Everlasting Memories (Pokémon Hugh X Rosa)

Epilogue

By the time Hugh finishes narrating, Nate is crying. Hugh wraps his arms around the weeping boy. It isn't something he is prone to doing, but as he's learnt, people change every day.

"I'm sorry," sniffles Hugh. "But it's just so sad! Poor Rosa. Poor you. Why? Why did it have to happen?"

Hugh opens his mouth to answer, but Nate cuts him off.

"No," he says. "I know what you're going to say. But it wasn't your fault. Yeah, to some extent, it kind of was, I guess. But you know what? Even if you hadn't broken her heart, I'm sure Rosa would have gone ahead and faced Ghetsis alone, anyway. That's what it sounds like she would do. She's like, a video game protagonist or something."

Hugh gazes it him impassively. "I guess you're right. Anyway, I've changed a lot from the guys I was before. And I've learnt so much. Most importantly, if you love something, never let your ego get in your way."

He gives Nate a meaningful look. "It may be too late for me, but you can still fix things."

The train stops at the Gear Station in Nimbasa City. A mechanical voice asks them all to disembark. The two boys walk out of the station in silence.

"Yeah, alright, I get what you're saying," says Nate finally. They stop before the entrance to the Battle Subway. "Will you be okay?"

Hugh smiles. "I will. Not immediately, but I will. I'm getting there."

Nate nods. "I gotta go, then. I have some loose ends to tie up. Keep in touch?"

"Of course," Hugh registers the other boy on his Xtransceiver. "I have some stuff to do too, now. But good luck."

Nate flashes a thumbs-up at him. He then releases his Pokémon and flies off.

Hugh fixes his eyes on the two until they're nothing more than a speck in the sky, before releasing his own Pokémon.

***

Nate races around Mistralton City, desperately trying to get a signal. When he doesn't get one, he sighs. "This is a lot harder than I thought," he mutters.

He has visited two cities and six routes so far in his quest to get a signal for Yancy on his Xtransceiver. His Pokémon is tired and annoyed. But he doesn't want to give up. Not yet.

"Come on, Brav" he begs his Braviary. "Please. Just one last time. I know it's going to work. I have a good feeling about this. Please."

The bird gives him a haughty look, but nods. Nate hugs him hard, and wastes no time in jumping on its back.

Within minutes they are at Lentimas Town. Nate quickly gets off and consults his Xtransceiver. Sure enough, he was right – Yancy's name is in there. He taps on it and makes a call.

"Hi," he says when the ringing stops. "I need to see you. Can we meet at the Ferris Wheel again?"

***

Meanwhile, Hugh and his Unfezant land at Virbank City.

With his head full of clouded thoughts, he walks towards Pokéstar Studios. As soon as he exits the Virbank Gate, the loud, obnoxious music that it typical to the studio begins playing.

Hugh forces his body to keep walking. The memories keep flooding back as he does. That was the spot where the manager yelled at Rosa for showing up late to her own movie. That's where that hapless admirer asked her for an autograph.

Instead of pushing the memories away, like he'd been doing for the past month, he lets them come.

He enters the theater and walks straight up to the ticket counter.

"Welcome to Pokéstar Studios." The woman at the counter greets him politely. "How may I help you?"

He spends a good five minutes studying today's screenings. Finally he sees something he likes. Perfect.

"Hi," he replies. "I'd like to buy a ticket for Everlasting Memories, please."