Chapter 2: Petalburg's Stormy Welcome
The heavy downpour continued to patter down on the city of Petalburg, the rainfall proving resilient, having persisted for hours. The heavy storm produced a loud and chaotic environment outside as the water came bucketing down upon every unprotected surface. The scent of petrichor filled the air, but along with it, the scent of chaotic, turbulent downpour. Not a single soul was outdoors on this gloomy night, most rather opting to stay indoors, secured by their snug covers and serene homes. Not a single soul in their right mind would ever be outside on a day like this.
Not a single soul except for one raven-haired trainer and his loyal Pokemon.
Now wandering the wet, lamplit streets of Petalburg City, Ash Ketchum and his loyal companion, Pikachu searched for a place to find solace. It had only been a short time before they were kicked out of the Petalburg City Airport, and the duo solemnly began their trek through the lifeless urban jungle the city was proving to be. It was midnight, and one could imagine a bright moon shining upon the city, had it not been for the dark, gray clouds and endless rain that took its place. At this time, it looked like not a single place was open.
I mean, who in their right mind would be in this weather?
At this point, Ash was soaking wet, his hood not proving to be of much assistance in keeping him dry. Pikachu, who was snuggled up inside Ash's hood, was now soaked as well, and the duo began shivering in the cold and heavy rain. Every step he took left a splashing sound that mingled with the sound of rain hitting the surface of the street. Where would he stay for the night?
"We've really got to find somewhere to go soon, Pikachu.." Ash uttered through chattering teeth.
"Pikaaa pi.." responded Pikachu as he continued to search for warmth in Ash's jacket.
Ash had now covered a few blocks, and there still appeared to be no signs of life. All that accompanied him were the luminescent glow of the evenly spaced street lamps that he walked by, and the highlights of rain falling through their light.
Why did things have to be this way for him? This series of unfortunate events only seemed to keep getting worse with each step, as if every corner he turned was just one more thing waiting to punch him in the face. He thought back to the question lingering on his mind, what was he gonna do in Petalburg City for a whole week? Ash felt a sense of anguish as he wondered if there'd be any place to stay at all. What if every night ended up like this one?
Anxiety took the reins of Ash's mind, and yet, he still pushed onward.
The rain seemed to pour harder with every step Ash took on the water coated sidewalk. To his sides, he could see building after building passing by, all closed and turned in for the night. Up ahead, this theme seemed to go on for as far as the eye could see. Ash felt a breeze of wind hit him like a truck. Man, was he cold. His jacket was not meant for heavy rain like this.
Ash shook his head as he walked another street with no promise of shelter. He looked up into the dark, gray, and cloudy sky with the rain that came down with it. Ash opened his mouth as if to yell, but no sound came out. He felt droplets of rainwater patter against his tongue, his taste buds signaled a sense of distress coming from the earthy elixir taste of the rain.
Ash turned his gaze back down, and continued his search for refuge. He turned another street corner.
From afar, Ash could see the head of a building, the words on the side appearing to read, 'Hotel." Ash quickly held onto Pikachu and began running in the direction of the tall building. He ran as fast as he could go, not wishing to spend another second in the cold rain. A loud thud was produced with each sprinting step that made contact with the rough concrete sidewalk. Ash turned the corner of a street and could now see the entrance of the hotel. The lights were on, and the warm glow that emanated from the entrance put Ash's mind at ease. Finally, a safe haven from the storm.
Pikachu made a noise to question why Ash began running.
"Right there, Pikachu! The hotel is open!" Ash yelled to his buddy over the roaring of the rain as he continued his rush to the warm doors.
Pikachu peeked out of Ash's jacket, his eyes lighting up as he viewed what his trainer saw. A glimmer of hope made a presence in both Ash and Pikachu's minds.
As Ash neared the entrance, he only ran faster. Now having only about twenty feet separating himself and the hopeful sanctuary, Ash was swept out from under his feet. He fell forward on the cold, wet, and coarse sidewalk. Fortunately, he caught himself with his hands, leaving his face untouched. Pikachu seemed to be a bit dizzy after suffering his trainer's fall.
Ash had tripped on an uneven sidewalk in his haste. If he wasn't soaked before, he definitely was now.
Ash groaned and grunted, before pushing both him and his waterlogged clothes up and back to a standing position. He brushed himself off before returning his focus to reaching the hotel, this time at a steady walking pace.
Ash reached the double doors entrance of the hotel, where a sign was posted. Ash began to read what it stated, before freezing at the words it contained, his heart and blood flow ceasing operation.
The sign read, 'To whom it may concern, the hotel has no vacant rooms available at this time. We apologize for the inconvenience, thank you.'
Still, he tried the door, but it was locked.
Ash's face fell back into despair, Pikachu's expression proving quite similar. With this information, Ash fell onto his knees and put his face into his hands. How could this get any worse? He wanted to cry, everything had gone horribly wrong. Ever since he woke up in Alola, it has been a constant uphill battle. What was he to do now? The uncertainty of the situation Ash was in left him in anguish, and he swayed slowly.
And, to add one more thing to the list, Ash's stomach began to grumble, realizing it had not eaten for nearly a whole day with his rush to get on the plane.
As much as Ash despised the idea, he began thinking of possible places to stay on the street for the night. If he couldn't find shelter inside, he'd be forced to find it outside. It wasn't as if he could stay searching for solace forever.
What a past twenty four hours it had been for Ash. First he wakes up late for his flight home after losing a tournament. Then he gets on the wrong goddamn flight, leading to him being forced to roam alone in the rain for hours. Why was this happening? With each event being relived in Ash's head, he began to grow angry at the world for what was happening to him.
Yet, with both anguish and anger controlling Ash's mind, he pushed onward.
Ash began to observe his surroundings, now focusing on possible sheltered areas where he and Pikachu could get some rest. However, as Ash looked around the other side of the street, he saw a small building, sandwiched in between two larger buildings. He wouldn't have noticed it had he not been right there, as if the building was trying to hide. It looked like a regular old hole-in-the-wall local spot. Now what caught his eye about this building, was that unlike every other one he'd seen today, its lights were on, and a large neon sign in the window readOpen.
Ash grabbed Pikachu, who wasn't sure what was going on, and began to head over to the building. As he reached the front entrance, he looked up to read the sign displayed on the front of the building.
24hr Menkoi Ramen House
Huh. A twenty-four hour ramen shop. It was definitely the first of its kind Ash had seen, yet still, the building was like heaven on Earth to Ash.
A soft and warm glow emanated from the entrance of the building. He'd finally be able to get out of the rain for sometime, as well as get something to satiate his now very present hunger. The storm seemed to diminish in his surroundings as he looked at the entrance. He could already imagine the sight of steam rising from bowls of tasty noodles. Ash didn't think for too long, not wanting to stay in the rain any longer, before pushing the door open and finally leaving the dark, cold, and wet streets behind.
Ash and Pikachu felt a rush of warm, dry air embrace him as he pushed open the door, filling the absence left by the cold, wet, and windy weather behind them. The sound of heavy rain pattering on concrete was replaced by the cozy sounds of a quiet restaurant and the sound of food sizzling in a pan coming from the kitchen. The smell of warm food and spices overtook the petrichor of the rain.
Ash and Pikachu shook off the reservoir of water they had collected on themselves and reveled in the feeling of a warm building for a moment.
Oh Arceus, they had finally found a haven from the storm outside.
The duo began to observe their surroundings. The restaurant was a bit cramped, with it only having room for a few tables on the right, and some booths to the left wall. Straight ahead was the ordering counter where a small girl with dark black hair and blue highlights was sitting on her phone. The whole restaurant followed a bamboo and wooden type style, with most things being made to look like those materials in an old-fashioned type way. On the right wall of the restaurant was a large mural of an Eevee surrounded by her different evolutions.
The restaurant was empty aside from one person sitting at a table in the corner. They had a bright red jacket on with a black stripe in the middle. They looked to have the lighter and slimmer physique of a female, and he could see long hair peek out from under their jacket hood. Ash didn't look long enough to really make out any other details, neither did it really matter all that much to him.
The girl at the counter didn't appear to notice Ash, and continued to be engrossed by whatever she was doing on her phone, not bothering to avert her eyes once.
Ash took off his hood, revealing both Pikachu and his soaking wet hair, which he shook off a little bit. Ash looked at Pikachu, who ushered him toward the counter with a nod. Ash assumed Pikachu wanted to know if they had any ketchup. Pikachu nodded, as if reading his trainer's mind.
Ash took a few steps on the previously dry hardwood floor, his shoes leaving the sound of noticeable, wet thuds with each step. Small streaks of storm water laced the floor behind him. He noticed the water he was tracking in and felt ashamed for a second, but quickly shrugged it off once he realized nobody cared. He continued to take in the restaurant as he made his way toward the counter.
Once at the counter, Ash waited for the girl to look up and address him. She did not avert her gaze from her phone. Ash waited for about a minute, with no further progress. Eventually. he tapped the counter to get her attention.
"Um..excuse me? I'd like to order something." Ash spoke as kindly as he could.
The girl did not respond, instead she looked up slowly, revealing her tired eyes, before pointing to a stack of menus on the left hand side of the counter. Afterwards, she immediately went back to whatever she was doing on her phone.
Ash rolled his eyes. I guess that's the best service you could imagine when you're in a ramen shop that's open past midnight.
Ash glanced at a digital clock on the wall.1:15 AM.
Wow, he'd been in the rain for awhile.
Ash grabbed a menu and turned away to read the options. Under the popular choices tab, it read,
24hr Menkoi Ramen House
Miso Ramen - $10
Tonkotsu Ramen - $11
Chicken Ramen - $10
Vegetable Ramen - $9
Ash pondered the idea of looking further through the menu, but ultimately decided against it, rather just choosing something simple that he knew he'd enjoy as well as getting something to satisfy his hunger sooner. He turned back to the girl at the counter and placed his menu down.
"I'd like to order the chicken ramen, please." Ash recited, pointing to the option on the menu. Pikachu punched him in the side of the head.
"Sorry, could I also get some ketchup?" He added, rubbing where Pikachu punched him. His companion now nodded approvingly.
The girl looked up and raised her eyebrows at the oddity of the request. She glanced at Pikachu and then back to Ash before finally speaking in a slightly drowsy and monotone voice, "We don't sell ketchup."
Pikachu's smile dropped.
"Please, my Pikachu really would like some." Ash asked pleadingly.
The girl seemed to think for a moment, before showing a little sympathy. "That'll be $13 for both the chicken ramen and ketchup." she replied.
Ash felt in his pocket for his wallet for a few seconds, before pulling it out. What came out was a drenched piece of black leather, only slightly resembling what was once a wallet. Ash scowled at the sight, it must have gotten soaked along with everything else.
Ash pulled out a soaking wet twenty dollar bill from the wallet. Creases and folds could be seen littering the moist piece of currency. He handed it to the cashier.
She grimaced at the offering, and pinched it with two fingers, before quickly bringing it to the cash register. She pulled out a five and two one dollar bills, this time dry, before handing it to Ash. He placed them in his wallet, promptly ruining the currency.
"It should be done shortly, please have a seat." She uttered, still monotone and wishing for Ash to stop talking to her. She handed him a small bottle of ketchup and then went inside the kitchen.
Ash grabbed the bottle while Pikachu danced around his shoulder with stars in his eyes at the mere thought of the ketchup. The duo walked over to the booth closest to the door on the left side of the restaurant, before taking a seat. Ash placed his bag to the left of him in the booth.
Pikachu jumped onto the table, and pried the bottle of ketchup from Ash's hands before flipping the cap and going to town on the red substance.
Ash smiled at the sight of his companion enjoying his meal. He was glad to see him happy, especially after the events of the last few hours. Ash took off his hat and placed it on the table, releasing his damp raven hair from its prison. He put both of his arms on the table before placing his head atop them, looking down at the table.
Boy, he was hungry, and he couldn't wait for the food to be done. He imagined the warmth, smell, and taste of a fresh bowl of ramen.
Ash closed his eyes and began to replay the events of the day in his mind.
He still had no idea how he was gonna deal with being stuck in Petalburg for a week. He'd have to contact Professor Oak and his mom later and inform them about the situation. He'd been in Petalburg before, and it had truly grown since the last time he'd been there. It went from a small town to a bustling urban center over the years, development being clear on every street. Maybe he'd be able to find things to keep himself occupied in the city that was basically brand new to him. Still, it all felt uncertain.
Anguish, anger, and uncertainty are what controlled Ash's mind, yet, he still pushed onward.
Needing to assess the situation and then come up with a plan, Ash began to think. The situation might not be desirable in any way, shape, or form, but he'd need to make do. Ash continued his thinking while Pikachu carried on blissfully consuming his favorite condiment.
Ash decided to first figure out what he was working with. He grabbed his still moist backpack and began to lay everything out on the table in front of him.
He took out a few spare pokeballs he had from Alola and put them on the table, he also took out some various snacks he had and put aside the ones that were too wet to eat. He took out a flashlight, but it no longer worked so he put it aside. He took out a water bottle and held it in his hand for a moment before quickly putting it on the table. The last thing he wanted to think about was more water, traumatized by the storm still ongoing outside.
He took out some spare clothes that were inevitably soaked, but he obviously wasn't gonna throw them away, so he put them on the table. He took out a notebook that was soaking wet, each page being withered away by the water, so he put that aside too. He took out some basic toiletries and put them on the table. He also took his wallet out, which had about two hundred dollars, and placed it on the table. He took out a few small souvenirs he had from Alola as well. Lastly, he took out his headphones, fortunately still dry in their case, and his phone, which had a dead battery. He wasn't sure if the charger that came with it still worked.
He plugged it in at the outlet on the wall next to his booth, hoping it would soon prove to be in working order.
Ash began to think about everything else. Other than the cash, everything here really wasn't all that useful for his situation. He had some clothes that he could change into once they dried out, but who knows when it'll stop raining. Once his phone charged, he could contact Professor Oak and his mom to let them know about the situation.
Sighing, he began to put away everything still of use to him back into the bag.
Suddenly, a lightbulb went off in Ash's head. He reached into a small, almost forgettable pocket in his bag, and pulled out something small.
Ash held a half piece of bright gold medal and pale pink ribbon in his hand.
The Terracotta Ribbon.
That was it! Ash knew just who to go to, someone he hadn't seen in a long time. A certain brunette with sapphire eyes and an amazing personality.
May Maple.
Ash scolded himself for not thinking of this earlier. May was one of his closest friends from his adventures, she would surely be more than willing to help him, right? Ash then recalled his thoughts while on the plane. Ithadbeen years since he had talked to her, due to his lack of an ability to keep in touch with people. Ash wasn't even sure if he still had her number on his phone.
What if she didn't want anything to do with Ash anymore? He'd made no efforts to communicate with her since he had last seen her, would she be mad at him for it? What if she thought of him as an asshole now? What if she'd moved on completely and forgotten him? What if she got into a relationship withDrew?The name of that asshat brought a tad bit of anger to Ash's emotions.
Ash mentally kicked himself for that. Why was he getting mad over that? He knew May, she would help him, without a doubt.
But what if shewon't?
What if she isn't even in Petalburg right now? With his luck, she'd be long gone in another region competing in contests right now. Ash put the ribbon down on the table and lowered his head into his hands and shut his eyes. Anxiety took him over. He decided he'd go to the Petalburg City gym tomorrow and see if Norman was there, maybe he'd be able to talk to May then. He also made a mental note to check up on all his past companions as soon as possible.
In Ash's stress, he failed to notice the only other inhabitant of the restaurant walk up to his booth. While Ash was stuck in his own head, a pair of soft footsteps neared his table.
Within a moment's time, the stranger with the red jacket had moved from their table in the corner, to standing right in front of Ash. He still failed to notice.
A delicate hand reached over the table and picked up the Terracotta Ribbon. Ash, finally sensing the movement, quickly looked down at the table to see what happened. He realized that the stranger had taken his half of the ribbon from the table! Why would they do that!?
Ash was now quite annoyed, I mean, who goes around and just takes peoples stuff? He heard Pikachu squeak out a noise of surprise.
"Hey! Give that bac-" he exclaimed, his voice rising in surprise and a hint of irritation. He felt a sudden tightness in his chest as the same delicate hand reached back to return the ribbon, but when he saw it, it was not just his half piece, but...
the complete Terracotta Ribbon, both halves joined together.
A surge of shock and disbelief hit him. His eyes widened, his breath caught in his throat, and for a moment, time seemed to freeze. His heart pounded violently against his ribs. He felt as if he couldn't move a muscle.
In front of him, now with her hood off, stood a familiar brunette. One with deep sapphire eyes, a killer smile, and a red bandanna wrapped around her light brown, copper colored hair. It wasMay.She stood wearing a new red jacket, one that had a black stripe over the middle. She also wore a tight pair of black leggings. Ash also noticed her bandanna looked quite similar to the one she wore during their travels, but this time having a black pattern on the front, instead of a white one. She looked older and more mature than ever, and Ash couldn't believe his eyes. He blinked multiple times.
May smiled wide and raised her hand in a small wave before speaking,
"Hi, Ash! Long time no see!"