Chapter Text
You sat next to him, eyes steely as you watched the man who abandoned you and your mother. He slept, unaware of the turmoil in your heart. The doctor said he would be fine, and he would wake whenever the Sleep Powder’s effect wore off, but that was not what you were concerned about.
Lance and Pacifica were out to the police station, where they would return all of the stolen Pokémon and make a report. They would tell Officer Jenny everything you had discovered about Team Rocket’s hideout and the illegal activities beneath the casino.
You vouched to stay with your father, despite your mixed feelings.
On the one hand, you’d finally found him after all these years. You could have answers.
On the other hand, why should you even bother? What answers would be worth dredging up the pain of the past, knowing that your P.O.S. dad left you so he could do research for Team Rocket?
You didn’t know. You were so tired, you weren’t sure you cared to think about it right now. Instead, you would worry about it later, reacting on whim whenever your father opened his eyes.
Your eyes drifted closed. The morning was young, still dark outside, even. You could see the moon through the hospital room window. You were still in your dress, though after the events of the evening, you felt less than beautiful. Your feet hurt in those awful heels—the nurse took pity on you, offering you slippers. You’d removed your earrings and washed your face of makeup, slumping in the chair. All in all, you figured you looked ridiculous in your gown and disposable hospital slippers.
Talvian was sound asleep, curled up next to you. His tail burned brightly as though he was dreaming about something pleasant.
Probably his next meal, you thought.
This was a waiting game, and you had patience, if only for your exhaustion. You heard rustling, and you looked at your father.
There he was, stirring, right on the brink of the waking world. His eyes blinked open. He peered around the room, staring at the white-washed walls and the hospital equipment. Then, his gaze fell on you, and he appeared startled. “_____? It’s really you. I can’t believe it.”
“Yep, it’s me.”
“This isn’t the laboratory in the basement.”
“We’re in the hospital,” you replied curtly.
“What happened?”
“Team Rocket is gone. We defeated Giovanni.”
“What? But how? That man is invincible.”
“Maybe for you,” you said. You felt underwhelmed. “My friends and I managed to beat him in battle.”
Your dad shook his head, staring at his lap. “I am utterly amazed. You really have become a formidable trainer.”
His compliment meant nothing. You had many questions, and perhaps you were too tired for niceties—nor did your father deserve them. He deserved an interrogation. “What were you doing down there?” you said.
“How did you know where to find me?”
“Mom let it slip. I don’t think she meant to—she probably wanted to preserve whatever memories I had of a loving father—but she did. And don’t you dare dodge the question.”
He sighed, rubbing his temples as a short silence followed. “Research. Research opportunities.”
“So you joined Team Rocket just so you could do research for them?”
“No, not for them. Not originally, anyway.” He looked so much older than you remembered, the skin creasing around his eyes. His hair had greyed, the rich colors of youth having been replaced with ticks of white. These years were stressful for him. “When I was still living in Viridian City, I wrote several proposals for funding, none of them to Team Rocket. Without going into too much detail, I wanted to do research on the behavior and conditioning of Pokémon, but I was turned away by most everyone, even the larger corporations. It was then that Giovanni approached me with an offer I couldn’t refuse.”
“So you accepted for the money?”
He nodded slowly. “Only on my terms at first. But he promised me more and more funding for my research in exchange for me to do some work for the organization.”
“I hope you know that you played a part in kidnapping and torturing hundreds of stolen Pokémon.” You didn’t care how brutal the facts were.
Your father winced. “That was never my intention. Everything happened so quickly, and before I knew it, I had grown more and more interested. Desperate for the money, I continued to work with Giovanni’s funding. I was tangled up in this intense desire for discovery that I became lost in my work. You see, _____, you have to understand—”
“I don’t care to understand. That’s no excuse to work for Team Rocket.”
“I know you care deeply for Pokémon, and so do I! I was hoping that my research would further our understanding of Pokémon, so we can do better by them, communicate with them.”
“That’s not what I mean.” You sprung to your feet, the heat rising to your cheeks. “Yes, I love Pokémon, but that’s not what this is about. You left me and Mom for stupid research opportunities.”
Your father watched you in silence, not even blinking.
“Do you know how hard it was?” you continued. “How I had to sit alone during lunch at school on Father’s Day? How I never had a father figure to help me with my homework or walk me to soccer practice? How Mom had to pick up extra shifts so she could feed the both of us and keep a roof over our heads? You abandoned your own family for research—and for Team Rocket, much less.”
Talvian had awakened, brushing against your leg silently. You appreciated his presence.
“And you don’t even get it. Do you know how much damage you’ve caused? Forget the hurt and destruction that you’ve done to other trainers and their Pokémon around the world—what about your own damn family? You’re so selfish.” The tears pricked at your eyes—you could not stop them, no matter how hard you tried.
Your father sat up in bed, swinging his legs onto the floor. “_____,” he said, your name barely a whisper.
You didn’t respond; you couldn’t even look at him.
“Please, _____, you have to talk to me,” he tried again, coming toward you. You felt him wrap his arms around you awkwardly. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry, okay? You’re right. I was being selfish. I didn’t give any consideration to what might happen to you and your mother. I thought you would be all right. I was wrong.”
You simply stood there, letting the tears fall. They were warm as they flowed down your cheeks. You refused to return his embrace. “You can’t just say that,” you said. “Sorry doesn’t fix a stupid thing.”
“It doesn’t, but that’s all I can say.”
You hated that he was right. You were deeply hurt, and you weren’t sure if you would be able to let this man back into your life, but he was correct in that there was nothing left for him to say. There wasn’t anything he could do to comfort you. An apology was all that he could give right now.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered into your hair, squeezing you tightly. You felt him shaking, too, and you thought he really did understand.
At least, that was what you hoped.
You felt your heart beating in your chest, and with a breath, you returned the hug, also awkwardly. While you weren’t sure what the future held for you and your father, you did know that nothing would be achieved by shunning him. He might have abandoned you, but you did not have the heart to do the same.
He seemed relieved. “I know I’ve hurt you and your mother, but I’m asking for a chance to right my wrongs. Let’s go home. Let me talk with your mom.”
“I don’t know what she’ll say.”
“I don’t either, but we do need to have a conversation.” Your father actually looked remorseful. “Maybe one day you’ll forgive me for my abandonment.”
You went quiet, wondering how your mother would react. What would she think after seeing your father walk in through that door? Sure, you were hurt, but perhaps she was even more hurt than you. You did not choose your father, but your mother did—and he betrayed her in a terrible way.
“I don’t know if I can trust you,” you said finally, wiping your eyes. “You’ll need to earn that trust back. But I think I can start down the road of forgiveness.”
He gave you a sad smile. “I think that’s a fair start.” Your father sat back down on the bed, letting the silence fill the room.
You sat down across from him, petting Talvian. The smoothness of his heated skin comforted you. He seemed to understand that this was a very personal thing, and he remained quiet.
Later, Lance and Pacifica returned. They clearly wanted to be respectful of whatever transpired and probably had many questions, but they limited their interaction with your father to polite introductions.
“The police will want to talk to you,” Lance said to him. “Officer Jenny is waiting right outside the door.”
“I was afraid of that,” your father said. “It’s bound to happen with the things I’ve done, but… it’s now or never.” He waved an awkward goodbye to you and was escorted from the room and to the police station by two officers.
“Are you all right?” Pacifica asked, touching your shoulder.
You nodded. “I’m fine. I just wonder what will happen to my dad.”
“I do wish the best for you, whatever it is you want. I’d love to come visit you some time in Viridian City.”
“Are you leaving?” You were surprised, even a little sad, that this new friend whom you had come to care for was leaving so soon after you’d met.
“In the morning,” Pacifica said. “I think it’s time that I returned to Eterna City, especially now that I’ve found Cinder. I have you and Lance to thank for that.”
“You don’t need to thank us,” Lance said. “It was a great adventure, and we gained a lot from it. Think of all those Pokémon you’ve reunited with their trainers.”
“I look forward to seeing what you’ll do,” you said. “You’re a 10/10 trainer in my book.”
“You, too, _____.” Pacifica nodded, giving you and Lance tight hugs before she left. This would be the last time you saw her before she returned home. She waved goodbye, a smile on her face, as if assuring you that this would not be the last time you would meet.
You knew that, too. One day, you would see her again.
This left you alone with Lance, and you looked at him, a somewhat coy gleam in your eyes. “Thank you for everything.”
He caught on quickly. “You can thank me by letting me take you out on a date.”
You exhaled in a laugh. “All right. But I think I’d like to go back to Viridian City first. I miss home.”
“I understand. I should probably head back to the Indigo Plateau anyway. I’m sure we have a bunch of challengers lined up, and who are the Elite Four if they’re missing their fourth and final trainer?”
“You can’t keep them waiting, I suppose.”
“Nah.” The storm in his eyes stirred, reminding you of a dormant dragon. “But I’m fine with waiting for you. I know you have some feelings to sort out, and that’s okay. Just don’t forget about me, all right?”
Before you could respond, he leaned forward and kissed you on the lips.
Talvian, as tired as he was, rolled his eyes.
You returned with Lance to the hotel without another word. Other than simple, necessary exchanges, you didn’t say anything else. Your feelings for him, while conflicted, were strong, but you knew that there were some loose ends you needed to tie up first.
In the morning, you and your father took a cab back to Viridian City. Apparently, the police did not feel the need to press charges, as your father was cooperative. He provided much information and would continue to do so. They, for whatever reason, did not consider him a flight risk.
You were sure that Lance played a part in that as well; he was probably very convincing.
It was strange spending so much time with your dad after all these years, and you knew that this relationship would take time to heal.
Meanwhile, you would have to make a trip to Ecruteak as soon as things settled down at home.
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Two weeks passed since you had brought your dad home. There was a lot of conversation, some tears and apologies, but in the end, both you and your mother forgave him. He would have to work hard to earn back the trust and repair your relationship, but he seemed sincere about it.
Really, he was just a passionate researcher who got so caught up in his studies that he never realized what hurt he had caused.
You thought he was an idiot. His behavior was unacceptable, of course, but it would do no good to stay mad at him forever. As soon as he returned home, you saw glimpses of the father you remembered from childhood—and those memories were good ones. You would at least give him a chance.
It was a beautiful morning. You were out on a walk with your Pokémon when you received a message from Satsuki, who said that Morty had awoken. He was still in the hospital, but he was doing well—well enough to have company.
“Does this mean I should go?” you asked Talvian.
The Charmander nodded eagerly, and you knew he was right.
Although you were anxious, you summoned Yilgati, climbed on his back, and let him take you to Ecruteak City.
Hours later, you arrived at the hospital, checking in with the secretary at the front desk.
“Ah, you must be Morty’s girlfriend,” she said with a smile. “I’ll show you to his room.”
You thought to respond but decided against it. Time seemed to freeze since you had left Ecruteak City. News of your relationship, whatever state it was in, had not been shared with the rest of the world. You kept quiet as you listened to her directions and navigated your way down the hall. When you arrived at the door, you took a deep breath before turning the knob and stepping inside.
It was dimly lit, and your eyes had to adjust before you noticed Morty on the bed.
“_____? Is that you?” he asked, slight disbelief in his voice.
“Yeah, it’s me.” You sat down on the edge of his bed. “How are you doing?”
Thick bandages covered his head and arms, but he looked much better than he did before—at least, being conscious was a good place to start. “I’m fine. How are you doing? From what I’ve heard, you were in this last battle, too. It was a nasty one.”
You gave him a small smile. “I did get a little beaten up, but I’m okay. I was... more worried about you, actually.”
“Well, as you can see, I’m okay, too. The doctor says that I’ll make a full recovery. In a week or two, I should be able to return to the gym.”
“That’s great news. I was so afraid that you wouldn’t make it.” Your voice trailed off. The thought of it was devastating.
“No reason to worry now, _____. I’m glad you’re here. What have you been up to? It feels like the fight was so long ago.”
“I’ve been around,” you said, thinking of your stay with the Dragon Clan and your adventures in Celadon City. So much had happened. “But all in all, I think I’ve had some good experiences. I’ve been with Lance and a new friend—we somehow broke into Team Rocket’s secret lair in Celadon City’s casino. We liberated my dad and broke up Team Rocket. For now, at least.”
“That’s impressive,” Morty answered, blinking in surprise. “There’s no need to be modest about it.”
You shrugged. “We had help from our Pokémon. The victory is theirs, really. As with most things in life, we wouldn’t have accomplished anything without them.”
Morty nodded in response.
Silence fell between the both of you.
“We need to talk, Morty,” you said.
He nodded. “I know we do, _____. I was expecting a serious conversation with you sooner or later.” Although the movement was small, you saw his eyes shake. “I don’t want to lose you. I never did, but we both made mistakes. That’s all fine. All I want is for you to be happy.”
His forwardness surprised you. “I want the same for you. I just don’t think I’m the one who can provide that happiness for you.”
“You have your eyes set on someone else, don’t you?” His voice was low, and his gaze turned toward the only window in the room. It was as if he were searching for a lost hope. “Lance, huh? He’s a really noble guy. I did a workshop with him once. He knows his stuff.”
You remained silent for a few moments, your heart already aching. “How did you know?” Despite your breakup, he knew you so well, and it wasn’t like you spoke much of Lance.
“The Kimono Sisters told me that you were with him, that he had been watching over you when you needed his help the most. That was something I was unable to do for you, and I’m sorry.”
You sighed, knowing that the fault was not entirely his. “I’m sorry, too. I don’t want you to blame yourself, though, because I don’t. Part of this mess was my fault, and I recognize that. But I think we both need to move on in order to find some happiness.”
He forced a smile. “I think so too.” His heart was broken, and you weren’t sure if he truly believed what he just said.
It was difficult to watch him struggle like this because you still cared for him. “Maybe you don’t want me around for a while, and I understand that. But if you need anything, you know how to reach me.” You squeezed his hand. “Goodbye, Morty.”
“Goodbye, _____.”
You did not look back as you shut the door to his room and left the hospital. You knew where you were going next.
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Lance stood in the middle of the empty stadium. This place was reserved for challengers who made it past the first three masters of the Elite Four, and all challenges were kept private, away from the eyes of the media.
It had been a while since someone had made it this far, but he was required to stay here anyway. Occasionally, a talented trainer would appear, but even then, they never dominated Lance in battle. Needless to say, Lance was bored. Those who came before him—Lorelei, Bruno, and Agatha—had all the fun.
He sighed as he glanced around the stadium. Everything was back to normal, but it wasn’t, really . The events in his life had certainly settled, and while there was a certain satisfaction in knowing that Team Rocket was no longer a threat for the time being, he felt as though something was missing.
He succeeded in his mission, he returned and reported to the Dragon Clan Elder, and he resumed his role as the final Elite Four trainer. He was even wearing his favorite cape. All in all, everything was back to how it was and how it should be.
But something was deeply wrong because he had never felt like this before.
The truth was that he missed you. He missed you dearly, and even though he knew that you needed the time to sort out your feelings, he wanted nothing more than to abandon his post, hop on his Aerodactyl, and seek you out in Viridian City.
He loved your spunk, your sass, the way your eyes would light up when he made you laugh—or even how you blushed when he made you uncomfortable.
He loved your devotion to Pokémon, how you interacted and cared for yours.
He had never felt so anxious in his life; he almost felt sick.
Morty was someone whom you once loved—what if during your resolution with him, you chose to stay with him instead?
Lance heard the mechanical doors open from behind him, and instinctively his hand curled tightly around a Pokéball. A challenger? At least, a battle could distract him. He turned around to look for the talented trainer who had made it this far, only to step back in surprise. “_____? What are you doing here?”
“I said I wouldn’t forget, didn’t I?” You came pacing in through the doors. “I was hoping that reaching you would be a bit easier, but they wouldn’t let me in unless I made a challenge.”
Lance met you halfway, shaking off the shock. “So you fought Lorelei, Bruno, and Agatha just to see me?”
You nodded. “Yeah. It wasn’t easy, but I managed. Rhoeic’s definitely gotten a lot stronger since you last saw him.”
He still seemed in disbelief.
“Are you surprised to see me or are you surprised that I made it this far?” you asked, poking a little fun at him. You hadn’t expected this reaction—he was usually so composed.
“Whichever option offends you less.” He breathed in as he watched you with an amused expression on his face. “Are you looking to fight me?”
You shook your head. “Oh, no. My Pokémon are exhausted. Not to mention, and this says nothing about my love of Pokémon battles, but I think that’d make a pretty pathetic first date.”
Here, he chuckled. “Then what were you hoping for?”
“Your choice. It all depends on whether you think you can get out of here or not. Aren’t you stuck here for the rest of the day?”
“Until 5:00 p.m. But I doubt anyone will make it this far. They’re obviously not as talented as you.”
“Flattery will get you nowhere, Lance.”
“On the contrary, flattery gets you plenty of places.”
Your exhaled in a dry laugh. “I’m not talented enough, obviously. I had to use a ton of hyper potions. I rang up quite a bill at the local Pokémart for you, you know?”
“Dinner’s on me, then,” Lance said. “And we can swing by a Pokémon Center before then, if you want.”
You nodded, figuring your Pokémon could use the relief.
Lance cleared his throat. “So, I take it you’ve sorted your feelings out? How’s he doing?”
You knew he was referring to Morty. It was still a bit strange talking about him with Lance. “He’s well,” you started. “He’ll make a full recovery. I had a conversation with him that neither of us really wanted to have.”
“Mm.”
“But the good news is that I think I know what I want now.”
Lance perked up. “And what’s that?”
You gave him a coy smile. “Don’t you know?”
He reached for you, a hand touching your face, a seductive gleam in his eyes. “Even I don’t know everything, _____,” he said.
“Oh, shut up and kiss me already.” You cupped his hand with your own as you leaned toward him for the kiss.
When your lips touched, you felt the heat rise to your face, butterflies in your stomach, but the passion was so intense that you could do nothing else. He returned your kisses with a fervor that matched your own, sweeping you into his arms.
Both comfort and excitement washed over you. This truly was what you wanted, his warmth and presence—and you wanted it for an eternity to come.
Lance pulled away after a few moments, eyes flitting to your neckline. “You’re still wearing it.”
You had never taken it off, the necklace he gave you the night you infiltrated Team Rocket’s hideout. “Oh, I just think it’s really pretty. I remember Pacifica saying it looked real.”
“You don’t think so?”
You paused. “Is it?”
“I’m more interested in what you think.”
“I think all relationships begin with a bit of honesty.”
“And playing hard-to-get, apparently.”
“I’ve already agreed to a date, Lance.”
He gave you his famed simper, eyes crinkling in delight. “Do you remember our conversation on the hotel balcony that one night? How I advised you get a rich boyfriend to fund Talvian’s insane appetite?”
You laughed beneath your breath. “First, it’s not attractive, throwing your wealth around, and second, I’m not sure you positioned it as advice.”
“Touché to point one. To point two, fine—I suggested you find yourself a rich boyfriend.”
There was no use—you smiled, despite his arrogant charm. “So, I’m guessing this rich boyfriend I found has an eye for expensive jewelry.”
Lance shrugged off your supposition, which, of course, told you all you needed to know.
“Well, I appreciate it. It’s beautiful,” you said, tracing the chain around your neck.
“You’re beautiful, and I’ve never been happier to see anyone.” He took your hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Let’s get going, _____.”
“Already?” You looked at your PokéNav. “It’s not quite 5:00. Won’t your supervisor get angry?” You realized how ridiculous that question sounded. “Do you even have a supervisor?”
“Not really. I’m my own boss.” He summoned his Aerodactyl. “After you,” he said, helping you climb on. He swung on behind you.
“Where are you taking me?” you said as you felt him wrap an arm around your waist.
He leaned forward and rested his chin on your shoulder. “Just trust me.”
You’d trusted him with your life. You supposed you could trust him to find the perfect first-date location.
Needless to say, you were not disappointed. You and Lance would be happy together for a very, very long time, and although your life together would not be as exciting as your first adventure, you were both quite okay with that.
And, of course, Talvian and Rhoeic would always interrupt your romantic moments.
But Lance still stuck around.
The End.
