I am so late. I'm sorry. School was killing me the past few weeks, but I'm finally able to relax a bit and write this chapter!
I'm trying something new and making the Author's Notes bold now...notthatanyonewascomplaingaboutitbutithinkitsbetterthisway
BUT WAIT THAT'S NOT THE ONLY THING THAT'S NEW! I'm gonna try to switch up the POV more. So far all we had was Auburn's mini-POV in the like...I think chapter 3 lol. BUT NOW THIS ENTIRE CHAPTER IS IN HER POV! I'll try doing multiple POVs in the future...maybe lol.
I wanted to write more but I'm already super later and I think 6k words is good enoug lol.
OH ONE MORE THING. Yesterday (10/3) was shadowstriker55's birthday and I tried my best to get this out on time, but failed. BUT IT'S ONLY A DAY LATE SO GOOD ENOUGH! Happy birthday bud, thanks for being such a great supporter!
Disclaimer: I don't own Pokemon.
Life has been so much more exciting lately. I've made up with Tangelo, became closer to Maple, Masello and even Tea, and even got to play in the park with Mint! Mint almost never plays with me. Sure, we've done a few things every once and awhile, but yesterday was the probably the biggest thing I've ever done with her. Yesterday was so much fun at the park! I really have Cobalt to thank for all of this. These past few weeks have been the most fun I've had in a long time. Usually I'm stuck in my room or in the forest by myself, and… it gets pretty lonely… But ever since that fateful day I went to play in the forest I feel like my life has changed. I've made so many new friends because of him. And yet, here I am, lying on the fountain and staring at the clear, spring sky, bored out of my mind…
"Auburn?"
"Whaa?" I reply lazily. I turned my face away from the sky to see Mom standing in front of me.
"What are you doing lazing around the garden?"
"Lazing around the garden, duh." I replied sassily.
"Oh really now? I couldn't tell." Mom sighed, replying in a just as sassy tone as me. "Why don't you go play with your new friends or something? It's a beautiful spring day! It'd be such a waste to just sit around and do nothing!"
"I would but…" I tapped my paws together nervously.
"But you're too shy to go see Maple, Masello or Tea by yourself, Mint probably can't play, your cousin Tangelo is working at the restaurant, and you feel like you've been bothering Cobalt too much right?"
"W-what the?! How'd you do that?!" I gasped and jumped off the fountain.
Mom replied with an amused expression and giggle. "A mother has her ways! "Anyway, I'm going to go for a stroll around the city, maybe visit a certain hospital on the way." She winked. "Would you like to join?"
My ears perked when she said "hospital" and I suddenly felt excited. "Well, I suppose it would be rude to deny an offer from the Queen herself, so I shall join you." I replied haughtily with my chest puffed up.
"Oh hush you!" Mom scolded playfully. I laughed at our silliness and together we made our out of the castle ground and into the city.
I always enjoyed joining Mom in her little strolls through the city. When Cobalt was still hospitalized, my strolls with her were always cut short, as I would end up staying at Cream's hospital when we reached there. The route was also modified so that Cream's hospital would be the first place we stopped by, so I guess I never actually strolled through the city since Cobalt came here.
"Say, why don't we head to Royal Diner and bring some snacks to the hospital?" Mom suggested.
"Ooh! Ooooh! Yes! I agree!" I replied excitedly. I love all the food at Uncle's restaurant, but now I have another reason to go there…
"Hmmm? You sound more excited than usual. Perhaps there's a certain someone you want to see?" Mom teased, her eyes half-closed, giving her a mischievous expression.
"I-I don't know what you're talking about!" I looked away, trying to avoid her eyes that pierce right through my lies.
As we begin to enter the shopping district, we are immediately bombarded by many different Pokémon wanting to greet their queen and princess. The crowds are a lot worse when Mom is around compared to just me, but Mom doesn't seem to mind. Mom greets each and every one of her people with a warm smile, her love for her people radiating through her humble expression. How does she do it? Doesn't it get annoying? I mentally sighed.
After dealing with the first wave of Pokémon, we're able to make some progress towards Royal Diner. I take the chance to let my thoughts out to Mom before another big crowd shows up.
"Mom?"
"Yes?"
"How do deal with all those Pokémon every time you go for a stroll? Doesn't it get annoying?"
"Haha, I suppose when Cream says you're my spitting image she really does mean it…" She laughed.
I tilted my head in confusion in response to her not answering my question. "What do you mean?"
"You see, I was just like you when I was a child. Whenever I took a stroll with your grandmother, I would get annoyed by the crowds and constant greeters. But my mother would always greet each of them happily. She told me it was because it made her people happy. It made the kingdom happy, which in return made her happy. At first I thought that sounded like a pain, but as I got older, I started to understand. It's important to keep each Pokémon happy and to form a friendly bond with them." Mom smiled, but behind that smile I could sense a bit of sadness. My grandparents passed away shortly after I was born, so I never knew them. Whenever Mom talks about them, I could tell it hurt her, so I try to avoid bringing them up.
"I… guess that makes sense… It sounds super annoying though. They always get up on my personal space and are so pushy!"
"Hah, they don't get THAT close! You'll get used to it."
"If you say so." I shrugged.
We continued on our way to the restaurant, the crowds trying to get our attention seemingly increased the closer we got to Royal Dinner. Mom continued to greet everyone happily, while I started to get annoyed by all the attention. You'd think I'd get used to it by now…
Eventually Royal Diner was finally in view, and I picked up my pace in an attempt that everyone would get the hint that I didn't want to greet them anymore. I could've sworn I hear Mom sigh at me trying to get away, but I didn't care; I just wanted to get to the restaurant already! When I made it I hastily open the door and quickly made my way inside. The first thing I noticed was how strangely empty and quiet it was, with maybe only one or two customers inside.
"Welcome! Oh if it isn't my favorite niece!" A female voice greets me. I turn to see Tangelo's mom, Aunt Nina holding a tray of dishes. Aunt Nina is an Arcanine, just like Dad and Uncle Arc.
"More like your only niece!" I laughed. "Aunt Nina! Where is everyone?"
"You just missed them. The lunch rush just ended." Aunt Nina replied as she placed down the tray, "What brings you here today? Are you by yourself?"
"No Mom is with me, but she's dealing with the usual greeters."
Soon the door opened and Mom entered the restaurant, not looking one bit annoyed from everyone bother her. "Oh my, it's quite dead in here isn't it?"
"Ah, hello Arylide!" Aunt Nina waved to Mom happily. "You just missed the lunch rush. If you were here 10 minutes earlier you'd take those words back!"
"Hello Nina. My, is that why there were so many Pokémon outside? Because the lunch rush just ended? I swear I thought the greeting was never going to stop!" Mom laughed.
"Hah, being royalty must be tough!" Aunt Nina laughed. "So how can I help you two?" Aunt Nina lowered her head so we were both at the same eye level. "Are you here to see Tangelo? He told me you are on good terms with him again, thank goodness."
"N-No! We came here to buy some snacks!" I answered defensively, my face slightly flushed red.
"Aw, so you aren't here to see me?" A voice comes from behind me.
"Ah!" I jumped and turned around to see a Growlithe with a cheeky grin. "Tangelo!"
"Hey, what's up?" Tangelo answered in a friendly tone.
"N-Nothing! We're just here to place an order! Where's Uncle Arc?"
"He's in the kitchen working. I only came out because Mom was taking so long to bring the dishes in!"
"Oh! Oops! Sorry son!" Aunt Nina apologized.
"It's okay Mom! Cause now I got to see Auburn and Aunt Arylide!" Tangelo replied to his mom. Tangelo then brought his attention back to me, his expression changed to a frown. "I would've been sad if I found out my only cousin was here and didn't bother to see me…"
"H-Huh?!" I gasped and my face was now completely red. I suddenly felt extremely embarrassed but also a little guilty.
"Pfft! Haha! Just kidding!" The Growlithe's face was back to that cheeky grin he had earlier.
"What?! Ugh, Tangelo you're such a jerk!" I pouted.
"Awwww, look at them! I haven't seen them get along like this in a long time!" Aunt Nina said happily before rushing to us and giving us a tight hug.
"M-Mooooom! You're embarrassing me!"
"Aunt N-Nina! Not so tight…!" Is this how tight I hug?!
"Whoops, sorry!" Aunt Nina broke her hug and placed us back down. "I'm just so glad to see you both getting along again."
"I agree. You shouldn't be fighting with your family." Mom added.
"Yeah…" I answered quietly, while Tangelo laughed sheepishly as he rubbed the back of his head.
"So! What will you guys be ordering?" Aunt Nina asked, bringing us back to the reason we were here.
"Oh, right! Hmm, probably just something light, but something we can share. How about the appetizer platter? Yes, that should work." Mom nodded.
"Ooh! Who are you sharing it with?" Tangelo asked excitedly.
"We're gonna go to Cream's hospital!" I said proudly.
"Aw you're gonna visit Cobalt?!" Tangelo exclaimed in an envious tone. "Lucky! I wish I could go…" Tangelo sighed as he grabbed the tray of dirty dishes that Aunt Nina was originally holding, "So much work to do though…" he slowly made his way back to the kitchen with his head down.
"I know what you're trying to do." Aunt Nina said bluntly.
Tangelo stopped and turned around, grinning at his mom. "Is it working?"
"No. You have work to do!" Aunt Nina ordered.
Tangelo flinched and his grin vanished instantly as he slowly nodded and turned back towards the kitchen. "Y-Yes Mom…" He looked like he was almost about to cry. Seeing him like that made me feel so…heartbroken.
"A little harsh, don't you think Nina?" Mom commented. I couldn't agree more with Mom as I nodded vigorously.
"Yeah c'mon Aunt Nina! I just made up with Tangelo too!"
"Oh, so you did want to see him then?" Aunt Nina grinned.
"Err…I…umm…" I shifted my paws around nervously. "F-Fine I admit it, I also wanted to see Tangelo and I secretly was hoping he could come along!" I shouted, my face completely red in embarrassment.
"That's what I wanted to hear!" Aunt Nina said enthusiastically. "Tangelo!" She shouted towards the kitchen door.
The door slowly opened and Tangelo poked his head out. "Y-Yeah?"
"Come on, I was just messing with you and your cousin! You can join them if you want."
"Really?!" His ears perked before he made a straight dash back to us. "I can go too?!"
"Yes you can go for a couple of hours I suppose. Try to be back by dinnertime though. Someone's gotta do the dishes!"
"Yes! I'll go back to the kitchen and help Dad make the appetizer plate! Be back in a jiffy!" Tangelo turned around and made another mad dash back to the kitchen.
"Geeze, what is it with you all teasing and messing with us all the time?" I sighed. "Ah, whatever, I'm just glad Tangelo's going too! Oooh! I wonder if Cobalt will be able to play!" I start to jump up and down excitedly.
"I've never seen little Auburn so excited! It's also been a long time since I've seen Tangelo so happy." Aunt Nina commented, making small talk with Mom.
"She's definitely been a lot happier lately. I believe we have Cobalt to thank for that. He's been quite the influence on Auburn, and I'm sure she has been just as influence on him." Mom smiled.
Mom and I sat in the waiting area while Aunt Nina went back to work, helping the few customers that were still dining in. Eventually Aunt Nina came out of the kitchen with our order packed safely, Tangelo by her side looking happy and excited. Mom payed for our order and soon the three of us were on our way to Cream's hospital.
Like always, the flow of never ending Pokémon continued to greet us. I'm sure it's common courtesy to greet royalty if you see them, but when every single Pokémon does it, it gets so tedious. At least it shows that everyone loves their queen, so maybe it isn't so bad. The flow of greetings started to die out as we exited the shopping district and Cream's hospital came into view. When we reached the small and quaint building, we entered inside to see that there was nobody at the reception counter, at the waiting area, or even working the small pharmacy section where you can purchase different medical products. However, this was actually normal since Cream usually works in her office in the back.
"I'll be out there in a second!" A voice yelled out from beyond the counter.
"Man, it's been awhile since I was last in here." Tangelo commented as he looked around the merchandise for sale. "These shelves are always full; does anyone ever even buy any of this stuff?"
"I dunno," I shrugged, "They're probably cheaper at Flaymart so nobody probably buys them here."
"How rude! People buy them!" Cream said defensively from behind the counter. "Sometimes…" she added in a quiet and unconvincing tone.
"Hi Cream!" I said happily.
"Hello, Cream." Tangelo said politely.
"Hello, Cream." Mom greeted her best friend. "We brought some light snacks. Would you and Cobalt like to join us?"
"Ah, Arylide, Auburn, hello. And even Tangelo! It's been awhile since I saw you here." Cream greeted back and walked up towards us. "I'd love to join you, thanks!" She thanked Mom and turned her attention to me and Tangelo. "Are you two here to play with Cobalt? He's actually out in the backyard training. He said that he hasn't trained at all since he had to… you-know-what. Why don't you go get him while I go prepare some drinks upstairs?"
"Oh he's training huh? I wonder what he's doing! Let's go Tangelo!" I ran outside with Tangelo right behind me. "Let's approach the back slowly and maybe try to scare him or something." I giggled mischievously.
"Heh, sure." Tangelo nodded.
The two of us carefully walked to the back of the hospital, hugging the wall and trying to be as sneaky as possible. We could start to hear grunts coming from the back, and they only became louder and louder as we got closer. Soon we reached the end of the wall, and Tangelo and I poked our heads to see what Cobalt was doing.
"Ooh, what is he doing?" Tangelo asked.
"He looks like he's just punching the air…" I whispered.
Cobalt had his back at us, facing the forest that stands behind Cream's hospital. That forest is actually part of the forest I was in where I found the unconscious Riolu many weeks ago. He punched the air, grunting out a loud "Ha!" as he alternated arms. It didn't look like much work, but Cobalt looked completely focused and his body was covered in sweat.
"Let's go while he's focused on punching." I suggested quietly. Tangelo nodded and we tip-toed as quietly as possible towards Cobalt. It didn't take long and soon Cobalt was within poking range. I reached out my foreleg and tried poking him before he could notice us. Just as my paw almost reached his back, Cobalt suddenly turned around and threw a punch at us.
"Who's there?!" He shouted angrily.
"A-AH!" I screamed as I fell back, Cobalt's punch barely missing me.
My shriek and sudden falling also caused Tangelo to yell, especially since I fell on him. "W-Whoa!"
"Huh?!" Cobalt gasped. His eyes widened and he quickly came to our side. "A-Auburn?! And Tangelo?!" Cobalt offered both of his hands and helped the two of us back up. "Are you guys okay?! I didn't hurt you did I?! Oh no, I'm so, so, so, SO SORRY!" He bowed continuously.
"N-No I'm fine…" I answered quietly.
"I'm okay… I think." Tangelo said as he rubbed his side where I fell on him. "Yeah I'm good."
"Oh thank goodness." Cobalt sighed and stopped bowing. "Again, I'm really sorry! I was just so focused on training and then I felt a presence all of the sudden and—"
"No!" I cut him off, "No it's not your fault! I'm the one that tried sneaking up on you. It's my fault, I'm sorry." I said with my head lowered. I felt really bad for breaking his focus like that. That punch would've hurt pretty bad and I just know Cobalt would never forgive himself if he punched me by accident.
"N-No! It's all my fault! I shouldn't have thrown that punch. I don't even know why I threw a punch… When Plum used to sneak up on me while I trained I would either fall for her tricks or notice her without freaking out like that…" Cobalt stood there with his hand under his chin, thinking about why he reacted differently. I feel like it might've been an automatic defensive reaction because what he went through, but I decided to keep that to myself, not wanting to bring up his past like that.
Tangelo sighed, probably getting annoyed at our disagreements. "How about we just say it was all of our faults and just forgive each other and make sure it never happens again?"
"Uh, sure, sounds good to me." I agreed and nodded.
"A-Alright then, if you say so…" Cobalt also agreed, but it was obvious he still thinks it was completely his fault. Cobalt's just that kind of Pokémon I guess. Cobalt… he's such a nice guy. "Anyway, what brings you two here?"
"Oh, right! Mom bought some snacks from Royal Diner, which is why Tangelo is also here! Cream wanted us to tell you she preparing drinks upstairs so we can all enjoy it together!"
"Oh, perfect! I was starting to get hungry again. I must've worked off my lunch, hehe!" Cobalt giggled happily. I couldn't help but smile with him. He's so much happier compared to when I first met him…
Cobalt then took a quick look at himself and gave a disgusted look. "Ew, I'm kind of sweaty though and I probably stink now…umm…maybe I'll take a quick shower. I'm going to go ahead upstairs and do that. See you in a bit!" Cobalt ran off and head back to the entrance.
"Heh, he really is considerate isn't he? He's definitely different from the other guys." Tangelo said with a grin.
"Especially compared to that jerk Garnet! Ugh what is up with that kid?"
"You don't understand how cool his party was!" Tangelo retorted defensively. "But you are right, he is a jerk. Jon is pretty nice though. I wonder why he sticks around Garnet. I feel like he and Cobalt would make great friends."
I shrugged, "Who knows?"
Tangelo and I left the backyard and made our way back inside. It looks like Mom and Cream went upstairs since the first floor was empty, so we went ahead and walked behind the counter and took the stairs to the second floor where Cream and Cobalt lived. Mom and Cream were sitting at the dining table, the appetizer platter presented nicely across the table with a pitcher of juice for us while the two adults had a pot of tea. They greeted us before going back to their conversation. Water could be heard running from the bathroom door across the room.
It wasn't long before the running water stopped and a mostly dry Riolu stepped out. Soon all five of us sat around the dining table, and we began to dig in. The appetizer plater consisted of several different snacks, from bite-size sandwiches, a variety of berries and veggies, different cheeses with crackers, and other delicious finger foods. qIt was nice just spending time with all of them, although I wish my other friends were here too. Also I wish Dad was too, but he's busy doing king stuff at the castle. It's actually rare for both Mom and Dad to be out in the city at the same time unless it's some event or important business.
"Can you believe it's going to be April in a few days? Time sure flies by." Mom mentioned as she bit into a berry, carrying on the small talk between the five of us.
"Doesn't it? March is always a busy month, it being the Queen's birth month and all." Cream grinned while Mom chuckled. Our birthdays result in big parties in the castle, with important Pokémon from all over the nation being invited to the castle. Their parties tend to be boring as there are almost never any kids for me to play with. Mom's birthday happened while Cobalt was still hospitalized, so Cream wasn't there for too long this year.
"Oh, your birthday was this month Ms. Arylide?" Cobalt asked.
"Yes it was on the 9th, I believe you were still unconscious at the time. Auburn found you a week before that."
"Oh, I see. Happy belated birthday!" Cobalt cheered, causing us to all chuckle happily with Mom giving off a gentle and kind smile as she thanked him. "My birthday is also on a 9th. April 9th to be exact... Oh, that's in less than two weeks isn't it?" Wait what?!
Cream nodded, "That's right! You're going to be 9 years old soon! How exciting!" Cream smiled with her hands together.
"Wait, hold on. Cobalt your birthday is in two weeks?! Why didn't you say anything?!" I shouted.
"Yeah that's big news you should be sharing with your friends!" Tangelo added.
"Oh, umm… because no one asked?" Cobalt tilted his head. "Besides, I'm telling you now! So… there you go." He shrugged.
"Err, fair enough I guess." I admitted.
"So what are you gonna do Cobalt? Are you gonna have a party?" Tangelo asked enthusiastically.
"Umm… I don't know… In the past we would go eat out at Miner's Inn and then Mother would bake a cake…"
"Ooh! A party sounds like tons of fun! And then we can invite the whole class and then Cobalt will be the next Garnet!" I suggested. It sounded like the perfect plan to get Cobalt become friends with everyone!
"T-The whole class?! N-No way!" Cobalt completely rejected my idea. "Even if it was just our group of friends, that's still seven kids! Where would I have this party? It isn't very spacious in here, and I feel like a hospital isn't a very appropriate place for a birthday party."
"Cobalt is right, maybe if it was just two or three of you I'd allow it. But seven kids is out of the question." Cream stated with her arms crossed. "But we could throw it somewhere else. Why not Homura Family Park? They have gazebos for parties, and it's completely spacious!"
"That's a wonderful idea," Mom agreed, "Many parties happen there, and it's perfect for children with the playgrounds and space."
"Then it's settled! Cobalt's birthday party will be at Homura Family Park! Oooh, and then Uncle can provide the food! Oh this is gonna be great!" I rambled on, getting more and more excited for Cobalt's birthday.
"Hey now, slow down Auburn! This is Cobalt's birthday not yours!" Mom scolded me.
"Yeah you're doing it again Auburn! Making decisions for Cobalt!" Tangelo added.
"B-But it's perfect! You like the idea right Cobalt?" I looked at him straight in his orange-red colored eyes. I must've been glaring daggers at him, because he started to get nervous, but I pretended I didn't notice.
"U-Umm, y-yeah it sounds good… if Cream's okay with it…" Cobalt answered nervously, his eyes shifting left and right.
"Yeah of course I'm okay with it!" Cream smiled.
"Then it's settled! For real this time! Hehe!" I jumped out of my chair out of pure excitement, causing everyone to gasp. "I'm super pumped now! Do you guys wanna go play outside or something? I feel so energized!"
"Where?" Tangelo asked.
"Um… oh! Let's go exploring! I haven't gone exploring in forever! Wanna go to the forest?"
"Yeah that sounds fun! It's been forever since I joined you in exploring the forest!" Tangelo said excitedly.
"T-The forest? The same one you found me in?" Cobalt asked slowly and quietly.
"Yup! I know all the cool spots there! Don't you wanna go exploring?!"
"Well… I guess I can go along. It does sound sort of interesting…" Cobalt said reluctantly. He then got up and pushed his chair in. Tangelo followed his lead and did the same.
"Great! Follow meeeee!" I exclaimed. I don't know why, but I'm in an unusually cheery and hyper mood. Probably from all the excitement of Cobalt's birthday coming up.
"Don't wander off too far!" Cream shouted.
"And be home in time for dinner! Especially you Tangelo! I don't want Nina yelling at me!" Mom reminded us. The three of us nodded and headed out.
The three of us made our way outside and marched towards the forest. I cheerfully led the two to the forest entrance. Technically you could enter the forest from pretty much anywhere, but there's a main path that you can follow which takes you to towns outside Homura City. I also enter the forest from there so I led them to the main path. All the fun stuff is outside the path though, but I never stray too far off. Mom has warned me many times not to go too deep in, but honestly I wish I could. Maybe one day when I'm older…
We finally made it to the entrance, and I continued to lead the way, still following the path. Many trees and bushes surrounded us and the sounds of Pokémon living their everyday lives die out as we get further away from the city. Only the sound of our footsteps on this dirt path could be heard.
"So where are we heading first?" Tangelo breaks the silence between us and the forest.
"Hmm, the closest place is probably the meadow. But that place is kind of boring, especially compared to the castle gardens…" I spoke my thoughts out loud as we kept walking down the path.
"The meadow sounds fine to me. What about you Cobalt?"
"H-Huh? Yeah sure…" Hm? Is he okay?
Soon we reached a fork on the road, a sign pointing in two different directions. The one of the right leads to the mountains, with the meadow being on the way, while the other leads to the next town over. "The meadow is on the mountain path. This way also leads to steeper paths and hills; it's where I found you Cobalt."
"O-Oh, I s-see…" Cobalt stuttered. He's been acting sort of weird ever since I suggested going here.
"Is something wrong? You've been acting strange." I decided to let my concerns out.
Cobalt stopped and looked down on the forest floor. "Well, it's just… I never expected to willingly go in the forest again… The only time I entered the forest is when I had to run away…"
"Oh…" I responded, that being the only thing that could slip out my mouth. I suddenly felt really bad and I looked away.
Tangelo, however, was able to say more and look straight at Cobalt. "Does this bring back bad memories?" He asked with concern in his voice.
Cobalt's ears perked and he looked back at us. "O-Oh! N-No, not really but… I don't know, I can't explain it. I guess it's unsettling being in the forest."
I squeezed my eyes shut at hearing that. I then looked back at Cobalt straight in the eyes. "I'm sorry. I should've been more considerate of your feelings. We can go back to the city."
"N-No! Don't apologize!" Cobalt said with his hands up and his head shaking. "You enjoy exploring the forest right? I want to be able to enjoy it too, so let's continue going."
"Cobalt…" I said quietly, speechless at Cobalt's consideration.
"Well, that settles it then!" Tangelo said, clapping his paws together, "Let us be on our way and continue our exploration! To the meadow! Lead the way Auburn!" He grinned at me.
I looked at Tangelo with widened eyes and shook my head to rid of the negative feelings I had before. "Yes sir! Onwaaaaaard!"
"Yeah!" The two of them cheered simultaneously.
We continued on the path for a short while before getting to the point where the path to the meadow strays away from the main path. You could tell where to make the turn by the increase of flowers growing on the grass. After walking for a bit longer and passing through several trees and bushes, the wide meadow of many different varieties of flowers stood before us. There were also a few berry bushes spread out across the field, and seeing that spring has just arrived, now would be the best time to pick and enjoy them!
"Wow! How beautiful!" Cobalt shouted excitedly.
"I forgot how pretty this place was!" Tangelo said as he scanned the meadow.
"Yeah, I guess there's a different charm to it compared to the castle gardens." I shrugged.
"It's definitely got a different feeling to it since the flowers are growing in the wild!" Cobalt observed as he made his way towards the center of the meadow. "It's so peaceful here… I bet I could sleep here…"
"Hah, I've definitely done that before after having a few of these berries to snack on." I chuckled.
"Wait, you have?! Isn't that dangerous? I would assume that this would be a popular place for wild Pokémon to gather food."
"Nah, it's good. We're still pretty close to the city, and wild Pokémon tend to stay away from the urban life." I reassured Cobalt. Honestly, it probably is pretty dangerous, but I don't do it often! Mom would kill me if she knew I did it though.
"Aunt Arylide would kill you if she knew you did that…" Tangelo glared at me. Even he knows Mom's wrath…
"Ehehe… Yeah don't tell her please!" I bowed down, hoping my friends don't tattle on me.
"My lips are sealed." Tangelo said reassuringly while Cobalt nodded in agreement.
"Thanks guys!" I sighed in relief. I looked around at the bushes to see if the berries were ripe yet and noticed that most of them were already gone. "Huh where did all the berries go?"
"I think there's still some over there." Cobalt pointed to one of the bushes all the way at the other end of the meadow. "Hey, wait a second… what is that black thing over there?"
"Huh?" Tangelo and I said at the same time, trying to see if what Cobalt was talking about.
Tangelo soon gasped once he noticed it. "I-Is that a w-wild Pokémon?!"
"W-What?!" I shouted nervously. I tried focusing to get a better look. Over at the bush was a small looking black Pokémon. Its fur was in a mess as it shifted through the berry bush. There was a backpack on the ground next to it, and it looked like it was collecting berries. "Wait a second, it has a backpack, and I don't think a wild Pokémon would have a backpack."
"I guess so…" Tangelo said unsurely before gasping, "Wait a sec, doesn't that Pokémon look sort of familiar? That's definitely a Poochyena right?"
"Umm, I think it's a Poochyena. Do you two know a Poochyena?" Cobalt asked.
"What?" I said in disbelief before focusing even harder on the small black Pokémon. "Is… is that Aika?!" I shouted, surprised to see her here out of all places.
"Yeah! That's definitely Aika! I think I recognize her backpack." Tangelo agreed.
"Aika? You mean the other Pokémon that sits at your group?"
"Yeah, that's her! She wasn't at school at all this week. Let's go see what she's doing!" The boys nodded and the three of us quickly but quietly walked to the Poochyena. As we got closer to her, I could see that her backpack was overflowing with berries. It looks like Aika beat us to all of them! How rude, I'm going to make her share those for never showing up to class and taking Cobalt's potential seat!
"Yes! This should last me a week or two! Maybe now I can go back to school!" The Poochyena said to herself excitedly as she did a fist pump.
"Aika!" I yelled behind her, partly because I was mad that she took all the berries, and partly because I wanted to see her freak out.
"AAAH!" Aika jumped in the air, knocking over her backpack and dropping the berries she was holding.
"PFFFFT!" I tried to contain my laughter. I noticed that Tangelo was doing the same, while Cobalt gave a somewhat disapproval expression.
"What the—Princess! And Tangelo?! And some unknown Riolu?!" Aika turned around and looked shocked. Her expression instantly turned angry when she noticed Tangelo and I laughing. "What was that for?! Ugh you stupid princess!"
"I'm terribly sorry for my friends' rude behavior. Please accept my apologies." Cobalt bowed continuously, the way he does when he feels really bad.
"W-Who are you?!" Aika rudely asked as she collected the berries she dropped.
"Oh right, I'm Cobalt. I'm in your class along with this laughing pair of rude cousins…"
"Ahaha… I…I'm sorry… Ahem!" I cleared my throat once I was able to fully contain my laughter. "You would know we got a new classmate last week if you actually showed up! Why didn't you show up at all last week? Or at all? And why are you hogging all the berries?!"
"W-Whatever Princess! You wouldn't understand! It's none of your business anyway!" Aika said rudely, like always. It was almost impossible to talk to Aika because she would just reply with some sassy remark.
"Hey now, what's with the attitude?" Cobalt asked calmly.
"Hmph!" The Poochyena ignored Cobalt and haughtily looked away with her snout up.
"I'm just trying to be friends here…" Cobalt said sadly, dropping his head and arms down. Aika opened one of her eyes and saw how sad and defeated Cobalt looked and flinched back.
"W-Whatever, i-it's not like I want to be f-f-friends w-with you guys!" Aika's face red from embarrassment. She picked up her overflowing backpack, a few of the berries falling out, and started walking away.
I looked down at the berries she left behind. "You're not gonna pick those up?"
Aika looked back at us, her face even redder. "You can have them. D-Don't get the wrong idea! I-It's not like I wanted to share those with you or anything. M-My backpack is just overflowing!" She grunted, as if she was annoyed, then ran off, away from the meadow.
"What a weirdo… I guess Garnet was right about at least one of the girls…" Tangelo said in a confused tone.
Cobalt walked up to the berries on the ground and picked up three of them. "I…I feel like she's just shy. She had this look in her eyes… like she was hurt or something. It sort of reminded me of myself." Cobalt said calmly as he gave me and Tangelo a berry.
"She reminds you of yourself?" I repeated as I bit into the berry. "What do you mean?"
Cobalt shook his head and gave me a worried look. "I don't know. I can't explain it. In any case, I think we should try to befriend her."
"I agree," Tangelo nodded, "The more the merrier, right Auburn?" He gave me that cheeky grin of his.
"You're right! She said something about being able to go to school again right? So if she shows up tomorrow we should try to invite her to play with us at recess! And Mint and Tea and I will try to talk with her more during class!"
"Sounds good!" Cobalt agreed with my plan.
"Heh, looks like I'm gonna make friends with even more girls!" Tangelo shook his head and shrugged. "Oh well whatever that's fine! Friends are friends!"
That's right, friends are friends! And I'm gonna keep making more of them! You better watch out Aika, because you're gonna join my circle of friends!
Aika finally appears! She was mentioned like once butnobodyquestioneditlol so now she's finally here. Aika is OC from the waymorepopularthanme Shadow Snivy, author of theextremelygoodandwaaaaymorepopularthanthisstorywilleverbe "Thunder and Ice" Aika's gonna have a big role coming up in the near future so I hope you're looking forward to it!
Side note, does anyone know if I'm supposed to be capitalizing Queen and Princess and King and stuff like that? Or at least when I should be capitalizing it? English can be so confusing I'm so glad it's my first language. Learning English must be such a huge pain lol
Thanks for reading and see you next time! (wheneverthatislol)
