Author's Note: Thank you once again to all who left great reviews these last couple of chapters. I genuinely appreciate the support and positive feedback. I was very much surprised to see you guys writing so much! I know how long it can take to write thoughtful reviews, so I appreciate you all taking the time to do so.
As of late, I haven't been feeling very well. I'm just now getting over a cold/flu bug thingy that still insists on hanging around... needless to say, I've been feeling pretty crummy. ^^; Also I'm itching for spring break. Only three more weeks- weee! I hope to get some more writing accomplished then. I also wanted to let you guys know that I will most likely be posting one chapter a month for a while. My beta reader has taken on other responsibilities and is rightfully busy. She was kind enough though to still want to edit the story, and so, as of now, we can only churn out one chapter a month for posting. I hope it's all right!
To Guest Heather: I will be honest in that, it has been tricky to balance EVERY character in this story and I appreciate your guy's understanding and patience. But no worries, Misty WILL have development very soon! All I can say spoiler wise, is that she will be a huge support system for Jay as the story continues and will aid in a serious upcoming twist. I'm truly sorry everything has taken so long to buildup. And as for any questions regarding my influences/inspirations for the story/characters I would be more than happy to elaborate on it at the end of the fic. I hope that's okay! Originally, it was my plan to share that all with you then. :)
Anyway, enough of my rambling. I truly hope you all enjoy this new chapter!
DISCLAIMER: Pokémon belongs to Satoshi Tajiri. My oc's belong to me.
Sunlight's Return
Chapter 21
"No Good Deed Goes Unpunished"
Giovanni never found the natural beauty in sunsets.
He was not, however, at all bashful about basking himself in its fading glory of daylight into night.
Tonight was the night. The night that would bring about one of his many steps in making his ultimate goal come true. A team of his most skilled and agile combat agents was arranged and ready for duty, blending into a secret hideout in Pallet's forests until the signal was given to commence the kidnaps. Just by the tingling sensation soaring through his spiked nerves, Giovanni was beginning to taste the impending euphoria upon his lips, already congratulating himself for a job well done. At least in that his plan was foolproof and so methodically thought out, neither Jayce Ketchum, his family, nor Prof. Oak could see it coming.
All he could do now was hope that bumbling trio he recruited wouldn't foul up his perfectly laid out course of attack.
A course of attack that already had the first piece of the legend in place.
While he had been out more than he wished, in particular missing the call of Cassidy and Butch's supposed capture of Ketchum...Giovanni was pleased to have made some progress. The lucky encounter on the plains of Mt. Hideaway was a testament to that, now knowing the energy signal was indeed impeccably strong...
Behind his tall, bulky frame, the smell of scorching metal lingered with rage, and soon was drawn up his nostrils. It had been singeing for quite a while, though Giovanni knew its mighty bolts of electricity could never break the amazingly sturdy bars he had his very own scientists develop. Yes. It was a well-constructed and secure cage. And all he needed were for the other two to be filled.
Hardly moved by a low, intimating rumble directed at him, Giovanni cocked a wryly smile. Then his grin turned just as dark as his silhouette against the dimly lit lair. Any light from the blended colored sunset was dampened by the darkness he created. Though the virtuous light was enough to keep the cage's captive determined to stand its ground.
"Don't fret," Giovanni sneered with a rhythmic chuckle in the back of his throat. "You won't be alone for long."
"You're worried about him."
Immediately, he tore his focus away and placed it upon Kelly.
Drake gave a half-sheepish smirk as he leaned on the porch railing. "Is it that obvious?"
The older man simply returned his reply with a faint smile and approached his side. They both gazed onward, eyes unintentionally landing on the same man who was fulfilling their duty of scouting the area for any unwanted guests.
And waiting for a sign from the north to breeze their way in.
Still focused on Jay, the islander caught onto Kelly's trailing of eyes. "You know, you don't have to be concerned."
"But I do," Kelly replied simply. "All living creatures' feelings matter. And from what I can tell, your brother is suffering from a heavy burden... Guilt, perhaps?" A brow rose when he noticed Drake retract. "You may still see me as a complete stranger, but I assure you Jayce's in my best interest."
Remaining hopeful, Drake preferred to think this Dr. Kelly character was indeed looking out for Jay's welfare. Besides being somewhat evasive with certain questions, he hadn't really given the islander a definite reason not to trust him. Like his brother, Drake had a kind of gut that could sense the decency in people. Unlike Jay, however, he was more willing to open up to strangers and take the gamble. Whatever it was about Kelly, his mannerisms and soft-spoken voice were enough to grant the trainer security to be candid. Plus, with the silence they were receiving from Prof. Oak, there was really no one he could go to with his worries concerning Jay. Neither Misty nor Molly could fully grasp the complex situation, nor did Drake expect them to, never mind it would be completely inappropriate.
Sighing, Drake caved in and confessed. "He feels ashamed for abandoning his family, and even though he tries to keep his hopes up, I know Jay thinks he's an utter failure and disappointment to his family. That he's not good enough for...her."
"His love?"
"His wife, Delia," the islander elucidated. "I don't know her on an intimate level, but I can't imagine her rejecting him like that. It's just...not in her character. But then again, ten years apart can change a person. Especially since their relationship has been so damaged with no communication."
Time and change went hand in hand, after all.
"Love has a way with toying with the heart, both in euphoria and tragedy," Kelly reminded. "I can see where Jayce's concerns derive from."
Drake nodded steadily in return, now deeply pondering over what Jay had been through. What he confronted daily and what he constantly had to hear.
"Sam keeps in contact with him often. Giving him updates on Delia and Ash- his son. I can't even imagine how difficult that is for him. To hear about how well they're doing and to know he can't come home and be a part of that..."
His face was fixed with a serious stare, though it eventually broke into something sympathetic and, at the same time, bewildered. "I've never seen any man love his wife as much as Jay does," the islander said quietly. Then it suddenly hardened. "Delia would be a fool if she wouldn't take him back."
"Regardless if she was oblivious to the circumstances surrounding his departure?"
Even with Kelly's legitimate question, Drake didn't regret nor reconsider his assertion. A long time ago, the man had decided to settle on this perspective. Yes, there were plenty of reasons to warrant Delia's lack of trust in Jay. An abundant amount that would cause most to think she would have every right to personally pack and hand him his bags, telling the estranged father and husband to hit the highroad and never come back. But knowing his brother for who he truly was, for understanding the entire web he was struggling to free himself from...
"How do you know so much?" Drake boldly posed with raised eyebrows. Not only Jay had been prying for that answer. "How did you know we were coming this way? About us in general? Don't you find our weariness a little warranted?"
Kelly shrugged. "Without question. Let's just say, I work in higher places."
Again with riddles. This quandary over Kelly's purpose and knowledge was one Drake didn't want to battle with. Being as persistent as his brother would only give him a migraine, and at any rate, Kelly was hardly a threat. An answer, though, would be beneficial, and the lack of one kept the islander on his toes until the old man's strangely calming presence seemed to sooth him for just a moment.
As Drake met those weathering ocean blue eyes, the wrinkles relaxed around Kelly's face and soon he turned back to the breathtaking sunset. "If you would like," he started, "I can speak with Jayce."
Drake snorted softly at the sudden offering. "If he won't tell me all the heavy details unless he has to, then I doubt you'll get much out of him."
"It's worth trying. Maybe all he needs is an unbiased viewpoint to listen to him. Someone who can show him he can open up."
An unbiased viewpoint... Sam was swayed by Delia's woes and his own inner struggle of guilt, while Drake found himself siding with his brother due to his understanding of the circumstances, and of course, loyalty towards Jay. Coming for sincere and realistic advice from either one was like being pulled in two different directions. Yes, there was a ring of truth in both the professor and islander's words, but to hear from someone on the outside, someone who seemed as wise as they appeared with graceful aging...
Drake paused before shooting Kelly a nod of agreement.
He never liked wearing ties, and he certainly didn't like putting one on.
Brock had shown him at least five times, though every instance Ash wrapped the tie around his neck, if felt like he was being suffocated by his own hands. So starting the process over again, Ash hastily removed the piece of cloth that, in his eyes, resembled a noose. And at this rate, the little bow-tie Dani had given Pikachu to add to his already "cute" self would be fastened on better than anything he could do. Nevertheless, Ash was determined to look as pristine and polished as he could. Fingertips dipped in hair-gel somewhat tamed his hair just enough for it to appear more groomed than usual. Cologne was also spritzed across his body, accompanied by some aftershave Brock had lent him once picking it up at the store. Ash was decked out in a simple but refined suit selected and purchased by none other than Emily. He didn't mind, though, seeing he wanted to look his best for the night. This event was important to his mother's family, after all, and so he as well wanted to honor all the time, effort, and commitment put into that treasured inn.
Even if his mind was adamant in wandering elsewhere...
What was pressing gravely on Ash's heart, that dampened any high spirits he had for the night ahead, was what Gary had promised him.
What he had been waiting to know for ten long, painstaking years.
A deep breath was sucked in. The tie was still too tight. Tearing it off, Ash tried once again.
Tonight was finally the night he'd know the truth of his father's leaving and, possibly, his whereabouts. At the moment, Ash was consumed with a variety of emotions: anticipation, excitement, worry, relief, and, somehow, dread. On the off chance the answer he had wanted to know wasn't ideal, Ash wished there was a way to preview before fully knowing. And if this was all just a vindictive and plain mean scheme by Gary, then the raven-haired teen swore he'd have his cousin's head on a platter.
But if it wasn't...the excitement in Ash's heart was dying to at last burst and free itself from the agonizing feeling of loss. The constant unknown of his father's reasons for leaving had eaten at him for so long, and if answers couldn't be given, the pain would heighten back to what he originally felt. On that stormy day when what he knew of his family crumbled into a two-person household...
He breathed in. He breathed out. Getting himself worked up wouldn't do any good. Preparing for the worst was only logical, seeing Gary telling any bit of truth was fifty-fifty at best. As was preparing for the good...
The twisting of the doorknob forced Ash to snap back into reality. Chocolate eyes flashed over to the gradually opening door, the presence revealing itself as none other than Delia. Ash smiled softly as he met his mother's gaze, the woman inviting herself in at this point, and soon gawked at his present state.
"Honey," she gushed maternally, "you look so handsome."
He could see the start of tears cloud Delia's chestnut eyes as she came up to him, her motherly pride swelling at the cleaned-up and striking young man before her. At that moment, she mentally gave both herself and Ash a pat on the back for coming so far. That despite all the unexpected and sorrowful obstacles, Delia still managed to raise her once precious little boy into a maturing teenager.
"You look beautiful yourself, Mom," Ash complimented, his expression a little astonished.
Never had Ash seen her shine so elegantly as that night. Her auburn locks were down, loose curls falling past her shoulders with a breathtaking gloss to her flowing tresses. Her skin tone was complimented nicely with a burgundy-colored, princess-seamed v-cut dress along with dusty rose earrings and open-toed heels. Her face so delicate against her soft flesh-toned makeup, Delia really did appear forever youthful. She truly looked both sophisticated and glamorous, bound to stand out among the rest at the gathering.
"Thank you," the mother replied humbly. Then she inhaled, centering herself. "This is finally happening."
The celebration of the inn's anniversary, everything she had prepped with her mother's staff, was at last going to be seen by the entire town. It was amazing to think how far they had come in just those few weeks of preparation, and that now they could finally savor and enjoy all the work they completed to make the bash as spectacular as they prayed for it to be. That and another small detail Prof. Oak would hopefully provide...
A brow rose slightly as Ash examined his mother's face. Something was suddenly plaguing Delia's mind, as if the glow that lit up her complexion had suddenly dimmed for some unknown reason. Too stumped, Ash decided not to pry. If anything, the teenager believed it was his own fears reading into things. That the reality around of him was all construed by his own consuming thoughts.
"Yeah," he breathed, trying to hold onto his small smile. Steadily, chocolate eyes drifted to the floor. "I just hope everything goes okay tonight."
"Me too," she nodded.
Yes, while they didn't know it, both mother and son were not referring to the party, but something entirely different.
As predicted, Ash didn't want Delia to know such. With all honestly, he wanted the celebration to begin and end with positive happenings all the way around. After all these years, working at the inn even before he was born, Ash was aware of how much the establishment meant to his mother, and how passionate she was about honoring all who aided in making it what it was today.
"You deserve this, Mom," the teenager soon said, grabbing her hand gently out of compassion. "You've worked really hard and I hope- I just hope everything goes well tonight."
Yes, everything going smoothly would be beyond gratifying. Everything.
"I'm sure all our efforts will pay off tonight," Delia assured.
From there, she embraced her son in a gradual hold, the start of tears returning with a vengeance as she rubbed his back with affection. She knew why tears wanted to roll down her cheeks; the glorious occasion was full of too much euphoria to take for granted, both to have Ash around for this celebration and for the possible news to be delivered from Sam.
"Thank you for helping out, pumpkin," Delia said, sniffling softly. "I know how much you love traveling, but it's been so nice to have you home again."
Even if his calls were sporadic during his journeys, Ash had never forgotten how lonely his mother became. Without him at, she was in many ways by herself. Yes, she had her parents, Prof. Oak, neighbors, and of course Mr. Mime when he wasn't busy attending to Leah and Ernest's house, and yet- it was never the same without her little boy. He was family, so close by blood, by bound...
In his heart, Ash believed he was the person who still managed to secure everything his family once had despite their sufferings. And, if his efforts were successful, he would solidify his beliefs of his father's integrity as undeniably true. So this shot, his only opportunity to know about his father's departure and what he could do to bring him back, was something Ash stubbornly set his eyes on and refused to let go like anything else he was passionate about. This wasn't just for his own security and gratification, but for the woman who had sacrificed her own personal wants to put his needs above her. Delia deserved the closure.
Even in Ash's eyes, it was sometimes too difficult for his mom to go searching for herself. And so, he was adamant to give her what he could.
Steadily, Delia drew away from Ash, allowing the atmosphere to ease again as she collected herself. "Now," the mother started, smoothing out her son's unruly locks, "I'll let you finish getting ready. Meet me down stairs in ten?"
Ash nodded. "Okay."
Before twirling, she beamed at him for another time. Then, noticing Pikachu decked out in his adorable accessory, Delia couldn't help but allow her brilliant smile to grow and coax the mouse along to venture downstairs to take care of last minute business.
"C'mon, Pikachu," she ordered warmly with a gesture of her hand.
"Pika!"
Jumping off Ash's table, the electric mouse followed Delia's sweet call and left his master to finish getting ready. As the bedroom door closed, the sound of little paws scurrying across the floor mingling with the heels of Delia's shoes faded. He could just barely hear his mom and Pikachu travel down the stairs as he stared back into the mirror.
Again, Ash tackled the simple yet tricky task of securing his tie. Too tight. Too loose. With every failed attempt, he was going to have to embarrassingly ask his mom to do it. Eventually, Ash stopped fiddling with tie, fingers frustrated and unable to fasten the thing around his neck as they fell to his side.
Huffing, somber chocolate eyes stared at their reflection. And just for a second, he saw someone else besides himself.
Where are you Dad?
The wind blew.
It almost felt like a calling. A sign as leaves from full, leafy branches rattled against a faint current. But it was nothing significant and his heart dampened at this.
Jay wished for something to happen.
Helplessly standing by and thinking about how everything the last couple of weeks had been shot to hell and what was occurring in Pallet was driving him mad. First the devastating loss of the car, then the risk to his comrades' lives, then his skirmish of differences with Sam... Jay was far too bullheaded to call the professor back and hash out their different approaches on the matter. Too submersed in heavy feelings to scrounge up the nerve and confront the issue, to possibly find out if the professor had relinquished his whereabouts to Delia, and her response...
Eyelids closed in a tight hold. Sam was going to do it. He was going to tell her tonight at that party. Probably was already there. And she-
"Your brother tells me you have a family?"
Opening his eyes, Jay withdrew from the darkening sky reflected on the glass. He then turned to find Kelly sitting at the kitchen table shaving an apple. Locking eyes, Jay's frown stiffened. While he had made rough amends with Kelly, he wasn't in the mood to talk all philosophical with the old man. His personal life and deepest emotions were some things he preferred to keep to himself. Over the years, locking everything away seemed safer than facing the grave discussion its hardships could bring.
"I thought you already knew everything about me?" the master retorted.
"You're concerned for their safety," Kelly continued, unreceptive as usual to the man's snarky wit.
Jay snorted. "That goes without saying." He focused his gaze back outside the window. Impatience was spreading like a disease. "When do you think it'll come?"
That "it" was now well defined as Suicune, though the trainer could not grasp how the creature would supply him with the answers he craved. A couple of days had passed since their run-in with the mysterious Donald Kelly, and still, he wasn't given a clear picture as to what was going on and what would come of it. Time was of the essence, and Jay wasn't about wasting any of it, which only aggravated his lack of patience.
The older man shrugged, now also looking out the window. "It's hard to say. I would imagine soon."
You keep saying that, Jay wanted to snap, but held enough restraint to keep his comebacks to himself.
Instead, he leveled Kelly with a stony expression before ocean blue eyes diverted back down to the half-shaved apple. Unmoved, Kelly straightened his posture in his chair. Knife holding one hand, the apple steadily resting in the other. Jay couldn't tell what he was thinking, and so, he didn't expect what was about to fall from the old man's mouth.
"While we wait," Kelly started thoughtfully, "tell me this then: what is your ultimate fear?"
Jay made a face. "What does that have to do with anything?"
A layer of red skin was peeled, curling as it gracefully fell. "Is it death?" he presumed aloud, focused on his task. "Rejection?"
Jay watched the shavings of apple skin tumble downward again and again. Where in the world was this coming from? Last time Jay checked, this wasn't some form of a fun sleepover consisting of dares, would you rathers, and talk of one's biggest dreams and worries. His tolerance was already severely pricked with intensifying nerves and deep agitation. Presently, the last thing the master wanted was to discuss the feelings and thoughts he had bottled up for so long.
Staring briefly, Jay's silence eventually broke. "What did Drake tell you?" he challenged, almost sounding demanding. If his brother had told the old geezer anything personal, he swore-
All he got in return was a raised brow. "Both?" Kelly proposed.
Was that supposed to foul up his train of thought? The master hardly flinched as he persisted his intense stare at the older man, keeping himself as even as possible. Even if he had the tendency to do so, Jay didn't enjoy thinking the worst in people. Due to this, something deep inside of him was telling him to relax and let go of this learned reaction to be sharp and overly cautious. Yet, admitting such things out loud seemed strange, almost foreign in a sense, as if he had become accustomed to just- running.
Both literally and metaphorical.
For another time, Jay paused. Kelly waited. His expression was serene and neutral behind those deep creased wrinkles, giving the master a silent bit of assurance for him to confess. So Jay turned down to the floor. "...I'm afraid of the inevitable," he answered cryptically. "I think you can figure that one out."
"So fear's what's been driving you, then?" the old man presumed.
"My concern for my family's safety is what has motivated me this whole time," Jay corrected swiftly.
"Even if you don't receive the salvation and peace you deserve in the end?"
Kelly's prediction became true thanks to the man's fall of silence. He was concentrating back on the wooden floor, arms crossed over his chest with a deep heavy inhale. Perhaps striking a deep chord of thought in the master would do him some good, Kelly thought. He was approaching him with an objective, even, yet firm position in instigating Jay to let go of whatever troubles he had forced himself to hold onto. Clouded by his own array of disrupted and frustrated thoughts, Jay fought against Kelly's direct question, one in which he had tried many times to confront himself with... Yet, when he accepted it for the first time, it was too challenging to continue letting his own selfish desires go. Then to quarrel with them, as if truly casting himself as nothing but a monster who, when touched, was anything blissful, ruined what was once so pure.
She wants you back, Jayce...
Sam's claim could be taken in several ways. It didn't necessarily mean Delia wanted to have a fresh start with him and remain married. It could simply mean she was ready to move on, to finally receive the overdue answers she deserved to start over without him. With someone else...
"Or do you think you don't deserve to be- happy?"
The question suddenly snapped Jay out of his nightmarish trance, surprised blue eyes gleaming at the awaiting Kelly. In return, the master cocked his head to the window, toned arms wrapping closer to his body, retracting as if seeking security. Self-doubt and shame always seemed to override any wishful desires.
Steadily, Jay glared back up with a rebuttal. "I've hurt a lot of people in hopes of achieving a greater good. I'm not proud of it. The old saying of 'no good deed goes unpunished' rings some truth."
"So you care what others think?"
His eyes hardened with an icy glaze, enhancing the overall glower the creases of his skin were permeating. "I could give a damn about what most think of me," Jay growled in a grumble. If he had cared what others back home or even strangers he met on his journey thought of him, he knew without a doubt that he wouldn't have come as far as he currently had. It was just one more thing he adapted himself to confront, and was now somewhat ingrained in his tainted disposition.
"But your family?" soon contradicted Kelly.
The apple had finally been perfectly clean of its tempting, deeply colored skin. Now it was nothing but pale-yellow flesh, exposed to the elements and soon the ugly blemishes of discolored bruises and sprouts of mold.
Inside, Jay could feel his own self grow more and more vulnerable to the year's bruises. That final question left him unable to speak as a large lump of dread rested in his throat. He wrote two letters. Obvious signs that, despite the crumbling of their family unit, he was still the man that Ash and Delia could rely on and believe in. Sadly, those one-time notes to each individual were a long shot in making them at least think about him and his unexplained reasons for departing. Make them see he had never stopped caring... A definite answer Jay could never receive until he confronted Delia and Ash himself. Asking Sam how they were doing was invasive enough, considering the professor's nosiness regarding their feelings towards Jay would be rather peculiar. Too many times had the master wanted to ask Sam if he could ask them the question.
Though in the end, a part of him would die either way. Not knowing, or finding out the dreaded truth because- Ash and Delia were his light. If they no longer loved him, if they despised him with every fiber of their being, then, in a sense, that light at the end of the tunnel- would extinguish.
Only when he sucked in a heavy breath and closed his eyes did that lump at last travel down Jay's throat. His expression indicated he tried calming himself, digging deep to find the strength to reply. Of course, he already knew the answer. Realizing after all this time...to Jay, it would be nearly impossible to regain that heavenly family of three because of so many transparent rationales, because so much damage had been done-
Because he had to force himself to change, and so, would be repudiated.
Once the mustering of inner strength had commenced, Jay caught Kelly's gaze and held it. Unlike before, the old man was the one to be perplexed. Blinking, he was caught off guard by the clouding in the master's breathtaking eyes. It was evident how hard Jay was trying to hold back the formation of tears, so Kelly made no mention of it and allowed him to speak freely.
"That image of me," Jay began very quietly, becoming susceptible to his emotions, "...what my family saw of me before I left-" A faint shake of the head ensued. Eyes became murkier. "He doesn't exist anymore. And I don't think he'll ever come back."
"Why's that?"
Black eyebrows furrowed in frustration. "Because he didn't have to lie. He didn't have to keep his guard up. He didn't have to be so cautious and...distant. He didn't have to dig deep and find that innate primitive drive to protect his life when in danger. That's something he still can't get over."
Transiting from a domestic common life to that of a being treated like some fugitive on the run... The apple rolled out of the older man's limp grasp across the table, before the bowl (in which it originated from) resting in the middle of the table, stopped it in his tracks. Kelly felt for him by imagining the kind of emotional toll Jay dealt with daily for ten years. It would take a strong and resilient person to be bombarded with such unfathomable chaos and upheaval. Loss of stability, hope, and the loneliness would be natural during the extraordinary test of determination. The danger alone and continual heightened stresses would do a significant number on an individual. Especially when being physically attacked, giving the victim no choice but to learn the primeval ways of defense against an assault. Punching, hitting, weaponry- a head forced down into the vicious water, propelling the individual to do something if he wished to live- Then, to stand back once the aftermath passed, to see what one had done-
The guilt and reoccurring nightmares must have been beyond burdensome.
"But..." The word came out of Kelly's mouth, however nothing followed. He centered himself for a moment, trying to get that haunting picture out of his mind and keep his pity for the poor soul in front of him in perspective. Quietly, as he folded his hands, he began once more. "If you were able to go back home-"
"Why does any of this matter to you?" angrily clenched teeth finally snapped out of flustered rage. "Aren't you just supposed to tell me what's going to happen? Or is this psychology session part of your whole 'old wise man' shtick?"
The anger within Jay boiled over, but only furthered to back up Kelly's deduction. "You deflect with sarcasm when getting to the root of your most intense fears."
Jay scoffed loudly. "This isn't about fear. It's just the reality of my life!-"
"You're afraid of the 'what-ifs,'" Kelly interrupted sharply. "You've thought about it before; envisioning the off-chance you'd come home to your wife and child. For everything to go back to normal."
"I haven't done anything so foolish-"
With a firm cast of an all-knowing look, Jay stopped himself short. His furious eyes softened dramatically, eyebrows drooping as he recoiled. He bit back on his words shamefully as he came to terms that he had almost lied to both Kelly and himself. At that point, screaming or groaning loudly seemed like a sudden reaction worth taking. Nonetheless, he sucked in a few heavy inhales, the master's cold eyes retreating to the floor again along with his insecurities.
"At least- during the beginning of my journey...I thought about it constantly," he corrected himself somberly. "But over time, I've come to realize no one is going to take me back with open arms. Yes, I've dreamed of coming home...but it never ended well. It was more like a nightmare than a dream, and even when I tell myself I have a chance to set things right, when I make Drake and Sam think I still have hope... All it does is dash my hopes even further."
The feeling he was left with after confessing one of his deepest concerns he hid behind that pristine mask of faith... Somehow, announcing it was both revealing and heart aching all at once. Thoughts were so jumbled and conflicted, Jay couldn't tell if it was his own pessimistic and plausible assumptions getting the best of him or if any challenges Kelly made in return were nothing but absurd observations he didn't need to hear.
That he was indeed afraid.
"So you've decided to let fear eat you away?" the old man more so stated than asked. "Why not let go of what you've been able to control, and take charge to confront the unknown."
Jay ran a hand through his wild locks. "I may be reckless, but I'm not bullheaded and rash enough to endanger others just because I might have a fifty-fifty chance to come out of this in one piece."
"So you intend to stay in the same old routine then? Has it gotten you anywhere?"
"It's given me this much, which I should be grateful for."
If it wasn't for Prof. Oak, Drake, heck, even Brock and Misty, none of this would have been possible. And he couldn't forget about all the Pokémon he had caught and trained over the years. With their constant devotion and support, Jay would have surely disappeared off the face of the earth.
In return, Kelly took into account what the master claimed. He made a fair argument, one that the researcher could not protest. Yes, the loyalty and aid Jay had received over the years was a true testament to love and the security of resolution. Even so, Kelly wondered if Jay could find that inner strength and take on the most horrifying confrontation all on his own.
Without a second thought, Kelly knew the answer.
"But not enough?" he rebutted yet again, leaning forward in his seat with open arms as he boldly began his mild interrogation. "What are you holding yourself back from? It seems you have a golden opportunity to gain some aid from the league as you've mentioned- yet now, you seem to have second thoughts. What is it you're so afraid of?"
For a while, Jay had asked himself the same question. His body stiffened as a huff flew from his nose. A few seconds passed as Kelly studied the man squirming awkwardly. Eyes playing the dancing about game for what felt like the hundredth time. Evidently, Jay didn't like to be cornered and he certainly didn't like being confronted with the hard questions either.
"My wife's...looking for me," the master mumbled.
Finally. Something. Kelly nodded. "A sign."
"That she wants to move on," Jay finished bitterly, now scowling at the slightly tarnished gold ring on his wedding finger. The harsh tint of his icy blue eyes, however, abruptly morphed into a cast of melancholy, accompanied by a softening of his baritone voice.
From there, a shiver soared through Jay's body. "Why has it taken her this long to go out of her way to find me?" he asked in an almost shaken voice. "I don't blame her for wanting to shun me, but it makes me wonder what her intentions exactly are."
"Are you concerned her response will ruin your state even further?" Kelly openly inquired. "Has she been unfaithful to you? If she's been loyal this entire time, I think that's an evident enough sign she still cares for you."
"Of course she does," the master said so obviously. Asking such a thing sounded downright stupid. "Delia's not the kind of person to turn on someone like that, especially since we're married. That we had something for so long... She may be furious and done with me, but that doesn't mean she'd stoop as low as to cheat on me or forget what we had. She's someone who would end it properly first before starting a new relationship with someone else."
"So you fear this is all about her wanting to leave you, then?"
The constant talk of fear, of concerns, of "being afraid" of what might happen- of what Delia would do when she... Maybe Kelly had worked his voodoo magic on him just enough to let down his guard, but Jay had had his fill. An inner struggle was still very evident in whether he trusted Kelly or not- No. It was more on the lines that he did trust Kelly; rather, discussing such touchy matters was what grinded his nerves and the reasons why the researcher felt so compelled to know.
Sneering, Jay cast an addled glare in the old man's direction. "What does my happiness matter to you?" he countered. "Why the hell are you even wasting your time with me? You get to know everything about me, and I know nothing about you. I don't exactly call that fair with our little exchange. And I don't think you're just some old hermit who's magically been blessed with knowledge and the typical scruffy gray beard to complete your ensemble!"
The last part was not to smile wryly about. Kelly retrieved the apple. "My purpose is only for the greater good. Like I said, I have resources."
"So what are you? A spy of some sort?"
He took a bite out of the juicy fruit, chewed and swallowed. "I thought this discussion was about you?"
Either he didn't care or didn't pick up on the master's thinning patience. A low, rumbling groan was released from Jay's vocal cords. No more games. No more talk of his worries. Especially about Delia-
Delia... Jay couldn't help but stare fondly down at his tarnished ring for another time.
It didn't last long though.
"I don't have time for this," he quickly snapped, straightening his posture. "Is Suicune coming or not?"
And, as expected, Kelly didn't reply in a typical yes or no fashion.
"Patience is a virtue, Jayce. One of the many you have learned to endure."
All crossed their fingers for the party to start off with a bang. And to their delight, it was lively as ever.
Delia and Ash arrived just before guests began to pour into the quaint dwelling. Like a gracious host, Delia took charge in greeting people at the door, splitting the duty with her mother while Michelle was back in the kitchen giving orders away like a drill sergeant. By his mom's side, Ash felt inclined to welcome visitors too, especially those of a large party as they crowded in the doorway. He could feel his continually upbeat smile quake underneath the impending events to come, and his sweaty palms becoming noticeably clammier. Intentionally, Ash's eyes danced around the entryway, looking subtly for Gary's upcoming entrance.
And Ash wasn't the only one antsy for forthcoming drama.
Lurking around the corner of the dining room were Jessie and James, peering at the twerp and his mother. They were all decked out in their work uniforms, nametags and all, as they occasionally smiled at strangers passing them by. It was stupefying to the duo that they had lasted the full length of their mission without their identities being accidentally revealed through the infamous dessert thefts. And so, here they were. Ready to keep tabs on Ash and Delia like a pair of Braviary until the exact moment when their fellow intimidating agents could intervene with their brawny strength.
"The crowd's really starting to thicken," Jessie mused quietly.
James's nerves spiked across his skin, knowing the inevitable was to come. "Oh Jessie, I'm so nervous," he whispered. "What if-"
"Relax," she urged, eyes peeling every which-way. "All will go according to plan. We've got Meowth and the combat team set up, and as long as we follow the twerp and his mother around and stay incognito, everything should work out."
He wanted to say he hoped that their unforgiving streak of bad luck would for once put up its hat and coat and retire. And yet, James was subconsciously wishing for their inept attempts of execution to come in at the worst time as it always had.
At that moment, the unnerving anticipation of the scheduled kidnapping was too much for the confused criminal to choose a side. Of course, James wasn't about to let Jessie find that out. Earlier, he had gotten nowhere with Meowth in convincing Jessie that their ho-hum jobs were surprisingly making them merry chumps. While they would occasionally relapse back to their innocent days before dedicating their lives to Team Rocket, Jessie was evidently certain about which route she preferred to take. With all the dire stakes at hand, James could only believe his partner was willing to see this mission through just for that half-baked bonus and Giovanni's approval.
Still in ignorant bliss of darkness lurking about, Delia and Ash continued to welcome people even with the overpowering noise due to the crowd's congested space. At times, Delia felt as if she caught her son glancing around, as if looking for someone. From the corner of her eye, she'd see him simply smile back at her, acting like his behavior wouldn't provoke any imminent provocation. Whatever he was doing, the mother decided not to find it suspicious, and instead assumed Ash was simply scouting the area thanks to the immense gathering they were consumed with.
Focusing forward, Delia could feel her hand begin to tire from the never-ending clasping and shaking of palms. Silently, she wondered when their turnout would finally lessen, until the next pair of guests roused the woman to put on her gentle but welcoming grin once again.
"Mayor and Mrs. Cornwell. We're so glad you came."
Promptly Mayor Fredrick Cornwell graciously took Delia's hand and beamed. "But of course, Delia. This fine establishment deserves as much support as it can get!"
She was relieved to hear the mayor of Pallet was behind their establishment. Even if his wife was being her usual bitter self, making some half smirk with her nose up in the air as she quietly stood by.
"Thank you very much for your patronage," the woman replied, ending the handshake. She then swiftly turned to her son and motioned. "You remember my son, Ash?"
The mayor's smile grew, his eyes widening slightly as he turned to the young man. "Ah yes, Ash. My son Gilbert admires you greatly. Says you're a true example of an accomplished trainer."
The heat across Ash's cheeks indicated the trainer of his bashfulness; nonetheless, his heart soared when praise was directed his way. Rubbing the back of his head, he did his best not to sound too boastful or arrogant. That he had learned to curb with age.
"Oh well uh, thank you sir," he answered humbly. "I've heard good things about Gilbert too. He seems to be training like a natural."
"He's putting in a fair effort," the mayor answered. "Your Bulbasaur and all your training in general has really been an inspiration to him and his Ivysaur."
Another boost to his ego.
"Glad to be of service!"
"People can say what they like about the other trainers, but you, young man, are the most talented in my eyes," the man said with a wagging finger. "Must be that Ketchum blood. Ketchums have always been superior trainers around here."
That's not what Ash had always heard. Well, he was well aware of Prof. Oak's constant praising of his father but other than that, no one bothered to throw a compliment in any Ketchum's direction. And never did he hear much about Richard's training days...
"Oh yeah?" Ash replied with a tiny grin of surprise.
The mayor's smile bloomed. "Yes, indeed! Keep training, Ash," he soon encouraged, patting the young man's shoulder. "Why, one day I'm sure you're going to put Pallet Town on the map!"
As his lips curved upward for another time, Ash hoped he wasn't smiling like a complete idiot. Over the years, he had learned to rein in his moments of euphoria before they morphed into arrogance. At the moment, however, he couldn't deny being over the moon by the mayor's kind remarks!
"Well, I hope you both have a wonderful time," Delia soon said, now inviting the pair to follow an awaiting waiter.
As the prestigious couple exited, Delia too released a little grin that was begging to escape her lips. She then felt inclined to rub Ash's upper arm affectionately, as if congratulating and at the same time reminding him how much potential he had. Tragically, Ash's moment of glory faded as fast as it had come. Up from behind them they felt the presence of Michelle, scooting between the two as she lowered her voice with dashing eyes.
"Was that just Meanie Minnie?" she asked, already glancing over her shoulder.
Delia's lips immediately tightened, trying to remain discreet. "Hmhm. Being her usual mean self. But the mayor was fine. I think everything with them will go all right tonight."
"Thank God for at least that," the chef breathed a sigh of relief. Then, she added in a snarky tone, "I'm sure Tom will be tickled pink that the mayor's here and that he gets his 'special' seat with him. But there is no way your mom and I are making this evening about him," Michelle adamantly continued. "No matter how badly Tom wants it to be that way-"
"Mom, look."
Ash's calling and gesturing of head prompted Delia to tear away from Michelle and back onto the flooding crowd. Drawing towards their direction was a pair she was in no mood to see let alone speak to. And Michelle, like anyone else who knew Delia well, could feel the impending dread too.
"Oh, and the party's just getting started," the chef mumbled, now catching a glimpse of the in-laws. "I better get back to the kitchen. Make sure Marcus doesn't burn the sauce."
Surprisingly, as they approached an anxious Delia and Ash, the usually bitter couple didn't have frowns plastered across their faces. They were both smiling, eyes wandering around as if admiring the front entrance to the establishment.
Putting her professional face on and tuning her upbeat voice as well, Delia coaxed them over with the call of their names. "Emily, Richard," she welcomed with underlining apprehension as they approached her, "so glad you came."
"We wouldn't miss it for the world," Emily grinned, though it was obvious her focus was directed at Ash.
"You've done a wonderful job with the place, Delia," Richard complimented. "Much better than those stuffy D.K.R. functions," he added with a witty smirk.
Instantly, his wife frowned at this and gave the older man a mild glare. Of course, as usual, it went ignored.
"Thank you, both," Delia replied, still grinning. It was just a few seconds, but to the woman, it felt as if there was still some awkwardness in the air. Her quarrel with Emily most likely was known to Richard. While she didn't wish to advertise the reason behind their dispute to Ash, Delia was determined to set things right and, at the very least, make amends on her end.
"Emi-"
"So, where will we be sitting?" her mother-in-law cut to the chase. "We'll need a larger table, seeing the size of our party."
Slowly, Delia's mouth closed. It was evident to her what Emily was doing. Wanting to avoid all discussion of the topic and to stay blatantly displeased with her. So, in spirit of the keeping the evening a joyous occasion, Delia didn't allow herself to become frustrated by her mother-in-law's blatant avoidance. The inn was hardly the place for them to rehash their latest argument, though Delia felt Emily didn't need to be so childish about it.
"Annie, Gary, and his girlfriend will be coming shortly," Richard felt the need to elucidate.
"Of course," Delia answered, hinting she had already made arrangements. "One of our waiters will lead you to your designated table."
As swiftly as Richard and Emily entered, the couple disappeared with the unlucky waiter who got stuck with them, Emily proceeding all high and mighty with Richard behind.
Once they disappeared around the corner with Emily's barking voice at the already trembling waiter, Delia released a noticeable sigh and tried to collect herself. Noticing Emily's odd behavior, Ash raised a brow.
"Somethin' going on between you and Grandma?" he assumed.
Blinking, Delia produced a nervous grin. "Oh, uh, nothing unusual."
It was Ash's turn to give her a puzzled expression, but thankfully for Delia's rising anxiety it was unable to last as another voice called to her among the cluster of folks.
"Hey, Delia!"
Catching sight of a familiar blonde woman, Delia's face lightened with delight and invited her over. "Annie!" she waved.
With arms stretched out they met in a hug, and then parted as Annie began to gush at the lovely array of decor around her. "Oh my God, Del, the place looks so beautiful!"
"Well, we couldn't have done this without you," Delia said modestly.
"I can't take all the credit. You guys did most of the work. Especially your mom. Besides, if anything, I just helped you keep my mom at bay," she joked in a hush-hush tone, though there was plenty of truth to her claim.
Chestnut eyes grew huge. "You can say that again."
"Did she already come in by any chance?"
Knowing whom Annie was referring to, Delia's gaze lingered behind her. "Hmhm. She's with your dad, getting a table."
"I better join her then." Knowing Emily, she'd have the entire dining room arranged to her exact specifications just so she didn't have to struggle to see past a tall man who ironically was seated in front of her. That and the continual grumbling of Richard for Emily to mind her own business, which would end in utter failure as always.
Looking over her shoulder, Annie gestured to the two apparently unnoticed people behind her. "Gary and Harper are with me right now," she explained, having them come forward, "and Chad's just running a little behind."
"Is everything fine?" Delia asked, concern brewing in her vocal cords. She had been wondering herself where her sister-in-law's husband was.
The blonde woman waved her hand. "Oh, yeah. No worries. C'mon, kids."
Whatever it was, Annie didn't appear worried as she strolled on by with her son and Harper tagging along. Most likely, Chad was running late due to his work hours, and when he arrived, Delia would make sure to locate him and have him join the others. Though they were family by law, it was still ever so blissful to have them show up and be so enthusiastic for the inn's successes.
As for Ash, he was less than thrilled to see Gary present. Being polite, he returned Annie's and Harper's passing smiles with his own until Gary walked by. Abruptly, his delighted expression darkened, morphing into a harsh glare as he caught glimpse of Gary's growing smirk. And where his hand was placed. To Ash's surprise, Gary's fingers were intertwined with Harper's. Peering at their loving gesture, he felt his stomach wrench over what he had done and how he had actually made an undeserving Gary...dare he say, happy. Focused on the meandering couple, the teenager could only imagine what ludicrous lie Gary had spun to push Harper further into believing he wanted a fresh start... Alas, Ash was yet again torn away before he could burn a hole in the back of ex-rival's head with those piercing chocolate eyes. More guests needed to be greeted and led to their assigned waiter, and so, keeping himself in check, Ash went on aiding his mother.
He could always deal with Gary later.
Nearly twenty minutes went by and the entryway to the inn thinned incredibly with only a few stragglers coming in. As time ticked by, they welcomed in many other familiar faces in the town. Mr. Garrison being one, then Greta, Mrs. Abbot, and the topper, Tom, and his prized "suggestion cards." Delia expected he'd bring such as if to help "improve" the inn with its "flaws," but his ongoing persistence to "perfect" the town was still baffling. Nonetheless, Delia held her composure and invited the obnoxious man in, already mumbling and filling out his cards over God knows what. In the end, Delia just reminded herself that Michelle had put the less than polished Greta next to Tom with the mayor seated very close by. That would be a form of payback in itself.
Checking the clock pinned on a nearby wall, Delia anxiously awaited for a few certain individuals to make their entrance. Bringing her coiled hand close to her chest the woman began to wonder where in the world Prof. Oak and Tracey were after promising they'd show up, and where Chad was for that matter...
With the sound of heavy panting, Delia and Ash spun to find at least one of the men she was hoping to see.
"Chad-" she started.
He appeared to be gathering himself as he adjusted his light summer shirt. "Sorry for running late, Delia," he apologized, cutting the woman off. Then out of nowhere, he winked and gestured with a pointed thumb behind his shoulder. "Had to pick up a special someone at the airport."
At this instance, his somewhat wiped out expression transformed into that of a mischievous grin which promptly befuddled Delia. Opening the door, Chad brought in a raven-haired woman the mother and son recognized immediately, both appearing utterly stupefied at their surprise visitor.
Eventually, Delia was the first to blurt out. "Zelda!"
"Aunt Zelda!" Ash followed.
Automatically, Zelda's smile widened. "Hey, you two!"
The invitation for an embrace was valid as Zelda opened her arms, the two each taking a side of her. They hugged briefly before tearing apart, then stood back with giant, excitable grins plastered on their faces.
"We're so happy you came!" Delia announced, still shaking off the amazement of her sister-in-law's arrival.
"Me too," Zelda giggled lightly. From there, her eyes bounced across the entrance. "The place looks absolutely gorgeous, Delia. Really it does!"
"You're being too kind," the auburn haired woman waved out of embarrassment.
She shook her head. "No I'm not. If anything, I haven't gushed enough. I'm sorry we haven't stayed in touch as often as we should," she began with lowered eyebrows. "But I think with me settling down permanently now... I'll definitely make sure to make time for you both."
Zelda was always a lovely specimen of a lady, but it wasn't until now did Delia believe she saw her sister-in-law honestly- merry. Her pale complexion was growing with such warmth that was so familiar to Delia; she had experienced such joy herself in a very similar point in her life. This only reminded her of how things hadn't always been easy for Zelda. She was the kind of timid spirit to desperately wish to please her parents, striving to be a perfect student in high school, graduated valedictorian, then was sent off to college without protest. Then during her college years at Cerulean's art university she had found her voice and calling. And now, after countless dates that ended in disappointment, she had finally, on a miraculous incident, found her ideal man. Everything was coming together for her. It was only recently that Zelda saw she had been somewhat closed off, and in the process, unintentionally neglected her loved ones.
Recognizing the guilt, Delia urged assurance with a gentle voice. "Please, don't feel like you have to explain yourself, Zelda. None of us has really been on top with staying in touch. But that's all in the past," she insisted with a bright smile. "We're all gathered here, and I'm just so happy you came! But if you don't mind me asking, did Bruno tag along by any chance?"
That question was not only nagging her but Ash as well. Once his mind registered his aunt's presence, the teenager prayed to see his soon-to-be uncle stroll in as well. He held himself back, though, to spare his eager self from embarrassment.
"He's caught up at the League because he's helping prep for the new Pokémon-Master-to-be," Zelda explained. "Bruno did want to come, though. To my surprise, he's pretty eager to meet everyone in the family."
That shocked Delia as well. Either Zelda hadn't explained her family dynamic and the members involved, or Bruno was too naïve to comprehend what family he was about to be a part of by law.
"I should have assumed he's working," Delia replied, feeling a little silly for not thinking such first. But then, she got a playful twinkle in her eye, and motioned towards Ash. "I know one young man in particular has been excited about the new master and seeing Bruno."
Stiffening, Ash could feel himself blush. He chuckled weakly as he sunk into his shoulders. "Yeah, I'm pretty excited to see who it is."
"I wish I could spoil the news to you, Ash, but I don't know myself," Zelda said, giving a sympathetic smile to her nephew. "Bruno's been very secretive about it. For all I know, he doesn't even know himself!"
After that, no more conversation could be made of it. Not that anyone didn't have a worthwhile reply, but because of the man standing off to the side. With his hands shoved in his pockets, Chad politely cut in and drew his attention towards the ruckus in the dining hall. "I hate to break up this little reunion, but I think we better get our seats before your mom has a coronary," the man joked to Zelda, all in good humor.
And Zelda couldn't argue that.
Hurriedly, Delia escorted them. "Oh yes, I'm so sorry. Just ask one of our waiters over there and they'll help you."
"Thanks Delia. I look forward to talking with you both later."
And with that, Zelda gave one final smile and proceeded forward. The mother and son kept up their little smiles as they saw her and Chad walk away, both overcome with the excitement and surprise the night was bringing in so quickly. Their intensified feelings, however, could not match the boisterous laughter going on in the dining area.
As Zelda and Chad followed their waiter, the room was consumed with full tables and chatty guests. It was only until they reached Emily and Richard's table did there seem to be a dramatic shift in atmosphere. Nonetheless, Zelda's parents smiled upon her arrival.
"Hi everyone," she grinned.
"Hey, Em! Hey, Dicky!" Chad greeted with the infamous nicknames he had given them as he plopped down in his seat next to his wife.
Hearing the shorten version of her name and his overall lack of decorum, Emily gave Chad a sharp look. "I see you brought my daughter here in one piece," she remarked. "How deplorable was his driving?"
She was caught off guard as she adjusted herself. "The drive was fine," the dark haired woman answered carefully, flipping her long luxurious hair over her shoulder. "Though I think you ran a red light," she added to Chad with mild hesitance, sitting down in the other empty seat Annie left open for her.
"Not again!" Annie moaned, narrowing her eyebrows. "Chad, you already have a ticket."
"Thanks for saying that in front of your parents, Ann. And in front of Harper too," the man hissed, gesturing towards the obviously already disapproving in-laws he was settled with and his son's girlfriend. He just only wished he received a similar meek smile from his in-laws as Harper bore.
"She didn't need to announce your lack of retaining your driver's E.D. class skills for us not to know," Emily soon rebutted. "The skid marks you left in our driveway are a big enough indicator. I swear to God you can still see them even with that new layer of cement!"
"Emily, please, not here," Richard protested calmly, already growing tired of the evening's squabbles.
"Oh, c'mon!" Chad groaned, ignoring the fact that they were in public. "That was like eighteen years ago-"
It was inevitable to think it would take time before a fight would commence. Feeling the strain and somewhat blame for starting the ludicrous debate, Zelda bit her lip and turned to her sister. "I'm sorry I said anything," she whispered.
Though Annie dismissed Zelda's remorse. "Don't be." Instead, she turned herself in her seat, and finally released an eager smile for the news she had been dying to hear. "So, tell me about your hunky fiancée. And of - my God, is that a real amethyst?!"
It would take Zelda a good few minutes to pry Annie's tight grip and gawking expression away from the extravagant engagement ring on her finger. And even longer for her parents and Chad to stop making fools of themselves.
On the contrary, back in the entryway, it seemed the crowd had at last died out. Prof. Oak and Tracey were nowhere to be found, which was a disappointment to both. If anything, Delia supposed she could call the professor before the food was served. Perhaps there was an issue at the lab, a Pokémon possible sick or injured or- Suddenly, as if on cue, both mother and son heard the warm call of Tracey's voice and soon saw Prof. Oak from behind with another lingering figure. Swiveling on their feet, Ash and Delia met up with the guests they had been hoping to see. Delia was thrilled Prof. Oak came, not only because of his constant support and friendship, but because of the lingering thoughts in the back of her mind. To finally know the truth about him, where he was…
Though as a woman of business, she kept it all professional.
"This is one swell shindig you and Leah are hosting, Delia!" Sam was the first to declare, and was, again, one of the many amazed by all the work that had been put into the decorations.
"Everything looks great, Mrs. Ketchum," Tracey added kindly.
"Thank you, Professor, Tracey." Then her attention fell elsewhere. "And Dr. Strayer, I'm so glad you came."
The third person in this small party probably outdid the surprise of Zelda altogether. While they hadn't been in contact for a long time, Michael Strayer had been sent an invitation. After all, Delia had known the man since her high school days, and was indebted to him for his counseling with Ash before he started his journey.
Originally, though, the psychologist was working that very night, unable to attend the lavish party. However, with Sam's desperate and rather strange call, Michael made it a top priority to come and partake in the divine food and good company. Plus, he was actually a roommate of Sam and Richard's back in their college days at Celadon University; the three men going way back to the days of partying and studying. It was hard to imagine how fast time had passed and how, in a way, they had all grown apart to a degree... Nonetheless, it wasn't strange for Delia to see Michael in Sam's company, which was a decent enough cover up for the real reason he had appeared. To discuss those unimaginable particulars with his old friend and colleague, and figure out exactly what to do...
"It's my pleasure, Delia," he answered, shaking her hand. "The inn looks absolutely wonderful."
"Oh, you're being too kind," she blushed with a soft chortle. After that, she looked to her son for another time. "Ash, you remember Dr. Strayer, don't you?"
Ash blinked, recounting those days that had truly helped his young self. "Oh, yeah." Soon, he offered his hand willingly with a tiny smile. "Hey, Dr. Strayer. How've ya been?"
"I've been good, Ash. Thank you," Michael greeted in return, shaking hands once more. "My, I can't believe how you're already so grown up. It feels like just yesterday you were only this high!" he said astonished, raising his hand to the appropriate level of a ten year old's height.
"I feel like that all the time," Delia jumped in, placing a hand on her cheek as she gave her son a maternal side-glance. "Makes me think of those days when he was still small enough to ride in the seat of the grocery cart. Oh, he was just so darling-"
A streak of faint red graced Ash's cheeks as he growled, "Mom-"
"I'm sorry, pumpkin. But you're always gonna be my baby-"
"Okay, if you got a handle on welcoming guests, I think I'm going to go sit with Dani now!"
He may have matured in height and looks, but that certainly didn't stop Ash from escaping the horrors of his mother's innocent mortification. He knew she meant well, but Ash didn't need his mom to gush about such memories in front of two men he admired, plus his friend Tracey standing about. Twirling on his feet, the teenager speedily exited the entryway and dashed straight to the dining room.
Now feeling embarrassed by her son's behavior, Delia turned to the men and apologized. "I'm sorry about that."
"Oh no, don't be," Michael was the first to reply. "It's what I'd expect from, well- teenagers!"
A silent exchange and smile was given to them in return by Delia, who was just thankful for their understanding. Then, she continued the same formal procedure for a final time. "Thank you again for coming. I really hope you all enjoy the evening."
Prof. Oak nodded. "I'm sure we will."
Almost instantly, did three quick pairs of feet carry themselves over into the dining room with their waitress in the lead. In the back of the group, Tracey kept up with the men while they themselves dropped their courteous smiles and instead, exchanged a matched pair of serious looks.
"So I see Delia and Ash are truly unaware of all of- this," Michael remarked, unsure of what to properly call the predicament.
Sam frowned. "Of course they are. Do you think I'd lie about something like this, Michael?"
"It was just an observation, not an accusation," the psychologist replied evenly. "If we want to proceed with caution, I think telling Delia in the morning is the most logical course of action," he started, cutting to the chase. After all, Sam had been pestering him on what to do. "Then from there, we'll go straight to the police. But my God Sam, I still don't understand why you didn't make some kind of contact with law enforcement with the stakes at hand."
Being the one with a degree in psychology and, well, handling these personal human matters better, Michael found it best for him to break the news and allow Sam to elaborate. He himself was still in the midst of processing the shocking news that he had Sam relay the details five times to him before any of it could sink in. None of it made sense, and confronting it was surely going to be a difficult task if he too found the entire matter too outlandish to even think about rationally. But Prof. Oak was awfully persistent about Jayce's situation. His desperation and helplessness was so evident in his voice alone, Michael didn't need to see his friend's face to understand the mania and distress he bore. If Michael could conclude anything with conviction, it was that Jayce was truly in deep trouble and the mention of the organization Team Rocket made that all the more definite. Surely, whatever Giovanni had threatened was something so serious that had forced both him and the professor to keep their lips sealed. Even if he still couldn't grasp their persistent silence...
However, when Sam finally told the first soul in nearly ten years- Michael nearly fell stunned and speechless that it took him several minutes before he could let out a croak. That entire evening they were on the phone; Sam answering Michael's questions, Michael dreaming up the best approach. Unfortunately, he couldn't find one. This wasn't a typical problem that could be resolved with a comfy couch, a box of Kleenexes, a listening ear, and sincere advice. This had to be his biggest undertaking yet. But given the dire need for his assistance, the psychologist was willing to step in and take charge of the both challenging and near dangerous job.
Furrowing his grey brows, the professor defended his silence. "You know as well as I do, Michael, the police would have just turned a deaf ear to Jayce and I. Especially then," he continued to argue with legitimate reason. "Little was known about Team Rocket then, and I doubt anyone was keeping tabs on you know who. Besides, whatever he has planned I think only Jayce will be able to intervene."
That last part struck a chord within Michael, unsure of what to make of it. As of now, he was well aware of what had happened to Jayce that night he was forced to endure Madame Boss's wrath. Though even knowing the past and current circumstances, fathoming what her successor would do was still far too grueling to decipher.
To ease their boggled minds, their attentions were swept away once they were led to their table and their waitress in the midst of exiting. Sitting there was Brock, and he suddenly stopped the blonde waitress with a broad smile as he leaned back in his seat.
"You're lookin' as radiant as the setting sun," he complimented with too much gusto.
As he waited patiently for Prof. Oak and the others, he had been trying to get the young woman's attention the majority of the evening, only for her to walk away every time she brought something to the table. To his dismay, the young Pokémon doctor in training received nothing more but a disgusted scoff as she wandered off.
What a way to start an introduction.
Awkwardly, Sam adjusted his throat and glanced back at his addled friend. "Michael, this is uh- Brock. He's also helping us. Brock, this is Dr. Strayer."
"Pleased to meet you, Doctor," Brock greeted as he stood up and shook the doctor's hand. He had been informed of the man's coming and involvement thanks to Tracey during a phone call earlier that day.
"Same to you," Michael replied in a friendly tone. "Prof. Oak tells me you're training to be a Pokémon doctor. And apparently a love doctor too," the psychologist teased.
Wincing, Brock bit his lip. "Oh uh- the first part is true! That was just, uh-" He began to rub the back of his head with rosy cheeks. "She was just a girl I used to date." That cover-up did nothing, receiving both a raised brow from the professor and Tracey. Feeling silly for his little fib, Brock's warmed cheeks intensified. "I mean, I tried to date her..."
At this point, he hung his head in shame and looked downward at the table before mumbling, "They brought champagne over for you two."
It was Michael's turn to look at Sam.
What was coming ahead this night, the announcement and the characters involved- it was all going to be a very, very interesting outcome indeed.
The bright shining moon claimed the night sky. And the voices of Jay and Kelly claimed the house.
A good portion of the evening consisted of their back-and-forth debating. To the ears of Misty and Molly, words were unintelligible. They had spent most of their time outside with Drake, scoping the area for any possible Team Rocket agents lurking about. But as darkness fell, Drake insisted the girls venture back inside for safety. He assured them he would be fine on his own, having both Dragonite to survey the skies while his more than eager Gengar took to haunting the spooky tree lines. At his request, Misty was the first to head for the house. She appreciated the night for its calming and beautiful shimmers of the moon, but never did the gym leader care for the sinister impression her wild imagination led her to conceive.
Unfortunately, much peace wasn't found back in Kelly's residence. No voices were raised into definite hollers, however it was clear there was tension prowling about, prompting Misty to push Molly along and entertain her for the time being. She too was anxious for Suicune to appear, both for the answers they were all desperately seeking and to give Jay some stability in his quest for unraveling Giovanni's intentions.
Luckily for the worried Misty, it didn't take much to convince Molly to wander away from the men's private discussion. The wheat haired girl actually had a specific place on her mind she wished to explore, and pranced off innocently down the hall, bidding the older trainer to follow.
"C'mon Misty! C'mon!"
She followed by command, rounding the corner and traveling through the hall until they reached the door at the very end. Halting in her footsteps, Molly stood before the door while Misty remained a good few feet away. Her muscles tightened, a hand reaching out as she silently urged the young girl not to go near the doorknob.
"Molly," Misty began nervously, "I don't know if we should go in there-"
"Dr. Kelly said we could look around, 'member?!" Molly cut her off, reminding Misty of the man's earlier invitation. "I'm sure he won't mind."
I doubt that, the redhead retorted inwardly.
Disregarding the gym leader's weariness, the young trainer proceeded to twist the knob and enter without a care. And though she still remained uneasy of their intrusion, Misty wandered into the premise awkwardly with a wiggling Azurill in her arms. If anything, she could keep an eye on Molly and prevent her from unintentionally getting in the middle of private findings. Noticing her Pokémon's endless squirming, Misty gently settled the cheery blue mouse to the floor and allowed her to explore the foreign surroundings. As for Misty herself, she preferred to keep her arms folded and tight at her sides. Unsure what to do, nervous sea-green eyes watched Molly scout across the bookshelves. Kelly appeared to be a very kind, tolerant, and soft-spoken man, hardly stirring with agitation at Molly's bubbly and boisterous disposition. He didn't seem like the type of person to keep secrets, nor did his house leave her with an odd sensation compared to when she originally strolled in. However, for some unexplainable reason, Misty felt that this room- this study- in particular, did not capture the welcoming warmth as the rest of the dwelling did.
On her tiptoes, Molly's right index finger pressed itself against the bindings of the evenly lined books and scooted down the row in the middle of the shelving unit. It was only towards the end did her finger stop moving and soon, her entire hand reached in to pull out a book. A small wince was caught in the back of Misty's throat, though it failed to produce words as she anxiously observed the book fully land into Molly's grasp. She appeared unaware of the gym leader's apprehension, widely staring at the cover with curious eyes before opening the book.
Silently with a faint smile, she flipped through a couple of pages, pausing before turning to the next. Then, she glanced up at Misty. "The pictures in here look similar to the book Papa used to show me," she said, captured by the artistic interpretation and beautiful colors.
Misty cocked an eyebrow. "The one about Entei?" she deduced.
The preteen nodded. "Hmhm. Only this book focuses on all three legendary beasts. See?"
Delicate hands clamped each side of the book, vividly showing Misty the pages Molly was currently examining. Across two pages captured a whimsical display of stormy clouds, a disturbed volcano, and a flowing crystal river. Each setting stood on its own, yet blended together with each beast in its designated area, as if staking their claim. Steadily, the trainer went as far as to hand the gym leader the book, allowing her a more in-depth look as she picked up another book.
"This just has text in it," Molly pouted, then grabbed another. Again, she pursed her lips at the large words and complex sentence structures. "And so does this one. Why does that one have only pictures?"
While she wasn't so naïve and juvenile, Misty could see the appeal in the eye-capturing illustrations. They were absolutely breathtaking. However, their form wasn't the only reason she found herself so compelled to continue her exploration. Turning another page, she was entranced by the implied narrative the book was carrying through images. From what she gathered, the gym leader assumed these pages were filled with an old folklore, one in which she was unaware of. There was neither a title nor date of publication to support the book's creation, as if it was personally made by someone- for someone...
Edges of the front and back cover were worn, minor scrapes and tatters across the surface. Nonetheless, the integrity of the interior was not damaged. As Misty became submersed in the pictures, she began to make undeniable connections between the legendary beasts. Their showcased powers seemed to embody the three tragic forms of destruction upon the Tin Tower: lightning, then fire, then the downpour of rain. The background consisted of dark clouds loomed over the page as if introducing the foreshadowing disaster ahead.
Lightning. Fire. Rain. A shimmer of something among the pitch black chaos-
And then what?
Too much befuddlement had caused the start of a wicked headache to claim her mind. There was an answer screaming to be told, and yet, Misty had difficulty grasping the hints to the conclusion. The elements, the legendary beasts themselves appeared to be the supposed key to the ultimate intervention. That shimmer in the dark... Flipping another page, a surprising discovery was made. Grim details spoke of an explosion, everything wiped away with casts of black and red; the lightning, the fire, the rain all becoming an oblivion, as if all solid foundation had been permanently erased by an overpowering reign of darkness. All except for that shimmer and the silhouette of something from behind it, and something holding it...
The next page was completely blank. Nothing but white. As if a clean slate.
Breaking Misty's concentration, the window shutters to the study suddenly flew open in a profound gust. Repeatedly they slammed against the inside of the room, the intense winds growing stronger as they almost turned into a deafening howl to the girls' ears. In turn, sea-green eyes widened only for an instance before closing and ducking from the possible fragments of branches flying in. Red and wheat colored hair whipped crazily with arms cast high for protection. The encounter of incredibly powerful gusts turned out to be brief, but surely left both girls shell-shocked.
Rising from her defensive position, Molly's eyelashes batted amazingly against her dilated blue eyes. "Could it be?" she started in astonishment. Then, the volume of her voice intensified greatly. "Guys, it's happening! It's happening! The North Wind is here!"
From there, she bounded excitingly out of the room, leaving Misty alone and stiff. Rejoicing wasn't an action she was wishing to display. Something was far too concerning for the gym leader to dismiss as bubbling worries of over-dramatic frets. Deep inside, her bones shook with an indescribable tingle.
As the pages turned uncontrollably in the wind, Misty soon discovered a source to the book's existence. A loose paper, folded and tucked in for safekeeping, was revealed to her. Placing the book underneath her right arm, the redhead carefully unfolded the paper. It was a document. A request to create the book to visually explain the details and the ending result of a written log found years ago-
The layout for Project H.
Aghast, Misty felt her pumping heart being caught in her throat.
Trouble was brewing.
A/N Count.: More twists and turns! What is ahead for our heroes? Is Gary going to tell Ash the truth? And what is Kelly's true identity? Find out in the next chapter! From here, the next couple of chapters are going to get much darker in several respects for everyone. We are definitely in for some action and ongoing twists not only for Jay and his crew, but for Team Rocket and Ash and the others as well. Nothing is going to be smooth sailing from here!
Thank you all for reading! :)