Chapter Thirty Eight – Confiding pt I
Colin was the first to enter the family home as he opened the front door. Hailey and Daniel carefully passed him by while he struggled to reclaim his keys from the door's lock, much to Daphne's amusement. Fortunately, Colin won the fight and moved away from the door to allow the newly evolved Piper into the house with her parents, Peggy and Daphne. While the rest of the family made its way to the kitchen, Colin locked the front door. In the kitchen, Daphne turned her attention to her mother.
"I'm sorry Peggy and I ended up skipping school," she apologised. Colin joined the conversation just in time for Hailey to respond.
"Honey, I understand why you did, but...the principal is going to punish the two of you for it," she cautioned.
"Yeah, I know," Daphne nodded. Despite looking equally as shameful as her sister, Peggy nodded understandingly.
"Are you going to punish us, too, Mummy?" she asked. Colin raised an eyebrow.
"We're not mad at you, sweetheart."
"That's not the point, Colin," Hailey said quietly, looking at her perplexed husband through the corner of her eye. Hailey turned back to her daughters and rubbed the back of her neck timidly. "Uh...y-you're confined to your rooms, I guess...although, after the day we've all had, I can't imagine seeing any of you out of your rooms until the morning anyway...I should probably think about it more in the morning..."
"I agree," Colin said simply.
"I'll bring your sandwiches up later on, okay?" Peggy and Daphne felt satisfied with the punishment they had received, despite how relatively weak it was, and nodded compliantly.
"Okay. Thank you," Peggy said graciously as she made her way towards and up the stairs. Daphne and Daniel nodded at Hailey as they passed her, following Peggy's direction. Hailey and Colin watched as Piper hurried over to the stairs and struggled to climb them; her new wings, despite being closed, rubbed against the wall and the banister, making it hard for the juvenile Altaria to hop up the steps. It wasn't until David gave her a boost that Piper finally made her way up to Peggy, who had patiently waited for her at the top of the stairs. Hailey chuckled.
"Aw, bless...!"
"Give her a break, Hailey; she probably forgot that her wings are much larger now."
"And fluffier. I wouldn't be surprised if Peggy slept in Piper's wings tonight."
In her bedroom, Daphne flung herself onto her bed and sighed contently as her head fell onto her pillows. Daniel chuckled and shook his head as he searched his school rucksack for Night of The Clefairy Dance.
"Mum's right; I ain't leaving this room until tomorrow!"
"Comfy already, huh?" Daniel asked behind a laugh as he sat down on his bed. Daphne sat up as Daniel opened his book to the bookmarked pages.
"And you're oddly content all of a sudden," she noted as Daniel looked down at the words in his book.
"We're focusing our attention on where it should be; you bet I'm content." Daphne leaned her head against her pillows again, smiling proudly.
"And Piper...man, I didn't think she was even CLOSE to evolving, but she sure showed us!"
"Every cloud has a silver lining." Daniel suddenly lost his smile and most of his focus on his story. "...I learned that the hard way." Daphne suddenly sat up again and looked at her younger twin with worry.
"Danny-"
"I mean, how the HELL did she even know about the Two-Tone thing?!" Daniel asked in frustration.
"Stop before you turn into a hypocrite," Daphne said crankily. "You just said-"
"I know what I just said!" Daniel retorted. "But, as touchy as Two-Tone is...I'm more confused than anything else; I mean, Mum and Dad kept all that within the family, so how did Adelina hear about it?" Daphne looked at her brother quizzically. "As far as I understand it, Mum and Adelina lost touch when Two-Tone was the thing...this is vexing..."
"Just chill; our orders are to ignore her, so...do it." Daniel scoffed.
"Yes, boss," he said playfully as he returned to his story, much to Daphne's relief.
Alexa and Phoenix stood up and began to take hold of the empty plates, mug and bottles. Ryder stood up and stretched slightly as Alexa and Phoenix made their way to the café van, where they handed the empty crockery over to the owner; the owner happily accepted the items from the courteous pair and thanked them for the patronage as they left. Ryder held onto Jollie as he scurried over to Alexa and Phoenix. Before they returned to the road, however, Alexa looked at her Lucario nervously.
"Ryder? Would you and Jollie mind returning to your Poké Balls now?" Ryder raised an eyebrow.
"How come?"
"I want some alone time with Phoenix," she said honestly. The Charizard looked at her with slight concern.
"I guess so... I mean, granted, we're gonna go back to our balls anyway, but...it's just sooner than I thought it would be, that's all."
"Bun?" Jollie asked as she looked up at Ryder suspiciously.
"I'm just saying," Ryder shrugged. Alexa took a Poké Ball and a Luxury Ball from her belt bag and held them in front of her, the central buttons facing the two Pokémon.
"Thanks for understanding, Ryder," Alexa said unconvincingly as two beams of red light fired from and absorbed Ryder and Jollie back into their respective Poké Balls. Phoenix's concern grew slightly more as Alexa placed the two capsules back into her belt bag and walked towards the long Driftveil Drawbridge. Phoenix eventually walked directly alongside his Trainer, keeping his ocean blue eyes on her the entire trek.
"Rrrrrrrgh?"
"Sorry I worried you...but...I want to talk about Harvey's proposal with you properly..." Phoenix huffed, unintentionally releasing a small orange and yellow ember that ever so slightly burned the steel flooring it fell on.
"Rrrrrghrrrrgh..."
"I know you don't think your opinion matters, but-"
"Rrrgh," Phoenix said insistently.
"...okay...since you won't give me your opinion...do you have anything else you can give me regarding the idea?" Alexa asked nervously. Phoenix smiled kindly as he nodded.
"Rrrrrgh, hrrrrrrgh...rrrrrgh, rrrrrrgh..." Alexa's eyes widened in shock.
"A literal fresh start, you mean?" she asked, almost in horror. Phoenix's confirming nod only surprised her further. "A-Are you sure? I-I mean, you've been by my side through all four of my past travels, it-"
"Rrrrgh-rrrrrrgh," Phoenix said reassuringly. "Rrrrrgh-hrrrrrrgh..."
"So...I go to a new region alone...and get a new starter Pokémon...and travel with a clean slate?" Phoenix nodded at Alexa's understanding. "You think a clean slate will help?" Phoenix nodded again.
"Rrgh, rrrrrgh," Phoenix added as he shrugged.
"Up to me, huh..." Alexa looked up at the sky thoughtfully; she saw the sunset gradually giving way to the inevitable night sky – the contrast between the gentle orange and the midnight blue in the sky above her was as beautiful as the warming mix of a sunset's orange and yellow colouration. "...one thing at a time, though...I'll try not to think about it any further until the current issues have been sorted...starting with Keith." Phoenix affectionately ran his claws through Alexa's hair as his smile grew warmer.
"Rrrrrrrrgh..." Alexa looked up at her oldest ally with a gentle smile.
"Thanks, Phoenix...for trusting me." Phoenix lowered his head to Alexa's and gently licked her cheek lovingly.
"Rrrgh... Rrrrrrrgh..."
"I know...I love you, too." She pulled out the shineless Poké Ball from her belt bag. "Phoenix?"
"Hrrgh?"
"Wish me luck, okay?" she asked as she looked up at her Charizard with a sunny smile. Phoenix chuckled.
"Rrrgh-hrrgh!" he nodded. Alexa held the Poké Ball towards him as its light returned him to its sanctuary. After returning the Poké Ball to her bag, Alexa resumed her walk across the bridge alone.
Hayden and Lily walked side by side along the peaceful meadow with many an infant Bug and Grass type Pokémon frolicking in the tall grass, with Cheryl safe inside her Poké Ball after their arrival. Lily was at almost complete serenity with her surroundings, though Hayden still appeared slightly on edge; he rubbed the back of his head anxiously.
"So, uh...you know what we're doing?"
"I thought we'd have dinner at The White Swanna tonight; it's a quiet establishment, which is ideal for us right now," Lily explained.
"Yeah, I-I suppose so," Hayden agreed waveringly. Lily turned towards him in confusion.
"What? Did you want to do something else?" she asked curiously. Hayden shook his head.
"It's not that, it's...it's Lexie..." Lily sighed as she tried not to roll her eyes.
"I know you're worried, Hayden – I'd be lying if I said I wasn't – but the best thing you can do for her right now is to let her have her space and let her sort her problems out." Hayden sighed as he looked up at the slowly transitioning sky overhead. He suddenly looked at Lily in confusion when she held onto his arm and smiled at him. "Aw, c'mon, Tiger! They have soup...!" she said temptingly. Hayden stared at her with perplexity until he huffed a small laugh and smiled.
"As long as it isn't pumpkin soup." Lily laughed.
"I shouldn't think so, darling. But, if it's tomato, I'll join you!" Hayden laughed as he freed his arm from his wife's grip and wrapped it around her shoulders.
"Are you kidding me? Your homemade tomato soup might as well be an elixir! It's a Mewsend in winter!"
"Sun-dried tomatoes do make a difference," Lily said, almost pridefully. Hayden kissed the top of her head as Village Bridge and The White Swanna came into view; he and Lily looked at the graceful painting of a Swanna in the middle of a lake hanging from the public house as it drew closer to them. Despite the prospect of a more uplifting evening, Hayden's smile waned as his worries and regrets plagued his mind.
Keenan lay perfectly still on the hotel sofa with Iara curled up comfortably on his chest. The both of them were sound asleep, Keenan snoring very quietly, until the sudden sound of an energetic musical tone from his Xtransceiver woke them up with a startled yelp. Iara panted heavily as she patted her chest with her paw while Keenan looked at who had interrupted their nap; he accepted the call from Troy and rubbed one of his eyes as Troy's face appeared on the central screen.
"Troy, what the heck...?!" Troy smiled sheepishly.
"Heh, sorry; didn't mean to scare ya! How are things over there?" he wondered. Iara moved over to Keenan's shoulder as the boy lost his smile, much to Troy's puzzlement.
"...not good; Alex...she ran off about an hour or so ago..."
"For real?!" Troy asked in shock. "Where to?"
"I guess to Driftveil; Dad exploded in Keith's face, but Uncle Harvey suggesting she travel again had the same effect on Alex...and she left. It was ugly..." Troy exhaled silently as his smile died completely.
"Sounds like I'm not the only one who had a bad day..."
"Huh?"
"Half of my Daycare Pokémon turned against the other half for no reason! But, worse yet, some of my Pokémon – and even the twins' ghost pair – turned against us!" Keenan was alarmed.
"How?! Uh, w-why, even!?"
"No clue and no clue...but what's weird is the Pokémon that turned can't remember doing so...not even Lucy. It's a mystery, but everything worked out in the end, thanks to Piper."
"Yeah, I-I heard she evolved...I'm happy for Peggy, I-I really am." Though Keenan certainly felt otherwise. "...Troy?"
"What's the matter?" Troy asked with concern.
"...I'm scared..."
"Of what?"
"Alex not coming back... I-I mean...she and Dad have such a huge rift between them right now, and I feel bad because I think it was my asking for her input on something involving Adelina that...that instigated the whole thing..." Iara patted Keenan's shoulder comfortingly.
"Want me to check on her?" Keenan shook his head.
"N-No, thanks; Mum said to just leave her alone. But...thanks for the offer." Troy smiled joyfully.
"Let me know when she's done being a runaway; I can catch up with her then and see what I can do to help the poor lass out." Keenan finally cheered up, much to Iara's delight.
"That'd be great!"
"Por!" Iara nodded in agreement.
"Thanks, Troy, you're great!" Troy scoffed and smirked.
"No need to tell me twice!" he winked.
In her office, Naomi and Harvey were sitting opposite one another in front of her desk, each holding a freshly brewed beverage mug in their hands. Naomi's Flareon sat next to her with a paw on her lap, while Keith's Sawsbuck, Buizel and Pichu stayed quiet in one corner of the office, keeping themselves to themselves as they couldn't help but worry for their partner. Jason became increasingly disturbed, much like his Trainer, as Naomi heard Harvey's news.
"S-So...Hayden just...lashed out?" Harvey nodded as he stared at his translucent green tea; not even the minty aroma wafting from the beverage lifted his spirits.
"He'd heard about the fight between Keith and Alexa...but something else was bothering him, I could see it in his eyes..."
"What was it?"
"Hell if I know, he wouldn't tell me," Harvey said as he blew some of the minty steam off of the mug. "Needless to say, that brother of mine was a time bomb...and Keith was unfortunate enough to bear the full force of the explosion, the poor lad." He took a slow drink from his mug.
"No wonder he was so upset...the poor lad indeed... I can't imagine how hard that must have been for Alexa..."
"That on top of my disgraceful timing made her storm out of the hotel entirely," Harvey said sadly as he lowered his mug.
"What do you mean?"
"Before the Contest, I came up with the idea that she could travel again to get her confidence back. The only problem was I waited too long for it to reach her ears...she only found out over an hour ago, AFTER her Zoroark ended up in surgery..."
"Is Xavier all right?" Naomi asked carefully.
"No clue; I haven't heard anything from anyone about it since Hayden first informed us. But, needless to say, Alexa was in a terrible state...and my pushing my idea in her face too late made things even worse..."
"I'm sure she'll come to realise your good intentions," Naomi said comfortingly as she leaned forward and placed a hand on his knee.
"That doesn't mean to say I was right to neglect it for as long as I did... I don't care if she likes or even hates the idea – that's up to her; all I'm concerned about is making amends."
"You'll get your chance..." Harvey looked over at her sadly.
"You really think so?"
"I do. I do because...I'm getting my chance right now...uh, t-to make amends with you, I mean, I-I didn't do anything to-" Harvey laughed as he held onto her hand.
"I know what you mean. Thanks, Naomi; I'm glad I have you on my side." Naomi placed her half-empty mug on her desk as she held her other hand over Harvey's.
"I'm glad we're talking again...I really missed you..."
"Ditto." Harvey was confused when Naomi suddenly stood up from her seat.
"Fancy something from the vending machine? Even on a good day, I'm a frequent visitor." Harvey chuckled as he stood up and placed his mug on Naomi's desk.
"Some things never change," he said as he walked with her as they left the office. Jason quickly followed the couple.
Harvey and Naomi arrived at the main reception just in time to see Alexa hurry inside and head straight to the reception desk. But Alexa had no chance to ask the receptionist anything.
"Alexa!" The girl turned to her aunt and uncle upon hearing his call. She was surprised to see Harvey walking over to her, but she was still a little resentful at the same time.
"Uncle Harvey!" She then spotted Naomi walking alongside him and felt somewhat awkward. "A-Aunt Naomi, I, uh...it-it's good to see you."
"You, too, dear," Naomi smiled kindly. "How can we help you?" Alexa took a deep breath.
"I'm here to speak to Keith," she replied firmly. "Where's his room?"
"I can just call-"
"Tell her, Naomi," Harvey said quickly. Naomi looked up at him with alarm.
"Harvey!"
"Trust me; you don't want the grief." Naomi looked towards Alexa again; she looked firm, like she was on a mission she was adamant about accomplishing, but she also appeared slightly impatient. Naomi softened her demeanour, hoping it would make Alexa feel more at ease.
"...sixth floor, room 109."
"Thanks, Aunt Naomi," Alexa said courteously. She began her dash to the elevator, but Harvey carefully grabbed her arm as she passed him.
"Hang on a sec, Chick."
"Hm?" Alexa looked up at him with puzzlement.
"I'm...I'm sorry we've been negligent lately." Alexa gave him a slight scowl.
"With all due respect...now isn't the time," she said as she reclaimed her arm from her uncle. With nothing further to dignify him with, Alexa resumed her sprint. Harvey and Naomi watched her in silence until the elevator doors closed behind her.
"I see what you mean."
"Eeyep; she's not a happy Buneary right now, and with good reason," Harvey said as he placed both hands on his hips. However, he soon smiled hopefully. "But here's hoping that hers won't be the only one to become a beautiful Lopunny."
"Ha; cute," Naomi chuckled. Jason shrugged with indifference.
"Flare."
Keith exited his warm and slightly steamy en suite, fully clothed once more and with a white towel slapped on the top of his head. He felt far more relaxed as he began to carefully rub his hair dry with the towel, walking around the room as he did so. He stopped walking, however, when he heard knocking at his door, but he continued rubbing his hair.
"Keith?"
Suddenly, Keith pulled the towel down from his head, revealing his misshapen spiky crimson hair, as he stared at the door with immense shock; that was Alexa's voice.
To be continued...