Chapter 30: Out of Context

AN: Hey everyone! last chapter of the month! I wanted to get this one out before the month turned over, so here it is. I hope you enjoy!

***I don't own anything in this story, so please don't sue me.***

Virginia was frozen in place.

"What'd she say?" Serena whispered, but Virginia didn't respond. "Virginia? Virginia!" She hissed, but again, no response. K-9 whimpered and sat in front of her, pouting.

"Virginia? Hello?" Tikal asked. Virginia finally blinked and shook her head.

"Um…uh…what?"

"I'll head to Vanilla's house to return the book. Will you be there?"

"Y-Yeah…I…we will be here." Virginia uttered quietly.

"Great! I'll be over as soon as I can. See you soon!"

"Goodbye." Virginia hung up and set the phone down.

"What'd she say?"

"She…She did it."

"Did what?"

"The book."

"She translated it? She cracked it?" Serena's eyes lit up with surprise as Virginia nodded her head. "So that means Tikal knows where Genny's from and what's going on and all that. We can finally get some answers." Virginia's expression was that of concern instead of relief. "What's wrong?"

"I…I don't know…I just…" Serena looked down at the food.

"Let's keep making food. We'll figure out a plan and-"

"We're leaving."

"What?!" Serena exclaimed. "But-"

"We'll wait for another door to present itself and, as promised, we'll help Tails…but we need to keep moving. Once Tikal tells us what she knows, we'll make a plan to leave as soon as possible. The sooner we return Genny home, the better."

"Virginia…"

"It's for the best, Serena. We'll hear her out and then…" Virginia gulped hard. "…we'll say our goodbyes." A gloomy Serena sighed before nodding her head.

"Alright." The two continued cooking food. Once they finally finished cooking, the front door opened.

"-sure they'd be happy if you would stay for brunch." Vanilla smiled as Cream and Genny ran inside cheering and laughing. "Now girls, settle down."

"Virginia!" Tikal said with a great big smile. "So, can we speak in private?"

"Of course, but…won't you try a bowl of soup? It's made with meat, vegetables, and a lot of love."

"I can never say no to soup. It's my favorite food." Tikal admitted. Virginia served her and she inhaled the aroma. "Smells wonderful." She sat down and carefully blew on the soup to cool it before taking a spoon and blowing on the content. She placed the spoon in her mouth and smiled. "Ooh…this is good for the soul."

"It's good?" Virginia inquired.

"I love it." Hearing her approval made her smile.

"It's incredible…but then again, Virginia is pretty incredible."

"Oh stop." Virginia's cheeks turned a light red. "A-Anyway…the book."

"Right!" She stated and took another bite of the soup. "Mmm…that's good. Anyway, the book…well, I think I can identify the language. But…"

"But…?" Virginia questioned as Tikal frowned.

"I am unable to translate its content."

"You know the language, but you can't translate it?" Serena asked.

"Only a handful of people can read and write it. I have reason to believe it is ancient elvish."

"Half-elves?" Virginia narrowed her eyes. "This book is written in elvish?"

"I believe if you were to find an elf or perhaps a half-elf…maybe they could translate its work."

"It's our only lead." Virginia looked up at Serena.

"So…we just…we go. We're making brunch…"

"Then we say our goodbyes. For real."

"I…I didn't mean to cast you away. Vanilla would probably let you-"

"Getting Genny home is a top priority. She's been away for far too long. Her parents must be worried sick about her." Tikal knew that the princess was most likely correct with her statement. Instead of protesting she bowed her head.

"My apologies, your grace. I didn't mean to bring problems with either of you two."

"It's not anger…and it's no trouble. We…we were planning on moving tomorrow, but with the information you have given us, it makes sense for us to move now. We can assist Tails with his project and when we're done, we can quickly move on with our journey to return Genny home. We will need to head to…what's it called…" Virginia placed a hand against her forehead. "Where did she say she lived?"

"Who? Who are you talking about?" Serena questioned.

"Genis and Raine…half-elves from Sylvarant…um…Iselia! We need to make our way to Iselia."

"Are you sure?" Serena asked before Virginia nodded her head.

"The only airport goes through Te'the'alla. So, we catch a plane there, request a meeting with the king, and request transport to Iselia. Surely the king won't deny us such a simple request."

"Alright, sounds reasonable. Let's get the others and enjoy a small brunch before heading out." Serena stood up and began heading for the door.

"Tikal, I don't know how to thank you."

"It is my pleasure. I apologize that I cannot translate that book for you…I have not studied Elvish long."

"Still, I must repay you."

"I refuse payment."

"But-"

"Promise me you will return her to her parents. That will be sufficient in payment."

"Ok." Virginia gulped hard and nodded. "I vow, upon Hyrule's good name, that I…Virginia Lynn Hyrule…will ensure the return Genny to her parents." Tikal nodded with a smile while Vanilla, Genny, Cream, Serena, and the rest of the Pokémon entered the castle.

"Well, if you must…" Vanilla murmured before looking at Virginia. "Serena tells me that you are planning on leaving."

"Vanilla, I am so sorry-"

"It's quite alright." She gave a warm smile. "We had fun while you were here. And yes, I may take you up on your offer one day."

"Hyrule will be happy to have you visit." She stood up and Virginia brought out three bowls. She placed the soup in each and served the remaining three. Genny smiled as she happily ate the healthy broth. Cream and Cheese shared the soup and were equally as happy.

"Wonderful. Just like yesterday." Vanilla complimented them and one could see the older rabbit's soul warm with the soup.

"Well, then…shall we be…" Serena's voice trailed off while she stared out the window from the kitchen.

"Serena?" Virginia questioned as the woman pointed out the window. Serena turned and lightly gasped at what she saw; a red door.

"Does Tails know about this one?" Virginia asked Tikal.

"I do not believe so. But I'll inform him." Tikal quickly approached the phone to call him. Virginia snagged the book while Serena picked up Genny. They waited while their Pokémon ate and drank their fill of food and water. A few minutes later, Tikal hung up the phone and returned to the kitchen.

"Tails has been informed that the two of you will head through the door. His request is that you call him through the holo disk he gave you when you reach the other side."

"Yes." Serena nodded as she grabbed the holo-disk. Once their Pokémon finished their food, they were returned to their balls and the three of them said goodbye before entering through the door. It was dark, but they found a light and quickly made their way towards it. Once they ran through the light, they noticed tall buildings and a grand city surrounded them.

"Where are we?" Virginia asked.

"Home…" Serena replied while admiring something in the distance. Virginia turned around and saw the giant tower that loomed over Lumiose City.

"We just made a circle? Is Gannondorf still here? We shouldn't be here."

"Call Tails. Let him know our location and then…let's split up. Since we know this city, we can see if there's anything around. Let's meet in front of the gym by sundown and we'll look over any new information if we have any.

"Agreed." Virginia leaned in and gave the most innocent kiss to her girlfriend. "…sorry."

"You're so cute." Serena smiled. "I'll take Genny…we'll find something fun to do."

"What about me?" Virginia pouted.

"Well, one of us has to work." She stuck her tongue out and walked away. Virginia giggled to herself and began heading out. While looking for clues, Virginia wandered towards the fashion part of town. She admired the fancy clothes and jewelry from the window shops.

"See something you like?" A shopkeeper asked her. Virginia turned and nodded.

"I…I'm just admiring. I do not have the money for anything. I enjoy looking at everything."

"Don't linger too long. I have no business with those without money." Virginia's smile faded and she quickly walked away to hide her worry and fear of the mean shopkeeper. Yes, she didn't have any money on her; at least not enough to purchase a ring or a necklace…but what was the harm in looking? She sent out her four Pokémon to keep her company while she walked.

"Hello, everyone." She smiled. She was greeted by yips, licks, and nuzzling. She laughed while she hugged each of her Pokémon and continued walking.

"Alright, everyone…we're looking for any trace of laguz…or…" She gasped as she saw the most beautiful dress and quickly rushed over to the window. "I'd love to buy this…" She admired the pink dress with red ribbon around the waist. Towards the bottom was elegant red frills and twin straps around the top to hold the dress upright.

'Serena would look so beautiful in this…' Virginia pressed her lips together. 'Princess Serena…ooh, I like that!' Virginia smiled as she eyed the gorgeous dress.

"That's a pretty dress, isn't it?" Virginia turned to see an old friend from Kanto. She had bright orange hair, a yellow tank top which exposed her midriff, blue short shorts, red suspenders, and red sneakers with short white athletic socks.

"Misty!" Virginia exclaimed as she hugged the gym leader of Cerulean City. "Oh my gosh! It's been so long. What are you doing here?"

"My sisters are back in town, and I deserve a vacation. I remember your stories about how wonderful Lumiose City is and so, here I am. But what are you doing here? And where's Serena? You two were always together."

"I'm just…taking a stroll with my friends." She gestured towards the Pokémon around her. Aqua was the first one to approach the new individual.

"Hey you!" She hugged the water Pokémon and laughed as she licked her cheek. "Aw, I missed you too." Eventually, the other three approached Virginia's ally and were happy that she was around. "You were really admiring that dress. Are you planning on buying it?"

"No…I was…I was thinking."

"…care to share?"

"Princess Serena…" Virginia snapped back to reality and covered her mouth with a hand.

"Prin…" Misty's eyes grew big as she gasped. "No way. You…and Serena? Did you-"

"No…well, not yet. I…I don't have a ring yet. But, I really, really, really want to."

"Oh my God, Virginia…" Misty hugged her friend. "You don't need a ring. Just ask her."

"Are you crazy? Of course I need a ring. But…but what if she doesn't feel the same way?" Virginia felt something hit the side of her head, followed by K-9 growling at Misty. "Ow! What was that for?" She placed a hand on K-9's head. "Calm down, boy…she didn't mean anything by it. She's…just concerned." She reassured her most trusted Pokémon.

"Don't ask stupid questions. Serena doesn't care about that. If you ask her, she's going to say yes. And you better invite me to the wedding. No fuck that, I'm coming regardless if you invite me." Misty said with a stern tone and a smirk. Virginia chuckled lightly before looking away from her.

"I'm not as confident as Sam. I'm…I'm scared." Virginia admitted. "Scared of being alone…scared of losing those I care about. You know my sister's dead? I…I couldn't save her." She looked down with gloom. "I don't want to lose Serena…I can't lose Serena. If she's gone…then…" Virginia's eyes began watering once more. "…what else can I live for?"

"So ask her!" Misty insisted. "We're wasting time."

"We're…also looking for a child's parents."

"You have a lost child with you?"

"Well, she's with Serena. I'm supposed to be looking for clues or any sort of hint that maybe her parents came by here, but I got…distracted."

"By the rings and gems and fancy clothes?" Misty hinted and Virginia nodded her head. "Typical Virginia. Always worried about others when she should be selfish and worry about herself."

"Well, what am I supposed to say?" Virginia questioned with anger in her voice.

"Virginia, I'm just-"

"Am I supposed to walk up to her and speak the truth? That I don't want her to be my girlfriend anymore? Do you think it's easy for me to be open and truthful about my feelings?"

"I never said-"

"What am I supposed to say, Misty? I love her. I adore her. She gives me strength when I am weak…she gives me hope when I want to give up. I want to be honest, but…I'm scared."

"Look, if it helps, I'll go with you. For emotional support. You can lean on me, alright?" Virginia sniffled and wiped her eyes.

"…sorry…the last few days…it's been a lot. I just…I don't know what to do. I can't do this alone. This is the biggest decision of my life and there's no one else I'd rather spend the rest of my life with."

"Don't tell me this stuff. Tell her. She's got to be around here somewhere." Misty grabbed her hand and started searching for Serena.

"But…now? Misty, why now? Of all the places you could've gone, why here? There are plenty of great places that…" Misty's expression looked softer and her eyes began watering. Virginia knew the real reason Misty came here. "No…not them…they…are they…" Misty sniffled and nodded her head.

"It happened so fast. I…I barely had time to leave. Whatever flight I could get on…I left everything behind." Her lip trembled. "I'm…I don't know about the others."

"Misty…" Virginia hugged the woman. "Talk to Professor Sycamore. He'll provide you with room and board. Or Clemont…given what's happened, I bet he'll want to give you shelter."

"No…I…let's talk about something else. I stopped crying a few days ago." Misty wiped away her tears. "I need to stay positive. I can't dwell on what I've lost. I need to focus on the future. You mind if we…look around a bit more?" Virginia smiled and nodded while the two walked around hand-in-hand at the town.

"What misadventures have you been getting into?" Misty joked. "Who's this little girl you keep talking about?"

"Her name is Genny. She's a laguz girl and we've just found her home. At least, I think we've found her home. We were just on Mobius, and-"

"Mobius? Where's that?"

"Oh. It's…um…" Virginia wasn't actually quite sure where, or even how far, Mobius was from where they were. "It's far. Like, really far. Anyway…a friend named Tikal translated this book." She held it up to show her friend. "It's in Elvish and-"

"Can I see?" Misty inquired. Virginia handed the book over and Misty glanced over it.

"I…are you sure it's in Elvish?" Misty asked. "I…I kind of know Elvish…well, I watched Lord of the Rings, and studied a bit of Elvish. I don't recognize-"

"It's our only lead. We must act on it." Virginia insisted. Misty continued flipping through the pages and then stopped in her tracks. "What?" Virginia questioned.

"These things…these…robots…I've seen them." Misty pointed at one of the pictures. They…They had this…thing. It looked like a bomb, or something. There was this timer…I remember the entire city was engulfed in some kind of…purple and black…something. I don't know."

"A bomb?!" Virginia stared at her ally. "I was never told there was a bomb. Why was there a bomb?"

"I don't know. They…there was this one…robot. He was in some kind of green attire. He didn't attack anyone. Even when we attacked him. He just…watched. We deserted the city in two hours before the timer started…three minutes…that's all the time we had."

"I wasn't aware of this. I knew there was one bomb at the stadium…But a second bomb…none of this makes sense." Virginia groaned and scratched her head.

"What's important is that we find Serena now." Misty grabbed her hand and the two began searching high and low for Virginia's girlfriend. Building by building, they checked high and low, but unfortunately, Serena was nowhere to be found.

"Where could she be?" Virginia quietly uttered as they saw Bonnie and her little mouse Pokémon walking by the town. Dedenne was nibbling on a piece of cheese and Bonnie was happily holding a couple of bags full of food.

"Bonnie!" Virginia called out. She turned, but did not break her stride as she continued walking.

"What…is she ignoring me?" Virginia questioned.

"Rude…" Misty added while they chased her down.

"Bonnie!" Virginia called out again, but this time, she didn't bother looking back. Virginia finally caught up to her and stepped in front of her. "Bonnie, why are you ignoring me?"

"You're such a jerk, you know that!" Bonnie yelled with pure anger at Virginia.

"What do you mean? Bonnie-"

"Serena heard you. She heard you say you didn't want her as your girlfriend. Serena took Genny and ran. She left town. I bet she's already at the airport or something. You're such a jerk." She quickly ran off; leaving Misty and Virginia all alone.

"That was out of context." Virginia stated. "That was out of context!" She yelled, but Bonnie didn't look back. "She…She's gone. Misty, she's gone. Genny…and Serena…I…" She gave a heavy sigh and began quietly crying. "I've lost everything…I can't…I can't go on."

"Oh come, on…there…we'll find her. Let's go see Officer Jenny. Maybe she's seen her and she can point us in the right direction." Virginia quietly sobbed while her orange haired ally ran with her towards the police station. Once they arrived, they saw an older young man talking with Officer Jenny.

"…heading home. I didn't know what to do, so I came here." He finished explaining.

"What was her name?" She asked him.

"Serena Yvonne. She was with a young girl…Genny, I think her name was."

"Clemont." Misty called out and approached the two of them.

"Yes?" He turned and saw the princess. "Virginia? You're here…what happened? Serena was on her way home and she was…she was terribly upset. Something about wishing you were dead, how you're such a heartless woman…what happened? You two were the best of friends."

"She misheard me. I said something and she didn't stay to hear what I really meant."

"You don't want her as your girlfriend?" Clemont questioned while adjusting his glasses.

"I want her as my wife." Virginia admitted while rubbing her eyes. "You said she went home?" Clemont nodded and with that, Virginia bolted as quickly as she could. Under no circumstance would she let the best thing to ever happen to her walk out of her life. Even if it meant abandoning everything, she needed to win her back; no matter what.