"Listen, Rio." The Celestial King starts pulling me out of the hug.
"What is it?" I respond, shocked by his sudden change in tone.
"I have a question for you. What's your favorite Pokémon?"
"What?" I look at him, searching for the slight grin that would tell me he's joking. I don't find it.
"Infernape, I suppose."
He looks at me, still as serious as ever. "And why is that?"
"I don't know?" Gathering my thoughts, I look out into the crowd of none as I continue. "I thought he was cool. He was discarded, abandoned. Yet he fought and learned how to channel his anger into something better. I remember watching him get pushed into a corner, and where most would've quit, he fought back."
At last, he grins. "You want to know mine?"
"Sure. What's your favorite Pokémon?"
"Sudowoodo."
"The tree-looking thing?"
"Yeah."
"Why?"
"Sudowoodo is the imitation Pokémon. You know what humans and beasts both have in common? Imitation. They learn from the mistakes of others. That's why he's a tree. You know what's highlighted in Sudowoodo's description? The fact that he's not perfect. The fact that imitation can only go so far. If he'd been able to understand that trees change their leaves, or that they need water to live, he might've been a better imitation."
I stare at him, confused about what he's alluding to.
He must know I don't get it, because he says, "Don't worry. It'll become clear with time."
He puts a hand on my shoulder and guides me toward the steps.
As we go down them, he lowers his arm and somehow slips a piece of paper into my hand.
I sneak a peek at it, and my heart stops.
All it says is:
We're live.
Suddenly, everything becomes real.
I look at the old man. His face is masked in darkness, but resolute. Taking his advice, I copy his expression and fall into step beside him.
I feel a little stronger. A little braver.
Maybe it's because I don't feel lonely, because I'm suffering alongside someone else. Or maybe it's because of the power of imitation, like the old man said. I don't care, as long as it gets me through this place akin to hell.
We walk out of the hall, and after nothing but maze-like twists and turns, I make it to a familiar door.
The door I chose.
The old door of that shed.
Standing next to it is another familiar face. Crane. He's holding two suitcases I've never seen before. One black, one white. Both look cheaply made, plastic through and through.
"What is that?" I ask, pointing at the suitcases.
"Were you planning on going there with nothing but the clothes on your back?" the old man responds.
"I mean, no… but isn't this a little much? You've given me so much. I don't even know how to begin repaying you for all of this."
"You can begin by saying thank you, my king."
"Thank you, old man!"
He sighs, then smiles. "Good enough. Take off your gown."
I comply and see another familiar sight.
The suit.
It simmers, like it's saying hello.
"Now say 'academy clothing' and clap your hands."
I do as I'm told.
Nothing happens.
"Put intent into it. You need to want it," Crane says.
"I don't even know what I'm supposed to want!" I snap back jokingly.
Still, I try again. I close my eyes and enforce my will on the world.
"Academy clothing!" I yell as I clap.
My clothes vibrate, like they're following orders.
I open my eyes.
I'm wearing a black robe with gold trim.
"Hey, this ain't bad!" I spin around a little, getting a feel for it.
"We're running out of time, Master," Crane says, glancing at the clock.
"All right," the old man replies.
I turn to face him. He extends his wrinkled hand to shake mine. The moment I take it, a surge of strength flows into me through our joined hands.
I look at him. He looks back, grinning.
"What did you do…"
"You'll see. Also, let me see that charm of yours for a second."
I take it off and hand it to him. He places his hand over it, presses down slightly, then gives it back.
"Are you sure I'm ready for this? You haven't even explained the power system or anything."
He shrugs. "I was told not to explain some things. Besides, you're a smart guy. You'll figure it out. Hopefully."
I stare at him in disbelief, then shift my gaze to Crane, who simply shrugs and hands me the suitcases.
I open the door and hear the familiar groan of the near-collapsed frame.
Looking into the abyss again, I grin.
"See you…"