When they got the hotel, despite it being late at night, the kids all called their parents via videophone.
"Bulbasaur evolved during my battle with Lt. Surge," June told her parents.
"Ivysaurrr!"
"Wow, June. You two must spend a lot of time together," said Iris.
"I never battle without Ivysaur on my team," said June.
"He looks amazing," said Cilan. "Very happy and healthy—you do too."
"Yeah…"
June told them about the Pokémon cards Takeshi gave her.
"Are you sure his parents said it was okay?" Cilan asked. "That seems like a lot."
"Well…you know Brock…" June replied. "Um…so, are you coming to the service tomorrow?"
"Yes," said Iris. "Are you?"
"Yes; I think I should be there for Jay."
"You are so sweet," Cilan replied. "See you tomorrow."
"Bye."
"Bye."
"Saurrrr!"
"Love you!"
June lied on her guest bed surrounded by her Pokémon and shut her eyes. Moments later, Takeshi knocked on her door.
"Can I come in?" he asked.
"Uhhhh, yeah," June said as she rushed to make sure her hair and clothes were presentable.
Takeshi was also in his pajamas.
"I hope I wasn't disturbing you," he said. "It's only nine so I assumed you didn't go to bed yet."
"Not yet, but soon," she replied. "Not that you aren't welcome or anything…I can go to bed a little later than usual...what's up?"
"I just wanted to say thanks." He rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "For the kiss."
"Oh…it was no big deal…I mean, it was a big deal, but you don't you have to thank me."
"I was relieved you went first because I was so nervous."
"I kinda like when you get nervous. I mean, I don't want you to feel uncomfortable or insecure—it just makes me feel like I'm not the only one who feels nervous."
"I get that. Anyways, I was wondering if you wanted to do something together."
"Now?"
"Yeah."
"Like sneak out?"
"No one told us we couldn't leave, so technically we're not breaking any rules."
"What did you have in mind?"
"Why don't we do what Michio always does and try to catch some Pokémon?"
"Let's do it."
June grabbed her Pokéballs and room key. They headed outside.
"I never tried to capture Pokémon at night before. It seems special," June said as she grabbed Takeshi's hand.
Takeshi coughed, then pointed ahead. "Look: Doduo in the distance. Let's get them."
"Tia and I will go for the one on the right."
"Cyndaquil and I will go for the one on the left."
They crept closer to the birds, who were munching on fallen berries, oblivious to the humans. They sent out their Pokémon together.
"Tia, Confusion," June quietly commanded.
"Cyndaquil, Flamewheel," said Takeshi.
Both attacks hit the unsuspecting Doduo. The two birds, with four heads total, looked back at them in anger. They used Sand Attack on both the humans and opposing Pokémon. Tia and Cyndaquil fought back with more twice as much power.
"You can do it!" said June.
"I know you can handle this, Cyn!" Takeshi cheered.
"Cyndaaaaaaa!"
A white light surrounded Cyndaquil, but June and Takeshi hardly noticed, as they were caught up in the heat of battle. All of a sudden Cyndaquil stopped battling, and noticing this, Tia used Light Screen and Reflect to help protect him.
"I wonder what's happening," said Takeshi. "Cyn, are you okay?"
"His flames are getting bigger…Takeshi, he's evolving!" June exclaimed.
As she spoke, Qualilava emerged and looked back at the trainers.
"Quali!" he cried before using Eruption on the Doduo.
"That's a new attack!" Takeshi said as he took out his Pokédex. "Look…it's called 'Eruption'. Wow, that's a good move. Go Quali!"
Tia helped him out with more of her confusion attack, but it was clear to all that Qualilava took the show.
"Amazing!" Takeshi said as they clapped for the Pokémon.
"Thanks, Qualilava. Now we can both catch a Doduo," said June.
They threw their Pokéballs together. The Doduo did not even attempt to fight their way out.
"I can't believe it," Takeshi said as he fed Qualilava a berry. "We've been partners forever, and just like that, you changed—in a good way. You look fantastic and that attack was super strong. These were level forty-seven Pokémon."
"Cyndaquil evolve the same way Pichu do," said June. "I think when he saw Pip evolve, he decided that he was ready too."
"Is that what happened Cyn—I mean, Qualilava?"
"Quali," he said with a nod.
"Awesome!"
June and Takeshi walked a little bit longer until they heard two voices talking. Though they weren't technically breaking any rules, they knew deep down that they shouldn't be out, and were afraid that one of the older kids or adults was going to catch them. They looked over the bush to see who was there.
Takeshi was about to say something, but June covered his mouth and placed a finger over her lips, motioning for him to keep quiet.
"When did you find out about Maya?" Annastasia asked Michio. "When I talked to Lily, she said I was the only one who knew."
"The first day they met. I accidentally caught onto their conversation when I was out hunting for Pokémon. Maya knew that I knew, Lily never found out. I never said anything because I figured it wasn't any of my business."
"I bet Maya and Lily really appreciated that."
"Maybe."
"Pikapichu."
They along with Scarlett, Bleu, and Lil-G lied in the grass under a red-barked tree. Scarlett rested in Annastasia's arms while Bleu and Lil-G cuddled her from behind. Michio and Annastasia were facing each other and speaking in almost-whispers.
"I'm feeling anxiety on you," said Annastasia. "Is it about tomorrow?"
"Mostly," he responded. "The last time I saw those people—I made a horrible first impression."
"Then see this as your chance to redeem yourself. No one in our circle is the kind to hold grudges—except perhaps my mother—but you shouldn't worry about her opinions. You could do everything right for the rest of your life and she still wouldn't like the idea of us together. The funeral will be short and you don't have to stay at post-service long."
Annastasia reached forward and picked up his hand, which was previously picking at the grass. She gave it a gentle squeeze as they both closed their eyes. June and Takeshi backed up a few steps and then walked back in the opposite direction. They waited until they were far away before they started talking.
"I wonder why they were together like that," June murmured. "And it's strange how that cherry blossom tree still has flowers on it."
"I don't know about those flowers," Takeshi whispered back. "But the two of them…you don't think they're…"
"Hooking up?"
"I was going to say 'secret boyfriend and girlfriend'…"
"Well, Michio has been a lot nicer lately. If Lily and Maya and you and I can have a secret relationship, I don't see why they can't."
"I think it's weird."
"You're not jealous, are you?"
"No, no way. I'm 1,000,000% over A."
"Okay…well, I agree that it's weird because A once told me once that she doesn't like guys."
"When?"
"Me and Soledad asked her last year at the Christmas party if she was ever going to get married and have kids and she said probably not because she was asexual and that probably meant she would be alone unless she met someone who could handle that."
"That's sad."
"She doesn't think it's sad. She says that as long as she has friends, she'll be happy."
"A's pretty cool. I wish I understood her better."
"If you didn't spend all your time trying to come up with new ways to ask her out the last two years then you could've spent all that time getting to know her instead."
"That's true. I know better now."
"I hope so."
"I like what you said about A: that she really values friendship. Can we promise that even if we break up, we'll still be friends? Because even if you decide that you like someone more than me, I decided that I like you so much that I would still want to hang out and stuff, even if it meant we couldn't do stuff like this anymore."
"Takeshi, we've been dating less than a day…But I like that idea. I agree. I'd be upset if you broke up with me but I'd still want to be your friend."
This time Takeshi was the one to start the kiss.
"Chu?"
Scarlett was watching them curiously. She then ran off.
"She must have heard us and followed," said June.
"Well…Scarlett probably won't tell anyone," Takeshi replied nervously. "I'm ready to go back in anyway."
While they returned to the Pallet House, Scarlett found Lily and Maya, who were also hanging out alone in the forest.
"June and Takeshi were out on a date together!" she told the pair.
"Why does that matter?" Maya replied.
"It can be dangerous for them to be out alone at night. We should tell Michio and Annastasia."
"What don't you just tell Michio and A yourself?" said Lily. "Besides, you, me, Maya, Michio, and now Annastasia come out every night too. We can make sure they don't get hurt or lost."
"How did you know Annastasia was here too?"
"We saw them walk out together."
Scarlett scurried back to the cherry blossom tree. Annastasia was now sitting against Michio while Lil-G and Bleu sat by their side. Scarlett could tell by their expressions and energy that something was wrong.
"You have to use Thunderbolt again," Michio told Scarlett. "I gentle one—just enough to get her out of it."
"Chu," she replied, shocking Annastasia.
Annastasia once again woke up confused and dazed to Michio, Scarlett, and her two favorite Pokémon staring back at her.
"I really can't wait until this stops happening," she mumbled.
"Yeah, neither can we," Michio sighed, relieved that she was well enough to speak. "Are you okay?"
Annastasia looked at the ground and noticed that about half of the cherry blossoms had fallen from the tree. She closed her eyes and stretched, cracking her back in the process.
"Annastasia?" said Michio. "How do you feel?"
"Drained," she sighed. "Thanks for helping me."
Annastasia tried to stand but couldn't do it on her own; it took Bleu and Michio to help her.
"Maybe you should go to bed," said Michio.
"Pikachupi," Scarlett nodded.
Annastasia yawned. "I know, but I don't want to turn just yet."
"Pikachu pika."
"She's right," Michio replied. "You need extra rest after that seizure and Thunderbolt combo."
Annastasia yawned again. "I'm too tired to walk back…I'm going to sleep out here. Bleu and Lil-G will make sure nothing gets me. They usually stay up half the night anyway, and tomorrow they are going to sleep all day while we are at the funeral and wake. You don't mind, right, Bleu? Lil-G?"
"Tarrria ra."
"Pup Lillipup."
Annastasia made herself comfortable in the grass. Bleu and Lil-G snuggled with her. Scarlett curled beside them.
"I will stay out here too then," Michio said as he released his Venomoth and Golbat. "These Pokémon are nocturnal. Let yours sleep. Mine will keep guard."
"You're going to stay out here when there's a hotel room with your name on it?" Annastasia replied.
"I like it here."
Michio lied beside Annastasia. Scarlett moved between them.
"Okay," Annastasia said before closing her eyes. "Goodnight."
XO
After a quick and scattered breakfast, everyone met at the temple in which the funeral was to be held. After the service, everyone gathered the Pallet House. The Morgans had created a shrine and planned on having a reception there so that all of their neighbors, family members, and friends could stop by throughout the day to pay their respects. The kids all sat around in their dresses and suits, trying to entertain themselves with cards and conversation.
"So, Qualilava just evolved overnight?" Soledad asked Takeshi. "That's amazing."
"Well Qualilava is like Pip," said Amber. "Once Cyndaquil has a high enough friendship level, they can evolve whenever they want."
"Your team has been really improving lately. Everyone's has."
"You sound a lot more positive today that you did yesterday," Takeshi noted.
"I talked to my parents, and even though I didn't want to bring it up, they knew I was upset. I told them how I lost again. They said it doesn't matter if it takes a hundred tries before I win the badge, or if I never win any. They said I should think about what I really want to do. So, I made a decision."
"And what's that?" June asked.
"Getting to the Indigo Plateau will no longer be my goal."
"Does that mean no more gym battles?" Amber asked.
"I'll battle if my Pokémon want to, but instead of beating myself up for losing, I'm going to focus more on…not focusing. And there's something else: Remember the other day when we ran into Tomoko and her friends again?"
"The Geo-catchers? What about them?" said Jay.
"Ever since we met them a few months ago I've been interested in their work. It sounds like it could be a good job for me. The last time we saw them, Tomoko gave me her number and the number of her boss. She said to call anytime. I'm going to."
"Soledad that sounds great," said June. "I bet your parents are thrilled—being a geo-catcher sounds a lot like being a researcher."
"Yeah, like a junior researcher," said Tamaki. "Sweet."
"My mom was hoping I'd at least try becoming a Pokémon coordinator, but she realizes now that I'm not interested. So, I have their support."
Tamaki offered her a fist-bump. "I can see you doing that already; after all, you're the smartest girl I know."
Soledad blushed. "Oh, that's so sweet."
"Anytime, Sole-Sister."
XO
Michio avoided the mass of people flooding the Pallet House by hiding in various places throughout the building.
Even though the other members of their group defended him whenever his name came up, he still hated being around people. Hiding was the best option.
An hour or so into the post-service, James found Michio standing outside with Scarlett when he ran to out to get some fresh air of his own. After a few minutes of avoiding him, James decided that it would be a good time to talk.
"Hi," he started, somewhat awkwardly. "So, um, it was nice of you to come…but why're you out here?"
"I don't like crowds," Michio replied.
"Chuuu. Pikaaa," Scarlett said as she nuzzled his face.
"I get it. I don't either, at least not in this context—I thought this would be nice but really, I'm just annoyed that all these people are asking me questions about my feelings. I think it is pretty obvious how I feel. I only know a third of the people in there anyway, most of them are Nanny-and Pop-pop's neighbors and friends. I never knew they knew so many people…"
Michio tried to sound sympathetic in his response. "That sucks."
"Pika."
"Sorry for the rant. I just needed to get it out and I couldn't find my wife or Meowth or Lucy," James continued. "Knowing them they probably snuck off somewhere to go watch a movie or something. I have to be here for three hours more hours…I don't think I can handle it!"
"Don't people have these traditions to make themselves feel better? Annastasia told me that you liked your grandparents so much because they let you be yourself and never forced you into situations that made you feel uncomfortable. So why are you doing all this if it's just making you anxious? Blow it off. Go do something fun instead. Annastasia and I can handle these people."
James was perplexed, never expecting Michio to give such an honest and helpful response.
"Really?" James replied. "I'm shocked, I mean, you…"
"I don't need to hear it," Michio quipped. "Annastasia and I have an understanding…I haven't changed though."
"Pikaaaa." Scarlett moaned.
"I better call Jessie before I do anything," James replied. "Are you serious?"
"I'm standing here in a suit and tie with nothing better to do with the next few hours. I have nothing to lose," said Michio.
James dramatically shook his hand. "Thank you so much."
"Sure."
James took out his phone and rapidly dialed Jessie.
"Jessie?" James spoke into his phone. "Where are you?"
"Hiding in the bathroom," she responded. "With Lucy."
"I was wondering where you two were. Are you okay? Are you still sick?"
"Not right now, but everyone keeps offering me shots and all these old people keep commenting on how I gained weight since the last time I saw them. Fuck, I've only put on six pounds! I should win a prize or something, no one else even seems to notice."
"Okay calm down, I have a solution. Where's Meowth?"
"He snuck into the bar in order to bring us some of those mini corndogs that we had frozen in the fridge," Lucy explained. "He should be back any minute."
"Mmmm, that sounds good…As soon as he gets back, meet me outside. We're going to leave and do something fun instead."
"What yous talkin' bout?" Meowth asked.
James heard the sound of the bathroom door slam and Lucy and Jessie squabble over the mini corndogs that he supposedly had brought them.
"Save some for me!" James exclaimed as he pictured them enjoying the previously frozen delights without him.
"Fat chance," said Lucy.
"I suggest that the four of us leave here for a bit to go do something fun. You know, in honor of Nanny and Pop-pop."
"Aren't we 'spossed do be mournin?" Meowth asked, his mouth full of corndog.
James heard Meowth and Jessie yell 'gross' and hit him, never mind the fact that the three of them were already being gross by eating pre-heated corndogs on the floor of a bathroom.
"They knew how much I hated to dress up fancy like this and be around other rich people," said James. "And I did say 'In their honor'."
"I'm in," said Jessie. "But this isn't going to be as much fun without the booze."
"I will get you all the whiskey and..." he glanced over at Michio, who was pretending to mind his own business. "And anything else you might want when you are no longer, um, occupied."
"Beautiful."
Michio sniggered at James awkwardness. James and the others obviously didn't realize that he could hear Lucy, Meowth, and Jessie on the other side of the conversation. 'Ears like a bat,' he thought to himself. 'How many times will I have to say it?'
"Yous two just coulda adopted a kid," said Meowth. "I don't know why yous did it de hard way…"
Meowth was silenced with another smack. It was unsure who delivered, though James could pretty much guess.
"Do you know how hard it is to adopt? I spent days researching and spoke to a dozen agents! They put me on a ten-year waiting list! Stop being obnoxious! It's not like I enjoy being pregnant!" Jessie shouted, louder than anyone thought was necessary.
"Jessie, people can hear us," Lucy reminded her.
"Stop lemme go. Help!" Meowth cried. It sounded to James and Michio like someone was trying to strangle him, presumably Jessie.
"Uh-oh. I'll be right back," James told Michio. He hung up the phone and ran into the hotel.
'Annastasia was raised by that,' Michio thought to himself, picturing James and Lucy trying to separate Jessie and Meowth. 'Now they're having another one...'
"Pikaaa."
Scarlett nodded as if she was thinking the same thing.
Inside, James found Jessie, Lucy, and Meowth in the hallway outside the bathroom. Several people, including Annastasia, Jay, and Jocelyn, were watching them curiously. Annastasia giggled and walked up to them while the rest of the kids pretended to ignore them.
"Everything alright, Mom?" Annastasia asked as she helped Jessie brush the corn-dog crumbs off of her magenta dress. "Anything you want to tell us?"
"I need some fresh air," Jessie replied.
Jessie walked past everyone and went out the front door of the building. Now Michio was standing near the driveway. Jessie noticed him as she made her way to the car.
"Stop watching me," she asserted.
'That's where she gets it,' he thought to himself.
"Where are you going?" he asked.
"I need a break from these people," she muttered.
Jessie swung the door open and climbed inside. Once situated, she slammed the car door shut, put on her seat belt, and crossed her arms stubbornly. James, Lucy, Meowth, and Annastasia were close behind.
"I can keep an eye on things," said Annastasia. "I'll just say you all needed a break. And after Mom's, outburst, I'm sure they'll understand."
"Did everyone hear her?" James asked. "I was on the phone so…."
"Yep," said Lily. "Everyone knows."
James pouted and ran a hand through his hair.
"I'm sorry, Anna-chan. This isn't how we want to tell you. I don't even think Jessie realizes that she was yelling and told everyone," said James.
"It's, okay. I had a feeling about this anyway," Annastasia responded. "Take a break."
"Are you sure you don't mind? Do you want to come with us? I can ask someone else to keep an eye on things. Rumika, or Delia…"
"Nah, it's good. It's hardly a wild party."
"Thanks, Anna-chan. James hugged her goodbye. "And Michio said he would help."
James climbed in the car and they drove away.
"I don't understand how your parents function without you," said Michio. "How do you feel about them having another baby?"
"Happy, of course," Annastasia replied. "I figured this would happen eventually, so it's not too much of a surprise."
"How'd you know?"
"I know my parents. There was either going to be another accident or they would miss us too much and plan one. As soon as they offered to watch Alex I knew where this would lead."
"What accident are you talking about?"
"Me. I wasn't supposed to be born. Actually, Jay's the only one who was planned. That's probably why he's the favorite."
"Oh. Wow. That's…weird."
"Weird to you, not to me."
"Well—I wouldn't have guessed that Jay was the favorite."
"It depends on the day."
"Your parents confuse the hell out of me."
"They're certainly not traditional but their commitment and actions make total sense to me. For most of their lives, my parents had each other to rely on. Then came Meowth, and a while later all the people they know now. They're products of their environment mixed with something special."
"Can't say that much about your own parents."
"That's unfortunate."
"You're best friends with your parents."
"Friendship's crucial, which is why I think you should consider it."
"Two friends is enough."
"Eventually you'll return to Alola. Your exile's almost over. Three more months is enough time to get your Pokémon up a few more levels and get three more gym badges. There's no reason for you to stay any longer unless you changed your mind about doing the Indigo League, but you can always leave then come back to it later."
The 'no reason to stay longer' comment resonated with Michio. He was irritated that this was her perspective.
"To leave without accomplishing anything bothers me," he responded.
"Your parents set up this intervention to humble, socialize, and ultimately help you; not to earn another championship," said Annastasia.
Michio grew annoyed and it showed clearly on his face and in his aura.
"That isn't what I meant when I said 'accomplishing something," he said sourly. "And what about your visions? And the fusions? I can't just go—you and Scarlett need each other."
"Scarlett could stay here with me if she wants," Annastasia replied. "She might not want to go to Alola with you anyway. Did you ask her what she wants to do?"
"Chuuu," Scarlett replied anxiously, looking back and forth between the two humans.
"I'm starting to get the feeling that you don't like me at all…you're okay with just taking Scarlett to help you defeat that fusion thing or whatever and it doesn't matter where I go…because…"
"Pikaaaaa!"
Scarlett tugged on Annastasia's arm. She pulled it away but didn't say anything.
"If you have nothing to say then I guess it's a good thing that you are leaving with Lucario," said Michio. "Because it doesn't matter if we spend the next few weeks or months together or apart. You be the heroine or whatever the fuck you want to call it. Maybe I'll follow your previous advice and take my Pokémon team and disappear into the forest. I'll be better for everyone."
"That isn't what I meant," Annastasia said as she tried to collect her thoughts.
Michio started to walked away but Scarlett grabbed onto his leg and used Thunderbolt to knock him into the asphalt. He tried to get up, but Annastasia kept him down by flipping him onto his back and holding his wrists against the pavement. She placed her knee on his stomach and Scarlett jumped on his chest for emphasis.
"Get off me," he commanded.
"Not until we talk," she responded.
"Pi!" Scarlett exclaimed, agreeing with Annastasia.
"Tell my parents whatever the fuck you want. I don't care," Michio said through gritted teeth.
"You do care. We both do. Look at me."
Scarlett warned him with another Thunderbolt. He decided to look up at her. Then he turned his head to the side and stopped resisting because that was much easier.
"Fine. What do you want from me?" said Michio.
"You aren't looking at me," Annastasia replied.
He turned his head to face her. "Better?"
"When I left my house four months ago, I thought that at worse I would have to fight off an angry swarm of Beedril or rescue one of the children from a kidnapper. I didn't know that this inner voice aura thing or vision stuff would get in the way. I didn't even know they were related. Doctors and scientists told me that the visions were just something that I would have to deal with passively, like some kind of disease of the mind. And I don't want you to leave."
"But you don't want me to stay either."
"Of course, I want you to stay. What makes you think I wouldn't?"
"Perhaps it was the way you said 'well, Scarlett can just stay here while you go back to Alola'. You don't really seem to mind if I go away forever."
"Michio, nothing lasts forever."
Michio was shocked that she of all people would say such a thing.
"I don't think you believe that," he said. "You think stuff lasts…maybe even the good stuff."
"What stuff? Love? Friendship? Because I believe those things last forever. It doesn't matter where you came from or where you go. Nothing is lost when people move on. They carry everything with them—the bad, strange, confusing, and the good. But life and its circumstances don't last."
Annastasia and Scarlett got off of him. They stood but Michio remained on the ground for a few moments longer. He had a hard time believing at first that Annastasia would tackle him, then recalled how not everything she did made sense.
"You can't come with me and Lucario," Annastasia sighed. "I can tell that's what you're thinking."
"Why not?" he said.
"You aren't trained and you have gym badges to earn."
"We can both agree that this is more important."
"I still have to leave to train with Lucario. It'll take me at least two months to master the skills he needs me to learn. It's like Lucario said before; we originally thought it would take years, but now he thinks that years of practice will not be necessary due to the strength that already subsists. It would be helpful for Scarlett to join me, though it's ultimately her choice."
"Chuuu," the Pokémon responded, rubbing against Annastasia.
"I think she's willing to do anything for you," Michio murmured. "What will happen here?"
"Nolan and Lexi will be in charge in my absence," Annastasia replied. "When Rita is not busy with TR, she will come around to check in."
"And if you don't come back before I leave for Alola?"
She grinned and patted him on the shoulder. "Then it was nice knowing you."
Michio scowled and roughly turned away.
"Chu?" asked Scarlett, bewildered by his reaction.
"You don't even seem to care," he pouted.
"Michio, I do care," said Annastasia. "I thought you of all people would get the sarcasm. How can I prove to you that I care?"
"Pika pika chu," Scarlett suggested.
"No not that," Michio quietly responded.
"How can I prove it?" Annastasia repeated.
Michio hesitated. "The thing is, Annastasia, I thought you had already. You're the first person I ever met our age that didn't just want to fuck around all the time, literally and figuratively. And I felt really close to you for that. But I don't think I did a good job of explaining how I feel to you, because you obviously don't get it. If you really care as much as you say you do, then you wouldn't do this to me. You wouldn't make me feel like I wasn't enough."
"You are enough. I need people in my life that I know I can count on, and I trust you now. But it's not my fault it took me some time to come around. I'm human. I didn't think it would hurt you if I mentioned Alola. I thought you were looking forward to going back."
"I don't want to go back alone."
"You won't be alone; you'll have your Pokémon. I won't forcibly take Scarlett. She'll be yours forever."
"I didn't mean the Pokémon."
Annastasia's suspicion was finally confirmed. "You won't go back without me."
Michio nodded. "Only if you wanted to though…"
"Sure. But why are you acting like this? So concerned...I won't be gone forever."
Michio noticed Jay coming out the front door. "Is there a private spot on your great-grandparents estate we can talk tonight?"
"I know the perfect spot," she grinned. "We can go there tonight. I'll pick you up at nine."
"Umm, great. I'd like that."
"Hey," Jay said as he approached the pair. "Any idea where Mom or Papa went? Last I saw Mom she was yelling at Meowth about—well, you heard too…I wanna talk to them."
"Lucy, Meowth, Mom, and Papa needed a break from all these people and formalities."
"They just left?"
"Yep."
"Oh. Well me, Amb, Lily, Logan, Soledad, Takeshi, June, and Jocelyn wanna go take our Pokémon down to the lake. Rita and Lexi said they'd go with us."
"Okay, just be careful, and answer your phone if someone calls."
"Np, sis. Let me know when they return."
"Jay, if you want to talk, I'm here."
"Yeah, but you seem busy."
Annastasia stood. "I'm never too busy for you. Let's talk."
XO
IN THE NEXT CHAPTER
· The secret clearing in the woods
· Jessie and Annastasia chat
· Tearful goodbye to Annastasia
AN: Thanks to Pokemonfanthings, Julia Togepi, Iamsomething, UMBREON, and Bri for your reviews. I read and think about every comment. I can't even express how much I appreciate the support.