A/N: Fun fact: Did you know that I had this chapter typed up for two months but didn't submit it because of everything that's happening in my life at the moment? Yep. That's a thing.
Hello my lovely readers. Sorry for keeping you in the dark for so long, but college is a struggle. There's so many new responsibilities placed upon you, it's kind of overwhelming. With that being said, that doesn't mean I've quit writing the story. I'm still interested in it, but I need to prioritize my life first. Once I have everything settled, expect to see stable uploads again. I felt bad that I had this chappie for so long, so here you go! I hope you enjoy it!
Chapter 33: A Psychic Guardian's Perspective: Bonnie and Clemont
Day 5
I wake up to see Meyer and Bonnie sitting at my bedside with worried aces. I can see them both lighten up as they notice me stirring. Bonnie gives me a small hug while Meyer simply smiles. I'm more surprised that Bonnie is out of her room than anything else. I hug her back, proud of her.
"We were getting worried." Meyer says once he notices me awake.
"Part of me was wondering if you were going to end up like Ash and Aurora after flying off with Raven. You've been sleeping for most of the day." Bonnie says. I notice the sun high into the sky when I look at the window. I realize that it's about late afternoon. I didn't expect to sleep that long. My mind wonders off to something else.
"Meyer, you know about Raven?" I blink my eyes when Meyer doesn't seem too surprised. He nods.
"Yes. I should give that lady my thanks for helping Bonnie. Bonnie told me all about her once she woke up and how she inspired her not to give in to her fear… which included leaving her room. I'd say Bonnie is almost back to her usual self." Meyer tells me with a grin.
"Almost?" I'm a bit confused by his word choice. Bonnie suddenly seems a bit sadder.
"Yeah. I did still get a nightmare last night… but it wasn't as bad as before. However, I wanted to wait until you woke up so you can be there while I shake Aurora's hand. I'm still too afraid to go near her and I feel comfort when you're near me." Bonnie admits. My eyes soften and I immediately nod.
I bring out my hand for Bonnie to take. She accepts easily. Meyer gives her a thumbs up as he watches us go toward Aurora's couch. Bonnie slows her pace the closer we get to her. Eventually, she stops a few feet away from her. I look back at Bonnie with a small reassuring smile and give her a gentle squeeze. Bonnie looks up at me. I hope she can see the look in my eyes. I would never let anything happen to her.
It seems she trusts that because she lets go of my hand and advances closer toward the unconscious woman. She's now standing right in front of her. Bonnie looks back at me anxiously. I nod and gesture her to go ahead. Bonnie slowly reaches forward. Inch by inch, the distance between the two hands lessen. Before I know it, Bonnie manages to feel Aurora's hand. I was about to congratulate her for conquering her fear when I notice that Aurora's marks are glowing. Bonnie immediately becomes spooked.
"AHH!" Bonnie jumps away from Aurora and immediately runs behind me. She looks at the sleeping lady wearily. Aurora's marks promptly stops glowing. Meyer comes from upstairs and sees her trembling. He immediately looks sad. I mouth to him, 'She was really close'. He nods.
"Bonnie?" I ask in an unsure voice. I feel her shaking madly. I can sense her fear. Bonnie's eyes close tightly.
"Please… don't hurt me…" Bonnie seems to be in her own world because it seems she's ignoring me. She keeps repeating that to herself. I wonder if in her nightmares, Aurora's marks glow like this. I have no way of knowing unless I ask and I'm sure not asking her now. I get on my knees and clutch her shoulders firmly, but gently.
"Bonnie, it's alright! It's OK…" I say to snap her out of it. Sure enough, she begins to respond to my voice.
"Serena…" Bonnie opens her eyes and looks sad. I can see tears welling up in her eyes.
"It's alright…" I say as I wipe her tears away. Bonnie sniffles slightly and looks at Aurora again.
"I… I… I couldn't do it…" Bonnie says, trembling in her spot. She sniffles again, "I feel awful. I know she's nice, but…"
"Bonnie, do you want to tell me more about your nightmares? Maybe that will help you gather enough courage to grab Aurora's hand." I suggest while gently interrupting her.
"…" She stays silent and look down.
"Bonnie…" I encourage her to answer.
"…I do." She finally says after a few moments. I make a welcoming smile to help her speak her mind. She looks at me with a small frown before starting, "When I fall asleep, I always find myself in a forest. I'm usually alone. Then, I begin walking through the forest. Eventually, I find Clemont, but I never see you. It's weird. After walking for a few minutes, I always smell smoke and see fire in the distance. Curious and concerned, I go and check, but I find Aurora causing the fire. She looks at me all creepily and traps me in fire herself. She spouts how she's going to m-make my l-life miserable and…"
Bonnie is speaking faster and faster the more she speaks. She's also beginning to shake more again. "Every time she gets close to me the fire travels up my body and become even stronger… and every time the dream is ending, I die within the fire and Aurora's marks glow intensely. All this… while Clemont can't do anything to help because she always knocks him out immediately. I never do see you. When I see Ash, his marks are glowing just like Aurora's, but he either disappears or does nothing but watch. He doesn't protect us like he did in the actual attack."
"…" I'm not sure how to respond to that.
"Those 'z's on hers and Ash's face have come to mean terror to me. When Aru first showed her marks to us as she attacked Chari, I was horrified because she was beating her Pokémon." Bonnie admits.
"Do you feel that way for all marks?" I close my eyes and concentrate. Slowly, a heart shaped mark appears at my chest. Bonnie steps back slightly, then moves close to inspect it further. She traces the shape with her finger. I laugh slightly at her touch. It seems my response calmed her down.
"No… it's just Ash's and Aurora's. I think your mark is pretty." Bonnie complements. I respond with a blush.
"Bonnie, I have two marks, but for some reason, I can only show off my guardian mark. Maybe it's because I'm not focusing on my psychic side yet." I tell her. She nods.
"I guess…" Bonnie looks at Aurora gloomily and sighs. "I wish there was something else I can do to get close to her again."
"I think you should keep trying to go near her. Remember what Raven said, alright? Focus on the good things Aurora has done." I advise.
"Well… I do appreciate the large breakfast she made for us. I also like the Poké Bars she made for us, too." Bonnie begins to say absentmindedly. I lightly push her toward Aurora as she continues to think of positive things Aurora has done. I also remind her of how she saved Clemont and I from Ashton's wrath, even though Bonnie was asleep at the time. Bonnie widens her eyes and nods. She begins to move a bit closer without me. When she realizes this, I gesture her to keep moving on her own.
Bonnie is now standing right in front of the sleeping Aurora. She's looking down at the lady, breathing heavily. With a shaky hand, she reaches for Aurora's hand again. I hold my breath slightly in suspense. Closing her eyes, Bonnie finally touches Aurora's hand without moving away. Aurora's marks are glowing once again, but Bonnie can't see them at the moment.
"W-when can I open my eyes again?" Bonnie stutters, knowing she'll lose her resolve if she sees Aurora's marks glowing again.
"Bonnie…" Aurora says in a small voice.
"Aurora…?" Bonnie gasps in surprise.
"Bonnie… I… can feel you…" Aurora murmurs in her sleep. "I sense… how scared you are. Do not… be afraid of what… you don't understand."
"Aurora, are you awake?" Bonnie asks, though I can tell she is somewhat spooked.
"No… not completely. I'm… speaking with you… because you are interacting me through touch. My marks… are a medium of communication… when I'm unconscious… but I'm still much too weak… to wake up on my own." She says after seemingly struggling. I wonder what's wrong with her. I notice that Bonnie opened her eyes, but she isn't moving away. If anything, she is more concerned about Aurora than afraid. I make a small smile at Bonnie's improvement.
"What's keeping you so weak?" Bonnie asks.
"The third part… of the conflict… and me just finishing a trial. Don't sweat… the details… though." Aurora barely speaks above a whisper.
"What? How are you talking with everything you've been through?" Bonnie said with a bit of force behind her voice.
"I don't… have much energy left to speak to you… like this. I must… rest for my future… lesson." Aurora's voice seems to be withering. It's getting weaker and harder to hear her the more she speaks.
"You've been resting way too much!" Bonnie points out.
"It's… hard to explain everything. Bonnie… is Serena or Clemont in the room with you? If they are, let them… touch my hand so… I can sense them." Aurora requests. I immediately move forward and touch her hand. Aurora's marks seemingly glow brighter. She comments, "My, my… someone… has been getting stronger… lately. Nice."
"Aurora, you know that I've been training?" I gasp in surprise.
"I can… sense you more… in tune with your… aura." Aurora's marks are beginning to dim down. She says in a more urgent voice, "I want to let you to know… that Ash and I… will be fine. I know… everyone has been… worrying about Ash… and Aru's attack… has been demoralizing. I also know… that everyone is strong. Please… stay strong. I hope… you guys don't… hate Aru or myself… for what we've done…"
"Aurora, we don't hate you." I say in a confident voice. Aurora chuckles as if I'm naïve.
"Perhaps… resent is a better word choice. I… don't have… any more energy. To continue speaking… will cause a strain… from where I am…" Aurora's marks are now almost completely dim. I'm confused with how she phrased that last part. She's now speaking with what seems to be a mix of her voice and Aru's, "Keep… getting stronger, Serena. Don't… give in to your fears, Bonnie. As for Clemont… I hope whatever bruises I inflicted on him are better and that's he's feeling better as well. I know we will wake up soon… and once we do… I'll try to do something to make up what I've done. Farewell, girls…"
As she finishes her statement, her marks stop glowing and she goes into deep slumber again. However, she left me with many questions. Why was she able to speak with us now of all times? What trials are she and Ash going through? Is Ash still in his trial? Not sure what to do, I decide to get Rio's Poke Ball and summon him. The jackal immediately responds to my call and looks at the snoozing Aurora. He then sniffs her and growls. He immediately forms a bone club and points it at me and Bonnie. Bonnie shrieks and moves behind me. Meyer looks ready to defend Bonnie. I stand in front of the two of them to avoid a conflict.
Rio snarls at me, "Where is she?! This is nothing more than a Substitute in her shape!"
"What… what?!" I look down and touch her head. I even place my ear against her heart. I hear actual heartbeats. She seems perfectly real. However, Rio snarls and forces my hand away with his aura grip. I'm shocked by his rough pull.
"You won't be able to tell that way! Tell me where she is. You've had to have something to do with it. All the other humans are weak compared to you." Rio accuses me. Although I'm confused by his crabby tone, I begin to get annoyed myself. I won't have him talking to me like that or insult Bonnie and Meyer.
"No, I didn't. Do you really think I'm that skilled to replace her with something seemingly real?" I shout at the enraged guardian partner. Rio inspects my eyes, seemingly to see if I'm lying or not. Then, he sighs and taps one of Aurora's other Poké Balls. A small cream and pink Pokémon with ribbon-like feelers and large blue eyes appeared. Her expression is immediately stern and she sniffs Aurora. Her fur stiffens up and she looks at me, Bonnie and Meyer with a frown.
"Aurora… what happened to her? This one is similar, but it's not one the one I know and love." Happy points out.
"Happy… inspect if this hybrid is lying about what she knows." Rio requests.
"Why would I lie about-" I start, but I get interrupted.
"Silence!" Rio creates a shockwave of power and his eyes turn sharp and deadly. We're all pushed back by the sheer power of Rio and get knocked down on the ground. Happy gasps in shock at the fighting type and sighs in sadness. It seems she's never seen him like this before. "Happy… please. I don't like being this emotionally detached from Aurora. I can't feel any of her wisdom and experiences... and it's freaking me out."
"I understand." Happy nods. She helps me, Bonnie and Meyer up. "Serena, I'm sorry about Rio. He's probably the most worried out of all of us. Now… tell me what you said to Rio before I came out."
"I don't know where Aurora is and I summoned Rio to help us figure out what we should do." I explain. Happy looks into my eyes for a few moments and nods to herself.
"Rio, she's telling the truth." Happy points out almost instantly and says it as if it was obvious."I know you know that, too. Seems like you're taking some of your anger toward psychics out on her… which is quite unbecoming of Aurora's Wisdom. You know better. She isn't like the ones we've faced in the past."
"…" Rio immediately looks away from everyone and makes his weapon disappears. He says to me, "My apologies for being so rash, human. I normally don't let my emotions get to me. I think we should wait and ask Raven if she can sense Aurora's location because I can't."
Happy steps forward and places her paws on Aurora. She closes her eyes and concentrates. With her eyes closed, she says, "I can tell you where she is. Aurora is in the Tree of Beginning. She's being kept there while being protected by Mew. This Substitute is imbued with Aurora's aura and is one of Mew's copies to help protect her. Since the Substitute has some of Aurora's essence, Aurora could communicate with the humans here for a brief time because she's aware of how long she and Ash have been unconscious. It also seems Mew transferred her while everyone was asleep last night."
"Happy, how can you sense all this?" I say in awe. The pixie chuckles.
"I can sense just as well as she can. Aurora may not be fully aware of what's happening, but she's spoken to us like this before, specifically during her coma. She must care for you all deeply because she would not have spoken otherwise." Happy explains. I widen my eyes in understanding. Happy continues, "I'm sorry if all of this has weirded you out, but I know my trainer bear no ill intentions. I think the best thing everyone can do is ride out the rest of Mew's trial until both Ash and Aurora wakes up completely. Until then, continue to do whatever you've been doing for the past few days."
As she said that, she returns herself and Rio back into their capsules. Meyer, Bonnie and I all look at Aurora and her bag with an indescribable expression.
Meyer asks and clutches Bonnie's shoulders gently, "Are you alright?"
"I'll be fine, Papa. I just wish what Aurora said wasn't true." Bonnie turns away from us. She's trembling slightly, "She's right. I do resent her, but that's mostly because of the aftermath of her attack. Clemont's cooked up in his gym… I've been having nightmares and Serena and you have been so worried about both of us. I feel so selfish."
"Bonnie…" Both Meyer and I sigh in sadness.
"I may not be able to help how I feel, but I do want to grow from this. I need to come to better terms with my emotions. So, I'll keep trying to get close to Aurora… alone." Bonnie decides with a determined gaze. She turns to me, "Serena, can you check on Clemont? I want you to let him know that I'm feeling better and also let him know not to worry so much."
"Got it." I agree.
"Now… I need to do this. Papa, if I scream in fear, don't come. I need to handle this myself." Bonnie says in a stern tone. Meyer seems to be reluctant to agree, but complies anyway. Bonnie thanks him under her breath. I decide now is as good as a time as any to see Clemont.
My mind can't help but wonder about everything that just happened as I walk to Prism Tower. I had no idea about Aurora having the ability to speak with people as she's unconscious. She must have garnered enough energy to speak, but it seems to have taken a lot out of her. I wonder how Mew teleported her actual body away while we were sleep. She must be some legendary in a league of her own.
I see the tower in the distance. It always looks so awesome but now I see how it's dimmed. I wonder how many challengers have come… and if they did come, did he make Clembot battle for him?
I once again enter the tower and go through the murky green hallway. It somehow feels creepier than when I was first here. That's saying something. I feel like the machines are even more broken down than they were before and the actual interior of the tower feels like… I don't know… some place I wouldn't want to disturb. Despite this, I keep walking forward until I'm at the entrance to the battlefield, but it is closed. I knock as loudly as I could to get some sort of response.
Just like a few days ago, I hear Clembot's voice to greet me. "Salutations, Serena! What shall I help you with today?"
"I want to see Clemont." I say immediately.
"Very well. I will guide you to him." The bot responds.
It takes a few moments for anything to happen, but eventually, the door opens and Clembot is standing there greeting me. I can see he looks the same, but it seems like Clemont is relying on Clembot to deal with visitors while he continues to research whatever he's trying to research. The robot eventually guides me to his master's backroom. There are multiple books splatted all over the floor, even more than two days ago. I see Clemont hard at hard inventing something. It appears small, but it's the most sophisticated piece of technology I've seen from him yet.
"Clemont?" I say, breaking the silence. Clemont gasps at my voice.
"Serena…? What are you doing here?" Clemont asks.
"I want to make sure you're alright. I never see you around anymore since the beginning of Ash's and Aurora's comas." I respond.
"I'm… I'm… alright." Clemont says.
He continues to work on his invention and I stand there, awkwardly watching him while also being quiet. Then, after a few minutes, I decide to say, "Clemont… You can't keep doing this."
"Keep doing what?" He asks quizzically. I cross my arms and frown.
"You're smarter than that. I know you know what I mean." I respond. Clemont stops working on his machine. His eyes are hidden in his glasses and he's shuddering.
"What choice do I have, Serena? Tell me." Clemont snaps at me fiercely. I jump back at the change in tone. He snarls, "Bonnie hasn't been herself lately. Ash is in a coma… and it's all because of some stupid guardian conflict? How does that make any sense? Nothing has been making sense lately! Everything was normal until Aurora showed up and now everything is upside down. I'm only helping in the way I know how!"
"Clemont…" I'm not sure what to say about his sudden outburst. He can't help how he feels.
"Just leave me alone. At least when I build machines, there are some semblance of normalcy left…" Clemont says in a wistful voice. I begin to frown again by his response and quickly get annoyed. I don't think he's thinking clearly.
"Clemont, just listen for two seconds." I say.
"Leave, Serena." He shakes his head and shoos me away.
"No." I say in a forceful tone.
"Clembot… can you escort Serena out?" Clemont says in a slight sigh. Clembot nods and reaching for my hand. I look at the disgruntled inventor in shock and disgust. I'm not going to let him push me away like Bonnie had been doing to me two days before.
"I said no!" As I said this, my hand begins to glow pink and sparks begin to form. Clemont short-circuits upon being exposed to my aura. Clemont seems to be at a lost. He's looking at me slightly fearfully. I step back in surprise myself.
"What... did you do to Clembot?!" He could barely choke out. I'm beginning to feel guilty for doing that, but I hold my ground. He looks like he doesn't know what of think of me.
"Not enough to seriously damage him. Just listen!" I say.
"…" No response. I sigh and begin speaking.
"Bonnie has been making strides to make herself feel better. She's beginning to overcome her fear of being near Aurora. Don't you think you should just help her instead of staying cooked up your lab? Has the conflict really caused you to want to stay away, too?" As I say this, my guardian mark appears on my chest. Clemont is stunned and backs away slightly. I sigh and continue, "If that's the case, you've been acting really selfish. It feels like I've been the better sibling to her… and she isn't even my younger sister."
"…" Clemont is still silent after that and is looking down.
"Look… I have no idea what's going through your mind right now. I know this aura stuff is hard to deal with… especially since this is the first time you've seen this. However, what happened to the calm and wise Clemont I've grown to know?" I continue.
"…" Clemont still isn't giving a response.
"You can keep helping in the way you like, I guess, but… I just wanted to pass Bonnie's message to you." I say. I decide that I should leave so maybe he'll be a bit more receptive later. I moved toward the exit.
"Wait." Clemont grabs my hand before I can leave. I gasp in surprise and turn around. I can't see Clemont's eyes through his glasses. He says while looking at my hand, "You're right. I have been selfish. However, I really have been trying to help in my own way."
"What is it?" I asked. Clemont moved his head up and revealed his now determined blue eyes were. I'm shocked at his intensity. He tightens his grip and directs me to the machine he'd been tweaking. I'm not sure what to make of it. It looks incredibly complicated, even for Clemont. It's clear he's been working hard on it.
"I've been trying to build a machine to see if we can enter Ash's dreams to see what's up. I was hoping I could help him wake up or we can at lease see what's going on in his head. I just finished this invention, but I had been finalizing it when you showed up." Clemont explained. I widen my eyes in understanding. However, I know I need to tell him this.
"Clemont, I don't think you should try and look in his dreams." I shake my head. Clemont seems surprised what I would say that and seems to be slightly angry.
"Why not?" Clemont asks in a controlled tone.
"I understand why you'd want to help this way, but trust me, the last time that was tried, Chi-Chi got hit by an attack so strong almost caused her to faint. I don't want to see Mew attack you in the same way." I explain to him. The blond inventor is understandably confused.
"Mew? Serena, what does Mew have to do with any of this?" He asks me.
I begin to explain about everything that happened in the past five days including Mew, Aurora's partners trying to learn some barrier technique to protect us and Raven's visits. I explain to him the things Raven told me and how Mew is the main cause of everything that's happening now. I end it off with telling him that Aurora spoke to us while unconscious. I don't tell him of my mom's and Raven's past as I still feel sensitive on the subject. Clemont puts a hand on his head to take in all the information. I make sure I give him time to digest everything's he has heard.
"Why…? Why did she make us all go through this? To teach Ash and Aurora something?" Clemont says after a few minutes. I shrug.
"That's something I'm trying to figure out. I've never met Mew, so I do not know. I have no idea how she'll be with us." I admit. To be honest, I'm quite afraid to meet her. I don't know how she'll be like. Is she scary… or is she kind? Maybe both.
Clemont now looks slight dejected and looks at his invention in sadness. I feel awful. He's been working so hard on helping and I just smashed any hopes of his way working. Clemont shakes his head and grabs his invention and places it in his backpack. Then, he grabs a few Poke Balls. He seems to be preparing for something.
Confused, I ask, "What are you doing?"
"I'm going to try anyway." Clemont answers immediately. I widen my eyes and shake my head.
"What? Clemont, I don't know what Mew might do to you. Think about-" I begin, but Clemont cuts me off.
"I'm done thinking, Serena. I've been thinking too much. I think it's about time for me to act instead. Even if this doesn't work, I must try for my friend's sake. I'm not going to bail on Ash… and the sooner I do this, the sooner I can be there for Bonnie again." Clemont tells me in a way I know I won't be able to sway his otherwise. I sigh, then nod. I help him grab all his stuff. Then, the two of us leaves Prism Tower.
I'm noticing the sun is getting closer and closer to sunset. I know Raven will come here very soon, but I feel the need to help Clemont with this. Clemont and I eventually make our way back to the house. Upon entering, we notice that Bonnie has fallen asleep right under Aurora with Meyer sitting across the room, watching the two of them. Bonnie holding on to Aurora's hand as she snoozes. Clemont's eyes quickly turn soft. He approaches his younger sister, gets on his knees and caresses her cheek.
In the corner of my eye, I notice Meyer smiling in approval. I'm happy, too. Everyone is slowly getting back to themselves. Clemont turns and regards his father. He seems a bit sad. Meyer gets up and ruffles his son's hair.
"I'm so happy you're out of the lab. You always stay cooked up in your lab when you're upset about something." Meyer points out.
"I… had a bit of a change of heart." Clemont glances at me with a smile before continuing. "I want to try something with Ash upstairs. I've invented a device relating to the guardian conflict."
Meyer raised an eyebrow and nods. However, he seems slightly uncomfortable. I wonder why. He hesitates when he says, "I see. I wish for the best in your attempt to help."
Clemont sighs and seemed to expect his father's response. I feel like the two are having a second conversation that I can't pick up on about a past experience with Clemont's inventions. He then says with a determined expression, "Thank you, Dad. Er… before I go, can you tell me more about Bonnie? I see that she's out of her room. Why is she on the floor?"
Meyer laughs slightly and looks at me. Then he says to Clemont, "After Serena left to get you, Bonnie tried to get close to Aurora again. At first, she struggled again, screaming. I tried my best to ignore her like she requested, but it was hard. However, a few minutes ago, I checked in when I didn't hear her scream. To my surprise, she was holding on to Aurora's hand sleeping in the same position you're seeing her in."
"I'm glad she's feeling better. I'm upset at myself that I didn't help her when she needed it most." Clemont said while looking down.
Meyer made a sad smile and put his hand on his shoulder. He shook his head. "Don't be. People have diverse ways to deal with their problems. You just weren't ready to help Bonnie a few days ago and that's alright. It's good to take some time to think by yourself, as long as you don't sulk about too long. The important thing is that you both are feeling strong enough to move past this guardian conflict. That's all I want."
"Thank you, Dad. I'm sorry that I've worried you." Clemont says. Meyer laughs heartily for the first time in days. He gives his son a nuggie. Clemont laughs at well.
"I'm just glad that you're feeling better. Now go and see if your little doohickey will help." Meyer winks before sitting back down to read his newspaper. Clemont and I look at each other before heading to Ash.
Once we make it to Ash's bed, we see that he's restless, moving about fiercely. Pikachu seems to be at a lost at what to do. I haven't really seen Pikachu too much because he's always in Ash's room, sitting on top on Ash's head or gone to who knows where. It seems he's become a bit more overprotective of his partner. However, I notice Pikachu looks more hardened than before. I wonder why. Pikachu suddenly perks up his ears. Ash is murmuring, "Mew…"
"Mew?" Clemont sounds like he's surprised. It seems like he didn't completely believe me until now. Pikachu narrows his eyes and sparks forms from his cheeks. Clemont seems alarmed by Pikachu's reaction. I am, too. I wonder if Pikachu has been interacting with Aurora's Pokémon when I'm not noticing.
"Oh Arceus, what is she doing to you?" I say while caressing his cheek.
"Mew…. where are you? Ashton…. You gotta feel better…" Ash continues to say. He keeps repeating those words.
"Pikapi…" Pikachu said sadly. I know that Pikachu said 'Ash'.
"Jeez. We better see what's going on in his head." Clemont says. Hearing Ash's voice changed something in me. I suddenly don't think this is a good idea. Why would he be looking for Mew? What is wrong with Ashton? I feel like if we try, we might tamper with something. Clemont shakes his head in disagreement.
"And do what? It's not like we'll be able to enter his dreams." I argue.
"I'm not sure that we can either… at least not with science." Clemont says into Ash's closed eyes. "Science is never certain, but that doesn't mean we can't try! Let's just see what's going on so we have a better idea if Ash is alright or not."
Suddenly, Clemont's invention begins to spark wildly. Clemont gasps in surprise. Then, it breaks down in his hands. Clemont gasps and I'm shocked. Clemont looks like he's freaking out. I'm wondering what happened to the machine. It looked perfectly fine a few minutes ago.
"You're lucky that you are human, dear. I don't like to attack humans, especially a human this close to my Ketchum. You best tell your friend not to interfere, or there will be worse consequences." I hear in my mind. Spooked, I begin to look around me, but to no avail.
"Pika?!" Pikachu looked around in shock just as much as I am. He jumped right on my shoulder and looked around him.
"Did you just hear that?" I say, slightly afraid. Clemont looks at me quizzically and seems to wonder why I would say that as his invention just broke down in front of him.
"Hear what?" Clemont asks.
"You… didn't hear that. I just got threatened…." I say in disbelief. Wait, this must be her. The pink demon Raven spoke of. Mew.
"Threatened?" Clemont seems hopelessly lost.
"He won't be able to hear me. Pikachu and you are haring me. Psychic guardian, you are speaking with me because you are Ash's mate. Pikachu can hear this because he is Ash's most well bonded guardian partner. As such, you two are close to him and thus close to me. I think that it's cute you want to help your mate, but do not challenge my will. I hope you'll understand." Mew chuckles in a child-like voice. I'm getting creeped out and frightened. How is Mew speaking to me in my mind? Shouldn't she be in Ash's and Aurora's dreams? I'm so confused.
"Why are you speaking with me?" I say aloud. Clemont is looking at me like I'm crazy.
"I just told you why, child." Mew responds simply. She continues, "Ash and Aurora will wake eventually. Do not try to force it."
"I… won't try to force them awake, if only to prevent any consequences. I want to know something from you instead."
"What is it, dear?"
"I figured out that you caused the conflict, but why did you do it? Why did you force Ash and Aurora to be like this?"
"Interesting. Humans are always so interesting." Mew titters a bit. Then she says, "Well, young hybrid, I forced them to be like this to make them stronger in the long run. I would never want to harm them, but I am willing to put them through tough situations to make them strong. That's how nature is… and I am Mother Nature. In a few years… all of this would have been worth it. For now, I see that this is causing them and you misery. For that, I apologize."
"…" I don't know what to say. I didn't expect to hear an apology, especially from Mew.
"I understand the feeling of wanting to see your mate back with you. Trust me. It's a hard feeling not being able to see him…." I hear a pause. Then I hear, "I also know that things happen for a reason. You must trust in that. Everything that's happened has happened for a reason."
"I don't like the way you are going about this. What kind of patron threatens her beneficiaries' lives?" I growl at her.
"The kind of patron that knows what's best for the world and wants to prevent another apocalypse from occurring. You know nothing about what has happened the first time I left the situation alone. I don't care what anyone says… my Ketchums are in trials to sharpen their mind and spirit." I don't know what to think and my face contorts with confusion. Clemont seems to be getting more and more confused, but stays quiet. Mew snorts, "Your reaction to my statement is to be expected."
"I see I can't sway you. However, can you promise me this?" I ask.
"Yes?"
"Whatever Ash and Aurora is doing in their dreams… make sure they don't get too hurt. Make sure they don't get nightmares and that they'll be alright. When Ash wakes up, I just want to see him alright." I request from the bottom from my heart. I hear laughter echoing in my head.
"Interesting. You have the qualities to be an excellent mother and wife. Ash has chosen well." I suddenly turn completely red after she said that. I don't know how to respond to that. Clemont tilts his head in confusion. Mew continues, "I… already got that sort of request from Aurora regarding Ash's trial. She doesn't want me to push him too hard today and I shall oblige once I find Ash in his dream. Don't worry about Ash. You need to be worrying about getting stronger."
"Stronger?" I ask.
"Yep. I imagine your teacher is in here right now, but isn't revealing herself. Your friend needs to leave before she will show herself." Mew laughs again. I suddenly become more self-conscious. I can't tell if Raven is in here. That's an unsettling feeling.
"I see." I sigh and turn to Clemont. "Clemont, can you leave for a few minutes? I need to be… alone."
"Serena…" He wants to question me, but doesn't know what to say.
"I'm sorry, Clemont. I just need some time to take in what I just heard from Mew. Also, I think you should tell your dad what's happening." I respond. Clemont seems to be a little surprised that I mentioned hearing anything from Mew. He makes a curt nod.
"I understand." Clemont says, but then slumps his shoulders. He quietly leaves the room. I feel terrible for sending him away without a good explanation, but I rather not surprise him with Raven's sudden appearance. Clemont makes one small nod before leaving. I sigh in sadness. I call out, "Raven?"
"Impressive… at least… that's what I would say if I knew you were the one who sensed me." Raven suddenly revealed herself to be sitting right beside Ash. I jump back in surprise. She looks around the room with a frown. "I've been listening in on your conversation with Mew. What Mew was referring to when she said 'another apocalypse' is the First Great Prophecy. The prophecy I told you about is the Second Great Prophecy. Mew is trying to fight to prevent the Second Great Prophecy's passing. Mew is a strange one, isn't she?"
"Always and forever. Keep doing what you're doing, Raven. The hybrid needs as much help as she can get before she properly meets me." Mew said in a serious tone.
"Yeah, I kind of figured as much. I want her to do well against you." Raven winks toward me.
"What do you two mean?" I ask. Raven suddenly looks anxious.
"Before Mew properly considers a Ketchum's love interest a suitable mate for said Ketchum, she will challenge the person to a guardian duel. If she thinks you are worthy, she will allow you to stay with Ash. If not, well…" Raven tugs her poncho by the neck and gulps slightly. She's laughing nervously. I suddenly have a chill down my spine. I can't hear Mew either. Raven says in a slightly high pitched voice, "Well…, she hasn't gotten rid of a mate in centuries, so you don't have much to fear. Aurora's husband did quite well against Mew and I have no doubt you will as well."
"Gotten rid of?" I repeat with disgust. Raven sadly nods.
"I don't do it often, like Raven says, but I need to make sure that you can handle staying with Ash. Being with a Ketchum is easy. Saying with them for life? That's a different story. I won't have some weakling continue the legacy. Consider me an… overprotective grandmother. You have potential to do well against me. I'm afraid I won't be able to attack you faster than you heal. After all, you have amazing healing ability, my dear." Mew supplements Raven's speech. I feel appalled while I sense Mew's indifference.
"How the hell am I supposed to feel about you blatantly threatening me?!" I screech. Raven gasp at how harshly I said that. Mew seems to be amused.
"Enraged. Upset. Likely to keep this secret from Ash because you don't want him to worry about you…." Mew predicts. I gasp and suck my teeth. She seems to know me well despite not actually meeting me. She's right. I can't tell Ash about this. He already has enough on his mind dealing with Mew's trial and the threat of death from the guardian conflict. I'm beginning to tremble in anger. I can feel my aura flaring up. Raven looks a bit nervous at seeing me being surrounded in pink aura.
"You manipulative little…" I spit out, but Mew interrupts me.
"Please. I've been doing this for years, dear. If you are the one for Ash, then there's truly nothing to worry about. I've said similar words to your mate in his trial. 'If you are a true Ketchum, then there isn't much to worry about' or something along those lines. I have no emotion to someone I do not know and I need to know you. That doesn't mean to say I won't protect you. You have no idea how, but I have been helping to keep a huge threat away from the house."
I'm confused with how she's been protecting me. Raven seems confused by this as well. Then she closes her eyes and began to sense the area. After a few moments, she gasped, "Of course! You've been preventing the Dastardly Dashing Dancers from getting near the house. That explains the small tug I feel around Lumiose and why I sensed them as I was coming here the last few days. You've put up a psychic barrier around something, though what I'm not sure."
"Heh. Of course. I would never allow them a free shot at my Ketchums." Mew chuckles. Pikachu widens his eyes and shifts around uncomfortably. I wonder why.
"What?" I'm so confused by what they're talking about.
"I can likely explain further, Serena. I'll say more once Mew's presence vanishes." Raven says.
"I'll take my leave then. If you choose to despise me, Serena, that's your choice. I've made many Ketchum mate enemies in the past, but I know that will change if you are the one for Ash. Usually the spouse of my Ketchum despises me at first because I speak to them like this. It's all up to you in how to deal with it. For now, farewell and best of luck in your future training!" Mew says with genuine excitement.
Once I know Mew has left completely, I make a sigh of relief. The pink aura around me vanishes and my heart is going through a rollercoaster of emotions. I… don't know how to feel about Mew, especially since she threatened me like this. I understand she doesn't knew me well, but that doesn't give her the right to talk to me like I'm insignificant. I have no idea how I'll beat her, but she's only fueled my fire. I will beat her in this guardian duel. I will prove my love to Ash. In the corner of my eye, I see Raven looking at me curiously. Her grey eyes are seemingly judging the situation, but they are neutral.
"Pikachu, Pika?" Pikachu seems to be asking Raven something. Raven smiles and nods.
"Oh yeah. I can do that, Pikachu." Raven says. She places her hand on Pikachu's head and he glows dark grey. I'm astonished by Raven's technique. I see the marks on her hands glowing brightly. I'm not sure what Pikachu requested Raven to do, but I have a good idea of what he wants. Raven takes her hand off. Pikachu grins excitedly.
"Thank you. I can speak in the human tongue… at least for now." Pikachu says with a smile. I am a bit bewildered by this. Pikachu chuckles at my confusion. Pikachu continues, "Serena, are you feeling alright?"
"I'll be alright. Thank you, Pikachu." I say with a smile. He nuzzles against my cheek.
"I'm glad." Pikachu says with relief. He says with a coy smile, "Many times, when I'm sleeping on top of Ash's head, I hear him whisper about you. He really loves you. I think you were made for each other and you don't have much to worry about."
My response is a blush. Pikachu laughs, "As much as I like to continue teasing you, I do want to tell you something important."
"What is it?" I ask.
"Those Dastardly Dashing Dancers Raven mentioned? Me and the other Pokémon have been dealing with them when they've gotten too close to the house. Usually, Rio was the one who was left behind inside the house to help heal Aurora while the rest of us went out and dealt with them. It seems Mew has helped us as well since none of us took too much damage while fighting them." Pikachu explains.
"How did we not notice this?" I say in surprise. Pikachu's smile turns somber. He seems to be debating on telling me. After a few moments, he decides to say something.
"While you were doing what you needed to help out Clemont's family, I took Aurora's bag during the day and we scoped out the city for anyone suspicious. Every day since Aurora has been unconscious, Chari, Happy and I have been defending the house against the DDD. I also got stronger while battling them." The mouse continues.
"…" I look at Pikachu to continue.
"I didn't want to tell you this. Heck, I was prepared to keep this secret from you and the rest of the humans. However, I felt it necessary to explain why nothing Zurui strange has happened since Shelia's attack on the Pokémon Center. Since Raven mentioned the DDD, I know you would have kept asking Raven for answers she doesn't have. Keep in mind… the Zurui is still pursuing Aurora and Ash."
"Pikachu?" I say his name like a question because he seems so sad. I want to find out more, but the mouse shakes his head.
"Don't worry, Serena. All you need to be worrying about is getting stronger. Chari, me and the rest of Aurora's partners can deal with any incoming threats…."
"Pikachu, I want to help you. Let Delphox and-" I start.
"No." Pikachu immediately says and interrupts me. He jumps off my shoulder to stand on his hind legs and shakes his head. "I'm sorry, Serena, but I couldn't forgive myself if anything happened to your partners. I… haven't told the rest of Ash's Pokémon about the DDD because I know how strong they are. Chari and I have been doing fine and we will continue to do so until Ash and Aurora awakes."
"Pikachu…" I say sadly. Raven's eyes are alternating between me and Pikachu.
"I think you should take his word for it, Serena." Raven says.
"What? Raven, he shouldn't feel the need to do something so dangerous!" I argue.
"He isn't doing it because he needs to. He's doing it because he wants to protect his best friend as well as get stronger. Isn't that right, Pikachu?" Raven says to me and then turn to Pikachu. Pikachu nods and jumps on her shoulder. He nuzzles against her cheek happily. Raven places a hand on his other cheek. She says softly, "Little Chu… you've gotten so much more confident since the last I saw you. You've grown a lot from the scared little Pichu I remember seeing you as. I'm glad to see you don't hate humans anymore. Even though I haven't talked to Ash since he was a kid, I see his heart is still pure."
"Ash is a one of a kind. I will always be devoted to him. He proves how humans can be nice." Pikachu says with high praise.
"Why did you use to hate humans?" I'm curious to why he hated humans. Pikachu is nice to nearly everyone.
"It had something to do with how I was treated. I rather not tell you the details, especially since I haven't told Ash. I feel like he deserves to know first more than anyone." Pikachu answers. I anticipated as much.
"That's fair." I respond. I notice the sun is no longer in the sky. I see that it's nighttime. I didn't realize we've been talking for so long. Then, something peculiar happens. Raven gets off the bed in shock. Ash's body is suddenly lifted-up in a dark blue aura. His marks are glowing. His hair is moving wildly. He's breathing in deeply. I'm not sure what's going to happen.
Ash murmurs in his sleep, "I want… to find out more about Ruru. Please… show me what happened after we were separated."
Within a few moments, Ash vanishes from thin air. Shocked, I look around to see if I was just dreaming, but I'm not. He's really gone. My heart sinks and I'm left confused. A few moments after Ash's disappearance, another version of him a placed on the bed. Pikachu jumps on top of Ash and sniffs him. Then, he shakes his head. That's' how I know that this isn't my Ash. It's like Aurora all over again. I know who caused his disappearance. Then, my normally blue eyes begin to glow pink as I spit out in anger, "Mew…"
Raven places a hand on my shoulder, "Serena, calm down. He'll be alright."
"How do you know?" I ask. I breath in and out and I do feel myself calming down.
"If Ash is being teleported away, that means Mew is trying to show him something important. She will bring him back safely. I've seen her do this to Aurora during her coma nine years ago. Have faith in her." Raven tells me. I'm not sure if I can.
"…" I look down and don't respond.
"I know you may not like Mew, but she really does have the best intentions. Most people don't like her at first, but that's a test to weed out what she perceives to be 'weak'. Don't worry about Ash. I think we should really start our training. It'll be good to take your mind away from this." Raven says.
"Serena, I don't like this either. I would love nothing more to see Ash safe and sound here. However…" Pikachu sniffs Ash a bit more. "I think Ash is in… Shingetsu Town? I'm not sure why he would be there. Mew is likely showing him what he wanted."
"Maybe." I respond. I then ask Raven, "Isn't Shingetsu Town Aurora's hometown?"
"Yes, it is. Whatever Ash is going through, I know he'll be just fine. If you want, we can check back here after I show you what I want to show you." Raven says in an effort to make me feel better.
"I do want to check on him later…" I say. Raven grins.
"Come on. I have a special guest here today and she's been waiting for quite a bit. Let's not keep her waiting." Raven winks. Before I can ask who she's talking about, she grabs my hand and we leave the room. I see Pikachu running right behind us. As we enter the living room, Raven makes herself invisible while still dragging me along. Both Clemont and Meyer tilt their heads in confusion when they see my arm out as I'm walking. I see that Bonnie is now sleeping on Meyer's lap as I walk outside.
As Raven, Pikachu and I go outside, I notice a lavender haired human with a giant purple pig-like Pokémon in front of her. It has several orbs on its head and back and a long curly tail. The woman is wearing a jazzy light lavender suit and her hair is a little past her shoulders. It takes me a few moments to realize that this is Mirabelle. However, I can't recognize the Pokémon. It looks very similar to a Pokémon I've seen before, though.
"Well Grumpig, let's continue this, alright?" Mirabelle says excitedly. My eyes widen. That doesn't look like a Grumpig to me… unless this one is a Hokorian form of Grumpig that I've never heard of.
"You're the boss, Mira!" Grumpig says with the same enthusiasm.
"Use Power Gem into the air!" Mirabelle commands her. Grumpig's orbs are all glowing. Several rocks are forming around Grumpig. Then, she shoots them all in the air. Mirabelle brings her hand out. "Now use Energy Ball and hold both attacks with Psychic. Jump up and finish it up with Charge Beam!"
Grumpig nods. She charges up a ball of green energy in her mouth and shoots it in the air Grumpig's eyes then glow blue as the Power Gem and the Energy Ball stays suspended in midair. The Grumpig jumps up high in the air, even higher than her attack. Then, charging energy in her hands, the Grumpig shoots electricity at the Power Gem and Energy Ball.
Beautiful fireworks explode from the combination of attacks. As little sparkles of energy sprinkle from the sky, Grumpig is flipping toward the ground. Then, she lands perfectly on her hooves with a great pose. She makes a bow and smiles. I've never seen a Grumpig with so much grace. Mirabelle claps and grins. She comments, "Wonderful job, Grumpig. It's always nice watching you move like that once in a while."
"Wonderful?" I say in surprise. Mirabelle gasps and turn around. Her eyes turn soft. I comment, "That was amazing, Mirabelle!"
Mirabelle seems tickled by my comment. She says, "I might have dabbled with contests in my youth, but never seriously. You just walked into us goofing around."
"I've never seen a Grumpig look like this before. Is this another form?" I ask. Mirabelle shakes her head and laughs. Grumpig grins.
"This is her Mega Evolution. She becomes a lot tankier while maintaining her ability Thick Fat. You'd be surprised how many people become frustrated going against me because of this cutie pie." Mirabelle winks.
"Ohoho! Mirabelle, stop it. You're making me blush!" Grumpig giggles. Mirabelle put a hand on her partner's shoulder.
"You're the best, Grumpig. I can't wait for you to go against Ash in the future. He'll definitely give you a run for your money." Mirabelle says. Grumpig's eyes turn a bit more reflective.
"Ah... young master Ashton. I haven't seen that tyke in quite some time. Whenever we will ever get to fight, I look forward to growing stronger with him." Grumpig responds.
"So… Raven brought you here, Mirabelle?" I say.
"Naturally. I figured I should help in your training since you are half psychic. Now that Aurora and Ash are in their comas, this would be an excellent time to teach you things on the psychic side of the spectrum." Mirabelle explains.
"Wait... you know about Ash and Aurora's states-" I start, but Mirabelle interrupts me.
"Girl, I'm the one who told Raven that they would be in comas. I have the best future predicting ability in the world. I know which future is most likely to happen and nine and a half times out of ten, I will predict correctly." Mirabelle explains.
"...How long will they be in comas?" I ask. Raven seems to be interested in this as well.
"I'd say for six days. This is the fifth day, so you don't have much time left to wait." Mirabelle smiles. A big smile forms on my face and I place a hand on my heart. I feel a new vigor to keep going.
"What do you want to teach me?" I say eagerly. Raven smiles and sits at the side of the house. Pikachu jumps on Raven's shoulder and watches me as well.
"Well…" Mirabelle snaps her fingers. Suddenly a few hundred Poke floats from Mirabelle's pocket and into the air. It looks like she's manipulating them to float. My eyes are sparkling in admiration. Mirabelle continues, "This technique is the opposite of the aura grip. This is the psychic grip."
"What makes them opposite to each other?" I ask.
"With the aura grip, you are only able to lift up living things in exchange of pouring your emotions into it and becoming more vulnerable to the living thing's emotions. The psychic grip enables you to lift inanimate objects and living things, but you don't feel any emotion while doing so. However, this causes it to be much weaker than the aura grip. It is important for you to switch between these techniques at will in order to become a master psychic guardian." Mirabelle explains.
"Right."
"It's been a while since any hybrid has went through training, so teaching you things are going to be tricky. Neither Raven nor I know what to show you, so we'll show you both sides of the spectrum and see what things you're better with." Mirabelle continues. I nod. She says, "I want you to take control of this money. Have no emotion, but rather complete control over it."
"Complete control?" I repeat. She nods.
"Yes. Think nothing of the thing in front of you and imagine yourself controlling it. Then, if you do it properly, it should come to you." Mirabelle explains.
I nod. Mirabelle drops the money on her hand and gestures me to try and lift them up. I squint my eyes and concentrate as hard as I can. Nothing happens for a few moments. I bring out my hand and it begins to glow pink. However, nothing is happening to the money. After several minutes of trying, I give up and my hand stops glowing. Raven seems to be surprised.
"Ugh… I can't do it. Why can't I do it?" I say, annoyed at myself. Mirabelle puts a hand on her chin in thought.
"Interesting. The psychic grip is usually the first thing novices learn because it is the technique that links to the more advanced stuff. It's normally not that hard unless…" Mirabelle trials off and I wonder what she's trying to say.
"Unless what?" I try to encourage her.
"Unless… you are highly empathetic." Mirabelle finishes.
"What does empathy have to do with it?" I say in confusion.
"Aura guardians are warm and expressive. In order to control aura, you must connect with your emotions and feel the aura run through you. Psychics are cold, but tactical. To become a psychic, you must control the area around you with your mind and seize it. Your mind is your most powerful tool." Mirabelle explains.
"That makes sense. How can I get better control of the area around me then?" I ask in earnest. Mirabelle looks directly into my eyes and shivers slightly. I wonder why. She walks behind me.
"Hmm… Let's try something else. This may play to your more guardian traits." Mirabelle grabs my right arm from behind me. I feel slightly uncomfortable with her this close to me. I glance at Raven. Raven is playing with Pikachu's ear slightly while Pikachu is sighing happily. I can tell she is paying attention to what is happening, but she is being discreet with it.
"W-what are you showing me?" I ask anxious. Mirabelle ignores my question. She seems to be inspecting my body for some reason.
"Just relax…" She says soothingly down my neck. I get a chill down my spine.
"Mirabelle…?" I gulp. At this point, I'm not sure what she's trying to make me do. I feel great energy coming from my arm. I shudder as I pour out all that energy in an explosive way. With Mirabelle right behind me, I fire off a powerful lightning strike into the air. Raven and Pikachu looks over and raises an eyebrow. I step back in awe. That felt… weird, but incredible.
"There we go!" Mirabelle says excitedly.
"Woah! You wanted me to create lightning?!" I gasp in shock.
"Yep. Psychics use their electrical impulses in their body to draw out electricity, compared to an aura guardian who converts the aura around them into electrical energy. I helped you use your electrical impulses just now. If want I sense about you is correct, I think you'll have an easier time with this. Go ahead and try by yourself this time." Mirabelle suggests. I nod.
Mirabelle steps back and gives me space. Raven and Pikachu are now giving me all of their attention. I feel self-conscious seeing them look at me like this. I'm not sure how I was able to form lightning like that, but I try to remember the feeling that came up. I close my eyes and open my hands. I try not to think or feel my aura. Instead, I begin to feel something foreign and tingly inside me. I hear gasps of shocks and open my eyes in confusion.
I realized I formed sparks on my hands and both my psychic mark and guardian mark is out. I nod my head and shoot a powerful lightning strike to the sky. Mirabelle looked at the bolt of with a large gaping mouth while Raven and Pikachu are nodding their heads in approval. The tinging feeling subsides inside me and I no longer make lightning. I feel incredibly drained after doing that technique and fall on the ground. Alarmed, Mirabelle approaches me to help me up.
"Are you alright?" Mirabelle asks me.
"Yes." I nod and stand up on my own.
"Oh my Mew… I was right. You are much more tuned to your guardian side than your psychic side. Usually, intermediate psychics have a tough time creating lightning and yet you did it so beautifully as a novice." Mirabelle says. She tilts her head upon seeing my psychic mark. She traces the shape and gasps. Then she calls out, "Your mark… Raven, come look at her psychic mark…"
"Why should I?" Raven says. Mirabelle rolled her eyes and snapped her fingers. Before Raven knew it, she was forced to stand up. Raven grumbled and tells her she is coming. Pikachu seems to be disappointed that Raven stopped massaging his ear. Raven stands in front of me and immediately frowns. Her eyes are narrowed. Raven says, "Oh my... This is concerning. It looks exactly like his! It's even at the same spot!"
"Do you think-?" Mirabelle says slightly nervously.
"No. She'll never be like him. She has way more empathy to life around her." Raven growls.
"What are you two trying to say?!" I ask, somewhat flustered. I feel like they are having some sort of hidden conversation I can't pick up on.
"Your psychic mark leaves a bad taste in my mouth, Serena. I assume you know that your father is in the Zurui, correct?" Raven asks.
"Yes…" I answer. Raven snorts.
"He is a dangerous and powerful man. Part of me is glad that your training is showing that you struggle with emotionless techniques. Your father was a psychic prodigy in his age… but he eventually grew to be very cold. It makes sense given that psychics withdraw themselves from their emotions the more they train." Raven explains with closed eyes and crossed arms.
"Who is my father? My mom never mentions him and I never saw him as I was growing up." When I say this, Raven and Mirabelle look at each other and then at me. They both shake their heads.
"We… think your mother should be the one who tells you. We're sorry, Serena." Mirabelle explains.
"It's not that we don't want to say anything, Serena. I think… if you really want to know about your dad, you should ask Gracie to tell you. At this point, you know enough to warrant asking her." Raven supplements her. I slump my shoulders in disappointment.
"I had a feeling you two would answer that way. I asked about him, hoping I was going to be wrong." I admit. Raven and Mirabelle looks at me, somewhat sad. I turn to Mirabelle, "Is there anything else you want to show me?"
"I wanted to show you the psychic grip so you can begin to distinguish the two sensations you have when performing the aura grip or the psychic grip. However, you were able to create lightning instead." Mirabelle explains. She places a hand on her chin in thought. Then, it seems she comes to a decision. She tells me, "We need to keep working on the psychic grip if you are going to progress. Try again, alright?"
Mirabelle holds out some money in her hand. I look at the coins, and then look at the house. I feel the need to see Ash… at least to clear my mind away from my father. I say, "Can I check on Ash before we begin again?"
"Serena, you know that Mew teleported him to Hokori to show him something." Mirabelle says.
"I just want a few minutes. Please?" I plead with her. Mirabelle makes a small frown, but shrugs her shoulders.
"Fine, I suppose." Mirabelle permits. I make a huge grin and immediately go inside. However, I notice Raven looking at me peculiarly as I do.
As I enter Ash's room, I notice the fake Ash still lying down. A lot has happened today and I know things are only going to get more hectic. I sit on the bed and look at the ceiling. I begin to think about everything I've heard and seen and heard. I wonder how me being empathic makes it harder for me to learn psychic techniques. All of this feels weird to me. I turn my head toward the door when I hear it move. That's how I know she's in here, too.
"Raven… you don't need to hide. I know you just came in here." I call out. I hear a bit of a surprised laugh before I see the dark-haired woman appear in front of me.
"Heh. I was a bit sloppy there. What gave me away?" Raven asks. I point to the door. Raven nods and says, "Noted. I came in here to check on you. Still worried about Ash?"
"Yeah. I don't know what he's going through. I'm afraid…" I begin to say, but I'm interrupted.
"That Mew will hurt him too much?" Raven finishes my statement. I nod. "Don't worry. Despite everything, Mew is a Pokémon who will keep her word. She said that she wouldn't hurt Ash as per your and Aurora's request, so you can trust in that."
"… I trust you Raven. If you speak that highly of Mew, then I'll try to trust her a bit more." I respond. Raven gasps, then smiles.
"That… warms my heart to hear you say that." Raven says with soft eyes. She caresses my cheek slightly, then sighs. "Glad to see you haven't changed too much, little princess."
We just sit in the room after that. Raven closes her eyes, crosses her legs and begins to mediate. I see her lightly floating. I'm curious if I'm able to do that, but I don't try. At this point, I'm in here waiting to see if Ash comes back. I'm not sure if he will, but I can only hope. After a few minutes, I notice a bright blue light right above Ash. I tilt my head curiously. Then, I see the Substitute Ash disappear.
I gasp and shake Raven to pay attention to what's happening. Unfortunately, she's too detached from the world to see what's happening. I watch as I see Ash come back, sleeping in mid-air. Then, his body gently floats back on the bed. My eyes are widened, but I'm not sure if this is the real Ash. I decide to try something out.
I put out her hand out and it begins to glow pink. I… think this is the real deal. After Ash settled down, Raven gets out of her meditative position and looks at Ash. Raven nods her head. I say in rejoice, "He's back! You were right!"
"Naturally, I was right. Like I told you, you can trust Mew to keep her Ketchums safe. Now that your little bout of worry is behind you, let's get back to training, Serena. Mirabelle's waiting for you to come back outside as well." Raven responds.
"Oh… of course, Raven." I say to the black-haired lady. Raven leaves the room immediately afterward. I'm about to leave the room as well, but I feel the urge to act on my happiness of Ash's return. I come back and kiss my boyfriend on the cheek. I notice Ash subconsciously forming a smile after that. I smile in return. I say with a giggle, "Stay safe, Ash. When you wake up completely, I can't wait for us to be together again. Until then, I'll keep getting stronger like you are…"
Once I return outside, I notice Pikachu on Raven's shoulder and Mirabelle practicing a few techniques I've never seen before. Mirabelle stops upon noticing me and inspects me a bit closer. Then, she shakes her head.
"Hmm… let's try again tomorrow. I don't want to tire you out too much." Mirabelle tells me. She makes a smile, "Even though I anticipated you struggling with the psychic grip, I know that in time you will be able to master it. Just keep practicing during the day. Here."
Mirabelle snaps her fingers. A few thousand Poke comes out of her pocket and flies into my hand. I immediately reject the money and try to give it back, "Woah! Mirabelle, I can't take your money like this!"
Mirabelle curls the money into my hand. This must be at least 3,000 Poke. She insists. "Keep it. You'd be surprised how much money I make as a fortune teller and an Elite Four member. All the Elite Four and Champion makes a comfortable living off just battling."
"Are you sure?" I ask.
"Positive. Buy yourself something nice." Mirabelle winks at me. I turn toward Raven and she seems to be morose for some reason. It weird because she didn't seem that way before. I hear her look at the money and sigh slightly. I ask her, "Raven… what's wrong?"
"What? Nothing's wrong." Raven blinks her eyes in surprise.
"You seem to be in thought about something. Something has to be bothering you, right?" I press a bit further.
"Hmm… intriguing." Raven says with closed eyes. She then opens her eyes and smiles, "Don't worry about me. Just focus on training until we see you tomorrow. See you later, Serena."
"Uh… bye Raven." I see her throw a Poké Ball high up and Drei come out. Then, she flies off into the distance. Mirabelle seems a bit confused by her friend's behavior as well, but shrugs. Then, she politely says goodbye to me before teleporting off somewhere. I'm definitely going to ask what's on Raven's mind when she comes by tomorrow. Until then, I decide the best thing to do is to go asleep.
Raven flew until she was right outside of Lumiose City. She thanked Drei and returned him. She then made a deep sigh. Mirabelle suddenly teleported right behind her and placed a hand on her shoulder. The lavender haired lady said, "Raven, what was that all about?"
"I'm going to keep an eye on her from a distance tomorrow. I have a bad feeling rising in me and I never ignore my gut." Raven explained with darkened eyes.
"What about people who may want to challenge you?" Mirabelle said. Raven looked at her incredulously and shook her head. Mirabelle's expression grew more serious.
"They can wait an extra day. If I know Serena, she's likely going to get herself into trouble. There's a huge threat in the city…." Raven said with narrowed eyes. Her horn like marks appeared on top on her hands and Mirabelle was beginning to get nervous. She never liked when Raven was brooding. She was the scariest guardian Mirabelle knew when upset.
"Raven… what are you talking about...? What threat?" Mirabelle asked anxiously. Raven took a deep breath. Her marks disappeared and she looked at her psychic friend with soft eyes.
"The DDD. If they come across her and find out she's a hybrid, things are going to get ugly. Serena hasn't changed at all… and I have a feeling she'll want to go out tomorrow to help Pikachu even though he warned her not to interfere. That's going to lead her into trouble. You trust my ability to sniff out bad situations, right?" Raven asked. Mirabelle nodded almost immediately.
"Of course. It's like you have a sixth sense when it comes to something bad happening. I'll stay in the city as well. I have a house we can sleep at in Lumiose." Mirabelle offered. Raven smiled and looked off into the moon. She placed a hand on her chest.
"Good. I only pray that Mew can help us a little while longer…" Raven said with her hair swaying to the nightly wind. Without another word, the duo walked to Mirabelle's house to rest, but Raven still felt uneasy.
A/N: I hope you enjoyed this chapter! I'm not sure when the next chapter will be submitted since I'm very busy over the summer, but I will let you guys know my progress if I'm not done with it.
Also, certain Pokemon from previous generations will have Mega evolutions in Hokori, just like Grumpig. I feel like some underrepresented Pokemon deserved a mega and I can at least do that in my story (I'm looking at you, Flygon).
Next Chapter: A Hybrid's Perspective: The Good, the Bad, and the Dastardly