A Darkness Descending:
A Prologue and Valentine Reunion
All she could feel was fear.
The once peaceful and serene night had become overwhelmed with death, darkness, and destruction. The village she called home was completely blown apart, huts reduced to little more than twigs and dust. Overhead, the source of such calamity was screeching an eerie challenge into the night sky, flying over the carnage it had so mercilessly delivered them. The monster was made-up of what looked like bones, poisonous in appearance. A purple gem-like structure sat at the creature's core, aiding the beast as it let loose powerful energy blasts, ravaging the already wasted landscape. Selene could only look up, paralyzed by terror, at the skeletal abomination, displaying to all its unearthly visage. Further screeches echoed through the air as three shapes blazing with light raced toward the invader, engaging it in combat.
The beast that had crashed down mere minutes ago twisted in mid-air, facing them. A dark beam of energy was ejected from its mouth, missing the Blinding one and Lunala but catching Solgaleo off guard and hitting him right in the chest.
The sun deity was immediately slammed to the ground, looking stunned and in pain, frightening her to the point of shrieking. Then, shaking his mighty head, he got to his feet and raced back into the fray. Above, Lunala broke off from the fight and looked down, seemingly at her. Selene flinched as a feminine voice echoed in her head.
Flee. Flee now.
After a moment, she slowly nodded before looking around wildly. Where was her father? He had become absent following the start of the attack, and her mother had disappeared at dusk. She had yet to come back.
Before she could even begin to look for her lost parents, an attack from above gouged the earth not fifteen feet from her, sucking in nearby oxygen and causing a wave of heat that staggered her and made her gasp for breath. As the attack dissipated and oxygen returned, Selene coughed and looked around once more with watering eyes before finally obeying the goddess's command and starting to run into the forest. She hated her act of cowardice, but against such a foe, it left her no choice.
As the young adolescent made her way through the now-wilted brush, she glanced at the night sky again. Solgaleo and The Blinding One were still fighting, but Lunala seemed to have disappeared. Unfortunately, that moment of inattention cost her as she tripped on a root, falling and landing on her wrist with a crack. She immediately cried out in pain, ready to pass out. Unfortunately, a broken wrist would be the least of her worries if she didn't get away quickly enough. Selene started to get up, wincing and cradling her arm, before the view in front of her made her freeze. Just ten feet from where she tripped in the darkness was a large clearing- the ceremonial clearing.
Under the canopy of the trees was Lunala. Levitating above the sacred ground, the goddess looked down at some bundle in her clawed wings. As Selene stood there, enthralled, the bundle moved, weakly reaching up with a smoking hand. As she peered closer, the hand went limp, swinging slightly before coming to a stop. Bowing her head, Lunala gave out a pained whimper before gently setting the bundle on the ground. The goddess closed her beautiful scarlet eyes, letting a single tear fall onto the once-moving shape.
The girl looked on, and in rising horror, she recognized the face as the tear landed on it, washing away the blood and grime and revealing the man that lay dead on the ground.
That… was her father.
She let out a choked sob, falling to her knees. That's...this can't be.
At the small thud her action produced, Lunala looked up at her as another tear fell. Selene couldn't tear her eyes away from her father, and after a moment of staring, the goddess looked back down at the man as he started to dissolve into tiny little stars. The girl cried out in surprise, not expecting such an only took mere moments before he crumbled into stardust, the glittering pieces rising into the sky, passing the combat-engaged beings, before disappearing into the stars.
She looked down at the ground before closing her eyes and feeling aught but despair.
She was ready to give in to obliteration when a gentle claw raised her chin, so she was looking up at the face of her goddess. Exhaustion, pain, and fear were evident in her red eyes, but more prominent were sympathy and affection. Selene had no time to ponder what that could mean before she started feeling weary. Then, before the clutches of sleep could consume her, she heard the same voice from a few minutes prior.
Sleep, me dear. Sleep, and may your awakening bring you peace.
After that, she knew only darkness.
For what seemed like both lifetimes and mere seconds, Selene slept. Always dreaming, constantly straining to wake, to escape the soft voices whispering to her. But never did she open her eyes...for three thousand years.
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She sat up abruptly, gasping, as a sudden chill swept over her. Wildly, she looked around, pulling her knees up to her chest to try and protect herself from the cold. But unfortunately, the action didn't work, and she was left shivering. As she observed the area more, she could see a landscape that didn't resemble her home.
In place of the tropical forest was instead an open and slightly mountainous terrain, with white… something covering the tops of the taller peaks. To the left was a vast body of water, far too small for an ocean and far too big for a pond. In the middle of the water sat an enormous structure with what appeared to be stony buildings and a large bridge that spanned from the buildings to the mainland, seemingly made of stone as well. Very different from the mud huts in which she lived.
Shivering, the girl cautiously stood up, her legs feeling mildly numb. Then, suppressing a cough, she looked around once more before shakily taking a step forward...and then another, and another, until the town didn't look so far anymore.
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Love was in the air, as they say, for the couples in Alto mare. People held hands and giggled everywhere as they enjoyed Valentine's day. Restaurants were serving red and pink desserts; shops sold a wide variety of pendants and rings, and other such items. Flowers hung from every basket, swaying in the gentle breeze, and kisses were shared underneath. No one was lonely on this special day.
Well, almost no one. For one red dragoness, this felt like the loneliest time in her life.
As per her daily ritual, Latias was making her rounds, keeping her eyes out for any trouble-makers and low-lives. Overall, it wasn't too much of a hassle. But…today was different. Every Valentine's day was different, and not in a good way. Three years of loneliness. Three years of sorrow. Three years since he left.
Her brother, she knew, always sympathized with her. So every day, the dull ache was kept back, at least temporarily, by the knowledge her brother was safe. Mew also popped in occasionally to keep her company. But every year, on Valentine's Day, that dull ache was multiplied for every happy couple she saw.
This sorrow she felt, this misery, was only brought about because she allowed herself to fall for a human: a trainer, and a young one at that.
But seeing his cheerful face, positive outlook, and complete and utter concern for all things living was just too much to resist. It certainly didn't help that he saved her life, her brother's, and all of Altomare.
He was, in her eyes, the perfect mate.
But having to see him leave nearly tore her asunder. She knew she couldn't have kept him here. His journey wouldn't allow it; her brother wouldn't have allowed it; and her desire to make him happy wouldn't allow it, for Latias knew he couldn't be satisfied unless he was journeying.
As she soared between buildings and through canals, Latias eyed any kissing couples she saw. A light blush developed as she remembered the kiss she gave Ash when he left. While not on the lips, it was close enough. It had taken all her willpower not to climb into the boat with him.
Invisible, she shot out of a canal, spinning to get the water droplets off her feathers. As she climbed higher, she gave a mental sigh. Latias was determined to make this a better day. She sped off towards the docks, keen on finishing her rounds.
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"Alright, class! All aboard now, with Extreme Speed!" Professor Kukui exclaimed as everyone eagerly did as he asked. Kiawe and Sophocles were chatting as they approached the front of the mini yacht. Lana was at the railing, Popplio sitting comfortably in her arms. The pair were peering out at their destination over the stretch of water. Lille and Snowy drifted towards the back of the boat, with Professor Burnet following them. With Pikachu on his shoulder as always, Ash immediately joined Kiawe and Sophocles. Pikachu was knocked off Ash's shoulder as Togedemaru tackled and nuzzled him. Pikachu sweatdropped, and Ash laughed before turning his attention back to his two companions. Mallow kept her eyes on the raven-haired trainer before joining Lana. She kept discreetly shooting glances at Ash, with Tsareena lightly snickering behind her.
Finally, Professor Kukui boarded, nodding in satisfaction as he observed his class. They had all been doing very well. So well, he decided a trip to observe the Johto region would be an excellent reward. As was expected, nearly everyone was beside themselves with excitement, except for Ash, who had already traveled the region.
They had spent practically a week in Johto, longer than they had in Kanto. Their final destination in Johto before leaving would be somewhere Ash visited once before. Someplace he promised to visit again.
Or so he said. Kukui was on board with going to Alto Mare, as it wasn't too much of a hassle. Not to mention the rumors of it being guarded by Legendary pokemon. The chance was too good to miss.
As the lines were pulled on board and wrapped around their respective cleats, the boat pulled away from the harbor. The students cheered before the Professor called them together. While the class drew near, Mallow had other plans. She looked at Ash now and then, stealing glances whenever she could while casually drifting closer to him instead. The green-haired girl couldn't keep still as she rocked back and forth on her toes and heels.
It was apparent she had developed some romantic feelings for the raven-haired trainer, and everybody had noticed.
'That girl couldn't keep her eyes off him even if she wanted to,' Kukui thought, smirking at the adorable scene unfolding in front of his eyes.
"Hey," Kiawe whispered to Sophocles as he nudged him, "do you think Ash will ever notice Mallow's affections?"
"Not in a million years," he hissed back with a chuckle. "Even if she kissed him straight on the lips, he would pass it off as something completely normal."
Lana and Lillie just looked at each other and giggled, both thinking the same thing while Burnet shook her head. 'How can he be denser than a pack of rocks?' she thought incredulously.
Pikachu just sweatdropped at his trainer. 'Really, Ash?' he thought. 'How many girls will it take before you finally notice one?' He was about to give his trainer some help when Togedemaru decided it was an excellent time to hug-tackle him once more."
Ash was oblivious to all this as he eagerly turned his attention to the Professor. Noticing this, Kukui cleared his throat before speaking. "Alright, class. We'll spend a night or so in Altomare. Ash, that should give you plenty of time to reunite with whoever you made your promise to."
At that, everyone shot a glance at Ash, mildly surprised. Mallow had a slight frown on her face as everyone looked back at the Professor.
"This happens to be a perfect time to visit Altomare. The city has a rich history, and Valentine's day is kone of the most deep-rooted. They take romance quite seriously there, especially today. All in all, a good learning experience." At the last part, almost everyone looked at Mallow, whose cheeks burned.
Ash just nodded, his face neutral.
Professor Burnet looked at Kukui and winked, before saying, "Are you finished, Professor? I'm sure the class would like to get back to talking. And I'm sure Lana would like to look at the water pokemon more." Professor Kukui chuckled and nodded before dismissing them.
As they drifted away again, Burnet looked at him and asked, "Think you'll see those legendaries?"
He replied, "I hope so. It would be a great opportunity to learn something. However, they are just rumors. Chances are, this will be just a simple visit."
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Latias floated invisibly above the docks, observing the mainland in the distance. She could see a good-sized boat leaving its harbor before turning and… heading here? While it wasn't a rare event to see tourists, it wasn't prevalent either, especially with boats of that size. Typically, every few days, they would get smaller boats that delivered produce and such before leaving again, with one or two others containing tourists. But to see a vessel that sized was a new one.
She observed it for a minute before sighing and heading back towards the gardens and her brother. With any luck, Mew would be there as well. Since the flying pink menace had taken it upon herself to make Latias her playmate, she was rarely bored for too long. But unfortunately, Bianca wouldn't be available until a little later, and Lorenzo took care of business at the museum. It seemed like it was yet another lonely Valentine's Day.
Had she stayed, she might have noticed a cure for her loneliness on the boat, a Pikachu on his shoulder.
Softly humming, she sped through the invisible barrier and into the Secret Garden. With a loud coo, she announced her arrival to Latios. Shedding her invisibility, she looked around for her brother before her eyesight cut out as a small shape glomped onto it.
She panicked for a moment before she realized what, or rather who, it was.
Mew giggled as she peeled herself off, blue eyes shining with mirth. "Hey, Lati! Has it been a boring week without me?"
Latias rolled her eyes before replying dryly, "Yes, Mew, it certainly has. I thought I asked you not to do that."
The little feline nodded, smiling. "You did! I just chose it. At least for today, anyway."
Latias laughed, amused until Mew spoke again. "Did Anything happen while you were flying around today, Lati?"
The red dragoness sighed and nodded. "Yes. I noticed a lot of kissing couples. Like I do every time Valentine's Day comes around."
She paused, before continuing thoughtfully, "I did see a fairly large boat leave Johto. It seems to be coming here, which is quite unusual. Did you notice that at any time?"
Mew instantly grew a wicked smirk on her face. "Yes, as a matter of fact, I did. I got right up close and personal with it, too. Although, of course, I was invisible, so they couldn't see me, I could see them." At that, the smirk on her face got larger.
Lati paused, wondering at the expression, and then asked, "What's so funny?"
Mew shook her head quickly. "That's for you to find out, dear. I wouldn't want to spoil it."
Latias huffed. "Then I'm to assume you teleported back here in time just to annoy me?"
The cat nodded as her tail flicked around. "I did. Normally I wouldn't have, but…." The smirk came back. "You know what I think we should do, Lati?"
She mentally groaned. This had better not be something stupid-
"I think we should wait by the docks and see who comes off that boat."
Latias blinked. That, surprisingly, was not stupid, and would give her an opportunity to see what sort of passengers the island would play host to.
She slowly nodded before remembering something. "Wait, shouldn't I check on Latios first?" Mew shook her head. "Nah, that grump is still asleep. He'll be fine."
Latias hesitated. "Are you sure? You know he can still be a touch overprotective."
The pink feline rolled her eyes before replying. "Please. Should he make a fuss, I'll just remind him that if I hadn't been there to help, he would have died with the tsunami. I quite enjoy rubbing that in." And with that, she shimmered with light before a teenage girl appeared, with long and vibrant pink hair. Latias shrugged before light surrounded her as well.
She had been working on a form of her own, as one time, she had accidentally gotten Bianca into trouble by using her form. She did keep the same clothing, but now, her hair was long and very red to match her natural form's feathers.
Mew took her hand and led her out of the garden. "Let's hurry up; I wanna get there before the boat gets here." The pink-haired girl returned to her red-haired companion with another smirk before dragging her off.
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As they drew closer to the island city of Alto mare, Ash got more eager. He remembered his previous adventure here. He remembered his promise, which he finally got to fulfill.
A commitment made at 11 years of age, a promise kept at 14.
The raven-haired strainer rubbed Pikachu's cheeks as he observed the city. "Hope everyone is doing okay, buddy."
After about 10 minutes, they finally reached the docks. As the helmsman tied the boat to the docks, everyone awaited the go-ahead. Ash and Pikachu were a bit antsy, the trainer most of all.
Their patience was rewarded a few minutes later, and the class quickly got off the boat and onto the sturdy wood dock. Ash looked around the area, seeing the city again. Close by were a few shops that weren't there before, including a coffee house. Two customers there seemed to draw his eye, although he couldn't put the finger on why. One of them, with deep, long red hair, had her back towards them. The other was facing towards the sea, with vibrant pink hair. As Ash's classmates huddled around, looking at everything they could, he and the pink-haired girl's eyes met and locked. She had a large wicked grin as she nudged her companion and nodded toward him.
He watched the red-haired girl turn around, seemingly slightly curious, before her eyes met his. There really was something familiar about her….
He shook the thought as her mouth opened slightly, her eyes wondering, and she slowly got up and stumbled towards him.
By now, Ash was severely confused. Did he know this girl? He didn't think he would forget a pretty face like that.
When the girl got within fifteen feet, she just stopped before whispering, "...Ash?"
Author's note:
Surprise... I'm back. Sort of. It's been some time, eh? Missed me? Probably not; it's been too long for people to remember this existed...
Anyway, I'll give my reasons for the super long hiatus in my bio when I get a chance. At the time of this upload, it won't be posted. But it will be within...oh, 24 hours.
Long story short, though:
Had a few anger issues. I let it get out of hand, and it backfired (as it would). I got involved with less-than delightful people in the name of "rEVngE" and sent them off on the world's most petty errand. I got angry at something different, and... Surprise! It backfired.
My dear readers, if you or a loved one have similar issues, I implore you to get help. Anger, as I have discovered, is nothing but poison. Not just to yourself but to those around you. And if it's as bad as it was with me, it's like a dual hit of Toxic and Venoshock. People who don't deserve your frustrations will get hurt. Take it from me.
Anyway, I'll be going back and fixing issues as I see them, so don't get too excited when you see notifications about this. Chapters will be updated/patched and in some cases, deleted entirely. Unfortunately, the drive I had that stored the bulk of the story got corrupted, and very strange chunks are missing or warped beyond belief. I'm still wondering how that's possible because corruption wasn't that weird last I checked.
Rambling aside, I hope you enjoy the fixes and updates (thank you, Grammarly) and get ready for slow updates. Yeah, sorry. I know I promised a massive splooge of chapters, but...shit happens.
Like me getting distracted by five playthroughs of Elden Ring.
~ Mimikyu out
PS: probably going to migrate this over to a different FF account; still dunno.
PPS: Second time's the charm, first time had massive problems.