Here's another chapter, guys. Actually got this one done in about...half a day's worth in total. Nyx did the first several pages in a couple of hours before we went to spend the night at our aunt's for a week, and I finished up the rest of the chapter today so...Read, review (if you'd like), and enjoy! Oh, and spotlight fanfic of the week is "Wolf in Shepard's Clothing" by cmitts93 for those of you who are into the Mass Effect series. It's a great fanfic so if you haven't already, go check it out!

No shoutouts this time, no reviews or favorites/follows XD. To the story now!

"Speech"-Verbal Speech

Speech-Mental thoughts/Conversations/Sarcasm, emphasis

"Speech"-Verbal Speech from flashbacks

Speech-Mental thoughts or conversations in flashbacks/Otherworldly Speech

Speech-Attacks (moves)

Chapter 2: Jeanne's Request

A Few Years Later…

With Roxanne

Roxanne sighed tiredly as she unlocked the door to her apartment and went, leaving the groceries by the door and slipping off her shoes. "Done with groceries, Hugh! Your turn to cook tonight!" When she didn't get a reply, she checked her watch, frowning. 10:27 p.m. Hugh should be back from work already, his shift had ended a couple of hours ago. Shaking her head, Roxanne went down the hallway and knocked on Hugh's door. "Wake up, Hugh."

"Want to sleep in some more…" came Hugh's reply. Roxanne rolled her eyes, smiling as she thought that he had kept his habits since all those years before.

"We'll go without food if you don't get up."

"We can last." Roxanne raised an eyebrow, he really wanted sleep. "Why don't you cook today?"

"Because I cooked yesterday, Hugh. Come on, I'll give you ten minutes." Hearing a sigh of compliance from behind the door, Roxanne laughed as she went further down the hallway and entered the bathroom. She untied her hair and turned on the faucet, rinsing her face. In her peripherals, she spotted the picture hanging on the wall. It was of her, Hugh, and Oculus, Hugh's Noctowl, a few days after the day they met. We really grew, didn't we?

Now 17, she was no longer around 4 feet in height. Roxanne stood at 5'9" and was quite slender. With small pouty lips and her bangs framing her face, her gray eyes were still as stormy as they had been when she was a child. Roxanne had a scar on the right side of her face, it started horizontally underneath her eye before branching down into three and meeting her tree. The scar was the result of her instigating a fight with an Original. Aside from the scar, she still had her long black hair and her skin was actually less tanned than it had been from when she first moved to Johto.

She stood there for several moments, recollecting on all they had done in the last four-five years. The two of the had been the best of friends, and ended up going on the Trainer's circuit together, with Roxanne tagging along just to accompany Hugh and his Noctowl. In their travels, Hugh had beaten six Gym Leaders (and they took their time, with months of training in between Gym Leaders) and they had decided to take a break of sorts, and here they were now. Roxanne dried her face with her towel before leaving the bathroom, almost running into her best friend.

Hugh did not really change much either from childhood. He was much taller, that much was for sure. Standing at the same height as her, if not, maybe a half a head taller, Hugh's short black hair clung to his forehead, probably due to the accumulating warmth in the house. His glasses, of which matched the warm brown color of his eyes, were askew, giving evidence that he had put them on haphazardly without much of a care (Who would after having their nap interrupted?). He was in shape, lean for a male in his current stage of life. Hugh wore a dark blue shirt and black shorts, typical clothing for one at home.

"What am I making today?" Hugh asked with a yawn, straightening out his shirt as they walked to the small living room. The kitchen was even smaller, though just big enough for two people at maximum to work in. Hugh spotted the bag of groceries and brought them over to the kitchen as Roxanne flopped onto the couch and turned on the small TV.

"Sorry, Oculus." she muttered, the Noctowl was recovering from his near-fall from the armrest of the chair. She had almost knocked him over.

"It's fine, as long as you don't sit on me." Oculus replied, the translator earpieces that the two humans had bought working perfectly. Hugh's wins from all the battles that accumulated over the years earned him quite a lot of cash. For Roxanne, she had been gaining money through some dangerous odd jobs here and there that were usually meant for experienced Trainers such as locating a rogue pokemon that had been attacking Trainers on the road and the like. Needless to say, Roxanne didn't care so much about the dangers. Of the two of them though, Hugh made more money.

"Calling me fat?" Roxanne challenged jokingly.

"I'm not stupid." The two shared a chuckle as Roxanne turned to answer Hugh's earlier question. She watched as he fumbled with the grocery bags, knowing full well that he hated untying the knots she'd always tie. Roxanne smirked, finding great amusement.

"There's stuff to make enchiladas with in the bags, I also bought some snacks too. The fruit cups are mine, by the way, don't touch them. I bought you some chips." She loved fruit cups, whether they'd be jello cups with peach dices, or fruit cocktails. She loved the canned ones as well.

"Nice, thanks." Hugh told her with a smile as he finally got the bags open. He pulled out a few bags of chips along with Roxanne's fruit cups. He then pulled out actual full fruits and placed them on the table next to the kitchen. Finally, he gathered the ingredients needed to make the enchiladas and placed them on the kitchen counter before storing their snacks into their respective cabinets. "Wait, did you buy any water?"

"I did yesterday, remember? They're in the pantry." Hugh opened the pantry and sure enough, a group of water bottles in six rows of five were placed neatly on the bottom shelf. "Should be thirty of them, and I'd know since I was the one who carried them all the way from the store." Hugh chuckled at that.

"Well, be glad I'm your cook and that I'm not a bad one." He chuckled once more as Roxanne raised both of her hands and eyed the roof of the house as if saying 'Hallelujah!' With that, he got to cooking.

Roxanne focused her attention on the TV, currently tuned in to the news channel of Johto. The anchorwoman looked extremely tired on air, as if she missed several hours of sleep. To her credit, the makeup she wore hid the bags underneath her eyes. Though, Roxanne wasn't one to be fooled that easily. She continued to nitpick everything she could find on the news channel just for the fun of it, not really paying attention to the actual news. To her left, Oculus was busying himself with any feathers out of place in his wings and plumage.

And then, she felt it. In the back of her mind, she felt a faint tingling. She didn't know what it was, whether it was a warning or sixth sense or such, but it was definitely there. She shook her head and closed her eyes, trying to will the almost irritating sensation away. That was when it happened.

Opening her eyes, she immediately realized that something was off. All color seemed to be drained from the world and all movements ceased. Everything happening on TV was frozen, as were Oculus and Hugh. The air seemed stilled, and she even spotted a butterfly frozen mid-flight as it was trying to fly in through the open window. What the hell is going on? "Hugh? Oculus?" She waved a hand in front of Oculus's eyes, but he gave no response. She quickly made her way over to Hugh and did the same, only to receive the same result. "What's happening?!"

Calm yourself, my child.

Roxanne instantly tensed, the ethereal voice had resonated from within her head. She began thinking of the possibilities, figuring that an intruding psychic or psychic pokemon had made their way inside without making themselves known. As she thought of this, and remembering that she had some form of defense, she also did her best to build up a mental wall around her mind to prevent the psychic from reading any of her thoughts or assaulting her mind psychically. "Who's there?!" She quickly procured the razor from her pocket and taking the chance the intruder was behind her, as she was beginning to feel a presence there, she spun around and slashed.

The razor, and her body, was held fast by a psychic force. Cursing mentally, she could only struggle to regain control over her body. Roxanne then heard a chuckle, looking ahead to see just who or what was restricting her movements.

You have an impressive reaction time for a human, Roxanne Sylva. Roxanne momentarily held her breath as she took in the sight of the white stag floating there. A golden ring around its middle and several transparent plates floating around its body, Roxanne managed to come up with what she was seeing.

Arceus, the goddess of pokemon.

So you recognize who I am now? Arceus seemed amused as she released her psychic hold on the woman. Roxanne fell to her knees, nodding dumbly. She remembered reading about Arceus, finding the claims to be spot on. The goddess's appearance, aura of power and authority, and even the mother or fatherly (in this case, motherly, obviously) presence she gave off. Roxanne thought that it was similar to when she first moved to Johto, having never seen a pokemon before. But this feeling of awe..it was intensified exponentially.

Throwing her nervousness to the side, Roxanne took a breath and almost glared at the Arceus. "Why are you here?" Again, the Arceus seemed amused. No doubt it was because of her lack of manners or respect to the goddess, though it was in her personality and Arceus knew that.

To give you an offer, of course. Arceus replied in a matter-of-factly tone. She floated over to the couch, which was large enough to seat her without an issue. She then patted the empty seat next to her with a hoof. Roxanne hesitated, wondering what sort of offer Arceus could possibly be making to a human like her. She tried recalling if she had done anything such as an amazing good deed, or a horrible bad one, in case that was why she had Arceus's attention.

Deciding to just go with it-Screw it, it's not like I can back away from this.-, Roxanne took a seat next to Arceus who suddenly, transformed into a human. With light skin and golden hair, this human form of Arceus also had gleaming green eyes with red inner irses. She wore a white dress and was actually of average height for women. She had nothing worn for her feet though she did have a gold anklet around her right ankle. "What do you mean by 'offer'?" A

Arceus summoned, out of all things, a teapot and two cups. She poured some tea into one, offering one to Roxanne. The latter nodded her thanks and took it, Arceus only smiling before pouring herself a cup. "Now then, my offer, which is not the tea, mind you." Arceus said with a hint of mirth. Roxanne only smiled in kind, her hesitance and nervousness gone. "I'd like for you to work under me."

Roxanne nearly spilled her tea at the words, looking at Arceus with shock. "Work under you?" Arceus nodded, taking a sip of tea as the floating teapot rested on the table. "First of all, why me? And second of all, what kind of work?" Arceus smirked inwardly to herself. Roxanne, whether or not she decided to work for her, had just indicated that she was interested at the last by asking the second question.

"It could be anything, actually." Arceus replied. "I can assign you to watch over someone of significance, you could be defending pokemon or humans alike, you could even be part of my Knights and be assigned the same responsibilities as the rest of them. As for why I'm extending my offer to you.." Arceus glanced at Roxanne, the latter suddenly feeling as if the goddess was staring at her very soul. "...I have several reasons. You are pure of heart-" Roxanne barely held in a snort at that. "-and you are also part of the small percentage of this world who could actually make a good difference without falling from the path. You are also content with what you are having now…" Arceus indicated Roxanne's surroundings, emphasizing Hugh and Oculus, as well as everything in general. "But I can tell that you don't truly feel like you have a purpose other than being a close friend to Hugh over there."

Roxanne frowned. The goddess was reading her like a book. She was right, of course. Right now, Roxanne was absolutely enjoying her travels with Hugh and Oculus, as well as the rest of Hugh's partners in the Trainer's circuit. However, what came next after everything was said and done? Would they move on to Kanto or another region? Would they simply call it a good run and go their separate ways? If the former, it seemed that it will get repetitive soon enough. With the latter, Roxanne didn't know what she'd do at that point. But this offer...It was an appealing one, as it seemed to give her an actual purpose.

"You'd also eventually recover something lost to you." Arceus added nonchalantly. At this, Roxanne almost spilled her tea again. Something lost to her? Did Arceus mean something materialistic? A dream or goal that she once had? Or...could Arceus mean the one she left behind?...The one whose current status was unknown to her as the village of Zenith was no longer there or rather, absolutely destroyed, from what her parents had seen when they went back to the village to check up on things a few months ago. Something..Someone lost to her…

"So if I were to take you up on this offer, what would become of them?" Roxanne indicated Hugh and Oculus, as well as thinking of the rest of Hugh's team. Arceus only nodded.

"They are of pure of heart as well, though they seem to be focused on the Trainer's circuit for now." Arceus sighed in content, pouring herself some more tea. "Of course, I could extend the offer to them as well, though it is their choice. And if they do decide to come along as well, know that you will not always be around them. My agents are assigned to different tasks depending on skill and personality or behavior, you may not always be assigned to the same mission as he. There will be times when you may be assigned to a mission on your own, you may not even get a partner."

Roxanne inwardly sighed, figuring that she would get an answer like that. "So...can you tell me what I would be recovering? The something that I lost?" Arceus only shook her head.

"That is for you to find on your own, and that depends on whether or not you take up my offer. Even then, if Fate is unmerciful, you still may not even recover it until much later." Roxanne clenched her fists. "So, would you like to join me? I do not have much more time to spare here, so your answer must be brought up quickly."

This was it. It was either take the offer or shut it down. What do I do? She thought of what may end up happening with Hugh and his team. If they deny the offer, she may never see him again seeing as she would be assigned to missions that would likely not involve them. And if they were to take the offer, she may not be able to see them much even then. Damn it all. Decisions, decisions. Roxanne wished she had more time to prepare. It was too out of the blue, and she was still shocked that Arceus came to see her in the first place!

And then, there was the something that she had lost. What was it? Or perhaps...Who? There was a chance, Roxanne thought, a chance that it might be him. It might just be ideal, it may be something else entirely, but it was still a chance. Thinking about it quickly brought her to her decision.

Whatever chance she had, however small it may be, she wanted to take it.

Arceus smiled as Roxanne adopted a look of determination all of a sudden. "Have you come to your decision?" Roxanne nodded.

"Yes. I want to work with you." At this, Arceus grinned, her brilliant white teeth and general smile would have charmed many males.

"Splendid." Time was suddenly restored to its state, Hugh almost tripped from where he was standing and Oculus screeching loudly. The two of them looked at Roxanne and Arceus, both wide eyed and shocked beyond belief. "These two, as well as the rest of their team, have been listening in on the start." Arceus explained. Roxanne was about to question her, but Arceus continued. "I allowed them to, but I kept them within time's effects so that whatever opinion they may have about the matter we were just discussing over, you wouldn't be influenced on your decision." Seeing that Roxanne had already finished her tea, Arceus dispelled the cups and teapot before transforming back into her true appearance. She rose from her seat, floating, and looked over to Hugh and Oculus. You and your team may take me up on the same offer. But know that you may not always have the time to continue what you have now.

Hugh looked from Arceus to Oculus, then to Roxanne. He had been thinking about the offer ever since Arceus had first explained it to Roxanne. He looked at Oculus again, seeing his Noctowl friend nod almost imperceptibly. He also, somehow in someway, felt the hearts of the rest of his team agreeing with it as well. Finally, with a deep breath, Hugh nodded. "I would like to work with you as well, along with the rest of my team." Arceus nodded, her grin returned.

"Very well." Her form began to fade out of view. "You two have a month to finish things up and wrap up loose ends. Be sure to let your families and friends know that you may not be able to come around should they need you. Also. please refrain from telling anyone of our meeting. Absolutely no one. Should you do so, your memories of me and what transpired here will be wiped, along with the memories of whatever you told of that person. Until then, my children." With that, Arceus completely disappeared.

With her gone, the three visibly relaxed and looked at each other. For a moment, they didn't believe that they had just met and agreed to work with Arceus. Arceus, for...well, Arceus's sake. Oh, and when we're not on business, feel free to call me by my name, Jeanne. Arceus told them mentally before her presence disappeared once more. Roxanne and Hugh sighed.

It was going to be a long day.

…

The next day...

With Aurora

Aurora turned another corner down the halls of the Hall of Origins. Yawning, she briefly extended her wings in a stretch and craning her neck to work out a chink within. Why she called me here SO VERY EARLY in the morning is beyond me. she thought. Sure, I swore an oath to her when I became a Legendary, swearing that I'd heed her every call and all that, but it's only a few hours after dawn! Shaking her head, Aurora continued to pad down the hallway until stopping before Jeanne's chambers. She sent a small mental signal to the Arceus within, allowing the latter to know that it was her. Before long, the chamber doors opened and Aurora went it with a weary smile.

I'm glad you're here, Lady Akirari. the Arceus in waiting, Jeanne, told her before the doors closed. I'm sorry for calling you here so early, and on such short notice. Aurora shook her head.

No need to apologize, I've had some coffee. Aurora responded with a little laugh, shaking her head at Jeanne and letting the Arceus know she was joking. Jeanne laughed as well.

I appreciate your sense of humor, Aurora. Jeanne replied. The Arceus then gave Aurora a small inspection, prodding at the latter's wings and tail. Have you gotten used to this form yet? It has only been a couple of days. Aurora nodded, understanding Jeanne's question. Recently, Aurora had "evolved" into her current form. She used to be an Islingr Suicune, Islingr meaning "Light". What made her different from other Suicune was the fact that Aurora could manipulate the element of Light at will. Physically, she used to have white fur and blue diamond spots which differed from the usual blue fur and white diamond spots of her species. She also used to have a blue mane and matching eyes. And to top it all off, she had wings which was probably the biggest physical difference from the rest of her species.

Now that she had evolved the other day into an Akirari, meaning "Light" and "Purity", she resembled more like a wolf. Her eyes were blue ringed with silver, they were practically glowing. Aurora still had her white fur and leathery white wings and the fur along her back had bluish tinged tips, but her twin tails became one though there were two ribbon-like extensions extending from the base of her rump that helixed around her tail. She had these glowing blue streamlines trailing from the tip of her nose, to the top of her head, then down to her sides. These streamlines also covered the inside of her wings. Every now and then, the invisible streamlines would pulse with blue before falling dim again. Her fur around her chest were "puffed" up in a way, making the Akirari a bit more exotic. Her claws and four canines were actually an icy blue, emitting a frosty mist.

Aurora shrugged with a smile, Jeanne raised an eyeridge at the action. I have. Another laugh from her. I'm still getting used to being called "Lady Akirari", I draw a blank half the time whenever someone calls me that. Jeanne also chuckled at this.

I'd imagine so. The Arceus then adopted a neutral expression and hovered over to the back of the room. Aurora, recognizing how serious the atmosphere suddenly became, dropped her lighthearted demeanor and followed the Arceus. Jeanne tapped a wall with a hoof, a vertical line revealed that the wall was actually a hidden door. It opened, leading only into darkness. Jeanne motioned for Aurora to follow before the two went in, the door closing behind them moments afterwards.

Where are we going? Aurora asked.

To Lord Fenrir's chambers. Jeanne replied. She didn't notice Aurora's stern expression and continued on. You all know by now that he usually arrives through his portals and that he never walks back to his chambers. This is the only physical way to get there, I use this passage whenever I or my mate need to discuss with him. Those who are not permitted to use this passage would lose their way and become lost to the darkness here. Aurora nodded. The only other way to get there is if he brings you along, though I'm sure you know that he wouldn't bring anyone to his chambers. And he made sure no one can get there in any other way other than the two ways I've told you, trust me when I say that.

Why are we meeting with him? Aurora asked cautiously. She was actually drawing closer to the Arceus with every passing second, she didn't feel comfortable where they are. Aurora was also mentally shivering at the thought of Lord Fenrir. Of all the times she had seen him in the past, there was never a time when he didn't take things seriously or drop the cold expression he always wore. She never got used to his gaze either, his stare would always chill her to the core despite herself.

I'll tell the two of you in due time. Jeanne replied.

Lord Fenrir doesn't know we're coming, I take it?

He does, but he does not know the purpose of the meeting. Deciding to leave things at that, Aurora remained silent. She thought about where they were, how Jeanne never seemed to change direction. The Akirari also noticed that even though they were in pitch black darkness, despite her natural night vision,, she could still see the shadows. And they seemed almost...tangible. And alive. Aurora almost swore that they were beckoning her, as if luring her to go off the whatever path they were taking. Shaking her head once more, Aurora kept her focus on the Arceus leading her.

They walked (or floated in Jeanne's case) for several more minutes before Jeanne suddenly stopped. Are we..? Aurora asked, trailing off.

We are here. Do you mind illuminating our position, Lady Akirari? And put some power into it, a simple orb of light wouldn't do much.

Of course, I don't. I don't mind at all. Aurora thought to herself, feeling that the darkness around them was almost suffocating. Opening her mouth, Aurora produced a moderately sized orb of light. It rose further in the air above them, glowing brighter and brighter as Aurora fed more energy into it. It took a while, but the area around them eventually became visible. Aurora could see the path they had taken, it was a straight path that would lead them back to Jeanne's chambers. They were currently standing on an asphalt-colored floor, about five meters wide and a few meters long from what they could see. Behind them, aside from the path, was the vast expanse of darkness that was very slowly receding. Aurora could tell that it was only temporary, as the darkness seemed to be fighting back.

Before them was a large set of double doors, black in color. There were strange runic engravings adorning the doors, and several sets of transparent black bars that Aurora could only assume were locks. From within, Aurora could sense absolutely nothing at all. Just...nothing.

Aurora was about to suggest that the Lord Fenrir was not there from the lack of presences, but stopped as she noticed the transparent black locks on the doors recede. After a few moments of waiting, Jeanne turned her head to Aurora. As you can see, he has take extra precautionary measures. The doors suddenly opened, slowly as if for dramatic effect. Jeanne took the lead again and went inside, Aurora reluctantly following the Arceus. The moment the two stepped inside, the doors closed. If Aurora hadn't looked back to ensure there was nothing behind her, she wouldn't have noticed the doors closing for they closed with deathly silence.

Aurora then took a look around, noticing that the room was practically bare. There was a desk with several documents and such on it, as well as another door that led to who knows where. There was several shelves with books, and last of all, a very large bed in the back of the room that seemed almost double her size! And as she was now in her true form, she stood at almost four meters tall.

How have you been, Lord Fenrir? Aurora looked around at Jeanne's question, noticing no one but herself and the Arceus in front of her. She then caught movement and almost widened her eyes in surprise. From within a shadow next to the bed, a black paw emerged. Then came the rest of Lord Fenrir's body. As he stood before them, standing a few heads taller than Aurora and Jeanne, the former found herself taking in his appearance as she could not fully recall the last time she saw him.

Lord Fenrir had black fur and like her, was a winged wolf of sorts. However, he was almost the opposite of her in every way. His wings were tattered, though she and Jeanne knew that they were still fully functional. His tail wasn't bushy like her own tail, though it was flickering at the tip as if it was aflame. On either of his shoulders was a horned canine skull, the two skulls each had two horns along with a horn on the muzzle area. His fur was rough, Aurora would bet at the sight of it, though well kept and stainless. Like the shadows in the passageway outside, they could see that he had black tribal markings on his black-furred body when normally, black on black would not be able to be distinguishable. Lord Fenrir had five horns, two large ones on his head and two small ones in between which were curved back. His fifth horn was on the tip of his muzzle. His intimidating appearance continued with a chin spike that was about half the size of the horn on his muzzle.

On his back were two blade-like protrusions extending from in between his shoulders to stopping just a few inches past the base of his tail. Aurora knew that they were used offensively in someway. Finally, Lord Fenrir's two upper canines hung over his bottom lip, though not enough to the extent of those of a sabertooth tiger.

One could instantly tell the opposites between herself, and Lord Fenrir. White, and black. Not horned, horned. Pristine wings, tattered wings. One had control over Water, Ice, and Light, the other had control over Fire and Darkness though Aurora remembered specifically that the Darkness was actually Void. Aurora was among the average height of the Legendaries, Lord Fenrir was tall.

And then there was the fact that she was a female and he was a male, though that was a given. Oh, and where she had glowing blue streamlines on her body and emitted frosty mist, Lord Fenrir was on fire along his tribal markings and dark wisps flowed from his body.

I have been doing well, Lady Arceus, thank you. the Fenrir spoke in his baritone voice, Aurora could feel almost no emotion behind it save for respect for the Arceus and herself, as all Legendaries were expected to have respect for one another. I trust that you can say the same?

I can. Jeanne replied with a small smile. The Fenrir then turned his head to Aurora who nearly averted her gaze. She knew that she would never get used to it, his white eyes seemed to pierce her very own and she had trouble fighting off a rising chill.

It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Akirari. he told her, Aurora recalled the fact that they were never properly held a conversation in the Hall of Origins aside from him introducing himself to the rest of the Legendaries when he had first joined.

Likewise, Lord Fenrir. Aurora replied. The Fenrir then returned his attention to Jeanne.

I would like to know the purpose of this meeting, Lady Arceus. Jeanne nodded and lowered herself to the ground where she rested on her legs.

You two should sit, there's no point in standing for long. The Fenrir and Akirari nodded and did as she suggested, the former took a seat on his haunches and the latter did the same next to Jeanne. Now, we may begin. Jeanne cleared her throat, as unnecessary as it was since she was speaking mentally, and looked evenly at the Lord Fenrir. Lord Fenrir, she then looked at Aurora, and Lady Akirari, the two of you are going to train two newcomers to my Knights, should you accept, of course.

That is all? Aurora asked, thinking that the job was relatively simple. Jeanne shook her head.

You two know that with training to become a Knight, comes extra work for both the two of you and the newcomers. No, you are also going to attend their first quest afterwards. Jeanne studied their expressions, Lord Fenrir was expressionless as usual and Aurora was frowning in thought. I thought about giving them the usual first quest for Knights in training, to go back in time with the help of Lord Dialga to help a Chosen One with his trials. But after having some thoughts, I think what I have in mind for them would be fitting.

May I ask, what? The Fenrir said, Aurora nodding her agreement as she, too, wanted to know. Jeanne looked at the two of them before answering the question.

They are to go back in time, not to help a Chosen One, but to kill a god. At Aurora's startled expression, and the Fenrir's inquisitive raising of an eyeridge, Jeanne continued before either of the two could question her. Long before humans and Pokemons coexisted as they do now, before Trainers and the Originals emerging, there used to be just Praea and Traich, Kanto and Johto today. Humans lived in towns or villages, hunting pokemon for food or domesticating them to be pets and that's it. There were no battles between one pokemon and their trainer with another, and there were no intimate relationships between the two species either. It was much like how the world used to be with just the Originals and humans.

Praea and Traichea each worshipped a god, though no one back then knew that their gods were one and the same. Praea's views of the god was militaristic. With that, they believed themselves to be superior to those of Traichea and the two regions had been in conflict with each other with Praea being the dominant side. Traichea saw the god as benevolent and life-giving, the Traich were the main ones who provided food and such for both sides. Jeanne became solemn. They were both wrong. Aurora frowned at her tone and with her peripherals, tried to see if she could gauge the Fenrir's expression.

She couldn't.

The god, he was Bjor. Bjor was a ruthless, manipulative god whose only goal was to take the world for himself. And he very nearly did so, he had much power. Jeanne continued.

And how did he get the power? Aurora asked. Before Jeanne could answer, the Fenrir beat her to it.

Bjor must have gotten power from his followers, meaning that he had been gaining power from both Praea and Traicha. The more worshippers who prayed to him and gave offerings, with whatever abilities the worshippers believed him to have, the more power he had.

Exactly that, Lord Fenrir. Jeanne said with a nod, Aurora nodding as well and deciding to allow Jeanne to continue. With that said, he was taken down by two "transcenders of time". There were those who were not part of either region and saw through Bjor's facade, and their Seers came up with an accurate prophecy involving two individuals who are out of their time. These two individuals would go to each region and destroy all the major shrines dedicated to Bjor before defeating Bjor himself in his realm. Jeanne then tapped a hoof on the ground. Now, before you question me and the consequences about affecting events of the past, know that this has already happened. The thing you need to know is that should you two accept this quest and accompany the two newcomers, any paradox would be avoided due to a special limiter I had Lord Dialga construct. Also, you may think that because this has already happened, there is a guarantee that you four would succeed.

There isn't? Aurora asked.

There is not, correct. With that limiter, it is entirely possible for the four of you to fail and this timeline to be destroyed. With Jeanne's explanation, it was suddenly hard to say anything else. Do not fret though. Should you fail, all of us would live on in the other timelines. No pressure. Jeanne laughed softly to herself, hoping that the atmosphere would lighten. Of course, you two do not have to accept this quest. I just find you two to be perfect candidates.

I'll accept. Jeanne and Aurora snapped their attention to the only other occupant of the room. The Fenrir did not look at all perturbed by Jeanne's explanation. Aurora nearly gaped at his near-instantaneous acceptance. It is as you said, we will live on in our other timelines should we fail. Also, I am confident that we will be successful.

Thank you for accepting, Lord Fenrir. Jeanne said with a smile bow of the head and a warm smile.

I would not have denied your request anyway, I am indebted to you, after all. Jeanne only smiled wider, not noticing Aurora's expression of confusion. The Fenrir then looked over at Aurora. Do you accept as well?

Aurora looked between the two of them and sighed, giving a small smile after focusing attention on Jeanne.

…

A month later...

It was now later on in the morning. Aurora made yet, another trip down the hallways down the Hall of Origins. She was heading to the conference room, a large circular room that usually held events such as the choosing of new Chosen Ones, introducing a new Legendary, or discussing the matters of the world. Aurora was to go there to greet the newcomers and introduce them to the training as Knights of Arceus. Today is going to be a busy day, I just know it. Aurora thought as she shook her head, a small smirk making its way on her face.

After greeting several Legendaries in her trek to the conference room, Aurora nearly tripped as a black portal suddenly occupied the space before her. Good morning, Lord Fenrir. Aurora said with the best smile she could muster. The Fenrir looked at her and bowed his head.

Lady Akirari. he greeted before raising his head. Good morning to you as well. The two figuring that they were headed to the same place, they decided to walk together to the conference room.

So...Aurora started, trying to make conversation. The Fenrir barely spared her a glance. What do you think of everything here?

May I ask what you mean? Aurora immediately realized with an inward growl that he looked and sounded completely disinterested. She knew that he wasn't the social type, but he could at least try to humor her! She'd even be satisfied with him pretending to act interested in humoring her in a conversation.

I mean, you recently joined our ranks. Aurora answered, calming herself. So do you have any thoughts about how things are or how things work? Or about the quest we accepted? Aurora smiled. There, she had given him enough to answer with! Surely, he wouldn't be able to brush off her question with a simple first-degree answer!

I do.

…

Wait, is that it? Aurora thought as she looked at him….Is that your answer?

It is. You asked me whether or not I have any thoughts on the matter of things here, as well as the quest we've been given, and I do.

... Aurora simply looked ahead at his answer. She was ultimately trying not to yell at him. Was he dense?! He had literally took her answer...well, literally! Aurora knew that he knew what exactly she was talking about, and the fact that he answered her in such a way was...It was..Oh, how angry it was making her!

...Lord Fenrir, would you mind sharing your thoughts? she asked.

I would rather not, Lady Akirari. I like to keep to myself, my thoughts and opinions are included. Aurora's anger lowered a bit as the realization dawned on her. It was not as if he was playing ignorant with her, or trying to demean her in any way, he was just being himself. He didn't like to talk, he didn't like to share his thoughts or opinions, and he mostly kept to himself.

In other words, he was really antisocial, and for all she knew, he didn't give a single damn about her.

Sighing, Aurora decided to take lead. Well, when I first joined, I felt really..nervous. She looked at him, only seeing him give her a subtle nod to let her know he was paying attention. For one, most of the Legendaries here are elders. They've been here for longer than I've been alive. I didn't know what they thought of me, only what they expected of me, being what I am. She indicated her general area with a wing. I only felt confident about my position only after the elders, and even Lady Arceus, asked me for my take of things on this one situation during a meeting about a month after I joined. And you know, they wouldn't ask for advice from someone incompetent, so when I realized that, I've been feeling better for the past few years I've been here.

She waited to see if he had a reply, sighing quietly when he didn't. She was about to suggest hurrying to meet the two newcomers before stopping herself, noticing that her fellow Legendary beside her nodded.

It is understandable, how you felt when you had first joined. You were joining the Legendaries, a circle of prestigious beings who have more wisdom and perhaps power than you, a group where the slightest mistake or misjudgement may cost you dearly and earn you ridicule in the eyes of others. Most would, of course, balk given the circumstances. But, it is admirable and impressive that you have earned a place among the elders of the Legendaries after just a month. From what I know about them, it is challenging to do what you have done. I would be willing to wager that very few have done what you have.

With that, Aurora was left completely speechless. ...Maybe working with him wouldn't be so difficult after all.