The spring was beautiful, a small, naturally-formed fountain sparkling and spitting in the center. The water was crystal clear, and Goldeen, Gyarados, and Dratini darting around beneath the surface seemed to be suspended in midair. Only ripples on the surface reminded Shinzu that the water existed at all. Up above, jutting out of a wall of stone, Turnback Cave loomed.
The Legend dangled her feet in the water, smiling when a Magikarp came up to nibble her toe. Hi, there, she thought, reaching underwater and petting its fin. It wriggled in happiness and darted off, bringing back three more Magikarp, all of which wanted to be petted. She grinned. Magikarp were useless and unintelligent, but awfully cute.
Sendoff Spring was a secret location where many people had died- a place that many people would die to discover. Explorers had dedicated their lives to finding it, and passed away unsuccessful. But Shinzoku always had had a knack for exploring, investigating, traveling, discovering. It had only taken her a week to arrive at the mystical spring.
Shaymin was drifting through the water, basking in the sunlight. Drops of water glittered on the flowers that bloomed on her back. Overhead, little sparks of lightning crackled despite the sky being clear; Zekrom circled high above, only a dark grey smudge against the blue. Regigigas towered above them all. He stood at the path leading up to the spring. A firm sentinel, he kept a lookout with his tree-trunk arms crossed over his chest.
Mewtwo was not present, but his psychic link kept the young Legend informed. Okay, turning the corner… again. Arceus, is this place hard to navigate- wait, I think I passed that boulder. No- yes- yeah, it's definitely the same boulder! This cave is impossible! I can see why you wanted us to go first and then teleport you in.
"Stop walking in circles," Shinzu commanded, pulling her feet out of the water and standing up. Disappointed, the Magikarp retreated back into the depths. "I have my heart set on capturing Giratina."
Yeah, yeah, grumbled Mewtwo. She could envision him rolling his eyes. Lately it's all been Giratina this, Giratina that. Honestly, Shin, this obsession with legendaries is gonna bite you in the butt one day. You're sixeen; you ought to be… I don't know, watching cartoons, getting boyfriends, attending Contests, shopping at the Mossdeep Mall. Not fraternizing with shady characters such as myself. I don't exactly have a pleasant track record. Destroying Cinnabar Labs? Assisting Team Rocket? And don't get me started on Darkrai; he's horrible. Horrid. Hideous. And absolutely driving me out of my mind.
I'll give you nightmares, Darkrai butted in, an edge to his voice. Master, I still can't figure out why you continually pair us together when we hate each other.
"Quit your bickering and concentrate on your job," said Shinzoku. "And, Mewtwo- no amount of complaining on your part is gonna make me release you. Besides, I think you like being part of a Trainer's team. Somewhere inside, you do."
Whatever you say, said Mewtwo skeptically. But on the 'obsession with legendaries being bad,' I was serious. I don't think any of us would kill you, except maybe Zekrom on a bad day, but I'm sure Arceus isn't taking this too kindly.
He's right, you know, conceded Darkrai, grudgingly, for once. You've got five legendaries in captivity here. The big guy isn't gonna like that.
"Can we concentrate on finding Giratina?"
Right, right. WHOA!
Then silence.
"Mewtwo! Mewtwo, answer!" The other legendaries turned to Shinzu as she began to shout. Zekrom landed next to her, Shaymin paddled to shore and shook the water from her leaves, and Regigigas took one step toward her, winced, then returned to his sentry position. "What's going on? Answer, Mewtwo! Do you need help?"
It was Darkrai, not Mewtwo, who answered, breathing labored. We were taken off guard.
A thrill ran through the young Legend: the hunt was drawing to a close. Her voice dropped to a whisper. "You mean-"
Well, we found Giratina, if that's what you're asking. Agh! Oh, close one. Yup, we definitely found him.
