Zach sorts through the pile of files with speed, putting them in their correct locations and tidying up paperwork that needs attention. His effort catches the attention of his supervisor as she finishes up on some work on her desk. “My Arceus, Zach, you are quite the worker,” Mayor Azumarill comments. “You’ve made this office very organized.”
“Thank you, Ma’am,” Zach responds.
The water pokemon turns her whole body towards him. “Is something wrong?”
“Huh? What makes you think that?”
“Your tone. You sound like you’re not okay.”
“I’m fine, Miss Azumarill…”
“Well… If you ever need to talk to me about something, let me know. Whatever it is, I’m sure I can help you.”
“I… don’t think these are things you’d be able to help me with. Especially with what I’ve been through…”
“Oh no? How come?”
“I’d… rather not talk about…”
“Hey…” She places her paw on the riolu’s shoulder. “You don’t need to be afraid to speak your mind. Whatever it is, I’m listening. Please, tell me, Zach…” Knocking interrupts the conversation, causing her to taker her paw back and turn to the door. “Come in!” The door opens, causing the mayor’s face to change to a lit-up smile. “Ah, Betty! Good to see you!”
“Hey, Mary,” Betty begins, smiling. She makes her way to the desk.
“To what do I owe the pleasure?”
“Just came in to visit and say ‘hi,’ is all.” She then notices the riolu. “Oh, hi, Zach…”
“Hi, Betty…” Zach responds.
“Am I interrupting something?”
“Not at all,” says Mayor Azumarill. “I was just telling Zach that he’s doing a great job as my assistant. Isn’t that right, Zach?”
“Yeah,” the riolu responds.
“Mayor Azumarill!” One of the pokemon, a toxicroak, appears in the doorway. “Your attention is needed!”
“Oh Arceus…” Azumarill stands. “I’ll be right back, you two. Can I get you anything?” Both shake their heads and respond with “no.” The mayor steps out and disappears.
Betty faces the riolu. “So, my cousin treating you well?”
“Mayor Azumarill’s your cousin…?”
“Shocker, right? Julie had told me you were working as her secretary.”
“I needed a job, Betty… Your cousin took a chance with me… She’s been giving me praise…”
“I see that… You seem happy.” Zach looks away with a flat-mouthed expression. “How you’re doing…?”
Zach turns back to her. “Why is that any of your concern? You writing a book or something?”
“Just want to know what’s going on with you… You know, how you’re holding up and all. It’s been several weeks… I also heard you’ve been ‘hanging out’ with a lot of pokemon, mostly around boys.” Zach remains silent. “Come on, I know what you’re really doing with them…”
“It’s not something I like to talk about… And you better keep your mouth shut about it!”
“Hey… relax… I’m not saying a word to anyone... I get it, though… You’re trying to get what you need… What you never had… But, don’t you feel bad you’re just using them, or that they’re using you for just that?”
“Why do you care…? It’s not like I’m hurting anyone…”
“What about Ralph? You’re not concerned about his feelings toward you?” Zach stares at her. “I know what you two did in the tavern the day of the funeral.”
“He doesn’t mind… He knows about what I’ve been doing...”
“So, you’re just having fun with random pokemon and he doesn’t mind?”
“Our relationship is an ‘open partnership.’ Nothing more…”
“And you both are okay with that?”
“Why not? That was our deal… He does his thing, and I do mine… Besides, I’m done trying to fall in love… I just end up getting hurt…”
“So, that’s it, huh…? You’re going to just sleep with random pokemon to get what you need?”
“Pretty much…”
“Hey, nothing wrong with that… As long as you’re happy…”
“Not really…”
“Well, what else could happen…?”
“Come right in,” says Mayor Azumarill. She makes her way into the office.
“Ugh!” shouts a disgruntled celebi flying in. “Everything is just so-” She freezes upon spotting the riolu and the brionne. “You! What the fuck are you doing here?!”
“Cinthia Celebi,” Zach responds with his head turned away from her.
“Don’t you ‘Cinthia Celebi’ me, Runt Riolu! I oughta kill you after all you’ve done!”
“Cindy, control yourself,” orders the mayor, getting in front of her. “And you better not! Zach did nothing wrong.”
The mew flies in and appears. “All right, I’m here. Mayor Azumarill, what did you want to-” She’s next to see Zach and Betty. “Oh, it’s you… Might I ask why you are here…?”
“Zach works here,” the mayor tells her. “He is my assistant.”
“Another misfit you’re protecting?!”
“Zach is no misfit. You and your team should be ashamed of yourselves for treating pokemon like him horribly, and allowing the town to do the same.”
“Mayor Azumarill, the misfit pokemon are vermin!” Cindy spurts. “That abandoned manor they occupy is a breeding ground for all kinds of problems and crime.”
“She isn’t wrong,” adds Ezma. “The misfits have been causing many issues for all of Heroto.”
“Enough! That is not what today’s discussion is about!” She turns to the two pokemon. “Zach, Betty, can you two please step out? I have important matters to attend to for these two here…” Both Zach and Betty nod before leaving the room.
“This isn’t over, Runt!” shouts Cindy. “I’ve got my eyes on you! You can’t run, or hide, from us!” The door closes, leaving the mayor to yell at the celebi once again.
Zach places his paw on his forehead and lets out a sigh once outside the office. “Why do I feel like she’s going to come after me again…?”
“Seriously, why do you put up with that?” asks Betty. “Why let her and the rest of that guild constantly bully you and ruin your life?”
“I don’t have a choice, Betty… And it’s not just them… All of Heroto is terrible toward me… And I’m forced to live with all of it…”
“You shouldn’t be forced to… And you DO have a choice…”
“Such as?”
“You could leave and start a new life elsewhere.”
“And where would I go? What would I do?”
“Anywhere and anything you want…”
“I’ve lived here for much of my life, Betty… I can’t imagine abandoning Heroto… Everything and everyone I know is here…”
“Zach, I don’t think it makes much of a difference in your current situation… You shouldn’t stay here if you aren’t happy or secure…”
Zach looks down at his feet in thought, then he turns back up to her. “What about Ralph…? He’s helped me through tough times, and has become my only friend… I can’t abandon him…”
“Talk to him. If anything, he’d support your decision, even if he chooses to stay. I doubt it, though. If anything, he may join you, considering his past with Team Rescuers… Yeah, I know about all of that…”
“And what about you…? Would you miss me…? Or am I being pushy?”
“Don’t worry… Everything will be fine.” The two twitch and flinch upon hearing more screams and yells coming from the mayor’s office. “Oh Arceus… They are not happy in there, are they…?” Zach looks away with his ears drooped down and a frown on his face. “Hey… I’m going to stick around. I’m not expected to perform tonight, and Mary Azumarill’s family. She doesn’t mind me being around.”
Zach turns to her. “You… don’t mind?”
“Not at all. Besides, I really want to know how you’ve been doing. Let’s talk.”
