SLACKERS
EPISODE XXVI
MIHALIS & EMILY
When I got that first phone call from Emily years ago, I immediately sent Mew to New Donk City to go pick her up. She was waiting where instructed when Mew found her. There's not much to tell about that moment... New Donk wasn't exactly used to having Pokemon around, let alone rare Legendary Pokemon, so Mew felt it necessary to make himself scarce. He briefly introduced himself, hovered around the mystery girl, and warped them both back to my home in Saffron City. His timing was pretty awful, though. I remember hearing him appear in the living room while I was in the bathroom. Emily's first impression of me was me walking out into the hallway, letting out the biggest sigh of my life, and proclaiming that I felt "so much better."
Then I realized there was a ten-year-old girl I hadn't seen in nine years standing with Mew in the living room. And she still won't let me live that down.
We introduced ourselves properly, then I sat her down and began firing away with questions. She didn't know all the answers because the orphanage had provided her with next to none. It would take the next few years to discover what had really happened... why Emily had been placed there in the first place, whom her parents were, and where she would end up once she finally fulfilled her destiny. Of course, it didn't stop me from calling the orphanage right away and letting them know where she was, asking questions about her backstory.
My original plan had been to find her a good home and family to adopt her, but the longer it took, the closer we got, and I couldn't stand the thought of someone else raising Emily. So I decided to keep her with me and raise her myself. We lived together in Saffron for a couple of years before I decided to return to NDC. Sending Mew back to get her had got me thinking what it would be like to finally go home, now that I wasn't a competing trainer anymore. Plus, Emily was old enough to strike out on her own as a trainer, and for her to do that, she needed to go out and have her own adventure.
So she embarked on her journey around the Pokemon lands, and I came home. We still talked constantly, and I felt everything was okay. It wasn't until much, much later I realized what my little sister was dealing with the whole time...
Mike: Ready for bed? I'll come upstairs and help you get settled before coming back down for the night.
Emily: Yeah, about that…
Mike: What?
Emily: Can we hang out a little longer?
Mike: It's getting pretty late, Emmy.
Emily: I know, but I'm having a lot of fun hanging out with you. I mean, when was the last time we just watched TV together?
Mike: A few days after I whored myself out of Titania after blowing up a giant space monkey brain with my X-Wing fighter.
Emily: Exactly. That was years ago. And I loved hanging out with your friends, but I want to spend time with just you and me, too.
He looks at the little sister he raised. He still has a habit of letting his paternal instincts kick in, as he doesn't want to play the devil's advocate and have her stay up past one in the morning.
He also has a bad habit of falling for her puppy dog eyes every time she uses them.
Mike: … fine. But only for an hour, then we both need to get some sleep.
Emily: Yay!
She hugs him even tighter than she had with Knuckles. Ordinarily this would be completely normal for Mike, but she still surprises him by nuzzling her cheek into his chest. Either the alcohol is making her very affectionate, or she's beginning to feel like a little kid again.
He finishes cleaning up the bar for the night while she walks to the lounge to grab her backpack. Once he's done, he sighs and triumphantly tosses a bar towel into a nearby wash bin.
Mike: Come on, let's go.
She obediently follows him to the elevator. Inside, on their way up to his penthouse, she grabs his arm and leans her head against it.
Mike: Feeling that brandy shot?
She nods and smiles.
Mike: I don't envy how you're gonna feel in the morning.
Emily: What?
Mike: … never mind.
The elevator doors open, revealing a dark penthouse. The only lights on are the small lamp next to Mike's chair and the city lights through the home's many windows. Emily lets go of Mike's arm as he walks inside before she follows him.
Mike: Here we are. What did you want to do?
Emily looks around the penthouse. She hasn't been here in a long time, so she's reacquanting herself with her surroundings. Eventually she heads toward the kitchen, idly looking around.
Mike: Looking for something?
Emily: Do you have anything else to drink up here?
Mike: You sure about that?
Emily: Yeah, just one more.
Mike: Famous last words.
Mike reaches into one of his kitchen cabinets and pulls out a half-full bottle of vodka. He pours two glasses-hers is mixed with cranberry juice, and his is straight over ice.
Mike: We can watch TV for a little while, then it'll be time to sleep. Deal?
Emily: Deal. I'm gonna go change, okay?
Mike: Sounds good. I'll warm up a frozen pizza while you're doing that.
She smiles and heads to his bedroom, and surprisingly, doesn't close the door. He doesn't notice as he's busy putting a frozen pepperoni pizza in the oven. About five minutes later, Emily emerges, her jeans gone and her top replaced by one of Mike's sleep shirts, which is obviously big on her but not quite long enough to cover her panties. Mike doesn't see it as a big deal, but he finds he's grateful to God himself that none of his friends are here to see this.
He decides to follow suit, and goes to his room to change into his lounge clothes while the pizza's in the oven. When he returns to the kitchen, he can see in the living room that Emily is on the couch, under a pink fuzzy blanket and holding a stuffed bear, both of which he got her for her eleventh birthday, the first one they celebrated after their reunion. Her knees are to her chest, her bare feet on the edge of the couch.
She's turned on a show she loved as a kid, intent on binging it with a streaming service.
Mike: You still watch that?
Emily: What? It's comforting.
Mike: *smiling* Once a baby sister, always a baby sister, I guess.
Emily: Yeah, I guess...
He's surprised. Not only is she not shouting at him for saying something ridiculous and embarrassing, but she's agreeing with him. She is fully throwing herself emotionally into this moment, enjoying being a kid as much as she can before it's time to go back to real life. He can relate, it's not unlike when he takes his entire Sunday to play video games in the lounge, occasionally screaming at Mew or having Wario call him a screenwatching son of a bitch.
It doesn't take long for him to bring a whole pizza and the two drinks over to the coffee table in front of the couch. He lights the fireplace under the TV and turns down most of the lights before plopping on his side of the couch. This definitely isn't what he'd find himself watching, and he knows he'd never hear the end of it from the guys if they knew, but it's worth it to see Emily so happy and at peace.
Emily has two slices of pizza and half of her drink.
Emily: Can I tell you something?
Mike: Anything.
Emily looks at the fireplace, as if contemplating whether or not she should say what's on her mind.
Emily: I really liked it when you called me "princess" earlier.
Mike: Really? Why? That's what you are, isn't it?
Emily: Well yeah, but it just sounded really special coming from you. It reminded me of how you used to call me that when I was little.
Mike: I did?
Emily: Yep! I loved it then, too. I always felt so safe around you.
Mike: Well, sure. I want to my house to be a safe place for you.
Emily: I know… maybe that's why I came here. I miss that feeling. I miss feeling warm and protected by you.
Mike: Well, I'm here. I'm not planning on going anywhere anytime soon.
Emily: Promise?
They look at each other.
Mike: Promise. Unless I have to deal with some other kind of alien species.
She immediately scoots over on the couch to snuggle next to him, leaning on his shoulder and wrapping both of her arms around his left arm. This is the most affectionate she's been in several years. If he had to guess, it would be a combination of her escaping mentally into a safe place of shelter and her feeling the effects of her first night of drinking. Speaking of which, he takes another large swig of his own glass of iced vodka in an attempt to dumb his brain down so he can tolerate the kids' show on his TV.
His alertness shoots straight back up when he feels the sensation of heaving against his shoulder.
Mike: Are you okay?
Emily is quietly sobbing into his shoulder.
Emily: No... I love what I do... I love it so much... I love rebuilding everything that Mom and Dad lost... but...
Mike: But?
He holds her hand, stroking it with his thumb.
Emily: It's so much, Mike... so many people are counting on me... what happens if someone worse comes along to mess everything up again? What if I cave under the pressure? What if I let everyone down?
Mike: That sounds like a lot to have to take on so suddenly.
Emily: Then there's Link. I feel like I'm being so unfair to him. He's always there to help, and I feel like I just can't even think about friends or relationships or anything when I'm there.
Mike: He's a good man, Emmy. He's patient. You just need to focus on getting your head straight and being the best leader you can be. I know the last king and queen would be so incredibly proud of you if they saw how you used your wish to fix everything, and how you work hard every day to maintain it.
He can't bring himself to call them his parents anymore. He already had a complicated relationship with them before he learned he was adopted, let alone when he discovered they had been murdered. Now he feels his only real parent is Amanda.
Emily: I'm so scared of failing.
Mike: Hey. What you're feeling is completely normal and validated. You took on a lot of responsibility quickly, and you're handling it the best way you can. There is absolutely nothing wrong with feeling overwhelmed, as long as you know you're doing your best. You know you're doing your best, right?
Emily: Yeah...
Mike: Exactly. You're already doing the best thing you can do. Relying on others. I will always be here for you when you need me. My home is always here, and anytime you need a break, Impa and the others will understand.
She wraps her arms around him and squeezes him as tight as she can, burying her face in his shoulder before looking into his eyes, her own shining behind the tears, glimmering in the reflection of the fire.
Emily: I love you so much, Mihalis.
Contrary to Emily's very serious tone, Mike replies with a more upbeat one.
Mike: I love you too, Emily.
He smiles at her, and her mouth is slightly open, looking like she has something weighing heavily on her mind.
He begins turning back to face the TV.
And before he can fully turn, he suddenly feels a soft, gentle pair of lips pressing into his. He is used to being kissed on his couch, but he quickly realizes whom those lips belong to. He nearly goes into complete shock, freezing for half a second, before leaping off the couch at full speed, his eyes probably the widest they've ever been.
Mike looks at Emily as if he had seen a ghost.
Mike: What...
Emily: I...
They stare at each other in shock and confusion. Mike finally manages to speak, sounding completely flabbergasted, almost like he's yelling at her in a low, controlled volume.
Mike: What the hell do you think you're doing?!
Now it's her turn to look stunned. She stares at him, her lips quivering and her eyes full of shame, looking like her entire psyche has been shattered into a million pieces.
Emily: I… I…
Her face falls into her hands, and she begins sobbing all over again. Mike has no idea what to say or how to act. She begans shouting through the uncontrollable sobbing.
Emily: I'm so, so sorry!
Mike: …
He slowly and cautiously walks back over to his spot on the couch. The words won't come to him. Eventually he is able to force himself to sit down, and Emily slides further away from him. She is trying to sit as far away from him as possible. His eyes are pointed towards her feet, but he's not consciously looking at anything, rather staring blindly into space.
Emily: I'm so stupid... I can't believe I did that…
Mike: … yeah.
The tears continue to flow as Emily mentally destroys herself for kissing Mike. There is nothing he can do but wait as she wraps her mind around what just happened. Nearly ten minutes later, she is finally able to get her crying under enough control to be able to breathe regularly again. She is sitting in a fetal position, her blanket having fallen to the floor, her knees tight against her chest, held there by her arms. As for Mike, although he's in his usual seat, he can't find a way to sit comfortably. It feels like there is a horde of Donphans in the room that won't be acknowledged. Eventually he sighs, and asks her the question the only way he knows how.
Mike: … you want to tell me what that was?
She takes a deep breath, relaxes her legs, and picks up her bear off the floor, holding it against her chest.
Emily: Mihalis… there's something I haven't told you, and you deserve to know.
Mike: What is it?
She squeezes her eyes tightly shut.
Emily: I can't believe I'm finally telling you this… but… for the last ten years, I… I've had a huge crush on you.
An uncomfortable amount of stunned silence ensues before Mike can blurt out the only word that comes to mind.
Mike: WHAT?!
She keeps crying, and he keeps staring, his jaw looking like it's stuck open. Needless to say, this comes as a complete shock to him.
Emily: I didn't want to feel that way. Of course I didn't. What kind of girl wants to have feelings for her committed older brother?
We see flashback images and videos of their life together in Saffron as she confesses to him.
Emily: You were always so patient and kind with me. You were the only one I had to look up to. And I felt so horrible and guilty for feeling that way the whole time. There were some nights where I couldn't stop thinking about you. When you left for New Donk City, I missed you so much. I started thinking about it you more and more, and I tried so hard to stop feeling that way about you, but I couldn't.
We see her as a kid arriving at the Saffron condo for the first time, having a somewhat awkward meeting with him and Misty. For several days, she follows him everywhere like a baby duck. She's a shy kid, constantly hiding behind him when they meet someone she doesn't know. Eventually she opens up and begins to smile more. We see them having a practice match, including his giving her his Blastoise as her starter Pokemon. We see the condo at night, lightning flashing in the room, and a crying Emily being comforted by him. Finally, as she finishes her confession, we see a moment where she's in bed alone, tossing and turning, unable to get her mind off her brother.
The flashback ends, returning us to the scene of the conversation.
Mike: ...
Emily: When I started getting more serious about Pokemon training and working at the Saffron Dojo, I poured everything I had into both. I was able to get over my crush by focusing on myself, and I started feeling like everything would be okay.
He forces himself to breathe deeply to get his jittery body under control.
Mike: Emily... I-I had no idea.
Emily: Then Venom happened. When Karen came to my house and forced me to go with her. She told me you were in danger and couldn't guarantee your safety. I was so scared, Mike. Then you came to Venom and heroically rescued me and convinced us all you'd been killed.
Mike: For the freaking record, not intentional...
Emily: After that was the first time we'd hung out in ages, and I loved it so much. Then I learned you were adopted. You were in so much pain, and we were spending more time together, and... I think two years ago, once I learned we weren't blood related...
Mike: What?
Emily: It all started coming back. The butterflies in my stomach. The way it felt like I was on fire any time you looked at me. The guilt I felt anytime I saw Misty. All of it came back stronger than ever. I had meant to come here while she was away so I could finally tell you... but... I never meant to kiss you...
Mike: Then why did you do it?
Emily: The way you were talking to me. The way you dote on me and want to protect me. I felt like I was going to explode. I should have just left then and there, or at least gone to bed. I never meant to do anything to betray anyone. I hate that it got so bad that I just lost sight of everything and did... that.
Mike looks at the fireplace and scratches the back of his head.
Mike: So... is that the reason you came to visit? To tell me about all this?
Emily: Kind of, but not really. I mainly came so I could take a short break from being a princess and just be a girl hanging out with you guys. I've wanted to tell you about how I felt so badly for so long, but I thought if I did, you'd hate me.
He leans in closer to her and gives her the most serious look he can muster. At this point, she isn't trying to stay away from him anymore, but she definitely isn't trying to get any closer, either.
Mike: Emmy. I could never hate you.
Emily: Why not? You're with Misty, you're my brother, and I have feelings for you. I feel like such a horrible person.
Mike: *sigh* Well... having feelings you can't control isn't an issue. I've been there. So many people have. I don't think any less of you. And I certainly don't hate you. You may be a very confused person, but never a horrible one.
She looks down, her eyes welling up again, as he continues to psychoanalyze her.
Mike: So... it's not just the pressure of ruling a country. Your feelings are back with a vengeance, too, and you're trying to suppress them, right?
Emily: *nods* Mhm.
Mike: You poor kid. No wonder you're so desperate for a break. You've got so much on your plate.
Emily: And that song I sang tonight? I heard that years ago and it reminded me of you. I don't know why I chose that one. I was thinking about you, hoping maybe I could finally get it out of my system that way. I wanted so badly to get over how I felt, but singing that... and the way you looked at me while I was doing it... it only made the feeling stronger. I have no idea what I'm supposed to do, Mike!
Mike: You start at the beginning. All this time, you've been telling yourself what you don't want, and your heart has been fighting you. You need to think clearly and ask yourself, "What do I want?"
Emily: But what I want and what I think I want are two totally different things!
Mike: It can seem that way. But right now, there are no wrong answers. There's no one here but me. I won't judge you for what you say. You told me something really difficult, so I owe it to you to help see you through it.
Emily looks so petrified she could be a statue.
Emily: You're not suggesting... we...
Mike: What? No. God no.
Emily sighs with genuine, extreme relief.
Mike: I meant, helping talk you through this.
She nods rapidly in agreement.
Mike: I'm going to ask you some questions, and they might make you uncomfortable, okay?
Emily: Yeah... that's another thing I love about you. Here you are, being put in such an awkward place, and you're thinking of my feelings first.
He adjusts himself on the couch, takes another drink, and turns his entire body to face the frightened girl.
Mike: Let's start simply. When you see me, what goes through your mind?
Emily: Um... well... I feel happy and safe around you. I feel lucky to be your little sister and I love how close we are.
Mike: Okay, that sounds fair. Now, what goes through your heart?
She looks down, the shame returning to her face.
Emily: I can't say.
Mike: Like I said, no wrong answers. I already know you're not the type of person to betray anybody. Don't even think, just tell me the truth.
Emily: *sighs* Mike, please know that even though I get these images in my head, they're intrusive, unwelcome thoughts and I would never act on them and I feel horrible for kissing you and this is just what pops up beyond my control and...
He holds a hand up as she goes a mile a minute with disclaimers.
Mike: Slow down. Breathe. I know, you don't have to defend yourself around me.
Emily: I feel like my entire soul is on fire. When I see you, my heart beats so hard and fast. I get butterflies. I think about kissing you. What it would be like to be your girlfriend. About holding your hand walking on a beach, or you taking me out to a fancy dinner, or you putting your arm around me at the movies. Even weird things like you carrying me on your hip like when I was a kid. I think about you holding me while I fall asleep. I think about the night I was little and crying over my parents, and you came to my room and held my hand and stroked my hair.
She pauses as one tear falls from each eye. Mike wipes them off her cheeks, and she looks him in the eyes, her own full of an unwanted desire.
Emily: Mike, I'm so sorry, this is really hard…
He places a hand on her shoulder, causing her to jump slightly, but she doesn't move otherwise.
Mike: Okay... what else?
Emily: I... I think about how handsome you are. I love your long hair and your beard, your build, the little bit of pudge you have. I imagine… being…
She looks so embarrassed her face turns nearly as red as Knuckles.
Emily: I imagine being… taken… by you…
She looks him in the eyes as she says that. Mike blinks rapidly as he forces himself to process what he's hearing. The way he raises his eyebrows says it all.
Mike: Wow.
Emily: I've… I've had… those… kinds of dreams before. About you. About us. Intimate.
He feels like he's on some twisted episode of the Twilight Zone. He clearly wasn't expecting Emily to confess something like that.
Mike: Okay then. So this isn't some innocent schoolgirl crush. This is... a serious one.
Emily: I'm so sorry. Don't hate me, Mike, please…
He sighs and forces a smile in an attempt to get her to stop saying that. He moves on to his next question.
Mike: Are you in love with me?
Emily: No! I mean, I love you, yes, but… well…
She fumbles over her words, incapable of forming coherent sentences for a moment.
Emily: I… I think I might be, but… being in love means accepting your feelings and how they make you happy.
Mike: But your feelings don't make you happy?
Emily: No, they don't. I think about sleeping with you, then all I can picture is you and Misty and I feel so horrible I could die.
Mike: Do you think you would feel better if she knew?
She looks even more nervous, but she knows her answer.
Emily: Yes. Absolutely. I want her to know the truth. She's one of my best friends and she's always been so good to me.
Mike: Even the kiss?
She squeezes her eyes shut.
Emily: Especially the kiss. I don't want to keep anything from her. I just hope she'll forgive me.
Mike: I think she'll understand. She knows you well enough to know you would never try to stab her in the back. You lost control for a moment, then immediately realized it, owned up to it, and made a plan to make it right. You know she once had an unrequited crush, too?
Emily's eyes brighten up.
Emily: Really?
Mike: Yes. But it's not my place to go into detail. The point is, you've felt this way for a very long time, and I'm glad you finally shared it with me. That must have been such a scary thing to do.
Emily: It really was, Mike… I can't believe I actually told you…
She starts crying into her bear again.
Emily: I feel so lost… I just want to be as close to you as possible, I want you to hold me and tell me that everything will be okay…
Her crying grows softer. Mike takes a long look at her to try to decide what to do next.
Emily: I can't have a romance with you, but I want to be as intimate with you as possible...
What he sees is a scared and confused little girl who looks absolutely torn apart inside and needs his help so badly. Slowly he begins to think about what she's actually looking for, and he gets closer to discovering the answer.
Emily is a touchy person, much like him. And she's never had anybody to touch, except him. She never had parents to hold her and comfort her as a small child, so now she is subconsciously desperate to make up for the years of absence of physical intimacy. Her desire to be loved was manifested in a fantasy version of Mike that her heart had concocted, and she couldn't stop running with that fantasy. She spent so many years trying to bury her desires, she never stopped to think about how she could channel them into something healthy. And now he needs to step in as her guardian once again, to teach her how to fulfill her needs appropriately.
So he scoops one of his arms under Emily's legs, and supports her back with the other. He brings her in to sit on his lap and begins stroking her hair while holding her close and slowly rocking her back and forth.
Being moved and seated this way causes her to blush and sweat, and her entire body begins to warm up.
Emily: Mihalis…?
Mike: Emmy, you've shared a lot with me. I feel like I should share a lot with you too.
Emily: What do you mean?
Mike: You are so, so precious to me. It's so hard seeing you in so much pain. You poor, sweet baby.
Emily: H-hey, I'm not a…
She decides not to finish her sentence, swallowing her pride and accepting everything he says.
Mike: Here's the thing. I love you more than you'll ever realize. But you know that you and me can't happen that way, right?
Emily: I know… and my mind doesn't want that, even though my heart does.
Mike: I don't think it's really what you want, sweetheart. The way I feel about you isn't the way a lover would, Emily. More like a father. There's a 12-year age gap between us. Do you remember the day I took you in?
Emily: I think about it all the time. You'd just become the champion again, I saw you on TV, and stole field trip money to call you. Then you sent Mew to come get me and bring me to your house. We became inseparable.
Mike: Honestly, it started with how I felt guilty over the past.
Emily: You mean the way you resented how much attention I got when I was born?
Mike: Yeah. I thought I owed it to you to help you find a better home than a shitty orphanage. I thought about looking for someone to adopt you. But we bonded so quickly and deeply I didn't want to let you go. Not to mention you were a pretty kickass Pokémon trainer from the very beginning.
She giggles as she allows her body to relax a little more.
Mike: You've spent so much of your life being independent. You looked out for others at the dojo as their teacher, and now you're looking out for millions of subjects in your homeland. You're a caretaker to so many people.
He moves his hand from her hair to her back, rubbing it softly.
Mike: And deep down, you want to be treated the same way. You want to be cared for and comforted in your time of need. And I was the only provider you had after you lived eight years in an orphanage that gave you no love or intimacy. No wonder your feelings have grown so strong.
Emily: But what do I do? I can't be romantic with you, but I still want to be close to you, you know?
Mike: Well… why can't you?
She perks up a little and looks into his eyes.
Emily: Huh?
Mike: You're my little sister. In a way, you're kind of like my kid. Who says I can't hold or hug you for as long as I want? Who says we still can't love each other in a healthy way?
Emily: I…
Mike: Think about it. You wanted to kiss me badly enough to actually do it. Now that you've told me everything, do you still want to do it again?
Emily: Not really… but I still want to do things like hugging and snuggling and feeling safe like a kid around you…
Mike smiles. Code cracked.
Mike: Then what's stopping you? You can hug and kiss and cuddle up to someone in your family without it being romantic, right?
Emily: Well, I...
Mike: It'd make every single family meeting pretty goddamn awkward if you couldn't.
She giggles for the first time in what seems like forever.
Mike: I don't care that we're not blood related. You're still family. We've been over this. And telling me how you feel will help you so much. For years, your affection grew and grew into a fantasy, but what you're really after is feeling more intimate in general with somebody. The only reason it evolved into such a huge crush is because you were hiding it for so long. Now that I know, you don't have to carry that burden anymore.
Emily: You mean it?
Mike: Yeah. When I said I'd be here for you, I meant it. I'll be there to comfort you whenever you need me, Emmy. You wanted me to tell you everything would be okay. And you know what?
Emily: Hm?
Mike: Everything will be okay. I promise.
She thinks for a long time about what she's hearing. Neither of them can tell how much time is passing. For all they know, it could be 1:15, it could be only minutes from sunrise. At the moment, they are each other's entire world. The TV has paused itself after several minutes of inactivity, leaving only the sounds of the fireplace crackling and the rain pouring outside.
Emily looks at Mike again to reevaluate how she feels after saying so much. She still can't help but think of how handsome he looks in the glow of the flickering flames, but she's not looking into the eyes of a romantic partner. She's looking into the calm, reassuring gaze of her protector and confidante. This causes her to lose herself one more time as she throws her arms around his neck and buries her face into his shoulder.
Emily: Thank you...
He rubs her back and rocks her again, wanting nothing more than to make her feel reassured and loved.
One hour later...
Three in the morning. It's now three in the morning, and Mike is still stuck on the couch with a sleeping Emily still settled in his lap. Thankfully he had been able to reach the remote and watch something a bit more to his liking, but he is plagued by his strong desires to both go to bed and go to the bathroom (not necessarily in that order). He sighs, turns off the TV, and starts patting his sister's back.
Mike: Emmy. Emmy, wake up.
She fidgets a little before raising her head just enough to look at him. She looks irritated.
Emily: ... what?
Mike: It's stupidly late, you need to go to bed.
Emily: Ugh... five more minutes, Mike...
Mike: Nuh-uh. It's bedtime, young lady.
Emily: Exactly. So let me sleep...
Mike: Not until you get in a real bed.
Emily: Oh... fine...
She finally stands up, and feeling returns to his legs at long last. He shuts off the fireplace and stretches his arms.
Mike: Go ahead and take my bed. I'll be down in the lounge if you need me.
Emily: *groaning* No...
Mike: What do you mean, no?
Emily: Mihalis... would it... would it be weird if you shared the bed with me? It's okay for family, right? I don't want to be alone.
He tilts his head.
Mike: You sure? Are you going to be able to handle that?
She nods and smiles.
Emily: Yeah. I know I will. I'm sorry, but... I really want to feel close to you.
He stops to think about this idea for a moment, but after some time, he decides it'll be alright. If all Emily is after is affection and closeness from a provider, he knows it wouldn't go against his commitments nor his conscience.
Mike: Sure.
Emily: And you don't think Misty will have a problem with it?
He answers with confidence and conviction.
Mike: No, I don't.
He follows her into his room, and she crawls into his giant bed, looking like she's sinking into heaven. She's so tired, she's already fading pretty quickly. Mike gets in on his side, same as every night, but he's feeling restless. He lays on his back, staring at the ceiling fan.
He turns out the lamps in the room, but doesn't shut the window blinds. The neon city lights filtering through the raindrops on the window are all that's faintly illuminating the room now. About five minutes of silence pass before he hears a quiet, curious voice coming from his right.
Emily: Hey, Mihalis?
You know that feeling you get when you're sleeping in the same room as someone, and it's really quiet, and whenever you talk, your speech is very slow, relaxed, and surprisngly open-minded? Like you feel like you could talk about anything with the other person you're sharing the room with. Especially when it's in a very relaxed atmosphere like Mike's room. That's the feeling he and Emily are sharing. They haven't had a talk like this in many years.
Mike: *delayed* Yeah?
He finds that he's missed this kind of conversation in this kind of atmosphere.
Emily: Are you nervous about being a father?
He thinks for a moment.
Mike: Not really.
Emily: Really? I thought you'd be scared shitless.
Mike: Well, if you think about it... I kind of already have some experience with raising a kid.
Emily smiles.
Mike: Now, the constant crying, the diapers, the lack of sleep? All that'll be new to me. I guess I am a little anxious about how Misty and I are going to deal with that.
Emily: I bet. You know I'll come over and help anytime you need, right?
Mike: I know. I'm counting on it.
Five more minutes of silence.
Mike: Anything else you want to talk about?
Another minute. They are just as focused on the sound of raindrops hitting the window, each drop distorting the incoming lights into a unique pattern that will likely never be seen again.
Emily: I really want to ask you something, but I don't want it to be weird...
Mike: No harm in asking. What is it?
Emily sighs, and asks her very delayed question.
Emily: Can you... hold me? Like you used to when I was little?
Mike: Are you sure?
Emily: Yeah. I'm sure.
Mike: Alright.
They both roll onto their right sides, and scoot closer to each other, allowing Mike to hold her in his arms from behind. He can't see her face, but he can tell by her breaths that she's smiling. She is content, even thrilled, to finally be able to feel so intimate and protected. They are motionless for about five minutes before Mike speaks up in order to finally call it a night.
Mike: Night, Emmy.
Emily: ...
Mike: Emmy?
A quiet snore is enough to tell him that Emily is sleeping peacefully. He closes his eyes, hoping he can finally get to sleep himself. He sighs, continuing to process everything he's learned today. He plans on telling Misty everything. He also feels more protective of Emily than he has in a very long time. Today he learned that she's still the same kid he knew for such a long time, and part of him is glad she still relies on him so much.
The next morning...
Mew: Holy shit, dude.
The balcony is still damp from last night's rain, but dry enough for Mike and Mew to sit outside, sipping on some coffee at 10 in the morning. He had returned from his visit with Celebi about an hour ago, and Mike has just finished explaining to Mew all of the previous night's events.
Mew: So Emily goes home with you after hanging out with the guys.
Mike: Right.
Mew: You guys get comfy and have a late night snack, and she starts venting to you.
Mike: Right.
Mew: Then she kisses you and tells you she has a crush on you?!
Mike: *breathless* Yeah.
Mew: You mean to tell me this whole time, when all of our friends wouldn't shut up about having the hots for Emily, she actually had the hots for you?!
Mike: I don't know if I'd be that crude about it... it's not like she wanted it...
Mew: But still! That's one hell of a plot twist.
Mike: I know it's a sensitive thing, but I had to tell somebody! Clearly the other guys can't be trusted.
Mew: I know, I can trust Wario about as far as I can throw him.
Mike: You're a Mew. You can throw a battleship halfway across the planet.
Mew: You're right, bad example, but still. I had no idea!
Mike: Me neither.
Mew breathes as if he's struggling for oxygen. Mike anxiously waits for his Pokemon's next reaction.
Mew: So-so-so then what happened?
Mike: We had a long, long talk. Turns out that, because she never had intimacy in the orphanage, and I was away a lot when she was growing up, she grew up feeling deprived of affection, and all of her cravings ended up being focused on the one person who would have been her caretaker.
Mew: Which would have been you.
Mike: Right.
Mew: So...
Mike: She was extremely clear that she didn't want to come between anybody, and she felt really guilty about everything.
Mew: Yeah, that'd go over well... it's good she pointed that out, though.
Mike: Once I figured out what she was really after, I decided it'd be okay to get more touchy with her.
Mew: You mean like more hugs, cheek kisses, couch cuddling? That kind of thing?
Mike: Pretty much.
Mew: I guess that's fine, since you're already family...
Mike: She seemed to feel much better after that. You know me, I hate to see her suffer. I do know I need to visit her in Hyrule way more often, though. We're planning on heading back there tomorrow, and I'll be staying until it's time to get Misty. I'm going to explain everything when that happens.
Mew: You think she'll take it well?
Mike: I think so. Emmy even said she wants Misty to know everything. I think as long as I'm straightforward about everything, she'll understand.
Mew: I get the same feeling. I don't think she'd be angry. She's more likely to feel sorry for her and want to help.
Mike looks at the door going into the penthouse and sighs.
Mike: Poor kid. I wish I could give her the whole world.
Mew: She still in your room?
Mike: Yeah.
Mew looks at the door briefly, then back at his former trainer.
Mew: You really love your sister a lot, don't you?
Mike nods, almost looking like he wants to cry.
Mike: So much, Mew. I'm gonna try to spend as much time with her as I possibly can from now on.
Mew: Hey, you spending more time with Emily in Hyrule gives me an excuse to see Celebi more, so I'm down!
Mike: I had a feeling you would be, buddy.
Mew: You know what you should do?
He has a montage of flashbacks including fighting Andross, Giovanni's revelation, Amanda's close call with Mewtwo, flying on Tails' plane, dropping the loft on his foot, losing to Wario in an insult swordfight, meeting God, fighting as Dr. Yes, and multiple clips of him being roasted by Scorch and Bowser.
Mike: See a therapist?
Mew: No! Well, yes, you really should, but I was gonna say you should introduce her to Amanda.
Mike: My mom?
Mew: No, Amanda Bynes. YES, your mom, turd for brains.
Mike: Have they seriously not met?
Mew: No, and it makes sense. We didn't see much of Emily after you and your mom reconnected. Plus your stepparents were her real parents, so there's no connection.
Mike: I'm kind of a connection.
Mew: The connection between space freaks and relationship problems, maybe.
Mike: Hm...
That afternoon...
Emily: Where are we, Mike? And how much longer is my head gonna hurt this badly?
Mike: We're in Vaniville Town. There's someone close to me here I want you to meet. And your headache should have cleared by now.
Mew: How much did she have to drink?
Mike: About as much as me.
Mew: *whistles* Shit. Yeah, it's gonna be all day.
Emily: Ugh...
Sure enough, Mike and Emily, with Mew perched on his shoulder and Celebi on hers, are approaching Amanda's quaint country home. Mike had called her earlier, asking if he could come by and bring someone with her, but omitted the rest of the details in favor of sharing them in person. Celebi recognizes the home from when she once watched Mew through the window after she had initially rejected his appeal to be a couple, but she's glad that she will be able to join him properly this time.
Mike approaches the door and rings the bell, releasing a quick but tense exhale. His fingers are a bit jittery, anxiety creeping in at the inevitable collision of separate worlds. Emily has been his family, and so has Amanda, but in different ways. The thought has never seriously crossed his mind until now that it would be time to bring them together. If the last few days have taught him anything, it's that he owes it to Emily to help her connect with anybody who she could consider family. The only family she really has is him. He's been lucky enough to get the chance to meet and bond with his real mother, and perhaps bringing Emily into his new family might give her more of what she's been searching for.
The door opens, and he's greeted by the tender smile that always makes him feel as safe as he wants to make Emily feel.
Amanda: Welcome home, Mihalis!
They both know he has never lived here, having been born in Viridian City and raised in New Donk City, but visiting Amanda's house always feels like coming home to him nonetheless.
Mike: Hey, Mom.
Emily: *inaudible* Mom?
Emily looks at Mew, whom smiles at her. She, too, had no idea whom she was supposed to be meeting today. The only information she'd been given was that someone special to Mike lived here, and he wanted to finally introduce two of the most important people in his life.
Amanda: So, are you going to introduce me to your friend you wanted me to meet so badly?
Mike: This is Emily. She's my little sister.
Emily looks a little shy as she waves and offers a weak, but genuine smile. Amanda makes no effort to hide the joy radiating from her face.
Amanda: Oh, THIS is Emily! How come it took you such a long time for you to finally bring her over?
Mike: Well, you know... I've been busy.
Mew: *under his breath* Yeah, busy working out your right arm...
Mike shoves Mew's head to the side, nearly knocking him off his shoulder.
Amanda: Emily, I'm so glad you're finally here! Mihalis has told me so much about you.
Emily: *nervous laughter* Good things, I hope? It's nice to meet you.
She is a little weirded out at first. She has known for years now that Mike had different birth parents, but this is the first time she's seen it for herself. Nevertheless, she offers her hand for a shake. Amanda shocks her by pulling her in by her hand and hugging her immediately. Emily is startled, but she finds the embrace weirdly comforting. Amanda shows them inside, where Mike is no stranger at this point, and he immediately crashes his ass on his favorite spot of his mother's couch. Instinctively, Emily sits next to Mike, so close to him their hips are touching, and she surveys the room.
Emily: It's so cute in here...
Mike: Give it five minutes, you'll see why this is my escape, just like my house is yours. I brought you here to show you what I mean. This is where I go when I need family comfort, and it's what I'm trying to give you.
Emily: Yeah?
Mike: I realized that you don't really have your own Vaniville cottage, so I figured, why not show you the real thing?
Emily leans her head on Mike's shoulder, taking his hand and relaxing as much as she can. She hopes he will be right. The thought of having a mother, for the first time ever, sounds way too good to be true.
A few minutes later...
Emily: I'll be honest, Ms. Sakaki...
Amanda: *smiling* I told you, it's Amanda.
They are all sitting comfortably in the living room, having been talking for some time now. Celebi is asleep on the floor, and Mew is relaxing in Amanda's lap like he always does when he's here. Their new ritual is for him to relax his head on her leg while she scratches the back of his head. Truly a mystical paradise if there ever was one for the smartass Psychic Pokemon.
Emily: I'll be honest... I'm still a little surprised.
Amanda: At what?
Emily: This is the first time we've met, and you've already fed me, hugged me, and even given me a new dress...
Amanda: What's so surprising about that?
Emily: Don't get me wrong, I really appreciate everything. I LOVE the dress, it's so cute!
Mike: I for one can't wait to see you in it.
Emily blushes and smiles.
Emily: The thing is, Mihalis is only my stepbrother, so...
Amanda: Don't be ridiculous. If you're his family, that makes you my family, too.
Emily: Really?
Amanda: Absolutely. I hope it's okay to bring this up, but he told me everything about your parents.
Her smile disappears, and her head sinks.
Amanda: I was so sorry to hear about it, Emily. I know what it's like to lose people so close to you.
Emily frowns and looks down at her feet, swinging them over the floor like a kid sitting on a barstool.
Emily: It's okay, really. I was two when they died, so I can't say I remember them at all.
Hoping to bring Emily's smile back, he puts an arm around her and pulls her in, encouraging her to rest her head back on his shoulder. He succeeds, as her face warms back up, being so close to her brother.
Emily: But even though Mihalis wasn't theirs by birth, he's still the only family I've got left. When he told me about you... I don't know... I guess... I felt like maybe I'd lose him...
Amanda: You know, Emily, I've wanted to meet you for a long time. Ever since he and I reunited and he told me all about you. You should have heard the way he spoke about you. He said nothing but glowing praise about his beloved little sister.
Emily looks at Mike, coyly.
Emily: Oh, really?
Mike: Moving on...
Amanda takes a sip of her tea.
Amanda: And I've wanted to tell you something for a long time, too. If you ever find yourself wanting or needing a mother, you're always welcome to come talk to me. I'll support you always. You've made us both so proud at your accomplishments in being a princess, and we want to help you in all your efforts.
Emily: That's very kind of you...
Amanda: I mean every word. I also mean it when I say I've always wanted a daughter like you.
She gasps. Upon hearing this, Emily can't decide if she should be steadfast or emotional. Mike can sense the inner conflict.
Emily: I've... I've never had a mom before...
Mike: She's the best mom you could ever ask for, Emmy.
Amanda gets out of her chair and takes a seat on the couch, next to her, where she offers a gentle hug. One that Emily happily reciprocates.
Emily: It might take me a while to get used to, but... thank you.
Amanda: Absolutely, sweetheart.
As they let go, Emily catches herself wanting to prolong being close to Amanda for the first time. In the end, she is still a new face, but even after only a few minutes here, she feels like she's known her, and this home, all her life. It's an incredibly euphoric feeling.
Amanda: Anyone else want some coffee? I know I don't have to ask my son.
Emily: Sure... that'd be great...
She follows suit and heads for the kitchen to prepare a fresh pot of coffee. In the living room, Mike strokes Emily's hair, as even the oblivious bar owner can tell she's lost deep in thought.
Mike: You okay, Emmy?
Emily: I'm not sure... I've wanted parents my whole life, I never thought for a moment someone would want to step in and be one.
Mike: I'm just sorry I can't share my dad, too. He's kind of a piece of shit.
Emily: That's okay.
Emily smiles, tucks her hair behind her ear, and blushes. Apparently she has one more confession for him.
Emily: Sorry, it's a little embarrassing, but... I kinda consider you to be my dad.
Mike: Yeah? That actually makes me really happy.
Emily: *giggles* Me too.
Emily begins coming to terms with all of her intense feelings. This is the first time she hasn't felt the need to suppress anything around Mike. She reminds herself that she has a loving relationship with her brother, her guardian, and her friend. She breathes a deep sigh of relief, one that tells Mike that she is finally letting herself feel completely okay.
Emily: You know... that's how I know you're gonna be the best dad ever once your baby's here.
Mike: That means a lot coming from you.
Emily: Know something funny? You know how you were super jealous when I was born?
Mike: Yeah?
Emily: *smiling* I wouldn't be surprised if I started feeling jealous once Sakura's born.
Mike laughs. Now there's an entertaining thought. The baby he was once jealous of, being jealous of him. Thankfully, the last few days have given him the drive to make Emily just as big a priority.
Mike: Don't worry about that. I'll always have time for you.
She smiles brightly and leans on his shoulder, nuzzling it.
Emily: Thank you.
Hyrule Castle, the next day...
Impa: I see. Go on.
Mike: It's not that she's not happy with everything, she is. She loves being Hyrule's princess. But she's finding herself very easily overwhelmed by taking on the role so suddenly.
Impa: Hm...
Mike: So all I'm asking is for you to keep an eye on her. If it's not too much to ask, don't tell her we had this conversation. She'll just need a bit more support. I know you've all gone above and beyond to help her. No one had any idea how she was feeling but me. I felt that, as her advisor, you deserved to know the truth.
Impa: Thank you for bringing this to my attention, Mihalis. Like you said, I wasn't aware she was feeling so insecure.
Mike: We had a... heart to heart about it. I think... no, I know she'll be just fine. I really appreciate you going out of your way to remind her you've got her back.
Impa: Of course I do. Don't worry, this information doesn't leave this room. Is there anything else I need to be made aware of?
He scratches the back of his head and sighs.
Mike: Lady Impa... the princess is very important to me. She's important to everyone here, I know. But I feel a responsibility I have for her emotional well-being. I don't know anything about ruling a country, but I do know something about family. If you ever find her feeling overwhelmed, or acting like she needs special love and support... will you please contact me?
Impa: Absolutely. She's lucky to have a brother who loves her so much.
Emily enters Impa's study, where she finds them talking.
Emily: What's going on?
She is wearing the new dress Amanda got her: a short, white cotton babydoll dress cinched at the waist, the skirt flaring out, and held up by lacy straps.
Mike: Impa was just bringing me up to speed on some of the kingdom's latest needs.
Technically not a lie, but he isn't about to spill the fact that he's been briefing her about her princess' insecurities.
He walks up to Emily and takes both of her hands.
Mike: How you feeling there, princess?
She beams. Nearly everyone calls her that here, but when used by him, the butterflies in her stomach come back. Not in a romantic crush sort of way, but of a girl who loves her brother and wants to make him proud of her.
Emily: Better than I've felt in a long time, thanks to you. I'm ready to do my best!
Mike: I'm so proud of you, Emmy.
Emily: Thanks, Mike.
She stands on her tiptoes and whispers into his ear.
Emily: You'd better bring me back for another Slackers party and a Mike's house afterparty! That's a royal order.
Mike's phone begins ringing. An awkward time, sure, but he instinctively reaches for it out of his back pocket.
Emily: Your ass is calling, better catch it!
Impa folds her arms and looks at Emily, whom laughs nervously. Mike checks his phone to see who's calling.
Daisy Waterflower.
That could only mean one thing.
He looks at Emily with an expression that immediately gives away his thoughts. He then answers the call.
Mike: Hello? … Going well, what's up? … Oh. OH SHIT! … Yeah, I'll be right there!
Mew enters the room as Mike hangs up the call. Emily gasps and covers her mouth.
Mew: What? What's happening?!
Mike: Daisy called. It's time!
Mew: Time? Oh… oh shit!
Mew immediately begins glowing, preparing for one of the best teleports he'll ever initiate.
Mike: Hang on a second, Mew.
Mew stops partway through, resulting in half of himself being teleported.
I'm kidding. Could you imagine? Nah, he just canceled it out.
Mike: I'm glad we got to hang out so much, Emmy. I'll call you when it's done so you can warp over and visit, okay?
She looks a little sad for him to be leaving, but she's happy about the reason why.
Emily: I love you, Mihalis! I love you so much!
Mike: I love you too, princess. Go out there and make everyone proud, just like you always do!
Emily wraps her arms around Mike's neck, and his around her back. They squeeze each other tightly, sharing their intense love for each other for as long as they can.
Then they let go, and Mike and Mew warp away to where, after several long months of waiting, he will become a father for the first time.
Emily stands in place, staring at the spot on the floor where they have warped away. She sighs, closes her eyes, and smiles.
Slackers, the next day…
Knuckles and Mare are sitting on barstools once again, watching Wario open his phone and check his latest text.
Wario: Well boys, looks like it's gonna happen at any moment now.
Knuckles: Jesus. Mike, a dad. I'm happy for him, but I'm also kind of terrified. Taking care of a baby is going to make him even more irritable than he already is.
Mare: I'm more worried about the possibility of there being more. Think about it... a world full of little Mikes.
They all shudder.
Wario: Still. Pretty cool how it all turned out. Plus I know how to put that lazy bastard in his place.
Knuckles: Kind of like how I know how do put you in yours?
Mare: And Sonic knows how to put you in yours?
Knuckles: ...
Speaking of the devil, the little blue devil, that is, Sonic makes his appearance right on cue.
Sonic: Guys! I found it!
Knuckles: Huh?
Sonic accidentally opens the bar door fast enough to slam it against the wall before speeding over to Wario, Knuckles, and Mare.
Sonic: I found the video where Wario got the song!
Wario shrieks.
Knuckles: Do we want to know?
Mare: I do.
Wario: Uh, no, that won't be necessary! The guys wouldn't like it anyway!
Sonic smirks at Wario.
Sonic: I had no idea you were into that kind of thing, War.
Wario: I don't know what you're talking about!
Sonic: Oh really? Then allow me to show you...
Wario grimaces as Sonic pulls up the raunchy, uncensored Ankha Zone video on his phone and shows it to the others. After the brief dialogue in the beginning, the video comes in at full swing.
Knuckles: Ahhhh! What the hell?!
Mare: Whoa...
Sonic: I know, right?
They all stare at Wario.
Knuckles: Anything you wanna share with us?
Wario: Um... I... I have to go to the bathroom!
He darts away from the bar, bound for the men's room, slamming the door behind him.
Mare: Wow.
Sonic: You know what? The song's kind of growing on me!
Knuckles: Sonic... don't...
Sonic messes with a few settings on his phone, and the video, song, and all, are displayed on one of the TV's behind the bar.
Knuckles: AAAAAAHHHH!
Knuckles instinctively punches out the TV. Sparks fly from it as Marikoth and Sonic look on with shaking heads and folded arms.
Sonic: Wario was right. You do have a problem vandalizing the bar every day.
Knuckles: Shut. Up.
Epilogue
Elsewhere, several hooded figures are seated on massive chairs akin to thrones, arranged in a circle as if they were around a table the size of a house. The room's entire interior is a solid, glowing white, contrasting the black cloaks of all its inhabitants, their features completely hidden. Our view begins from a solid white image, later revealed to be the chamber's floor, panning across multiple figures until we zoom out and see the entire room. We have long enough to be able to count seventeen thrones, each occupied by a numerically assigned member.
II: This meeting is called to order. Today's notes include the mission status of Number 17 and the initiation proceedings for Number 16.
The seventeen hooded figures calmly look around the room as Number 2 continues his opening.
II: Number 17.
He rests his head on his propped-up arm, looking as bored as a kid at a long church service.
XVII: What?
II: You have previously reported that your most recent attempt at your assignment ended in failure.
XVII: I keep telling you, I wasn't told he had a fucking Mew!
II: Watch your tone. We are still in the process of deciding how to continue your mission from here. You'll do well to do as your told.
XVII: Yeah, yeah.
II: Your first failure to eliminate your target earlier this year has, as of this morning, resulted in the birth of the Star Child.
XI: Damn, Sitz...
A series of murmurs among the group.
Number 1 puts his right hand to his chin. At least, that's what it looks like, but we can't see any sign of his face or his hand under his hood.
II: Although the child has been born, she cannot fulfill the prophecy unless she enters our custody. And for this to happen, your target must be eliminated. And you have to actually do it this time.
XVII: *yawns* Whatever you say, Thesis...
VII: Why not just eliminate the Star Child?
II: Look. We may be evil, but we're not THAT evil. Number 1 has specifically clarified that we are not to harm children. That was the whole point of taking out our target before the child's conception.
Number 2 looks at Number 1, whom gives a small, solemn nod. He then turns his attention to the next matter at hand.
IV: But now that the Star Child has been born, what purpose would it serve to neutralize our original target?
II: As I've already said, we are in the process of deciding how to continue from here. As long as the Star Child exists, the threat to our power exists.
The murmurs continue, but the general consensus is that Number 2 is correct, no matter how annoying he is.
II: Number 16.
We can tell 16 is a girl by the sound of her voice when she replies.
XVI: Yes?
II: Your formal initiation shall take place this Friday. You will be given your first briefing, an orientation, and a feast where you will ceremoniously spanked sixteen times to commemorate your number in our organization.
X: X-cellent.
V: Whatever.
VI: Heh heh, spank the female girl...
XIII: Dookie.
XVI: Lovely...
II: Any further commentary?
Only three seconds of silence pass.
II: Good. I didn't feel like answering your stupid questions anyway, and Number 1 can't waste his precious, sanctified time on them.
V: *muttering* Kissass...
II: Did someone say something?
No one says anything.
II: Very good. Number 1 and I have important business to discuss. 16, you will begin preparing yourself for your upcoming initiation. 17, you will join me in Operations upon conclusion of this meeting.
Everyone: Mhm, yeah.
II: Dismissed.
Everyone begins filtering out of the room by warping via personal dark portals, identical to the one we saw at the end of Episode 22. We focus on Number 16 once more, where she leans forward, and we very briefly see a strand of blond hair peeking out of her hood before she, too, warps away.
To be continued...
2024