Chapter 35
"Dillon."
"Huh?" The boy in question faces his sister.
Groaning, Amy hisses, "Are you even listening to me?"
"Yeah. You said you hope Jane is okay." answers Dillon while Pika and Amy facepalm.
"I asked if you've called mom yet!" exclaims the girl. In the past, Dillon would intentionally ignore Amy due to his apathetic nature. However, he's not that same Dillon anymore. Every since he got arrested, Amy has noticed Dillon is often lost in thought.
"Oh. Uh. No, but I texted her."
"Chu…" Pikachu sighs in defeat.
Rolling her eyes, Amy leans into her seat. This is the best response she'll get out of her brother. "Are you okay? You've been spacing out a lot lately."
"Yeah." Comes the somewhat quiet response. He can't tell her that his mind keeps wandering back to Kanto. To their family. To his friends who may not be his friends anymore. Furrowing his brows, Dillon tries to focus back up at the closed curtains.
They're currently at the Blackthorn City contest. Jane is backstage, so the Ketchum siblings are waiting for her to perform. Amy was complaining about Felix the whole time, saying someone like him doesn't deserve to participate in the contest. Amy can't wait for Jane or Romeo to defeat Felix today. Although Dillon is equally as annoyed with the bully, Dillon will let Romeo solve his own problems. Dillon won't get involved again unless Felix wants to say something about Jane or Amy.
Although Amy is skeptical of Dillon's response, she won't pry. Instead, she defeatedly mutters to Burn, "I wish he'd talk to me more."
"Cynda." The fire type frowns.
Backstage, Jane is giving her Pokemon a final pep talk in a secluded part of the hall. She's not in the designated room for the coordinators, though not all coordinators need to be in there. They just need to be on stage when called. Plus, Jane doesn't like being in a stuffy room with a bunch of experienced coordinators. It makes her nervous.
"We got this! Let's get our third ribbon!"
"Um!" Nala cheers too.
"Bay bayleef!" Bayleef is excited for another contest. It's felt like ages since their last. The other Pokemon join in, alleviating everyone's nerves a bit.
"Don't get too confident." comes an arrogant voice nearby.
"Pichu!" Pichu sparks his cheeks protectively in front of Jane.
Grinning nervously, Jane faces her rival. "Hi, Romeo."
The boy chuckles while his Houndoom stares down the little Pichu. "You're a lot stronger than last time, but not as strong as me." Romeo sits beside her.
Jane continues petting Nala. "I've grown a lot. Don't underestimate me. I won't be embarrassed by you like last time."
"We'll see about that." Romeo likes teasing Jane. He knows she's a much better coordinator and trainer now, making him eager for them to meet in the tournament. She did beat him in a battle the other day. Romeo wants to see how she's improved in contests. It's been months since he last saw her, and even then, she was a terrible coordinator. She's learned a lot.
"I'm gonna make sure I'm a rival worthy of you." Even though Jane got Romeo's approval of being his rival months ago, she doesn't feel equal yet. She wants to earn the title of his rival. Thus, she faces him with a large smile again. A smile that makes his heart pick up speed. "So make sure you go harder on me than last time!"
Turning to hide the blush appearing on his cheeks, Romeo spots his Houndoom and Jane's Pichu engaged in an intense glaring match. "Uh. I think we should stop them before Houndoom eats Pichu for lunch."
Jane follows Romeo's gaze and sweatdrops. She feels like she has very outgoing and wild Pokemon. Aipom is constantly getting into trouble, and now she has the little Pichu who wants to prove himself. She won't be using him for contests just yet. Not until they can better control his electricity. "Pichu, stop!"
"Chu!" Pichu sparks his cheeks, but that just hurts him instead.
Houndoom lets out an amused puff of smoke. "Houndoom, return!" Romeo calls to the dog who now obediently looks at his trainer. It's only now does Houndoom spot a beauty beside Romeo. The fire type is completely infatuated and stunned, making Romeo confused. "Houndoom?"
"Is everything okay?" Jane worriedly asks her friend.
Romeo gets up to approach Houndoom. "What's wrong, Houndoom? Are you not feeling well?"
"Houn?" Houndoom cocks his head to the side, but his eyes are still on the unsuspecting Nala. Since when did Jane have an Umbreon? A beautiful one at that.
The concerned boy decides to look where his Pokemon is looking, which is when Romeo spots Jane's Umbreon. Looking back between the two, Romeo furrows his brows in annoyance. "Now is not the time, Houndoom!"
"Doom?" Houndoom blushes innocently at his trainer. At least now, the dog is out of his infatuation.
"What was it? Is he better now?" Jane asks.
"Uh. Yeah. He's fine." No way will Romeo let Jane know of this weakness of theirs. Bending down to his loyal Pokemon's ear, Romeo whispers, "Don't blow this contest!"
"Hound!" Houndoom determinedly nods.
While Romeo's starter Pokemon was a Mudkip who is now his Marshtomp, Romeo's first Pokemon he caught was Houndoom last year in Hoenn. Romeo got Marshtomp from Professor Birch, and Romeo got a Bagon egg from his parents. After walking through the Petalburg Woods, Romeo ran into a heavily injured Houndoom who had been left behind and abused by his previous trainer.
Romeo spent a few weeks gaining Houndoom's trust while helping him recover too. Rather than going to compete in his first contest as an eager first year coordinator, Romeo selflessly and patiently took time to watch over the injured dog. This is the Romeo those close to him know, so Houndoom always wishes his trainer happiness.
Before Jane can say anything else to Romeo, they both hear a sneer. Jane inwardly groans, and Romeo flinches subconsciously. "Why, we meet again." Cackles the white haired boy who swings an arm around Romeo's shoulders. Houndoom growls threateningly, but Felix's Gligar keeps a wary eye on him.
"Leave us alone." Jane pulls Romeo away from Felix, causing Romeo to now blush from her touch rather than being intimidated by Felix.
Why is Romeo like this around Felix but very confident and arrogant around anyone else? The same exact reason Romeo's mother was upset with him for beating Jane the way he did months ago. Romeo knows how it feels to be utterly embarrassed, though unlike Jane, Romeo is not as resilient. He hid away, especially after Felix continued to beat him all last year. It's just ingrained in Romeo now to avoid Felix. To feel inferior to him.
Felix rolls his eyes and walks past him. "I got a sneak peak for ya. I'm winning today." Getting arrested the other day has really pissed Felix off. Also, Dillon bruised Felix's face, ruining his contest image. Felix is fueled even more to win this contest.
Once Felix is in the coordinator room and out of the hall, Jane angrily mutters, "He's such a bully." Not hearing anything from the boy beside her, she curiously glances over at Romeo. "Romeo?"
"Uh. What?"
Frowning slightly, Jane recalls how Romeo always freezes up around Felix. At least this time, Felix didn't stick around too long to say more. "Why are you so scared of Felix?"
"I'm not scared of him." Romeo responds uncomfortably.
"Houn houndoom." Houndoom disagrees, earning him a glare from his trainer.
"Everytime Felix comes around, you freeze up." Jane notes.
Throwing his hands up in annoyance, Romeo walks past Jane. This is not a conversation he wants to have. While he usually wants to avoid contest with Felix in them, Romeo doesn't want to let anyone think he's scared of Felix. Romeo especially can't let Felix think this either. "I just don't feel like he's worth my time or breath." Lies the boy who now disappears too.
Jane looks at her Pokemon. "This doesn't feel right."
"Bayleef." Bayleef nods in agreement since she's known Romeo as long as her trainer has.
Jane, Felix, and Romeo make it through the first round of screening. Only the top four trainers make it to the battle rounds, so it's a huge feat for Jane to be here. The Blackthorn City contest is a large contest with many participants. There is an intermission between the screening and the battles; thus, Jane meets her friends in the lobby.
"You did it, Jane!" Amy tackles her friend in a hug.
"Good job." Dillon smiles at Jane, causing her to blush.
"Thanks, guys! I couldn't have done it without all your help training me." Although the Ketchums are battlers, Jane understands that being a strong trainer equates to being a strong coordinator. Training alongside her talented friends has given her a huge edge in a short amount of time.
"You're facing Romeo in the first battle. Are you ready for him?" Amy inquires because they were notified of the upcoming battle pairings.
"I guess it's good he's against me instead of Felix." Jane sheepishly scratches the back of her head. How would Romeo fare against Felix? Would he freeze up like he's been doing all week?
"Pi pikachu." Pika sighs worriedly.
"Romeo's old enough to handle his own problems. Don't go easy on him." Dillon is tired of the girls fretting over Romeo's issues. Romeo needs to grow up and take care of Felix already. It's not that difficult.
"I never ask for pity." comes a very salty response that belongs to the cousin in question.
The group turn their heads to see Romeo approach them. "Then handle your shit because these nosey girls are giving you it."
"Fuck off, Dillon." growls Romeo as he steps into Dillon's face.
"Take that same energy to your bully over there." Dillon fires back as Amy grabs her brother and Jane grabs Romeo.
"Okay, guys, stop." Amy warns them. Eyes nearby are now watching, and Romeo cannot get disqualified for this.
Scoffing, Dillon states, "You're a fucking wuss who's gonna keep losing to your bully."
"Dillon!" scolds Amy, but Romeo frees himself from Jane's grasp to tackle Dillon into the ground. Gasps from the nearby people cause them to form a circle around the boys as Romeo grabs Dillon's collar.
"Don't talk about my issues when you have bigger ones, Dillon! Everyone hates you! Your whole family hates you! Just because you stopped getting arrested every week doesn't mean you're a changed person! You're still a fucking asshole!" exclaims the furious Hoenn native. "You're the reason your dad left!"
"Romeo!" Jane and Amy shout, but it's too late. Dillon exchanges the first blow, followed by Romeo. The tension between the two is unleashed as they're involved in an all out brawl on the ground.
Fed up with the situation, Amy commands Pika, "Thunderbolt, Pika!"
"Pikaaaachuuuuuuu!" Pika unleashes a weak thunderbolt, slightly paralyzing the boys.
By now, security has caught up. Before anyone can register what's going on, Dillon and Romeo are thrown out of the contest hall; disqualifying Romeo from it. Amy is also thrown out because she used Pika to attack. Fortunately, Jane was not kicked out too. As much as Jane tried to go with her friends, Amy wouldn't let her.
Now, Romeo, Dillon, and Amy are watching the contest in the lobby of the Pokemon Center with Amy sitting between the bruised boys. Each boy has an ice pack to his face. They're lucky they weren't arrested, though Romeo is now forbidden from competing in Blackthorn City this year, meaning he'll have to earn his last ribbon at another contest hall. Cherrygrove should be easy, but Romeo does not want easy.
"How old are you two?" Amy once again angrily hisses at the boys. They're the reason no one is at the contest hall to physically support Jane. To cheer on Jane! The only good thing to come out of that dumb brawl is that Jane automatically moved on to the final round because her opponent got disqualified. However, Romeo should not have gotten himself disqualified.
"He started it." mutters Romeo.
"You're such a fucking kid." growls Dillon.
"Pika!" Pika warns them, causing the boys to fall silent again.
Although Felix's battle is on the tv, only Amy is watching it. Romeo doesn't like watching his bully, though he should to grow and learn. Dillon doesn't care for contests, but he only watches Jane's to support her. "I hope Felix loses here." Amy says.
"He's a stronger trainer than that girl." Dillon yawns. The girl battling against Felix is very flashy with her attacks. However, being flashy is not enough to win a contest. If her Pokemon faint, she loses, and Felix's Pokemon are much stronger than hers. Dillon expects the battle to end soon. Another reason he isn't interested in it is because it's such a one-sided battle.
"That's fine." Amy sits up eagerly. "We'll watch Jane destroy him in the finals!"
"Felix can't be taken lightly." Romeo grumbles under his breath. As much as he hates talking about his bully, Romeo knows Felix is a strong coordinator. Dillon rolls his eyes with an annoyed cough. Hearing the snide breath, Romeo glares at his older cousin. "Say it louder." Dillon shakes his head in mock amusement. He's not going to entertain Romeo, nor will Dillon get into another fight.
"Stop it, guys!" Amy snaps, causing the boys to finally fall silent again.
At the contest hall, Jane is giving her Pokemon one final pep talk in the back. Unfortunately, this also means Felix is back there getting ready for the final competition. The veteran walks by Jane to say, "Don't get your hopes up. You and Romeo are nothing to me."
Jane and Nala shoot Felix a glare, especially for interrupting their pre-match routine. Standing up, Jane meets Felix's amused eyes. "Bullies get nothing, Felix. I'm gonna beat you today, and Romeo will beat you next time. I guarantee it."
Laughing in amusement, Romeo continues on towards the stage. "Those are big words. Too bad they're not true." The boy then disappears, leaving Jane to furrow her brows at the door he exited from.
"Um!" Nala growls alongside her trainer.
"We're gonna win, Nala. For Romeo and us." This is the largest contest she's competed in since Goldenrod City. She lost twice in Goldenrod City, so to make sure she's ready for the Grand Festival, Jane needs to win in a big city, like Blackthorn City. It's not as large as Goldenrod, but it's much better than Cherrygrove and Azalea Town.
After the MC introduces the finalists, the double battle commences. Felix uses his Manectric and Volbeat while Jane uses Nala and Aipom. Pichu really wants to compete, but Jane doesn't feel like he's ready yet. Fortunately, Aipom got on the field before Pichu could disobey Jane and run out first.
Jane does wish her friends were in the stands, though she knows they're watching her from the Pokemon Center because Amy texted her earlier. Although Jane got to automatically move on to the final round, she also wishes she could've battled Romeo. To show him how much stronger she's gotten. Now, she'll have to get to the Grand Festival to hopefully face off against him.
"Get ready to get wrecked!" Felix cackles, getting Jane's attention back on him as the officiator tells them to begin.
"You'll be eating your own words, Felix!" Jane shots back. "Nala, Shadow Ball! Aipom, Swift!"
"Thunderbolt and Silverwind!" Felix is a lot more experienced than Jane, and it shows. The two attacks from his Pokemon are not only beautifully combined, but also very powerful. Shadowball and Swift are knocked away as Jane's Pokemon are hit by the attacks. "Another easy victory." Felix yawns while commanding his Pokemon to attack again.
Nevertheless, Jane has trained rigorously for this. "Nala, use Moonlight! Aipom, blind them with Sand Attack!" the combination of the two attacks awes the audience. In addition, Felix's Pokemon are blinded, which allows Nala to heal herself up. Before Felix can register anything on the field, his Manectric and Volbeat are knocked back by Nala's takedown attack. Nala had extra assistance from Aipom's large tail throwing her. "We're in this to win, right guys?"
"Um!"
"Pom!" the pokemon cheer.
Felix's smug smirk is off of his face now as his eye brows are furrowed. Jane retaliates a lot better than Romeo. "Let's stop playing with our food, Manectric. Electroball!" Felix nods at Volbeat who unleashes Bug Buzz.
"Dodge and use psychic! Aipom, slam the ball right back at them!" While Aipom takes on a lot of the electric ball, he does manage to hit Volbeat with it back. With an electrified tail, Aipom uses double slap on the bug type. Nala's psychic attack launches Manectric back a few feet, but the dog is very strong. He shocks away the wave, which then launches to paralyze Nala.
"She needs to attack!" Dillon growls from the edge of his seat.
"That's what she's doing." Amy notes.
Dillon shakes his head. "Not entirely. She's banking on points, but she can also win by knocking out Felix's Pokemon before the timer runs down."
Romeo won't admit it, but Dillon is correct. Jane is too worried about perfecting her attacks together. More than beating Felix in a battle. Felix has lots of experience on Jane, so Felix's attacks are both powerful and elegant. He will win the points contest, meaning Jane needs to focus on knocking out his Pokemon before the timer ends their battle.
"Is that true, Romeo?" Amy knows nothing about contests.
Romeo continues furrowing his brows at the screen. If he answers now, Dillon will know Romeo agrees with him. As much as Romeo hates ignoring Amy, he will do it just this once. He'll pretend like he's too invested in the battle on the screen to hear Amy. Fortunately, Amy too doesn't want to miss a moment of Jane's contest, so Amy returns her attention to the screen.
Felix has regained the upper hand as Nala and Aipom fall to the ground exhausted. Manectric and Volbeat are also very tired; thus, Felix needs to end this battle soon. "Guess I'll be adding your name to my list of famous people I defeat."
Jane glares at the laughing boy. This is a personal competition. A competition with hateful emotions. This whole battle, Jane just wants to beat Felix to get Felix to shut up. However, her hate for Felix has been clouding her judgment in this contest. So much that her Pokemon are suffering. Spotting the time, Jane knows there's not much before the battle is called over. Based on it so far, she knows Felix is winning the points battle. He has a year on Jane, meaning he's had more time to perfect his attacks. Nala just evolved this week, and Jane is still working on the new Pokemon she has.
Taking in a deep breath, she responds to her opponent, "You might beat us today, but they'll be a day we'll win. We don't quit. We will always come back better and stronger." She meets Felix's slightly curious eyes. "Some day, Romeo will beat you and make you eat your words. Today, I'll do that." The boy blinks at her in confusion just as Nala's Shadow Ball attack hits Volbeat. Aipom's slam knocks Manectric to the ground hard. Jane's short speech gave her Pokemon enough time to recover because Felix was too busy toying with her to attack. Now, it's Felix's Pokemon who are slow to stand if they stand at all.
After a few more seconds, the officiator raises the flag on Jane's side of the field because Felix's Pokemon are done. "She won!" Amy jumps in the air to celebrate with Pika and Burn. "She beat Felix! Jane is so cool!"
"Pika!"
"Cynda!" The Pokemon cheer.
Dillon can't help but smirk. Jane has grown a lot since he first met her. Since her first contest. These months of training are showing off because she's taking coordinating more seriously than before. He's proud of her for winning her first big city contest. Jane truly deserves this win, and Dillon hates how he let his emotions get the better of him. Now, Jane is celebrating her victory alone at the contest hall.
Romeo shyly looks at his feet instead of at the screen showing Jane happily celebrating with her Pokemon. Jane's speech. She thought about him. She stood up for him. After he embarrassed her in Goldenrod City. After he gives her such an attitude over Dillon. After he's been such a wuss and an ass. Romeo feels like an idiot. He feels so inferior. How can he face Jane? The person who beat his rival on her first try. The kind girl who selflessly thinks of him in critical times? Romeo doesn't deserve her friendship or to celebrate this with her. This is Jane's win.
Spotting movement, Amy stops jumping to look over at her quiet cousin. He's walking towards the hall, causing her to ask, "Romeo?" However, the green haired boy disappears. "I hope he's okay." Amy worriedly tells Dillon.
Shrugging, Dillon doesn't care for Romeo. For some reason, Romeo hates him, and Dillon isn't sure why. Besides for being an asshole all these years, Dillon has changed. Can't Romeo see that? If Romeo wants to hold a grudge, that's on him. Romeo must be feeling like this should be his ribbon, but it's his own fault he can't compete in Blackthorn City anymore. Dillon doesn't need to look out for an arrogant person like Romeo.
"Quil…" Burn worriedly mutters.
Everyone turns their attention back to the TV where Jane is now handed her ribbon. "Would you like to say any words about your victory, Jane Kenta of New Bark Town?" The reporter asks.
Shyly, Jane nods. "Yes! I want to thank my parents for believing in me, and I want to thank my friends for training with me, uh, and I also want to thank my rival for pushing me. This is my first year as a coordinator, and I've had so much support. I'm happy to share this ribbon with everyone!" The bluenette grins, and fortunately for her timid personality, Aipom takes the spotlight.
"She thanked us!" Amy excitedly tells Dillon. Spotting the small smile on her brother's lips, Amy's grin grows. Rarely does Dillon show emotions, especially positive ones. She loves seeing him smile. It's a better look on him than his usual disinterest or scowl.
Chuckling under his breath, Dillon responds, "It was all her." Jane is too humble. This victory is hers from her own hard work and dedication. He's seen her spend hours perfecting various coordinating styles.
Before Amy can tease her brother, she spots Romeo in the corner of her eye emerging from the hallway he disappeared down earlier. "Romeo?"
The boy approaches her with a small awkward smile. "Sorry I won't be sticking around to see your gym challenge, Amy."
Raising a confused eyebrow, Amy asks, "What? Why?"
"I still need to get my last ribbon, and since I can't compete here, I have to find another contest hall." That's only part of the reason. He honestly could stick around another week to watch Amy compete.
"But you have months." Pouts the girl.
"Just let him go." Dillon can clearly tell Romeo wants to escape this city as soon as possible.
"No one was talking to you." Snaps Romeo.
"Guys! Can you please stop?" Exasperates Amy. Scoffing, Dillon walks off out of the Pokemon Center. He won't annoy his sister, and he definitely shouldn't be having a nonsensical argument with Romeo again. Maybe Dillon will run into Jane outside? With Dillon gone, much to Amy's dismay, she tells Romeo, "You should stay for when Jane comes. I'm sure she wants to talk to you. You are her rival."
Precisely the reason Romeo wants to leave now. Jane is a first time coordinator who beat Felix on her first match against him. Something Romeo has failed to do time and time again. Romeo is too ashamed to see Felix, and especially Jane right now. The Hoenn boy just wants to get as far away from his troubles as possible. To clear his mind and refocus for his next contest. Yes, Romeo is a runner rather than someone who confronts his problems head on.
"Sorry, Amy." The boy apologizes again. A few days ago, he also lost to Jane in a battle. Maybe Romeo is losing his edge? Is it because of Felix? Or the combination of both Felix and Dillon here in Blackthorn City? Whatever it is, Romeo knows he's not his usual strong self, and he needs to go figure out how to be the arrogant person he likes to portray himself as. This isn't him, and he hates it.
Letting out a defeated breath, Amy puts on a reassuring smile. She understands that everyone has their own agendas. Thus, she hugs Romeo tightly. "Good luck on your next contest, Romeo."
He welcomes the warm hug. This is very comforting after the shitty week he's had. Amy's large heart always makes everyone feel better. "Thanks. I know you'll beat Clair." Soon, Romeo is gone, leaving Amy and Burn to wait for their friends.
When Jane enters the Pokemon Center, Amy springs herself on the older girl who barely checks her Pokemon into Nurse Joy. "Congrats, Jane! I'm so happy for you!"
Giggling, Jane returns the tight hug. "Thanks, Amy! I owe a lot of it to you and Dillon!"
"But it was all your hard work." Amy grins widely. "You were awesome! It's about time someone got Felix to shut up."
"Dillon did punch him the other day." Jane reminds the redhead who sheepishly laughs.
"Besides physical violence."
Speaking of Dillon, Jane glances around the busy Pokemon Center, but she doesn't spot her crush. "Where's Dillon?"
Remembering when Dillon left earlier, Amy too looks around. "You didn't run into him outside?" Jane shakes her head, disappointed that she couldn't hear praise from Dillon. "He left because I told him to stop arguing with Romeo."
Romeo? "Where's Romeo?" Although Jane knows Romeo doesn't see her as a friend, she is curious about her rival's whereabouts. Wouldn't he want to stick around to say something snide about how she wouldn't have won if he competed?
"He said he had to go prepare for his last contest ribbon since he can't compete here." Amy shrugs.
Jane's disappointment runs deeper. Even Romeo didn't stick around? Not even for a few minutes until she came back? While he doesn't owe her anything, she thought he'd be nice enough to congratulate her or see her. Faking a smile, Jane responds, "Guess I'll see him at the Grand Festival."
Nodding, Amy exclaims, "Let's go get a celebratory dinner, Jane! I'll treat!"
"Should we wait for Dillon?" Offers Jane.
"He doesn't pick up calls or respond to texts. We'll see him when we see him." Amy nonchalantly tells her. "He's probably training somewhere. You know how he gets when he's upset."
True. Amy is right about that. Dillon will train rigorously. So much that they have to practically beg him to take a break. Lately, he's often been out well into the evening training, leaving his shirt soaked in sweat. What's gotten him so riled up? Is it the fact that he's battling Clair early? Or could it be more? Is something troubling him?
"Alright! Let's go eat!" Jane smiles.
"Yay!" Amy, like her father, has a huge appetite. Any mention of food, and she's excited.
Hoenn
"He's so dead." Growls the brunette.
"What happened?" The auburn haired boy asks his cousin who is just as confused. They're watching Romeo's Blackthorn City contest, and after the break, it was announced that Romeo was disqualified. No details were given. Kaz doubts his cousin cheated, though why would Romeo get disqualified? Also, Romeo is banned from competing in Blackthorn City this year. Kaz is only in Petalburg to challenge Max for his fifth badge. It's always a nice time visiting family too while in town.
"Isn't that the girl he beat in Goldenrod City?" Rose inquires. Romeo's supposed opponent looks familiar.
"What about her?" Kaz wasn't here when Romeo competed in Goldenrod City.
Drew sheepishly watches May's glare deepen. "She's a first year coordinator."
"Yeah. I got that from the MC."
"He embarrassed her for no reason back then." May snarls.
"Uh." Kaz is too nervous to keep asking questions.
Fortunately, Rose has been trying to piece the situation together before Romeo can pick up May's never ending calls. "Her name is Jane, right? I think she's traveling with the Ketchums."
"Oh." Kaz's eyes open wide in understanding now. "You don't think…" Romeo has always been hotheaded, especially towards Dillon. Did something happen?
May now seems to recall this information too. She understands her oldest son's frustrations with Dillon, but when it interferes with his contests, that's a problem. Romeo isn't the ebay at controlling his emotions, hence the reason he constantly loses to Felix. Glaring at Drew, May snaps, "He's your son. You better talk to him before I do."
"He's your son too." Drew knowingly remarks, and Rose hurriedly punches her father's shoulder before May's death glare can really kill him.
"Aw. No Romeo." Jack sighs while petting his Vulpix. He still doesn't understand why Romeo isn't competing.
Kaz contemplates calling Amy to ask about the ordeal, but before he can, May's pokenav goes off. Thinking it's Romeo calling to apologize, May quickly answers, "You've got some explaining to do, young man!"
"Someone broke into the gym. We have her now. Come quick." comes Max's frantic voice. May's parents help out at the gym now that they've retired from it. Occasionally, May and Drew help too, though they usually are working at the contest hall.
Slightly embarrassed that this isn't Romeo, but at least it is Max, May stands up quickly. "Rose, watch Jack. Drew, let's go to the gym."
"Huh? Is everything okay?" Drew worriedly stands.
"I'm coming too." Kaz gets up.
"You should stay here just in case. You have Pokemon." May tells her nephew. Max said thief, as in singular. They don't need too many people at the gym. Also, if this thief is a decoy, May feels better having a strong trainer protecting her children.
"No way. I'm coming too!" Rose abruptly tells her parents. "The gym is my home too!" She helps out there often and learns a lot from her uncle.
"Me too!" Jack clenches his fists alongside his Vulpix. At 6 years old, the youngest Hayden is just as fired up as his Uncle once was.
"We're coming." Kaz sternly tells the adults.
There's no time to argue, so May reluctantly lets them follow. "Fine. But you need to listen to us." Drew tells the children.
By the time they arrive at the gym, they find Max and Norman in the office. Apparently, Vivi and Caroline are with Max's children in the living quarters to make sure they're safe. Max raises a curious eyebrow at his sister. "Why'd you bring all the kids?"
"They wouldn't stay home." May answers while walking over to her father.
"May said there's a thief?" Drew inquires. He doesn't see anyone in the office.
Nodding, Norman glares down behind the desk. "Caught this girl trying to break into the Pokemon resting room."
Being by the door, no one can see her but May, Max, and Norman who are looking behind the desk. Drew makes sure the children stay behind him. "Did you call the police?"
"We were about to." Max sighs. "But she claims to know Kaz."
"Me?" Kaz peeks his head over Drew's shoulder, and Max now notices his nephew.
He didn't know Kaz was in town because Kaz arrived last night at the Hayden's. "When did you get here, Kaz?" Wait. That's not important. Quickly shaking his head, Max steps aside. "Uh. Nevermind. Do you know her?"
Everyone's eyes land on the now shy boy. He doesn't know anyone in Hoenn except for these people here. "My parents are famous. Pretty sure someone's just throwing my name around." The thief is gagged, so she can't speak.
Nodding, Max reaches for his pokenav. "Alright. I'll call the cops now then." It was very difficult to catch her. Fortunately, his Pokemon put up a great fight.
"Kids, go to grandma." Drew informs the children. As much as Rose wants to stick around, she knows she'll just be in the way when the authorities arrive. Nodding, she grabs her brother to head off towards the living quarters of the gym.
Kaz is about to follow when he hears a gasp from May. The thief somehow manages to stand up from behind the desk. Drew rushes to May's side as Norman gets his hands on the thief. It is now that Kaz sees that teal hair. The thief's grey orbs meets his, and Kaz places a hand on Max's shoulder. "I know her."
Mew. The last time Kaz saw her was when she defeated him and ran off with that device. He's been keeping his eyes out for her since, though he's not trying to get too focused on her. Kaz is in Hoenn to compete for badges and the championship. Since he feels guilty for helping a thief steal that device, he hopes to get it from her to destroy it.
"You do?" Max asks.
Nodding, Kaz approaches the desk. "Did you frisk her?"
"Vivi did." Norman points to the desk with paperwork and the thief's items.
Kaz is spots that device. He meets Clove's eyes again and removes the gag from her mouth. "I'm taking this."
"That was in her hand when I found her in the Pokemon room." Max states. "What is it?"
"A Pokemon stealing device." Kaz doesn't like how he's associated with this, but he will own up to his mistakes. He's a righteous boy.
"What?" Drew isn't sure he heard right.
"Kaz." Clove attempts to sweetly speak. "I'm using that for good."
"You tricked me once. I won't fall for it again." Kaz pockets the device. "Because I know you, I won't let them call the police on you. But if you get caught doing something again, you're on your own. Don't use my name again."
"I only used your name because I know how your family hangs out with the Haydens. And everyone in Hoenn knows the Haydens and Maples are related." Clove responds.
Not trying to talk in front of his elders, Kaz decides to just go destroy the device. When he walks to the door, he says, "Just release her please. I'll pay for the damages she caused."
"Uh. How do you know each other?" Drew asks the question on everyone's minds, but May stomps her foot on his to silence him.
As oblivious as she is, she can see that Kaz does not want to speak about this. Something must be going on between the two. Besides, this thief is a young girl who must be going through some things. Cutting her a break now might help her. Kaz thinks it's better to let her loose. "Dad, I'm gonna go check on Kaz." She faces her husband and brother. "Help dad escort her out of the gym." Looking at the young girl, May now says, "We're only letting you go because of Kaz. Don't let his good deed go to waste."
"Yes, ma'am." Clove innocently smiles. A smile only May falls for because May can't see through people like the men can.
Sighing, Drew approaches Clove to help Norman. Clove is still tied up despite the gag being gone from her mouth. May exits in search of Kaz, and the men lead Clove to the front doors. Drew makes a mental note to ask Kaz about Clove later. SHould he ask the Oak parents too? Or do the Oaks not know about this? How would the Oaks feel about their only child knowing a thief? Leaf used to be a thief. Drew doesn't want to trouble his nephew, but he also doesn't like keeping things from his friends.
Outside, May has found Kaz walking down the block in thought. "Kaz!"
The boy quickly spins his head to see his aunt catch up to him. Faking a smile, Kaz says, "Hi, Aunt May."
"How are you?"
Chuckling, Kaz looks up at the sky. "I can't lie."
"I know." Kaz is always such an honest boy. Misty says it's because his parents were such dishonest people that Kaz is making up for them. The Oak boy seems like he grew up quickly despite not having to. "Do you wanna talk about it?" Kaz has been traveling alone this whole time. How he knows this thief, May has no idea. Kaz must be troubled by his thoughts. Sometimes, it helps to talk it out.
The boy shrugs. "I feel like an idiot."
"Why?"
"You saw me back there. I let her go. I know what she's done, and I still just let her go."
"Well, you have the device. That's the important thing."
"I helped her get it." Kaz growls in disappointment to the surprised woman. "I mean, she tricked me into helping her, but I still helped her. And I let her get away, and even now, I let her get away. I haven't been able to catch her, but Uncle Max catches her, and I tell him to let her go." Kaz runs a frustrated hand through his hair. "I'm so confused."
May places a reassuring hand on his shoulder. She hates seeing her loved ones hurting, especially those younger than her. Kaz is such a responsible boy. He puts too much pressure on himself. "You're young, Kaz. You're only 16. You have your whole life ahead of you. You may make mistakes now, or what you think are mistakes, but everything helps you learn."
"But when it hurts you guys-"
"We are adults. We can handle a couple of teenagers." May giggles recalling her own temperamental son who she has yet to hear from about today's contest.
Kaz finally gives his aunt a real smile. She is right. Kaz's parents are orphans, though Gary did have his grandfather. Misty's parents abandoned her and her older sisters. Ash's father left him. Paul's parents passed away in an accident. Dawn's father left her. May and Drew are the only ones who have both parents in their lives, though Drew's parents expected him to take on the family business rather than coordinate and marry a gym leader's daughter. Drew's parents have since grew to like May and the children.
Nevertheless, hearing May talk about how they all can handle a few teenagers makes Kaz feel lighter inside. Here are all of these people, most of which don't have parents are are missing parents. And they're raising all of these troublesome teenagers. These adults are being better than the adults they had in their lives. As much as Kaz tries to avoid ending up anyway like his parents did, he knows a cycle can end. By being involved with Clove, a part of him feared he was going down the route of a thief like his mother.
If all of these adults with terrible parenting can become great parents and find love; can break out of their own cycle; then Kaz is sure he can pave his own path too. So what if he is associated with Clove? So what if she entices him? So what if he wants to be her friend? Kaz trusts himself. Maybe this is the reason his mind has been wandering a lot lately.
"Thanks, Aunt May. I don't know what we teenagers would do without parents like you guys."
"I'll be sure to tell your parents what a sweet boy they've raised." May smiles sweetly at her nephew. May's Pokenav soon rings, interrupting them. She furrows her brows at the caller. It's about time that troublesome son of hers calls. "I need to take this."
Kaz nods. "You should go back home. I'll be there soon for dinner." After he destroys this device and makes sure no one can use it again.
"Okay. See ya, Kaz." May then picks up the call while walking in the direction of her house. "You have a lot of explaining to do, young man!" Romeo is a twin, so he constantly argued and competed against Rose. May figures that's where he gets his emotional side from along with his temper. Drew and May are not angry people, which makes them surprised to see that from Romeo. Romeo is a lot better around his family, though certain situations fire up the boy.
Kaz continues on his walk until he feels a pat on his back. Who is it this time? How come he didn't hear them approaching? Expecting one of his family members, Kaz gives a fake smile over his shoulder, but his jaw soon falls open at the teal haired girl. "Thanks for rescuing me!" With Kaz still blinking in shock, Clove rolls her eyes. "You're gonna attract bugs."
"Uh." Kaz blushes in embarrassment. Quickly shaking his head, he finds some sense again. "You need to stop stealing."
"We talked about this already." Clove shrugs while walking ahead of him for him to follow. "You don't know me and why I do what I do."
"Maybe if you told me, then I'd understand." Kaz is frustrated by her. Why is she being so secretive? She knows so much about him, granted from the media. However, Kaz is mostly frustrated with himself. Why is he so infatuated by her?
"Don't need to tell you." If her Pokemon weren't tired from that gym leader, she'd be gone by now, but Clove needs her device back.
"Look, you need to leave." Kaz won't pry if people don't want to share information. Besides, he's trying to get over this thief. "Stay away from my family."
"I just wanted to borrow Max's Slacking." Clove innocently tells the unconvinced Kaz. She extends a hand out towards him. "Give me back my device, and I won't steal from your family."
"No." Kaz continues walking past her. He won't let her steal from anyone. "I'm destroying it."
"Kaz." Clove pouts cutely beside him. "Please. Pwetty pwetty pwease."
"We're not friends." Kaz growls, a little too hurt by his own words. "You tricked me into helping you steal this item for evil. I need to make things right by destroying it. You're lucky I don't have you arrested too."
Sighing in defeat, Clove raises her hands up. "Fine. I'm sorry I tricked you, okay? And I get it. You have a reputation to uphold as the Professor's only child. I won't lie to you again."
Why is this so easy? Clove used to give him such a hard time. Is she warming up to him? Is it because her team was defeated by Max, so she is powerless against Kaz right now? Being the kind hearted boy he is, Kaz believes her. "Thanks."
Clove looks up at the darkening sky. It's been a long day, and she's glad Kaz saved her from jail. She didn't know Max was this strong of a gym leader. He's not to be taken lightly. "I'm an orphan."
Kaz snaps his gaze back at her while they walk around the block. "Sorry."
She shrugs nonchalantly. "It was my choice. Never knew my dad. And my mom isn't a mom. She'd rather be a child than a mom. I ran away when I was 10, and of course, no one came looking for me." Clove laughs, but Kaz can detect some sadness in it. "I think it's cool that you have such a big family who cares about you."
"Why are you telling me this?" Kaz didn't think she'd go into a dark part of her past.
"So you'd understand why I steal. It's all I know how to do. Even when I lived with my mom, I had to steal to survive. I stole for her, and I stole for myself for when she would leave me home alone for weeks."
"Clove." Kaz places a hand on her shoulder to stop her. Her curious grey orbs meet his apologetic green ones. "I'm sorry you had to go through that."
"I don't want your pity." Clove giggles. "I'm just letting you know this is why I steal. And yeah, you're right. I could make money battling trainers, but stealing is much easier and more fun."
Sighing, Kaz shakes his head. "You need to stop. I can't keep saving you."
"Honestly, I can save myself, but using you makes it easier."
Ouch. She continues to hurt him, and he allows it. "What will make you stop stealing?"
"Dunno." Clove sheepishly rubs the back of her head. "But, uh, I'm gonna get going. I don't like talking about myself, but I figured I owe you this much since you helped me back there." To Kaz's surprise, Clove gives him a tight hug. A hug that makes Kaz's blush deepen. When Clove releases him, she jogs down the street. "Bye, Kaz! May we meet again!"
Kaz watches her disappear. Once his heartbeat returns to normal, he finally releases a breath he didn't know he was holding. "Mew. I'm in trouble." Clove infatuates him, and Kaz knows it.
Trying to forget the effect she has on him, Kaz decides to destroy the device he's been holding onto this whole time. No more distractions. This device needs to go. Reaching into his back pocket, Kaz doesn't feel anything. He grabs his other pocket. Nothing. Panicking, Kax pats all around him and checks all of his pockets. He knows he had the device when he left the gym, and he's sure it was in his back pocket!
"Shit. Clove!" Kaz takes off where he last saw the thief. She's cunning. Using that hug to pickpocket him after she said he could destroy the device. Has anything she told him been the truth? Is her name even Clove? Kaz can't trust her, but he can't get enough of her.
Fortunately, he spots her a few blocks away running. She notices him and picks up speed. The girl is very agile. Luckily for Kaz, she can't use her Pokemon, so he easily catches up to her using Pidgeot. They're in an alley where Clove holds the device in front of her. "Looking for this?"
"Give it back. You're out of Pokemon." Kaz warns.
"But you're not." Clove clicks a button.
Reacting fast, Kaz returns Pidgeot. He doesn't want to risk losing a member of his team. Beides, Clove is without Pokemon. Kaz can try his best to apprehend her. He already feels like such an idiot for getting played by her again. "Give it to me."
"Not a chance." Clove is sure she can outrun him, but for how long? He will just keep using his Pokemon to get close to her. When she gets too tired, his Pokemon will be there. She can't keep being on edge to use the device against him.
"No one should have that." Kaz growls.
"I need it. I'm using it to get rid of Team Magma and Aqua."
"I'm not falling for anymore of your lies."
Clove's innocent smile falls. "I've never lied to you." While she's an excellent liar, Clove has found it difficult to lie to this boy. He's the only one who's ever helped her and seems genuinely interested in her.
"You told me to keep the device, and then you stole it. Told me some sappy sob story. Is your name even Clove?" Kaz is angry he keeps getting played by her.
Glaring at him, Clove shakes her head in disbelief. "Everything I told you is the truth! I'm a thief, not a liar. I was gonna let you keep the device, but you left it in such an easy place to take. The thief in me took it." Granted, she only told him about her shitty past to get him to lower his guard and pity her. Nevertheless, it's nothing she would lie about. Clove has come to terms with her past. It pushes her.
"Like I'd believe anything else that comes out of your mouth." scoffs Kaz.
Now, it's Clove's turn to be annoyed by him. To be irked and bothered. To be enticed. To care about what he thinks of her. To both of their surprises, she tosses the device at Kaz who manages to catch it. "Fine. Hold onto it for me until you can trust me. I'm using it for good." Clove's grey orbs meet Kaz's curious green ones. "Don't destroy it unless you really think I'm gonna use it for the wrong reasons."
"You tried stealing my uncle's Slacking." Kaz notes.
"I need powerful Pokemon to defeat powerful Pokemon. I was gonna return him in a month after he helped me clear Mt. Pyre." Clove looks down at her pokebelt. "I only stole Mightyena from that admin because he was abusing Mightyena. Mightyena had burn and whip marks all over him." Clove takes in a deep breath. "I only steal abused Pokemon, and I borrow Pokemon to help me get rid of evil."
"I find it hard to believe you."
"That's why I gave you the device. Hold onto it for me. If you trust me, give it back. If you don't destroy it."
He eyes her. There's no indication of a lie, but Kaz isn't sure how good of a liar she is. He doesn't know if any of her words have been true. "How can I be sure you won't take it from me when I'm sleeping?"
"You'll just have to trust me." Clove shrugs. "But since you have what I want, I'm gonna be sticking around you, meaning you need to make sure I'm fed and have a place to sleep… If you want me to stop stealing." This is a good scenario for her because he has money and powerful Pokemon.
Although Clove likes traveling alone, it doesn't sit well with her that Kaz doesn't trust her. Why? She's used people countless times before just fine on her conscience. However, this boy's persistence and his desire to see the good in her time and time again after she betrays him makes her feel guilty. Before they separate again, she needs to quell the ache in her chest. Despite being a thief, she isn't a liar, and she isn't a terrible person. Why does she feel the need to prove this to Kaz?
Kaz contemplates her words. She's constantly been on his mind. He's searched for her to right his wrong. Not only that, but she interests him. Now that she's here and willing to stick by his side, he isn't sure if this is a trap or not. He wants to believe her. He wants to give her another shot, though he'll feel like such an idiot when she plays him again. Or...maybe she's like his mother once was. Gary did say that Leaf played him a lot before finally relying on him. Also, Leaf would tell Kaz that she was always looking for a helping hand, but her pride wouldn't let her. And her lack of trust in others. Could that be Clove too?
Shaking his head, Kaz hopes to clear his mind. Clove isn't his mother. Clove is her own individual with her own past. With her own goals. Leaf stole for fun. Clove claims to do the same, though Clove now states she's trying to do good. Which one is it? There's only one way to find out. Pulling out his pokenav, Kaz places a call.
Clove watches him with slight worry. Is he calling the police on her? She feels like an idiot now for trusting him. He's just like everyone else. Clove hasn't trusted anyone in years because everyone is just the same. They use her. Or they give up on her. Or they turn her in for the monetary reward. This is why Clove sticks to herself and her Pokemon. With her heart aching more, Clove decides to flee as far away as she can.
However, Kaz's words make her realize he has not called the authorities on her, "Hey, Uncle Drew. Can you let Aunt May know I'll be bringing a guest for dinner?"