Hello people, Orenji here with a late update like always~
A lot has happened these past few months. Some good, some terrible, but y'know I managed to get a new chapter out in... what 3 months? Maybe 4? That's not the worst hiatus I've took so...yay?
But to make up for it, I've got a long chapter for you guys, so yay again? Anyway I hope you enjoy it~
Cobalt's POV
After that humiliating defeat against Garnet, I doubled my efforts on training. I began having mock battles with Tangelo almost everyday, despite him voicing out his worries about me training so hard. He wasn't the only one worried about me, everyone was worried sick. They all saw how hard I was training, and how much pain was in everyday. And yet, that pain will never compare to the pain I felt when I failed to beat Garnet that day...
"A-ARGH!" I screamed in pain as I failed to dodge a Flame Wheel from Tangelo. I fell onto my knees, sweat pouring like crazy from my forehead. I gritted my teeth looked up, only to be welcome by Aika charging at me with a Fire Fang. I clenched my eyes tightly in a poor attempt to endure the incoming pain, but I opened them again quickly when that pain never came.
"H-Huh...?" I looked up and saw Aika standing in front of me, frowning and her brow furrowed. "W-Why did you s-stop?!" I exclaimed at her angrily.
"Cobalt, look at you!" Aika lashed back at me. "We literally just started the battle and you already failed to dodge the first attack! Do you really expect to train in that condition?!"
"B-But—"
"She's right Cobalt." Tangelo added as he stood beside Aika. "Ever since you lost to Garnet last week, you've been training even harder, even forcing us to fight you 2 on 1!" Tangelo sighed, "Look, I know I said I would help you however I could, but I didn't think it was going to be like this. I want to help you get stronger, not weaker. If you're going to keep up "training" like this, I won't have any part of it."
"THEN WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO?!" I bellowed. Despite the pain I was in, I found the energy to stand. A wave of despair and anger began to swirl inside of me as I stood above my shorter, unevolved friends. "If I can't handle fighting two of you at once, how am I going to expect to ever beat Garnet as a Blaziken?!"
"Getting angry at them is NOT going to help!" A voiced snapped back at me. I turned around to see Mint glaring at me with her arms crossed.
"I-I..." I lowered my ears and looked down. My sight began to blur as tears formed in my eyes. "I just don't know what to do..."
"Cobalt, look, we all understand. We really do." Mint reassured me as she patted my back. "We all promised to help you, but you have to be able to do it within your own limits."
I rubbed my eyes, getting rid of the tears that were forming and looked at Mint with a frown, "I-I know that... B-But... I just feel so lost... I've been training so much and yet I've made zero progress at getting any closer to learning Blaze Kick. I haven't made any progress at resisting any fire moves as well..."
"You just need to take a break. You've been at this like crazy everyday since you evolved man. It's clear as day that you are exhausted." Tangelo suggested.
"I-I know you are right, but I'm quickly running out of time..." I replied meekly.
"Yeah but at this rate you may as well give up because you can't even fight properly!" Aika argued.
I remained silent and avoided my friends' gazes. I knew they were right. As a Fighting-type, of course I know that training like this is basically meaningless, but this sense of fear is constantly overwhelming me, causing me to panic which results in my reckless training. My entire body began to shudder, my legs gave out caUsing me to fall onto the ground as that wave of fear overpowers me yet again.
"Cobalt..." Tangelo whispered and placed a paw on my shoulder, trying to console me. "Everything will be fine. You will overcome this. You've gone through worse things, plus you have us!"
"Tangelo is right." Mint agreed."As a matter a fact, I have a suggestion that could help."
"Y-You do?!" I shot my head up and gasped. "W-What is it?!"
"Come to my place tomorrow morning and I will show you." Mint smiled, but that smile quickly faded as she gave me a stern look, "But only if you take the rest of today off! And if you promise you will take better care of yourself!"
"I..." I lowered my head in shame. I really have been such a fool these past two weeks. "Yes, I promise." I nodded. "Thank you guys for looking out after me, and helping me out. I don't think I'd be able to go through this alone."
"Dude of course! We're your friends!" Tangelo patted my back roughly.
"You've been there for me so many times, it's only fair I return the favor." Aika smiled.
"Indeed. You are one of my... no, OUR most cherished friends, it is only natural we would help!" Mint said happily. "Now! Please get inside so Cream and I can heal you up!" Mint offered a hand and helped me up.
"Thank you Mint. I really appreciate it." I smiled at her warmly. I noticed her eyes widened for a brief second before returning my smile with a nod. It's strange, because back then I would've thought nothing of it, but ever since I've become aware of my own feelings, I feel I am able to catch these little hints that Mint makes. Though it has been five years since, I'm sure she still has some lingering feelings. I decided to shake my head to rid of these kind of thoughts and followed Mint inside the clinic.
I headed straight to my room and collapsed on my bed. It wasn't even lunch time yet and I felt so exhausted. Before Mint or Mom could even come up to my room and heal me, my eyelids suddenly grew heavy and before I knew it I passed out.
When I had awoken, it was still pretty bright outside. I tried to get out of bed, but my body for some reason felt very heavy and lethargic.
"H-Huh? Why do I feel so tired?" I said with confusion and worry. I sat back down on my bed and stretched out my arms and legs. I looked around and noticed something standing out on my desk. I approached my desk and saw it was a tray with food, which I found to be extremely odd.
"Why is there a plate of food on my desk...? Wait, don't tell me..." I quickly looked back at the clock hanging in my room and gasped. "I-It's bright outside, and yet my clock says 6 o'clock. As in... 6 in the morning?!" It finally hit me. I was asleep nearly 24 hours!
"C-Cobalt...?" I heard a knock on my door. I opened it to see Mom standing before me looking somewhat tired and rubbing her eyes. "A-Are you okay? I heard a scream..."
"Mom, I'm sorry, did I wake you?"
"No, I just woke up actually." She yawned loudly. "Hm? I see that plate of food is still on your desk. You slept through the entire night?"
"I-It would appear so, yes." I stuttered.
"My, you truly were exhausted then. I told you not to train so hard." Mom sighed. "Well, at least you finally rested up. How are you feeling now?"
I did a few stretches to get rid of any remaining tiredness I had. "I feel much better. A little tired from getting over 20 hours of sleep, but overall much better."
"Good! I do hope you remember to take breaks and work within your limits." Mom smiled. She then entered my room and took the tray of food from my desk. "Why don't I take this and whip you up something fresh? You're gonna need it before going to Mint's place."
"Oh yeah that's right! She said she had an idea!" My eyes lit up with excitement. "I wonder what it could be?"
"You'll see when you get there." Mom winked. "I do hope this works. It would be so wonderful if you could enter that tournament." Mom smiled, yet there was a hint of sadness and melancholy in her eyes. "Being with the one you love with all your heart, it is a wonderful feeling. I pray for your success, Son."
"M-Mom..." I blushed heavily. "I-I-I'm only going to e-enter to defeat G-Garnet! I-I can't actually win the whole thing..."
"Oh Cobalt..." Mom sighed, "If you say so. Let me get breakfast started." Mom left, leaving me alone in my room, her words ringing in my head.
"...If only I could be with Auburn..."
After breakfast I got ready to leave for Mint's place. Mint lives on the other side of town, so it does take some time to get to her house. I admit it does make me a little jealous that she is able to just use Teleport and come here instantly.
As I walked through the city, I continued to hear Mom's words echo in my thoughts. While I do wish to defeat Garnet so Auburn doesn't have to marry that jerk, my true feelings obviously want to win the entire tournament. I couldn't help but feel like I don't deserve the right to be with her though, seeing as she is the princess of the Fire Kingdom and I am just a Lucario that wasn't even born in this kingdom.
"Is... Is it really okay for me to even do this...?" I sighed as I continued walking, my head lowered and eyes planted to the ground.
"Of course it is." My head shot up to see Mint's mother tending flowers in their front lawn. I had reached their home without even realizing it... "Good morning, Cobalt."
"G-Good morning, Ms. Sana..." I responded hesitantly. While she and Mom have made up, I must admit I still find her somewhat intimidating.
"Oh come now Cobalt, I can tell what you are thinking. There is no need to feel any hesitation or fear speaking to me."
"O-Oh, I-I apologize." I bowed politely. "Please forgive me, Ms. Sana..."
"And you don't need to be so formal too." Ms. Sana sighed. "Ah well, you have always been polite, so I suppose it is fine. Anyway, I see you have indeed evolved into a Lucario. Congratulations!"
"T-Thank you, Ms. Sana." I rubbed my arm, my cheeks blushing from embarrassment.
"Now, I heard you earlier. You are hesitant about winning this?"
"N-No! I-I was just w-worried about e-entering! I-I have no intentions of e-even w-w-winning if I can enter!" I blushed heavily.
"Don't be like that, what's the point of doing something if you aren't going to do your best? I figured out as one of Mint's friends you would understand that the most. You simply must do your best when you enter." Ms. Sana insisted. "Plus, I know how much Auburn means to you. You love her don't you? This is your only shot."
"M-M-Ms. Sana?!" I exclaimed. I was shocked to hear all this coming from her out of all Pokemon.
"Hehe, are you surprised to hear this from me? You remind me very much of Cain all those years ago. He was so in love with Arylide, yet he didn't think he should even bother since he was just a lowly chef. But you must follow your heart. If you don't listen to your heart... or let others listen to their hearts, you will deeply regret it." Ms. Sana frowned. I wasn't too sure what she meant about not letting others follow their heart, but I did agree with what she had to say.
"Ms. Sana... Thank you." I bowed again.
Ms. Sana smiled warmly, "Go ahead and head the battlefield in the backyard. Mint is waiting for you. I wish you the best of luck." Ms. Sana returned my bow with her own and continued to water her plants.
I smiled and nodded before going around to the backyard. I don't come here very often, so I am always shocked at how big Mint's house really is. After all, they have an entire battlefield in their backyard! The only other Pokemon I know that has one at their home is Auburn, and she lives in a castle! It makes sense they have one though, as Mr. Ray is also a Fighting-type.
When I reached the backyard, I saw Mint and her father waiting at the center of it the battlefield. The both smiled and waved at me as soon as they noticed I had arrived.
"Good morning Mint, Mr. Ray." I bowed politely.
"Good morning." Mint responded. "Are you feeling better?"
"I am, thank you."
"Morning, Cobalt! Look at you, finally a Lucario huh?!" Mr. Ray approached me and patted my back. "And how many times do I have to tell you, just Ray is fine!"
"I-I'm sorry, I'm just not used to calling adults by their first name..." I smiled nervously.
"Even though you're an adult yourself? Come on, you only have two weeks of school left! You're fully evolved, and you're 18! You are basically a full grown adult!" Mr. Ray laughed.
"R-Right... R-Ray..." I muttered uncomfortably. He was right, I am technically a young adult, yet I still find it difficult to address adults by their first name. I supposed it was just so drilled into me at a young age to always be polite to others and show adults respect.
"Ah, well if Mr. Ray makes you feel better, that's fine." Mr. Ray shrugged, causing me to sigh in relief. "I bet you're curious as to what Mint has in mind for training."
"Oh, yes! I am prepared for anything!" I exclaimed excitedly. Just what could they have in store for me?
"Well, as you know I am also a Fighting-type, so Mint and I figured I'd be able to help you learn to use some fire attacks."
"Huh?" I was confused, "How does that make sense?"
"Because..." Mr. Ray tightened his right fist and punched the air with his fist engulfed in flames, performing a powerful looking Fire Punch, "I know this move! I figured I could just teach you as if you were trying to learn Fire Punch!"
"Ooooooooooh!" My eyes gleamed with excitement.
"We can't say it'll work for sure, but it's worth a shot right?" Mint suggested.
"I agree!" I raised a paw up, "I'm sure this will work better than what I've been trying before!"
"That's the spirit!" Mr. Ray did a fist pump, "I like your determination! Now, let's begin!"
Mr. Ray started me off with some basic training, things like practicing my kicks and such. He instructed me to focus my energy into my legs and imagine as if they were burning, cloaked in flames, just as how he was taught to learn Fire Punch. Of course, no matter how hard I tried, I failed to perform Blaze Kick successfully. I can't expect to learn Blaze Kick over just one day of training...
"Whew," Mr. Ray wiped the sweat off his forehead, "Let's call it a day here. We've been at it all day."
"B-But..." I panted as I slouched forward with my paws on my knees, "I-I can keep going..."
"I'm sure you can, but you mustn't overexert yourself. Mint told me how you were doing the past few weeks." Mr. Ray crossed his arms.
"I-I..." I stuttered nervously. I knew he was right. I need to be more careful with my training. Plus Mr. Ray is a much more experienced fighter than I am so I should definitely follow his advice. "Y-You're right... I don't need a repeat of yesterday..."
"Precisely." Mint suddenly showed up with two glasses of ice water. "Here, you guys must be exhausted."
"Oh, thank you Mint, and welcome back." Mr. Ray took a glass and gulped down the entire glass of water. "Ah, that hits the spot!"
"T-Thanks Mint..." I grabbed the other glass and downed the it entirely, the ice cold water refreshed my parched throat.
"How was work at Cream's?" Mr. Ray asked. "Anything interesting?"
"Oh, I helped a patient all by myself for the first time! Sure, it was just one of the neighborhood kids that injured themselves from playing, but I still did it by myself!" Mint said rather proudly, "Cream is letting me help her with more complicated stuff too. I learn something new everyday, it's quite exciting!"
"Ah, I'm glad to hear things are going well being Cream's assistant."
"How about you guys? Are you feeling any closer to learning Blaze Kick?" Mint asked.
"I can't say I've made much progress..." I sighed, "Though I do feel like I am getting better at fighting with my legs, so there's that." I shrugged.
"Little improvement is better than no improvement, even if it's not the improvement you weren't exactly looking for." Mr. Ray reassured me. "We just need to keep it up. It took me almost a week to master Fire Punch, and that was for something we knew was possible. For all we know, this may be an impossible task, but we won't know unless we try."
"M-Mr. Ray..." I marveled at the Gallade's words, "Yeah, we just need to keep trying. We still have a little over a month before the tournament, that's plenty of time to learn a move!"
"Exactly! You just need to have a positive attitude and the determination to work! It'll definitely all work out in the end." Mr. Ray nodded. "Now, I should probably get started on dinner. Why don't you join us Cobalt?"
"O-Oh, I appreciate the offer, but I wouldn't want to oppose..."
"Nonsense! I insist you join us. It'd make Mint happy I'm sure." Mr. Ray teased his daughter.
"F-Father!" Mint blushed. "I-I m-mean I would be happy to eat dinner w-with any of my friends! Come on Cobalt, Father's cooking is pretty good!"
"W-Well if you insist..." I reluctantly accepted.
"Excellent! Dinner should be ready in a bit!" Mr. Ray left to go and prepare dinner, leaving me with Mint in their backyard battlefield.
"S-So..." I said rather nervously. I just realized that I've never hung out with Mint at her house, making me somewhat nervous, "What do we do while we wait?"
"Hm, this is your first time inside my place isn't it? I supposed by the time our parents made up we grew out of playing at others' houses. We're not exactly kids anymore so playing would be kind of awkward. Graduation is just a week away so we don't have any homework or tests to study..." Mint thought out loud, trying to think of things to do.
"If this was the castle, we would go play in Auburn's room..." My face suddenly blushed. "G-Going to your room to play would b-be r-rather awkward at our a-age..."
Mint's face immediately became dark red, "Y-Y-Y-Yeah... M-My, it's suddenly q-quite hot, isn't it?! I-I'm just g-gonna cool off over t-there.." Mint spluttered and headed to bench that was located under a tree. I decided to follow and sit beside her.
"I-I'm sorry, I suppose that was rather insensitive of me." I lowered my ears and looked down at the ground.
"W-What do you m-mean?" Mint stuttered.
"You've been stuttering and blushing around me again lately." I sighed. "Ever since I realized my own feelings, I've been able to notice you're acting funny. Funny like... when we were kids..."
"O-Oh..." Mint whispered sadly. "I-It's not what you think Cobalt. I don't have feelings for you anymore. It's been five long years since I confessed. I swear it's not like that..."
"Really?" I looked at her, shocked.
"...For the most part, yeah."
"Huh?"
"...I mean... W-Well... it's like..." Mint stumbled her words as she tried to explain, "...You were my first love, Cobalt. I was in love with you for five years before I confessed. I... I-I'd be lying if I said I didn't have some lingering f-feelings... But I swears it's just a tiny bit! I have no intentions!"
"Mint... I-I... Um..." I was at a loss for words. I suppose what she says makes sense...
"Cobalt, tell me, when you rejected me, was it because you already in love with Auburn?" Mint looked at me straight in the eyes, her cheeks slightly red. I could see a deep pain hidden in those deep blue eyes of hers...
"I-I..." I gulped, "I think so... I'm pretty sure I've been in love with her even before then... I just hadn't realized it."
"I see..." Mint looked away. It was barely audible, but I could've sworn I heard a sniffle.
"Mint..."
"Well, Auburn is one lucky girl, to have such a great guy like you care about her so much!" Mint said suspiciously cheerfully.
"H-Huh!?" I blushed suddenly.
"Hehe, sorry, I felt like the atmosphere got really awkward there so I just tried to change it..." Mint smiled, though she didn't look happy. "You know Cobalt, I'm like 99% sure Auburn feels the same way as you do."
"R-Really?!" I shouted.
"I mean, have you seen how she treats you differently than the others? Auburn may be my best friend like how Tangelo and Masello are to you, but I'd say you and Auburn are truly more than best friends. You two share a deep connection, like an unbreakable bond. I can just tell from looking at you two."
"M-Mint..." I was blushing deeply now. Auburn... I suppose there's a chance she does feel the same way...
"You know how Auburn would say she's not interested in her own love life? I feel like her forced marriage isn't the only reason why she turned down every boy that tried to go after her."
"Y-You think there's another reason? W-What is it?"
"You, silly." Mint giggled.
I blushed heavily, it felt like my face was on fire at this point. "R-R-Really?"
"I have a hunch. Call it a girl's intuition." Mint winked. "There's only one way to really find out though. You gotta win that tournament."
"I-I..." I said nervously, "I still don't know if it's truly okay for me to even win though. I'm not even a Fire-type..."
"Who cares if you're not a Fire-type Cobalt? Love is love. If you're in love, you gotta go for it, or spend your entire life regretting it." Mint looked at me and placed a hand on my arm, "I don't regret confessing to you, Cobalt. I definitely would've regretted it more if I didn't do it. There's no rule that says you can't enter, all you have to do is overcome the other rule. And you know, beat a bunch of Fire-types."
"You know what? You're absolutely right Mint. I shouldn't let it get to me. It's just becoming the king of a kingdom, no biggie, r-right?" I said playfully.
"Right!" Mint laughed. "Really though, if you do win and become king of the Fire Kingdom, Auburn will be there as your queen to help you. Hehe, King Cobalt and Queen Auburn. I hope that future becomes a reality."
My face was even redder than it was before at Mint's comment. "Y-Y-Y-Yeah..." I stuttered heavily.
"So that's that." Mint jumped off the bench and faced me, "I support you and Auburn 100%. I always have, even when I was in love with you..." She smiled weakly.
"Mint..."
"Please don't worry about me. My heart is just... having a little nostalgia is all." Mint reassured me.
"Okay..." I frowned. I can sympathize with her. Now that I've had a taste of what it's like to be in love, Mint must've truly been in pain. "I support you too, Mint. I hope someone else catches your fancy."
Mint shot up at my words, she stood up completely straight and her eyes widened as she let out a high pitched yelp. I winced, not expecting that reaction at all.
"W-What's wrong? D-Did I say something weird?" I gasped.
"...N-No, s-sorry." Mint placed a hand on her chest and sighed, her cheeks slightly red, "I just didn't expect that I guess."
"Hmm?" I tilted my head. That reaction she just had, it was similar to how she used to react around me. "Don't tell me, is there already someone you're interested in?"
Mint froze in place. Her cheeks became redder and she began to sweat. "M-My, when d-did you become so o-observant? Y-You used to be so oblivious..." Mint laughed nervously, "Heh... Well to answer your question, I suppose there kinda is... Or rather, I thought there was..."
"Was? What do you mean?"
"Oh nothing..." Mint closed her eyes and shook her head, "I don't really understand it myself. Please, don't worry about it."
I looked at Mint with concern and frowned, "Very well, I won't pry. But whatever is going on, I hope it works out in the end." I got up and placed a paw on her head to reassure her, causing her to blush.
"H-Hey, just because you're taller than me that doesn't mean you can t-treat me like a k-kid..." Mint complained, yet it looked like she enjoyed having my paw on her head.
"S-Sorry, I would've done your shoulder but it's kinda low..." I placed my paws up defensively.
"Well, enjoy being taller than us for now. Once we all evolve you'll be a shortie again!" Mint teased.
"I-I'm s-sure I'm not fully g-grown yet! Even though I'm 18..." I tried to argue back, but failed. It is true Lucario aren't very tall compared to other fully evolved Pokemon. I can still hope that I'll grow a couple of inches at the very least.
"Haha I'm just teasing you." Mint nudged me playfully. "Let's go inside, I smell something delicious! Maybe dinner is ready!" Mint ran off back inside her house before I could respond.
I stood in silence as I watched the Kirlia run off. I couldn't help but feel happy that I could still talk to Mint like this despite our past. Mint has always been the mature voice of reason in our group, so we rarely ever talked like this, just the two of us. Surprisingly, Mint seems a little more playful now than she has been in the past. Perhaps it's because we were more honest with each other just now.
I gave one last smile as I thought about our conversation before following my friend inside for dinner.
The school bell echoed through the empty halls of Homura City High School. It was the final bell of the day, signaling the end of last period, and the end of the school day. For most students, it was just daily routine. They would return again the next school day and repeat the entire process. But for us seniors, it was the final time we would officially heard that bell.
Those empty halls were soon flooded with students. Many students were giving their seniors their regards and wishing them the best of luck, with many hugs and tears all around. I myself was giving my best regards to my fellow underclassman orchestra members.
I approached my locker and turned the lock to those three numbers one last time. My locker was mostly empty at this point, I had already returned all the textbooks back to the teachers and any library books I was borrowing. All that hung on the hook was my backpack.. The shelves were empty, but I still had my locker calendar hanging. I grabbed my pen and wrote an X over today's date. It was the final day of school for seniors, the day before graduation, and the day before Auburn's 18th birthday.
I grabbed my backpack, shoved the few things I was holding along with my locker calendar, and slung it over my backpack. I stared at my empty locker for a brief moment before closing it. I know this is a little weird, but I couldn't help but feel like thanking my locker... I politely bowed before closing it shut one last time.
I walked through the halls and exited the school. At the school gate, I saw all seven of my friends standing there, waiting for me. Auburn wanted to meet up and do something special for our last day of school.
"COOOBAAAALLLTT!" Auburn shouted across the entire school gate, causing everyone to look back at me. I couldn't help but blush in embarrassment... I lowered my head as I quickly approached my friends.
"W-Was that really necessary?" I complained.
"No, but it's more fun that way!" Auburn laughed. My blush grew harder from the sound of her laughter.
"What took you so long? I didn't expect you to be last." Aika asked, "I honestly expected Maple to be last, seeing as how popular she is."
"Well I was second to last, that's close enough." The Braixen shrugged. "And I'll have you know it was because I was talking to Sis. She was being a little emotional, seeing as how she finally won't be teaching us anymore now that we're gone."
"Pfft, knowing her she'll end up being a new professor in University City or something!" Tangelo joked.
"Wouldn't that be wonderful though? All of us, together again in university with our dearest teacher!" Masello gushed.
"Doubt that'll happen," Maple shrugged, "But then again I have been wrong for the past eight years so..."
"Anyway, now that we are all here, what did you want to do today, Auburn? Why did you call us all out?" Mint changed the subject.
"Ah well..." Auburn rubbed the back of her head sheepishly, "I just... Well I just wanted to play again one last time..."
"Play? Like what?"
"Like... what we used to do back in the good ol' days... When was the last time all eight of us got together and just played in the playground or at the castle or something?"
"S-Several years at this point..." Tea answered quietly.
"We aren't exactly children anymore." Mint said rather bluntly. "Besides, what do you mean one last time? It's not like this will be our final chance to ever hang out together. In fact we're all gonna be together tomorrow for your birthday and graduation party!"
"Yeah but tomorrow..." Auburn looked at the ground, "I will be evolving tomorrow. I will finally reach adulthood. My princess training is gonna get more intense, plus we'll be busy getting ready for college and stuff... I just feel like today is my last chance to really be myself..."
"A-Auburn..." I frowned.
"I suppose she has a point." Tangelo commented, "Me and Auburn will be receiving our Fire Stones together."
"And I'll finally remove this Everstone..." Aika looked down at the Everstone she wore around her neck. "What about you, Mint? Will you remove yours tomorrow too?"
Mint grabbed the Everstone she kept with herself at all times, "I'm not too sure. Evolving will make my doctor training a lot easier, but I don't know if I'm ready to be a Gardevoir yet."
"Well I'm gonna take mine off, these things are pretty ugly honestly." Maple said with slight disgust. "I can't even make them into a cute accessory. Plus I don't think I'm going to be evolving anytime soon. I'm like the worst battler out of all of us here."
"Ah, I too do not believe I will be evolving anytime soon," Masello added, "I do have a dislike for battling, though watching Cobalt and Tangelo battle is a different story! What about you, Tea?"
"I-I also dislike battling... S-So I don't plan on evolving anytime s-soon..." Tea yawned, "My parents have a Dusk Stone for me though, i-in case I change my mind..."
"Well there you have it." Auburn shrugged, "Most of us are gonna evolve tomorrow. It'll look a little weird if a bunch of fully evolved Pokemon ran around like kids, don't you think?"
"I agree." I nodded, "Come on guys, let's play like we used to! It'll be fun!" I cheered. I looked back at Auburn and blushed, she returned my gaze with a smile and her fiery eyes gleaming. I felt my cheeks begin to blush and quickly turned away.
"Sure, why not? It's not like I have anything to do anyway." Maple shrugged. "I can't even remember the last time we played."
"Right? Oh I am actually quite excited for this!" Masello jumped with glee. "What shall we do first?!"
"Well I need to still pick up my sisters from school. It's a good thing I don't have to help out at the restaurant today." Tangelo commented.
"Oh, I need to tell Cream I won't be coming over today." Mint realized.
"I thought she told you not to come over today anyway, with it being our last day of school and all." I stated.
"I was planning on showing up anyway..." Mint said shyly, "I-I don't really have anything else to do, and I didn't just want to waste the day away..."
"Well, that settles it! Let's meet up at the park in an hour! I'll see you all there!" Auburn shouted before running off before any of us could respond.
"R-Really? She's just gonna make us go like that?" Tangelo sighed. "Ah well, I'm sure at least one of us is especially excited to play with Auburn." Tangelo teased as he grinned at me. Everyone else turned their attention to me, grins and smirks all around.
"G-Guys, c-c-can you not?!" I shouted, my face completely red.
"Aw Cobalt you're so adorable now that you've realized everything!" Maple nudged me playfully.
"Ah, to be in love! It seems oh so wonderful!" Masello shouted cheerfully.
"Right?! Oh Cobalt, you and Auburn are so adorable..." Tea said happily as she spun in the air.
"S-Seriously, c-can you not? I-It's so embarrassing..."
"There's nothing to be embarrassed about dude!" Tangelo patted my back.
"Yeah, love is like the best thing in the world! Nothing to be ashamed of!" Aika added.
"There is when you guys keep teasing me about it!" I retorted. "I-I'd appreciate it if you guys would g-give me some slack here..."
"Hey you can't blame us!" Maple crossed her arms, "You denied it for so long after all!" The Braixen flipped the hair from her ears sassily, "I think it's only fair!"
"I-I fail to see how that makes it fair at all..." I groaned.
"Don't mind them Cobalt." Mint tried to cheer me up. "Let's all just head home for now and meet up at the park later." Mint waved and teleported away. Everyone else followed and left.
"Geeze..." I shook my head as I stood at the school gate alone. I looked around and saw that the entrance was mostly empty. I looked up and stared at the large building of Homura High School.
"I never imagined I would ever attend a real high school like this..." I spoke softly to myself. "Now here I am, one day from graduation, and madly in love with the future queen of the Fire Kingdom. Heh... I wonder what everyone in Miner's Town would think of this. I hope Mother and Father would at least be proud..." I pondered to myself. I gave the school one quick bow and headed home.
After about an hour we all met up at the park and followed whatever Auburn wanted to do. We played every game we used to back when we were kids: tag, hide-and-seek, even role playing. We even redid our first role play together, the same one that led to bringing Auburn and Tangelo back together all those years ago. It was very nostalgic, though a little awkward since we weren't kids anymore. Still, it was very funny, the park was filled with laughs and smiles.
"Well, well, well, what do we have here?" An uninvited voice interrupted our nostalgic get together. A Combusken with a rather disgusted look on his face stared at us at the base of the hill we were playing on. Beside him was a Quilava frowning.
Auburn rolled her eyes, "Ugh, really? Garnet what are you doing here?"
"I was training with Jon here at the battlefield." Garnet smirked and glared at me not so subtly, "Y'know, for the tournament and all."
I clenched my fists angrily and lowered my brow at him. "What do you want Garnet?"
"Oh nothing. Just checking what the loud commotion was. You guys are rather loud after all, playing like children. It was quite distracting for me while trying to practice my Fire-type attacks. You wouldn't understand, since you can't use any Fire-type moves!" The Combusken mocked, obviously trying to get a reaction out of me. "Haha, this tournament is practically in the bag! And you can't even stop me!"
"You—!" I was about to snap, but Tangelo butted in. "Tangelo!"
"Cobalt, don't. It's not worth it." The Growlithe shook his head.
"I..." I let my arms fall defeated. "Tch..."
"Okay Garnet, I think that's enough messing with them..." Jon said rather meekly.
"Hmph, fine. I'll see you all at graduation! After that it'll be at the tournament when Auburn becomes mine!"
"As if I would ever let that happen! Mark my words Garnet, you will NEVER become the king!" Auburn shouted angrily. She looked like she was ready to pounce at him any second, smoke seething out of her mouth ready to attack.
"As if you could even stop me! Farewell for now!" Garnet lazily waved and began walking away.
"Garnet wait!" Mint suddenly called out. All of us, Garnet included, looked at her with shocked expressions. The Kirlia had a very troubled expression on her face, and she looked as if she was going to cry. "Why are you like this?!"
Garnet closed his eyes and turned around, refusing to look at her.
"You were getting along with all of us! Even Auburn was beginning to tolerate you! But then, just so suddenly this year, you reverted back to how you were before high school! You became a jerk!" Mint shouted with frustration. She then looked down, her cheeks a deep red with a single tear rolling down. "I... I thought we were friends!"
"Mint..." Garnet shuddered at Mint's last words. He clenched his fists and ran off without a word.
"G-Garnet!" Mint shouted at the top of her lungs. She fell onto her knees and placed her hands over her face. "W-Why..."
"M-Mint!" All of us ran over to her side, worried for our friend.
"Guys..." Jon said sadly. "I..."
"We know Jon, it's not your fault." Maple said in a rather annoyed tone. "Garnet is Garnet. Can't really do anything about it."
"S-Still... I just wish I could be more helpful. I swear I try to stop him, but he's just been so difficult lately. I wish things could go back to how they were too."
"Y-You have to know something, Jonquil." Mint sniffled, "Please, why is Garnet like this again?"
"I-I-I..." The Quilava panicked, "I-I'm sorry, but I can't say anything. Please forgive me. He does have his reasons... But they are rather... dumb. Honestly, I hope he loses this tournament. He's making me enter it too, but if we were to miraculously go against each other... Well I could only hope I would come out as the victor." Jon sighed, "I doubt I could ever beat him though."
"I appreciate the thought, nonetheless..." Auburn smiled weakly. "Thanks Jon."
"Of course Auburn. O-Oh, and don't take it the wrong way of me entering the tournament. I have no interest in becoming the king."
"Oh I know." Auburn smirked, "I'm sure a certain someone already has caught your attention." She looked back at Maple.
Jon froze in embarrassment, and the flames on his head and rear began bursting, "I-I-I don't know what you are talking about! I-I must take my leave, farewell!" Jon then ran off before any of us could say bye.
"Ahaha, he's so silly that boy..." Maple laughed as she flipped her ear hair, her cheeks a light shade of pink. "If only he had more courage."
"You should really just ask him out already since you're so aware." Aika rolled her eyes.
"Maybe, but it's more fun this way!" Maple laughed. "More importantly, Mint that was quite the outburst."
"Y-Yeah, I-I didn't know you cared so much about G-Garnet..." Tea stuttered.
"I must say I agree with our ghostly friend here!" Masello said rather extravagantly like he always does, "I did not suspect Mint to care so much! Quite the shocker!"
"O-Oh..." Mint looked down at her feet, a slight blush to her cheeks "I'm... just disappointed in him is all."
"I'm more than just disappointed if you asked me." Auburn stuck her snout up in the air. "I can't stand him!"
"Auburn..." I said softly. I felt so... powerless. "I'm sorry..."
"It's not your fault Cobalt. It can't be helped." Auburn frowned. I felt my heart shatter into a million pieces, seeing her look defeated. She was so happy and cheerful just a few minutes ago, but then Garnet just had to show up. I wanted nothing more than to bring that smile I love so much onto her face and protect it forever.
I clenched my fists and renewed my vow with myself. I will protect Auburn. I will master Blaze Kick and I will defeat Garnet in that tournament!
Soon the day was over and graduation had finally arrived. I, together with all my friends and classmates, stood tall and proud in the Homura High School gymnasium. Our families seated on the bleachers, cheering loudly and happily as our names were called one by one to accept our diplomas. At the end, the room was filled with cheers as confetti fell on the ground and our graduation caps flew into the air.
Soon after, everyone gather at the castle to celebrate our graduation as well as Auburn's 18th birthday. It was an open event, and the castle gardens and entrance were filled with the citizens of Homura City. The castle staff were constantly busy refilling the tables with food and drinks and cleaning up.
The royal family was busy socializing, Auburn included. Normally Auburn dreaded her royal duties and socializing and such, but lately it seemed like she didn't mind. In fact, you could even say she looked like she was enjoying. I couldn't help but feel my heart skip a beat seeing Auburn mature and look so happy. Of course though, Auburn did manage to find the time to slip away to make time for us.
"I must say, I have never seen the castle so bustling!" Masello commented as he stuffed his face with food. "Such a joyous occasion, it would only make sense everyone would show up! Plus who could possibly deny free food?!"
"Masello, at least finish chewing before talking..." Maple did a facepalm as she shook her head.
"It really is so busy though, I am exhausted!" Auburn sighed.
"You seem to be enjoying yourself though. Color me surprised." Tangelo joked.
"Well as the princess I do have to uphold my responsibilities." Auburn said proudly.
"My, Her Highness is so mature now!" Mint giggled.
"It must really seem like a shock if even Mint is making fun of it..." Auburn rolled her eyes. "Really though, I have been taking this princess thing more serious. And well... it's not so bad after all." The Vulpix smiled genuinely, which of course caused me to blush heavily. She looked so cute...
"Shall we start referring you as Her Highness now?" Aika bowed playfully, "Ah I am so lucky to be such close friends with Her Highness!"
"Oh come on, enough with the jokes. You know I'm still me! Even after I evolve, I will always be me!"
"Aw Auburn!" Masello cried and gave Auburn a big hug, "I am so delighted to be your friend! May we be friends forever!"
"Friends forever!" Maple cheered and joined the hug. Soon after everyone else joined the huge hug pile.
"G-Guys... Y-You're gonna crush her..." I laughed nervously. Mint and I were the only ones not in the pile. Mint crossed her arms and shook her head.
"Oh come on Cobalt, join us! You know you wanna hug her!" Aika smirked.
"T-That's not the point!" I blushed heavily.
"G-Get off me!" Auburn yelped as she tried reaching out for me "H-Help me Cobalt!"
"All right, that's enough sentimental hug time." I clapped my hands and began pulling everyone away.
"Ahaha, s-sorry. I suppose we went a little overboard." Tangelo apologized.
"Well she's the one that usually crushes us with hugs, I just thought it was time for a little payback!" Maple giggled.
"Y-You make it sound like t-this is the first time you've all group hugged me..." The Vulpix lied on the ground, gasping for air. "G-Geeze..." Auburn complained as she got up and wiped off the dust from her. "The ceremony's gonna start and second you got my fur all messed up."
"Barely, you still look fine." Tangelo rolled his eyes. "Great even, right Cobalt?" The Growlithe smirked.
I jumped as Auburn looked over at me. "Y-Yeah, of course!" I stuttered. I glared over at Tangelo's direction, which he returned with a smirk. I can't with these guys sometimes...
"Speaking of the ceremony, it is about time you come back out Auburn." Ms. Arlyde showed up suddenly and said sternly, "So this is where you ran off to? If you wanted to make some time for your friends you could've just asked."
"M-Mom!" Auburn jumped from her mother's unexpected visit. "S-Sorry..."
"Tangelo you come as well. It will be started shortly after all."
"Yes Aunt Arylide." Tangelo nodded. "Well I'll see you all in a bit. Next time you see me we will be on stage and evolve before everyone's eyes!"
"Oh how exciting!" Masello cheered.
"Tangelo..." Aika said softly.
Tangelo walked up to his girlfriend and wrapped her in a soft embrace. "Don't worry. You'll evolve soon enough too." Tangelo looked down at Aika's neck where the Everstone once was.
"Heh, you're right. It'll only be for a short while we'll have an awkward height difference." Aika gave Tangelo a peck on his cheek, "Go now. I look forward to see how much handsome you'll be."
"S-So cute..." Tea spun on to the ground, "A-Ah... I can't take it..."
"Oh Tea..." Mint shook her head.
"Come now, let us go." Ms. Arylide instructed and walked off.
"Cobalt, when you see me again we will be at the same eye level again! I've been tired of having to constantly look up at you!" Auburn joked playfully.
"Y-Yeah!" I stuttered, "I-I look forward to seeing your evolution!" I waved as the the two of them followed the queen back out to the castle entrance. I sighed once they were out of sight.
"What's that sigh for Cobalt?" Mint asked with worry.
"Scared that Auburn's gonna become this crazy beauty that you'll faint?" Maple joked. The others giggled but I didn't.
"N-No...!" I blushed, my arms behind my back and my gaze avoiding the others and my legs shifting, "M-Maybe..."
"TOO CUTE!" Tea blurted and fell onto the ground again.
"Oh my chum is just too cute!" Masello jumped onto me and clung onto my leg.
"M-Masello, I-I'm gonna fall if you do t-that!" I tried kicking the persistent Numel off my leg, but he stubbornly clung on tightly.
"You guys are such a mess..." Mint, Maple and Aika sighed in unison.
After finally getting Masello off my leg and Tea regained consciousness, the remaining six of us headed back out to the party. A stage was set up in the center of the gardens where announcements were held through out the celebration. While Masello ran off to get more snacks, the rest of hung around the stage, waiting for the evolution ceremony to begin.
Not too long later Ms. Arylide and Mr. Cain took the stage and announced that it was time for the ceremony to begin. Soon the area in front of the stage was crowded with all the party guests, excited to witness the evolution of the princess.
Auburn had explained earlier that while it was being called a ceremony, all they were going to do was have the Fire Stones resting on top of a fancy table, and after giving a brief speech, she and Tangelo would touch the stones at the same time. Like she described, behind the king and queen was a fancy looking table with two bright orange stones resting on top.
Shortly after the announcement, Auburn and Tangelo both took the stage. Auburn stood in the center behind the mic to begin her speech. She looked completely calm and focused. Auburn was always a good public speaker. I suppose as the princess it should be expected that she would be comfortable speaking in front of a large audience.
"Ahem," Auburn adjusted the mic, "Thank you all for coming to celebrate my 18th birthday and me and my cousin's evolution." Auburn looked back at Tangelo, who nodded at her, "I, Princess Auburn, having reached the age of adulthood will now take my first real step in becoming the future queen of the Fire Kingdom. I vow that I will continue to strive to be the best princess I can be so that when it is my time to take the throne, I will be prepared to lead my people in a peaceful and prosperous future, as my parents and the previous kings and queens have done for generations."
Auburn stepped away and allowed Tangelo to take the mic, "And I too will continue to support my royal relatives to the best of my ability. While I myself do not have the blood of the royal family of the Fire Kingdom flowing in my veins, I still love this kingdom with all my heart, and will be there for Her Highness whenever she needs me."
Tangelo then took a step back, standing next to Auburn. The two of them then bowed, and the entire garden was filled with applause.
"W-Wow..." I was in awe. Their words, while brief, had so much heart and impact behind them. I was at a loss for words.
"Very impressive Auburn." Mint nodded as she clapped. "You really are taking your responsibilities more seriously."
"A-Auburn... T-Tangelo... they're so c-cool!" Tea cheered, "I simply must write a poem about them...!"
"Oh, my dear chum, you are so cooooooool!" Masello began sobbing.
"Isn't he?! Tangelo is the greatest!" Aika sobbed with Masello.
"A-Are you two seriously crying?" Maple shook her head. "It was very impressive, but come on!"
Once the applause finally died out, Auburn and Tangelo walked to the table and stood before the Fire Stones. A flurry of emotions were written across both of their faces: excitement, nervousness, happiness... But perhaps the most prominent one... was hope. A hope for a bright future. Auburn and Tangelo shared one last nod before both placing a paw on the stones.
A bright light shined from the stones and quickly enveloped the both of them. Within the blinding light, the silhouettes of my two friends began to change form. Both had grown larger, Tangelo especially. Auburn's six tails had changed formed and increased to nine. The crowd was filled with ooh's and aah's, and just as quickly as light had appeared, it soon dissipated. Where a small Vulpix and Growlithe once stood, now stands a majestic Ninetales and gallant Arcanine. The two of them slowly opened their eyes, Auburn's blazing red eyes standing out even more with her new golden fur, and Tangelo's were just as emerald as they always were.
The crowded roared after witnessing the evolution of their princess and her cousin. Mint and the others cheered loudly, with Masello and Aika crying even more. However, I felt like I was frozen in place. My eyes were glued to Auburn. She looked... absolutely gorgeous. She looked very similar to her mother, yet it was easy to tell them apart. Auburn's eyes... those beautiful blazing red eyes, they had a different feel to them compared to Ms. Arylide, being more round compared to the slanted shape of a Ninetales's eyes. The curls on her head and tails had grown out and were replaced with luscious golden fur, glimmering from the spotlight shining on them.
"Auburn..." I said under my breath. I was absolutely captivated by her beauty. It was breathtaking just staring at her. I felt my heart racing like crazy, pounding so loudly as if it were going to burst out of my chest. She looked like as if Arceus himself had—
"COBALT!"
"Wha—?!" I snapped out of my trance. "W-What is it?! What's going on?!"
"Cobalt my chum, we've been calling you for what seems like an eternity!" Masello cried.
"Now now, no need to exaggerate, it's been more like five minutes, which of course is still a long time..." Maple shurgged. "Cobalt, you're completely smitten, aren't' you?"
"S-Smitten?! W-What do you mean?"
"She's referring to the fact that you were staring at Auburn, completely awestruck and frozen in place, and not responding to us at all." Mint explained, "Even Aika wasn't reacting like that."
"A-Although..." Tea gestured at the Poochyena, who was jumping and squealing and gushing to herself how handsome Tangelo looked now, "S-She's got it bad in a d-different kind of way, b-but that's beside the point."
"Auburn looks stunning, doesn't she?" Maple nudged me playfully.
"...That's an understatement." I shook my head.
"Ohmigosh Cobalt have I told you how happy I am that you're so honest with yourself now?!" Tea squealed.
"O-Only like a million times..." I shook my head. "Maple you were right. I was completely smitten. I feel as if I've fallen in love with her all over again..."
"Aw, Cobalt!" Maple smacked my back.
"O-Ow! What was that for?!"
"You're such a little goober, you know that? So sweet!"
"D-Don't tease me...! I-It's not my fault..." I looked back up at the stage and stared at Auburn again. "I have to do this. I need to master Blaze Kick."
"You have a month left chum! That is plenty of time! I am most certain you will make it on time!" Masello cheered.
"You have our support Cobalt. Coburnt must become a reality." Tea said in a demanding tone as she stared me down.
"I-I'm really trying...!" I shoo'd the Lampent away, "I really am, but time is running out."
"One month... It sounds like a long time, and yet it isn't at the same time." Maple crossed her arms.
"But like Tea said, you have our support. And Father is helping as well. At the very least, you have become stronger training under him. Keep it up Cobalt, I have faith in you." Mint reassured me with confidence.
"You guys..." I was moved. I really do have the best friends a Pokemon could ask for. "Thank you."
I spent the next four weeks putting in all my effort into training and trying to master Blaze Kick. With school being over, I had much more free time to train, though Mr. Ray wasn't always available since he is a nurse after all. When he wasn't free I received help from all my friends, training on battling against Fire-types as well as trying to increase my resistance against them. While it was still super effective damage, I feel like my training was really paying off as I'm able to grit the pain more well.
As for Blaze Kick practice... I only wished that was going as well as my normal fighting training. As the day of the tournament became closer and closer, I began to panic more and more frantically. If it wasn't for the help of Mr. Ray and my friends, I definitely would've passed out from overexerting myself again...
It was now the day before the tournament. I... I still haven't learned Blaze Kick yet. I had spent the entire day training with Mr. Ray and my friends. It was already nightfall, and my friends had already left, regret and grief clearly written on their faces as they returned home one by one.
"Cobalt..." Mr. Ray softly whispered my name regretfully, "I'm... so sorry..."
"Oh Cobalt..." Mint cried. I looked up at her, our eyes meeting. She, along with Aika have fully evolved now, and the Gardevoir's deep blue eyes began to sparkle with tears forming.
"Mint... Mr. Ray..." I took a deep breath, "It's really over now... isn't it...?"
"I... I'm afraid so..." Mr. Ray lamented. The Gallade placed a hand on my shoulder. "You did your best. But I'm afraid the task really was impossible to begin with..."
"Cobalt I'm so sorry..." Mint wept. Tears were now rolling down the Gardevoir's cheeks rapidly. "I-I... I should've know this wasn't possible... I shouldn't have gotten your h-hopes up..."
"Guys, it's okay. I was the one that wanted to do this." I closed my eyes and bowed, not only to thank them... but to also avoid their frowns, "I thank you both for all your help. It is... regrettable I couldn't learn Blaze Kick, but all this training did not go to waste. At the very least, I am much stronger." I returned from my bow and gave the two the most forced smile I've ever had to make in my life. "I can still protect everyone with this strength. All I can do now... is hope Garnet does not win tomorrow and that the lucky man that does treats Auburn right..."
"C-Cobalt...!" Mint cried and embraced me in a hug. She planted her face on my shoulder, her tears wetting my fur.
"M-Mint..." I placed a paw on her back. "I-I'm fine... R-Really... It's okay..." I held back my tears. I didn't want to cry. I've already cried so much ever since I've evolved. Ever since I realized I was in love with Auburn... Ever since I realized how much of a lost cause this was...
I gently broke Mint's hug and wiped the tears of her cheeks. "It's okay Mint. I-I... I should get going now. I'll see you tomorrow at the tournament..." I gave one quick bow and ran off before they could say anything. I heard Mr. Ray and Mint both cry out my name, but I didn't care. I already thanked them for everything, there was nothing else to be said. If I stayed any longer... I would've just cried my eyes out.
I ran off with no real destination. My eyes were closed tightly shut... in a poor attempt to hold my tears in. I felt so... defeated and miserable. I wasted the past two months trying to do the impossible, and of course I failed. Deep down I knew I was going to fail, and now that it has become a reality I just wanted to run away from everything.
This pain I felt inside me... it hurt... This broken and empty feeling... this feeling of hopelessness and despair... I haven't felt something like this since the tragedy over 10 years ago. It felt silly, comparing my broken heart with the pain of losing my family and home, but... I suppose that's just how much Auburn means to me.
Eventually I had worn myself out from running away and I stopped in my tracks. I slowly opened my eyes as I gasped for air and observed my surroundings.
"This is... the forest? I ran this far off?" I could recognize this scenery at any time of the day. It was the very same forest I spent much of my childhood in. The same forest where I saved Auburn's life almost two months ago. And... the same forest Auburn saved my life 10 years ago...
I walked around a bit in the night forest trying to calm myself down. While I did recognize the forest, I was in a part that I often did not play in. And yet... there was this strange sense of nostalgia in the air.
"O-oh!" I shouted as I suddenly remembered what part of the forest I was in. There was a rather large slope before me covered in shrub and such, and that's when it finally hit me. This very same hill... was the hill I fell of from 10 years ago. Where I stood was the same area that Auburn found me...
"W-Who's there?!" An unknown voice shouted. I flinched back and got in a fighting stance. This area of the forest is generally safe with very little wild Pokemon, but it was nighttime after all. "C-Cobalt?!" A Ninetales had emerged from behind one of the trees.
"A-A-Auburn?!" My heart jumped, "W-What are you doing here?!"
"I-I...um..." Auburn looked away, shifting her paws, "I come out here when I need some time to myself to think..."
"O-Oh, I see." I sighed. Auburn was the last Pokemon I wanted to see right now, but at least it wasn't a wild Pokemon. I gazed at the beautiful Ninetales and I instantly felt like bawling my eyes out. My heart was pounding like crazy in pain. "I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to intrude your alone time. I'll...um... I'll leave you be."
"N-No, don't go!" Auburn shouted desperately. Her face and eyes... she looked like she was in pain. As if she was calling for help.
"Auburn...?"
"O-Oh um.. I'm sorry..." Auburn apologized. Something was wrong with her, I could only guess it has to do with tomorrow.
"N-No..." I walked up and stood beside her, "I'll stay if you want."
"C-Cobalt..." Auburn smiled, her blazing red eyes lighting up, "Thanks..." Auburn took a seat under the tree and gestured to sit beside her.
I gulped and hesitantly sat beside her. The two of us sat so closely, I could feel her golden fur rub up against me. I felt my cheeks heat up and my heart was pounding even faster than it was before. Ever since Auburn's birthday, the two of us haven't had many chances to hang out, with her busy with her royal duties and me training. I looked over at her and saw she was frowning again.
"A-Auburn..." I decided to break the silence, "Are you okay?"
"H-Huh?" Auburn winced suddenly, "O-Oh... I'm okay for the most part..."
"It's about tomorrow, isn't it?"
"Yeah..." Auburn sighed deeply. "I'm... honestly so scared."
"Scared?" My eyes widened.
"Tomorrow, I will meet my future husband. I'm... scared I won't like him. I'm scared he will be a jerk, just using me for my royal status... And I'm even more scared that that jerk will be Garnet..." Auburn began sobbing. "Cobalt... I'm so scared..." Auburn had suddenly hugged me tightly. While I was used to Auburn's sudden hugs, this one was different... and not in a good way.
I was completely heartbroken. At this point, it had truly hit me: Auburn was in danger, and there was absolutely nothing I could do to save her.
I returned the Ninetales's embraced and rubbed her back gently to calm her down. "It'll... it'll be okay Auburn. Don't worry. Even if a jerk ends up winning... Even if Garnet ends up winning... We'll find a way to fix him up. I will find a way to fix him up."
"Cobalt..." Auburn sobbed softly, "T-Thank you... I'm so glad to have you in my life." She broke the hug and gazed at me happily.
"I... I'm grateful for you too, Auburn." I forced a weak smile. I tried to look happy on the outside, but on the inside I had a mixture of all the negative emotions. I felt pain, despair, fear... and most of all, anger. I was so angry at myself that I couldn't do anything. I felt so angry that Auburn has to go through all this. It was just... so frustrating.
"By the way Cobalt..." Auburn had gotten up and stood in front of me. "Do you know where we are?" She said with a somewhat playful tone.
"As a matter a fact, I do." I got up and walked closer to the base of the slope. "It was right here, where we met."
"Oh, you do know!" Auburn said happily, "I had thought you might've forgotten since we never played over here. Whenever we played in the forest I purposely avoided this area. Didn't want to reopen any old wounds after all."
"That's very considerate of you, Your Highness." I joked.
"Hey, I'm being serious here!" Auburn pouted. She's so adorable...
"I know! I'm just teasing you! I really do appreciate the thought Auburn." I examined the area. Memories of that fateful day began to play in my mind. I really did think I was going to die that day...
"You know Cobalt, when I said I come here when I want alone time, I actually mean I come here whenever I'm feeling... scared or upset."
"Oh? Why?"
"H-Honestly..." Auburn stuttered, a faint blush forming on her cheeks. "It's because this is where I met you. This place reminds me of you... A-And the thought of you always c-calms me down..."
"A-Auburn..." I was shocked. Does she... Is it possible what Mint told me really is true...? I shook my head, because even if it was true, in the end it doesn't even matter. And yet...
I clenched my fists tightly. I could feel my cheeks were on fire at this point. I wanted... to confess so badly right now. I wanted to know... if she possibly felt the same way. But I had to resist. Opening up our hearts like that would do nothing but cause more pain.
"Hehe... Sorry Cobalt. I'm sure that's pretty embarrassing to hear... I just... wanted you to know."
"I-I...Umm..." I was completely flustered. "N-No, you're fine. It makes me happy... knowing I calm you down. Really. That's sweet of you Auburn."
"C-Cobalt..." Auburn's eyes widened. "Hehe..." She laughed quietly. "I-I, um, should g-get going now. I've got a long day ahead of me tomorrow." She stuttered nervously.
"Y-Yeah... a long day..." I said sadly.
"Goodnight Cobalt..." Auburn bowed and smiled. That smile... so much pain was hiding behind that smile.
"Goodnight Auburn..." I stood alone in the forest as the Ninetales slowly disappeared from my view. I waited a long time, until I was for sure Auburn had exited for the forest. I closed my eyes and even used my aura to sense if she or anyone was still here. Once I was completely sure I was alone... I finally let it all out.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRGGGGGGGGGHHH!" I shouted at the top of my lungs and collapsed onto the ground. I punched the earth with all my pent up despair and frustration, damaging the soil, and also wetting it with my tears.
"WHY?! WHY DOES IT HAVE TO BE LIKE THIS?!" I cried out loudly. I didn't care that it was late in the night. I didn't care of possibly attracting the attention of wild Pokemon. I didn't care about anything... Except her...
I got up from the ground and wiped my tears. I clenched my fists and punched a nearby boulder with everything I had, destroying it into a million pieces. It hurt my fist, but nothing could hurt more than this pain in my heart. I was out of control. I had never felt like this before.
I hastily turned around, looking for another boulder to let out all my pent up rage. I found a bigger boulder a few feet away. I ran up to it and kicked it with all my might. The boulder smashed into tiny bits, the pebbles engulfed in flames and falling onto the ground like mini meteors— Wait, engulfed in flames?!
"H-Huh?!" I stood back. I stared at where the boulder once stood, a large black spot with smoke fuming took the boulders place.
"S-Smoke?! W-Why is there smoke?! W-Was that f-f-fire?!" I panicked. I had kicked the boulder with all my rage, and I could've sworn it was on fire. Were my eyes playing games with my mind?!
I decided to try kicking like I did just now. I focused all my energy and emotions into my leg and swiftly kicked the air, a trail of blazes following the path of my kick and briefly brightening up the area.
"N-N-No way!" I exclaimed. "Is this for real?!" I kicked again and again, each time my leg covered in flames.
I was in awe. I couldn't believe it. I decided to pinch my cheeks to make sure I was dreaming. After yelping in pain, it really began to sink in. I gave it one last shot to truly believe that this was a reality, and again my kick was ablaze.
"I... I did it... I... I DID IT!" I shouted in joy. All the blood, sweat and tears... So so many tears... My eyes began to water and thoughts of Auburn flooded my mind. Arceus has blessed me, as I finally did the impossible.
I had successfully learned Blaze Kick. I took a deep breath and shouted out my vow to let the entire world know.
"Auburn... I will protect you!"
YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
So before any of you say anything, yes I am aware Blaze Kick is a TR in SWSH. And yes I'm aware Lucario can learn it... But like y'know we can just pretend TMs and TRs don't exist in this world. Y-Y-Yeahh...!
So a lot happened here, but the most important part is Cobalt finally learned Blaze Kick! Next chapter is gonna be the tournament, and we are slowly but surely approaching the end of this long ass story that I've spent 5 years on T_T
I really wanna end this before the 5th anniversary (it's on April 9!) but knowing my track record that ain't happening. The next chapter I feel is especially gonna be hard to write because I'm so bad at action scenes... Regardless it WILL come out one day.
Anyway thanks for reading~