Everlasting Memories (Pokémon Hugh X Rosa)

Memories of their First Fight

Nate can't stop laughing. Beside him, Hugh is seething. He immediately regrets telling him that story.

And it's not just Nate. Their opponents, a backpacker and a biker, are also in hysterics.

"Dude," the biker wipes a tear from his eye, "you. Touched. Her. Boob. Dude!"

Hugh just stands there, simmering quietly. He could punch Nate right now and retire from the Battle Subway.

Or, he could use some of the lessons he'd learnt over the past year and not let his anger get the best of him.

Although Plan A sounds tempting, he sticks with Plan B. It's the way Rosa would have expected him to behave, if she was still with him.

If she was still with him...

His train of thought is derailed by a loud ringing sound. Hugh notices Nate unhook his Xtransceiver from his belt loop. However, Nate does not answer it and silences it instead, a grim expression on his face. Hugh watches a pretty, pink-haired girl's image disappear from the screen.

"What was that?" he says sharply. This event has piqued his interest. Nate doesn't seem like the kind of person with girl problems. But the mere thought of him and Nate being in the same boat makes Hugh feel a little better.

"Nobody," replies Nate sullenly. The two move on to the next car.

"Didn't look like nobody to me," says Hugh, failing to keep the mockery out of his voice. It isn't like him to pry into somebody else's business, but if there's one thing his journey has taught him, it's to get his head out of his ass and realize that other people have problems, too.

"I don't want to talk about it," says Nate, sounding suspiciously like Hugh.

"Did you get into a fight with her?" Hugh asks, raising his eyebrows. He waits for the other boy to reply, but Nate is silent.

Oh, well. Can't say he didn't try.

"'Cause I know what that's like," he says sadly, staring into the distance.

Seven months ago

Hugh hid behind the billboard, listening intently.

"Ugh, I can't stand this anymore!" complained the Plasma grunt. "How much longer do we have to wait here?"

"Shut up," hissed another harshly. "The others will be back soon. Quit your whining."

Hugh gritted his teeth. Trust Team Plasma to show up in Nimbasa City just as he was almost finished up here. It seemed like everywhere he went Team Plasma was around, causing trouble. And since he had already decided to wipe out every last one of them from Unova, he wasn't going to let these idiots get away.

Although he wanted to wipe the ground with their stupid Team Plasma faces, he knew that wasn't a smart move. There were four of them and only one of him, and he had no idea how strong they were. Luckily, he had his trusty partner-in-crime tagging along right behind him.

Rosa was skipping along outside the Pokémon Center, her brown hair flying in the breeze. She was singing softly to herself. Hugh couldn't help smiling; a happy Rosa was the most adorable sight in the world.

He decided it was time for action.

"Hold it!" he announced, jumping out from his hiding place. "What are you guys up to here anyway?"

The grunts jumped in shock. Then they saw Hugh and sighed with relief. "Oh. It's just a kid."

Hugh growled. His hand itched to release his Pokémon, but he restrained himself.