Pokémon Fool's Gold | Orre & Galar Fanfiction

Chapter 81: A New Beginning

The plane prepared to take off from Citadark Isle's precarious runway. Lyndon fell instantly asleep on Archie's shoulder. No-one wanted to disturb him. Courtney sat beside Trip. She stared distantly at the seat ahead before abruptly turning to him with a pained expression.

'I know... I'm not... Laila... and there's a big... age gap but... I want the best for Don... I swear. And I've... always... looked forward... to meeting you. He spoke... so highly... of you. Can... can... can I... come see you... play football?'

She was so bizarrely sincere, Trip couldn't help smiling. 'Of course you can. If I ever play football again, that is. I have a lot of training to do with a baby on the way. Do you have any kids...?'

'No... I... wasted 33 years... loving my Leader Maxie. He loved me... too... but he was never... going to... act on it. So... I owe a lot... to Don... for waking me up. I'd like... to... to know... your child... if you can come to... trust me.'

'So... what exactly do Team Magma do?'

Trip hoped Courtney might speak less robotically the more they talked, but she didn't. He got used to it instead. She and Laila were worlds apart... but perhaps that was why Lyndon loved her and why Trip found himself warming to her, too. Their lives weren't changing to replace what once was, but to begin again.

Anabel's Latios landed at the harbour. Before Sherles steered Alfie back into his car, they were startled by a yell that boomed over the frenzy of chattering voices.

'Alfred!'

Alfie froze. An elderly woman, brandishing a walking stick, shoved past curious youngsters awaiting the plane's return.

'If you don't have a damn good reason for showing your face again in this town, this stick is on the fast track to your ass!'

'I came to apologise to Lyndon, mom.'

Sherles nodded. 'It's true.'

'...Oh.'

She blinked. 'Well... that's a surprise. I thought you'd be after Abbey's husband again...'

'I don't even know why I cared.'

'Tauros shit.'

'Mom... I've had 17 years of barely anyone but fucking Ardos Luvaro speaking to me to realise I wasted my entire life. And my relationship with my son. And Abbey. I don't care about Leon anymore. If you want to meet Lyndon, they're taking him to Happiny Psychiatric Hospital in Phenac. Bye.'

The car door slammed. Alfie's mom, Janie, hesitated before approaching Sherles.

'And if I want to visit him...?'

'Pyrite Jail, ma'am. His visiting hours are 1PM to 5PM.'

As the plane landed, Zane peeked through the curtains at the Pokémon HQ Lab. The Orrean sun was as bright as ever. He knew the comforting hand on his shoulder was Michael's before he glanced back.

'Just like the day you came back from Citadark Isle.'

'Yeah. It sure feels nostalgic... but it's your time now.'

'I knew mom would be OK, but...'

'I know, Zane. I know.'

Zane hugged his uncle tight. They climbed with Hop onto Lugia to collect their friends from Gateon Port. Jovi collided with her son and husband in a suddenly teary-eyed hug on the runway. Cail and Lon returned home. There was damage to be repaired in Pyrite. Looker drove everyone else, except Trip and Lumir, to Phenac City. Zane warned Amber. She was holed up in the basement with her family, where those who could see auras were least affected by the shadows consuming Orre; though they no longer felt so heavy. Quinn and Cyle prepared to return to Gateon Port in the lobby. They hugged Pierre, but they wanted to thank Hop for protecting them, too, before they left. Pierre nodded at Amber.