Short chapter, but this story is almost over. This is not the last one, but it shouldn't be long before the last one is posted. Enjoy!
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She had had it. It had gone too far. She tried to convince herself that it would go away, just as the others had told her. But it hadn't. It just kept getting worse. Each dream showed something different, and the disturbance increased with each one. She could handle it the first time around when it only consisted of a blue haze and a snake-like creature. Not much to deal with. But it became more complicated as an orb came into the scene. Although strange, it was easy to deal with. But once the third version revealed itself, it wasn't comforting at all. The orb in her hand, the haze surrounding her, and the snake devouring her like helpless prey. She was greatly disturbed. And she didn't know what to do.
"I don't want to talk about it anymore," Sarah said briskly as her brother tried to ask her about the new dream. After recalling it once that morning to let everyone know about it, she was in no mood to repeat it. All it would do was ask questions that no one could answer. She didn't have enough sanity to keep telling herself that everything would be ok, then have it blow up in her face every time a new dream came along. One could only handle so much high hope dashing in such a short span of time. But that was where the problem lay; she was always getting her hopes up when she convinced herself that nothing would come of it. And some people, she was sure, would tell her she was right in that approach. After all, it was just a dream.
No. It wasn't. She knew there was more to it than that. The frequency, repetitiveness and increase in disturbances in the dream were too much to ignore. They meant something. But what?
No. No more questions. She wanted answers.
Everyone kept silent and left Sarah alone on the way to the Pokemon Center. She just kept her head down and examined the ground she walked on, not caring to give her mind a break from the fear that clouded it. She wouldn't be able to relax until she knew what all of this meant. She was scared.
But what was she scared of? The dream reoccurring, or of finding answers? If she found answers, she would no longer fear the secrets the dream held, and maybe they would stop. But what if the answers were worse than the dreams themselves? She just didn't know. It was a no win situation, one that she felt she had no choice in as she hadn't a clue where to find the answers. Never had she felt so clueless before. She hated it.
Upon entering the Pokemon Center, Sarah felt out of place in the small crowd of happy, laughing trainers and pokemon. She had just felt that way the day before, yet it felt longer. She wanted to mirror their emotions, be her usual happy self, but her worry blocked it out like a wall. How could she go back to being a chipper, worry free girl when this could happen all over again? She would be right back to where she was now. She was tired of having her joy dashed.
As the group went to the cafeteria line, Sarah planted herself in a chair by one of the tables, staring at the white surface. She tapped her finger against her blurry reflection that shown against the smooth white surface, not sure how else to react to her feelings. She just knew she wouldn't react with food; her stomach felt too sick.
She barely paid attention as the soft clicks of talons against the floor steadily grew louder behind her. She knew it was Saphira coming to cheer her up. But she didn't think even she could do that, nor was she sure she wanted that. Not when there was so much happening.
Saphira appeared next to Sarah, watching her trainer with intent eyes. She quietly lay herself down by the chair so her head was level with Sarah's. Sarah didn't look at her or even acknowledge that she knew she was there. Saphira simply waited, taking no offense to any of Sarah's actions. She would let her work out her feelings until she decided to speak. The dragon knew her trainer would say something eventually.
Finally, she did.
"I don't want to talk about it," she said, still avoiding the dragon's gaze. She was ashamed of the sharp tone she was using, but it seemed to be the only one she could access at the moment. She just let it come out, almost not caring how it made her look. She couldn't look any worse than she felt.
Saphira waited a bit longer before speaking. When she did, she showed no upset toward Sarah's tone. Instead, she spoke normally and calmly. 'Would you rather stay upset?'
Would she rather stay upset? The question was almost funny to Sarah. Of course she wouldn't. But would this conversation do any good? Sarah sighed, pulling her finger tapping hand down to rest on her lap. "Talking about it isn't gonna make it stop."
Saphira nodded, although she was still getting no visual attention from her trainer. Words would have to be chosen carefully to get through to her. Normally, cheering Sarah up was as easy as pie. But it would take a careful approach this time. 'True. But keeping feelings inside during hard times is the opposite of help.'
For whatever reason, the comment, although said kindly, touched a nerve. This time, Sarah looked her dragon in the eyes. "You wanna help?" she said agitatedly. "Then figure out what the heck is going on."
A pang of guilt sickened Sarah's chest as she spoke to Saphira in such a way. Was it right for her to speak to her like that? She knew she was doing the opposite of helping herself by turning away the ones who wanted to be there for her. They didn't deserve to be treated in such a way. But she meant what she said; the only help she wanted was for someone to make it stop.
Saphira blinked, tranquil to Sarah's words. She held no offense to it, as she knew the anger was not directed toward her personally. She knew that words would not help now as she sensed a wall Sarah had put up to block any comfort. She couldn't help her unless she removed it.
The dragon stood up, then gently, almost motherly, rubbed her cheek against Sarah's, humming softly as if to sooth Sarah's fear. The girl's first instinct was to pull away, not feeling up to any sort of comfort that wouldn't stop the events altogether. But how could she ever refuse such loving comfort from her closest friend?
Sarah felt her fear soften, and her wall begin to fall. Instead of bitterness and the need to be alone, she felt full of sorrow and a sudden urge to cry. She held back the tears, but hugged the dragon's neck for more support. It was difficult to let herself be so downtrodden, no matter her situation. It cost her too much, physically and emotionally. She needed to count on her friends, the ones she knew would be there for her. They may not always have answers, but they had her back. That was what mattered.
Sarah departed from the hug, carefully wiping the corners of her eyes. Her chest felt like it would burst, but she maintained her emotions. If she had to suffer through so much fear, she didn't want her friends to suffer with her. She needed to be willing to let them help in any way they could.
Saphira waited until Sarah looked at her before giving a soft smile. Her eyes sparkled with affection as she spoke gently. 'I know things have been very difficult.' She paused long enough to lick Sarah's cheek, in which the girl suppressed a giggle toward the warm tongue. 'But we need to work as a team and accept help, even if we feel we don't want it.'
Despite the obvious fact that this situation was much more serious than any typical problem, Sarah nodded in agreement, finding a smile tugging at her lips. After all, the times you want help the least tends to be the times you needed it the most.
Saphira nodded back, agreement bonded between the two.
The dragon's gaze fell to a bit more of a serious, yet still collected look. She succeeded in calming Sarah down, but she wanted to maintain that as she prepared to tell her what she had experienced the night before. If they hoped to find a solution to the problem, they had to inspect the detail. And she believed her sense of something wrong and finding Sarah having a nightmare immediately after had a connection. It may be of little use, but all help was needed. Therefore, she had to tell the girl, yet keep it collected. And word it correctly, as she didn't want any upset.
Taking a short time to consider her words, Saphira looked at Sarah with calm sincerity. She displayed seriousness and causality in her tone as she spoke. 'I sense that your dreams are connected to something that is happening.'
Sarah once again became serious, yet not in fear. More of shock and curiosity. "What do you mean?"
'Last night, I sensed something,' Saphira began, looking toward the ceiling. She squinted her eyes as she tried to remember the feeling, tried to make sense of it. 'Something was… out of place.' She looked at Sarah. 'Glaedr and Ignitus sensed it too.'
Sarah glanced at the floor, her mouth slightly open as she thought about it.
'You were fine when I left the campsite as my instincts told me,' Saphira said, bringing Sarah's attention back to her, 'But once Glaedr and Ignitus arrived, we rushed back to the site as I sensed something wrong with you.' She put on a face of sympathy. 'We found you thrashing in a nightmare.'
Sarah blinked, shocked, yet not sure what to think of the event. Maybe she felt some connection to something big happening? And her pokemon did too? What was happening, and why did they sense it? It could be something that could affect more than they knew. Did it frighten her? Absolutely. Was it better than thinking she'd be having this worsening dream constantly? Yes.
She voiced the questions to Saphira. The dragon shook her head. 'I don't know. But I have a feeling we will soon find out.'
And Saphira's feelings were usually right.
Each turned their heads as they heard the footsteps of the others approaching. William sat at a chair with an over piled tray as Ignitus sat on the floor with his and set Glaedr's in front of him. He looked at his sister for a moment, his face covered with concern. He wasn't sure if he was allowed to say anything to her. But when she looked at him, he noticed a small, familiar spark in her eyes that meant she was doing better.
He immediately spoke up, pointing to his tray. "I got some extra in case you wanted some," he said.
Sarah couldn't help but react in the way that she normally would; she giggled at his thoughtfulness.
"Thanks," she said, smiling. He smiled back.
Instead of immediately accepting his offer, she looked around the group and said, "If we're gonna figure this out, we need to work together."
Everyone was glad to accept it.
Unfortunately, all that was gained from their discussion during breakfast was the mechanics of the night before. Saphira sensed something first, then went to follow it by her instincts. Glaedr followed her, as he felt a tug to his not long after. Ignitus followed his slightly fearfully, but didn't resist the tug nonetheless. William was sorry he missed it all. Rascal just licked his breakfast off his nose, clueless to what they were talking about. Other than that, and knowing that everything was somehow connected, no real knowledge was gained.
But it made them realize that something big must be happening somewhere, and, as frightening as it was, they needed to be alert for whatever it was.
With nothing to do after breakfast, the group began to flight to Sootopolis. They discussed the events at first, but found themselves asking the same question and getting no answers, so they left it at that.
They didn't arrive until noon. The city seen above the crater was beautiful; blue ocean surrounding small, cozy islands, dotted with small buildings and houses. The island with the pokemon center was the largest, with a Pokemart and eight houses in different areas.
Upon landing in front of the Pokemon Center, they all stayed for a meal, as Sarah wasn't up for a badge. Even though she was feeling a bit better about the situation, she wasn't in the mood in the slightest. She felt sorry to say that a badge currently felt unimportant compared to their current worry. Even with no real clue to what it was, Sarah wasn't ready to relax yet. Maybe it would take time. Maybe it would take a solution to the problem. All she knew currently was that she wasn't ready.
The day was spent exploring the town. They crossed each bridge and visited each island. Each one was a different size, and some had more houses than the others. Strangely, one island actually only had on house, which they explored very little before leaving, fearing that it may be private property.
Vacant spots for camping didn't seem available, so they knew a night in the Pokemon Center was required. The only downside to that would be that all three dragons would have to stay in the common room. Sarah couldn't bear the thought of being away from them during such a delicate time. If she dreamed again, she needed Saphira there. So she asked the receptionist if they could let them all stay there for the night. Although hesitant, she said it was fine as long as they followed the rules and stayed out of the pathways. Utterly relieved to hear that, Sarah felt content as night came and they settled for bed.
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Finding her night dream free was bliss. It didn't lower her guard, but it improved her mood. She knew she'd have to work at it one day at a time until they figured out what was happening. It sounded tough, but she was willing to try.
And for that day, she was at a loss for a schedule. She still had no desire for a badge, no matter how much better she felt. Currently, badges were on hold. She needed a peace of mind before she could continue that part of her journey. Thankfully, no one in the group objected, respecting Sarah's feelings. But what would they do in the meantime?
Walking along one of the islands was their objective for the time being. The evening was nice enough with a tolerable temperature, painted with a cloud-dotted, orange tinted sky. The soft breeze and intoxicating smell of warm summer grass was enough to sooth Sarah's senses. She could ignore her worries and thoughts and just enjoy the elements around her, giving almost no attention to anything else. Just the safe vicinity of her mind. For now, that was where she found her rest.
Unfortunately, the vicinity was breached suddenly as Sarah felt something wrap around her wrist, much like a hand. She jumped and instinctively pulled her arm away, spinning toward the possible attacker. The hand released its grip without a struggle.
Sarah blinked as she found herself face to face with an elderly woman. Both hands rested one over the other on the tip of the cane that supported her, and she stood only as tall as Sarah. She looked at the girl in front of her through long strands of silver hair that fell along the sides of her wrinkled face. Despite the softness in her eyes, Sarah was leery.
Saphira curled a lip and growled deeply, taking a step toward the woman. But she showed no signs of fear. Instead, she simply raised a hand and placed it softly on Saphira's nose. The dragon became still and quiet as they gazed into each other's eyes. The woman stood unblinking and expressionless, focusing on the dragon. Saphira's eyes softened immensely, her body becoming rigid as the seconds ticked by. Sarah looked back and forth between the two, heart racing with the suddenness of the woman's appearance and of her reaction to Saphira's behavior. She glanced at Glaedr and Ignitus for their reactions. They both watched, eyes intent and focused, yet no worry visible on their faces. William just looked back and forth in confusion.
After a moment, the woman removed her hand, and Saphira took a step back, her eyes remaining open and her pupils slightly dilated as she watched the woman intently and curiously.
The woman blinked once, then turned her eyes to Sarah's. The girl almost flinched, finding the meeting odd. She wanted to ask what she wanted, not wanting to be impolite, but remained silent.
After a moment, the woman finally spoke.
"For answers, please come with me."
She didn't answer right away. She had no idea what the woman was talking about. She glanced at Saphira for support, only to find the dragon still watching the woman intently. Her only consolation was Saphira's lack of resistance. Unsure of what else to do, she used it as a basis for her decision.
"What do you mean?" Sarah asked, almost quietly.
Sarah resisted the urge to jump back with surprise as the woman took a step toward her. Although it wasn't done threateningly, Sarah wasn't sure how else to react to the strange behavior.
The old woman stopped just inches away from Sarah's face, a distance that made Sarah uneasy. The old gray eyes stared into the young russet ones, silently and unblinking.
The woman cocked her head gently to the side. "Dreams have disturbed you," she said, eyes squinting as if she saw something in the girl's eyes.
Sarah's heart found its way to her throat. How in the world did she know?
As if sensing the question, the woman said, "Your eyes reflect anguish. Something unknown has been troubling you."
Sarah's eyes widened vastly, and her mouth remained shut as if her teeth were glued together. Where did this woman get this information? How did she know any of this?
The woman backed away, her eyes never leaving Sarah's. She blinked once, showing no regard to Sarah's eye bulging or the others that surrounded her. "They mean more than you know."
No idea how to react to any of it, Sarah just stood there. Her head felt like it was suspended in a cloud. Perhaps she was dreaming now. How could a complete stranger know anything about her dreams? And they meant more than she knew? Following that comment, Sarah didn't think she wanted to know.
As she received no response, the woman turned around and hobbled away with the support of her cane. Sarah came back to her senses and watched with confusion, wondering if she was just leaving after all that.
But the woman turned her head and said, "Come with me."
Sarah swallowed carefully as she tried to decide what to do. Following a complete stranger wasn't on her list of smart things to do, especially when they just so happened to know about strange dreams she'd been having. But despite the complications, didn't she want answers? If this woman knew of her dreams, wasn't it likely she held the truth behind them?
She almost flew sky high as she felt something nudge her forward. She spun around to come face to face with Saphira. By the look of her eyes, the dragon looked to be back in her own mind, but something else lay in the strange glimmer in her eyes. It looked of worry and a pang of fear.
'Follow her,' she said.
Sarah was unsure if she heard the dragon correctly. Would it be wise to follow a stranger who claimed to know of her dreams?
Wait. Wise. Saphira was much wiser than Sarah. Despite her doubts, she trusted her.
Sarah tried to ignore her churning stomach. Saphira nodded, giving Sarah some reassurance. The girl nodded back, looking to the others in the group, who simply waited for her decision.
Knowing no other option, Sarah based her decision on Saphira's reaction. With slight hesitance, she followed the woman with Saphira right by her side, the others following right behind them.
Each step felt like an eternity to Sarah as the group followed the woman across the island. She could hear her heart thudding as loudly as her own breathing. She walked a bit closer to Saphira for support, only watching the woman as she walked a ways ahead of them. She still didn't know if she wanted to know what she had to say. But what did she have to say? It just left more questions. She hoped she was ready for the answers.
Soon, the group found themselves on the island with one house. It was odd to think that she lived there and hadn't approached them before, especially when they had looked around the island.
Upon reaching the front door, the old woman opened it and turned to the group. Sarah took it as a gesture to come inside. Her first reaction was to take a step back, standing closer to Saphira. She wouldn't go anywhere without her, and the dragon's bulk wouldn't fit through the door.
Luckily, the woman found no problem in the choice. Instead, she went inside the house for a moment, then came back out, carefully pulling a wooden chair with her. She shut the door, placed the chair beside it and sat down carefully.
Sarah just eyed the woman as she laid her cane across her laps and folded her hands one over the other. Her heart wouldn't stop pounding with anxiety, and it was impossible to swallow the lump in her throat. All she could do was wait to hear what the woman had to say. Although she was still unsure if it would be anything she wanted to hear.
Once comfortable, the woman set her eyes on Sarah. The girl squirmed under the stare. She wanted whatever she had to say be said and done so they could leave.
Finally, after a few painstaking moments, the woman began to speak loudly and clearly. "My name is Eirena."
Sarah just breathed deeply. She glanced at Saphira, who nodded back reassuringly. For some reason, Sarah felt it harder to hear the woman talk that it was to wait for her too.
Not wanting to be rude despite it all, Sarah prepared to form her name past the lump. But she never got the chance as Eirena said, "It is a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance, Sarah."
Sarah's eyes practically bulged out of their sockets. She knew her name too? Where was she getting this information?
Before she had a chance to ask, Eirena said, "An old woman like me watches the news too, you know."
The girl calmed down a bit as she remembered her little interview on TV. Knowing her name wasn't all that surprising.
But that didn't explain how she knew of her dreams.
Sick of waiting, Sarah forced the lump down her throat so she could speak. "How do you know about my dreams?"
There was a short silence that followed, one that made Sarah uneasy. Eirena appeared to be calculating her answer. Something in her expression made Sarah feel that it was something that needed careful explaining.
After a short sigh, Eirena finally said, "I know of them… because I am connected to the power behind them."
Sarah blinked. What did that mean? Did it mean…
"You've been causing these dreams?" Sarah asked, finding her finger pointing and her voice reverberating with anger. The sudden change in emotion startled everyone around her, including herself. But such realization was shocking enough to alter anyone's mood.
But to her surprise, Eirena shook her head. "I am connected to the same power, but I am not the one causing the dreams."
Sarah lowered finger and boiled down. No longer was she angry, but curious and terrified at the same time. But she was also confused.
Eirena sighed again. She appeared to be preparing herself for something she would regret. A sight that was all but comforting to Sarah.
Eirena hesitated, then began her explanation. "There has been a disturbance in this world. One connected to the legendaries." She looked Sarah carefully in the eye. "One that has affected you deeply."
Sarah felt just as clueless as before. And frankly, she was tired of wondering. "Meaning?"
Instead of beating around the bush, Eirena decided to just come out with it. "We are both connected to the legendary beast Rayquaza. I am connected by my power to see Aura, and you are connected by your own special Aura."
Normally, such a comment would have left Sarah in a fit of nervous twitches. But she was hardly having any success in believing anything she just heard. Shaking her head in confusion, she asked almost agitatedly, "What?"
Instead of answering, Eirena got up from her chair and took a step toward Sarah. Although the girl was a bit startled, she stayed her ground. Once Eirena was standing right in front of Sarah, she looked into her eyes momentarily before closing her own.
Alsmot everyone in the group gasped as the old woman began to glow with a blue hue surrounding her body. Her hair began to waver as if blown by a soft breeze. Eevryone just stared, horrified, curious and confused all at once.
After a few moments, The strange hue faded, and Eirena opened her eyes. She looked directly into Sarah's, her own reflecting a mixture of hope and sadness. Sarah didn't like the look.
After a moment, Eirena spoke softly.
"You hold the Aura of the Dragon."
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For anyone interested, Eirena's name pronunciation is below. I'm sorry for the lack of everything in this chapter, but I feel that this story hasn't gone as well as I wanted it to, and I just want to finish it as soon as I can Thanks for reading!
Eirena- eye REE nah