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There is much AZ would change if given the chance. The sins he’s committed are irredeemable in his mind. Now he’s put the ones he cares for most in danger. He would never change knowing Team MZ, though. Urbain and his patchwork group of friends have been a highlight in the long life he’s lived. Now, he’s tired and can feel the urge to wind down and face what comes next. First though, he promised to cook for Team MZ when they return victorious from cleaning up the mess he made.
AZ reflects on his favorite moments with the group as he cooks. He ensures everyone’s taste is accounted for in the spread he’s preparing. He tries his hand at Urbain’s croissant curry. It’s a bit more runny than the gelatinous dish is supposed to be, but he figures it’s alright. It’s the thought that counts, after all. Though Naveen seems to have come around to Urbain’s culinary creation, AZ makes a platter full of sandwiches as well. For Lida, he makes a batch of Poke Puffs to satisfy her sweet tooth. Lastly, for Harmony, he makes a simple but filling dish from her home region.
As he’s making the croissant curry, AZ remembers when he first met Urbain. He’d come to the city looking for someone, only having a coat to physically remember them by. Urbain had been frazzled and looking for anywhere to stay. When he came into the hotel, he begged AZ to let him stay. He’d informed the old man that while he couldn’t necessarily pay for a room, he was crafty and could really put Hotel Z on the map. Of course, AZ didn’t care if he was ever able to repay the cost of his room; he just wanted the kid to have somewhere safe. AZ then saw the potential Urbain had in Pokemon fighting and mentioned that the Z-A Royale might be a place he thrived while looking for his mystery person. The memory of meeting his young friend, the one who is marching to Centrico Plaza right now to deal with his mistake, brings a bittersweet smile to his face. He’ll never be able to tell him, but the company and effort he’s made in helping AZ is more than enough to pay him back.
Assembling the sandwiches for Naveen is easy, and he’s able to easily concentrate on a cherished memory with him. It wasn’t too long after Urbain had initially brought him to Hotel Z. He had found Naveen hanging out in the lobby alone, working on a sewing project. AZ had asked the boy what he was working on. It was a few seconds before he responded, but eventually he informed AZ he was working on a gift for his younger sister. AZ simply nodded, leaving the boy in peace. He’d then made his way into the kitchen to brew some coffee for him and Naveen. When he returned, he gently placed a cup down in front of Naveen before taking his cup and sitting across from the boy. The silence lasted for a long while. It was comfortable, though. Eventually, Naveen finished his project and got up to leave. But before he walked away, he smiled shyly at AZ and thanked him for spending time with him. That kind of tranquil time spent together has always meant a lot to AZ, and he’s glad to know it meant something to Naveen as well.
It’s not until he’s making the Poke Puffs that AZ realizes he hasn’t made these in decades. The recipe is straightforward enough, but does require precision measurements to not mess anything up. He’s not really able to let his mind drift until the puffs are in the oven. Once they’re baking, however, AZ has some time to sit and think about his fondest memory of Lida. He had seen through the front window that she was out in the courtyard practicing one of her dance routines. He went to the kitchen to grab a cold bottle of water to give her when she inevitably needed a break. AZ set the water down beside her things in the courtyard and was about to leave when she had called for him to wait. Lida asked if he would stay and watch her routine, which she had finally perfected. AZ could sense she was excited to show off to someone, so he naturally obliged. He watched in awe as she moved around with vigor and joy. To say she was talented would be an understatement. The old man clapped politely when she was done, and she had thanked him bashfully. Then she got a mischievous glint in her eye. She’d asked if AZ would be willing to learn one of the dance moves so she could prove anyone could do it. At first, the man had refused, but eventually gave in as she pouted at him. She instructed him on what to do before guiding his movements ever so slightly. AZ could feel the strain he was putting on his old joints. There was a loud crack as he felt something pop. He felt blinding pain for a moment before it subsided. He turned to Lida, who quickly asked if he was alright. He’d assured her nothing broke, but that maybe he would leave the dancing to her. AZ laughed at the memory as the oven timer went off and he pulled out the puffs.
Then there was Harmony, the newest addition to Team MZ. She was obviously an incredibly talented trainer, and there was no doubt that with her aid, Lumiose would be safe and eventually thrive after he’s long gone. AZ’s time with Harmony was the shortest, and therefore he didn’t have as much to look back on, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t time well spent. He remembers the first night Harmony arrived at the hotel. Urbain had told her to make sure to check out the view on the roof. Following his instructions, she had. She had found AZ already there with Floette, looking over the city. Harmony introduced herself again and asked AZ if she was intruding. He’d informed her she wasn’t and invited her to join him. He’d asked if she’d ever visited the city before. Harmony shook her head, and AZ took it upon himself to point out each district and where certain landmarks were. She had listened intently, with wonder in her eyes. It was clear she was excited about learning about and exploring the city. She’d asked him questions about the city that he was happy to answer. Once the conversation had died down and AZ had no more to tell her, he excused himself, bidding her a final welcome as well as a goodnight.
Finally, after a few hours of working on everything, the feast for Team MZ was complete. He could feel that bone-deep weariness settling in. AZ didn’t have much longer. He had wanted to wait for Team MZ to return and join in on their celebration. Yet, it was late, and he’s not even sure he could face the group after all the danger he had just put them in. He spent the last of his energy writing a note to each member of the team, placing it at the seat they normally occupied in the dining room. He mentioned the reason he had made the dish for them and then assured each one that he was simply tired and would see them in the morning to congratulate them on a job well-done. AZ signed each note and ended it with a heartfelt thanks to each of Team MZ’s members.
In his heart, AZ knew there would be no tomorrow for him. It was his time, and he felt at peace with that knowledge. Lumiose was safe in the hands of his beloved Team MZ. He regretted not being able to bid his dear Floette a more proper goodbye, but he knew she’d understand. She would be free to choose a new companion, someone more spry and with hands that weren’t stained in blood. AZ made his way to his room and made himself comfortable one last time. The memories he had with Team MZ are irreplaceable, and he hopes they’ll all remember him fondly. He’s uncertain about what will wait for him beyond this life, but he knows he can pass contentedly knowing everything will work out for the city and the ones he loves.