Chapter 22: Mameko and Dabi in Akihabara

                                    

                                          
Mameko and Dabi soon arrived in Akihabara. Mameko darted out of the train and took her friend through the streets full of anime and game stores.
"Ah, I've always dreamed to come here someday!" she exclaimed. She jumped around with happiness. "This is so cool!"
Dabi walked after her in slow steps, with his hands in his pockets and the hoodie covering his head. He seemed rather unenthusiastic about this entire journey but had accompanied Mameko anyway since he wanted to spend time with her before she'd depart in three weeks.
"Ah, I can't believe it!"
Mameko ran up to a certain store and looked through the window-glass with excitement. Dabi glanced up at the banner of the shop, only to sneer.
"Pokémon store?"
"This must be a dream!" Mameko jumped in place. "This is so cool! Let's go, Sōen!"
She grabbed his burnt hand and dragged him into the store. A whole world of Pokémon plushies and items unfolded before Dabi. While he thought of burning it all to bits in his mind, Mameko ran around, with her eyes sparkling at the sight of each little trinket.
"Sōen, look! I bet if you were a Pokémon trainer, this one would be your guardian!"
Dabi walked up to her side with annoyance, to behold a strange candle-Pokémon plushie with multiple purple lights and empty yellow eyes as if some kind of ghastly lustre.

                            

                                
                            
                              
                                  
                              
                              
                                
                                  
                                  
                                
                              
                             
                            
                            
                          
                          
"What the hell is that?"
"This is Chandelure - a Pokémon of fire and ghost types. If I were to imagine you as a Pokémon Trainer, I'd think your first choice would be he." Mameko grinned. "Isn't it cool?"
"Sounds like crap."
"Boo, come on!" Mameko pouted. "It is awesome! Just imagine yourself with a Chandelure by your side and a Pokéball in your hand! I think you'd look dope!"
She went on building such an image of Dabi in her mind. Blood came off her nose once she pictured him pulling a badass face with a Chandelure by his side.

                            

                                
                            
                              
                                  
                              
                              
                                
                                  
                                  
                                
                              
                             
                            
                            
                          
                          
When she came to, Dabi had already left her side, considering her idea to be "crap". She ran up to him. On the shelf next to him, she beheld her favourite Pokémon.