Chapter 3 – To Grant a Wish
Author's Notes:
Fun fact – I'm home early from school camp because I got kicked out and suspended…ahahahahah! Joy. =_=
So that's my life and now on with the chapter.
Second fun fact – Arceus has green and red eyes and Kyurem has all yellow eyes. It's not important but it's a thing in here.
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…
It was quite possibly one of the most awkward situations one could find themselves trapped in.
The only relief from the heavy silence that settled on the occupants of the mansion dinning room was the quiet, cringe worthy, scrape of cutlery against polished plates. Sitting quietly at the large table their small 'family' ate and did their best not to step on any hidden landmines. To avoid such hazards it was often best to simply remain silent.
Elliot quietly looked down at his plate. The pasta dish was a wonderfully made as always and he made a note to compliment Rose on it later so she wouldn't feel disheartened. Just not at the table. If they could get through one sitting without a word then perhaps they'd be able to have that peaceful evening that Elliot longed for.
Despite the lovely aroma of the dish, Elliot found himself unable to eat his usual fill. Being hungry just wasn't something that Elliot could handle when in tense situations – it was frustrating that the most grueling time of day just so happened to align with the time in which he was given to eat. He guessed Vincent had the same problem.
Hesitantly Elliot risked a sidelong glance at his brother's plate. Just as he thought, Vince had hardly touched the food. However that cautious look was noticed by the last person Elliot wanted to alert and it cost Elliot his wish of a peaceful dinner.
"It's not poisoned." Elliot tensed sharply when finally a voice broke through the heavy wall of silence. Elliot had thought the silence was so thick it had become a real, physical barrier. But as always even the strongest of locks and doors failed to keep N out.
Elliot's head lifted slightly to look at those he ate with. The saving grace that was Rose had left only minutes before, something about giving dinner to Tharja and Len, and now it was only himself trapped in a room with N and Vincent. As Elliot looked at their caretaker he noticed the somewhat irritated edge to his dark eyes, though he spoke in a tone that suggested he intended to be civil.
The young king's gaze remained firmly locked on the stationary Vincent, who did not so much as flinch when he was addressed. Instead the blonde kept his gaze firmly on the plate in front of him, he looked about ready to throw it across the room and smash it to little pieces. Whatever the ravioli did to Vince, Elliot couldn't guess.
"It is also your favorite." N continued as though he was informing Vincent about himself. N spoke in a thinly tolerant tone and Elliot knew that N was treating Vincent as children – N only had so much patience with Vincent and that was on a good day.
"Why won't you eat?" That patience was wearing thin fast tonight.
"Not hungry." Came the clipped response from Vincent who at least had the good sense to keep his voice lowered. Elliot saw what he assumed was a flash of concern over the green haired king's face, but it was quickly replaced with a narrowing of his eyes and N's mouth forming into a tight line.
Elliot quickly leant towards his brother and murmured to him anxiously. "Remember what we talked about Vince. Play nice." He stressed the word, if things turned sour he knew exactly what the outcome would be.
"Eat." N insisted, pretending not to have heard Elliot's brief word of advise to the younger brother, but they all knew he heard everything. "You're thin as it is."
"I told you, I'm not hungry." Vincent hissed the words through his teeth, looking as though his own patience with this entire game had long since broken. "Going to force me to eat now as well?"
"Vince." Elliot hissed but as always both his brother and N ignored him in favor for going at one another.
"If that's what I must do then yes!" N snapped back, his tone becoming hardened with frustration.
Vincent did not respond immediately, instead he continued to gaze at his plate. Elliot hoped he'd just eat, it was actually concerning how little Vincent was eating now days. What he did usually ended up being thrown back up anyway. Elliot was concerned his brother was getting really sick.
Finally – much to Elliot's dismay – Vincent shoved the plate away from him and crossed his arms, his glower turning on N finally. "I told you, I'm not eating."
"For goodness sake Vincent!" N sighed heavily, his brows creasing together as he returned Vincent's heated stare. "Why must you always be so difficult? What would your sis-…mother think of this?" N caught himself but just a tad too late. It was strictly against their unspoken rules to make any mention of a sister and N had just brushed too close to that rule – thought usually it was N who got angry at others for the mentioning of that person. In an instant Vincent's expression turned from cold to murderous.
There went any possibility of a peaceful conclusion.
"You want to talk about being difficult?" Vincent's voice finally raised and Elliot sunk back into his chair with a small sigh. He just wanted one night…just one night when this didn't happen.
"Vincent." N growled the younger male's name, clearly a warning to calm himself before he found himself spending another night in the lower levels.
"Don't you 'Vincent' me!" The blond snarled back, slamming his palm flat against the table. "You're the difficult one!"
"Vince…" Elliot tried to quietly stop his brother from getting worked up again.
"Forcing us to eat dinner like this every night like we're some sort of family." Vincent continued relentlessly.
"Vince." Elliot could see N's eyes becoming increasingly colder the more Vincent spoke but the blonde was either oblivious to it or chose to ignore the warning signs because he pressed on.
"When the hell are you going to grow up and stop fucking around?"
"Vince." Elliot quietly begged him to stop, knowing the exact words he'd say next would be the last straw.
"Don't you get it already? You don't have a stupid, bloody family! The only family here was ours and you fucked that up to you damn freak!"
Bang
A loud crash sounded, echoing throughout the room as N's hands flew down against the table. The king was out of his seat, mirroring Vincent's pose as they both stood with hands flat on the dinner table, glaring at one another.
A few seconds passed before one of them finally moved. Without a word N pushed away from the table, his actions jerky and violent as he marched towards Vincent. An instant later Elliot was also out of his seat, a mix of brotherly devotion and his desire to be a protecting knight kicking him into action.
Before N could reach his target the dark haired twin stood in front of his brother protectively, excuses he knew off by heart already on his tongue and being spoken before he truly processed the thoughts.
"My lord. Please ignore my brother!" He implored N as quickly as his voice would allow him. "He-He's not eating right, he's tired and sick. He hasn't been out of his room in days – I-I sure he's just not in his right mind. Please forgive him."
Behind him Elliot could practically feel Vincent seething. He hated to be defended and have his argument accused of being nothing more than feverish rantings but at the same time Vincent was sticking close to Elliot. He knew the danger better than any of them.
N's furious strides left him standing a small distance from Elliot who flinched when he felt the familiar icy sensation roll over his flesh, brining goose bumps to the surface.
This wasn't N.
Elliot knew that the person standing in front of them now with murder in his gaze was a mere reflection of the king they once knew. It was not N's fault, not really and so despite all his crimes Elliot could not hate him. Sadly Vincent did not share his big brother's sentiment.
As N stood in front of them seething with an unnatural aura radiating off his very skin, Elliot became tense as he feared being struck by the older male. N had never been one for direct physical violence but the power given to him by his father warped N to even those extremes at times.
"My lord." Elliot all but whispered this time as he said all he could without flat out begging. "My brother is just unwell."
When no harsh words or strike came, Elliot gradually lifted his head and not a second later regretted that choice. N looked down at him with cold, distant eyes. His usually grey eyes were no longer the calm shade that he remembered, they were tainted with a yellow hue and Elliot cringed away. This was the effect of Arceus's left over energy.
Elliot understood very little about the link between N's world and his own but after being a shadow for these people for so many years he picked up a few things. He still vividly remembered the first time the topic was brought up. Colress was near out of his mind when he came rushing in with declarations he'd found a way to achieve all their dreams without working too closely around this worlds politics.
He also remembered N having agreed to take in the pokemon's power, believing it to be a gift left behind to help him find his way. More than Ghetsis's sickeningly sweet praise or Colresses unbridled excitement – Elliot remembered how N had screamed.
Colress said the first administration would be the more painful and the howls of agony N had let loose that day still haunted Elliot. In Elliot's mind it was not the sound someone would make if this power really was a 'gift'. Many treatments after that N had let out similar sounds of suffering but Colress's prediction had been correct and with each new application of the legendry's power, the less N screamed.
And the more he became someone that Elliot scarcely recognized.
The person in front of them now what the one created through Ghetsis's greed and Colress's madness.
"Please…" Elliot repeated, barely breathing as he lowered his head again. His arms remained pushed back slightly, so he could feel that Vincent was safe behind him. "Just this once…let Vincent off the hook. N….Please."
A few more tense seconds passed before N finally spoke, his tone came out short and venomous. "Where's your apology?" He asked darkly and Elliot gently tapped his brother's hand with his own, silently begging that just this once he comply.
"…I'm sorry." Vincent replied in a hushed tone. It was a complete lie and they all knew it but N wasn't truly looking for Vincent to be sorry, it was simply a power play.
"Good." N's tone remained icy. "Now. We are going to return to the table." He spoke lowly, allowing every darkly murmured word to sink in. "You will eat dinner and we will all be a nice, happy family. Is that understood?"
"Yes my lord."
"Yes."
Both brothers answered and finally N seemed satisfied. He took a step back from the two and the familiar threat of the unnatural power that N possessed faded.
"Wonderful." His kind tone returned and Elliot's tense shoulders relaxed, they'd actually managed to get off scot-free this time. It seemed like a miracle.
"Oh and…" N paused on his way back to the table and without so much as a glance over his shoulder he spoke the words Elliot had desperately tried to keep at bay. "Vincent, tonight you're with me 'downstairs'."
Elliot felt Vincent tense all over and he himself felt as though he was close to cracking. Vincent's hands began to tremble in his older brother's hold and trying to comfort him Elliot gave them a small squeeze. This was their compromise, this was their mercy, Elliot could get Vincent no better than this and it was still not enough.
It never seemed to be enough.
…
…
"Okay, remember when you're inside of the – oh god! Will you stop with the look?" Alice demanded, having to cut one of her explanations short when she noticed Silver giving her the stink eye again. "What? What is it this time?"
Silver gave a rude huff and turned his head away from Alice. He was sitting with his chin on his palm and a finger tapping away agitatedly on the table. Alice had almost reached her limit with this guy.
"Why do we need to change anything?" He demanded and Alice bit back a groan, having heard this argument slash idea, about ten times from Silver already.
"Because we're trying to go in without being noticed. To draw little, to no attention to ourselves…having a god damn Pidgeot flying around my world is bound to turn a few heads!"
Sighing irritably Alice rest her hands on the table and took a moment to cool her head off. "I don't want to keep my team trapped in pokeballs anymore than you do but they can't have free roam in my home." She spoke more calmly. As cool as it would be flying on Pigeot through her old home, they couldn't risk to consequences. Her world was not kind to the uninitiated or unexpected.
"But we will be able to bring them along won't we?" The tanned skinned gym leader asked cautiously. "I don't know how I'd feel about leaving my team behind." Marloon looked uneasy when simply thinking about it.
"…Yes…" Alice spoke slowly, hesitating as she tried to word it correctly. "If Lance is correct and Plasma really is causing problems for my home, we will need our pokemon to fight theirs. But we have to keep them out of sight of my people – lets just say they probably won't react too kindly to the whole ordeal."
"Why not take a lot of pokemon?" Blue suggested. "If there's no pokemon in your world then why not just over power them if they don't have pokemon to fight with."
"It's entirely likely they've been breeding the few pokemon they had." Lance answered while carefully thinking over his words. "They don't have variation but I guarantee they have quantity if they've had as many years to prepare as we have."
"More actually." Riley spoke up, raising his gaze from the table. "They should have at least two more years on us."
"There's that much of a time gap?" Leaf murmured, a distressed expression on her face. It wasn't just Leaf who was distraught by this news.
"What?" Alice demanded, head snapping to face Riley. "You never mentioned this before!"
"It was irrelevant." He answered smoothly and anger bubbled up inside of Alice.
"Irrelevant?" She seethed. "Why you bloody-"
"Alice." Riley's sharp tone broke through her anger. "What good would it have done you to know?"
Gradually Riley's logic set in and while Alice could still feel her body shaking with uncontrollable rage, she knew he kept this information to himself out of kindness. There was no reason to add to Alice's growing list of troubles. As Alice regained her composer she completely missed Steven's calculating gaze remaining on her. Gritting her teeth Alice forced aside her personal feelings on the matter for the time being and got back to the situation at hand.
"Right. As I was saying before we got sidetrack…again." Silver didn't even have the decency to look ashamed when she cast him a scathing stare. "We will act as though Arceus has already agreed to our request. Put simply we need to chose who is going to come with us."
"I have explained my world's differences as quickly and with as much detail as possible to you all. You know the stakes and you also know our disadvantages. None of you are required to join myself and Riley but the extra help is more than welcome."
"Do you have a preference?" Grimsley asked form where he sat, legs crossed and chin resting on his palm. "Anyone in particular you feel you need?"
Alice paused, a quick glance around the table told her that playing favorites would get her burned. So she simply closed her eyes and shook her head. "Not at all."
"However." Riley spoke again. "We do have some ground rules for who may accompany us."
"We do?" Alice asked dumbly and was quickly shushed by Emmet.
"First of all the age limit. Sorry Leaf, you can't come along." Leaf looked mortified, slamming her hands down on the table.
"What? You can't be serious!" Alice shared her frustration but she also understood Riley's reason for saying this.
"That's just how it is. We cannot have anyone younger than Alice coming back with us, the minimum age is twenty four."
"Why is that?" Clair asked, although the rule held no power over her actions the dragon loving gym leader was still intrigued. "Does it have to do with your rules reaction to the young ones?"
"Exactly." Alice answered when Riley remained silent, having apparently reached his limit for a few minutes. He needed to recharge his voice. "As infuriating as it is, anyone that is not a fully-fledged adult in our home world holds absolutely no voice. It's easiest with older people."
"Well I'm not child." Leaf complained but otherwise let it go with a disheartened sigh.
"It's for the best. To keep you safe." Riley smiled sympathetically to his childhood friend and for a second Alice looked at his gaze with a suspicious expression. She'd interrogate him about it later.
"As for who else can come along there's not really any restriction, though we can't have more than eight people or so. Anymore than that and it would become unmanageable." Alice concluded and after a hesitant pause added. "Who is willing to come with us?"
After this there was a small outburst of hushed murmurs, everyone trying to figure out what they wanted to do. Alice would understand if no one came, it was not their concern what happened once Arceus sent them home. Finally the sound of someone clearing their throat broke the tension.
"I will go." Alice didn't bother to hide her surprise when Cynthia spoke and immediately she blurted out the first thing that came to mind.
"What about Sinnoh? What will it do without its champion?" Cynthia paused thoughtfully, apparently frustrated by that thought.
"Well it is true that as Champion I should watch over my home land…" She admitted reluctantly. "However I don't want to see you attempt this without some sort of support from my region."
"In that case." Cynthia and Alice both turned to look at Volkner. The blonde haired gym leader sat hunched over with his arms on his knees. "I'll go in your place."
"Volkner?" Cynthia didn't bother to hide her surprise. The gym leader simply smiled faintly.
"If you wish for Sinnoh to have a hand in the protection of their world, I will gladly carry out that task for you." His gaze turned on Alice next. "Do I have your approval to join you?"
"O-Of course." Alice was just as taken off guard by Volkner as she had been Cynthia but she wasn't about to turn away either of them. Satisfied with her answer Volkner stood from his seat and made his way over to Alice's end of the table where he came to stand silently, arms crossed and leaning back against the wall. He was waiting for the selection to end so they could leave.
"A representative from Sinnoh is it?" Lance murmured, seeming to be considering the concept critically. "If Sinnoh is sending someone then it is only right that Jotoh follows suit. Morty?"
Responding to his champion's request the ghost type user stood silently from his seat with a nod. "If that is what the champion wishes, I will fulfill the role." Alice couldn't help but frown a bit. It seemed wrong to take gym leaders from their lands for any amount of time. Not that they didn't have a tendency to never be at their gyms when she came looking.
"Cousin." Clair murmured with a faint frown. "If Morty does not wish to go, I could go in his place." Lance's expression hardened and Alice recognized that look and was relieved when Morty spoke up.
"Do not fret, I am rather looking forward to seeing this new world." Morty wore a distant smile as he left his chair, gliding past Clair's own seat in an attempt to console her. "It would help me feel at ease knowing you are safe back home."
With a small sigh of defeat Clair simply gave Morty's hand a small squeeze before allowing him to leave and join Volkner on the far side of the room.
"If it's such a problem losing your precious gym leader I'll go." Silver's voice snapped irritably and before anyone would dispute his proposition he was out of his seat. When Alice opened her mouth to protest she was met with a heated glare. "You're pathetically weak as it is! Without me you'd crash and burn." Alice shut her mouth and returned his spiteful gaze. However the red head still ended up standing behind her, arms crossed defiantly as he impatiently waited for the meeting to end.
"If we're all giving out representatives then Unova has to give someone as well!" Alder spoke excitedly, his loud, cheerful voice easily filling the room. "I'm happy to go."
"Alder!" Cheren scolded with a sharp tongue. "You cannot go, as champion you also much stay here. Where you are needed." Alice didn't like seeing a grown man sulk but Alder was very good at it.
"Wait, wait." Iris piped up, trying to encourage Alder. "Plasma originated in Unova…it's partly our responsibility to see they are not causing problems for others."
A smile returned to Alder's face as Iris made a perfectly reasonable point. However Cheren was quick to remind him that even if they sent someone to the other world it would not be him.
"How about me?" Bianca tried hopefully.
"Absolutely not!" Cheren snapped even faster than he had with Alder, startling Bianca who began to whimper. Quickly Cheren composed himself and continued a tad more calmly. "If it's really as dangerous as they say…I do not want you to go." Gradually a blush crept up Cheren's neck but he kept talking, spitting the words out quickly. "I-If you were to get hurt or lost then I…I would-"
"It's okay Cheren." Bianca spoke gently, stopping the black haired trainer from embarrassing himself further. "I'll stay here." Cheren let out a single quiet 'thank you' before falling silent with a relieved smile.
"Oh! Oh! Don't leave us out." Alice suppressed a groan at that voice. Emmet looped his arm with his disgruntle brother's and grinned at Alice. "We're coming to. We can represent Unova just fine!"
This time Alice wasn't surprised in the slightest. Emmet and Ingo had agreed many months ago to coming with them. There had been some difficulty with the concept of putting their battles on hold but eventually Emmet said something about the greater good and they decided to tag along.
Alice thought it would end with the two brothers coming to stand behind her but was surprised yet again when Steven began to rise form his seat.
"Steven…?" Pausing the champion glanced up at Alice and immediately a calm smile settled on his face and with a calm sweep of his hand he gestured to the entirety of the room.
"It seems I must break the rules this time as I have not brought a representative of my own from Hoenn." Alice resisted the urge to glare, guessing he'd planned this somehow when he expression was so terribly smug.
"The hell you are!" Steven tensed in alarm and in one comical motion all heads turned towards the angry voice. Alice actually threw her chair back when she stood abruptly. Standing to the entrance of room was a familiar raven-haired girl.
"Z-Zinnia?" Alice stumbled on the name, recalling their last encounter as being a particularly nasty one. In fact Zinnia had sworn she'd never come to this meeting so as to how she knew they were here and why she was also here was lost on Alice. "What are you doing here?"
Before answering Zinnia bent over, slamming her hands against her knees as she gave a few wheezing coughs and struggled to breathe. Alice understood her struggle – those stairs were a killer. Finally Zinnia smiled past her heavy panting.
"What do…you think…?" She gasped. "I'm here to keep you from crying all over the place."
Alice made a face at that explanation and she wasn't the only one – Steven looked genuinely disturbed by her presence. However he was composed as ever and quickly cleared his throat.
"While I appreciate you input Zinnia, now is not the time to-"
"Shut up!" Zinnia snapped at Steven who tensed and made a frustrated expression, Alice hadn't seen that look on his face in quite some time. "You said you didn't have a represented for Hoenn, but here I am."
Realizing what Zinnia intended to do Alice finally left her seat to walk over to the older girl, frustrated that she was still taller than Alice. Though she was getting used to everyone being bloody taller than she was.
"I thought you said there was no way in hell you'd help me?" Alice inquired with arms crossed. She didn't know what to expect from Zinnia, sometimes she was a complete stranger to Alice and others she was a brilliant friend.
"I was angry." Zinnia murmured in response, apparently still not entirely over their little spit. "But I wasn't going to let you run off back home on your own. Besides this guy." She jerked her thumb towards Steven. "Was just going to up and leave his position as champion to go joy riding."
"I assure you I wasn't." Steven muttered irritably and Alice noticed the constant drum of his fingers against the table. She hadn't seen him this put off in a long, long time. "Besides your presence changes nothing. I still fully intend to go."
"What?" Zinnia hissed angrily. "And abandon your position?"
This time Steven merely smiled, it was an icy expression but one brimming with a smug air of confidence. "Actually if you must know Wallace will be standing in as my replacement."
Alice's jaw almost hit the floor when she heard the flamboyant gym leader was going to be champion. "Is that why he isn't here?" Alice had fully expected Wallace to be accompanying Steven to this gathering but he was absent. Steven's cool smile only grew.
"Of course, Wallace is more than capable of being Hoenn's champion while I am away." Zinnia was glaring at Steven but ultimately had nothing else to say about his choice. Finally having caught her breath the black haired girl stood straight and dusted off her clothes.
"I'm still joining you." Steven's jaw clenched when he heard this.
"Oh? And why is that?"
This time Zinnia smiled, a bright expression that only held a small amount of smugness. A second later her arm looped around Alice's neck, drawing the startled girl into a one arm hug and with a smirk Zinnia said simply.
"Because this here belongs to me." With her thumb jammed against her chest Zinnia's arm squeezed Alice a bit too tight. "I'm not going to let her wander around like a lost child. Besides, I am a lorekeeper, it is my duty to see to it that everything is in order – even in other worlds."
After a few seconds of silence Steven finally turned away from the two girls. "Do as you please lorekeeper." He allowed finally with a wave of his hand. Alice watched as Steven approached Riley and the two exchanged hushed whispers.
This left Alice to gradually turn her gaze towards Zinnia, still uncertain of her intentions. "Why are you here Zinnia."
"Do you ever listen?" Zinnia rolled her eyes and hugged Alice closer with a grin on her face. "Just looking out for you kid."
"So…we're not fighting anymore?" Alice asked cautiously.
"We had a fight?" Zinnia feigned innocent obliviousness and got a scowl from Alice for her efforts. Laughing Zinnia shook her head and smiled. "Lets just forget about it. Besides Aster would cry if she didn't get to say goodbye before you ran off back home.
"Ah, right Aster." Alice repeated in understanding. "Where is she?" Alice had expected the Whismur to be with Zinnia but she couldn't spoke the pink pokemon.
"She's in her pokeball." Zinnia shrugged despite rarely using the pokeball with her partner. "Couldn't make the poor dear walk up all those stairs now could I?"
Alice could feel a glare coming from behind her and a nervous glance over her shoulder confirmed her suspicion. Ivan was scowling at her from her seat at the table, no doubt having heard what Zinnia said. Noticing this hostile stare Zinnia laughed.
"Don't tell me…you actually made Ivy climb all those stairs?" She laughed, squeezing Alice's throat in the process. "That's awful!"
"Hey, it's not my fault!" Alice defended herself to Zinnia before whipping around to point at Ivan furiously. "If you just got into your pokeball once in a while you wouldn't need to walk!"
Ivan huffed indignantly and turned his back to Alice, giving a flick of his tail to add insult. Alice seethed while Zinnia watched with a pitying smile.
"You two still not on the same wave link huh?" She asked sympathetically and Alice let out a heavy sigh.
"I don't know what that Eevee is thinking. Sometimes he likes me other times I think he wants to suffocate me in my sleep." Alice admitted, exhausted by her efforts with Ivan. He had been so fond of her when they first met but now he'd gotten comfortable and they fought over anything and everything.
"Hey, hey." Zinnia spoke encouragingly. "Chin up, I have a wonderful surprise for you."
Alice looked up cautiously, not sure she trusted the somewhat crazy girl's promises. Seeing her hesitance Zinnia only grinned more, looking like a shark in the way she smirked from ear to ear.
"Oh trust me." Purring quietly Zinnia whispered to Alice. "It's a wonderful gift."
"What is it?" Still not entirely trusting the situation Alice eyed her female friend closely. If she got too close and trusting she feared Zinnia would take a nip at her.
"She has found Arceus for us." Alice jumped in alarm when Steven's voice rang in her ears. He stood a small distance from the two of them, arms crossed and a serious expression lingering on his face. "Isn't that right?"
"You…found Arceus?" Alice looked back at Zinnia who – despite having her big reveal ruined by Steven – was still pleasantly smiling and shrugged. "How? We never even got close."
"Well that's why you have me isn't it?" Zinnia lent in close to Alice, smirking wickedly. "Because without me you're completely hopeless."
"In that case." Steven spoke calmly. "Shall we depart?"
Alice felt her heard drumming away frantically in her chest. They had everything now, there was nothing else in the way and there was a chance she'd finally be seeing her home after five years.
She could go home…she could see her brothers again.
Alice could finally see N again.
Even if it was only for the briefest of times, she couldn't be happier.
"Now the only problem is getting Arceus to agree." Zinnia piped up cheerfully despite offering up a problem. "Maybe you can charm it?"
"Somehow I doubt that…" Alice muttered. While they spoke the group that had agreed to join them in crossing the bridge between worlds gathered.
"Yeah!" Emmet spoke happily. "There's no way Alice has any charm at all!"
"Maybe she has a little bit?" Zinnia spoke, always the optimist.
"Like the charm of a muk?" Emmet suggested helpfully and before they could all go agreeing on the unlikable nature of their flustered host, Alice spoke up loudly.
"Let's just get on with this already!" She could still hear the faint snickering coming from Zinnia and Emmet.
Just. Bloody. Brilliant.
…
…
"This is…the place?" Alice asked uncertainly.
After Zinnia's announcement they had wasted no time heading for the place she spoke of and frankly Alice wished they'd tried it earlier. It was so bleedingly obvious.
Alice stood motionless in a scene that was distantly familiar to her. The ground under her feet consisted of dirty stones and flanking them were a number of broken pillars, dust still sliding down the edges of their smooth curves as they slowly crumbled into ruin.
As Alice stared off into space she felt a great deal of frustration and guilty.
"Looks like you've seen this place before." Alice didn't look behind her but she knew the voice well.
"I have." Alice responded flatly to Cynthia. They were in Sinnoh now, so Cynthia had of course accompanied them to this place. "But last time I was here…well I wasn't quite myself." Smiling bitterly Alice recalled how she had actually visited this place. She had done so with a screen between her and this world, with someone that was not her walking. Last time she had been at Spear Pillar she had simply been playing a game.
Closing her eyes Alice let out a small sigh, smiling as she thought back on it. This place belonged to the legendary keepers of time, space and everything in between but she was not here for them. They had come for Arceus and Alice knew exactly what it was Zinnia had found to aid them.
Turning to the side Alice looked back at their group, while a few of their companions had left to their own home lands a great deal of them remained – wishing to send those leaving to another world off personally.
You could imagine Cynthia's surprise when Zinnia told her they had to return to Sinnoh in order to find Arceus though they all realized later that it should have gone without saying.
But in the end it wasn't the painful realization that they should have known this or even the dazzling sensation of déjà vu and nostalgia that had Alice take her first step into the Spear Pillar's center – it was the familiar power that leaked form every corner of this space.
How could she not recognize this power?
The low thrum that seemed to echo from an unknown origin and the heavy pressure that lingered in the air was unforgettable, it had burned itself into her memory and Alice intended to find it's possessor.
Five years ago Alice had been beat down by this pressure, thrown and forced to her knees by it. Five years ago Alice had fought against this phenomenon for the sake of a pokemon bound up in chains and suffering beyond compare.
Five years had passed and now she'd found it again. The power she'd been seeking out so desperately.
"Alice." Zinnia spoke her name from close behind, no doubt having called her a few times while her mind wandered. "I have this."
Glancing back at Zinnia's cupped hands Alice saw a flute lying innocently in the older girl's hold. She stared at the flute for a good while before turning away, facing directly ahead and into the sky. She knew the flute would create a pathway to the place that their target lingered. She remembered its importance and the struggle of getting it, however that was not going to be their struggle, not today. That adventure did not belong to her and it did not belong to her own counterpart so neither of them would partake in it. Besides, Alice knew already that there was no need – the beast was watching them.
"You won't be needing it." Alice told Zinnia simply. "We're already being observed."
If Zinnia was surprised by the finality in Alice's tone she didn't make comment of outwardly display it. Instead she slipped the flute wordlessly into her pocket and took a step back. The gap between Alice and the rest of their crew was growing larger by the second, Riley had advised they do not get too close as the pressure that lingered innocently in the air for the time being could increase at any moment and crush them all without any difficulty.
Alice gulped, fingers tightly gripping her shirt as she stood on her own at the center of the stage. The only one by her side was Ivan, the quiet Eevee gently nudged Alice's cheek from where he sat on her shoulder. Ivan and her may not see eye to eye on many things but he meant well by her and he knew she was afraid.
They had everything to lose in that moment and Alice most definitely feared failure.
"Ar-…" Alice tried to speak but her voice caught in her throat, choking her as she struggled to gather her nerves. Again Ivan nudged her cheek, giving a small lick of what she guessed was encouragement. If she hesitated again he'd probably bite her – Ivan wasn't big on patience.
"Ar-Arceus!" Alice called the god pokemon's name though it was nowhere in sight. "I know you're watching us. I know you've been watching us for five years now."
Alice paused after that, knowing full well that Arceus had slipped through their fingers at every twist and turn. Whenever they got close Arcues would simply flee to a new area but this time…it didn't seem that the pokemon was running quite so quickly. Perhaps five years was enough to calm its rage.
"You know why I'm here as well don't you?" Alice spoke boldly though she received no immediate answer and she could feel her knees shaking. "But you still haven't run away this time. This time you've stayed. So answer me, Arceus!"
In an instant the pressure in the air increased, becoming thick and almost painful as it pushed down on her spine and head but still Alice stood, clenching her fists and locking her jaw as she did. She did it five years ago and she was so much younger and weaker at that time – she could do it now.
"Yes." The voice echoed through the Spear Pilliar, filling everyone's ears and minds as it rumbled lowly. Alice recognized the voice as Arceus's, it had not changed at all. As the voice boomed that air kicked up wildly, causing Alice to cover her face with her arms to stop from getting dust and rubble in her eyes. Behind her Alice heard some shouts of alarm as her companions were also hit with the blast but she knew this as well. This simply signaled Arceus's arrival and it was a blessing.
"I know why you are here little human. You have come to make a wish."
On the last sentence the words came out slowly, deliberately – as though speaking to an unruly child that had to grow up and see reason. Alice was never quite one for reason.
"Yes…" Breathing her answer Alice looked up past her arms and saw the great looming form of Arceus above her, never touching the ground as it hovered in the air above the center of the pillar.
"Have you forgotten the fruits the last wish bore?" Arceus's gaze locked onto Alice's, easily cutting into her and entering her very core, but she did not shy away. "Have you ceased to remember the horrors of that wish? Little human girl, you should know more intimately the consequences of that selfishness. Do you deny it's impact?"
"No." Alice answered simply, her arms dropping to her sides and her back straightening despite the ever-present pressure of Arceus's mere existence. "I have not forgotten."
"Then why. Why would you believe for even the fleetingness of moments that I – I who was bound and punished for my carelessness – would ever repeat that mistake?" Arceus reared up, angered by the sheer thought but Alice stood firm. If Arceus was to strike her down now she'd simply have to accept that outcome, to turn back now was to give up everything they'd strived for in the past five years.
"You once granted a kind wish for us." Alice reminded the pokemon, a glare remaining on her face as she spoke. "Would you grant me another if it was just as kind hearted?"
"All wishes are selfish in nature." Arceus responded simply though its anger seemed to have dulled.
"Even the desire to grant other's wishes?" Alice shot back, desperately grappling for some way to make Arceus see reason – and if not reason then at least compassion. All Alice needed for a mutual understanding between them and the legendary beast. For a while there was no reply from Arceus and Alice feared it would vanish away at any moment.
"A kind wish." Arceus echoed her, its distorted voice laced with a melancholy tone. "What defines this form of wish from one born of selfish intent.?"
"If it is made for the sake of others." Alice's answer came instantly. "If it is made with that in mind and nothing else then it is a kind wish."
"You are foolish." Arceus seemed to chuckle and all malice had left its tone, instead it now simply sounded weary. They might have searched for five years but Arceus had five years of running to weigh it down. "You've chased me across so many lands, sought me out and caused me to abandon every hiding place I've found and for what? For the slim hope that I will appease your desires?"
"It was all we had." Alice replied grimly. "That's it, a slim, fleeting chance. As cliché as it is…hope was all we had."
"Foolish." Arceus spat at her again. "Idealistic drivel! Your hope is a child's dreaming, nothing more than naïve optimisms in miracles that do not exist in the true world! What makes you believe I would desire to help anyone? Why would I place my trust in another human after that childish king brought it all to ruin!? Who could possible place trust in such nonsense?"
"Because I trust you!" Alice shouted back, over the roar of the god creature's furious growls. Her angry response quieted the beats raging, if it was quietly seething or in shock Alice could not tell but she continued none the less. In for a penny, in for a pound – or something like that.
"I trusted you and I still do. And you - you trusted me once as well." Alice spoke quietly, her voice lowering almost to a whisper from her previous shouting. "Trusted me enough to save you. Would you trust me enough to save others now?"
Arceus twisted in agitation, as though unable to stay still as its irritation bubbled away silently. With a few more sharp thrashing twists back and forth in what Alice guessed was pacing, the legendary god turned back to her and Alice was relieved when she heard its voice lowered just as hers had been.
"Aye, that I did. Trust you I did." Arceus allowed, again a low rumbled akin to laughter coming through in its voice. "And save me you did, you and the young king… and trust you I do." Arceus chuckled as though amused by its own words. "To place trust in a creature as petty and temperamental as yourself…I find I must be half as mad as you human creatures. Half as mad as that childish king."
There was a pause and gradually Arceus lowered itself closer to the human girl. "Your little king seems more lost than when he came to me, I have lamented my choice to grant his wish for many, many years. I do not wish to fell anymore remorse than I already do. It may be selfishness on my part…it is a human emotion to fear regret in one's self."
Alice did not respond to Arceus's words, she couldn't say anything and instead waited for Arceus's final word. She needed to know if the pokemon would help her or not.
Finally she got her answer.
Arceus seemed to sigh as he spoke with an air of defeat. "You must understand the gravity of your choice, of your wish. In the end you will not be able to find happiness yourself – you cannot have everything. To give others a happy ending you will give up your own. You will be separated from the boy, you cannot remain in the same world as one another. Do you still wish for this?"
"A kind wish is made with another's happiness in mind." Alice repeated what she always believed. "This request is not for me, it is for those left behind and those that remain here without loved ones." Looking directly at Arceus Alice mustered up all her courage and concluded. "This is my wish – this is my kindhearted, idiotic wish."
"If that is your answer…" Arceus trailed off, its head bowing slightly as a bright light began to grow around its form. "I pray you will help ease my guilt, help wash my hands clean of this nasty affair and I will place my trust in you once again – do not cause me to regret my decision."
Alice's heart skipped a beat as she recognized the mass of swirling inky black shadows that formed in the ground under Arceus's form. The god like pokemon watched as her face turned into one of absolute overwhelming disbelief – as though she could not believe they'd done it. In the next second the human girl's face broke into a dazzling smile and despite all its fear and doubt – Arceus felt its heart lighten at the sight.
"You guys!" Alice turned to face the group that had anxiously been waiting by the outskirts of the pillar. "It's time to go! Come on!" She shouted to them over the roar of the world ripping apart at Arceus's demand.
She saw understanding flash across a few faces and there was a flurry of movement as goodbyes were exchanged and last minute promises made. As each member of their band detached from those they intended to leave behind and approached Alice and the waiting world she intended to lead them through.
"Jump right in. Try not to hit the ground too hard." Was the only advise she handed to them as each member took their turn looking down into what could be considered the most unappealing puddle that they ever laid eyes on. But each took the dive until it was only Alice remaining on the edge, carefully observing their decent encase someone was to take a poor step. Zinnia was last to approach the edge and with a daring grin cast in Alice's direction she vanished into that inky blackness – Alice chuckled, wondering if she should really let Zinnia into her world. She didn't think they'd be quite ready for her.
When Alice finally moved to follow after them she was stopped short by Arceus who hovered down close, blocking her path to the gateway. Surprised, Alice stumbled a few steps back and on her shoulder Ivan growled at the legendary pokemon, fur raised.
"You were correct in saying I trusted you with my life back then." Arceus informed Alice calmly. "You did well to release me that day…and so not only will I grant your wish I will impart something vital to you."
"What?" Alice took another, intentional step back when the legendary beast neared her. Arceus stopped barely a breath away from the human girl.
"Something precious was stolen from me." Arceus told her in a low drone, clearly displeased but remaining calm as it spoke. "Twisted and detestable as it was – it was mine and not the humans to take. Yet they've taken it and I fear they've used it to create something dreadful in that young king."
"Arceus…" Alice so rarely addressed the pokemon by its given name – it seemed too informal but in this case her nerves and rapidly beating heart won out against formality. "I don't understand what you're saying."
"No. I suppose you wouldn't and I hope you never will. I hope what I give to you now is not something you will call upon in this lifetime or the next. Nonetheless I will leave it with you and trust in you to know its importance. What was stolen from me was tainted and in turn torn from the beast they plagued me with when you had found me. What I give to you now will have no such impurities and I trust it will not kill you as its sister may have done its host."
"K-Kill me?" Alice yelped in alarm but was hushed by a sharp growl from Arceus.
"Such trivial things should and shall be ignored." Arceus hissed firmly before adding more gently. "Fearing them will do you no good child."
Despite her confusion and blatant fear Alice squeezed her eyes shut and nodded, trembling where she stood as Arceus continued to speak. "I wish you well, I wish you will not die but should my assumptions be proven true then you surely will fall to its sister counterpart without my gift."
By now Alice had an idea – a terribly vague idea but an idea all the same – of what sort of 'gift' Arceus intended to give her and so she simple asked in a pitifully meek voice. "Will it hurt?"
Arceus chuckled dryly when asked this. "I imagine it will child. Close your eyes and listen to me speak – it will be fast."
Alice did not feel terribly reassured but her eyes remained closed and she bit back a whimper. Flinching when she felt Arceus press the crown of its head against her chest Alice focused solely on Arceus's soothing words.
"What I give you now, may very well save your life and those for whom you made this pact. What I leave in your hands now I will one day ask you return. What I am entrusting to you is the antidote to what was stolen from me."
As Arceus spoke Alice became aware of a slightly…painful feeling. As though someone was sliding a needle under her skin, just by her heart and perhaps a little higher – closer to her neck. The painful pinch of a hypothetical needle slowly grew into a scorching flame that infected all areas around where the needle tip had penetrated. It grew in heat and with it the fire brought agony, painful and sharp it stabbed into her flesh, tearing through her heart and nerves without remorse.
When the pain became too much to bear Alice opened her mouth and a strangled scream tore loose from her throat. The sound ripped through the air and distantly she heard the sounds of those that had not passed into the inky blackness shouting in alarm. Their words and the meaning behind them were lost to Alice as she was crippled by the fire that raged under her flesh, burying itself into her core and rapidly spreading through her body.
It clung to veins and bones alike – spreading like poison to each and every nerve. It left no piece of flesh without burns and no crevice of her body untouched – her every cell was subject to the torment. It was inside her and intended to rip her apart from within and it crippled her.
Above the far off cries of alarm and possible helping hands Alice was just able to hear Arceus's voice. It broke through the pain filled haze like a much desired wave of cooling water.
"I'm entrusting our worlds into your clumsy hands. Please, do not make me regret again."
Then the spike that had embedded itself into her flesh and struck her down with that ungodly pain – pulled free. A slight jerk pulled her body forward and behind her closed eyes Alice could imagine the bloodied spike sliding from her parted flesh with ease.
After this her body fell limp, crumpling to her knees first with a quiet thud and as her body tipped forward Alice could feel the ground she'd hit decaying away. Instead of hitting the dirt of spiral pillar Alice felt the familiar tingling sensation flood her as she plummeted down through the darkness and back into the void that would take her home.
Her clothes slick with blood and every cell in her body abuzz with the lingering agony was not enough to keep a single bright thought from her mind.
I'm going home.
Alice's slightly parted eyes watched the last rays of light of the pokemon world vanishing away and with it Arceus's heavy gaze. The weight of the pokemon's trust was great and the responsibility that came with this gift was greater still. But Alice felt none of it – the only lasting emotion in her was a dull sense of victory.
Ah, I guess I might die.
Alice mused as a weak smile came onto her face. The darkness was rapidly swallowing her up and she new the black ink would wind its way across her body and eventually overtake her sight and other senses – but she gladly welcomed it. As much as she hated these portal like things it was all she'd sought after of five years and finally it was finished.
Not before I'm done.
Not before I see N
Even as the paint like substance began to sting her eyes and creep at the corners of her mouth Alice couldn't help but let out a dry chuckle and have one last thought before the world was lost to her in the darkness.
I wonder what he'll say when he sees me again…ha…I hope it's a good one.
…
…
N- The lower levels.
That night Elliot had not been able to escort his brother back to the safety of their shared room. That night he'd instead watched on helplessly as the protection that was dinner came to an end and N announced he had a few documents to finalize.
When he said this N had stood from his seat, complimented Rose on the meal – Rose who had no idea what had happened – and made to leave for his chambers. Oh, but of course not before giving Vincent a small reminder not to forget that night's plans.
It was a subtle way of doing it and had Elliot not been through this a good number of times he may have missed it. N paused at the first step of the stairs that lead to their rooms and with a glance over at Vincent he'd simply smiled and simply said.
"Don't run away now. Never be late." Rose had laughed at the strange parting sentence but both brothers had remained quiet with heads bowed.
N really meant those words. It wouldn't be the first time that Vincent had tried fleeing the lower levels, it wouldn't even be the first time that the two brothers had tried taking off and leaving the manor all together. It had never worked out – obviously or they wouldn't still be stuck there.
Elliot glanced over at Vincent, noticing how deathly pale he was. If Rose knew anything was wrong – more so than usual anyway – she didn't show it as she cleaned away the plates and chatted away about possible deserts. Elliot politely declined and once their smiling chef had left he turned back to Vincent and spoke in a hushed tone.
"Vince…" He wasn't sure what he was going to say next but Vincent spoke before him.
"I know." He hissed, fingers clutching harshly as his pants. "I know, alright? I know. I shouldn't have…I should have kept my mouth shut…I-I…!"
To stop Vincent's frustrated outpour of angry words Elliot stood from his chair and pulled the smaller male into a tight hug. Vincent was tense but quickly responded by grabbing a fist full of his brother's shirt and clinging to him. Elliot could hear his uneven breathing and guessed he'd be sobbing soon purely from fear and so – as useless as he knew it was – Elliot made the same offer he always did.
"Vincent swap with me." Elliot murmured gently. "I'll go to the lower levels. Just go back to the room."
Apparently unable to talk Vincent just shook his head back and forth furiously, hugging closer to Elliot. The dark haired brother knew it was pointless to even try. If Vincent didn't immediately refuse then N would deny him just a quickly.
As frustration as it was N wasn't particularly interested in taking Elliot to those dungeon areas. Oh sure if Elliot stepped out of line he'd take him down but most often it was simply N and Vincent. If it was a game or some sort of sick relationship Elliot couldn't say. But it seemed to always end up this way and Elliot barely knew what it was N did that caused his brother to shake so bad in his arms or scream at night.
"If…If he…" Elliot began the usual talk. "If he hurts you…you will tell me won't you?"
The strangest thing was that Vincent never seemed to be physically harmed. Rarely was there even a bruise on his body. No cuts, no obvious signs that he and N had any type of scuffle. So what was it? Elliot agonized over the answer a thousand times, time and time again he tried to figure it out but Vincent never told him and he never got close enough to spy.
"I will." Vincent's dry voice spoke the usual promise but Elliot had long since decided it was a kind lie – to keep him form worrying.
"Tick tock." Vincent's form gave a violent jerk at the sound of N's voice. The king had apparently finished whatever he needed to and was now standing in the doorway – a smile just twitching at the corners of his mouth.
Tick tock…it was always those words. It seemed to physically harm Vincent to hear them and despite himself Elliot hugged him closer – as though he could somehow combat the words N spoke.
"Time to go. Vincent." N held out his hand, it could even be considered a kindhearted gesture had the situation be any different. His tone was soothing and his expression one of apparent comfort – as though he was not the source of Vincent's trauma but the cure. It caused Elliot's blood to boil.
But he was helpless.
And his heart almost broke as Vincent released his grip and slid from his big brother's arms. Reaching to take N's hand mutely. Elliot did not turn to watch as N lead his brother away, he knew he'd see that calm, sickening smile and the look of hopelessness he was so accustomed to seeing.
"Will…" Elliot's voice broke when he tried to speak the first time and after a deep breath he tried again. "Will you return him to bed tonight?"
"Perhaps." Was N's simply reply. "If he behaved."
Elliot's hands clenched into fists but he did not turn, he was barely breathing. He could do nothing until he heard the sound of his brother and N vanishing down the halls and into the dark levels of the manor he was forbidden from entering.
As N lead the younger male away with his hand gently leading the blonde he couldn't help but turn back and look at the defiant male's face. It was only in these times, between the walk to hell and the event itself that Vincent truly looked crushed and submissive. He'd fight and kick and spit at any other time but it was these fleeting moments that set in stone N's control over the other.
And N could only smirk.
"Don't look so sad." N all but sang as he led Vincent down into the depths of his kingdom. "We'll have lots of fun."
Distantly N got that nagging feeling in the back of his mind.
That annoying little inkling that would occasionally bother him in moments such as this and it annoyingly complained.
This is wrong.
It only made N grit his teeth and force his smile to stay in place. Another look at Vincent's dejected expression and that single thought was crushed under a mountain of satisfaction.
Wrong?
There was nothing wrong with this.
This was powers.
He had power over Vincent.
And power was a must.
This was right.
It had to be.
"Lots of fun." N murmured in a quiet purr, watching as Vincent shuddered.
This had to be right.
It had to be.
…
…
Malice: "Hey…Colress…"
Colress: "Hmm? Do you need more medication?"
Malice: "No! God…just…explain the cross over stuff please. You're sciency to you should do it."
Colress: "Oh is that all? Shouldn't you do it, it is – after all – your world."
Malice: "Humor me you idiot.."
Colress: "Very well… Ahem." *Clearing his throat Colress begins.* "As I'm sure you all realize there is a mix of characters from most of the other regions and our lazy writer-"
Malice: "I resent that."
Colress: "-has tried to avoid taking characters that already have counterparts in the story to the other world. As for Zinnia and temporal tower they are purely here because our writer has a soft spot for them. If you don't know Temporal Tower I advise you go and play the mystery dungeon games and as for Zinnia…in truth our writer doesn't know much about her." *Shrugs.* "I'm sure you all understand how our writer works by this point – inefficiently."
Malice: "I told you to explain, not insult."
Colress: "When explaining you they are one in the same."
Malice: "…..fair enough. But we're not at temporal tower see?" *Points drunkenly to the script."
Colress: "Ah…so you changed it. Last minute…how like you."
Malice: "I feel judgment on your part."
Colress: "None at all my dear lady."
Malice: "….I'm going to torture you one day…"
Colress: "I'm sure you will…if you're not too busy being lazy and getting suspended from school. of course. Actually the scene with Vincent and N has been cut short in this chapter – due to its already satisfactory length. Our author will add more of their punishment time later so don't worry you sick people – you'll still get to see it."
Malice: "I wrote this the night I got back from camp…I'm a little messed up so cut me some slack."
See you all next time.
