-Keeper of Time's POV, Third Person-
"Over there! Don't let her get away!"
Men and women in uniform, black sweatpants with silver trim, similar sweatshirts and hoodies. The back of each and every sweatshirt had a picture of a moon with blood red cracks crisscrossing through it. A Shattered Moon.
At least three hundred of these men and women, all riding in rugged, topless jeeps, running over bumps and roots, swerving around the thick trees of the forest in which their prey fled.
The prey wasn't doing well. Blood ran down several cuts along her head and back. She was breathing heavily. Her form was small, fairy like, with light green skin and an elvish style look to her face. Celebi.
Celebi was no ordinary pokemon. She was the apprentice to Dialga, the Master of Time. Her title, The Keeper of Time, was proof of this. All "Legendary" pokemon were really Masters and Keepers. Arceus was their leader. Every Master and Keeper is immortal, unless they fall in battle, or some other occurrence done with the intent of harm.
Celebi was fatally wounded.
Someone had harmed her… Who or how, She had no idea. But not only had they harmed her, they had somehow prevented contact between her and the Masters and their Keepers. She had no rescue coming.
Blood loss was taking it's toll, Celebi was seeing double and could hardly concentrate. Suddenly she slammed into something hard, head on. Scraping her face upon the rough bark of a tree, she couldn't take it anymore. She fell to the ground, crying in agony. The troops closed in, but all she could do was weep as she held her worst wound, a bullet that had practically torn open her left hip. Gasping for breath, she tried in vain to fight the dark spots dancing in her vision. A pair of boots appeared in her dizzy line of sight, before their owner crouched down for her to see. The face was hooded, but it did nothing to mask the cold, murder filled voice that would be her music box of laughter sounding during her future of torture, the voice that would haunt her sleep for all eternity.
"Looks like you finally lost, little one. Don't worry, you and I will have lots of fun. I hope you enjoy our time together…"
Then fear and pain took their toll and she slipped into unconsciousness.
-Three Months Later, March 26, Third Person-
We find ourselves in a large courtyard, with a huge, old fashioned orphanage in a U style surrounding the grassy area. At the open edge, a yell, filled half with laughter and half shock, sounded through the trees. Several voices, all laughing, soon followed. Moments later, several pokemon appeared; Bunnery, Riolu, A couple of Caterpie and a Zorua ran playfully around the yard, laughing and talking happily to each other. A moment later, another Riolu, who was reading a book, emerged. Right behind him was a Lucario. This Lucario, however, had gold colored fur, with trim colored blacker than the deepest night. He was extremely mean and strict looking, but in reality was very kind and protective. He addressed the younger pokemon.
"Alright, you guys. Get inside, it's getting late!" The pokemon smiled as his charges eagerly ran up the main back entrance, but respectfully making space to the human who was standing off to one side. The human waved in greeting to the Lucario, who returned it and fell in sync with him as they followed the young ones inside.
"Hello, Luke. How was your day? Did they run you out of juice yet?" The man teases. He was about six feet tall, with pale white skin and eyes so shockingly blue they gleamed brighter than the biggest sapphire, with hair dyed the same color. Luke just smiles and shakes his head.
"Not yet. Pretty close though, I won't lie. That group is so adventurous. I spoke with Old Ursaring last night, he agreed to let me take them exploring in his caves. They went full steam all day, it was incredible. We will probably go back tomorrow." His eyes narrowed slightly. "Your Aura is subdued, Michael. Is something wrong?" The man sighs.
"I can't hide anything from you, even with 22 years of Aura Guardian experience under my belt. I suppose I'm worried. I'm going to Paul's school tomorrow for 'Bring Your Father To School' day. I just hope I can pull off the speech," he says heavily. Luke puts a hand on his shoulder.
"I've known you for 17 years, Michael. You're amazing. You started a Pokemon Orphanage and Protection Agency in SlatePort! The amount of lives you've saved… Mine included. You're the only person the police trust to care for the Shiny Pokemon that get injured. You have over 200 pokemon in your care here, and you know each and every one personally. All the Senior Pokemon that work here do it because you're making a difference. They admire that. And the kids at Paul's school will, too. You will do great." He said, sounding confident. When Michael didn't seem quite convinced, he kept going. "If you want, I can come with you. Even on some absolutely impossible chance they don't like your speech, a shiny Lucario is a rare sight." He struck a bodybuilder pose. "I love showing off. My charges can spend the day with Gale, they enjoy each other's company."
Michael struggled with supreme difficulty to keep his laughter quiet. When he could pull a straight face, he spoke. "I would love that, and I'm sure Gale's kids will, too. Thanks, brother."
They fell silent as they approached the front of the large building, where a square of light could be seen from one of the dorms. They stopped in the doorway and discovered the pokemon under Luke's care talking quietly. The pair smiled, then Michael stood in the doorway while Luke entered. The Pokemon quieted down instantly.
"All right, everyone. I've a change of plans. Michael needs my help running an errand tomorrow, so we can't go to the caves again." He smiled slightly at the chorus of 'aww' that echoed through the room. "Sorry, but it's important. But, I need your help. I won't be here tomorrow, so you all will be hanging out with Gale and his gang. Most likely at least, I'll confirm it with him in a moment. Thing is, when it's time to get up tomorrow, I won't be here. I'll have already left. So can I count on you guys to get yourselves ready and wait for Gale to get you? And will you mind his directions?" The group nodded, looking excited. "Alright! Don't worry, we can go to the caves again in a couple of days. That being said, it's bed time. I'll see you all tomorrow night. Good night!"
The group got into their beds and Luke shut off the light before exiting. Michael spoke quietly to him. "They listen well. Shall we head to the meeting room?" Luke nodded, and the pair walked up the nearby staircase, to another door. The meeting room consisted of casual chairs, spread out in groups or around tables. At one end stood a simple but cozy fireplace. Upon entrance, about 50 pairs of pokemon eyes looked up. Discussions fell silent over the room as the Senior Pokemon, consisting of Alakazam, Zoroark, Gallade, Gardevoir, Hitmonlee, Hitmontop, Gengar, and others, multiple of each, respected the Principal and founder of the Orphanage, as well as the head Senior.
Michael nodded to them, before making his way to his usual spot in front of the fireplace. Luke drifted over to Gale, a Gallade, who, like many of the Seniors, was a different color than normal. The two quietly conversed, and Gale quickly agreed to Luke's idea.
Michael spoke up. "Another day gone. I'm glad to say I enjoyed it. I've said this every night for the last eight years, and I'll say it again. I cannot thank you all enough for volunteering here to help me maintain a safe heaven for these pokemon. It means the world to me. Any problems I need to know about?"
A Delphox by the name of Alice spoke up, her voice understood by Michael due to his Aura Guardian history. "Ruby broke her arm today in a fall. It's only a small break, the SlatePort Nurse Joy called in a healer. Said healer should be here in a couple days, and we can fix it completely then."
Michael nodded. "Only that? That's good. Alright, Alice, if you need any help with her, feel free to give me a holler. Also, everyone." He adds, addressing the group as a whole. "Luke and I are running an errand tomorrow, so we won't be here. Gale will be taking his charges, which I thank him for. Other than that, we are good. Thanks everyone. Good night."
Michael headed out a side door, where his private room called him to sleep. The Seniors went down several hallways, all of which branched off of the meeting area, where their rooms awaited them as well. Michael walked through his room to his son's room. Even at eight years old, he was the spitting image of his father, just shorter. The boy already slept quietly. Michael planted a light kiss on his forehead, then went to sleep as well.
-March 27, Third Person-
Michael woke up to his alarm clock softly beeping. Glancing at the clock, which read 8:05 AM, he hopped out of bed, took a quick shower and dressed in casual clothing. Soft, blue sweatpants, a black shirt with the words 'Pokemon Orphanage and Protection' printed in bold, white writing across the back. He was ready to go by 8:30, when his son awoke. The boy was very respectful of his father and loved academics, thus he was ready by 8:45, although he didn't have to shower. He grabbed a banana from the fruit basket and made his way into the meeting room, where his father and Luke were waiting. Michael smiled at him.
"Hey, Paul. Ready to go?" He asks in greeting. The boy nods, shaking hands with Luke.
"Yes, dad, is Luke coming, too?" he responds excitedly. Luke smiles, shaking his head. Michael laughs.
"Yes, he is. Although, he is right in front of you, asking the guy himself would be a tad more respectful, don't you think?" Michael says.
That gets Luke laughing as well. "Michael, he's a kid at heart, even if he is a lot more respectful than most his age. Yes, Paul, I'm coming as well. Don't worry about your father, he's just a party crasher." He says, smiling. "Shall we head out then?"
Paul nods, grinning. The trio sets out from the main entrance, which is located north from Slateport City. They walk into town, then head in the direction of the market. The building close to the northern entrance to the market had been converted into a school, where Paul currently attended. It was a bit bigger than it used to be, and accommodated several classrooms.
They walked in the front door and Michael, along with Luke, quickly signed in as guests at the front desk. Paul went ahead to join up with his friends, while the older pair went to his classroom. Room 07, one of the larger rooms, a typical third grade learning environment. The teacher inside, a woman in her late 40s by the name of Mrs. Quartz, smiled when they entered. She shook hands with both Michael and Luke, and looked surprised when Luke asked her about the drawings on her desk.
"The students made them for my husband when he was sick, they're very thoughtful… If you don't mind me asking, how can I understand you?" She asks, somewhat nervously.
"I myself developed Telepathy about 10 or so years ago during my training. Even if I didn't, however, Michael's work as an Aura Guardian gave him the ability to understand pokemon, and temporarily grant others the power as well. As long as he or another Aura Guardian is present, you would be able to communicate with any pokemon in the immediate area, granted they allow the communication." He responds . She seems surprised and impressed. At that moment, the bell chimes, a soft ringing that echos through the school. She looks shocked at the time.
"That's the five minute warning bell, the students will be arriving shortly." She says, and sure enough, about thirty students flood through the door, half of which have a parent or guardian with them. Michael and Luke stay silent, blending in with the art projects, toys, papers and storage equipment, allowing the students to turn a blind eye upon them while they take their seats. The other parents greeted each other quietly, and nodded to the Caretakers. They respectfully gave them space, every adult in the area knew and appreciated the work the orphanage did.
When the students had taken to their seats, Mrs. Quartz got their attention. "Hello, class." The room chorused with 'hello's and 'hi's from the students. "As all of you know, today is 'Bring Your Parent to School Day.' It seems like many parents volunteered, so we will go down the list in alphabetical order. That being said, would Mr. Alpines please come forward?" She asks.
The parents, usually alone but sometimes in pairs, went in front of the class and explained what their job was, often with diagrams and pictures of memories. Miners, construction workers, even a Pokemon Center Doctor. Than Mrs. Quartz called for "Mr. Tellings."
Michael and Luke melted through the crowd, Luke stood off to one side of the front room while Michael took the main stage. Whispers had broken out at the name, they all knew about Mr. Tellings, the Orphanage Principal and Aura Guardian. Several more broke out upon spotting Luke. Silence spread out over the class as Michael cleared his throat.
"Hello. As you all probably know, My name is Michael Tellings. I run the Pokemon Orphanage and Protection Agency to the north of Slateport City." He begins. Luke rolled his eyes slightly.
Problems with the speech, my ass. He's doing great. The pokemon thought.
"My job started when I turned 19, after several years as an Aura Guardian." He continues, before flexing his hand. A small sphere of blue energy formed in his palm, crackling and sparking. It floated there for a moment, before vanishing. "Let me introduce my friend and partner, the vise principal of the Orphanage, if you would call his title that, and leader of the Senior Pokemon, Luke."
Michael nods to Luke, who smiled slightly and joined him on main stage. "Hello, everyone. I'm Luke. My job as Head Senior is to deal with problems and ideas from the other Seniors. Yes, you all heard me. I developed Telepathy, along with many Seniors at the Orphanage." He adds to the shocked looks throughout the room. Michael continues.
"The orphanage currently protects, houses, feeds and cares for about 200 pokemon, not including the Seniors. The Seniors, like Luke here, each have between five and ten pokemon under their care. They specifically parent and care for their charges, and each night we convene to help each other develop ways to ensure their safety and growth." He says, then pauses for a moment. "Many of the parents used pictures and diagrams to show you their work, their values. I prefer a more direct way. Memories."
The person and pokemon sit cross legged on the floor, and before anyone could react, they closed their eyes. All at once, the room transforms into a slightly hazy scene of a grassy field, surrounded by thick forest. The group seems shocked, except for the two who created the scene.
"Calm down." Michael speaks up. "This is a memory, an illusion created by Luke and myself. You cannot be hurt, and when we go back to the real world only about two minutes will have passed. Look behind you."
The group turns as one and watches as a Riolu with gold fur appears out of the treeline. He seems distressed, and it's easy to see why. Behind him are several men in military style clothing, along with a Luxray, Emboar, and Golbat. Riolu is running top speed, but seems to be limping. A momentary clearing in the grass reveals severe bruising on his back and legs, and soon enough he trips, slamming hard into the ground. At once the three pokemon surround him. One of them sends a claw down it's leg, but the image darkens until the leg is black. The scene suddenly freezes. Michael speaks up again.
"I don't plan on showing gore to any of you. Any censoring will be done in this manner." He says. The scene unfreezes and the Riolu is heard crying out. All of a sudden, several blue flashes appear and the hunters and pokemon are pushed back several yards from the injured pokemon. Three people appear, all cloaked in dark blue cloth, with black trim. Each is accompanied by a strong looking pokemon, who get into fighting positions. A Gallade, a Greninja, and a Blaziken. The scene pauses right after the three humans, two guys and a girl, remove their hoods.
Luke speaks up this time. "The humans from left to right are Treacy, Michael, and Cheren. The pokemon at their sides are Gale, Yang, and Blaze… The injured Riolu… that's me." he adds, sounding somewhat depressed. The scene starts once again.
The younger Michael backs up, dropping to his knees next to the Riolu. As he does, the three pokemon, commanded by the other two Aura Guardians, engage in battle. Michael puts his hands on Riolus shoulders, holding him still. He speaks.
"Look at me. Calm down. You're going to be alright." He says, as he shifts so he can restrain the injured, panicked pokemon with one hand. The other reaches into his pack and pulls out a vial of clear liquid. "Calm down. This medicine will help you heal and subdue the pain. Deep breath, now." He says. The Riolu sucks in a deep breath as Michael pokes him with the vial and depresses the trigger. A moment later, the injured pokemon stops struggling and relaxes, the pain dulling to a slight throb. Michael quickly picks him up, then signals his comrades. The fight was going well, it was already a three on one.
The Greninja, Yang, broke off from the fight and followed Michael through the forest, acting as a guard. They moved at a fast pace, and in moments a younger version of SlatePort came into view. Yang ran inside the Pokemon center, while Michael quickly set down his patient and brought out a medical bag. The scene skipped ahead, and suddenly they stood in front of the Pokemon Center, at dusk. The young Michael held the golden furred Riolu in his arms, who slept soundly. Several dozen stitches ran down it's leg and arms, and the discolored bruising was easily noticeable. Michael conversed quietly with Nurse Joy.
"He'll be safe in my care. I'll be back in a few days with a follow up. Thanks for your help with the stitches, Joy." He whispered. She nodded.
"Sounds good. Be careful though, they won't be the last." She replied.
"Don't worry, the Aura Guardians have set up a place of protection for him…" He trailed off, deep in thought. "I wonder what the Gua-"
Suddenly the image warped, and the older Michael yelled in pain. The image faded and the group was back in the classroom. Michael was on the ground, holding his head, which had hit a desk. In his lap sat a green, fairy-like pokemon, covered in deep cuts and blood. It seemed as though the Pokemon had flown in through the open window and crashed into the man. Before anyone could react, the injured pokemon gave a heartbroken cry and a greenish blue energy surrounded the pair.
Luke, who had taken a half step toward them, hesitated. Mrs. Quartz tried to step forward, but Luke yelled, "No! Back off. Don't touch them. It's showing him memories." Luke sounded nervous as he continued. "I'm seeing it as well. This is Celebi, the Keeper of Time… This is horrible. Arceus above…" He trailed off as the energy faded.
Michael sat still as stone, a horror struck look on his face. He looked down at Celebi, who had lost consciousness. Suddenly he shook his head and stood. He spoke with determination and confidence, but it was obvious that he was horrified by what he had seen.
"Luke, I need you to get Nurse Joy and Officer Jenny and meet me at the Orphanage ER." The Pokemon hesitated for half a second before he nodded and sped out the door. Michael addressed the students and parents. "I beg the pardon of everyone here, but this pokemon… She was fatally wounded, and possibly tortured. I don't know why, but she showed me. The Society of the Shattered Moon is responsible. Listen to me, all of you." He says, growing even more serious. "None of you can say a word about this. If the SSM finds out they will stop at nothing to get her back. I've got to go, before her condition gets any worse. Paul, I don't know if I'll be home when school is over, but I won't be available either way. Goodbye." He says, before vaulting out the window and sprinting down the road.
The retired Guardian ran the three miles to the Orphanage at a full clip, thankful that he kept up his strength and stamina training after his time as an Aura Guardian. Nurse Joy and Officer Jenny were already there, and they held open the doors to the building for him. Michael ran through the building, dodging Seniors and their charges until he slammed through the ER doors. Inside was a simple counter, with an array of medicine cabinets lining the walls. It was extremely clean. Michael set Celebi on the counter and started grabbing items out of the cabinets with quick, precise movements. He slammed his finger down on a button and a microphone came up.
"I need Gale in ER ASAP." He states, before grabbing a couple of syringes and making his way back to Celebi. He injected the contents of the first syringe into her neck, than a quarter of the second. Her eyes opened, and her breathing strengthened a bit. Michael took a moment to compose himself, then spoke calmly and clearly to Celebi.
"I know you can hear me. The SSM hasn't found you. You're safe. I gave you a combination of powerful painkiller and muscle relaxant, as well as a small dose of adrenaline. You should be able to hear and see, as well as think somewhat clearly. You can move you eyelids as well. Other than that, your movements are subdued so you won't injure yourself further. Blink three times if you understood me." He relaxed slightly when she followed his direction. A moment later, Gale ran in, and sat on the floor, cross legged. He continued. "The adrenaline will run it's course in a moment, and you will fall asleep. Gale here is going to enter your mind, and he will explain what I am doing to repair your body. Don't worry. I'll be damned if I let you die." He finished, sounding determined. A moment later, Celebi closed her eyes.
-Gale's POV-
Gale awoke in a cave. Granted, it wasn't a normal cave. The floor was covered in moss, and a soft light that lacked a visible source glowed throughout. A nice place to meet. He got up and made his way through a door into a similar room, where Celebi sat, seeming nervous. She's probably hundreds of years old, but I sense an emotional state similar to a teenager… She's scared. Gale thought to himself. He put on a warm smile and spoke.
"Hello. My name is Gale. I take it you're Celebi?" He says. She nods, avoiding eye contact. Gale moves and sits down across from her. The pair of them stay silent for a moment. Gale continues. "Michael told you what he wanted me to do. Please. Trust me." Without waiting for a response, Gale gets up and starts moving his arms. Material forms out of thin air, and Gale directs it around, until something similar to a TV screen forms. He sits down once again, noting how Celebi seems calmer. I suppose she is in the emotional state I thought originally. But she is opening up a bit.
Gale focuses on the screen, and a room appears on it. Michael is working, fast and efficient. Tubes are already set in Celebi's arms, several monitors are spread about, data flying over them. The man has already bandaged several wounds, but several of them seem bigger. Celebi's eyes widen, but Gale puts an arm gently on her shoulder. "Calm down. He's treating your wounds. It's ok. The few cuts he had to make bigger were done to ensure correct healing and stitch placement. You're going to be fine." She nods, but fresh tears flow down her face.
Gale gently picked her up and hugged her. "No one should have to go through that." He whispers. "No one. But it's over now. I swear on my life, I won't let them find you. It's ok." He falls silent as she cries, watching over her shoulder at the screen, where Michael is now focusing on the wound on her hip. A few minutes later, Michael stands back, satisfied. Gale tightens his hold on Celebi slightly, then moves her so he can look her in her eyes.
"I've got to go now. Michael was successful, you will live. The painkiller he gave you will wear off soon, so he's going to give you a powerful sedative. You won't be able to talk to me, your sleep will be so deep. We'll take care of you, and I'll see you again when you wake up, in a few days. Ok?" She nods, breathing deeply. "Alright. I'll see you soon. Sleep well."
-Michael's POV-
I'm washing my hands, cleaning the blood off my fingers. There's so much. None of it is mine. Many doctors go into a trance whenever they are working. I'm no different. I pushed down all the horror that Celebi showed me. Focused on her wounds. I'll deal with my emotions later. I finish and quickly depress the sixth syringe into Celebi's skin, the sedative taking effect immediately. At the same time, Gale blinks and stands up. He nods to me, before leaving without a word.
I pick up my patient and take her to my room. I walk through the other of the two doors, opposite my sons room. Inside is a small guest bed. I set her on the mattress and cover her with a sheet. I'll bathe her later. I set up a camera and leave several vials and medical equipment pieces on the desk. I leave the light on, knowing it won't interfere with her slumber, and head to the entrance. Several Senior Pokemon, along with Nurse Joy and Officer Jenny, are waiting. Gale sits off to one side, his face i n his hands. Luke stands silently next to him. I explain the situation to the ladies, and they agree to my plan. After they leave, I speak to the Senior Pokemon.
"You heard what happened. She'll live. Take care of your charges, reassure them that the situation is under control. But don't tell them what happened… Gale, Luke… Take the day off. We'll discuss this later. Alice, Tommy, deal with their charges please. Thank you." His voice sounds more strained with every word, like he's trying hard to hold himself together. Without another word, he heads back to his room and takes an early night.
-Unknown Location, March 27, Unknown POV-
"Do you know where she is?"
"No."
"Can you find her?"
"Yes."
"Make it happen."
Authors Note: There she is, folks. I can't wait to continue this. Note that most chapters might not be this long, but I'll do my best. Please R&R, and I'll see you all soon. Happy reading! -Orthros