Chapter 17: Ice Cream Konikoni

Zen sighed deeply as he walked with Ash and Cynthia towards Konikoni City. It had been a few days since they first arrived. The silver haired young man seemed to be fidgety as they stepped together into the city. The sea breeze seemed much more crisp here and the city was much smaller than Hau'oli City and Heahea City. Markets lined the streets at the entrance and the lighthouse was visible in the distance.

"Well we are here," Zen said as he looked at the couple behind him with some annoyance. Cynthia had a light tan and Ash had a deeper tan than her. They seemed to be focused on sightseeing and shopping. Especially at the ice cream parlour since it was pretty hot in the tropical region. He stepped out to grab them both only to grab dust clouds as Cynthia rushed off with Ash directly to the ice cream parlour. "Ah Arceus damn it," he said to himself.

"I wonder what to get…" Cynthia wondered as Ash submitted to his fate. A long wait as Cynthia self-debated about ice cream flavours, flavor combinations and what flavor would melt faster or slower. To Ash, ice cream was ice cream. To Cynthia it was everything. "Darling you choice one flavor for me," she finally said as the line got longer and longer behind them. The air around them a little pressured by the angry scowls and the grumbling heard.

Thinking quickly Ash pointed to one of the tubs. "That one!" he exclaimed suddenly and quickly leaving her no opportunity to respond to the suggestion and quick finger jab. The man operating the parlour quickly giving them one scoop of the selected ice cream each. Ash quickly paid and strolled off with her as the customers glared at them. Ten minutes was far too long to decide on a flavor!

"You two done?" Zen asked annoyed as his metal arm gleamed a little in the sunlight. He look a little annoyed and worried as he looked about as if he was expecting a surprise. He sighed again as they both nodded like two children responding to their parent. "Yes Zen," Cynthia said smiling as she ate her frozen treat, although she was a little peeved that she didn't get a second scoop like she desired.

Ash looked at Zen and frowned a little as he noticed at his aura…well sort of aura was all over the place! He was nervous and embarrassed it seemed. If he were any other person he would make a crude remark about metal not being able to have emotions but Zen was more than machine and more than a living being. Created during an unknown period of time in the world.

"What's got your circuits shorting?" Ash asked as Zen flinched as he straightened a little. He was pretty nervous and the reason came barreling into him as darkened arms wrapped around Zen's body. Ash noticed Zen's aura going haywire. Seems like his friend needed to spend more time around women and talking about women.

"G-get off me Olivia!" Zen shouted loudly as he tried to get away, blush fully across his face as he tried to pry the Alola national off of him. Cynthia snorted in amusement as she turned away to hide her face splitting smile and Ash did the same after realizing who the other aura belonged to. The single lady captain. The rocky queen. Olivia. Seemed like she had taken a liking to Zen.

"Oh it's you!" Cynthia exclaimed pointing to Olivia as she seemed to recognize her. What both women didn't know was that they were both involved in the uncovering of Zen and his era. Although Olivia kind of…took Zen away and had him placed in Konikoni for 'social normality'.

"Huh? I know you…Cynthia Shirona Champion of Sinnoh," Olivia replied as she poked Zen's cheek only to provide him with more of an urge to change his hand into a blade and run her through. Since…well Zen is unique to Pokémon and humans. In a way…it is weird and complex.

"Olivia how have you been?" Ash greeted with a grin as he waved to her loving this scene having the strong ancient being having been dominated by a rather slim young woman. It was a sight to see indeed. Over the years Olivia had grown her hair out to be just below her midsection of her back and she seemed to still be wearing the same style of clothing. Short shorts and a midriff with various stony accessories. Olivia got up off of Zen and hugged the boy who challenged her in those early years. "It's has been a while Ash," she replied as she rubbed his head after moving away from the embrace.

Ash smiled as he rubbed the back of his head bashfully. He seemed to be a little regretful about his departure now, even though it was him against the world. "Well…let's just say shit hit the fan," he replied with a smile as Cynthia pouted a little. She seemed to be just a little jealous about this closeness but deep down knew that it was nothing. It was obvious where Olivia's interests lay.

"Well, anyways can we get some lunch?" Ash asked suddenly as his belly rumbled. Ice cream didn't seem enough for him. A good meal at a certain restaurant would get him full. Zen smiled a little as he looked at Olivia. "I mean it isn't the meal for two like you want, Olivia-chan," Zen teased a little. Seemed like he could also tease the Kahuna as much as she could to him…and she could react like he could too.

"O-oh shut up you!" she said blushing a little as Ash sniggered and Cynthia just smiled. Youth was a such a beautiful thing to see. But soon three more rumblings from three bellies were heard.

Soon…all four of them were walking towards that certain restaurant…

Check out the new side story!

Falling Ash, Rising Heat: SOLID STEEL. It is about Zen and his story with Olivia and others to tag along! Check it out, it is going to be good fun!

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