Lying in the lush green grass, a the light breeze tickled his nose as it fluttered on by. The sky was a vibrant blue, the dark clouds summoned by Lucas earlier had dispersed, leaving only the white, fluffy kind in it’s place. Those were the reason he was here, on a hill a ways from Mauville City, staring up at the boundless azure. An old trick from his father. When times got rough, and particularly stressful, take some time to stare at the clouds. Find one that looks like a Pokemon, and latch onto it. Watch as it floats across the sky, free from all cares. The act was soothing. Uplifting, even, and the weather was perfect for it. Just enough breeze to keep the heat away, just enough heat to be warm enough. His eyes grew heavy, and they shut seemingly of their own accord. How he wished to wake up suddenly. For all of this to have been a horrible nightmare. 

Alas, no such luck.

Eyes creeping open, Tantalus stood up. No plan in mind, but calmer and more focused. His iconic jacket lay a distance away over a stone wall, having been cleaned up using a nearby river. Somehow, the glass shards had simultaneously pierced the skin but avoided ripping the fabric. It was fine craftsmanship, without a doubt. The blood had come out well enough, and the water had served to wash up the cuts dotted around his back. It would have been far easier for his healing aura, but without any idea if the thing with Mawile was a one-time thing, or permanent, it was a huge risk. The temptation was there, regardless. 

It was nothing less than he deserved. 

Returning to Mauville City was the last thing he wanted to do, but despite being too cowardly to stay, he was also too cowardly to leave. Picking up on anything and everything, the Avatar tried to shun the events, as though ignoring them would make them less real. He began to walk back in the direction of the city. A relaxing walk through the woods waited between the two. Marvelous places. So full of sentient life, with none of the hassles that come with it. Approaching the treeline, Tantalus suddenly felt very faint. Attempting to forge on, regardless, his left leg gave way completely, causing the man to topple. Sweet darkness swallowed him whole, allowing sleep at last. A quiet whisper robbed the last shreds of energy within.

“[color=00aeef][b]I told you to make the most of it.[/b][/color]”