Summer, under the possession of a ghost girl named Ena, learned about the spirit's past and the reason why she wanted to hurt her. As she had trouble dissuading the ghost, Summer received help from her grandmother, Lan, and the two helped Ena depart peacefully. The two had a tearful reunion before the elderly woman offered her granddaughter a warning. Taking Lan's advice, Summer decides to finally confront her best friend, Clara, at her latest exhibition in Lilycove City. Not only will Weldon and her friends join the Hoennese, but also an unexpected guest. Who is it, and will Summer finally see Clara in person?

Chapter 44- Thinning Out the Final Painting

I yawned after we entered the Lilycove City Pokémon Center, the urban landscape beginning to wake up as the sun rose higher in the sky. It was similar to the layout of the Mauville City Pokémon Center, but with more nautical elements and a subtle ocean breeze smell.

At the reception desk were two nurses, a tanned man with dark blue eyes and a silver Wailmer pin in his hat and a pale woman with amber eyes and a gold Gloom pin fastened on her cap.

The woman smiled, her orange hair shining bright like the morning sun. "Welcome to the Lilycove City Pokémon Center. I'm Liliana, and this is my husband, Marino. You two are up early."

"Y-Yeah…" I muttered. "It's been a long night for all of us."

"I'm sure it was!" Marino replied with a hearty laugh. "We'll make it quick then. One room or two?"

I was about to respond when Weldon interrupted, "Two rooms, please."

Huh? He wants to stay in separate rooms again? There's no reason to do it here, there's obviously enough space.

"All right…" Liliana looked at our Trainer Cards then handed us two key cards. "Summer, your room number is 145, and Weldon, your room number is 234. Please let us know if there's anything you need."

Nodding, we accepted our keys and went to our separate rooms. Lightning and I passed out for several hours on the nice plush bed. After waking up, I looked at the amenities package, feeling refreshed.

What did we get this time? Coupons for the Lilycove Department Store and local restaurants, salt water taffies from the Lilycove Taffy Factory, and a brochure for…for… I bit my lip. The quarterly events at the Lilycove City Museum… That's right, Clara's exhibition… How are we going to get in? It's probably too late to get tickets.

My thoughts were pierced by the chime from my Pokégear.

{Hey, Summer!} read Suzy's recent message. {Did you make it to Lilycove City yet?}

I texted, {Yeah, I just got here.}

There was a little bit of a pause before Tomoko typed a response. {We got tickets for Clara's exhibition tonight. Are you and Weldon still able to go?}

Wow, it's like they read my mind. I exhaled sharply. {Yeah, I can go. I'll make sure Weldon's free.}

{Okay}, Suzy typed. {It's a more formal event, so make sure you wear those kinds of clothes. We'll meet you at the Pokémon Center at 4:30pm.}

{Sounds good. See you all then.}

After I typed those words, I rummaged through my backpack.

"What are you looking for, Summer?" Lightning asked.

I showed her a Ponyta charm on a silver chain. The light tinkling of the charm shifting on the metal string made me smile.

"I got this as part of a 3-pack set. I gave the other two to Clara and Tawny, symbolizing our friendship." I clutched it before putting it on my nightstand. I wonder if they still have them…

I jumped as someone knocked on my door. "Hey, Summer. We should get some breakfast before the morning rush."

"O-Oh, right! Coming, Weldon!"

Later that day…

After telling Weldon about my conversation with Suzy and Tomoko, we did some shopping at the Lilycove Department Store, then went back to our rooms to prepare for the exhibition. Instead of my white and blue dress ensemble, I wore the outfit Camilla gave me for the Battling Family Convention. As I adjusted the sunset-themed dress, I couldn't help but feel nervous.

I really hope I can see Clara this time. Weldon said I should be able to, and he sounded pretty confident about it. I wonder why that is.

After putting yellow bows I recently bought around Lightning's ears, we headed to the lobby. Weldon was already there in his suit, but, to my surprise, so was Tawny. She exuded an air of modest elegance with her green dress with brown trim, gold earrings, and brown flats.

They were talking about something, but when they noticed us, Tawny gave me an awkward wave.

"S-Summer! F-Fancy meeting you here…"

"Tawny. I'm…surprised you're here. And talking to Weldon. How did you two meet?"

My coach exhaled sharply. "We…ran into each other in Petalburg City…"

When was that? I didn't remember seeing Tawny then. I hid my confusion with a smile as Lightning frowned at the two. "Still, it's good to see you again. I'm…guessing you're also going to Clara's exhibition at the Lilycove Museum."

"Yes, she gave me a free ticket. I…guess she didn't have time to tell you about it."

That excuse is getting old. "Suzy and Tomoko are coming too, just as a heads up."

I thought the teacher would be surprised my other friends were going, but she appeared to have expected it.

"Did…you already know they were coming, Tawny?"

She sighed. "Yes, I do." Then she gave me an apologetic look. "I-I'm sorry about how I acted back in Slateport City, Summer. I'm going to help you see Clara, no matter what."

"How, exactly?"

Weldon interrupted, "Anyway, should we get going? Suzy and Tomoko should be almost here."

"Y-Yes! Come on, Summer."

I uneasily followed the two. When I knew we were out of earshot, I whispered to Lightning, "Does it seem Weldon and everyone else are plotting something?"

The Raichu crossed her arms. "Kind of. But I trust Weldon, Suzy, and Tomoko. Not sure about Tawny, but at least she's helping us instead of last time."

"Right…" Weldon must've convinced her to help us. But still…why would she agree to it now?

We arrived at the meeting spot outside the Pokémon Center. Suzy and Tomoko were waiting, wearing long gray and periwinkle dresses respectively. When they saw us, they happily hugged me.

"There you are, Summer!" the young nurse exclaimed. "You look amazing in your dress!"

Suzy inspected it and chuckled. "Definitely better than ours, that's for sure!"

"Oh, come on. Your dresses are amazing as well." After they greeted Weldon and Tawny, I asked, "How did you two get the tickets? I'm sure they would be hard to get last minute."

"Th-That would be because of me, Summer," Tawny meekly replied. "I actually got a set of five tickets."

"You did?" I've never seen Tawny lie to Clara like that. I guess I can trust her, for now.

As we walked towards the museum, I caught up with the girls but noted Weldon and Tawny resumed talking amongst themselves. I tried to overhear their conversation, but Suzy and Tomoko kept me occupied.

Once we arrived at the building, a two-story marble structure with large window panes surrounding the walls, we checked in and entered the first floor. It was a bright and cheery space with other guests talking, eating hors d'oeuvres, and enjoying the art. Seeing that we missed the opening ceremony, we gathered some pastries, vegetable skewers, and cheeses and found an empty table. We received some apple cider from a waiter, and as we ate, Tawny told us the plan.

"Clara's paintings are on the second floor. She should be giving her presentation in about twenty minutes. I'll go first, so I can get a good view and make sure she only sees me. In the meantime, the four of you will split up and hide towards the back of the crowd. I'll make sure to either keep Clara in the area or guide her to a quieter place. When the coast is clear, then you can join us."

Weldon stroked his chin. "All right. We'll wait for your signal, Tawny."

She nodded, and after finishing her food, she headed upstairs. I munched my food in silence, allowing Lightning to eat whatever was remaining.

"Are you okay, Summer?" Suzy asked.

I glanced at a nearby sculpture. "Of course. This will be the closest chance I'll get. Still, with all her attempts of avoiding us, I'm not sure if this is worth it anymore."

Tomoko gave me a reassuring pat. "We'll get the truth from her this time, Summer. We have Tawny on our side."

I forced a smile, but I knew what could happen. The nightmares, as well as our past experiences, were relatively still fresh in my mind.

Weldon then got a text. After he read it, he motioned us to leave. We headed up to the second floor, where a crowd was gathering around a large vertical painting. Seeing Tawny was in front, we found a place where we could see whilst remaining hidden.

The featured painting was a beautiful piece, filled with color and vibrancy, depicting two girls playing under a large red-leafed maple tree at sunset.

I was about to examine it more closely when the group clapped for the museum's curator, who walked onstage.

"Hello everyone. I hope you are all enjoying tonight's showcases. Now, I'd like to present another up-and-coming artist from Rustboro City. She specializes in paintings and sculptures that reflect human life. Please give a warm welcome to Clara Wen!"

My nervous applause was masked by the warm reception. The artist, wearing a beautiful yellow satin dress, bowed. She looked almost the same as I last remembered her, but she gave off a mature appearance with her makeup and gold dangly earrings.

"Thank you all for coming. I'd like to present my latest piece, A True Friend."

As the crowd admired the art, I couldn't help but sense an irony in the title.

Clara continued, "In actuality, this was the very first painting I started before finishing it with the skills I've learned over the course of my career. This painting reflects a precious moment from my childhood: the day I met my best friend in primary school. It captures the time we spent playing under the maple tree near our school, so long in fact, the sun set. That wonderful memory and the red-orange hues from the sky and tree transformed into this wonderful masterpiece."

I gritted my teeth as the adults clapped. But that day…the three of us met each other there. That painting should show…all three of us…

"Now," the curator said. "I'd like to open up the presentation for the audience to ask any questions for Clara."

A woman raised her hand. "Ms. Wen, I've been following all your art pieces and notice you've been only focusing on people as your focal points, not Pokémon. Why is that?"

"An excellent question. I know Pokémon has been a typical focal point for many artists, but I wanted to distinguish myself as someone who focused on people. People have so much to offer on canvas or clay, just as much as Pokémon do. And the memories I have with people are so important, I want to remember them for as long as I can."

As the crowd clapped and continued the Q&A session, my heart sank. So that means…I'm not important to you?

Weldon clasped my shoulder. He looked pale but was trying to stay strong for my sake. I gave him a nod and smiled. Before long, the presentation ended, and the crowd dispersed. We hid behind a wall to avoid being seen but watched Clara talk with Tawny. She was very relaxed, compared to how I felt.

I knew this isn't a good idea after all. I should- Looking at Weldon and my friends' determined faces, however, removed my doubts. If they're still willing to help me with this, then I can't let their efforts go to waste.

Tawny then sat on a nearby bench, motioning Clara to do the same. With the room almost empty, I walked over to the chatting pair. The artist's eyes grew wide the moment she saw me.

"H-Hi, Clara," I said awkwardly. "I-It's been a while."

"Summer Scorcher…" Her tone made me nervous. "I'm…surprised to see you here. How have you been?" Her smile hid the rage buried inside.

"I'm doing well, just traveling around Hoenn this time."

"Huh, figures you'd finally come back home after you left us. You're still a Trainer, right?"

"Yeah…" I looked at the art around us. "And you fulfilled your dream of becoming an artist. I really like your recent piece, it brings back memories."

"Oh, really?" Her giggling scared me. "What memories might that be?"

I rubbed my left arm. "When…the three of us met for the first time."

"Hmph. Your memory must be bad. I don't remember seeing you under the maple tree that day. After all, you're not in the painting."

I did my best to restrain my frustration. "Funny… Looks like you conveniently forgot. Then what about this?"

I showed them the Ponyta necklace. Tawny was shocked, but Clara held back a laugh.

"That old thing?" the latter said haughtily. "It wasn't that valuable to begin with. You should've tossed it in the trash, where it belongs. Just like I did."

I frowned, clenching my fists at her arrogance. "I wanted to believe you are my friend, Clara. We had so many great memories together, and I wanted to see you after I came back to Hoenn. But you've been avoiding me and even got Tawny involved. Why did you even become my friend in the first place?!"

Clara crossed her legs and chuckled. "You still haven't figured it out, have you? Then let me tell you, teacher's pet. All you were good for was getting me good grades on the Pokémon-related exams. The teachers liked you better since you probably bribed them with your uncle's farm products. After all, your battling skills paled in comparison with your knowledge."

"How…How could you say that…" I clutched my dress, holding back tears.

The artist gave a conceited laugh. "It's nice to finally see you quiet. You just couldn't shut up for one second when you were around us, right, Tawny?"

The teacher was quiet.

"Hey, Tawny! Didn't you hear me?"

Tawny sighed. "I…heard you, Clara. But, it's not right."

Her friend scoffed. "What's gotten into you? You can't live without my influence, so why are you defending Summer?"

She clenched her fists. "She-She doesn't deserve this. Ever since graduation, you've been trying to make sure Summer never got in touch with you. I tried to respect your decision, but this is going too far. Summer needs to know the reason why!"

Clara rolled her eyes. "If that'll get rid of you once and for all. Fine, I'll tell you, Summer."

No…I can't deal with this, now that everything, the subtle signs, the interference, the nightmares, makes sense. "I-I don't care what the reason is anymore… You may think I gave favors to the teachers, but I worked as hard as anyone else. I'm sure you'd say the same when the student assistants you admired mocked your artistic talents behind your back."

For the first time in our conversation, Clara was shocked. "How-How do you-?"

"Know that? I overheard you talking about that with Tawny, but I promised myself to keep it a secret and pretended not to know. Since you never saw me as a friend at all, I might as well tell you that you're the same as them. You betrayed me just like they betrayed you."

I threw the necklace onto the floor and stormed off. My mind narrowed as I ignored the surroundings, including the gasps behind me. As the rush of negative emotions swirled around me, my surroundings dissolved and rematerialized into a familiar memory.

Summer's Pokémon:

Blaze (Blaziken, male): Brave Nature, Blaze Ability, moves: Fire Punch, Flamethrower, Blaze Kick, Sky Uppercut

Errol (Noctowl, male): Rash Nature, Keen Eye Ability, moves: Psychic, Hypnosis, Air Slash, Heat Wave

Aurora (Dewgong, female): Calm Nature, Thick Fat Ability, moves: Water Pulse, Ice Beam, Aqua Tail, Signal Beam

Lightning (Raichu, female): Adamant Nature, Static Ability, moves: Thunderbolt, Iron Tail, Thunder Punch, Grass Knot

Rocky (Steelix, male): Lonely Nature, Rock Head Ability, moves: Stone Edge, Crunch, Dragonbreath, Iron Tail

Olive (Grovyle, female): Timid Nature, Overgrow Ability, moves: Fury Cutter, Double Team, Mega Drain, Quick Attack

Weldon's Pokémon:

Venusaur (male): Serious Nature, Overgrow Ability, moves: Solarbeam, Body Slam, Sludge Bomb, Vine Whip; in rotation- Razor Leaf, Earthquake

Fearow (male): Adamant Nature, Keen Eye Ability, moves: Heat Wave, Steel Wing, Fury Attack, Aerial Ace; in rotation- Drill Peck

Golem (male): Bold Nature, Rock Head Ability, moves: Rock Slide, Earthquake, Rollout, Double Edge

Gyarados (male): Sassy Nature, Intimidate Ability, moves: Surf, Ice Fang, Payback, Waterfall

Arcanine (male): Naughty Nature, Flash Fire Ability, moves: Hyper Beam, Extremespeed, Flare Blitz, Fire Blast

Electabuzz (male): Rash Nature, Static Ability, moves: Thunder, Ice Punch, Brick Break, Shock Wave; in rotation- Mega Kick, Thunder Punch

Questions for the Chapter:

What did you think of Tawny helping Summer and her friends?

What did you think of Clara?

Was Summer justified in how angry she was at Clara?