Even with the King admitting there would be enough time for me to leave and come back before the storm was strongest. I still felt nervous, Celebi would be able to hold her own, but I'm still just a kid.
"Dear, are you alright? You've barely eaten" The queen asked me, suspending my daze.
"Oh, I'm okay, just feeling a little sleepy"
"That's quite understandable, your town is a long ways from here, be sure to eat up and rest up tonight"
"I will"
I don't know if I could keep that promise, It's hard enough to even think about it, I don't have much experience with this form, I can barely use my attacks as it is. The pendant helped my powers, but without it, I could barely stand up for myself.
"Aurora? Are you still awake?" Celebi whispered to me, just loud enough I could hear from the other side of the room. The walls were decorated with pink and green. a few hung up portraits of her and her family, Some with just her parents, or even just her and Victini.
"Yeah, why?"
"I spoke to my mother, You're still not sure you're ready, are you" I shook my head. "Figures, Even if you are larger than me, I'm much older than you"
"I still don't get why I was chosen...I'm not even strong enough to fight anyone without the pendant"
"I'll protect you, Don't worry. Not just another Damsel in Distress you know!"
"I don't know what that means"
"Right...I keep forgetting that you had amnesia, It just means I'm not always in need of saving"
"But wasn't it you who called me for help?"
"You were cheaper...I only went for you three because I didn't want Victini to get into trouble"
"Still. Wouldn't it have been safer to get...well adults to help?"
"It doesn't matter now, Thanks to you Salamance has been defeated and arrested without anyone else being in danger"
"It was only because I had the pendant, without it I'd barely be able to do anything"
"That doesn't matter now, just get some sleep for now. We have a long journey in the morning"
"Right...Good night" I told her, rolling over and staring at the ceiling. I felt sick to my stomach, I knew I would have to sleep eventually but i just couldn't put myself to do it.
I must have eventually fallen asleep because before I knew it, Sunlight was seeping through the windows with Celebi preparing herself with an adventuring outfit.
"Oh, Aurora, You're awake! You looked so calm sleeping, I didn't want to wake you up, But you should prepare yourself to head to see Mesprit. I also have a scarf for you to wear"
"Scarf? But what's wrong with what I have now?"
"It's just a normal scarf, I can get you suited with clothes that can actually make you stronger"
"You can?" I asked surprised, but if this world is seen as magical to humans, It isn't impossible
"Of course, They're laced with certain berries with different effects. An Oran Berry can give you more stamina and defense"
"Oh, What do you think I should have?"
"I'd say a Babiri berry since your weakness is steel types"
"You think that'll help?"
"I do, There's a village here, you should be able to get a scarf which should protect you"
"Right, but shouldn't we hurry?"
"It's better if we don't have to worry about you being hurt, but be cautious, there are thieves and assassins everywhere. If anyone sees you as a target It'll be difficult to leave unscathed." She got a small cloak for herself to wear.
"What's that for?"
"I'm a princess, Who knows how many people see me as a get rich quick scheme"
"I hadn't realized, I've met some people like that"
"You have?"
"Zoroark and Ivysaur, They needed the money since being former criminals made it difficult to try and get a living"
"Don't tell me you sympathized with them! They're criminals, nothing will change that!"
"You're wrong, I gave them a second chance because I saw their trouble, They didn't want to hurt anyone, they just needed money to get them what they needed"
"That could have only been a way to exploit you! What if they were the evil spirit!"
"No, They only did it to take care of their family, Their actions had good causes"
"Look. Just be more careful it's hard enough that you're a child and you've lost your memories"
"Okay..." I looked away and glanced out the window, the market seemed to be thriving with many joyous faces twirling on the square "They look happy down there"
"I'm sure they do, I know this kingdom is much more than just happy faces, There will always be danger"
"I understand"
"Good, Let's get you a scarf," She told me lightly tugging on my ear to lead me downstairs. She pulled once and just let go before opening the door.
"Oh, Celebi, Aurora good to see you up, are you prepared to leave?"
"Yes father, But first I'm going to get a Babiri scarf to protect Aurora"
"Good, I wish you good luck on your journey, Stay safe"
"Right!" I was glad Celebi seemed confident, I sure didn't feel like I could.
The village just outside the Castle was thriving despite the time of day, It was quite earlier, Just barely after dawn.
"Just keep your head down and don't cause any commotion, Let me do the talking"
"Welcome back Blossom! And I see you have someone with you, How about you introduce yourself"
I tried to speak but Celebi stopped me before a word could come out
"I'd love to talk, but we're in a bit of a hurry, We need a Babiri Scarf for him" She pointed towards me.
"That protects against Steel-type moves, Is there a reason for this? Especially since this is a child"
"We're in a hurry, can you just give us one? You know I have the money to pay for it"
"Alright then, This should fit well" They went behind a counter before taking a blue scarf with a light scent of a berry.
"Here, let me help you with that, Stand still, okay?" She went behind me, lightly tying it around my neck "How's that feel?"
"It feels nice." I quietly said
"That's good, I don't quite understand your goals, but I wish you good luck, It's on the house!"
"Thank you"
"C'mon, We should hurry"
"S-sorry!" I knew how important this was, but I still felt like I was slowing her down.
"It's fine, We just need to hurry before the storm"
"I've been wondering, Nobody here seems to be worried, how come?"
"Xatu predicts the weather, Our walls help protect the village, if everyone just stays inside it'll be safe"
"Xatu?"
"Yes, They have the ability to see the future, though he only really tells things to my family"
"How come?" By now we were heading towards the drawbridge.
"Well, Think of it this way, If you were told a bad future, How would you react?"
"I guess that makes sense."
"That's right, He tells the king allowing for him to properly react for the future of the kingdom"
"I get it"
"Good, Now let's get moving"
many hours passed and it was starting to feel exhausted, I could tell Celebi was running out of energy as well.
"Alright- W-we'll take a break here and move on in the morning" She nearly collapsed, even if she was flying. I slightly nodded, Laying down to look at the setting sun. I had another memory where I was sitting on a roof of a building with another human eating some kind of colored ice with a stick in the bottom.
"Hey! Glad you made it!"
"Wouldn't miss it for the world! Last day of school!" I said to them
"That's right! No more school!"
"Well, It never hurts to watch a sunset, Besides with your name it makes sense you watch it every day!"
"My name?"
"Well, I asked your mom, It's Dusk isn't it?"
"Why does that matter! It's Lucas to everyone else"
"C'mon! Dusk is a great name!"
"Don't call me that! It's embarrassing! "
"I'm just kidding, Your secret is safe with me!"
"Aurora? Hello, Earth to Aurora are you there?"
"Huh? Is something wrong?"
"You just dazed off and stared at the sunset"
"Oh, I had another vision of my old life, my name's supposed to be Dusk. But I think my friends called me Lucas. But you can call me Aurora if you'd rather do that"
"I'll go with Dusk, Not as girly as Aurora"
"Wait!? It's a girl's name?"
"Well, Obviously! I would know"
"I guess that's fair"
" Besides that, do you remember anything else?"
"I apparently liked watching the sunset and eating colored ice on a stick"
"You mean popsicles?"
"Is that what they're called?"
"Yeah, They're basically frozen juice on a stick, Since you were human I suppose your popsicles were different from ours"
"I guess so"
"Once we get back home why don't I treat you to one, You're an ice type so the cold shouldn't bother you"
"I'd like that"
"I'm glad you do, Can you go get some firewood for me? I'll set up camp"
"Right!"
I left to find wood, Carrying most of them rolled up in my tails. "Let's see, I should need just a few more," I said to myself before hearing a female scream quickly fading into muffled cries.
"C-Celebi!?" I shouted out, Rushing back still holding the sticks in my tails before seeing Celebi tangled in webbing as a small group of 8-legged green and black Pokémon climbing down from threads and forming a defensive triangle in front of Celebi.
"W-what are you doing?"
"A little princess like this can get us some pretty Poké on the market. We overheard her talking and if you really are human...Then you're just as valuable to us!"
"S-s-stay back...I-I'm warning you!" I backed away. Trying to avoid conflict
"Or you'll what? Human or not you're just a kid!"
"I-I...I-I'll..." By now my back was against a tree as I was cornered. All at once, a multitude of webbing was fired like a net, Keeping me in a sticky bag of sorts. It was sort of hard to hear. Nor could I see anything.
"Well, That certainly was easy, Human and a Princess, What a deal!"
"How dare you! They're defenseless! How could you not worry more on the incoming storm than a few cheap Poké. Get out of my sight now you meanies!"
"O-Okay!" The new voice seemed loud and demanding, with emphasis on their emotions.
"Now that they're gone! Are you two alright? I can as soon as I heard the commotion! And what are you two doing out here in the wild, There's a severe storm coming!"
"Thank you! We were on our way to find someone" I said as they made an opening in the small cocoon allowing me to get out, With my struggling my pendant was revealed over my scarf.
"And now you! You shouldn't be out here! I was just on my way to help any wild Pokémon find shelter"
"Thank you...Oh! I didn't know it was you, Mesprit, We need your help!"
"You need me?"
"That's right! This is Auro- Er... Dusk, He's a human but he lost all of his memories when getting to this world"
"He's the human!? Hold still Dusk, Let me examine that necklace!" they floated towards me, Lifting up my pendant as it began to shine a bright white.
"Yup! You're a certified Human! Now let's see what we can do about that memory!" They went to my head, Placing their hands on the sides of my cheeks. I don't know how but I think I lost consciousness.
"Oh good, You're awake. You passed out like a day ago, Right now the king and Mesprit are talking about what to do with your memories."
"I passed out? Why?"
"Apparently to safely search your memories you can't be allowed to make new ones during the process, So she had to knock you out"
"Oh, That makes sense"
"Have you remembered anything new since you passed out?"
"No, nothing"
"That's a shame, Luckily the storm was delayed by a day, so that means the storm will be on Thursday instead of tomorrow"
"That's good...But I've been gone for some time, I should head back to make sure everything's okay, They might need my help"
"Go ahead, I'll let everyone know where you went. Good luck. I'll come get you when we're ready to see Uxie"
"Okay, Thanks"
"Oh and I'll be right back" She left for a moment before returning with a cloak and hood.
"What's this for?"
"With our...encounter...We can't just go around when pokémon like that know you're human. We have to keep a low profile. Here let me help you put it on"
"Thank you, how does it look?"
"Perfect! Now go help your friends!"
"I will! Thanks!"
The storm started sooner than I was told by a couple of hours as it had already started pouring halfway there and breaking down trees with heavy rains and powerful lightning bolts. One nearly hit me as a great cry came from behind me. Absorbing the energy they jumped in front of me. It was a yellow beast with blue strokes of fur on numerous parts of its body and tail. On its face looked like an iron mask of sorts as they peered back towards me.
"What do you think you're doing in the middle of a storm! You could be killed!" His voice boomed. It was like thunder itself.
"S-sorry! I thought I could get there before the storm! I thought my friends would need help getting everyone shelter before the storm"
"Stupid kid! If you even think you would know traveling just before a hurricane was a dumb idea! What were you thinking!?" The way he spoke, It all felt too familiar as I began to freeze having a memory of my past.
"What are you doing!? Get inside we're in a tornado warning!" They were an older voice. Perhaps my father? It was hard to tell the strong winds made it difficult to keep my eyes open when it happened.
"S-sorry! I was trying to make sure the Pokémon were safe! They'll be hurt too!"
"I don't care! Get your butt inside this instant Dusk!"
"We should bring the Pokémon inside to take shelter! We have plenty of room!"
"That's enough out of you! They don't matter! Get in the basement! Now!" He threw me back onto the porch as I began to cry with a scrape on my elbow.
Now that I was back in my present consciousness, I was being carried by the scruff of my neck and brought to the town I first awoke. Now we were over the gate by the guild as I heard a voice from underneath
"Pokémon Detected! Pokémon Detected! Whose footprint? Whose Footprint? The footprint is...The footprint is...R-Raikou!? What are you doing in the storm!? Get inside!"
He carried me inside, Dropping me on the floor as water dripped onto the floor and then I saw Scarlet rush to me.
"What are you doing here! Aurora you shouldn't have left during the storm!" Scarlet scolded me.
"Sorry..."
"So these are your...Friends" Raikou asked.
"T-that's right"
"Hm...Try to make sure this...Aurora isn't this reckless again. I'd hope to not have to save your life again. Don't endanger yourself again"
"R-right, sorry" In a flash. He was gone.
"How did your mission go?"
"It went well, I remembered my real name, It's Dusk"
"Dusk? Sounds perfect for you! What was your mission about?"
"W-well, About the same as yours. They just needed help getting people into shelters as well as helping anyone lost nearby" I didn't feel good about lying to them, but it was all I could do then.
"And you're soaking wet! Why didn't you stay at the castle!"
"Sorry, I thought you guys needed help"
"Nope, We've got everything covered, to be honest Volt's parents came by and said they were taking him somewhere safer." She seemed slightly upset about mentioning his parents. I don't blame her. I would have also mentioned I remembered one of my parents but I didn't want her even more upset.
"Have you remembered anything else?"
She caught me off guard as I began sweating and stuttered."N-no! Nothing at all!"
"Are you lying to me!?
" I-I... I remembered my dad...I didn't want you to be upset about it"
"S-so...You're going home?"
"N-no! Not yet! I remember what he sounds like but not where or who he was"
"Oh, That's goo- I mean I hope you remember more!"
"It's okay, I don't know if I want to return home, He didn't care about anyone else"
"I'm so sorry...I can't believe your dad could make someone as kind as you!"
"O-Oh thanks...But even if I wanted to I can't go back"
"What!? Why not?"
"I-I" I've said too much! I tried to hide it before looking around at the nearly packed room. Can we go somewhere private?"
"Private? What for?"
"I-I have to tell you something, No-one else can know"
"Alright, Let's get to our room"
"So what did you want to tell me?"
"I'm not supposed to tell anyone, But I have to...When we met the king he told me something. I'm not a Pokémon, I used to be Human. Those visions of humans were my own memories of my past life"
"What!? Why didn't you tell me sooner!?"
"I'm sorry! I didn't want to lie, But the King told me to keep it secret!"
"The King? Is that why he asked to speak with you alone?"
"Yes, I was told that when a human comes to this world, they're supposed to fight a spirit of negative emotions, Unfortunately, I lost my memory when I crossed over"
"Is that why you can't return home?" I nodded "Oh...I'm sorry to hear that..."
"D-don't worry about it, I'm just a little tired is all"
"Tired?"
"Well, I ran for a while there...Plus I've just had a lot on my mind"
"I bet you would, why don't you get some rest, we can get to work tomorrow"
"R-rig-..." I began to say, as I then collapsed. I wouldn't have blacked our for another minute or so, but I hadn't actually rested lately. Being in the storm probably didn't help either.
"H-Huh!? Dusk! Hey are you okay?" She ran down to help me, a strange light emitting from her before everything went dark