Chapter 19: Past Times

"Yeah, Geno sent me here. You remember him from playing Super Mario RPG?" Bryce replied.

She nodded. "There isn't anything I forgot that you told me."

"So how have you been doing?" He asked, still cuddling with her.

"It's been horrible. When I got back I was swarmed with questions. I answered what they wanted, but it seemed like they just wanted answers. I don't know…it just hasn't felt like home. I told my parents about you, and they haven't been the same since."

Bryce froze. That can't be good, but he should have expected it. "What did they say?"

"If you were to show up, they wanted to meet with you."

*That could be good or bad.* Bryce thought.

"My best friend has been great, though. He's the only one that's noticed I was feeling awful without you. I told him about you and he accepted it without question. I've spent most of my time here and he's visited me sometimes." Violet gave Bryce a hug. "I guess you'll see him tomorrow."

Bryce nodded. He didn't expect all the Lucarios to take kindly to a stranger coming into where they lived, especially a human. He knew most humans weren't as nice as they acted. He looked down to see Violet asleep. He smirked. Just like when he first met her, she looked as if she hadn't slept in days. It was then he realized how tired he was as well. Bryce took the blanket and draped it over Violet, lifting her head onto the pillow. He tried to move away from her and let her have it to herself, but her arm was tightly caught on his arm.

"Fine, have it your way." He said to her sleeping figure. Even asleep, she always wanted to be near her. He lied next to her, falling asleep quickly.

That morning Violet and Bryce awoke at the same time. She smiled at him. He smiled back, pulling her close for a soft kiss.

"Morning." He said.

"Ready to go?"

He nodded. While he didn't expect a warm welcome, it was what she wanted. He packed the blanket and pillow up again and followed her through the trees.

*What would they think? Would they even let him in at all?* Bryce thought. He then realized he was over thinking it. Make the assessment after you get there.

The pair crossed a small patch of yellow flowers and into the village. Bryce just walked as humbly and respectfully as he could. It was strange. He expected stares, but it felt a lot like it did on earth. Something felt wrong. Violet stopped in front of two Lucarios. Their eyes were red like a normal Lucario, but they were a lot taller than the Pokedex said. They were about five and a half feet, closer to six though.

"Mom, dad, this Bryce. You know, the one I told you I met during my visit to earth." They nodded, examining him, and reading his aura.

Bryce knelt down to show his respect. They seemed pleased that he was humble and not proud and loud. He never was that kind of person. If he ever won something, he usually just said thanks for the game and left.

"Rise." The father said. He rose slowly. "Would you let us talk with our daughter in private?" he asked.

"Yes, sir." He said, walking to an area just outside of the village. Another Lucario came up to him.

"Are you Bryce by any chance?" he asked. Nodding, he realized that this must be Violet's best friend. He didn't give off that feeling the others did. That feeling…just like the humans on earth…

"I'm Violet's friend Rio, except for you from what I gather." He said winking.

Geno's remark had nothing on that. He tried to keep his face from reddening, but it didn't work very well.

Rio laughed. "It's fine with me. I haven't seen her as happy as when she talks about you."

"Well, she's a great friend. I don't know where I'd be without her." He finally said.

"Yeah, Violet's always had a calm, warm presence. It's just in her nature. I'm surprised some people here can't get over her having purple eyes." His face seemed to fall a little. Whispering, he said, "Not everyone here is your friend. Just be careful. I'm not against you here, but others don't take kindly to strangers, especially humans."

Bryce nodded. That would explain the odd feeling from everyone. It was on earth as well, except everyone felt like that. Distant and cold. Violet never had that, and neither did this Lucario. Did they notice the difference?

"Could you tell Violet I'll be back at where I saw her last night?"

"Her favorite place? No problem." He smiled and walked off, Bryce facing the opposite direction out of the valley completely.

*I hope this doesn't get Violet in trouble…*

Author's Notes: Firstly, Happy New Year to all. So…could there be trouble in paradise? What do Violet's parents think of Bryce? Does her best friend trust Bryce enough to let him take care of Violet? I guess you'll see soon.

PS Thanks for the warm welcome to FF and positive comments. I really appreciate it.