Hi, thank you so much for the comments :)
Everyone can understand Froslass. With regards to the universe of my Pokemon stories, some Pokemon just can't speak a human language (like Rotom), while others that are more humanoid (like Froslass or Gardevoir) can speak with humans.
Yes, Shirona is her surname. I couldn't come up with a better one ha ha
Celeste's entire maternal side has names that are based on stars/celestial bodies and start with the "S" sound (to match the space references in the games). So her mom is Cynthia, aunt is Celina, grandmother is Selena, grandfather is Zvezdan (with Z being a "hard" S), and the great-grandma is the only exception to the soft "C" (Calytrix). Calytrix is a plant genus that is also known as "starflowers", hence following the theme. (Unrelated but her great-grandfather is Luan, which references the moon, but doesn't follow the sound naming pattern.
It was nighttime by the time they got back to Jubilife Village.
The entire walk back, Celeste had a stupid grin on her face. There was something satisfying about defeating Kleavor (even if she did use some help from wild Pokemon). Plus, she couldn't wait until she told Kamado. The way he spoke to her… insulted her… The entire walk back all she could think about was something clever to say to him. A part of her wished that she decapitated Kleavor, just so that she could enter his office without saying a word and drop off the Lord's head.
She was told that Kamado was busy so, obediently, she reported to Cyllene. The Captain was shocked, rightfully so. She also took Celeste's Pokedex and flipped through the pages.
"This is incredible!" she exclaimed, "You filled in almost every index of all the Pokemon found in the Obsidian Fieldlands! I was worried when Kleavor hurt you the first time but… you were able to finally defeat him. Thank the gods, if you suddenly became incapacitated, our investigation would have had to stop. That, and you could have been seriously injured. But I do not see a single scratch on you now!"
"I just had a better idea this time," Celeste shrugged.
"Well done! I would like to also promote you to the rank of Second Star in the Galaxy Expedition Team. This means that you will be paid better for each Pokemon that you capture. I believe that this will assist you as well," Cyllene handed Celeste a sheet of paper with bold print - FEATHERBALLS.
"Wow, thank you," Celeste studied the recipe, "I wasn't aware that feather balls are even a thing."
"They're very lightweight. Perfect for throwing far distances or catching flying-type Pokemon. Check the other side; there's the recipe for super potions."
"Oh…Thanks…"
I guess you're going to have to learn some alchemy, Froslass piped up and turned to Cyllene, She hates crafting.
"I only hate baking and cooking," Celeste said quickly, "I'm fine with building and tinkering."
"Well, I suggest you learn to enjoy cooking fast," Cyllene said darkly, "How else will you heal your Pokemon? For the stronger ones, it would take hundreds of oran berries! What a waste of resources."
Celeste thanked Cyllene for her generous gift and headed to Professor Laventon's office. The man was fast asleep at his desk, snoring almost as loud as a Snorlax, so she snuck up to the blackboard behind him to see the villagers' other requests.
This one looks good, Froslass pointed at the old-timey writing, 'I was hanging in the fieldlands when I saw a Ponyta with a blue fire. Please help me capture the majestic beast!' From Yota.
"Oh look, someone responded to him," Celeste squinted hard and read the tiny handwriting, "'Yota, for the love of the gods above, stop smoking the plant right outside the eastern gate.' Oh, and Yota responded back. 'I swear, it wasn't a hallucination!' 'Oh,' said the responder, 'So why hasn't anyone else seen this Ponyta?' Yadda, yadda, yadda, they go back and forth for a while…"
It's a shiny, Froslass muttered, Poor Yota. Shinies are so rare… no wonder his neighbors think that he's high.
"He and Dr. Akagi would have something to talk about," Celeste sneered but Froslass looked at her angrily.
Yota seems genuinely curious, the Pokemon said sternly, Dr. Akagi is a fame-hungry maniac who would stop at nothing to be more famous. Honestly, shame on you for even making light of such a situation.
"I just mean that Dr. Akagi would be an expert in proving Yota right," Celeste grumbled, "Obviously I don't agree with what he did. You know that I hate him."
The sound of snoring died down and Professor Laventon jumped up in his chair. He looked at the two and sighed with relief.
"You scared me, Celeste," he said.
"I'm sorry, I thought you were fast asleep and I just wanted to look at the tasks."
"Ah, no worries!" he grinned, "I am happy that you want to help our villagers! It's just that every time I hear the talk of science, I instinctively need to get closer to the conversation. I must know more."
Celeste and Froslass glanced at each other.
We weren't talking about science, the Pokemon finally said.
"Oh? But I heard the word 'doctor'."
"Yeah, we were talking about this guy that we know from back home," Celeste shrugged. Froslass side eyed her.
'This guy' who killed Pokemon and abused his son, she added.
"Oh dear," Laventon frowned, "How did such a terrible person ever earn such a respectable title?"
"It's a long story," Celeste folded her arms and thought hard, "He did a lot of research on natural history and was very well published. Actually, most people didn't even know that he did that until recently. It came up during a trial…"
"His trial, I am sure!"
You're giving humankind way too much credit, Froslass rolled her eyes in annoyance, No. It was his son's trial. Which we're missing, by the way, because we're here.
"Oh," Laventon said quietly, "Well, I hope that justice is carried out."
"I doubt it will be. He was very well connected," Celeste said sadly.
The room turned awkward. Celeste cleared her throat.
"Thank you for your optimism," she said, "I really appreciate it. Seriously. It's just that, that man that's on trial is my father. And I found out that he's my father very recently. So it's been a very difficult couple of weeks."
"Oh my," Laventon said sympathetically, "That does sound pretty difficult. What is he on trial for, if I may ask?"
Just trying to destroy the whole world, Froslass said bluntly and Celeste gasped.
What? It's what happened. If the jury had any sympathy, they definitely found him not guilty by reason of insanity. You met him. You saw how he talks and acts. Hell, you saw how Dr. Akagi treats his wife. That whole family is a disaster.
"I'm sorry," Celeste apologized to Laventon, "Froslass is just very forward. And not the biggest fan of men…"
I can tolerate them, Froslass said defensively, But if I see Sora Akagi again, I will definitely devour him.
"Well!" Laventon said suddenly, clearly trying to brighten the mood, "How did your quest go with Lord Kleavor? Any successes this time?"
"Yes! I calmed him down and he gave me his son to join my team!"
"That's amazing! I knew I had a good feeling about you," Laventon grinned widely then whispered, "I would refrain from telling Kamado about your paternity though. At least for now. He's a little weary of outsiders."
After the two left the room, Celeste turned to Froslass angrily.
"Froslass!" she exclaimed, "What the hell was that about?!"
Laventon deserves to know, Froslass shrugged, I could sense his soul. It's kind. He's right though, don't tell that stupid wanna-be-Roman commander-
"Don't tell him what?" a deep voice said from behind them.
Celeste and Froslass jumped up and slowly turned around. They smiled sheepishly and ice melted off of Froslass's cheeks.
"Uh, just what an amazing commander you are!" Celeste said quickly, "And how your people are lucky to have you!" And that you're difficult to work with, she thought, "Ha ha, what are you doing here? How long were you standing there?"
"Long enough," Kamado said darkly, "And I was just passing through to speak to the Captain. Cyllene told me about your little success. I suppose I should congratulate you…"
"Oh, well thank you," Celeste responded timidly, "Anytime! I love being in Jubilife Village and do not want to get thrown into the wilderness."
"I am surprised to see that you served the Galaxy Team so admirably. Even though you are just a stranger and I did not expect you to last this long… but you have proven yourself and do deserve some recognition," Kamado cleared his throat, "Which brings me to my next topic. There are other nobles that have fallen prey to these frenzies. I will let the guards know that they should take you to the Mirelands next. But, until then, go and rest. Your fellow team members are at the Wallflower, I am sure."
Celeste bowed awkwardly and hurried out of the building. Right outside the canteen, Rei and Akari were already seated at the picnic table. Beni stood at his door, fashioning a scowl.
"Let me guess," he said, "Laventon will want potato mochi. Again."
"Probably!" Akari grinned.
"I heard we have good news!" Rei added.
Celeste sat at the table and greeted the two. Laventon came right out.
"Hmm… do I smell potato mochi?" he asked.
Beni entered the canteen and came out with a big plate of several mochi pieces. He put the plate in the middle of the table.
"The whole village is gossipping about your little friend, you know," he growled, "She must have been very lucky this time if Kleavor didn't harm her."
"Luck has nothing to do with it!" Laventon said confidently, "I do believe that Almighty Arceus sent her to us for a reason."
"How unfortunate that the first time around she couldn't do anything…" Beni added under his breath and Celeste frowned.
"Irregardless," Laventon shot Beni a cold look, "Celeste still put her life on the line and ultimately succeeded. Even if the first time she landed in a coma."
"Yeah!" Akari said with excitement, "Now we all feel safe about doing our Corps work. Thanks Celeste!"
"Thanks Celeste!" Rei echoed.
"Thanks Celeste!" Laventon grinned.
Beni growled and left the room. Celeste and Froslass glanced at each other.
Thanks Celeste, Froslass said sarcastically.
"Hey, I apologized to him!" Celeste pointed out.
"Now, let's dig in. I'm starving!" Laventon said.
After the group dispersed, Celeste headed to her house. She walked by a store's window and saw her reflection. The scar on her forehead was large.
"Is it that noticeable?" she asked Froslass.
Froslass squinted her eyes, You'll probably be able to cover it with makeup… In a couple of years.
"Ugh… mom's going to be upset… assuming that I ever see her again."
"Celeste," a gentle voice said behind her.
Celeste and Froslass turned around. The Pokemon gasped but Celeste smiled. A young, brunette girl of maybe 12-years old stood in front of them.
"My name is Vessa. I've been waiting for you," she said.
Oh. Well, please come back during business hours. Good night, Froslass snapped and Celeste shot her a dirty look.
"Ignore her. How can I help you?" Celeste asked warmly.
"I need to tell you something important. Please, come with me," Vessa held out her hand and Celeste grabbed it. It was cold, almost as cold as Froslass. Vessa tugged Celeste to an empty spot near the river that ran through the village.
"This is kind of a secret but… something terrible has happened! Hisui is in danger," Vessa whispered loudly, after making sure that no one was nearby.
Yes, we know. That's why we're here, Froslass said, annoyed.
"Hundreds of years ago, the being that brought on the Calamity was sealed away by some strange magic. But now the seal has been broken. I don't know how it happened, but it did. I am scared for what will happen," she stared Celeste straight in the eyes, "You must restore the broken seal."
"Uh okay," Celeste glanced at Froslass who only scoffed, "So what should I do?"
"I have this item right here," she reached into her kimono pocket and took out a small, strange stone, "I… have acquired this odd keystone. After the seal was broken, many wisps escaped and spread throughout Hisui. In fact, all hundred and seven escaped. This keystone will help you see them and collect them. In fact… there is one right there!" she turned around and pointed to the other side of the river.
Celeste looked up. There was a purple flame. She looked back to speak to Vessa but the girl was gone.
Froslass sighed, I tried warning you.
"About what?"
Go ahead. Touch that wisp. See what happens.
Celeste shot Froslass a glare then set out for the river. She swam across it and touched the flame. The purple light seemed to head into Celeste's bag, straight where the keystone was. She looked around for Vessa but the young girl was nowhere to be seen.
Remember the Old Château? Froslass piped up, She's a ghost, Celeste. A ghost.
"What?"
A ghost, Froslass rubbed her temples, Look. What's going to happen is that she'll send you to complete a near impossible task-in this case, collect all the spirits- then she'll ask you to go to a creepy, secluded place. There she'll finally be able to become a ghost-type Pokemon after you pay some price. I went through the same thing.
"I thought you became a Froslass because you're in purgatory!"
Yeah. Clearly that girl's in purgatory.
Celeste frowned, "Why would such a young girl end up in purgatory?"
Who knows. But now you're tied to her. Which means that you definitely won't be able to leave until you collect all the wisps.
"Oh."
Yeah, nice going, Froslass sighed, Thankfully, I can see the wisps no matter what. We should collect all the ones around here then go to the woodlands and find the ones there before the sun rises.
Celeste nodded. Froslass led the way to different corners of the village and found all of the wisps.
"Hey, you never told me how you became a Froslass," Celeste said.
I died, Froslass responded curtly, There's nothing more to it.
"But why are you in purgatory? And what was the task that needed to be done for your spirit to become a ghost-type? And who helped you?"
Your dad's right, you talk too much, Froslass grumbled and the two finished picking wisps in silence.
The next day, Celeste slept in a little. Captain Cyllene had no specific plans for her and Rei and Akari seemed busy with other tasks.
She left her house and patrolled the streets of Jubilife Village for a bit. She gave Radisa a geodude she caught earlier and handed Beauregard- the guard of Jubilife Hall- the Wurmple he asked for. Both of the villagers' gleamed in excitement. Radisa promised to give Celeste pickles, once they were ready, and Beauregard asked her for her opinion on names for his new companion.
Celeste continued walking through the streets. In front of the hairdresser, she saw a red-haired woman in different clothing.
"She must not be from around here," she figured, "I should greet her!"
She walked up to the woman with a smile, but frowned as soon as she saw her face.
Remember, these are their ancestors, Froslass reminded her, Be nice.
"Wow! The Galaxy Team hairdresser is cutting edge!" the red-haired woman exclaimed and grinned at Celeste, "And you must be Celeste! The one that quelled Kleavor."
"Yes, I'm Celeste," Celeste sighed, "You don't happen to be named after a planet?"
"No," the woman frowned, looking much more like Mars. She then smiled again, "You know, you've got quite a reputation! You quelled one of Almighty Sinnoh's chosen ones, some people are actually kind of scared of you for doing that."
"Why? They wanted me to do that."
"Because you appeared out of nowhere and calmed down Lord Kleavor," the woman explained, "It's not an easy task; in fact, no one has done that yet. I should introduce myself. The name's Arezu. I'm a warden of the Diamond Clan, but my real specialty is giving haircuts," she extended her arm and touched Celeste's hair, "Wow, this is a really pretty color! Did you dye it?"
"No."
"Oh! Well, if you ever want to change your style, let me know," Arezu grinned again, "Anyway, I have to get going and talk to Mr. Kamado. But I'm so happy I ran into you."
Arezu turned and headed for the Galaxy Building. Celeste and Froslass glanced at each other.
What the heck does she need to talk to Kamado for? Froslass wondered.
"Ugh, fiiiiiiine. Let's go follow her," Celeste rolled her eyes and the two walked into the building.
Celeste and Froslass stood outside of Kamado's office and peaked in, trying to eavesdrop on the conversation.
"So it got to Ursaluna too… interesting," Kamado muttered.
"I guess even the non-Nobles can get frenzied," Azeru sighed.
"Neither Adaman nor Irida told me of this… but this is obviously an issue that I cannot ignore…"
"Adaman has been very busy recently with running the Clan. And Ursaluna's warden refused to listen to me. I have no one else to turn to."
"Ursaluna's warden is Mistress Calaba, no?" Kamado said dryly, "Of all the wardens, she is the most… peculiar. Most traditional."
"You can say that again," Azeru scoffed, "She yelled at me after I dyed my hair purple last summer. Sure it looked bad but I wanted to try something new!"
Kamado cleared his throat, "I am more worried that she will not take kindly to outsiders meddling in her affairs… Excuse me, I need to speak to Cyllene. I will send that Selene girl to deal with all this."
"Selene?"
"Our newest, erm, member."
"Oh, you mean Celeste!"
"Yeah, whatever her name is."
Celeste and Froslass stood up flat against the walls of the hallway. Kamado and Azeru walked out without noticing them.
"He doesn't even bother learning my name," Celeste grumbled.
What dumb thing did you do for him to hate you again? Froslass asked, Because I honestly don't remember. And I usually remember all the dumb things you do.
"I don't know! I guess being an outsider is enough."
The two walked back downstairs, straight into Cyllene's office, knowing that Kamado will want to pass another quelling mission onto her.
She was right. As soon as Cyllene saw her, she asked her to sit down to discuss the mission.
"Azeru told us that Ursaluna has been driven mad," she explained, "I would like you to go to the Crimson Mirelands. I do want to warn you, the Pokemon there are much more dangerous. But Lord Kleavor has blessed you with his son; surely he will be of great help."
"I hope so," Celeste said, "I am yet to see him in action."
"Even the environment there is much harsher. I will give you one more chance to show me that you are trustworthy. You can investigate the mirelands yourself. But if at any point you feel that you will need help, return immediately. Last thing that I need is another death on my watch," Cyllene took a shaky breath, "Anyway, your destination is the Solaceon Ruins. Ursaluna's warden resides there."
"How is she as a person?" Celeste asked suddenly, "Because… I heard some things."
"I would ignore rumors. They have a way of gaining life on their own," Cyllene said sternly, "But… if you must know, Calaba is quite… strict. She has a certain way of thinking. Just dress well around her- the Galactic uniform should be good. Do not swear, be formal and polite. And don't bring up politics near her… or the Diamond Clan."
"I don't even know anything about politics around here."
"Just… be as formal as you can. You'll see what I mean once you meet her," Cyllene rubbed her temples.
