Notes:
Well... Enjoy.
9 July 3130
Since we've had our discussion and came to bond more closely, Aria has leapt into getting me to understand the world from a Gardevoirs perspective. As such, tiny things which I previously took for granted took on an entirely new dynamic for me. Today, for instance, found me trying to care for Asa. She had fallen while playing near the spring. She had thus hurt her leg.
The injury was actually incredibly minor, but waves of pain and fear had rocked Aria and I as we watched nearby. Aria seemed to take a special interest in her minor injuries, then seemed to warp it into a lesson. Gardevoir used comfort to make the children feel better. As such, it was up to me to minister to the tiny Ralts' wounds.
However, as with all learning experiences, it wasn't going to well…
I'm telling you, as long as you don't get it covered up it will only hurt some more. Plus, it'll get infected and you'll get sick. I found myself saying as the young ralts Asa tried squirming her way out of my hands whilst I attempted to apply crushed pecha to her wounds. I could feel a sensation of frustration rising up as I tried to hold her gently. I'm trying to help you fau Tet se…come on… No matter the soothing words I gave, it couldn't hide the fact that I was not sending comforting feelings to her like I thought I was.
No beh sze, comfort her with thoughts in the form of emotion! Aria corrected.
Even though she was instructing me, and even though never once did she admonish me, I still felt guilty at how I was handling this.
I found myself closing my eyes to concentrate. Being in close proximity to Gardevoir for so long had caused me to be aware of their emotions. Like a constant friend, I could feel what they felt to a limited degree. It was only really through Aria that I felt it the sharpest. However, if I had to say, Asa was the second strongest link. Primarily because I had taken a parental role to the young Ralts as she grew more independently.
I decided it was time to try a different approach as regardless of how close she felt, she still was carrying on. To accomplish this, I closed my eyes, then found myself thinking of the things that calmed me. That was actually the ocean. In my mind I could all but see myself standing on a beach. The crashing of the waves, the quiet cry of a wingull here and there, the emptiness of it all.
I could then feel that feeling radiating off of me. It was a feeling of serenity. I opened my eyes as I held onto the sensations then gave Asa a warm smile. This approach, I was hoping at least, would be what was needed to comfort her.
Sure enough. The young Ralts began to find herself becalmed. Actually it was more peculiar than that, my feelings flowed to her. Her feelings slowly changed before they seemed to flow back to me. Back and forth they went until she was entirely calm. At this point, with some difficulty, I stopped receiving so that we did not cause the process to reach a state of exponentiation.
Something I had learned as I lived with the Gardevoir Te ze, was that emotions were such an important aspect of their culture. Yet the processes are the exact same in many ways. If Asa was scared and I was scared as well, she would feed that emotion to me, then I would feed it back to her. At some point, a runaway effect would set in as the process was itself exponential with no way of stopping it.
This process was actually like a human's panic attack. The only thing was, since Gardevoir are more in tune with emotions, the sensation is magnified until physical pain and disorientation occur. The only way to recover from the effect is with time and patience.
This was one of the most important things to learn. How to be at one with your emotions, to freely feel them, yet to be able to control how others are affected by them.
This started out with her playing a simple game with me. It was a game she herself had learned when she was younger. She would playfully call me beh sze and feed a small amount of positive emotion. I had to reciprocate with the exact same level. I could not let our emotions combine as I sent it back. Otherwise the game would be over.
This seems like a simple task on the surface. However, we tend to multiply feelings without even being aware of it. So it took me a few hours to understand how to do it.
Now, here I sat with a young ralts, putting this method into practice. With my rather clumsy control, I struggled to keep the feeling from initiating an exponentiation resulting in a runaway effect. For the most part, I was having luck.
As Asa settled down to let me work on her, I could hear a gentle cooing noise from next to me as Aria watched me begin tending to Asa.
Alright, now that you have her calmed down, peel one side of the pecha berry, then gently break the fruit by running your fingernail across it. Make sure not to squeeze the fruit with your other hand. As you drag your nail across the exposed fruit, make sure not to press down very hard. Otherwise the pulp will spill out.
Aria guided me through the process of tending to Asas injury. It was much like human medicine in that a wound was cleaned out with an anti-septic agent then bandaged. The pecha berry, along with having the ability to dispel toxic substances, served another purpose in that it was a germicide.
I felt a slight tug as my fingernail ran across the fruit. Ever so gently, I could feel my finger suddenly dig in to the pulpy under fruit.
Aria saw that I had completed this process, then sent me a wave of approval. While I was tempted to reciprocate, I instead focused on Asa. However, I did smile in response to her approval. Unlike her, I couldn't multi-task my emotional broadcast. It was too distracting for me. Instead, I slowly brought the pecha over to her, then gently began to rub the exposed juice onto the wound.
I could feel Asa cringe in pain, but the calming feeling I sent continued.
While I worked, I could feel Asa start to calm back down. This was, after all, a very minor wound. However, the Gardevoir are very emotionally susceptible. Thus, she couldn't help but to feel every little emotion that rose up to the surface.
It occurred to me that learning how to guide her into focusing on a feeling to control the impulsive emotion that arose was also part of the lesson. As I tended to Asa, Aria kept a watchful eye. She wouldn't let me fail. However, she respected me enough to let me make my own mistakes. In essence, this was a mutual experience for us. We trusted each other, and we realized that unless if I was taught a certain thing, what would be intuitive to her, was not so for me.
In short order, I finished applying the gel to Asas little knee. Then, Aria handed me a spare leaf as I held my hand out to her. By my holding out my hand expectantly, it was obvious that I knew what to do. Since there was no need to instruct further on this particular matter, she simply smiled as I cut the leaf into a smaller piece then placed it onto Asas knee.
I found myself cooing to Asa as I placed the leaf onto her.
That was a new thing. I never really made noises like that. However, I simply shrugged it off as a side effect of calming her down. With luck, she would stay calm after I let her go.
Still, in short order, I put her down, then smiled as she gingerly tried out her freshly patched up leg. With a wave of happiness, I felt her turn to me and give a wave of gratitude. It turns out that the Ralts cannot speak very well. At about 3 they begin formulating simple words with telepathy. Greetings, emotions, and the likes were all they could really recite at such a young age. As they got older and moved towards Kirlia, they eventually speak much like a 10 year old would. Then, they evolve to a Kirlia, their language skills improving in lockstep with their psychic abilities. By the time they are Gardevoir, they have reached the vocabulary and eloquence of an 18-20 year old.
Speaking of eloquence. Aria was only a Kirlia until about 4 months ago. Her coming of age coincided with her coming to this Te ze to settle down. By the time I met her, she had just come to terms with her roles as an adult. Gardevoir processes were laid out in that as they came of age, they were compelled to form a bond with a family group. Then, as they selected and settled down, they mated. Shortly afterwards, they settled into family rearing. After the first year, the Gardevoir then had an option to set out to another family group with its young ralts.
I still didn't understand this peculiar compulsion. However, as with all the other questions I had to date, in time an explanation would be coming. All I had to do, was ask.
You did very well tending to Asas wounds. Aria said with a sense of praise. However, you were slow to use your emotions. You tried comforting her with words instead. Remember, she cannot understand you very well yet. So we use our emotions first to make her know it is ok. Her chastisement was well deserved to be honest. In order to understand the culture I happily choose as my own, I needed to feel it spontaneously. I couldn't force myself to remember it, otherwise it wouldn't come naturally to me. Just as I had to feel my love for her to speak of her as ses frau, or the love for my home to call it te ze, I too needed to feel the culture as mine in order for it to flow naturally for me.
You are right ses frau. I apologize for having lost sight of that. It really comes down to practice. The second I stopped trying to comfort her in a forced way was when I felt the urge to relax her. When I followed that, I could see what you meant in letting her feel the emotions. I'm actually surprised that I allowed myself to not remain cognizant of this.
She smiled as I freely admitted my shortcomings. A wave of sympathy hit me as she indicated that she understood just why.
Beh sze, I am just happy that you are picking up on it so quickly. She said. Her small smile always caused my heart to stir a little. I confess that it was actually very cute. Endearingly so.
Well, when I stop letting myself ping pong from two cultural perspectives, I find myself fitting into this more naturally… I admitted to her.
Ping…pong? She suddenly asked. Distraction filled her followed by curiosity and amusement. What an odd word. What do they mean?
I raised my hand, then made a metronome motion with my hands.
You play a game on a table where you hit a tiny little ball back and forth with another person. If one of you misses, the other gets a point. The one with the most points wins. I explained.
Just like our mec zah games then? She suddenly asked with glee in her eyes.
Mec zah, it was an emotion laden word which referred to the sending of emotions back and forth to learn how to control them. It helped you to learn not to let your emotions begin feeding back and exponentiating.
Pretty much I replied to her. Only, if one of us misses, the other doesn't get hurt. The ball is hollow and you barely even feel it hit you. I said.
I would like to try this "Ping-Pong" with you sometimes. If it is nearly as much fun as our mec zah games, I imagine that it would be very fun.
I gave her a sly look as she said that, then idly tapped her arm. I don't know… you don't have much muscle. You might get tired out rather quickly. The slight differences in physiology always amused me. She could tell that whenever I teased her about her arms, I did so with lighthearted intentions and only in such a way that never demeaned her. Stating that she had small arms was like calling the grass green or water wet.
This then elicited a laugh from her as she grabbed my somewhat larger arms, then gave them a gentle shake. I am certain that I could beat you. Since you spent all your days sitting around in a classroom reading your books, you honestly cannot use strength to your advantage.
Well, I realized, she wasn't wrong at least.
When Amelia originally commented on my physical strength, I did not rise to her bait because I knew in a way she was right. However, given that I at least went camping every now and then before the fieldwork, I did not bring it to her attention that the weight I carried was of no consequence.
Now however, the effects of having been laid up due to my injuries did have an atrophying effect. At least to a degree. Since leanness was considered attractive, it did not hurt my standing in the te ze. If nothing else, it helped me to assume the role better.
Had it not been for my concern over something, I probably would have pulled her close to say just that. However, for the last 5 days, we had been refraining from too much contact below the waist.
Inside of her was a potential egg. If we could in fact reproduce, we would know in a few more days.
According to her, she could not know if it was almost complete. She knew that up until this point, she seemed to be showing all the signs of carrying an egg to term, but until she actually laid it, we could only speculate.
For a moment, I considered her stomach area. I had never known of such a feeling of anticipation. We had seemingly rushed into this. Yet at the same time, it seemed a natural part of the romance that we had entered. If this were a human culture, we would probably have been considered married or something in that moment that our bodies joined. Though by our Gardevoir cultures standard, that had come the day she claimed me as her mate and I responded in kind.
Later, as she set about preparing food for the Matriarch, Aina, and Aikas newborns, I sat down to begin writing again.
I used to do this at the end of the night, but I found it better to sum up the discoveries of the past day in the warmth of the early afternoon sunlight.
9 July 3130.
One of the Gardevoir is currently gestating in preparation for a potential egg. Since joining their group, I have discovered that the mating rituals are in fact quite complex. The mate is selected for by the female. She then initiates an emotional exchange that takes place over multiple days. At the end of the mating ceremony, the Male either accepts her advances, or her advances are rejected. After that, she is free to begin again, though at this point, the male may immediately reject them, or let them go on.
If they do in fact become mates, a period of time is spent in which the two begin forming emotional bonds with each other. This way of bonding, which we could think of as a friendship period, is meant to bring the two closer together. The end result is an elaborate dance that the two perform.
Dancing in a Gardevoir tribe is very significant for more than just telling their mythologies. To think of it as a courtship display also seems to miss the mark. Rather, their dance is a communication the two have empathically that seems to synchronize the two of them. If the dance is considered a success, they then proceed to have intercourse.
The intercourse and mating period is actually very specific in its timing and execution. A wild Gardevoir can only seem to come to ovulation once every four months. This means that they have a narrow window for this practice. However, her ovulation window is a period of 3 to 5 weeks depending on the environment. This allows enough time for the initial courtship and mating to occur before intercourse. After this 4 month window closes, if copulation has been successful, an egg will then begin forming. While aware of the forming egg, viability is not determined until it is laid. If she is able to lay the egg, this means that the embryo is viable and will develop as normal. In rare occasions, two eggs will be released from the ovum of the female. In this case, it is possible for two eggs to develop. Should this happen, the gardevoir is tended to until both eggs are deposited as this will be stressful to her body.
Decalcification is entirely common, so for the period following the laying of the egg, her diet is then switched to apples in order to replace the calcium lost. She is given priority in food utilization to by the matriarch as she is drained of strength.
The tendency towards making sure the youngest or the injured eat first and most has been in evidence since I have arrived. With the birth of 3 new ralts, the food utilization has skyrocketed. Yet strangely enough, there are enough fruits from the surrounding trees to support their increased population. If anything, I am seeing less fruit deposits on the ground from fallen ripe fruits.
I suspect that as time goes on, the family group will begin adjusting its size to come back into equilibrium. There seems to be a loosening of the bonds after the Ralts comes to term enough to move and act on its own. At this point, the window seems to open up for the pair and their child to depart.
That all being said. I gained a critical insight into the comfort and rearing behavior of the gardevoir today as well. Ralts A had injured itself while playing in the grass. The Aquamarine Gardevoir and I tended to its injury. It was first antiseptized by pecha juice. Then a lead which contained an antistringent was applied. While this indicates advanced medicine and the ability to problem solve, the behavioral reaction to the injury of the Ralts was the most fascinating.
Due to the strong emotional tendency, the Aquamarine Gardevoir seemed to send it a series of comforting emotions. Upon conversing, the reason was put forth. A child ralts will stay in one emotional state for an extended period. This can cause the injury to be aggrevated or even made worse. Thus, the Gardevoir utilizes calming emotions to diminish this urge to recoil.
SInce the emotional awareness is bi-directional, this also means that the resulting calming emotion will be fed back to the one who initiated. As with people with emotional conditions due to receptor damage or insufficiency, this can result in an exponential effect as the emotions build upon themselves. Since this is a very real danger to empathic species, the impetuous is in place from a young age to teach emotional control. Interestingly, this is done as a series of recreational activities or games. It teaches the young ralts self control and emotional awareness.
How interesting it is that we do not consider this from an anthrological standpoint. I find it harder to not look at this study more as a form of cultural relativism than just observation. What the observations have led me to conclude is that a paradigm shift may indeed be needed to account for this behavior. Further study of additional social groups should be made a priority to settle this question.
Addendum: One of the gardevoir looks about to lay an egg. We will know in 2 days if it is viable. If it is laid, then there will be a new baby ralts in 3 months. Time will ultimately tell.
I finished my days field notes, then gave them something of an approving nod. I had been moving towards this for a while since I began embracing my gardevir culture. Looking at this situation without understanding the full scope of what it was I was seeing was a mistake from the get go.
Perhaps, I mused, the best answer is in fact something more anthropologic in a way... Perhaps just trying to describe behavior is the wrong approach. That had become a thought of mine as I continued spending my time with my new te ze.
11 July 3130
12:23 pm.
I was by the water.
Of all the rituals I was not able to understand, this one took the cake.
The emotional experience of laying an egg.
Honestly, I should have known there would be a ritual associated with this. A major emotional tradition, those kinds of things. However, I did not think that for once I, as her mate would not be included in this.
I was not alone though. Aitsu sat next to me. His deep red eyes looked out over the water. It was still and the sounds of lotads could occasionally be heard in between the fletchiling chirps.
This might have been the first time I have been alone with another Gardevoir since I was saved by them all. His emotions were placid. As if this were just another day for him.
Aitsu, may I ask why you've decided to join me in my vigil? I decided to ask. In a way, when addressing others that are mated to the Matriarch, one tends to give them a more respectful wording.
He looked at me for a second, then looked back at the water.
Egg laying terrifies me. Came his simple response.
After he said that, I realized I could tell why.
I was nervous at that precise moment because the entire time I could feel the discomfort and bouts of pain that Aria was going through. Every emotion was broadcast specifically to me, a function of the bond we shared. It filled my senses like water. No matter how I tried to redirect or send emotions of calming, they never seemed to affect those waves of pain and occasionally anger.
I can understand why... Arias thoughts threaten to overfill my mind. I find myself afraid for her and guilty for the pain I brought on her. Though I know that in a way, this is what we wanted, I still worry that she wasn't emotionally prepared. I found myself saying.
Welcome to Gardevoir culture then Rowan of the Trees. Her replied with the same dry tone.
For some reason, the two of us never really associated. He always stayed with the matriarch and I always with Aria.
Is it traditional for the males to not associate with one another as friends? I compulsively asked him.
As males, our roles are primarily to our mates and children. So unless if we are cooperating to gather, the only time outside of situations like this, that we associate is when we choose to bond over meals and during the dances of the seasons. Do you miss having men to talk to? He suddenly asked.
I gave a grin then shook my head. I'm just surprised that even though we all are so close together, hardly a word passes between the three of us.
He gave me a slight smile, then stood up to look me in the eyes. He was only an inch or two shorter than me. However, as he looked at me, he felt... larger, as if he were a person I could respect as a father or something.
Rowan, you have done well to adapt to our life. I would say that you have proven yourself a fine Gardevoir. But do not let these things worry you. The three of us stand together and share the bond of friendship even if we don't speak. Aika and I speak quite often as he more freely expresses that concern. Now that you have, we shall include you in our discussions as well. It is not right to isolate you.
A thought occurred to me as he said that.
Aitsu, what feelings do you have of how I came to know you? Everything from the day I arrived to the day I was attacked. How did it make you feel? I realized that while Aria was ok with it, the notion hadn't occurred to me to ask Aitsu.
He looked out to the water, then pawed his shoulder in contemplation. You two thought yourselves hidden. However, the moment you set foot in the woods near our te ze, we knew you were there. You personally gave us no cause for worry. The woman you brought with you though...
I suddenly held up my hand. Alright, spill it. What is everyones problem with Amelia? I can undersand Aria. She was jealous of how easily I expressed my emotions to her despite me rejecting her. Yet I pick up on everyones unease about the woman. I get that she is a trainer and uses a dark type. But something bigger is at work here and I wish you would bring me into the light about it...
Aitsu looked at me, then seemed to chuckle to himself before he turned away. I forget easily that even though you share the ability thanks to your bond with your mate, you are still unable to read human emotions. I thought it would have been easy for you.
Well... I consider these gifts on loan from Aria. As long as I love her, then they will be a part of me. I can understand her and the rest of you, my dear te ze, through it, but I do not understand how I am expected to use it on people I have no bond with.
He seemed to give me an expression of modest surprise. I confess, I thought that you and the woman were closely bonded. You seemed in sync emotionally. We could forgive what resided below the surface of her because of that.
I suddenly held up my hand. Hold it I said What lies beneath Amelias surface?
With a sigh, Aitsu suddenly cued me in on what seemingly everyone but me was easily aware of. She desires. Her desires are corrupt desires. Self glory and other such trifles. She wanted you because you were being courted by someone else. She wanted Asa because you treated them both well. She wanted to kill us because she thought she had a right to feel appeased by a slaughter. That you, her link in the chain of her plans, was removed.
Oh.
Talk about a bombshell of a statement.
So in other words she was a selfish manipulative woman who saw only opportunity and profit instead of potential for a new connection and understanding?
I asked that more as a rhetorical question. I already knew the answer. Further, his expression said everything that words couldn't.
Well, it tried to anyways.
The reason why it tried to but failed was because at that very moment, Aria suddenly unleashed a wave of pain that seemed to begin overwhelming me. I felt my eyes struggle to focus onto something. I found myself looking at the grassy field. Then I instantly began feeling my thoughts travel to endless plains I had once visited as a child. It wasn't even in this region. It occupied a continent to the west of ours. It was a place where the storms screamed in deadly fury and the winds became a tunnel of devestation. However, it was still a beautiful landscape. Where the fields like the ocean continued on into apparently eternity.
However, such a calming thought was not able to drown out the renewed pain I felt intimately.
That feeling is why, in case if you were wondering. They broadcast a lot of their experience to us as well to keep themselves from being overwhelmed with pain.
So we help each other more intimately in times of pain. But the depth of the bond determines the empathic effect? I asked despite the urge to groan in pain. Seriously, this was beginning to overwhelm even me. I began to feel glad that she didn't have to go through much more of this.
That's right meh sze. You two help each other even when you do not realize it...Ah. It is complete.
The sudden switch left me disoriented. That or the effects of her pain left me momentarily confused. Was that why it suddenly peaked?
Aitsu looked at me, then gave a grin with his tiny mouth.
For a human, you make a fine Gardevoir.
I was uncertain about how I should take his compliment, so instead of really dwelling on it, I accepted his words as they were offered. I wasn't in much of a condition to really care anymore. As the pulses of pain died, I began feeling a sense of euphoria overcome me. I realized that what he said was true. The feelings of pain had indeed spiked, then receeded off to a feeling of euphoria mixed with excitement and nervousness. I realized that I was entirely experiencing what it was Aria was feeling in that precise moment. Usually, there was a sense of disconnect in the feeling. Like I could tell it was hers. However, for some reason the mental exertion seemed as if it had brought our minds closer together. For the brief period during the actual laying of an egg, it was as if I could not tell where my mind had ended and hers began. Now, as we began to make our way back, I could feel the barrier of our minds more clearly.
Idly, I wondered if this was what our future would mean. Protecting each other for pain, tking on the emotional burden in a very real way, and at times becoming so mentally linked that we could often meld our minds together. The thought of loosing that level of self identity terrified me, if only for a moment. However, some part of me craved that. Call it a sense of obligation to her, Or maybe I just wanted to have that closeness. To better understand her perhaps...
But then, when you get down to it, I honestly cannot say if I am unable to understand her better in the end. A major, unspoken, rule that we've seen to is the mutual respect of our minds deepest corners. While our intentions and emotions ring through clear as day, we have not proceeded beyond that point.
Perhaps, the time where we allowed our minds to completely open to one another was on the horizon. I at least thought so.
I noticed that Aitsu kept on adjusting his pace to walk at my own. I realized then that this entire time I had been walking rather slowly. I made a vague gesture with my head then spoke up.
You can go on ahead. I'm just fatigued. Likely from the whole shared pain experience. I expect that Aria is too.
You misunderstand He said suddenly, I am walking slow in the event that you pass out from empathic shock resulting from her projected pain.
I don't feel like I will. I assured him. I felt tired to be certain, however, I did not feel as if my muscles were going to give out at any second. Further, with only 10 yards to go, even if I felt like I was going to fall, I was close enough that I could stubborn myself to her side.
Call it determination. I finally said But I feel like no matter what, I have to be by her side now that it's over. I already feel a measure of guilt because I was not allowed to be there, taking on the pain.
Sure enough, I made it back to my te ze, then found myself next to our bed where Aria was stretched out. Truth be told, she looked like hell. But then, laying a 3 foot circumference egg was no easy task. As far as I was concerned, she should have been knocked out or something. However, her cerulean red eyes instantly made contact with mine. She gave a small, weak smile, then held out her hand.
As I took her hand in mine, I could feel a more pronounced version of her exhaustion.
Sweat clung lightly to her skin, giving her a clammy feeling.
Her hair was more stringy due to the sweat clumping her mint green hair together. Even her ears looked like they were dropping.
Of course that part might well have been me misinterpreting what it was I was seeing.
Beh sze She whispered telepathically.
Ses Frau I am so sorry that you had to go through that. I found myself instantly saying. I wish that this could have been better, easier, less painful for you...
She gave me a slight smile as her attention sharpened. Beneath the exhaustion, I could feel that jittery euphoria from before. Off to the side, the Matriarch had all her concentration focused on the egg. I was told that in order to tell if it was viable, it had to be examined. One of us had to see if we could detect the faint heartbeat of the embryo in it. Since Aria was greatly weakened and I did not have that sort of skill, it fell to her, the Matriarch, our midwife of sorts, to determine this.
The moments in between the laying and her answer felt like the longest in my entire life. Even longer than the moment Aria and I made eye contact and initiated our bond of lovers.
I felt a cold feeling of nervousness forming in my stomach as she stared at it.
Finally, she looked up at us.
You can rest now Aria and Rowan of the Tree, your child will hatch.
Simultaneously, the two of us let out our breath. I found my head bowing down to rest on Arias. There was a mutual sense of relief mixed with the beginnings of great joy within us. For whatever reason, we were going to be parents. For whatever reason, we had managed to make the exception to the rule. 1.6% difference in DNA was still close enough for us to have a child. 1.6% was closer than I had ever thought it was. I did not know if the child would be able to have children, birth would tell that, but the simple fact that we had made it this far meant that for now, we could celebrate. We could rejoice.
We were parents.
That night, while she was still in our bed, I sat by her, slowly feeding her Sitrus. She admitted to me that she loved the flavor of sitrus. It reminded her of cold flowing streams and a tropical jungle she had the faintest of memories about. I broke each chunk with my hands, then gently held them to her small lips. Even after this time, I still found it astonishing how delicate her small bites were. It was adorable in its own right.
I am incredibly happy for you Ses Frau I said I was terrified that something would go wrong...
I know beh sze, your fears almost overwhelmed me as I needed to focus the most... I am forever greatful that you took the pain I sent without complaint. She replied.
I looked at her as I held the fruit out. I found it odd that she would feel like a debt for such a thing was needed. I gave her a reassuring smile.
Of course I would. I would gladly take on all the pain in the world for you if it meant that you would never loose that strange little smile of yours... I said as I reached out to stroke back that large lock of hair from in front of her eyes. I watched her fuss with that one bang on many a morning. It seemed like no matter how hard she tried, it refused to be moved.
It was no surprise then that as the bang settled back into place, she simply gave it an annoyed look. Both of her eyes narrowed on it, giving her a slightly crosseyed expression.
So, three months and then we will know if it is a boy or a girl. I said.
I think we both know already that it will be a girl Aria suddenly said.
Oh? I asked.
Most of our children are. We outnumber the men 3 to 1 on average. That is why you occasionally see the lone ralts. It seeks that companionship, so it wanders off looking for one of the other gender.
And then here comes the humans. We see it, we capture it, and we end up accidently finding her a mate. I responded with a wry smile on my face.
We rarely object to them being captured. Our hearts cry out for reunion. However, in short order, we realize that they are on their own paths. We take solace in that the people who do capture them generally are good hearted individuals. She responded.
I...did not know that.
Wait, this is kind of new... I suddenly said. We do not mind if a ralts is captured? I asked in disbelief. I said We, only because "Our kind" seemed...wrong somehow.
Of course we mind. However, we understand that they are in good hands. So we put our faith into the trainer to take care of our children...She answered.
I sat back, then found myself instinctively looking at her mic tem before I looked back into her eyes. I won't let that happen to ours when it's born.. I pronounced.
Her smile broadend as her tiny, three fingered hand found my empty one, then placed her fingers upon my palm. As our hands danced, in that moment, we shared a promise between one another that I would protect her and the child at all costs, and that no matter what, neither of us would ever give up.
We didn't even know what the next week had in store for us, but as we let our fingers dance their emotion laden dance in each others palms, it was clear that no matter where either of us went, the other would forever be there.
July 13th 3130.
Two days had passed since she laid the egg when we received a warning from Aitsu.
I got out of our hammock bed, where Aria was still stretched out, her hand resting upon the egg near her head. This protective posture was an entirely normal one. As long as the egg did not get below 65 degrees, the embryo within would grow and begin putting out its own heat. However, the two of us felt especially protective of it. It was our child. No matter what, we wanted it as close to us as we could keep it.
I stepped into the communal area to find Aitsu staring in the direction of the woodline.
The woman has returned. He said simply.
The woman? I found myself asking.
The one who attacked us. The one who gave you that. He said, his eyes moving to my right shoulder.
Amelia was back.
Wait, what day was it?
I thought for a moment about the precise day. Amelia and I did the soul unification dance on the 5th, she laid the egg on the 11th, we haven't really moved in 2 days.
Oh...
I know why she's back. I said suddenly.
With an expression that indicated his curiosity, Aitsu stared at me.
I have to go give my report. I said in a matter of fact voice.
I suddenly turned, then walked back to our sleeping area.
Beh sze what is it? Aria asked.
I gave her a look of trepidition. before I answered her.
Ses frau It has been one month. As such I must go give a report detailing my preliminary findings. That means I will have to go into Santalune city to use the pokemarts video conferencing system. Will you two be ok for a day or so without me?
Aria tilted her head in confusion as I gave her my explanation.
You... have to go away... your anxiety is like a white light. Beh sze, why don't I come along with you? I can be there with you as you give your report? to the video conferencing sy...object. I would like to see a human settlement for a change. She instead replied.
I instantly shot my eyes to the egg. With its light green spots, it seemed sun dappled even in direct light. I felt a fear that it would be seized somehow, that something would happen if one of us were not here to be with it.
Aria, sensing my worry about the egg, sent a wave of reassurance.
The Matriarch and Aitsu will see to the egg. It will not be going anywhere in the span of a day anyways. She reassured me.
Whenever Aria got an idea in her head, I was loathe to dispell her from it. I had found that she was rather simple minded in what she wanted. If she asked for something, or if she suddenly wanted to get her hands on something, she would find a way. I personally found it endearing, but I could tell that my presence was also good for the others as it gave her something to actually focus on rather than form half bonds with everyone else.
After considering that, I finally gave the slightest of sighs, then nodded my head.
Alright but do not wander off. If you get separated from me, call for me. I will come for you, and I will find you. I gave these words as serious an emotion as I could manage. I wanted her to realize just how important it was that she did not wander off. A trainer might try to capture you or you might get attacked by someone. I don't know what I would do if that were to happen..
She smiled brightly in response to my concerns. My words, it seemed, were more important to her than even I fully understood.
My beh sze, hearing you say that brings comfort to my heart. No matter what happens to me, I feel like I could trust in you no matter how difficult times become. I will not allow myself to get separated from you. She said this a little more formally than usual.
Then, it occured to me. Us expressing these wishes of each other were a form of contractual obligation. We put our bond on the line to guarantee that the two of us would not allow the other to come to harm. It was... honoring, in its own way.
I turned to face her, then drew her body towards mine. I knew that she knew that I was also kind of nervous. I made contact with no other human in the past month than Amelia. Even then, at the end of it, our friendship was broken as I sent her away. It was peculiar then, that she had shown up our of the blue like this.
Meh sze Rowan, Aitsu suddenly called out She approaches the woodline. She is not with her pokemon today.
I gave Aria a confused look, then decided it was high time that the two of us got a move on. I shouldered my pack, then the two of us walked out of the te ze, then slowly over to the trees.
Suddenly, Amelia emerged from the bushes. She had her eyes down as she got herself untangled from them. Thus, as we approached, she looked up then gave us an expression of surprise.
"Oh my god! How the hell did you two do that?" She asked suddenly.
"Do what?" I asked with a slightly hoarse voice.
"Just appear of course! Did you learn teleport or something while I was gone?" She demanded. Her temper was back, though I got the feeling that it was blunted somewhat. It felt more... endearing, like the kind of teasing you give to someone you are deep friends with.
This was odd...
"Sure... and in our spare time we sacrifice goats to the dark ones and bring about plagues as well. You should have seen the last one. Lot's of fleas." I retorted.
She gave a light grin, then looked me over. "Still looking malnourished I see. I swear you get any thinner and you'll look just like them." She said.
Her eyes then flicked over to Aria. I suddenly felt a twinge of fear in Amelia as her vivid blue eyes made contact with Arias Cereulean red ones. The feeling passed as she attempted to force a friendly demeanor to her face.
"Hello again Aria! " She greeted.
Aria looked at me for a moment and remained vocally silent.
She is faking joy at our meeting...Aria directed at me.
I do not like this...
"So, I assume you are here to pick me up?" I asked.
She put her hands on her hips, then began examining me more closely.
"That and you are a mess. When was the last time you had a bath?" She asked.
"This morning. There is a mineral spring that is as warm as the air. We use that for bathing. It keeps the spring there clean and allows us to relax as well" I responded.
"Yeah ok. Well, whatever, let's go..." She muttered as she turned around then began heading back towards the old camp site.
I felt my hand close around Arias as the two of us, for the first time in almost a month, stepped beyond the treeline.
We found ourselves quickly passing the hide. It looked much the same as when it had been vandalized by the poochyenas. The roof was collapsed, a few of the bushes surrounding it were destroyed, and camera parts lay everywhere. Dark brown red patches marked my blood, highlighting where I rolled down the hill.
Do not look upon your past sorrow. You are alright now and we are happy... Aria suddenly chided me. I looked at her, then offered a smile as our hands stopped their dancing of emotions, then clenched one another.
We soon arrived at the old camp site to find that it too was a mess. We had expected that though due to what Amelia relayed. However, it looked as if there had recently been work done around here.
I looked at Amelia as she stood outside of the wall tent, then cocked her head towards the entrance.
"Let's try this first. If it doesn't work, we'll go into town." She said curtly.
I gave a tiny shrug as I first stepped into the wall tent.
Unlike the rest of the campsite, this place didn't look as bad. It had, at the least, been cleaned up and the desk and video equipment was once again set up.
I walked over to the system, then began the process of turning it on. I could hear the rush of fans as the main power box tapped into the stored battery power that remained in the battery bank that led from the solar panel and power distribution kit.
However, as I made the adjustments to the frequency, then tried doing an Automated Link Establishment with the Kantosat 1, geostationary satellite that this system used to communicate, I got an error message:
Warning: Ku multiplexer down. Unable to utilize telemetry lock.
Warning, rotator assembly offline.
Warning, overload on video system.
Warning: Unable to transmit.
The warning messages populated the video screen in rapid succesion. Each issue alone would take hours to fix. With a sigh, I killed the power to the video conferencing system, then stood up slowly.
As I walked outside, my Ses frau and Amelia both gave me questioning expressions.
Aria had a small smile on her face as this meant we were going into the city. However, Amelia did not have the ability to read my emotions, so all she ended up really seeing as a poker face that I had adopted.
"Video systems busted. If I wanted to fix it, it would take at least the rest of the day and parts I don't have. Let's just use the holo-vid system at the pokecenter." I suggested.
Holo-vid worked over local fiber networks. The video system created a composite of my body and displayed my motions and actions in real time. I could appear to be sitting in a conference room if I was needed for a meeting, or I could even just be standing in a classroom giving an advanced sort of video lesson. I could hold up objects, or two or more people could be standing next to me and it would look like we were there with them. I rather liked using it whenever I had a chance. Gimmicky things had their own sort of charm to them.
Amelia gave a slight sigh. "That sucks. I thought for sure the thing worked properly last time I checked..."
I gave that some thought, then answered her whilst walking back to Aria "If it was on recently as you checked the system out, then it probably overloaded one of the circuits that the error message described. If that's the case, it was going to fry anyways and we are just lucky we had plenty of warning"
Aria gave something of a hopeful look as I finished my sentence. Then, as I spoke up, I could have sworn I felt a sudden wave of joy.
"Let's get going shall we?" Amelia suddenly said.
The three of them quickly departed from the campsite. Amelia led the way while Aria and I followed along just behind her. Our hands were interlocked.
Tell me, what kind of things do they have in this "city"? Aria asked.
Apparently, Amelia could tell at the very least that we were communicating as she shot me a look over her shoulder.
"She say something to us? You jerked your head towards her just now" She said.
I gave her a perplexed look. I wasn't aware she was even looking at me. Truth be told, I found it hard to read Amelia. She seemed jumbled and confused, like her thoughts were chaotic and uncertain.
"Um...She was asking what the city was like is all" I translated.
Beh sze, you don't have to repeat everything I ask for her sake Aria suddenly said. Her emotions ran a little more hostile than usual.
She asked.. it was only polite. However, I'm going to say how the cit-
I was cut off as Amelia began talking as we turned onto the trail that led out of the woods.
"Oh you will like Santalune Aquamarine. It is a very large town and has a school I used to go to when I was younger. Plus they have a little cafe that sells simply wonderful Au Lait. I don't think you'd really like it though. I hear that pokemon can't handle caffeine."
I couldn't help but feel a touch of annoyance at Amelia.
I'm sorry I instantly said to Aria. She doesn't seem interested in treating you like a Gardevoir with her own agency. I will make sure that she keeps her tongue in check.
Even though I said this, I felt Aria send me a feeling of serenity.
You are one of the only humans I know of who has treated me with respect and kindness. Though to be certain, you are the only human who was ever allowed to cross the border into our te ze. The others, upon seeing us, just saw us as pokemon to be captured.
It continues to astonish me how graceful Aria is. Any other gardevoir would likely have been furious. However, Arias understanding shone through even now. I was reminded again why I had fallen in love with her.
As we crossed the fields to route 4. The presence of people reasserted itself. I could feel their eyes on Aria as we walked.
"Her names Aria by the way. I would greatly appreciate you remembering that" I said suddenly.
Amelia slowed down for a moment. It seemed that my displeasure had struck a chord with her. However, to her credit, Amelia did not rise to the bait. Instead, she gave her hand a dismissive little wave.
Soon, we crossed into the city. I could feel Arias wonder increase as we walked along the cobblestone path that led to the center of town. Her perception seemed to move along at a dizzying pace as she tried to take it all in at once.
It's so large! Beh sze how do humans even do all this?! She exclaimed.
I gave a small smile that displayed the amusement that she felt from me, then squeezed her hand.
Humans use machines to lift heavy objects. Machines help the- us to build big structures like this. I answered.
Amelia glanced back at us again, then gave an amused grin. "Better watch her head, it might snap off with how fast she keeps looking around"
I replied with a smile, then gently pulled Aria closer to me.
I'll make sure to show you around after we are done. If everything goes well, this will be a short video conference and we can enjoy the town.
I felt Arias happiness that I would show her around increase as her head nodded.
Soon enough though, we were at the pokecenter.
As we walked in, the nurse who stood behind the counter looked at us then gave her usual greeting.
"Welcome! Thank you for choosing the pokecenter, shall I heal your pokemon for you?" The pink haired lady smiled as she said those words.
I might have been offended if I was less understanding. Thus, when I shook my head and began to respond, I had no difficulty in deflecting.
"Nope, I'm Rowan Gingko, the researcher who checked in here about a month ago. I'm just stopping in to use the holo-net conference center to file my monthly progress report." I replied.
Smooth and casual. Even James Cashew would be impressed by how I could so easily read her.
"Very well then sir. Are you sure you don't want to leave your pokemon during your conference? I know it can be boring for a pokemon if it doesn't understand what is being discussed." She said.
I gave another shake of the head.
"Believe it or not, she actually feels like she wants to. Right Aria?" I asked.
What's going on? She snapped off rapidly.
Just nod your head and the Nurse will stop trying to heal you. I quickly answered.
Aria suddenly nodded her head, then placed her free hand on my arm while pretending to look nervously at the nurse.
This seemed to have the desired effect as she suddenly stopped trying to force the issue on us. Instead, she simply nodded then waved us on.
"Well Dr. Gingko, you know where the conference center is. Since we mostly get trainers, it doesn't see any use, so you should be fine for the next couple of hours." She responded.
"Great, we'll let you know when we're done!" I responded in kind.
The three of us then went over to the stairwell, then went up to the second floor.
A well known fact about pokecenters is that they have multiple levels and features that are appropriate for their size. Every pokemon center has a healing center and a trainer item selling booth. Further, on the second floor, there is always a video conference hall for the occasional pokemon professor like the famous professor Sycamore, to wander through and suddenly have need to contact other academics in universities and research institutes. Since professional research was the second largest pokemon related field aside from training, it was no surprise then that all pokemon centers had this additional resource included.
However, the centers in bigger cities which also had gyms would also include either an onsite or offsite dormatory where itenerant trainers could rest while they completed their travels. What always amused me was that there was so much money tied up in this. The healing centers were granted funding through the government in the same way that hospitals in Kalos provided free healthcare. Even the price to stay in the dormitories was subsidized to a degree. For just 40 pk a week, a trainer could use these dorms.
As we walked to the conference center, I gave Aria that quick rundown. However, I could tell much more needed explaining such as the concept of currency.
I envy her sometimes...
Soon enough, the three of us were seated in the conference center. A 20 foot by 10 foot wide room with a large table in the middle, speaker phone system in the center, and multiple chairs scattered along the table and against the walls. The holor projector was built into the ceiling. It could project multiple holograms at any position in the room. Further, video systems allowed for the images of the three of us to also project to them. It was like having your own meeting no matter where you were.
I felt lucky for a moment that we had such conveniences.
At 1pm, We proceeded to send a command via a command terminal for connection to the Applied genetics and behavioral studies department of the luminoise city University annex.
As that command was sent through, I also activated a scanner system, then inserted my field notes into a slot.
This system would scan the ink on each page then create a digital copy of what I had written. The alphabetic detection algorithm then translated it into 12 point calibri font text, then assembled the finished file as a single .rox or readable ordered extension document then sent it to the receivers of the video call.
In short order, holographic images began to occupy the various seats around the room. In all, 3 men, 5 women, and I couldn't believe it myself, Professor Sycamore, all occupied the various seats in holographic form. Under the table, Arias hand suddenly shifted as her fingers danced in my palms. Her actions communicated surprise even as she spoke to me with wonder.
There are shiny humans beh sze! Are they ghosts? Do humans speak with ghosts? She asked.
Holograms ses frau, I'll explain more in detail later. I quickly sent her.
"Ah, young Dr. Rowan. Back from the field and looking at energetic as ever!" My advisor Chris Krafft, the famous geologist, said.
"Dr. Krafft. Are you back from the western islands yet or did I catch you at the Volcano observatory?" I greeted with a warm smile. He advised me originally to look into field research of pokemon so that I could broaden my understanding of pokemon in the context of our environment. I felt bad that instead of going into the mountains or working on a volcano like he would have wanted (And myself in a way) I was instead in the middle of the woods.
"Oh no, we are still out here ya? She is erupting again and I cannot wait to see the show she puts on next!"
She? Aria asked.
The volcano, erm... its a mountain that shoots fire out of it and creates new land for us all to live on... I explained rapidly.
I gave a laugh as another of the scientists cleared her throat.
"Dr Ross, I'm glad you joined us for this." I said.
"Well, I'm eager to learn about your behavioral studies of the Gardevoir. I trust you will have...
She stopped, then turned her attention to Aria.
Professor Sycamore suddenly cleared his throat. "Ah, Dr Gingko, I believe you have not introduced us. Who is this gardevoir that's with you?"
Mentally, I steeled myself as I began to explain. "This is an Aquamarine variant Gardevoir whom I met while in the field. Her name is Aria and expressed a desire to join Amelia and I for the progress report. " I answered.
"Tell me," Came the voice of another researcher. I struggled for his name for a moment, then remembered him as Dr. Freeman. He was a noted quantum mechanics specialist who was currently investigating the singularity abilities of certain psychic types.
"If I recall correctly, your field work was supposed to be strictly observation and to break off contact if discovered. Care to explain why then a subject is sitting here and why you continued associating with them despite your objectives stating the opposite?"
Damn. He was right to the point. It felt as if Sycamore, Krafft, and Dr. Ross were going to ease into that subject.
"Well for a detailed explanation, please see section 12 date index 21 June. That should be the accurate file describing the events that led to her being here. However, I will explain in short. Amelia and I were attacked by a pack of poochyenas who had escaped detection. Amelia was moderately injured and was rendered incapacitated. I was directly struck and seriously injured. This Gardevoir here actually saved my life by fighting off the pack. She then took me to her settlement then nursed me back to health. Ever since then, I have been there."
Dr Krafft studied my notes for a while, then seemed to catch onto something.
"Dr. Gingko, I couldn't help but notice that your behavioral notes become more detailed after the events of the 21st. Also I am seeing definitions here for words I cannot quite articulate.. What is a Bee see?"
"That is Beh sze. It helps to pronounce beh as you would when saying meh, only replacing the Indicaor with a sharp B sound. Further, the sze is best pronounced with a short gutteral stop followed by zeh. That is a term for an endeared one within their family group. I was introduced to these terms when I awoke. This one here acts as my interpreter. Through her I understand their family group, which, if you will refer to subnote C is known as a te ze. Again, pronounced with the same system as before. Sharp letters and short vowels do not exist in their vocabulary."
Dr. Sycamore gave a slight smile, as did Dr Krafft and Dr. Ross. Dr Freeman had a slight frown. However, the other 5 seemed to have poker faces set.
However, Dr Holtz then spoke up with an expression of interest.
"So you are saying that they have a complex language system?" He asked.
"Actually... Section 28 paragraph D. They have a complex cultural system. More complex than has been previously known. This alone, I argue, indicates that further study must be completed."
Dr. Holtz turned to look at the section in question while another professor, one I was only familiar with, a Dr. Gabbard, spoke up.
"You believe they have a complex social dynamic. Do they have artifacts Dr. Gingko?" He asked.
"Yes," Interrupted another one, Dr. Armstrong, a kindly old mathematics professor who had a vested interest in the reproductive rates in the wild, "And do they have a social structure too?"
I began to feel a little overwhelmed, so, as I communicated this sense to Aria, who reassured me that I felt confident and calm, I began to answer in turn.
"Based upon video file D, and photographic records 621-630, that there is enough evidence to support the theory of a heirarchical society. That is, of course, if direct visual evidence from Video file 3A through 5 is insufficient to demonstrate at the least, a matriarchical structure." I answered then I looked at Dr Armstrong before I continued. "The social structure suggests a central role who acts more as a cultural moderator, each member of the family group has its own roles, though there is no direct relation. Instead, they act communally to take on various roles. When there are no young who are beneath 1 year of age, they all equally share responsibilities. The primary roles are as follows:
1. Matriarch.
2. Primary psychodevelopment specialist. This role is currently occupied by the matriarch gardevoirs mate.
3. Food and liquid procurement. Normally occupied by couple 1. Indicated as GR 1 and GR2 in the video annotations.
4. Cultural and developmental instructor. This role is currently occupied by the Gardevoir sitting next to me.
In times when each member is currently tending to its young. Video file 3C through 3M, then the primary food and liquid collection also falls to the only unmated gardevoir. Again, that is the one sitting next to me. As of right now, there are 4 young. "
I sat back as I said all that. I had been worrying for the last few days about how I wanted to articulate the social structure of the Gardevoir.
"Ah, um yes, excuse me for a second" came a voice down the line.
All eyes turned to him as he suddenly spoke up. Dr. Tennyson. The currently reknown doctor of complex social behavior.
"I have to ask. Are you daft?" He suddenly said.
"Er Dr Tennyson I really don-" Professor Sycamore suddenly said.
"Oh be quiet you deranged voyer" Dr Tennyson suddenly said. He then turned his attention back to me.
"I must say, I am impressed that you allowed yourself to be fooled so easily Dr. Ginkgo. THere is no way in which a Gardevoir can actually articulate itself enough to have a cultural structure. Much less this nonsense of a social structure like you described. " He said.
Shock settled into the room. All eyes were on him as he then proceeded to lay into me again.
"Your field notes from the 21st on seem very hesitant. I notice additional anecdotes scattered throughout the notebook. What is this "Mic Tem?" Some special word you came up with? The phonetic structure is simply too scattered. Further, Video files 4A-C seem very unusual. They show the gardevoir holding their youth. It is commonly known from Birch and his research that ralts are abandoned at the earliest possible opportunity. Are you sure that you are being properly objective in describing this? If I didn't know better, I'd say that an element of Hermeneutics aren't in play with this research so far. This seems more like your interpretation of what is going on based upon what your feelings are."
I gave him a confused look. However, Dr Carp decided to speak up.
"Objectivity is important in this. I keep on finding myself coming back to you remaining on site even after healing up. Do you mind explaining that?"
"Sure, while on site, communication with Aria here allowed for a better interpretation of what I was seeing. While we can observe the same behavior from afar, there is no way that we will understand cultural beliefs without direct interaction with that culture. In this case, we are lucky to have a living member of that culture in this room with us. We would be remiss in making our theories if we did not take into account that our attempts at objectivity can in fact lead us to misinterpret their cultural system. Especially if that objectivity does not allow us to see the events from their perspective. In this case, the best interpretation then comes from understanding their culturral practices through their eyes and then interpreting them utilizing our heuristics systems that arbitrarily take into account their belief structure.. Otherwise we will inevitably let our biases creep into our interpretation of their lives." I explained.
Dr. Tennyson seemed to want to say more but was cut off by the Severe looking Dr. Freeman.
"Tell me, how would you describe the basis of their culture?" He asked simply.
"The basis of their culture is the belief first and foremost that they are emotional beings. Their role in life then is to be the vessels of emotion, which comes from an unknown beginning source that is commonly believed to be a network of their souls all combined. The emotion to them also serves as the source for their power and is the source of their art. Their artistic system is the dance. Through dance, emotions are conveyed. But its more than just conveyance to. Each dance also serves as an interpretive system to teach the others in their society about their beliefs and to instill a common understanding of their myths. Their final goal then turns into the experience of their lives in regard to emotion and giving that experience meaning. So to them, the meaning of life is the experience of being alive and the rapture that is associated with it. Also of note is the correlation between their psychic powers and their emotions. Their belief is that the expression of their emotions is so clear that it allows expression of their abilities which are known only as "The powers of the old ones" Each ability then is tied back into a base emotion. For example, the gravitational inversions that lead to singularities that you study seem to grow from the interpretation of emotions of affection. The amplification of emotions in a feedback system, similar to the process of panic attacks, are the basis of that. No matter the example, it all goes back to Emotion. Culture, self image, art, attacks, everything. We could sit here all day and we would still find ourselves looking at it as an emotional basis of their culture."
As I finished, I found myself reaching for a glass, then drinking a little water. It hadn't been since I acted as a student teacher than I strung together so much at once.
"Emotions... " Dr. Krafft said. "That is worrying. This is not a research expedition to understand emotion. "
"Exactly," Dr Tennyson suddenly interrupted. "All this talk of emotion leads to a rational question: What are your feelings on your observations?"
I gave him a look of confusion as I tried to formulate an appropriate answer.
"My feelings? I was shocked at these interpretations myself. It indicates that my own theories on their behavior was wrong. I am excited at the indications, though I am anxious about whether or not my interpretation is correct. That is why I believe further extended study is required. I also believe that publication should also be sent to anthropological journals. Further, I find myself confused. Research conducted previously suggest that their genetic structre is too variant for them to be considered homo sapien angelicus. However, as indicated in report section 4F, the genetic variance is not 1.6% as was previously reported, but closer to .8% variance. Which is the nearly the same variance as is seen in our own species save one region. Further, blood typing, as shown in 4G, indicates that interbreeding is possible. This makes me worried that our current classification is wrong. I feel like we need more definite research in that to establish the genetic drift between us and the implications that has for our classification scheme."
Dr Tennysons expression darkened.
"Who was it who originally classified them as Homo Angelicus Dr. Ginkgo?" He asked.
There was a ripple effect as the others began to realize just what was said.
"Again," I stressed. "I feel like more research should be conducted. The evidence as it sta-"
"What evidence? This evidence? Your feelings and your subjective little notes and your home videos?" He snapped.
"The blood samples, the genetic markers and the DNA cross sections! Those alone suggest that our classification needs to be re-examined" I said. Frustration began seeping into my mind. Aria began to feel worried. Even Amelia seemed nervous when the man spoke.
"I assert your results are flawed!" Dr Tennyson suddenly said.
"Prove it." I simply replied. I had enough experience with cocksure kids who thought they knew it all.
"Phenotype B MRNA receptor linkage clearly indicates a-"
"Rapid regenerative cycle that accelerates growth. All species on earth save humans have this. In fact, Dr. Wilson at the Kanto Silph research facility wrote in 3120 that we had lost that due to environmental stresses which show up in haplogroup B. Even in humans, the accelerated growth and telomere splitting indicates that we have vestigal evolutions like them. Further, refer to Dr. Rowland and Arnolds research into a variant of Gardevoir which show the same mutation. Further, Dr Birch and his subject, a Gardevoir with a genetic mutation that is popularly called shiny, had actually developed at a rate equal to a human woman. I believe that the subject is now a functional member of society with a job and a fiancee." I responded quickly.
"That alone is enough to show that they are a seperate species!" He retorted angrilly.
"Your own paper though indicates that humans and gardevoir can reproduce. My question is, have you studied any in situ cases that resulted in viable offspring?" I shot back.
"...No."
"Then why is it so hard to actually look into further research?" I demanded.
Suddenly, there was a coughing noise.
Dr. Krafft looked uncomfortable as he interrupted this verbal sparring match we were having.
"The suggestion for extended study will be taken under consideration. For now, I am worried about the integrity of your data to a degree. However, I feel that you should continue your in the field research. Rather, you are currently ordered to remain on site pending a formal investigation. Your observations indicate that further action is needed both in methodology and in the question of sociologic and anthropologic studies. However, the real issue is your objectivity. You are there to study behavior, not understand their culture. "
What?
Aria and Amelia both were confused. I was actually feeling disturbed.
"But the integrity of my data has not been compromised. If you look at the breadth of information as a result of direct interaction, you can clearly see that observation without interference has its limitations." I argued.
"So they do. But right now, you have put us in a rough spot. Even though your data will prove useful in publication, you have to realize that unconventional research methods put the integrity of the data at risk and open up the research to individual biases. You should have broken off contact when you were finally able to leave Dr. Ginkgo. " Dr Krafft gave me a look of disappointment.
I... I didn't get this.
He was supporting me up until a moment ago.
Professor Sycamore seemed distracted while they argued, then berated me. Even as Dr. KRafft spoke, he continued reading the field notes I had turned in.
"Dr. Gingko, consider yourself on probation for the interim as an investigation into your methodology is being conducted. You can continue staying and observing the Gardevoir, but I suggest sending your assistant back. She will be given credit hours for the completion of field work. However, you will hear from one of us later regarding your decision." He solemly said.
"I expected better out of you. You showed great promise. Even the detail of your observations show that you still have a keen eye. However, You can't just ignore protocol. You are acting like an undergraduate."
Suddenly, most of the video feeds cut off save for Professor Sycamore and Dr. Freeman.
"Dr Gingko, I wonder if you could conduct gravimetric observations in situ for me while you are on suspension" He simply asked.
"Sure... though I would rather do it while the subjects mental activity is being recorded so that the emotional correlation can be demonstrated." I responded simply.
"Expect a package to be dropped containing the EKG system and the Gravitational measurement devices. Do try not to tamper with them or let any more poochyenas attack you." He said.
Eventually, it was just me and Professor Sycamore.
I waited as he continued reading. Then gave a nervous cough, this was taking too long for my likings. I had an uncomfortable awkwardness like he had forgotten that he was even in a holo-net conference.
"What" he suddenly asked.
"Well... everyone else had disconnected... the meeting is over.." I simply responded as Amelia tried to suppress a giggle.
"True that the meeting is over, but I'm not done reading the report. Unlike them, I don't tend to skim through notes done by other researchers. Now hold on one moment, I'm reading." He replied offhandedly.
I looked at Aria, then gripped her hand.
It was over.
For some reason, things were going well until that Dr. Tennyson interjected. I wasn't expecting this turn of events. An explanation of my findings, sure. An explanation for staying on site, absolutely. However, I didn't expect... this. Stripped of my position and placed on suspension? I was lucky enough to be allowed to stay. But still... what hurt worse was Dr Kraffts tone of voice. He was a man I had seen as a father figure. We had spent many an evening in the field out on those islands at that volcano observatory sharing beer and stories. If I ever wanted to make a positive impression on anyone, it was him. He was the only one whos words actually stung before Aria.
Aria could feel my confusion and fear building.
Beh sze, calm down. You are growing fearful. Remember how you get out of control when in-
"Is that gardevoir talking to you right now?" Professor Sycamore suddenly asked.
"Um... Yes he is Sir." I simply responded.
He raised his eyebrows, then casually put the report down. Then, he leaned forward.
"I'm not going to lie to you Dr. Gngko, they have a point about you having stayed. You should have left when you could. But instead, you stayed behind. But as a result, you might have just gained me a little insight that I've been needing. Can it understand me?" He asked while pointing at you.
Aria suddenly held her free hand up, then pointed to herself. She then nodded vigorously in response to his question.
"Obviously..." I replied.
"Good" He said.
"My prime field of research has to do with mega evolution. I know it exists and can be achieved under certain circumstances. However, what has interested me is the circumstances. All indications point to the bond between a trainer and the pokemon. Yet I can tell that you two are close as it is. Which leads me to wonder if the bond is about seeing each other as equals and being connected in a willful sense. I'd like for you to look into this and get back to me. "
I gave a confused expression which he could clearly pick up on.
"Well what else are you going to do? You can't come back any time soon. Your findings are too radical for their own good. Maybe if you only focused on one small aspect of gardevoir. Instead you walk in here with a Kuhns paradigm shift in paper form and expect everyone to just accept the evidence as it is. There is going to be one hell of a controversy over this. It's better if you just lay low until you hear anything else. Thus, stay there, continue researching, and look into the matter for me." He stated.
Suddenly. It was just Amelia, Aria and I sitting alone in the conference room again.
With an uncertain future ahead, The three of us quietly got up to leave.
Wow, what a doozy. Ok, so the Drs all mentioned here are based upon friends and colleagues I have. Some of whom are currently teaching and a few others who are field oriented. However, there are also a few who are based upon living people, just with their occupations changed, and one other who is dead. Dr. Krafft is based upon Maurice Krafft, the famous Geophysicist who died during the eruption of Mt. Unzen in 1991. When I was really young, I still remember watching the exploits of him and his wife on National geographic. Dr Gabbard and Dr Carp are chemists I know. They are actually very socially awkward. Which is adorkable in its own right.
That all being said, others like Dr. Freeman are based on popular characters, like Gordon Freeman from Half life. His name was chosen due to some students phone ringing to the Freemans mind theme.
The direction from here on out was solidified on Thursday when a colleague and I were having a discussion on heuristics over some beer. The conversation was originally about how we classified the silica content in basalt and how we would arbitrarily define the limits between the different igneous rocks. Well, this discussion turned into a discussion about opposition to research and how new ideas result in drastic effects. It was from this discussion that I was able to solidify the conflict and its resolution.
Also, I was uncertain how I wished to proceed with the whole egg bit. As I was developing their culture, I considered how in the games they just had an egg out of nowhere (Well, I think all of us know how gardevoir mate...) and the thought occurred to me that there must be a lot of emotional investment in that egg. Therefore, doesn't it stand to reason that a complex system also was involved in how they dealt with this process? So, if it seems like I was hesitant, it was because while I was writing this scene, I was trying to ride that balance.
This is the biggest chapter yet. I confess that it was because my car was found today that this chapter is only now getting posted. I have to pick it up tomorrow. It looks alright so far. I think I will pamper that jeep when it gets home...
Anyways, as always, thank you for reading my work. Feedback is greatly appreciated and I will endeavor to respond to them personally whenever possible!