Hey, everyone! Ta-Ni here, bringing another chapter of The Mystery Makes Sense. Like I said last time, I'm trying to hammer out as many chapters as I can while I have time off from research. Lumi actually offered to take my place for more time, which is why she's a bit behind in her story. When I go back, she'll probably pick it back up. Anyway, on with the show!
The next morning, I wake from a fitful night's sleep. Between Xatu's speech and his last message to me, I have a lot on my mind. Meeting Sparky outside, I can tell he also has the same doubts.
"Hey, Lauren," he chimes in. "About what Xatu said yesterday: doesn't it all seem a little heavy to you? I mean, finding out that your change into a Pokémon has something to do with all the disasters, and the world's balance leading to its destruction; it's a lot to take in."
"I know," I reply.
"Do you know what the 'world's balance' is?" Sparky asks.
"Not a clue," I comment. "For all I know, it could be out in space, and way out of reach for beings like us. All we can do is focus on the jobs at ha- I mean, paw, and be the best we can."
Sparky nods. "You're right. It's not like you'll be asked to save the world or anything…"
We chuckle together, then head into town. However, before we reach the bulletin board, something else draws our attention. A few of the residents, namely Lombre, Snubbull, and Bellsprout, were deep in conversation about something and glancing around nervously. We exchange a look, then Sparky steps up. "What's up, guys?"
They flinch, but Lombre turns to us. "Well, you know the Ninetales legend? That old story?"
"Ninetales legend?" I ask, my ears perked. "What's that?"
"It's an old fairy tale that states that touching a ninetales' tails can grant you a thousand-year curse," Snubbull explains. "However, there's a rumor going around that it might actually be true."
"Personally, I'm still skeptical," Bellsprout chimes in.
"If you want to know more, Elder Whiscash can tell you the full story," Snubbull continues.
Something about this stirs a little in my soul, like I should know it from somewhere. I look at Sparky, trying to gauge his response, but he seems as bewildered as the others. He turns to me to ask, "What do you want to do?"
"It's worth a listen, I guess," I reply, trying to temper my curiosity. "Who knows, it might lead to another adventure."
We head north of town to find Elder Whiscash lounging in his pond. Caterpie and Metapod are there too, talking animatedly to each other.
"Um…Elder Whiscash?" I speak up. "Do you know about the Ninetales legend?"
He rolls over to face us. "Why, yes I do. That seems to be a very popular story recently. I suppose you wish to hear it?"
"Yes, please," Sparky replies.
"Very well. The legend states that anyone who grabs one of Ninetales' tails will be subjected to a thousand-year curse. However, there was one individual who was foolish enough to ignore that warning. It was…a human."
Again, my ears perk up. "A human?" I ask.
"Yes, from back when they still walked this land," he replies. "As expected, Ninetales was furious at the human and prepared to cast the curse upon him. However, a Pokémon by the name of Gardevoir shielded the human at the last moment…and sacrificed herself to absorb the curse."
"Why would Gardevoir do such a thing?" Sparky asks.
"To Gardevoir, this human was her partner," Whiscash continues. "There exists strong bonds between humans and Pokémon in that time."
"But, aren't there both good and bad humans, just like Pokémon?" Sparky asserts.
"Yes, that is true," he agrees. "Taking pity on Gardevoir, Ninetales turns to the human and asks, 'Do you wish to save your partner?' However, the human had already abandoned Gardevoir and fled. Ninetales became disillusioned with the human and made this prediction: 'That human shall one day be reborn as a Pokémon.' "
Sparky and I both flinch at that, but thankfully the elder didn't notice. "A human…reborn as a Pokémon?" I ask tentatively.
"There is more. 'And when the human becomes a Pokémon, the world's balance will be upset.' And that's the end of the story." Whiscash finishes, then notices our worried looks. "Are you all right? It is only a legend; nothing more that ancient folklore."
We don't say anything; I can tell Sparky's come to the same conclusion I have. It's too similar to what Xatu said, I think to myself. We politely excuse ourselves and head back into town. Lost in my own thoughts, I almost don't notice when Sparky stops short.
"Um…Lauren?" he asks. "I'm not feeling motivated anymore; why don't we call it a day."
Still distracted, I nod and we head back to the base. Outside, Sparky stops me again.
"Sorry for wanting to quit so early, but after hearing that story, I lost all of my energy," he comments, shame on his face. "I think I'll go home and get some sleep."
He starts walking away, so I turn to enter the base. However, he stops again and suddenly shouts, "I'm sorry!"
I jump in surprise and look to see him staring determined at me. "I started to doubt you, Lauren, but not anymore. You're a true friend, and I believe in you! Let's do our best tomorrow!" With a smile on his face, he runs off. I smile as well, warmth filling my heart as I retire to my bed.
For the first time in a while, I find myself with the pulsing dreamworld. I sense the Pokemon approach by the increasing scent, so I decide to try speaking to it. "Hello? Please tell me, who are you?"
For a brief moment, the Pokémon seemed to flicker before coming sharply into focus. An elegant voice rings in my head, "I am…I am Gardevoir."
"G-gardevoir?!" I exclaim, surprised.
"I'm so glad. Finally…I finally can speak with you again."
"Wait…again? You knew me from before? What about me?" I ask in confusion.
"I am your…" Gardevoir begins to say, but then she fades away before she can finish.
"No, wait!" I cry, desperate. "Please come back!" Unfortunately, sleep claims me, and I know no more.
And there you have it. A little short, but necessary to set up the next arc. Unfortunately, I don't think I'll be able to finish the fugitive arc before my break is over, but I'll certainly try to get as far as I can!
Stay tuned for the next chapter soon, and may your Embers never fade!