Quick A/N: I know I said last chapter that this was the chapter with the Pokévision episode but I decided to change my mind and save it for next chapter because I wanted to build some development before that chapter. Just a heads up to know what you're in for. Full A/N at the bottom as always.
Chapter 11: I Forgot to Remember to Forget
Serena didn't move an inch. She stared at Kuzuki who was still confused seeing her. She didn't know what to think. Perhaps he was just playing a joke to get her back. Yeah, that's it.
Her hands were shaking. Serena wanted to say something but she couldn't even manage to let out a peep.
Officer Jenny went towards Kuzuki and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Kuzuki, can you come with me for a second?" The boy nodded and followed the officer farther away from the group.
"I don't know how to put it like this Kuzuki," Officer Jenny started.
Kuzuki grinned at her. "How about with words?" Officer Jenny couldn't help but smile at the boy.
She groaned. "This is suppose to be serious Kuzuki." Officer Jenny put her hands on his shoulder and made direct eye contact. "You seemed to have lost some of your memories."
Kuzuki's eyes widened. "I did!? But just yesterday I was in Dendemille Town. I was planning on challenging Olympia for the Physic Badge! I remember yesterday so clearly!" Kuzuki exclaimed.
"You lost the gym battle," Officer Jenny told him bluntly.
Kuzuki was crestfallen. He frowned and not even a second later did he smiled brightly. "That means that I'll have to change my battle plan! I have to do some more training for my second battle against Olympia, even if i don't remember the first!" Kuzuki said with a confident tone.
"I'm afraid you can't, we're not near Anistar City anymore. We're towards Cyllage City."
Kuzuki's eyes sparkled. "As long as I'm near a gym that I haven't challenged. Oh, but I don't know what the gym leader there specializes in. I guess that's the fun part." His face then turned serious. "What did I forget?"
Officer Jenny explained to Kuzuki what occured over the past week. From meeting his friends to taking down Bradshaw and how Malamar was the one to mess up his mind.
"Wow…" Kuzuki's head swirled from all this new information. "Team Rocket is here too, Bradshaw is arrested, a Malamar corrupted me, and my old friends are here! Boy, I sure did miss a lot. Though, there's one thing that I still don't know about."
"What's that?" Officer Jenny asked curiously. She explained everything to him already, what more can be left unanswered?
"You said all these people are my friends. That I'm sure of. But I don't recognize that girl right there." Kuzuki pointed to Serena, puzzled. Serena, who had been watching the two talk, turned away once Kuzuki's finger pointed to her direction.
Officer Jenny shook her head. "I'm not exactly sure what you two are. Maybe it's a good idea to talk to her and figure it out. She did look rather sad when you didn't know who she was," Officer Jenny acknowledged.
"I guess you're right." Kuzuki gave her a quick hug. "Thanks for everything Officer Jenny. I don't know what could've happened if it wasn't for you." Kuzuki was grateful of the officer's actions. He'd be a brainwashed hooligan if she wasn't with him at the time.
"Anytime kiddo." Officer Jenny patted his head. "I don't know how we'll regain your memories. I haven't been in this type of situation before. Perhaps try to reconnect with your friends. They ought to knock some memory in your head," The officer suggested.
Kuzuki nodded. "Right. I don't exactly remember anything after I was about to challenge Olympia, but I won't let that stop me from my real goal of collecting all eight badges!" Kuzuki declared.
Officer Jenny adjusted her hat. "That's the spirit. Remember, if you need anything I'll always be on the line ready to come to your aid." Kuzuki grinned at her gratefully. "Now, let's head back to your friends. I'm sure you want to catch up some more." Kuzuki ran to his friends before she finished. Officer Jenny chuckled and went to her vehicle.
Kuzuki felt the nice cool breeze flow right through his face, the wind was always something that calmed him down. His mind wandered elsewhere. He tried recall most of his past. To his misfortune, everything after his mom and dad discussing about summer activities when he was six was a blur. Oddly enough, his memories sprung back up again during the start of his journey, meeting up with his old friends, Ash, Brock, and Misty.
"Man, those sure were the days." Kuzuki enjoyed his time with his friends. From what Misty told him what happened after the Johto League ended, Ash went back to Pallet Town before going to Hoenn, Brock headed back to Pewter City for a brief time and then reunited with Ash for his journey to Hoenn. Finally, Misty herself became gym leader of the Cerulean City.
Kuzuki himself didn't have the privilege to give a proper farewell like the three did, instead…
One previously unproper farewell...
"What!? What do you mean you're leaving!?" A distraught orange haired girl shrieked.
The boy with the crimson beanie was just as upset. "I don't have a choice Misty. Believe me, I want to stay here and root Ash on in the Victory Tournament. My dad just called, he wants me back home immediately. I have to do what he says, he's my dad."
Misty couldn't believe what she was hearing. "But Kuzuki, we still have…"
"I know. I know," Kuzuki sighed. "It's my fault. I just had to get myself disqualified. I can't tell you why. It's personal."
Misty grew agitated. "You can't or you won't!? I thought we were friends Kuzuki! Friends tell each other everything no matter what!"
Kuzuki's shoulders tensed when he saw tears start to spill from her eyes. He never once seen Misty cry at all. She was a tough person. Kuzuki rubbed his arm awkwardly, not sure how to react.
"Er...you know that's not what I meant Misty."
"Then what do you mean, huh!?" Misty demanded, her voice cracking in the process. "If you want to go then just go! See if I care!" Misty crossed her arms and turned her back against Kuzuki.
"Misty…" Kuzuki approached the girl and embraced her from behind. "...I'll tell you one day, not today, but one day. Don't let that bother you. I'm sure you have plenty of secrets that you don't want to tell me."
Misty hitched her breath and faced Kuzuki. "You don't know how much I want to tell you…" She responded quietly. Kuzuki's eyes widened before he smiled and rested his chin on top of her head.
"Take as much time as you need," He answered genuinely. The two stayed silent for a few minutes.
"When are you leaving?" Misty asked, breaking the silence.
"Tomorrow evening," He replied.
"So we still have one full day left." Misty raised her head to look at Kuzuki. "Are you sure you have to go?"
Kuzuki hummed. "Yes, as much as I don't want to I'm still dead straight on returning to Fuschia City. When my father requests something from me I do it. It could be urgent. At least you'll still have Ash and Brock with you."
Misty groaned. "It's not going to be the same."
"It'll have to do," Kuzuki said. "Besides, when the Johto League is over you will all have to find somewhere else new to go."
"I never thought about that until now." Her grip tightened. "What if we all go our separate ways. Something could come up last minute like with you. What then?" Misty questioned.
Kuzuki shrugged. "I'm not too keen on that situation. Just remember, do what feels right. If Ash or Brock have somewhere specific in mind then just hear them out first. Then you decide whether or not you want to follow. Though, I'm sure I know what your answer will be." He smirked. "I know how much you love traveling to become the best water type trainer. Ash and Brock will help you along the way."
Misty huffed. "I hate it when you're right." She felt Kuzuki wipe a few stray tears from her face. "I must look like a weak trainer, huh? I'm over here crying about one of my closest friends leaving."
"It's not something to be ashamed of Misty. We've been traveling together for like an eternity! We've seen each other at our best and our worst. We all started our journey together after all. That's something no trainer will ever forget. It'll feel different when there's change. Just think how I'll feel when I have to go back to Kanto all by myself. Boy, it'll feel so weird without you three by my side, but I'll manage. It's not like we'll never see each other ever again. It's not goodbye, more so a see you next time."
Misty was captivated in Kuzuki's words. "Ugh, that last part was so cheesy!" She giggled. "You'll make sure to come hang out with us again, right?"
"Of course! You're making it sound like I'm leaving today. Let's leave the sappy stuff for tomorrow. I got to go tell Ash and Brock the news too. Hopefully, they won't be as upset as you. I don't think I can think of more humble speeches." Kuzuki winked at the girl. Misty smiled bashfully and let Kuzuki drape his arm over her. She hummed contentedly as they walked towards the door of the room.
"You know exactly why I'm upset Kuzuki. You're the one that made me lo-" Misty halted her words when Kuzuki opened the door. To their surprise, Ash, Pikachu, and Brock came tumbling down to the floor. Misty gasped and quickly detached herself from Kuzuki, both embarrassed and angry.
"Were you two eavesdropping on us!?" Misty asked furiously. Ash and Brock got back on their feet while Pikachu stayed besides Ash's leg.
"No, you got it all wrong!" Ash gulped. "We weren't eavesdropping! We were just listening in to what you two were saying!" Ash explained. Brock facepalmed, already accepting his fate.
"That's what eavesdropping means!" Misty growled. She messily dug through her bag and fished out a very dangerous object.
"No! Anything but that!" Ash yelped. Kuzuki flinched once he saw what was in her hands. It was the same fan that she used back when they visited the preschool back at Kanto during Kids Day. Kuzuki recalled having a talk with Misty to never use it again because of the bruises she left on Brock, Ash, and Pikachu that remained there for weeks. He considered himself lucky that he wasn't in the receiving end of that, only earning a painful slap from Misty instead.
"Please! We didn't mean to intrude in your private moment with Kuzuki. I hope we didn't interrupt anything special! Please don't hurt us!" Brock begged. He didn't pick the right words as Misty's face brewed red.
"What do you mean by that!?" She demanded, flustered before she went back to being angry. "Why I ought to give you double!"
Brock gasped. "Wah! No! You see, what had happened was...uh.." Brock thought about his excuse until he pointed a finger to Ash. "..it was all Ash's idea! Yeah, that's it! Here I was minding my own business when Ash barged in and told me that he wanted to spy on you Misty. I told him that I didn't want to but you know how he doesn't take no for an answer," Brock hastily misinformed Misty. Kuzuki had an amused expression on his face when Ash eyed Brock with a look of betrayal.
"Don't believe him Misty! Here's what really happened. I was training my pokemon until Brock decided to show up and he dragged me all the way here. He wanted to spy on both you and Kuzuki to get some dirty blackmailing information to use against you two!" Ash accused. Soon after both Ash and Brock were arguing back and forth.
"Enough!" Misty shrieked. "You two both deserve what's coming to you." Misty raised her fan high up in the air and descended it from the air. Ash and Brock braced themselves.
"All right, that's enough!" Ash and Brock stared at Kuzuki as if he was a superhero. Kuzuki hugged Misty from behind. Misty, too distracted by the warmth of his chest, faltered and slowly enveloped herself into his grasp. Kuzuki hesitantly grabbed hold of her fan and swiped it as fast as lightning. Luckily for him, Misty didn't seem to care. The orange haired girl sighed pleasantly and sunk deeper into his chest when he rested his chin on top of her hair.
Ash and Brock gaped at Kuzuki. They rarely seen Misty like this ever. They always known her to be the tough girl but here she was, defeated by one simple hug.
"How…"
"Oh, you both know why." Kuzuki rolled his eyes. "Now I'm sure you two already heard what we discussed here."
Ash nodded solemnly. "Yeah, you're going back to Kanto tomorrow."
"Your dad wants you back urgently," Brock added.
"Correct. Geez, so you guys were eavesdropping on us."
"You can't blame us for eavesdropping," Brock protested. "You went to answer your dad's call and came back all disappointed. You took Misty with you and left without telling Ash and I anything."
"We were worried about you," Ash said. "Now we know why."
"Hey, don't take it so rough. I'd still be here with you all but if it's something from my dad then I have to listen," Kuzuki replied.
Ash shuffled his feet. "What's it about if you don't mind me asking."
Kuzuki avoided their eyes. "Actually, I do. Again, don't take it so rough. It's something personal." Kuzuki felt relieved when he received understanding looks from the two.
"It's alright. We get it," Brock noted. "If it were my father then I'd listen too."
"It's going to feel weird without you cheering me on," Ash admitted. "But I know you'll want me to continue. I'll do my best and win the tournament for us!" Ash declared confidently.
Kuzuki grinned. "Hey, no need to do all of that for me. Just making it this far is enough for me. We both earned our spots in this tournament. I still remember our early days when we were fighting to get the Thunder Badge. Now look at us, this is our second major competition. We've come a long way Ash. I'm glad to end it here for now. Who knows, maybe we'll do this again." Kuzuki turned to Brock. "And you Brock. You showed me many things. From cooking to knowing and making different types of medicines for pokemon. You've always been there for us kind of like an older brother. For that I say thanks." Kuzuki's words caused the two to beam in pride.
"You got it Kuzuki!" Ash responded.
"I'm honored for that title Kuzuki," Brock replied.
Kuzuki chuckled. "Why am I repeating myself so much today. We're making it sound like I'm leaving today. We got one full day left before I depart. Why don't we go out and have dinner? My treat," Kuzuki suggested.
"Sure!" Brock answered delightfully.
"Anything if you're there," Misty said cheekily.
"Awesome! I'm starving!" Ash's stomach rumbled to prove his claim. They all bursted out laughing and headed out of the room, preparing their plans for their last day together as a group of four.
Present...
"I'm so happy that I still remember most of my journey," Kuzuki said to himself. The trip to Alola was also prominent in his mind along with the start of his adventure to Kalos. Kuzuki finally made it to where his friends were and greeted them eagerly again.
"I don't remember why all of us are together here but it's not like I'm complaining! By what Officer Jenny told me I didn't miss much," Kuzuki explained.
"I wouldn't say that." Clemont spoke. "I'd say you miss a lot if you don't count what transpired with Bradshaw and Malamar. Then again, you don't remember any of that."
"Clemont's right," Ash chimed in. "We met up back in Lumiose City. Your Voltage Badge was taken by Clembot," Ash recalled.
"It did!?" Kuzuki asked, perplexed. "Clemont…"
"It's fine! N-nothing to worry about!" Clemont stammered. He reflected back to when Kuzuki was mad about finding out that Clembot didn't recognise him as its co-creator. "We got your badge back."
Bonnie giggled at her brother's nervousness. "He's right Kuzuki. After that, we went to Professor Sycamore's lab. We were kidnapped by Team Rocket! Luckily, my big brother was able to find their Meowth Bot's weakness." Clemont flushed red at the reminder. "Then we went to a bamboo forest where there was two Panchams and a Pangoro! Pangoro was sick so we got the bamboo sprig to help it feel better, but…" Bonnie stopped and hugged her arm. Ash and Clemont were the same.
"Why the long faces?" Kuzuki asked, seeing their mood go down. "Oh...is that when Bradshaw…" They all nodded at once. Kuzuki knew this from what Officer Jenny told him. "I guess it doesn't matter now! I'm still here and Bradshaw is behind bars. Cheers!"
Bonnie used Aggressive Punch!
It's super effective!
"Ow!" Kuzuki moaned.
Bonnie narrowed her eyes at him. "It did matter. We were all so worried about you when we found the bamboo forest damaged and you weren't there! Then we found Officer Jenny and she said to us how dangerous those people who kidnapped you were! We had to keep traveling knowing that you were still out there. Hurt or possibly even…" Bonnie hugged Kuzuki tightly. "You made a promise to me the first day that we came together again. That you'd travel with us all the way to Cyllage City. But with all these disasters happening we haven't had much of an adventure to begin with. We're not that far from Cyllage City and our adventure will be over before it even started."
Kuzuki had a thoughtful look on his face as he thought about what Bonnie said. "I promised that, huh?" He eyed Ash, then Clemont. "How about I make it up to you?"
"How?" Bonnie sniffled.
"I'll be a permanent addition to this group!" Kuzuki exclaimed proudly. Everyone was shocked by his sudden words. Even Serena turned to see if what he said really was true.
"W-what?" Ash stuttered. "You told us before that you couldn't because you were on a mission to earn the rest of your badges. I only have one while you have five!" He explained.
Kuzuki waved him off. "I already made up my mind. The part of me that remembered all of this does have a point. However, I'm going to need some help. Regaining my memory and all. Besides, what's a journey without friends by your side." Bonnie squealed gleefully at this and started jumping all over the place.
"Yipee! Kuzuki is traveling with us!" She shouted, not caring how loud she was. Meanwhile, Clemont pondered about why he changed his mind. Kuzuki wasn't too sure about the offer last time but now he embraced the idea. He came to the conclusion that losing and wanting to recover his memories is what set the deal for him. Clemont didn't have any arguments though, he was thrilled that Kuzuki was going to continue his travel with them.
"Awesome!" Ash pumped his fist to the air. "You won't regret it Kuzuki. We'll make sure you'll remember everything that you forgot," Ash vowed. Clemont and Bonnie agreed.
"Nice!" Kuzuki responded, high fiving all three of them before heading to his pokemon, telling them about the new plan.
"I wonder if Kuzuki will be giving me any tips for the gym leaders that he battled," Ash wondered out loud.
Clemont chuckled. "Don't expect anything about me. I want our gym battle to be one you'll never forget. Finding out my strategies will ruin it."
Ash smirked at him. "As if I was thinking about that. I want it just as fair as you do!" The two exchanged a laugh.
"Um...guys," Bonnie uttered, pulling on Clemont's jumpsuit.
"Hmm?" Bonnie pointed at Serena who was staring off to the sky. "Oh, that's right. I find it odd that out of all the things that Kuzuki could've forgot, it was Serena. It could've been easily one of us. The two have history together and forgetting about all of that must've taken its toll on Serena," Clemont informed the two. "We should go over and see if she's alright."
"Already ahead of you," Ash said, nearing Serena. He placed a hand on her shoulder. "Serena, you alright?"
Normally Serena would've exploded from the contact from Ash but right now, it didn't matter to her. She stood there, unfazed by her three friends presence.
"Kuzuki forgot me…" She repeated for what seemed like the millionth time for her.
Ash's eyes turned sincere. "He did. There's no denying that. But you shouldn't let the go over your head. I don't know how you're feeling right now but-"
"That's right, you don't know what I'm feeling," Serena interjected, the tone of her voice darkened. "You don't know how it feels to finally have a friend when you've been alone for so long. The only company is your own mother. Then you go mess things up and ruin the only friendship that you've ever experienced. After all those years your friend comes back in your life and you push them away. Push them away because you thought they were the one who ruined it but in truth it was you all along! Or maybe both...it doesn't matter! They get kidnapped and that's only when you realise your mistake and it could've been too late. Then they come back again and completely forgets who you even are! They forget everything that you two went through together. You don't have a clue at what I'm feeling…" Serena stopped herself from going on further. She wiped several tears from her face and noticed the perplexed eyes of one Ash Ketchum. "...just leave me alone Ash. I'm sorry I snapped at you. I just need some time by myself," She requested softly.
Ash was about to say something until Clemont cleared his throat. He shook his head and motioned them to distance themselves. "I know you want to say something Ash but I think it's best to leave Serena alone for a while," Clemont said as they walked back to where they previously were.
"If you're sure," Ash replied, glancing at Serena who was hugging herself. "I didn't know she was going to be that upset."
"I didn't either. I guess all that anger must've builded judging by how she spoke," Clemont concurred.
"Obviously you two are as dense as ever!" Bonnie exclaimed.
"Huh!?" They both cried out together.
"Didn't you hear a single word that she just said?" She sighed when she was met with a no response. "What did you two exactly hear while she was ranting?"
"I got distracted by that." Clemont pointed a finger to where Kuzuki and his pokemon stood. Kuzuki was doing a funky dance with his Dartrix. The rest of his pokemon watched with awe. "It sounds so ridiculous. I guess I'm a bad friend." Clemont hung his head down, ashamed.
"No time to beat yourself up Clemont. It's one mistake that you won't make again, right?" Her brother nodded understandably. "And you, Ash! What's your excuse?"
Ash was taken aback. He rubbed the back of his neck nervously while Pikachu poked him on the cheek. "I don't really have an excuse. I guess her just yelling so harshly distracted me from what she was trying to say. I never heard her sound that way before. Even when she was being rude behind Kuzuki's back."
"Unbelievable. And you two call yourselves her friends?" They both muttered an apology. "I guess I'll let you both have a pass for now because I'm feeling so generous right now. Next time, pay attention when your friend is spilling their emotions out!"
"Right," Ash and Clemont answered in unison. They both felt awful about it and promised to never make the same mistake again.
Bonnie smiled. "I'm glad you two learned your lesson." She turned serious. "Serena told us how Kuzuki was her friend-"
"We already know that," Ash pointed out without thinking.
Bonnie grew irritated. "If you'll let me finish." Ash gestured her to continue. "Kuzuki was Serena's first friend. When they met at camp Serena didn't have a single friend until Kuzuki came into the picture. Our very first friends are very special. Ash, who was your first friend?"
Ash was quick to answer. "Gary Oak. I met him a few months before I met Kuzuki. We were friends, then rivals, then friends again. I'll never forget our friendship. We even had this half of a pokeball that we kept after our big fight. I returned it to Gary before he left." Ash's eyes widened when he finally understood what Bonnie meant.
"What about you, Clemont?"
Clemont smiled as he look up at the fluffy clouds. "It was one of the students in the academy that I enrolled in as a child. His name was Toshihiro and he was one of the young adults in the academy. We shared notes and ideas. He was the one who told me that even though I was the youngest there that I shouldn't let that intimidate me and that I should be proud of my high intellect. We were both set to graduate at the same day and I couldn't think of anything. Toshihiro was the one who said that I should look for some fresh ideas outside. Long story short, I found what I needed and graduated. It's also the inspiration for me wanting to make inventions. All thanks to Toshihiro telling me to go outside." Clemont finished with his chest gleaming with pride.
Clemont saw Ash's marveled face. "I'll fill you in on the whole story later." He gasped abruptly, no doubt finding out what his sister's true motive for sharing their stories is. "We told you ours, how about you Bonnie?" Clemont asked his sister.
Bonnie showed a toothy smile. "All I ever hung out was with you Clemont, being my brother and all. But that doesn't count. The first person I considered my friend was Kuzuki." Her eyes wandered to the boy who was being tackled by his Swinub. "Clemont was busy making Clembot with Kuzuki. He always came over to our house to work on Clembot but we never spoke. One day I was trying to reach the top counter to get a cookie but I couldn't reach. That was when Kuzuki came and helped me. From there, he'd always make sure to spend time with me whenever he was done making adjustments to Clembot before it was finished and he left to continue his journey."
Clemont went over to hug Bonnie. "I'm so sorry Bonnie. I didn't know at the time. Inventions got in the way of what truly matters to me."
Bonnie returned the hug. "I know big brother. I'm glad we met Kuzuki because he was the one who helped you realise what was happening. That brings me back to my point." Bonnie released herself from Clemont. "Our first friends truly do forge a place in our hearts. Ash, your first friend made you a better trainer. Clemont, you found your inspiration for inventions. And I got Clemont to figure out the error of his ways and that got us to spend more brother-sister time. As for Serena, a friend was all that she needed. Just someone being there with her helped Serena come out of her shell and talk about things to someone who isn't her mother."
"Wow." Ash gaped at the younger sibling. "You sure do have a way with words."
Bonnie giggled. "I learned it from the best, even if I didn't want to." She directed her focus to Clemont who once again, puffed his chest with pride. "How would we all feel if our first friend suddenly forgets who we are?"
"I'd feel terrible," Clemont responded.
"Same here," Ash added.
"There you have it. Even if we don't know how Serena feels we could imagine it. It might not be accurate but it's close enough." They all heard Kuzuki's yells as he started to run towards them. He called back his pokemon except for Ivysaur.
"I wonder who Kuzuki's first friend was," Clemont thought out loud. "Kuzuki's so energetic, he must've met tons of people."
Ash gave him an amused look. "I don't know about that. Kuzuki told me that he was in a private school."
Bonnie bursted out laughing. "A private school!? Kuzuki!? No way!"
"It's true," Ash admitted. "He could've been the silent one for all we know. He's never told me much about it. He just said that it stunk and that everyone there was stuck up."
Clemont had a light bulb appear at the top of his head. A revelation bestowed upon him. "When did you become friends with Kuzuki, Ash?"
"A week after camp started. We were cabinmates but we never talked until he invited me to go exploring for pokemon. We hit it off after that," Ash replied.
Clemont snapped his fingers. "Then could it be possible that Kuzuki's first friend was Serena! Much like he was to her. That must be why Kuzuki made it out to seem that they were close back in Lumiose City. And why Serena is so distraught now."
Ash realised the possible outcome as well. "That must be why those bracelets mean so much to them!" He revealed.
"The what?" Clemont questioned.
"You mean that girly bracelet?" Bonnie snickered. Before Ash had a chance to explain, Kuzuki arrived.
"Hey guys!" He chirped. "I just wanted to know when you all are ready to leave. You three were talking for a million years!" He emphasized.
"You bet! We were just talking," Ash answered innocently. Kuzuki eyed him suspiciously before he beamed brightly once more.
"Fantastic! I can't wait to travel with my friends again!" Kuzuki's smile wore off when he noticed Serena to the far right. "Tell your friend that we're going soon. Not to be rude but her unhappy demeanor is really bumming me out. Mind checking up on her to see what's up?"
Bonnie resisted the urge to groan loudly. "You're the only one that can fix her behavior," She whispered to herself quietly. "Serena! We're almost ready to leave!" She shouted. Kuzuki was too busy polishing his pokeballs to listen.
Serena timidly made her way over to the group and stood by Ash. She stole a quick glance towards Kuzuki to see him wiping his pokeball with his knuckles. Serena frowned, he didn't pay her presence to mind.
Officer Jenny came by in her motorcycle. Her Manectric was in his usual place on the sidecar. "This is it for now. I appreciate your help Kuzuki, even if you don't remember it." Kuzuki saluted the officer. "Are you sure you don't want to tag along for a ride. We could go find you a doctor that might help us with your problem and then drop you off by Cyllage City," She offered.
Kuzuki politely declined her offer. "No thanks Officer Jenny. No offense to you or anything but I want to get to Cyllage City with my friends. They might trigger some of my memory along the way."
Officer Jenny nodded. "None taken Kuzuki. I know you'll do well without me. All these experiences toughened you up." She directed her attention to the others. "Please do keep an eye out for Kuzuki. I don't know how I'll react when I hear that Kuzuki is in danger again."
Ash laughed. "Don't worry Officer Jenny. We'll make sure Kuzuki is away from any other bad people. Although, I can't say the same for Team Rocket. They always show up and try to steal Pikachu."
"I'm sure they won't be much trouble if you handled them for so long. Goodbye everyone. Kuzuki, Ash, I wish you luck on your upcoming gym battle." Officer Jenny waved at them before she drove off to the direction of the officers office. She wanted to see how miserable Bradshaw and his men were.
"Bye!" They cried, Kuzuki being the loudest. They began walking the path to Cyllage City. Bonnie and Kuzuki sparked a conversation on what occurred during the previous days. From going to a kindergarten class, seeking shelter in an abandoned house, Chespin's unhealthy appetite to switching bags with another girl and training with a ninja.
"Wow. You all sure were busy while I was gone," Kuzuki concluded.
"Yup! But now you're with us! It'll be better than cake!" She declared.
Kuzuki and Clemont laughed. Usually, there was nothing better than cake when it comes to Bonnie.
"You sure about that? I know how much you love cake," Kuzuki acknowledged with a grin. Ivysaur listened on carefully. Cake was definitely in his top five favorite things to eat!
"Who doesn't love cake? There's so many yummy types of cake! There's vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, coconut, banana…" Bonnie blabbered on. Kuzuki would've continued listening if it wasn't for Serena, who was straggling behind. The sad look on her face still bummed Kuzuki. A determined smirk appeared on his lips. He slowed down his pace so that Serena would catch up. The others were going on without him, not noticing him gone. Most likely due to Bonnie rambling on about cake.
Serena carelessly trekked forward. She didn't notice that the reason to her unhappiness was right in front of her.
"Hello there!" Kuzuki greeted loudly. Serena let out a shriek and fell down to her bottom.
"Woah!" Kuzuki grew alarmed at her sudden fall. Oddly enough, he could hear the laughing of wild pokemon around the two. They must've seen her fall. Serena groaned and looked up to see who the perpetrator was.
Serena pointed a finger to him and huffed frustratingly, getting back on her feet.
"It is me! Thanks for clarifying!" Kuzuki hoped that humor would cheer her up. To his misfortune, it only made her more upset. "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you like that. I was trying to get your attention, honest!"
"Hmph!" Serena didn't want to see Kuzuki right now and moved on without him. Kuzuki quickly caught up to her.
"Hey, you almost left me there for a sec. Good thing I'm equally as fast, huh?" Serena grunted. "I heard from everyone that we had some sort of connection going on. I can't exactly remember but I hope that it can be fixed. Oh, where are my manners!" Kuzuki halted himself in front of the girl, stopping her from going forward. "My name is Kuzuki Sakai. What's yours?" Kuzuki asked innocently, holding out his hand for her to shake.
Serena felt the nostalgia hit her hard. She went around Kuzuki and moved on.
"That's not fair! This is the part where you introduce yourself and we become best friends! You can't walk away," Kuzuki whined. Kuzuki sighed when he was still ignored. "Is this really how it's going to be? I just wanted to get to know you. Even if we did meet before. Isn't this what you want?" He was met with silence. "Fine." Kuzuki shrugged and caught up with the others.
Serena let out a shaky sigh. Why did she push him away again. He was right there for pete's sake! He even said it himself, this is the part where they become best friends. In her case, again. She grasped the bracelet in her hands and glanced back at Kuzuki. She held out an arm, trying to reach him with her hand.
"Come back…"
Kuzuki took his place back, next to Bonnie.
"...cherry, and pineapple!" She finished, not having a clue that Kuzuki was gone.
"That's great of you for knowing all those cake flavors." He turned to Clemont. "Have you let her eat all of those?"
Clemont shook his head. "Of course not-"
"Yes!" Bonnie answered at the same time. Clemont had an exclamation point magically appear on top of his head. He stared at Bonnie, flabbergasted
"When did you…"
"When you weren't looking of course!" She replied, not knowing the consequences at the time. Clemont stopped walking, which caused everyone to do the same.
"Bonnie…" His backpack sprung open his aipom hand. Bonnie gulped nervously.
"Hey!" Kuzuki gasped. "There's my bag!" He retrieve his backpack from the aipom hand and started rummaging through it. "There it is!" Kuzuki pulled out his red beanie from within and adjusted it around his head. "That feels much better!" He continued his search. "There's my treasured item!" Kuzuki fished out his megaphone.
"Woooo!" Kuzuki bellowed in his megaphone. Clemont and Bonnie covered their ears. "Still works good as new!" Kuzuki clipped it on his belt and zipped up his bag. "Anything missing that I should know about?" Kuzuki asked as he put the backpack on his back.
"Yeah, I used one of your herbal medicine to heal Meowth and Swinub." Ash clarified.
Kuzuki hummed. "As long as it was used as intended then I'm fine with it "
When Bonnie discovered that Clemont momentarily forgot about the cake business, she tugged Kuzuki's shirt. "There was also a girly bracelet in there. It was pink and had the word best on it!"
Kuzuki froze, something clicked in his brain. "A bracelet? I don't remember having that. Where is it?"
"She has it." Bonnie pointed to Serena who was still sluggishly walking. Kuzuki spotted the bracelet wrapped around her wrist. The boy left the three and marched towards Serena.
Serena heard the footsteps of Kuzuki and the fierce look on his eyes. Naturally, she backed away.
"Wait. I just want to see the bracelet on your wrist. It looks sort of familiar." Serena jumped at those words. Maybe his memory was coming back. She took off the bracelet fast and handed it to Kuzuki.
"Hmm." Kuzuki inspected the bracelet all around. Serena grasped her bracelet and untangled it from her hair. "I've seen this somewhere," Kuzuki mumbled. Serena's gleeful expression accelerated. Forget about the attitude a few minutes ago, Kuzuki is about to remember their friendship. More importantly, her.
"It's on the tip of my tongue." Serena so badly wanted to go up to his face and shout it out to him. He was close, close to remembering something really important. "Meh." Kuzuki shrugged his shoulders and tossed the bracelet to a nearby bush as if it was garbage.
Serena stood there, shaking left and right. Did he just? He did! He just threw away the symbolism of their friendship to rot in that bush, not looking the least bit remorseful at all. Serena always rolled her eyes when she heard someone say that they felt heartbroken. It sounded like the most cliché thing anyone could say. But right now, she finally understood what they meant. Her heart truly did feel like it shattered into a million pieces. She hated this dreadful feeling.
"Guess it was nothing. I don't even know why I even have that stupid thing in the first place. It's pink first of all. And second, who the heck puts best on a bracelet? What's it suppose to mean anyway? Best waste of space to carry? Most definitely." Kuzuki chuckled at his word play and turned to catch up with his unmoving friends.
Serena was seething with fury. All those things he said about their bracelet. It was his idea in the first place! It's suppose to remind him that they were best friends till' the end. Not trash that an idiot throws on the ground. Serena could feel the blood boiling from within her. She wasn't going to take it anymore. No more keeping her anger in. As fast as a cheetah, she grabbed Kuzuki by the shoulder, her nails digging through his shirt and flipped him around forcefully. He almost tripped while doing so. When he met her eye, Serena set her hand way back in the air and slammed the palm of her hand hard on Kuzuki's cheek. The slap caused him to this time, fall on the ground.
Serena could hear the gasps from her friends but she didn't care. She wasn't done yet. Serena pounced on Kuzuki, not letting him get up, and start slapping both of his cheeks rapidly. The tears in her eyes splattered all over his body. She ignored the protests of her friends in favor of hitting Kuzuki some more. Man did she feel so free. All the anger caused by Kuzuki was being unleashed on Kuzuki himself. This is what he gets for being in her life.
"Woah woah stop it girl!" Kuzuki grabbed both of her wrists and stared at her dead in the eye. "The heck is your problem!?" Kuzuki felt Serena try to wiggle out of his grasp and pulled her in a bear hug. "Are you going to calm down now?" He was answered with her arms flailing everywhere. He applied more pressure. Her entire face was being slithered by his chest. Kuzuki was relieved when she started to submit. Her arms wrapped around his body and Kuzuki could hear her sigh.
"Geez louise. And I thought Misty hit hard." He turned to his appalled friends. "What's the deal with your friend? Why did she just attack me like that?"
Bonnie was the one to speak up. "Because you forgot her!"
"But I asked her if I could get to know her again since Officer Jenny told me that I knew her before. She totally blew me off," Kuzuki argued.
"Really? Hmm, this'll be harder to figure out. What did you do prior to the whole fiasco?" Clemont asked.
"Well, I went over to her when Bonnie said that she had some bracelet that belongs to me. I asked for it because it sounded and looked so familiar. But I couldn't crack the case so I tossed it over there." Kuzuki tilted his head to the bush.
"Ohh..." Ash found the problem. "She attacked you because of the bracelet!"
"All because of a stupid bracelet?!" Kuzuki exclaimed.
"Apparently from what I know it's more than just some stupid bracelet. Why don't you see what she has in her hand," Ash suggested.
Kuzuki scoffed, not seeing the point but did so anyone. He took Serena's right hand and pried them apart. To his surprise there was a bracelet similar to his. Very similar.
"Friends," He read. Then it hit him. "Ivysaur, could you fetch me that bracelet that I threw in that bush?"
"Ivy!" Ivysaur cried out. He ran to the bush and came back with the bracelet in his mouth. The seed pokemon handed it to his trainer.
"Thanks." Kuzuki took a good look at his bracelet, then hers. He joined them close to each other. "Best friends…"
"Huh?" Ash only knew of one bracelet. The one Serena had was completely new to him. He thought that they shared the one Kuzuki has. "Kuzuki?"
Kuzuki's mind was elsewhere.
Flashback
Young Kuzuki was currently sitting at the lunch table that he and Serena shared. Today's course was Make Your Own Sandwich day. Kuzuki grinned as he ate his sandwich bit by bit. He grabbed his napkin and dabbed it gently on the corner of his lips, getting rid of the bread crumbs lingering on his face.
Serena couldn't suppress her giggle. "You eat so funny!" She commented, taking a bite out of her own sandwich.
Kuzuki puffed his cheeks. "It's not my fault that I know the etiquette way of eating. I've been taught to eat like this for most of my life. How else would you eat?" Kuzuki asked.
"Like this." Serena took a rather large bite out of her sandwich and chewed it down fast. She then proceeded to slurp her straw and gulp down her orange juice. She quietly burped and flashed her friend a smile.
"Um…" Kuzuki didn't know what to say. He couldn't just flat out say that that was the grossest thing he ever saw in his life. He cringed at the sight of bread crumbs on her face.
"Hey you!" Someone call to them. It was a girl, about two years older than them. Kuzuki presumed that she was talking to Serena. Instead, her attention was to him. "Yeah, I'm talking to you!" The older girl pushed Serena out of her seat and sat down next to him. "What are you doing with that Serena? Everyone knows that she's a no good pig. I mean look at her. What a mess!"
Serena consciously wiped the crumbs off of her face. She started to tear up a little at those words.
"Why would you hang out with someone like that? She could be using you to get people to forget about what clumsy things she's done to embarrass herself. No way someone as cool as you should be having her as company." She winked at him. "Come with me. My friends and I aren't slobs, clumsy, and we definitely don't cry for our moms."
Serena's tears were more visible and she clung to Kuzuki's arm. Kuzuki moved away from the older girl with a mean glare. "As if! You're just a bully! Siri may be a little messy, somewhat clumsy, and cry from time to time but she's my best friend and I wouldn't trade that for anything in the world. Certainly not for some meanie who insults my friend. Besides." He smirked at her aghast face. "You have split ends right there. May want to deal with that."
The whole cafeteria, whom were all listening, started laughing at his joke. The older girl turned beet red and attempted to cover up her hair.
"Let's go Siri." He took her hand and led Serena out of the Cafeteria. They wandered around the camp for a few minutes.
"Don't listen to what the mean girl said, Kuzuki told her.
Serena let out a wail. "B-but everything she said was true! I'm not all prim and proper like you. You should just leave me and go with that girl. I'm better off being all alone, I'm use to it."
Kuzuki frowned and placed both hands on her shoulders. "You're right, you're not like me but that's why I like you. You're the first one not to treat me like I'm so highly sophisticated. I've been so done with acting like a proper gentleman but when I'm around you I can finally act like my true self.There's no way that I'd leave you. You're my best friend after all!" Kuzuki grinned as he showed her his bracelet.
Serena smiled gratefully and held her wrist next to his. "Best friends forever?"
"Best friends forever."
End of Flashback
"Kuzuki. Hello!" Ash waved his hand back and forth near his face. Kuzuki sat up straight. Serena fell to the ground as a result of this.
"It's starting to come to me," Kuzuki announced. Most, if not all of that particular memory was a blur to him. Kuzuki clenched his fists trying harder to remember.
"Messy eating...clumsy girl...mean girl...proper sophistication...best friends forever." Serena's youthful face appeared. "You! You and I...we were at this place when I was younger. I...you and I were friends. Bonnie was right!" Kuzuki beamed with happiness. "I'm starting to remember now! It might not be a clear image but it's something!"
"Yay!" Bonnie cheered.
"All right!" Ash shouted.
"That's wonderful Kuzuki!" Clemont said.
"Woohoo! This is the first big step in regain my memo-oof!" Kuzuki was tackled to the ground yet again. He looked up and yelped when he saw that it was Serena. He braced himself for the hits coming his way.
Serena hugged the boy tightly. Kuzuki awkwardly coughed.
"No offense but I still don't know you. That's just one tiny detail that I managed to recover," Kuzuki admitted.
Serena didn't seem fazed. Kuzuki exchanged looks with Bonnie. "Didn't you say that she hated my guts since I came during Lumiose City?" Bonnie shrugged, only caring that her two friends are getting along again. All the bad blood is gone, for now.
"Great! So you two are friends again!" Ash exclaimed.
"I guess. You don't seem that bad of a person and if we're going to travel together I'm going to need your help remembering my past." Serena nodded. "Now we should continue our journey to Cyllage City. I slowed us down enough already," Kuzuki said with a smile.
Ash returned the gesture. "If everything is cool between you two. No more hitting or arguing." They both nodded. "Then let's get to it! Cyllage City here we come!" Ash declared, jogging with Pikachu on his shoulder down the path.
"Ash wait!' Clemont sighed and ran to catch up.
"Race you big brother!" Bonnie zoomed as fast as lightning, already passing Clemont. She disappeared from Kuzuki's view much like Ash.
"Oh man," Clemont groaned and attempted to go faster.
"I guess that leaves us," Kuzuki speculated. "I'm not really in a running mood. Are you?" Serena shook her head. "Then let us continue forward!"
"Ivy! Ivysaur!" Ivysaur cried out, walking by his trainer's side. The two walked in a comfortable silence. Serena hummed softly as they walked.
"Serena." She finally spoke. Her first direct words to Kuzuki in years.
"Hmm?" Kuzuki questioned.
"Serena, that's my name," She replied. Kuzuki smiled and presented his hand again. This time, Serena shook it delightfully.
"You know Siri," He started. "I know we'll become the best of friends. Again in your case."
Serena felt her chest heat up. Even with his memories gone he still came up with the same nickname as before. "Siri?" Serena asked curiously, wondering his reasoning this time around.
"Yeah, it sounds better," Kuzuki answered. "Also, it'll help me remember to be serious when it comes to regaining my memories of you." Serena smiled widely and gently closed her eyes.
Yep, just like good old times.
Author's Note: Like I said at the beginning this is merely a filler for the upcoming chapter so it'll make sense when the "disaster" comes. Not much needed to be said, you can check back last chapter to know what's next. Kuzuki regained a piece of his memory and Serena stopped holding a grudge and stopped hitting Kuzuki silly. Stay tuned again for Chapter 12: A Pokévision Disaster!