Here are some replies to guest reviews left last chapter. :)
–––
Guest review 1– I caught a Combee on route 4, whom I named Phillip. I boxed him though since I had Amber on the team... and because it was a male Combee.
Guest review 2– Nami is very young and innocent, but also the only one on the team right now that would have a chance against the next gym in terms of typing. But Ash definitely wouldn't put a Pokemon into a battle unless he felt that they could win.
Not only the risk that comes from using aura, but I also feel that the memories he has from the Tree of Beginning has a role in why he never expanded on his aura abilities. Seeing Lucario die right in front of him, and the fact that he basically died himself... that definitely left an impact on him. I do plan on having Ash learn more about his aura abilities in this story, though it won't be a main focus.
Kindle doesn't want to really admit it, but she's really starting to care about Ash. :)
Thank you for the review. :)
Chapter Nine
"Welcome, welcome– it's absolutely marvelous that you were all able to make it!"
Professor Sycamore was most certainly a cheerful person, blue eyes sparkling as he greeted the group of teens as they entered his lab. He nodded at Sina and Dexio, before shifting his gaze towards the five of them, looking over each of them in turn, the smile on his face never fading. His eyes lingered on Ash for a moment, looking over his Pokemon, before finally drifting on to Serena.
"Hello, Professor," Tierno said. "We made it back in one piece."
"You say that as if I doubted you," Sycamore said, gesturing to them with a wave to follow him deeper into the lab. "I had complete faith in you and Trevor delivering the starters. And Lysandre told me of how you helped our young guest here when you found him in the forest, excellent work."
Ash shifted uncertainly, but it was more in response to Nami's fearful aura rather than his own feelings. He looked down at the Riolu in his arms, who was pressed up against his chest, ruby eyes unfocused and confused. Ash wondered if she had ever even been inside of a building– everything here was clearly brand new to the young Pokemon. He ran his hands down her back, trying to calm her. He wondered if she could sense his emotions as easily as he felt hers– and tried to keep himself calm.
The lab was a busy place, people in lab coats bustling about the halls as they followed after the professor. Papers, Pokeballs, and boxes in their arms as they hurried through the halls, absorbed with their work. The assistants at most gave Professor Sycamore a half nod, not even glancing at their group as they continued on.
"I'm so excited to be helping you with your research," Shauna said excitedly, right at the heels of the professor. "I already have a full team! Except I think I'm going to box half of them, I can't really afford to feed a whole team right now! But I'm definitely keeping Chester, Leo, and Luna! They're all so cute!"
"It seems you are both keen and skilled with catching Pokemon," Professor Sycamore said, smiling at the girl. "Both will be helpful traits with your field. As your sponsor, I have requested the league to give you more storage space in your PC– so by all means feel free to capture more Pokemon. Their data shall be useful."
PC. There was that word again, and still Ash wasn't quite sure what it meant. The idea of a professor looking over one's Pokemon when they weren't on a team wasn't a new idea to him... but this sounded nothing like Oak's Ranch back at home. He glanced at Kindle, as if hoping for some explanation, but the fire type had her eyes locked straight ahead as they went through the lab.
At the end of the hallways was a set of elevator doors, the professor pressing the 'up' key as they reached them. This lab felt so different than anywhere else he had been, Unova had been pretty fancy too... but it hadn't felt like an office either. It only took several moments for the doors to slide open, the elevator sitting empty, which was surprising considering all the assistants running about the lab.
"Now, Serena, I must admit that I'm a bit regretful that you did not pick me to be your sponsor," Sycamore said, and Serena's gaze slipped away as they all filed into the elevators. "I saw your grades from your classes in both Kanto and Kalos– most impressive! But then again, I should see it as no surprise that you'd wish for your sponsor to be your father."
Serena tensed up.
"Wait– what?" Tierno said as the elevator doors slid close. "What do you mean her father? I thought her sponsor was Siebold!"
A scowl appeared on the blonde's face, her voice a mere mutter as the others looked to her for some explanation. She glared at each of them in turn, gray eyes icy cold. "Siebold is my father."
"...Your dad's an Elite Four member?" Trevor whispered, awed. "That's awesome."
"And it's none of your business!" Serena snapped, a frustrated edge in her voice. It was quite clear this wasn't a matter she wished to talk about, and Sycamore threw her an apologetic look.
"...I'm sorry, I did not realize that was something the others did not know," The professor said, glancing at Sina and Dexio as if hoping for some backup, but they didn't say anything. He hesitated, a tension still in the air, and the elevator doors slid open. "Anyways! I have a gift for all of you, if you'd just follow me..."
And once again Ash found himself walking down the halls of the lab. Professor Sycamore tried to carry on a conversation, but Ash was barely even listening. He kept glancing at Kindle, slightly worried that someone might step on the fox, but she was simply trotting one step ahead of Ash, ears pricked up in excitement. The change in her demeanor was noticeable right away, a slight wag with her tail, her steps a bit lighter as they were guided through the lab.
Professor Sycamore paused at a seemingly random door, beaming out at them as he pushed it open– revealing a rather spacious room waiting on the other side. Through their small group Ash was able to see someone was waiting inside, but with everyone else shuffling into the room the man was soon blocked his sight.
"And of course, I'm not the only that wished to meet you all," Professor Sycamore said, Dexio closing the door behind them as they entered, spreading out now that they were no longer in the narrow hallway. "My colleague and best friend– Lysandre of Lysandre Labs!"
Ash's eyes shifted from the professor, finally seeing the man who was supposed to be his sponsor.
The first thing Ash noticed about the man was his height– he easily towered above everyone else in the room, a whole head taller than the professor. Ash stared at him, recognizing the man from the one time he had spoken to him over video phone, but yet in person he seemed completely different. Every aspect about him was much more vivid, sharp blue eyes scanning over them, his fiery hair wild but yet well-kept. His whole stature carried an intimidating weight, and if it wasn't for the gentle smile on his lips Ash would have pulled back.
"Hello," He said, voice surprisingly soft, much more gentle than it had seemed over the video phone. "It is wonderful to be able to meet you all; Sycamore's pupils, Ash, Serena."
Perhaps it was simply the way he said it, but Lysandre seemed to linger on Ash's name as he spoke it, bright blue eyes locking on him for a moment. But just as quickly his gaze turned away, taking in the others as well.
"Kin!" A happy voice cried, a tan shape bolting forward.
A smile spread over Lysandre's face. "Hello, Kindle," He said, kneeling down to greet the fire type racing towards him. The Fennekin pressed her head against his hand, and he gently stroked her. "It seems you're doing well."
"Fenna!" She said happily, golden eyes gleaming as the man stood back up.
Kindle then turned her gaze from Lysandre to the Pokemon near him– a Pyroar who was just as intimidating as his trainer. The lion Pokemon was watching Kindle, blazing blue eyes expressionless as the little Fennekin watched him. She carefully approached him, a slight whimper in her tone. The Pyroar was a stunning creature to see in person, embers and cinders laced throughout his long mane, giving him a faint glow.
"Um," Shauna said uncertainly. "The Fennekin's so small... should she really be near a Pokemon like that...?"
"Ares would never harm her," Lysandre said, glancing at the two fire types. "You see, my Pyroar is actually Kindle's grandfather."
"The Fennekin's not purebred?" Serena said, clearly surprised.
"Well, it's not like they realize they're related though," Trevor said, clearly nervous as Ares leaned his head towards Kindle, sniffing the fox. As Trevor spoke Ares lifted his gaze, those fiery eyes locking onto the orange haired boy, baring his fangs with a hiss. Trevor yelped, and Tierno jumped back fearfully. Even Professor Sycamore looked a bit uneasy.
"Oh, they are very aware of it," Lysandre replied. "And I don't think Ares appreciates being underestimated in such a way."
"Lysandre's Pokemon are bred to hold a very high intelligence," Sycamore replied in a reassuring tone. "He would not have a Pokemon of such power out if he could not control it."
"How many times must I tell you, Augustine," Lysandre said with a smile. "It's not about control, it's about trust."
Aura. Nami remarked softly. Different.
Ash wasn't quite sure how to read auras, but yet he found himself agreeing with Nami's words. In just the few moments he had been with Lysandre it was quite clear that he carried himself different than the rest of the people he had met in this world, and Ash found himself slowly relaxing. Simply the way he was treating the Pokemon with him made Ash's respect for the man grow, and he shifted Nami in his arms, allowing her to face out towards the rest of the group.
"Is that a Riolu?"
Nami tensed at the sound of her species name, twisting in his arms, paws digging into Ash's shirt as everyone's gaze shifted towards them. Professor Sycamore was staring at the small blue Pokemon in his arms, looking very surprised.
Sina sighed. "You just noticed it, sir? He's been holding it the whole time!"
The professor let out an embarrassed chuckled. "I'm afraid I didn't notice– and I was most certainly not expecting to see such a rare Pokemon!" He took a step towards Ash, looking at the shivering Pokemon in interest. "Don't tell me you've already given your protégé another rare Pokemon, Lysandre– how will that make me look?"
"Um," Ash began uncertainly. "Nami here is from the wild, actually..."
"The wild, you say? I'm guessing route 22, I have heard some rumors of a wild Lucario living there," There was a gleam of interest in his eyes, looking over Nami with a child-like curiosity. "He's so calm as well, quite marvelous for a wild specimen, he must have hatched very recently."
Ash honestly wasn't quite sure what drew everyone's interest, or the fact that the cowering Pokemon was being referred to as 'calm'. He knew that Riolus weren't the most common of Pokemon, but from what he gathered Kindle was just as rare. Nami squirmed in his arms, swiftly climbing up and over his shoulder and onto his backpack. She cowered behind his shoulder, ruby eyes peering out as she trembled. He could feel her aura twisting with alarm, and he was honestly surprised she hadn't bolted. Amber made a soft churr from on top of his hat, but it did nothing to calm her.
"I actually found her on route 4," Ash said, carefully taking a step back so Nami didn't feel quite as crowded. "And I, um, don't think she likes all of this attention."
"A female?" Professor Sycamore's eyes lit up. "Now don't tell me you're planning on putting her in battles! Let's see... could I take her off of your hands for 8,000 Pokedollars, let's say?"
Ash blinked. "Wha... what?"
"Oh true, as a female she is worth more... how about 8,500 then? Or 9,000?" Professor Sycamore offered with a tilt of his head. "Also you could have a choice of any of her pups of no charge. I heard Korrina has some Lucarios that would make good studs I would plan on using, so the offspring would be sired from a very good line."
It took a moment for Ash to piece his words together. "You... you want to buy her? To breed...?"
"I breed, study, and sell rare Pokemon," The professor said with a nod. "And not only are Riolus terribly rare, but they are nearly impossible to train unless raised from a young age. And with a young female right in front of me I simply cannot pass up this chance. How about 9,500 for her?"
No! Nami cried, the force behind her telepathy causing Ash to flinch. Bad! Evolve, confided, breed– bad!
"...I'm not selling a Pokemon..." Ash said uncertainly, placing a hand over the Riolu's paw as she shook. "But, um, thank you for the offer...?"
Professor Sycamore pressed his lips together. "10,000, perhaps?" Ash hesitated, not sure how to respond, but the professor seemed to take this as him considering. "10,300 Pokedollars if you must– you could end a whole good line if you were to place her in gym fights."
"I never said I was going to put her in gym battles," Ash said, taking several more steps back. "And I'm still not selling her, no matter what you offer me. Nami clearly doesn't want to go, and I'm going to respect that."
Professor Sycamore opened his mouth to speak, but Lysandre came to Ash's rescue, a light chuckle breaking up any tension. "He's not going to have a need for a sponsor if you keep increasing your offer. If the boy says no then leave him be, Augustine."
The professor sighed, looking at the Riolu once more, before relenting. "I suppose. But if you ever change your mind, Ash Ketchum, my offer still stands. And if anyone else makes you an offer I'll match it."
Ash let out a sigh of relief as the attention was finally directed away from him, grateful to no longer be discussing Pokemon like objects. Nami seemed relieved as well, but unlike Ash she refused to relax. He could feel her trembling as she huddled on top of his backpack, paws latched onto his shoulders either for security or balance. He could feel the emotions pouring off from her, and it was hard to focus on what she was sending through her aura, barely able to pull the twisting waves into words.
Mother escaped. She said, the telepathy faint between her fearful aura. Drugged. Evolved. Not natural. Danger.
"Shh," Ash said softly, stroking her head. She pressed her head onto his shoulder, trying to seek more of his comforting aura. On Ash's hat Amber shifted, trying to get a better view of them, wings fluttering.
"My gift to you all is the most recent version of the Pokedex– all the information you'll ever need on any Pokemon! It can tell you species, typing, abilities, and their moves– both the ones they know, and the ones their kind can learn!" Professor Sycamore said excitedly, holding up the device. He pressed a button, and a holographic screen popped up. "Perfect for any trainer trying to know just what their Pokemon can do!"
"Made and developed in my lab," Lysandre added. "Under Augustine's guidance, of course."
"For those I'm sponsoring the Pokedex you'll receive features a bit more," Sycamore said, nodding to Tierno, Trevor, and Shauna. "You'll be able to input data yourself, whether it be on what your observe or anything you might find noteworthy. You can also see what Pokemon you currently hold in your PC, and all data you collect and enter will be sent to me," He smiled. "It's a long process, but there's always a chance that what you discover could be added to the data of the Pokedex."
"Awesome," Tierno whispered.
"Sina, be a dear and pass these out, will you?" The professor said, holding out a box that held the Pokedexes.
Sina stepped forward, carefully taking some out of the box as she approached them, placing the Pokedex in each of their hands. Ash has had several Pokedexes throughout the course of his journeys, but this was by far the most advance one he had held. He curiously turned it over, resisting the urge to point it at a Pokemon and test it, since the others were still speaking.
"This is very generous of you, sir," Serena said, carefully holding the device. "Especially seeing how Ash and I aren't your interns or anything..."
"Yeah," Ash said, slipping it away into his pocket. "Thank you."
"And I also have a gift for the five of you," Lysandre said, stepping forward. His Pyroar stood up and trotted to his side, Kindle right behind him. Everyone couldn't help but pull back, and the towering man waved a hand for his Pokemon to lay down. "I promise you, Ares is of no harm," He reached into his bag, pulling out a wrapped case and handing it to Trevor. "But for each of you, I have a new Holo Caster, one of my personal designs."
Ash was getting a bit tired of situations like this– but he honestly had no idea what a Holo Caster was. The device was small and thin with a tiny screen, a strange symbol on the front, and overall didn't look like much. But yet the way the others reacted as they were handed one showed that it was at last as valuable as the Pokedex. Tierno stared down at the one in his hands, Shauna squealed as she was handed hers, and Ash tried not to focus on Lysandre's sharp gaze as he accepted his. When he went to hand one to Serena, however, she shook her head, stepping back.
"I can't accept this," She said, and the others looked at her as if she was crazy.
Lysandre frowned. "May I asked why, mademoiselle?"
Serena looked away. "Neither you or the professor are my sponsors, but yet you're giving us all these amazing gifts. And seeing that Siebold isn't here or isn't offering anything to the others... it just doesn't seem fair that I should take these."
Lysandre smiled. "This has nothing to do with who sponsors who or what gifts have already been given– it is simply a gift. Perhaps this world has made us think every little thing results in us owing one another, but it doesn't have to be that way. I am giving you this because I wish to give it to you, and I hope you accept it."
He held out the packaged Holo Caster again, and Serena hesitated. After a moment she reached for it, carefully pulling it from his hands. "...Thank you, sir."
Professor Sycamore beamed. "I am so glad that you were all willing to take the time to come out to my lab. I wish I could speak more with all of you, but unfortunately my workload doesn't allow it," He paused, thinking. "However, I could save you some money and give you all a place to crash for the night. Tierno and Trevor, you can have your normal room, while I can get a room prepared for Shauna and Serena. As for Ash–"
Ash flinched as he felt a hand on his shoulder. "Ash is my protégé," Lysandre said, his voice deep and calm. "So perhaps it should be I that will offer him a place for the night."
Nami yelped at another human being close to her, scrambling over Ash's shoulder and back into his arms.
"Of course, of course," Professor Sycamore said. "That is a marvelous idea! I shall go get my young guests settled in, and then I will call you tonight so we can discuss more on that Pokemon you wish to buy."
"Thank you, Augustine," Lysandre said, guiding Ash towards the door of the room. "I will speak with you soon. Come along Ares, Kindle."
The two fire types stood up, following after Lysandre as he headed towards the door. Ash didn't have any choice but to follow with the man's strong hand on his shoulder, heart thumping nervously. Amber's wings fluttered, and Nami began twisting in response to Ash's uncertainty. Lysandre glanced down towards them, his blue eyes settling on the Pokemon. The man was unnaturally tall, and with that gaze on him Ash wasn't sure what he should say as he was lead towards the elevator.
The doors slid shut after they stepped in, leaving Ash alone with the man and the Pokemon.
"Perhaps it would be best if you were to return the Riolu to her Pokeball," Lysandre said softly. "As frightened as she is I don't think she'd take well to traveling in a vehicle."
"Oh, um, sure," Ash muttered, hand going to his Pokebelt, before pausing. "...I haven't captured you yet, have I?"
No? The Riolu let out a whimper, and Ash used the opportunity to pull out of Lysandre's grasp as he knelt down on the ground. The elevator jerked as it began going down, and Ash carefully set Nami on the floor, digging through his backpack for a Pokeball. He pulled out the red sphere, before turning to face the canine.
"Okay, you're just going to need to relax as I press this against you, okay?" Ash said softly. "It's going to put you into the Pokeball, but I can let you out whenever you want. This is just to make sure no other human can take you away, okay?"
Ash's last sentence seemed to calm her down, the Riolu giving a small nod as the elevator came to a stop. Ash carefully pressed the Pokeball to her forehead, the sphere opening up and releasing a burst of light. Nami yelped as she was engulfed in the glow, being turned into energy as she was sucked inside. Ash could see a small red glow within the clear red lid of the Pokeball, the sphere shaking a few times in his hand.
After a moment, however, it went still, clicking as the Pokemon was successfully captured. Ash stared at the clear top, and could see the miniature Riolu taking shape within. Nami uncertainly looked around, rubbing at her eyes. The Pokemon let out a yawn, curling up inside the sphere and falling asleep within moments. Ash smiled softly, still getting used to the fact he could see within a Pokeball, but was glad to see her relax.
"Come along," Lysandre said, and Ash looked up to see that he and the Pokemon had already exited the elevator, one hand keeping the doors from sliding shut on him. Ash swiftly rose to his feet, clipping Nami's Pokeball to his belt as he reached for Amber's, holding it up and recalling the Vivillon from off of his hat. "Our ride is waiting for us outside."
As much as Lysandre had helped him, this was still technically the first time he had even met the man. His mother would freak out if she knew what he was doing, but he wasn't quite sure what else to do. It would be rude to just go a Pokemon Center, especially considering all Lysandre had given and offered him so far. There was also Kindle to consider– the Fennekin looking much happier than he had seen since they had met. She was right at Lysandre's heels, a gleam in her eyes. He just couldn't force her to leave her former trainer just because he was a bit on edge.
Despite the happiness in Kindle's gaze, Ash couldn't help but notice how she pulled back whenever Ares the Pyroar came too close.
A sleek red limousine was parked outside the lab, a woman in a red suit standing near it, with the door open. Ash uncertainly followed after Lysandre as he approached the vehicle, the woman going into a short bow as they drew near. Ares slipped inside the car first, the fire type holding his head high as Kindle jumped in after him. Lysandre glanced at Ash, gesturing with his head for him to enter.
Ares was stretched out on one of the leather seats, tail flicking as he turned his gaze onto Ash. The teen gave the Pokemon a small smile, but got the feeling that the Pokemon didn't like him with the cold glare he was giving him. He settled for the seat next to Kindle, which was on the opposite end from the Pyroar, and the fox laid down at his side. Lysandre was the last to enter, sitting right across from Ash as the door was shut behind them.
There was no denying that the limousine's interior was awesome– what had looked to be tinted windows from the outside faintly glowed on the inside, the glass serving as screens, currently lit up with the same logo that had been on the Holo Caster. The black leather seats were clearly heated as Ash sat down, or perhaps that was from the presence of the fire types. Despite the compactness that came with any vehicle, there was still enough room for a table to sit between the two rows of seats, a fridge embedded into it.
Lysandre opened the fridge, removing a glass and a large wine bottle. He sat the frosted glass into a small indent on the table that would keep it from sliding, pouring him a glass of pale amber liquid. Ares' ears perked up, and without even glancing at the Pyroar he pulled a glass bowl out of the fridge, pouring the rest of the bottle into it and setting it in front of the lion Pokemon.
"Would you like anything to drink?" Lysandre asked Ash, before giving him a small smile. "Non-alcoholic, of course."
"Um, sure?" Ash said.
Lysandre pulled another glass bottle out from the fridge, one nearly as fancy as what the wine had been in– but the label showed it was simply an Oran berry-flavored soda. The man held it out to Ash, who didn't realize how thirsty he was until he popped off the cap. He was more than happy to let the soda slide down his scratchy throat. Lysandre made no effort to offer Kindle anything to drink, but the Fennekin didn't seem to mind.
"Sorry for rushing us out of the lab like that," Lysandre said, taking a long sip of his wine. "As dear as a friend Augustine is, I do not like lingering in his lab. They simply treat Ares as if he is a dangerous monster, and I honestly cannot stand it."
He ran a hand down the Pyroar's back as he spoke, the fire type lapping up the wine from the dish in front of him.
"I understand," Ash said, remembering all the looks he had gotten for having his Pokemon out. "Um, where exactly are we going?"
It was only now he realized that the limousine was moving, the car having been moving so smoothly that it was barely noticeable. Lysandre smiled, taking another sip of his wine before answering.
"To my Lumiose estate," He replied. "I assure you that you will be much more comfortable there than you would have been in the lab or at any Pokemon Center. I will provide you with dinner, assuming you haven't eaten yet, and a place to rest for the night," He glanced down at his watch, tapping it, and a holographic display of the time popped up. "And while I wish to speak with you, I have other matters I must attend to tonight. Perhaps we could speak over breakfast tomorrow?"
"Um, sure?" Ash said, and he wondered just how many times he had said 'um' tonight.
"Wonderful," The man said with a gentle smile. "Kindle knows her way around the estate, so she will be able to guide you if you happen to get lost. Have you done any battling today? If so I will have someone heal up your Pokemon once we arrive."
"They did a bit of training," Ash said, scratching Kindle behind the ear. "But I think they're okay."
"Kin," Kindle confirmed, and Lysandre nodded.
"I'm glad to see that both of you made it to Lumiose City safely," He said. "Especially considering the rough start you had, being attacked by a Pokemon. The wilds have learned that humans only mean danger, and can be quite dangerous themselves," He tilted his head slightly. "And how about your memory? Remembering anything about your Pikachu?"
Ash blinked for a moment, before remembering that Lysandre was under the impression that he had hit his head. Ash sat up a bit, glancing down at Kindle, knowing that he just couldn't casually explain that Yveltal had brought him to this world. His hand went to his chest, feeling the garnet amulet tucked in under his shirt. Most humans here didn't even seem to believe in legendaries, and he would probably just be seen as crazy. But Lysandre had said he'd be looking for Pikachu, and he didn't want to make him keep looking for a Pokemon that wasn't even in this world.
"My mind has been... clearing up," Ash said slowly, deciding to stick to the 'scrambled memories' story. "As for Pikachu, I– er– remembered that I actually left him back home in Kanto... I didn't want him in these gym battles and yeah..." He looked away. "I'm sorry that I had you look for him when he wasn't even here and–"
"No need to apologize, Ash," Lysandre said. "All that matters is that the Pokemon is safe."
"...You care a lot about Pokemon," Ash said. "Much more than anyone else I've met in this world. Kindle respects you a lot."
"You seem to care a lot about Pokemon as well," Lysandre replied.
"...I'm just saying it doesn't make sense for someone like you to be sponsoring a journey where Pokemon can die," Ash said.
"And it doesn't make any sense for someone like you to be going on such a journey," Lysandre gave a small chuckle, pressing his wine glass to his lips.
The lack of a direct answer made it clear that Lysandre wasn't going to offer any explanation– his replies showing that pressing him with questions would probably only result in him doing the same. Ash sighed, relenting, and leaned back against the limousine seat. He had no idea where they were due to the windows being televisions screens, and the car fell into a silence. Ash fingered his soda glass, not wanting to appear ungrateful to the man with just bombarding him with questions.
"...Thank you, Mr. Lysandre, for everything you've done for me so far," Ash said.
"It is always better to give than to take," He replied.
What this? Nami asked, tilting her head.
"Huh? Oh, that's a lamp," Ash said, glancing over his shoulder to see the Riolu perched on a bed, staring at the lamp. "We use it as a light for when we aren't using the one on the ceiling."
Why? She asked.
"Um... so it isn't dark...?"
But why two? Nami asked with a frown.
"Because that one is easier to turn off when you're in bed," Ash said, pulling his pajamas out of his bag. Even though it had been several days since he had accepted that Yveltal had intended this backpack to be for him, he was still getting used to seeing the items in it as his. "But the one on the ceiling you can turn off when you leave the room."
Why?
"Because I guess we humans are just weird that way," Ash said with a small smile, sitting down onto the bed next to Nami. He had seen many newly caught Pokemon look around at human technology with awe, but this was the first time one was able to directly ask him questions. And there was plenty for her to ask, especially seeing how nice this 'guest room' was.
It looked more like a master bedroom– a spacious queen-sized bed in the middle of the room, covered in at least a dozen red and black pillows. A thick, scarlet down-comforter covered the bed, with silky red sheets underneath. A mahogany lamp table stood right next to bed, fancy lamp and a holographic clock resting on top of it. The floor was covered in a thick black carpet, the ceiling the same color, while the walls matched the bedspread.
There were shelves lining one wall, covered with thick books. A mahogany desk sat along the wall with the bed, the desk fully stocked with paper and other writing supplies. There was the door that lead out to the hallway, and across from that two more doors that lead to two bathrooms– one for him, and one for the Pokemon.
The bathroom was nearly as big as the bedroom– looking more like a place suited to get an actress ready rather than a spare bathroom for a guest. Ash had suspicions that the jetted tub was more of a hot tub than anything, especially considering how large the separate shower was. A large mirror took up an entire wall, the marble counter under it neatly covered with dozens of different products, all of their names written in Kalosian. Ash was grateful that the hand soap had been wrapped separately next to the sink, or else he had a feeling he would have never been able to find it.
He had only peeked into the Pokemon half, but it seemed just as nice and as stocked as his bathroom had been. Amber and Nami had seemed mostly uninterested in it, but Kindle had been ecstatic and had spent an hour soaking in a tub filled with boiling water.
"I can see why you weren't too happy with the the Pokemon Center," Ash said, smiling down at the fox. An empty plate sat in front of her which had been filled with various meats and twigs, and all that remained now was a single stick, which she was chewing on as she laid on her bed. "Considering that you grew up here."
There were two velvet cushions laid out for Kindle and Nami, and a stand supporting a carved branch for Amber. The Vivillon was perched on top of the branch, already fast asleep. Kindle was settled into her bed cushion, chewing away at her twig happily. Nami however was still curiously exploring the room as Ash got ready for bed, the Riolu looking far from tired.
What's this? Nami asked, now at the desk, holding up a small black object.
"That's a pen," Ash replied, carrying his clothes from today over to his backpack, stuffing them away. "We use it to write down information."
How?
Ash gave her a weak smile. "I know there's a lot to learn, but can we talk some more tomorrow? I'm really tired, I didn't get any sleep last night."
Okay. Nami said, ruby eyes looking up at him as he headed towards the desk, scooping up the Riolu. He headed over towards Kindle, setting Nami down onto the cushion next to her. The canine blinked, prodding the cushion, before letting out a giggle. Very soft.
"I think we'll all be sleeping well tonight," Ash agreed.
"Fenna," Kindle said.
"Lu!" Nami replied, swiftly curling up on the pillow. She closed her eyes for a moment, before one cracked open, looking at Ash. Safe?
Of course. In the wild sleeping wasn't a time to relax, but a time you were most vulnerable. Ash let out a sigh, heading towards the door to show the Riolu that they were perfectly safe here. He grabbed the handle, tugging on it, before pausing.
The door was locked.
Ash? Safe? Nami asked, tensing as Ash did.
"...Y-yeah," Ash said, testing the knob again, but it didn't budge. "Er, see? Nothing's going to get in here, so we're just fine..."
No need to make Nami alarmed, the Riolu had been scared the nearly entire time he had been with her today, her curiosity about the room being the first time she had really opened up. He gave her a smile, before his eyes slipped to Kindle, hoping for some explantation. He understood that it'd be impolite to just wander the halls uninvited as a guest... but being locked in this room was an entirely different case.
Golden eyes regarded him, but the fox did nothing more than let out a yawn.
Not quite sure of what else to do, Ash flicked the lights off, slowly making his way towards the bed. The lamp gently illuminated the bedroom, but now that he knew that he was trapped in here it didn't seem quite as inviting. The bed was soft, the thick covers warm as he climbed under them, but yet he couldn't bring himself to relax. His eyes kept flicking towards the door, before darting away.
Scared. Nami said, and Ash could feel her aura twisting. He closed his eyes, she wasn't saying that she scared– but rather that she could sense his fear.
"...These last few days have been hard on me, Nami," Ash muttered quietly after a moment. And his gut twisted– it had only been five days since he had arrived in this world. It felt like it had been much longer. "I'm away from home and there's just so much to take in..."
"Lu..." The Riolu whimpered.
He let out a soft sigh. "Just go to sleep, alright? We can save worrying for tomorrow."
His mind most certainly didn't agree with that– his panic still thumping through him– but Ash was too exhausted to care. He had probably only gotten three hours of sleep last night, then had spent the entire day walking. His body wanted to sleep, no matter what thoughts were tormenting his mind. He twisted over in the soft bed, and found himself wishing that he was at the Pokemon Center.
Kindle was asleep in minutes, her soft snores filling the room alongside Amber's quiet breaths. Nami took longer, her aura reaching out towards Ash several times, but her telepathy was silent. Eventually her breathing relaxed alongside her aura, showing that sleep had at last claimed her.
It wasn't until Ash knew that his Pokemon were asleep that he was able to find sleep himself, one hand weakly draped across a pillow– right where Pikachu normally could curl up next to him.
'One flower... two flower... one flower... two flower...'
The sun had barely crested the horizon– the sky a dull gray as the sun's rays began to touch the earth, lighting the meadow with its soft golden hue. A small Pokemon darted from flower to flower, the purple being hovering in the air as she plucked the flowers, gathering them in her hands. She had a smile on her face, emerald eyes gleaming as she passed other a cluster of flower buds.
The Pokemon levitated right above them, head tilted in thought as she stared at them. She waved her hand over the unbloomed buds, a soft pink light radiating from her. The flowers began to glow, blossoming right before her eyes. She happily picked several more of the flowers, adding them to the bouquet in her hand– before racing off across the meadow.
The golden rings around her clinked together softly as she bolted towards a tree, drifting down to the ground and leaning up against the truck. She set out the flowers in front of her, before carefully selecting several of the blossoms, weaving the stems together. She picking up another one of the flowers, repeating the same process as she happily hummed.
The sun had risen higher by the time she finished her project, the little Pokemon happily holding up her flower crown. She held it up proudly, before looping over one of her horns. She giggled, drifting up into the air, and speeding off into the field. She twisted around as she went, letting the sun's rays wash over her.
"Hello, Hoopa," A cool voice said from behind her, and the small Pokemon froze up, eyes widening. The air around her became chilly as she hovered there, and she slowly turned around. A pair of vivid blue eyes glared into her, and she swallowed.
'H-hi...' Hoopa said quietly, drifting back.
Yveltal snorted, his arms crossed as he watched her. The grass around him had begun to wither away, and the morning sun seemed to retreat in his presence. His human form was the same as it always was– long black hair, pale sickly skin– but the apparel he was wearing seemed to be from another time. A simple black silk robe with red trim– the traditional mourning garments from ancient Kalos.
"And just what, are you doing out here?" He asked, and Hoopa flinched.
'Hoopa was making flower crowns...' Hoopa muttered quietly, carefully taking off the wreath of flowers from her horn, holding it out. 'You can have it if you want it though...'
Yveltal merely had to glance at flowers, a faint black glow appearing around him. Hoopa could feel them drying in her hands. The leaves began to wilt, petals shriveling up as the Dark Aura engulfed it. She let out a whimper, letting the withered flower crown fall to the ground.
"You seem to be enjoying wasting my time as of late," Yveltal muttered softly, eyes dangerously cold. "I only ask a few things of you, Hoopa, so why aren't you doing them?"
She swallowed. 'H-hoopa did do them though! Hoopa did! May have took small break now, but no others!'
"No others?" Yveltal asked, raising a brow. "Then what would you call your little chat with Ash in Santalune the other day then, hmm?"
The ghost type paled, eyes widening in fear as she realized she hadn't gone unnoticed. Her mouth opened, but no words seemed to escape her throat.
"What do I tell you time and time again, Hoopa?" Yveltal asked quietly.
'D-don't interact with y-your P-pariahs...' Hoopa choked out the words, her floating arms covering her head. Tears stung her eyes, entire body shaking in fear, her ghostly form flickering in and out of view.
"And so why did you go near him?" Yveltal seemed to be drinking in the cowering Pokemon's fear, eyes gleaming as he drew out each of his words, letting the small Pokemon shake in his shadows.
'H-hoopa thought he looked lost! H-hoopa just telling him where to go!' She cried, having fully sank to the ground, tears running down her face. 'Hoopa just sent him to the gym, th-that's what you wanted–!'
His Dark Aura radiated from around him, surrounding the small Pokemon as she sobbed on the ground. She shivered as the dark tendrils touched her, the Pokemon risking a small glance up at him. Yveltal's gaze was cold, eyes still lit with a frightening gleam as he took a step towards her.
"What I want with my Pariahs is none of your concern," He whispered. "And your interference is nothing but an annoyance. What I have you do for me is so simple that you're next to worthless– but yet I do have a use for you. Do as I say and we'll have no issues– but when you decide that you can do whatever you please is where the problems arise. I could replace you in a blink of an eye, Hoopa."
'H-hoopa will stay away from Pariahs,' She whimpered, closing her eyes. 'Hoopa will do what you want. Hoopa promise, Hoopa promises–!'
"Promises mean nothing to me," Yveltal snarled, pulsing energy forming in his palm.
He released the Dark Pulse out at the Pokemon, who let out a scream as she was hit. The force of the blast sent her flying back, the blistering energy searing against her. As a psychic type the dark energy was painful enough, but as a ghost type as well the intensity only became worse. She quivered on the ground as Yveltal approached her, knowing that only more was to come. She had disobeyed, and she knew what happened when she went against his orders.
'Hoopa sorry, Hoopa s-sorry, Hoopa–' She whimpered, and he scoffed.
"Consider this a warning," Yveltal said calmly– and she froze up in surprise. "I'll let this little mishap slide this one time, but only because I have a little task I need you to do, and I'll need you in one piece for it."
Hoopa's skin was charred black from where the Dark Pulse had hit her in the side, one arm cradling the wound. She looked up at Yveltal with wide eyes, but didn't dare say a word as he studied her. She hiccuped once, before letting her tear-filled gaze flicker away from him.
"I need you to slip into the Hall of Origins," Yveltal said, studying his nails. "A swift little peek with what's going down with the Others, and then inform me promptly. I'm curious."
'A-again?! B-but Hoopa was just there!' Hoopa cried. 'You never send Hoopa there that o-often and–!'
"And I need you there again."
'What if they sense Hoopa's aura?' She whispered, shivering. 'What if they f-find Hoopa?'
His eyes hardened. "If you know what's good for you, Hoopa, you'll make sure you're never found by the Others."
Hoopa swallowed, her entire body still shaking, her voice a whisper. 'Y-yes Father...'
Yveltal didn't say another word, eyes still locked on her as he began to glow. His body disintegrated, melting away into a mass of Dark Aura, the energy twisting together. As the mass of aura zipped away the air seemed to become warmer, the sunlight feeling just a bit brighter. Hoopa let out a shaky sigh of relief, slowly drifting up into the air, wiping away the tears running down her face. She winced, grabbing her seared side from where Yveltal's attack had hit her.
She closed her eyes for a moment, face twisted in concentration. A bright pink glow lit up her hands as she held it against her wound, the energy pouring into it. A warmth ran through her, the pain retreating as the burn died down– the skin perfectly healed as she pulled her hands away. She looked tired, but much more relieved as she hovered there in the air. She looked down at the dead grass and flower crown, before waving her hands over them as well.
The faintest trace of a smile appeared over Hoopa's face as the grass swelled back to life, now a brilliant green. Color flooded the flowers' petals, and she swooped down, picking up the blossoming flower crown. Hoopa stroked it softly, before pulling a golden ring from off of her horn. She put the flower crown into its place– then she threw the ring up into the air.
It grew in size– the glow of the portal filling the center of the hoop. It hovered in front of her, and the psychic type gulped, before using her ghostly powers to turn invisible. She had been to the Hall of Origins many times, always hidden from the eyes, of course. Despite this though, she knew that legendaries could sense auras. Being invisible should mean nothing– but yet never once had she been caught.
Was she terrified to go through the portal? Yes. Being caught spying for Yveltal... the thought made her shiver. But yet disobeying Yveltal made her even more afraid, and she forced herself to take in a deep breath. Just in, then out– then hopefully Yveltal wouldn't send her to spy again for a while.
At least that's what she hoped.
Hoopa swallowed– then dove into the portal.