Nightmare in Castelia City

Chapter.0 A Red Necklace

The day before the night of the first incident:

Seriously, why is it so hot out here?! You'll be fine, just help me carry this in ok? Sure mom, I chirped. We were just staying over for the summer, but wow was it crazy today. It was never this bad in Ecruteak City.

Sigh, for the last time Melissa, it's just a heatwave, it will pass. I rolled my eyes. That's what you said yesterday too. I just want to take a break. Can't you just hire the Machoke services like last time? I told you, that we can't attract too much attention. They didn't know who we were back then, but now things are a little different. Heh, maybe they recognize your face, but I still have a pretty clean slate. Why don't I just call them then?

Do that, and your grounded. Besides, they have to move the furniture inside, remember? I hate it when your right. Can I at least go for a walk? Sure, right after you move that box right over there. I look to where she's gesturing, and resist the urge to retort. It's on the other side of the living room. With everything taken care of, I storm out of the apartment to get some fresh air, and am reminded of my conversation with mom earlier. It's hot outside. The middle of the street looks wavy. Like it's a sauna. If I crossed it, I think the bottom of my shoes would melt.

I knew I should have brought a paper fan. I guess my hands will have to do. I made it a point to stay in whatever shade I could find. Awnings, check. Decorative trees, check. If there was shade, I was diving towards it. I look around the tall buildings, and noticed the absence of people, and pokemon all round, except for one place as I rounded a corner.

The biggest line, I ever seen for a store since ever. Curious, I get closer to see what the fuss is about. I tap this poor guy wearing a black, and green striped shirt on his shoulder to get his attention. Huh, what? Oh hey miss, guess you found the back of the line huh? He looked defeated as he said that. 

Uhhh, what is this line for exactly? He stares at me incredulously, as if he didn't believe what I said. You really don't know!? There's no way you couldn't, unless...your not from around here are you? Yikes, he hit the nail on the head, I better play it safe. Ye..yeah, I uhh, just got here, sooo what's going on? 

The last thing I want to give away is who I am, please just tell me what the line is for, please, please, pleeeease. 

Well I wish I could help you try one for yourself, but I'm afraid I might not even make it in time before the store closes, but I have hope, for Castelia's most iconic dessert. The Castelia Cone! He shouts with his hands splayed out. I blushed as I noticed some of the people in line turn around to look at us.  Hey keep it down, are you trying to embarrass me, but then it clicked. 

 You mean this entire line is for freaking Ice cream! It's hot out! Why wouldn't you want an ice cream? Ok, actually that does makes sense. I know right!? Castelia Cones are already the best, but on a day like today, they are second to none. 

Those both mean the same thing, you do realize that right? He sputtered. Of course I know, but first come, first soft serve, so get in line, or do whatever you kids do alright? Your starting to draw attention alright. 

Me? I'm the one who's embarrassed! Fine, I'm going. I don't need your ice cream right now anyway. I make my way down the block, and make another turn to go down another street. I don't need to be belittled for my age. If anyone was making a scene, it was obviously him.

Fufufufu. You seemed troubled... Who said that? I turn to look at the source of accusation. I'm not troubled. I just need a break from all the heat. That's what troubled means girl.

I see her now. An elderly priestess, and yes I did say elderly, which was surprising with the heat wave going on. I haven't seen a single elder outside, not even to get in line for that ice cream booth. How was she handling the heat? If she could do it, then she must have a way for me to beat the heat too.