Watcher of Arceus
Disclaimer: I don't own Pokémon. Only the idea and OC's.
Author Notes:
-X-This will be used for scene breaks and for when the story switches to another character, but it does not mean that a new section of the story has started.
~xXx~ This will identify where each paragraph breaks.
"Human Speech" 'Character Thought' {Pokémon Speech}
Co-author: Catsithx
The following is a total and complete Reboot of the story "Watcher of Arceus".
~xXx~
Nineteen months have passed since the attack in the Lucario Kingdom. The World Mother Arceus herself with the aid of a dozen legendary pokemon have taken to training the lucarios to once more become aura guardians and become a new generation of speakers for the word of Arceus, the Lucario Kingdom has never been busier in recent times or more dedicated to a singular task. With James's help, the kingdom has quietly applied for independence, no different than the Kingdom of Rota, or the Mirage Kingdom, or a few others already in Japan and not part of the mainstay governing body, but merely a piece of a greater whole.
The mountain range surrounding the valley that the Lucario Kingdom rests in was already considered Wild Region, an untamed section of land with only small frontier villages at best which never grew. The only thing of real note even close to the valley was merely a highway. Built around base of the mountain and sometimes along the natural terraces of the mountain, it served only as a means of traffic to get around the mountain quickly. The closest town even to the Kingdom was the town known as Terrace, and while the residents knew of the lucarios to some degree, they knew to never mess with them and the town really was just a stop to get gas and little else.
With a gentle quiet nudge from a few of the Legendary Pokemon, the applications for independence went through and the kingdom was preparing for full independence. When they were ready, and prepared to announce themselves to the nation of Japan, and in many ways the world as a whole, they would do so with the blessings and even some aid from the mainstay governing body of Japan without hindrance as long as they practiced their own law within the land that they had asked for and had been approved.
The protections of the temple had been expanded bit by bit, now encompassing the entire valley and space of land that they would claim, a veil of fog and strange occurrences now helping to hide the valley until they were ready. Those trying to find the valley without the blessings of the Legendary Pokemon or the lucarios would find always find themselves lost and returning to where they had first tried to climb the mountain. Attempts to fly to the valley would be even worse as fog, strange winds, and even sudden bad patches of weather would deter those trying to enter.
With the aid of the Rangers lead by James Jameson, the Sinnoh Grand Champion Cynthia, and a few others asked to help, the Lucario Kingdom was rebuilt and remained a secret. With the added aid provided these trusted outsiders, the village was rebuilt in time and had grown considerably, preparing for the arrival of several new priests to join them in a few years.
But strange occurrences were not only happening around the Lucario Kingdom. While the world was still looking into the strange behaviors of the Legendary Pokemon and Thomas, the Legendary Pokemon were preparing for their return and seeking others to possibly carry their word. All over Japan, a few people, the descendants of former high priests of the legendary pokemon would feel a strange pull along side many priests already practicing worship in some of the true shrines of the Legendary Pokemon.
Little by little, the ancient temples of the Legendary Pokemon would reach out and find those who had attempted to continue the faith of their ancient ways, calling for them. These humans would find themselves being called to small ancient shrines and quietly judged for worth, if they were or would be as devoted as the ancients priests of the Legendary Pokemon from nearly 700 years ago. Those that were had been told of the lucarios who would soon come and teach them the words and ways of the teachings of Arceus.
Finally, fourteen months after the attack, priests of Arceus all over Japan announced the return of Arceus, and Arceus made her presence known once more to the world. Arceus made a very public appearance on top of Mount Coronet, and with the aid of Rayquaza, Latias, and Latios, the four of them sealed off the upper portions of Mount Coronet. A powerful contained storm around the upper reaches after Arceus made sure to be seen and felt all throughout the Sinnoh Region, and in turn Japan and there was no immediate question to their appearance. Even more, with the temples now coming to life once more and with their added protections, some of the other Legendary Pokemon had also made appearances announcing their returns as well. Working together and in such preparations not seen in nearly 700 years, Thomas and Radara never even felt the call to come to the aid of their elder brothers and sisters, each now helping each other and calling upon future priests to their temples to be taught the ancient words of Arceus, aided by the lucarios of the Lucario Kingdom.
While the location of the Lucario Kingdom was still kept a secret, Arceus and several legendary pokemon had made a strong appearance to the world, each now prepared and presentable, and hundreds of new future priests were contacted by the lucarios of the Lucario Kingdom, guiding them to the places of learning and a few ancient temples to help prepare them for a new coming age.
The Legendary Pokemon have not been the only one's preparing and changing in the world however. Investigations into Thomas Falston have been more thorough despite the gentle pushes of the Legendary Pokemon in some ways. The Knights of Arceus have so chosen to continue operating in the shadows, out of the public eye for the most part, but have still attempted to stir up trouble revolving around the revelations of Thomas Falston. Some have even gone so far as to attempt to post what little proof they have of direct confrontation with Thomas's family in an attempt to show how much of a demon that Thomas is supposed to be, to attempt to prevent others from falling under his sway. All is not well within their ranks however as even a few among their number have felt a strange pull.
Despite this, and knowing the dangers that are coming ahead however, Thomas has finally chosen to start practicing with the Guardian Aegis, and under Dahlia's tutelage prepares himself to use the blade. Seeking to master the blade as a tool first, knowing that it would it have the power to return free will to all, that its powers to combat possession would soon be needed. While he would currently still refuse to properly wield it as symbol of his bloodline, of his right to carry and share the word of the World Mother, his acceptance to try and use it when needed against the great evil was a slow step forward.
But perhaps most disturbing of all things however, was the strange quiet from Hank Handlerz on the subject of a changing world. A major topic in Japan's national news, Hurk had been reinstated as trainer, allowed to train pokemon again, and seemed to be building up a large reputation as a rather respected trainer now, although he was still banned from certain Master Tier events such as the Indigo League Championships, Silver Conference, or other major events.
~xXx~
Chapter 48 : Return to Alto Mare
Xent leaned back against the outer wall of the Lunar Blessing, in the shade of an awning attached to the side for now. An ice pack in a towel pressed to his face, his left cheek bruised and swelling a little. His knuckles were bruised a little as well and he just leaned back for a much needed break. Although his sparing match with Thomas had shown drastic improvement for Xent, Dahlia had still chosen to call it early for Xent and Thomas since Thomas seemed overly out of it for some reason. Something was clearly irritating and distracting Thomas heavily, but he never asked about it.
Still, it was a great session as far as he was concerned, he even almost pinned Thomas, but wasn't going to chalk that up as a full win just yet. Not with Thomas so distracted as he was anyway. He was now just waiting to see Zai's turn against Dahlia, but in the meantime, he took a break to watch Sarah at work practicing or attempting to practice with aura. She now held a constant soft glow on her hands every time she put effort into it, even without the gloves. As he watched, he knew that today was still going to be a great day for someone. Sarah was deep in concentration, but it was broke when Xent finally noticed how that work had paid off, quick to give a loud applause. "Fucking A, Sarah!"
Sarah had finally manifested her first aura sphere between her hands, the orb finally solid and full and just when she was going to try and throw it, Xent had noticed and started clapping loudly. The break in concentration however made it fizzle out just as she was throwing it and it burst like balloon under pressure. "Xent!" Sarah yelled at him, only for Dahlia to speak up.
"Xent was congratulating you a job well a done, you've finally started to master the next step of aura spheres. You shouldn't yell at him however for his distraction. If that's all it takes for you to let them fizzle out, then what good is such a talent except as a party trick." Dahlia stated, finishing her meditation and slowly starting to stand.
With Thomas and Xent's sparring matches finished for the day, Dahlia would start sparring with Zai a few times before they arrived at their next destination. Already Zai was eager, perhaps a bit too eager as she came out of the boat at last, licking her claws clean from a bit of work on lunch with Verna, Radara, and Rebecca.
[Oh I am so ready to kick your ass today.] Zai grinned walking out and stretching her arms some.
"I thought we had a long talk about restraint." Dahlia stated before getting up from her meditation, Thomas and Sarah cleaning the strip of the Lunar Blessing's outer ring that they had just finished used for training to let Zai and Dahlia use it now.
[Bring it.] Zai continued, still having never learned her lesson, and just eager for a chance to get at Dahlia today. Having successfully actually hit Dahlia during their session last week, it all went to Zai's head and now that she could actually hit Dahlia, Zai was certain that she could win for once.
Once the space was cleaned up and the mats swapped out for some larger ones, Sarah went inside to help finish making lunch while Thomas moved inside with her, but with the intent to spend a little bit of time mediating himself before the Guardian Aegis.
This left Zai and Dahlia on the outer ring of the boat, with Xent just watching for now. The match started quickly and like the week before, Zai came in fast. While she still tried some illusions, the past year of training focused more on her speed and a bit on her strength preparing her for more thorough combat against the knights if it came to it, but more for her own survival if this evil really was on the way.
Dahlia easily blocked a number of blows and focused on blocking for now, as well as the occasional parry while putting her psychic abilities to use around them, a barrier all around the boat. This was intended to be as much some hard training for her as it was for Zai right now after all.
Xent merely watched though, seeing some real improvement for Zai over the past year. Under Dahlia's teaching, he gave up entirely on issuing commands to Zai and Verna now, focusing only on giving orders of Akra. While Akra was still something of a fighter, she had hit her limits and couldn't keep up with Zai and Verna's training. Still, she was getting faster almost every day, and was getting very good at diving down, picking one of them up and dropping them off within half a meter of where they wanted to be without slowing down much now.
A sudden shadow claw hidden behind a shadow ball that Zai manifested right before it showed great improvement for Zai. Even Dahlia was a bit surprised by it, dodging for the most part as she rolled to the side, only to reach up and rub her cheek, a minor cut there, just barely bleeding. "Zai... restraint." Dahlia reminded her very firmly, Zai just smirking even more as she stood up fully.
[What's wrong? I thought you could take a hit, or are you just mad that I actually hit you for once?] Zai grinned, once more getting quite full of herself.
"Don't hurt me... and I won't hurt you." Dahlia reminded her even more firmly now.
[Bring it.] Zai half shouted, suddenly appearing to jump in a dozen directions. Dahlia was having none of it though, and once more showed her experience, power, and physical strength. None of Zai's illusions had even remotely distracted Dahlia, and in one solid blow, her fist iced over lightly, Zai was blasted back into a barrier over the side of the Lunar Blessing which prevented the boat from taking any damage, but still almost knocked out Zai.
As Zai whined loudly, a hand on her jaw wondering if it was broke, Xent just slowly got up and helped the zoroark up into a sitting position. "What part of don't sass her on training day, its bad for your health do you not get?" Xent asked, offering her his ice pack.
'No... fair. Psychics... shouldn't be able... to hit pokemon like... like that.' Zai whined, the physically vocal part of her words a jumbled mess, but once more be translated for her as she tried to speak anyway.
"And yet we have the bruises that say she can... trust me I don't enjoy them anymore than you do." Xent replied helping Zai up at least into a sitting position before looking back to Dahlia.
"I choose not to break your jaw Zai. I'm training you to try and improve yourself, but that ego of yours never seems to fade. It will get you hurt one day, hurt someway that can't be fixed." Dahlia stated, moving over and kneeling in front of Zai, helping Zai to find a proper seat.
'What about your own ego...' Zai grumbled some, still whining some.
"An ego is not my fight to take up, nor do I have one. I am better than you, but its only because of thousands of years of experience, honed by need and spite... I've learned lessons over lifetimes that you will never learn and I really am trying to save you. There are some lessons that can't be taught if you refuse to learn them though." Dahlia sighed some.
'That sounds... like ego to me.' Zai growled a bit as she nursed her jaw some.
"My fight with myself is not an ego, I learned humility long ago. My fight with myself is worse, to fight through the changes I've gone through during almost fifty years of torture. To not let those years restrict who I am, or the lessons I need to teach before my time is gone. I've already seen the price of failure and lived with its... lived with the cost of failing to be better." Dahlia said softly, before standing up fully again, Verna quickly coming out feeling something was a bit off.
'Dahlia... are you okay?' Verna quickly asked.
Dahlia turned slowly, a hand holding her sigil lightly, but nodded. "I am fine Verna. I'm sorry to worry you." Dahlia said, putting on a large smile and then moving over to Verna, giving her a small kiss and holding her a bit, before Verna noticed the minor cut on her cheek and then Zai nursing her jaw.
'Zai... what did you do?' Verna asked now.
'Its her fault.' Zai tried to replied, but Xent just shook his head.
"Zai's fine. She's just getting a little rough." Xent stated.
'You need to calm down Zai. One of these days someone will hurt you. There are no more regulation battles here, and even the fights against the gangs and crime syndicates we've been through might as well have been regulation.' Verna stated slowly as Dahlia took a few slow calming breaths.
"Zai... I'm doing my best to teach you how to survive. Your illusions are purely visual manifestations. The knights know to look for illusions, both manifestations of the mind, and those that appear in the physical world. And this great evil that is trying to get free, we know that it doesn't fully perceive the world with only a lesser visual sense of sight. One of my other sisters, Mirage, was a zoroark as well with illusions so real that you could taste, smell, and even feel them somewhat. This evil saw through them many times, it has a higher form of perception to see through them, and it can help point such things to those it possesses." Dahlia started again.
"I am trying to teach you the lessons you need to give both you and Xent a chance to survive this. Your ego will kill you, and just think of what that will do to Xent. Xent has learned to check his ego now, that he is not even close to invincible anymore, and if he can learn it when I feel he is more stubborn then you, I would thought that you could too. We all know you're sleeping together now, and I've even let you have a few of my drinks for your dates with him... If you don't learn to check that ego, I'm cutting you off entirely." Dahlia added after a moment.
At the mention of being cut off entirely, Zai's ears quickly folded back and she gave a small whine, even a shudder. "I think by now, we know not to tempt her Zai. But I'll do you a favor and say that looks rough, let's call it for the day." Xent stated, looking over Zai's jaw some.
"Yes, yes we can call it quits for day. She's too rough for my liking today and I'd rather be presentable while we are in Alto Mare." Dahlia nodded some, before moving to start pulling all the mats back up and slotting them back into a storage bin built into the ring around the Lunar Blessing.
Xent and Zai helped a little bit as well to clean up the boat as well. As Dahlia went back inside with Zai, eager for a little bit of lunch, Xent however walked down to Dahlia's room where Thomas was using it to meditate with the Guardian Aegis. It was easy to see that for the most part that the master bedroom was Dahlia's and Verna's now, and looking over their things, the decorations and things that they had chosen and somehow even managed to buy together despite their need to hide was impressive. Aside from a small little quite corner on the side with a few pillows to meditate on, it was easily Verna's and Dahlia's room and looking over the room, he was happy for them.
Recalling how he had captured Verna long ago as a shiny raltz and always keeping her close for her own protections early on, he still felt a little bad about never giving her a choice to stay at his side, but looking over this room, over the choices of a life that Verna was choosing on her own beside Dahlia now, Xent couldn't but feel happy about, only to shake his head. 'Come on, keep it together Xent. Don't cry in front of wonder boy.'
As always though the few times that Xent did enter their room however for any reason, Xent's eyes wondered their way over to their open closet, and more importantly the addition of a wine rack under lock and key that had been added to it almost a year ago. Made of the same crystalline like alloy that Xent had come to be very familiar with now in many of the temples and sanctuaries, it stood out against the rest of the ship, but at the same time looked almost fitting now. Still filled with a few dozen bottles, Xent quickly noticed that something was out of place, different about it.
Instead of any bottles missing though or in the wrong place, a few small plastic bottles had been added, and Xent just shook his head. Mew had teleported to the boat a few times now, and in recent months had taken to try and leaving them all gifts to try and cheer them up at times. Understanding that wine rack was supposed to hold very special drinks, he had taken to adding his own special drinks to the case to be shared with the group as well. Moving up and looking in more closely just to double check that the case was otherwise untouched, by Zai of all pokemon first, he wanted to make sure that Mew didn't cause any damage while he was at it either.
A quick count of bottles and every bottle that Xent knew of was accounted for, with the addition of a dozen small bottles of limited edition mountain dew mixed in as well now. The rest of the bottles were all still sealed, and everything looked in its proper place under the label that Dahlia has created for each one. Looking in just a little more though, he quickly noticed something else extremely important.
Unlike other cases which had a key based lock, the locking mechanism for this case was on the inside of the case, along with the key. Xent had even helped design the case a little bit, to make it as Xent proof as possibly, which in turn was supposed to make it as Zai proof as possible. Only a psychic could turn the key through the door, and that required some form of telekinetic power, something that neither Xent or Zai had to use. Xent quickly stood up though, and with a quite voice just spoke out aloud, knowing that all he had to do was speak some and if they were around, there would always be an answer.
"Hey... uh to whoever's listening this time. Is the key to the wine rack supposed to be turned at the moment?" Xent asked quietly, looking at the key through the glass, currently straight up and down vertically in the keyhole. At his words though, the key quickly turned clockwise, resting at an angle towards the center of the case now, resting on a little tab beside it showing that the key and case were properly locked.
Reaching over and giving a small pull on the handle, and sure enough the case was properly closed and locked, but as he was getting ready to turn back around to let Thomas know about the minor change in plans, he noticed that they key was slowly turning back upwards a bit again. "Girls... the key's turning again."
With that, he heard someone starting to come down the stairs now, and stepped back to look out the door and saw Verna coming down, a confused look on her face. As soon as Verna stepped into the room though, she felt something and quickly looked towards Thomas.
'What... what kind of power is this?' Verna asked a bit surprised, looking at Thomas just in meditation, the Guardian Aegis which was just floating there in front of him while he had stayed sitting, eyes closed and probably not even aware of Xent and Verna at the moment.
"That's right, you've never been around when Thomas was he using that thing. The Aegis gives him a boost... I've seen it in fights, I'm guessing this is what happens when he meditates with it." Xent stated looking back to Thomas.
"On that note, this wouldn't be Thomas's doing would it? He's not accidentally turning the key for that case is he?" Xent asked.
'There is definitely a strong mental force inside this room. Me, Dahlia, and Radara aren't turning it so may... Are those more bottles of mountain dew again?' Verna asked, a small shake of her head, but with an amused smile.
"Looks like more limited editions. I'm almost worried where he keeps getting them, given how much trouble he can cause." Xent commented, still heavily annoyed and agitated at the mention of Mew, not forgetting the he was still missing three of pokemon thanks to the super powered child.
'Xent, please, let it go. They are safe. We know they are still alive, and there's hope now that one day, we can be reunited.' Verna sighed, getting up slowly. Moving over to Thomas, Verna bit her lip a little bit as she stood so close to Thomas and could feel the power around him. 'Hey... Hey Thomas?' Verna asked, barely tapping his shoulder.
Thomas quickly opened his eyes and looked up towards Verna. "Is something wrong?" He asked.
'You might be accidentally trying to open the wine rack.' Verna stated, and Thomas looked over the rack.
"Apologies. I didn't mean to open that." Thomas stated, slowly getting up.
"Zai got a little rough, so Dahlia's not giving full protections around the boat. She called it early today. Lunch is ready if you're hungry though." Xent added.
"Zai got rough?" Thomas asked, standing up and then sheathing the Guardian Aegis, before giving a small bow to it, and laying it back on the stand that Dahlia had made for it.
"She's still got a bit of an ego and after last week when Dahlia started to train herself by focusing on mental discipline while Zai is sparing with her... well it appears to have went to her head. Dahlia responded by choosing not to break her jaw, and then threatening to cut her off entirely of the good wine." Xent explained.
"I don't image that amused her." Thomas replied.
"Hopefully it works. Zai should know by now that Dahlia would do it." Xent added.
'I would hope so.' Verna added, moving back upstairs with Xent and Thomas now to enjoy lunch.
-x-
As the Lunar Blessing continued to approach to island of Alto Mare, a strange pulse of wavy energy appeared over the boat as they drew closer. "Did... anyone else see that?" Sarah quickly asked with her at the helm right.
"We've entered Alto Mare's field of influence." Dahlia replied quickly, coming up the stairs and finished with her shower, clearly more cleaned then usual. "Rebecca's still losing her winter coat. When she gets out of the shower herself, can someone go clean the fur trap in the drain and make sure the pipes are good while she gets the laundry going once she's done with her shower?"
"I'll do it when we got to Alto Mare, hopefully before Latias gets too excited." Thomas replied, only for Xent to look up thinking about something.
"Field of influence?" Xent asked, the term suddenly clicking. "Wait, Alto Mare's not a sanctuary or temple is it?"
"It use to be a major population center under the control and influence of Latias and Latios. Back in days before the War of Legend, it was... well a technological wonder. Think if a city had an alternative form of modern power options, lights, some heating, running water, video announcements, but a little over 2000 years ago. Even though it was mostly shut down, the people never left and the city continued to be built up around it." Thomas explained.
"That... sounds kinda neat actually." Sarah stated. "But why did you Latias and Latios give it up? I mean, what I've seen of them, isn't using those living crystals kind of their thing? Why'd they stop if its kind what they do?"
"One of their high priests was possessed and we missed it." Dahlia replied, giving a small sigh.
'The control mechanism for the crystalline technologies within Alto Mare controlled many things. The structure was built first by Latias and Latios and would have been a school, a place of learning to advance the world in some ways. They would have taught hundreds or thousands about the crystal's applications, and let each of our legendary brothers and sisters have their own dedicated city, a center of their own worship and culture in the world. The city was built up on top of that mechanism. One such part of it was the DMA, or the Defense Mechanism of Alto Mare as the two of them named it. This possessed priest attempted to pervert it and sink the entire city and half the island.' Radara explained.
"I'm sorry... sink a city? Just... how big is this mechanism?"Xent asked.
"Its the third largest crystalline construct on the planet, behind the ocean city of Samiya, and the prison." Thomas replied, getting up from the table to go help Sarah.
Reaching onto the shelf behind the helm, Thomas pulled out a large crystal orb, and then set it in front of the wheel for Sarah. "I can take over if you want, or you can keep at it. I'll show you to use to find our dock."
"I'm fine to keep piloting. I kind of enjoy it now." Sarah stated as Thomas nodded and set the crystal orb down.
"This is basically a compass. It will guide you to the far eastern side of the island. There are streams there will look far too small for the Lunar Blessing, but Latios has already fixed that for our arrival. Just follow the compass to the water passage that it wants us to take and then the orb will emit a small pillar of light in the direction it wants you to go in. Trust it, even when it looks like we'll be going through some trees or walls. Dahlia will focus on making sure that nothing scratches the Lunar Blessing, and Radara and Verna will making sure that we won't hit anything. I'll stay in here if you want me to, or I can help them outside." Thomas told her, the orb already having a series of small glowing dots inside it with a brighter one showing the intended direction of travel at the moment.
"Got it. Just... follow the compass right into the trees and through walls." Sarah stated some. "I really shouldn't feel so comfortable saying that."
"Everything will be alright. Latias and Latios assured us that they would be ready for us." Thomas added, Sarah already nodding.
"I know. Just feels weird saying some of these things still." Sarah said.
"You'll get use to it." Xent stated hearing the conversation between and adding his own comments. "Anything I can do to help when we... where are we going anyway?"
"The Gardens of Alto Mare, home of Latias and Latios." Dahlia explained. "The only portion of the city still under their control and hidden away in plain sight, Not that changed from the it was built the last time I was there."
"It still looked mostly untouched by the passage of time the last time that I was there thirty years ago in my past life." Thomas added.
"How big is the garden anyway? I mean, are we really parking the Lunar Blessing there?" Xent asked.
"I'd compare it to... well probably a bit larger then the Indigo Plateau Championship Stadium. Something about that size , or well maybe the size of the stadium and a half at most now that I think about it, but I never did actually measure it." Dahlia explained.
"Okay, how exactly does someone hide a stadium sized structure in a city? Look, I get hiding them in the woods, or under water, or in a mountain, but a city?" Xent asked.
"A few illusions, some mental influence, and doctored city blue prints. Its at the heart of the most historical parts of the city, and the city fights any major attempts at over development hard. Its a city rich in culture, and people refuse to sell their homes in bulk to let any big cooperation settle in the first place. Its become a major cultural icon, and the people still believe heavily in Latias and Latios." Dahlia explained.
"I take it you've never been there Xent?" Sarah called out.
"Not for any length of real time, just passed through for a day. Wasn't... all that interesting back then to be honest. Of course, I wasn't looking in the right spots, blind as I was. Visited the museum for like an hour to do some research on Latias and Latios, but otherwise the place was a total loss for me back then." Xent replied, only to look over the island some as they got closer. "You uh... well you guys sure we're ready for this? The knights won't bother us here right even if we... well let ourselves be seen in public again. I mean, I know its a little late to be asking this, but are we really sure?"
"We'll be fine. Latias and Latios have assured us that there are no collectives of knights in Alto Mare. I've even done my part, and made sure never to properly establish any Trinity Shipping relations inside the city. The City Counsel were always a bit questionable about allowing it in the first place, and I made sure to take complete control in those talks, making sure that it would be my trust and my word as Julia Trinity that they working with. Without me there, any talks would have fallen to pieces." Dahlia commented.
"There are also some lucarios from the lucario kingdom here interacting with the Church of the Eon Duo, and a a dozen new priests in training. The whole city is in delight and eager to help Latias and Latios now that they've come out of hiding and those trainers that have made a scene have been arrested without restraint. Even Team Rocket's attempts to capture them have been met with extreme resistance." Thomas noted, extremely happy with how much work that the people of Alto Mare were doing to help Latias and Latios. Over the past year, there had only one major problem, and even then it wasn't a calling, no rush to be at the aid of the legendary pokemon.
"And there won't be any problems with even just a stray knight... or more rushing to the scene once they realize where we are?" Xent asked, still worried and a bit paranoid.
'Latias and Latios have already removed a few stray knights and the people have aided them. If it comes to it, the people of Alto Mare have chosen to come to their aid, or at least all of the locals have.' Radara chimed in now.
"I hope your right." Xent stated as they continued to get closer.
It didn't take them too much longer before Sarah started the Lunar Blessing down a large water way on the far edge of town, which quickly turned into stream just barely large enough for the Lunar Blessing to get down. No one seemed to notice any of this however, and while Sarah was a bit concerned, she just followed the crystal orb in front of her as it guided her down the water.
A bit of a trip along the stream and things seemed to close up and get even tighter, but there was still enough room for the Lunar Blessing to get through, and Dahlia, Radara, and Verna were all at work keeping the trees from causing any problems, until at least they were approaching what looked like a solid but will hidden ancient stone wall. Following Thomas's advice, Sarah slowed down, but still kept going forward and then they just went right through the fake wall.
A few minutes in a dark passage with only the lights of the Lunar Blessing, and then everything opened up as they entered some kind of massive chamber with a tall ceiling, a massive indoor chamber that appeared to be part garden and part water feature from another time. All of the the paths, the stairs, columns, and even linings to the ponds were made of what looked like just natural stone, with little in the way of modern anything.
A large stream lead up to nicely sized pond that would be easy to the park the Lunar Blessing in and even before they fully out of the fake wall, still looking over the garden, Latias and Latios came rushing down. Latios quickly flew up to Dahlia, stopping before hitting her, and then pulling her into a heartfelt hug, Dahlia happy to return it and Xent swore he heard something about a special operation under way.
His attention was quickly turned however when Latias grabbed his arm and practically yanked him off the boat. 'Suicune is here Xent! She made it, and she wants to see you!' Latias started, but as soon as Thomas was out of the Lunar Blessing, Latias was on him and gave him an aggressive hug and nuzzling.
'Brother!' Latias called out, nuzzling Thomas eagerly, and even giving him a kiss on the cheek, Rebecca having seen it and getting a little annoyed, and not to be outdone rush up and kissed Thomas's other cheek.
Xent just shook his head, but still waited by the boat long enough to make sure that it was parked safely, and then shut down. As Sarah came out at last, she let out Flare and Serenity, both of who were happy to be back on land and have some room, Sarah once again apologizing for keeping them in their pokeballs for a little too long. The promise of a good meal quelled them though, and for now they were allowed to run around and explore, getting some much needed exercise.
Xent just helped them set up the boat's ramp though and then make sure things were secure before helping everyone off the boat for the moment. "So, I've seen some remodeling, and it feels like you've turned a few things on." Thomas stated as he walked off the boat, holding Rebecca for now as Latias and Latios helped pull a few things out for them and set them down on a cart that they had borrowed for the moment.
'Almost everything is up and running, aside from the DMA. We've considered tinkering with it and maybe turning it back on, but for now left that off. We've also been busy with some other projects.' Latios stated helping them into the gardens and walking with them slowly towards one of the walls where they had some rooms set up, as well as meal.
"We talked a little about the DMA on the way here. Was it really used to try and sink the city... And where is the real one for that matter. I've only seen the replica in the museum the one day I was just passing through Alto Mare years ago." Xent asked.
'That's no replica in the museum.' Latias stated, her head down a little bit. 'And its... not a moment we were proud of. We were a bit too trusting, and not observant enough. The island was sunk almost a foot before we realized what was going on and then another few inches before we could stop it. Its been just sitting there since.' Latias continued.
"Wait... the one in th-... That one in the museum is real?" Xent exclaimed, just barely noticing Suicune walking up towards them from the other side of the garden.
'It requires one of us specifically to activate it and provide our power to it, and then a specialized hand crafted crystal power source to even turn on and come out of standby mode. We've already disabled the secondary modules to it and there's an extra entire off switch that is hidden away. No one but myself or my personal sister can activate it, and we have to be evolved with proper access to our god-essence, so even our new lives can't turn it on by accident when our time for reincarnation comes.' Latios explained.
Suicune was now walking towards them slowly, along with Juno. The two of them were walking along one of the paths smiling eagerly as they approached. "Juno, Suicune. I'm happy to see you again. Have chosen a place to nest yet Suicune?" Thomas asked eagerly, Suicune coming up slowly but with a massive belly on her, nearly ready to lay the three eggs she was carrying.
'I have decided that I want to lay them here, in Alto Mare actually. Latias and Latios have been happy to accommodate me and even helped prepare a nest for me.' Suicune smiled eager, Latias clapping eagerly too.
"Well I'm happy for you Suicune." Sarah smiled.
'And how are you? I haven't seen you all for almost five months. Are you all still doing fine?' Suicune asked, and once more Sarah spoke up.
"Xent's swear filter is in full effect. But once you left, he started swearing again, even when I'm trying to concentrate on my aura. I almost had an aura sphere ready today until he yelled out at me with a loud "fucking A"... The jerk made me lose my concentration just swearing loudly like that." Sarah stated, still clearly annoyed about how she had almost had an aura completed and ready to throw before Xent distracted her.
'Xent... save the "fuck" for when they are really needed. It loses meaning when you abuse it too much.' Suicune stated, taking a seat in front of now.
Xent quickly went to open his mouth to speak, but stayed silent, slowly closing his mouth and looking down a little bit. He sighed and grumbled something under his breath, but a ribbon from Suicune just gently lifted his head back up. 'What was that my son?' Suicune asked.
"Yes mom." Xent said loud enough for Suicune to hear now, Dahlia just shaking her head right now, even as Zai seemed a bit irritated, glaring at Sarah.
[You little brat...] Zai grumbled.
'Well I'm sorry Zai, but its true. Xent really is on his best behavior around Suicune.' Verna stated rather bluntly, coming up and giving Suicune a hug herself, Suicune also pulling Xent in closer for one from his as well.
Juno just laughed with Latias though, with Thomas and Latios just sharing their heads a bit more. 'Why do you travel with him again?' Latios asked Thomas quietly.
"He's learning and getting better. I still don't like how Darkrai is training him a bit, but he's clearly champion material once you chip away the rough outside." Thomas said, getting a look from Xent, but Xent just let it go, taking the compliment for now.
'Come on now, we have lunch ready, and then there are some people for you to meet. Most of the city is eager to meet you!' Latias stated.
"You've been interacting with them a lot lately then?" Thomas asked, taking Rebecca's hand to let her walk with him.
'I've been freely able to fly around the city at will now and just buy up any parts I want even in the middle of the day. It took them a little bit to understand the value of silver, but no one makes a scene when go shopping now. Its really interesting just being able to buy all these new parts to tinker with lately.' Latios replied.
"And no one has caused any problems or wonder boy would have known... I'm glad that people are eager to accept you again. Makes things a lot easier." Xent stated, Thomas giving him an annoyed look, but letting it go.
'And the Church of the Eon Duo is eager to met our brother and sisters. They have some sort of plans for meeting you... all of you.' Latias cheered a bit.
"What... a-are you sure?" Xent quickly stuttered some at the thought of being the focus of a church event of all things, already not convinced that things would go smoothly, but this would be a whole different thing entirely.
'The people are eager to see your return as well, and the lucarios believe them, that they are sincere. The clergy, both old and new, wish to see you personally, to hear and learn of the word of our mother.' Latios explained.
'We've prepared lunch for you, and then afterwards, the local police, rangers, and clergy are all eager to help us out and introduce us all safely to the people of Alto Mare. And we even have four lucarios from the Lucario Kingdom who have been entitled as Aura Guardians once more by Morag and Arceus to help us here.' Suicune smiled, walking happily between Thomas and Radara.
"If you're sure, then I guess we have a long day ahead of us." Thomas noted.
'I am... looking forward to being myself in public without being silent for once. How much have you told them about us?' Radara asked.
'Enough to let them know what to expect without sharing anything private.' Latias smiled, before taking Rebecca's other hand and Thomas, very excited now. 'And you two won't even have to hide. They know that you're one of us, the same as a legendary pokemon!' Latias happily cheering out, Rebecca's face lighting up with a massive smile.
'R-really!?' Rebecca gasped out loudly, only to grab and heavily nuzzle Thomas in a hug, Thomas a bit worried about it, but still happily and eagerly holding Rebecca, both being mindful of her chest spike.
"You... you're sure about this?" Thomas asked.
'As sure as we can be. There are those who resist our words some, but they are few and far between in the city, and most of those are visitors to begin with. Alto Mare is very eager to see us return and eagerly ready to accept our words and more.' Latios explained.
'Oh, oh and wear these.' Latias added, flying off quickly before returning. She had a whole collection of various necklaces with large medallions made of crystals, each adorning a very detailed image of Latias and Latios upon them. 'The church made these. They aren't real crystals, but they look so nice and almost like our own. They are to be handed to our guests to show that you are our guests. We made a few adjustments to make them easier to identify but still kept them looking exactly the same.'
"They look lovely." Sarah smiled, even Thomas agreeing.
-x-
Latias and Latios had prepared a large spread for them all to enjoy, various homemade fruity baked goods, sandwiches, and even some fancier things, offerings from the townsfolk of Alto Mare to Latias and Latios.
After lunch, it was out into the town, and the first stop was to the Church of the Eon Duo. As soon as the left the garden, a pair of Rangers, each in a slightly altered Ranger outfit that had a large Cross of Arceus on back, and the four aura guardian lucarios had quickly greeted them, just following along while Latias and Latios lead the way. The lucarios were assigned to the two rangers, who it turns out worked directly for James Jameson now, part of a new specialized group of rangers whose entire purpose was dealing with the legendary pokemon. While Thomas and group could easily defend themselves, the hope was that by having someone around who had the authority to arrest people if needed that it would solve a lot of smaller problems, and the lucarios were there to help them and help spread the word of Arceus at the moment, and if needed, help in other ways.
Already a large crowd had gathered around the church, but the church had made arrangements for them to come in the side way and away from the large crowds to help them out at first. Even with just a meeting at first with the clergy of the church at first, Thomas and Radara seemed to almost just relax entirely. With no threat around, the lucarios at ease themselves, and a genuine desire for learning around them, Xent and Sarah had never seen Thomas and Radara so at ease around other people. Like it was just second nature to them, Thomas and Radara quickly went into a lesson about the words of the World Mother, and of a natural world.
The topic of how they see the world had come up, and along with it, the subject of the special eyes that they all possessed, and soon, Latias, Latios, Thomas, Radara, Dahlia, and even Rebecca and Verna were all openly showing their bright red and yellow eyes fully and openly to everyone.
Even more, the whole time, Rebecca was happily in Thomas's lap, listening to the words just as much, no one caring or giving strange looks as Latias and Latios even joined in on the lessons themselves some. Dahlia however merely sat back and just watched, keeping Verna close and leaning into her some. Verna couldn't be happier with seeing the people interact so happily with them for the first time in over a year, and just happily let Dahlia lean into her right, eager to listen in herself.
The lesson was only interrupted an hour later when the father of church reminded everyone that they were supposed to be interacting with the people some as well. It was a quick sermon to the people and Thomas, Radara, Latias, and Latios were part of it for the first time centuries. The entire church was packed with the people of Alto Mare trying to get in and see Latias and Latios, and even just as eager to see the ones that Latias and Latios called family.
Thomas had chosen not to lead the service though, instead encouraging one of the other newer sisters, one who had felt the recent calling of the Legendary Pokemon to lead in his and Radara's place. It was far from the best sermon that the church had, even a little awkward at times, but Radara had reassured the future priest that all they needed was some time and training. Everyone had to start somewhere after all, and it was nice to sit in on a sermon about the ways of the world, following the World Mother's word was a very happy change of pace.
For Xent and Sarah though, things were just a little awkward themselves. Its Xent's first time ever knowingly and willing sticking around a church to even observe for more then a few minutes that he wasn't forced to be part of. He mostly just stayed to the side and out of the way, and couldn't help but notice the difference in how Thomas had just shifted and fell into place for the event. And for Sarah, it was the first time that she had sat down in a service herself in a little over six years, and it was a bit different then the very strict services that she had attended with her mother. To see something so different was a change of pace for her and she had to try and force herself to relax some, to not be so tight with her movements.
As the service ended and the people were all thanking Latias and Latios for their presence today, as well as their guests, the crowds continued to grow a bit for now. Latias and Latios quickly left with the group though, eager to show them around a bit more, and the first actual incident of the day happened, and was ended just as quickly. Someone had tried to throw a pokeball and capture Latias, only for Dahlia to grab and smash the pokeball, the lucarios all summoning aura bones like Morag's and the rangers quickly grabbed the trainer.
The trainer quickly tried to demand Latias and Latios as their own, but the people of Alto Mare all had something to say about that, even the police rushing up and silencing him quickly, arresting and taking him away on the spot. It quickly deterred a few other trainers who were considering about causing trouble as well as Latias and Latios began the tour of Alto Mare for the others.
Thomas, Radara, and Dahlia were all quite happy to see how little times had appeared to change in looks, and even some of the people who were just as nice as they recalled them over the centuries, even after their self imposed exile to try and hide from the knights. There were dozens of new offerings for Latias and Latios, almost all of the offering plates around Alto Mare filled to the brim, and each one now had active guard to keep watch over them.
Multiple shops all tried to offer the group of them home made sweets and other things, and Thomas and Xent both had to keep Zai, Rebecca, and then eventually Verna from accepting too many things. What had started as little offers of a piece of chocolate, or a donut eventually turned into all sorts of attempts at gifts for all of them showing off their bright red and yellow eyes.
Of all of them however, the one that ended up needing held back was Verna as they entered the market square of Alto Mare and the group wound up in front of The Tastes of the World Cafe, which had a full window display of all sorts of various foods from round the world.
One of the biggest displays in the cafe's windows as a massive mac and cheese special, offering large bowls of mac and cheese with a dozen different options for things to go in it and Verna attempted to drag them into the cafe with mac and cheese being her all time favorite food and it had been over a month since they had found any proper places that sold really good mac and cheese. Verna was practically begging for a taste, and while the shop keep was happy to give Verna some on account of her blessed eyes, Verna was begging Xent for more, asking about her allowance and then some much to the amusement of Dahlia.
The owners of the cafe quickly took advantage of it and started working on a new sign and trying to offer Xent and Verna a deal. Xent quickly pulled Verna out of the cafe before she could even try to get in on the deal, just in time for other people to start showing up, and even attempt to ask about trading for Verna or Rebecca. Of course that had its own problems, with a lot of people reacting violently to the offer of trying to trade for Rebecca and Verna. Thankfully, the lucarios and Thomas helped keep the situation contained and polite, stopping any violence or fights from breaking out.
A few others had even tried to ask for battles, but Latias and Latios quickly pulled them away to some place more quiet. While there was still a fairly large crowd always around them to some degree, things did at least calm though and Latias and Latios seemed at ease just flying among the people without being hidden for once.
The biggest problem of the day didn't come any trainers at all even, or even from members of a group such as Team Rocket, or the Knights of Arceus, but some of the priests themselves. While some practitioners of the various off-shoots of churches of Arceus had tried to dispute the claims that the legendary pokemon were preaching, and even the lucarios, these members of other faiths or off-shoots of faiths had done so peacefully, merely with words, and not aggressively.
The biggest problem priests were actually those who were devoted to the legendary pokemon and had tried to keep their ancient ways and words alive. The revelation of Arceus and the Legendary Pokemon now actively reaching out and attempting to communicate once more with the world had inflated the ego of some members of the modern day practitioners of the Words of Arceus.
Thomas, Radara, Latias and Latios had their hands full trying to keep things civil, but the problem did get a bit worse before it got it better, and of all people, it was Xent who called them out and effectively shut them down before he needed a moment for himself and Latias and Latios decided that it might be best to call it a day.
~xXx~
As Xent woke up from a nice day of rest, highly encouraged by yesterday's successful time in public, he was making his through Latias's and Latios's Garden taking a moment to just relax for the first time in a while. Looking over the place some, he saw Verna doing the same on the far end of the garden and went to go and say something, only for something to jerk him hard around a pillar.
Dahlia was holding onto him, keeping him very still for the moment. She was firm about it, and it was very clear that something was going on, but she didn't seem really aggressive, or at the very least not violent as she held Xent still, sparing a glance around them, as if making sure that no one had seen her.
"You have a task today. Verna and Rebecca need to be outside, away from here... and me and Thomas can't be there to help you keep an eye on them. You go out there with them, treat them well, be nice and happy... and keep them away from the garden and Safe... if anything happens while they are out there under your protection. Well, I'll leave that to your imagination. Me, Thomas, and Radara need at least six hours of time here, alone, without them or you. Don't let them get hurt." Dahlia stated quietly, but making sure that Xent heard every word.
"What's going on? I mean... You can't really just expect me to do that without a reason right?" Xent asked as Dahlia slowly eased up on him, but still keeping him there.
"Not my problem. You just keep them busy today." Dahlia replied, sparing another glance around the corner.
Xent just stared at Dahlia for a moment, as if trying to figure out what was going on, and at the very least feeling like there no real danger, Xent finally spoke up. "Okay... I'll do it, but Verna may catch glimpses of this conversation. What do you want me to say to her if she asks?"
"I refuse to say. If I even hint something about this to you, Verna will know and I refuse to let Verna know right now." Dahlia replied rather bluntly, before standing Xent up fully and even dusting him off a bit. "Now... we're going to have a rather late breakfast, and then you get them out of here, and we're closing the garden unless you're in danger, and trust me, we'll know."
"Fine, but how exactly do I get Verna and Rebecca to leave without you and Thomas then..." Xent grumbled.
"Figure it out. Tell Verna that I'll be fine, I just need at least six hours to do something and I need it to happen. Thomas, Radara, Latias, Latios, and Suicune will all be here to help me, nothing bad is going to happen to me while she's away, she doesn't need to worry about me. As for Rebecca... take them both out shopping or something. Rebecca likes to cook, go offer to show her a few things, some new food or something that she can share with Thomas later. And if you get into any trouble, we already know that there are four Aura Guardian lucarios in town. Go ask them or the local police for help. They all know who you are by now, that you're a very special guest of the city being a guest of Latias and Latios now." Dahlia countered, before pushing him out and quickly walking along.
"Don't screw this up." She added, before she almost ran down one of the paths towards Thomas and Radara now, who also seemed to be in a conversation now, just a non-vocal one, something big clearly happening right now.
"Fuuuucking dammit okay, I'll think of something..." Xent grumbled since Suicune wasn't around still, before walking off.
Verna could quickly tell that someone was up as Xent walked up though. 'What's wrong? Did something happen?' Verna asked.
"I've been told that we'll be exploring the city on our own today after yesterday's successful trip." Xent stated.
'And... why are you so worried... concerned about something. What happened?' Verna half demanded now.
"I can't say. And no, I mean I really can't say. Dahlia said that she needs like six hours alone today with Thomas, Radara, Latias, Latios, and Suicune. She refused to tell me why so that I can't even think about why and that means you can't think about why." Xent stated with a loud sigh.
"Listen... I know you trust her and well I trust that nothing is really wrong... but how are we going to get Rebecca away from Thomas for at least six hours?" Xent grumbled.
Verna just seemed annoyed with the answer, but nodded slowly. 'Well... we could try shopping. Distract with her trying to get some things for a gift to make for Thomas now that she can do something without his supervision in public. She loves to make cakes, we could go around and try to find some new ideas for her even.'
"Let's hope it works..." Xent stated, walking with Verna now towards the smells of good food, a late breakfast under way already.