Author's Notes V1
Hey Guys! This story is in no way connected to the SoL timeline. In fact, it's a story post that I wrote for an RP server a couple years back that I figured I'd share.
Enjoy!
Introduction
Exploration. That's what Helio was doing when the Gardevoir was making his way into the mountains. He was, truthfully, exploring just for the sake of it. To find new dungeons that he hadn't found yet, to find any rogues that were in hiding. To look for Hylia, even, as he still hadn't found her. So far… No luck. On this particular expedition, the Gardevoir had brought with him his wondermap and was checking it constantly.
"The Frostfall Caverns are over there…" He'd mentally note, looking across to an open cave. A dungeon that he had been to at one point, probably on some long-ago mission. "And the Fimbulvetr Hollow there…" He'd nod to a small dip in the ground where the earth opened up. Mount Kindunos in early January… The place really was a winter wonderland, wasn't it? Still, it was so volatile. So many dungeons that Helio was certain they were springing up each time someone visited this frosty peak. "Over there is…" Helio would stare at his wondermap in confusion. There was a cavern in the mountainside, yes, but it wasn't at all marked on the map. A place for Helio to explore, then, perhaps? Indeed… It absolutely had to be. Of course, he doubted that Hylia had been locked away in some frosty mountainous peak, but still. This was something he could investigate in case there was someone trapped inside and it was an unmarked mystery dungeon. Helio would step forwards, his psycho step allowing him clearance - the snow beneath his feet unable to bog him down - heading into the cave.
It was chilly, naturally, a cold wind battering the back of his cloak as he advanced into the cavern. To his right, an orb of pure light appeared. A Moonblast, just held there, illuminating the area around him. And the sight that met him… It truly was quite a gruesome one. Skeletons of all shapes and sizes littered the walls of the cave. There was an Alakazam, a Beheeyem, a Meowstic… Psychic types. All around. Dead. Their skeletons all that remained here. What was this place, that had killed so many mons around him in the past? Helio would venture in further, sending out short jets of his Moonblast to greater illuminate the area. He was in… some kind of ancient temple, it looked like. There was an altar in the centre of the first chamber of the cavern. There was no blood around it, so it wasn't sacrificial, clearly, and it seemed to… almost radiate power. Even Helio could feel it. How come nobody in the guild, or any of the rogues, had found this place? How hadn't he found it until just now, actually? Almost drawn to it, Helio would approach, running his hand over the surface. And as he did, he heard it.
"Child of the mind, you have found me. Sit and contemplate with me. Together, we will unleash your inner power." ...his inner power? What did that mean? He had already reached level 100, hadn't he? Was this another increase to his level cap, perhaps? It at least explained what all of these psychic type skeletons were doing here. Although, this could've easily been a trick, there was something… Inside of him. He didn't know what it was, but he knew it wasn't. Instinctively, he knew that being here, meditating in this place almost sacred to the psychic type, he could… do something. He wasn't sure what it was he could do, but it was something he was going to accept.
"...I will take you up on your offer." But first, Helio… Had something to take care of. Namely, the bodies all around him and the biting chill of this cave. With a use of psychic, Helio would grab the skeletons and bring them out of the cave. "...I will grant you all true burials once I am done, I promise." But, first, he had to complete this new task. To sit and meditate with the altar. Using Psychic on the snow above the cavern, Helio would snow himself in. Dangerous, of course, considering he had just snowed himself in with a… Now limited supply of oxygen. But at the same time, it was a sacrifice that Helio was willing to take so that he didn't freeze to death. He could at least control his breathing in a meditative state, that much he knew. He just… had to ensure that he had enough water to last him… Worst comes to worst, he'd drink cave water. Was it going to be clean? Probably not. But he could have himself examined when he returned to Lively Town, anyway. In this new, airtight, environment Helio would sit on the cold ground before the altar. "...I hope that this is not a fool's errand." He'd think to himself as he closed his eyes, regulated his breathing and emptied his mind. He was meditating and he was ready. Nothing could break him from this experience now… Not until he had unlocked his internal power.
Day One
"...Helio? Helio, dear, wake up." After some time of meditation, Helio would hear… A voice. No, not just any voice. The voice. The voice of someone he thought was dead… It had to simply be a distraction. A way to block him from reaching this… power. Whatever it was. So, he wouldn't react. He'd ignore the voice, receiving… a light, but… firm shake. Okay, that was… strange. He knew that he was alone in the cave - aside for the altar - but it couldn't have just come to life like that. Not when the hand against his side felt so warm. In fact… Everything around him felt warm. He was wrapped up in a blanket. Had he passed out and his badge warped him back to the guild?
"Helio… Please, dear, wake up." Her voice sounded… Off. But he knew who it was. It didn't hold the same tone that her voice almost always held. A tone that was more reserved in nature… No. This was softer, more akin to Onyxia's voice in that way. Her emotions were more on her sleeve, but it was a voice that Helio recognised almost anywhere. No matter how she was using it. He'd open his eyes and be met with… two strange sights. First off… A plain Gardevoir infront of him. An expression that grew happier as his eyes slowly opened up on her face. It was a face that belonged to… It couldn't belong to her, she was dead, but… It belonged to Meridia. There wasn't a doubt in Helio's mind. Of course, he mostly knew her as a Shiny Gardevoir. But just because a pokemon is a shiny that doesn't change their facial structure. Those eyes, the nose… Helio spent so much time with her that he knew exactly what Meridia looked like. He didn't even question that she wasn't shiny. No, instead he'd leap up and wrap her into a tight hug, tears welling up in his eyes and a lump in his throat. Needless to say, although she was rather shocked from the sudden hugging, the Gardevoir before Helio would return the hug, gently stroking Helio's back as the male cried.
"Are you alright, dear?" ...Alright? How couldn't Meridia know why Helio was crying? He'd been through so much pain and anguish. Half a year of suffering and now… She was back. They were in their old home, but Helio didn't care. Meridia was back for Solgaleo's sake.
"Y-Yes… I am…" Once more, Helio's firm voice. A voice of a mon with renewed confidence was… Shattered. Smothered by the tears that Helio was producing. "I missed you… So… So much…" Well, that was simply confusing for the female Gardevoir, however Meridia would keep a hold of Helio. She would continue to stay there, hugging him and keeping him comforted. To her… Helio must've just had a bad dream.
"Missed me? What do you mean, dear?" How didn't Meridia know? ...Helio would move and sit back, unfortunately having to break his hug with the female Gardevoir to have a conversation with her face to face. This… Is when the second thing that would strike Helio as odd would arrive. The room. Aegis, Dawnbreaker and Thunderbrand all hung on the wall above the bed, the curtains… There was only a single door leading out of their room. In fact, the room itself was his old room. Before they'd moved into the manor in lively town.
"Meridia, you were… Gone. You…I thought I'd lost you during…" It was… almost too painful for Helio to relive. The memory of being told that she was lost. He just couldn't. It was still something that plagued his nightmares. Sometimes he'd just see her dead body. Talking to him. Telling him it was all his fault. Of course, this only served to confuse the Gardevoir infront of him. She… Obviously wasn't dead. And she hadn't had a near death experience since, well, probably when the white order had devolved her, she had to say.
"I don't know what happened, Helio, but I'm sure it was just a bad dream. I'm safe and sound right here, aren't I?" She gave Helio a confident smile. One that… Helio really couldn't resist. Meridia was okay. He didn't know how, he didn't understand what was going on, but… Meridia was okay. He had her back… That's really all that mattered to him right here and now. "You probably need more rest… I'll go and make breakfast and wake the kids up. Please, it's my treat." ...Meridia was going to make breakfast? Helio could handle cooking at least. He put his hand up to protest for a moment before Meridia would mention something else that would catch his attention. Kids. He… and Meridia… children. Surely, Suchobi and a Ralts, right? He… couldn't really anticipate them having more than one child. Still, with the implication of multiple children, Helio had to think of where all the space was. There were only really three bedrooms in the home. He and Meridia had one bedroom, Suchobi would take up the second bedroom and the other child the final one, right? So what about Onyxia and Hylia? Had they moved out? Were they living in poorer conditions? Helio would remain silent for a moment, his hand falling down. He had to think. This… Wasn't a dream realm, it didn't feel like. It was real. He had Meridia back and their child… Both Meridia and their child had survived. The small differences of everything… The house, Meridia's lack of shininess, the lack of his two gardevoir siblings. What did it all mean? He didn't know. Instead, as Meridia left the room, he'd sit there and think. Was this part of the test? ...How could a test be making him happy?
After a few moments of sitting, Helio would find himself growing restless. The kids were likely awake by now, so he could perhaps go and speak to Suchobi, figure out what was going on with all of this. But, then again… Suchobi could just as likely be like Meridia. Unknowing of everything that Helio had gone through at this point. Ah… He'd just have to figure it all out as he went along, didn't he? Sliding out of bed, Helio would move through the room. The wardrobe was in the same place, the bedding was different - though that was expected - his and Meridia's blades hung behind Aegis just as when they weren't in use back when they lived in the old home. Moving out of the bedroom and into the hallway, he'd be able to hear three voices having a conversation.
"And then, and then I whacked the baddie with a tackle in the face!" A male voice spoke. Young, definitely, full of enthusiasm and vigour. A son, then? Is that the other child of theirs? Suchobi and a nameless son. However… They couldn't use tackle. That wasn't something that the Ralts line was capable of doing. No, the child was likely just talking about their dream. Crazy things are possible in them… Just like meeting up with your fiancee again in… what Helio could only consider as heaven, honestly.
"Did you, now? And then what happened?"
"Well, I won, obviously! Hehe, I beat the mean Snover with ease!"
"That's exactly what I'd expect from my little light. Did you dream about anything, Ailuros?" ...Ailuros? That certainly implied a girl, but it plainly wasn't Suchi or Suchobi. There's no way to twist those names to have it reach "Ailuros", not in a million years. Needless to say, Helio found himself… worried. Where was Suchobi? ...Maybe in this strange world where Meridia wasn't dead, Suchobi took her place? That thought made Helio's stomach turn. He didn't want either of his family members to have perished. He wanted both of them alive.
"I, uhm… No. I didn't." From the sound of the Pokémon's voice… They sounded younger than the first child and, as her name implied, was a girl. Still, she didn't exactly sound sure about not really dreaming about anything. He should help her. Go down and speak to her, right? She… was his daughter in a strange way. The daughter he'd never be able to have thanks to a freak accident. Whilst Helio was going to investigate the rooms of the children, he didn't feel that would be the right thing to do. As such, Helio would make his way downstairs and stand at the bottom of them, just outside the doorway to the downstairs.
"...are you sure you didn't dream about anything, Ailuros?" ...A façade of confidence as he stood in the doorway, scanning across the kitchen / dining room. Of course, across working on the hob was Meridia, making… Was that Kalosian Toast? Simple, but absolutely a valid breakfast. He was looking forward to something more than just basic cereal of a morning… Yeah, Helio hadn't exactly been eating very amazing breakfasts lately. Sure, it was better now that Suchobi was back in his life and he wasn't living alone, but most breakfasts weren't really gourmet. He hadn't really afforded himself pancakes all too often lately. Afterall, they were meant for special occasions and recently, there weren't exactly too many great times that would call for them.
Rambling aside, his eyes would scan across the rest of the room, settling on the two pokemon that were sat at the table. Two Ralts… One plain, with longer hair. As they looked at him, his mind filled in the blanks. That was a female. Ailuros. The other was a shiny and male. He… Still didn't know that kid's name. But two Ralts… Were they twins? They had to be. They both at least looked to be the same age. They were his twins. His children. ...Seliph and Ailuros. That's what he and Meridia had decided on names for children. Though, he would've given Ailuros the nickname Alice. One for if the child was a boy, one for if the child was a girl.
"Dad!"
"Papa!" The two children would smile, the female of the two sliding from the chair to grab hold of Helio's leg in a hug that Helio would return, bringing the young psychic up with a tentative hug and cradle.
"Are you going to tell me about your dream? Or…" ...From the tired look on the Ralts' face, Helio could tell that the child hadn't had a good dream in the slightest. "...did you have a nightmare?" To that, she only gave a meek nod and Helio would understand, giving young Ailuros a tighter hug. Nightmares must've been tough for such a young kid. "...don't be afraid to come to me or your mother at night if you have a nightmare, okay? We're here for you, Alice." With a smile, he'd place the Ralts down onto a chair and await breakfast.
"Are you feeling better, dear?" ...Better. That was a good question. In a way, Helio found himself butting in on a relationship that wasn't his own to butt into. But he didn't care. The children were his, afterall. As much as his daughter, if not moreso, than Suchobi was.
"Yes, I am feeling better. I'll feel even better with some breakfast, of course." Meridia would shake her head slightly and slide a slice of Kalosian toast onto two plates. A plate for each of the children, naturally. Before they began to eat, though, Ailuros would speak to Helio.
"...Papa..? After breakfast, uhm… Can you teach me how to fight?" Judging by how nervous about it she was… This was clearly something that had weighed on her. Was it something to do with her nightmare, perhaps? Or did the Ralts simply want to learn how to fight from a problem at school? ...Was the child even going to school? Helio would look across to Meridia, stood in the kitchen watching the conversation. He could always hit the child with a "Ask your mother", but no.
"Are you certain, Ailuros? Why do you want to fight?" ...Was Helio being too stern with this immediate question of why a Pokémon wants to learn to fight? To use moves. He just wanted the best for this… imaginary version of his daughter (he had to remind himself of that fact. They were imaginary… No matter how much his heart cried out for attachment, he couldn't allow that… could he?
"Because, uhm… You're really cool! And I want to be cool, too. I want to help people like you do." And that… Was like a dagger to the heart for the Gardevoir. Such admiration from his own daughter. The sparkle in her eyes. How could he say no to that? As such… He'd give a slight nod.
"Yes, I'll teach you how to use your moves after breakfast, Alice. Merri, do you and Seliph want to join us?" Hey, Helio wanted to spend time with both his kids. His kids and his wife. Solgaleo, that was such an amazing thought to him. Family time with his wife and kids. It made him smile inside, truly.
"Oh, not really. There's something that I'll be busy with. Would you mind helping me with it, little light?" ...Something that Meridia needed to do? Helio didn't know what it was, but it was likely a special occasion of some kind. Or perhaps a guild meeting, one of the two. One that Seliph and Ailuros definitely seemed to know as the shiny Ralts would give a heavy nod.
"You'll let me?" The boy seemed… A little disappointed that he wouldn't be able to partake in some attack training with Helio and his sister but at the same time, he definitely sounded excited to help out Meridia with whatever task the elder of the Gardevoir had to deal with.
"Of course I will. I'll need my little helper to help me out whilst I'm out there." ...Helio still really wasn't sure what the other Gardevoir was going to handle, but he was confident in Meridia's ability to get through it. It was probably just helping to deal with the… Guildless guardians was the group called? Guildmaster business, surely.
"I guess that settles it, then. Alice and I will train whilst both you and Seliph handle what you need to for the day." For a moment, Meridia would turn around, heading into the kitchen and returning with two fresh plates of Kalosian toast. Obviously, a plate for her and a plate for Helio. As she his plate down… Her lips would gently tap Helio's. A kiss on the cheek. Something that he was so used to receiving in the past and almost seemed so foreign to him, now. A shocked expression would arrive on his face, one that would quickly fade into a soft smile as he held his cheek, looking up at Meridia to receive her shared smile. Solgaleo, he missed that sight.
"Indeed it does. Now, you two, eat up before your breakfast goes cold." Of course, Meridia had sat opposite to him on the table and the entire family would begin to eat in near silence. Before too long, the plates were empty and Helio was standing up to collect them all. This was an all too familiar experience for him. Just casually collecting the dishes, washing them, drying them and placing them away. It was just a five minute job, something Helio could've done with his eyes closed. As he tidied up, Meridia and Seliph made their way upstairs - presumably to get her cloak and get ready for the day ahead, whilst Ailuros simply stayed where she was. Sitting happily with her feet dangling over the edge of the chair. She was a good kid, Helio could tell. He'd do anything he could to protect her from the pain he'd felt in his life.
That said, it indeed wouldn't take long for Meridia to come back downstairs again with Seliph. As expected, the Gardevoir had donned her cloak, the hood down whilst in the house and Seliph had his own one. A little dark green coat for the child. It was surely going to be chilly for the two out walking, but for Helio and Ailuros, the pair would be exercising. The cold would be of no issue to his party.
"We're heading out now, Helio." As she spoke, Helio would exit the kitchen to move towards Meridia, wrapping his arms around her in a gentle hug. Just to say goodbye for the day, you know? It's… the little things that Helio wanted to revel in.
"Take care, okay? Have a good day, Merri."
"I always do take care. I'll come out and meet you when I get back, alright?" The other Gardevoir would return the hug for a moment before breaking it off. "You take care as well, alright?"
"Have I ever not? Heh, don't worry about me. There won't be any harm on Ailuros." And with that, the cloaked Gardevoir would step away from Helio and make her way out front. Helio, then, would head back into the kitchen and to the back door. Smiling across to an Ailuros whose eyes were filled with anticipation. "Well, then, are you coming, Alice?"
"Yes! Yes, of course I am, papa!" With a broad smile on her face, Ailuros would slide out of her chair and make her way over to the back door that Helio had opened, walking out of it and into the small back garden that the Commonplace home offered. Outside, she stood squarely in the centre of the garden, looking back at an approaching Helio.
"Okay, Ailuros… First thing's first… We need to know what kinds of moves you can use." At level 1, Ralts naturally knew Growl and Disarming Voice. At level 3, they learned double team and by level 6, they would know their first psychic type move in the form of confusion. However… Well, children of two powerful psychics would surely have more strength latent within them, right? Young Pokémon often inherited the use of TM moves from their parents and, in rare occasions, could have advanced moves. "Just… Close your eyes and focus on what you feel, okay?"
"Close my eyes and… Focus? Oh! Like when I see you sometimes doing?" ...Ailuros saw him meditating? Or… Rather, she often saw the alternate version of him doing. The him that actually was her father. To her question, Helio would give a short nod.
"That's right. Close your eyes and just feel what's inside you." Ailuros looked uncertain, but this is what would let her use her moves like her papa could, right? ...That's what she truly wanted! As such, she'd give a nod
"Okay, Papa!" The young Ralts would do as Helio ordered, closing her eyes and… sitting down. Okay, not exactly what Helio had ordered, but it was good enough. Whatever worked for the young Ralts.
"...what do you feel inside you, Alice?" He was going to offer potential feelings, but if he did… Well, it likely would've placed expectations in the Ralts' mind. Flagged a false positive. Instead, he'd just wait for the Ralts to speak to him.
"My mouth feels… tingly. And my horn… feels wobbly. And inside me I feel.. Darkness? It's… scary." ...Her mouth felt tingly. Hm, did she perhaps have some vocal moves? That was the main indication that Helio got from it. It was probably a tingling deeper down her throat that she just didn't know how to explain. Her horn being wobbly… Well, that was obviously an indication of a psychic move. Confusion, then? Or perhaps an indication of the presence of Psychic? ...If she'd even inherited the technique at any rate. Finally, that darkness. Unless Meridia was hiding a deep secret from Helio, then the move could only actually mean one thing. The move that Helio had developed, perhaps, more than even his psychic. Shadow Ball. It was good to know that the Ralts had access to that move from his library. Although, her calling it scary… It was a natural part of her. It wouldn't attack her unless she let it.
"Okay, I… think I know what that is. Where is the darkness inside you..?"
"It, uhm… It's in here." She'd place her hand over her heart. Right where most ghost type attacks originated for him at least. Which confirmed his suspicions about the darkness being a ghost type attack. Knowing exactly what move it was, Helio would be able to teach the Ralts to use it at least.
"Okay… Can you move the darkness? Bring it around inside you… Outside." He'd crouch down and place a finger over Ailuros' heart. With the finger there, he would move it in a spiralling motion. Up, and out of her heart and down her left arm, where his finger would settle.
"Feel the darkness taking that path, Alice… Draw it out of your heart and into your hand… Can you do that?"
"I'll try…" After a few moments of watching, Alice's hand would slowly be covered in shadow. The first time that the Ralts had ever used a Shadow Ball, clearly. A sight that brought a smile to Helio's eyes. He'd never see a mon's first words. Or their first steps. But their first move… That was truly something he was glad to bear witness to.
"Good, good… Now, feel the shadows leaving. Feel the darkness above your palm." And as instructed, the shadow's on Alice's palm would be drawn upward, generating into an orb. Strands of darkness being drawn upwards. Like a pool of blood dropping down, but… in reverse. After but a moment, Alice would have a very small, very weak shadow ball in her hands.
"...you did it!" Opening her eyes for the first time in this entire moment, Alice would look upon the Shadow Ball that she'd created. She'd done that… She'd used an attack! Her face grew into a wide, goofy smile. Of course, the rush of these positive emotions and the lack of concentration on the attack would have the shadow ball fizzle out before it could be launched. But did that matter to Helio? Oh hell no, it didn't! Smiling, the Gardevoir would scoop up the Ralts and bring her into a tight hug.
"But the attack-"
"Yes, it faded out. But, you still managed to do it, right? You were still able to make a shadow ball. That's so good!" Helio couldn't help it. He was incredibly happy right now and he would keep the Ralts in a tight hug until he'd eventually place her down again. That was one attack that Ailuros was able to use, now. Perhaps the most difficult move for the young psychic to be able to actually use. The other moves were level up moves. The other two attacks, most likely, being instinctual and her use of them being assisted with her same type attack bonus.
"Do you want to try using your other moves?" He'd ask. Truthfully, he would've been more than happy to help the young Ralts to master shadow ball - or at least practice it as much as she could before it ran out of power points - but at the same time… He didn't want his daughter to be a combative one-trick ponyta. It was better to have access to multiple moves than to just be a master of a single one. Besides, calling upon so much ghost energy whilst she was still so young, it could be exhaustive.
"Mhm. Do you think I'll do better with my other moves, papa?"
"You didn't at all do bad with your Shadow Ball, Alice. But, I do know that you'll be able to do better with your other moves. Ralts… Can do better with their voices and using their horns for moves. It's just something that comes more naturally to us." Given that Ailuros was going to use her next moves, Helio would place the young Ralts back down again and look around the garden for… something. The next move, truly, that he wanted Ailuros to use was her psychic move. Because Disarming Voice - even if Ailuros had the best of intentions - would be a move that would do damage to him as well. Even if it was only going to be one point of it. In a short amount of time, Helio would have collected various things. Plastic bottles, cans, a small brick and even a cushion would be lined up against the back wall of the garden for the Ralts to use.
"Okay, Alice… Sense your energies." Sense- Oh! Right. The younger Ralts would close her eyes - this time staying stood up - and search for the energies inside of her.
"The Darkness is… It's smaller now."
"That's because you used it, Alice. You took it out of your body so it's gone down."
"Oh… okay!" With the way that Alice spoke… It was rather obvious that the Ralts didn't totally understand, but she would. Even if she'd only gain a practical knowledge and not a full understanding of the topic, like Helio.
"Does your horn still feel weird?"
"Mhm! It feels all… Wobbly. And when I focus on it it makes my head hurt…" ...For it to make Alice's head hurt… it would have to be a significant well of psychic energy that was up there. Perhaps it was Psychic that the young Ralts possessed and not confusion?
"It's okay. That's only natural. It's like the scariness from using Shadow Ball, right? It's something that fades as you grow used to it. It can't harm you if you don't let it." All psychic techniques had that drawback, unfortunately. Whilst Helio had mastered psychic at its base form, there was still so much about the technique that he had yet to delve into. Using it to boost his physical attributes as some of the mightiest psychics can do. Using it to make himself fly - a task he had started with his psycho-step - and, finally, the usage of his Omega Void. That was a most draining thing and it certainly made his head hurt on the rare occasions that he had to use it. That move was definitely draining to say the least.
"...really?" Helio would nod as the Ralts asked this.
"Really. Now… The wobbling is at your horn, right?"
"Yeah…"
"Good. Reach out with it. Open your eyes and look forward. Picture yourself picking up the bottle. Let the energy flow out from your horn, like you did with that shadow ball."
The Ralts would give a small nod and open her eyes. Grab the bottle… Her hand would reach out, a purple aura surrounding both her horn and the bottle. It was definitely a weak aura around the bottle. One that was wavering whilst Alice focused. The young Ralts definitely had a long way yet to go, but Solgaleo, she was doing Helio so proud just by fighting and trying here. She was doing her best and that's all Helio could ask for. The bottle would be lifted into the air, soon, and as it was lifted off the ground, the psychic link would be broken. The two psychic auras would fade from both bottle and Ralts with Ailuros having an expression that mixed pain and disappointment on her face. The young Ralts' use of psychic - there was no doubt now what the move was - had certainly exhausted her… Perhaps he shouldn't have told his daughter to attempt to use the move. He knew the risks of using a psychic move that was too powerful to what you were used to. Grabbing something. Holding onto it. It was much more complicated than simply pushing with psychic abilities.
"Are you okay, Alice?" Helio's knee once more returned to the floor as he knelt down next to the Ralts, checking on her. Without doubt, the young psychic's eyes were beginning to fill with tears.
"N-no… My head…" ...Damnit, Helio, you pushed her far too much. Still, he'd give her a soft smile. Reassurance, that's what children needed the most when things went wrong, wasn't it? His arms would find their way around the Ralts, whose arms would wrap around his neck, as his hand gently stroked her back.
"We can call it there for training today, Alice. You did really well, you know that? And… whilst your head might hurt right now, I know it will get better. For a mon so young, you really are super strong."
"...really?"
"Mhm. When I was your age, I wasn't as strong as you were. In fact, I hadn't even thought about fighting in truth." Helio, now, was beginning to walk back inside, using his own psychic to open and close the door as he went past. Back in the warmth… Perhaps he and Alice should've both had at least a scarf on, huh?
"Thank you, papa…"
"Think nothing of it, Alice. I'm only telling the truth." He'd soon find himself sat down in the front room, nestled into the corner of the couch, still holding the young Alice in his arms. Whilst they'd bonded under training, the Ralts was still a child. Training wasn't the only part of the child's life. He knew exactly how to spend the rest of their time together. "Now… What do you say we watch cartoons and have some hot chocolate?"
"Yeah!" Her enthusiasm made Helio smile, with the Gardevoir standing up and covering the young Ralts in a nearby blanket. Wrapping her up tightly as he prepared some hot chocolate. They spent the rest of the morning watching various cartoons with his daughter, even most of the afternoon was spent watching them, waiting for Meridia and Seliph to return home. Eventually, of course, they would. A wide smile on Seliph's face and Meridia holding a curious looking box in her hands.
"I'm back, Helio. Ailuros." As always, she was the picture of elegance. Helio couldn't help but smile and look back up at Meridia. Who, naturally, would look across to Helio and to the small body that was asleep on the couch next to him. Ailuros had fallen asleep during the afternoon. The fatigue, really, had caught up with the Ralts and the child was happily snoozing on the sofa. "It appears you have both had quite the eventful day." Helio would give a short nod, moving to stand up and potentially take the box out of Meridia's hands. Though, with the other Gardevoir using psychic, she'd managed to stow the box away somewhere else and safe. Heck, Helio hadn't even seen where it had gone off to.
"Yes, we have. Alice is… She's so good, you know? ...She's got so much promise and she's behaved herself all day. How was your day?"
"My day? Well, Seliph and I placed our order at… an establishment and then we spent the rest of the day around Commonplace. In truth, we spent much of it at the park. Seliph is quite tired, himself." A day at the park, eh? It seems that both of the children had their day of fun, didn't it? In fact, Seliph was already moving to sit down on the sofa, getting into the same blanket as Ailuros was and fixing his eyes on the TV. It was some kind of foreign action cartoon starring a swordsman Simisear who had a blade that ensured he would be unable to kill. Needless to say, Seliph was lost in the show almost immediately, watching it with wide eyes. It seems that the kid has a budding interest in swordplay, hm?
"Then we should leave the kids to rest. They've both had an exhausting day. I think… I'll work on dinner. Would you like anything to drink?"
"No thank you. Seliph and I haven't long had something." Disappointing, but Helio definitely understood. If a mon didn't need a drink then they didn't need a drink. He'd give a nod and proceed into the kitchen to prepare a dinner. Something big… Perhaps a casserole or a soup? ...Or a curry. It all depended on what ingredients were in the cupboard.
That night, after dinner… When Helio and Meridia both went to sleep. That was the best sleep he'd had in what felt like a long time. He was at peace, here. With Meridia. With Ailuros and Seliph. Even though he knew it wasn't real. Even if it was just a dream, Helio was more than glad he got this chance. Even just for a day.
Day 2
In truth, Helio didn't expect to return to this same world when he woke up the following day. He was still warm, the air still felt fresh, he still had a warm body wrapped up in his arms. He still had Meridia. A blessing, surely. Helio couldn't help a smile creeping onto his face as he slowly unwrapped Meridia and carefully got out of bed, doing his best not to wake her up. He'd let her sleep whilst she still was, there was no point in keeping her awake afterall.
"...Sleep well, Merri." He'd whisper. Perhaps in the vague hope that the female Gardevoir had heard him and would wake up. Now that he was alone for the first real time since getting here, Helio would be able to make his way downstairs to think. He had to reflect on… Well, really everything. What this strange world was and why he was even here. Was it a gift? A challenge for him? Helio truly didn't understand. He'd arrived here through meditation, so maybe he'd understand more of it from meditation? Drawing the curtains to a close in the living room, Helio would sit down and close his eyes. Trying to draw answers from the void, but ultimately… he'd find nothing. Not a way back… to his real home, to reality. He didn't even gain any insight on what this world was. Was it some kind of afterlife? Had he died..? No. He was hungry, still, and despite what his mouth told him his throat told him that he was absolutely parched. So his real body was "controlling" his hunger and thirst. Which… Gave him a time limit. He'd die of dehydration before long, wouldn't he? If not that, he'd pass out due to a lack of energy from food. It's just a good thing that meditation wasn't an intensive exercise. With this realisation, his meditation session would be interrupted by a voice.
"Good morning, dear." Meridia's voice. Had Helio woken her up without realising it? ...No, surely she would've spoken up if she had woken up, wouldn't she? He must've simply been meditating until Meridia had woken up, time was screwy whilst he was enveloped in his own mind. He had no idea how long time actually was. If a minute was truly a minute or if it was longer or shorter.
"Oh- Good morning, Merri." Helio would smile at her and pick himself up. The curtains would be drawn open again, letting the morning light into the room and allowing him to see Meridia not in the dark. It was definitely strange. Meridia's sparkles back when she was alive made it so easy to find her in a room. In truth, it did sometimes make sleeping difficult, but it was just like a night-light. Something that Helio got used to in due time. Both Gardevoir on their feet, they'd approach eachother for a hug. A tight one from both parties. Not at all like the hugs from the day prior, so then-
"Happy anniversary." ...Anniversary? As in… Years. He knew that their first anniversary of being a couple at all had been in November - how could he have forgotten - but this was… January. Clearly, it couldn't be the anniversary of them being a couple. Perhaps a celebration of them living together in this house? That was… in January of last year, wasn't it?
"Happy… Anniversary." Solgaleo, his voice sounded so unsure. But he didn't even know what he was celebrating today! As Meridia's arms unwrapped from around him, he finally looked at the ring that was on Meridia's hand. It certainly wasn't the same ring that he'd given back to her after they'd got engaged, so that meant… Marriage. Why didn't it come as a surprise to him? Of course they were going to have been married and a marriage after the day of light and Christmas… A marriage on a beautifully snowy day. The more he thought about it, the more he realised just how perfect that would've been. How much he would've wanted that. "Happy anniversary, Merri. If you want to wake the kids, I'll make breakfast-"
"That... sounds like a great idea. I will leave you to it, then." And like that, Helio would make his way into the kitchen and Meridia - after lingering in the living room for a few moments - would make her way upstairs. In the kitchen, Helio would grab a couple of eggs out the fridge, alongside some milk, and get some flour out of the cupboard. They all went into a bowl together and Helio would begin to mix them all up. As he did, well, his mind would go to thinking. He didn't have anything for Meridia's anniversary present, did he? Because he didn't know it was coming up. Hell, he was only planted here yesterday!
But… He could still organise something, right? On short notice. Sure, it would be difficult, but he knew just the place that would make this anniversary with Meridia perfect. Or… as perfect as it could be at any rate. Moving across to the phone installed in the kitchen, Helio would dial a specific number.
"Hello, Sunny Day Café." Thankfully, the mon on the other end of the line had actually picked up. Though, it didn't sound like the Audino that had served them the previous two times that he had been at the café with Meridia. He'd probably moved on to a different job or something. That didn't surprise him.
"Hello, I'd… like to potentially book a reservation for tonight..? If that's possible." Despite being as old as he was, Helio had never really needed to book a reservation at a restaurant. Hell, he didn't even know if he could book a reservation at a café. Thankfully, the Pokémon on the receiver would respond positively.
"There's plenty of seats free. What time, where?" ...Time. About… six? That sounded like a reasonable time to hopefully head out and get Meridia a physical present to present her with at the dinner, right?
"...Can I make it at 6pm and a window booth? For Helio Solstrider."
"'Course I can. I'll see you there."
That was… Surprisingly easy. Helio would let out a sigh of relief and quickly make his way across to the other side of the kitchen, back to the pancakes that were steadily cooking away. A flip for them and Helio would simply sit and wait for… Meridia to come downstairs with the kids following close behind them.
"Good morning, you two." Looking across to Meridia, Helio would see that she'd brought with her a wrapped up… Something. Wide, Flat. A large rectangle, actually. Seliph, meanwhile, had what was plainly a box wrapped up, just barely able to carry it over his head with what looked like a little help from Ailuros. It was cute to see and… Well, Helio could tell that they were presents. For both him and Meridia. Or was it just for him? He had a sneaking suspicion that that latter thought was true. These gifts were all for him.
"Good morning, Dad."
"Morning, papa!"
"Did you both have a good sleep?"
"Yep! I had a dream where I was fighting an Axew and won!" Axew was… a strangely specific Pokémon, huh. Still, Helio would smile, sliding some pancakes onto a plate and serving them up for the two kids to have. Thankfully they were smart enough to let the pancakes cool down.
"An Axew, huh? How did it go?"
"Well, uh, I was training in the garden, and an Axew jumped over the wall. I used my sword to fight it back, attacking its tusks!"
"...your sword? ...You know how to use one?"
"No, but I used the same moves that I saw on TV yesterday. With the cartoon Simisear." ...Helio almost wished that he could teach the young Ralts how to use a sword. Properly, not just imitating moves that he'd seen on TV. Regardless, it was just a sign that they were growing up, wasn't it? Wanting to learn new things, try new things. Learn how to fight… They must've been at that age, huh? Where everything seems cool and just an advanced form of play. In fairness, that assessment wasn't totally wrong, was it? In a way, sparring was just a very specific type of play.
"...Just be careful, okay, Seliph? I don't want you using your amazing skills on people on the street, okay?" Thankfully, the Ralts would give a nod at Helio. It was a good thing that the kids understood to not just beat up random Pokémon at least. He didn't want to be raising superpowered rogues and have them- ...have them turn against the dream world. Not against him. Solgaleo above, the thought of one of his children going rogue tore at his heart.
"Now what about you, Alice? Did you sleep well?"
"Yes, Papa, I did." After seeing the young Ralts the previous morning suffering from the nightmare she'd probably had, Helio was more than glad to see that Alice had slept right this night. Rather than divulging more on her sleep, however, both Alice and Seliph would simply begin to happily eat their pancakes. His face watched for a reaction from the both of them. Seliph… Seemed less impressed at the sweet food placed before him, whilst Alice definitely enjoyed what she was eating. Perhaps Seliph wasn't so keen on sweet foods? Taking after Meridia in having a speed-lowering nature? Although, Meridia did enjoy the occasional sweet thing, that much Helio could definitely remember. Nature wasn't everything when it came to a mon's palette. But, particularly whilst they were young, it was a big contributing factor.
"...I'm glad to hear it." He'd return to relative silence, preparing his and Meridia's breakfast pancakes before moving to the table with them, floating Merri's plate over to her as he sat down and ate.
"I've… booked us a place at the sunny day cafe for tonight for dinner. As an anniversary meal for the family." He'd say, to break the silence of eating. Meal times… They definitely could wind up being awkward, even if it was just him and Suchobi.
"Helio, you didn't need to-"
"It's my treat, Merri. For our anniversary, right?" He'd give the Gardevoir a smile and a wink. He had it all figured out, he wanted to make the anniversary special for the Gardevoir if he possibly could. Afterall, he'd only have one anniversary to celebrate in his life. He may as well celebrate it well, right?
"Alright… Speaking of our anniversary, I have something to give you. As does Seliph, I believe." ...The presents that Meridia had walked in with, obviously. Helio would look at them and nod. Right, time to receive some gifts from his loved ones, huh? ...Something that would obviously be meaningful. "This one was Ailuros' idea, actually. But I was the one that was able to make it a reality." Meridia would hand Helio the present from both her and Ailuros. The flat board, rather than the box. Using psychic to gently unwrap it. What was revealed to him was a varnished wooden plaque. It looked expensive and… Custom made. Engraved on the wood was an image. Two Gardevoir, stood almost back to back. Both with swords held pointing to the sky and one with a shield in his hand. Helio and Meridia. And either side of them, two Ralts. In writing, the plaque held the letters
"The Solstrider Family, 5 years of greatness" And below both the image of the family and the words, the number 89. Their door number. It was a house sign… Varnished, resistant to the weather. It was… perfect. And told Helio much more. This was their five year anniversary. Helio and Meridia must've married 5 years ago and the children would be the same age - turning six years old this july.
"Wow, I… Alice, you thought of this?" He could barely put his thoughts into words, he was so amazed. So stunned. He… loved it. Truly, he did.
"uh-huh! Mama told me that you give a gift of wood after 5 years, so I asked mama to make this for you both." With a smile, Helio would place down the wooden plaque on the table and give a hug to the young Ralts that had ordered the present be made.
"Thank you so much, Alice… I love it."
"Open mine now, Dad! Please!" With great excitement, Seliph would nudge the larger wooden box towards Helio, a smile on the young pokemon's face. Now… What could there be inside? Unwrapping it and opening the box up, Helio would bear witness to… Two wooden swords. One that was clearly built for a Gardevoir and one that was built for… a much younger Pokémon inside, on top of the Gardevoir's blade.
"...Seliph-" Looking across at the younger Pokémon, Seliph was… In a word, excited. He was giving a toothy grin at the unboxing of the present.
"I got the idea yesterday, when Alice asked to train with you…" When Alice asked- Does that, then, mean what Helio suspects? The presence of the two wooden blades would imply that… "Could you, uhm, teach me, too, dad? How to use a sword?" ...Bringing himself away from the celebrations on such a big day- Helio would look across to Meridia for confirm that it was alright. Helio couldn't well say no to the young Ralts, so hopeful and young. It was best to help train him early, right? So that if he did need to use his skills, Solgaleo forbid, he'd be able to. Thankfully, Meridia would give a short nod to Helio, telling him that it would be alright for the pair of psychics to practice their swordplay for the day.
"Yes. We have to be back before four, but... I think I can show you the basics." With those words of confirmation, Seliph's eyes would light up with excitement. He was going to get training time with his dad just like Alice was! Score!
"Let's go, then! Come on!" Seliph would grab the smaller Ralts-sword from the box and run to the door of the kitchen… At least the shiny ralts had finished his breakfast before he'd run off.
"...I'll be back, Meridia. We'll head to the training facility in Lively Town, I think. Yesterday, Ailuros figured out psychic and shadow ball… She's probably still got growl and disarming voice left to figure out-"
"I can handle it, Helio. You go have fun with Seliph."
"...I appreciate it. Alright, Seliph, I'm coming." Helio'd grab his sword from the pair as well as the holders for the wooden weapons. Sheathes - albeit simple ones - that would be attached as a belt around the waists of the Gardevoir and Ralts. "Love you, Merri." And with that, Helio and Seliph would both make their way to the guild training facility - with Helio stopping at the front door to do just that - attach the sheathe to the younger Ralts' side.
Before long, the Two psychics would make it to Lively Town - with Seliph having eventually been picked up in Helio's arms as he used Psychostep to reach there sooner. He wanted all the time that he could with the young ralts to see him in action. To train young Seliph the best that he could in swordsmanship. Afterall, that's what Helio should do as a father. At least start the child on his way to learning how to defend himself with a blade.
In the facility, Seliph was placed down on the ground infront of a training dummy. Thankfully, it was inside. No cloak required for either Ralts nor Gardevoir on this chilly day.
"Okay, Seliph, show me your best sword stance."
"My best- Oh! Right!" The Ralts drew his blade and splay his legs out. He kept one hand on the sword, by the bottom of the weapon, and his other was out. His legs… Solgaleo above. He had the right idea. Spread his body out to keep his centre of mass low, but no. His legs were parallel with each other. Which meant that a stiff breeze would've been able to knock him over. Moreso, his ability to actually move in that "stance" was horrific. Assuming he wanted to keep it with his defensiveness. On the blade… Sure, if he was using psychic then he'd be able to support the weight of the blade quite easily. As is, he wasn't using psychic. The blade's weight was incredibly far from the grip that the young Ralts held and it would be easy if helio were to tap the edge of the blade to disarm him. However, Helio wouldn't simply tell his son that. No, not at all. That would be too easy for the Ralts' learning. It wouldn't teach the Ralts anything at all. As such, Helio would stand before the ralts and give a simple command.
"Strike me. As hard as you can." Helio's own blade wasn't drawn but his hand was certainly on its hilt, just to give Seliph the illusion that Helio was going to use it. But in truth? No. He couldn't draw his blade against his son until he was confident that Seliph could defend himself.
"Okay-" Wobbling, Seliph would raise his blade and swing his right leg forward towards Helio, using that momentum to attack. However, a quick pulse of psychic would have the blade fly out of the young Ralts' hand, falling harmlessly on the ground next to him. "H-huh-"
"Your grip on your sword was too weak. You're treating it like a bat or a racket. Whilst you're still learning to use your sword, keep your hand up by the top. And don't just use one hand. Your second hand can absolutely be held at the bottom." Taking Helio's advice, Seliph would adopt his stance once more. His right hand - Helio assumed to be his primary hand - held up by the guard of the blade and his left hand held near the bottom. Once again, his footwork was off. His legs were still parallel to each other. That's what Helio would instruct him on now at the least.
"Again." Once more, Seliph would attack him. The blade would be raised upwards as he stepped forwards, ready to strike down against Helio. However, the Ralts had found himself unbalanced. As the blade came down, as did Seliph's foot. With a small push of psychic, Helio would knock the Ralts backwards and off of his feet… Catching the child before he landed too harshly on the floor, of course.
"Do you know what was wrong there?"
"You pushed me over."
"Do you know why?"
"Because, I… was standing on one foot?"
"That's right. Look at what I do with my feet." Helio would draw his sword and adopt a similar stance to what Seliph had adopted. His feet were misaligned, his left foot infront of his right, which was to the back of him and to the side. "Keeping your fight misaligned makes for greater stability, particularly on the defensive. On the offensive, you can move your feet, of course, but be certain to keep yourself low to the ground. Like such." Using his that very stance, Helio would bring his right foot forward, sliding it just barely across the floor. As his foot moved forward, so would his body, fuelling the progress of the blade as it slammed into the dummy. "Keeping your movements slight and your strikes tough, with that you'll strike true and keep your fight going."
"Uhm… Okay-" The Ralts seemed to understand what Helio had said, giving a slight nod. Though, Helio worried that Seliph hadn't taken in what he'd told him.
"Show me." At Helio's request, Seliph would get himself into a similar stance that Helio had adopted. Both hands on the blade, arms extended out to meet Helio. With the blade between them, Seliph would strike "down" at Helio, sliding his foot towards the Gardevoir. A much better strike from the Ralts. One that Helio would block with his sword.
"That's much better. Good! Now, strike me twice!" Helio was starting to get into this, whilst his blade was away, Helio's stance was still a combative one. His legs were still there for Helio to quickly step back from an attack. The Ralts would then step forward, performing his usual overhead strike. One that Helio would step back from. Of course, the Ralts would then bring his sword back up and attempt another strike. One that Helio would hold in place with psychic.
"Think for a moment, Seliph. If your sword is already down at the floor, why are you raising it up again without attacking?"
"...oh. Right!" The Ralts would nod and take his stance again. Forward strike, one that Helio would step back from. Upward slash! One that Helio would block with his blade. But wait, the Ralts wouldn't stop there. With the two blades touching, Seliph would step forward, poking Helio's gut with the tip of his training sword.
"That was a good one! I wasn't expecting that."
"You weren't?"
"Not at all." ...Okay, Maybe Helio might've been expecting him to do something, but he truthfully didn't anticipate Seliph to use his blade as a guide to strike his gut.
"Alright! I did it!"
"Now, it's time for you to work on your defensive play." Using psychic, Helio would bring the sword out of its hilt and have it hover infront of Seliph. "Your job is to block or to parry the attack. Stop it from reaching you."
"...Okay!" And so, Helio would send some basic attacks towards Seliph. Positioning the sword in obvious places. Weak strikes that the Ralts would be able to block or parry. Naturally, Seliph would take to it almost like a duck to water. The shiny Ralts blocking each strike as best as he could, occasionally knocking the sword aside and initiating a counter strike against what would've been his opponent if he got a parry particularly right. They'd continue this exercise until Seliph began to tire, his hands hurting from holding the sword and his muscles aching from the amount of exercise that he was doing.
As Seliph failed to block three consecutive attacks - simply being overpowered or having a stance too weak to actually be worth anything defensively - Helio would stop and approach the young psychic.
"...are you okay, Seliph?"
"I'm… I'm alright, Dad."
"...you're tired, aren't you?
"A little… But I can still train-"
"No. It's a big night tonight and you can't train when you're exhausted. It just doesn't work."
"...okay…" With a smile, Helio would pick up Seliph, putting both wooden swords into their respective sheathes.
"Let's head back home and rest up before dinner, okay?"
With that, Helio would head back home with Seliph and the rest of the day would be spent preparing himself for the meal that evening. Cleaning himself up and rooting through the wardrobe for something appropriate to wear. Perhaps he could see if this world had that black dress he'd picked up in that casino in the Badlands? Or… No. Those days of his were largely over. If he had some ceremonial armour or garb that would be nice, but - alas - he didn't have that available. It's alright, though, just going as himself was more than good enough for Helio. In fact, through inspection, it's seemingly what Meridia had done, too with the Gardevoir - at 5 PM coming downstairs. Of course, just because the Gardevoir hadn't chosen to accessorise herself - aside for the obvious ring on her finger - that didn't mean that she didn't seem to shine. As much as a Green-haired Gardevoir could, anyway. It was jaw-dropping sight as he saw Meridia coming downstairs with a slight smile on her face, her hair seemingly glowing. He couldn't help but smile, turning his head away from her to hide the growing flush of red on his cheeks.
"Are you, uhm… ready?" Solgaleo, he was acting like a schoolchild. He was engaged, nay, married to this woman. He should be more in control of himself… right? Or- ...No. Why in Solgaleo's name should he be afraid of his own emotions? Especially given he was feeling them about the mon he loved dearly. Surely Meridia would be happy to know that she makes him feel the way she does?
"Yes, I am. Seliph, Ailuros, come on you two." Clapping, the Gardevoir would summon the two Ralts towards them. Seliph still had his practice sword with him, placed neatly on his back so that it would be more difficult for him to cause trouble with it, rather than impossible. The kid just… didn't want to part with it. Ailuros had her hair tied back behind her head, placed in a tiny little bun. Helio had done that earlier. Sometimes, his dating history came in handy, you know?
"Then let's be off, shall we?" Taking Meridia's hand, Helio would lead the other Gardevoir and the rest of the family to the Sunny Day café. The place where Helio had come to be engaged with Meridia and where their relationship was really kind of cemented.
As Helio expected, the café hadn't really changed that much from his expectations. It was still that warm, friendly palette that - despite the outside world being covered in darkness - just seemed to pop against the rest of the world. The walls of it were painted with rolling hills and a bright sunny sky and the floor a verdant green like a fresh meadow. If not for her disappearing, Helio could imagine Hylia working in this place. Or maybe that's just wishful thinking on his behalf. Helio would wait at the door and would soon be greeted by… A Lilligant. Not an Audino like Helio expected.
"Hello, I… placed a reservation in for this evening..?"
"A Reservation?" The Lilligant would seem to think for a minute before her face lit up. It… really wasn't very often that a café got a reservation, particularly so late in the day. "...Mr. Solstrider?"
"That's me."
"...Right this way, please." The Lilligant would smile and lead the family to a table by the window that was able to seat four mons. One seat on either side of the table and two facing the window directly. Helio would slide into one of the end chairs and Meridia would do the same, with the kids clambering up onto their central seats, looking around the place that they were eating.
"May I ask what you would like to eat this evening?" ...Right, food. Helio hadn't thought about that, grabbing a menu from the table, he'd begin to look over it. Perhaps… Ah, that would be a good call, wouldn't it?
"Can I have a Pecha and Aspear Salad, please?"
"I'd like an Apple and Pecha salad, in that case."
"What would you two like, kids?"
"Pancakes!"
"Uhm… I'd like to try Cheri and Aspear Salad." ...That was a somewhat strange request from the Ralts, Helio was truthfully expecting the young psychic to have pancakes like Ailuros wanted, but he should've expected as such, shouldn't he? ...The way that Seliph didn't overwhelmingly enjoy the pancakes this morning should've clued Helio into that. It's alright if his son was discovering what he enjoyed eating, wasn't it? So long as he was happy with what he was getting.
"Three salads and a plate of pancakes. It'll be 15 minutes, okay?"
"That's more than fine with me." Helio would give a nod at the Lilligant and she would move back, heading towards the front of the cafe - and subsequently the kitchens - with the family's order. With a fifteen minute wait… Helio would want some alone time with Meridia.
"...Seliph, why don't you and Alice go and play for a bit? Don't worry, we'll keep an eye on you." ...Thankfully, the café had an area for the kids to play, where Helio could keep an eye on the young Pokémon whilst he was talking to Meridia.
"Really..? You'll let us?"
"Of course, I trust you'll behave yourselves?"
"Mhm, yes papa!"
"I will." An excited look on the faces of both of the kids, they'd scuttle off towards the play area, talking with the other kids… seemingly making friends with them. Regardless, Helio would call them over once food arrived. Or, hopefully, they'd figure it out from looking across. Helio had something to talk to Meridia about, though. Something that was… gnawing at him.
"...Merri? If you don't mind my asking, where's… the rest of the family?"
"The rest of our family? I don't follow, Helio." ...What? Almost all excitement that Helio held for the night just vanished, his head looking towards the floor. What did Meridia mean by not knowing about the rest of the family.
"...you know, Onyxia… Suchobi, Hylia…" Helio watched her face as he spoke the names of the three Pokémon that had gone unaccounted for for his entire stay here. It would light up at Onyxia, thank Solgaleo, and at Suchobi. But at Hylia..? Nothing.
"...How do you know of my sister, dear?" ...Because Onyxia was also Helio's sister. Not just by law, but since Onyxia had come to the island in her base state, Helio was there for her… Whenever Hylia wasn't there. "And who is this Hylia you speak of?" ...Something was off, all of a sudden. Sure, he expected this world to be different. Meridia wasn't a shiny and she was alive for Solgaleo's sake, but not knowing who Hylia was. Not knowing that Helio had such a close bond to Onyxia… It was just entirely wrong to him.
"Hylia is… She's my sister, Merri… When we became a couple, I was sharing my mind with her, wasn't I?" ...The look on Meridia's face. It was clearly one of concern and worry. She A) didn't believe him and B) must've thought that he was going crazy from the explanation he was giving her.
"...Helio, are you alright? That's… Never happened for as long as we've been a pair. Nor before it, even. Not whilst you were living in… that diner." ...That diner. The Delphic diner, right? Well, obviously, it had to have been the Delphic Diner, there's literally nothing else it could've been from the tone that Meridia had used.
"Yes, I'm fine Merri. That place you don't mean the Delphic Diner? ...Is that where Suchobi still is..?" And Meridia, at that, would simply shake her head. If Delphinus didn't have Suchobi, then… where was she? Was she still living in the Badlands? He half wanted to make a run for it, get out of the café and go looking for her. But a part of him knew it to be a fruitless task.
"And Onyxia… She's still..?"
"Back in the Westlands as far as I'm aware, yes." ...Which meant that the only Pokémon here that Helio really knew were Meridia and the kids. The only Pokémon that Helio knew here were Meridia and the kids.
"Solgaleo…" He didn't know what to think. He knew there had to be some trick to this, some way that this wasn't perfect. But this? It was too much. Onyxia… Who had helped him even more than Meridia through his lowest points. Gone. Suchobi, who had recently returned. Gone. Hylia, who was him. It was another aspect of himself. She was gone, too. "I.. Think I need a minute."
"...Helio…" Meridia rose from her chair and moved the one nearest to Helio even closer towards him, just so that she could sit next to him. With her sat there… It wouldn't be long until Meridia's arm wrapped around his back, the other Gardevoir holding onto his shoulder. "I don't fully understand but I'm here… Okay?"
"...ri-"
"Stop it! Leave me alone!" As Helio was about to speak, he'd hear a voice. No. The voice. The voice of Alice. It was high-pitched, almost sharp to his ears. Almost like a disarming voice… Looking across at Meridia, he'd see she had a slight smile on her face. You know, underneath the worry. So Meridia had taught her to use her other moves today, huh? Needless to say, for Ailuros to actually use an attack, to shout like that. It had to be rather dire. The Gardevoir stood as fast as he could, rushing over to the play area. Damnit, he should've just focused on the kids rather than asking about the rest of his family.
By the time he arrived, however, Helio would be greeted by a heartmelting sight. Seliph, stood between Ailuros (whose hair had been brought out of the bun that Helio had made) and a Sneasel, wooden blade pointed at the recoiling ice type.
"Get away from my sister!" ...From the way that Seliph was stood, his feet splayed out in the stance that he'd taken in training earlier, Seliph thankfully hadn't attacked the dark type. It… must've just been recoiling from Alice's Disarming Voice. Fairy damage against a dark type and all. However, with the Sneasel having been attacked, the icy Pokémon would flee, tears in its eyes. Solgaleo above… What was going on? Kneeling down, Helio would assess Ailuros. Her hair was… ruined. And she had a small scratch across her back. Alice had been attacked by that bratty Sneasel, who then would have the nerve to run away at the first sign of danger? ...He was going to have a stern talking to with the Pokémon's parents. Which… He unfortunately wouldn't have to even find, as Helio would soon feel the tapping of a razor-like claw against his back.
"You…" A voice that matched the sharpness of the Pokémon's claws would come from a Weavile Helio found whilst turning around. Behind it, there was the Sneasel. Tears still in its eyes. "Those Ralts are your kids, aren't they?"
"Yes, they are."
"You need to watch them better. Your children attacked my darling Silver."
...So it was his kids' fault that they had to defend themselves? Like Distortion it was! Seliph was only stopping more conflict from arising and Ailuros… She was simply calling for help from both her parents and Seliph. Or… Really anyone around that could.
"...it was your 'darling Silver' that attacked my daughter. Look at your son's body, he's unharmed. If it wasn't for him we wouldn't be in this mess."
"Ridiculous, he wouldn't attack anymon. Would you, Silver?"
"N-no, mother…" ...Helio clenched his fist at that statement. At the smug grin from the Weavile, at the surrounding crowd. He knew he was right. He saw what happened. He could see the harm that had come to Ailuros. But there was no point in causing an argument. It would only get them thrown out from the café. But at the same time… He didn't want to be in the cafe for much longer. He just wanted to go home. Being the bigger mon, Helio would turn back around and speak to Ailuros and as he did… He could be certain that he heard Meridia giving the Weavile an earache, too.
"...are you okay, Alice? You're not hurt, are you?"
"...I'm okay, papa…" Despite that, he could hear the weakness in Alice's voice. She had been brave, very much so, standing up to that bully like that and even when she'd been attacked, she took it on the chin.
"That's a brave girl. You're not hurt, are you Seliph?"
"...no, dad, I'm not." ...Well, not physically, anyway. As Helio picked the female Ralts up - being careful not to touch where she'd been cut - and walked away, Seliph would follow, glaring daggers at the dark type which only smirked.
"I'm sorry, Meridia, but… can we just go home? I'm… really not hungry anymore."
"My thoughts exactly, Helio… We can still celebrate at home, right?"
"...Right."
And with that, the family of psychics would vacate the Sunny Day Café, Helio's and Meridia's moods much worsened from the experience.
Night 2
Once Helio returned home, the family returned to celebrating the 5th anniversary of Helio and Meridia being married. Working together to help bake a cake to eat for breakfast the following day, with pancakes being prepared fresh for everyone that wanted them and a Cheri and Aspear salad for Seliph. By the time night rolled around and the kids had been put to bed, Helio still had those worrying thoughts from back in the back of his mind. The thoughts of Suchobi… Of Onyxia and Hylia… The thoughts that they were flat out lost to him, now. Onyxia had probably gone off somewhere and got herself… Well, best not to think of that. Hylia was gone and Suchobi… Solgaleo knows where she was.
As such, when everyone else in the house was asleep, Helio just wasn't. He couldn't sleep, he had too much on his mind. Too much to even think about. The troubling concept of losing half of his family to get the other half back… Solgaleo, it was such a tough one. But… Helio knew it was only a dream. This wasn't permanent and if he stayed here, in his mind's clutches… Solgaleo only knows what would happen to him. He'd suffocate, or starve, or plainly dehydrate. It was either stay here with the love of his life and his kids and live the rest of his life happiness, but simply put… Die. Abandon Suchobi and leave everyone around him to wonder what happened to him. Alternatively, he could return to the world he knew. To be with the Pokémon he still had with him… To help everyone that needed him. Helio knew which one he would rather have. Whilst it was a tough decision, Helio had his mind set. He had to get out of here, no matter what.
"...I'm sorry, Meridia…" Taking a deep breath, Helio would get out of bed and head down back to the living room. Where he was this morning. Meditation is how Helio got in here and it's how Helio was going to get out. He'd find himself sat cross-legged and close his eyes.
What did he want? ...Freedom. He wanted to be out of here. He wanted to live, to be free, didn't he? Thoughts of freedom would pass Helio's mind, thoughts of Suchobi… The time that he could still spend with her. However, his mind strayed to thoughts of Ailuros and Seliph. Of the fun that he had whilst training with them. The sight of Seliph defending Ailuros. The prospect of seeing them both grow up to be masters of their respective crafts, whatever that may be.
"...No. I'm going home." But his mind, his subconscious continued. If he did leave, what would happen to the kids? Seliph… He wouldn't ever complete his sword training. Not the way that he wanted to. An image would flash before Helio's eyes. A weavile, that weavile from the cafe, stood above a bloodied corpse of a Kirlia, a shattered blade by his side. Without training, Seliph would surely find himself getting in over his head. He'd be vulnerable… Helio wouldn't be there to protect his child. "...He's just a dream. Even if he feels real… He isn't…" ...But the pain in Helio's heart was. His son… He had to leave the child to die, even if he didn't want to. "I'm sorry…"
As one image faded, however, a scene would begin to play out. One that started with sobbing.
"...Mum… Dad… Seliph…" Ailuros… And as the image of the scene came into view… She was sat alone in a field of blood, the crimson liquid seeping up her dress, staining it. Marking her as what she was. A killer. The Pokémon around her were indiscernible. Her only company, the unseeable corpses of the pokemon around her.
"Alice… No, she wouldn't…" ...But without a father figure, it would be all too easy for Alice to fall. For her to be branded as a rogue, even jut in self-defence. For her entire world to come crumbling down around her. "...She's too smart for that… She couldn't do that to people…" ...But still, Helio had to let go. Tears flowed from the bodies of both Helios… All he was seeing was images of this world. He couldn't have that. He couldn't let go…
"I thought you cared about me, Helio… I thought you were different from all of those other mons." That voice was… Suchobi. He was different from the other pokemon who had surrounded her as parental figures. He wasn't a treacherous bastard like Delphinus was, he wasn't a horrendous person like her birth father and… He was still here. He could still be there for her. Just as she is there for him. The father and daughter duo… They had to be there for eachother. He had to get back to her, no matter what it took. He owed her that much. As he realised that, something would click in his mind. Like a correct number of a safe combination, or a link breaking in a chain.
"h-Helio. Why did you abandon me? After everything we've been through…." ...Onyxia. One of the two pokemon that he hadn't been able to reunite with at all since the death of Meridia. The shiny Gardevoir that was his sister had helped him through so much. Could he just abandon her? Live in a world where she'd died? Could he just stay where he was, living a "happy" life, when Onyxia was fighting a war in the shadows against… Whatever she was fighting against. Solgaleo no! Onyxia was there for him through thick and thin and he wasn't about to let Onyxia down by abandoning her when she needed him. Yet another link broken, more of Helio's mental shackles broken.
"What are you doing? You've come this far, got so close to Master Rank and you're going to throw it away? Where's your brain, Helio? You've nearly found me. Come on, GET ME!" ...Hylia. Both a blessing and a curse, Helio still had a lot to thank Hylia for. She was still family, she was a part of him for months. Together with Hylia, he'd learnt to take care of himself. To take pride in his appearance once more. If it wasn't for Hylia, Helio wouldn't be the mon he is today. Without her… He might still be under the control of that Salazzle. Was he going to just let her rot away somewhere? Was he going to let her stay hidden? Stolen away? No. There wasn't a chance that was going to happen. He was going to break out for her. The third link broken.
"Helio… You are not living for just yourself, here. You are living for me. For all of our family." ...Meridia. He couldn't just let her go. He would always keep her in his heart, but at the same time… She was gone. There was no getting away from that. Meridia. He and her… Fate had ordained it to not be so, between the presence of Romanda in her stone and her tragically passing away alongside their children… Meridia wouldn't want him to be in this state. She knew what was going to happen eventually. Meridia was well aware of her own mortality and Helio, like a fool, had ignored it with sheer, blind hope. "...I love you, Meridia… You'll always be in my heart… you know?"
"...I know. Now, Helio. Go!" Urged on by Meridia, yet another of Helio's mental chains would break, leaving his mind free.
Ending
And with his mind free, Helio would be back into the real world again. Marked by that booming voice of the "pokemon" from before.
"Well done, child of the mind. You have done well to pass this test. I bestow upon you a power that few pokemon have been able to attain. I trust you to use it wisely." And as the pokemon left Helio's mind, the statue would crumble. Helio felt… potential inside of him. A potential that he'd never felt before. What was that? ...He had no time to think of that now. The air that Helio was breathing was stale. His mouth dry, his stomach called out in pain. Hell, for all the time that Helio had been meditating, he'd locked himself in here. Which meant he had to get out. Light spurted from Helio's right hand as he looked onward. He was… snowed in, exactly as he'd planned. And he had to get out.
Unfortunately, just blasting it with psychic just wasn't working. The snow wasn't shifting at all. He had no energy but he had to get out. Whatever this well of potential was inside Helio, he had to use it and now. Holding back his hands, Energy would gather on each of them. As they came together, a great red beam of energy would scythe through the snow, carving through it like it was butter. Hyper Beam. A move with great destructive power, but one that drained Helio immensely. The Gardevoir stumbled out of the cavern, feeling the soft moon beams falling against his skin, the crisp wintery air bringing a chill to his body. He was out, he was safe... and with a flash of his guild badge, he was returned home. Warm and recovering... The doctors were going to give him an absolute earful for his escapades, that was for sure.
Author's Note V2
And that was Trial of the Mind! A story that I am still incredibly proud of, to this day. Have a good evening, everyone!