Yeah, we do, surprisingly! " Another employee yelled, looking at their stock. " Multiple! "
" Seems luck is on your side ma'am. " The employee behind the counter said.
" Guess so. I'd like another Limoncello Semifreddo to go, please. " Serena said.
" Coming right up ma'am. " The employee said, walking away to wrap up her order.
" Wait! " Serena exclaimed, stopping the employee. " Make that two. "
" Yes ma'am. " The employee said and walked away.
Feeling her phone buzz, Serena opened it to see a message from Clemont telling her to come to the park they were at and send a map to help her. Serena responded with a thumbs-up and waited for her order.
...
" Since we're seated and It'll take a while for your companion to come, can I start with my dilemma? " Tobias asked once the gang sat down around a park table.
" Sure. What's up with Darkrai? " Ash asked.
" Darkrai... has lost all of his confidence. " Tobias said.
" ... You mean... he's not willing to participate in battles? " Ash asked.
" ... Yes. " Tobias confirmed, reluctantly.
" Was his loss against Atsumu that bad? " Ash asked.
" You've seen the video, haven't you?! " Tobias snapped. " After that day, I tried challenging Viola in the advanced gym battles. But Darkrai had given up the moment he faced Viola's Masquerain. Something caused Darkrai to remember the battle with Dragapult. "
" Nowadays, Darkrai stays in his Pokeball all the time. He at least eats, but it's in the middle of the night. Probably to avoid facing Murkrow and Scraggy. " Tobias ranted.
" It's why I'm asking if you have any suggestions. I can deal with battling without Darkrai, but avoiding me and my new team members... It doesn't sit right. I'm worried. " Tobias said, hanging his head, and looking at the floor.
Silence fell over the group, their heads processing what Tobias said and trying to find a solution.
" Have you tried using food? " Ash asked.
" ... No? " Tobias said.
" You could use food to lure Darkrai out to talk to him. " Ash said.
" Why? " Tobias asked.
" Why not? " Ash asked. " Can Darkrai flip a switch and immediately regain his confidence to fight? If he can, let's have a battle right now. "
" ... " Tobias flinched.
" Ash is right. " Clemont said. " The only way you are going to get Darkrai to regain confidence is to take it slow and talk things out. "
" I... was hoping you would say something else. " Tobias sighed. " Talking isn't my strong suit. I don't think I'll be able to get through to him in time for the league. "
" League... " AZ muttered.
" Pokemon League. Trainers participate and battle to see who's the best. " Bonnie said.
" There's a lot more to it, but that does sum it up well enough. " Clemont said.
" I see. Then... does it matter whether Darkrai participates or not? " AZ asked.
" It does. " Tobias said resolutely. " I want to win with Darkrai by my side. "
" And if that doesn't happen? " AZ asked.
" ... I'd still participate. " Tobias said. " Even though, it'd leave a bad taste in my mouth. "
" Then talk. " AZ said. " Talk to Darkrai. Forget doing it to have Darkrai battle in the league with you. Do it, to make your friend stand by your side again. "
Tobias's eyes widened, his head craning up to look at AZ's face. AZ's eyes looked at the vast blue sky above and spoke,
" You still have the right too, so... don't waste it. " AZ said, looking directly into Tobias's eyes with longing, sadness, and regret.
" ... I see. " Tobias said. " Thank you. "
AZ patted Tobias's shoulder.
" By the way, your friend has arrived. " AZ said, pointing to the entrance of the park.
" Serena. Where? " Bonnie asked, unable to see her.
" She's behind the wall, just crossed the street. " AZ said.
Ash, Clemont, and Tobias froze, then slowly turned their heads towards AZ.
" Are you able to see over the wall? " Clemont asked.
" Yes. " AZ answered.
" How are you so tall?! " Tobias asked.
" Your friend just passed through the gate. " AZ said, waving at Serena who noticed and began walking in their direction.
" How much do I owe you? " AZ asked.
" You owe me on Limoncello Semifreddo. " Serena said, bringing out all the dessert. " So you do you by the way. "
Seeing Serena hand one to him, Tobias said, " Thank you. "
" Give me the money after we eat. " Serena said, sitting down and taking her dessert.
" Okay. " AZ and Tobias said.
Opening their boxes, the six stared in awe at the dessert in front of them, some mouths drooling in anticipation. Reaching into his bag, Clemont brought out a spoon and fork for everyone. Grabbing them, they all dung into their dessert, and smiles were brought to their faces. Across the park from where they sat, a lone figure with a blue scarf that looked like flames stared at them, specifically, the giant man with an object wrapped around his neck.
_____________________________________________________
Sup.
How was the chapter?
What do you think of the story?
Leave a comment.
Leave a review.
Hope you enjoyed.
Have a nice day.
— Un nouveau chapitre arrive bientôt — Écrire un avis
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone