25 July 3130
With the light of dawn, came a slight groan as I attempted to wake up. My head still felt heavy, and a headache was likely to come. Aria and I were laying on a shared cot. This morning though, Aria did not seem to wake up as I did. Instead, she simply curled closed into my form as I shifted around to grab my slowly throbbing head.
Last night Aria and I had gotten drunk. Well... ok I was only buzzed. However, Aria was three sheets to the wind watch out I'm going crazy drunk. Krafft had busted out his good stuff the previous night to celebrate the completion of testing and obviously Aria and I partook in the festivities.
I groaned slightly as I glanced around the tent. We were in the Wall tent where most of the needed equipment was stored. We previously had shared this tent when we had passed out from the mega evolution exertion. In the corner was the F-T satellite transceiver, humming gently in standby mode. There was the usual divider between us and the equipment. However, this morning, there was an additional noise. That was the sound of a sleeping Ralts. . Arias arm was half buried in my face, a shock when I woke up as it is.
Asa had previously come in to here last night and fell asleep in the cot that I occupied when we were brought in. Her tiny body was nearly lost in the pile of blankets that she had twisted into something of a nest. The only clear view I had of her was her tiny red horn sticking out from the side of the pile.
With a sigh, I glanced down at myself beneath the covers, then looked at Aria. I casually pulled up the light blanket, then found that yes, the two of us were without apparel. I sighed as I reconsidered the events of the previous night.
As I slowly sat up, Asas gentle cry breaking the silence of the morning, we looked one another over. Arias hair was all askew from her trying to find a comfortable sleeping position. Little tufts of her hair was pushed out to the side, exposing her often hidden forehead. I…was not much better for it. While my hair was, for the most part stringy as a result of the weird sleeping position, it was my neck which bothered me. Aria as I set to cleaning each other up. My hand fussed over her hair, gently stroking it to make it rest.
Aria made a like purring noise, indicating her pleasure as I did that. I grinned while Asa watched us groom one another. Our best attempts at making one another presentable was proving difficult at best.
We should have gone back to our Te Ze Last night…. Aria muttered.
Well… It's the last night for Sycamore, and besides, we got to talk over the video feed, with Maurice's wife Katia. I've never gotten the chance to really meet with her. Besides, you plus rum? I'd pay money to see that again. I gave a mirthful laugh as I remembered the events from the previous evening.
24th July 3130
10 pm...ish
"So then, Katia runs over and pulls my foot up and there is this tiny hole where my foot had fallen in! Had it not been for the flash cooling of Lava on my feet I would have a crispier leg!" Krafft brayed as he showed Sycamore and Aria his leg. Along the shin, there was some light scarring from the burns he got that day on the southern island volcano. It was well known how those two often were the first ones to arrive at an erupting volcano, so naturally he and Katia had peculiar stories like this quite often.
"That's nothing..." I rejoined before I held up my hand, around the thumb was a long thin white line, almost the same color now as Arias skin.
"Remember that volcano you sent me up to get gas samples on?" I asked him.
"Ah, Hadoka! I remember it!" Krafft replied.
Hadoka? Aria asked.
Instead of answering her in telepathy as was common for us, I instead replied in full voice for Sycamore and Kraffts benefit.
"Hadoka is a mountain in a region just south of the Sinnoh region and well north of the Kanto Regions. It is an old volcano which has erupted quite a few times. Now it is regarded locally as the Entrance to hell by the local folks due to all the gas and the really acidic water." I replied.
Krafft handed me his bottle of rum, which he had retrieved from his tent earlier in the evening.
"Thanks... I'm going to need the courage to tell this harrowing tale..." I muttered as I took a small shot of the rum.
"Anyways, it's a sunny day... for the side of a volcano at least, but some clouds were moving in and I still had to get down the rim and get water samples from the Crater Lake. Now this is... what? 175 meters down the side? So I had to use repelling gear in order to make my way down. Now my friend Chris has the anchor but I could tell he wasn't doing too good since the previous night he got rip roaring drunk and we had to fish him out of a storm drain." I paused, smiling at the sight, "Well anyways, he's got me while my ass is dangling out a 500 foot sheer cliff face. Now the caldera is looking a little unstable. More gas lately and seismic tomography shows that the minor eruption that was underway could easily kick off more pyroclasts if we weren't lucky. I hit the ground, sliding ass over kilter down an ice sheet that was quickly melting. Well Chris is supposed to be keeping me from sliding too far but wouldn't ya know it? He loses grip and I go tumbling right into a collection of obsidian! However, we still need that fresh dacite lava, so I go running up to the stuff, whack off a piece, and leave a trail of blood all the freaking way back to the cliff! Then suddenly Chris loses his footing and he just goes sliding down next to me as I'm climbing back to the face! Suddenly, I feel the rope go taught and I'm sliding like hell back to the freaking dome! We managed to get our hammer into the ice which brought us to a bit of a stop. Then we slowly made our way. Well, I walked normally, Chris just goes staggering along. Next thing I know, we're hearing rumbling again and I'm scrambling like hell all the way up the cliff! No sooner did I hop onto the ledge than a small eruption rang out. A goddamn pyroclast goes flowing out the open crater rim and right into site 3."
I stopped for a moment, then chuckled to myself.
"Site 3 had a pig buried at 3 feet in order to cook. Wouldn't you know it? The pig was superb that night! Freshly cooked at 500 degrees thanks to some lava! Anyways, we got out safe and I had to use some super glue to hold the damn cut together!"
Krafft chuckled in response while Aria looked at me with concern.
Suddenly, it dawned on me that Aria didn't really know these little war stories. Close calls that were hilarious in retrospect and were kind of the name of the game.
But Beh Sze, you nearly died! She suddenly exclaimed.
"Well yeah... it's one of the reasons I stopped studying volcanology and instead went into the environmental and behavioral studies branches. Not as many erupting volcanoes, deadly landslides, giant earthquakes, or killer tsunamis. "
"Oh come on! You know I wasn't in danger during that tsunami!" Krafft suddenly rejoined.
"Oh sure Mr. I'm going to climb a tree naked as the day I was born! You could have walked 50 feet and gone up a little hill but you were so focused on taking pictures! I have to ask, how long was it until you were able to feel your toes again?"
Krafft roared in laughter before he responded "Three days ya?"
Aria looked between the two of us, then let out a gentle sigh. Our antics were mostly fueled by alcohol at this point. She did not entirely realize this fact though. Rather, I could feel her examining me with curiosity.
Finally, and I knew this was coming, her hand simply reached out to grab the rum bottle.
"Ah, I am thinking that she is wanting some" Krafft said with a hearty laugh.
"Well... he isn't wrong"
Beh sze, what is this stuff that you two have been drinking anyways? She asked as she eyed the amber liquid.
"It's called rum! It's made of tropical fruits and water!" I said with a bit of a dumb grin on my face.
While I was certainly able to continue reasoning like a normal human being, the infusion of alcohol did have the effect of making me more jovial than usual.
Aria sniffed at the bottle, then turned to look at me. Her face was entirely straight, with no real emotion shining through. At least, none that Krafft could detect. I could sense her curiosity. More directly, there was a sense of wanting to enter the same slightly altered emotional state we were in.
"Alright ses frau…. Go on ahead, but be careful." I urged her before looking at Krafft.
Krafft gave a small laugh as he proceeded to pour her about two shots worth into the cup he had been using.
Aria looked at the amber liquid, then gently sniffed at it. Before she could raise it to her lips I gave her a warning.
"Sip it slowly. It'll be incredibly bitter and sour. Once you feel it hitting your tongue, just begin swallowing. Otherwise you could gag"
She gave me a playfully hurt expression, then began tilting it.
Don't say that I did not warn you. I finally conceded.
I watched as she quickly drank the entirety of the rum in the cup with an expression of anticipation. She would either begin gaging or she would power through it and frankly, the wait was beginning to kill me.
She tilted the now empty cup down, then closed her eyes as a wave of revulsion mixed with enjoyment overcame her. For about 20 seconds she stayed like that, her brain processing the mixture of sour, bitter, and sweet. Finally, she let out a tiny gasp that carried the distinctive scent of alcohol, then simply held out the cup.
More please. She simply said.
Oh ho!
I fought to contain my laughter as Kraft poured her another shot. She looked the stuff over, then drank it more slowly this time. Despite the cringe on her face at the extreme taste, she seemed to let the rum wash over her tongue. I could feel her curiosity mixed with a sense of revulsion. She seemed to be enjoying the flavors. Especially the coconut.
Finally, she fought a valiant battle to swallow the drink.
As she sat there, awash in a slowly warming feeling, I gently pulled the cup from her hand, then held it out to Maurice.
"Hit me Barman!" I said with a gleeful expression.
He gave a light chuckle at an older joke the two of us shared, then poured me a shot as well. Unlike her though, I drank it slowly. Enough so that as I felt my tongue firing at the taste sensation, I still derived a sense of pleasure at the ridiculously sour drink.
Aria looked at me with amazement as I drank without the same emotional intensity. In fact, she could tell that to me, it was just a pleasurable experience. I smiled as I radiated off a sense of nostalgia at this sensation she felt.
"This is like old times ya know?" I asked.
Over the last few weeks, things had been so… odd. Awash in a sense of emotion. Waking up with pure happiness, feeling myself settle into this new life, facing the whole University issue. All of it left a toll. It left me still wanting this quiet life Aria and I had settled into. However, sitting there with Aria, Maurice, Sycamore, and Freeman, it was like the old times all over again. A major difference though, was that right about now… it just felt good.
Aria took another shot of the alcohol just as she was beginning to loose full cognitive focus. Feeling what intoxication was like to a Gardevoir as if it was your own gives a certain new sense to what it feels like. When you have the time to examine it before it overtakes you, you can understand why the emotional loosening happens, why someone just says what's on their mind. The emotional freedom is amazing to see.
Double that with a Gardevoir though…
I cut her off after her fourth one, though I continued to soldier on.
Sycamore finally emerged from his tent. Inside, I could see a single large duffel bag, packed up entirely with his affects. He walked over, then proceeded to sit down on a spare rock. In short time, Krafft handed him the proverbial watering cup, then gave a slight nod.
"So, you're going back to Lumiose city?" I found myself asking while feeling a pleasant buzz from the alcohol.
"That's the general plan. One of the kids I entrusted the mega research to should be returning within a week or so to present their findings. I gave a few kids the task of completing various errands for me. Two kids took on the task of completing their pokedex and looking into what makes a mega stone work. One of them got a Ralts from Diantha, you know her right? And I'm curious to see how far along she's coming with it since it had Gardevoirite on hand courtesy of Diantha. If the Ralts has reached Gardevoir stage, I'd like for her to try a mega evolution, just to get a baseline as I put together the data from the tests you two ran for me"
I nodded as Aria seemed to purr in satisfaction.
See Beh Sze? We won't have to get all drain drain again! She exclaimed.
Oh boy… I gave a slight wince which she picked up on instantly.
What's with that uncomfortable feeling? You don't like being with me?
I gave her a worried look as she began to slide closer to me. I placed my hand on her shoulder, then gently ran it down her arm. I knew that I had to play it carefully with her.
Of course not! There is nobody else I could think of spending my time with. I reassured her.
Roughly, I could feel her begin to probe into my feelings. It was like I was holding her as she shifted around in my arms, poking at this, pulling at that. Within my mind, there was no deeper sense of intimacy. However, it was an uncomfortable intimacy.
Finally, I could feel her attention focusing back into the external as she gave a happy cry before she all but leapt onto me.
I held her embrace while I looked at the others, then gave an uneasy smile.
"Now we know what a drunken Gardevoir is like!" Krafft exclaimed while he laughed a deep belly laugh at our antics.
I'm not drunk! I just… feel really happy! Beh Sze! She exclaimed.
With a laugh, I nodded to her.
Indeed, super happy! I happily agreed with her in an attempt to offer a placation of sorts.
I looked to Sycamore, then to Krafft with a light grin.
"I blame you for this." I happily joked.
"Do not be blaming me for your marital concerns." Krafft happily rejoined.
"Speaking of…" Sycamore said while looking at Aria and I, "I would think it wise, when you go before the board, to keep your relationship with her quiet. It would not be received well."
His face looked rather severe, though he did not seem to be so much angry with us as he was worried.
"Yeah… Based on the argument the other night, I find myself agreeing…" I said.
I felt a degree of indignation. It was foolish on one hand to see Aria as just an animal. Her interactions were very human. In some cases though, it was like she was beyond human, as if Gardevoir had somehow skipped ahead in the evolutionary arms race to a state that humanity was fast approaching. In popular culture, people liked to depict humans of the future as having larger heads, more willowy bodies, and incredibly intelligent. This argument was based purely on speculation based off of us using technology to circumvent physical effort.
There were more factors at work of course… Our spread into multiple climates gave us varying degrees of resilience. Closer to the tropics, our skin tones grew darker as a result of increased sunlight. Further away from the tropics, we grew paler and paler until we nearly had the same complexion as Aria did. However, our bodies had not changed significantly in the 15000 years since Gardevoir and Humanity split off. Nature preserves that which works after all.
On the other hand, this habit of seeing only the external was intrinsic to our species. It conferred great survival potential to be aggressive. In a genetic war, we were fighting ourselves for dominance only because the most diverse populace will survive. When we looked at Gardevoir, we only really saw the Ralts. A young, immature Pokémon unable to really care for itself on its own. We find them in isolated spots, surrounded by Pokémon it is weak against. We catch it to save it, never knowing what lurks just behind the grove of trees we find it near. We assume from the way it appears, that it is a loner in nature and slowly declining. We assume that due to these facts, we are somehow better than them all and proceed to capture or beat it "For its own good"
Tauros shit if you ask me…
I was pulled out from my reverie as Aria snuggled up to my body, her small frame felt hot compared to mine. Her heart was bare millimeters from my chest as she let out a small sigh. Apparently my musing was entirely open to her.
Does it matter anymore beh sze? She seemed to whisper into my mind.
I gave her a look that reflected the thoughtfulness I felt. Did it truly matter? Let's say for a moment that I was entirely disbarred. Aria and I would still have here to call home. I wouldn't have the same purpose as before, but I did still have a home.
However, that home would still be susceptible to intrusion and possible abduction. The young were vulnerable to the whims of any passing trainer. Further, what's to say that I will even be allowed to come back? What if, instead, they decide to relocate me as punishment? What would Aria do? What would our child do? Aria and the soon to hatch Ralts were my number one priority in life. If my work can protect them, and protect the Te Ze we live in, along with many other Te Zes' scattered around the world, wouldn't that matter?
I almost didn't need to respond. But I did so anyways.
I think it does. If it helps you all, keeps our child safe, and allows you to be treated as equals, I consider that something worth working towards.
She turned her face up to look at me. Even though a Gardevoir is hard to read due to the lack of major emoting that humans do, I could still feel her gratitude. More importantly, I could feel a sort of approval.
You'll make a wonderful Gardevoir beh sze. I knew I fell for the right man…
Stop it! I exclaimed in a somewhat embarrassed tone. The others are sitting right there!
She gave a catty grin but acquiesced. The others had fallen into a conversation about what was next. Sycamore continued detailing what his plans were. Krafft then dropped the bomb onto all of us.
"I am thinking that I should be leaving soon too. The big islands volcano is turning interesting and Katia and I would much like to get back to see the show"
I had frankly grown accustomed to his presence. So his sudden announcement of his intent to depart hit me like a proverbial wrecking ball. I was simply shocked at his pronouncement. He was the type to give more warning. Besides… it felt good having more people around. Aria and I could have so much more interaction, and the days had become somewhat more exciting than they had been before.
"When will you be leaving?" I asked.
"In about 5 or so days when Freeman departs as well. We have much to do too ya? I was primarily worried about you but I can see that you are doing fine. I can take comfort in whatever happens to you, she will stay by your side." He then nodded to Aria who was only half focused.
Her mind kept trying to drag me into it. I kept having to urge the notion off as I could see that we needed to be entirely in the present at the moment to focus on these major developments. I urged her, gently, to pay closer attention.
"Well... I am sorry that you all will be leaving. I have to say, I had gotten used to all of you being around. Even you Sycamore!" I jokingly exclaimed.
"Yes, I am quite the evil man aren't I?" he joked along.
"Speaking of us leaving" Came Freemans voice as he walked up to us finally, "I have a request of you."
"Another one?" I asked as Aria and I turned to face him.
Freeman gave a small smile, the closest thing to a grin we've seen out of him to date, then sat down at one of the other rocks. He looked the two of us over for a moment, his thick framed glasses obscured his eyes from us due to the reflective glare of the fire, but we could still sense how he was contemplating what he was to say next.
"I would like to introduce a new variable into your comfortable little system here. If what you say is true, then it stands to reason that an outside Gardevoir who knows nothing of her own cultural history, should be able to learn and adapt right?"
"Sure, if Gardevoir culture is learned rather than genetically programmed in, then introducing one with no sense of Gardevoir culture should result in her having to learn through experience. If it is in fact very much genetically based, as Tennyson would argue, then there should be no difficulties with her fitting in instantly."
Freeman finally gave a wide smile.
"Want to test that?"
I gave a smile of my own, which hinted at the emotional interplay that began to occur between Aria and I. I didn't need to entirely voice what the plan was. She gave a warm glowing assent of sorts as she hovered on the edge of a drunken joy.
"Sure, though first you should probably get the permission of the Matriarch. I'm not in a position of authority" nor do I want to be… I mused.
"Alright, fair is fair. Tomorrow after we wake up and eat, we will go down and I will ask her. "He said simply.
"But more to the point, what's the plan?" I asked him.
"Well, I said we have a number of Gardevoir who help out at the lab." Aria seemed to bristle at this but he took no notice, "Since they are not being forced there, we try to let them have as much freedom, only being obligated to be on grounds during the experiments they are needed for. I would like to take one of the trainer less ones who lives with a researcher who is employed there, and let her spend a while here. I want you to track changes in her demeanor and personality if at all possible. Then, you give me a call at the end of the review, let's say 2 weeks prior to your in person appearance to the review board, and I will prepare a report co-authored by you, that provides a real world test of your own theory. It should bolster your position immensely and could, in fact, win this for you. "
I considered his proposal, then nodded before I replied "Well, after the meeting, let's identify metrics of changes that we should look for and decide from there what constitutes a confirmation condition and what constitutes fail conditions. "
With that, the plan for the next day had been settled.
As we began to break away, Aria seemed to tighten her grip on me.
Beh sze… I… want. She simply said, although with a large measure of difficulty.
Want? I asked.
I felt her intentions well before I felt her hand on my face. The desire that we felt that night on the 4th of July was present again, though more focused than before. Her posture shifted slightly so that as the two of us fell into the cot, I landed first.
-Present-
I snapped out of the reverie as Aria gave a happy cry. She had detected my warm recollection of the previous night, but also the realization of what we had done. She seemed to be taking her hangover quite well too. I guess the saying that a hangover is better when shared is, in fact, true.
We sat there on the cot for a moment. My hands had snaked around her exposed waist, then held her to me. In return, she had turned herself so that she was straddling me. Our minds seemed to linger in that grey area between being connected as one and being separate. Our emotions lingered in the others minds as our proximity gave off the sensation of mutual desire.
In fact, as Kraft bustled in at that moment then saw us in such a position, it was likely that he thought... No, I could dimly tell from the haze we had fallen into, that he had walked in on us in the act of lovemaking. In fact, we were simply sharing in each other's emotions, allowing our mutual feeling to compel it to a new depth of understanding. By all means, this was just the simple embraces and sharing of emotion by comparison.
But then again, in the previous times that we found ourselves in this position, we were fully clothed.
We awkwardly began to disengage, then wrap ourselves in the blanket on the bunk. Curled up together, we gave him an apologetic expression.
"Sorry about that... I... wasn't expecting you to come bursting in like that..." I explained.
"Yes yes, I know I should have said something. I am being sorry yes?" Krafft said quickly.
Whenever he did that, it was obvious that his grasp on the common Kalos language was shaky at best... Still, I gave a sheepish grin then pulled the blankets closer to us.
"We should have known better... This is a work tent after all..." I said.
Krafft seemed to stiffen, then gave a slight laugh. Though the way he laughed seemed to suggest that he was laughing at a memory rather than what I had said.
"Well, do not be worrying about it my friend. I could fill your ears with stories about places Katia and I-"
"Ok thank you very much!" I suddenly exclaimed before I looked at Aria.
Her expression seemed eager, as if the prospect of another Krafft story greatly interested her.
I would like to hear more! She happily chirped.
And no! I exclaimed to her.
This earned a giggle from her as her left hand came up then pawed at my neck for a moment before she affectionately stroked my cheek.
I am only kidding Beh Sze! You getting flustered like this is simply adorable! She said, her tiny face curling into a mirthful face.
With a sigh, I simply sagged my head as Krafft left. I was defeated on this front. Aria knew how to manipulate my emotions to get the reactions she so loved from me at times...
Lets… Just get dressed ok? We should really see Sycamore off. I don't know when we will see him again...
About 25 minutes later, Aria and I emerged from the tent to find Sycamore breaking down his tent, then trying to stuff it into his bag. We decided to just watch for a few moments. Tearing down a tent was usually a one person affair unless if it was one of the bigger ones as it was. So we really didn't have much else to do. Helping would likely have just made the process more complicated.
Freeman approached while we watched, then took up vigil next to us. Finally, he gave the lightest cough, enough to get our attention without distracting the raven haired man.
"Are we enjoying the show?" He asked simply.
Aria and I looked at one another, then gave a bashful grin towards Freeman. We didn't really mean to just stand around watching. We did want to speak to Sycamore, thank him for what he's done, and the insights he had provided. Instead, we turned out to be unable to accomplish even that.
"Well, if you two are done, I have a few important things I think we should discuss while we still have the time." He said, then turned away.
Shortly, we found ourselves in the work tent once more, seated on the cot we slept in last night with him sitting across from us. His face looked rather severe for a moment before he spoke.
"The DNA and bloodwork came back last night. Both post singularity and post Mega, "He said as he held up the paperwork.
"Lay it out for Aria, I can read it just fine but communicating what's going on will be difficult." I said simply.
I had fallen into a state of nervous anticipation as he first looked over the papers, then looked to the both of us, sitting side by side.
"Layman's terms?" He simply asked.
"Both." I replied.
He gave a slight sigh, then chuckled at my urgings.
"Alright, the blood factors indicate an increased hemoglobin rate for both of you. As her blood is rather different, using standard ABO typing, we have determined that she maintains a modified glycolipid structure on her red blood cells. However, the structure is kind of interesting in its own right. Gardevoir are known to primarily have a Galactose and fucose system. However, her current structure suggests a Galactose-N Acetyl-Glucosamine-Galactose-Fucose structure. Interestingly enough, yours also matches. In cellular composition, Rowan you have an increased mitochondrial count in each cell with a matching RNA matrix that is similar to hers. This seems to be acting as a primary vector too as further mutagens have been found in the White blood cells themselves. Further, All chemical markers suggest stellar liver function. Out of curiosity, I ran deficiency tests and except for a lower lysine level for you Rowan, both of you check out well... This is peculiar in that after this period of time you should be Vitamin B12 deficient. Further... Rowan your DNA base pairs were examined and compared to hers..."
Freeman seemed to draw short before I gave a slight nod for him to continue.
He gave both of us an uncertain look, then simply went on.
"Telomere length has increased by 7% based upon your baseline sample provided a year ago as part of phenotype studies done. Further, markers from 23 pairs suggest mutation in line with hers. Further, there seems to be a foreign substance which seems to be a catalyst for this. When DNA replicates, Polymerase should handle the precise replication. However, it appears that a foreign substance has resulted in erroneous replication. If I had to give a tentative reason, I would say that her psychic influence on you has something to do with it. "
He looked back down at the paperwork, then handed it to him.
"In layman's terms: The two of you have the same blood type and for whatever reason, your DNA seems to resemble hers more closely. That .6% difference between the two of you just shortened to .2% at best. Whatever happened... well...? "He seemed to pause. Reluctance was obvious on his face.
"In layman's terms, I wouldn't be wrong in calling you a Pokémon."
That struck me.
Hard.
Aria could feel my mind begin reeling and a sense of confusion creep into my being. I could feel her probing into my emotions, grasping at me despite me feeling as if I were slipping ever further from her. I became aware of a spinning motion as the weight of his words brought me to a point of dizziness.
Then, I felt myself regain footing. Aria had me. She seemed to be struggling, as if my mind were slipping further and she was close to falling with me. However, I felt myself slowly come back from whatever I nearly fell into. I had fallen to the ground though. I was now crouched in front of Freeman with Aria clutching my head desperately. Her mic tem... her shard pressed against my temple, spreading a gentle, comforting, heat to my body as I began to come out of whatever that was just then.
Beh Sze! Focus on me! She seemed to be shouting.
I was dazed, I knew that. I looked at her, my hand instinctively finding her free hand. I looked at him, my other hand seeming to push the ground as my legs attempted to shoulder my weight. Freeman grabbed me by my armpits, then helped me slowly stand back up.
What... what was that? I asked Aria directly.
We... we can talk of it later... she said with a form of reluctance.
I could tell that she was pained to not simply tell me. However, I could understand why. Whatever she had to say, it would take longer than we presently had. Rather, it would do well to speak of it away from Freeman. When things were calmer. When my mind wasn't racing with a million thoughts and I did not stand at the edge of a frantic breakdown.
Shakily, I simply nodded.
Later then... I finally agreed.
"W-Well... you know how to scare a man..." I finally said.
Freeman looked apologetically at me as I tried to regain my sense of orientation. He felt pained to say that to me. The unintended effects of us going so far was unknown before we attempted the singularity. It wasn't something that could have been planned for, it was an unknown side effect which could not be quantified in situ, nor could we guarantee it was entirely linked to the singularity itself. There were many unknowns in this equation and it terrified both him and me.
"I am sorry Rowan..." He started.
I could feel the regret. He was blaming himself in a very direct manner. We had agreed to this. We didn't know what the effects would be. We knew that we were venturing forth into unknown territory with these experiments. However, in the afterglow of two successful experiments, we did not stop and think about what was really happening... We just went with it without a care in the world.
Now, however, the torchics were coming home to roost.
I finally gave the slightest of smiles to reassure him whilst I gripped Arias hands tightly. I asked a question I didn't even know was on my mind at the moment. I wasn't even aware of it until it left my mouth.
"These effects aren't destructive are they? Are the polymerases unstable in configuration?"
Freeman pulled the notes away from me to double check. After a moment, he handed them back to me with a slight smile and a shake of the head.
"No, fortunately, you should be fine in that regard. I'm not sure I can really predict how long the vector effects will be and what immunological changes will happen. However, the current configuration seems to be stable. Whatever this is doing to you, does not seem to be killing either of you..."
A torrent of relief flooded primarily from Aria. Her primary concern seemed to center more on my well-being. Which made sense as we seemed to be worrying for one another. She wouldn't die and for the time being, I had a clean bill of health. Whatever was happening was not like a tumor or a cancer. Instead, it seemed to be a spreading change. Perhaps it would be slow enough that Aria and I could adjust to it a little at a time.
"Now then... onto the next order of business..." Freeman said.
My eyebrows fairly danced in surprise as he said this. There was a measure of trepidation as he said this, but the anxiety died as he steadied himself then made his proposal and request to us.
"I would now like to test your theory on Gardevoir behavior and culture directly." He simply said.
"How so?"
"Well, if what you say is true, then if Gardevoir culture should be able to be learned. If this is the case, then a Gardevoir with no sense of its own culture should be able to learn. What I would like to do is introduce one into your Te Ze here and have you track her changes until Late August. Around then, I want you to put together a psychological profile to detail how she has changed, if she has in fact been affected by Gardevoir culture, and what the results are. We will use a Gardevoir as a baseline back at the lab. If Gardevoir culture is in fact genetic, as Tennyson would suggest, then the Gardevoir in the lab will be able to articulate and understand the cultural traditions that Aria here seems to know so well."
Aria looked at Freeman then tilted her head.
So, you wish to bring a new fec du into our Te ze? Just to prove my Beh Sze correct? She asked.
I quickly offered a translation since a number of the honorifics and designators were untranslatable into the human basic language.
Freeman gave a nod then directed his words to her.
"In short, it would help us to really tie up a few loose strings in Rowans theory. Further, it would provide a great in person example of a proper test of his theory. Human raised Gardevoir, especially those that come from eggs without ever knowing their parents, tend to emulate human culture rather than their own culture. So it would be interesting to see if your husband's theory is correct. If it is, when he goes before the review board, his case will be impeccable." Freeman elaborated.
Aria purred slightly at being called Rowans wife by the very human who greatly chastised them only a few days before. Indeed, since the argument, the dynamics of the group had changed massively. Freeman seemed more sympathetic, though Aria could tell Rowan seemed to understand why, she did not entirely understand. So far, Rowan had not divulged the reason.
Perhaps she would have to weedle it out of him tonight...
"There's a problem though" I said suddenly.
"What's that?" Freeman asked.
"It's not my call to make. If you want to bring Gardevoir into this Te Ze, then the one who leads the Te Ze should be the one you directly ask. I'll support this proposal though. I find the idea to directly test my theories to be exciting to say the least. If this idea is correct, then we stand to learn much much more than what I originally set out to do."
"That's an understatement you know" Freeman reminded me.
"I know I just..." I trailed off slightly as I found myself lost for words to convey my gratitude to the three of them.
"Look, what you two have accomplished to date is more than what either of us would have been able to do. Our research got a massive boost forward thanks to your screw up. Had you not made the choice to stay, who knows what would have happened? ...I probably would have saved you... this..." He said with a faint nod to my body.
I considered the implications of what he said, then gave him a gratitude filled smile.
"Had it not been for you, Aria and I would have reached a wall... Or worse, I would have fallen into a sense of despair. However, when I didn't even realize I needed you three, you still showed up. You guys were right in many ways. People won't understand Aria and I. However, if they can, in time, come to see the mistakes made in assuming that they are better than anything else, then I would consider my work to be a success. "
Freeman laughed lightly. I could feel from him that his laugh was more to do with the similarity in what I said to other people's ideology. Before I could push him though, he went ahead and elaborated.
"Have you ever heard of Team plasma?" He asked.
"Bunch of crazies, pushing their views onto others by force rather than letting the facts come out and make the argument better? Sure. Bunch of idiots the lot of them. "I said
Freeman gave a slight grin but continued.
"They wanted to liberate Pokémon. Free them from man's tyranny if you will. They love Pokémon. Almost as much as you love Aria here... But the fact is that such motivations can drive people down a dark path. Remember that some of the most terrible atrocities in our history were committed with the best of intentions."
I gave a slight nod before me responded, "I will keep that in mind. Though the truth is, I'm not looking to "liberate Pokémon" or anything like that. I just want to point out that our perception of Pokémon as being somehow less than us can be fundamentally wrong. Instead, we should respect their wishes. If Aria were to ask me to leave, as her Beh Sze, I would be hurt. But it is her decision to make. This is her... our home. Though I am here mostly by her leave. That consent, to me, should be important in the coming years..."
Freeman looked at Aria, then gave a slight smile before he simply shrugged in response.
"Just remember what you said to me then. And remember that it isn't about what you want. Other than that, I'm fine." He said.
"Hey, when did you want to go speak to the matriarch?" I asked him.
"When do they finish their midday meal?" He simply asked.
"Um... wait, what time even is it right now?" I suddenly asked as realization dawned on me that neither Aria nor I had eaten, nor had either of us checked in with the others.
"Oh, it's about 11. You two were sleeping so soundly that I didn't want to wake you." He simply replied.
Aria looked at Freeman for a moment, then hazarded a glance to the sky. She then looked at my shadow, then tilted her head in confusion.
I thought it was earlier than that... Beh Sze... I do not think that we should drink so much in the future...
To be honest, Aria still looked a little rough around the edges from last night. She woke up with a headache... which was still evident to me despite the haze of the morning, and unlike the last time, there was no afterglow of extreme contentment. Rather, it had only awoken further desire...
That was entirely new...
I didn't even realize that we had slept so late myself... I rejoined.
Then, I realized Freeman was owed an answer.
"We should get over there on the soon side." I said, "If I know them, after eating a lunch, they will settle in for some rest until midafternoon"
Freeman turned to regard me, then gave a slight nod of his head.
"Let me just get what I need."
Aria and I stood in a near embrace while we waited.
By the way SES frau, you have been rather silent this morning... I pointed out to her.
She gave me a slight smile that was wreathed in tiredness. I find myself still tired. I would much like to return to sleep after Sycamore leaves. She simply replied.
Well that's cute. My hung over Gardevoir wanted nothing but to sleep her pain away.
I gave her a tiny comforting nudge with my hand. Quickly, hers interlocked with mine, seemingly desperate for the calm I was feeling. This... was the upside of being able to hold your liquor. If you knew how to do it right, you didn't suffer too much of a hangover.
After Freeman meets with the matriarch, we will get some rest before sycamore leaves. I assured her.
She smiled hopefully at me after I said that, then turned her head slightly so that our cheeks came into contact with one another. I could tell that in her drained state, she wanted as much nourishment from my emotions as she could get. For my part, I was more than happy to oblige. In this little moment we had. We quietly affirmed to one another the support we both needed and gave.
About half an hour later, Freeman, Aria, and I were once again outside of the Te Ze. The Matriarch gave us a curious glance as Freeman seemed to draw to a sudden stop by the rock that had become my favored stool.
Ah, Aria mit ginkgo and Rowan mit Ginkgo, you have brought one of your friends to see me? She asked in her sonorous voice.
If the guiding light of our hearts can afford to hear the request of her youngest mates, we would feel gratitude. Aria responded in a formal manner.
The Matriarch Gardevoir looked between Aria and I, then tilted her head with the gentle smile that I had grown accustomed to. I let my emotions of gratitude guide my motions as I gave a posing bow before I spoke up.
Freeman of Lambda wishes to make a request of you. I ask that you hear his words and his intentions. I simply said.
The Matriarch looked past us to him. I could feel her curiosity as clearly as I could feel Arias hand in mine. However, I did not know at the time that she was, in fact, reading his intentions.
Of course I will hear his request! Please tell him to come forth and that his presence is warmly received! She responded.
I turned to Freeman, then gave a nod. He would be the first human since my arrival to enter.
Freeman walked in then stood next to us.
I turned to look at him, then gave a further translation.
"She is happy that you have come. She greets you warmly." I simply said.
"I am happy that she has allowed me in. I want to ask you to let me bring a Gardevoir to your home so that Rowan can teach it your culture." He proposed simply.
That's it? All that discussion and this is how you ask? I expected something more to be honest. My astonishment was barely evident as Aria regarded me with curiosity before giving me the gentlest of psychic nudges to focus again.
Ah, right. Freeman is happy and grateful to receive the honor of being invited into the Te ze, even while you are so encumbered. He asks your leave to grant a Gardevoir who knows only the ways of humanity to live and learn from Aria and the Te Ze. He seeks to understand just what it is that is so different. He also feels it would help others who have never known the bliss of the mic tem, to further understand themselves and this world they live in. I interpreted.
She gave a gentle purring noise as she considered his request. Then she looked at Aria and I specifically before she continued.
Would you two guide this new child? Would you accept the bonds of friendship to this one he wishes to bring to our Te Ze? She asked.
Aria spoke up faster than I could our greatest joy would be to spread the bliss of our Te ze to others who wish to understand it! She chirped.
We would love to share this wonderful life with those who can come to feel the same depth of love that has been shown an unworthy person such as myself I said with a measure of humility.
The Matriarch stepped forward, then took our hands. In this contact, we could feel her bold emotions, so much more refined than ours, flow forth. Like the flowing of a river, she seemed to arrive at an answer.
I realized, that she had sworn us to this task. A sensation of acceptance was prominent in both of us.
In time, you two shall guide others. When you do, it will be from the foundations you both shall lay on this day, the dawning of the final month before qiu, I grant you this honor. Bring forth the new po tei to us, we shall welcome them with open arms and you shall grant them our culture. Her more ritualized method of assenting carried the feeling of anticipation that our request brought with it.
Po tei... New family member... unattached previously.
Qiu, autumn or fall...
I smiled in gratitude before I quickly translated to Freeman
"She says she will be happy to allow a Gardevoir to come live here. Aria and I will be responsible for taking care of it and showing it the ropes." I said.
Freeman gave a mimicked bow based upon his observation of how Aria and I did so earlier. Comparatively, it was clunky but eager. The result of observation without knowledge of the deeper emotions at work behind each move, each bow, and each word.
Still, the Matriarch seemed content with the eager attempt at expressing gratitude. For she swept forth, then placed her hands on his shoulder. Aria and I watched in amazement for a moment, before I helpfully translated.
"She is expressing gratitude for your consideration of her ways. She feels a measure of trust towards you since you respected her wishes this entire time. This gesture, of touching ones hand to both shoulders at once, is a sign of respect. "
Freeman looked over to me, then simply nodded.
"Do I do it back?" He asked.
"No, just touch her right hand with yours but express your feeling of gratitude and delight. Touch only for one second while holding those feelings, then allow your hand to rest in front of your stomach." I said.
Freeman complied as best as he could. Again, it was awkward as he seemed to be consciously doing these acts. However, the intent was not lost.
The Matriarch released his shoulders, then tilted her head to the side before letting out a contented cry.
For a first attempt at guiding a person through the ceremony associated with establishing trust and a bond of friendship, I would say that I did well. Arias form leaned slightly against me as I thought that. Her countenance suggested fatigue.
We saw Freeman off with the insistence of seeing Sycamore off that evening. With a vague waving of his hand, Freeman returned to the camp leaving Aria and I to ourselves.
Beh sze... come let's lay down for a while... She suggested with that same cute yet tired voice.
With a smile, I took her other hand, then gently pulled her to our hammock so that she and I could rest. Even though it was the middle of the day, we fell into a light slumber as if we had been awake for days on end.
A few hours later found us awakening with the rest of the Gardevoir. Rather, I woke up quite readily while Aria seemed to fight waking up with every ounce of her being. I could feel the struggle infiltrate her mind as she slowly seemed to draw into wakefulness from the bliss of sleep. With a smile, I disengaged my hand from her waist, then gently stroked her head.
With a gentle purring noise, she finally opened her eyes, then locked them with mine.
Do you feel any better? I found myself asking.
She extended one arm to my face, then traced my arm before taking my hand in hers. Warmth spread as she took in my offered emotions through this simple tactile contact. It provided her the nourishment she so desired to give her extra energy in times such as this.
I do now Beh Sze! She exclaimed.
We quietly got up, then once again set off to see our friend Sycamore off.
As we arrived at the camp site, we realized that the other two sleeping tents had been broken down as well. Freeman and Krafft were busily breaking down the Observation skeleton they used to study our singularity experiment while Sycamore seemed to be struggling with the solar panels.
Aria and I approached him with mild confusion evident.
"What's going on?" I asked.
Sycamore stopped what he was doing, then turned to regard us with an embarrassed joviality.
"We decided that we should all be going rather than just one or two of us. As such, Freeman and Krafft will be leaving tonight as well. We've already called ahead to arrange the pickup. I'm sorry we didn't tell you sooner" Sycamore said. There was reluctance in his tone as he spoke to us.
I felt a sense of sadness at them making such a rash decision. Certainly Sycamore leaving was to be expected. In fact, I wondered why Freeman stayed as long as he had, but Krafft too.
"Thanks for the notification…" I said before I turned away from both Sycamore and Kraft, then began making my way towards Krafft.
I suddenly stopped, then turned around upon realizing that Arias arm and mine had drawn taught. She looked at me then nodded towards Sycamore. There was insistence and a sense of urging coming from her before she even spoke.
Beh Sze, I think that we should grant him our thanks… she said.
Thanks? Oh! Right… I said.
There was a sense of gratitude that we had been feeling towards the three of them. When we needed it the most, they had arrived, even though they were under no obligation to do so, to give us their best effort to help us through this trial we faced.
Aria all but pulled me back to her side as we mutually enacted the Gardevoir pose of humility while she extended a humming chorus of gratitude which I helpfully translated for Sycamore.
"The both of us… we are grateful for what you have done to help us out. Without your guidance, we would not have been able to come to a solution that would help both Aria and I in our endeavors. With the work you have done, not only will we be able to argue for the preservation of this land, but we can also give credence to the theories I have proposed. Had it not been for you, we would most certainly have been forced apart."
Sycamore looked between us, then placed his hand on his head in a sign of embarrassment. He then gave a slight sigh as he closed the distance between the two of us, then placed his hand on our shoulders.
"I'm sorry that I approached you with such selfish intentions. " He said, "When Krafft called us later and discussed his worry, I originally went along with the plan he made to come out here because I wanted to achieve my own ends. I can be selfish and ambitious. It's the kind of thinking that landed me into trouble with Lysandre a few years ago. What I and Freeman have put you through is inexcusable, especially as I have come to regard the both of you so fondly. I hope that you can forgive my actions. I consider the two of you friends… even if I am reluctant to fully acknowledge your relationship, I can see the love you both share. "
Aria and I looked at one another in embarrassment, then edged ever closer to one another. Our mutual reluctance at being addressed so humbly made us uncertain. We did not expect such a confident man to be so open with us about his intents.
Still, he had done so in order to allow us to trust him more. He looked at the both of us, so altered by what he and Freeman put us through, with a touch of regret. We, the very fruits of his labors, were the very sign of his hubris. Though we would not fault him for this. He was an imperfect man, like so many others. So, his ambitions were clouded in good intent, though lacking in foresight. Still, we could not bring ourselves to fault him for wanting to examine the unknown so readily. The fault, if there truly was any, resided entirely with us.
Sycamore, of the glowing city, we do not blame you. Aria said, instead, we are grateful for what you have done. Rowans changes were unforeseen. As he was originally human, the initiation of such deep a bond with myself was something we did not know the side effects of. There is no fault. So our forgiveness is not needed. Please, if you will, take our gratitude that you arrived with your friends in our time of need. Without it we would have faltered.
I translated, verbatim, what she had said.
Even with the ability to communicate telepathically, he wouldn't have heard her had it not been for me, and even if she had, it would have come to him sounding much like gibberish. The language of the Gardevoir, after all, was an intricate and subtle language. Hearing it in primary, without the assistance of a neural feedback that Aria initially provided so that I could understand her, would have been too confusing. Over time though, I began to learn it enough that I didn't require her assistance in such matters.
It was a sign that I was growing.
Sycamore looked at us, then gave a wide smile before he patted our shoulders.
"I am touched you two, really, I am. I hope that after I leave, we can keep in contact. I would much like to hear about the progress you two have made from this day out. Especially with Shii coming."
Shii?
Aria and I tilted our heads at once, a sign of our confusion and curiosity. However, Sycamore simply shook his head with a large smile on his face.
"All in good time my friends! Now go see the others before it's too late!"
With those words, Aria and I were sent off. As we walked to the others, I couldn't help but feel a warm sense of friendship that lingered in our minds as we processed Sycamores heart felt words. He, like Krafft, did in fact care more deeply than we had assumed. That, in and of itself, was touching.
Krafft had just finished packing the Wall tent away, but the cot Aria and I used along with an additional tent was still sitting on the ground. However, that tent was in its bag. By the make of it, it looked like a tent Aria and I had not previously seen.
"Ahh, my friend Rowan!" Krafft greeted as we approached.
"I hear you both are leaving?" I asked Freeman as well as Krafft.
Krafft gave an awkward look at being asked so bluntly. His feet shifted in a sense of nervousness before he responded.
"Yea, the big volcano, she calls to me. It is looking like it may erupt soon ya? With that, we can be doing good researches on gas emitted and I want to be there with Katia so that we can really get some good researches done."
Typical Maurice… Volcanoes were in his heart. If I didn't know him better, his eagerness to get going would have been all I saw. However, as we both looked at him while he explained himself, there was an air of reluctance.
"My friend, I never said this, but I am worried for you yes? When the conference ended I wanted to come help you. As your advisor during your undergraduate years, I still worried for you. That… doesn't excuse my actions, but I hope that you can see that I do worry for you." He said.
This was about as much of an apology as can be expected from the big bear of a man. Aria and I smiled simply, a sign that we did not think less of him for anything that happened.
"I consider you the father I never really had. You gave me support and guidance when I needed it. When I was in trouble, you show up with this… strange, bizarre arrangement and we manage to find a way to not only convince the board that my methods were justified, but you gave us the seed of an idea to preserve what we have right here. No matter what happens, I am always grateful for that." I responded.
Before we even knew it, he had pulled the two of us into his big bear arms, then gave us a hug that, had it not been for the affection he radiated, would certainly have been a crushing feeling. Shortly, he then released us (With Aria panting faintly at her tiny ribs being nearly crushed) then regarded us with warmth.
"Well, we will be remaining in contact yes? There will always be the time for talking, even when we are both engrossed in our researches. "With those words, Freeman walked over to us.
"As for you two, there's not much to say but that I wish you two the best. We will be in contact shortly, but like them, I do need to get back to the lab. Your DNA sampling has caused a minor uproar, and I am pretty certain one of our doctoral candidates is ecstatic at the prospect of breaking new ground in the field of genomics. "He simply explained.
Oddly, neither of us really expected more. This was Freeman's way, from the moment we met him until now, a very driven man with ambitions that often eclipsed his awareness of others. Had it not been for the care that he had shown in addressing us and our relationship, he would otherwise have come off to us as callow.
I extended my hand to him, the intent quite clear.
He took my hand, then gave it a gentle pump.
Friendship.
"We look forward to meeting with this Gardevoir. Any word on when we can expect it?" I asked.
Freeman used his free hand to check a palm fitted device, then squinted in thought for a moment.
"Around the first at the latest. Expect her no sooner than the 29th and no later than the 1st. It all depends on a few basic things we wish to send along with her. "He explained.
Within a very short hour, it was over. The roar of Helicopter blades could be heard as the massive craft exploded over the tree line. Aria and I retreated to the tree line as the pilot made his close approach, then settled down on the far side of their camp. Krafft and Freeman saw to the loading while Sycamore ran over one last time.
Over the roar of the helicopter blades, he shouted out to us.
"If you two are ever in Lumiose city, stop by my labs! I will always receive you as my guests and friends!"
We both smiled, joy at being addressed so warmly filling us.
"You can count on it Sycamore!" I shouted over the roar.
Then, just like that, they loaded up the provisions they had brought with them, and the helicopter departed.
As the noise faded, Aria and I were left standing alone in the field with nothing but the creeping silence.
Little by little, the noise of nature seemed to creep back in. The reluctant chirps of a taillow, the quiet cries of a lotad, and the gentle rush of various bug Pokémon.
With their departure, they took with it the noise and commotion of humanity again.
Aria and I looked to one another, then offered a curious glance. Uncertain about what to do now, we simply turned, then proceeded to head back to our Te Ze, and the waiting members of our extended family.
July 26th 3130.
Lumiose City.
Amelia sat in Magenta Circle. Her hand grasped a poke ball which she continuously expanded, then contracted. This fiddling played out for ten minutes until a man entered into the square. A Growlithe was leashed and looked to be quite energetic. The man walked around the circle once, then looked at the obelisk that the Circle was named for.
Amelia watched as he seemed to whistle to himself for a few moments before he casually made his way over to her then proceeded to sit down on the bench.
He pulled out a tablet, then began to read casually as he lit a cigarette, then seemed to sigh in relaxation.
"You Amelia?" He asked.
"Yeah, I am. Are you Regi?" She asked simply.
"The one and only. " He responded.
With a sigh, she reached into her bag, then pulled out an envelope, then sat it on the bench.
With deft hands, Regi took the cash, then replaced the envelope with an identical one just as the growlithe made a slight jump into the air, as if chasing a bird that had just flown by.
Amelia reached over, then pocketed the envelope.
"Look, if you get caught using that, you did it yourself. I don't want no feds kicking down my door because you were too much of an idiot. It'll make my other customers jumpy. I got a reputation to keep hear?"
Amelia nodded as her fingers caressed the envelope.
They sat in silence for another minute as Regi continued his cigarette. Then, as he finished it, he stood up, then proceeded to walk away as casual as he had when he entered the circle. No other passerby seemed to take notice as Regi departed. Nor did they notice the woman simply stand up, then walk away as well.
Amelia's hands clenched the envelope tighter as she quickly made her way back to the university. Her hopes ran high as she entered the grounds that what she had done would bear fruit.
For Rowan.
A/N: Two major things:
Apologies for taking so long with this chapter. The plotting was kind of weird and I wanted to make sure I had it right when I began writing it. This one kind of used a slightly different tone. It set up the basis of what the ending will be like but also serves to kind of rectify Sycamore in my eyes. His work in the games was rather shady when you get down to it. He had associations, and it was probably through conversations with Sycamore that Lysandre arrived at such a chilling conclusion. Obviously, this game takes place after X. So the events are referenced, but don't play a major part in this story.
The discussion of the changes between Rowan and Freeman was a little bit tough. I used the standard understanding of blood types, then extrapolated from there what Gardevoir blood would be like if they were human at some point. I basically invented a blood type that probably would not be able to exist in reality, but I'm not a molecular biologist, nor am I an organic chemist. So I hope that we can use some technobabble and explain away why such chains probably wouldn't exist.
As I was writing this, I was reminded more of the fly than I was any previous story which had the elements of change. It's a bit dark, to be certain. I promise though that such a horrific route will not open.
With this chapter though, a number of direct doors are now open as we begin moving towards the finale. 5 or 6 chapters till an end (Depending on the length and developments of the next few chapters) leaves a lot that can still happen.
Finally, I kept on saying there for a while that the field notes would make a return.
Well, I have a better treat than any field notes that can be written. I am going to write up in a fashion resembling what I originally opened this story with, a proper research paper that will examine the behaviors of Gardevoir culture and really lay it out in an anthropological context. I've already begun the first draft, and if the detail is of any indication, it is looking to be massive in its own right. I want that to serve as something of a bookend for the story. Though… with a very personal touch at the end.
There were reluctances in writing this chapter, but all things considered, I think I rather liked it.
Finally, the Hadoka trip Rowan mentioned is actually based upon a trip a few of us to Sakurajima in Japan back in 2012. At the time, I was working up around the Hakkoda volcanic group and a friend of mine from the Misawa Air base, suggested we go down to Sakurajima to enjoy the show. We had a fair bit of fun though there was one ash fall which threatened to blanket us entirely. So, the story is partly true, though some details have been modified to fit the setting of this story.