One Ring and a Thousand Embraces- Chapter One: Reunion
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Pokemon, etc.
A mild sea breeze drifted through Mossdeep City as the last few rays of sunlight for the day scattered, hitting the water's surface. Out to enjoy this pleasing time of day was Alice Kumiko, the daughter of a seaside florist, and her estranged husband. This girl found comfort in sitting on the dock with her shoes off, and moving her feet back and forth through the water. It was her time of solitude and reflection; she could clear her mind in peace.
"Milotic might want to come out for a bit..."
Alice took out a Pokeball from her rucksack and held it out to the sea. A bright fuschia flash of light signaled Milotic's debut out of her Pokeball and a wave of foam rose as the elegant Pokemon made its way under the surface of the water. She smiled faintly to herself as the wind blew through her messy, shoulder length hair, and stared at a silver ring worn on her right ring finger. Milotic's head reappeared out of the water, and bobbed up and down with each wave.
"You've grown so much, buddy. Remember when you–"
Alice stopped arubtly and sat up straight. Milotic looked curiously behind her at the approaching figure. The shadow's owner came closer until it paused right behind her.
"Alice? Is that you?"
"Who...?"
Alice pressed her lips together and refused to turn around to see who it was– it could only have been one person. It was someone close to her that had been forced to leave long ago when they were children.
"Why won't you turn around?"
"Because I–"
As if she could comprehend the tense situation between her trainer and this familiar person, Milotic swam closer and propped itself up on the dock. She nuzzled Alice's arm and looked at the person behind her with some sort of trust.
"Why are you here?"
Alice mumbled with slight hostility to no one in particular. Behind her, the figure seemed to have heard and replied in a slightly stricken voice--
"Because I thought it would only be right if I came and visited you. Don't you remember how inseperable we were as children? Don't you remember how happy we were?"
"I do. I always have. But it was you that left...not me. I was annoyed when you left."
"Do you think I had a choice, Alice? Do you honestly think that if I could've chosen to stay, I wouldn't have?!"
"I have nothing to say to that..."
He placed his hands on her shoulders and firmly shook her. Milotic retreated back into the water and disappeared for a while.
"Alice! It's me, Steven! Look at me!"
Steven dropped his hands.
"Do you still have that ring?"
"Yes."
"Why have you bothered keeping it?"
Alice didn't answer, and stared down at his feet with a deep feeling of regret. Steven turned away and promptly dropped all his Pokeballs on the ground and began walking away.
"You don't understand. I didn't go because I wanted to. I realize that I have no business here. I'll leave."
Alice watched as each ball rolled slowly off the dock and into the water. She tried swallowing the large lump that had formed in her throat. As the last ball was about to reach the end of one of the wooden planks, she quickly lunged for it and held it in her hand.
"Milotic– retrieve the Pokeballs!"
Quickly, Milotic scoured the bottom of the sea and retrieved the 5 pokeballs that had disappeared underwater. Alice returned Milotic to her own Pokeball, gathered Stevens' in her arms and ran after him.
"Steven! Your Pokemon..."
He turned around briefly but continued walking.
"Steven, I apologize for being so rude–"
"What made you change your mind?"
"I–I just..."
Continued Chapter 2
Note: Gah...first fanfic that I've actually had the guts to upload. I sincerely hope you pardon any stupidity in it.