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“Don’t misunderstand. The Black Rayquaza is my quarry. There is nothing else to it.”
That was what he said before leaving them the day before. Yet…
“A little higher, Amethio!” Sitting on a stepladder (Yes, he’s very sure it’s a stepladder, Friede), Amethio raised his arms slightly higher as his partner watched him from the side. “Perfect!”
He didn’t know how he got roped into… Whatever this was.
“Thanks, Amethio!” Liko beamed as he got down from the stepladder while she happily gazed at the banner. “Mom and Grandma will love this! Thanks again for coming to help.”
“I thought I’d be free from everyone here for at least a few days, especially after yesterday.” He muttered. “Why did I get roped into this?”
“Because it’s for Mother’s Day!” Liko reminded him. “I just thought the extra help wouldn’t hurt.”
“I suppose not.” When someone called for Liko, Amethio watched her go, slightly proud of himself for resisting the urge to pout. ‘After I acted all cool yesterday too… Why did we have to see each other so soon?!’
Just the day before, he was fighting the Black Rayquaza alongside the Rising Volt Tacklers, thankfully without the other admins present. Having parted ways coolly with them afterwards without taking the little menace known as Terapagos, Amethio was going to take a break, especially today, before Zirc and Onia would force him to. He never planned on seeing the Rising Volt Tacklers anytime soon. Clearly someone out there had some other ideas, and now he found himself at Liko’s house, along with Zirc and Onia, setting up a banner. Amethio was under the impression they were keeping their… friendship(?) a secret from everyone. So he supposed that’s now out of the window since Liko’s father, Alex, was willing to house the three despite them being part of the reason why his daughter was targeted.
Turning to the banner that read “Happy Mother’s Day”, Amethio frowned. Before he could think about it further, someone called for him.
“Amethio!” Murdock called. “Are you ready to bake?”
“Coming!” Presently, they gathered to have a party for Mother’s Day. Amethio and Murdock were in the kitchen preparing a grand feast for today’s recipients, with Murdock doing most of the work, while Liko and Roy looked over their respective curries. Liko, Roy, and Amethio wanted to make something themselves and the team’s chef was more than willing to let them as long as Friede did not set foot into the kitchen. The offender, in the meantime, left with Orla to buy more party supplies as they realized, while decorating, they didn’t have enough. Mollie, Dot, and Ludlow stayed at the house to care for the wild Pokemon since they couldn’t leave them on the damaged Brave Olivine, which was docked elsewhere, if all the Trainers had disembarked while Alex went to distract the guests of honor until it’s time. Zirc and Onia went on their own errands, with one of them being for their boss, not that he would admit the reason for it.
“We’re back!” Being engrossed in baking, Amethio didn’t notice his subordinates’ return until a hand that entered his vision made him stumble back.
“My apologies. Welcome back.” Amethio greeted the two.
“About the thing you asked us…?” Zirc questioned, unsure how to phrase since he was also unsure if the others knew of the errand.
“You can leave it in the study. I’ve asked Liko’s father and he’s surprisingly willing to let me place it there. It’s the door there.” Amethio pointed to a door and Onia left, presumably to hide evidence of the errand that they were sent on. “What are you two going to do now that you’ve returned?”
“I’ll be third-wheeling Friede and Orla with the decorations.” Zirc gestured to the other two who also apparently returned from their errands without Amethio noticing once more. “While Onia wanted to play with the ship’s wild Pokemon. I’d advise to take note of another possible obsession, sir.”
Amethio raised an eyebrow and, switching off the heat from the stove, looked behind Zirc. True enough, Onia was staring at Pawmi with absolute adoration, even as the Pokemon backed away in fear, to Mollie’s amusement. Amethio sighed at her behavior and simply continued heating up the saucepan, opting to deal with Onia at some other point. Seeing what his boss was doing, Zirc shrugged and went to help Friede and Orla as planned while doing his best to ignore their flirting.
Some footsteps ran behind him a few times, but Amethio paid no heed (not that he was doing so consciously) until two filled spoons entered his vision, leading to the teen to sigh again. Switching off the heat once more, Amethio stepped back and allowed the two culprits to step into focus. “What do you want this time?”
“Taste this for us!” Liko and Roy answered in sync. Amethio looked to the side and spotted Floragato being busy using her bud to entertain some of the other Pokemon, including Fuecoco and Terapagos. “Please!”
“Alright, fine.” Grabbing Liko’s spoon first, Amethio took the offered bite and nodded approvingly after some consideration. “This is well done.”
“Thanks!” Liko giggled.
“Now it’s your turn.” Amethio took Roy’s spoon and then a bite. As soon as he swallowed, however, he ended up in a coughing fit that caught everyone’s attention. Friede, with his quick reaction time, swiftly got a glass of water for Amethio as everyone watched on anxiously, but the admin couldn’t get a sip in for a few minutes. When he finally did, his cough started to subside as well, though not significantly. By the time he could speak, Amethio rasped. “That… was… hell…”
“Are you alright, Amethio?” Roy asked worriedly.
“Not… at this… moment.” He replied in a hoarse voice, rubbing his neck at the same time, with Cap watching him with crossed arms, also worried. Floragato approached the teen and gave him a hug as Amethio took out his Rotom Phone and began typing something. When he was done, everyone’s Rotom Phones went off.
The Rising Explorers
Two-Toned Espurr: Could someone pour the contents of the saucepan I was heating up into the cups on the side and then place them in the fridge on my behalf? I’ll be on the sofa, resting.
Two-Toned Espurr went offline
Everyone in the room turned to see the aforementioned cups as Amethio headed for the sofa, assisted by the worried Ceruledge and Floragato, with another glass of water in hand. Most heads turned to face each other and as one, they quickly declared.
“Not it!” Amethio rolled his eyes as a few people realized who hadn’t spoken and laughed nervously, apologizing to the one person who stared wide-eyed at the near unanimous declaration.
“I’ll get on it, sir.” Onia stood up and sighed quietly after giving a last hug to Pawmi, who finally began to warm up to her. Amethio gestured for Roy to come over, and the latter did so guiltily with Cap following him. Holding his phone up, Amethio let the younger boy read what he typed as he drank more water.
‘How much of Capsakid’s front teeth did you add?’
“I didn’t add any.” Roy replied as he looked at Amethio in confusion before pulling up the Pokedex to look up on Capsakid. “I mostly used Cheri Berries for the spicy taste because Fuecoco and I like extremely spicy foods. Woah! People in Paldea use their front teeth to make extremely spicy food? We have to try that someday!”
‘Count me out.’ Was written as Roy’s awestruck gaze met Amethio’s deadpan one. ‘You must’ve added plenty of that spice if I got this reaction. It’s not that I’m allergic, since I handle spicy food very well, but too much of Capsakid’s front teeth will make me cough terribly.’
“I’m sure I didn’t add any though.” Roy argued.
“Pika?” Cap narrowed his eyes at Roy, as if asking if he’s sure.
“Positive, Cap!”
“Roy!” Friede called. Roy and Amethio faced the Pokemon Professor as he held up a bottle for them to see. “I have to agree with Amethio here. This was found next to your pot of curry.”
“Seriously?!” Roy ran over to Friede and read the bottle’s packaging. Written as clear as day on the bottle’s packaging was ‘Capsakid’s Shed Front Teeth’ with a warning not to use too much for its spice level was extremely high. “Oh right… I did use plenty of this without reading the packaging. I’m so sorry, Amethio!”
Amethio waved off his apology as Zirc handed him another glass of water. “Keep drinking and you won’t be able to eat our grand Mother’s Day feast.” Friede joked.
“I can barely talk.” Amethio pointed out in his gravelly voice before coughing slightly. “Eating is not really my priority, especially since I’m certain my stomach is destroyed now.”
“Stop being overdramatic and eat this lozenge.” Mollie tossed a box of lozenges to Amethio, who managed to catch it with his left hand and took one per her advice.
“Mollie.” Amethio tried to get the doctor’s attention, but only did so when Liko walked over to her and pointed her in his direction. When she got to the teen, Amethio held up his phone again. ‘I made some blueberry panna cotta in the fridge. Is there any chance I would be able to consume them despite this setback?’
“I believe you should be able to. Blueberries have properties that help with sore throats and panna cotta is smooth enough to not irritate your throat further.”
“Thank you.” Snorunt chose that moment to climb onto Amethio’s lap and made itself comfortable, with Polteageist floating over with another teacup and pouring some of its tea, at which Amethio nodded his thanks. Cap leaned himself on Amethio’s side, with Floragato on his other side, as Hatenna climbed onto the admin’s shoulder. “Suppose I’m not moving anytime soon.”
Leaving Amethio with the others, some people resumed their work. Friede and Zirc, at Orla’s instructions, hung up more decorations around the living room, with Liko giving advice on the aesthetics. Roy and Onia, who decided to remain in the kitchen since more than enough people were capable of looking after the wild Pokemon, opted to help Murdock with cooking, with Liko also helping when she’s not busy with Friede’s group.
By the time everything was complete, Alex had arrived home with their guests of honor. “We’re here!”
“Over here, Dad!” Soon, four people came into view. “Happy Mother’s Day, Mom, Grandma, Franka!”
“Happy Mother’s Day!” Resonated around the room, with smiles on the faces of almost everyone.
“Wow! This is amazing! Thank you.” Liko’s mother, Lucca, smiled gently.
“Well I certainly wasn’t expecting this!” Liko’s grandmother, Diana, laughed exuberantly.
“Dot, did you help with this? It hasn’t been that long since we saw each other and yet it feels like you grew up a lot!” Dot’s mother and Murdock’s sister, Franka, cried as her partner, Lycanroc, offered a handkerchief it carried around.
“You’re making too much of a fuss.” Dot complained before mumbling her next sentence. “But Happy Mother’s Day…”
“Why don’t we start eating?” Murdock suggested, with everyone in agreement. With food served in a buffet-style on the kitchen counter top and dinner table and plates distributed, everyone grabbed some food before taking a seat in the living room, either on the sofa or on the floor.
“Seems like you guys are on a whole ‘nother adventure if I see some familiar faces here.” Diana remarked as she noticed Amethio, Zirc, and Onia, who were all holding plates of their own and getting ready to sit down. While Zirc and Onia froze in place, Amethio nodded in greeting while taking a seat next to Liko on the sofa. “What’s the story here?”
“Well…” Friede scratched his head, embarrassed. “It’s a long story. You see…”
And so, Friede began to recap the events that led to the three Explorers joining the Rising Volt Tacklers casually, with additional commentary provided by the present spectators.
“There’s what Friede put Amethio through.” Mollie brought up with amusement.
“You shouldn’t have brought it up.” He gritted.
“What did Friede do?” Lucca asked, also amused by the situation.
“Offer too many ugly sweaters to try on.” Amethio took a sip of his tea to stop the anger from back then from rising up as everyone else laughed.
“Amethio also happily spent the night on our airship as our beloved guest.” Friede jovially revealed.
“Pikachu!”
“Ceru!”
“Mreow!”
“Fue!”
“Tenna!”
“Quaxly!”
“Hostage!” Everyone who was there on Christmas retorted lightheartedly, clearly recalling Amethio’s desire to always counter Friede on how he was treated aboard the Brave Olivine, much to the Rising Volt Tacklers’ merriment and Amethio rolled his eyes at his predictability for this topic. Terapagos went over to Amethio and pointed to his food, and he gave it a bite while mumbling something under his breath about ‘everyone being menaces’. Diana and Franka laughed at the situation while Alex looked on, his earlier concerns disappearing as he watched the camaraderie. Lucca smiled at seeing her daughter being happy with the group who were part of the reason why her mother and daughter were in danger in the first place while Terapagos went back to the wild Pokemon, satisfied with the food.
“Mom, Dad.” Liko turned to her parents after everyone described the gifts they got on Christmas. “Do you remember my cherished Sprigatito plush?”
“Of course, dear.” Alex confirmed immediately.
“What about it?” Lucca wondered.
“Would you believe me if I told you it was Amethio who gave it to me all those years ago?” Liko gave the teen a smile, and he looked away with a small flush, not helped by the tip of his ears turning red.
“Is that so?” Lucca smiled gently at the embarrassed teen.
“Yep!”
“Stop embarrassing me!” Amethio, after putting down his plate, planted his face into his hands. “I have a reputation to uphold!”
“What reputation?” Roy questioned clueless, and was answered with a glare, at which some people chuckled.
“Amethio.” Lucca called kindly, and he looked up. “Even though things turned out this way, thank you for giving Liko her precious companion.”
“… I shouldn’t have come.” Amethio muttered, then in a lower voice that only the people around him heard. “You’re welcome…”
“And then there’s New Year’s Eve.” Onia broke the moment with a smirk.
“What?” Alex looked at the agent in surprise. “Liko, did you spend New Year’s Eve with this boy?”
“I spent it with everyone here!” She answered flustered while Amethio appeared dumbfounded at labeled as a ‘boy’ even though it made sense to Alex.
“Oh! What’s the story there?” Franka asked with excitement in her voice. “Did you plan another meeting on the last day of the year? I remember meeting some friends on the last day of year, too! It was before I had you, Dot, and boy was that a fun time. Maybe I should ca–“
Lycanroc held up its arm, effectively stopping Franka from talking further. “Oops, I did it again. Sorry!”
“I never would have believed she’s your mother, Dot.” Amethio remarked.
“Amethio!” Liko scolded.
“You and I both.” Dot sighed.
“Dot!”
“That meeting wasn’t planned. Imagine our confusion when we saw Master Amethio with the Rising Volt Tacklers, let alone sitting next to Friede.” Zirc remarked as he took a bite of Roy’s curry as they dived into the events of New Year’s Eve, and then subsequently breathe literal fire, causing several people to pass him a glass of water. “This is really good, Roy.”
“Shouldn’t that statement be the other way around?” Onia asked once Zirc stopped breathing fire.
“Take it how you will. I find sitting next to Friede willingly more unbelievable unless that happened to actually be a hostage situation.” He shrugged.
“I guess that’s true.”
“I’m right here!” Friede protested.
“We know.”
“Most of us went to the shrine after we rented some kimonos.” Murdock continued the story. “But didn’t two certain people go on ahead?”
“That’s right. I completely forgot.” A few smirks were sent towards the aforementioned people, causing Alex to be frantic again.
“Liko. Did you really…?”
“I mean… The others stopped, while Amethio went ahead… Then, uh–“ Liko couldn’t complete her answer, unsure how to explain.
“Dear, that’s enough.” Lucca patted her husband’s arm, bringing it down slowly. “You’re making Liko flustered again.”
“Sorry, Liko.” Alex apologized upon seeing Liko fidgeting. A random sound from someone broke the tension in the room and everyone turned to see the source, who was wearing a grin.
“What’s gotten you so weird, Friede?” Dot asked grumpily.
“This may have been a Mother’s Day party, but it also feels like ‘Meet-the-Parents’ session for Amethio.” Friede laughed, with people joining in agreement at the thought.
“Why you–!” Ears now completely red, Amethio got up to attack Friede – only he couldn’t. Stopping him from getting any closer to his new target was his traitor of a subordinate, Zirc, and his formerly favorite crew member of the Rising Volt Tacklers, Murdock.
“You have to admit, sir. It does seem like it is that sort of meeting.”
“Sorry, but I kind of agree with Friede here.”
“Let’s finish the story before Amethio angrily leaves the party.” Mollie suggested.
“What is there to even finish?” Amethio huffed after shrugging off the two people holding him down. “We prayed at the shrine, got our fortunes, bought charms, ate cakes on a hill while watching the fireworks and then we went our separate ways. Only for the useless professor there to make a new group chat later that morning! The end!”
“Maybe there really isn’t much to finish off.”
“That’s a nice story.” Franka cried while biting her handkerchief. “Thank you for being good friends with Dot!”
“You’re welcome.” Zirc and Onia replied in unison.
“Friends…” Amethio mumbled after coughing slightly as a result of the rant a moment ago.
“Don’t think of us as friends, Amethio?” Friede asked curiously, having heard the younger man’s soft words.
“More like the idea never came to mind.” He confessed, taking a sip of tea. “Especially with our usual situation.”
“Well, it’s up to you if you consider us friends. We can’t force you to do the same as us.” Amethio looked up.
“You consider me your friend? Even after chasing Liko for her pendant and now Terapagos?” A few warm smiles were given in return, causing Amethio to grab a steamed gyoza, unable to decipher the warm feeling in his chest. Terapagos went up to Amethio once more, wanting a gyoza this time, and he gave it one as people then delved into various topics afterwards while finishing up the feast prepared.
“Dot!” Franka called. “When’s your next video?”
“Mom!”
“Video?” Amethio, who was conversing with the girl and Orla, faced Franka. “What video?”
“Huh? Her Ni–“
“That’s enough! Talk about something else with someone else, Mom.” Dot huffed.
“But, Dot–“ Dot got up at that moment, heading to the kitchen. Orla nodded in apology to the girl’s mother while Amethio and Quaxly followed her as she sulked.
“She was talking about Nidothing, wasn’t she?”
“Yeah. Can’t she keep her mouth shut? Doesn’t she know not every– Wait. How do you know?!” Dot exclaimed at her companion as Quaxly also looked at Amethio in shock.
“First off, New Year’s Eve dinner. I noticed you were blushing a lot when Liko and Zirc talked about Nidothing. I thought you had some odd reason for doing so, so I passed it off as something else entirely. Then Nidothing’s Valentine’s Day video, I noticed Quaxly was eating a donut. More specifically, a chocolate donut with chocolate sprinkles and silver colored icing – the exact same you made for us that day.”
“That’s just circumstantial.”
“Quaxly!”
“I don’t disagree.” Amethio sat on the stool next to the one Dot was on. “But then your mother almost exposed you when she mentioned a video that started with ‘Ni’. It wasn’t hard to put the pieces. Plus, you did accidentally admit it when I asked earlier.”
“I did.” Dot sighed, getting comforted by Quaxly. “You’re too perceptive for your own good.”
“So I’m told. Is she hard to handle?”
“Before I joined the Rising Volt Tacklers, maybe. Now, I feel like I understand her slightly more, but at the same time, she’s as unbearable as ever.” Amethio remained silent as Dot stewed on her feelings.
“Quaxly?”
“I don’t hate her.” Dot said after some consideration. “I wish she would tone it down, but I suppose that what makes her… her.”
Amethio hummed as Dot got off the stool. “Are you going to talk to her?”
“Not just yet. Still mad at her for nearly blowing my identity.”
“Fair enough.”
“You can tell Zirc if you want. Everyone on the Rising Volt Tacklers know already, so it’s fair you should too, even though you deduced it.”
“Kind of you to offer but it would be better to hear it from the source.”
“I guess I should pluck up my courage again. It was difficult the first time with Liko.” Dot ran her hand in her hair when she considered Amethio’s words.
“Quaxly!” Quaxly nodded at Amethio in thanks and the two left him in the kitchen. Getting off the stool, Amethio grabbed another glass of water, having hurt his throat slightly after talking to Dot more than necessary. He then turned to the fridge to check on the panna cotta, only to be intercepted by someone else.
“Did we go too far earlier with the whole ‘Meet-the-Parents’ thing?” Friede cut straight to the point, stunning Amethio.
“No.” He admitted truthfully. “I’m more adjusted to such remarks being used as mockery, not lighthearted teasing.”
“So you’re not mad at us.”
“Keep standing in my way, and maybe I will be mad at you specifically.”
“What are you doing?” Friede stepped out of the way, allowing Amethio to open the fridge.
“Checking on the panna cotta I made. Seems like it’s ready.”
“That’s great. Shall we have dessert now?”
“Only if everyone else still has an appetite. I need to do something else first, however.”
“We’ll see you at the table if you’d like.” Amethio nodded and Friede went to help serve some cups to the people in the living room. Once the admin was done, he rejoined the group, who complimented his blueberry panna cotta, as he kept the item he packed away in the kitchen shortly before into his bag.
“Amethio.” Lucca, who was next to the aforementioned teen, spoke. “Regardless of my husband’s reaction, just know I trust you with Liko. Keep looking out for her when you two aren’t fighting with each other, will you?”
“I’ll do my best.” He couldn’t articulate a proper response, not anticipating to gain the trust of his former target’s mother when he agreed to come over. Lucca nodded and went over to Zirc and Onia, presumably to give the same message.
“It’s unthinkable to think the team who raided my castle in Galar would be here.” Diana commented as she took Lucca’s vacated seat. “It seems like this situation is benefiting everyone, so if I guessed correctly as to what Lucca spoke to you about, I want to ask the same from you. Keep looking out for Liko, alright? If you intend to marry her, you have my blessing!”
Amethio choked at the last statement as Diana laughed joyously. Watching her leave, Amethio grumbled to himself, content with ignoring the small flush on his cheeks. “Why are people trying to get me to be quiet today? First Roy with his curry, and now Diana with her unneeded blessing.”
Glancing at the clock, he excused himself from the party once he finished off his panna cotta.
“Going already?” Liko asked sadly.
“Unfortunately, I have an important errand to run. I can’t afford to leave it to the last minute. Thank you for your hospitality, Lucca, Alex.” Amethio bowed to Liko’s parents, who waved him off.
“If it’s important, then it’s best if you get to it. Thank you for joining us today.” He nodded and, taking his bag from the sofa as well, went to Alex’s study to retrieve the item he asked Zirc and Onia to buy before leaving the house with Ceruledge. Entering Poco Path, the Fire Blades Pokemon turned to its Trainer in bewilderment.
“I know, we should fly on Corviknight.” Amethio whispered, adding more confusion to the Pokemon. “But not everyone on that team of stalkers have flying Pokemon. In addition, I don’t know if Lucca, Alex, Diana, and Franka would be joining them in stalking us.”
“Ceru?!” Ceruledge jolted in surprise but was halted in its tracks by Amethio.
“Don’t let them know I’m aware. They’ll be rather annoying, especially Friede, when they ask where I’m heading to. I don’t plan on getting rid of them either, since they’re rather persistent. Best let them follow us instead to spare us the effort.”
“Ceru.” It nodded as they entered Mesagoza, aiming to head for the east exit. Being discreet in looking back so as to not alarm the group behind, the Rising Volt Tacklers were indeed following him through Mesagoza, albeit in smaller groups. Supposing he lost them when he entered Mesagoza, when Amethio turned back, he only found Murdock following him. Reluctantly, Amethio admired their persistence in stalking him through the wild area and Artazon as they slowly regrouped by the time they got to the next town.
“Ceruledge.” Amethio suddenly spoke during their peaceful journey. “When we get there, could you sneak up behind them to stop them from leaving? Use Phantom Force if you have to. They came so far, to make them go back would a waste of effort in stalking us all this time.”
“Ledge!” Ceruledge nodded as they went off the main path towards Levincia, instead heading deeper into the wild area, causing the people tagging behind to hasten their steps. Navigating through the trees and bushes, after some time of walking, Amethio and Ceruledge came to a stop. With a nod from Amethio, Ceruledge disappeared somewhere and he looked down.
“Hello, Mother.” He softly greeted. “I’m back after a year as always.”
Facing his mother’s grave, Amethio placed his mother’s favorite purple orchids on the ground, followed by the extra panna cotta he made earlier. “I brought your favorite flowers and dessert. This time, I have something different to say.”
Swallowing his saliva, Amethio pushed out the words he wanted to say. “I think made some companions that Grandfather would disapprove of. Ever since Christmas last year, I found myself entangled with the people who have been fighting against the Explorers. Compared to the Explorers, however, it appears they do care for me and they don’t mock me as much as a certain someone else does. If they do, they check on me afterwards to make sure I’m okay. I don’t remember the last time someone doing that since… you. Hamber is strict as always and that man I’m forced to call my father barely acknowledges me as usual. It honestly feels like I’m betraying Grandfather and the Explorers by continuously hanging out with them regardless of my wish to follow the path I want to follow for Grandfather’s sake. Even though I barely remember you, I wish you were here, Mother, to give me advice. Instead, I can only give you my usual offerings and some words from these stalkers behind me.”
Standing up, Amethio turned to face the sheepish and mournful gazes of the people who had gathered at Liko’s house.
==========================================================
Earlier…
“I’m worried.” Friede said as soon as Amethio left the house. There were nods of agreement in the room.
“We’ve seen Master Amethio appear serious, but that was not a look we’ve seen before.” Onia revealed as she traded looks with Zirc. “We’re sorry to ruin the party, but we’ll be chasing after Master Amethio.”
“Wait for us.” Murdock halted the two. “I think I say for everyone when I say we’re tagging along.”
“Let’s pack some food first though.” Mollie pointed to the leftovers. “I saw Amethio packing only a panna cotta earlier and I don’t think that’s enough if he plans on eating more later.”
“Then let’s split into two teams. One shall follow Amethio and the others will pack some food before joining the first one.” Liko suggested, and no one argued.
Orla, Murdock, Zirc, Alex, and Franka opted to stay behind to pack the food while everyone else chased after the Explorer admin. Once they caught up to him, Friede noticed something in his hands.
“Are those purple orchids?”
“Master Amethio asked us to buy some earlier.” Onia confirmed. “But we don’t know why and we didn’t want to intrude on the reason if it was personal.”
“Hey, he’s heading into Mesagoza!” Liko called from the front.
“Coming!” Sending an update to the group back in Cabo Poco, they entered Mesagoza, and immediately lost the teen.
“I didn’t think we’d lose him already!” Roy complained.
“Stay calm. Amethio’s hair color is pretty rare, so we should be able to find him despite the crowd. Let’s split up again.” Friede proposed, and everyone agreed to split up. Running around Mesagoza for a missing teenager, they were shortly joined by their missing acquaintances and soon the search became full-scale. Thankfully, with their numbers and Amethio’s hair color, he was quickly found.
The Rising Volt Tacklers
Dessert King: Franka and I found him. He’s headed to the east exit towards Artazon. I’ll keep tailing him while Franka waits for you.
Dessert King went offline
As everyone started to regroup, Franka was waiting for each group as mentioned as she sent them through the gate that Amethio and Murdock went through. Once Zirc and Liko arrived, as the last ones to meet Franka at the east gate (as they were the furthest from the rest), the three of them quickly met up with everyone near Artazon.
“At least there’s no gate here.” Zirc remarked. Without a gate, it was easier to tail Amethio and Ceruledge through the town, though they had to stop Roy from wanting to visit Brassius for a quick hello.
“But his atelier is along the way.” Roy pointed to the direction they witnessed Amethio heading in.
“What if he’s busy battling some Trainers or working on a new art piece?” Liko pointed out.
“I guess that’s true. Maybe some other time.” Cutting through Artazon, the group grew confused when Amethio deviated from the main path towards Levincia in favor of the wild area.
“Someone… carry me… please.” Dot collapsed as she called for help. Murdock lifted her and with Diana’s permission, placed her onto Arcanine. “Thanks. I’m tired. How much further is he walking?”
“Who knows. Let’s push on.” With a chorus of agreement, everyone trudged on through the forest of the wild area, with Dot clinging onto Arcanine with Diana’s help. Eventually, they reached the edge of a cliff that overlooked Levincia. Standing on the edge of the cliff alone, was Amethio.
“Wait, where’s Ceruledge?” Friede looked around as he knew the Pokemon was with Amethio from the start.
“Ceru.”
“AHHHHH!!!” Everyone jumped back as the Fire Blades Pokemon suddenly appeared behind them.
“Uh… hi?” Zirc feebly waved at the unimpressed Pokemon. Raising its blade, Ceruledge gestured to where Amethio was.
“You want us to meet up with him?” Ceruledge nodded and the group began taking heavy steps towards Amethio, guilt for following him finally setting in, as Ceruledge followed the group from behind. Especially when they saw what was in front of their usually stoic teenager.
“… to give me advice. Instead, I can only give you my usual offerings and some words from these stalkers behind me.”
“Uh… hi?” Onia waved weakly at the blank-faced Amethio, who simply raised an unimpressed eyebrow.
“I suppose you were worried about my sudden departure.”
“Not sure if it would have changed the result if we had known.” Orla shrugged, at which Amethio conceded.
“This is my mother’s second grave. She has a proper one in Levincia, but she enjoyed this view. At least that's what I was told. I prefer coming here because it’s less dreary.”
Stepping up to the grave, Mollie noticed something. “What’s your mother’s name?”
“I don’t remember. When I used to ask my useless father, he would avoid the question or my existence entirely. So I don’t know her name until now, especially since she died when I was young. Therefore I can’t carve it out or polish it on this headstone.”
“Those flowers you asked us to buy…” Zirc trailed off.
“Were my mother’s favorite flowers.” Amethio whispered. “The blueberry panna cotta was her favorite food. I eat it every Mother’s Day and bring her another one without fail. I’ve already forgotten her name, and I barely remember anything else. I don’t want to completely forget about her even though she exists in my memory.”
“Are you sure you want us to say a few words?” Liko asked unsure while remembering what he said as they came up.
“You did stalk me all the way here.” He answered wryly. “If you don’t want to, then I won’t force you.”
“I’m sure we prefer calling it ‘being concerned friends’.” Friede chuckled. “Sure, we’ll say something. Right, gang?”
“Right!”
“I’ll be waiting for you behind there.” Amethio pointed to the general area they came from before leaving them for some privacy. Stepping up to the grave, some gulped, unsure what exactly to say for a while.
“Hello.” Friede started first as everyone turned to him. “There’s many things we could say, but one thing I can say for sure is, despite your son being quite a troublemaker when he targets us, Amethio has grown into a fine young man. It may have been many years since he lost you, but be rest assured, he’s doing well from what we can see since we first met.”
“He’s quite honorable when he fights us.” Murdock added on.
“Well-mannered despite being rude half the time.” Mollie smiled.
“Has an amazing sense of sarcasm that we only see outside of battles.” Orla giggled.
“Quite a helpful young man who should accept help when there’s a need.” Ludlow remarked.
“An awesome battler who doesn’t hold back.” Roy cheered.
“A good listener when he’s not fighting us.” Dot mumbled, being nudged slightly by her mother.
“A brilliant friend who has great ideas!” Liko beamed.
“A master we don’t regret serving.” Zirc provided.
“And hopefully will serve forever.” Onia finished, smiling.
“We may not know your name,” Liko continued, as her parents look on proud. “But I hope you can trust us to look after Amethio when he’s not going after us. I trust him when he’s with hanging out us.”
“And if he asks for help, I hope we would be able to help him to best of our ability.” Friede finished as in unison, everyone brought their hands together to pray. Unbeknownst to them, Amethio heard Friede’s last statement, having come closer to find out why they weren’t done talking.
“Asking them for help, huh. I already did that a few times, with one of it being on April Fools.” Amethio remarked as he turned to Ceruledge before the two walked back to their original waiting place. “And perhaps most of it didn’t turn out too bad. Maybe it’s worthwhile asking them for help when we’re in trouble in the future. They've proven themselves so far compared to the other admins.”
“Ceru!” Ceruledge agreed, nudging its Trainer to do so should the time come.
“I see you came here again.” A voice he hoped to not hear when he visited spoke towards him. Looking up, he found the man he was unfortunately related to looking away, holding purple orchids in his hands.
“I wouldn’t miss today no matter what.” He gritted out.
“So I’ve noticed.” The older man began walking away from his son, only to be stopped in his tracks.
“Stop! There’s people at Mother’s grave. You should wait until they’re done.”
“And who are these people?” Amethio remained silent, not because he didn’t want to answer but he was unsure how to. Perhaps fortunately for him, someone else did.
“Amethio! We’re done!” Friede called, only to cause some people to bump into him when he suddenly stopped moving. “Director Cervantis?”
“Professor Friede?” Cervantis stared at Friede with wide eyes, as his Cinccino waved happily from his shoulder.
“So the useless professor actually met my useless father.” Amethio muttered not so softly.
“Father?!” Everyone, including Friede, exclaimed. Heads kept turning between the two because as far as one could see, other than half of Amethio’s hair color, it’s hard to see any resemblance between the two.
“I assume you’re ready to go, Friede?” Amethio bit out then turned away before he got an answer. Cervantis sighed.
“Thank you for visiting my late wife, but I’ll go see her now. It was good seeing you, Professor.” Cervantis nodded and left the group alone. Bewildered, they scrambled to catch up to Amethio nonetheless, finding him huffing and cursing up a storm under his breath, resulting in Alex covering Liko’s ears, to her embarrassment. After a moment, he spoke up.
“My apologies about back there. I wasn’t expecting to see him at all.”
“Are you not on good terms with your father?” Orla asked.
“That’s putting it lightly. I did mention he would avoid my questions about my mother or my existence, correct? I wouldn’t be surprised if you think I wasn’t raised by him.”
“You weren’t?”
“Not at all. The one person I would call a father is the one who raised me unconditionally. Having cared for me and taught me personally, he is worthy enough for me to call a father.”
“And I guess he’s with the Explorers?” Friede questioned and Amethio nodded.
“You could say I grew up in the Explorers.” Stopping in front of Levincia, he faced everyone. “I shall return to my house now. Do you wish to follow me? Seeing that it would be nightfall regardless of your decision, you could spend the night if you choose to join me.”
“What about Director Cervantis?”
“He’s probably too wrapped up in his work to care.” He dismissed the issue casually.
“Well, you did spend time at our house.” Lucca noted. “If you don’t mind, then we are delighted by the invitation.”
Everyone else nodded in agreement and Amethio led them through Levincia. At some point, Amethio released Corviknight and had it inform the others of their upcoming arrival, which left some curious as to who else was residing at Amethio’s house.
“It seems like your sore throat is mostly better.” Mollie remarked as Amethio continued guiding them.
“It’s a relief if I were to be frank. That spice was sheer torture.”
“Your eyeballs are MINE—caught in my Electroweb! Whosawhatsit? Iono! 'Ello, 'ello, hola! Ciao and bonjour!” Everyone turned to the screen as Levincia’s popular streamer and Gym Leader began a live stream about Mother’s Day.
“It’s Iono!” Roy exclaimed happily. Amethio hummed and started walking away after watching a little of the stream on one of Levincia’s screens. “Hey! Wait up!”
“Not a fan of hers?” Alex asked.
“Not one to begin with. I have tried to immerse myself in streamers and while I do respect those who stream for a purpose such as education or general entertainment, I never really understood those streamers who stream for clickbait.”
“You know what’s a clickbait?” Dot looked at Amethio in surprise.
“Is that really a surprise?”
“For someone like you, it seems more unlikely for you to watch streamers.”
“Fair enough.” Amethio shrugged as a building came into view.
“Is-Is that a mansion?!” Murdock yelped.
“It’s my house.” Amethio replied nonplussed, greeting Corviknight who had waited for its Trainer at the entrance of the mansion.
“Of course you’d call this a house like it’s normal.”
When he saw some people being frozen in place, Amethio retorted. “Are you not coming?”
“You’re a rich kid?” Orla questioned once she recovered.
“If that’s the label you’re going for, then I suppose.”
“Wait, your comment about us being poor adventurers on New Year’s, was that an insult?” Friede looked indignant as he recalled the comment.
“Not necessarily. Feel free to take it as one if it would make you feel better.”
“As if!”
“One of those things we never would’ve found out if we didn’t decide to keep that group chat.” Mollie commented once the group regained their mind. As the two Sirfetch'd watched Amethio’s guests enter the mansion, the group in question looked around as various Pokemon were spotted in the house such as Indeedee and Minccino. They walked up the stairs – and came to a stop in front of a woman’s portrait.
“I trust you can see some resemblance between us.” Amethio stated wryly, snapping them out of their stupor.
“Is this…?” Liko asked with a twinge of sadness.
“My late mother.” He confirmed.
“Yeah, there’s a greater resemblance there.” Friede lightly joked, causing some people to chuckle. Amethio began ascending the stairs once more as the people behind moved slowly, not ready to leave the portrait behind initially. Once they did catch up with their host, the group found themselves in the sitting room. As Indeedee prepared some tea and treats for their guests happily, Orla and Onia found something that had them gushing.
“Oh my gosh!”
“You were so cute, sir!” The two ladies found some pictures perched above the fireplace, leading to a crowd surrounding the two as they were curious to their discovery. To Amethio’s embarrassment, they too found the pictures cute.
“So you had Charcadet when you were a kid? That’s amazing!”
“You seem a little chubby that it’s cute!”
“So you could be cute when you were younger. I thought you were always stoic.”
“Aww, I could look at these all day!”
“You smiled more back then, Amethio.” Liko noticed sadly.
“Maybe.” Amethio replied with reddening cheeks. “Now stop looking at those embarrassing photos!”
Everyone returned to take a seat, as Indeedee finished serving everyone, except for Diana who was holding a photo. “Diana?”
“Sorry. I wasn’t expecting to see Hamber in this photo.” She apologized with a soft smile.
“I am aware Hamber visited you to attain your pendant but did you two know each other before then?”
“We did.” She revealed as she took a seat after returning the photo to its original place. “We went on adventures together, until he left for some reason. I’ve tried asking countless times but eventually he cut off all forms of communication.”
“I see.” Amethio murmured as he raised his cup. In one corner were the Pokemon happily eating, especially Fuecoco as the Trainers ate the provided treats and drank some tea. Looking over the Pokemon while drinking his tea, Amethio, for the third time that day, choked.
“Who caught a Tinkatink?”
“I did.” Dot admitted.
“We should stop meeting in the future.” He sighed before gesturing to the Pokemon on the side, or more specifically, Corviknight. “Or did you forget I have a Corviknight?”
Said Corviknight was staring warily at Tinkatink, who was returning an eager look, not eating her food at all. Dot watched horrified. “Oh no. Tinkatink return!”
“Corviknight, you should return too.” Both Pokemon returned to their Poke Balls as Friede began laughing manically.
“Oh Arceus. Imagine when Tinkatink evolves into Tinkaton.”
“I hope I lose all contact with you.” Amethio replied sarcastically. “My apologies, but I prioritize my Pokemon’s life since Corviknight does provide aerial transport for me.”
“This is going to be tiring.” Dot sighed as she looked at Tinkatink’s shaking Poke Ball.
“Hey, Amethio.” Murdock addressed. “If it’s alright with you, can you tell us what you remember about your mother?”
“I already you told about her favorite dessert and flowers.” Amethio replied thoughtfully. “But there really is nothing much I remember. I vaguely remember going to the shrine with her a little before I got Charcadet. I brought along the plush Liko gave then too. After getting Charcadet, I vaguely recall going to a beach as you can see in that photo. I can mostly recall the Christmas I first met Liko. Unfortunately, I don’t recall anything else. This most likely would not help but my mother and I were involved in a traffic accident. Charcadet was in its Poke Ball, so technically it did not get caught up in the accident. As you can see, I survived and she didn’t. However, I dare not say I got away unscathed as it appears I suffered memory loss alongside some injuries as a result. I don’t recall much before waking up after the accident. I have regained the bits of memories I told you about, but nothing more.”
“…” No one knew what to say, or if there even was anything to say.
“Please do not say anything. I’ve had plenty of years to accept my mother is gone and the possibility of my memories of my past not returning anytime soon. I also had someone I wish I could call a parent raising me in her place. With these bits that I can remember and the ones that I’m told, it’s better than not knowing anything at all. At the very least, I know my love for panna cotta came from her, and that’s a connection to my mother I’ll forever share.”
“Well said, Master Amethio.” Everyone froze, none more so than Amethio, as they slowly turned to the doorway and faced someone resembling a butler. “Well, this is a peculiar situation, is it not, Master Amethio?”
“Hamber…”
“Your father asked me a curious question that had me question my listening skills for the first time. I certainly did not expect to be greeted by this scene while investigating your father’s concern.”
“Of course he would ask you.” Amethio clenched his fists.
“When did this start, Master Amethio?” As Hamber cut straight to the point with his open eye, Amethio instantly stood up and straightened his posture, loosening his fists in the process.
“Officially, the first morning of the new year.”
“And unofficially?”
“Christmas last year.”
“And you have been corresponding with the Rising Volt Tacklers since then?”
“Yes.” Amethio looked down as the members of said team started shifting uncomfortably.
“Please explain how this came to be.” And so Amethio did. As he explained what happened since Christmas, Hamber did not say a word. When the teen finally concluded with the morning of the first day of the year, Hamber remained still.
“The reason for your disappearance after breakfast that morning,” He spoke after a moment of silence. “Would be to confront Friede for his reckless decision, I assume?”
“Yes, Hamber.”
“And you didn’t deny the need for such a group chat?”
“Initially, I did.” Amethio honestly admitted. “I changed my mind after some persuasion.”
“For someone as stubborn as you, that is a remarkable achievement. My final question – those chocolates from Valentine’s Day. Were those from your subordinate and the female members of the Rising Volt Tacklers?”
“Yes.”
“Being used to seeing you only receiving one chocolate, I’m sure Master Spinel was ready to make you do something terrible with that bet. Imagine my surprise when you brought out more than one chocolate that day.”
“Bet?” Friede blurted out before slapping his hands over his mouth.
“Indeed.” Hamber turned to finally face the members of the Rising Volt Tacklers and their guests, including his former friend. “Every year we compare how many chocolates we got for Valentine’s Day or White Day. This year, Master Spinel has requested to add a bet for Valentine’s Day, which the majority of us agreed to have. I believe you may know who objected to the bet.”
No words were needed as all heads turned to the one person who turned away with a huff. “The condition was simple. The admin with the least chocolates would have to obey the orders of the one with the most chocolates. As expected, Master Spinel received the most chocolates.”
“If we hadn’t gathered to make chocolates for Valentine’s Day…” Orla gasped and Hamber nodded.
“Without a doubt, Master Amethio would have to do as Master Spinel would ask of him to do.”
“I never got to thank you for saving me that day. Never imagined I would be grateful for having you make chocolates for me since we first met.”
“You’re welcome.” Mollie smirked. Several eyes laid on Hamber as he walked over to the fireplace and took a photo before displaying it to the audience.
“This photo of Master Amethio at the beach…” Hamber started. “I myself took this photo.”
“You did?” Amethio asked, surprised, having assumed it was his father who took it.
“Regrettably your father had work, so he could not make it.” Ignoring Amethio’s roll of the eyes and his muttered ‘Of course he did’, the butler continued. “Shortly after I took this picture, your mother spoke with me. As you played with Charcadet, your mother wished for you to have plenty of companions for you to rely on in the future. However, someone else had other plans. Once you joined the Explorers proper, you were given missions to test your strength of accomplishing them with solely your Pokemon, and no one else. Recalling your mother’s words, I asked for you to have some subordinates to rely on.”
“And hence why Zirc and Onia came to work under me…”
“Indeed. Your mother may have left us, but she was still part of your family. Now, I see you have made some unlikely companions of your own. Do you trust them, Master Amethio?”
“Absolutely not while we’re battling.” Amethio deadpanned without hesitation, before looking down. “Outside of that, I am unsure.”
“Amethio…” Murdock murmured.
“I’ve said it before. This is unfamiliar to me. I have no idea how to act outside of what is expected of me. Yet, I don’t deny I have changed due to being in their presence. What are the consequences I will receive for this betrayal, Hamber?”
“Amethio?!” Some people looked at the admin in shock.
“Consequences?”
“It looks as though I am betraying the Explorers by associating with the very people we are supposed to be enemies with. I will accept any consequence, even leaving the Explorers should that be the outcome.”
“Perhaps as a respectable admin of the Explorers will this be a betrayal.” Hamber conceded before looking at Amethio with his open eye. “But as Amethio, how do you feel about me discovering this scenario?”
“As… me?” He looked up, confused. Amethio looked around the room as they awaited his answer. If he were to be honest with himself, however, he had none. The idea of himself. Not an Explorer admin, but himself. There were rules and expectations he had to uphold as part of the Explorers, but as himself?
Uncharacteristically, Amethio fell onto the chair in deep thought, leaving those watching him concerned. Ignoring them, Amethio thought back to anything that could provide answers as to who ‘he’ was. Desiring that answer, the first thing that came to mind was Friede offering to buy a charm that caught Amethio’s eye during New Year’s Eve. The man himself had said there’s no judgment if the younger man wanted a charm and still held true to his word, going as far as to buy one for everyone else to not make him feel alone. Unconsciously, he glanced at the charm that was tied to the bag that he received from Roy. Then came Valentine’s Day and White Day. There was no need for Amethio to be included but he still was. There were also those times when he came onto their airship or met them in town, be it a coincidence or by choice. A small gasp escaped Amethio’s mouth as he realized what he wanted as himself.
“I…” Amethio stood up and faced Hamber straight in the eye. “I wish to continue seeing them, if I’m allowed to after this. Beyond our usual fighting, they didn’t see me as Amethio of the Explorers. The Rising Volt Tacklers saw me as a person. I never noticed it due to being stuck in my role as an admin who was supposed to get Terapagos or the Black Rayquaza for our goals in the Explorers. Excluding the times when Friede would rile me up regardless, I never felt at ease before. Never even noticed it. When I accepted their invitation to join their gathering for Mother’s Day today, I never realized I accepted it as myself for in my head, I always thought of how we should be enemies on the battlefield fighting for our respective goals. If I were answer this as ‘me’, I want to join their outings if they would allow me to. I want to be able to ask them for help or of some things if it was in their capability. I want to continue being their friend.”
Hamber nodded after watching Amethio silently. “Very well. I won’t report this.”
“You won’t?” Amethio had not anticipated this answer from the person who was usually strict with rules.
“This is simply a gathering among friends to celebrate Mother’s Day, is it not? This has nothing to do with the Explorers, correct?”
“Hamber…”
“I must warn you, of course. There will be a time when you must take a stand for the path you believe in.”
“Of course.” Amethio nodded resolutely.
“Then I shall allow this to continue.” Opting to leave the room, the elderly man was stopped in his tracks.
“Hamber.”
“What is it, Diana?”
“You never really changed, have you?”
“I wasn’t aware I gave the impression I had changed. It is simply misfortune that we are opposing each other right now.” Diana laughed.
“Is that so. Then shall we adventure again when this is all over?”
“We shall see.”
“Good enough. By the way, I hope you don’t mind I gave my blessing for your kid here to marry my granddaughter in the future.”
“What?!” Alex exclaimed.
“Grandma?!” Liko became flustered as well.
“Go Diana!” Orla cheered as Amethio sighed.
“Of course you did.” Hamber chuckled lightheartedly. “In that case I shall also offer my blessing for Miss Liko to marry Master Amethio.”
“Hamber!” Amethio looked at Hamber slightly wide eyed as Diana laughed boisterously. He fell back onto his chair and planted his face into his hands. Suddenly he felt a hand on his shoulder as a voice spoke.
“It is a parent’s duty to embarrass their kid sometimes.” Amethio gaped as his father figure left the room, with people breaking down a second later.
“Did that really just happen?”
“We have two weddings to plan now!”
“Hohoh! Today is truly a delightful day.”
“These people are not normal.”
“M-Marriage?! At this age?!”
“Calm down, Liko!”
“How do you feel, Amethio?” Friede walked up to the teen amid the chaos.
“I have no clue. Overwhelmed by the situation? Stunned by my father figure’s actions? Happy to be able to see everyone after today? I just… don’t know.”
“You can take it slow for now. Hey, since we’re friends, trade a fist bump?” Friede held out a fist as Cap did the same. Looking at it, Amethio raised his own.
“Why not.” The trio traded fist bumps as Friede sported a grin that made Amethio wary.
“Now, what colors for the wedding?”
“Friede!”
“Calm down. Don’t go planning a wedding when you haven’t even proposed.” Orla lightly chided when she walked over.
“Maybe not, but we could have a dual wedding!”
“Absolutely not!”
“Amethio.” Alex addressed him, allowing Friede to slip away. “Seeing how today has gone, I wouldn’t mind if you marry Liko. I’m sorry for worrying too much.”
“Not you too! Lucca, Diana, Franka. This was supposed to be your day, and I apologize for robbing your moment from you.”
“What are you talking about?” Franka scolded. “Today was amazing in its own right. I would have offered my blessing if you wanted Dot instead. Oh, Dot! Please don’t grow up too fast! We do have much to talk about before that time comes.”
“Well.” Diana cut in Franka’s speech. “I agree with Franka here. We left some extra food by your mother’s grave earlier since we believed you were going to eat the extra panna cotta alone and we didn’t want you to eat simply that. At least until we saw the true reason for that extra panna cotta. We got to see a side of you that we never saw, and that made me happy you’re friends with the Rising Volt Tacklers. Plus, your mother did want you to have some extra friends, right? This is a moment to celebrate for her too, don’t you think?”
“I… suppose so.” Amethio agreed hesitantly, for the thought had not occurred to him until Diana had mentioned it.
“This is the future you’ve chosen for yourself now.” Lucca spoke up once the others were done saying their piece. “Whatever comes, I hope you don’t regret the future to come.”
“So do I.” Amethio nodded.
“HUUUUUUUUUUUH?!” Everyone turned to the source of the sudden yell on the other side of the room, finding a gaping Zirc who was being glared at by an annoyed Dot, who also covered her ears. He then did some weird actions, as if trying to digest whatever it was Dot told him, until his eyes landed on his boss.
‘It must be that…’ Amethio thought as his subordinate marched up to him and asked without ramble. “Did you really know Dot is Nidothing this whole time?”
“Not the whole time.” Amethio’s eyebrow twitched at the lack of manners from Zirc, but he couldn’t fault him for it. “I only knew a few hours ago, but had my suspicions for months.”
“I’ve been talking with Nidothing this whole time…” Zirc looked dazed even as Dot glowered at his reaction while walking back to the group. Liko chuckled in the background and was unfortunately heard by him. “Liko! You were traveling with Nidothing this whole time?”
“So Dot is Nidothing that Liko admires?” Alex asked, puzzled.
“Seems like it.” His wife answered before taking another treat.
“Did you know?”
“Call it a mother’s sixth sense.”
“But you’re not Dot’s mother.”
“Do I need to be?”
“I knew since I caught a glimpse of Nidothing coming out from Dot’s room when Terapagos ruined her recording.” Diana laughed.
“In a sense I knew recently too.” Franka admitted. “But I probably would have known earlier if Dot had let me enter her room. I’ve tried entering so many times that she felt the need to lock the door eventually. I’m glad she–“
Amethio drowned out Franka’s talking in favor of arguing with Friede, who for some reason was still continuing to make decisions about a wedding that would never take place currently due to Liko’s age at the very least, and reining in Zirc, who was overwhelming Liko as an exasperated Dot evidently gave up saving her friend. Unbeknownst to Amethio, someone was still listening in from beyond the door.
“You may have lost your memories from before the accident, but this scene is something your mother would want to be present for. Your mother would be proud, Master Amethio. I know I am.” Hamber softly whispered as he left the ongoing chaos that came from the sitting room.