Chapter Thirty-One:
Brand New Pokemon
Summer was almost over, but New Palm City was warm all year around, even in the cooler months. The dense traffic of tourists were starting to lessen due to the fact that summer break was winding down. It was three more weeks until fall semester, three more weeks until summer was behind everyone. A human couple walked happily towards Alfredo's, entering through the double doors, ready to be seated. However, the Nihilego girl in front stopped them with a smile.
"I'm sorry but the restaurant has been rented out for a private engagement, only those who had reservations prior to the engagement are allowed in."
"…A private engagement?" The man said, clearly irate.
"Yes," the Nihilego girl said apologetically, "Just for tonight, its limited capacity. Again, I apologize."
The couple turned around, clearly aggravated, but the Nihilego girl simply smiled, keeping up appearances. When they were gone, she floated from her post in front, passing by the tables of those who had reservations. They looked absolutely appalled and annoyed that the "guests of honor"—the ones who had the restaurant mostly to themselves—were being loud and uncouth. It was not like Alfredo's was the pinnacle of fine dining, but it was still a lot more refined than a Flapple Bees. There were a collection of tables pushed together in the center of Alfredo's, designed to seat a large group of people. Jasper called over the Nihilego girl, whom had gone by the name Nery, for another round of shots for his boys and some nonalcoholic martinis for his girls. Nery smiled sweetly and floated away, ignoring the other patrons who were trying to get her attention. The other waiters and waitresses attended to those who were being aptly disregarded by Nery. Jasper was seated at the head of the collection of tables, dressed in a yellow silk button down, a white sports jacket and matching slacks and loafers, eating a plate of ravioli. He wore a gold chain and gold rings on every finger. Everyone sitting with him had been wearing some article of clothing that was yellow. Festival wore a yellow bow in her hair, while Diddy opted for yellow hot pants. Mardi painted her nails yellow and wore a yellow blouse, while Pam wore a matching face mask. Lil Pac sat with Pam, wearing all black with distinctive yellow sneakers, also sporting a gold chain that was iced out with diamonds. He kissed her on the cheek and shared a bite of his cheesecake with her, which she took, not caring if she got looks from other patrons. Haze tied his hair back with a canary colored bandana, enjoying a massive plate of mussels. He sat beside Sticks, who wore pure gold cufflinks in his all black attire and yellow diamond chain around his neck. He playfully stuck out his tongue at Barry, who was wearing a yellow button down and black jeans. He was with his wife, a gorgeous white haired, brown skinned Dewgong woman called Deedee, who also sported something yellow: her flats. Barry shared a bite of his chicken parmesan with his wife, who gave him a kiss. Chanel sat diagonal from Jasper, next to Rapier, sipping champagne. Rapier wore a gold shirt and black suit jacket, while Chanel decided—on a rare occasion—to wear a goldenrod, off the shoulder dress with several matching bangles. Parker sat near Glen, with the former wearing gold watch with his all black attire and the latter opting for dark blue polo, black jeans and yellow laces on his sneakers. Chance sat beside Jasper, wearing a gold duster and black shirt, black slacks and gold trimmed loafers, drinking a half a glass of scotch. Nery returned with a tray of shots, placing it on the table and a few teetotal martinis. Diddy reached for a shot instead and Jasper slapped her hand, earning giggles from Pam and Festival. Mardi was busy eating her plate of spaghetti and eggplant to care about non-alcoholic drinks. Jasper reached for two shots, handing one to Chance and toasting him as he downed one. Parker snatched up a shot, throwing it back with ease.
"Ayyyyyyy, Nery!" Lil Pac called out, "Lemme get some baileys!"
Nery nodded and floated away, whispering to a waitress to grab baileys for the table. The other patrons shot them looks as Lil Pac began rapping over a beat Barry played
"Shots, shots, sh-sh-sh-shots, shots, sh-sh-sh-shots," Chanel whooped as Rapier downed one after another. She grabbed a shot, toasting Rapier and downed it with him in unison. Before Rapier could get a fourth shot in, Lil Pac snatched one up, throwing it back. Barry started playing another song at full volume.
"Whoop, whoop! That's the sound of the police! Whoop, whoop, that's sound of the beast!"
"Ay this my jam," Chanel said, reaching for a plate of tiramisu that was placed in front of her, thanks to Nery.
"Ay this my jam too," Lil Pac said, reaching for another shot. Nery placed some baileys in front of him and Lil Pac thanked her, sharing it with Pam.
"White Rushing," Chance said to Nery, "Thanks, hon."
Nery let out a soft sigh and floated away, calling another waitress over to get Chance's drink.
"This tiramisu mad good," Chanel said, giving Rapier a bite, who nodded in agreement. Glen took a shot and winced at the burn, smiling at them.
"Ay," Mardi called out to Nery, "Lemme get a shrimp parmigiana."
"Yes, yes, right away," the Nihilego girl said, "Janus! Stop lagging about! Come on, come on, come on!"
"Yeah, yeah Nery, I'm coming, I'm coming," Janus sighed, putting in Mardi's order. Jasper downed another shot and cleared his throat, leaning back in his chair, noticing how overworked the hostess was, trying to keep his crew happy. When Janus returned with Mardi's shrimp parmigiana, he invited Nery to sit with them and have a sip of the champagne.
"Well…I'm not sure…" Nery said softly, "I am on the clock."
"One sip," Jasper said, offering her a seat, "We just celebratin'."
Nery nodded, tentatively taking a seat near Festival. Chanel passed her the champagne bottle and she poured herself a drink, taking exactly one sip. She smiled at them as they cheered, egging her on to take a few more sips. And she did, until she finished the entire glass. She poured herself another glass, toasting Jasper and threw it back, putting her hands up in mock triumph as they cheered for her. However, it was time to get back to work. She got up, curtseying sweetly and made her way back to her post to drive off people with no reservations who had come in for a quiet dinner.
"Ay, so I gotta an idea," Parker said, clearly tipsy, "What if we combined chocolate cake with strawberry cake and vanilla cake, make it—three stripe cake. Ayyyy, don't that sound lit as fuck?"
"That 'ready exists," Rapier pointed out, "Neapolitan cake."
"You bullshitin'," Parker said, "The fuck is Neapolitan cake?"
"Exactly what yo ass described," Lil Pac said, nudging him playfully, "Ay man, try again cuz that joint already exist and it's poppin."
"So someone already came up with the idea to combine chocolate, strawberry and vanilla," Parker said incredulously.
"Yep," Rapier said, taking another bite of his food.
"I had some last week," Deedee pointed out.
"Ion believe none of you niggas—y'all tryna play me."
Deedee went on her phone and pulled up the picture of the cake she had. It was a double layered Neapolitan cake, brown, white and pink, exactly how Parker described. He pouted in disappointment.
"Aww," Deedee said, seeing his childish pout.
"Ay but wha'bout chocolate, vanilla and lemon," Parker said, "That ain't exist."
"Pretty sure it does," Rapier interrupted again, "A lot of flavor combinations exist, my guy."
Jasper tapped on his wine glass with his fork, "Ay, ay, before y'all arguin' about stupid shit like cake flavors, I'ma say this real quick." He lifted his glass, "To the Palm City Kings." Everyone else lifted their glasses, toasting him and cheering, happy they finally had an official gangbanger name.
"Cacturne Casino after this?" Haze asked.
"Hell yes nigga," Jasper said laughing, feeling lucky. When Nery floated by to see if they need anything else, Jasper ordered another round of shots. He leaned back in his chair, smiling. He noted Festival was having a great time talking to Barry, while Mardi scarfed down her food, enjoying her third meal. Diddy was dancing in her chair, sipping the non-alcoholic martini (that she secretly spiked with a shot) while Pam and Lil Pac were talking to one another, sharing a plate of food and generally being cute together. Chanel stood up, excusing herself to go the bathroom. She walked by the judgmental looks of the patrons wanting to enjoy a quiet, intimate meal. She entered the woman's room, checking herself in the elegant mirror and smoothing down her black, straightened hair. The bruising on her face was almost completely gone. Any spot that hadn't fully gone away she covered with concealer. A woman was washing her hands in the sink furthest left. She occasionally glanced at Chanel. Chanel looked back at her and she smiled, reaching into her purse for a vial of yay. She took a sniff and offered some to Chanel, who also took a sniff, giving her a low 'thanks.' That sniff perked her up and she stepped out the bathroom, feeling clear-eyed and ready to go all night. She sat back next to Rapier, giving him kiss on the cheek and holding his hand underneath the table. Nery had come back with an expensive bottle of scotch for Chance, more shots for the table and cinnamon pastries for Mardi. She gobbled them down, savoring every giant bite she took. Jasper reached for a shot and downed it, checking his phone.
Happy birthday! His phone said to him. He snorted furtively, slipping his phone back into his pocket. Fifty-two, he thought. Damn. I'm an old ass nigga fo'rreal. He chuckled and called the waiter over, ordering a gin and tonic.
Nothin' ever lasts forever.
His crew, the Palm City Kings, drank, ate, laughed and mingled into the night, earning the ire of people that they couldn't care less about.
The limo had pulled up as they were leaving the restaurant. Jasper left an enormous $560 tip for the waiters and Nery. Diddy walked beside him, texting away on her phone as one by one, his crew got into the stretch limousine. As he was going to step in, he sniffed the air. Diddy noticed this and looked at him.
"What? Someone fart?" She teased.
"Nah, nah, go in," Jasper said to her, still sniffing the air.
"Ay man, whatchu smellin' tho?" Diddy inquired.
"Diddy, bruh, go in the fuckin' limo," Jasper snapped, trying to focus on the scent.
"Damn nigga fine," Diddy said, "Ay you, driver nigga, my dad's bein' weird again, don't leave just yet." She got in, sitting next to Mardi, lighting a cigarette and taking a quick pull. Jasper continued sniffing the air, smelling that familiar scent. He closed his eyes for a moment and he could 'see' the trail of pale blue wispy smoke wind its way down the boulevard.
"Ay Jasper, you gon' get in or nah, bruh?" Haze called out, now lighting his own cigarette.
"Nah, go ahead. I'ma be right back." He zipped off, gone in a flash. Diddy sucked her teeth and shook her head as she took a drag. Jasper, on the other hand, followed the scent several blocks down, weaving through human traffic and assiduously avoiding the slower pedestrians. He skidded to a sudden halt when the scent had increased in potency around a small inn that was squashed between a barbershop and fried chicken spot. The pale blue tendrils of the scent clustered towards the posterior of the inn, through an alley. He cautiously walked towards it, his hand behind his back, over his pistol that was underneath his sports jacket, tucked in his pants. His ears were erect, turning left and right, listening for anyone that may have been trying to sneak up behind him. He heard a soft sob and he pressed forward, trying to see in this poor lighting. He moved towards the back of the inn, exiting the alleyway as he did. Sitting underneath a flickering light was Winnie, lying on the ground with Javier trying to shake her awake. Her smell had been unusually strong and Jasper realized it because she'd been bleeding out. He darted up to her, helping her up and set her against the wall. He looked down at her and saw that she'd slit both her wrists. His ears drooped as his eyes widened and his pupils constricted in to fearful, agonized pinpoints. Jasper looked at Winnie's face. Her eyeliner ran down her cheeks, tear streaked and frightened. He checked her pulse and realized, she was barely alive, just lingering before death's door. Javier started crying harder when he saw the look of sheer desperation and distress on Jasper's face.
"She cut herself," Javier said between sobs. Snot bubbles rolled down his nose and he covered his face, his shoulders shaking.
Why ain't she go home? Why she still in New Palm City? "Why," Jasper said quietly.
"I don't know," Javier cried, "Mommy was just so sad…and then, she just…stopped talking to me after a while. T-then she disappeared from the motel room we were stayin' at, and then…I saw her out here."
Jasper felt his blood run cold when Javier told him what happened. He checked Winnie again and she simply fell over. She had bled out. He took out his phone, calling Chance. The Charizard man picked up and he could hear the happy prattling in the background, the laughter, the sound of music and drinks being tossed back.
"Yo," Chance said, sounding gaily, "Wassup?"
"Turn the limo around," he said, "Come to…" he looked around and saw the name of the inn etched on the back doorframe, "Maxi's Inn." He checked Winnie's body to see if it was still warm. If there was just a modicum of life left in her, a max revive would work. She was still warm and blood was still seeping out of her wrists, her heart still beating faintly. "Yo, bring a max revive witchu, now, Chance."
"The hell? What's happenin'?"
"I ain't got time to explain bruh," Jasper said, helping Winnie sit up, "Just come, now."
He hung up and tried to keep Winnie sitting upright and awake, but she was fully unconscious and probably gone. Javier looked up at Jasper, giant tears falling down his face as he whimpered.
"It's gon' be okay," Jasper said, trying to reassure him. The truth was that Winnie would probably not be okay. She was fading fast and at this point, a max revive would probably not work on her. Javier looked at his bloodied hands. He wiped his eyes and sat beside Winnie, smearing her blood in his face.. She ain't kill herself cuz of me? Did she? Jasper pondered anxiously. All you do is hurt women. You are just an animal in human form.
Nobody respects us or protects us…
I ain't havin' her go out like this, Jasper thought. He placed a hand over her heart. It had slowed down to the point of stopping. His eyes flashed gold for a second and he jolted her heart. She shuddered and her heart started up again, still weak, but at least not silent. There is no protection—you wouldn't have protected me. And I think…honestly, if you would, you couldn't. He held her tightly; trying his best not shed any tears in front of Javier, to appear strong for him. I ain't havin' her go out like this. He heard the limo pull up, the door shut and quick footsteps. Chance dashed over to them, a max revive in one hand and a bottle of water in another. He removed the opalescent wrapping, revealing a gold, star-shaped clump the size of a quarter to Jasper. He took it, forced Winnie's mouth open and pushed it in, taking the water bottle. He poured the liquid into her mouth, gently tilting her head back so she wouldn't choke. It went down—not fully smoothly—but it went down. The cuts on her wrists instantly began regenerating, and any blood that had not been oxygenized seeped back into her wound. Jasper listened to her heart and felt that the beating was growing stronger by the second. She was too heavy to lift up in his arms for he certainly wasn't strong enough. But Chance could lift her, even if was just barely. He helped her up while Jasper took Javier and got them both into the limo.
She's alive. Oh thank Arceus…she's alive…
Festival gave Javier a cup of hot chocolate and sat with him, rubbing his back. Mardi was on her phone and put a comforting hand on Festival's shoulder, while Pam talked to Javier, trying to keep him calm and distracted. Diddy was with Jasper in his bedroom, sitting on the vanity as Jasper sat beside Winnie. She was in his bed, fast asleep, but most certainly alive. Everyone else had gone to Cacturne Casino, partying into the night.
"She gon' be okay?" Diddy asked.
"Yeah," Jasper said, lighting a cigarette. He took a long pull and blew out the excess smoke.
"So…you ain't know why she slitty her writty."
"Nah," Jasper said, looking down at her, "But…why I feel like had somethin' to do with it."
"Why?"
"I smashed the day before she was gon' leave," Jasper said, "And I dipped out—and she was upset. Maybe I'm overthinkin' the shit…but, I knew she wasn't quite right in the head. And my stupid moffuckin' brain just shut off with her." Just feel, deal and be real? Sure nigga…
"Why you ain't try to just be genuine with her?"
Jasper took a drag, "Cuz ion know her like that. Ion even know if I wanna know like her that."
Diddy shrugged and hopped off the vanity and stood next to Jasper.
"It ain't gon' hurt for you to at least try?"
"Ion think I'ma be the one to save her just cuz I get to know her," he said, shrugging his shoulders. His ears twitched when he heard Winnie moan quietly and start to sit up. Diddy bowed out, exiting the room to leave Jasper and Winnie to their inevitable conversation. She sat up, rubbing her wrists and then the back of her head.
"Ugh…"
"Ay," Jasper started, taking a drag, "The fuck is wrong witchu? Why you slittin' yo wrists?"
Winnie looked at him and then down at her hands. She shook her head and laid back down, looking up at the ceiling.
"I… just felt… hopeless," she said.
Jasper took a long pull, letting the smoke escape through his mouth, "Why?"
"I smuggle shit, I gotta kid, my husband dead and the potential baby daddy is in jail," Winnie said, "And you…you just stabbed me in the chest, that day. I felt like nobody could love me."
Jasper tapped off the excess cigarette ash, "Winnie. I'm sorry. I shoulda never…done that shit. Ion know what the fuck wrong with me—I mean, I do know. But…I'm sorry. I shoulda protected you better and shit…and uh…I ain't…mean to hurt you like that. Ion know you…and…me? Well, the less you know 'bout me, the better."
"You don't really like me do you?" Winnie said.
"I liked you back then, and I like you now," Jasper said honestly, "But it ain't anythin' you did. I…just…lack…self-control, I guess." It's a hideous thing. "And…I'm getting' better, but ain't nothin' I can really do to really make up for it. Winnie, I knew I was gon' end up hurtin' you even though I didn't mean it. I'm really, really sorry. Forgive me. I ain't finna keep you in this hole…so…lemme just try…pull you out, even if it…it ain't enough. I'm sorry." Nobody respects us or protects us…
Winnie looked at him and then looked away, sighing. He took another drag. He reached into his pocket and got out his checkbook. He got up, searching around for a pen. He found one on the night table by the bedhead.
"What you doin'?" Winnie asked.
"You ain't gotta smuggle shit for me or Team Skull or wha'ever the fuck…you done and you free," Jasper said, writing her multiple checks. He wrote several for $10,000, handing it to her, "Here," he took a drag, letting the cigarette hang out his mouth, "Cash it over time, not all at once, that way the banks don't reportin' shit."
Winnie looked at the checks. Together, it had to be about a million dollars, "…Why you…doin' all this?"
"Because," Jasper said, slightly exasperated, "You ain't deserve this. Yo kid don't deserve to have no dad, yo don't need to be smugglin' shit just to survive, you don't deserve none of this shit. And…i'ma be honest. I'm fucked up. You and me…I ain't gonna treat you right if we were together. I'm not gonna do you dirty ever again. You free from that, you free from me. Just…think of this as…me payin' you back, for all the grimy shit I ever done to you."
"…Thank…you," she said quietly, surprised.
"I'ma order you tickets back to Alola," Jasper said, "For tomorrow mornin'. You can stay the night…here…you can have my bed. I'ma just…sleep in the livin' room or somethin'."
"You…can stay here if you like…it's your room after all."
"Nah, nah, I'm good," Jasper said, "I ain't gon' touch you again. I'm sorry, Winnie. Somethin' bout you, just…" overwhelms me.
Winnie looked at him and nodded tiredly, "…Well…thank you…for…saving me. I'm…not sure how to pay you back."
"It's a gift," Jasper said, taking a long drag, "You ain't gotta pay me back. Just live yo best life with yo kid, iight?"
"Okay…" Winnie said with a hopeful smile, "I…will then."
Jasper took another pull, "Good, Winnie. You deserve good shit. I'm…sorry for…before, I'm sorry that I hurt you. And…if you don't forgive me, I'm cool with that, just so you know. It's yo choice…"
"Thank you Jasper," Winnie said to him, "Thank you."
He gave her a quick, soft smile. There was some silence and he felt the guilt weigh heavy on his heart. Ain't nothin' I'm ever gonna do, will ever make up for all the fuck shit I've done to women. To everyone. Oh well, Winnie, I hope you can live yo life…be happy and free.
"Hmm…you're going gray," Winnie said with a small laugh. Jasper whipped around, looking at himself in the vanity mirror. He saw that his normally yellow hair had now silver-gray streaks through them. He sighed miserably, his ears drooping.
"It makes you look distinguished," Winnie said, "I mean…you're…in your fifties…you really think we gonna think your hair gonna stay electric yellow forever?"
"I…guess not," Jasper grumbled.
"It's nice," Winnie said, "You look natural."
"Hmm, maybe," Jasper said, still looking in the mirror. He took a drag and glanced back at Winnie who fluffed her pillow, lying back down. He smiled at her and walked out of his room, heading to the den to see Festival playing a game with Javier on her phone. He sighed tiredly and plopped on the couch, turning on the television. Diddy sat next to him, yawning, leaning against him as they watched something light and funny. Mardi was in the kitchen, getting herself a snack while Pam was on her phone, enjoying the new features.
You look natural.
He touched his wiry yellow curls and chuckled to himself. It was time to put the tint brush to rest.
Winnie gave Jasper a kiss on the cheek as she stepped into her Drop with Javier, who waved goodbye to him. The Drop pulled off and Jasper waved as it sailed down the street, turning left and out of sight. It was the crack of dawn and he lit a cigarette, heading back inside, just in his boxers and house slippers. He went to the kitchen and put on the coffee machine, scrolling through his phone as his beverage brewed. There were a few texts that he wasn't too interested in reading and some birthday notifications that he quickly cleared. When he was done with that, he poured cream and sugar into his coffee and took a few sips before taking a drag. As usual, Diddy was awake first, trotting into the kitchen, yawning and rubbing her eyes.
"Mornin' Palm City King," she said jokingly as she tippy-toed to open the cabinet.
"Mornin' Palm City Princess," he fired back lightheartedly. Diddy giggled, her tail swishing back and forth.
"I like the sound of that," she said, grabbing a box of Berry Pebbles. She went into the fridge, grabbing the milk.
"Ay what you think of the name tho? Me and Chance came up with that shit. We was high off yay but ay, that's where all my littest ideas be comin' from."
"It's a lit ass name, real talk," Diddy said, pouring herself a bowl and sitting around the table.
"My shit is expandin'," Jasper said, "I'm wonderin' if I should…buy a house. Like a big ass house by the sea."
"Festival ain't gon' like that," Diddy ribbed, taking a spoonful of cereal, "This place kinda comfy."
"Yeah but I want y'all to have y'all own rooms. Pam and Mardi sharin' a room and shit," Jasper said, taking a drag and then a sip of his coffee, "It ain't necessary. I can buy a house."
"How long you gon' do this tho?" Diddy asked.
"Just long enough to quit before I get senile," Jasper said, taking another drag, laughing to himself.
"Hmm, that won't be too long then," Diddy joked, "Them grays are peekin'."
"Yeah, yeah. Oh, and by the way, I got yo asses enrolled in NPC High—temporarily, 'til I get some tutorin' arrangements sorted out."
"…Why!" Diddy complained, "I hate school! Ion wanna go to no fuckin' school!"
"Cuz y'all moffucka's need school—or do y'all wanna end up as dumb as Parker?"
"But…school is shit," Diddy muttered.
"Ay a lot of shit is shit," Jasper said, "But if you reppin' my set, you gotta be a lil' smart. That means, school Diddy."
She sighed, "Fine…"
"Unless you wanna work for me," he said, "But—"
"Yes! Lemme work!" Diddy said, her ears perking up, "I can be yo assistant or somethin'! Fetch shit fo' you, do shit fo' you! Go with you for errands and shit."
"I got niggas gunnin' for me," Jasper reminded her, taking a drag, "Them Kalos niggas ain't through yet. Just cuz we off some of them niggas don't mean they done bossin' up."
"Ay, we bomb first like 2Pachirisu said!" Diddy said, standing up in her chair, "Please, please, I really don't wanna go to school. School in Los Lados was awful…that shit was trash. I really ain't do well in no academic settin', bruh. I ain't book smart. Ion do shit! But I can learn the biz, tho."
"…I'ma consider it," Jasper said, finishing his coffee.
"Please do," Diddy said, sitting back down in her chair, "I ain't for school, I'm for the streets, fam. I ain't about that school shit. It ain't for me."
Jasper smirked, walking over to her, "Is that so?"
"Yes," Diddy said, giving him a saccharine smile, "You know how it be." He took a drag of his cigarette and put it out, giving her a kiss atop her head, petting her. She's right. She ain't no book learner. Well…if she's gonna be here, she might as well be useful. He wasn't fully sure. He wanted to make sure Diddy was safe, but she did come up with good ideas and despite claiming to not knowing anything, she thought on her feet. Palm City Princess, he mused, liking the sound of it as well. He checked his phone and stretched. It was time for him to get dressed. He walked leisurely back to his room, washing up, shaving and brushing his teeth. When he finished he slipped on his form fitting slacks, signature white loafers, a blue button down with yellow pineapples and a stark white sports jacket. He called up Chanel.
"Ay," she said, sharpening her knives, "Wassup?"
"House huntin'," Jasper said, "Gonna look at some cribs, wanna come?"
"Yea-yea," Chanel said, "I'ma get ready. Be out there in an hour."
"Bet," Jasper said, hanging up. He stepped out his room and took a deep breath. He checked on the girls and headed out, going to his Buick.
Time to upgrade