Chapter Twenty-Four - The Original One
The winter sun had not yet risen over the horizon by the time Rosa woke again. Something unpleasantly cold stung her cheeks and numbed her nose and ears, but with her limbs as heavy as concrete, she was still unwilling to open her eyes. She hurt so bad. Was it possible to die from an overdose of pain? Because if so, she was getting close. Her body begged her to curl into a ball and sleep for another millennium, to wait out the mind-numbing ache. Too bad the chill biting her arms was too uncomfortable to ignore.
With a reluctant sigh, she fluttered her eyelids to let the distant light flood through. The first thing she noticed was the darkness – the moon shined timidly above, allowing her to see the outline of trees and foliage – but only because the surrounding snow reflected the light. Pulling herself into a sitting position, Rosa realized she was covered in the stuff. Her legs and waist were nearly invisible in the ocean of white, and she was alarmed when she couldn't feel them when she moved.
Where was she?
Something warm slipped from her shoulders, but she immediately snatched at the thin fabric to wrap herself back up. Was she in . . . a forest? There was vegetation everywhere. It provided a little shelter from the breeze, which howled through the tree tops and left small bumps across her skin. Where had Braviary dropped her?
Braviary. Colress. Rosa rubbed the coat's fabric between her fingers, suddenly remembering where it had come from. He really did it.
He'd always played the part of the sketchy scientist, not the knight in shining armor, and yet he'd come for her. She hunched forward to wrap her arms around her knees, and they moved so easily. No restraints. No cutting metal. The movement made them ache like she'd set fire to her ankles, but even the pain was a wonder. How had he done it? Why had he done it?
Her Pokémon! He'd promised they were safe. Heart leaping, Rosa flung off the strap around her midsection and tore into her travel bag. Most of her things still appeared to be there – her medicines, TMs, berries, and key items – but when her fingers brushed the leather of her brown belt, she could have sobbed.
Four contracted pokeballs, resting in a row. She yanked the belt out of the bag, fingers fumbling in her haste to remove them from their pockets. It was terrifying, thinking of what Plasma may have done to them, but she had to see them. Even if they didn't want to see her. Even if they never wanted to see her again.
One by one she tossed them in the air. The balls expanded and broke open, piercing the frigid air with scarlet-colored light, and it was all she could do to sit still as the forms of four Pokémon appeared before her. Their brilliant eyes sliced through the darkness, shining crimson, charcoal, aqua, and gold.
Except they weren't warm and inviting, like she was used too. Each pair of eyes was tight, irises burning with barely controlled fury. Their lips were twisted with hatred, pulled back over clenched teeth like wild animals. A savage growl hummed from every chest, daring her to come closer. Waiting. She'd never heard such horrible noise from her team members.
The blood drained from her already pale face, leaving her grim and ghostly. She had to be seeing a nightmare, because the faces watching her weren't the same ones she'd parted with.
She settled on the hungry, gold-rimmed eyes glaring holes in her forehead. There was an enormous horn sticking out of the Pokémon's head now, and cotton-colored fur replaced his whiskers. He towered over her delicate frame, and even in the darkness, Rosa could see the Samurott's shell armor lining his legs. He was still growling fiercely, but she was too stunned to notice or care.
"Zaveid?" She whispered, rolling onto her knees to meet him. The Pokémon snarled at her advance and snapped at her outstretched fingers, but Rosa only pulled back enough to avoid his teeth. She could feel herself trembling. What had they done?
"It's me. It's Rosa." She could feel moisture gathering at the edges of her eyes, and then a hot, selfish tear rolled down her cheek. She didn't swipe it away. Did he even see her? Or was it hatred for her that stirred such hostility from her starter's gaze?
It doesn't matter. Angry or not, she would know the full damage Plasma had caused. Steeling herself, Rosa tried again. "I'm sorry. I know you're ticked, but I need to make sure you aren't injured. Just stay still for a second, okay?"
She tried her best to keep her tone gentle, and to her great relief, the sea-lion hesitated. His warning snarl quieted to a hum, and although his body was still stiff with tension, he allowed her to crawl a few inches closer.
Steeling herself, Rosa took a deep breath and willed herself forward. Pain shot through her muscles in response, sending unwelcome spasms through her arms and legs, but she kept her pace steady. Not once did Zaveid's sharp eyes leave her; it was like he expected her to jump up and attack.
Ever so slowly, Rosa reached out her hand, palm up, to touch Zaveid's snout. He flinched away from her outstretched fingers and she hesitated, but then the Pokémon took a step forward and leaned into her. His fur was as warm and soft as always. He didn't look like her starter anymore, and he was wary and skeptical, but he was still hers. Her precious, pigheaded punk.
Without her mind really giving permission, she moved forward to wrap her arms around the great beast's neck. He was enormous, so the action was more difficult than she was used too, but Rosa stretched up on her knees and locked her fingers so she wouldn't fall.
For a short second, he pretended to ignore her.
Then he snorted and buried his huge face in her hair, eyes closed, chest humming, and fell to his knees so he could press against her.
"I'm sorry," Rosa sobbed again and again. She apologized for everything in those two words. For pursuing Team Plasma in the first place. For allowing her precious starter and other team mates to be captured. For not being the one to rescue them herself. For allowing anyone to put such a venomous expression on his warm, familiar face.
Her other Pokémon rushed to meet her as well, shoving each other aside in their desperation to reach her. Rosa hugged them each in turn, basking in the feel of their downy fur, their breath in her face, of seeing them alive, and safe, and in her arms. Sven's tail wagged hard as he yapped joyously and licked her face from chin to hairline, but not even Anna seemed to mind the slobber, as she simply smeared it away and leaned her forehead against Rosa's. The moment was brief, however, because Gaston almost immediately shoved the Lucario aside to do the same.
His crimson mane tickled her cheek, and a tiny smile pulled at her mouth. The little fox wasn't little anymore. Gaston was nearly her height, with a full head of hair to protect him from the snow, and razor-sharp claws to defend himself with. But if he minded being a Zoroark, he showed no sign of it. He buried his head in her stomach and grumbled contently, moving only when Rosa shifted to comb him for injuries.
She examined them all, knowing a Pokémon center could easily heal any problems, but not able to let them go without knowing for herself they were alright. They dealt with her fussing patiently, although Gaston refused to step further away than a few inches and Zaveid loomed over her like a fretful father. Their possessive behavior didn't bother her, though. They were okay. That's all that mattered.
They would be okay.
Zaveid nudged her head, and Rosa patted his nose fondly. The adrenaline of finding her Pokémon was draining from her system, leaving her exhausted. "Just a few bruises for you. You're tougher than they thought, aren't 'ya punk?"
He snorted, and she sobered. "They forced you guys into some intense training, though. I can tell just by looking that you've been pushed too hard. That's what all the growling was about, wasn't it? You thought . . . I was one of them." She rested against him, fighting the spinning ground beneath her. "That horrible ninja was probably thinking you'd make a nice addition to his team. What an idiot."
Zaveid touched the tender spot on her head with his nose again, and she flinched away. "Hey, knock that-"
Rosa paused. There was red liquid dripping off his snout. Instinctively, she reached behind her head to touch the place where the ninja had bashed her, and her fingers came away wet and sticky.
Not good.
Pulling her bag close to her again, Rosa rifled through her key items pocket until she found her map. The Unova region flashed across her screen, stinging her eyes in the darkness, but she fought the nausea and tinkered with the device until it pulled up her exact location.
"It's okay, Anna." She whispered, responding to the jackal's hum of alarm. "I'll be fine. Don't . . . don't worry."
Route six. Braviary had dropped her in the woods outside Driftveil City. With any luck, it wouldn't take long to get there.
Gritting her teeth, Rosa hauled herself from her knees to her feet. Snow fell from her legs as she stood, having already soaked through her rugged leggings, but the cold was hardly a concern compared to everything else.
Just as she had with Colress, she made it one step before her legs crumpled. A sharp gasp escaped her as she collapsed, but Rosa flung her hands out and managed to catch herself before her face could greet the snow.
A chorus of alarmed cries. Anna and Gaston rushed to her, arms reaching, and a few paces away, Sven let out a panicked whine. "I'm okay." Rosa gasped, wheezing as her Pokémon wrapped their arms around her waist and carefully helped her to her feet. Their touch was gentle, but it still stung her throbbing muscles. She felt so weak it frightened her.
Together, Gaston and Anna swept Rosa off her aching feet and placed her on the Arcanine's back. He was so warm. The heat radiating from his body enveloped her, stilling her trembling shoulders and chattering teeth. Burying her fingers in the pup's fur, she locked her jaw and did her best to keep upright.
Anna wrapped her arm firmly around Rosa's waist to keep her from falling off. Her fox hurried ahead to take the lead, and then they were marching towards Driftveil.
The walk back to civilization was long. Each step felt like a marathon, stealing the breath from Rosa's lungs even though she wasn't the one walking. It was a good thing Gaston knew where he was going, because hr vision was too blurred to read the travel signs they passed by. She could tell it was still snowing though. White crystals continued swirling into her tangled hair, dotting her cheeks and nose.
Her pup was obviously uncomfortable in the chilly weather. His fluffy orangesicle ears were pinned firmly against his head, and occasionally, he'd pause and sneeze loud enough to stir the wild Pokémon. He never openly complained, though, like he had back in the desert.
"I'm sorry about the snow." Rosa whispered anyway. The Arcanine let out another worried whimper in response.
From what she could remember about Driftveil, there wasn't a hospital there. An enormous world tournament for trainers, gym leaders, and champions? Sure. But no hospital, just a small clinic for non-emergencies. Gaston didn't take them there, however, or even into town. Instead, the fox flicked his tail and climbed the familiar hillside towards a colonial home, his steps quick and sure as they left the treeline.
Rosa was nearly unconscious by the time they came to a stop. It was like watching the world through a foggy window; Gaston urgently approached and rapped on the solid oak door, and snowflakes fell in silence for a few seconds before the fox banged again, his tapping getting louder and firmer until he was all but breaking the door down. She felt Anna's hand tighten around her waist, anxiety in every finger.
Shuffling from the other side of the door. More banging, followed by a grouchy-eyed red head flinging the door open with unnecessary vigor. A quiet, feminine gasp, and hurried footsteps across the snow.
"Rosa?" Ella breathed, running her hands over Rosa's numb cheeks anxiously. "What's happened to you? Rood! Rood, wake up now! Rood!"
Putting one arm around Rosa's shoulders and the other under her legs, Ella swept Rosa off Sven's back and rushed her into the house, her wind-chime voice echoing off the stones.
When Rosa woke again, it was to the sound of angry voices. They were distant and hard to make out, but agitated enough to pull through her slumber and drag her back.
"I just want to see her. No harm'll be done in me checking in on her."
"I'm worried about her as well, but she needs-"
"Her wellbeing is partly my responsibility. So, if I gotta sit with her for the rest of the night to make sure she's okay, I'll do it."
"You've seen her enough times already. She's sleeping, and she'll continue to sleep until she's better. You'll just have to be patient."
Rosa was hyperaware of the smoke-scented air, dusted with ash and a hint of lavender, and the cushy, full mattress beneath her. It had been ages since she'd been in a bed – having a cushion was heavenly. Aside from the argument outside the door, the room was serenely quiet. She could hear the faint crackle of burning logs in a fireplace, and the stir of wind howling against the window. She felt groggy, and very sore, but for the first time in a while, she knew exactly where she was. There was no disorientation, no blur, and incredibly, no headache.
"I've been plenty patient, but that's my kid in there. You really think you can stop me from checking on her? 'Cause you've got another thing coming if you do. Step aside. Or I'll make you."
The agitated voice outside her bedroom door was achingly familiar. Sitting up a little straighter, Rosa asked, "Sal?"
Suddenly there was a crack. She startled as the solid oak bedroom door flew open and slammed against the wall. Ella was behind it, her slender arms folded as she grumbled disapprovingly, and next to her, the silent form of Elliot. He was as huge as ever – like a giant trapped in a doll house – and although his chiseled jaw was locked, his soft gaze was fraught with concern.
It was Sal's bulky figure, however, who charged through the door.
"You're awake!"
She blinked as the enormous biker dropped by her bedside and snatched up her hand. The bed creaked under his weight as he leaned against the frame, but Rosa couldn't pull her eyes away from his weathered face. Of all the people she'd expected to see, he wasn't one of them.
"It is you!" Rosa crowed, finding herself pleased to see him. She shifted to sit up all the way, but Elliot immediately darted forward to gently press her shoulders back against the bed. His smile was gentle though, and breathlessly, she asked, "What are you both doing here?"
"Ella called me." Sal replied gruffly, tightening his grip on her fingers while jerking his chin in the red-head's direction. "She said you were in some sort of trouble, so I grabbed Elliot and we rushed over. What I wanna know is why you didn't call me, Kid. I told you to let me know if you needed anything, and here you are – beat up and barely recognizable. I outta throttle you."
"It wasn't exactly an option-"
Ella's porcelain face appeared by the bed, her expression repentant. "Forgive me, Rosa. He was listed in your Xtransceiver as your uncle, and after your mother didn't pick up, I figured he was the next best person. I thought you'd want someone familiar around when you woke. Although I can't say I really see the resemblance." She added sullenly.
Rosa caught the strained edge in her tone, and was suddenly aware of the tension between the two parties. Had something happened while she'd slept? "Well, we're not actually related by blood-"
"She's one of my gang." Sal huffed defensively, hunching his shoulders forward like Ella's words had jabbed him. "That's a bond stronger than any blood tie. Just ask Elliot. And anyway, I'd have come anyway, 'cause I gotta kill whoever did this."
Ella's sapphire eyes flashed. "Don't you be making death threats in here! Rosa's been through enough violence as of late, thank you very much, and the last thing she needs is your bad influence."
"I'm just telling it like it is. She's got rub marks around her wrists, so obviously, somebody's got a death wish. They're not getting away with it, that's for sure-"
"Sal-" Elliot started to protest.
"I think that's quite enough. Our dear Rosa here has been put through the wringer, and she needs rest. So, unless you can keep your mouths shut, I'd suggest you all go wait outside."
Rood strode into the room, his black robe flowing behind him as he pushed aside Sal and came to rest on the edge of Rosa's bed. She eyed him carefully, still wary of the older man, but he just smiled cheekily and patted her forehead.
"There now. I'm so happy to see you awake, darling. How are you feeling?"
"Better." It was true. Enough so that she thought maybe she could stand. Her head and sore muscles didn't hurt nearly as bad as before, and it had been ages since she'd been able to walk on her own. She bent her elbows and wrists carefully, testing the joints, before she tried sitting up again.
There was a wave of protest. Every person in the room moved forward to stop her, but Rood calmed them with a wave of his hand and a simple, "Cool it." Only Sal kept coming. He glowered venomously at the older man before he took Rosa's hand again.
Rood acknowledged the expression with a wide grin, though his words were again directed at Rosa. "Ella healed up your injuries best she could when you got here, but there's no need to push it. Let's give that head a few days, okay?"
"Seriously Rood, I'm fine-"
"Rosa," Elliot interrupted, his voice hesitant, "I don't mean to pry, but the gang is worried, and we wanted to know . . . what happened to you?"
She flinched. Of course, the one question she didn't want to answer would be the one they'd want to know. It was inevitable – she'd appeared on the doorstep half dead and nearly comatose, after all – but the last thing she wanted was to think about her prison cell. How long had it been since she'd escaped? A few days, at least. Only time could have healed her injuries so thoroughly.
Biting her lip, she glanced down at her bed sheets and picked at the peach-colored fabric. The atmosphere remained charged as the group waited through her silence, but when it became clear she wasn't going to answer, Rood changed the subject.
"Well, now that you're awake, you must be hungry. I'll have Ella cook you up something special, okay? She makes a wonderful quiche – the best you'll have ever tasted. And I'll clear this crowd so you can get some more rest."
"Wait," She said, her eyes flashing back to his face, "Do you know what the Regeneration Effect is?"
His wrinkled face frowned. "The what?"
"The Regeneration Effect. One of the members of Team Plasma mentioned it, but I just . . . it's been bothering me."
Ella, Sal, and Elliot exchanged confused glances, but Rood's pale lips pressed into a thin line.
"Ella," He said carefully, "Why don't you take these gentlemen to the kitchen so they can help you with brunch? Rosa's hungry, and the food will be done faster with extra hands."
The ex-plasma member hissed and jerked her head back like she'd been slapped, but Rood just shot her a taut look. With a huff an another anxious look at Rosa, she twisted on her heels and stomped out of the room. Sal opened his mouth to object, but Elliot shook his head and forced the man to shuffle out behind her.
Sighing, Rood dropped into a rocking chair in the corner of the room and massaged his forehead with his fingers. Rosa eyed him expectantly, her impatience growing more intolerable every second, but just when she was ready to jump up and shake him, he spoke.
"Before I explain, you must know that this is all just speculation, nothing more. Its likely Ghetsis has become obsessed with rumors that hold no true value. The man is insane, do you understand? You cannot take any of this too seriously, or it will drive you mad as it did him."
An unexpected turn of conversation, but terms she could agree with. Her eyebrows furrowed, but then she nodded once.
Rood seemed to accept her answer. "Very well. Do you know of how this world came to be, Rosa?"
"Um . . . are you referring to its supposed creator? Isn't that Arceus?"
"Correct. The Original One is said to have created not only this planet, but our entire universe. Apparently Arceus intended for our world to be pure and sinless – one where his creations could live peacefully – but as you know, mankind has never been either of those things. Our annoying nature is due to a hitch in design – a flaw, of sorts – that the legendary accidentally instilled in Pokémon and people while he was creating us. Could you guess what that is?"
Rosa frowned, not really following. "Free will?"
"Yup. Good old fashioned agency. Our ability to choose for ourselves turned out to be a real thorn in the side for Arceus, what with all the devastation our wars and such caused. Especially since his creations were supposed to be perfect. 'Supposed' being the operative word." He added dryly. "Well, Arceus was mighty upset that he was always having to step in and stop mankind from killing everyone and everything. Too much work, having to keep an eye. So instead, he fashioned us a 'protector', of sorts - someone to keep us from destroying ourselves. A legendary Pokémon as old as time itself, given the responsibility of defending our world from mankind's threats. According to legend, it can regenerate into a new life after every death, allowing for eternal service to Arceus's cause."
Rosa frowned, repelled by the idea of someone having to serve a lazy god their entire life. What kind of Pokemon was strong enough to put up with that over and over again? "Geez, that's kind of a crappy existence."
Rood halfway smiled and leaned back in the rocking chair. "That's the way it's always been. I guess when you don't know anything different, you accept what you've got. But that's where your Regeneration Effect comes into play – it occurs when the legendary guardian brings a Pokémon or person back from the edge of death."
"But what does that have to do with me? Or Hugh, or Touko?"
The older man shook his head. "I don't know. Ghetsis was working on finding the legendary back when I was still working with him. Perhaps he thinks you or your friends can help him."
"Why would he even care, though?" It just wasn't adding up. "Would Ghetsis care about someone or something enough to want to resurrect them?"
"I don't know that, either. He was always very secretive about his plans. We just followed orders, because he promised us a peaceful, happy world, free from pain or despair. After Touko destroyed us, I chose a different way. I do not know anything more than that."
Running a stressed hand through her hair, Rosa slumped back against her supportive pillows with an audible thump. Everything was such a tangled mess. "Finding out for myself is the only option I have, then." What a pain.
Rood's caterpillar eyebrows jumped up to his hairline. "You're still going after them?"
"It's not like I really have a choice. Ghetsis and his team of cronies are destroying the region. I'll get stronger, and then I'll kick Ghetsis's robed butt out of Unova. Touko's not around to do it, so until I find her, I guess it's gotta be me."
"You're a strange girl, you know that?"
She halfway smiled. "Yeah. But would you have it any other way?"
". . . No. I certainly wouldn't."