Three more days passed and Jessie and James still hadn't told the kids about the death of their great-grandparents.
Whenever the children called to ask what they were up to, the parents kept it vague. Annastasia, Jay, and Jocelyn talked about their encounter with Gastly, their smooth trip through Copperville and Redford, and the new moves their Pokémon learned. Jay finally revealed his new hairstyle and earrings to his parents, of which they approved, and how everyone in the group had managed to catch several more Pokémon.
Now it was late in the evening, and Lucy, Meowth, Jessie, James, Alex, Rumika, and their Pokémon were hanging out on James' grandparents' estate. They were cooking a late meal over a bonfire in the backyard while their Pokémon interacted with the wild ones that lived nearby. After not speaking to them in person for nearly three months, Rumika was more than happy to take several days off to help hang out.
"We haven't had a bonfire like this since last summer," Rumika commented. "Almost a year ago."
"I miss those days," said James.
"We'll get em back. By dis time next year everythin will be fine", Meowth replied. He blew on the hot dog he was roasting over the fire and took a bite, then continued with his mouth full. "Weeze been through worse."
"I think tomorrow morning we should tell them," said Jessie. "I know it will make them upset, but we've been skating around this for too long."
"We can keep our plans to host the funeral a month from now," Lucy pointed out. "But they really should know."
"Dat will be an awkward conversation," said Meowth. "I can imagine: 'Hey kids, I know weeze promise to neva lie and all dat, but by the way, yere Nanny and Pop-pop died ova a week ago and also weeze are havin another baby too. Weeze just didn't tell yous until now 'cause weeze didn't wanna worry ya, but everythin else is normal. And de funeral is in a few weeks, we will give you more details later. Fer now just continue workin on catchin more Pokémon and don't forget ta keep an eye out fer dose fusions dat are tryin to kill ya'."
"Thanks, Meowth, that was really helpful," James grumbled.
"We can tell them about the baby later," said Jessie. "I'm only a few weeks along; usually people don't make announcements until they're at least passed the two-month mark. I only told you all because I wanted an excuse to make you stay here instead of leaving for Toka for half a year."
"And it worked," said Lucy. "We stayed because we figured you'd follow us again, and no one needs that."
"I'll stay as long as you need me Jessie, but you know I can't be here forever," said Rumika.
"I'm not as worried about you as I am about them," said Jessie. "You spend most of your time in HQ. Gio had them doing fieldwork."
"Alex is awfully quiet," Rumika noted. "Where is he?"
James turned around and pointed to a spot a few feet away from where they were sitting. Alex was curled up next to Inkay, Mime Jr., Chimecho, Acorn, and Aliyah. All six of them were asleep.
"Mondo and Duplica must be going crazy," said Rumika. " I bet it's awful to be away from your child for so long."
"At least Alex is happy," said James. "He misses them, but he doesn't cry a lot at night or ask for them all the time. And his parents call every day so he can at least see them and hear their voices."
"I hope they return soon."
"I've been speaking with Delia," said Jessie. "She agrees that they've been out there for too long and that it is time for them to pick new leaders. I think they are going with Domino and Archer, who were busy doing something else for Giovanni up until now."
"That's a relief."
"Hate to change the subject, but I have a lingering question," said Lucy. "For James."
"Ummm, okay," James gulped.
"When you went through the will the other day with all those lawyers, you told us about everything that was in there except for one thing: the estate. Who's that going to?"
All eyes were on James.
"Umm, so…" he coughed. "It's Annastasia's now."
Several jaws dropped.
"De whole ting?" said Meowth.
"Yep," Jessie responded. "Every last penny and square-inch of it."
XO
The day after Rumika, Lucy, and Meowth learned about the plans for Nanny and Pop-pop's estate, the group of teens, children, and Pokémon were taking a lunch break by the Arakawa River on their way to the next Pokémon Center. They dismounted their Tauros to have them roam free along with the rest of their Pokémon while they ate the sushi and onigiri that Takeshi and June had prepared together the night before.
"This is really good," said Tamaki. "You've improved since the last time I ate your food."
"Thanks," said Takeshi. "June helped—a lot."
June nodded modestly. "In case you were wondering where I was last night…Takeshi did most of the work. I just handed him stuff and helped to pack them up."
"It was still nice, and you had some good ideas: like using organic nori and such."
"I hated Japanese food up until today," Michio admitted. "It's not bad once you get past the seaweed."
"Pikaa," Scarlett said as she added ketchup to her hosomaki roll.
"The rice thing though…so much fucking rice."
"I'm so glad you're warming up to it," said Annastasia, so proud that the entire crew felt it.
"Rice is a staple around here, always has been, always will be," said Lexi. "What's the equivalent in Alola?"
"Probably yams," Michio replied. "Like rice, they fucking put them in everything."
"Onēsan, why don't you correct Oniisan when he uses the bad words?" Jocelyn asked.
"Flaafy fla?"
"It's a lost cause," Annastasia responded. "Just don't tell your parents."
"We won't," the group agreed.
"So, yams…" Rita said thoughtfully. "How do you make them?"
She and the others were picturing yam sushi in their heads. Rita and Annastasia at least knew (slightly) better.
"We just cook them," Michio replied.
"You should show us," said Soledad. "I bet the Pokémon would appreciate it too."
"Pikapikachuu," said Scarlett, nodding her head enthusiastically. The other Pokémon agreed.
"Do you cook?" Annastasia asked.
Rita sniggered, then whispered to Nolan:
"She sounds hopeful."
"If this means Michio will contribute to the cooking, then I'm hopeful too," he replied.
"I can hear you," said Michio. "And I don't cook."
"You sound unsure," said Soledad. "I bet you're secretly an Alolan chef."
"Nope."
"I didn't know you cooked, Oniisan!" Jocelyn exclaimed. "Why don't you ever cook for us?"
"He just said he doesn't cook," said Jay.
"Supposedly," said Amber.
"I cook for myself," said Michio.
"Pikachuuu."
"And for my Pokémon. That's it."
"Then how do you live?" Logan asked. "If you say that your parents cook for you, I'm gonna be jealous cuz our mom makes me, Lily, and my dad catch our own fish."
"I…have servants," he said, his voice notably lower. "But…usually make my own stuff anyway."
"No family meals?" Jay asked.
"Never."
"Well, if you cook for us, it can be like a family meal," said Jocelyn. "Because you're like my big brother too!"
"Flaaaa!"
Jocelyn clung to Michio. He turned red, then tried and failed to wriggle free from her grip.
"Um, okay," he mumbled. "I'll make something."
"Ooh, whatcha gonna make?" Rita inquired.
"Which food is your least favorite?"
"Oh. Michio, you and your jokes…"
"I thought you didn't like us," said Soledad. "Except A, because she likes everyone, and Jocelyn, because—unknown reasons."
"Pika."
"And Scarlett, since you bewitched her or something."
"Chuuu!"
"Jk."
"Are you saying that if you had all the ingredients you needed to cook an Alolan meal for us you would do it?" Takeshi asked.
"Perhaps," he replied. "If I was in a good mood."
"Then let's do it," June suggested. "We can make sure you have everything you need and we won't bother you for the entire day."
"Come on, Dude, you haven't cooked once this whole time," said Tamaki. "Benny and I have only been with ya for little while and even we cooked."
"Yeah, you owe us," Amber asserted.
"I would like to try something you make," said Annastasia. "Especially if it was something you put heart into."
Michio smiled, then turned his expression neutral when he noticed the others looking.
"You would?" he asked.
"Absolutely," Annastasia replied.
"I can help you get fruit," Amber offered. "I use my bow and arrow to collect fruit off the trees all the time. You'd all be eating crap all the time without me."
"And I will get the fire ready for you," said June.
"Me too," said Jay.
"It will be easier if we all help."
"I can't wait for dinner tonight!" Jocelyn squealed.
"Fla!"
"I don't have a plan and it's already past noon," said Michio. "I need more time for prep if I'm going to cook something half-decent."
"Can you cook for us soon maybe?" June asked. "I'm also a bit tired of rice…it's not a staple in Unova, where my parents are from."
"Plllleeaaassseeee?" Jocelyn begged.
"Flaaaaaaa?"
"Sure, but as I said, I have to be in a good mood first," Michio responded.
Annastasia's phone rang unexpectedly. She turned on the video chat.
"What's up?" she spoke. "It looks like you're at Pop-pop and Nanny's place."
"Oooh, are we invited?" Jocelyn asked.
"Flaafy?"
"I could really use Pop-pop's massage chair," Jay said as he stretched his back.
"Umm, actually…is there a place we can talk privately?" James queried. "You, Jay, Jocelyn, Lily, and Logan?"
"Your Pokémon too," said Lucy.
Though the others didn't, Annastasia quickly picked up on his somber mood. She knew something wasn't right. She sensed it a while ago but now it was more apparent than ever.
"Ummmm, sure," said Jay, confused—his parents never asked for that before. "Ah…"
"We don't mind," June said as she stood.
"Stay here," said Annastasia. "We'll move. Morgan crew: let's go."
Annastasia led her siblings and cousins down the river until they were out of hearing range. They then sat across from the other half of their family. The others looked at James to begin. He took a deep breath and braced himself to deliver the bad news.
"Nanny and Pop-pop died the other day. We are going to have their funeral after you finish your matches at the Vermillion City Gym, but we wanted you to let you know sooner," he breathed.
Annastasia never admitted it to anyone after the fact, but this is what she sensed. She had never seen her dad more upset in her entire life. She reckoned that this was true for the others in her family as well.
James tried to continue, but he was interrupted by Jay, who was both unsure and devastated.
"But they looked fine the last time I saw them! Both of them! They…ummm…they…"
"They lived to be older than most people," said Rumika. "Over a hundred years. That's pretty amazing when you think about it."
"But what could have possibly happened since we last saw them?"
He sounded angry, which no one in his family anticipated. Jocelyn was confused, and while Flaafy accepted it, it was obvious that his human twin did not.
Rumika explained how they died, modifying the story slightly, which didn't really seem to help much in the end anyway. It was the first time the seven-year-old had ever even heard of anyone in her life dying. Even her other set of great-grandparents and grandparents were either dead before she met them or their whereabouts were unknown to her. She cried and screamed at her parents, and she would have run away too if it weren't for the fact that Flaafy and her two older siblings and cousins restrained her and forced her to finish listening.
Annastasia, Lily, Logan, Lil-G, Bleu, and Flaafy tried to keep the inconsolable together, even though the anger, denial, and fear was close to unbearable.
After some patient silence, Jay and Jocelyn stopped, ready to let the adults continue.
"I know you are upset, I am too," said James. "More than I can show, but I keep reminding myself that they lived a nice long life with the person they loved most. Everyone dies—they did it in one of the best ways possible."
"It's either that or you die young and/or alone," Jessie added.
That didn't make anyone feel better, least of all the kids. Annastasia was the exception to this. She knew her parents never had to do this before and were trying their best, under duress as well.
"I'm sorry," said Annastasia. "I know that's not the right thing to tell you— 'I'm sorry'—but nothing else comes to mind. What are you doing now?"
"We spent the last few days going through their will," said Rumika. "They were huge donors of multiple organizations, including some we never even knew about. And they were active community members: volunteering, participating in local events…They had more friends and acquaintances than we ever imagined. We're letting them know what happened—it's what's right."
"They had trust funds too," said James. "Which means they could continue to donate even after they were gone. They were giving away millions of dollars and we never even knew."
"Whoa," said Logan. "I never even realized we were that rich."
Lily quietly scolded him for being insensitive. This would normally turn into a bigger argument between the two, but the subconsciously agreed that now was not the time for fighting.
"They also asked to be cremated, so there won't be a burial," said James. "Just a ceremony. We won't ask your friends to come, but you can ask them if you want."
"Do you want us to come home?" Jay asked.
"Do you want to?" Jessie asked.
"I just feel that I should."
"I wanna go home," Jocelyn wept. "If Jay's going then I am too!"
"Flaafy flaaafy fla!"
"No one's gotta come home just yet," said Meowth. "Yous got a while till de funeral. Until den weeze are just gonna be sortin through tings here and waitin fer yous to finish in Vermillion."
"Jay, you can come home if you really want to, but we aren't driving over to get you until you really think about this," said Jessie.
"Please think about it," James requested. "If you really want to come home you can, but you might be better off with your friends."
"You've been doing so well, you're so happy out there—we don't want this to set you back."
"Okay. I-I'll think about it," Jay mumbled.
"Jocelyn, Princess, we can come get you, but you will have to be away from all your new friends."
Jocelyn continued to sob.
"We can get you for a few days, and then bring you back when you feel better," James suggested. "Jay, we can do that for you too."
"I wanna go home!" Jocelyn cried.
"Flaaaa!"
Jocelyn was still holding onto Flaafy, Togetic, Bleu, Squirt Gun, and Lil-G. The Pokémon were trying to comfort her, but she ignored all their attempts.
"We'll be together soon," said Jessie.
"And for as long as you want," said James.
"You three are quiet," Rumika said to Annastasia, Logan, and Lily. "How are you feeling?"
Lily and Logan's tears weren't nearly as dramatic as the children's and Annastasia still hadn't cried at all.
"I don't want to leave the group," Lily said as she looked to the forest, where she knew Maya was hiding. "I want to stay out here. I think that'll be better for me."
"Ditto," said Logan.
Logan focused on Lily and remembered her desire for independence.
"Actually, never mind," said Logan. "I'll go home for a bit too—this way Jocelyn and Flaafy won't get too lonely while you all are busy doing grown-up stuff."
"Okay," said Lucy.
"No problem," said James.
"Thank you," Annastasia told Logan, knowing his true motivation.
"Yeah…thanks," said Lily.
She wasn't sure if it was on her behalf or Jocelyn's, or if Logan was even going just for his own sake, but it seemed like Logan was finally starting to act for himself.
"I suppose you already have our GPS coordinates," said Annastasia. "Are you coming tonight?"
"Jocelyn, do you want us to come tonight?" James asked.
Jocelyn nodded her head.
"We can be there in about two hours," he replied.
"I should explain to the rest of the group what happened before you arrive," said Annastasia.
"I'm sorry for putting you in such an awkward position," said James. "Do you want us to do it?"
"No, I can do it. I'll figure it out."
"We'll be there soon", said Jessie. "Hold tight."
"Okay, Mommy, Daddy," Jocelyn sniffed.
"Fla."
They exchanged one more set of goodbyes with their family before hanging up the phone. Annastasia carried Jocelyn to another part of the river, away from the group. Lil-G, Flaafy, and Bleu tagged along so that they could help Annastasia clean up and calm down her little sister before they returned to the others. Jay, Logan, Lily, Chikorita, Squirt Gun, and Togetic returned to their friends, who were scattered around a bit. Soledad, Amber, and June were sitting together, so they approached them first.
"Pichu Pi!" Pip exclaimed when it saw Chikorita, his latest friend. They ran off together with Squirt Gun and Togetic close behind.
"All done?" Soledad asked.
"Y-yeah," Jay choked.
"You okay?"
Amber was suspicious. "Where's A, Jocelyn, Flaafy, Lil-G, and Bleu?"
"Um…they're just talking about something alone together," Jay rapidly replied, rubbing his eyes. "Did we miss anything? June, why's your hair wet?"
"It's a long story," she sighed.
"We could really use a distraction," said Logan.
"I was trying to catch a Seaking. I saw it swimming in the water and so I called over Tia and Bulbasaur. Bulba used Vine Whip to get it out of the water, and I was going to have Tia use Double Slap, but the Seaking was bigger than I thought. It slapped me with its tail, I fell into the water, and the Seaking swam away. I was able to crawl out of the water fine, but now I'm all wet and cold."
Bulbasaur using a vine to poke at the sweatshirt June was wearing over her uniform.
"Takeshi was nice enough to give me this sweatshirt," she added with a blush.
"You didn't mention the best part," said Amber smugly. Soledad rolled her eyes.
"Oh, yeah," June sighed. "Since Amber was down the river and was listening to music, she didn't see me fall in or hear me scream, and instead of coming to help me she used her arrow and net technique to capture that same Seaking!"
"How do you know it's the same one?" asked Logan.
"I know because they were both super-sized, and Soledad says that isn't very common around here."
"She's right about that," said Amber. "And I told June that I would trade it with her for Scooter, but she doesn't want to."
"I have to think about it. Scooter was one of my first Pokémon. I had him since he was a Caterpie. I would feel guilty."
"There is nothing wrong with trading," said Jay. "As long as both of the Pokémon involved give you consent."
"As a Pokémon, I agree with that statement," said Lily.
"Ditto," said Logan.
Amber turned to June. "I told you. I want to have as many flying-types as possible, and you want the supersized Seaking, and we're friends. You'll still see Scooter often and if you decide you want to trade back then we can work out another deal later on."
"Amb, don't pressure her," said Jay.
"No, she's not pressuring me," said June. "I just…"
June looked up at Scooter, who was chatting with Soledad's Charizard as they both soared through the sky. Amber's enormous Seaking was in its Pokéball. Amber handed it to her.
"You can have Seaking. You don't have to trade Scooter if you don't want to."
All her friends were surprised; most of them didn't know Amber well until a few weeks ago, and thus far, she didn't come off as altruistic.
"Amber, I can't let you do that," said June. "If you could just go talk to Scooter—I know you'll be a good trainer. I just don't want Scooter to think that I like Seaking more than I like him."
Takeshi, Cyndaquil, and Raticate came up behind them. Takeshi could tell they were talking about trading again.
"June, just explain to Scooter that you are trading him away because Seaking will bring better diversity to your team and not because you like him less," Takeshi suggested. "Tell him that Amber could use him more and that since Amber is your friend you want to help her too."
"Go for it," said Soledad. "Don't pass up an opportunity like this—it doesn't come around often."
"How about we talk to him together?" said Takeshi.
"Okay," June smiled.
Takeshi took June's hand—making her nearly pass out—and they walked to where Scooter was flying.
Rita was hanging in a hammock with her Zorua and she looked up when she saw the two kids calling out to the Pokémon, still holding hands.
"Hmmm," she hummed, petting Zorua. "Maybe you can help me with this little project."
"Zo rua zo?"
Meanwhile, Annastasia was talking with Jocelyn a few yards down the river behind some bushes and boulders.
"Are you angry that I want to go home, Onēsan?" Jocelyn asked after a while.
"No, not at all," Annastasia said as she continued to wipe the tears from Jocelyn's face. "I know it's hard to be away for so long. I'm going to be here, but it's fine with me if you want to go."
"I want Jay to come."
"It might be better if he stays here. Logan will be with you. Sometimes you have to think of what is best for other people."
"Why does everyone think Jay's should stay here?"
"Fla?"
Annastasia hesitated. "Well…Jay's never had a friend group before. Can't you tell Jay's been much happier since we left for this journey? Coming out here has been a big deal for him. I want him to see for himself how supportive and caring other people can be if he gives them the chance. If he leaves here to go home, he might not come back, and then he'll never get that opportunity."
"Oh," said Jocelyn. "It's nice of you to think of that."
"Flaaafy."
"It's my job," Annastasia said as she gave Jocelyn and Flaafy a hug. "How are you feeling now?"
"Still sad," Jocelyn replied. "But I think I'm ready to return to the group."
"Awesome. Let's go together."
Jay, Amber, Takeshi, Soledad, June, and their Pokémon were still sitting together. June and Amber told them about their trade, and Rita came over and suggested that they get moving so that they to the next Pokémon Center before dinnertime.
Annastasia hesitated before opening the bag containing their tack for the Tauros.
"But before we go, I have something to tell you all," she announced. "Can everyone take a seat?"
XO
The group, including all the Pokémon, gathered in a circle around Annastasia. Jay decided to take a walk with Jocelyn, Flaafy, Chikorita, and Togetic while she broke the news to everyone else. He imagined it would be less awkward that way. They kept asking questions but Annastasia explained that she wanted everyone to be paying attention before she answered.
"I'm really confused. Did something happen?" Tamaki asked.
"Actually yes," said Annastasia. "When our parents called earlier…it was to tell us that our Nanny and Pop-pop died."
All was quiet until Michio broke the silence.
"Your grandparents?" he inquired.
"Her great-grandparents," said Nolan. "A—I'm sorry to hear that. Are Jay and Jocelyn okay?"
"Relatively," she said with a weak smile. "This isn't easy for them. Jay didn't want to be here when I broke the news—I would appreciate it if you didn't ask Jay or Jocelyn about it. If they want to talk, they'll let you know. All questions you can direct to me."
"How did they die?" Takeshi asked.
"Takeshi, you shouldn't ask that," Soledad chided.
"It's okay," said Annastasia. "They were both over a hundred years old. My papa gave us some more details, but in the end that is really all it was. They died within a few hours of one another. Pop-pop had to have surgery and he didn't make it. Nanny died shortly after."
Amber abruptly stood.
"I should find Jay," she said as she stepped out of their circle.
"We were just talking to Jay," said June. "He wasn't as perky as usual, but…"
Amber didn't listen to June finish her sentence. She was already gone. Everyone else stayed together.
"What do you need us to do?" Lexi asked.
"Nothing," Annastasia replied. "My parents are going to pick up Jocelyn. I told them where we were headed, and they will be able to find our exact location using the GPS system on our phones. Logan is going with her, so is Flaafy of course, and there is a slight chance that Jay may go as well. I'm not sure how long they'll be gone—could be a day, could be a few weeks. Three weeks from now we're going to have the funeral in Silverville. You all are welcome to come, but you don't have to. There's no pressure."
"I think we should go," said Takeshi. "We all knew them. We stayed at their house. They bought us presents, cooked us food, and told us stories."
"And gave us advice," June sniffed as she wiped away a tear. "And made us feel warmer when the world was cold. It's so sad. I'm really sorry for you."
Everyone gave Lily, Logan, and Annastasia a hug, except Michio, who watched from the outside. He couldn't imagine that anything he said or did at that moment could possibly help his heartbroken companion.
XO
Amber found Jay sitting on a rock near the river. He was staring the water while Jocelyn quietly combed Flaafy with the special comb she had gotten for Child's Day.
"Hey, Blue-Jay," Amber said quietly but cheerfully.
"Oh, hi Amb," Jay sighed.
Amber sat beside him, moving in close enough for them to touch. "A told me what happened. I'm sorry." She put an arm on his shoulder and rested her head on his shoulder. "I'm surprised you didn't say anything when you first got back from talking to your parents."
"I was trying to be more like Annastasia." Several teardrops fell onto their laps. "She's strong, unlike me. I'm weak. I always cry."
"No one cares if you cry and it doesn't make you weak."
Pip, Chikorita, and Togetic backed her up. Jay finally broke down and started crying into her shoulder. Amber held him and let him cry, just like she did when they were little and he would get hurt. Jocelyn also got upset and stopped combing Flaafy in order to join them.
After a while, Jay finally started to feel better. He stopped, which prompted Jocelyn to stop as well.
"Do you think you are going to be okay now?" Amber asked.
"Pi Pichu?" asked Pip.
"Yeah," Jay responded, using a cloth from his bag to wipe his face. "I just needed to get that out."
"I get it," she responded. "Are you gonna go home?"
"Me, Flaafy, and Logan are," Jocelyn told Amber. "I miss being with Mommy and Daddy. They're going to pick us up in their car later today."
"I was thinking about joining them," said Jay. "But I think I will feel better if I stay with you all."
"So do I," said Amber.
"Then I'll stay. The funeral's in a few weeks. After we face Lt. Surge, our parents will take us to the funeral, then we'll resume our journey."
"Are we invited?"
"You can come if you want…but I didn't think you'd want to. It's just a bunch of people getting dressed up and being sad."
"It's more than that and you know that better than I do. I'll go if you want, but if you want me to stay away I'll do that instead."
"I think it would be great for you to come. I really do."
"Then I'll be there. Let's go back to the others; they might start getting worried about you."
The group reunited. Everyone offered condolences to the Morgans, then it was time to move on.
The next hour was quiet but soon enough James, Jessie, Rumika, Meowth, Lucy, and Alex pulled up in the family's main car. They promptly dismounted the Tauros and returned them to their Pokéballs. Everyone but Alex stepped out of the car. Jocelyn ran up to her parents and they welcome her in a group hug. Jay, Annastasia, Lily, Logan, and their Pokémon followed behind.
"Are you ready to come home, Princess?" Jessie asked.
"Yes, Mommy," Jocelyn murmured as she pressed against her parents.
"Logan, are yous still comin?" Meowth asked.
"Yes," he answered, shooting one last glance at Lily. "I haven't changed my mind."
"Do you want us to do anything for you?" Nolan asked Jessie and James.
"It's kind of you to offer but we currently have everything under control," James replied.
"I'm gonna miss you," Benny told Jocelyn. "You're the only friend my age who is super cool and nice."
"Ditto," Jocelyn sniffed.
"Fla."
"We'll all be together again soon," said Annastasia. "And there's always video chat."
Jessie led Jocelyn and Flaafy to the car while James pulled Annastasia aside to talk.
"I'm really sorry that this happened to you," Annastasia said before he could speak. "I know they were the only people you trusted when you were a little kid, and I know they always were there to help you when you needed them. You must be hurting most of all."
"You're right," he sighed. "But I'm getting through it."
"I know—you're good at that kinda thing. What did you want to tell me?"
"Lucario—you know he's been watching you."
"Well-aware, but he hasn't made direct contact with me. The other night he talked to Bleu, who talked to Lily, who told me that Lucario wants me to go to Toka to train with the rest of the Lucario out there. I explained that I cannot just leave to train with them for ten years like they expect me to. Bleu passed on this message and Lucario got pissed at me, calling me selfish. Of course, Bleu defended me—Lucario just doesn't understand."
"I know I've already told you about the progress I had made with Diablo and how Giovanni had Ash and N and some of the other Aura Guardians are working with the fusions that Team Rocket has captured. There aren't as many loose fusions in the other regions anymore, as most of them have been captured. According to Rumika's radars, most of the wild ones seem to be accumulating in Toka. That's why Lucario wants you there."
"Did you ever find out why the monster fusion teleported itself there?"
"No, it's certainly being drawn there for some reason—or else it would've teleported away by now."
"The Toka region happens to have the highest population of Lucario and is traditionally the land on which they train to enhance their aura abilities. It's also where the Night Stones are—and the Tree of Beginning."
"I—reluctantly—know. That's where Mondo and Duplica were."
"Did they already return?"
"No, but they soon will. They really miss their baby."
Annastasia pictured in her family's car. She knew her parents would be hesitant to hand him back.
"Are the Lucario really helping us? The last time we encountered them they tried to kidnap me," said Annastasia. "And now this one Lucario is still stalking me and won't talk to me directly. He's literally holding a grudge because I don't want to be his aura-filled puppet."
"He just wants to harness your abilities," said James.
"Is that all?"
"We're on your side—me, our family, our Team Rocket family—but we cannot make an enemy out of Lucario."
"I don't want to make an enemy out of anyone but...I don't know. We should be working together but what's right for him seems wrong for me."
"There's a middle ground. We'll get there."
"I'd like that very much."
They paused and considered walking back towards the others, but decided against it. The next time she'd have alone time in-person with him would be at the funeral, and she didn't want to distract from that event with this.
"Ever since the visions started, Lucario he has been more adamant on the subject," said Annastasia. "He cited that as a reason—that, plus the fact that I'm older. When I was three and he came for me it seemed much more villainous. But training a young adult to harness her abilities—that makes it sound good, like it would be a disservice to do otherwise. I'm a lot of things—patient, adaptable, empathetic—but I'm not ready for what he's asking and I won't be anytime soon."
"To be honest, ever since we discovered that journal in Baydon I've been wanting you to get involved," James sighed. "But it seems the only way for you to help if for you to…"
"…leave Kanto and train with Lucario. Lucario wants to help me, and he wants to help stop these fusions, but his solution isn't practical. But...maybe it is. Maybe I really am selfish for not even trying."
"No Anna-chan, you aren't being selfish. This is a lot for you to handle on your own, and it is all so sudden. We didn't even know those visions and the fusions were connected until recently. All this is so much for you, and you aren't even eighteen yet."
"Sometimes I feel like it is my fault, even though it isn't, because there might be a way for me to stop it but I won't."
"Nobody's blaming you."
"Except an entire race of Lucario—Lucario that we need to work with unless we want to risk having those fusions overrun our future. I want to overcome all of this but it seems like I'm going around in circles. The fusions get stronger and so do my visions. The visions make me weaker. I can hardly focus now. I'm losing my strength, physically and mentally. It's more than stress—it's like somethings draining my energy and every day it takes a little more."
James gave her a hug. "It will come back I promised a long time ago I wouldn't let anything happen to you. But why didn't you tell us this was happening?"
"You didn't ask."
"Really, though?"
"I don't want to think about it. I'd rather focus on what I can do than what I can't. I can still handle this mission. If that changes, I'll tell you. I promise."
"We are always here for you. Never worry about asking us for help."
"I won't…what should I do about Lucario?"
"I honestly don't know. If you want, I can leave Aliyah with you. Mew is obviously a good Pokémon to have around. Mewtwo has also been very responsive to us. Aliyah can contact Mewtwo and maybe you all can work something out."
"That isn't a bad idea. Is Aliyah with you?"
"As always."
He turned to face the car, where Aliyah was chatting with some Pokémon pals. James whistled and she looked up. He motioned for her to come to them and she teleported over.
"Vee eve eve?" she asked.
"Aliyah, Annastasia can really use your special Mew abilities more than I can right now," said James. "Can you please stay with her for a while?"
"Veeeee!"
The Mew-turned-Eevee rubbed her face against Annastasia's leg. Annastasia lifted her. Bleu, and Lil-G, who was riding atop Bleu's head, exchanged the same greeting.
"I think this counts as a 'yes'," said James.
"Veee," Aliyah asserted, nodding her head.
Annastasia looked down at the Eevee enjoying her chin-scratches. "I will take good care of you—promise."
"Eeeevee eve."
Annastasia laughed and looked Aliyah in the eyes. "I know you're a Mew and can care for yourself but I'm still gonna watch out for ya."
Meowth honked the horn of the car.
"Hurry up yous two!" he called. "Weeze wanna get back in time fer dinner!"
"Figures," James smiled. He looked back at Annastasia the Pokémon hovering around her. "If you do anything until next we meet: take care of yourselves."
"You know me," said Annastasia. "Good luck with everything. Call me if you need anything, like help packing up the house…they probably had a plan for all that stuff… and thanks for telling me everything. I can tell it wasn't easy."
James was really sad that she decided to say that now. He still had a few big secrets to tell her, and though he knew she would understand their intentions for waiting, just as she had when he waited a few days before informing them of their great-grandparent's death, the way she said it made it sound like he planned on never holding anything back.
"Annastasia, there are a few more things you must know but I'm not ready to tell you," James confessed. "It's hard to explain, a lot to get into, and I promise I'll explain myself better later on."
"Oh…okay," she replied, confused by the odd comment. "Do what you gotta do. I trust you have a reason."
James sighed in relief. "Okay, thank you. I—we—will see you soon."
Meowth honked the horn again.
"Hurry up!" he repeated.
They exchanged a last good-bye, then James and the others drove off. After their car disappeared over the horizon, Annastasia approached the group.
"Let's get moving; we have a PC to get to."
XO
Another week went by and nothing particularly interesting had happened for the group.
Except for Annastasia.
Annastasia was up half the night with her visions, so not only was she tired out from the actual attacks, but also from the fact that they cut into her the only time she had set aside for sleep. On the seventh night, she decided to not go to bed at all and was roaming around outside her camp with Lil-G, Aliyah, and Bleu.
"Eevee eve," Aliyah chanted suspiciously. Annastasia and the others didn't hear anything, but the Eevee's ears were trembling. Then Lil-G and Bleu heard it too. Lil-G and Aliyah ran towards the source of the noise. "Veeeeeeeeee!
"Lucario, please stop playing games with me and just come out," Annastasia commanded irritably. "I know you're here."
Lucario stepped out of the shadows with Aliyah and Lil-G beside him. Aliyah transformed into her Mew form and floated over so that she was next to Annastasia.
"You aren't going to last much longer like this," said Lucario.
"I know, but I can't just leave behind everything I know and love to go train. I won't be able to be with my family or friends for years and will have little contact even via text. There must be another way."
"Your friend N did it. I did it. I don't see why you cannot."
"N was gone for six years, not ten, and it was hard on his family and himself. Plus, in the end, it didn't do much to help your case. I'm sure it was hard on you too—even though Toka's your home. I have established relationships here and I have a disease that can kill me if I'm not careful—and if I'm alone, depressed, and tired, I may not have the means to be careful."
"N came back because he wasn't the right person. You're the only one who stands a chance."
"Will derailing my existence be worth it if there's only a chance?"
"Every chance is worth it. And your visions won't go away. If that monster contuses to grow in conjunction with the fusion population, everyone you know will suffer."
Annastasia groaned. She had been barely able to sleep, eat, exercise, or exist in general since her father talked to her about this.
"I want to help," she sighed. "But I don't think I can handle it."
"We've considered alternatives," said Lucario. "Mewtwo has been training—a Pokémon as powerful as they may be able to stop this, but thus far…you have something we need, and it isn't brute force. We've been training agents—how else do you think Team Rocket has been able to capture the fusions? But it isn't enough."
"That explains why some of them have been gone for so long." Annastasia thought of Mondo and Duplica, as well as many of the other agents she and Rita hadn't seen or heard from in months.
"Annastasia, I believe you can do this. I will be around to heal and help. Mewtwo and I will be your mentors and protectors. Your mind and body will be transformed—evolved—in the best of ways and the world can be bright. Or, you can stay here and let the unpredictable chaos unfold."
She was quiet for a while. Lucario patiently waited by the dead campfire for nearly five minutes until she spoke again.
"How long?" she asked.
"As much time as you can give," he replied.
"If you said that earlier, I would've been more cooperative in this discussion. I can give you time—though I'd rather not—if a few months can make a difference and be a worthy compromise, then I'll do it. At least let me say goodbye to my great-grandparents and prep the group for a mission without me."
"I will."
"And…there must be risks to this, even with you and Mewtwo protecting me."
"It's true that you will not be the same after. You'll be sacrificing your aura. If you aren't strong enough, you will kill yourself. This isn't something you can take lightly. And you still need practice. Practice can be frustrating—though admittedly nothing more difficult than you had already proven to overcome."
"And once I'm trained?"
"You will use your strengthened aura abilities to connect to the monster fusion. You will flow in sync."
"As in taking control. Total control."
"Preferably."
"And this will work."
"It was done long ago, in ancient times."
"I recall the legends of how Aura Keepers could use their abilities to pacify the world in times of widespread and extreme violence—I didn't think I qualified for that position, or if the situation was bad enough to count."
"Maybe not yet, but all will happen in time. That's why it's urgent to prepare now."
"I don't know if I have it in me to be a fighter."
"Often the best offensive is to not fight at all. If you can connect to a Pokémon's inner voice—that's better than any attack. The Lucario species has known this for years, hence our investment in aura."
"Fighting-type Pokémon who don't believe in actual fighting. Lucario sure are curious."
"Does this mean you're not finishing this journey?" Aliyah, who was still in her Mew form, asked telepathically.
"I can trust Lexi, Nolan, Rita to look after the others—they've done so much already, and never failed to rise to the occasion. Of course, I didn't want this to happen, but…duty calls, I suppose."
"I care about you, Annastasia," said Lucario. "And owe you. Try to get some rest. You need it."
Lucario replaced her stress with an overwhelming feeling of calm. Though she was a bit upset at the Pokémon for being the bearer of bad news—and for waiting this long to give her that magic dose of peace—what came first was an appreciation for the peace of mind.
"Goodnight," she told the Pokémon.
"Goodnight," Lucario replied. "If you need me before you reach Vermillion, you know where to find me."
Lucario returned to the forest. As Annastasia walked to bed, she noted the prints of a Meowth—on all fours—leading to and from the tent she shared with Lily and Lexi.
'Maya,' Annastasia thought to herself. 'Do you know something I don't?'
XO
IN THE NEXT CHAPTER
· Michio does something nice
· Jocelyn and Logan return
· June and Jay Battle Surge
AN: I haven't done this in the past, but if anyone is interested in some of the references I make to Japan, I have some fun facts. It really has nothing to do with the story so you don't have to read it if you're not interested.
Foods:
Onigiri, aka 'musubi', is steamed sticky rice rolled into a spherical or cylindric shape that is traditionally filled with pickled ume (a Chinese plum) and wrapped with a strip of seaweed (like a ribbon on a present:). It could contain anything though, like fish or veggies. It's a common lunch item in Japan and in most animes, including the Pokémon anime, it is featured regularly.
Hosomaki roll is a simple sushi roll that traditionally includes only one ingredient in the middle usually something like asparagus or carrot. In Scarlett's case, it would probably be either ketchup or something ironic like a berry she claims to hate.
Nori is referred to as 'laver' in some other parts of the world. It is the seaweed traditionally used to wrap sushi. It is also the seaweed used to make those roasted seaweed snacks you can buy at most supermarkets.
Locations:
The Kanto region itself is based off the Kantō region in Japan. It is located on Japan's largest island/the mainland and borders the east coast.
The Arakawa River is a river located on the east side of Kantō.
Sayings/words/expressions:
'Onēsan'—big sister, usually only used by children. A child may also use the term to refer to someone that is like a big sister to them even if they're not blood-related.
'Oniisan' – the male equivalent of Onēsan.
Bonus: What language are they speaking in the fic? English and Japanese. Some of them—Michio—can speak other languages.
That's all for now:) I hope you enjoyed this lil trivia. I'll make another note later if I find more Japanese references that I never bothered to note. If anything confuses you, leave the question in reviews or PM me.
This chapter was updated on May 23, 2019.