Ash's Paldea Story

Chapter 84 Area Zero Day 2

(Tuesday)

The next day has arisen, and we decide to head further deep into Area Zero. On our way, we also decide to chat for some information.

"I...I almost never saw my parents in my whole life." Arven mutters.

"Oh? Is it time for the backstory reveal?" Penny asks.

"Penny! Shhh!" Reisa shushes her.

"They were always busy with work. Hardly ever came home. I cooked for myself, cleaned for myself... Mabosstiff was the only one I had to talk to. So, yeah, I don't really know them at all. Even if they are my parents."

"It must be very harsh on you." Drandon says.

"I tried not to think too much about it. Tried to just be proud that they were these famous genii. But the truth is, I would've rather just had parents who were there...even if they weren't anything great. I haven't seen them for ages now. Unless you count seeing them in the news or whatever. Used to at least get emails sometimes. But even those stopped a couple years ago. And then they appear, out of the blue, and tell me we've gotta come to Area Zero? Tch. Some family, right?"

"Oh, uh... But..." Penny mutters. "We're not here to judge or anything... And... I'm sorry about yesterday. I shouldn't have snapped at you like that..."

"Naw, I was also giving you a hard time. Sorry...uh..." Arven says.

"Penny. My name's Penny." Penny says.

"You know...you're actually pretty nice for a little pipsqueak!"

"Heh... Don't call me a pipsqueak, you big lunk!" Penny says.

"That's the spirit, you two!" Nemona cheers.

After we decide to change some topics, Arven decides to speak up again, "Last time I came to the Great Crater, I was trying to go see my parents...I got about this far, then I got attacked by some kind of creature I'd never seen before."

"Really? What kind of Pokemon was it?!" Luke asks.

"It wasn't even a Pokémon. More like this crazy-violent, rampaging sort of thing and crazy-weird, metallic, machine thing..."

"You sure it wasn't just a Pokemon that's a little more, I dunno, rampagey and roboty than average? Nemona asks.

"Yeah, I'm sure! It was like a completely different creature altogether! And it hurt Mabosstiff really bad, so it's not like I'd just forget! I don't ever want to run into that awful thing again..." Arven mutters.

"They were that strong, huh?" Nemona asks. "I wonder if there are more of them other than the Donphan and the Volcarona we saw."

"...That's what I figured you'd say." Arven mutters.

"You're real tactless sometimes, Nemona. You know that?" Penny sighs.

When we finally reach the second research station, I say, "The second research station! About time, too."

"Phew! Let's... Let's head in and... take a breather..." Nemona is panting.

"I thought you'd have a bit more stamina, student council girl." Arven sighs, well, we did walk for a couple hours.

"Heh heh... Hoo... I'm just full of surprises!" Nemona says.

"That wasn't a compliment, you know..." Drandon mutters.

Penny turns around and says, "Hey, look - A Delibird and a Jigglypuff! It's good to see some nice familiar Pokemon down here too."

The two Pokemon get our attention, but I notice that something's off with those two.