(ChromosomeShipping – Yveltal/Xerneas)
Yveltal perched on a tree and brooded.
Gripping the branch with its talons, it flexed its wings before settling them against its torso and sighed.
"What's the matter, dear?"
Yveltal jerked its head up in surprise to see a large blue deer-like pokémon staring up at it.
"The usual," the Destruction pokémon said, gazing over the dead land it called home.
"Oh come now," Xerneas said with a cluck of its tongue. "You have me, don't you?"
"And I'm thankful, truly, for that, but..." Yveltal said, flapping a wing towards the distant mountains. "I wish I wasn't trapped here."
"You and me both," Xerneas said wistfully. "But Arceus said our powers were too great and that mankind would eventually seek to use us in their conflicts, so we must forever keep our distance from them."
"With how quickly they expand and breed, it's only a matter of centuries before they cover the planet," Yveltal grumbled. "Then where will we be?"
"There's always the Hall of Origin," Xerneas pointed out.
Yveltal made a sour face and Xerneas giggled.
"Regardless," the Life pokémon said, flicking its tail, "There's nothing stopping you from flying around high in the sky. I've heard the view is quite lovely from up there."
Yveltal nodded slowly. "It is."
"Will you let me share your sight some time?" Xerneas asked shyly.
"Of course," Yveltal said. "You're always welcome to."
Xerneas pricked its ears in surprise. "Is...that guilt I hear? Oh...I wasn't aware - I'm sorry if I -"
"Xerneas," Yveltal said with an amused smile. "Relax. Even if you look adorable when flustered, I didn't mean to cause you distress."
"You think I'm adorable?"
Yveltal rolled its eyes. "Come here," it said, jumping down to the ground. "We're going to have to refresh the shared sight since it's been a while."
Xerneas approached the Destruction pokémon and its antlers lit up in a rainbow of colors.
Yveltal reached out and gently grabbed them before placing its face against Xerneas', gazing into its blue eyes.
Closing their eyes, the two pokémon let their power mix and Yveltal eventually let go of Xerneas' antlers and stepped back, blinking.
Its eyes briefly flickered from teal to blue and Xerneas nodded.
"There we go," it said happily. "Feels weird seeing things from a different perspective."
"It's only ten feet," Yveltal said.
"Well, when you're flying, it's a little more than that," Xerneas said dryly.
Yveltal raised an eyebrow. "Was...that an attempt at humor?"
"Don't you have some flying to do?" Xerneas growled at the flying-type affectionately.
"I'll keep an eye out for anything interesting," Yveltal said. "Wouldn't want to bore you with...boring things."
"Eloquent as always," Xerneas teased. "Enjoy your flight."
Sitting down, Xerneas watched its friend fly off before closing its eyes and instead looked through Yveltal's.
The land sped by, eventually turning from ashen gray to green and blue - then briefly rocky as Yveltal flew over the mountains - before opening up on grassy plains and clear lakes, rivers, forests and scattered human dwellings.
"They have gotten closer to the mountains," Yveltal noted, picking up on Xerneas' surprise.
"Dear me, how long has it been since we've checked?" Xerneas said with a sigh. "Time goes by so quickly for us."
Yveltal flew on, staring at the paths carved through the landscape by the hands of humans. "Quite a while. I don't recognize any of this."
"Would be nice if Zygarde stayed in touch more," Xerneas said bitterly.
"Zygarde only wakes up if one of us or all of this land is in peril," Yveltal reminded Xerneas.
"I know, I know, but I like talking with them. They always have such interesting stories to tell."
Yveltal chuckled, skirting around a flock of talonflame to avoid turning them into lifeless husks.
"What's that?"
Yveltal had seen it as well. "A very tall tower." Glancing down, Yveltal blinked. "In a very big human settlement."
Flapping its wings, Yveltal landed on top of the tower and gazed around the landscape.
"Interesting. It looks like a star," Xerneas said.
"Very neat and organized," Yveltal murmured. "Fascinating."
"You're drawing a crowd," Xerneas warned.
Glancing down, Yveltal noted the humans congregating at the base of the tower. "Should I use Oblivion Wing?"
"Self-defense only, remember?" Xerneas chided.
Taking flight, Yveltal scowled. "You never let me have any fun. This would make a nice summer home."
"It's autumn," came the amused reply.
"Spoilsport."
(Rendshipping – Grovyle/Shiny Celebi (PMD))
"Echo!"
A skitty turned her head to see a grovyle waving at her and she froze in shock.
"G-Grovyle?" she said in disbelief. "Wha - how - but..."
Grovyle clapped his hands together and bowed to her. "Long time no see. I know you have questions, but they can wait. I need your help-"
"Where are we going?" Echo asked, perking up.
"I didn't even - never mind," the grass-type said, pulling a map out. "Celebi's gone missing."
Echo blinked, remembering the flirtatious pink Celebi who had helped them prevent the planet's paralysis in the future. Part of her wondered if the timeline had passed that era yet. She had so many questions...
Shoving them aside, she smiled at her old partner, who noticed and returned the grin. He ruffled her head, a habit he had picked up all those years ago and they set out to rescue Celebi.
Echo stared at their destination and let out a loud groan.
"Of course she's taken to Zero Isle," she grumbled. "Whoever these kidnappers are, they chose their battleground well."
"What's so special about it?" Grovyle asked.
"Items usually don't work, all your moves are weakened and it's several hundred floors deep," Echo said, lashing her tail. "We basically have to start from scratch and empower ourselves all over again."
Grovyle grimaced. "If Celebi was taken to such a place...she wouldn't be able to use her powers to save herself. Insidious."
Echo closed her eyes and let out a breath. "But she's done so much for us..."
"There's nothing I wouldn't do for her," Grovyle said, flexing his fingers.
"Then let's get started."
Several brutal hours and close calls later, the duo arrived at the core of the island to see a familiar sight.
Dusknoir and a group of Sableye stood over a pink celebi, quietly conversing amongst themselves.
Dusknoir turned to face Echo and Grovyle, spreading his hands.
"Welcome, old friends!" he said. "You're just in time to for the revival of Primal Dialga-"
Grovyle slammed him to the floor with a Leaf Blade while Echo summoned a howling Blizzard that froze the Sableye solid.
"W-what?" Dusknoir said in horror. "How can you be this strong?!"
"Protip: when picking a place to hide, don't do it in a place where rescuers are able to gain experience before facing you," Grovyle said, pressing the Blade hard against Dusknoir. "You should've stuck to the first few floors and overpowered us there for whatever you had planned - the resurrection of an insane deity, was it? Seriously? After everything we've been through - even having your own minion and Lord turn on you - you still want that dark future we barely escaped from?"
Echo shook her head sadly. "A pity. Everyone at the Guild looked up to you, and you keep turning back to your own selfish ways. Why? What reason could you possibly have?"
Dusknoir glared at Grovyle. "So you still haven't told her, have you?" He threw his head back and laughed. "Oh, if only she knew..."
Echo pricked her ears. "What is he talking about...?"
Grovyle slammed his fist into the ghost-type's head, knocking it out.
"I promise I'll tell you later," he said, before going to Celebi's side.
Kneeling, he gently touched her face and body, checking for injuries. Aside from some bumps and bruises, she appeared unharmed. Echo handed over a few Sitrus Berries and Grovyle gently shook the small pokémon.
She slowly opened her eyes, blinking them several times as she got used to the light.
"Are we moving again?" she said. "By Dialga's saggy - Grovyle?!" Her eyes went wide and she lunged at him, gripping him tightly. "You are him, yes? My dear Grovyle?"
Grovyle gently pried her hands off him and laced his fingers with hers. "Yes, it's me. Hello, my little onion."
Echo made a choking noise and Celebi glanced at her, then raised her eyebrows at Grovyle.
"Well, well," she said. "The gang's all here." She glanced at the unconscious Dusknoir and immobilized Sableye. "You've been busy."
Grovyle hugged her tightly. "It's over now. We can get out of here-"
"Not by Orb," Echo cut in. "And Dusknoir destroyed the teleporter pad."
Grovyle's eye twitched. "Are you telling me we have to go all the way back up the dungeon?"
"That will not be a problem," came a new voice.
Everyone jumped in surprise as Arceus materialized in front of them.
"Sorry I'm late. I only just received word-"
"I said I was sorry!" an irate Mew said from its position on the Alpha Pokémon's back. "There was so much going on and once I'd dealt with the Ultra Wormhole fiasco in the west, I was able to get to the less important problems-"
"Preventing the planet's paralysis isn't important?" Arceus asked.
"Wouldn't preventing the annihilation of the planet itself take priority?" Mew pointed out.
Arceus sighed gustily, shaking its head. "Whatever. We can discuss that later. For now, let's get these heroes out of here."
There was a bright flash of light and Grovyle, Celebi, and Echo found themselves back in town.
"Where's Dusknoir?" Echo asked, looking around.
"They can find their own way back," Mew said darkly. "If they can ever find their way out of Zero Isle, that is."
Grovyle and Echo shivered at the Mew's demeanor before Celebi glomped Grovyle again.
"Thank you!" she said, giving his cheek a kiss, much to the grass-type's surprise. He glanced at the blushing Celebi, then at his smirking partner, then at Arceus and Mew, who wore matching poker faces.
"Think he's figured it out yet?" Mew whispered loudly to Arceus.
"Please, we know Ash Ketchum. Compared to him when it comes to romance, I'm reasonably sure Grovyle isn't that dense." Arceus dipped its head and Mew gave them a wave before the duo vanished.
Grovyle stared at where they had been, then to the Celebi snuggled against him, then at his partner again.
"Oh," he said. "Ohhhh..."
Taking a breath, he smiled at Celebi.
"I don't suppose you'd like to go...uh...grab a...something to eat? I know a place that serves...erm...food and...stuff."
Echo's paw met her face with a slap and Celebi giggled.
"That sounds wonderful," she said. Glancing at Echo, she added, "Would you like to join us?"
"Oh, no. I have other engagements," Echo said with a flick of her tail. "Go on, you two. We can talk later," she said, turning to Grovyle. "I'm eager to learn what you've been up to these past few years. But for now..." She glanced at Celebi and winked. "Go enjoy yourselves. You've earned that much, at least."
"Right, thanks," Grovyle said, ruffling her head again. "Seeya later, partner."
Echo watched them go and chuckled. "About time..."
Grovyle and Celebi sat down at one of the many cafes littering Serene Village.
"That could have gone better," Celebi said with a sigh, stirring her berry shake.
"What do you mean?" Grovyle asked, turning his full attention to her.
"The whole 'rescuing me' thing. I was actually planning on letting myself be captured by some low-level thugs or send a rescue request from within a small dungeon so you could swoop in and save me. I was going for something more romantic than potentially world-ending."
Grovyle rubbed his neck and shifted. "Oh. Well, I suppose that would've been a little less hectic..."
"And you brought Echo with you," she grumbled. "If it'd just been you, we could have...maybe had a romantic meeting or something, just the two of us... Not that Echo's a bad pokémon or anything," she added hastily.
Grovyle reached for her hand and gave it a squeeze. "Figures you'd be into the damsel scenario. Perhaps we could...try it again, sometime?"
Celebi raised her eyebrows, then smiled squeezing his hand in return. "I'd like that."
(Orbshipping – Groudon/Kyogre)
"Rise, Kyogre! Heed the call of my Red Orb and flood the world, ridding it of human filth so pokémon can flourish!" Archie said, holding a gleaming orb high.
"Rise, Groudon! Heed the call of my Blue Orb and expand the land, giving humans more room to grow!" Maxie said, blue orb shining in his outstretched hand.
The two physical deities of the land and sea rose within the waters of Sootopolis, the heat from Groudon clashing with Kyogre's naturally-summoned rain, causing a thick fog to cover the water.
"Dear me, seems that humans have gotten hold of our orbs again," Kyogre said with a sigh.
"Woke me up from a nice nap, too," Groudon grumbled, stretching with a massive yawn.
Idly washing the raving lunatics away with a wave, Kyogre retrieved their respective orbs, handing the red one to Groudon before tucking the blue orb safely away.
"We really need to set up a better place to keep these," Groudon said, turning it over in its hands.
"I mean, we could always keep them on our selves," Kyogre pointed out.
"Yeah, but then Rayquaza gets all grumpy when the weather patterns change. Almost tied itself in a knot when the Legendary birds near Johto started messing around and poor Lugia had to sit through one of Rayquaza's lectures on how to properly handle young upstarts getting too big for their feathers."
Kyogre winced. "Poor thing."
Glancing around, Groudon frowned. "I don't suppose we can go somewhere else? It's not exactly welcoming here."
"Your place or mine?" Kyogre asked.
"I'm currently working on something for you and it's not quite done, so is it alright if we go to your place?"
"Oh," Kyogre said, blushing. "Erm...I'm also making something for you, actually..."
Groudon blinked in surprise. "Hm...I see. Well, that limits our options, somewhat..."
"Not...exactly," Kyogre said slowly. "There's always the tunnels underneath the desert we can go to."
"Oh yeah," Groudon said, perking up. "Shall we go then?"
The two legendary pokémon leaped high into the air, clearing the white sides of the Sootopolis crater, leaving everyone behind thoroughly confused.
(CosmosShipping – Dialga/Palkia)
Dialga fidgeted with his tie.
"I want to find whoever invented these confounded things and strangle them with it," he growled.
Palkia swatted at his hand and fixed his tie, loosening it slightly so the dragon could breath.
"Don't be so melodramatic," she said, smoothing his shirt and jacket. "Just be glad the age of corsets is over and I don't have to mutilate my internal organs to fit into a dress."
"You give your illusion realistic properties?" Dialga asked, perking up. "You don't just shift most of your mass elsewhere while you're disguised?"
"What better way to fit in with humans than by giving yourself their weaknesses?" Palkia said, fumbling with her dress. "Could you-?"
Dialga helped her zip it up and helped arrange the scarf over her bare shoulders, wrapping it around her upper arms before pinning it to her elbow-length gloves.
"Humans have such odd taste in clothing," Dialga said, examining his cuffs before giving himself one last look in the mirror before offering his arm to Palkia. "Shall we?"
Resting her hand on his arm, she walked in step with him out into the masquerade, putting on her stylized Palkia mask as Dialga donned one of his own.
Almost instantly they were nearly run over by a pair of children dressed in finery and wearing Meloetta and Victini masks. Hastily apologizing, they darted off, giggling and pelting one another with hors d'oeuvres.
"I hope for my sanity those are regular kids and not who I think they are," Dialga muttered.
"You're looking with your eyes again," Palkia chided him gently. "Use your other senses."
A quick peek confirmed Dialga's suspicions and he sighed, pinching the bridge of his mask.
"It's good practice," Palkia pointed out. "Being able to mingle with humans without arousing attention is a good thing."
Dialga shrugged and swiped a ball of peanut butter covered in chocolate off a tray held by a human wearing a Bidoof mask before starting to circulate the floor, taking in the sights and sounds of a masquerade ball.
A/N - I was initially going for another Yveltal/Ash snip, then I decided to add in Xerneas on a whim (namely to disagree with Yveltal pining after a human) and the entire premise of the snip changed focus.
Echo was my player character during my run through PMD2 and I was disappointed I couldn't carry on her legacy into future games - even though I still named my character in PMD3 'Echo' in memory of her anyway.
