Chapter 7: Revelations
Note: Azure's pov
I was jolted awake from my sleep as Cody quickly sat upright. "W-what's wrong with him?" I was too groggy to hear what he said, much less figure out who he is talking to at the moment. "Oop, I am so sorry." He said. I gave him a quick smile before laying back down on his lap. It didn't last long, as I soon felt wet drops on my fur.
This time I was awake enough to understand what was going on. Cody was sitting upright and crying while he was on his phone. I quickly sat upright. "Whats wrong?" I inquired quickly, with a worried tone.
"It's my grandfather, he-..." he cut off, choking back some tears. I didn't have to hear him say anything to know something was terribly wrong. He hung up his phone and covered his face.
I pulled him into an affectionate hug to try and comfort him. It worked, but nowhere near as much as I was hoping for. "My grandfather… died of a heart attack in his sleep. We need to get home as soon as we can." He said, obviously grieving, so I hugged him tighter.
"Alright." I said softly.
We somberly packed up from our perfect night at the beach and every now and then I would glance over at Cody. He didn't seem to be doing any better than after I finished hugging him. So I went up and gave him another, putting as much comfort and affection I could into it, trying desperately to make him feel better. We eventually made our way to the pokemon center. I sat on the bed packing up what few remaining items there were as Cody took a shower and I reminisced about all that happened within the last 24 hours.
I thought about how fun the game corner was and how Cody had basically paid for that treecko doll. Then I thought about how simply divine the sunset was and sleeping under the stars were. I then thought about the most depressing topic.
I haven't met Cody's grandfather but I felt a slight pang of sadness and sympathy for him because of the feelings I had for him. I know he would have felt the exact same, even if he didn't like me, and has felt the exact same as I do now because of the sad story of my brother. He got out of the shower dressed and ready to go. We asked Nurse Joy at the counter for the quickest way to Oldale town.
"Oh you just head west and go through Rusturf Tunnel, you will be there in a day or so." She said, happy to be of assistance.
"Thanks." Cody said, trying to keep his voice level, as we exited the pokemon center. We followed Nurse Joy's directions and soon came across a prairie where there were multiple trainers battling. More than a handful of them ran up to ask us to battle but Cody turned them away rudely.
"I am sorry," I said to most of them "He just got some terrible news." They were all pretty understanding and even spread the word to not bother us as we were on our way. We eventually came up to a cluster of small buildings and the entrance to a relatively small cave.
We both assumed that this was the rusturf tunnel. As we got inside there wasn't much to see as it was dark and damp. We didn't bother and try to fight some of the wild whismur, and ever present zubat. We either ran from them, or for the more persistent ones, they got a repel sprayed at them. As we exited the tunnel we could see bright sunshine and a pretty little meadow.
We were again bombarded by trainers but they were all turned away. We soon came up on Rustboro again and quickly left. It took us about an hour to find our way back to petalburg and after stopping to eat, we quickly headed home again. The woods that we officially started our journey quickly came into view. It took us only a couple of hours to get through when we finally knew the way. We eventually came up to our old camp by the river where we first played in the water and I found the tree that had fought back. I smiled a little, seeing the small indentations and the chunk of missing bark and the memory I had shared with it. We eventually left the camp and soon our home came into view. Cody soon rushed into the house as I quickened my pace a little to keep up. As we got inside we saw his mother stand up by the kitchen table obviously surprised we made it here so fast. His dad was in the living room facing a turned off tv completely oblivious to us.
"Oh we are so glad you two are here." She said, her voice slightly shaky from the grief she has witnessed. "Your father had been hurt pretty bad. I think the loss of his father is something he might not fully recover from. I know that was the only parental figure he has had his whole life."
Cody went off into his room and I followed soon after. I opened the door to hear him say "I'm sorry i need space mom-" He stopped mid sentence as he saw me. He silently got up off his bed and hugged me, crying quietly into my shoulder. After a few minutes of holding him I heard a sad yet slightly audible yawn.
"Come on, lets go to sleep, we have travelled a lot and you are tired." I said, as I pulled him to the bed.
Cody's pov now.
Morning came all too soon. Luckily my curtains had been fixed while I was away and it was still somewhat dark in my room. Suddenly the black news from yesterday came crashing down on me as I began to let a few tears leak. Azure, who had been making a habit of using me as a pillow, not that I mind, slowly looked up and put a paw on my face wiping my tears away, trying to soothe my sadness. It worked, as I was able to stop crying a little and finally got up. I went through my normal morning routine, brushed my teeth, took a shower, pulled something out of the bag for breakfast, and went into the main part of the house. As I did I realized that me and Azure were the only ones awake, or so I thought until I looked at the tv and noticed a little note.
"Cody and Azure,
Your father and I have left to go make some preparations for your grandfathers funeral. We don't expect to be back until around 4 o'clock. Until then you have the house to yourselves.
Love, mom and dad."
I left the note on the tv as I decided I wouldn't be in the mood to watch it today. I went outside and decided to walk a little in the forest and clear my head when I heard a branch break behind me. Great, I had a follower. I quickened my pace and started making a few turns here and there trying to lose them. If this doesn't work, I just might have to start a fight, which is the last thing I need right now. I started to run and made a sharp turn left and hid behind the biggest tree I saw. I saw Azure stop right in front of me and looked around. I let out a sigh of relief when I figured out it wasn't some crazy person stalking me.
Azure, acting out of surprise, quickly assumed a fighting position and looked at me. She too let out a sigh of relief. "What are you doing out here?" She asked. I could hear the worry in her voice.
"Clearing my head." At that point I realized that Azure had never met anyone but me and my parents. "Would you like me to tell you about my grandfather?" I asked, hoping to talk some more of the misery away.
"Of course." she said.
"I met my grandfather when I was 5. He was one of the kindest people I have ever met. He had a big house and and he lived nearby. We used to always visit him once every two months. He was always making jokes and he always seemed to make me and my parents laugh. When I got older I realized that he wasn't only making jokes to my mom. every now and then I would notice him slipping them money because they couldn't always afford to raise me on their own. I acted like I never noticed, but it worried me sometimes. And now I wonder what might happen now that he is gone." As i spoke I could feel different emotions run through me. The foremost among them were happiness and sadness. I was happy because i was confiding in my best friend but i was sad because it was over such a depressing topic.
"He was always alone. I never had any memories of my grandmother from my dad's side. I was told she died when giving birth to my dad." She listened intently to everything I said as I continued to describe my grandfather. "He was always the one encouraging me to be a trainer. I remember him saying 'You can't be a trainer and grow up tough if ya don't eat yer vegetables!'... That was one of the many nights I spent over at his house. One of the most prominent nights I remember was when he actually showed me his pokemon from when HE was a trainer. It was a normal day when we went over. He had called me into the house as he said 'Do ya want to see somethin cool boy?' I readily agreed, of course. He then pulled out a pokeball. 'Its my last one.' he said. 'My very last pokemon.' He opened the ball and out came a red turtle with a black shell with smoke flowing out of a few holes in the shell. I didn't know before then that he was a trainer. After he showed me his torkoal I decided I wanted to become a trainer too, so the next night I went home to tell my mom and dad. I was only 7 at the time but I think they saved every bit of money for the moment when they brought you home."
We spent the next few hours talking about my grandfather until we decided to go home. When we got home, my parents were still at the funeral place and Azure and I still had the house alone. I decided to take a nap seeing as how there wasn't anything to do. I was about to fall asleep when I heard the door open. I didn't have to open my eyes to know who it was, so I made some room on my bed and let her lay down with me. I soon felt her warm, smooth fur on my chest and I started to pet her head. I tried my hardest to fall asleep but there was a nagging feeling in the back of my mind, repeating the same question over and over. I knew it was a pretty risky question but I decided she wouldn't mind most likely, and I HAD to know the answer.
"Azure?" I whispered.
"Hmm?"
"Nobody is here, and I kinda wanted to ask you a question."
"What kind of question?" She said as she looked up at me.
"I… Nevermind." I said, too shy to ask her.
"Come on, ask me." She said, trying to get an answer.
"I am sorry. It is a bit personal."
"I dont mind."
"Azure, d-do you like me?"
Azure's Pov now.
The question shot through me. He had managed to hit the nail on the head. I looked down deciding what to say. I quickly reacted and thought to turn it around where I would be able to have him confess any feelings first. "Azure?" he said again.
"Oh… What would it matter?" I said with a hint of sadness. "I am a pokemon anyway, my feelings wouldn't mean anything." Ok, I thought to myself, bracing myself for any response.
"Of course they do. You are amazing. You have honestly been there for me more than any other girl in my life. You are compassionate, kind and smart to boot. Hell, I would be disappointed in myself if i didn't say that I kinda.. like you...back." He stumbled on those last words but I could've have understood them from a mile away. I honestly have never felt any happier in my life and as I was smiling ear to ear I snuggled up closer to him and nuzzled his neck.
"Thank you so much." I said. "For being there, for liking me, for caring for me, for everything. Yes, I do like you. Ever since you saved me from the thug. That's why I have been acting so strange lately. I didn't want you to find out because I was so embarrassed." Saying this had made my face turn red and my tail wag, but i didn't care. I had just confessed my feelings and I felt bulletproof.
"That explains a bit."
I gave a quiet yawn. I decided to take a risk and give him a kiss on the cheek before laying my head down and started falling asleep. He shifted a little, nervously I might add, as he laid a hand on my shoulder. I sighed playfully and said "Here." as I turned around with my back to him and pulled his whole arm over me. We both fell asleep soon after and I dreamt about us laying in a grassy field under the stars.
As we slept Cody's parents came home. "Cody, Azure, we're back." I woke up at this, as I was naturally a light sleeper. "We even brought you two someth-..." She cut off as she saw us laying there. I decided to feign sleep because she hasn't noticed me awake yet. "Aww I missed it." She said disappointed.
"Missed what?" His father said. "They better not have done something to my house."
"Come here. Isnt that wonderful?" She said in a proud motherly voice.
"I… I don't know. I dont think we should allow something like this." He said seriously.
"HEY! Dont you go in there disturbing them. How would YOU have liked it if MY parents kept on barging in whenever we were laying down together." She scolded him in a loud whisper.
"But she is a pokemon, what would others think?"
"I dont care what others think! I just care what my little boy thinks, and if he thinks his lucario is the most beautiful female in the world, then more power to him. How is she so different than us just because she has fur and a tail? She is a wonderful person and I think she would be perfect for him. After all it IS unavoidable…"
"How so?"
"I MIGHT have went to a gardevoir to predict the future of those two."
"What? Why?"
"Dont worry, its out of our hands. Now go, I am pretty sure Azure wants to get back to sleep." I was actually kind of surprised to hear that. But when I did I opened my eyes and gave them a look as if to say "Yes please". As they left I gave a big smile to his mother and she returned it warmly. She shut the door and I fell back asleep, marvelling at the warmth of Cody's arm around me.
I woke up again and this time Cody woke up before me. I turned around to face him and immediately I felt him plant a kiss on my forehead. "Oh, I just remembered. Before your mom came in, she was saying something about bringing us something. I am honestly a little hungry and I wouldn't mind finding out."
"Wait… My mom saw us sleep like that?"
"Mhm", I said scooting closer, but not close enough to where I stabbed him with my chest spike.
"What did she say?! Are we in trouble? Is she going to take you away? Is she goi-" I put my paw to his lips.
"No. She was actually the one to encourage it. Thats what we talked about in the hospital. She figured out that I was almost going to say that I loved you." I felt a rush from just saying those words out loud and to him. "Your dad was a little less than understanding but your mom took care of him. I also found out something interesting."
"Oh, whats that?" He asked, obviously interested.
"Your mom went to go see a gardevoir. She had our fortunes told."
"What did it say?"
"No matter what happens, you're stuck with me." I said with a smile.
"Lucky me." He said, returning the smile. "Now, lets go see what mom got us."
I was a little reluctant to get out of the warm bed with him but my stomach was telling me otherwise. We entered the kitchen as I held onto his arm. "Aww, now isn't that cute, Mike?" my mom said, "Mike?"
"Huh? Oh yea, I guess in its own way." That comment awarded him with a smack from Cody's mom which made me giggle. "Hey, I was only kidding. Of course it is."
"Well I sort of wish grandpa could see this. But alas, he is gone. But seeing young love always makes things better. Oh! I almost forgot. The funeral is day after tomorrow. I need you to see if this fits Cody." She handed him a black suit. "Go change into that as I fix you two something to eat. Here, I have something for you too darling." She picked up a bag and pulled out a long black dress with designs made out of small reflective plastic circles, made specifically for a lucario. It even had a thick cloth covering for my chest spike.
"Wow." I said, amazed. "Its beautiful."
"I know, I had it made after we had that talk in Dewford. It wasnt' made to be a funeral dress... but it is the only one you have. Go on, see if it fits!"
I didn't hesitate. Not remembering which way cody went, I went up to his room to try on the new dress. I opened the door and there stood a very surprised and embarrassed Cody. He was in his underwear and only had one leg in his pants, and before he could say anything, I quickly shut the door and put my back to it, blushing madly. "Sorry!" I apologized through the door. I quickly made my way to the bathroom and I must have still been blushing because I heard Cody's mom laugh.
"It's ok, that happens between almost every couple every now and then."
I gave an uneasy laugh and then walked hurriedly to the bathroom. I quickly put on the dress and walked out feeling a little silly. I am a pokemon… I am always naked. I quickly pushed the thought out of my mind and walked into the kitchen. "Mmm, smells good." I said as I smelled a plethora of spices on cooking meat and some fresh veggies.
"Oh look at you darling, you look absolutely stunning! But! Here comes Cody, he is the one you should impress."
It was true. I heard his door close and out he came. My jaw almost dropped. He looked incredibly handsome. "Mom, I need help with my tie." He said, laughing a little at his own ignorance.
"Geez boy. Come on Azure, I will have to teach you because I know he won't remember," She joked. I missed everything she said the first time because I couldn't take my gaze off of him.
"Azure...Azure? Hey! Snap out of it!"
"Huh? I am sorry, I was thinking."
"Of course you were. I have been watching you missy, your eyes haven't left Cody since we came over to him." She said teasing me. I eventually got the hang of it and she made me tie it on Cody to make sure I was listening. It was slightly difficult because of my lack of thumbs, but I eventually got it down. "There you go, now its up to you to teach him. Good luck! Now, go take the suit off. I have known you all your life and I know nice clothes don't last around you."
I laughed a little and went to the restroom again and took off my dress, not without marvelling at it in the mirror first. It came down to my heels (Which are higher up than human's) and the sleeves went down just before my hand spikes. The sleeves were baggy so my spikes would not catch and tear the sleeve. I got back to the kitchen first and helped Cody's parents set plates and soon after he came back with his suit nicely folded and he handed it to his mom. "Wow, you must have really done some work on him already," she laughed, "I usually get clothes back in a crumpled mess."
We all sat down at the table in front of our plates filled with perfectly seasoned pork chops and a fresh salad. We all gave compliments on the food to Cody's mom, who accepted them kindly. After supper we all decided to watch tv. We all agreed to watch a futuristic movie called Real Steel about how boxers were replaced by robots and they fought to the death. I decided to lay down on cody's lap and I accidentally fell asleep. I awoke to shifting below me as I realized I was being carried bridal style into Cody's...no, OUR room. I fell back asleep quickly as he laid me on the bed and once again put his arm around me.
Cody's pov now.
Morning came, like always… I woke up to soft, warm fur against my chest and neck. I looked down and smiled. Azure was sleeping peacefully. I thought about all that occurred yesterday and how she had confessed her feelings. I had been so nervous at the time. There was none of that now as she lay with me of course. It had all turned into confidence when she said she liked me back. I was quickly getting drowsy again and kissed her on the tip of her snout and fell back asleep. I woke up again to see her bright blue eyes staring right back at me.
"Good morning." I said.
"Good morning to you too." She said cheerfully.
We both went downstairs for breakfast. I began to try and make omelettes, completely forgetting about the death of my grandfather, when I was rushed out of the kitchen. "Go sit down. You ALWAYS cook. I want to cook for you to change things up a little." She said with a smile.
"Nope. I cook because the WOMEN always cook in a relationship and I find that sexist." She didn't like to hear the word no… I was quickly assaulted with the biggest pair of puppy eyes.
"Please?" She asked in her sweetest voice. Which made it THAT much more irresistible. "Let me cook."
I decided to surprise her by kissing her on the nose. "Adorable. I guess I can let you cook." I said as I handed her the spatula. She immediately got me back because as I was walking past I got a good swat on the butt. I turned around to see her cheery face giggling and holding the spatula behind her back. I laughed and went to go sit down at the table.
We were eventually joined by Mom and Dad, who were drawn to the kitchen from the great smell of fresh eggs. I watched as she struggled to cut up some tomatoes and other produce, so I decided to try and help her. "Here, let me help, knives work better when you have thumbs." I said supportively.
She held the knife up. "I told you, I am cooking." I quickly fled the kitchen while getting laughed at by my parents.
"Its women in general. I think that extra x chromosome makes the brain go insane." My dad said with a laugh as i sat back down at the table.
"I think you might have...a…point…" I paused at the end as Dad got glares from Mom and I got glares from Azure, who still had the knife at the time.
"Hey Azure… You wouldn't mind letting ME use that for a minute would you?" My mom said sarcastically.
"Of course not mom!" She said cheerily. She then turned her gaze back to me "After I'M done with it of course." She began approaching me and turned the knife backwards. She soon was poking me in the sides, tickling me with the handle until I apologized. She then went back to flipping the omelettes.
Not much exciting happened during the rest of the day as we all realized the funeral was tomorrow. Even though Azure was always next to me, I couldn't help but feel sad about the fact that my grandfather is gone for good. I could feel that she was trying her hardest to make me smile as often as she could, even thought it didn't always work. "Thank you, I really appreciate it." I would say every time she hugged me or said something to bring me up.
We eventually went to bed early because of the sad day tomorrow. I woke up in the middle of the night crying, after dreaming about my grandfather. I looked down to see Azure's worried eyes looking up at me. She saw my crying and quickly scooted closer and used her paw to wipe away my tears. "Shh, it ok. Its ok." She cooed as she held me in her arms. I eventually cried myself to sleep again.
When I woke up again, my mom was shaking me awake. "Honey, its time to wake up, we need to get ready." I quietly got on my suit pants as Azure put on her dress. When I had my pants on, she came over and helped button up my shirt and tied up my tie. She also straightened my hair with her paws and rubbed my face gently with a sad smile. I quietly thanked her and she kissed me on the cheek and hugged me tightly. My mom came in and went over Azure's work with my hair. She also gave her a black veil to wear, which she did.
We left for the funeral, only about 20 people showed up as we didn't have too big of a family. It was a day filled with crying, comforting, and more crying. We eventually came to the ceremony and everyone went up to the open casket to say their final goodbyes. It was my turn and I grabbed Azure's paw for some strength and walked up with her. I said my final goodbye to him and when I walked past, I went to into Azure's arms and cried and she rubbed my back the whole time she held me. The time came when we were ready to put the casket into the ground. All of us went up to put a rose on his casket. Soon it was underground and that was the last time I saw the man in my life. After the casket was buried we all gathered for food and commerce. More than once was i asked about me and Azure. I told everyone the truth and I didn't receive any negative comments about it, in fact many seemed happy for me. The food wasn't much, just some barbeque and a few container food such as potato and egg salad.
Eventually we went home and none of us did anything for the rest of the night. I partially sat upright in our bed as Azure laid on me, rubbing my chest for comfort and in return I pet her head.
"I am really sorry for your loss…" She said.
"Thanks. I really appreciate everything you have done these past few days to make me feel better."
"Its nothing that needs to be thanked… but you are welcome to it anytime, not just when you need it… I love you Cody." Those last few words managed to bring a small smile to my face despite everything that has happened today.
"I love you too." I said, as I nervously moved my face closer to hers. She caught on quick and started moving her face closing the distance between our lips, and we were soon sharing our first kiss.
Note 1: Sorry for the wait and for the big cliffhanger last chapter.
Note 2: I might or might not be starting out this next chapter with a lemon, so be warned.
Note 3: As always R&R
