🌹Make Your Own Rules🌹

Everything was black to Lia, floating in an endless abyss of darkness. It was similar to when she first came to Twisted Wonderland, but it felt different. "Where, where am I?"

Soon, the darkness faded, and the scenery changed to what Lia assumed to be a fancy, neat, and clean dining room. Nothing looked familiar until she saw a little child at the table. They looked no younger than Maddie and Matt and had bright, ruby-red hair. Lia gasped when she got a clear view of who they were. "Riddle?!"

"Indeed, that's me," Lia jumped a bit to find the real Riddle right next to her but frowned to see he was still in his 'Overblot state.

"Are, are we in a memory of yours?"

"Unfortunately,"

The scene changed a bit, showing 'Child Riddle having what looked like a cake and a whole heartily meal laid out in front of him. Then, they heard a woman's voice.

"Happy 8th Birthday Riddle~"

"This year's cake is a low-sugar recipe with nuts and lecithin-rich soy flour to improve your cerebral function."

'Okay, I'm all for healthy foods, but you call that a cake?'

"Thank you, mama, but could I, just once, try those tarts covered in bright red strawberries?"

At first, Riddle's mother was silent; then, she suddenly blew up at him.

"How could you even request such a thing?! With all that monstrous amount of sugar in those things, I might as well feed you poison! Just one slice can take up more than half of your daily intake! Now, it'll be a tuna sauté, rich in DHA and omega-3 fatty acids for dinner. You are right now, so your caloric intake should be no more than 600 kilograms per meal. Only eat up to 100 grams, understand?"

". . . .Yes, mama."

Lia couldn't believe what she saw, 'She's seriously not considering how dejected he was?'

"When I was a child, all I ever wanted was to try those tarts with the bright-red strawberries. They were always displayed in a bakery my mother and I occasionally passed. From that window, those tarts would shine like jewels."

The scene then changed to what looked like a study; at a desk, Lia saw Riddle writing stuff down as his mother was teaching him.

"That's enough of 'Classical Magic study for today. For homework, you are to read the first 50 pages of 'The Philosophy of Language text, which was mentioned in today's lecture on 'Magical Logic, in preparation for tomorrow. For now, you have an hour of independent study before your 'Potionology lessons."

"Thank you, Mama,"

"I have a few errands to run before I prepare the lesson materials; we'll meet later in an hour."

"Every second of my day was filled with every possible subject imaginable, secluded to the minute. When I didn't understand something, my study time was extended indefinitely until I fully grasped the material. To me, that was 'My normal."

"You mean you never had any breaks? Any free time of your own?"

"No,"

"There's more to life than just studying! Yes, we all need a good education, but not to a point where we'll exhaust our mentality!"

Riddle didn't say anything till their attention was turned to a sound at the window. Young Riddle got up and walked over.

"Hmm? What was that? A bird?"

"Ah! He heard us!"

Opening the window, Lia was shocked to see the interrupter was Trey! 'This must be when they first met!'

"Hey, hey, hey! Wanna come play with us?!"

Popping right in front of Riddle was none other than Chenya, or at least, his head. Lia's sweat dropped. 'Even then, he was a rascal from a young age.'

"Who- Who are you two?"

"I'm Chenya! This here is Trey. Come on! Let's go play croquet! It's lots of fun!"

"Croquet? I, I can't. I'm supposed to be doing my 'Independent study right now. That and I have a lot of homework to do later."

"Doesn't 'Independent Study mean you can choose what you want to study? My grampa says, ' Playing is a form of 'Study!"

"Playing. . . is learning?"

Young Chenya then reached into his pocket and tossed Young Riddle something; it was a creature that looked very similar to a Shaymin. 'Oh, sweet Arceus, it's so cute!'

"A- a hedgehog?"

"Yeah! He wants to play, too!"

"It's only for a little bit; why don't you try it?"

"O-Okay, just, just for a little bit."

"Alright then, by the way, what's your name?"

"R-Riddle, Riddle Rosehearts."

"From that day forward, it was the best moment of my life. After meeting them, I met another who delighted me most in my childhood."

Before Lia could ask, the scene changed to the boys sneaking out of Riddle's front gardens. However, Riddle stopped when he heard something in the rose bushes.

"Huh? What's that?"

Crouching down, being mindful of the thorns, both young Riddle and Lia gasped at what they saw. It was a shiny Buneary with her foot stuck. Not only that but she was covered in cuts and scrapes and looked like she was starving.

"Bun. . . . "

"It-it's okay; I won't hurt you."

"Whatcha got there, Riddle?"

When Chenya and Trey came over, they were just as surprised to see the little 'Rabbit Pokémon and her condition.

"She's hurt and looks very hungry."

"Good thing I brought the snacks Grampa packed for me!"

"And I brought a First-Aid kit just in case."

"After feeding her and treating her wounds, Charlette would come out and play with us whenever I had my daily 'Independent study time."

"Charlette?"

"That was the name I chose for her. She preferred to be around me rather than Trey or Chenya. I didn't mind, though; being around her was also enjoyable. Those were the best of times, playing them. We did so many things that I never had done before. They taught me many things, things I never knew about. I played games I had never played before. Every day, I would sneak out of my room during my study hour to play. Behind my mother's back."

They soon came to a scene where the boys were chilling at a bench in front of Riddle's house.

"Huh?! You've never tried a strawberry tart?! But they're unbelievably tasty!"

"Never, mama says that sugar is basically poison every time I ask."

Young Riddle frowned as he played with Buneary on his lap.

"I mean, sure, if you eat too much of it. But calling it 'poison is kind of. . . harsh. You know, the bakery my family runs is not far from here. Why not try a tart now?"

"Bakery? You mean the one with the green roof?"

"Yep. One slice wouldn't hurt; it'll be fine."

"Ha! You can have a slice, me? I'm having a whole one!"

"Bun!"

"Hm? You want to try one too, Charlette?"

"Buneary!"

"Well. . . . one slice couldn't hurt, I guess."

Soon, the group was at the bakery; Young Riddle and Buneary were in awe at all the goodies and sweets surrounding them. Lia couldn't help but giggle; the scene reminded her of the first time she went to Aunt Sharail's 'Sweet Cafe. Young Trey led the three into his family's kitchen, where they waited for him. When he returned with the tarts, Young Riddle was a bit hesitant, but when his piece was placed in front of him, he glowed excitedly.

"The moment it was presented to me, the bright ruby tart on the white plate shone brighter than any gem would in the light. When I took my first bite, it was like gold. It was so sweet and tasty that I savored it to the very last crumb. It was nothing as I've ever tasted before; I was so immersed with the taste that I lost track of time. . . ."

The joyous moment was soon interrupted by Riddle's mother storming into the Bakery and going off on Trey's parents. Back at Riddle's home, she yelled at him like there was no tomorrow.

"Unbelievable! Not only do I find you skipping out on your 'Independent study time, but I also find you gouging yourself with a mouth full of sugar! Those two, those little hoodlums, they enticed you into this, didn't they? You are forbidden to ever play with them again!"

"Mama, please! I'm sorry! I'm so sorry! I won't do it again, I promise!"

"ENOUGH! I will not hear it! This happened because you broke the rules! It seems to me that you can't handle so much 'freedom. I need to keep a better eye on you flawlessly,"

True to her words, Riddle's mother had him continue his education routine, watch him, and control everything else in his daily life. However, even though he couldn't go out anymore, his Buneary did her best to cheer him up. When able, she'd sneak into his house up to his room when his mother wasn't around. Sadly, it didn't last long; his mother soon noticed her and threw her out. Thus shattering Riddle's last ray of happiness.

"Because I've broken the rules, my favorite part of the day, my fondest times with Charlette, was taken from me. That's why I vowed never to break my mother's rules ever again. After all, her being the most respected person in town means she's the most correct. But. . . . . Why? Why Mother? Why does my chest hurt so much?"

Riddle began to cry as he and Lia were surrounded by darkness. The aura around them was so nauseously thick that Lia could feel all the hurt and suffering Riddle was going through.

"I, I just want to have tarts on my birthdays; I want to play outside for a few hours like other kids do, I want to have lots and lots of friends. I wanted to smile and laugh with Charlette! Tell me, Mother. . . what rule must I follow. . . to make this pain go away?"

Out of nowhere, Lia gently took Riddle by the hand and pulled him into a tight but warm embrace. "There is no rule; the only way to get rid of the pain is to let it go. Let go of your frustrations, Riddle. You've kept it to yourself long enough."

Riddle didn't waste a second; he latched onto Lia and cried his heart out. All the tears he'd been holding in for so long finally flowed out. As Lia held and consoled the weeping redhead, something sparked inside her. Without breaking her hold on Riddle, Lia began to sing,

May it be~ an evening star,

Shines down, upon you~

May it be~ when darkness falls,

Your heart will be true ~

You walk a lonely road

Oh, how far you are from home~

Mornie utulie~ (darkness has come)

Believe and you will find your way~

Mornie alantie~ (darkness has fallen)

A promise lives within you now~

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As she sang, the darkness that surrounded the two at the beginning slowly faded into a vast, beautiful field of flowers with a starry night sky above them.

Riddle looked bewildered at her. He'd never heard such a beautiful, gentle tune. It was like it was comforting his very being. He closed his eyes and continued to listen to the serene melody.

_________________________________________________________________________

May it be~ the shadow's call, will fly away~

May it be~ your journey on, to light the day~

When the night, is overcome,

You may rise, to find the sun~

Mornie utulie~ (darkness has come)

Believe and you will find your way~

Mornie alantie~ (darkness has fallen)

A promise lives within you now~

A promise lives within you now~

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When Lia ended her song, she looked down to see all of the blot that consumed Riddle before washing away from him entirely. He was back to the Riddle she knew now, the Riddle that was meant to be.

"No one, in any world is 'Perfect, Riddle. Every living being has flaws; it's a matter of facing and fixing them ourselves. Most will indeed have certain exceptions from us, but the most important thing we need to focus on is being our own person. Don't just follow rules that make you the opposite of who you are, or at least who you want to be. We all have our wants and needs and must follow the rules to have a better future. But there is never a rule that decides your future. You and you alone have that power."

"Why, why would you want to help me after all I said to you?"

"Yes, what you said did hurt me. But, after seeing your past, I understand. In a way, I went through the same thing as you. Before I was of age, the adults in school would pressure me to be like my mom. You see, before she met my dad, she was once a renowned performer that everyone adored. But I didn't want that; I wanted to help Pokémon and people alike as an herbalist. My mom may not have had magic, but she was, without a doubt, a wonderful woman."

"Why couldn't my mother be like that? Allow me to do what I want; I just wanted to do things I never did before!"

"I'll admit, she was way out of line for controlling your childhood. But I guess she wants you to have a good future where you have everything you need at your disposal like she does. But what good is having everything when you're not happy?"

"Exactly! I wasn't happy! I never wanted all the things Mother had me do. Yes, I want to be a respected figure like she is. But-"

"You wanted to in 'Your own way. And? What's stopping you now? You're now strong enough to make your own choices now. Tell your mother how you feel and how you felt that day when she started to be too controlling. I believe that deep down behind that stern, stone-cold persona is a loving mother who cherishes her son. She needs to be reminded of what's 'Really important for her child."

"Even so, it won't bring back what I truly wanted. The worst part is that I couldn't protect my best friend from all that! I couldn't protect Charlette! Even though Mother always watched me daily, I hoped I'd see her again. I promised to take care of her after I found her that day. But, if she were to see me now, I'm sure she'd want nothing to do with me."

"LOPUNNY!" (THAT'S NOT TRUE!)

Suddenly, Lopunny and Pikachu came out of nowhere and joined the two. Lopunny rushed over and immediately hugged Riddle.

"Lop! Lopunny, pun!"(It was never your fault! You couldn't control what was happening; I never blamed you for it!)

"What? Lopunny? What are you talking-,"

"Pika, Pikachu." (Call her by her 'Real name.)

"Huh?"

"Call her by the name 'You gave her. She looks different now, but her feelings and the bond you two made back then never changed."

Riddle still looked confused as Lia smiled at him, but slowly, his eyes widened. He looked back at 'The Rabbit Pokémon, and it finally clicked. How could he have not noticed before!? That feeling of familiarity when he first saw her in the Heartslabyul gardens should have tipped him off! Aside from the prominent appearance, the way Lopunny was always by his side, the way she tried to comfort him whenever he was frustrated, the way she smiled and laughed,

"Ch-Charlette?"

The 'Rabbit Pokémon started to cry happily when she heard that name. Smiling up at the redhead, she nodded. "Lop, Lopunny." (Yep, It's me)

Those hope-filled eyes, the fawning smile; undoubtedly, it was his adorable, loving, cheerful Charlette!

"H-How?!"

"Pika, Pikachu. Pika, pi, Pika." (After your mother threw her out, back when she was a Buneary. She stayed at your house and watched over you until she was sent back to my world. She vowed to return to you after she was strong enough to protect you. As soon as she evolved and had some training, she returned to Twisted Wonderland, to you.)

Riddle didn't know what to say; his feelings were a mess. One part of his was over the moon that his Charlette was back; on the other hand, the guilt that had pressured him since that day was still there.

"How, how can you forgive me just like that?"

"Lopunny" (Because you're my Trainer)

"Trainer?"

"In my world, people who have Pokémon are called 'Trainers since they train them for battles and stuff. Think of it as another term for 'Partner or 'Companion. It's far better than to be called an 'Owner; true, most Pokémon are animal-based. But I would never consider them as a 'Pet."

"Pikachu!" (We're no pets!)

"No, you're so much more." he turned back to the Pokémon before him. Overwhelmed with joy, Riddle pulled Lopunny, no, Charlette, into a hug again. "I've missed you so much."

"Lop," (Me too)

Just then, a light shined over to the group's side. Looking over, they saw two different doors. The one on the right shone like a star, and the other on the left was dull and more minor.

"What's this?"

"It looks like you've been given a 'choice, Riddle."

"A choice?"

"Yep," Lia gets up with Pikachu and stands between the doors. "Behind the right one is a path where you're free to make your own rules and live your life the way you want. Behind the left is the path you've been taking until now—

Where you live by the book. So, Riddle, which do you choose?"

For a moment, Riddle was silent. For the longest time, his choices were decided for him, but now, he finally gets to decide for himself. As he got up, he took Charlette by the paw and walked over to Lia.

"I think it's clear which one I choose."

"Hmm~, good choice. But before we go, I think this was long overdue." she held out her hand.

At first, Riddle was confused until Lia gave him her most gentle smile. "Hello, I'm Lia Magus. And this is my partner and most trusted friend, Pikachu."

"Pika!" (Hia!)

Riddle chuckled as he did the same. "A Pleasure, Miss Lia. I'm Riddle Rosehearts. And this," He turned to his Lopunny with a fawned smile, "Is my companion, Charlette."

As they shook hands, Lia guided them to the bright door and opened it. "Ready?"

"Yes, but will they accept me? After how I was before?"

"It'll take some time, yes, but I don't doubt for a moment that Trey will help you along the way."

"Lop!" (I'll help too!)

Riddle smiled at Charlette; with that said and done, they all met with a blinding light as they went through.

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". . . Riddle! . . "