Revenge

Chapter 11

"... And that's what happened," Ash explains to Bella. Ash took the time to go home and talk to Avi's mom about what had happened with her behavior. Bella had a very disappointed look on her face and put her coffee down on the table nearby and sighed.

"She hasn't done that in the longest time..." she says, her Alolan Growlithe and Alolan Arcanine nodding. "By the way, not trying to get off subject, but that Growlithe and Arcanine are super cool!" Ash says. Bella lets out a small laugh, "Thank you, I got them while we spent our time in Alola... They're like Avi's guardians while I'm not home every since she was a toddler..."

"So, why did Avi snap like that on Ash...?" Delia asked, bringing some treats to the Pokemon and for all of them to enjoy.

"You see... it has to do with her father..." she explains, stirring the small spoon in her coffee.

"Her father...?" Ash pondered.

"Her father was an amazing man; him and I were married for a little over 15 years... Back in Alola, he accompanied Avi during her first steps into her journey there since he's a native and knows everyone on the islands... He went with her to pick out Decidueye back when he was a Rowlett, introduced her to the kahunas, even saved her from some of the local Pokemon from attacking her... She always praised how her papa was like her hero..." Ash's eyes widen, understanding where the connection was.

"But unfortunately, her papa left us one day... Never told Avi a word and asked for me to keep it a secret... He was gravely ill and didn't want neither of us to suffer seeing him in such a way, so he took off as much as I fought him not to... Avi was hurt, and at one point became almost as brutal as Legend when it came to Pokemon battles... But she found the note he left us and it affected our relationship along with her trust in others..."

"That's horrible..." Delia says sadly, looking down at her coffee.

"He passed shortly after they got in touch and Avi wanted to confront him... But because she didn't get her closure, that's why she's so hesitant to let Ash get close... She sees that heroic figure in him like how her dad demonstrated to her, and she doesn't want to repeat history..." she looks at Ash, "I'm so sorry for the way she acted, please understand that she truly means no harm..."

"I understand... Don't worry..." he smiles a bit. "It's similar for me, to be honest... I care a lot about Avi, it's something I'm slowly coming to terms with... But, seeing how my dad isn't here for my mom and I... Always off on a journey... I'm scared I'd do the same to her if we ever were together and stayed that long together... I don't want to hurt her and she doesn't want to get hurt, so we're kinda on the same page..." he laughs.

"I'm really glad to hear that, Ash," Bella smiles, then gives him a hug. "You guys have my blessing for whatever it is you plan to do. I'm sure your mom agrees with me too," she laughs. Delia nods, "Of course!"

Little did they know Avi's sitting by the open window and heard everything that was said. She never wanted to talk about what happened with her father, but at the same time it's something that will bother and haunt her for the rest of her life. She goes below Ash's window and climbs up the side, entering the house as quietly as she could.

She gets her things together and packs up everything, preparing to take off once more.

"... So you're leaving...?" she hears from the door. She turns around and Ash is leaning against the doorway, arms crossed.

"... Look, I'm sorry for snapping on you earlier... Like I said, depression makes you say and do dark things that no one is ever proud of... But I just can't be a part of this tourney anymore... I took Legend down, and it's unfair for me to be here..." Avi says, keeping her distance from him. 

Ash sighs and closes the door, "Who wouldn't be excited to battle a Pokemon League Champion though...?" he chuckles.

"I know you would be..." she laughs quietly. Ash walks towards Avi and hugs her waist, Avi puts her hands on his chest and bends her arms in between them. "I know you heard what I said downstairs... And I meant what I said about caring for you..." he says quietly so the conversation can stay between them.

"... And I care about you too, Ash... We just clicked so easily... I felt that bond with you when I got to know you better..." she replies just as quietly.

"... Then let me in Avi, please..." Ash insists. Avi stays quiet, but Ash's adrenaline kicks in and he kisses Avi. Avi tenses for a moment, but relaxes and kisses him back. Their kiss slowly deepens, and Ash has Avi against the wall. Avi keeps kissing him back and suddenly she pushes Ash away, arms trembling.

"A-Ash... I need a moment to think... Please..." she trembles. Ash nods a little sadly, disappointed that he thought he finally got her to completely trust him, but he understood and left. Avi leaves through the window with a small backpack first to the Pokemon Center to collect her injured Pokemon, then to the local police station to find a phone to talk to one of the professors.

Ash walks down, hat slightly covering his eyes but doing his best to not look sad in front of the mothers downstairs.

"Ash, we're going to go check on Avi's Pokemon and Lucy. Want to come with?" Bella offers.

"Um... Sure..." he nods. He gets his shoes and at on, Pikachu on his shoulder, and leaves with both women to the center. When they arrive, the Pokemon are gone once again with the exception of Lucario and his Pokeball on the nightstand with a note and Lucy.

"Lucy, where's everyone???" Delia asks. Lucy hands the note to Bella and she reads it out loud:

"To Ash, Mrs. Ketchum, and Mama,

I need time to find myself once more and come to agreement with some things I've been thinking about for the past few days. Lucario can't fight and needs to recover, so I request for my mother to watch him for me while I'm gone for the next day or two. I took Dratini with me along with the other Pokemon to send them back to their regions to recover since I figure the Nurse Joys there would know more due to being natives.

Pikachu, Raichu will be okay. I know of a way to have him recover faster so you two can play again.

Mrs Ketchum, thank you for letting my mom and I stay in your home during the tourney. I will return soon to finish it and collect my things. I promise it won't be the last time you see me.

Ash, I've already thanked you and apologized for everything. But we'll settle some things when I come back. I promise you I will. In the meantime, kick ass in your next match, Raichu and I will be rooting for you :)

I'll see you guys soon, be safe <3

~Avianna"

"... Will she come back...?" Delia asks, worried.

"She will... Avi needs these moments to keep herself together..." Bella reassures, grabbing Lucario's Pokeball. "I need to send Blissey home so Lucario can stay with me, I'll be back," she smiles, then leaves.

"Cmon dear..." Delia says to Ash, "Let's go eat then help you prepare for your next match."