Chapter 52: "Say Chansey!"

Three days later

 Beep, beep, beep. What was that? It sounded like a heart monitor.

 Arven stifled a yawn and felt a sense of familiarity. Either that or he died and was now in the Afterlife.

 He opened his eyes. Where was he? Where were AI Sada, Suicune, and his father? Was this... Naranja? It looked like Naranja's nurse's office. There was a woman who looked eerily similar to Nurse Miriam making beds and straightening them. She even honed her lavender hair, styled with space buns up top, and green eyes.

 Arven begged that the Miriam look-alike was not an AI. He had enough AI for one Treasure Hunt.

 Miriam finally noticed him. "Ah!" she screamed, dropping her arm-load of bedsheets. "He lives!" She didn't bother to pick up her load and hustled toward Arven. "You're finally awake!"

 "Stay back," Arven begged, holding up his hand. He pressed his back on the bed frame. He didn't want to take any chances if the Miriam look-alike was an AI.

 "Oh, dearie," Miriam sweetly spoke, "I'm not an AI. You don't have to be scared." She rolled up the sleeve of her white nurse coat, revealing a Rotom Watch on her wrist. Miriam brought it to her lips. "Director Clavell? Arven's awake."

 Director Clavell, too? What were he and Miriam doing in the future?

 A few minutes passed, and Arven still hadn't figured out the mystery. He searched the small room, peered out the window to the sunny day, and poked his IV.

 Eventually, someone knocked on the door of the nurse's office. It opened, and Director Clavell walked in, decked out in his scarlet uniform and neatly ironed pants. "Sorry about the intrusion," he said, placing his hands behind his back.

 "Oh, you didn't intrude." Behind her palm, Miriam chuckled. "I believe Arven thinks he's still time traveling."

 Arven was, wasn't he? Wasn't he supposed to go to the future to help AI Sada? And what about—?

 "Where are my friends?" he blurted out.

 "Don't worry, Arven." Clavell stopped at the edge of his bed and tickled his toes under the covers. "They're safe. They're in class now but said they'd visit you afterward. Penny hasn't left your side for three days."

 Wait, three days?

 "Celebi and Suicune returned you guys to Area Zero before Turo placed AI Sada in hypersleep," Clavell continued. "Oh, but I'm hardly the person to talk to about this." Slightly embarrassed, he backed away. "Sit tight, Arven, while I grab your friend from the future."

 Friend? Did Clavell mean Celebi or...?

 Kenji stepped into the room. He carried a leather bag over his shoulder and tightly grasped its straps.

 Iron Bundle waddled in after him. The Future Pokémon seemed to smile at Arven.

 "Thank you, Director," Kenji said to Clavell. "I'll make this quick because I need to return to the future."

 "You're fine, Mr. Kenji," Clavell tittered, winking at Miriam. "Come along, Miriam. Let's leave them alone."

 Miriam nodded and waved at Kenji and Arven. "Don't have too much fun without me." She and Clavell exited the room and shut the door behind them.

 Kenji removed his bag and tossed it on the empty bed next to Arven's. "Hey, kid. How are you feeling?"

 "I-I'm confused," was Arven's answer. He jumped slightly when Iron Bundle hopped onto his bedsheet.

 "I know," Kenji said. "The truth is, you've been asleep for three days. After you collapsed on Casseroya, Turo returned to the future, got your friends, and sent you all back here so he could put Sada in hypersleep. He dubbed it 'Mission Redemption'."

 "Redemption." Arven was almost surprised Turo knew what that meant. He fell silent, which allowed him to collect his thoughts, and asked, "Kenji, what's hypersleep?"

 "Another name for it is cryosleep." Kenji shuffled over to the bed parallel to Arven's and picked up his bag. "It's basically a scientific coma, where the body shuts down for a suspended time. Hypersleep will keep Sada alive until the baby is born, and then Turo will pull the plug."

 Pull the plug. That was a phrase Arven did know. "Can't we save them both, Kenji?"

 "I'm sorry, Arven, but no. Infrared is too powerful. However, before Sada went under, she gave me a few gifts for you. Said that they would help you never forget her." Kenji flipped up his satchel's flap and dug through it.

 Iron Bundle crawled under Arven's arm like a Maschiff.

 He patted it and popped up.

 The first thing Kenji pulled out of his bag was Sada's flower crown. He handed it to Arven. "Sada told me the day you taught her the Stiff and Relaxed strategy was one of the most magical days of her life, so she wanted you to have her crown as a memento."

 Holding the soft crown, Arven sniffed. No, he wasn't going to cry. He admitted, though, that the day he wove Sada the crown was a magical moment for him, too. It was the first time he felt like he had a real mom.

 "This next gift is a special one." Kenji waited until Arven set the crown aside to grab it. What he held now was a folder. Kenji sat on Arven's bed and showed it to him. "I used to work in OB, so we took these before Turo completed the experiment."

 Arven tasted a bitter lump in his throat.

 Smiling, Kenji opened the folder. "You've got a sister, Arven. It's confirmed."

 "Oh my gosh." Arven couldn't hold his tears back anymore, seeing the ultrasound of his unborn sibling. He laughed and touched her hand. "Look, I've got her hand! Kenji, do I really have a little sister?"

 "You do. Congratulations, Arven." Kenji set the pictures on his lap.

 Arven excitedly studied them. "She's beautiful. She looks just like me. I'm going to be the best big brother."

 "Do you know what you're going to name her?" Kenji questioned. "Sada said you guys made a deal that you would name her."

 Arven shot him a secretive look and hugged the folder. "I'll share it when she's born."

 "Wise move." Kenji patted Arven's back and stuck his hand in his bag again. "And finally, the cherry on top is..." Kenji peeked into the satchel. "Where is it?" He sighed and placed his hand on his hip. "Mabosstiff, do you have Arven's final gift?"

 "Mabosstiff?" Arven lowered the folder and closed it.

 A huff came from under his bed. Mabosstiff crawled out, and a small Pokémon followed him.

 Arven recognized it. "Tatsugiri?"

 Sure enough, it was Tatsugiri. The fish-like Pokémon bent its body and bounced onto Arven's pillow, opening its fins.

 Arven picked it up. "What are you doing here, little guy? Did you get tired of the past?"

 "Woof!" Mabosstiff barked before Tatsugiri answered. He took Kenji's place on Arven's bed. Mabosstiff rested his front paws on it and wagged his tail. He carried a pokéball in his mouth, but it wasn't his. This pokéball was larger and sported a small flame design above the center button. Mabosstiff dropped it into Arven's hand and pawed him.

 Clutching the pokéball, Arven set Tatsugiri on his dresser. He looked down at the ball and found his partner's eyes. "Good boy. Thank you."

 "Woof!" Mabosstiff nudged the pokéball.

 "Okay, okay." Arven pointed it at Tatsugiri. "Welcome to the team, Tatsugiri." Except, when he pressed the button, the ball flashed open, indicating a Pokémon was already in it.

 Miraidon/Koraidon emerged from the infrared ray.

 At once, Arven dropped the ball. "Koraidon."

 "Gias! Agias!" By how Koraidon behaved, one could've mistaken him for Mabosstiff.

 Arven's partner switched places with him.

 Koraidon dragged half his body onto his bed. "Gias, gias!" he cried, slobbering over Arven's face. His wagging tail accidentally knocked Iron Bundle onto the floor.

 "Koraidon!" Arven said. Who knew the Pokémon who hated him before was now happy to see him?

 Kenji chortled. "Please forgive him, Arven. He's been waiting three days for this. Koraidon is officially your Pokémon, a gift from Sada."

 Arven finally managed to push Koraidon off. He wiped his face and asked, "What about the Scarlet and Violet Books?"

 "Turo needs them for Infrared," Kenji answered, "so he's holding onto them for now. But until then, could you look after Koraidon for Sada? She thought he'd be happier with you."

 "Of course, I will." Arven squeezed Koraidon's neck. He shifted his attention over to Tatsugiri, who drooped. "Aw, don't look so down, Tatsugiri. You're welcome to join the team, too."

 "Giri!" Tatsugiri clapped its fins like a Seel and leaped onto Arven's shoulder.

 He scratched it under the chin and asked Koraidon, "So, are we friends now, Mirai—I mean, Koraidon?"

 "Gias! Gias!" Koraidon licked him again.

 Kenji started to gather his things. "Come along, Iron Bundle." It wasn't until Iron Bundle reached his shoulder he seemed to remember something. "Oh! One more thing, Arven. That Suicune you met was no ordinary Suicune. He's helped time travelers before in the Johto Region with Celebi. Because of that, Celebi asked for his help and brought him to Casseroya to purify your and Turo's memories. Sada knew this. That was a special day she took you and Penny to."

 Arven temporarily lost his happy mood and gulped. "Was it the day, you know...?"

 "Yeah," Kenji gloomily stated. "It was the day your mother died, the day Celebi took Turo to the future."

 "I had a feeling." Arven gently bumped Koraidon off his bed. "That's why Suicune showed us those memories. So Dad could remember the good times with Mom."

 Kenji gave him a knuckle rub. "Right. You're a smart kid, Arven. I think you and Penny are going to get along just fine. Speaking of which, I believe she's waiting for you at the door."

 Arven smirked. "What makes you think that?"

 Kenji raised his eyebrows. He put his bag over his neck and trekked to the office's entrance. Without peeping at the door, Kenji opened it.

 Penny toppled into the room. The fall knocked her glasses off. "Aw, come on, Kenji!" she yelled, grabbing them and instantly standing. "You may have returned Sylveon and Arven's knapsack—thank you—but you have no right to do that!" Her face beet-red, she hid behind Nemona and Scarlet, who stepped in after her.

 Nemona grinned and lifted her arm. She waved it like a flag in a hurricane. "¡Buenas! Arven, we missed you!"

 Penny and Scarlet smacked their hands over their ears.

 "Yo, Arven!" Nemona elbowed Penny's ribs. "She's too shy to say this, but Penny's had a crush on you since Area Zero."

 "Nemona!" Penny screeched. "Shut up!" Arven never knew there was a deeper red than beet until then.

 "Oh, not only that but"—Nemona unclipped a pokéball from her belt and showed it off—"I got my Meowscarada back! She's as good as new! I wasn't sure if I could trust Turo, but look! Look!"

 "Miss Nemona!" Director Clavell and Nurse Miriam were the last ones to enter the office. Clavell almost scowled at Nemona. "Must I remind you about our Pokémon policies at this school? Arven's an exception, but you need to take Meowscarada outside."

 Nemona slapped herself in the face. "Whoops! My apologies, Director."

 Scarlet half-smiled at Arven. "Sorry, Arven. Nemona's been like this since we returned."

 Nemona cheered. "And I'm not letting up anytime soon. Once we finish here, Scarlet, I challenge you to a battle! Get ready to feel the full power of New Nemona!" She faced Arven. "Oh, Arven, once you're better, you still owe me a battle from the day we went to the past."

 It was incredible. It was like Nemona had been reborn.

 Arven found his words. "Nemona, I think a battle can wait. For now..." He nervously showed his friends Kenji's folder. "Do y'all want to see my little sister?"

 "Your little sister?" Nemona calmed herself, but just a little. "What's with the skeptical look, Ven? Of course, we want to see her!"

 Arven released the breath he held.

 Nemona, Scarlet, and Penny surrounded him. They grasped his shoulders and leaned in.

 "Scooch over, Nemona! I can't see!" Penny batted her away. "Oh my gosh! She looks just like you, Ven!"

 "Can we be the sisters?" Scarlet questioned. "I've always wanted a sibling."

 "I think I'm going to need a lot of help when she's born," Arven admitted.

 Nemona laughed. "Don't sweat it. We'll help you."

 "Really?" Arven perked up.

 Penny's face reddened again. "Of course. After all, friends stick together."

 "That's right!" Nemona said. "Ooh! You know what this calls for?" She drew her Rotom Phone like a pokéball. "Group selfie!"

 At her command, Rotom booted up and floated a few feet back.

 Arven flipped the pictures. His sister deserved to be in the memory, too.

 Nemona started the countdown: "Okay, one, two, and..."

 "Chansey!" everyone declared.

 Flash! Rotom snapped the photo.

 Flash! again because Scarlet's Koraidon came out of his pokéball.

 "Koraidon!" she gasped. "What the—? Did you seriously mistake Rotom for a sandwich?"

 "Gias?" both Koraidon inquired. They searched the room together.

 Arven and his friends hooted. It went on for a good while.

 Finally catching her breath, Scarlet said, "You're never going to let this go, aren't you, Koraidon?"

 "Nope," he indicated with his head.

 Snorting, Scarlet rubbed her nose. "You're such a dollop-head."

 Dollop-head. Arven liked that. No, he loved it. He loved being back in the present. Nonetheless, he wished to ask Penny something, so he kindly requested, "Guys, may I have a moment with Penny?"

 "Wait, what?" Penny pointed at herself.

 Nemona nudged her a second time. "Ooh la, la, Penny. I think you and Arven are going on a date!" She gripped her arms. "Give Scarlet and I all the deets on the way to Biology. We'll wait for you in the lobby." With those words, Nemona released Penny, and she and the rest of Arven's friends, including Clavell, Kenji, and Miriam, left the room.

 "Ar-Arven," Penny stuttered. "About what Nemona said..."

 "Don't fret, Penny." Arven's heart fluttered like the wings of a Butterfree. "I've had a crush on you since Area Zero, too."

 "Really?" Penny squeaked. She feigned a cough. "I mean... Really?"

 "Yeah." Arven moved Kenji's folder and held her hand. He lightly stroked it. "Please forgive me, but I'm not good at this. About that date..." Arven leaned closer to Penny. "Why don't we do it once I'm better?"

 "OMG! Really?" Hearts appeared in Penny's eyes. "Yes, Arven, yes!" She set her hand on top of his. "We're going to have so much fun together! But let's do something that's not a movie. We need to get logical here and think of something better."

 "Why don't you join the others, and I'll start brainstorming?" Before releasing her, Arven pecked Penny's cheek. "I'll see you later, okay?"

 "Eee!" Penny clutched her cheek. "Thank you, Arven!" She backed away but bumped into his dresser. Penny almost knocked Tatsugiri off, but Arven's Koraidon steadied the desk before it dropped.

 "My bad, Tatsugiri," Penny expelled. She focused on Arven. "I-I need to head to class now, Arven, but I'll return later. Do me a favor and get some rest."

 "I will." Arven watched Penny her whole journey to the door. He saluted, and she blushed some more.

 For her final gesture, Penny's eyelashes quivered. She went on her way and left Arven alone but happy.

 He did it. Arven officially asked a girl out on a date! While he still grieved Sada, it was getting easier each day, and he knew why.

 Arven was back in the present with his friends. He saved his dad and had two new Pokémon. But most importantly, the first memory of his new life was with his little sister and Penny. They were special like Sada, so special that Arven said one thing before he fell asleep:

 "Thank you, AI Sada, for helping me accept my Infrared."

End of Act IV: The Mastermind of Deception