Chapter Ten – Quality Time
Harvey led the rest of the family into a large gate, situated just before Nimbasa City. Peggy and Piper looked up at the electronic bulletin board placed above a monitor displaying various photographs of Nimbasa's main attractions, watching the date, current weather and other miscellaneous news items scrolling by in bright yellow text. Next to the monitor was a large map of the city, which was so clear that anybody could read it; the main roads were clearly marked in grey and various notable buildings and attractions had their own symbol, all in different shapes and colours. Harvey was the first to approach the map, followed by Hayden and Colin.
"Is this the newest edition?" Hayden asked curiously.
"Yep," Harvey nodded. "They changed it after Elesa relocated her gym."
"Less said about that, the better," Colin said in a huff.
"Let it go, man," Harvey chuckled. He studied the map more closely. "Let's see..."
"Hey, Lex! Since we're waiting for the Dads to finish map reading, how about showing off what the Poké Ball seals can do?" Troy suggested.
"Are you sure? I mean, I'd be sending one of my Pokémon out for no reason," Alexa said hesitantly.
"Make up an excuse or something," Troy shrugged.
"Are you really that desperate to see the demonstration?" Alexa asked, raising an eyebrow.
"From someone who hasn't even touched a Ball Capsule before, yeah; it'll be interesting to see what you'd do with 'em," Troy smiled.
"You don't have to do it now, Alexa," Lily said kindly. "That being said, do you have Shandra with you, perchance?"
"Yeah, why?" Alexa asked.
"I was thinking that if there's something you've forgotten from home, Shandra can pick it up for you," Lily suggested.
"Yeah, like, you left your handheld...thingie at home!" Ryder smiled, tail starting to wag excitedly. "That thing that you gave Keith that one time! What's it called again..?"
"My phone," Alexa sighed. "And I left it behind deliberately."
"What about your computer book thingie?" Ryder questioned.
"My laptop? I suppose so; Keith doesn't know my email address anyway," Alexa said considerately. "Troy, can you look for-"
"On it," Troy said abruptly, opening Alexa's backpack and digging out one Ball Capsule and seal pouch. He closed the backpack and handed the items over to Alexa, who held a Poké Ball in one hand.
"What are you going to use your laptop for, Alex?" Keenan asked curiously as he watched Alexa placing the Poké Ball inside the Ball Capsule while trying not to drop the seal pouch at the same time.
"I don't know yet," Alexa said quickly as she closed the Ball Capsule over the Poké Ball. Momentarily pocketing the Poké Ball, she looked through the seal pouch.
"Then why do you want Shandra to get it?" Keenan asked sheepishly.
"Mainly so Shandra isn't sent out for no reason," Alexa stated, pulling two identical seals, both depicting a small pink heart.
"You're not on any forums or websites, are you?" Daphne asked with interest.
"Nope," Alexa replied as she placed the two seals onto the Ball Capsule. "I don't have any online accounts."
"How come?" Daphne asked in confusion.
"Simply put, I don't want any," Alexa replied, laughing a little. "Okay, I think that's good enough for now. Does it matter how many seals you have on them?"
"The more you have, the larger the display," Hailey explained. "You can put different seals on one capsule as well, but most people tend to go same-y in that regard."
"Good to know," Alexa smiled. "Okay, Shandra, show me what these seals can do!"
Hayden, Harvey and Colin turned around just in time for Shandra's Poké Ball to pop open; the straight-haired Gardevior emerged from her Poké Ball with numerous small pink hearts swirling around her. Peggy and Piper were immediately infatuated with the enhanced entrance, and even Daniel was mildly impressed.
"Hm! Simple, yet effective. Nice one, Alexa."
"I didn't want to go overboard," Alexa said shyly.
"Gardevoir?" Shandra asked; her voice was soft and was slightly high in pitch. Alexa looked towards her Pokémon.
"Shandra, do you know what my laptop is?" she asked. It took Shandra a few moments to think, but she eventually nodded. "Can you go home and pick it up for me please? It's on my desk in my bedroom, it's very easy to spot."
"Gardevoir!" Shandra smiled and nodded courteously before disappearing in a brief flash of yellow light. Hayden, Harvey and Colin approached Alexa.
"Nothing to it, eh, chick?" Harvey grinned. Alexa looked at Shandra's Poké Ball – or, rather, the Ball Capsule enveloping the Poké Ball – and smiled.
"Maybe I should put all of my other Poké Balls in one of these," she mused. Harvey ruffled Alexa's hair and laughed.
"That's why you have six of them, chick!" Alexa tidied her hair with one hand, though she didn't seem to appear bothered about her uncle's rather wild ruffling.
"Did you find the restaurant?" Hailey asked.
"Yeah, it's next to the Pokémon Centre," Harvey replied.
"Really? But I thought something else used to be next door to the Pokémon Centre...?" she queried.
"There was, hun; it used to be the Battle Institute," Colin explained. "It closed down because nobody was using the facilities."
"So they turned it into a restaurant..?" Lily questioned quizzically.
"Yeah, there was apparently plenty of space for one," Colin continued. "Or so I've heard, at least..."
"You mean they didn't commission you to build it?" Harvey asked jokingly.
"No, the restaurant owners had their own contractors ready for the renovation," Colin replied calmly. "Or, like I said, so I've heard."
"In either case, shall we get going?" Hayden asked openly.
"Well, if that restaurant sounds new, I'm curious about what it has to offer," Troy nodded.
"Same here," Harvey agreed. "Let's go." However, before the family could move, Shandra suddenly appeared behind Alexa, holding what looked like a thin ruby red book in her arms.
"Gardevoir." Alexa turned around and faced Shandra.
"Hi, Shandra!" She noticed the item Shandra gently held against her chest. "Oh, thanks, Shandra!" Shandra happily handed the item over to Alexa. "Did you find it okay?"
"Gardevoir," Shandra nodded.
"That's good. Thanks, Shandra, I appreciate it," Alexa smiled. She took Shandra's Poké Ball with one hand and held it out to her. "You can have a rest now."
"Gardevoir," Shandra bowed courteously as a red beam of harmless energy absorbed her into the Poké Ball. As she returned the Poké Ball to her pocket, Jollie yawned loudly.
"Um, I think we should get back to our Poké Balls as well, Alex," Ryder said sheepishly.
"I'm not surprised, you practically ran that bunny along the entire bridge!" Harvey laughed. Troy kindly took Alexa's laptop off of her hands as she picked out Ryder's Poké Ball and Jollie's Poké Ball in each hand.
"Well, that just means Jollie's going to sleep well tonight," Alexa stated. "And, Ryder, you need to recharge your batteries as well."
"I don't use batteries!" Ryder laughed. "Whatever those are..." he muttered as the red energy beam absorbed him and Jollie into their respective Poké Balls. Harvey returned Laddy to his Poké Ball, Daniel returned Rhonda to her Poké Ball and Keenan returned Iara to her Poké Ball. Alexa took Phoenix's Poké Ball and looked up at him.
"Do you need to rest, Phoenix?" she asked. The Charizard gently flapped his wings and eventually shook his head.
"Rhrrrgh," he growled softly.
"Okay," Alexa nodded. "I'll see you later then." Phoenix smiled and nodded at her as the energy beam absorbed him into his Poké Ball. Peggy returned Piper to her Poké Ball Alexa pocketed Phoenix's Poké Ball as the family were finally beginning to move out of the gate. But Troy hadn't moved.
"Where do you want this?" he asked.
"Just in my backpack, no biggie," Alexa replied. She stood perfectly still while Troy opened her backpack and carefully slipped the laptop inside before closing it up again. He couldn't help but notice the keyring hanging from the zip; it was a holographic Milotic keyring.
"Huh; that's a nice keyring you have," Troy smiled as he admired the item. Alexa's smile weakened.
"Thanks," she said half-heartedly. "Shall we go?" Troy noticed her rapid subject change and was slightly concerned.
"Yeah," he nodded as he followed his cousin out of the gate.
Nimbasa City was as lively as ever. The fairground was by far the most populated area in the entire city, but other people were walking around the city, some in groups of about four or five, going into various different venues. Troy and Alexa were approaching the Music Hall and could see the rest of their family heading in the direction of the Pokémon Centre.
"Was it something I said?" Troy asked.
"Regarding...?"
"How quickly you wanted us to leave the gate," Troy explained. "All I did was compliment your-"
"Keith gave it to me," Alexa said abruptly.
"Did he?"
"Yeah, he...it was a souvenir from Fiore. We were only friends back then, though."
"But considering the bad blood between you two, what made you keep it? Or even put it on your backpack in the first place?" Troy asked in confusion.
"For the record, it's been on my backpack for a while now," Alexa stated. "I couldn't be bothered to take it off after Keith and I...last fought."
"Ah, I see. Don't worry about it, Lex, you'll work things out eventually," Troy said optimistically. Alexa nodded, but she stopped when she was on the bridge towards the Pokémon Centre. Troy stopped and looked at her as she surveyed the entire area.
"Why does this place stand out to me?" Alexa asked.
"It's where you bumped into Starmie Head," Troy explained. "You were KO'd for a little while and had to go to hospital for it; you failed the fingers test."
"The what?" Alexa asked, rubbing her head. Troy shook his head.
"Never mind. Is anything coming back to you at all?" he asked. Alexa looked around the whole area once more and tried to concentrate. After a few moments of silence, she sighed and looked at her cousin with a look of disappointment on her face.
"No... I can't remember anything." Troy approached her and placed a hand on her shoulder, smiling kindly.
"It's okay, don't worry about it. He's gone, and that's all that matters." Alexa took little comfort in Troy's words, but smiled regardless.
"Thanks, Troy."
"Come on, let's meet the others now; I don't want 'em to think I had to take you to the hospital again," he teased. Alexa sighed silently as she followed Troy across the bridge and towards the Pokémon Centre.
When they arrived at the apparently new restaurant, they were mildly taken aback at the overall casual atmosphere; there were several identical squared tables with matching mahogany chairs surrounding them, all of which were on a dark oak laminate flooring. The walls were all painted in the same light and gentle shade of cream and had several calming paintings of stunning scenery hanging in various areas of the restaurant. There was a bar at the far end of the floor, near what looked like a stage, where a middle-aged guitarist was sitting on a chair, quietly tuning his country guitar. Alongside the normal tables and chairs were various seating booths, which consisted of identical circular cream-coloured and cushioned leather sofas in front of a rather large rectangular table, not dissimilar to the standard tables in the restaurant. There were many waiters and waitresses walking around in the same black and white uniforms, some with a full tray of various meals, some empty-handed and some with a tray of drinks. Alexa and Troy looked around the restaurant and spotted Daphne waving at them; they smiled as they approached the distant seating booth and sat down, Troy courteously letting Alexa sit down first.
"Hey, what kept you both?" Harvey asked as Alexa placed her backpack down by her feet. Troy picked up one of the fairly large menus and began examining it.
"Nothing much, we were just talking," Alexa said honestly. "What'd we miss?"
"I was thinking of replacing my Poké Gear," Keenan explained. The revelation took Alexa by slight surprise.
"Oh, really? But that cover you ordered for it is barely three months old."
"I know, but I've been thinking about it since I've seen yours," Keenan said bashfully. "It just caught my interest."
"Can't say I blame you," Daniel said. "They're certainly more convenient in my opinion, not to mention there's less hassle with a Xtransceiver than with a Poké Gear." Daphne nodded in agreement throughout Daniel's explanation.
"And they're so easy to use!" she added. "But, then again, you've already heard my say on it in Undella."
"Yeah," Keenan chuckled nervously. "But if I get one, what am I supposed to do with my Poké Gear?"
"For starters, I suggest writing down any contacts you might want to keep before erasing all of them," Hayden advised. Keenan listened intently to his father. "After that, I can help you sell the Poké Gear."
"Sell it? Who'd want a Poké Gear with the Xtransceiver already outshining it?" Daphne asked.
"Put it this way, Daphne; playing cards aren't the only things collectors will go berserk over," Daniel said plainly.
"Ber-what?" Peggy asked in confusion.
"What I mean is there are people who would pay almost anything to get their hands on something," Daniel explained.
"But not everyone's so reliable," Hayden added. "I think we may end up selling it to a properly licensed trader."
"Sounds good," Keenan smiled.
"With any luck, you should be able to use that money to buy the Xtransceiver," Alexa added cheerfully.
"Like you did with the coin you found?" Keenan asked curiously.
"I used ten percent of that money, yes," Alexa nodded. "Not sure what to use the rest of it on..."
"Anything you want, sweetheart, it's your money," Lily smiled kindly.
"Yeah, I'll cross that bridge when we get to it," Alexa nodded. "But, hey, if you don't make enough money from the Poké Gear, I'll help you pay for it."
"Are you sure?" Keenan asked.
"Yeah, of course," Alexa grinned. "But it's up to you, though, I don't mind either way."
"Thanks, Alex," Keenan said gratefully. He looked towards Hayden, still with his sunny smile. "Thanks, Dad." Hayden smiled and nodded.
Two waitresses, one with black hair tied in a single ponytail and the other with short brown hair, approached the table, each with a tray of different drink glasses and bottled drinks. The two waitresses distributed the drinks carefully and matched the drink with the person who requested it very efficiently, despite Troy and Alexa's absence during the ordering. The waitresses soon left with a courteous smile on their faces after all of the drinks were distributed. After taking a sip from her cola, ignoring the lemon slice in the glass, Alexa peeked at the menu Troy continued to read.
"So, Hailey," Harvey began after pouring some red wine in his glass. "The Contest is in two days, huh? You sure you're ready for it?"
"My little star is as ready as he'll ever be," Hailey smiled gleefully. "But I'll keep up the rehearsals anyway; practise makes perfect, and the more practise Eric gets, the better."
"Try not to push him, though, Hailey," Hayden cautioned.
"I know how to treat my Pokémon, Hayden," Hailey said, pouting playfully.
"No, I mean you don't want him to push himself so far he ends up breaking his arm again," Hayden explained.
"I know. But this routine is going to be eye candy for everyone who watches it, you mark my words," Hailey winked.
"What's eye candy?" Peggy asked.
"She means Eric's appeal is going to be very pretty to look at," Daphne answered. "Like, very, very, very pretty! That's what eye candy means."
"Sounds a bit strange to me, though," Alexa said, keeping her eyes glued to the menu.
"Do you not like that term then?" Colin asked, lowering his glass of sparkling water.
"I just think it's a weird thing to say, that's all," Alexa replied. Hailey shrugged.
"The point is Eric's appeal is going to leave the audience in awe; that's all that needs to be said," she said somewhat boastfully as she drank from her glass of white wine. "Of course, it does mean tomorrow's going to be rather busy...what with the spa appointment and everything."
"That reminds me, Hailey, when should Alexa and I meet you in Nacrene City?" Lily asked. Hailey placed the wine glass on the table and lifted her left arm up, revealing her silver and pink Xtransceiver. As she continuously pressed the touchscreen with her finger, Keenan noticed that the grey strap had a pink ribbon design on it.
"Well, the appointment's at 10:30, but I don't know how you're going to get to Nacrene, so-"
"Alexa and I can be there by then," Lily smiled. "Do you agree, Alexa?" Alexa looked at her mother over the menu.
"Yeah, no problem," she nodded. She suddenly smirked. "I was listening."
"Nobody's saying you weren't," Lily laughed. "With Cheryl – or Shandra, for that matter – we can be there at 10:30 on the dot if that works out."
"Sounds good enough for me," Hailey smiled, lowering her arm.
"Aunt Hailey, when's Eric going to have his final rehearsal anyway?" Alexa asked as she continued to look through the main course meals on the menu.
"Tomorrow evening or perhaps even Saturday morning before the Contest," Hailey replied. "Don't worry, the spa won't clash with his rehearsals."
"I wasn't worried; I was just curious," Alexa said reassuringly.
"Hey, Lex, this one sounds nice," Troy beamed. Alexa curiously looked at whatever it was Troy was pointing at.
Keith handed Robbie and Reese a bowl of rather bland looking Pokémon food. Reese took one of the brown pellets in his paw and sniffed it before he placed it in his mouth. Reese smiled with delight as he proceeded to nibble on another pellet. Robbie lapped one pellet into his mouth with his tongue and, before he knew it, he was eating from the entire bowl. Keith smiled briefly as his Sawsbuck and Buizel ate the standard Pokémon food before approaching the egg case resting on the chest of drawers. He removed the gold-plated lid from the case and used both hands to carefully scoop the egg out of the case entirely. He felt nervous; this was literally the first time he ever held a Pokémon egg in his entire life. Reese looked up as Keith sat on the bed, with the egg carefully resting on his lap. He pulled a soft towel from over his shoulder and began gently rubbing the egg with it. Robbie only looked up at Keith when he heard a light sigh and saw Keith lowering his arm and the towel. Reese leapt across the cabin, onto Keith's bed and approached him. Keith looked down at the worried Buizel, looking very slightly anxious.
"I'm all right. I'm just...a little nervous about this," he confessed. Reese looked between Keith and the egg in confusion. "About meeting Alexa, I mean."
"Bui?" Reese tilted his head.
"I don't have a way to communicate with her right now, so...I don't even know if she'll be back in Johto by the time we get there," Keith sighed as he leaned back. "Guess I'll have to take the chance...it's too late to turn back now anyway." Reese ran over to him and gave him the biggest cuddle he possibly could. Keith smiled warmly as he petted the little Buizel, which brought a smile to Robbie's face. "Thanks, buddy." Keith lifted his head up and looked at the round light in the ceiling. "I really want to sort things out with her. Or...try to, at least. I was...thoughtless... I just hope she'll be well enough by the time we see her."
"Saws," Robbie nodded. Keith took note of Robbie's rather confident smile, causing his own smile to grow.
"Yeah; she's survived worse. She'll get back on her feet."
"Bui!" Reese nodded in agreement. As he continued to pet the hugging Sea Weasel Pokémon, Keith suddenly felt some sort of movement from the egg, which took him by surprise. Sure enough, he, Robbie and Reese saw the egg moving very slightly.
Alexa and Troy were the last to leave the Nimbasa restaurant and followed the rest of the family near the gate leading to Join Avenue.
"That was a gorgeous meal! Thanks, everyone!" Hailey said joyfully.
"Hayden, are you sure you were comfortable paying for some of it, though?" Colin asked.
"Positive," Hayden nodded. "Don't worry about it, it's not a big deal."
"Sorry, it's just...I dunno, you're the one on holiday here; it felt weird, in a way," Colin said nervously.
"Think nothing of it, honestly," Hayden smiled.
"Well," Harvey said suddenly, almost slamming his hand on his younger brother's shoulder. "I dunno about the rest of you, but I'm gonna head back home." Hayden rubbed his shoulder as soon as Harvey removed his hand.
"Yeah, today's been really enjoyable, but there's only so much excitement we can take for one day," Troy agreed.
"What are you going to do now?" Lily asked Hailey and Colin.
"Well, Eric kind of needs as much rehearsal time as he can get, so I'll be doing that later this afternoon," Hailey mused.
"I'll probably just relax and look after the kids," Colin presumed.
"And you?" Hailey asked Lily.
"I don't know. At least, I dunno about what we'll do before the Charity Pokémon Tournament is on," Lily pondered. Keenan beamed with delight.
"That's tonight?!" Daphne exclaimed. "Are you going to watch it?"
"Yes, we are," Lily smiled.
"Mum, I think that's something we should do, too!" Daphne suddenly said loudly.
"We already are," Hailey laughed. "Seriously, you can remember the exact year the very first Apricorn Poké Ball was made – and what Apricorn Poké Ball it was – but not a televised event?"
"Honestly," Daniel smirked. Daphne blushed as she laughed timidly.
"In any case, I daresay this is where we part for the day," Colin said calmly. "You take care of yourself, Hayden."
"You, too," Hayden nodded. Colin, Hailey, Daphne and Daniel released their Salamence, Altaria and twin Unfezant from their Poké Balls respectively and climbed onto their backs. Daphne helped Peggy onto Sally's back just in front of her.
"See you later, gang! David, let's go!"
"Rhrrrrrrrrrrrrrgh!" David roared as he was the first to take flight. Annabelle, Sally and Daniel's Unfezant soon took flight and followed the large Dragon Pokémon. After the four flyers disappeared from sight, Harvey and Troy released their Dragonite and Archeops respectively from their Poké Balls and climbed onto their backs.
"Until next time, bro!" Harvey smiled. Hayden nodded. "Rena?"
"Drrrrrgh!" The large Dragonite darted into the air and sped off in the distance; it didn't take long for Harvey to disappear from sight at all.
"Alexa. You get plenty of rest, okay?" Troy said kindly.
"Will do. Thanks, Troy."
"And enjoy your spa tomorrow! That'll definitely help you relax," Troy winked. "Okay, Zane! Home time!"
"ARR!" Zane happily flapped his wings as he took flight and flew into the sky. Alexa gave Troy and the Archeops a little wave, but neither saw the gesture.
"So, Keenan, have you made a full decision yet?" Hayden asked curiously. Keenan nodded quickly.
"Yeah; I would like to get one," he said clearly. Hayden smiled.
"Okay. That means we have something to do while the girls are at the spa," he said optimistically. Keenan nodded.
"But what are we going to do before the Pokémon Tournament comes on?" Lily asked.
"Well...we could watch you goof around in one of Keenan's video games," Hayden said teasingly. Alexa and Keenan laughed, but Lily raised an eyebrow.
"Sorry I asked," she said sarcastically.
"But, seriously, though, what do you feel like doing?" Hayden asked kindly.
"Maybe read my book," Lily said with slight uncertainty.
"I'll probably test the hotel's Internet connection and give Grandpa a call," Alexa said merrily.
"That's a good idea, sweetie," Lily smiled.
"After that, I can research Poké Gear selling prices if you'd like?" Alexa questioned towards Hayden.
"You don't have to, Lexie, I can sort it out," Hayden smiled. "But thank you for the offer." Alexa nodded.
"I know what I'll be doing," Keenan said keenly.
"All right then," Lily said as she released Cheryl from her Poké Ball. "Cheryl, if you'd be so kind?"
"Gardevoir," Cheryl nodded; her voice was slightly deeper and far more mature in comparison to Shandra's. Cheryl placed her hands together as she closed her eyes softly and a rainbow glow outlined her body. Her eyes suddenly opened widely and suddenly vanished, along with Lily, Hayden, Keenan and Alexa.
To be continued...