Far away from the vicinities of Sharpedo Bluff, three stereotypically beautiful Pokémon — oh, it needn't be explained. You know who they are (please cue the Team Charm theme) — dadadadadadadadadaaaaa, dadada! — these three Pokémon in which they've garnered much attention from around all over, from the citizens of Treasure Town to the tiniest of villages of the world to universes beyond. Though the attention always drift towards Lopunny and Gardevoir rather than Medicham. Especially on *cough* Rule 34 *cough*. Pity.
"Well, it's time we head back to Treasure Town." Lopunny sighed as she stretched her arms, her shapely legs standing on her tippy toes. "What do you think, girls?"
"It sounds like a good plan to me." Gardevoir placed her hands on her thin hips in an admirable fashion. "We do need to speak with Wigglytuff after all."
"He's got that key, that very special key we need." Medicham elegantly swiveled around in a trance-like dance, her arms moving as if they were natural ribbons in the wind. "I hope we should find something amazing this time around!"
"Oh, yes, definitely," Lopunny agreed. "I can't believe our last mission was a failure. This is terrible for our reputation!"
"We certainly can't let Team Raider beat us again, anyways," Gardevoir noted. "That recent article in the Treasure Town Times did enough to provoke another intense competition."
"I can't believe they found the Golden Mask! That was supposed to be our job!" Lopunny stomped on the ground, indicating her fury of a thousand suns.
"I'd rather not run into Gallade." Medicham said this with an extremely sour face. "That idiot needs to disappear."
Gardevoir simply sighed. "Let's hope we won't run into him."
"Especially," Lopunny emphasized. "He's the last male I want to see! That poor excuse for a Gallade goes around acting like he's Arceus, cheating on every single female he 'promises' he'll love forever! Give me a damn break!"
Medicham patted the bunny's shoulder, completely empathizing with her pain. Gallade, to their dismay, betrayed Medicham as well. "Oh, yes, indeed."
Gardevoir shrugged. One might have thought that she was instantly attracted to Gallade, but in honesty, she was quite immune to the womanizer. She was calm and stoic compared to her teammates, carrying the same kind of independence that Genevra had, though so much that one could conclude that she didn't have any emotion. Of course, that statement had the possibility of being overly exaggerated, and yet, just even glancing at her on first sight, one would be driven to think that Gardevoir really didn't have emotion.
"Hey, Gardevoir," Medicham began. "How much longer will it take until we're back at Treasure Town?"
The Gardevoir swiftly glanced from the position of the sun (it had risen about an hour ago) to the Wonder Map, conveniently opened at her disposal. "At least a couple of more hours."
"Well, that's not so bad," Lopunny said in an optimistic tone, apparently having been quickly recovered from her anger over Gallade. "Oh, and let's not forget, we'll have to go to the library, too."
Medicham and Gardevoir nodded in unison. Together, the three walked on, holding themselves in appreciative, even honorable, characters.
What was called the morning sun would soon be gone, for it was nearing the end of late morning, eventually succumbing to noon. The ocean waves outside glimmered with aquatic sparkles from the light, reflecting a multitude of prismatic rainbows into the air. Chirpy cries of sea birds outside traveled through the setting; despite the random patterns of the caws, it melded perfectly with the rhythmic pulses of the ocean waves meeting the sandy shores. The scent present carried a calm ubiquity, enhancing the docile image; breathing in the air would only bring relaxation and content.
Genevra's eyes fluttered open serenely, as gently and fragilely as a butterfly lifting its wings taking off for flight, unhurriedly drinking in the view of the handsome Gallade that lay before her. For that brief moment in time, a perfect quiescence cascaded elegantly over them, only giving a universally warm sensation.
That was, until the Gardevoir's consciousness took hold.
A bomb exploded with an outrageous boom inside her, disrupting the peaceful harmony that lay between them. In the most literal of senses, Genevra jumped out of her skin, only shocked to find the truth that revealed itself before her very bluntly. She released an accented, feminine scream, startling the calm atmosphere. Letting go of her hands around Redley, she clutched nervously to her horn, throbbing intensely on her chest. The Gallade, in turn, jolted up with a similar shout, reflecting the Gardevoir's feelings. Their faces dipped into the deepest shades of red, holding the same intensity of color as their burgundy eyes.
"Oh… my… Arceus, what the…"
And then she remembered.
OhmyArceus, Genevra thought wildly. I just realized what happened last night! I leaned onto him! OhmyArceus, whywhywhyandhowdidthiseven—
Their perceptions heightened so sensitively that every little item of existence surrounding them seemed to torment them with strings of mocks and snickers. Everything was laughing at them — the nests, the blankets, the barrels of food, the waterfall fountain, the sky, the ocean, the sun — laughing at them in the way one would laugh when destined lovers were fumbling around like clueless idiots in a romantic comedy.
"Ah... Er…"
"…Nngg…"
"Uh…"
"…Morning?"
One of them laughed awkwardly, the voice shaking with some adorably clumsy character.
"Urm… Morning…"
Genevra glanced quickly around her, her nervousness evident in her shivery, timid movements. She was desperately making an attempt to wash away the awkwardness between them, but with every second of motion that passed, it was clear the awkwardness was only heightening.
Redley could only feel the same way. His attempt to bring a more comforting atmosphere between them was much more effective, however.
"Uh… Don't you… think we should get to the Wigglytuff Guild soon?" the Gallade asked in a broken voice.
"Oh." The Gardevoir nodded in a jittery movement, her face reddening. "R-Right. We finished—"
A growling stomach interrupted the Gardevoir's sentence. Genevra put a hand to her stomach, feeling the vibrations of hunger within her. When it finished growling, she covered her mouth in embarrassment, letting out a hesitant half-giggle, her expression forming a frown of unease. Redley's stomach followed en suite; the attention darted to the Gallade as he realized his own hunger.
"Er… We'd better get going." Genevra looked outside of Sharpedo Bluff, noting the bright sun outside. "We've got… a lot to do."
"Ah, yeah." Redley sensed Genevra's endeavor for an earnest ambience; the prolonging awkwardness was beginning to become too much to handle. With a sudden and stiff movement, he rose up, asking Genevra if there was anything specific she would like to have for breakfast; to this, she replied that anything edible would do.
Suddenly, on instinct, the Gardevoir hurriedly glanced at Redley's arm. She remembered the previous day's incident; the Ariados venom that splashed over the Gallade's arm was something that refused to let go of her mind. Seeing that the once-burning wound was healing, she released a mental sigh, relieved. Redley would have to apply another coat of Pecha Berry mush, and his arm would be mended in no time.
It's so amusing how you're looking out for him, Genevra, a voice said from inside her. Weren't you supposed to be just friends?
She paused, the thoughts sinking into her.
I don't even know where I come from… and yet, I'm already in love with him…
"… Genevra?" Redley looked at his partner half-concerned, half-hesitant.
The Gardevoir quickly shook her head, shaking away her thoughts. "I… I mean, your arm… yesterday, the Ariados…"
"Oh," the Gallade said, looking at his own arm. "Don't worry. I'll be fine."
"You'll… need to apply another coat of Pecha Berries…"
The Gallade nodded awkwardly. "I… know."
The Gardevoir sighed quietly, attempting to relieve herself. "Just… wanted to make sure you… you were okay."
"… Ah, yeah…" The Gallade felt his heartbeat increase, his horn tingling with a warmness surrounding him with care unsurpassed.
Here, Genevra smiled to him, though it was a nervous, reluctant smile. Yet, it was the perfect smile. Redley returned it, just as nervous and reluctant.
The activities between them were slow, though they were grateful that with each measure of time passing between them, the inelegant feelings only dispersed more and more. As the day would wear on, what was felt as lingering traces of this morning's strange, yet adorable encounter would hang limply between them.
After preparing to leave Sharpedo Bluff, the Seekers made their way to the Wigglytuff Guild. The high noon sun was shining gloriously on the setting of Treasure Town, wholly ignorant of the drastic events that had yet to come.
Guildmaster Wigglytuff was sleeping, though not in the way one would have guessed he was sleeping. The pink bunny was undeniably loveable, and he naturally gave off an appealing charm of naïveté, strong enough for everyone looking at him to render expressions of admire such as "D'aaaaawwww!" How could one not love the cute Pokémon?
And yet, because it was only natural, there was a deeper, more intense, and arguably darker side to the pink bunny. In no way of a tangible or abstract shape was it a bad thing; it only happened to be that way, and it was an undeniable axiom. One would not easily think that, but the careful observer would note that this deeper persona of Wigglytuff did exist on first blush. The first obvious hint was how Wigglytuff slept; he slept with his glossy eyes open (no one exactly knew whether or not Wigglytuff had eyelids), and the fact that his eyes never seemed to close had the apparentness of a strange, uncommon, and creepy taboo.
That was only the first step of treading into his unknown and hidden persona.
Do you remember… that day… you discovered that dungeon…?
…
The dungeon… with that prophecy… It was there… on that island… the Edge of the Universe… And some mysterious Pokémon rescued you then… There was also a rip in the fabrics… the fabrics of Spacetime… You saw what happened, you know you did… Do you remember…?
…
And he saved you… the Guardian saved you…
"Guildmaster!" a voice squawked like that annoying alarm clock waking up children to get to school. "Guildmaster!"
Wigglytuff's ears twitched ferociously, unintentionally swatting away Chatot like a flimsy fly. The colorful parrot screeched uncomfortably, further awakening Wigglytuff as his ears curled up instinctively from the harsh cry.
"Chatot!" Wigglytuff looked at the bird in surprise. "What's the matter?"
The bird flapped his wings in rapid succession, straightening himself. "Team Seekers have arrived. They're outside right now, and they've been patiently waiting for you!"
"Ah." Wigglytuff frowned, his face reading, Oops, I forgot about them so quickly… "Well, we'll just have to evaluate them now! They've completed Test A in less than a week! That's right!"
The pink bunny hopped off of his grand chair, making his way towards the door. Outside, he could hear excited clamors, voices mingled into some gently disordered music. As he opened the door, all Pokémon turned their heads to see the superiority that was the Guildmaster, the sounds dying down. He recognized the familiar figures of Genevra and Redley, who were the tallest Pokémon in the room, while everyone else looked as if they were ready to bow down to Wigglytuff himself. Compared to every other Pokémon in the room, the Gardevoir and the Gallade stuck out like an awkward, intended blemish of the setting; nonetheless, he knew they were modest and accommodating.
"Well hiya friends!" Wigglytuff smiled brightly, spreading his stubby arms in joy. "How're ya doing?"
Genevra and Redley looked at each other, sharing a slow smile. They answered that they were doing well, as much as they could be for Pokémon who were uncomfortable in being the center of attention.
"Good!" Wigglytuff looked at them approvingly. "It's evaluation time! May I see your results?"
I thought we were going to be graded alone, not in front of so many Pokémon! Genevra thought, looking to Redley. The Gallade seemed to read her mind with intuitive ease, but the two went along with Wigglytuff's order.
"This is a gem we brought back from the Waterfall Cave," Redley started, holding out the ruby stone in his hand. "We found it at the end of the dungeon."
Genevra picked out a handful of Perfect Apples from her Treasure Bag. "Yesterday, we found these Perfect Apples at Apple Woods."
Wigglytuff carefully observed the items; from the Gallade to the Gardevoir, he nodded approvingly. "How were the Ariados?"
Genevra and Redley looked at each other sheepishly.
"Challenging," Genevra answered, looking quickly at Redley's arm. Wigglytuff himself looked at the Gallade, comprehending that the team had escaped Apple Woods with a wound from the Ariados.
"And scary," Redley added, stammering a bit.
"So… that, combined with you rescuing Spoink, and Marill and Azurill…" Wigglytuff motioned to his assistant. "Chatot, please write this down!"
"Of course, Guildmaster!" The bird promptly gathered a quill and paper, ordering a guild apprentice to hold a vial of dark ink. He held the quill in one claw, the other claw miraculously holding the paper without ripping it into pieces.
"YOOM-TAH! I, Guildmaster Wigglytuff, hereby declare that Team Seekers has passed Test A! You are officially a Super Rank exploration team!"
A wave of cheerful applause swept through the guild, sprouts of hurrahs and yays sprinkled among the claps. Gible and Mareep's cheers were especially audibly to Genevra and Redley; the two children were jumping up and down as if they were in an inflatable moon bounce.
"Cue the Wigglytuff Guild Anthem!" a voice shouted merrily.
The what?
Whimsical circus music played in the background from seemingly out of nowhere; a small parade of Pokémon (all apprentices of the guild) walked out of the guild mess hall playing shiny brass instruments, marching in a jubilant tempo, happy to enhance the ceremonial scene. Someone pounded on the drums in an apparently spasmodic fashion, giving the air of an amusingly amateurish school band.
Genevra stared at them blankly, her expression hilariously dumbfounded. Redley had a confused, attempting-to-be-optimistic smile, though in the end, he was just as lost as Genevra.
"Now you'll just have to go to Director Blastoise for the rest of the paperwork and you're officially officially an official exploration team!" Wigglytuff said happily, his giddy voice sounding giddier than ever. "Aren't you all happy?"
Both nodded slowly, almost feebly; they were still unsure of their own selves in this present, exceedingly happy scene.
"In any case, this is a good day for all of us!" Wigglytuff danced joyfully to the music. "You're the first exploration team to complete Test A! And in less than a week too! You've completed a new record!"
The party noise raged on — the sounds of band music, happy chatter, and rhythmical clacks of dancing all contributed to a wild symphony of clattering cacophony. But then, as if on cue, an abrupt, loud "STOP!" came from Loudred, roaring over the noise, and everyone turned their attentions to the Pokémon, all sounds cut off.
"TEAM CHARM IS HERE!"
"WHAT?!"
"DIGLETT WAS ON DUTY AT THE SENTRY GATE AND THEN HE SAW TEAM CHARM FROM THE GRATE!"
"WHAT?!"
"Loudred, are you serious?"
"YES! WHY WOULD I NOT BE SERIOUS?!"
"OH, FOR THE SAKE OF ARCEUS, HUSH!" Chatot exploded, supremely annoyed with the absurd volume of sound Loudred could produce.
"Now, hold on, everyone," Wigglytuff said calmly, though he was undoubtedly intrigued. "Team Charm… has arrived?"
"Like, YEAH! They're COMING down RIGHT NOW!" Loudred replied, before realizing how stupid he was being in screaming his answer to his superior.
"… hate it every time when they consistently chase us!" an unfamiliar, feminine voice exclaimed from above.
"Well, they're all behind us now. Let's hope they won't break open the gates to the guild," another feminine voice replied, hers calmer than the first.
Wigglytuff bounced over to the ladder, while guild members naturally moved aside to make way for the guildmaster. Around, Pokémon began to whisper and murmur, tremors of a higher excitement igniting amongst the guild members. Genevra and Redley were the only ones who remained unexcited; Genevra especially couldn't understand the hype.
The first Team Charm member jumped down from the floor above, displaying impressive aerobatic skill, completely disregarding the useful ladder attached to the wall. Lopunny landed on the ground in proud, unashamed boldness; there was a slight tint of arrogance in her air, though it could be generally agreed that she was modest. Medicham followed quickly, also disregarding the ladder, her beautifully hypnotic dance motions grabbing even further attention. Gardevoir was the last to follow, bringing in the air of quiet elegance; using the ladder to meet her teammates, she made a much more mild entrance, no way as boisterous as Lopunny or Medicham. Around, hushed and high-pitched sounds of excited admiration could be heard, only strengthening the tension present.
With a calm expression and a bright smile, Wigglytuff greeted the team with a joyful wave, followed by, "Hi friends! How are you all doing?"
"Ah, Wigglytuff," Lopunny said, returning his smile, her eyes shining. "We've been doing quite well!"
"It looks like we've stumbled upon a celebration of some sort." Medicham smiled warmly at the crowd that stood before her, taking in the view of the scene. "Having a party?"
"Actually," Wigglytuff started in a kind matter-of-factly tone, motioning towards Genevra and Redley, "I have just finished evaluating an exploration team! See, they've completed Test A, and I have just promoted them to the Super Rank! You'll be amazed to learn they completed the evaluation in four days instead of a week! Naturally, they deserve a celebration for this splendid feat! Team Charm, I present to you Team Seekers!"
The attention was brought back to Genevra and Redley, who were standing very silently amidst the commotion. Despite the Seekers' impressive and recent accomplishment, they were still a far ways from being as equal to Team Charm and Team Raider, especially since the members of Team Charm were standing before them. One could not help but compare their characters; it was as clear as crystal to the Wigglytuff Guild that Team Charm, as an exploration team, was superior to Team Seekers.
"Well, a wonderful congratulations to you two!" Lopunny looked at the Seekers in joyful approval, perhaps with a hint of smugness. "That certainly is impressive!"
"Best of wishes to the two of you!" Medicham added, her smile brightening.
Gardevoir gave the Seekers a justly blunt nod of approval, acknowledging the two. Somewhere inside, she smiled, happy to see two Seekers so close together, almost as close as mates. A thinly subliminal line of envy flittered within her, but it was quickly suppressed. Gardevoir herself was not aware of this hidden feeling inside.
With as much determination as the Seekers could muster, they gave a simple greeting to Team Charm; it was a respectful and easy-going salute, though their obsessive-absent way of addressing the renowned Team Charm would have easily prompted anger from fangirls and fanboys alike. To them, a casual "Hello" was in no way acceptable to greet such a team they neurotically loved so dearly.
"In any case," Wigglytuff looked back at the members of Team Charm, his voice suddenly taking a subtle shade of an autocrat, "what brings you here on this fine day?"
"Oh, well, that," Lopunny said as she looked around the crowd surrounding her. "We'll need to talk in private about that, if you don't mind."
"Alright, then," Wigglytuff said, understanding them. The guildmaster turned around, facing the murmuring crowd. "Well, friends! Genevra and Redley! All you'll need to do is go back to Director Blastoise at the PETF to get your official recognition!"
Genevra and Redley nodded together, both relieved to get away from the unintended commotion they had experienced. Chatot handed the two the written evaluation, sealing it with the Wigglytuff Guild label in a cream-colored envelope. Gible and Mareep said a happy goodbye; the Seekers returned it with well-acquainted smiles. Ambling modestly, the two climbed on the ladder to the first sublevel of the guild, several Pokémon watching them leave.
"As for everyone else," Wigglytuff motioned to the rest of the crowd, "it's back to work now!"
Complaints grew forth from the guild apprentices, all wanting to stay with Team Charm a little longer. Chatot was heavily adamant in driving away everyone, forcing them with an agitated tone of anger to get back to work; otherwise, they would find no dinner for the night. Nonetheless, even Chatot himself couldn't even resist Team Charm; whenever he turned near the three females, his expression turned into a face of a laughably fat infatuation, completely entranced by the Master Rank exploration team.
On the first sublevel, where it was as empty as a barren desert, the Gardevoir began speaking her feelings towards Team Charm to her partner.
"I don't understand the hype," Genevra said quietly as she began climbing the second ladder up to the main entrance, "for both Team Charm and Team Raider."
"So… legendary exploration teams don't impress you?" Redley asked.
Genevra sighed. "Well, I guess it's because I never wanted to become an explorer in the first place. I know I lost my memory, but… Well, I feel I can safely say that before I lost my memory, I had no intention of becoming an explorer at all. Perhaps that's why I'm not impressed."
Hearing this, Redley was disheartened. Of course, being an explorer was all he wanted to do ever since he was a young Ralts, and hearing the one he loved say those words before his very ears disappointed him. It shattered him to an extent where a pitiful frown was visible on the Gallade's face, yet he was glad for the Gardevoir's honesty.
After all, Genevra only agreed to become your exploration partner because she had nowhere to go… a cold, but small voice said in Redley's mind. You really didn't think that she joined you on first sight because she was in love with you, did you? How pathetic.
Redley shook his head, wanting to force the pessimistic thoughts out of his mind. Luckily, Genevra couldn't sense it, for she was far too occupied on a bigger matter that only irritated her. The Gallade could see what was happening after joining the Gardevoir.
At the main entrance of the Wigglytuff Guild, there swarmed a huge assembly of Pokémon, all local citizens of Treasure Town. They looked savage, shouting out in an unruly chorus "Team Charm!" Many Pokémon were wildly struggling to open the guild gates in hopes of meeting the famous exploration team.
Genevra looked at them cynically, her face clearly reading, What the heck is this?
"All we need to do is get out of here," Genevra said, rolling her eyes. "And now, this? For the love of Arceus…"
Next to the two Seekers, Diglett popped out from the ground.
"Oh, hi!" the young Pokémon said, his boyish voice friendly. It soon disappeared, however, when he noticed Genevra's unhappiness. Diglett cringed slightly, not expecting the harsh look on the Gardevoir. "Uh… you want to get out, right?"
Genevra breathed in, the stress evident in her exhalation. She didn't need to use words to confirm Diglett's guess. Redley chuckled quietly, a soft smile forming on his lips, almost as if he knew Genevra all too well at this point.
"Um…" Diglett observed the crowd outside. "Well, the Magnezone Police Department is supposed to be here any minute… Ah, you know what, I'll just tell Loudred to open the gates now."
The Gardevoir faltered slightly, not expecting the sudden decision. No sooner, the Diglett popped back underground, making his way to Loudred. It didn't take long for the Seekers to wait for the gate to be opened; the ground rumbled as if a miniature earthquake took place. Unused to the rumbling, the Treasure Town citizens began backing away, the fear taking hold of them.
The moment the gates opened, Genevra slipped out from the bunny tent, struggling to weave through the mass of Pokémon before her. At first, many mistook Genevra as the Gardevoir from Team Charm, but seeing that she was ultimately another Gardevoir, the interest in her dropped as the crowd stormed inside the guild. Redley followed behind, half-worried that he would lose sight of Genevra.
"Really," Genevra said as soon as the two had escaped from the wrath of the crowd. "For the frickin' love of Arceus…"
"Well, they're all behind us now," Redley said as he smiled to her, hoping to bring some comfort to the Gardevoir.
Genevra caught his smile, returning a half-shy smile in turn. "Right. We need to get to Director Blastoise."
"Oh, and the library, too," Redley said, remembering Genevra's desire to go research about Lugia back at the Hot Springs. "We'll have to go there as well."
Genevra nodded, acknowledging Redley's statement. The two Pokémon walked down the grand stairs of the guild entrance together, making their way to the PETF.
Some things in nature are not too noticeable; for this instance, deeply gray clouds were now covering various portions of the usual blue sky, occasionally threatening to cover the sun. That was only the beginning, for those threats would turn into a trenchant maelstrom, surprising everyone but a select, secretive few.
Director Blastoise approved of the two quite easily as a Super Rank exploration team; having obtained Redley's training records from the Marowak Dojo, he was aware that the Gallade was of an exceptional strength than most, and this was credible enough for Blastoise to believe their power as a team. For Genevra, the outsider, she wasn't given any unnecessary praise, and the Gardevoir had no complaints; the Blastoise could still see that she was definitely of a superb strength.
They were each given a Super Rank exploration badge, clipped handily onto their Treasure Bags. The Seekers were also given complimentary scarves as a reward for accomplishing their deeds; Redley was given the Psychic-Fighting Scarf while Genevra was given the Psychic-Fairy Scarf. If worn, both items would only enhance their natural attacks and defenses in battling. The two thanked the director, and went back outside, focusing on their next destination.
"Well, this makes us officially a team," Redley said, adjusting his new scarf to suit his neck as comfortably as he could. The Gallade smiled once again to his partner, only happy that Genevra was here with him.
Genevra returned his smile, quietly breathing in the air contently. Looking for a distraction to hold back the silence between them, she looked to the sky, and noticed the sudden change in weather. Heavy gray clouds covered nearly all of the sky, only portions of golden sunlight peeking through the clouds at the moment. Soft raindrops the size of minuscule marbles began dripping down between uneven intervals of time. They were small enough to splash against any Pokémon in their way, though overall, they would be unaffected from the diminutive droplets.
Quickly, Redley led Genevra to the Treasure Town Library, a decently meager distance away from the PETF. Always retaining his courteous manners, he allowed the Gardevoir to enter inside the building first, closing the door after he let himself in.
The library itself was made with a polished dark mahogany, kept immaculately clean by the staff. Homemade, incandescent candles illuminated various corners of the library, kept in shining glass spheres in order to prevent the flames from ensnaring onto any nearby matter prone to flammability. Inviting tables and chairs held quiet, introverted Pokémon, all deeply invested in their borrowed, leather books. The whole building had the quintessential scholarly atmosphere, perfect for any studious intellectual.
Near the circulation desk, the head librarian, a Bibarel, greeted the visitors happily. He recognized Redley instantly, and was familiar with the Gallade. Naturally, the Gardevoir was a stranger to him, and like many other Pokémon before, he mistook Genevra as Redley's girlfriend. The Gardevoir controlled herself from exclaiming out loud that she was just a friend: for one, they were in a library, and screaming in the library was an irrevocable sin. In the end, the Gardevoir really knew that she had feelings for the Gallade; knowing this, she wondered if she should confess her feelings soon. Doing that, however, seemed like a dangerous thing to do.
When you're in love with someone, Genevra thought, her face blushing, and you don't tell that someone you love them, everything you do around them becomes dangerous. You become aware of everything you do around them so much because you don't want to lose them… Great Dialga, I should tell him soon before I start losing myself…
Thankfully, Redley merely (and half-calmly) said that they were two friends in an exploration team. While Bibarel was not the brightest spark of all sparks, he could sense that there was, without doubt, definitely something going on between them; it was something much more than an innocent young love, to be sure.
Diving straight back into business, the Gardevoir asked for books pertaining to Lugia. The Bibarel was glad that he could be of help, and he instantly led them to the shelves pertaining to myths and fables of legendary Pokémon. Genevra and Redley thanked him for the assistance.
Genevra felt herself shiver, despite the fact that the air was warm and there wasn't any wind to be felt in range. A strange, somehow familiar feeling pulsed through her; it was especially evident in a single motion of her hand reaching for a book, its spine reading, The Legend of Ho-Oh and Lugia. The Gardevoir thought she was picking the book for no reason, other than that it was the closest book within her grasp; in truth, there was a much deeper meaning behind it.
"Genevra, are you alright?" Redley asked, noticing the Gardevoir's unusual shivers.
The Gardevoir shook her head, as delicate as a nightingale shaking its own head, attempting to relieve herself. "I'm fine. Don't worry."
Forcing herself to prove this, she pushed herself to take the book in her hands, walking to a nearby table to settle down and open the book in her hands. Another foreign wave of familiarity streamed through the Gardevoir, and her heartbeat increased.
Have I… read this book before? Why do I feel so excited about this?
Only wanting to be a help to his partner, Redley selected a few more titles that held Lugia's name on the book titles. To be sure, the Gallade was concerned for Genevra, though he was not yet fully aware of the intensity of her feelings.
The Gardevoir's head pounded continuously, each throb stronger than the last. She gripped her hold onto the book even tighter, struggling to keep herself still as she stood next to the table.
Why… is this happening…?
Redley immediately walked over to the Gardevoir, holding a pile of books. Genevra was acting as if a fever had taken hold of her, and this only made Redley more concerned than before.
"Genevra." Redley said her name softly, embedded with worry. "Are you sure…"
Suddenly, the Gardevoir slammed the open book before her, the loudness echoing throughout the library. Her hands quivered nervously, looking as if they were twitching spasmodically. She dropped the book on the ground before her, materializing another slam as she gripped her head, the pulses beating fiercely throughout her.
Again…? Another vision…?
Genevra dropped to her knees on the library floor, holding her head in pain, letting out a sharp gasp. Redley held onto her, keeping sure that her head wouldn't smash onto the table. One arm awkwardly caught Genevra's chest, Redley's other arm holding her waist from behind.
"Genevra!" Redley said, his voice filled with a familiar anxiety he knew very, almost too very, well.
The Gardevoir made an attempt to respond to the Gallade; her body was uncooperative, and her vocal muscles seemed to be broken. Defeated, Genevra allowed her mind to sink into an impenetrable blackness, her entire body falling against the Gallade. The last thing she could hear was Redley's voice crying out her name.
…Do you remember, Genevra?
You picked up that book, The Legend of Ho-Oh and Lugia,when you were with Grovyle and Celebi…
In a blurred sepia vision, the Gardevoir opened her eyes, a vague memory slowly melding into her mind.
…
They were there, in the library… It used to be called the Treasure Town Library, until time went awry, and Dialga lost all control of Its dimension…
When Dialga lost control, resting upon the most delicate and refined of all fabrics of the Spacetime Continuum, of the Universe, Palkia followed quickly in succession, Its own fabrics ripping into an unforgiving abyss. Giratina followed their fate, collapsing upon Its own mirror dimensions, drowning into an oblivion so empty, so devoid…
…
What used to be a clean, brightly polished library was now desolate and cobweb-stained, with books tossed around like careless leaves. It looked much like an abandoned gothic library, the wood everywhere strewn with mold and creaks…
…The beauty of the written word was long forgotten, and only a select few that had not succumbed to the madness of the Dark Future were strong enough to preserve this artistry.
"…may never know why it happened, or how it started," the pink Celebi said.
"But that doesn't matter as much," Grovyle said in response. "What matters more is the opportunity to go back and fix the mess."
"It's only natural that time travel is restricted," Celebi went on. "Time traveling is not as simple as you think. Even when I send you back for sunlight, Grovyle, I'm only contributing to an immeasurable ocean of spacetime fluctuations and disorders…"
"I wish I could have studied about theoretical physics much more," Genevra said, sighing wistfully, her hand swiftly swinging over a set of musty, leather books on a shelf. "Perhaps in a different world, a better world, I could have done so…"
Celebi and Grovyle shared a smile, trying to suppress a laugh; such a response was natural from the Gardevoir. The trio had lived together for a time now. If asked to measure their time spent living together, the answer would be half a decade.
"You would be what they would call a 'nerd,' you know," Celebi said to the Gardevoir.
"Who cares?" Genevra shrugged, clearly disregarding the insult. "The Universe is so amazing! How could anyone not want to understand it? Math is such a beautiful language, filled with archetypical symbols and gorgeous numbers! When Arceus first created the Universe, It must've encoded the Universe through this kind of language!"
"You're so hopeless when it comes to these kinds of things," Grovyle said, his laughter now rising within him. "Only Alakazam and Metagross talk about these things! Why do you think Metagross is called the 'Supercomputer'? And Alakazam, naturally being the smartest of all Psychic-Types, know more about the Universe than the ordinary Pokémon anyway."
"I may be half-Fairy-Type," Genevra pointed out, crossing her arms, "but that doesn't mean I can'tstudy these things. I mean, look." The Gardevoir swiftly looked around the dark library, her eyes expertly reading in the lightlessness. Spotting a book pertaining to astrophysics, she flipped open to a random page, strewn with what seemed like incomprehensible mathematical equations. "When you see this, does it not look like the Universe has emotions?"
"I don't get it!" Grovyle teased her in a typical mocking tone, laughing even more. Celebi chimed in, her melodious, bell-like laughter so pleasant to hear. The Grass-Types sounded as if they were having a blast of a time.
"Oh, come on." Genevra sighed, and then looked back at the book, her eyes shining as she admired the beauty that lay before her. "Whenever I see these equations, I feel like it's telling me the Universe sings with joy and shouts with anger and weeps with sadness! Maybe if some physicist had found out about the secret of the Universe before Year Zero of the Dark Future, we would have known why we're stuck in the Dark Future in the first place!"
Celebi and Grovyle continued laughing, though their laughter died down quickly after Genevra had brought up a good point.
"Well, I've never liked math anyways," Celebi said, straightening herself. Her wings flitted gracefully as she made circles in the air, allowing her body to exercise just a little. "History has always been more of my thing."
"Oh, yes, I almost forgot," Grovyle's expression shifted quickly back to one of seriousness. "Primal Lugia…"
Celebi fluttered back to the Pokémon on ground. "Ah, Lugia? Yes, Lugia's Destruction was the first true event that really disrupted the world. It's because of Her storms that She ended up killing so many Pokémon. Ho-Oh was supposed to stop Her, because Ho-Oh is the counterbalance that stops Lugia from destroying so many Pokémon in the first place. But…" Celebi frowned. "Something backfired, and for some reason, Ho-Oh wasn't able to stop Lugia. I'm not sure of the reason myself. It's not like I can travel back and actually witness what happened between them. I tried doing that a long time ago before I met you two, actually. But even I have my limits."
"So, you can't travel back to certain times?" Genevra concluded.
"Nope." Celebi sighed. "They always make the claim that we as Celebi can travel to any point in time and space, but that's not true. The only Pokémon who truly has that power is Dialga. At least, I believe so."
"Let's not forget that when you're trying to travel me back in time, it's an even bigger problem," Grovyle added. "Remember the first time you tried to save me?"
Celebi blushed, lifting a hand to cover her mouth. "Ah, yeah. You know that was awkward…"
Genevra smiled, though it was not one easily visible to the naked eye. After living for such a long time, the Gardevoir was well aware of Celebi's love for Grovyle, though it was very obvious her love for Grovyle was unrequited.
"In any case," the Gardevoir said, her voice sounding very organized, "you were saying…"
…
"…that…"
…
…
"…evra…"
"Gen…"
Genevra woke up, finding that she was lying in a soft hospital mattress with an unaccustomed blanket covering over her entire body. She blinked slowly and cleared her throat, her head feeling as heavy as cement bricks.
Redley lifted his head up from his seat, alert of the Gardevoir waking up. Immediately, he went over to her, noticing her struggle to keep conscious.
"Genevra," he said, his voice revealing signs of unsteady relief.
The Gardevoir groaned, attempting to keep hold of herself. "…Redley…"
"Ah, it looks like she's regained consciousness," a gentle, smooth voice said as she entered the room. A Hypno walked in, carrying a calm and welcome atmosphere. "How is she doing?"
Genevra coughed once, her vocal muscles testing out her vocal strength. "Ah… What happened to me?"
"You lost consciousness," Redley started hastily. "We were at the library, and then your head started hurting, and then… Then, I had to…" The Gallade turned red, remembering how he had to carry her bridal style.
Calm down! Just be honest with her! You had to carry her here because there was no other choice!
"I had to bring you here to the hospital," Redley finished. "You were breathing, but…"
The Gardevoir merely nodded, looking as fragile as a glass, pale-rainbow paperweight. She wouldn't ask how Redley had taken her here.
A jolt of electricity streamed through Genevra, making her flinch noticeably. Both Redley and Dr. Hypno took note of her flinch, sure that this action was of some importance.
"…I suddenly remember…" the Gardevoir said, her voice soft. "There was Celebi, and… Grovyle…"
Dr. Hypno spoke up, intuitively understanding what happened to Genevra. "I had Redley tell me about your condition, and how you have a memory loss. So when he brought you in here today, and told me about what happened to you, I said that it was perfectly normal for memories from your past to come back periodically. Sometimes, if a memory comes back, it will be painful, so symptoms such as twitching and your head hurting are all part of the normal process, especially for Psychic-Types like yourself."
Genevra nodded again, this time, carefully lifting a hand to her cheek. It looked as if she was checking to make sure she hadn't died, that she was still in the physical reality that demanded use of the five, tangible senses.
A loud crack of thunder sparked in the sky above, causing both Genevra and Redley to flinch. While Redley had already known of the pouring rainstorm today, Genevra was only surprised to see that there was rain.
"Yikes." Dr. Hypno shuddered, her shivers audible. "That's certainly an unpleasant thunderstorm." She sighed, remembering the previous thunderstorm before today's, the very same thunderstorm that sent Genevra washing up on the shores of Treasure Town. "Well, would you like something to drink? Apparently, Spinda is handing out free samples of his coffee before the grand opening this Saturday, and we have a whole box of coffee in the lobby. We might as well share it with all of the patients here in the hospital."
To this, Redley and Genevra agreed, not seeing any reason as to why they wouldn't accept a nice offer. Dr. Hypno left the two in their room, only giving them an unintentionally unwelcome silence.
"So…" Redley started, half-looking away from the Gardevoir. "You… you got part of your memory back?"
The Gardevoir was quiet before replying. "…Somewhat. I was in an abandoned library, with Celebi and Grovyle… and we were talking about the Universe, and Primal Lugia, and… physics…"
The Gallade looked at his partner, utterly confused. "What's… Primal Lugia?"
Genevra frowned. "I don't… I'm not sure. But there was something about Ho-Oh, too…"
"…Is it possible that you predicted the future again?"
"I was sure that I didn't predict the future though," Genevra said, as if she became aware of an epiphany hidden inside her all along. "I'm positive that was my memory, but… Yes, there's no doubt about it. It was my memory."
"Oh." Redley looked away from his partner. He was supportive of Genevra regaining her memory; in fact, he had offered to help her, hadn't he? And yet, now that Genevra had regained just a piece of her memory, the Gallade felt an unwanted fear starting to eat him. It didn't take him too long to realize that he didn't want to lose Genevra.
I've never wanted to lose her in the first place, the Gallade thought. Ever since we met at the beach, when the sun was setting, I didn't want to lose her. It was only even more obvious when Gallade from Team Raider came along, trying to impress her. And now… while I'm happy that Genevra has regained part of her memory, when she finds out her true identity, will… will she leave me? Will she leave me to go back to her true life…?
The Gallade's crestfallen emotions stood out considerably before the Gardevoir. She was about to make a comment, only curious of his feelings. Still, Genevra faltered, and took a deep breath instead, remaining quiet about the problem.
In the end, the Gallade continued thinking, you should just let them go… that's what they always say…
I don't want to lose her…
And yet, I've already lost my parents… And I can't imagine myself loving anyone else but Genevra… I just… don't want to lose another…
"Redley," Genevra said, wanting to change the downhearted setting.
The Gallade looked back at his partner. "Yeah?"
"Could you, ah, hand me the paper over there?" The Gardevoir pointed to a copy of the daily Treasure Town Times, sitting properly next to the chair Redley had sat on.
"Of course." The Gallade bent down to pick up the newspaper, handing it to Genevra, grateful for the casual request she had asked.
The classic gray newspaper had headlines screaming, LUGIA ON RAMPAGE! The typography was highlighted in a bold ink, doing a fitting job of grabbing any Pokémon's attention. Below, an article in swiftly (perhaps even carelessly) printed text mentioned details of Lugia's rampage as well as Team Raider and the temporary army to help fight against the Pokémon. As helpful as Genevra hoped it would, it failed to meet her expectations, and it only left the Gardevoir wondering why Lugia would have gone on such a rampage in the first place.
"That wasn't much of a help," Genevra muttered after reading, sighing disappointedly.
"Oh, yeah, you wanted to… research about Lugia," Redley said weakly.
Genevra held an expression in her eyes, reading that going back to the library wasn't as important as before anymore. "I don't… We don't need to go back. I mean, I'm still here, anyways, in the hospital, so I don't know when I'll get released."
"We could ask Dr. Hypno when she gets back," Redley offered.
Genevra nodded. "Besides, that's not the most important thing we need to do. I mean, your Relic Fragment is a bigger matter for us anyways. That was the whole reason why I agreed to join you, so." Genevra smiled, slightly embarrassed. "I shouldn't have been so selfish about asking us to go to the library for Lugia. And you already tried going there to research about the Relic Fragment, so there's no point in going back to redo something you already did. Researching about Lugia can wait."
Hearing the generous words, the Gallade was left quietly stunned.
The only sounds left between them were the soft pitter-patters of raindrops hitting the building, all contributing to a showering choir of abundant rain. The occasional thunder rumbled above in random swings of on-beats and off-beats, creating the faint, atonal symphony of strange, orderly unpredictability.
…Now they've done it… Damn them all…
The Guardian of the Edge of the Universe lay hidden amongst the tree shadows, nimbly darting from one shade to the next, keeping sure that he wouldn't be sensed by any nearby Pokémon.
But who were the Pokémon again?
Oh, yes, that's right. A Grovyle. And a Gardevoir. That's who they were.
He could distinctly feel, back at the Edge of the Universe, that both Pokémon had done severe damage to the fabrics of the Spacetime Continuum. They only made the hysteria worse, and the Universe already had enough problems on Its own.
And it was also that Celebi's fault too. Damn her.
Granted, the Guardian did not have the ability to time travel. In fact, he had no powers in traveling through the Spacetime Continuum as easily as he wished. He was just like any other ordinary Pokémon, given enough mobility to move in the physical world. That said, he never wanted the power to move freely through the Spacetime Continuum. He knew he didn't deserve it. In fact, no one deserved it. That was, no one but Arceus, and no one but the Creation Gods. And Celebi, but Celebi was a weird exception.
Yet the ones who dared to disrupt the harmony of the Universe…
Damn them all!
The ones who dared disrupt the beauty of the Universe…
The Gardevoir is closer… I'll kill her first!
In a dizzying speed, the Guardian looked closely at the nearby settlement. It was a colorful and cosmopolitan town, the world's most famous artwork of a civilization. Why it was called Treasure Town when it was really more of a city bothered the Guardian — perhaps there was a meaningful history lesson behind that? — but overall, that wasn't his problem.
His problem was much bigger, and much more threatening. There was no doubt; it was his duty to exterminate them. After all, he was the Guardian of the Edge of the Universe.
When they're gone… Everything will be better...
First, the Gardevoir…
Then, the Grovyle…
And finally, if all goes well, Celebi shall die last…