#volo is love volo is life

[rainnotliam]

“I’d love for you to show me the sights of Paldea as well! Oh? Well yes, perhaps you’d even like to call it a date!”

_________Notes:

Okay so I’m so sorry I had to draw more of Modern AU Volo instead of working on my fics… do not underestimate how distracted I can get, my attention span spins. Anyways, have a short little story:

It was terrifyingly awkward walking right along with this man, who called himself Volo. You swore he looked faintly familiar… but couldn’t remember why. Was he in an article you read online once? No, no, that couldn’t be…

“So! Your name is Y/N, am I right?”

The sudden question popped your little thought bubble into the wind. You looked at him with a questioning gaze.

“Unless there’s someone else with my name, I’d assume yes,” you said.

If possible, Volo’s smile stretched even wider, so brilliant, you could’ve sworn it was Arceus shining his reign down upon you peasants.

“So I did get the right person!”

He leaned to the side slightly closer. You frowned and looked to your left. At least this wasn’t far from the academy doors. What did Volo want with Director Clavell anyway?

“What? Someone sent for you to look for me to look for someone else?” Sarcasm dripped from your words.

“No need to be defensive around me, my friend,” Volo chuckled.

“If you appear out of nowhere with no communication, of course I have a right to be defensive and suspicious,” you shot back.

That’s when a hand firmly gripped your right shoulder. You managed to say a “Huh!?” in confusion, before getting pulled right against Volo.

“You’re a feisty one. But people like you are all words no show,” he said.

He puts one finger right in front of your mouth as you try to shoot another insult. “I’m certain I could also need someone to help me right now like you. People are staring.”

Indeed, folks were watching. But not all eyes were on you. They were on Volo, practically glued to the man. You felt uncomfortable as people glared daggers at you, but shook your head.

At least you could move your hands. A Pokéball flew out, and within moments, your starter was walking behind both of you. They returned the glares with a single move of their typings, threats spelled in their sharp eyes.

“Seems like your famous or something…”

“Jealous?” Volo inquired.

“N-no! That’s ridiculous!” You managed to sputter out to him.

The latter hummed, murmuring phrases that included the word denial. You decided enough was enough- why the hell did he piss you off so much!?

“Can you just stop acting like we’re best buddies or something?” You smacked his hand off of you.

Volo looked at you with an offensive stare. “I’m just trying to help out with whatever in Arceus is up with your mood.”

Anger started boiling in your stomach. Why? Why did you feel so much hatred to him? He didn’t even do anything wrong!

“Oh yeah, like clinging onto me is going to help,” you scoffed.

He went silent for a few moments. You watched as he shook his head in disbelief at your attitude, opting to put his hands inside his jeans pockets.

You only huffed before walking with crossed arms. He followed after a moments hesitation, head bowed down.

Even your starter looked appalled at your way of treating Volo. They returned into their Pokéball, only receiving an annoyed groan from you.

The turning points from Mesagoza here and there were more awkward than ever. There was an occasional “Who is that?” and “Is that his partner, or is the blondie single?”

He didn’t even look up at that. You grit your teeth, trying to remind yourself he was being annoying…

Before you turned your gaze back in one moment.

Volo was biting his lip, Arceus cap about to fall down from how he looked down onto the ground. His eyes darted to meet your own, before dodging to look at something else.

You stopped walking. He did too, though looked a little confused.

“Stop it.”

“Stop what?”

You sighed. How dense was this man?

Volo slightly flinched as you walked closer to him, before realizing what you were doing. You straightened his cap, and brushed back a few hair strands here and there. He looked slightly surprised, standing there with a dumb expression.

“Stop looking so sad. I forgive you… and I admit I was being a jerk,” you muttered the last part a little quieter.

His mouth opened and closed like a Magikarp’s.

“Uhm-”

You smiled. “Pay me back making you look oh-so-fabulous with some sandwich specialties at a nearby restaurant.”

Anddddd there it was. His cheerful aura returned within an instant, a smile painting his face.

“I’d love for you to later show me the sights of Paldea too!”

“Sounds like something a couple would do,” you murmured.

Immediately, you wish you took back your words.

“Oh? Well yes, perhaps you’d even like to call it a date!”

Volo allowed himself a smug grin, as a faint trace of blush spread onto your cheeks. He was quick to take your hand, even.

You pretended to be annoyed, and groaned on how much further both of you had to walk. But secretly?

You felt slight joy hit close to your heart. Maybe today wasn’t going to be as bad as you thought?

[esprei]

volo is an amazing cook 🥘

(just wanted to draw a little wholesome, domestic thing with SV future!emmet and volo 💖)

[professionalidiot32]

he’s a facebook mom to a weird egg first, and a silly little guy who wants to destroy the world second

he just wants to make a perfect world guys (replace every person and pokemon with a togepi)

[brine-pools]

ALL SEEING EYE

redraw of an older piece from 2022

[goldensunset]

i think he succumbed to eldritch madness because he works retail

[starshadyy]

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, LEGENDS ARCEUS!! ONE OF THE GAMES OF ALL TIME FRFR 👌👌

and by extension…

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY FAVORITE CHARACTER OF ALL TIME, THE LOVE OF MY LIFE, MY REAL ACTUAL HUSBAND ON THE ASTRAL PLANE…

VOLO!!!!!! ♡ ♡ ♡

today was the day this lovably devious rapscallion came into being and changed my life forever 🥰 [for the better or worse, you decide SJDHSJHD]

EVERYONE SHOULD PLEASE GO CHECK OUT MY VOLO FANFIC ALL THAT GLISTERS IS NOT GOLD OVER ON AO3 IT IS MY MAGNUM OPUS ✨

HERE’S WISHING A VERY HAPPY VOLO DAY TO ALL LUNATICS WHO CELEBRATE 🥳💙💛💙💛

[cheetour]

when I was writing the goblin chapter, I was like, 'This is really a struggle, I can barely get the words out. Is my interest in writing this book dying?', but now having posted the goblin chapter and moved on I am 100% back in the groove I was before it started. it was just the goblins. I wasn't able for Dror Ragzlin

[franstastic-ideas]

She fell from the sky. She’s the Chosen of Arceus. She’s the Champion of Sinnoh.  She’s the Hero of Hisui. She’s a Super Contest Star. She saved the world twice.

And he’s just Volo.

[loki-ioki]

“My name is.. Cynthia..

..Right?”

[mokeonn]

I started an honor mode playthrough with probably the cutest tiefling in bg3 and I fuckn got killed during the Phase Spider Matriarch, so I decided to continue my save with dishonor because my character was just so damn cute. Well for some reason or another the game didn't?? Switch it to custom mode?? It's still honor mode??

So I'm either going to get those golden dice in the most dishonorable way possible or the game is just pulling on my leg and It's just honor mode without the reward.

[rainnotliam]

*pants* here you go Volo followers, eat up

[traveling-historian]

Vee do you think Porygon is cool

Porygon is a very… intriguing Pokémon. All “man-made” Pokémon are rather… eyebrow raising.

[d3adbr3inc3lls]

Volo

I remember someone, somewhere saying abt Volo being in the distortion world,, and I drew him!

Used a 3d model to help with purportions and I don’t know what I did with shading and stuff,, but I do like it,,,

[todderwodders]

My durge and Gortash’s relationship is like. Two horrible little best friends who put an amazing amount of trust in each other despite their positions and generally horrible personalities making it more or less impossible. They’ve known each other carnally and robbed a few supposedly unrobable places. It ain’t true but it is love.

[goldensunset]

Do you think Giratina noticed Cynthia in the Distortion World and saw Volo in her? Do you think she knows about him. Do you think that's why she lets you catch it instead of catching it herself 👀

i ooouh i uh i for sure at least headcanon that giratina can like psychically communicate with humans a bit cus i think we’ve seen other legendaries do that right? yeah it would be really really cool if giratina said at least something to cynthia or at least something cryptic and out of context. like hey you look somewhat familiar. that kid you’re with looks REALLY familiar. that would be amazing

[sexysilverstrider]

Irresolute Feelings (Chapter 2) | Volokari

   “I’m so glad you’re here, Akari.”

   Rei wanted to shove himself into a hole to hear her laugh.

   “No problem.” One hand holding his left wrist, Akari carefully levelled themselves by holding his waist with her right hand. “I’m just glad we managed to get out of there alive.”

   The statement was meant to be taken as a joke. But after remembering the feral Luxray charging towards them, Rei shivered in utmost terror. “Please don’t make a joke like that…”

   He groaned to hear her laughter again.

   Once they reached a nearby bench, Akari carefully positioned herself so that Rei could let go and sit down. The bandaged ankle was no longer soaked in blood, but the patch of red still etched an unnerving nausea in her throat. “How you’re feeling?” she asked, concern now in place for her poor friend.

   A sigh was released. “Still hurts, but I’m holding on.” He looked at her, a reassuring smile in place. “Thanks again, Akari.” One hand lightly massaged his right leg, easing off the pain that pierced around his wrapped wound. “How about you, though?”

   Black eyes widened at the realization. “Ah,” was all she replied, one hand then touched the plaster on the right cheek. “I’m fine. The electric shock did hurt me for a while, but I think the pain stopped once we arrived at the village.” Lithe fingers grazed the white bandage. Her heart skipped a beat and a breath was caught in her throat; no matter how long she’d stayed here, the fear of losing her life against a dangerous, wild Pokémon would never go away.

   His soft chuckle brought her back to reality.

   “Wish I can say the same.” Black eyes, warmer than hers, looked ruefully at his wound. “That Thunderbolt of his hurts like hell. I thought we were far enough from his attacks but…well…” The memory of bright yellow light slashing through his skin drained the colours in his face. “If I didn’t dodge fast enough…”

   Silence—thick and horrifying—filled the air of the peaceful village.

   Clap! “A-Anyways!” Akari dispersed the intense atmosphere. “What matters is that we’re both alive. And the medical member who tended to your wounds did say that the new salve would work faster than the old ones.” Hands still clasped, she positioned them near her smile. “Besides, thanks to our Pokémon, we managed to defeat the Luxray.”

   At the cue of their names, Liliana and Pikachu waved behind her. The Hisuian Lilligant carried the Mouse Pokémon in her turquoise, leafy arm. Gently, she placed Pikachu by Rei’s side.

   As Pikachu hopped from her grasp, he gave Rei a little bump with his head. ‘Cheer up,’ he squeaked. ‘You still have both your legs!’

   Liliana laughed amusingly at the grim joke. Upon seeing their Pokémon’s reactions, both Galaxy members felt their worries fade away and laughed along.

   “Oh!” One fist then lightly tapped her left palm. Without a word, Akari rummaged through her satchel. “Here you go.” In a blink, she took out a bottle, just perfect in the palm of her hand. “Have some. It’s like a potion, but humans can drink it.” The bottle was a glass of blue, capped in black and tied with a black, small ribbon.

   Hesitance flickered a pair of softer black eyes. “Huh, never seen this before.” A chuckle burst through pale pink lips, Rei finally took it. Carefully he removed the lid, then took a cautious sniff. It smelled of Sitrus berries with a hint of Cheri berries. “Kinda sharp smell here. Where did you get this?”

   He looked at her, seeing only an amused smile.

   “Volo made it.” She plopped a seat next to him. Her smile stayed in place, giving a sense of pride and assurance. “We were doing some little experiments weeks ago about consumable drinks, and this is one of the stuffs that is a success.”

   One of his eyebrows raised. “Oh? What about the others?”

   “The worst it gave us was a trip to the medical care. Nothing too dangerous.”

   The way Akari explained it so casually sometimes unnerved him.

   Still, he trusted her. With a weak smile, he took a sip. The smile then gaped to a mild surprise for the taste was actually more delicious than expected. “Wow!” It had a kick, that he didn’t lie. But the sourness of the taste was overtaken by the sweetness of the Sitrus berry. And what’s more, Rei could feel the pain his ankle grew numb in a matter of seconds.

   He looked at her, once again seeing such a proud smile.

   “Told you it’s a success.”

   Laughter filled in the air. “No kidding.” Once again, he took another drink, enjoying the cool liquid trail down his throat. Pop. “Huwaah!” Relief washed over him. Seeing that there’s half a glass left, Rei gave the bottle back to her. “This is really good! Good job, Akari!”

   Sunlight highlighted the red in her cheeks. “Volo got most of the credit. He made this, after all.” Taking the bottle, she finished it. Oh, how good it felt to drink such a refreshing drink after a long, treacherous day. She could also feel the numbness in her cheek fading away. Once assured that the bottle was empty, Akari put it back in her satchel.

   “So, you and Volo are doing well?”

   Her hands stopped.

   Silence—momentary as it was—fell between them. Voice of the villagers filled the awkward moment, yet Akari could feel her breathing hitch at the question.

   Hands slowly rolled into fists.

   “Yeah.” She faced him, a small back in place.

   Rei was evidently sharper than he looks. “You two…aren’t doing well?”

   That quickly got a reaction for her. “No—no! That’s not it.” Left and right she waved her hands in front of him. “We’re good! We’re good.” The frantic waving slowed down. “It’s…just…” Fingers curled. “We… There’re some little bumps every now and then.” Hands weakly dropped to her lap.

   She didn’t know the kind of expression she made, but it was enough to pull a frown on his face.

   “Are you guys going through those bumps now or…?”

   Caution echoed in the question. Akari appreciated his concern, truly she did, but the memory of this morning opened a wound in her heart that wasn’t fully healed. “There are…” Would she confide in Rei? Would he help? Would he at least lend his ear?

   Would he give the same advices she once received from people who were long gone from her life?

   The brief memory of blonde and smiles flashed by, and the image immediately made her clutch her chest.

   “Akari…?”

   His voice broke the sorrow that would often drag her to the depths of despair.

   “Nothing!” she snapped, voice light yet sharp. “Not…much anyways.” The memories were suppressed. It had to be. She couldn’t bring herself to tear her heart apart. Not now. Not in public. Not in front of Rei.

   Her smile stayed in place. “He’s just…stubborn, I guess?” In a way, she was right. “We’ve been living together for a year right now and things are fine.” She could at least bring this topic up to him. Nothing more. Nothing less. “It’s just…” A shrug. “Sometimes, he tends to avoid some topics.”

   Rei remained patient, eyes focused on his dear friend.

   “Like…” Hesitance mixed with shame pooled her cheeks. “You know…how to know if a guy really likes you…”

   She didn’t need to turn to see the surprise on his face.

   “He doesn’t like you?” Rei looked at her, eyes still wide. “You guys live together and are practically stuck with each other like glue sometimes in the village.”

   Oh, how her cheeks reddened. “That’s not true!” she shouted, jet-black eyes staring at him.

   A little laugh snorted through. “Akari, when you both came back from the village, he didn’t leave your side. The fact that you both looked like hell at that time almost made me and Professor Laventon fight our way towards you if not for the guy having you in a vice grip. Even Cyllene was ready to have her Abra attack Volo to see whether or not you’re fine.”

   Memories of a year ago flashed back. Ever since the horrifying fight against a maniacal entity, Akari lost all energy and fainted in Volo’s arms before they could reach the village. She couldn’t remember much after that, only that she woke up in the medical care surrounded by the Galaxy Members whom she started to love and cherish.

   She felt thankful. Truly. But Akari soon realized it was too late when the memories she long kept hidden came flooding back.

   She had lost her world. She had lost her family and friends. Even when the evil was finally defeated and had perished before it could do more, Akari had to live with the fact that she couldn’t ever go back to her original world. The thought alone would’ve killed her. The mere fact that she was tricked into thinking that she could go home still haunted her. She was blinded. She held on to false hope.

   The moment that false hope shattered into two, so did her.

   Void.

   All she was a void filled with corpses and decimation. No light filled the world. No life breathed except her. Akari wondered if it was a dream. She wondered if this was merely another illusion created by the vile monster.

   But no.

   She then saw the pile. A pile that was nothing but skeletons and charred flesh. Some were unrecognizable. Some had distinct features that made her wish she could go blind. The bodies all looked at her, torn jaw gaping and limbs horribly twisted. As the image fell upon her, Akari felt nausea rolling rapidly into her throat.

   She couldn’t remember how painfully loud she shrieked when she saw a familiar pair of darkened orange eyes.

   Ah, the agonizing pain in her chest is back.

   “AKARI!”

   “I’m really glad you’re well now, Akari.”

   Pupils shook inside widened eyes.

   Quickly, she stammered back to reality. In a panic, she stood up, gasping loudly as she did without realizing it. The action once again startled Rei, stopping him instantly from retelling the tale of a year ago.

   “Akari…?”

   She gasped and she gasped. Gasping turned into hyperventilating. Sweat started to trickle down her face.

   The sound of her name filled the horror she wanted to avoid. It was the voice of one she knew so well. One she adored so lovingly.

   One who saved her from bringing her life to an end.

   “I have to go!” She needed to escape this. “I really need to go!” A heel was turned to look at Rei, but she now never saw him. Snatching her fanny pack, Akari bowed her head and made a mad dash for it.

   “E-Eh—oi!” Bafflement held him in place. He watched as Akari ran away. He wanted to move, to give chase, but Rei knew that when Akari was like this, she refused to say anything no matter how hard he tried.

   Liliana gave an elegant curtsy before immediately rushing towards her trainer. Though the Pokémon didn’t have a mouth, concern could be seen on her face.

   Worry now multiplied tenfold as Rei watched her. The only thing the young man could do was hope. Hope that whatever was bothering her would soon go away. Hope that the unbearable pain would soon disappear.

   Hope that Volo would be the one to heal the grief that was now long etched into her heart.

------------------------------

   Slam!

   She needed to breath.

   Thud. Crash!

   She needed to breath.

   Tap, tap, tap! Thud!

   She needed to—

   “Breathe!”

   Immediately, she fell onto the floor. One hand snatched the red scarf away from her neck. She felt hot. Too hot. Vision was blurred by a river of tears. With hands shaken so terribly, Akari untied her obi. It was hard. Too hard.

   She saw all those corpses looking back at her with gazes empty and hollow.

   Finally, the sash was loose and thrown to the side. The coat was still on her, and Akari felt like melting through the clothing. Eyes widened on nothing at all, she struggled to open her coat. It was too difficult. Too scrutinizing.

   She saw her beloved mother torn from limb to limb with her jaw nowhere in sight.

   Thud!

   She couldn’t even feel the pain as Akari fell on the wooden floor. The front door was closed, but Akari felt her feet kicking and pushing against the sturdy door.

   N-No… All of them were looking at her. No—no! All of them begged for her apology. M-Mom…J…J-Jun…Cyn— All of them lay heavy on her, robbing her the will to leave and live.

   It hurt.

   “NO—!”

  Suddenly, a bright red light flashed behind closed eyes. Akari could still feel her heart bang rapidly against her chest. She could still feel her breathing hitch and get stuck be it through nostrils or mouth. She didn’t realize what was happening. She couldn’t.

   ‘Akari…’

   She didn’t know what was going on. Her face that was covered by trembling arms were coated in tears and sweat.

   ‘Akari, I’m here…’

   Suddenly, just as the visions were cruelly haunting her, they slowly dissipated into absolute nothingness. Warmth quietly engulfed her body, coating her in a sense of calmness. Her heart still raced. Her breathing still jerked. But Akari didn’t flinch as she felt her body—one that was curled and shaking—being carefully lifted off the ground.

   Her eyes were still shut. Her breathing still labored.

   ‘There, there, Akari…’ A soft chirp whispered her ear. She felt soft but strong leafy arms cradled her like a baby. Gently, she was placed on the ready-made futon. Though her vision was still soaked in darkness, Akari felt something soft and undeniably warm snuggle against her face.

   ‘We’re here, Akari…’ Belial cooed, body curled in a way that allowed his trainer to nestle next to him. ‘We’re here…’ Sorrow lulled in his tone. For once, his cunning smile was shattered to a frown to see her dire state.

   After placing Akari next to him, Liliana kneeled behind Belial that was lying on his side. Sutera slowly kneeled next to them next. Without a word, the Gardevoir reached out towards them and used his psychic powers to ease Akari’s mind. Erlika carefully sat near Akari’s head, quietly watching with a gaze that echoed both sympathy for the living and abhorrence for the dead. Rosaria hid most of her body inside her shell, having only her gooey hands rub against Akari’s legs after cautiously taking off her boots and socks. Nobunaga cooed and cried weakly, careful not to let his horn hit her as the Hisuian Samurott nuzzled against Akari’s lower back.

   Her body started to cease from its manic shaking. Her breathing was still labored, now accompanied with weak sobs that broke all of the Pokémon’s hearts.

   Bloodred eyes glanced at Erlika. Understanding Belial’s silent request, Erlika took a deep breath and placed one paw on Akari’s head.

   Moments fluttered by in the small hut.

------------------------------

   What was once an abyss full of her mutilated beloved now filled with a white space full of light. Akari could no longer see the dead. Instead, she felt a warm hand.

    When she turned around, Akari could feel her mouth break into a wide smile.

   Familiar faces greeted her. A smile bestowed by her mother. A laugh resonated by her friends. Though silence filled the open void, the girl hopped towards them and felt cheerful laughter filled the area.

    It was empty and silent, yet her heart felt lighter and lighter.

   They laughed and talked. The words came out as nothing, but Akari felt joy bursting her in heart.

   “Akari…”

   Suddenly, that one voice made her heart skip a beat. She turned; a smile then brought up to her ears to see the darling man before her. His smile was genuine. His eyes glowed so softly in her presence. Akari said something—but she couldn’t hear what—and happily pulled the blonde man towards her family and friends.

   She introduced him to them. Akari merely giggled in pure silence as she felt his arm lovingly wrap around her waist. She then felt a soft kiss on the top of her head, further fluttering a heart into mere glee.

   The white void was as silent as ever, yet Akari never felt even more at peace.

------------------------------

   Her Pokémon watched as her breathing started to slow to an even pace. Her rigid body started to loosen. The plaster on her face had been ripped away, wound sadly torn anew after she accidently scratched herself in a state of panic. Belial snuggled closer to her, then breathed a sigh of relief to see her heart humming a soothing beat.

   ‘Thank you, Erlika.’ He murmured gently, eyes gazing upwards at the Hisuian Zoroark. His arms, albeit short, wrapped around Akari’s petite body. He rested his chin on top of her head, nostrils flaring deeply at the state she was in.

   If he could bring her back to her world—even if it meant she would leave him—he would gladly do so as long as it made her happy.

   Belial felt the others huddle around them. Rosaria remained near Akari’s legs. Liliana leaned against Belial’s back. Erlika, one paw now patting Akari’s head, sat cross-legged above them. Sutera adjusted his seating position, still kneeling as he placed one hand on Akari’s upper back. Nobunaga remained by the Gardevoir’s side, though paw gently caressing his trainer’s lower back.

   The moment felt quiet. Serene.

   As fatigue took over in a brink of dusk, Belial and the rest felt their eyes grew heavier.

   Akari shivered lightly, and this only made the Hisuian Typhlosion pull her into a warmer, tighter hug.

------------------------------

   The night was a beautiful moment filled with tranquility.

   The fire in the hearth lit up the room nicely. A pot lay hanging above the flames, lightly boiling some soup that filled the air with scents of delicacy. One lone woman sat quietly, breathing even with eyes a slight swell of red.

   The memories of morning and evening really put a damper on her mood.

   Taking a deep breath, Akari pushed herself back to her feet. “I need to get it together,” she said, alone. With no human nor Pokémon in sight.

   Speaking of, worry started to etch her heart at the lack of one man in the house.

   “Where is he…?” she murmured to herself, glancing at the Arcphone on the small round table. At times like these, she was thankful the device still had some modern qualities. If Akari had to take a guess on the time by looking at the sky every time, she was sure she might have lost track of it.

   She already lost track of the days and herself. Might as well lose a bit more.

   Grumbling sourly at her own grim joke, Akari shook her head and walked to their bedroom. Her Pokémon were out and about. After a few long minutes of convincing them that she was fine, they all relented and went outside. Although a part of her was still bound by sorrow, Akari felt her mind clear up after a good sleep and shower. She knew Sutera and Erlika had a huge part in helping her rid of the grizzly memories, and the woman was beyond thankful that they were able to help ease the pain.

   She felt guilty, but thankful nevertheless.

   “Akari…”

   Her steps halted once she remembered that voice.

   His voice. His smile. His touch. All of them sent a flutter into her lovely chest. No matter how long the time had passed by, Akari could never get over the warm, fuzzy feeling she had for him.

   It was almost hilarious, she thought, that Arceus would have such a plan that both ruined her life and granted her life anew. She never once resented the Alpha Pokémon. From the day she was thrown into this world. From the moment she had everything robbed from her. From the very second she had her hope diminished right before her very eyes. Akari would have had gone insane. She had every right to snatch Arceus’ power for herself and bring back a time where none of this would ever happen.

   She should have. She could have.

   And yet, she never did.

   The images of her ruined world would forever haunt her. But upon meeting Arceus itself when all was said and done, Akari couldn’t find it in herself to blaspheme the creator. Horror and awe held her in its place when she faced the Pokémon that beamed bright like the heavens above. No matter how angry, how broken she was at that time, she couldn’t find it in her heart to beg for the impossible.

   ‘It is meant to be.’

   That was all it said. Akari remembered gazing upon the majestic Pokémon for one last time before feeling herself fade to black.

   Before she woke up, she first remembered her body being shaken and a wail that cried her name.

   Once she did wake up, all she ever saw was a man whose eyes were red with tears and voice cracked into two.

   Her heart skipped a beat. One hand rested on her chest.

   How funny it was when she thought back. To think that her life would turn around for better and for worse. She loved Volo, truly. The days where she was blinded by his actions only strengthened her feelings for him. At first, it was just on a whim. On a grand ideal based on someone whom she looked up too. As the months rolled by, Akari couldn’t find it in her heart to deny what she felt for the man was honest and true.

   Even when the day of his betrayal came, Akari despised the fact that her heart would still beat erratically for him.

   Now, as they both had worked together to save this world, Akari would find herself a fool if she said she wasn’t ecstatic and in disbelief that the man felt the same way.

   She guessed this was Arceus’ merciful way after all that had done.

   Time passed by in a blink, and they both worked together to fix their differences. Volo was still cynical, rude, and apathetic to humans around. Even though he managed to convince Ginter to get his Ginkgo guild job back, it was clear to Akari that his friendly façade remained a façade when he was talking to customers. When he was talking to Rei or the professor or even the commander, Volo either kept a scowl or a petty smile on his face. It pissed people off, that she couldn’t blame them.

   But when he was alone with her, his masks started to break. Akari had seen his true nature at the Temple of Sinnoh. She had seen the worse of him. But after a year of living together, she soon realized that she now faced the best of him as well.

   He was so gentle. So sweet. While his words laced with sweet teases, Akari could feel his honesty compared to the time where he used them against her. He helped her when she was healing from the unbearable wounds, despite he himself was broken down to the bone. He stayed by her side when the nightmares plagued her, kept his arms wrapped around her while she screamed and shook. His touches were gentle and sweet, fingers always intertwined together whenever he felt as if she was about to disappear.

   The nights spent together were lustful and heady. As if they were releasing all their tension that were pent up since the day they walked their own ways. As if they unleashed all their feelings that were kept locked away, denied and ignored. Akari still remembered his touch, desperate and pressing, silently telling her that she would never leave his side. She still remembered his gaze above her, manic and wanting, focusing entirely on her as he thrusted deeply into the very core of her sex.

   “Akari…”

   Damn him and damn her for blushing so hard right now.

   The memory of this morning loomed around her. While she was still hurt that he had never uttered the words she craved so much, Akari knew his feelings for her were just the same, if not stronger. She believed him. She should believe in him. A year had passed by and not once did Volo try to kill her again. Although her Pokémon were completely in guard—some still were—a part of her wanted to hold on to the trust that Volo was still human.

   He was. He was.

   He was human and he loved her. She knew this. She knew.

   She just wished she heard it.

   A defeated sigh escaped her lips.

   Click.

   The sound of the door closed caught her attention. When was it opened? Ah, no bother, she wondered. If it was an intruder, her Pokémon was nearby to punish them. Besides, the only person who knew the lock besides her was Volo.

   This is it! Resolution lit up her hope anew. I’m going to confront him! I’m going to make him say those words! Fists raised with sheer determination. The sound of footsteps approaching only increased the speed of her heart. She felt giddy, slightly dizzy. Clutching on her dark blue jinbei, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

   “I’m home.”

   She heard his voice. Cool. Calm. Collective.

   With a smile on her face, Akari turned around. “Welcome ho—”

   Slam!

   Her reply was cut off immediately when she felt a brief gust of wind near her left ear. Dark eyes snapped open, quickly glancing at the hand against the wall and arm next to her head. Mouth slightly agape, she brought her attention to the tall man she loved dearly.

   However, fear quickly sipped into her like poison once she saw the shadow of blind rage on a pair of dilated, dull grey eyes.