Chapter 19: Relive & Create

Darkness fell upon the Lumiose streets. Street lamps poured their dull blues lights in an effort to keep those still wandering them to see ahead of them. Ceailean and Marie made their way through a narrow path in a park, Fennekin and Snom following close behind. The artificial light draining the grass of its color and leaving the trees as silhouettes.

“Looks like that’s a good spot.” pointed out Ceailean. A simple bench, conveniently under the watch of a streetlamp.

“Oh thank Arceus, my leg is killing me.” complained Marie.

“You’re the one who wanted to go this far.”

“It was worth it and you know it.”

“Whatever you say. Here.” Ceailean set Marie down on the bench. She sank into it as if it were a cushion.

“Mmm, that’s much better.”

Ceailean spun on his heel to get a view of the surroundings. “I bet this place would’ve looked more lively if it were still daytime.”

“We can only imagine. Fennekin, come here please.” It jumped up next to her and sat down. Marie picked up Snom and put it on her lap. “Fennekin, you did great out there while we were battling, thank you so much for giving it your all. But I’m hoping you can trust C for a while, okay?” It tilted it’s head in curiosity. “I’m gonna have C take you to the Pokémon center for me. I have to rest for now, I’m sure you understand.” Marie pet Fennekin on the head, to which it gave a bark of agreement. “Thanks Fennekin.”

“Hey, I wonder why I wasn’t consulted about this?” said Ceailean sarcastically.

“Shush C. We both know you would’ve anyway.”

“You right, but still.”

“Fennekin, return.” Marie had Fennekin go back inside of its pokéball. She gave to Ceailean. “Try not to lose it okay?”

“Do you really believe so little in me?”

“I have my reasons.”

“Pfft, fine. I’ll see you in a minute.” Ceailean down the path of the park, leaving Marie alone.

Marie initially sat there swinging her legs back and forth. That is until a small twinge made her stop after a bit. She put Snom on top of the leg as a pseudo ice pack. The boredom kicked in and she soon found herself browsing the internet for videos of cool battles. Unfortunately, nothing new had come out recently, so she had settled on an old favorite of hers. Partway through the viewing, she noticed something strange. It sounded like voices talking over each other. She paused the video but the voices still sounded faint. Someone was here. Perhaps it could’ve been passerby's, but the hairs on her neck stood up. This person had a presence she hadn’t felt before. Looking around revealed nothing but how dark the park was. She looked to Snom for comfort.

“Do you feel that Snom?” she whispered to it. Snom only gave back a reply of concern. It urgently scanned it’s surroundings. It grew so cold that Marie had to set it off to the side in order to keep her leg from freezing. Her concern did not waver however as the bench began to grow frost. The crackling of ice echoed in her head. It all built up until the voices could be finally heard in a direction, behind her. She whipped her head around to catch the back end of a sentence.

“-can’t just search the whole city. As observant as we are, it’s still impossible to find out where he is based off of a mere premonition.”

“It was much more than that. He was there, I felt his presence.”

“How can you be so certain? How could a human of all things form such a connection with the two of us? I think they are using their misfit technology to get into heads and play us for fools.”

“Don’t be absurd. The patterns match up with what he told me.”

“And just did he tell you?”

“Must I go over it again? The wells of hate have not often, but consistently, appeared all over Kalos. But the one place where they seem to never appear was in the settlement that the humans call Snowbelle.”

Marie grew super curious. Snowbelle? Wells of Hate? He? Subconsciously, she found herself silently making her way towards the voices, cradling Snom as she did so.

“Why must we go on this wild goose chase? A single human cannot possibly be the answer to solving Kalos’s eternal pain.”

“I am at least willing to try. I will not be subjugated to a life equivalent to running around in circles trying to keep weeds inside of a lawn.”

The voices were clearly distinguishable now. Up ahead, Marie could swear she saw three silhouettes. Two four legged Pokémon and perhaps a man? It was still too dark to tell. She stayed behind a tree and observed further.

“I suppose your theory stands true. The negative energy around Snowbelle finally began to take root around the time you said that human came here to Lumiose. But still, you weren’t able to remain in contact for more than thirty seconds. Can you remember anything? A name, a place, a thing?”

“I cannot say for certain. It was more like he eavesdropped on us and ran away once we noticed. He mentioned a friend though. It was very faint however. The only thing I could make out was that it started with an M.”

“What? Like Marigold, Marcus, Martha?!”

“I don’t know! He was so far gone at that point it was barely discernible.”

“We’re practically back at square one. Must we continue following your delusions? Lumiose is the central hub of the humans of this region, it could be practically anybody from Snowbelle.”

“They cannot be mere delusions. They mustn't be. I’m not willing to give up just yet. I have seen how studious these humans are, someone must have some clues. There is an old friend-”

“Gren, Greninja.” A moment of silence.

“Someone’s here.”

Marie’s heart skipped a beat as soon as the voice said that. The man's hand flashed a blue light, which was then thrown towards Marie, embedding itself into the tree. It was revealed to be a watery shuriken.

She jumped into view and said, “Hey! Um, sorry to intrude I guess?”

“How much did you hear?”

She said what she wanted to know most. “Well of hate?”

“She was practically here the whole time. I told you we should’ve conversed atop the roofs.”

Marie started to walk backward. “Um-” She then tripped on a root and fell back. Before she could fall, the man rushed forward to catch her. He was close enough to the light to be visible. “A Greninja?”

“Sorry, but it is imperative that you don’t remember what we said here.” the Greninja seemed to say.

“What?” Then, a strange green jelly bean creature hopped upon her chest. It had one one eye and a red hexagon on its stomach.

“Must we do this again? It's the word of just one.”

“We do not know who she is associated with. It is better to be safe than sorry. Greninja, if you would please.”

“Wait-” A quick poke to the head made her whole body limp, which made Snom fall to the ground. The Greninja set her down gently upon the grass. Snom was horrified. It berated the Pokémon for having done such a thing, charging up green for an attack.

“This one too.” Another poke to Snom’s head dissipated the green energy, resulting in it passing out in the grass.

“We can’t just leave them here, you know.”

“Greninja, are you able to stage the two of them?”

“Gren.”

“Good. We will wait until morning, then we can talk to Bonnie about what we’re seeking.”

Marie’s vision blurred as she was picked up. She swayed back and forth until the world went black.

“Marie, you hear me? Come on, wake up sleepy head. Hey, you’re late for school! Hurry let’s go!” the faint voice of Ceailean called.

Marie’s eyes shot open. She tried sitting up only to be greeted with a metal armrest bonking her on the head. “Owwwwwwww…”

“You’re finally up now. You must be super tired, I wasn’t even gone for that long.”

“I guess… I don’t think I was that tired. Where’s Snom?”

“It’s chilling out next to you. Try not to roll over on it though.”

If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

Marie shifted her head and found Snom sleeping right next to her. “Thanks.” She picked it up and placed it where her head was bonked. The cold quickly soothing the pain.

“I suppose you want to stay here and rest a little longer.”

“Mmm-hmm.”

“Alrighty then. Move your legs though, I wanna sit too.” Ceailean lifted her legs high enough that way he could sit down, putting them on top of his lap once he had done so.

Marie blushed slightly. “H-Hey, you could’ve hurt me you know.”

“Oh yeah, sorry ‘bout that. I didn’t hurt you right?”

“N-No…”

Silence befell the two as they laid there. The night hung over their heads endlessly, leaving a perfect opportunity for thoughts to intrude upon the mind. Marie’s was beginning to race. She has never had constant physical contact with Ceailean before and it was starting to fluster her. She quickly averted her eyes in an effort to distract herself. Then the sky's general absence of a particular feature caught her eye.

“I can’t see the stars.” she said in a mellow tone.

Ceailean looked to the sky. “Oh yeah, I forgot about that.”

“Why? Where did they go?”

“The city lights filter them out so that we can’t see them.”

“Lights can overpower stars?”

“Something like that. It reminds me of a saying my mom used to say about it.”

“What did she say?”

“She said ‘The reason you can’t see the stars is because in cities as large as this one, the hopes and dreams of everyone here shine so brightly that you could never see the stars you’re reaching for. But as long as you know that they’re there, they’ll wait an eternity until you can finally grasp them.’ A little cheesy, don’t you think?”

“I think what she said was beautiful.”

“Hmm, well I guess that says more about me than it does her huh?”

“If you think about it, the fact that you remembered at all is enough in her mind.”

“Really? Thanks, Marie.” A warm smile grew on her face. “Alright, it’s getting a little chummy. You ready to go?”

“Y-Yeah, sure.” This was a lie. She would have laid there all night. Ceailean pushed her legs off his lap. Marie sat up and stretched her arms. “So, where’s the station from here?”

“Oh yeah, there was something I wanted to ask. There was one more place I wanted to visit while we’re here, if you’ll let me?”

“Okay, where is it?”

“I’ll show you the way. Do you need help?”

“No, I should be fine.” Marie stuffed Snom into her beanie and stood up. “Lead the way C.”

“It’s not too far.” They walked down the remainder of the path, eventually exiting the park. Shops began to close as they walked down the streets. A block later, a perfect view of Lumiose tower was visible from the street.

“Woah, that looks so pretty. Is this what you wanted to see?”

“Not particularly, lets keep going.” They walked to an alley, leaving the view of Lumiose tower behind. The alley was wet and dirty. Marie wondered what Ceailean could ever want to see over here. It was made evident when they came across a small public garden patch. Black barred fences kept bushes and flowers away from the brick path. A fountain trickled water up towards the front of the patch. Ceailean made his way over to it. The area was devoid of any house lights so the water reflected the moonlight elegantly. Lumiose tower could still be seen to the top left above the rooftops. Embedded upon the fountains base was a plaque.

It read:

In loving memory of those who lost their lives during the battle for Kalos. (A large list of names followed)

Marie grew solemn when she read the plaque. Ceailean stared at it for a moment before he turned around and said, “I suppose I should give you back Fennekin.”

She was unsure of what to say, muttering only an, “Okay,” as she took Fennekin’s pokéball.

Ceailean held Scorbunny’s pokéball on his side and said, “Only 78 people died that day. Can you believe that?” Marie didn’t answer. “It’s a miracle that they were able to keep the number that low despite everything. I suppose my family was just one of the unlucky ones.” Ceailean traced his finger along one of the names.

Joshua Victor Crimis

Marie’s curiosity got the best of her. “What was he like?” She felt anxious for asking such a question, was it even appropriate with the current mood?

“He… was quite the goofball actually. My mom knows more about him than I do. She said he never seemed tired when he came home from work, always ready to play with me when I wanted to. His Lucario too.”

“A Lucario? Isn’t that Pokémon not one you would want to have around kids?”

“Oddly enough, not this one. It seemed content to spend time with me rather than train. It was really cool.”

“Where is it now?”

“It… passed along with my father.”

Marie felt guilty. “Oh, I’m sorry for asking.”

“It’s fine. Like I said Marie, you don’t have to worry about me.” She gulped. “All I know are stories anyway, I was only eight when he passed.” Ceailean stared at his fathers name. “I’m sorry I can’t remember you. I’m sorry I couldn’t do anything more.”

“-couldn’t do anything more.” That last bit echoed through Marie’s head. Why so specific? Why expect so much of yourself as a child in an unprecedented crisis? She wanted to ask what happened, but the question stuck in her throat. She pushed a little more, thinking of what Ceailean said. “You don’t have to worry about me…” But still it didn’t leave her mouth.

Ceailean scratched his head. “I suppose I’ve gone on for too long. Why don’t we head back.”

Marie gulped down the question. “Y-Yeah sure.” She let Ceailean take the lead. They didn’t walk too far before Scorbunny popped out of its pokéball on its own. “Scorbunny?” It stood in the shade, but they could hear sniffling. It had heard the whole thing.

“Oh, sorry to make you cry, Scorbunny. I didn’t think-” It shook its head and slowly walked over to Ceailean, hugged his leg and sobbed into it. “Oh man, uh.” Ceailean said nervously. “Scorbunny, don’t feel sad for me. I’m sure you went through your own pain just as I have.” It didn’t stop. “It’s not really that bad anymore Scorbunny, could you please?” It stopped sobbing and looked up at him, it’s beady eyes full of water. “I’m okay, really.” Scorbunny did not stop looking.

“It’s sympathy, C.” Ceailean looked at Marie. “Just accept it.”

Ceailean looked back to Scorbunny, it’s tears getting his jeans wet. He blushed slightly, “Oh come here.” He picked it up and rested it’s head into his shoulder. “You can let it out all you want.” Scorbunny sobbed some more, it’s little arms hugging as much of Ceailean as they could. He sat down on the ground, laying back upon the back bars of the garden. A warm smile grew on his face. Marie sat opposite of Ceailean atop the black bars, wearing the same smile. For a long while they sat there letting Scorbunny let it all out. Eventually, the sobs died down and Scorbunny leaned away from Ceailean’s shoulder.

“Feel better?” It nodded. “Alright, let’s get back.” Ceailean held out Scorbunny’s pokéball, but upon seeing it, it hugged Ceailean tightly. “I guess not like that huh? Let’s go Marie.” She nodded and let him take the lead.

After some time, Ceailean and Marie were seated in a subway car off towards their hotel. Hardly anyone was on it at this hour. Marie gave Ceailean a glance and noticed something.

“Hey, look.” she whispered. Ceailean looked down to Scorbunny to see it sleeping. He couldn’t help but a little ‘Aww’ at the sight. Marie then took this opportunity to lay her head on his shoulder. “What’re you doin’” Ceailean asked, half chuckling.

“I’m sleepy too.”

“I don’t wanna be everyone’s pillow.”

“Hmm, shut it C. Just wake us up once we get there.”

“Hmph, whatever you say.” Marie then fell asleep upon Ceailean’s shoulders.

More time passed. The click of a door’s lock rings throughout the hotel room, light from nearby buildings dimly illuminating it. Ceailean entered first, his sleeping Scorbunny still cradled in his arm. Next came Marie, hunch backed and eyes barely open. Ceailean carefully placed Scorbunny upon his bed while Marie flopped onto hers. Snom fell out of her beanie off to the side, sleeping as if nothing had happened.

“Y'all are wiped out huh?” asked Ceailean.

“And you aren’t?” moaned Marie through the pillow.

“Nah, I’m used to it.”

“What, playing video games?”

“Something like that.”

Marie moaned again into the pillow and put herself into the sheets. She brought Snom closer for a hug, but realized Fennekin wasn’t there. She reached for it’s pokeball to let it out. Once it was, she reached over for a hug, but it stepped away slightly.

“Huh? Fennekin, what’s up?” She rubbed her eyes and saw that it looked anxious. “Is something bothering you?” It glanced at Ceailean, who was now sitting on the side of his bed scrolling through the pokédex. After some back and forth, Marie put it together. “I see. It’s okay Fennekin. Do what you wanna do. I can wait.” Fennekin nodded and walked slowly over to him.

Ceailean didn’t notice it until it jumped the gap between the two beds. “Oh hey, what’re you doin’ here?” Fennekin placed its paw on his lap and gave him a look of sympathy. Ceailean was a little confused.

“It heard you at the fountain,” Marie told him silently, “I guess it never got a chance to sympathize with you either.”

“You really feel that way Fennekin?” It nodded. “Aw, thank you for that.” Ceailean gave it a quick pet on the head. At first it smiled, but it quickly turned to a frown along with a sniffle. “Oh no, I-” Before he could even mutter a sentence, Fennekin jumped over to the other bed and laid next to Marie.

“It’s alright Fennekin. It’s alright to cry.” It shook its head, holding it high in an effort to not cry. “Fennekin please, you don’t have to hold it in.” Marie rubbed it’s head softly, making Fennekin finally shed tears. It laid it’s head down facing away from Marie. “It’s okay, it’s all gonna be okay.”

“Marie, I’ve been thinking. Why don’t we finally get out of Lumiose? I’m getting tired of waiting around.”

Marie smiled. “Yes, let’s do it. Tomorrow.”

“So soon? You still can’t walk for very long distances.”

“I don’t care, I’ll manage. And if I can’t, you can just carry me.”

“That’s a lot of work though.”

“You wouldn’t just leave me behind, would you?”

“I wouldn’t, but it would still be a pain in the neck.”

Marie chuckled, “You could use the workout.”

“Ha, speak for yoursel-, oh Arceus. We forgot about Crisis, didn’t we?”

The memory had Marie sit up. “Oh yeah, what about him?”

“Earlier today when I talked to him, he said he wanted to come with us on our journey. I was going to ask you about it but I guess we got caught up in other things.”

Marie slumped back down and sighed. “I’m too tired to think about it too much. Let’s leave it to future us to think about it, okay?”

“Alright, whatever you say. But if you really want to, we can leave Lumiose tomorrow.”

“Yeah, that’s for sure. But now that I’m thinking about it, let's visit the professors before we do to say one last goodbye to whatever pokemon are left that we helped save and to Fennekin’s friends.”

“That’s fine by me, whatever you want to do.”

“Thanks C. Good night.”

“Yeah, good night Marie.”

The two finally went to sleep. All their pokemon within close embrace. Unbeknownst to the group however, Snom had one eye open during the whole conversation. It only went to sleep when it heard the slightest snore from Marie. In its mind was that of sympathy, but it was too prideful to ever let it show.