A new day arrived in the Kalos region, the occupants enjoyed a breakfast to start their day as Evan came back into the room in a hurry.
"Kids! Wonderful news! The Doctor finally responded to my messages. He shall be back here tomorrow. He said he will be more than happy to hand deliver you a Keystone Miss Serena." Evan said with a cheer as the three enjoyed their meal.
"Oh that's wonderful! It seems I'll be able to go home very soon then." Serena said with a smile.
"And then Pikachu and I will be as helpful as we can be!" "Pika!" The duo exclaimed, excited to meet the doctor that requested them.
Will didn't respond, keeping his focus on his plate, yet barely eating all the same.
"And you Will. You are heading home too right?" Evan asked the young man. Despite being eighteen, Evan still only saw him as a child.
"I. Yeah. My mom's probably worried sick about me." He laughed awkwardly.
"Oh that's right! You are from Kalos too. What city are you from?" Serena asked, making conversation.
"Oh, uh. Vaniville Town." He replied, still a little awkward.
"Really? That's where I live too. Perhaps we can head that way together then." She laughed at the coincidence.
"Yeah, maybe." He replied to her his expression hard to read.
"Will, are you alright?" Evan asked the man. He could tell something was bothering him, but unsure what it was.
"It's fine Evan." He remarked simply.
"You can talk to us Will if you want." Ash said reassuringly.
"Yeah, it's the least we can do." Serena said with a smile.
He looked at the young girl, then sighed. "I uh, just, haven't been home in a long time. Haven't been the best about keeping in touch either... I. I'm scared of what she will think. Okay? I... I'm scared to go home." He admitted, he was running out of time, what he kept hidden mattered far less to him.
"How long exactly has it been?" Ash asked Will.
Will hesitated to respond. "Six years. I... Haven't spoken to my family in six years." He admitted, looking down in shame.
"Oh. I could see why you would be so nervous about it then." Serena said with some understanding.
"William. Why haven't you said something sooner? You know I could've arranged-"
"That's not the point Evan." Will spoke, cutting him off. "I could've gone sooner. I should've gone sooner... But... How do you go to the most important people in your life and beg for forgiveness?! What should I do... If they hate me..." He said, sadness almost seeping in. "Excuse me." He said excusing himself from the table,
Serena noticed him glance her way one last time, before retreating down the hallway.
"I hope he's alright. I'm sure once he's home he'll feel a lot better right?" Ash said optimistically.
Serena looked down, thinking in the depths of her mind. She seemed completely lost in thought.
"Serena? Are you okay?" Ash asked his friend concerned.
"Huh? Oh, yeah. Just..." She trailed off, looking down the hall. "I have such an odd case of Deja Vu." She admitted. "I'm going to go check on him. If we are both heading to Vaniville maybe I can do something to help him once he's home." Serena said, hopeful to help the man who had helped her.
"We'll be right here if you need us." "Pika." Ash and Pikachu say to their friend as she walks down the hall towards Will's room.
"Will?" Serena called out, knocking on the door. The door was slightly ajar, her knocking opening it further. She hesitated for a moment, "Will?" She peaked inside to see no one in there, despite swearing he had walked this way. Perhaps he was in another room somewhere. She was going to continue on, before something caught her eye. She hesitated more, unsure on how to react, double guessing what it was she had seen. Having to convince herself she miss seen, she carried on, opening the door and walking inside. In the middle of the desk, was a journal which sat next to a picture of someone she couldn't not know.
"Mom?" She said aloud to herself, very confused. It was an older picture, a signed autograph from one of her races. Serena, overcome with confusion, looked over at a crumpled piece of paper, which looke ripped out of a journal, that was thrown on the floor. She couldn't help herself, she had to go further down this hole, she picked it up and slowly unfolded the paper unsure what she would find within it. She read, nonetheless.
Truthfully, I don't remember any of my early life. My parents, my home, even my name is lost to me. Who I was before, I probably will never know, who it was I was supposed to be. Nothing before the memory of an orphanage, never to know why I was there. I remember this, and you would think it brings sadness to me. No. It doesn't. Whoever the boy was before doesn't matter, that boy was given a new name. That name, is the one that matters.
As far as my memory knows, I was always an orphan. I ran away from that place often, not for freedom, but pure curiosity. Wanting to explore the wide world outside my window. See the amazing creatures waiting outside for me to encounter. I was stuck waiting to have a family like in all the books I read, and was assured would come. They brought me back of course, but they couldn't hold me. Time and time again, I found adventure in the smallest ways. My memory is fuzzy, as childhood often is, but I can't say it was a horrible life.
One day, I ran away once again, planning where I would go, what I would see before I was found. By per chance, I ran into a little girl. She had been separated from her mother in the busy city streets, scared and alone, just as I had always been.
I truly did nothing of note. The story is really quite as simple as that. I helped her, I kept her safe, I found her mother. I did what anyone should've done. What many others if they had realized before me would've. The right thing. She couldn't have been gone for more than minutes, seconds even. Like a quick panicked glance when something isn't exactly where you expected it to be, yet I saw them reunite, so grateful to have one another again. It would be a lie to say jealousy didn't flow through me, but I was happy at the same time. Helping someone, was genuinely its own reward. However in this case, I got more than I ever deserved.
The mother thanked me, grateful for me. Offered to bring me home and express her thankfulness to my parents. I tried to deny, not in a hurry to return, but she insisted. I didn't know how to refuse. Brought me back to the Orphanage she did, to the mother's surprise of course. I thought I would be stuck inside even longer that time, further lockdown, but it was the opposite. The kind woman came back. She came back, to bring me with her. To be a part of her family. That girl I helped, became my dear little sister. I finally had a family to call my own. A mother and sister to love. I was so happy.
For... A short time... that was my home. Of course, I enjoyed newfound freedom. I became a Pokemon trainer like every child dreamed. I became a good one too. I had a strong win record in Junior rankings, and had a promising career as a battler ahead of me. If only I knew then, how much of a curse that would end up being...
I was approached after a battle, said they were talent scouts or something the like. They wanted me to go with them, they wanted to help me reach my true potential they said. I refused. I was content, battling for fun and glory. Having a loving home. I didn't need nor want more. It wouldn't be the last time I was approached, the offers becoming more and more tempting. I refused, for any deal meant leaving home for who knows how long. I had only been home for a couple years, I wanted nothing more than to stay with my family...
Eventually... There was no more choice. I was ambushed, taken away. So much after that, is still blurry. All I wanted was to go home. All I wanted was to see my family. All I wanted... I had. I was put to sleep to stop my resistance. My kicking and screaming silenced.
I eventually woke up, but not before years had passed. The nightmares despite ending, felt as if they remained. I was alone and scared once again. All I wanted remained the same. All I wanted was to see you again. No matter how long it had been. You are my family, my home.
But then, the world was different. Years had passed without me. I grew, as did you. Being asleep, longer than I got to spend with you. I couldn't help but let the horrors get to my mind. Did you remember me? Did you miss me?
...Do you hate me?
I know, I left for short times to battle, to explore but still... I always came home. One day, I didn't. Did you think something horrible had happened? Or did you think I abandoned you?
In a way, both had happened I suppose, within my control or not. I'm sorry for not being there. For not being who I want to be.
I do not expect forgiveness. Yet, you deserve to know what happened, and what happened to me.
Serena didn't even remember me, then again, she was so little then. I'm not sure if I didn't recognize her, or refused to accept who she was. I can't help but wonder if it's best that it remains that way. I guess, in the end that will be up to you.
When I finally see you again, I simply want to say. Thank you, for the best moments of my life. It will forever be. I wish I could tell you all of this myself. You deserve to know the truth. All of it.
I love you Mom, you and-
Serena sat down on the nearby bed, processing the information laid before her. Will was... That Will? She tried to comprehend what to make of the situation, incredibly confused, her emotions unreadable. Collecting herself, she stood up. She had to face him, learn the truth for herself.
She came back out to the dining area.
"Everything okay Serena?" Ash asked, noticing her unreadable expression.
"I... Need to talk to Will." She said, simply, trying to not show her confusion.
"He went out to the garden dear, I assume he's thinking to himself." Evan spoke up, not sure what was going on either.
"Thank you. I'll be back." She said, before heading out the door.
Ash and Pikachu weren't sure what was going on, but could feel this was something Serena had to face alone.
~
Will overlooked the horizon, the sun just starting to reach its peak in the sky. He sighed, knowing what awaited him soon. He was terrified of it.
I'm getting tired of all this moping. This is supposed to be funny, not pathetic.
"What do you want from me Liam? You know why I'm so scared. Don't you?" Will replied quietly, reflecting on his life to that point.
Yes, you are a coward. That's been established.
Will sighed. "Yeah. I am. I- keep running away from all my problems. I know that I have to do this, see her. I just don't know what happens after that..." He admitted.
Liam gave a small laugh. It's nice to hear someone finally admit it. Now then, let's see if you truly won't run away...
"What are you-" Will stayed quiet, hearing the door to the building open. He wasn't facing whoever was approaching, but he had a good guess as to who it was.
Serena approached the young man staring off over the horizon at the bright sky, unable to make out any body language from him. Her expression was unreadable, for even she didn't know how to feel at the revelations before her. She stepped closer, still unsure of what to say or do.
"Did you need something, Serena?" Will asked, startling the girl. She didn't realize he knew she was there.
She stood silent for a moment, trying to collect her thoughts. "...William." She mumbled softly.
"...That is my full name, yes." He responded simply, trying to act as if nothing is out of the ordinary, lying to himself in the process.
"I went looking for you." She said with hesitation and confusion.
"Well, you found me didn't you?" Will replied, still not looking at her, standing his ground.
"I... knocked on your door and it nudged open. I didn't see you and was going to keep walking but.."She began.
"...You saw the photo." Will said simply, realizing his mistake. Why he hadn't tucked it away better, was lost to him.
"Yeah. I did." Serena said simply, still trying to judge the situation for herself.
Will sighed. "Alright, you got me... I'm a big Rhyhorn race fan. Okay? I thought-"
"I found your journal page." She said more sternly, cutting off further lies from the man.
Will stood there, defeated. "Fine. The truth, and only the truth. No more games, no more lies. I'm sorry." He said simply. Serena stayed silent to listen. "You really don't remember me, but you were so little at the time I suppose it's to be expected. Yes Serena, I'm your brother. Mom took me in eight years ago." He confessed, the words almost hurting on the way out.
"Then, where have you been all this time?" She asked, still in shock, unsure what to make of this revelation.
"I've only been awake for, maybe almost a year? A majority of those years I wasn't conscious." He responded once more, not facing her.
"Only most? Then. Why... Didn't you go home? To Mom?" She asked, voice trying to not break as well, rightfully confused by the man's logic.
He stayed silent for a short time. "Scared of this exact moment." He replied truthfully. "A stupid, horrible excuse." He continued. "No matter what happened to me, you both deserved to know what happened. I'll never not be sorry for that, mean something or not."
"...You really think... I hate you. That Mom hates you. Don't you?" Serena replied softly, tone unable to be determined.
"I wouldn't blame you. I'd hate me right now. Heck, I do hate me right now." He said almost with a glum chuckle.
"In some ways, you'd be correct..." She admitted.
Will simply dropped his head, understanding this was for the best.
"I really hate what you did." She admitted further.
He closed his eyes, trying to erupt in sadness. Before he could, he heard her speak again.
"But, how... could I truly hate you?" She responded, trying to fight back tears of her own.
The strong, reserved man. Broke. "...why?" He couldn't help but ask this time.
"I... Never got to really know you. I was too little to remember more than blurs. When I saw the note, somethings came back to me." She explained, her voice soft. "I knew I had a brother, just, never knew what happened to him. Mom never wanted to bring you up, so I didn't." She further stated, leaving Will looking down even further. "But, when I could tell something was bothering her, it wasn't anger. It was sadness. Mom is probably still waiting for you to come home even right now. You may get a stern talking, but I know Mom wouldn't turn you away either. You must know that yourself too." She said finding confidence back, it was a strange situation, but her feelings were quickly settling. "Besides... It wasn't your fault for leaving. Just that you didn't come back... Would you have, if not for this?" She asked, curious.
He hesitated. "I told myself I'd find you after this job. No matter what excuse or fear I had." He admitted. "But there is no excuse. I should've found you once I escaped... But I was so scared..." The young man said with tears falling from his eyes. "I didn't know what you thought happened. I didn't know if you thought I abandoned you. I didn't know if you hated me... I- I couldn't face that reality..." He confessed. "Now, fate is making me face this. Face your judgment. Just know... I'm so sorry. So-"
He was cut off, engulfed in a hug he hadn't felt in so long. He looked down slightly in disbelief, at the girl hugging him tightly, tears falling from her eyes all the same. Slowly, he hugged her back, unable to believe his situation.
"I never knew what to think." She replied through her tears. "I never hated you for it. I just hoped you were okay, wherever you were. Hoped you'd find your way back home and... I'd get to meet you." She explained.
"...I wasn't okay." He replied honestly. "I've only had one thing go okay in the last few years." He said.
"What was that?" She asked him, loosening her grip.
"I got to see you again." He replied with a slight smile.
The two smiled at each other, thankful to be reunited after so long. "What has happened to you Will? Where have you been?" She asked concerned, wiping away tears.
"That... Is a long story. Details, I'm still not quite certain about. I had hoped looking for answers for the Doctor would help me find some as well. I want to know why I was ripped away from my family. I want to make the person who caused all of this to pay." He responded with a slight growl.
"What do you know?" She asked her long lost brother.
He sighed. "I was found by the Doctor. I- was found by the doctor here in the laboratory." He explained, Serena turning around in surprise looking back at the building. "He used to live here a long time ago. He had left this place behind and someone else moved in. Eventually, he came back here for something and found me. Even he's unsure of why, or how I was sustained for so long." He explained. "Scared to go home, I stayed with him. I helped with his research, hoping to find some answers myself. I guess I thought if I had the whole story, you'd forgive me easier..."
"...I won't agree with your choice to hide yourself away. But I can at least tell you are sorry about it. Even if I can't accept your choice right this moment, I'm sure I can move past it." She admitted to the boy.
"I can live with that." He responded simply. "I don't deserve to be let off lightly. Whatever you think of our relationship now... I hope... We could at least be friends again like we once were." He asked hopefully.
"Friends?" She asked, taken aback. "No, I want my brother Will. I want to be able to remember him this time." She replied with a slight smile.
He smiled back, more tears forming, hugging her once again. "All I've wanted... Is to be your brother again." He said, his tears finally running out as well. He backed up, collecting himself. "Tomorrow we will get you that keystone and I'll have the rock cut into a gem for Absol. Once you are satisfied, I'll go back home with you." He said, confidence finally flowing through him without a facade.
"Really?" She asked, knowing how hesitant he had been to face their mother for the last year.
"Really. Even if she grounds me for another 8 years." He said with a slight grin.
Absolutely not. I have plans! Remember Jhoto idiot? That's it, no going home!
Serena laughed happily. "I'll tell her 7 is plenty."
"Yeah, that sounds about right." He replied simply, the relief making him feel as if he could walk on air and pass out at the same time. "There's so much I want to ask you. So much you have every right to ask me. But, we should probably make sure the others aren't too worried huh? I- didn't really have a great morning did I?" He said sheeplishly.
Serena nodded, agreeing to pause their reunion for a moment to check in with their friends. They headed inside, the dark clouds that had seemed to be looming recently, fading away.
~
"Oh, it's so wonderful you two were able to be reunited by fate." Evan said happily, touched by the sibling's story.
"So all that time, he had been right here huh? What happened to knock someone out for a whole bunch of years?" Ash said, both confused and concerned. "Pika pika."
"I- wish I could tell you kids much more than that. Years back, the doctor and I developed what I could only call a healing tank." He explained to the kids, gaining their attention fully. "The doctor has been looking for cures for severe illnesses after his wife's passing. A way to stabilize a patient and give them more time to heal. Our tests weren't successful at first, but showed progress. However, the clock began ticking when his daughters health suddenly declined..." Evan said, the memories saddening the man.
"She didn't make it." Will said softly, thinking to himself, as if this was the first time he had heard this story.
"Yes. Sadly our last attempt at a human trial was a failure. Understandably we backed out of the project, the Doctor heading on his own path for a while." Evan explained further.
"No wonder he left this place... I couldn't even imagine. What would've made him come back to find Will then?" Serena asked, the story almost leaving more questions in her mind.
"That, I'm honestly still not sure. One day, I received a call to drop everything and meet back at the old lab. Someone had seemingly taken over our operations at some point, to do what with we still aren't sure." He continued. "While the old pods were still untouched, there was a new one with lasting power. There was a boy in there, with vital signs."
"Were you sick or something?" Ash asked Will, still not fully understanding.
"No. Not that I'm aware anyway." I would count as my current situation as sick but-
Shut it.
"I only remember talk of some betterment program. Then, I was ambushed one day by some guys and.." he trailed off.
"We still don't have all the answers as to why, but we were able to get him out. Despite apparently being in there for years he was in perfect health. I couldn't believe it. He was in almost perfect condition, his strength has been a valuable tool for us here." Evan explained further.
"Strength?" Serena asked, confused.
"Evan..." Will sighed, annoyed.
"Oh! My apologies, yes that was a secret. I had assumed the circumstances were fine here." Evan said apologetically.
Will sighed. "It's fine, you're right. It's just awkward." He said, turning to Serena. "The... only thing I really noticed is my strength, endurance, all that physical attributes seem... Enhanced?" He said, struggling to put into proper words.
"Like a superhero?!" Ash asked in wonder, looking at Will like he's the coolest person ever.
"What? No. Well, kinda?" Will sighed. "I can only assume someone went experimenting for something similar or the like... probably reused their idea to give supplements instead of medication. I guess you could call it a bonus? Doesn't even come close to making up for missing you for years but..." Will explained more, stumbling on his words more.
"Oddly, we couldn't get any trace of the machines program. It was like it killswitched when opened. Whatever was actually given to Will is lost to time. Maybe for the best." Evan said, seemingly still concerned about it.
"So then, what about those people who were here?" Ash asked.
"Long gone. The place was abandoned when we returned. The lab door was covered up well, but of course we knew where it was. I could only guess it was an old Flare project that of course would be lost. I would hope William here would be able to forget it all as a bad memory one day soon." Evan said sincerely, happy that boy seems happier than he has ever seen him before.
"Agreed. I'm truly ready to leave this place behind. Tomorrow or the day after, Serena and I are heading home." Will said aloud, Serena nodding in agreement.
"Wonderful. I simply ask, please do keep in touch." Evan said with a small laugh.
"Of course Evan, and I guess you'll now know where to find me for that battle eventually Ketchum." Will said with a confident laugh.
"Eventually? I'll be heading over to Vanville as soon as I'm done here!" "Pika!" Ash and Pikachu said with their own confidence.
Serena laughed softly. "Maybe I'll have to stay for a few more days just to see that happen."
The trio all laughed as Evan watched on with a smile. Everything seemed to be going perfect for them all, especially Will who he was worried would never find his footing. Tomorrow will be a new beginning for everyone.
~
Will returned to his room, still overwhelmed with feelings. He went over to the small desk within and opened a drawer, two PokeBalls sitting inside. "Hey guys." He said quietly, taking them out. He released the two Pokemon, a Quilladin and Jolteon onto his bed.
"Quilladin!" "Jolteon!" The Pokemon cried out, happy to see their trainer.
"I'm sorry you two, I haven't been here much the last few days." Will said apologetically. Since waking up, he found his bag tossed aside, his faithful partners waiting for him all that time. After the years, even after reuniting they had grown used to their PokeBalls, with Will not seeing a need to train more, he let them rest as they pleased.
"Things are going better. We are finally going home." Will said, grabbing his bag for his other PokeBall.
"Quilladin?" His partner asked.
"Yes, for real this time. I know there isn't much open space for you guys here, not to mention the doctor not wanting you two getting into any trouble. But, once we are home, I'm sure Mom will let you enjoy the yard again all you want." Will said, his eyes getting ready again.
The Pokemon cheered at the news as Will released Absol next. The Pokemon yawned, never being as active as the others, at least outside of the battlefield.
"Although, a friend has asked us to come out of retirement for one last battle if you guys are willing." He said to his dear friends.
"Quilladin?" The Pokemon asked once again.
"I- don't know. I miss battling, and I know you guys do. Maybe, we can at least keep ourselves from getting rusty huh?" Will said, thinking aloud.
"Jolteon!" His other partner cried in confidence.
"I'm sorry I haven't been able to give you guys the most the last couple years. I haven't given much to anyone... But, I want this to be a fresh start, for us all. I may not be much of a battler now but, I'm still your trainer and friend. From now on, you guys will stay by my side." He said to his partners. He knew that despite their strength and loyalty, they deserved better from their trainer than in this room and their PokeBalls most days. Him not bringing them along the last few days, fearing bad memories returning was a poor excuse.
"Let's go home together. Let's travel together. And let's beat Ketchum together. Are you still with me?" He asked his three partners.
"Quilla!" "Jolteon!" The duo cheered, seemingly as happy as Will to go home.
"Absol? I know I've relied on you a lot. Please, forgive me for continuing to do so." He said to his newest partner.
Will had caught Absol shortly before he was abducted, he always asked himself Absol had been trying to warn him of what was coming, but the naive Boy had no way to know what was. With Liam being around, he was able to communicate with Absol even easier than with some people. He could only assume it had something to do with the Mega energy, yet another mystery he had hoped to find an answer to while here.
"Sol." It replied, rather simply.
"Thank you guys..." Will said, a smile that had been so rare for him on his face.
So, you really seem serious this time.
"I am Liam. It's time to stop running. I may not be that boy who was taken anymore, but I have to embrace his memory. It's time for our nightmare to end, don't you agree?" Will asked, knowing even he had grown since they first met. His once tormentor had done nothing but bug him about experiencing more of the world for the last year or so.
I can't say I disagree. Although know that nightmares don't fade so easily Will. Things will make leaving them behind difficult.
"What do you mean?" Will asked, confused by what sounded almost like a warning.
Tomorrow is a new beginning for us all. That is certain Will. Where will it take us? Do not act so certain.
"You never give advice..." Will mumbled. "Liam, what's going on?" He asked, concerned.
...Energy fluctuates within Abyssus, something is going on. I just can't help but-
Will scoffed. "So what?" He asked. "We escaped it for a reason... What does it matter now?" He said, almost frustrated at the memories.
...Yes. Forget it. It's their problem now isn't it? Liam laughed a little. You think they still wait for you?
Will stood quiet, thinking of what the creature said. "What else was I supposed to do?" He asked, quietly, guilty.
As you have, survive. The world, existence, is cruel. You've taught me that much. Despite all, we carry on.
"...We carry on." Will repeated, looking back over to his Pokemon partners, so much flowing through his mind.
Tomorrow, he closed this horror story for good, ending the nightmare once and for all. Tomorrow, everything would begin anew.
~
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