StevenZ12 : Good Afternoon y'all. I hope that you are doing well. I am doing very good myself considering that at the time that I wrote this chapter, Fanfictions servers were malfunctionning. I was afraid that i'd lose everything on there. Fortunately it wasn't the case, so i'm happy about it. Things are slowing down, but heh, I kinda like it at the same time. I do my best to stay as safe as I can be and all. Anyhow, you guys are on here to read the chapter, so let's get on with it!.
PS: Try to guess in what language is used to emulate the native speeches and toponomy!
Previously on Nuevo : The trio had made it to a Native village named Chalchiutlicue. That place was unlike what Snow and Andre had seen before. Pokeballs were frowned upon, the presence of modern technology was scarce and the ''Pokemon Center'' was employed by a native caste of healers. They were informed that some trouble had erupted after a thief stole one of the codex present in the temple. Feeling concerned about that incident, they decided to reach the temple at the edge of the village.
Chapter 18: huēhuehcāyōmatiliztli a Xōchitl Teōtl
The southeastern part of the city was sight to behold just as well as when they entered the native village. Since it was the evening, the sky above their head was slowly turning deep blue, making the torches and lanterns that much more vibrant to the eye. Less and less people roamed the streets. As they neared the temple, dusk had almost completely fallen upon the village. On more than one occasion, the gang almost lost a few team members, the many peculiar things in the village distracting them. Andre was fascinated by just about everything he was seeing... The foliage invaded homes, the strange, glyph like scriptures that he saw carved on buildings, trees or even stone sometimes, even their odd obsession with anything Green. It was a rather beautiful place and the teen wondered what everyday life looked like here without all the technology he was used to. Snow seemed to share his enthousiasm...her attention however much more enclined to the many flowers and water sources that seemd to exist here with perfect harmony. She had never seen something like this and it showed.
After around an hour of walking, they finally arrived at a structure that looked like a temple. It was a temple made of ancient stones, with foliage bursting everywhere they could possibly do. The many flowers that were planted on the ground and on the walls of the temple made the air very odorant and crisp, somehow. In front of our trio was stone stairs, who were leading to the main building of the structure. They took those stairs and walked up, the odorant aroma of the flowers becoming stronger as they laddered up. Upon reaching the end of the stairs, the view that offered to them took their breath away. It seemed that these temples were out of a greek theophany or something. An imposing stone building stood before them. Some vines and climbing flowers and foliage served as decorations. The torches and lanterns gave the entire place an almost whimsical appeareance. From their viewpoint, they could see a pond, which was clear of anything at that moment, A Sanctuary who had a statue of sort on the further back of the room, another smaller scaled building that were seemingly guarded by two bat like statues with piercing black eyes and red markings on their foreharm.
''Woah...they sure know how to make sacred spots here...'' Commented Andre who was honestly amazed with what he was seeing. It was an amazing experience for him. He couldn't fathom why, but he really like this place already.
Snow didn't respond, she simply nodded. Her eyes were drawn to something else. Sven was intrigued by that and followed her gaze. When he saw the object of her fascination, he smiled.
In the sanctuary, 4 young woman were dancing in front of a a glowing statue within the sanctuary. They all had the same clothes on ; A Jade green dress, a crown of white flowers and golden bracelet. They were dancing in unison in front of the statue, their bodies executing an ancient choregraphy in perfect unison. It was only at that moment that the trio realized that the was a slow, rhythmic, ritualistic beat in the air. They were all captivated by the grace and the solemnity of their performance. Only, something was missing. Sven was the first to snap out of it quickly enough to realize it;
''That's odd...They should be five to execute this ritual... What happened to one of them...?'' He wondered , deep in thought.
Snow Nightshade was transfixed by what she was seeing. The way those maiden moved, eyes closed, their veils and bodies dancing as if they were held by the wind was pure art in her eyes. She found herself wishing only one thing very quickly...and it was to join them. Soon, that desire became all that she could think about.
''Do you want to join them...?'' An etheral voice whispered in her mind, making her jump slightly.
''Huh!? Who..?'' She whispering while looking franctically left and right.
Neither boys seemed to notice as they simply watched the group dance still.
''Do you want to join them..?'' The voice repeated, the tone greatly soothing her this time, making her focus on her heightened desire once again. ''I do...'' She admitted in her mind. At that point, the quatuor were elevating a white lotus flower toward the statue in a very reverant way.
The voice kept talking to Snow ''They are expressing their gratitude toward the Deities. I can tell that you also felt this kind of gratitude recently...Do you wish to express it?''
Snow closed her eyes and nodded, thinking of the overhelming feeling she felt after the Pokemon Contest. ''I do..I don't know why..but i feel like i can trust you, whoever you are...'' She thought, earning a giggle out of the voice.
''Just close you eyes and think about that feeling once more, it shall come naturally.'' The voice instructed. Snow obeyed, allowing herself to feel that immense gratitude once again. She never realized it, but she had started walking toward the priestesses, who were still kneeling reverently in front of the statue.
Andre and Sven also realized too late that Snow had left their side. A warm wind picked up when Snow joined the priestesses, who almost at unison, rose together and resumed their dance. If what they had seen earlier had been beautiful and graceful...what they were seeing now exceeded that several times.
Snow was experiencing a bliss that she never had before experienced. Her mind was full of happy memories, not only from her travelling so far, but from her childhood. She was dancing as if she had lived her entire life for this moment alone. A twirl here, a hand gesture here, her dancing was perfectly synchronized with the one of the other priestesses. Her entire soul was signing a melody of gratitude that elevated the entire ritual to a mystical level. Soon enough, everyone was watching... was it human or Pokemon.
Soon enough, the ritual ended with the group of 5 dancers kneeling in unison in front of the statue. The five ladies gave off a silver white hue briefly at that moment...and the light faded. All of them opened their eyes and gasped upon seeing that an intruder had slipped in theor group.
"Who are you!?" One angrily asked
"How dare you stand on this sacred place...!?" Rudely asked another, reacting aggressively to the white haired teen's presence..
Snow felt a little bit afraid of the priestesses...she took a few step backs as her Vulpix landed in front of her, growling threateningly at the others...
Andre finally snapped from his admiration induced stupor at long last. The raven haired teen stepped toward the mob that had started to form around Snow with every intention to stop it cold when a booming voice erupted within the temple.
''ENOUGH! STAND DOWN, ALL OF YOU!''
All eyes turned to the statue of the legendary Pokemon, as it was the direction where the voice was heard. In front of it stood an older woman who wore tribal clothing. Tall, tanned and mysterious, her jade eyes looking around with an air of authority that made everyone shiver. Indeed, it seemed that when this particuliar woman spoke, people obeyed. All the priestess bowed before dissapearing inside the temple, quiet as a soul, not even daring to look up to the matron. Said matron sighed and walked to Snow, her eyes locked into hers. Nobody dared to make a move nor speak, it was a very tense moment. The older woman looked at Snow pensively, as if she was trying to pry open her very soul.
Snow felt very intimidated by the older woman and thought that she should say something to diffuse the situation. "Hem...i'm sorry..?" She barely whispered, the rest of her sentence dying in her troat at her piercing green gaze.
The lady watched her with a frown for around two more seconds before her face melted into a warm smile, instantly relaxing everyone in the process...
"Fear not my dear, For I am not angry at all. I just wanted to see your heart..." She cryptically replied. Whatever she saw must had pleased her since she didnt look or feel like she would uncover every secrets hiding in the pretty white haired teenager's head.
Sven and Andre walked by Snow to greet the older woman.
"It is good to see you, cihuatlamacazqui..'' Sven greeted with his palm face up and pointed down. At this, the older woman smiled.
''I hardly see many ixtenextic ixtli, that know our language and our traditions nodaways. It honors you, Sven the le...'' She started before a look from Sven stopped her mid-sentence. She didn't look like it, but her eyes showed that she had understood.
Andre and Snow looked at Sven, feeling a little confused. ''ictnec...what?'' Andre tried to repeat, but feeling unable to somehow. The attempt still made Snow, Vixen and Itzatl giggle lightly.
Sven smiled at the attempt... ''Seems that you arent fit to be a Chatot heh Andre... ixtenextic ixtli is the name the native gives foreigners and their descendants, it roughly translates to pale face.'' He explained
''Ohh...I see. It makes sense quite indeed. However..why do you even know this?'' He now asked, his eyes full of questions, making Sven sweatdrop and the older woman raise an eyebrow upon inspecting Andre from close.
Sven shrugged. ''I have lived here for quite some time bro, It wouldn't feel right to live in this region without knowing even a little bit about the culture of those who have been walking this soil longer than my ancestors ever did.''
''Fair enough, I would do the same...It's honestly fascinating, all of this. I never knew that this could exist...'' Andre replied, his eyes still surveilling everything.
At this the priestess raised the other eyebrow in surprise..''Really? I find it hard to believe, considering that you really look like one of us, at least mostly.'' She said, taking his hands in hers as if to compare their skin tone.
Snow tensed slightly at the gesture. A small spike of jealousy passed through her, ephemerously making her frown. She was about to reply something when she registered the words of the priestess and realized that she wasn't wrong.
Andre's slight tan, his small accent, his traits that did ressemble those of those natives and this odd language that he was speaking and nicknames he had given her.. She had never taken the time to compare and now that she did, she could see where the priestess was coming from. Sven did too.
Andre seemed to be taken aback by this however. ''Really? You think so?'' he asked incredulously.
The priestess nodded. ''I am sure that you at least have ancestry from our beautiful land. Tell me child, what is your name?'' She asked tenderly, only Sven seeing the glint of interest present in the priestess's eye.
Andre smiled, feeling relieved that the woman wasn't just some sort of scary person with odd clothing. '' My name is Andre Cautemoc Aegis.'' He stated.
The older woman pondered with that answer in mind and nodded. ''Cautemoc is a common name among the natives in Nuevo...I'm positive that you have either ancestry here or that your parents are native Nuevians... I am wondering about howand why your parents never taught you about your people...but right now, it is not important...'' She said as she left Andre deep in his thoughts and turned to Snow; ''What i would like to know, is how did you know what to do during the ritual and why you joined it ?'' She asked as she gazed at Snow once more.
The pretty white haired teenager stared at the priestess, her silver pupils reflecting jade green ones. The priestess slowly lost track of time, staring into Snow's eyes deeply, unable to look away. The teen blinked, breaking the mesmerizing effect which left the priestess slightly light headed and confused. With admirable self control, she regained focus and stared expectantly. Snow gulped, deciding to be frank with her from the get go. ''I don't know...The dance was beautiful...and while I was watching, I heard a voice...'' the white haird teen explained sheepishly.
''A voice you said...?'' The priestess inquired the tribal priestess.
''Yes...I promess..'' Snow replied.
The priestess was very interested of course, even a little jittery to be honest. ''Did you see the one who spoke to you?'' She carried on, making Snow's eyes widen in surprise.
''You aren't thinking that I am weird?'' She asked a little loudly.. her gasp making Vulpix fall forn her shoulder before elegantly land on her four paws, her snout in the air, playing it off like nothing happened. Itzatl watched the display and unbeknowst to him, some dust stained his face. The six tailed golden fox Pokemon went on and nuzzled Snow's leg, prompting her to pick her up and hold her against her.
The priestess almost laughed. ''Why would I ? Sometimes, I feel like the ixtenextic ixtli forget themselves...We are living alongside Pokemon and Spirits...hearing voices shouldn't be viewed as weird in this world at least...'' She dismissed casually, laughing softly. ''...What did that voice tell you, young woman?'' She asked inquisitively.
Snow thought hard in reminiscence for a few minutes...then perked up; ''The voice just told me to focus on my feeling of gratitude and that the rest would come naturally...'' She answered.
The priestess smiled even more. ''For a ixtenextic ixtli to experience this... You are certainly special, young woman. That was necnelilmatiliztli...'' She revealed reverently.
Snow's eyes widened in complete confusion while Andre cocked his head. ''So basically...she experienced ''gratitude'' ?'' He inquired, a bit sceptical about this explanation.
Sven however downright frowned... this.. was definitely a problem. Especially what ''gratitude'' meant in reality. The others carried on however.
The priestess nodded. ''Yes indeed, necnelilmatiliztli, gratitude. All priestesses during that ritual enters that state. It is quite similar to what you pale faces calls... trance. However, considering that this young woman here is not a priestess... the only way she could have experienced that is that she was possessed at the time.'' She casually explained as if it was the most normal thing in the world.
Snow's eyes widened in shock, Andre almost choked on his own spit. Sven closed his eyes, nodding sagely.
''But...but...i didn't feel like anyone was controlling me... I was just...sorta there... feeling...'' Snow started, trying to make heads and tails about this information and failing. Andre frowned...somehow, the thought of Snow being controlled not sitting very well with him. ''Yeah, that's actually very scary...are you sure that you aren't messing with us right now?'' Andre inquired, protectively stepping in front of Snow.
The priestess smiled at this but didn't comment. ''I am not here to mislead you, child. I am rather certain that it is what happened. You shouldn't feel ill about it, truly. For a non-priestess to experience necnelilmatiliztli , you must be rather liked by the Goddess.'' She stated before she turned to the group. ''It is getting rather late now, i can tell that you all have a lot of questions. Let the night be our consillor. Tomorrow, it'll be my pleasure to answer your questions to the best of my abilities. As for the thief that came here a few days ago, I am afraid he is long gone. What he stole was precious to us but we won't leave the rest unnatended for one piece. The trackers we sent after him should be back during the morning. Now then, let us retire to the night. The acolythes will show you your chambers...'' She invited before she turned toward the temple, quickly dissapearing in its shadow.
Once she was gone, Snow sighed, feeling a little overhelmed by everything. ''Well this journey became much more intense all of a sudden...but I have to say... I loved it back there.'' She admitted as she picked up her things and walked toward the temple.
''I agree with you, Snow-White. That was completely unexpexted. I can't forgive whoever stole their precious belongings however... Even if they are very different that what I know, it seems that they deal with the same kind of problems here.'' Andre commented, his Aguade sharing his views as he made swiping and scratching motions with his paws.
''Just lemme at em', they'll never know what hit them before I smash em' up with a +6 Salt Crash!'' the fledgling pokemon commented, making Andre chuckle lightly.
''Hold your horses Izatl, we'll have the opportunity to make things right...'' He calmed his starter down before placing him on his head.
Andre looked at Snow as she was on the verge of entering the temple. ''Hey Iztaca!'' Andre called
Snow turned toward her friend and smiled. ''Yes Andre?'' She asked softly
Andre smiled back. ''Come here will you?'' he asked as he sat down a bench near the entrance, Snow joining him soon after.
Both teens stared at the moonlit sky wordlessly. It never really got akward between the two. They simply enjoyed each other's presence.
''I wonder sometimes Iztaca...'' Andre said , deep in thought.
''What are you wondering about ?'' She inquired, turning to him.
Andre turned his face to face Snow's ''I wonder about you, Iztaca...and about this region too...'' He explained
Snow blushed slightly at Andre's words. ''What do you wonder about me?'' She asked as a ray of moonlight illuminated her face for just a second.
Andre's heart skipped a bit that the sight, but caught himself quickly. ''What exactly makes you the way you are...why can you have such an effect on people...'' He asked her.
Snow looked up to the skies once more...''I don't know Andre. Does it bother you?'' She asked apprehensively.
Andre nodded very quickly. ''Not at all Snow...it's just that..I am kind of used to be a pillar after what happened all these years ago...a boring story. But somehow, you make me feel odd, disarmed...and I do not know if I should like that or not...'' Andre truthfully admitted as he let out a heavy sigh.
Snow tenderly gazed at Andre. ''Of course...A guy as kind as him...No wonder he feels this way...'' She though as she gently put her hand over his. ''I won't lie and say that I have the power to calm rampaging beasts or some RPG cliché like that, but at least you know that if i put you at ease, you can be open with me... So it's a good thing.'' She replied, brushing his hand with her thumb.
Andre closed his eyes, the contact doing horribly wonderful things for his nerves. ''What i also wonder is about this region. From what I can understand...I have ancestry here, yet my mother very seldomly speaks about it. Especially since my dad...'' he started before his breath was caught in his throat, unable to finish the sentence. ''Nevermind Iztaca...i am just rambling at this point...'' He said as he stood up quickly and left for his chambers, looking visibly distraught.
Snow stayed a little longer outside, looking in his general direction. ''Oh Andre...'' She muttered softly as she walked toward another chamber to rest for the night.
The following morning, the trio reconvened with the other dwellers of the temple for a copious breakfast that included a lot of berries, honey, home made tortillas and various food that seemed to convene for both human and Pokemons. They all partaked in the food merrily, Andre displaying once more his table manners..or lack thereof. Everyone sweat dropped at this. Sven sighed... ''Are you a berratel in disguise mate? At least eat properly in front of the ladies...'' He whined desesperately.
Andre wanted to dignify Sven with a well witted response but with his mouth full, opening it would have been a less than lovely display. As ravenous as the raven haired teen was, there was a limit to how bad mannered even he could look. Snow smiled softly upon seeing this. Andre was back to being his energetic self and it was heartwarming to see...
''I swear sleepyhead, I have seen Weezing eat with more manners than you...'' She chided at the teen who looked at her in defiance, swalling his last piece of bread before replying. ''Yeah, well try not to choke on my awesomeness in my presence then.'' he replied just as quickly. Snow was stunned speechless at that, blushed and went back to eat quietly, defeated. Sven laughed wildly then. ''Man he's getting better and better at this... You doing me might proud, Komala'' he said while patting Andre's back strongly.
The head cihuatlamacazqui smiled at that. It had been a while since the morning feast had been so lively. The priestesses of her sisterhood were more used to quiet, reverent meals. Those xtenextic ixtli would had been fun to keep around. She knew that it wasn't possible and as such decided to bring the subject to them.
''I was under the impression that you wanted to know about the thievery problem that has plagued out temples for a small while?'' She asked with a voice that while not loud, commanded immediate attention. Snow was actually jealous...''I am going to need to learn how to do that...'' She murmured slowly to her golden furred Fox, making the fire type giggle. The white haired teen then turned her attention to the high priestess.
Andre nodded affirmatively. ''Yes indeed, I would love to know. Whoever is doing that is hurting a culture. They should know better. It could lead us all to our doom and I am not even exaggerating right now!'' Andre said, making both Snow and Sven, as well as the jade covered lady raised their eyebrows.
''That is a rather passionate outburst young man. I must ask however. While you bear a striking ressemblence to our People, you aren't from here nor you are familiar with our ways. What makes you so eager to leap into what could be a very dangerous task that selfishly?'' She asked the teen. Both Sven and Snow also looked in his direction. What the lady had said was not devoid of sense. Yes they indeed wanted to give a hand, but this response was a bit too eager, too fast for it to come naturally out of his mouth.
Andre looked at the lady straight in the eyes. His expression, unbeknownst to him had shifted to lose all mirth and eagerness. For a slight moment, hurt flashed in his eyes, Anger as well. He took a deep breath to steady himself and replied. ''Stealing existed since man walked the earth...but in this world, stealing the wrong stuff can turn dark. If I know that the stolen thing involves a sacred temple...I can only fear its consequences...'' He said seriously. The response seemed to satisfy the priestess, but both Sven and Snow looked at him worriedly. That was definitely not normal. Snow thought about how precipidly he had left her yesterday night and sighed softly once again. ''In-time, I will have to talk to him about that...'' She thought as Andre sat down and distractfully nibbled on an Oran berry.
The cihuatlamacazqui didn't have any other objection so she continued on with her explanation; ''So I won't give you a full rundown of how the temples are run, but i'll give you an overview. In this region, there is 10 great cities and 10 villages that still lives in our tradition. That means 20 temples. We have lived in this land for around a millenium, in harmony with Nature and Pokemon. The xtenextic ixtli have made contact with our people around 2 quimilli ago. Since our continent was mostly unexplored before, they have installed themselves there as well. We mostly live in harmony, but as you can imagine, not all of us are like that. To come back to the task at hand, for the past year or so, our temple's sacred vault have been victim of thiefs and adventurers. More often than not, those attempting to break in has been stopped by our cuauhtli , our warriors so to speak. But yesterday, the thief managed to get away with our precious codex. I sadly cannot say what is in it to outsiders. This is folklore only passed down from cihuatlamacazqui to cihuatlamacazqui . However I assure you that this problem put all of the region in grave danger if it isnt stopped.'' She explained to the trio.
Andre's fist was clenched, his mind had barely registered the boon of information that the older lady had provided him and was stopped on the part here the thievery put the region in Danger. ''Say no more! We'll stop that thief and protect the region. I haven't been here very long, but I kinda like it already. As I said earlier, some people don't realize that in this world, some things arent meant to be touched and that doing so puts more than their lives in danger. People like that really rub me the wrong way!'' He exclaimed passionately. His Aguade, carried by his fighting spirit , loudly shouted his own approval. On his corner, Sven smirked. Having another pair of hands would definitely help him look into things. He was glad to have been right about the raven haired teenager.
Andre then remembered that he was travelling with two other people and that maybe he should make sure that they were on board with this before blindly run into danger like that. He turned to his two companions and was surprised to see them smile. ''Wh-What?'' He asked confusedly, his head cocking to the side in incomprehension.
Snow giggled at his distraught face; ''You finally remembered that we existed sleepyhead. How bold of you deciding things for us while we're right there.'' She growled, her eyes cold and her bangs covering a part of her face. The air chilled very quickly and Andre and Sven had to sweatdrop at how fast Snow could go from cheerful and impossibly cute to cold and stupidly intimidating. She walked toward Andre and then slowly looked into his eyes. Andre didn't fully reconize the look she was giving him. He only could stare into them as he got lost in her beautiful silver eyes. This staredown lasted a few seconds before Snow shook is head, smiling softly. ''I know I wouldn't be able to stop you if your mind is made up.'' She said as she flicked his forehead to wake him up. Andre bliked several times before realizing that he had been mesmerized...right in front of Sven, the high priestess and a few more priestesses and acolythes that were listening in.
''Ah-Ahh Crap Snow...why you'd...!'' Stammered embarrassedly the raven haired teenager. What he would have given to find a bush to plunge into right about now, only Arceus would know. Even Sven couldn't help but chuckle. ''I knew that mean look could freeze a Pokemon in his track and prevent it from moving, but this is the first time I see baby doll eyes make someone forget even how to speak up!'' He cackled, followed by more giggles in the crowd that had the teenager turn several shades of crimson. Snow gently patted his shoulder. ''That's what i call instant payback.'' She said triumphally with her nose in the air, not unlike a certain gold furred fox Pokemon. She then wrapped his arm with hers. ''We will give them a hand, you're not going alone with this.'' She said as her eyes were filled with determination. Andre smiled and turned to the high priestess. ''You have your answer, cihuatlamacazqui'' He said confidently as Sven nodded and stood next to the two teenagers. ''Do not worry, I'll vouch for them. I travel with them after all.'' He said, his gilla shouting with confidence perched on his left shoulder.
The priestess smiled at that. ''Today, Xochi decidly blessed us. Outsiders that are sensible enough to help us in a cause they have no interest in... You don't have that everyday.'' She silently thanked. She turned to them, Andre specifically. ''I am grateful that you are willing to help us. You too. Snow and Sven. In thanks, I would like to give you a partner that is sure to help you in your travels.'' She said happily.
Andre immediately shook his head. ''It's not necessary...I do not want you to feel obligated to...'' Andre started before the priestess shot him a disarming smile.
''Do not worry about it, young one. It is Xochi's will that you are shown gratitude for your selflessness.'' She said appeasingly. For some odd reason, Andre couldn't find the words to object anymore. Sven shook his head. Andre would have to learn not to be turned inside out everytime a woman smiled to him, he thought.
The priestess then threw her head back and loudly whistled. A long, almost screech like whistle that made the trio wince. A few moments later, a piercing cry was heard. The screech shook everyone. Snow even clinged to Andre in surprise, making the teen simulataneously grab Snow protectively and blush when he realized the contact. The latter was quickly overwritten by surprise when he looked up to the skies in search of the noise. A massive stone like flying creature with red markings on the wings and hands was flying in a circle right abover their head. The creature then screeched again before landing in front of them. While relatively short, it made up for it to be rather large. Black furred aside of its head, who was more akin to golden furred, the creature looked like a giant, heavy loaded bat. It emitted strong heat, as if he had powerful termal energy in lieu of blood in his veins. His big , piercing eyes were staring unblinkly at Andre, his pointed ears straight up, looking for any suspect noise. It was not hostile, but it definitely had a commanding presence. Andre looked back, deciding to look brave this time.
The high priestess smiled at the little effect the pokemon had. ''That is exactly what these Pokemon are, Andre. Strong, fearless, unblinking...'' Shibalbats have been guardians of our temples for eons. This little girl's name is chualo. I take it that you know what that means?'' She asked softly as she placed an open palm to the statue like pokemon's side. Said Pokemon made a noise very acute to a clicketing purr, which was both adorable and terrifying coming from a creature that large.
Andre brow furrowed in thought and he nodded. ''Chualo...Eclipse...'' He muttered, making the bat Pokemon click approvingly at him. Andre then walked toward him and taking a leaf of the priestess's book, approached the bat pokemon with his open palms, pointed down. ''Well Eclipse...I am Andre. Your caregiver would like you to come with me, are you okay with it?'' he asked softly, making sure that he was doing no sudden movement. Sven whistled appreciatively at this. ''He definitely knows what he's doing, that guy...'' He muttered to Gilla, who nodded in approval.
The bat Pokemon stared at Andre for a few seconds, studying it. The statue pokemon then...turned off? Her body turned as grey as stone and not a single sound could be heard coming from the bat Pokemon.
''What just happened?'' He asked the lady who just smiled. ''In ancient tales, it is said that Shibalbat is the guardian of the entrances to the Underworld, Xoteclalbà. A Shibalbat turning to stone after a question is merely him going to the underworld to think.'' She said as a fascinated Andre watched the statue. After a little while, the statue rumbled, color coming back to her again. When it was fully colored, her eyes snapped open and she screeched, taking off in a blast of heat. She then hovered and landed behind Snow and Andre, her wings outstretched. The priestess smiled. ''It seems that Eclipse is enclined to come with you after all. Well that settles it then...'' She said as Andre turned to pet the giant bat. The huge Pokemon clicked a bit annoyingly, trying to nibble the hand looking to pet her. Andre retracted her hand...''Not sure if she's all that enclined to me...'' He noted, making Snow and Sven as well as the other priestesses chuckle. ''It's going to take a while to have her full cooperation. She has been guarding the temple for a few moons now. But she'll come around. ''After all...you are still in one piece...'' she silently thought. She was relieved alright. Shibalbats were very judgemental... she had taken a huge chance in calling one to travel with the pale face teen. If he would have been judged unworthy to give a chance, the bat Pokemon would have roasted him alive or bitten off some part of him by now. Chuckling nervously, Andre turned to the huge bat. ''Well, welcome to the family, Eclupse...'' He said softly as the bat pokemon screeched a reply.
The priestess smiled as the acolythes started to go around their tasks. ''I believe you guys should be on your way now. East of here is the next pale face city, Pueblo Leaf Grove. In less than 4 days, you should reach it.'' She informed them before turning to Snow. ''Before I forget, here. You danced with our priestess during the ritual yesterday. We need to be five normally to perform the rite. I couldn't attend and one of our acolythe was sick. 5 is a sacred number in our tradition. For you to somehow complete the ritual without ever knowing it before hand must be a sign. I would like you to accept this jade bracelet. It is a sign of gratitude and sisterhood for your help.'' She warmly said. Snow got choked up, she wasn't expecting them to be so grateful. It only had felt right. Reverently, she took the bracelet and put it on her wrist. ''I can only thank you...It's beautiful...I will cherish it. I want to use the occasion to learn more about you people while i am in this region too...'' She said and promised, her Vulpix howling in approval.
The High priestess smiled at her words. ''Make sure that you do. I wish you all the blessing of Xochi...'' She said as she saluted them with her eyes closed and her palms opened pointing down. The trio turned to leave before right before their feets, three black projectiles stopped their step. Immediately after, a silouhette shrouded in a dark green cloak landed gracefully in front of them.
''timochi nechtlazotlazquia cehui pinahuiztli ximochichihuacan... tlahuitolli xtenextic ixtli tepalehuiliztli...'' The silouhette said, visibly angry...
Andre, Snow and Sven eyes widened. That jade cloak was oddly familiar indeed. It was the same kind of attire that the people who had tried to kidnap Snow before were wearing.
The priestess frowned. Whatever the newcomer had said, it must had been very demeaning... ''There is no shame in asking for help, young woman.'' She corrected them.
The jade cloaked person, now identified as female, sighed. ''I forgot that these pale faces do not speak the language of our Gods...'' She spat with such disdain that the three non native felt like they were less than trash...at least in the eyes of the newcomer. They didn't have the time to ponder about it for longer anyhow;
''Pale faces, my name is Malitzin...and I won't beat around the bush.'' She said before pointing at Andre. ''You! You will return the guardian to Xoteclalbà to its rightful place and leave and never come back in our sacred temple ever again if you wish to live. The next Hul-Che i throw will not miss your heart...'' She aggresively said as she readied another salvo of those black stone projectile from earlier.
Andre's blood made one full spin in his system, immediately tapping into flight or fight response. His options were however resolutely setted on ''Fight!''
''You got some nerve for sure...but you won't be hurting anyone before you pass over my dead body.'' He said defiantly as Eclipse and Gilla landed in front of him, screeching at the jade covered girl. In lieu of Andre, Sven placed himself in front of Snow this time. His gilla was in front of him, ready to attack at a command's notice.
Malitzin laughed...''Whoa, pale faces with a spine? You definitely are different than most trainers I know...'' She said before producing a pokeball from her cloak.
...
''Then show me that you have real resolve, pale face!'' She shouted as she threw the Pokeball into the air, launching a shadow from within at Andre's bat pokemon who had taken front and center...
To be continued...
SteveZ12: Whew, that was a long chapter, relatively. I think that basically learning a new language on the fly is definitely making this challenging. But it is fun. I hope that you will have as much fun reading it as I have fun writing it. Don't hesitate to PM or review. I love a good convo.
SteveZ12 out :D