Chapter 9
"But it's so easy in this blue, where everything is good. And I'll never go home again, place the call, feel it start. Favorite friend and nothing's wrong when nothing's true, I live in a hologram with you." Buzzcut Season by Lorde
Fighting Burgh was easy. Turns out I could trailblaze with Ganon. His Leavanny went down in one hit due to the double weakness. It still worked in my favor. Not only that, but it turns out the passes were to avoid the sticky stuff, which made me glad. I could barely keep strategy because I'm so desperate to catch up to White before she leaves for Nimbasa.
When I did, I realized how much harder challenging White was compared to Burgh. She's grown unnaturally strong. I don't know how it's happened, but it has. Maybe Cheren's right. Maybe she's special or something and I never noticed.
"Ugh. This place is gross," I tell White when we're in Route 4. There's sand flying left and right into my face. I'm practically afraid of talking because I don't want to swallow anything like it.
"I know, right?"
"So how's your adventure been?"
"I saw Team Plasma a few days after you left Nacrene. I just won against Lenora and they took her dragon skull."
Why am I not surprised anymore. "Why did they want to use it?"
"Something about resurrecting a powerful dragon. I stopped them, but they lost interest in it by the time Burgh and I got to them. They said it was a pseudo-legendary and not a real one and ran off. I don't get their deal and it's really annoying me. Can't they see they're messing up everything worse than it already is? If you want to make the world a better place, you have to, I don't know, not do it by hurting people and their Pokémon." White kicks the sand with frustration.
I'm baffled by all of this. I want to change the subject into something less...Plasma-y.
"So have you met any cute guys?"
"I guess with all of this Plasma drama, I haven't really had the time to notice any guys. And then there's N, who I keep running into time and time again." Ah! The mysterious N I keep hearing about! "I'll admit to you and only you, B, that I thought he was really hot when I first laid eyes on him but like, the moment he spoke, he instantly ruined it. There's something off about him that I can't place and I can't say anything until I have actual evidence of it." There's a silence between us and White purses her lips. "So how about you, Bianca? You see any cute guys?"
"I've seen quite a few," I say with a mysterious intonation.
"Of course you have. You've always been the boy-crazy one of us two." When we were sixteen, I was annoyingly gushy over almost every single guy to the point that it annoyed White. It's cooled down quite a lot recently when other, more important things have come to occupy my mind. "But no specific ones?"
"Well..." White perks up. "There was this one guy. He was really cute and intelligent, but scatterbrained. Also seemed a bit older than me. Mid-twenties, maybe."
"Hmm. You've never liked someone beyond our age. It's an interesting development."
"Maybe it's because they don't have the same interests I do?" It's true. All the guys our age other than Cheren want to talk about sports and other boring things like that and I'm usually at a blank when talking to them. "Anyway, I don't know if I'll see if again, but you never know, right?"
"Maybe." It's been a really long while since White and I really spoke about guys. She had a mild crush on Cheren when we were younger but it never really went anywhere and she quickly got over it by the time we turned thirteen. I could never personally go for Cheren myself. He's my best friend, nothing more, nothing less. I could even say he's like a brother to me! Speaking of Cheren, where has he been?
We reach a crossroads. To the left is something called a Desert Resort and straight ahead is Nimbasa City. "If that's okay with you, B, I kinda want to go left."
"I'll meet you in Nimbasa then?"
"Yeah. It shouldn't take me long. I kinda want to see what's out there."
I really want my coffee. I haven't had my second one of the day and I'm starting to lose some energy while I walk. I can see the gate from far away and speed up the pace a little more despite the mild sandstorm. Then I finally reach the gate. Oh thank goodness!
Though I see someone I clearly didn't expect. She's noticed me first, though.
"Bianca!"
"Professor Juniper! It's been a while!" She gives me an awkward pat on the shoulder. "I was waiting for at least one of you to show up."
"White went to Desert Resort." I wanted to leave due to how grimy everything is. I obviously don't tell her that bit. That and how the sand is getting inside my shoes.
"You look more mature, Bianca. Oh! That's right. I'm forgetting things." She digs through her pockets for a moment. "Here," she hands me ten Ultra Balls. Wow!
"Oh thank you so much, Professor Juniper!"
"No problem."
"Professor. I don't think White or Cheren are gonna show up anytime soon. Wanna get coffee with me at Nimbasa?"
"I'm always down for more coffee. I know a good place by the Center. Come..." I follow Juniper through the gate and when we leave, the small of cotton candy and the beach seize my senses. The air has changed dramatically, with a colorful city overlooking my vision. In the distance I can see a giant Ferris wheel. It's so...bombastic. Unlike anything I've ever seen before. It's marvelous.
The cafe is within walking distance from the park. The seats have quite a view of the Ferris wheel. It must be calming to just sit there and watch the wheel turn and turn and turn and turn.
"I take it it's your first time in Nimbasa, then? It's a city unlike any other, but the appeal wears off once you grow used to it. Still though, it's fun." We walk into a small coffeehouse. "I want the redeye. What do you want, Bianca? I'm paying."
"Caramel frap, please." Once I get my frap, I can barely take the straw away from my mouth. Sweet, sweet coffee and its beautiful smell. I shudder at how amazing the bittersweet taste is against my tongue.
"So how's your adventure going?"
"It's been interesting."
"I remember you saying you want to find something to do with your life. How's that coming along?"
I shrug. "I haven't really found what I'm looking for to be honest..." I let the conversation hang in the air. "So what are you doing here in Nimbasa?"
"My father's asked me to research this Pokémon over in Chargestone Cave called Klink and its possible origins. It's a ways away from Nuvema, but I've enjoyed my journey so far."
"That's really cool. Hey, Professor, if you need a bodyguard or something, I can protect you from wild Pokémon." Or Team Plasma.
"Thank you, Bianca. I'll have to take you up on it. I've got to get going after your friends show up, but once you get to Driftveil, you should definitely go and find me. Call me. I'll definitely be at their doughnut shop. It is to die for. And their coffee as well." She flicks her hand off in exaggeration.
"Really? I love coffee so much."
"Me too. My dad's always complaining about it. 'Aurea, you're too jittery. Aurea! Your teeth are yellow!'" Her voice deepens as she tries to emulate her dad. It makes me laugh.
"My dad freaks out whenever I drink something that isn't water or juice." I huff, "If it's juice he'll freak out about it if it looks suspicious enough."
"Fathers," Juniper finishes. It's weird. Last time I saw Juniper, I thought she was this annoying, overtly talkative woman but now that I know her a bit better, she's kind of cool. Maybe like an older, brunette version of myself. She switches the conversation back to Chargestone. "Yesterday, I managed to get one of my colleagues to let me borrow some of his students so you'll probably have to protect them all as well. Think you can do it?"
"Of course I can!" Well, I might. Hopefully.
"That's great. You're really coming along, Bianca." She gets up. "I won't trouble you anymore on your journey. I'll see you at Driftveil."
"Bye!"
I walk to the Center, my frap still in hand, and ask to check in. I don't know how long I'll be here once more, but I'm looking forward to exploring this city.
After feeding my lovelies, we walk around the city and White catches up to me. "Bianca!"
"Helloooo White! I missed you!" I give her a big hug, feeling better about being in this fabulous city with my best friend.
"I wasn't gone for that long, B. I fought off these Plasma jerks and got this sweet new ride." She shows off her brand new bicycle. I'm kind of jealous, but at the same time, I'm not very good at bike riding. My dad was never a big fan of me doing anything extreme like that.
"They're here too?"
"Yeah." I instantly forget about Plasma the moment my eyes see the glitzy fabulousness that is..."The Pokémon Musical building! Oh...My...GOODNESS! White! White!" I drag her inside. "The Pokémon musical! The one thing of total and utter amazingness that exists in this beautiful world of sunshine and rainbows and sheer adorableness! We're in here!"
"Yeah."
"Wow, you sure are enthusiastic." An old, balding man approaches me. "I'm the owner of this place." I hug him just as hard as I did with White a few minutes ago.
"You sir, are a blessing to this world. You deserve an award for this humanitarian work of pure goodness."
"Bianca..." White says.
"Thank you for your kindness. Here. You and your friend should have this free case for your Pokémon when they join the musical."
"THEY CAN JOIN?!" I can barely contain my excitement on this. I take out Ganon from his ball. "Come on! Let's get you dressed!" Ganon begins to squeal happily, eager to participate. "White, are you gonna join?"
"Sure...Marth. Go. Do your thing. Yeah. Woo." White has nowhere near the enthusiasm I have and neither does her Dewott. Oh well. Their loss.
I cry tears of joy when I see Ganon dance off the stage. He was positioned next to White's Dewott and an Emolga. The manger gathers the trainers who used their Pokémon backstage.
"Lane: Your Minccino was fantastic. Arnold: Your Lillipup was great as well. Bianca: I've never seen a Pignite seem so happy before. White: Uh...Er...Good job. That Dewott could work on smiling a bit more for the stage."
"Noted. Can we go now?" White says in an exasperated tone. Her Dewott mimics her face as he crosses his arms. Ganon is staring at him and shaking his head.
"Of course! Thank you so much White," I tell her as we leave the building. "It made me really happy."
"I'm glad," White says, her ever-increasingly elusive smile finally showing.
"That's great, Bianca, because you're going home right this instant." White and I turn our bodies to see my dad standing there, his hands on his hips. I knew it was dad's voice but I needed to turn around to solidify that fact. A mixture of feelings erupt the moment I meet his narrow brown eyes, which are currently in a harsh slit. The childish feelings are suddenly back, hitting me at full force in a blindsiding motion. It's a feeling I most certainly do not appreciate. He's not looking at me, he's looking down at me.
"Daddy? What are you doing here?" I know what he's doing here, but the fact that he has the gall to come all the way here to Nimbasa City really surprises me...and hurts me all at once.
"Don't play dumb with me, Bianca. Come with me right this instant. I've got the car parked in the meter. Go and say goodbye to White."
"How did you find out I was here?" I glance over at White, who's too shocked to move.
"I heard that conversation you had with your mother. She told me you were in Castelia. I didn't see you there so I hightailed it to Nimbasa."
"Oh." I feel weak going up against dad. I don't feel like the defiant Bianca who stood up to him a few weeks back. She anticipated her fight. This...This is coming out of nowhere. He gives me a protective hug, as though grateful I'm still in one piece. Of course I'd be. But...
"Bianca. Haven't you taken this far enough?"
Something inside me tears open and a flood of memories open. Ganon crashing into my skirt. White and I fighting Team Plasma at the Dreamyard. Cheren and I talking to Chili. Me holding the little girl whose Pokémon got stolen. Beating Lenora and Burgh. Making friends with Roxie and Iris. Talking to Colress. The sights and scents of every city. That feeling of despair I got when Munny got stolen. That feeling of relief, love, and assurance after getting her back. They last for a second, but it feels much longer than that. I pull away from dad's embrace.
"No." I say a little too softly.
"What was that?"
"No!" I say again in a much louder and more confident tone. "I'm going to keep traveling, dad. I'm going to keep on seeing the world with White and Cheren and my Pokémon and I'm going to see the world. I can't give up now. Not when I'm growing like this," I'm assertive. Assertive Bianca is back and she's not backing down.
Dad steps forward, pointing his finger in a rage at me. "Bianca! You are making an embarrassment out of me. Everyone has their way of doing things and we have our own. I will drag you to the car with you kicking and screaming if I have to." He tries to take my arm, but I quickly pull it back before he manages to touch me again.
"Is that so? Well dad, you do things your way and I'll do things mine, then. Nothing you say or do will ever make me want to quit my journey. I know it hurts you and mom that I'm not home, but I need to do this! My birth mom did this, so why can't I?"
Dad still won't listen to my pleas and for a moment, I fear he's going actually make do on his threat on taking me by force to the car.
"She's right. Sweeheart, you just keep on going with your travels." The voice I hear is not White's, yet it's sleek and very feminine. The voice pops up from the railings and I can't believe my eyes when she comes into proper view. Her long legs, blues eyes, equally long blonde hair, and trademark headphones are unmistakable. It's Elesa, aka Unova's Top Model and Electric Specialist. She's got the very same Emolga that was in the theater a few minutes ago (this explains why I didn't hear any compliments about the Emolga dancing next to Ganon, now that I think about it). Nevertheless, she's so much prettier in person than her photoshoots and TV appearances. Whoa, this just got even more surreal.
"Hey! Who are you? This is a family matter!"
"My name is Elesa. I'm this town's Gym Leader. I'm also a supermodel, but that's really irrelevant to the situation at hand. Your daughter is correct. There are many people in this world. Some may think in ways that are different to yours. Sometimes, this may hurt."
Team Plasma immediately comes to mind.
"Of course," he says. "That's exactly one of the reasons why I've come to take Bianca home with me. It worries me that there are people with sick minds everywhere. You can see faces, but you can't see the hearts and minds of people."
"While this is true," Elesa responds, "It's important to keep seeing what's out there and to see these things unfold for yourself and seeing the differences between yourself and others. The world is not a pretty place, but you can make it that way if you try. Also, I don't think you should worry, Sir. I've seen this girl's Pokémon." Elesa winks at me. "Even though all trainers have their Pokémon by their sides, your daughter's is happy and protective of her. A lot of them are cute, just like Natasha over here," she pets her Emolga's head. It replies by giving a soft purr. "But many of them are dependable as well."
"She's right, Mr. Bel," White says from the doorway. White! I forgot she's still here!
"Dad, I've already seen things. Bad things. And there's plenty of painful things that will happen in the future, but that's life. I know you want to protect me and that's why you worry, but I understand! I know. I totally get it. But like, listen. Just as there are plenty of bad people, there's just as many nice ones out there. And I've been growing tougher each day since I began traveling with my Pokémon. I can totally tell. So please? Understand me, dad."
Dad looks away. I know he's thinking about her. I understand having a child for eighteen years and one day they leave. The routine you've settled up is now gone. You won't be tucking them in bed or reading them a story or saying goodnight. You won't be feeding them or watching TV with them. Dad's already gone through a loss one time and he doesn't want to experience it again. "Hmm...I guess...If wanting to continue your journey is selfishness on your part..." I cringe inwardly. Nothing Elesa or I have said has helped. He's doomed to repeat his stubbornness. "Then wanting you to stop yours is selfishness on my part as well." I let a huge breath of air out. "I'm surprised that I'm being so childish. I'm sorry Bianca, for embarrassing you, for everything, really. The two of your are right. If this is the path you truly want to take in your life, I won't stop you anymore. Just know you're loved and we'll be at home, cheering for you."
Tears begin to well up in my eyes and I run to my dad, crushing him in my embrace. "Thank you daddy!" He hugs me back, sniffling. "I love you."
"I love you too." He lets go of me. "I hope with all of my heart that your journey will be fun. Bon voyage. White, promise me that you'll take care of my little girl."
"Noted," White straightens two of her fingers to her cap and salutes him. He begins to walk back to the parking lot.
"Dad! I promise I'll come home eventually once I find out what I want to do with my life! Once I find a purpose!"
Elesa turns to me. "He looks familiar. I'm almost certain he was a trainer and has traveled in the past. I understand being a parent must be hard." Elesa faces down and gives a look of concern. "I'm sorry...Bianca, is it? I didn't meddle too much, did I?"
"Nah. He deserved it," White says from afar. She's blowing on one of her hair strands dismissively.
"It's an issue that's very dear to my heart, so I had to chime in. Anyway, I run the Gym over by that giant Ferris wheel. You can't miss it! I'll be waiting for the two of you there." She turns away and struts back towards where she came from, her Emolga flying right by her side.
"Did that just totally happen?" I ask White.
"Seems like it."
"That was so cool! Elesa's such a cool lady! Anyway, I really should go and train Ganon and the rest before challenging her. Later, White!"