The Village Guardians
A series of Pokémon fan-fictions written by Philip "Dr. Mack Foxx" Byard and Aaron "Aaraboga Jones" Byard
The Sequel to "The Village Guardian," "Project Omega" and "The Final Strike" written by Philip "Dr. Mack Foxx" Byard with some help from Aaron "Aaraboga Jones" Byard
This is a work of fan-fiction and may not be modified or sold under any circumstances.
Original Story, Characters and all other Original Content are Copyright 1987-2008 Philip "Dr. Mack Foxx" Byard and Aaron "Aaraboga Jones" Byard
Pokémon and all related content and characters are Copyright 1994-2008 to Nintendo, Game Freak, Creatures and The Pokémon Company
Contact Information
To Contact Dr. Mack Foxx
To Contact Aaraboga Jones
With all that said and done, I hope you will enjoy this series of stories.
-Dr. Mack Foxx
The Village Guardians
Chapter #02: Joy and Shadows
-26-
"Finished at last!" thought Warren as he slid his black and gold fountain pen back into his left suit pocket. The old mayor of Gardev had finally put his signature on the last piece of paperwork from what had been quite a monstrous pile of forms. He had been signing and reviewing papers for hours and hours this day and over the last few weeks.
"At least that's the last of that paperwork for quite a while," thought Warren with triumph as he stood up from his fine, wooden desk. He checked a nearby clock: the time was 7:30 in the evening. He stretched and let out a loud yawn as he turned off his desk lamp, slowly left the office and softly closed the door. He walked down the hallway towards the kitchen, wondering what kind of leftovers he might be able to snatch for a bedtime snack. As he walked down the hallway, the sound of soft music soon came into his ears.
"Hmmm…" thought Warren, "What have we here?" The old mayor took a left turn down another hallway. The music seemed to be coming from the ballroom on the other side of the mansion. He continued walking down the hallway and sure enough, the gentle music got louder and louder. Warren then remembered just what was going on as he rounded a corner and stopped, staring into the ballroom. The walls were covered with huge, colored tapestries and the large windows gave a wonderful view of the surrounding Gardev Mountains as well the star-filled night sky. There, he saw Mack and Aura, dancing on the dark oak floor as a waltz played loudly from a nearby stereo with large speakers.
"Ah," thought Warren, "Of course." He remembered how the Guardians of Gardev would dance for a few hours almost every evening before going to their bedroom for the night. Mack and Aura paid no attention to Warren as they danced. Nor did they notice the master chef, Agatha, as she leaned on another doorway about fifty feet across the room from where Warren stood. She was watching and admiring the winged Gardevoirs as they stepped and twirled about the ballroom to the music. For the Guardians, the evening and the night were the only times they had to themselves. Mack and Aura were often busy throughout the day helping the locals. Plus, Aura still had much to teach Mack about Gardevoir history and traditions. Nevertheless, they cherished every moment they got to spend with each other, which, in this case, was often the entire day. Mack had learned that married Gardevoirs and Gallades were almost constantly at each others' sides throughout the day. Aura smiled and blushed, as did Mack, as they held onto each other, stared into each other's eyes and kept dancing.
"Glacian will be thrilled with this," thought Warren with a smile, "Mack and Aura are so deeply in love…" A loud scream of anger from behind Warren, down the hallway, startled the old Gardev mayor and Agatha. Warren knew very few people or Gardevoirs who would show such a display of anger.
"Whereas Anna and Simon are still fighting," thought Warren. He glanced back at the Guardians: they kept dancing and probably had not heard a thing.
"Well, I'm going to my room," said Agatha with a loud yawn across the way, "I'm going to make crepes for breakfast and I need some sleep, no matter how wondrous the Guardians are."
"Have a pleasant evening, Agatha," said Warren as Agatha walked out of the ballroom and out of sight down the hallway. Warren turned around and started walking down the corridor, homing in on the epicenter of Anna's tantrum.
"Now what's going on?" grumbled Warren to himself. He stopped walking just as he came across one of the large game rooms in the mansion. This particular room was filled with all kinds of arcade machines from somewhat older videogames, to pinball tables and even a few Ski-Ball machines. Warren had collected these machines over the decades, mostly for visiting grandchildren. Oddly enough, Warren had impeccable aim and never lost a duel of Ski-Ball. Simon and Anna were standing in front of one of Warren's favorite William's Company pinball tables.
"Read 'em and weep," said Simon with a big grin on his face as he pointed at the LED score indicator, "567,345,000 and the number one slot on Funhouse! You didn't even get in the Top 5!"
"I can't beat you at anything!" said Anna with disgust.
"Don't feel too bad;" said Simon with sympathy, "I've been playing these games since before you were born. It's only natural that I have an edge."
"I guess that means I've been knocked down to second place," laughed Warren. The young Gardevoir and ancient Kabutops turned around to face the old mayor.
"Ah, good evening," said Simon respectfully, bowing slightly.
"Hello, Warren," said Anna with some embarrassment.
"You know Anna," said Warren, "I heard you scream from clear on the other side of the mansion."
"Was she off-key again?" asked Simon with a smirk. Anna looked down and scowled at the smug Kabutops.
"Anna, you really need to learn to control yourself," said Warren as he tapped his right foot, "You lost your temper over a round of pinball? Anna, it is just a game. Quite frankly, I'm surprised anyone beat my top score on Funhouse. Jake has been trying to crack my record for years now."
"I'm sorry, Warren," said Anna as she bowed her head in remorse, "It won't happen again."
"Okay, Anna," said Warren with a nod, "Maybe another game will cheer you up? Well, that or some of Agatha's leftover cookies might do the trick."
"No thank you," said Anna politely.
"Very well, I'm off to bed," said Warren, "You two don't stay up all night, okay? Have a nice evening."
"Goodnight, Warren!" said Anna happily as Warren left the room.
"See you in the morning, old friend," said Simon. Anna glanced at a large Atari machine in the back corner of the dimly-lit room. This particular videogame was almost two decades old with a pair of plastic pistols plugged into it: one red and one blue. Anna figured that surely Simon would have a hard time with an intense first-person shooter.
"Simon, I challenge you to a game of Area 51!" declared Anna. Simon looked up at Anna with disbelief.
"You want to try that one? I've already beaten you at every machine in the entire mansion," said Simon.
"Except that one," said Anna with a grin, "And why don't we make things interesting? Say, a bet?" Simon grinned at Anna, figuring that the young Gardevoir was about to step right into a trap: one that she had just set up herself.
"Alright," said Simon, "If I win, you must spend the next year training under me. It will be brutal, it will be difficult, but maybe I might be able to whip you into shape."
"Okay," said Anna, "But if I win…"
"Here it comes…" thought Simon with dread.
"…You have to play dress-up with me!" said Anna with a grin.
"I accept!" declared Simon with determination.
"Same here!" said Anna forcefully as the two combatants marched towards the classic Atari arcade game.
"So, how will this challenge of yours work?" asked Simon.
"Simple," said Anna as she picked up the blue, plastic pistol and held it in her hands, "The one with the highest score at the end of the game wins. Take as many continues as you need, Simon." Anna smirked at the old Kabutops, thinking she would surely beat him this time.
"I only need one credit," said Simon as he used his limited psychic abilities to lift the red, fake pistol out of its holster and into the air, "Good thing these games are all in Free Mode. You'd never have enough quarters to last through this game and even have a chance to best me."
"We'll see!" said Anna with great confidence, "I've been practicing for a long time."
"Shame, shame, Anna," said Simon with spite, "Playing a game you were far too young to play."
"Shut up and get ready to lose!" said Anna as the game started.
"Indeed," said Simon, "One turkey shoot coming right up…" For an hour, their duel continued vigorously and ferociously. The sound of digital gunshots and explosions filled the game room. Some time later, around 9:12 PM, Mack walked to the game room with Aura in his arms, drawn by the noise of Area 51 as well as Anna and Simon's constant shouting.
"Oh, bother…" said Mack as he held Aura close.
"At least they're getting along," said Aura with a blissful smile, "Well…to some degree, anyway."
"Ha! You're 2,000 points behind me!" said Simon.
"You haven't beaten me yet!" shouted Anna. Mack and Aura chuckled warmly. Aura blushed deeply as her gaze fell on her mate's face.
"Let's go to bed," whispered Aura. Mack gazed at his and Aura's gold wedding bands: he smiled and nodded.
"As you wish, my princess…" said Mack tenderly. Aura giggled as her blushing mate carried her down the hallway and towards their room. Anna and Simon continued to shout as their winner-take-all war continued on and on throughout the night. Back in Warren's room, the old mayor was climbing into bed.
"Why did I get that Area 51 machine anyway?" said Warren to himself, deep in thought, "Oh, yes…I promised Jake I would get it if he got straight A's in 9th grade." Warren soon fell asleep, wondering whether Simon or Anna would emerge victorious.
-27-
It was well into the morning by the time things had started to wind down in the game room, deep in Warren's mansion. The result of Anna and Simon's alien-blasting duel was stunning and downright amazing.
"This is impossible…" grumbled Simon, "You beat me by a mere 100 points Anna, and that means…"
"Yes!" said Anna with triumph, "I get to play dress up with you!" Simon let out a heavy sigh.
"Oh, joy… Pure happiness…" muttered Simon with sarcasm, "So, how long will my humiliation and despair last?"
"Just one day," said Anna, "And then you can train me."
"Pardon?" asked Simon with surprise, "One day? I figured you would toy with me for at least the next week. Besides, why do you want my training, anyway?"
"Well, I figured six months of training from you is worth a trade of six days of you walking around in a dress and makeup," said Anna.
"I ask again: why do you want me to train you?" asked a perplexed Simon. Anna bowed her head and frowned.
"Like you said before, Simon," said Anna solemnly, "My temper is a big problem for me. I'm hoping your training will help me control it better. I want to be at my very best the day I marry Enrique and I need your help." Simon nodded with understanding.
"Then it is settled," said a determined Simon, "I'll be happy to train you. I will remind you though, that the next six months are going to be very difficult and very tough on you. Are you sure this is what you want?" Anna nodded.
"Yes," said Anna. Simon smiled.
"In all my years, I never thought you, of all Pokémon, would want my help," said Simon with amazement.
"Yep!" said Anna as a big, evil grin spread upon her face, "Now then, let's go pay a visit to Makoto. She has all kinds of fun and cute stuff in her attic." Simon groaned.
"Well, one day of humiliation is worth getting Anna in shape," thought Simon as he followed after the young Gardevoir, "I can only hope and pray this day moves by quickly." Simon could only imagine the horrors that awaited him once he and Anna had arrived at their destination. Meanwhile, Mack and Aura were on their way to the dining room. As usual, Warren was waiting for them. He smiled as the Guardians entered the room hand in hand and then carefully took a seat at the table. As usual, William jumped up to the top of a stack of old phonebooks that were piled atop a chair.
"Good morning, my friends," said Warren as he smiled, "Did you have a nice night?" Aura smiled and nodded.
"That's always the case," said Mack happily, "So, any news?"
"Not so much," said Warren, "Except for the unusually dry weather we've been having this summer."
"I know what you mean, Warren," said Aura with some concern, "It hasn't rained for over a month now."
"Indeed," said Warren, "That being the case, I may need the two of you to be on watch for forest fires until we get some decent rainfall around here." Agatha walked into the dining room with her usual bright smile as she put down trays of fresh crepes, freshly-whipped butter and homemade blackberry jam.
"Thank you very much," said a delighted Aura.
"Yes, thank you," said a smiling Mack and Warren in unison.
"My pleasure," said Agatha happily as she left the dining room and made her way back to the kitchen.
"I just wonder why it's been so dry," said Mack as he loaded up his plate. He was looking forward to this fancy breakfast, but the unusual weather was really starting to make him worry. He couldn't imagine how he and Aura would be able to put out a fire, let alone contain one on their own.
"This does happen every four years or so," said Warren, "We just need to be on guard in case a fire is spotted, especially if there's one near the village." William wasn't concerned about fires: he was more worried about not getting any breakfast.
"Mack!" said William impatiently.
"What?" asked Mack as he looked down at his plate. He had not been paying attention and now had most of the crepes on his plate in one giant stack.
"Are you really that hungry, dear?" giggled Aura. Mack laughed nervously as he took most of the food off his plate, putting it back on the serving tray. Aura smiled as she used her power of telekinesis at float some of the luscious crepes onto William's plate with a few blobs of fresh jam and butter on top as well.
"There you go, little cutie," said Aura as she smiled at William. The Pikachu squeaked with delight as he dove right into his fabulous food face first. Meanwhile, to say the least, Simon was certainly having no picnic as Anna led him upstairs into Jake and Makoto's attic.
"This is the place!" said Anna with delight. To say that Simon was uneasy was an understatement. All the trunks and boxes in the attic were sealed tight, so he had no clue what to expect. Anna giggled and smiled as she opened one of the trunks. The fluffy jungle of pink frills that erupted from the trunk was almost enough to give Simon a heart attack.
"Oh, no! Not that!!" pleaded Simon. Anna laughed sinisterly as she pulled a pink ball gown, covered with pink, lace frills out of the chest. The dress had long, puffed sleeves and a full skirt with layer upon layer of pink petticoats underneath.
"Remember our deal, Simon;" said Anna sadistically as she brought the dress towards Simon, cradling it in her arms, "You have to wear whatever I want for one day."
"Well, it'll have to be something else," snorted Simon.
"Fine with me," said Anna as she glanced about the room with an evil grin on her face, "I wonder if Makoto's bathing suits are still up here?" Simon's eyes opened wide.
"Okay," said Simon, giving up all resistance, "I'll wear it."
"That's a good boy," said Anna as she unzipped the dress and set it on the floor. Simon reluctantly stepped into the soft, fluffy dress. He gazed at the ceiling as Anna stepped forward and pulled the dress up his body. However, Simon's long claws and his short height turned out to be a major problem. The claws would never fit in the sleeves: the dress hung limply on his shoulders. He looked up at Anna with contempt as he stood in his pile of soft, pink fluff.
"This…" said Simon, "Will not do…" Anna nodded.
"Man, this isn't going to be as much fun as I thought…" complained Anna, "I don't think there's anything up here that will fit you."
"Indeed," said Simon, "I can't think of anyone who ever made clothes for a Kabutops."
"I don't believe this…" said Anna with a heavy sigh, "I was really looking forward to this…"
"It's alright, Anna," said Simon softly, "We couldn't have predicted this."
"I suppose," said Anna with disappointment, "Well, you may as well get going."
"Hmmm…?" said Simon: he was amazed that Anna was going to let him go so easily, "But what about our deal?"
"It just doesn't seem fair," said Anna, "You'll get to have your fun with me, but I don't get to make you pretty for even just one day." Simon let out a heavy sigh. The old Kabutops knew he was going to regret this. Simon stared long and hard at Anna.
"What are you going?" asked Anna with a worried look on her face, "If you've fallen in love with me it's too late. I'm already engaged to Enrique."
"That's not the case," said a reluctant Simon, "I gave my word of honor. I'm not going to spoil your day of fun."
"So, what are you going to do?" asked Anna with a huff.
"You'll see," said Simon with a wink as his body started to radiate a bright, white light. Anna covered her eyes. She heard soft rustling from the fluffy, pink dress as it was moved.
"Simon?" asked Anna with her hands over her eyes, "What are you doing now?" The bright light soon faded and Anna uncovered her eyes. She gasped as Simon stood before her as a male Gardevoir.
"Ah," said Simon as he looked over his Gardevoir body, "Now I can actually use Transform when I want to." Anna was absolutely flabbergasted. She looked him over closely with disbelief.
"So, whose dress is this anyway?" asked Simon, "It can't be a human's dress: it fits me too well for that. Well, except maybe for the chest. That part is a bit too loose."
"It does fit you perfectly!" said Anna with delight, "Though, I don't know who this dress belongs to. It's definitely meant for a female Gardevoir…"
"Hello, Anna!" said a friendly, feminine voice from the stairs below. Simon blushed nervously as whomever it was started climbing up the stairs.
"Hello, Sakura!" said Anna with happiness as the now-winged Gardevoir stepped up into the attic, "Where's Fredrick?"
"Oh, Fredrick's back at home. He said I could spend the day out and about while he helps straighten up our home. It's so nice to see you!" said a smiling Sakura, "How are things going?" Sakura glanced at the blushing male Gardevoir in a pink, fluffy dress.
"And who is this?" asked Sakura to Anna. Simon decided to just get it over with.
"I'm Simon," said the male Gardevoir in a very familiar, gruff voice. Sakura tried to stifle her laughter, but to no avail.
"What happened?" asked Sakura, laughing loudly, "Surely Simon isn't going to stay in the form of a male Gardevoir!"
"Simon and I had a bet," said Anna with a grin, "And he lost. So, now he gets to play dress up with me for the day!"
"So I see," said Sakura as she finally stopped laughing.
"However," said Simon, "After this, she will be spending the next six months training under me. She said herself that she wants to learn to control her temper and wants to be at her very best when she marries Enrique."
"Is this true?" asked Sakura. Anna nodded her head.
"Yes," replied Anna, "In the meantime, I'm going to have some fun here with Simon."
"Think I can join in on your little project?" asked Sakura with immense excitement.
"Yes, you may," replied Anna with devious smile.
"Only if you don't tell anyone about this!" pleaded Simon.
"Okay," said Sakura, shrugging her shoulders.
"Perfect! Now, let's get Simon dressed up and have him walk around Gardev for awhile," said Anna.
"No! You can't make me!" said Simon angrily.
"You gave your word," said Sakura, "It would be very… dishonorable for you to go back on what you said." As much as Simon hated to admit it, Sakura was right.
"Besides, once I get you all set up, no one will ever recognize you," said Anna, "Then, if you use that crazy mind barrier of yours, no one will be able to read your mind." Simon let out another heavy sigh. Anna was right though, and Simon figured he would be able to get away with this madness for the day.
"Okay," said Simon, "So, what next: a feather boa, perhaps?" Anna and Sakura giggled at Simon.
"Of course not," said Anna. Just then, Sakura took Anna aside and quietly whispered something to her. Simon glanced at the two young Gardevoirs, wondering what they were discussing.
"What do you think?" asked Sakura quietly. Anna nodded.
"I think it could work," replied Anna as she faced Simon, "You can go ahead and take that dress off, Simon."
"Am I free?" asked Simon eagerly.
"Nope!" said Anna.
"You're going to wait right here while I head back to the Gardevoir city," said Sakura, "I'm going to have a little surprise for you when I get back. See you two in a bit."
"Be back soon," said Anna with anticipation. With that, Sakura disappeared in a bright flash as she teleported away. Simon carefully took off his dress, glad to be free of his pink and fluffy prison, even if just for now. He was also very happy to find out that when he had transformed, he suddenly had the familiar white gown and pants of a Gardevoir. He could only imagine what horrible, girly fate awaited him now.