AN: In the first part of this chapter I focus on developing the fusion arc of this fic. There are a lot of references to the 8th movie: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew. If you never saw this movie some parts might be a bit confusing but you can find some good summaries online if you are interested, or you can just watch the movie. Bulbapedia has a good article about the Tree of Beginning too. Anyway, the Tree is important, as you will see, and I will talk more about it in later chapters, but this is the first time that anyone is starting to notice its possible connection to the fusions. As always, if there are any questions then ask me. Also, thanks for your great reviews. I hope you enjoy this next part:)
After waking up to find that Meowth, Lucy, Jessie, Acorn, and a few more of their Pokémon were missing, James tried desperately to reach the missing members of his family. When no one answered their cellphones, he called headquarters, where Giovanni's secretary connected him to Rumika.
"James, hi. I had a feeling you'd be calling," Rumika spoke into the videophone. "Are you okay? You don't look too good."
"Jessie, Lucy, Meowth, Wobbuffet, Acorn—I woke up and they were all gone!" James cried. "Where are they? You must know!"
"Of course, I know. Just settle down," Rumika responded. "I'm monitoring their mission."
"Mission? They're on a mission? Now?"
"They didn't say anything to you before they left? Anything at all?"
"Well, Lucy and Meowth did, sort of, but I thought that they would give me some details about the mission they were going to go one or at least say goodbye one last time…But I had no idea—I'd have never guessed—that Jessie would leave too. She didn't give the slightest hint. In fact, the last thing we talked about was…"
"James? James!" Rumika waved her hand in front of the video monitor to regain his attention. "Jessie told me to tell you that she was really sorry and that she will explain everything later. I know she didn't tell you about the mission, but I didn't realize she just disappear from your house! I thought she would have left you a message with some kind of explanation. Are you sure she didn't leave a note or text?"
"There's nothing here. Is that all she told you? Does she have anything else to say to me?"
"She didn't tell me anything specific, but you should trust her. She didn't want Meowth and Lucy to go alone, and she trusts you to understand. They won't be long. I think Jessie just wanted to see what Giovanni had in store for Lucy and Meowth. She's protective of them."
James sighed. "If she trusts me so much, then why would she run off and not even tell me? And since when does she go on missions without me? We've never done that before."
"I can't really answer that for you, but you know I bet if you think hard enough you can come up with an answer. My guess is that she knew you would disapprove and she didn't want to argue. And there's Alex to think of."
"True…and that sounds like something she would do. I'm just upset she left me. I feel like she abandoned me like I was holding her back so she just moved on."
"You know that isn't how she wants you to feel. And she plans on coming back."
"How would you feel if the person you love just disappeared without explanation, leaving you home alone with a child to take care of and a business to run, not to mention the fact that she is on a potentially dangerous mission, you don't know how long she will be away, and she is also…well anyway, how would you feel?"
"I suppose I would feel pretty bad. I wish I could help you more."
"Can you at least tell me where they are?"
"They're in the Toka mountains, in a small region known as Obsidia. Our radars detected that the monster fusion teleported from the waters off the coast of Valéncia to there. We have no definite explanation as to why it did that, but we can speculate. First of all, there is a research lab located there. The lab had remnants of the Night Stone, which is a mysterious stone that is known to be used by dark, psychic, and ghost Pokémon, though we aren't sure what they use it for. It seemed very suspicious that the beast chose there to teleport, like maybe it recognized that place as its origins or maybe someone forced it there. Or perhaps it has some connections that we cannot realize yet. It is also not far from the Tree of Beginning, and we want to do all we can to prevent it from teleporting there because it will be much more elusive once it does. Jessie told me about your experience there."
"Oh, the Tree of Beginning..."
He recalled the time the Mew living there had kidnapped Meowth and teleported him there along with Ash's Pikachu. He and Jessie spent two days cramped and hidden in the back of a stranger's car so that they could catch a ride there, only to be eaten by the Tree's antibodies once inside. He didn't like the idea of them returning to that place.
"According to my radar, the Mew that used to live in The Tree of Beginning is no longer there," said Rumika. "We sent a few Pokémon to check it out, since the antibodies don't go after Pokémon. According to Meowth and Lucy, who have spoken to the Pokémon dwelling there, Mew hasn't been seen for over a decade. The Tree is still alive and well, and so are the Pokémon inside, which means the Mew is alive and well, but its whereabouts are unknown."
"Why are all the Rockets cramped in Obsidia if the beast isn't causing trouble?"
"We need them to keep the beast tranquilized at all times. It is so big, and its resistance to all anti-stimuli is so strong that it literally takes around one hundred people at one time to accomplish this. And those people need to take breaks, and when they do, others need to take over, so we have a lot of people down there. If the monster is not under out control for even a few moments, it can teleport to the Tree of Beginning. If it gets to the heart of the Tree, we will not be to keep it tranquilized. If it is not tranquilized, then it will be able to command the other fusions. We know now that the other fusions obey this one, so if this one is free, then the others will do whatever it wants. They could easily overwhelm us."
"And if it gets to the Tree and we follow it somehow?"
"We'd have to find some way to protect ourselves from the antibodies. I know that you and Jessie have Mew, but the only way Mew could save you from the Tree is by sacrificing the Tree itself, like it did the last time you were there. Mew used its life force to bring you and the others back, but then Lucario, a guardian of aura, sacrificed himself to bring the Tree back."
"And we don't have a Lucario that is willing to sacrifice itself. The only Lucario we know insists that Annastasia's aura is superior to all others, even though she has hardly any idea how to use it by will."
"Exactly."
"You mentioned that the monster was building up a resistance to the anti-stimuli and that you need to keep a lot of agents up there. What do you mean by that?"
"Every time the monster wakes, we need Rockets there to put it back to sleep. It built up some kind of resistance to Jigglypuff's song and the tranquilizers. We created an enhancer to make the effects of the song more powerful, but it created resistance to that too. It is clear to us that the monster is adapting to everything. We had Meowth, Lucy, and Jessie deliver some equipment that should prevent the beast from being able to use teleport, but we think it might build up a resistance to that force as well. In the meantime, it's like I said: we need as many agents there as possible. It's a high-stress area to work in, so agents need to keep being switched out in order to keep people sane. And we needed Meowth and Lucy to go to the Tree of Beginning for us, since the Tree attacks all humans that try to go there, but not Pokémon. Jessie will stay in Obsidia and help monitor them."
"How long are they going to be gone?"
"That's up to them. The next plane we have scheduled to fly out there leaves HQ in a few hours. It's possible they might come home on that one. After that, we have a plane leaving here once a day."
"Are they all okay? It sounds like they did a lot while I was just sleeping here completely unaware that they were even gone."
"No one's seriously hurt. Your neighbor Dawn broke an ankle, and Ash got some burns on his left arm, but those are the most serious injuries. I promise I'm keeping a close eye on everything and will let you know when—if—something unexpected occurs."
"Thanks…"
"No problem. Any other questions?"
"What about what we said about connecting to the Pokémon's inner voice?" James inquired. "I have a feeling that might be the key."
"No one's giving up on the idea…but you, Ash, and N haven't been able to do anything for it. None of the Aura Guardians have. We know the aura is important, but…"
"If we can get it to a peaceful place and then find a way to connect to it, don't you think that this whole thing can end?"
"That's a pleasant thought but that monster is so dangerous that I don't think you, Ash, N, or any of the other known Aura Guardians will be able to get close enough to really try."
"You told me before how all those tranquilizers and such are just buying time, not really solving our problem. I discovered something that might solve our problem, and I think we have some very good evidence."
"You do? What evidence?"
James lifted the Pokéball lying on his desk. He opened it in front of the camera.
"Charrrrrrr!" Diablo roared.
"That's the fusion Giovanni gave you and Jessie," Rumika noted. "How is this evidence?"
"Diablo used to bite everyone, harass the other Pokémon, destroy property, was completely disobedient, and could not even communicate effectively. I was patient with this Pokémon and after a few days of really focusing on paying attention to its needs and listening to its inner voice, I discovered that Diablo was just like the other Pokemon," said James. "Now he listens to me and is kinder and gentler. He can also talk to the other Pokémon and make sense. Diablo's happy."
The Pokémon purred with affection as James petted its head. Rumika was pleasantly surprised.
"Wow, good for you," she responded. "Did you tell Giovanni?"
"You're the first person I told. My intention wasn't to be secretive; I just didn't want to make a big deal out of something that I thought might not even work. But it did work," James replied.
"We need to tell him right away. According to our researchers, the one thing that every fusion has in common, from your Diablo to the Gyarados that Amber and Jay caught, to the beast that is now in Obsidia, is their brain chemistry. If you were able to make this sort of progress with Diablo, I imagine it is possible that you and the other Aura Guardians can do it with the others. This is amazing news. What you just did could help us in ways I can't even imagine."
"Great…But I'm not going to be satisfied until my family returns."
"I understand. I hope that you feel better knowing that what they were doing was important, and Jessie really does feel guilty for not telling you she was leaving."
"I don't want her to feel guilty, I just want her to come home. Preferably all three of them."
"Uncle James?!" a young voice called from down the call.
"I better go," said James. "Alex has bedrails so he needs help getting down. Plus I have some fun things planned for Child's Day and should get moving."
"I'll let you know as soon as I hear from them, though the chances are they might get to you before they get to me. Good luck and have a nice day."
"Bye, Rumika. And thank you."
Despite the pain of the situation, he felt much better knowing where they were and what they were doing. But of course, he still worried.
"Uncle James?!" Alex repeated.
"Coming!" James called as he trotted down the hall, the Charmander-Bulbasaur-Squirtle fusion following close behind.
XO
Jay, Amber, Soledad, June, Takeshi, Jocelyn, Benny, and Tamaki eagerly opened their presents while the older members of their group sipped some of Toshi's special hot cocoa in the rec room above the Coral City Gym.
"Look what I got!" Jocelyn exclaimed happily, raising a pink comb-like object in the air.
"Flaafy!"
"Nice, but what is it?" Annastasia inquired.
"I don't know but it's my favorite color!" she replied.
"Flaaa!"
Jocelyn passed her the object and the note that came with it. Annastasia, Lily, and Rita leaned in to read it together.
"It says it is a special brush that when you use it on electric-type Pokémon, it gives them more energy and power," Lily read aloud. "Sweet. I wonder if they make a Meowth version."
"Probably not, but we can look into it," Annastasia replied. "I bet Flaafy would really like it. Make sure you send Delia a proper thank-you."
"I will," Jocelyn vowed.
"Fla."
"I can't wait to use it!"
"What'd you get?" Annastasia asked Jay.
"They got me a Shiny Stone!" he exclaimed.
"No way!" said Amber, getting up from her spot on the floor. "Those are super rare."
"I have never even seen one before," said Rita. "I've collected Moon Stones, Water Stones, Leaf Stones, Dusk and Dawn Stones, but have never encountered any Shiny Stones."
"Ditto," said Annastasia. "Did they say where they found it?"
"The note says Delia gave it to Mom and Dad when they got Togetic from the Mirage Kingdom," Jay replied.
"What's the Mirage Kingdom?" Tamaki asked. "And what's a Shiny Stone good for?"
"Shiny Stones evolve Togetic into Togekiss," Soledad explained. "They are really hard to find and expensive to buy."
"And the Mirage Kingdom is a place where many Togepi and Togetic live together. It is kind of a magical place, really, far away in the Hoenn region," said Jay. "Togetic and I were both born there. My parents must have been keeping the Stone all this time: since Togetic and I were babies."
"Togetic to," Togetic cooed as he observed the stone.
"Are you going to use it?" Takeshi asked.
"Um…not sure," said Jay.
"Togekiss are beautiful Pokémon. I hope that one day I get one," said June. "And whether you use it or not…I think you should do what Togetic thinks is best."
"What do you think, Togetic? Do you want to evolve?"
"Toge, Togetic toge," he responded. "Tog toge Togetic tic."
"Togetic says that he likes being a Togetic and thinks it might be scary to grow up," Logan translated. "But maybe in the future, if that's okay."
"Of course, whatever you want," Jay said as he patted Togetic's head. He stuck the Shiny Stone back in its velvet-lined box. "At least now we have the option."
"I got an evolutionary stone too," Takeshi announced.
"Really? What kind?" June asked excitedly.
"Two actually. A Leaf Stone and a Sun Stone." Takeshi held the stones up for everyone to see. "If Gloom wants to become Vileplume, we can use the Leaf Stone, and if he decides he wants to become Bellossom, we can use the Sun Stone."
"Wow. Can I hold one?" asked Benny.
"Sure."
June, Jocelyn, and Flaafy leaned in to take a closer look too. Takeshi let Gloom out of his Pokéball and explained the stones. Gloom pointed to the Leaf Stone.
"Gloom, Gloom Gloooo," he chanted.
"Gloom says that it wants to become a Vileplume," Lily translated.
"Really?" Takeshi asked his Pokémon. "Already? You just turned into Gloom. Are you sure you don't want more time to think about it?"
"Glooo Gloom Gloo."
"Gloom was an Oddish for a really long time," Logan explained. "He wants to be a full-grown Pokémon now."
"Okay…Go for it," said Takeshi.
Gloom took the Leaf Stone in his hands. It shrunk and disappeared as Gloom transformed into a Vileplume.
"Vilepluuuume!" the Pokémon cheered as it observed its new form.
"Wow, you look fantastic! Congrats, Vileplume!" said June.
"Yeah, you look awesome," said Takeshi. "How do you feel?"
"Plume Vileplume plume."
"He says that he feels like a million bucks," said Lily.
The other Pokémon all gathered around the new addition to their group. The others talked about the various gifts that their parents had gotten them for Child's Day while Toshi served the cake. Afterward, they all headed down to the beach, where there were games and activities to enjoy.
XO
"Come in, Rumika, are you there? Rumika!" Jessie called into her mouthpiece. "Rumika!"
"Chill, I'm right here," Rumika responded. "I was just adjusting the volume on this thing. How did the mission go?"
"The mission was successful, relatively speaking. We did our job at least. Lucy, Meowth, and I are on our way back to Pallet."
"Good. I suppose I will be seeing you in headquarters shortly then."
"Probably not. I don't want to linger; I want to get back home to James and Alex as soon as possible."
"Feeling guilty?"
"James called you, I know he did. How upset was he?"
"Very. How could you do that to him? If you needed to do something crazy, you could have at least invited him along for the ride."
"I know I took advantage of him. I knew it the minute I left. Before that even…I just had to do something, okay? I'll talk to him and everything will be fine. You'll see."
"I know. I don't know how, but you always have a way of bouncing back. I was worried that you would get hurt. Could you imagine what James would do if that happened?"
"I don't want to think about that."
"I'll talk to you later. Good luck. I'll tell James you are on your way. I promised him I would let him know as soon as I heard from you again."
XO
"There are so many people!" Jocelyn exclaimed, looking around the Valéncia beach. "Where did they come from?"
"From all over Kanto," Toshi replied. "When I was young, my parents would take me and Ritchie here. It's a long trip but always worth it."
"It's a hotspot," said Annastasia, giggling. "Get it, Michio? It's a pun."
"Okay…" he replied.
"There is a shooting's competition!" Amber exclaimed as she grabbed Jay. "Ha! I'm going to go over there and show those suckers how a real archery champion does it!"
"Pichu Pi!" Pip exclaimed.
"Come on Blue-Jay, Come watch me."
Amber grabbed his shirt. He pried her hands away.
"Watch it," he said. "You're gonna ruin my new shirt."
Jay pushed her away and flattened out his blue sequin-studded Wooper top. When he was done, Amber dragged him towards the registration tent. Pip, Togetic, and Chikorita followed them.
"Can I get cotton candy?" Jocelyn asked Annastasia.
"Flaafy fla?"
"You already had cake today," she replied. "Let's save cotton candy for another day."
"Okay," she sighed. "I'll get a sandwich instead. Benny, do you want to come?"
Benny nodded. Annastasia let everyone know that she had Benny and Jocelyn and she walked them towards the street vendors. Lily and Logan joined them. Soledad and June decided to spend some time at a makeup tent, and Takeshi found a video game tent. Tamaki stayed and hung out with Nolan, Lexi, Rita, Michio, and Toshi.
"I didn't realize that you were Ritchie's brother," said Nolan.
"I'm ten years Richie's senior," Toshi replied. "So, we weren't close until we got older. Now I try to visit frequently, watch the kids when they need me. My wife's in Team Rocket too—she left months ago and isn't returning for at least another month."
"I am sorry to hear that."
"Oh, thanks. I miss her, but she likes what she does and I couldn't hold her back."
"Tamaki, don't you want to go enjoy the festival? After all, as a twelve-year-old, this is technically your last Child's Day," said Lexi.
"Teens can celebrate Child's Day too," Tamaki asserted.
"She's right, kiddo," said Toshi. "Next year they'll be no more free food, games, and gifts for you, a thirteen-year-old. You'll be just like the rest of us and have to pay."
Though he wasn't sure if he believed or agreed, Tamaki left to sign up for the surfing competition, whose signup sheet was just posted.
"Nolan and I are going to go take a stroll," said Lexi. "We'll see you later."
"See you soon," said Nolan.
The pair headed to the boardwalk.
"I'm going to go get Benny from Annastasia so that she doesn't have to babysit him the whole time," Toshi announced.
"Where'd everyone go?" Tamaki asked as he returned to the spot.
"Nolan and Lexi went on a date and Toshi's gonna find Benny," said Rita.
"Oh. You know, Michio, if you're interested…that surf competition isn't just for kids. The age categories are 11 and under then 12 and up. Most people in the 12 and older category are between the ages of fifteen and twenty-five; you'll fit right in."
"Pika chu pika?" asked Scarlett.
"It sounds to me like Scarlett is asking if you do surf competitions," said Rita.
"I've done loads of them," Michio replied. "I'm a stereotypical surfing Alolan."
"I knew it, Dude!" Tamaki exclaimed, reaching for a high-five, which Michio ignored.
Rita sniggered. "So, are you going to take on all these little kids and take home the Child's Day trophy?"
"Actually, winning the competition is a big deal," said Tamaki, recovering from Michio's rejection of his high-five. "The 12 and up competition is mostly adults. Usually, only a handful of people under the age of sixteen compete. That is why I want to win so badly. It would be a real honor and impressive."
Tamaki smiled at and stepped closer to Rita. She pushed him away and turned to her Zorua.
"In that case, I'll compete too," said Rita. "Good idea, don't you think?"
"Zo Zo!" the fire-type chanted in approval.
"You surf too?" Michio asked, not believing it.
"Sure do," she responded. "I guess I'll see you out there."
"Well, Imma go get something to eat..." Tamaki said before he and his mother's Espeon departed.
Rita walked behind Michio and grabbed his arm unexpectedly.
"It's never too late," she told Michio. "If you want, we can have the whole day and night together. Just say the words."
"Fine," Michio retorted. "I'll 'say the words': stop hitting on me, don't touch me, stop trying to get me alone. The touching, the voice, the saying you'll stop but then you keep doing it—I hate it all. Leave me alone."
"It's just flirting. I didn't do anything inappropriate. I just want you to meet me half-way, or give me a chance. I like you."
"No, you don't."
"Okay, I don't, but I will. I get bored and lonely out here traveling, don't you? I mean you have to. Are you just no fun at all ever? You're a surfer! I always have good luck with surfers. Then again, I have good luck with everyone…you're the only exception."
"If you keep doing this, then one of us will have to go. It's not going to be me; I have way too much to lose."
Rita huffed and crossed her arms. Michio tried to escape, but she stepped in front of him.
"Can you at least give some explanation?" she requested. "I want to know why you're so closed off. Don't you just want to try it once, for the experience? Fun? Stress relief? Curiosity? Experimentation? Practice?"
"Practice for what?" he asked.
"You know, a lot of people have sex with other people so that when they find someone, they actually like they could do a good job…was that a yes?"
Michio paused. The one time he considered accepting her offer was so that he could do just as she was suggesting. But we really couldn't stand her and it was too embarrassing. He knew that wasn't the way he wanted her to find out about his orientation, or rather-lack thereof.
"No. Rita, this won't work," said Michio. "It's not you, it's me."
"Oh, I see what you're thinking," Rita said slyly. "Lily told me about your little secret. I didn't believe it at first, but now it's so obvious. I can't wait until she finds out! I won't say anything though unless you want me to."
"What secret?"
"Your secret love, of course."
"That isn't a secret."
"You told her? She didn't tell me about it. You must have fucked something up."
"No, I mean we are not…I'm not…we're not a thing, really…Rita, you aren't listening to me."
"But you obviously know who I'm talking about or we wouldn't be having this conversation. I should've known…the way you look at her; it's so sweet. And you too talk privately even more often than she and I talk privately."
"Uh…"
"But if it's not true and you don't have a 'thing' for my best friend, then why not screw around with me?"
"Listen. I'm only going to say this once. If you don't take what I am about to tell you seriously and do as I request, then I am going to ask Annastasia to kick you out of our group. And if you hear me out then you'll know that she will be on my side."
"Okay...go on, then."
"First, you have to stop looking at me like that."
"Like what?"
He stepped back. "Like…you shouldn't be surprised that I have boundaries."
Right shrugged. She took a step back too, so they were at least an arm's length apart.
"I'm not interested in girls," said Michio. "I'm like Annastasia—I'm not interested in anyone. I like my privacy and personal space. I don't want to do anything that you're suggesting we do. Frankly, the idea of it makes me sick. I need you to stop asking me for sexual favors and getting pissed when I don't flirt back. I don't want you or anyone else to assume that I have certain motivations for doing things, because you're always wrong. Leave me alone and get over it. And don't ever, ever, ever, touch me again."
When Michio finished, he and Scarlett turned away from her. The Pikachu didn't understand human relationships that well, but she knew from the beginning that Rita was a source of frustration and resented Rita for stressing out her trainer.
"So, you're an ace," Rita said after twenty seconds of awkward silence. "Like A."
"Yeah," Michio quipped.
"Just one last request…can you look at me?"
Michio and Scarlett turned around. Rita kept her distance. He avoided her eyes.
"I feel like the biggest bitch in the world right now," Rita sighed. "If I had known, I wouldn't have bothered, truly."
"Did I really have to put a label on myself in order for you to understand? Why wasn't 'no' enough?"
"I'm sorry."
She began crying, not bawling, but the self-pity cries not too different from the ones he'd experienced.
"Fine, I forgive you, just don't cry. People are gonna notice and think that I hit you or something," said Michio.
Rita wiped her eyes on her sleeve. "Yeah…you know…people perceive you two as opposites, but honestly, A can bring the horns too if provoked. I didn't come on as strong to her, but still, she rejected me for the same reason you did, kinda said the same thing afterward. I obviously didn't learn my lesson."
"I'll forgive you as long as you stop, but you have to really stop. That includes those stares you always give me when we're eating. I can't tell if they're sexual, but they still piss me off."
Rita smiled. "They were sexual, and yes, I will stop everything. And I will buy you a cak—"
"Don't buy me a cake."
Rita was about to ask him how he knew that she was going to say 'cake', but Tamaki and Espeon returned. She let out a frustrated sigh, though she had to admit she had never been so happy to see Tamaki in her entire life.
"Is everything okay?" Tamaki asked. "You both look super serious."
"We were just arguing about the surfing contest," Rita lied. "Nothing you need to worry about."
"Yeah, I don't have to worry, because I am going to beat you both", Tamaki responded. "Even you, Alola dude!"
"Espeon!" his mother's Pokémon agreed.
Annastasia, Jocelyn, Benny, and Toshi joined them by the surf spot. Tamaki explained how both Michio and Rita planned on competing in the surfing contest. Annastasia decided to sign up too.
"You surf?" Michio asked.
"She sure can!" Jocelyn said proudly. "Onesan's amazing at it too!"
"Flaaaafy!"
"Thanks, Jocelyn," Annastasia replied. "I surf with my Pokémon. I learned how when I was a young kid, and since my parents love the beach, I got plenty of practice."
"I surf too!" Jocelyn said excitedly. "But not by myself. Usually with Mommy, Daddy, Onēsan, or Jay."
"Fla."
"Where is everyone? When's the contest?"
"Flaa?"
"Amber and Jay are off doing that Archery competition, or more accurately, Jay is watching Amber compete," Annastasia replied. "The 11 and under contest isn't for another two hours."
"I can't wait to watch you, Onēsan. You'll be the bestest!"
"Flaafy flaa!"
"Well, I will try my best at least. I'm going to go register before that line gets much longer," said Annastasia.
"I'll come with you," said Michio.
"Pikachuuuu!" Scarlett said as she hopped onto Annastasia shoulder.
"We'll come with you."
Once Michio, Annastasia, Scarlett, Lil-G, and Bleu were in line, Annastasia said:
"You seem elated. You were tense earlier."
"I did something I've been wanting to do for a while," he replied.
"Drugs, sex, or alcohol?"
"Me? Never."
"Pikapika."
"Well, two-thirds of that was likely…but what I mean is, I talked to Rita about you-know-what. She agreed to stop irritating me."
"Good for you," Annastasia beamed. "I bet she was really sorry."
"I think she was…She cried, but it didn't last long because we were interrupted. But it was nice while it lasted. And I'm not entirely sure if this is the end."
"I'd feel the same way, but Rita may surprise you. She lives in a world in which everything is either work or a game or both. And when she loses, she knows it."
"For someone playing around, she sure was aggressive."
"I'll follow up with her, remind her that what she did was wrong, and then I can guarantee she won't bother you again. At least, not by those means."
"Can you do that without mentioning me?"
"Sure."
"Thanks."
"Pikaaa."
Annastasia was proud to see him not only grateful for a simple favor but as an advocator for himself. She figured he never did that before—maybe because no one ever taught him how or they deterred him from doing so.
"You surf, but are you good?" Annastasia inquired.
"I'm the best," he replied.
"Well, I'm not as great a surfer as Jocelyn brags. I'll probably embarrass myself out there. I'll either fall off or miss a direction or both."
"It sounds to me like you're saying this to protect your pride or to throw me off."
"I seriously suck. The chances are I will be eliminated pretty quickly…and yes, I might be protecting my pride just a little."
"And there's no way of me knowing."
"Not yet."
XO
IN THE NEXT CHAPTER
· Two besties argue
· The group decides where to go next and starts the long trip there
· Jessie, Lucy, and Meowth come home to a very depressed James…but he seemed fine when Rumika last spoke to him…hmmm…