Chapter 11: Sacred Flames
Silver didn't move. He was in shock. "S-Silver," I whispered softly. My voice was shaky. I was in shock, too.
He snapped out of it. He yanked out of my arms, sending out Fearow. I quickly grabbed onto the bird's feet before Silver left me. Fearow flew us to the butler across the water and the three of us scrambled onto the bird's back. "Fly as fast as you can, to Viridian!" Silver demanded.
"What happened?" he yelled at the butler, sounding near hysterics.
I didn't touch him for fear of breaking him.
"Your father had another attack, the worst one yet. He was rushed to the hospital, but… They're certain he isn't going to pull through, Silver. I'm so sorry…"
"I can save him," Silver choked out, tears clouding his eyes. I tightly gripped his shoulder.
"Silv—"
"Entei! He saved us. We were going to die, but he saved us with the Flames of Life. He can save my father, too."
I wanted to tell Silver no, but I couldn't destroy the last shred of hope he still had. Besides, maybe Entei could save Giovanni. I wasn't completely sure Silver was wrong. The flaming beast had cured Blain's disease. Then again, Blain hadn't been on his death bed…
I tried to hold and console Silver as the sky exploded brilliantly above us. He'd almost said he loved me. Why? Why hadn't he at least been able to finish those words? Then I swallowed, my throat feeling so tight. I was being selfish. Silver's father was dying and here I was whining to myself about how I didn't get a confession out of Silver when it didn't even really matter. Why did it have to be spoken in words? I knew it, and Silver knew it. He loved me, and he wanted to be with me forever.
I reached out to Silver, but he pushed my hands away. "Silver," I uttered softly in surprise. Then I saw it in his eyes. Oh, Arceus. Silver was reverting back to his old ways. That hard icy mask was back on his face, and that cold look in his eyes was there. I hadn't seen that since… since we'd defeated the Mask of Ice. I was sure it wasn't permanent, but still… it really surprised me. Silver had opened up so willingly, he didn't want to be alone. So why was he shoving me away now?
Silver must have seen the shock on my face, so he spoke up—though, they weren't exactly the most comforting words. "Don't," Silver hissed, "just don't touch me right now, Gold."
"Silver," I snapped firmly, "we're in this together. You can count on me and trust me. I love you. I'll do anything for you. Let me… comfort you." I uttered the last words hesitantly, but with feeling. He needed to see how much I was there for him, that he didn't need to be alone.
Silver gazed at me a moment, and his hard, icy, silver eyes softened. Still, he shook his head. "No, Gold. I don't need comfort, because everything will be fine."
I cringed. I really hoped so, for Silver's sake. Giovanni was the only family Silver had left. It wasn't fair. Why did Silver's life have to be so cold? I took a shallow breath. Maybe there was a reason for Silver and me to be together. The neglected street rat and the spoiled rich boy, wasn't that some sort of fairy tale with how they complete each other so perfectly?
We reached the hospital fast, and rushed to Giovanni's room. Silver's father was unconscious, and he looked awful. The guy was in intensive care with IVs, wires, an oxygen mask, and various tubes hooked up to him. The nurse had been reluctant to even let Silver and me in, so the butler was still outside.
I gripped Silver's shoulder. "Please, Gold, stay with my father. I have to go—now."
I frowned. "Silver, you stay here. I'll go find Entei. You need to be with your father."
"No, I need to go, Gold. He won't die. Even if he… does… he wouldn't leave me without letting me say goodbye."
I blinked a few times, baffled as Silver burst out of the room. Oh, Silver… He was scared to see his father like this. For his sake, I prayed Giovanni wouldn't die while Silver was away. I looked at the man sadly. "You're the only family Silver has. He needs you. Please, don't leave him."
Hesitantly, reluctantly, I reached down to my wrist, pulling my sleeve back. Something told me that Lance needed to be here. I wasn't sure why, and I sure as hell didn't want him here, but if Silver was off fetching legendary pokemon, we'd need a way to know what they were thinking. But why it was Lance and not Yellow, I wasn't sure. I had both of their numbers from Silver.
"Hello?" he answered must to my distaste. I heard fireworks in the background. They were exploding outside the hospital as well.
I grit my teeth. "I know you're probably busy, but Silver needs you. Please, come to the Viridian City hospital." I cringed and hung up. If he came he came, if not, then oh well, we'd make do without him.
Silver's POV:
I was cursed, as simple as that. From everything good came something worse. For Gold, now I had to lose my father. Next Gold would probably break up with me, and then Lance would take Twister back, and then the books my father had given me for Christmas would get destroyed, probably along with the mansion.
And then I'd be alone, like always, except, I wouldn't even have Blue because even she was getting further and further away. I squeezed my eyes closed tight. No, even through everything else, Gold wouldn't leave me—would he? Well, not until he at least got my virginity. Well, there was comfort in that but I'm sure even he'd get fed up of waiting and uttering sweet words.
"Murkrow, he's up ahead," I said softly, gazing at my pokedex in the dark, though there were fireworks over some towns. Who the hell was I kidding! My father was going to die, probably while I was out here chasing legendary beasts. But I couldn't stay there. I couldn't… I had to say goodbye, but I didn't want to. I'd never seen anyone like that, and it was all the scarier because it was my father… It wasn't fair…
At least… at least I was a pokedex holder, at least I was the gym leader of Viridian City, and at least I had a family still. I gripped my pokedex a bit tighter, gazing at it with a small smile. Truly, I was lucky in that aspect. Uncommon things loved to happen to me.
I closed my eyes again, the cold wind ripping through my hair with Murkrow's speed. It felt odd being in this kimono now, and it wasn't keeping me very warm. Did I love Gold…? I did, didn't I? What else could love feel like? He was always on my mind, and I would go to such extremes to be with him. Like this morning. Why in my right mind had I crawled into my bed with him with only a towel around myself? Talk about humiliating, but… But his skin had felt so hot and good against mine, his muscular chest perfect under me, his scent soothing and exhilarant both at once, and his face absolutely gorgeous as he slept.
I shuddered at my memory. I just wanted to dive into his arms and cry my pain away, but I couldn't. I needed to find Entei. What if it could help? I would never be able to keep the thoughts from pestering me if I didn't do this. Besides, I wasn't some damsel in distress. I needed to be able to stand up to things on my own. I'd gotten soft after being with Gold. Not that that was bad if we had privacy, but I needed to be strong in public, even with Gold around. I was a gym leader now.
My eyes flicker to the screen. "Here," I said quickly. We were near the Lake of Rage where my Gyarados came from—where the Mask of Ice had almost killed me (one out of numerous times). Murkrow descended quickly, and I let go of his feet, landing horribly in the sandals I had on. Pain shot through my feet and I stumbled and fell on my knees. I gave a short curse and stayed put while the pain ripped through my legs. Idiot. I thanked and returned my pokemon, looking at my pokedex.
Well, here it goes. "Entei! I know you're here! Please, come out, I need you!" I called out loudly through chattering teeth. He was around here somewhere. I hoped the fire type would come out. I was shaking from the cold, miserable, and needing to get back to my father. It'd already been hours and I was worried sick.
I heard a rustling in the trees. I took a breath. "Do you remember me?" I asked softly, feeling almost embarrassed that I was talking to myself aloud. "You saved me, on the lake, remember? You saved Gold, too. I want to thank you for that, but, I have another request."
My breath caught in my throat as the massive fire type padded out of the thick trees. I looked up at it in slight wonder, no, full wonder. It was no wonder that Entei is a legendary pokemon. I swallowed thickly, finding my voice again. "My father is ill with a disease… I know you cured Blain of his disease, and you need to cure my father, please, he's dying."
Entei gazed at me with flaming red eyes and I almost broke down then and there when I saw pity in them. "Please!" I cried out, tears clouding my eyes. Why was I so weak and pathetic…?
To my surprise, Entei kneeled down. I blinked in confusion, the tears escaping my eyes. I'd ridden on Entei's back before. I hesitantly got up and touched the soft flowing cloud on his back and the pokemon gave a nod. "Okay," I uttered softly, getting on the beast rather awkwardly in my festival clothes.
I smirked slightly in relief and amazement. I'd been so small before, almost lost on the large dog's back. Now, it was much more comfortable. The pokemon gave a bark and I instantly caught that message—hang on. I spread my legs that were folded under me out (with some difficulty) to help anchor myself better, and I braced myself by gripping the beast's grey spikes that jutted from the sides of his back.
The pokemon gave what could be considered a chuckle—and then we were flying. Did he even know where he was going? I had to hold on for dear life, but, it was pretty amazing. Despite the biting wind, Entei's fur was so very warm, hot even. I wasn't cold. It was comforting.
And then we were at the Tin Tower in probably less than a minute. I was confused, but I trusted the pokemon. He jumped up each level as though they were mere steps and I was greeted with a sight that sent a sense of terror and amazement through me.
Ho-oh. I bit my bottom lip absently, my subconscious terrified as I got off Entei. But my mind was focused on how absolutely stunning this massive bird was. It was twice my height, easily. Its plumage was breath taking. My instincts violently bit at me. "You were awed by it that first time, too! And look what happened!" Was I really? I had no memory of it. I'd been much too young. Unlike Blue, I don't remember my kidnapping. I try to forget the bad things, anyway.
"Why am I here?" I asked in confusion.
Entei bowed his head toward Ho-oh. I looked back at the bird, and they gazed at each other. Despite the lack of words (or barks and caws considering they were pokemon) I had a feeling a conversation was happening and I couldn't help twitching.
Then, Ho-oh focused his gaze from Entei to me. I didn't back down. "My father needs help," I stated plainly.
Ho-oh nodded once and I really wished I knew if they were going to help or not! It was so frustrating! Ho-oh then leaned down, motioning toward me with his head. I took another breath. Well, at least I wasn't going to be carried in the phoenix's claws. I very, very hesitantly got on the pokemon's back, sort of straddling its neck to hold on, my hakama restraining my legs in an odd way.
"Is this okay?" I asked nervously.
Ho-oh simply let out a caw, and we took to the skies. Well. This was annoying. Where were we headed now? "My father's in Viridian," I offered.
My pokegear rang. I grabbed it from my "pocket" (I'd tucked it into my obi) and answered without looking to see who it was. "Hello?" I asked over the wind. We were already flying past Mount Silver.
"Silver, your father is awake."
Relief washed over me at hearing Gold's voice and the great news.
"I'm almost there. Look at the sky, okay?" I said over the wind, hanging up. I could see Viridian Forest already, as well as Entei racing below us.
Gold's POV:
I gasped in surprise as Giovanni opened his eyes, slowly though. Lance gripped my shoulder to stop me from tackling the poor man. I sent a frown to the dragon champion, however. I didn't want him here really. I'd only called him here because I felt we'd need him later. I'd hoped he wouldn't come, but, no, he'd been here in less than ten minutes, thinking something had happened to Silver.
Jealously licked at me. I wasn't afraid to admit it. "Gold, where's Silver?" Giovanni asked weakly.
"He's out… getting some help…" I replied nervously. "He asked me you stay with you, although I insisted he let me go and that he should stay here."
"Silver's stubborn, he always has been, even as a child," Giovanni laughed weakly. "Gold, you know I'm not going to live."
I shook my head. "You never know, Silver's off getting Entei. Entei cured Blain's disease and saved both Silver and me from death." Giovanni smirked like he knew I knew. I shuddered. "You can't leave Silver. You're the only family he has!" I yelled, getting worked up so badly my hands were shaking.
Giovanni shook his head. "No, Silver has all of the pokedex holders to look after him. He's in good hands. Gold, you need to promise me that you'll take care of him as well."
"Of course! I love him," I said firmly.
Giovanni actually smiled and relaxed. "He loves you as well; I can see it in his eyes. Make sure that you take good care of him; he's been through so much. He needs to be able to have a happy life from now on. Promise me, Gold."
I curled my hands into fists and I gave a firm nod, my eyes stinging. "I swear to you, I'll treat Silver like he deserves to be treated—perfect."
Giovanni smiled and nodded, letting his eyes close again, though I knew he wasn't asleep. I grabbed my pokegear, immediately calling Silver. "Hello?" came Silver's voice, though I could barely hear him over the roar in the background.
"Silver, your father is awake," I explained, not quite knowing what else to say. I was at a loss of words after Giovanni talking to me.
"I'm almost there. Look at the sky, okay?"
What? Look at the sky? Well, I guess he'd be on Murkrow. Before I could ask though, he hung up.
"What did he say?" Lance asked curiously, probably reading the look on my face.
"To look at the sky," I muttered, not liking Lance to be in on mine and Silver's conversation.
Then Giovanni spoke up, making me jump. "Open the curtains," he said softly.
I nodded and Lance and I pulled open the thick curtains, it was dark, and the fireworks had stop here in Viridian. A sight that took my breath away greeted us. Silver was coming home to me on glowing rainbow wings—the rainbow wings of the legendary Ho-oh.
Giovanni smiled weakly, gazing out in wonder. "My son was taken from me in the claws of that beast, and now he's coming home riding on its back. It's good to know he's safe."
I looked back at Giovanni anxiously, willing him to stay alive and be cured. I threw open the windows (we were on the first floor) and called out to my boyfriend as Ho-oh landed him on the ground. Lance was gazing in awe at Ho-oh. I was just gazing in awe at my boyfriend. He amazed me, again and again.
Then Entei came charging toward us. I grinned. Things would be fine. The two fire legendaries stood outside the window as I pulled Silver inside. Surprised, amazed, and terrified murmurs were coming from people outside still coming home from the fireworks show.
"Silver," Giovanni breathed softly, reaching out a hand.
Silver immediately dove into his father's arms. Giovanni removed the oxygen mask they'd put on him and held Silver tight. I shivered. This was going to end happy. Then Silver would tell me he loved me over and over because he was so happy. Things would be fine.
Except… Silver was crying…
"You know they can't heal me, Silver. The disease is just too much, too far along. It was too far along even when I first found you again."
"Ask them," Silver pleaded toward Lance.
I looked over at the Dragon Tamer, but his eyes were downcast as he pulled his hand away from Entei.
"Silver, listen," Giovanni soothed his sobbing son, "I love you. You have to be strong. No matter what you feel like, you're not alone. So many people love you, and I'm leaving you in good hands."
"Please, don't leave me," Silver choked out, clinging to his father. "I don't… I still have so much to learn from you. I don't even really have any memories…"
"Ssssh, everything will be fine."
I watched with downcast eyes, my own eyes stinging as Silver and his father said their last words. Then Giovanni uttered, "Lance. You need to take Silver away. Take him home, please. It's late, he needs to rest."
Lance lowered his eyes, reaching out to Silver, gripping his shoulder. "Giovanni, thank you for helping in stopping me from making a mistake. I'll always be… grateful for that."
"I love you… father…" Silver choked out, silver tears escaping his eyes and down his cheeks.
Giovanni smiled weakly as Lance suddenly scooped Silver into his arms like he merely a babe. "I love you too, Silver."
I gave a questioning look toward Giovanni. Was I supposed to follow them? Why was Lance the one to take Silver home?
"Gold," Giovanni addressed me. He was breathing with difficulty, each breath a short little gasp. He needed to put the oxygen mask back on, but I knew he wouldn't.
"Yes, sir?" I asked tentatively.
"Thank you for looking after him. I know he loves you, and that you love him dearly. Keep him safe, Gold. It's painful. He was such a happy child, but that demon closed up his heart. He's been opening up, Gold. It's because of you. His smile is just like it was as a child. Melt away that ice from his heart. I know you will. I can rest easy knowing Silver is in good hands. Thank you for that… Gold… Tell, tell Silver… Tell him I love him."
Hot tears were streaking down my face as Giovanni closed his eyes, becoming still. I choked back a sob, but then another one escaped after it. "You're welcome, and I will take care of him," I sobbed, collapsing to my knees. Oh, God… Silver's only living family was now dead. I cried for Giovanni, for Silver, for myself, and even for Blue.
Then I felt a strong hand on my shoulder. I looked up into orange eyes. "Lance," I uttered, frowning. Had I really been crying so long, or had Lance not taken Silver back? "Giovanni said—"
"I took him home. The servants are watching after him, I told them it was Giovanni's orders to keep him home. Now, pull yourself together. Be strong, for Silver. Ho-oh and Entei have offered to do Giovanni a major honor. They would like to cremate Giovanni with their sacred flames."
I nearly choked. "I don't how to burn a dead person!" I cried out.
Lance nodded. "Relax, we're not doing it this second. It will have to take place after the funeral, and we have to check with Silver to make sure it's alright with him to have his father cremated. Now, you go comfort him and try to get some sleep. I'll… handle things."
I sighed softly and wiped away my tears. Silver needed me. I looked back at Lance before I left the room. "Thank you… Lance," I uttered softly. Then I threw a weak look toward Giovanni. "Goodbye, Giovanni," I whispered, squeezing my eyes closed tight before more tears escaped. I had to be strong.
That night, or very early morning, as I held a sobbing Silver in my arms, I couldn't help but to share a few tears with him. And, Silver reached out gently to me, much to my surprise, and gently wiped away some of my tears. "Gold," he whispered softly, eyes red from tears, hair a mess, nosy runny from crying, voice hoarse, "I love you."
I clutched him tight against me. I'll take care of him, Giovanni. I promise. I'll love him and protect him. I'll melt the ice from his heart. "I love you, too, Silver," I whispered back, holding him tight against me. He clung close. Neither of us really slept that night, and neither us had been able to eat, but the night was actually okay, because we had each other.
XxXx
This chapter was so… forced. I've never really been close to my family since they're all the way across the country or in England, and I still have my mother and father, so I really don't know what it'd be like to lose someone like a father you never really knew. Ah well, I tried. The next chapter skips forward in time because I have no idea how to write a funeral and all of those speeches. Twitch. Still, I hope you'll like it. It's the usually sappy type chapter.
I wrote about Giovanni dying with the description a teacher gave me about her mother dying. Happy, huh? Still, I hope it's… somewhat accurate. Also, this chapter was so hard to proof read! I realized that I wrote it like it was daytime and had to go correct things—GAH! Then I kept adding little things. Then… just, bah. Plus, it made me sad. I like the next chapter more. Anyway, to respond to a review (I guess I'll start responding to all the non-account reviews here, btw)!
Asmie—At that time because I'm all sorts of evil! Haha. I must admit that I love Giovanni, and I feel really sad killing him off. But, yes, I'd love to see more art from you! I'll really look forward to it!
