28. A Grove of Graves

"And checkmate."

Blue couldn't help but smirk at the chessboard. He didn't get a lot of chances to win at, well, anything. Chess was one of the few things he knew he was good at. He had enough practice after all.

He then decided to look at his opponent, and his smirk turned into fear as the Pancham glared back at the board. Pana's arms were outstretched, just in awe at how fast the game had gone south. He swore he could see an actual vein bulging on her forehead. It was honestly amazing how she could switch from being cute to utterly terrifying on the dot. He was then glad she couldn't read minds. He hoped. The more he thought about it the safer that bet sounded, considering the fact that she was the worst chess player he'd ever seen.

And considering Scales was also really bad, that was saying something.

She took a deep breath before she responded. "I hate this game."

"It's not that bad," Rio said, playing with a Bone Rush, gently tapping Scales every time he looked like he was gonna doze off. If he wasn't asleep before being attacked, there was no danger of Sleep Talk. "You just suck at it."

"Oh like you're any better!"

"I am. I beat you."

"That was a fluke!"

"So were the other fifty-four games."

Blue was sure Pana was gonna try and tear his throat out at that jab, and he honestly wasn't sure who'd win in that exchange. All he did know was that he didn't want to see it. Luckily, neither did Scales. Now fully awake, he wriggled between the two, his scales suddenly taking a metallic sheen.

"Let's not," the dragon said. "Please."

Pana gave Rio one last death glare, and the Riolu gave her one more smirk, before they both backed off. Blue sighed in relief, and then smelled something familiar. It was faint, and he never would have smelled it over everything else if it wasn't so familiar. It was sweet and nutty smell. Suddenly he was back in his mothers kitchen, watching her get dinner ready for the rush of customers.

Mom's stew.

They were here.

…

"Here we are little Disasters," Artei said, smiling. "Welcome to Redwood!"

Blue just gazed around at the town square. It hadn't changed in the past two years. The cobbled street clattered under the Mudsdale's hoofs, the only sound in the early morning. Sunlight shone between the tree branches that both surrounded and made up the town. The massive, wide tree trunks that made up the houses were as rooted in as ever.

The fountain at the center was as well-maintained as ever. The statue of Keldeo, as majestic in its form, smoothly shot water out of its reared up hooves. The Sword of Justice's horn shone brilliantly in the sun's rays. The founder really knew how to pose. Blue wondered if he was trapped in the Labyrinth too. He hoped not, that legendary was one of his heroes!

Rio's whistle snapped him out of his thoughts.

"You weren't kidding about the tree thing," he said. "Why's it so empty?"

"It's still early," Blue explained. "Most are still asleep."

"Well," Pana said, walking over. "Where are we staying then? Where's a good place to drop our shit off?"

She gestured to Scales, who was carrying all their stuff. Some of the gummies Rio got from the guildmaster, camping equipment, and most of all Pana's small fortune of crystals and gold. Just in case according to her. Besides a yawn, he didn't seem too bothered by it.

"Well," Artei said, considering. "We're gonna stick around for a while. You could-"

"No," Blue interrupted, catching a whiff of the stew once again. "We have a place. Thank you for the ride, Mr. Artei."

Before the horse, or anyone could stop him, he started to follow the scent. The restaurant wasn't far away, just a little west of the fountain, built into the biggest tree on that side of town. It was hard to miss. It hadn't changed much.

The two tables that sat outside the tree restaurant were as well maintained as ever, the large tooth-carved door sat shut, two panes of glass built in the top, bottom, and middle for customers of all sizes. A wooden open sign hung on the doorknob. A sign sat right over the door.

The Cheeky Chipmunk.

Home.

He couldn't do this. How would mom react if he just walked in, no warning? The restaurant kept her busy all day, for Arceus's sake! How would the triplets? Sure, he missed them but if they got too excited nothing would get done!

How would Red?

The Bidoof shook his head. No. This could wait till closing time, at least. Maybe even until tomorrow. They could camp in the woods for now. That would work! Maybe even by dad…

"This the place?" Rio asked, sending a shock through Blue. "It's nice!"

"Yeah," Blue said, failing to keep the dejection out of his voice. "It really is. It's probably really busy right now, we'll have to-"

"There's four Pokemon in there, and they all seem nice enough." Rio interrupted. "They're even open."

Stupid Aura sense.

"Well yeah, but-"

"Why are you nervous?"

"It's… just been a while."

"Want me to walk in with you? Just me?"

"...Please."

Pana and Scales weren't here yet, she was probably carefully watching the dragon to make sure he didn't drop any of her stash. It would be best to introduce them slowly. Yeah, slowly.

The two walked up to the door. Blue could hear his heart beating in his ears. What would they think? What would they say? Would they be mad? Glad? Why didn't he think this through, for Arceus's sake?

He felt Rio put a paw on him, bringing him back to reality. The Bidoof took a deep breath, got on his hind legs, and pushed the door open. A small bell chimed. He and the Riolu stepped inside.

It looked just like he remembered. The tables for smaller Pokemon were clustered around the center of the restaurant, carved into the floor. Higher tables were to the side, some even carved out of the wall. The counter on the other side of the room blocked a, take a guess, wooden door. Blue was really glad his parents decided to make the kitchen out of less flammable material. Another door, right next to it, led upstairs, where his family actually lived. It looked like they weren't in the shop itself, but the footsteps coming told the two that was about to change.

"Coming!" A light, squeaky voice said. Blue took another deep breath, waiting. In seconds, a plump Greedent with a flowery apron walked through the door, stretching and eyes closed.

"Welcome to The Cheeky Chipmunk," she said, opening her eyes. "What can I-"

She paused when she got a good look at the duo, and tears started welling in her eyes. She put her paws to her mouth, trying to process. Blue felt really bad now. He made his mother cry, for Arceus's sake.

"Hi mom," Blue said. "Sorry for-"

"BLUE!" the Greedent leaped over the counter, rushing up to her son, picking him up, and wrapping him in a tight hug. Blue could feel himself turning the color of his namesake as she squeezed.

"You're back! How was the big city? You feel thin, have you been eating? Are you hurt? When did you get here? Why don't you write more?"

Blue would have loved to answer, but the lack of air in his lungs was getting in the way of that. Eventually she loosened her grip, and Blue could breathe once again. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Rio picking lost strands of fur out of his mouth, probably from her tail.

"I'm ok mom," Blue said, now hugging her back. "I missed you. Where are-"

"They're still asleep. They'll be so happy to see you!"

It took a while for her to let go. When she did, the large squirrel finally noticed Rio.

"And who is this?" she said, looking down at the slightly shorter fighting type.

"The name's Rio," he said, waving. "Nice to meet you ma'am."

"Please, my name is Nutmeg. Now, how do you know my son?"

"Well, we invited him to join our team."

"Oh! Well, thank you for having my son! I know he can be a bit of a handful."

"Mom," Blue groaned.

"Nah," Rio said. "He's been great actually."

Blue couldn't help but disagree, but he kept his mouth shut. Mom didn't need to know just how bad he could mess up. She had enough to worry about.

"Are there more of you?" she asked, now done patting herself down. "Do you have a place to stay?"

"Nah," Rio answered before Blue could stop him. "We just got here."

"Well you do now. You're all welcome under this roof. You can all sleep in Blue's old room, there should be plenty of room."

Remembering Scales, Blue seriously doubted that. Maybe if he crouched? Either way it was worth a shot. Then he remembered something that definitely wouldn't let that work.

"What about Red?" Blue asked. "Where's he gonna sleep?"

"Oh! Honey, Red moved out a while ago. Struck out on his own! I should go over, tell him you're back!"

Blue's blood ran cold. Mom he could talk to, the triplets he could deal with, but not Red. Not yet. He wasn't ready. He had no idea what he was gonna say! He needed time, he needed a way out, at least for now.

He needed to see dad.

"Actually," Blue said, looking away. "I wanna visit dad before I see him…"

"Oh," her eyes fell. "Of course. Take your time."

"Want me to come with?" Rio asked, probably picking up on the shift in emotion.

"No." Blue answered immediately. "I'm good. Thanks."

Before Rio could ask, Blue was out the door, his own bag in his teeth.

…

The north end of town had the tallest trees, stretching higher and wider than any by far. The novelty had worn off long before this visit. Blue slipped through the largest trees and into the massive grove ahead.

None of the trees were as big as the two at the unofficial entrance, but in a few decades they might be. They were reminders. Food, drink, hand-drawn pictures, even some weapons were at the base of each tree. Blue was careful to give each one a wide berth. It wouldn't be right to step too close. Very rude.

Besides, he only had eyes for one. The one towards the end of the grove.

It was one of the smaller trees, being here for much less time than the others, only about six feet tall. Its branches were filled with little arts and crafts, and a cold bowl of stew sat next to its base. Blue added his own offering, the bowl of gummi's Rio gave him so many weeks ago. It was still full. Blue sat down, staring at the trunk, and taking a deep breath.

"Hi dad," Blue said after a while. "I'm back."

The wind blew through the trees, shaking the triplets art. Drawings, little wooden sculptures, even some of the pencils used to make them.

"I'm doing ok," the Bidoof continued. "Made it to the big city, helped the guild out, I even managed to join an exploration team. Just… a lot later than I wanted."

The tree didn't respond. Blue honestly wasn't sure how he'd react if it did. Happy? Horrified? Some mix of both?

"They're good Pokemon," he went on. "Maybe a little crazy, but what isn't nowadays? They helped me so much…"

Blue reached into his bag, pulling out his old silver one. He asked the guildmaster if he could keep it for this visit, as something he could leave him. She agreed, taking the psychic tracking function out. He laid it next to the pot.

"I'm gold-ranked now," he went on. "All thanks to them. I'll…"

He took another deep breath, forcing the tears down. He sniffled, and continued.

"I'll make you proud. I swear."

He sniffled again, just sitting in the Grove of Graves. Kind of a morbid name, the more he thought about it. These graves would endure, would live, for hundreds of years. Blue couldn't help but wonder if the owners did too.

"Blue?"

The Bidoof froze at the familiar voice. He really didn't want to talk to him yet, but there was no avoiding it now. He took a deep breath, and turned to face his older brother.

The Bibarel was wearing his red bandana around his neck, standing on two legs. His tail waved as he walked, eyes shining with joy and tears. He could see the glint of his one stone, his blue Z-Crystal, peeking out from under the bandana. He really was the spitting image of dad. He was carrying his own offering, a small log of birch wood. Red ran up to his little brother, giving him a tight hug.

"You're back! You're back!"

Blue could only hug his brother back, not realizing how much he actually missed him.

He wondered how long that would last.