What could the fallout of Richard's decisions have on Blake? What will he do, meekly give in or find some way to stay?
As for the Best Girl nominations, still going strong. Anyone else left to add?
Currently Nominated: Sango, Cynthia, Elaina, Kate, Dakota, Ayame, Marion, Kitty, Serefina, Madison
KedharS: Most parents come across that way.
Pokemonking0924: Blake definitely has his reasons for not resisting.
Tambry96bj: Hopefully she doesn't find out.
Just a Bad Writer for Fun: How do you know he isn't putting Blake's happiness first?
Rus4408: What?
Pokemon Academy: Beginning of Beginnings
Chapter 206
The night of his birthday had not gone the way Blake had expected. That the man who'd adopted him, Richard Harker, had come to take him home was a shock that he hadn't anticipated. He'd known that his foster father had been insistent on marriage to Alcea, but to think he would go to the extent of coming here and forcing Blake to leave school… Blake never saw something like that coming. And now here he was, sitting in a room gently drifting in the sea, tied to the dock of the Pokemon Academy Island.
Blake turned the iris over in his hand. He left his room and got a cup of water, gingerly placing the flower stem into the glass so the bright blue petals wouldn't wilt so quickly. It was one of the only mementos of this day that he had… he didn't want to forget it any time soon. Even though… even though he knew that this flower would be gone soon enough, and that no matter how hard he tried, preserving it would be a fruitless act. He set his bag on the ground, and took out the stuffed Snivy that Ayame had given him. He looked at the small stuffed toy, reminding him so much of Tara. He'd been happy to have gotten it. That was like a lifetime ago, but it was only that morning. His problem at the time had been rejecting Ayame and hurting her. Now… he'd probably never see her, or any of his other friends, ever again.
In the end… I really don't want to leave, Blake admitted, to himself and no one else. But there was nothing he could do.
A knock on the door pulled Blake from his contemplation, and he raised his head.
"Come in," Blake said. The door opened and Richard Harker walked into the small cabin, staring at him with focused and cold eyes.
"I thought it would be best for us to share a meal," Richard declared. Blake nodded his head. The dining room on the yacht was nice enough. The two ate large steaks while sitting in silence, Blake feeling overwhelmed by the pressure of Richard Harker's presence, as usual. The man wouldn't even look at him, focusing entirely on the food in front of him instead.
"I do regret that you will have to leave your friends," Richard admitted, before placing a piece of meat in his mouth.
"It's fine," Blake said, shaking his head. "I will do what I need to do."
"It isn't fine," Richard calmly replied, still focused more on his food than on his foster son. "You are not a machine, Blake. It is alright for you to feel regret, to disdain leaving your friends. Friends are a precious commodity, after all. I would even understand if you hate me right now. I don't mind your hatred. I only have need of your compliance."
"Blake…" his voice was a tone softer. "There is a reason that I proposed this marriage, you know. The road you're headed down… it won't lead you to happiness. Alcea Vermeill is a lovely young woman. I know that being with her will make you happy. Not pursuing some blind wish for things to return to how they were."
Blake didn't have anything to say to that. Nothing had changed. Richard Harker still refused to accept any reality that he didn't want to.
"How is Cynthia doing?" Blake asked.
"…She's doing well," Richard replied, setting down his fork and raising his head to look Blake in the eyes for the first time during the meal.
Blake frowned.
"But she still hasn't-"
"My wife's health concerns are not something you need to worry yourself with," Richard cut him off sharply. His tone softened once more. "Forgive me. I understand that you are worried about her. But it's been years now, and her condition hasn't changed. We both know that. There's no need for you to inquire after her. If there is any improvement, I will let you know then."
"Yes, sir," Blake nodded. I didn't ask… because I wanted to know if things had actually changed…
He'd just wanted something to talk about with the closest thing to a father that he knew.
"We should focus on more pressing matters. No more of these empty dreams of you trying to be a strong pokemon trainer like Kanone for all the wrong reasons. The path you're headed down will only cause pain in the end, Blake. But if you follow my path, I will make sure to grant you happiness."
"Thank you, sir," Blake's tone was filled with whatever gratitude he could muster, but…
But you don't know what it is that would really bring me happiness.
"As precious as your friends may be, as much as you think they might bring you happiness, I do not need to remind you that some things are better left unspoken," Richard added. "For example… details about our family are not to be left in the hands of others, do I make myself clear? I spoke to one of those friends of yours… and heard that she knows quite a lot of our family's history."
Blake winced.
"The white-haired one," Richard Harker added. "With the red eyes. How much have you told her? And the others?"
"…Everything," Blake admitted. "I told her everything. About you and I… about Cynthia, about the incident, about… everything."
"…You had no right to reveal those details," Richard frowned. "Does anyone else know anything?"
"No, sir."
"'No sir' is it…" Richard shook his head. "To confide in that girl… she must be someone you trust quite a lot."
"She is."
"I don't want you talking about our family troubles with any of your other friends, do I make myself clear?"
"Yes, sir," Blake agreed.
"That girl… how strange."
Blake blinked raising his head to look at his foster father. Richard seemed unnaturally focused on Kitty for some reason. His expression was twisted in concern. Could he have realized that Kitty… Richard did not have harmonia himself, but his wife and children did. Could he have noticed some sign in her? Picked up on something strange? Blake frowned. That wouldn't be very good if that was the case.
"Her eyes… and that hair… she's the spitting image of your mother's dear friend."
Blake winced. He had noticed, after all. Just hearing that name…
"Don't worry about it," Blake said, shaking his head. "Kitty is just Kitty. She's just a friend. She isn't related to the person you're thinking of."
"…Maybe so," Richard nodded. But he still had his doubts. Either way, the niceties of conversation were past. It was time to focus on the problem at hand, and discuss what would be done in Blake's marriage meeting tomorrow.
After their meal concluded, Richard Harker retired to his room to get some much-needed rest. Removing his suit and putting on more casual clothes to walk around in, he was ready to relax before going to sleep that night. Sephiria had already retired to her quarters, and he had called the staff back home to get any updates on Cynthia and her condition. It had been a long day's travel, and a long conversation. It seemed that Blake was coming along nicely, and willing to comply with his requests. That would all be for the best. It wouldn't do to have Blake lose himself in trying to be a powerful pokemon trainer. Not when he didn't have the affinity for it that Kanone did. Not when he was just using it as an excuse to pursue some ghost.
That boy doesn't want to fight with his pokemon. Even back then… he was only concerned with taking care of pokemon, and grooming them. That's when he smiled the most… and yet, to suddenly decide to become a trainer, and come to this school… did he think I wouldn't know why? I expected him to resist, but those friends of his… I didn't think he would actually find something else to keep him here… with so much to drive him… can I really expect him to comply so readily?
"You look as though you have much that concerns you, dear Richard."
Richard Harker's eyes widened at the familiar voice touching his ear. He turned, his face bright with expectance, overjoyed at seeing the old friend he'd known since he was a small boy.
"Ryoko…" Richard gasped. Standing in front of the door was Ryoko, the same mysterious girl who had played with him all through his childhood. She had not changed in the slightest, all these years later. The same soulful golden eyes, the same white shirt and red dress, the same bow in her lavender hair. Even the scent of lavender, mint, and lilac brought with it a whiff of nostalgia, and the smile on her face made him feel like a little boy again.
"You have grown quite tall, Richard," Ryoko smiled, walking forward and hugging him. How many years had it been since she'd stood at his height, he wondered.
"It's been a while since I've seen you," Richard smiled, patting the back of her head. "Are you well?"
"I am quite well, thank you. Perhaps it has been long for you, but for me, things have been quite different." Ryoko laughed at this, but when they separated her expression turned solemn.
"How is Cynthia?"
Richard winced at the mention of his wife's name.
"Nothing has changed. She is still the same as before."
"I see…" Ryoko's face saddened.
"Ryoko, please… with your powers, we could-"
"I apologize, but that is quite impossible." Ryoko shook her head. "I am not capable of interfering to that degree."
"I see…" Richard looked down, collapsing onto his bed. Hearing her reject him like that reminded him of the time Cynthia had smacked him across the face for his rudeness during their first date. It was a pleasant memory for quite some time, but now it just stung.
"I cannot give aid to your wife, Richard," Ryoko continued, sitting beside him and looking up into his eyes. All these years, and those old, knowing eyes were the same as ever. "But perhaps I can aid you in what troubles your heart. I have lived a life of experiences, you remember. So please feel free to make use of my counsel."
Richard frowned. What was he supposed to say? He only wanted what was best for Blake, after all. This… this was the correct action. So he explained in detail to Ryoko what he wanted from the boy, what he wanted for him, and what he hoped would eventually happen.
Ryoko listened to his story in detail, looking into his eyes without judgment or scorn. It was this overwhelming understanding… that was what he'd missed.
"It is a complicated situation, that is certain," Ryoko admitted. "I am grateful for your feelings towards Blake. I too… wish only the best for him. And if you are certain that your actions are for the best… but can you tell me that you know what Blake wants? That you know what is right, and that he does not know what is right? Well… I shall leave that distinction to you. What happens next is for you to decide."
"Even now, you still won't do what I want," Richard sighed. Ryoko giggled, and got off from the bed, turning to face him with a cat-like smile.
"No, but I shall always do what is needed of me. Good luck, dear Richard."
"Blake…" Sango met up with Blake in front of the Blastoise Fountain, and sighed in relief. Silver smiled cheerily, overjoyed by his partner's good spirits.
"Hey, good morning," Blake said, smiling. It was a smile that stung, because Sango could see the emptiness in it. Of course he couldn't smile a bright smile filled with honest happiness. Not after… what had happened.
"You… didn't come back to your room last night," Sango quietly said. "I thought… that you might not even be here, like we agreed. That maybe you'd just left, and-"
Blake shook his head.
"My dad brought me to his yacht," Blake sighed. "He kept me there all night discussing what I should say and do when I see Alcea. How I should bow my head, pull her seat out, compliment her dress and her hair, but not her face or her body…"
"Well that should be difficult, I've seen Alcea's ass up close," Sango laughed. Blake rolled his eyes.
"Ready to go?" Blake asked. His expression turned serious. "Are you sure? You really think you can-"
"I spoke with Sarge," Sango said, nodding. "And he okayed it. So let's go."
She frowned, and headed across the quad, gesturing for him and Silver to follow. Quietly she added "after all… this might be the last thing I get to do for you…"
Neither one of them were very interested in discussing what had transpired the night before, but it wasn't like they could spend the rest of the day pretending that nothing at all was going on. Even so… they walked off campus in silence at any rate.
There was quite a lot that Sango wanted to say… but she didn't know how she should say it. She didn't even know what it was she was supposed to be saying in circumstances like this. Should she say she understood? But she didn't understand, she didn't understand at all. Maybe… maybe she should just be there for him, and that would be enough. Or maybe… she knew it was wrong, and she shouldn't say a word, but still, a part of her wanted to…
Blake also didn't know what to say. But unlike Sango, most of the things he was keeping quiet on were because he didn't want to drag her into his family business. Sango was an important friend… but he couldn't pull her into his mess. Besides, what his father had said… it was true, to an extent. There wasn't a lot he could say otherwise. So he remained quiet, and tried to pretend that everything was normal, even when it clearly wasn't.
Sango was the one who broke the silence first, as they walked up the path towards the Valley of Dragons.
"Blake…" Sango whispered, Blake flinching at the first sounds of human voice in a while.
"Y-yeah?" He asked, Sango stopping until Blake caught up with her. Silver floated back, leaving the two of them to their own devices.
"Do you have to go?" Sango asked. Her eyes were filled with tears as she looked into Blake's eyes. Blake winced, avoiding Sango's gaze.
"I have to go," Blake said. "What my father said… it was the truth. I came here… not to be a pokemon trainer, but-"
"I don't care about that," Sango said, shaking her head. "Whatever the reasons you came here… they aren't important to me. What's important is that you're here! And here, you have Cynthia, and Ayame, and Kitty, and… and me. We're your friends, Blake. It doesn't matter what you came here for, or whatever dumb path you're walking… please, can't you just… can't you just keep walking the same path as the rest of us, and see where it leads us?"
"Sango… you're sweet," Blake smiled, reaching out and wiping the tears from her eyes. "But no. I can't. I can't go against my family right now. Not… not directly like this."
Sango frowned.
"That's fine then… if that's what you want…" Sango said, the tone of her voice resigned. "Tell me, Blake. Not what your father wants. Tell me what you want. Do you want to stay here? Or do you want to go off and get married to Alcea?"
Blake flinched. He bit his lip, his hand falling to his side. That look in Sango's eyes… she was brimming with resolve, her brown eyes glistening with an honest look that Blake just couldn't lie to.
"I… I want to stay here…" Blake admitted, looking down. "I don't want to get married to Alcea. I want to stay at the Pokemon Academy. Last night… that party… I realized how much I cared about my friends. How much I wanted to stay with everyone. But even so, it's not like I can just-"
"Yes, you can," Sango said, reaching up to touch his cheek. "You just have to agree… say you want to stay, fight your father, and-"
"It isn't… that simple," Blake said, shaking his head. "And besides, he… isn't my father."
He brushed Sango's hand aside, and continued the walk toward the canyon where Sarah resided.
"There's nothing that I can do…" Blake muttered. "It doesn't matter."
Sango winced, watching after him. The ache in her breast only grew stronger. It DID matter, she wanted to scream. Of course it matters! She wanted to grab him, to pull him close and hug him, but…
But it wouldn't matter. No matter how hard she tried, he'd sunken into a deep hole so dark she couldn't see him through it. She reached towards him, her hand freezing halfway there.
I can't pull him out like this… I want to help, but really… I can't make him open up.
Sango lowered her hand and increased her pace, until she was walking beside him. She couldn't help Blake by herself… she couldn't pull him out of his darkness. But she could at least walk at his side, and be there for him if he did eventually decide to open up. And even if he didn't… he would know that she had been there for him.
"Sarah?" Blake called. "It's me, Blake! I'm back!"
"SAAAAAAAAL!" Sarah's voice echoed across the chasm, and a large shadow crossed the ground. A dark figure flew overhead, blotting out the sun, causing Sango and Silver to glance up in surprise. Blake was completely used to this, however, and didn't really react that much.
The wind nearly knocked Sango over as the dragon pokemon touched down in front of them, her massive wings kicking up dust and blowing powerful blasts of air in Sango, Blake, and Silver's faces.
"So this is your Salamence," Sango said, stepping a little closer to her. "Her name's Sarah?"
"That's right," Blake said, nodding. "But be careful. She's wary around strangers. I wouldn't want you to get hurt."
Sango swallowed. Sarah's eye narrowed as she glared at Sango, her lip curling up to reveal a row of sharp teeth as she snarled. Unperturbed, Sango took another step forward, holding out her hand. Sarah twisted her head, letting out a harsh exhalation of hot air right in Sango's face, her messy hair blowing backwards as she closed her eyes, Sarah's hot breath washing over her.
"Hey there, you remember me?" Sango asked. "I'm sure you don't, I only saw you the one time. But… But I want to help you. You're Sarah, right?"
"Sala," Sarah grunted, glancing away from Sango.
Sango gulped. She'd promised Blake that, for a birthday present, she'd use everything she had learned to aid him in keeping his Salamence under control. She'd tamed a Salamence to a reasonable extent before. Now… now she'd just have to do it again. It couldn't be that hard… could it?
Well, we'll have to see for ourselves.
