Ace of Spades | Acerola x Lillie

prolouge

Acerola dipped one of her feet into the water, flinching slightly at the bitter cold. She was sitting on a pier outside of her house, her legs dangling over the edge and almost touching the water. The moon shone brightly above the lake, turning the water silver under its glow. The water reflected the brightly shining stars as well, making it seem like a shimmering gateway to another world. Part of her wanted to dive in, to swim away to another place where she would be happier.

But where would I be happier? Acerola looked up at the moon, feeling a flash of uncertainty pass through her. I like it here, but I feel like something's missing...

She looked back down at the water. For a brief moment, she saw two figures appear; a younger version of herself, and a child with long blonde hair and sparkling green eyes. She was chasing the blonde around the water in circles, both of them laughing and screeching with joy. The moment she blinked, the apparition went away, and all she could see was the sparkling moonlit lake.

"Aw, come on!" Acerola slapped her cheeks lightly, blinking away the memory. "It's been what, seven years now? She probably doesn't even remember you!"

But I still miss her, a small voice inside of her heart protested. Lillie was everything to me...

"Aargh, I told you to stop!" Acerola splashed some of the lake water on her face, squeaking in surprise at how cold it was. "I don't even know where Lillie moved to! I'll probably never see her again, and that's that. Man up, Acey!"

Something nudged her foot as she was speaking. Acerola looked down, smiling softly as she caught sight of one of her Pokémon, a Mimikyu she had named Ghostie. The little ghost-type leapt up into her arms, rubbing it's head against her as a sign of comfort. Acerola laughed and caught Ghostie in her arms, rubbing her cheek against it. "I'm alright, Ghostie. Just talking to myself again."

"Kyu?" The Mimikyu tilted its head at her.

"Oh shush, you." Acerola gently flicked Ghostie's forehead. "I wouldn't lie to you."

"Acerola!" a voice shouted from the direction of her house. "Come inside! It's nearly midnight, and we've got to get up early tomorrow!"

"Coming, Mom!" Acerola looked down and kissed the top of Ghostie's head. "Hold on tight, little missy! We're going full speed ahead!" She clutched Ghostie tightly to her chest and took off towards the house, earning a shrill cry from the little Pokémon. Arms reached out from under its costume and clung onto Acerola for dear life. Though she appeared terrified, deep down, Ghostie knew that Acerola would never hurt her. Not on purpose anyway.

Acerola ran inside the house, panting slightly from exertion. "I'm back!" she chirped. "When are we leaving tomorrow?"

"The moving truck comes at six, so be up by five-thirty," her mother answered. "Which means you should probably get to bed before it's too late."

"Okay, okay. Goodnight, mama." Acerola waved to her mother, then turned and ran up the stairs into her room. She gently put Ghostie down on the floor, then took a flying leap across the room onto her bed. She nearly missed and fell off, but she managed to scramble onto the mattress before she hit the ground.

"Acerola wins again!" she cried out triumphantly. "Right Ghostie?~"

"Kyuuu." Ghostie was staring at her with an intense gaze.

Can she tell that I'm upset? Acerola frowned at the Mimikyu. She looks so concerned...

"Mimi!" Ghostie suddenly leapt into Acerola's lap, nudging her with its head. It genuinely seemed to be worried about her.

"Aww... come here, you." Acerola laid down and pulled the little Pokémon close to her chest, hugging her tightly. "I know you're worried. I'm just a bit nervous about the move," she said softly. "And I'm worried that I won't have any friends there... I don't know."

"Kyu kyu." Ghostie laid down, imitating a snoring noise.

"Yeah, you're right. I should probably go to sleep." Acerola hugged Ghostie like a teddy bear, smiling warmly. "Thanks, Ghostie. You're a real sweetie."

She closed her eyes and pretended to fall asleep.