A/N:
I'm alive!
Sorry for the hiatus there, folks. I was pretty busy this past winter/spring finishing up my last semester of college. I'm free now, so I've got a bit more time and motivation to get back to my writing. Hopefully now that I'm not juggling academia, I'll have more creative juices flowing and can churn out quality content.
Anyhoo, you came here to read this story, not my ramblings. I'd recommend re-reading the last chapter (or skimming it) if you're fuzzy on where we are in the story. It's what I often do for stories that don't update frequently.
Enjoy!
The hum of the jeep under Serena's feet was rhythmic. Cool mountain forest air weaved through her hair and rustled her clothes, but it wasn't distracting like she thought it'd be. Instead the repetition was strange… soothing like white noise. Even the sporadic bursts of sunlight peeking through the trees were calming, in a way.
All of it was background noise as she turned the Magus Staff over in her hands.
Strange to think that such a simple wooden stick could be capable of such power, in the right hands that is. To an ordinary human like her, it was (at best) a bludgeon. A surprisingly effective bludgeon, given her recent skirmish with the Heartless, but just a bludgeon nonetheless. In the hands of a capable magician, like Sora's Ducklett-looking friend Donald, it was capable of something she'd only heard of in fairy tales.
Magic.
Watching it in action was mesmerizing. There was something different about watching magic versus watching Pokémon at work. Even those Pokémon who seemed to be "magical" in appearance or capability didn't measure up. Delphox was the closest she'd ever seen to a magician, but at the end of the day even her abilities could be attributed to a blend between psychic power and pyrokinetic biology.
Sora's magic was flat-out unexplainable.
Ignoring the fact that he could summon a magical key-sword from nowhere, the sheer variety of magic at his disposal was as vast as it was terrifying. Fire. Water. Ice. Lightning. Healing. Air. Magnetism.
Even laws of reality like gravity and time were at his command, though the extent to which he could use them was limited. Being able to crush his opponents under increased gravity was nothing to scoff at, though, and the ability to completely (albeit briefly) halt time on an opponent was incredible. Only a handful of Pokémon were capable of similar feats, and that list included Legendary beings like Palkia and Dialga.
Her brows furrowed in thought. Did they know Sora was here? That the Heartless threatened the existence of their world? What was Arceus's stance on all of this?
Serena's focus shifted back to the rod in her hands, and she turned it again to look at the hat carved into its head.
"You alright there, Serena?"
She jolted back to reality and looked up. Sora's concerned gaze flickered back and forth between her and the staff. A single brow arched up as he waited for an answer.
"Yeah, sorry." Serena mareepishly (and finally) answered. Her gaze drifted back to the staff. "Just thinking."
"About what?"
"This." Serena chuckled, giving the staff a twirl in her hand. The motion was practiced and almost second-nature to her, all thanks to her years performing. "I still find it hard to believe your friend can cast magic using this. Your world is incredible."
"Yeah!" Bonnie exclaimed, inserting herself into the conversation. She was, again, in the front passenger seat and had, again, turned herself around, heedless of Brock's continued objections and grumbling about safety. "You get to use your own Pokémon moves! That's awesome!"
"Are you kidding?" Sora asked. "Your world's amazing, too! Yeah, sure, I can use magic, but anyone can do that! Your world has hundreds of Pokémon! "
"Over a thousand, actually." Brock corrected. "Ever since Paldea opened their borders again, I'm pretty sure we've passed the thousand mark of documented species."
"A thousand?!" Sora threw his hands up, yet the smile on his face betrayed how he really felt about the new development. "Over a thousand Pokémon. You've basically got your own magic already!"
"Wait, Paldea?" Bonnie asked. "Where's that?"
"I think it's west of Unova?" Ash guessed. "Last I heard, they're still in negotiations about properly joining the League… I think? They've been pretty tight-lipped about the whole thing."
"Shouldn't you know for sure?" Serena deadpanned. "I thought Pokémon Champions were more politically aware than that."
Ash had the decency to look ashamed. "Politics has never been my strong suit. I'm much better at the whole "keeping everybody out of trouble" thing."
"Right." Brock snarked from the driver's seat. "Why do I feel like you cause more trouble than you solve?"
"Hey!" Ash objected. He grumbled, pulling the lip of his cap down over his eyes. "It's not my fault stuff always seems to happen around me…"
Serena couldn't help but join in on the laughter that followed. Even Ash himself, after a moment of sulking, joined in as he seemed to accept his lot in life. The rest of the ride was pleasant enough, especially given that the Orrean desert was a day behind them. Now, the only scenery that greeted them was a quiet, tranquil forest.
…Wait a second.
She looked back at Sora. "Did you say – "
"Hey is that it?" Ash pointed up the road, cutting Serena off in the process. "Sure looks like a village to me."
Serena followed his outstretched finger and gasped.
The first thing she noticed was how absolutely beautiful the landscape was. Across an old wooden bridge and an expanse of river lay a quaint little village that seemed to be built into the mountainside. A large, decrepit tree crowned the highest tier of the terraced village, and its blanched and gnarled roots snaked their way around or over the other buildings and homes scattered around town. To the east, leading into the river itself was an impressively wide waterfall, likely being fed from another section of river further up the cliff face. Strangely enough, there was another waterfall to the west, this one carrying the water down the mountain and away from the village. Effectively, Agate was nestled on a series of terraces between two waterfalls.
The houses and buildings themselves were just as sun-bleached as the exposed roots, which contrasted with the verdant grass and moss that covered every other surface of the town. A small off-shoot of the eastern waterfall snaked its way through the town before joining with the main river, which only heightened the peaceful and natural atmosphere of the place.
It was quaint and picturesque, and entirely out of character compared to just about every settlement she'd encountered in Orre thus far.
She loved it.
With a deep, whirring hum, the jeep came to a stop next to the wooden walkbridge. No words were exchanged as everyone climbed out of the vehicle and began walking across the bridge, the only sounds filling the air being the flowing, babbling river below and the *clip-clop* of shoes and boots clacking against wood.
"Can we just stay here?" Bonnie asked. "This is so much better than anything else we've seen in this wasteland."
Serena opened her mouth, ready to scold her for the insult against Orre, but reconsidered it. This wasn't the first time Bonnie was brutally honest about this region, and Agate really highlighted the disparity. She closed her mouth, silently agreeing.
"Couldn't hurt." Ash shrugged. "At least for a few days. I'd like to get some more training in, and this place seems pretty safe."
"Ash, I seriously doubt the locals here are going to take kindly to you trashing the place with Pokémon battles." Brock said. "This doesn't seem as… I don't know, lawless as Pyrite was. They clearly know how to take care of their town, and – "
"To the contrary, strangers!"
Now at the end of the bridge, Serena – and the rest of their group – craned their necks up at a small cliff nearby. Standing atop was a man dressed very similarly to Willie. Brown biker jacket, blue pants… even the brown chaps. Serena's inner fashionista cried out in anguish, but she managed to keep silent. If there was one thing she noticed about Orre, it was the less-than-stellar quality of life. Outside of the elite in Phenac, it was unlikely that anyone had disposable income to spend on good clothes.
Just like Willie, though, this gentleman looked nothing if not amiable.
Unfortunately, he caught them off guard with that sudden interjection, and no one really knew how to respond. For several awkward moments, Serena and her friends stared at the man in confusion.
"Sorry?" Sora asked, squinting as he looked up at the blond.
"I said, to the contrary!"
"... Why?" Bonnie asked, her hand raised to shade her eyes.
"You said – " The man sputtered, before composing himself. "...Nevermind. We here at Agate Village love to battle! We might look old and wizened…"
"You look like you're 30." Bonnie deadpanned.
"... but we can still fight! Just because we're retired doesn't mean we don't battle!" The blond man boasted. "Is that why you came? You itchin' for a fight?"
"Yeah we are!" Ash cheered.
Serena lightly elbowed his side. "No, we're not."
"No, we're not!" Ash quickly course-corrected. "But maybe we can battle after we're done! We're actually here to see Eagun. Is he here?"
"Oh, ol' Eagun?" The man repeated. "Yeah, but I don't think he was expectin' visitors. Ah well, he's never been one to turn away guests and visitors. See that big tree up yonder?"
Serena glanced up and to the left. Kind of hard to miss the massive blanched tree trunk on the highest terrace.
"Eagun's house is right there, under the tree. Can't miss it."
"Thanks, mister!" Bonnie shouted.
They stepped off the bridge and into the town proper, the grass crunching under their feet. Agate was unusual, Serena noticed, in that there were no real designated roads or walkways. Instead, there was only grass and greenery as far as the eye could see, and faint footpaths where there seemed to be heavier traffic. It wasn't overgrown like she expected it to be. No, the grass was short – whether that was purposeful or natural, she did not know – and unobtrusive. A gentle mountain breeze tussled her hair, and she let out a sigh of contentment. She wanted so desperately to kick off her shoes and feel the grass between her toes.
As they ascended into the town, traveling from terrace to terrace through a confusing series of walkways and ramps, Serena noticed another thing that made Agate different.
The smiles.
She'd gotten so used to the looks of apathy and disgruntlement that seeing people look genuinely happy struck her dumb. Heck, some of them even waved at her! Her mind started grasping at explanations. Maybe the crisp mountain air helped? The greenery and natural beauty of the village surely contributed.
Was there something in the water?
"Quaint little town, isn't it?" Brock remarked.
Serena nodded. "It's like we're not even in Orre anymore…"
"It's pretty!" Bonnie cheered. "But it's so… hilly!"
"Can't handle the hike?" Sora teased.
"I can!" Bonnie said. "But you gotta admit, it's a little tiring."
Serena couldn't help but agree. She was used to walking, obviously, but this was much more vertical than she expected, at least in recent years. Sora, however, looked unfazed as he jogged ahead and up the next slope. He whipped around and beamed at them, resting his hands behind his head.
"Come on, guys! We're almost there!"
"Stupid Sora and his stupid superhuman stamina…" Bonnie descended into grumbles, and Serena bit back a snicker.
Eventually, they did crest the hill and came upon what had to be Eagun's house. True to form, it was nestled beneath the trunk and roots of the white tree, and Serena found herself wondering just how old this town was. The tree's roots were snaking down the sides of the house as if the humble abode had been there before the tree.
Then there was the matter of the house itself. It had no visible roof, on account of the tree sitting on it, but its bleached white walls had patches of faint green, the natural mosses of the area taking advantage of the humid conditions and the shade provided by the arbor overhead. Yet, despite its antiquated experience, the door was metal, so the house wasn't in disrepair.
Ash knocked on the door and stepped back.
"One moment!" A few moments later, the door slid open with a hiss. Okay, so the door was not only metal, but probably modern. An old woman, probably in her 70's at least, answered the door. Her attire was much more in line with what Serena expected from a homely mountain community. A rather comfortable looking pink long-sleeved shirt, a white short sleeve layered over for warmth, and a long pink skirt that nearly touched the floor. Her chartreuse hair was tucked under a white wrap. The woman smiled. "Can I help you?"
"Sorry to bother you, ma'am." Brock took the initiative. "We're looking for Eagun. We were told he lived here."
"Ah, well, you've come to the right place, if not the right time." The woman let out an exasperated sigh. She stepped to the side. "Won't you please come in? Eagun should be back shortly."
Serena followed right behind Ash as they entered. The interior of the house was far more modern than its exterior would suggest (barring the automatic sliding door). Fine wooden floor laid beneath their feet, various potted plants were situated near select corners, and a television flashed the news bulletin in one of the adjoining rooms. The kitchen itself looked just as modern as well. Eagun (and his wife?) lived quite comfortably, but not lavishly. The woman ushered them into the living room and beckoned them to sit. Serena took a seat on the couch, situated on Ash's left while Bonnie took his left. Sora and Brock opted to stand against a nearby wall, given that there weren't many remaining options in terms of seating arrangements. Pikachu, Dedenne, and Toxel scampered to the side and sat in a loose triangle so they could listen.
The woman introduced herself as Beluh, who was, in fact, Eagun's wife of almost 50 years. Serena, ever the closeted romantic, almost squeed upon hearing that. Fifty years was no small feat, and to be together this long spoke volumes of the strength of their love for one another. She tried not to let her mind wander as she imagined her own future, and she certainly tried not to place Ash in the position of her devoted husband.
Naturally, she failed.
"Well that's certainly news to me." Beluh said, and Serena realized she must have zoned out. "Eagun never said anything about Professor Krane calling. I certainly would have remembered."
"Why's that?" Ash asked.
Beluh chuckled. "The last time someone came by to purify some Shadows, you would have thought he won the lottery. Eagun absolutely loves purifying those poor Pokémon."
"The last time?" Ash asked. "You wouldn't happen to be referring to Wes, would you?"
"Oh yes." Beluh nodded. "Do you know him?"
"No, but we have heard of him." Serena answered. "It sounds like he was the only other Snagger here in Orre before we arrived."
"I suppose he was." Beluh said. Her smile grew warmer as if recalling a fond memory. "A good man. Both he and my granddaughter Rui single-handedly saved the region, you know."
"Could you tell us more about Wes, Mrs. Beluh?" Serena asked. "We don't know much about him. We know what he and Rui did, but not a lot about them."
"Certainly!" Beluh chirped. "Wes, as you may already know, used to be a member of Team Snagem. I can't say I truly blame him, though. Orre isn't as prosperous as other regions, and it's hard to survive out here. Wes didn't have many options, so when he was young he signed up as one of their Snaggers."
Serena frowned. She hadn't considered that. A place as impoverished as Orre definitely wouldn't have had many opportunities for someone just trying to get by. Members of other criminal organizations in other regions had a bad reputation for being criminal scumbags, but that was only because they actively chose to do evil deeds. Other regions definitely had other opportunities that didn't involve crime. Here in Orre, though? She could definitely see someone signing up with Snagem out of desperation.
Her mission here for the PCC was even more important, now. If they – along with the PMC and the League – could help Orre, then less people might feel like a life of crime was the only option. Yes, ultimately she and her friends were here to help stop Cipher and the Heartless, but she couldn't lose sight of the smaller picture. Maybe she could use her time here in Agate to start preparing routines and maybe warm the people of Orre up to the idea of contests and performances. They needed some joy and laughter in their lives.
"I thought Wes was the first Snagger?" Sora asked.
"Yes and no." Beluh answered cryptically. "See, originally, the term "Snagger" just referred to anyone who was in the business of stealing Pokémon. When Wes took the first Snag Machine and started using it for good, the meaning of that name changed. That title used to strike fear into the hearts of any Pokémon trainer, back in the day. Now? Now that title only strikes fear into the hearts of those who create and abuse Shadow Pokémon. Wes is an incredibly driven young man, let me tell you, and with a good heart, too. It's no wonder our little Rui fell for him."
"Oh?" Bonnie latched onto that almost immediately. "What do you mean, Mrs. Beluh?"
"I mean she married him!" Beluh practically cackled. "For all of that man's rough edges and gruff exterior, he was putty in my granddaughter's hands. I didn't know him before he rescued Rui, but from what he's told me, he was rather cynical back then. While he saved her body, she saved his heart."
"Where are they now?" Brock asked.
Beluh shrugged. "Can't say I know for sure, since they're on the road a lot. They check in from time to time, but lately they haven't called. Based on what we've heard, though, both from you and others? Those two are probably out fighting Snagem and Cipher on their own. I just hope they're okay…"
"I'm sure they're fine!" Ash grinned. "Wes sounds like a really strong trainer if he could take down an entire criminal syndicate, and I'm sure your granddaughter's no slouch either!"
Beluh cackled again. "Oh, you and my husband are going to get along like a house on fire, Ash!"
As if on cue, Serena heard the sound of the front door hissing open.
"Honey, I'm home!"
"In here, honey!" Beluh said. "We have guests here to see you!"
"Oh?" Came the voice of an old man. Stepping round the corner was a man around Brock's height with a full white beard, and a full head of long hair to match. Even his eyebrows were bushy. His eyes were squinted, not unlike Brock's, as he seemed to survey the room. He was dressed in a set of rather large purple and cyan robes, but despite the brazen color palette, his clothes looked quite comfortable. Serena glanced down at the hem of his robe and tried to hold back a grimace; she could only imagine the dirt and grass stains.
An old Pikachu stepped out from behind him. Almost immediately, Ash locked eyes with Eagun, while their Pikachus did the same. The two men smirked, and the air grew tense with the unspoken challenge.
"Don't." Both Serena and Beluh warned simultaneously. Instantly, the mood was broken and both men looked mareepish.
"Sorry." Ash scratched the back of his neck.
"Sorry." Eagun coughed awkwardly at the same time. "How can I help you kids?"
"You weren't expecting them?" Beluh asked.
"...No?" Eagun looked uncertain. "Should I have?"
"Professor Krane said he would call ahead." Sora said. "We have Shadow Pokémon that need to be purified."
"Strange." Eagun mused, stroking his admittedly impressive beard. "I received no such call. He probably forgot to call ahead; that man is always working on something, it seems. Well, no matter, for now we have much bigger Magikarp to fry! You've got Shadows that need purifying! How exciting! Come, come! I'll meet you at the Relic Stone!"
Eagun and his Pikachu practically sprinted out the door, which was frankly surprising given how bulky his robes were. Apparently those robes weren't as cumbersome as Serena thought they'd be. Meanwhile, left in their dust was an entire living room worth of somewhat gobsmacked people and Pokémon.
"Pika?" Pikachu tilted his head in confusion.
"Where's the Relic Stone?" Sora finally asked.
Beluh sighed, her expression warring between fondness and exasperation. She stood and beckoned them to follow. "Come along. I'll show you where it is."
Relic Forest was magical.
That was the only word Serena could think of to describe it. Absolutely magical. The pathway leading to it was relatively unremarkable, being only a tunnel that ran under the town and into the mountain, but once they'd reached the forest itself, the atmosphere was nothing short of powerful. This was an ancient place, of that she had no doubt. Life flourished here, and outside of the stone path there was not a single inch of ground that was not covered in lush, vibrant vegetation. The air itself teemed with energy and life and it was all Serena could do not to simply stop and just experience it.
Then there was the matter of the Relic Stone itself.
It was a strange thing, to be sure. Rather than a singular stone or boulder, it was a collection of several carefully hewn stones arranged like a pillar of stacked semicircles. It sat there, in the center of the forest, like a monolith, not of size but of presence. Neither Eagun nor Beluh had said as much, but on some deep, spiritual level she knew that this was the stone that purified Pokémon. It felt so familiar, though… like this energy (she just couldn't describe it!) was something she'd witnessed before.
She had so many questions.
"Welcome to Relic Forest." Eagun spoke, with about as much enthusiasm as reverence. The man clearly loved being here, but he was not remiss in showing this place the respect it deserved.
"I feel so at home here…" Ash said, openly gawking at his surroundings.
"I've never seen a place look so healthy before." Brock commented, crouching down to view some of the plants growing along the path. "I'm no botanist, but this is incredible. You've done amazing work here, Eagun."
Eagun gave a mirthful chuckle. "Oh, I've done nothing at all. This is all the work of Celebi."
"Celebi?" Ash and Brock perked up at the same time. Serena chalked it up to one of their shared world-ending adventures. Although, if Celebi was involved, maybe time-ending?
"Oh yes." Eagun explained as they reached the Relic Stone itself. "According to legend, Relic Forest was once visited by Celebi and a human. Together they imbued the Relic Stone with the power to purify Shadow Pokémon."
"Who was the human?" Bonnie asked.
Eagun merely shrugged. "No one knows. Legend says that this human helped unlock the potential of the stone itself. Exactly what that means is a matter that's been debated for as long as anyone remembers. Some believe that this human was Celebi's trainer, and their involvement was limited to just instructing Celebi to create the stone. The other camp – and the theory that holds far more credence, in my opinion – is that the human was an Aura Guardian, and that they somehow imbued the Relic Stone with Aura."
"Aura?" Sora asked. "What's that?"
"Just what are they teaching you kids in schools these days?" Eagun groused, but after a moment calmed himself before explaining. "Aura is the energy of life. It surrounds and binds everything that lives and breathes in this world, and it is what unites both humans and Pokémon together. There are those with the ability to sense and manipulate Aura, and Aura Guardians are those who have mastered this ability. Aura Guardians were the peacekeepers of old, using their incredible power to maintain peace."
"Were?" Sora asked.
Eagun sighed. "Aura Guardians are practically extinct, partly because of how prevalent Pokémon companions are. Make no mistake, I am grateful that the violence and wars of ages past remain in the past, and that humans and Pokémon live in harmony, but with that newfound peace came the gradual loss of our Aura Guardians."
"That's too bad." Sora lamented. "I would have liked to meet someone who could use Aura. It sounds interesting."
Eagun grinned. "If I'm right, I believe you already have."
Serena perked up at that, as did Bonnie. Sora had only met so many people since crash landing on this world, so that would imply that she met one as well. Her mind raced, going over every person they'd met here in Orre thus far. Perhaps Professor Krane? Maybe, but learning Aura sounded like a very time-intensive discipline. Practicing that probably wouldn't leave very much time for his research.
"Yeah." Ash confirmed. "I had the chance to learn Aura, but I wanted to focus on my career as a Pokémon trainer instead. Sorry."
Somehow, she wasn't surprised. She knew Ash was special, but she'd admit she was biased in that opinion. It was admirable, now that she thought about it. Aura would have made Ash considerably powerful, but rather than pursue that, he decided to continue his journey. He chose bettering his Pokémon over seeking power himself.
"Don't be, my boy." Eagun gave a comforting pat to Ash's shoulder. "Simply because you're capable does not mean you're obligated. In a way, that's what the Aura Guardians of old fought for. A world where peace was achieved, where their services were no longer required. I'd say they accomplished their mission, and now people and Pokémon have the freedom to choose their own destinies."
"That's profound." Brock commented.
Eagun laughed heartily. "I'm old, Brock! If I can't wax philosophical at the drop of a hat, what am I even doing?"
And just like that, the illusion of wisdom vanished. Serena held back a giggle at the inanity of it all.
"Anyway, we're getting sidetracked." Eagun said. "You have Shadow Pokémon you wish to purify, yes? Are they ready?"
"We think so." Serena spoke up. She opened her Pokéball and let Toxel out. The adorable little tyke cooed as the light of the Pokéball energy reformed his body. He quickly crawled over to Pikachu, who was happy to see his friend again. She looked to Ash expectantly.
"Oh, right." He said, releasing Metang from its ball.
"MET!" The Iron Claw Pokémon cried, bashing its claws together. It looked around, ready to fight, only to look at Ash in confusion upon seeing no challengers. "Met?"
"Sorry buddy, no fights here." Ash chuckled awkwardly. "This is Agate Village, where we're going to purify you and Toxel."
"Met." Its arms dropped and the fire in its eyes went out. Poor thing looked disappointed that it was robbed of a good fight.
"I see you both have Shadows." Eagun said appraisingly. He stalked around the two Pokémon and observed them closely. Toxel looked a little unnerved while Metang floated in place placidly. "I was under the impression the good professor only had one functioning prototype for a snag machine."
"Oh, he does." Serena explained. She gestured towards the snag machine currently affixed to her left arm. "The professor programmed it so it would recognize all five of us as its owners. Which reminds me…"
She pressed the button on the shoulder, and the device quickly disconnected from her arm and compacted itself. She held it out expectantly to Brock, Bonnie, and Sora.
"I don't think I'm ready yet." Sora shook his head. "I'd like a little more time with Rufflet before I commit to a new Pokémon, and I'd like to learn more from you guys first."
"Give it to Brock!" Bonnie suggested.
Serena blinked. She wasn't expecting Bonnie to pass that up. "You don't want it?"
"Oh, I do!" Bonnie explained. "I can wait, though. If there are any other ways to help purify a Shadow Pokémon, I want to know. If Brock catches the next one, he'll work his special Pokémon doctor skills and learn new ways to help them!"
Bonnie had a point. Brock's skills as a Pokémon doctor would be invaluable here. Yes, he'd helped with Metang and Toxel some, but it stood to reason that he would be more willing to delve deeper with his own Pokémon.
"That's very mature of you, Bonnie. Thank you." Brock said, taking the device from Serena. He attached it to his left shoulder and pressed the button, deploying it in seconds. Once it was firmly affixed to his arm, he flexed his hand a few times. "Huh. So that's what that feels like."
"No wonder I didn't recognize it before." Beluh remarked as she inspected the device from afar. "Looks nothing like Wes' snag machine."
"May I see that?" Eagun asked, approaching Brock. "I'm no scientist or engineer, but I am curious."
"Of course." Brock acquiesced, holding his arm out for inspection.
Serena found herself wandering away from that conversation. Science, however amazing it was – she snickered as she remembered Ash's repeated declarations about its amazingness – wasn't that interesting to her. She'd listen and follow along, but she was content to leave the minutia to others. Instead, she walked up to the Relic Stone and looked closer.
It was remarkably well maintained. Not a single ounce of moss clung to its stone surface and, while its surface was certainly pitted like many natural stones were, it seemed free of any true wear and tear. Not a blemish to be seen, though there were a few symbols that decorated the stone face here and there.
A heart symbol rested right in front of her face. The lines that curved up and inward to form the top of the heart were much more pronounced, giving the symbol a fanciful flair. A heart made enough sense, she mused. This relic was meant to purify Shadow Pokémon and open their hearts.
A… key? It was kind of blocky, this symbol, with nothing but sharp edges for both the handle and the teeth of the key.
A keyhole. The hole itself wasn't filled in (or engraved, she supposed). It was just the outline of a keyhole. Simple, but obvious enough, and paired with the key symbol really suggested unlocking the door to the heart.
A crown? Why did that particular crown shape look so familiar? Also, what did a crown have anything to do with unlocking the hearts of Pokémon and purifying them? Maybe the crown could symbolize ruling over one's emotions again, but that was a stretch…
Her eyes snapped open in realization. She'd seen all of these symbols before, and all in the same place. Not a physical location, but in something she'd read.
Sora's journal! These were symbols native to Sora's universe! Her head whipped over in his direction, noting that he was wearing that exact same crown symbol on his necklace. Not to mention, provided her memory was accurate, the teeth of his keyblade formed the reverse imprint of that crown symbol. She'd have to ask him later to summon his Keyblade for a closer look.
"Psst! Sora!" Serena hissed.
The Guardian of Light was busy peering over and past Bonnie as he listened to Eagun and Brock talk about the snag machine. Pikachu, bless his little heart, had much more keen hearing and noticed, his adorable little ears perking up at the sound. The electric mouse jumped up onto Sora's shoulder, effectively catching his attention.
"What's up, Pikachu?" Sora asked.
"Pi-pika." Pikachu said, extending a tiny little finger in Serena's direction.
"Got it. Thanks, buddy." Sora said. Satisfied, Pikachu jumped back down to play with Toxel again.
Sora strode over to Serena. "What's up, Serena?"
"These." Serena pointed at the symbols decorating the Relic Stone. "Look familiar?"
Sora's eyes widened with recognition. "Wait, how?!"
"Shh!" She silenced him with a hiss and a finger raised to her lips. A few curious glances from the others were the extent of the notice they drew. "Are you trying to draw attention? You should hide your necklace. We don't want them asking questions… right?"
Sora grimly nodded and tucked his necklace under his shirt. "Right."
"Hey Serena!" Ash called out, grabbing their attention. "You ready to purify Toxel?"
Serena locked eyes with Sora, and an unspoken agreement was made to keep this secret for the time being. Secret, at least, until they could talk with the others about it privately. She turned her attention back to Ash, giving him her warmest smile. "Of course! What do we need to do?"
"It's quite simple, actually." Eagun explained. "Bring Metang or Toxel over to the Relic Stone. If they are ready to purify, the stone will react to their presence."
"So who's going first?" Bonnie asked impatiently, her eyes bright with excitement.
"Serena and Toxel can go first." Ash said, giving her that stupid smile of his that always made her heart flutter like a Butterfree. "Metang and I will go next."
"Are you sure, Ash?" Serena asked. He'd caught Metang before she caught Toxel, after all.
"Positive!"
Serena looked down at her Shadow Pokémon, who was chasing Pikachu around. He seemed to understand what was happening, though, and he came to a gradual stop and met her gaze. He waddled his way over to her side and stared at the Relic Stone for a moment before looking back up at her.
"You ready, Toxel?"
Toxel broke eye contact, stared at the Relic Stone again, and merely nodded. She hadn't seen him be this serious… well, ever. Together, the two walked up to the Relic Stone. Serena, having the longer stride, naturally arrived first. She took a deep breath, bracing herself for whatever came next. She'd no idea if there was some sort of trial involved to test her and Toxel, so she prepared herself mentally as best she could. A moment later, as Toxel caught up, a bright green light shone from between the stones, and Serena could feel the energy of the Relic Stone hum to life.
"Excellent." Eagun nodded sagely. "Toxel is ready for purification."
"Now what?" Serena asked.
"Now, make contact with Toxel. Any form of physical contact will do. Yes, holding his hand like that will work just fine. Now both you and him need to reach out and touch the Relic Stone. Concentrate on your bond, and think of pleasant memories. The energy imbued in the Relic Stone works by reminding the Shadow of their happier lives before their heart was closed off. Any happy memories or feelings you concentrate on will aid in the process."
Serena scrunched her eyes closed and let her mind wander, allowing it to sift through memories of happier days.
…Her first Pokémon Showcase win back in Anistar City, and the elation she felt upon winning.
…The joy of catching (or in the case of Delphox, being given) each of her Pokémon, and the time they spent together as a team and family.
…The performance that she, Shauna, and Jessilee put on in the aftermath of the Lumiose City disaster, and the firm resolve she walked away with.
…Her time with Ash, both as child at Professor Oak's camp and as a novice Pokémon trainer in Kalos. Yet it was not the adventure itself that was most memorable, it was the small day-to-day occurrences that stuck out to her the most. The times they spent laughing over a campfire. The comfortable silence of walking side-by-side down a countryside road. Even the time she spent caring for a bedridden Ash was among her most cherished memories. Her hand wandered to the faded blue ribbon decorating the top of her blouse, and she remembered the love – one-sided though it may have been – she felt when he gave her that present.
…Then there was that kiss.
"Whoa!"
Serena's eyes snapped open, and she looked over at Toxel. A faint luminescent green orb covered the little Shadow, with three sets of circles rapidly spinning around him. The orb pulsed with life and the circles began to spin even faster. Serena could only watch, gobsmacked, as the sphere of light exploded, expelling some sort of dark miasma from Toxel's body. The circles of light, now revealed to be smaller orbs that were racing around faster than the eye could process, flew outward in all directions.
"TOXEL!" Her little Pokémon cried out in jubilation, the widest grin adorning his adorable little face.
"It's gone!" Sora laughed out. "It worked! I don't see the darkness around him anymore."
Serena could tell, not through the absence of whatever dark energy Sora could see, but how Toxel carried himself now. He was happier and full of energy, just like a baby Pokémon should be. He jumped into her waiting arms and she spun him around, both trainer and Pokémon reveling in the fact that Toxel was now free of that horribleness.
"Awesome!" And suddenly Ash was right by her side, cheering her on. "Congrats, Serena!"
She giggled as she stopped spinning. "Thanks, Ash. You're up next."
"Right!" Ash clenched a fist and turned to his own Shadow Pokémon, who floated nearby. "You ready, Metang?"
"...Tang."
Serena, with Toxel snuggled in her arms, stepped back and made way for Ash and Metang. Bonnie tried (and failed) to hold back a squeal as she reached up to pet Toxel, who, in a move that cemented his new status as a purified Pokémon, leaned into the touch.
"Aww!" Bonnie cooed. "He's so happy!"
"That's gotta feel great, not being a Shadow anymore." Brock said.
"Oh yeah!" Sora grinned. Serena remembered reading about Sora's time as a Heartless and realized that if anyone could empathize with these Shadow Pokémon, it was their resident Keyblade bearer. "How you feelin', little guy?"
"Tox!"
Sora laughed. "Glad to hear it!"
"Alright, we can gush about Toxel later." Brock chuckled. "Ash and Metang are about to start."
Serena adjusted her grip on Toxel and shifted her attention forward. Ash and Metang had joined hands (claws?) and each had the other hand resting on the Relic Stone. Both had their eyes closed in deep concentration, and Serena found herself holding her breath. She knew she had nothing to worry about – after all, Metang was the oldest Shadow they had – but it was still a tense moment.
This time, Serena got to watch the spectacle from afar, and it was no less amazing for it. One thing she noticed that was different was that, just prior to the green energy forming around Metang, a thin beam of white light shot out from the Relic Stone and struck the Shadow Pokémon; she must have missed it with her eyes being closed last time.
She also noted Sora looking rather intensely at the spectacle, as if he was deep in thought. She'd have to ask him about his thoughts on the matter later. Probably some Keyblade magic if those symbols were involved.
A flash of green light around Metang heralded the conclusion of the purification process, and Serena opened her mouth to let out a cheer…
…only for Metang to erupt in white light.
"Whoa!" Bonnie exclaimed, staring wide-eyed.
"I thought Metang was already evolved!" Sora said, his eyes squinted.
"It is." Brock confirmed. "But some Pokémon can evolve twice. Metang happens to be one of those Pokémon."
Metang's shape began to change. Its central body grew bigger and wider, and Serena could faintly make out the signature "X" that would make up the new face. Its arms shifted forward, and two more limbs sprouted opposite the first two, equal in size and shape. With all four limbs fully shaped, they rotated to a downward position, and only then did the glowing stop.
Metagross landed with a mighty thud and an even mightier bellow.
"META!"
Ash stood stock-still for a moment before a wide grin threatened to overtake his face. "You evolved! That's amazing, Metagross."
Metagross smiled. Which, admittedly, was a little startling with those sharp metal teeth, but the sentiment was there. It was legitimately happy to be purified.
"That never gets old." Eagun beamed, clearly giddy with the success of the ceremony. He seemed to catch himself, cleared his throat, and recomposed himself. "Congratulations to you both, this is truly – "
"Wait a second!" Bonnie interrupted. "Metagross evolved, but why didn't Toxel? Toxel was ready to be purified, right? And didn't the Professor say that purification releases the growth and experience they would have gotten before?"
"True, but think about it." Brock countered as he adopted a thinker's pose. "Metang has a lot more combat experience than Toxel did. Metagross grew closer to Ash mostly through battle. Serena accomplished the same thing with Toxel just by spending time with and caring for him. They both reached purification, but used different methods. When Metagross was purified, all of that learning and combat experience came rushing back all at once, enough to trigger evolution. On the other hand, Toxel's really only participated in a handful of battles, so he didn't have as much stored up."
"Exactly right, Brock." Eagun nodded. "There are a variety of ways to help a Shadow Pokémon open its heart, each with its own benefits and costs. It sounds like Ash took longer to connect with Metagross through battle, but this method helps the Pokémon after purification. Toxel didn't battle as much, but he was able to reach purification faster."
"Which method is better?" Bonnie asked.
"That's entirely up to you." Eagun answered cryptically. "I suspect it also has something to do with the Pokémon themselves. Metagross seems the combative type – "
"Meta." The Iron Leg Pokémon answered in the (suspected) affirmative.
" – so battle would naturally be its preferred method. Toxel, however, seems much more bashful in nature. He's also still a baby, so combat probably wouldn't be the optimal method for him."
Toxel squirmed a little in Serena's arms, so she gave him a little loving squeeze. His skin, since he was a Poison type, left her arms a little tingly, but it was worth it for that smile.
Sora looked thoughtful. "Sounds like it depends."
"Exactly! Opening a Pokémon's heart is just like raising Pokémon itself." Eagun said. "Each Pokémon is special and unique, and has its own wants and needs. There's no one way to raise a Pokémon, and there's no one best way to open a Pokémon's heart."
"Good advice." Brock agreed, writing fervently in a notebook.
Sora peeked over the doctor's shoulder. "Whatcha writing there, Brocko?"
"Just some notes on the methods of Shadow Pokémon purification. I'm sure there's significant overlap between this and Pokémon breeding." Brock explained. Noticing Sora's confused expression, he continued. "I started as a Pokémon Breeder before I decided to become a doctor, so studying different strategies and practices for raising and caring for Pokémon is second nature to me."
"Well, if we're all done here, why don't we head back?" Eagun asked, gesturing to the exit. "You seem a very well-traveled group, and we don't get very many visitors here in Agate. I'm sure I speak for both Beluh and I when I say we'd love to hear of your travels. I can even give you some tips on caring for Shadow Pokémon, Brock."
"That'd be great, thank you!"
Talking with Eagun and Beluh was pleasant, but eventually it came time to leave. At Serena's own suggestion, everyone decided to retire to the town's Pokémon Center. Brock was visibly relieved to see that Agate's Pokémon Center was up to code and in the clear.
The next day, in the relative privacy of their rooms, Serena and Sora shared their findings regarding the Relic Stone with the others. Needless to say, everyone else was just as surprised as the two of them had been. Brock, having practically grilled Eagun about Shadow Pokémon care the day prior, suggested that after running their errands he and Sora visit the Relic Stone to do some research. Sora immediately agreed and, since his chronicler friend Jiminy wasn't around, decided to start a log for their eventual findings.
Ash, on the other hand, decided he would visit Eagun and Beluh again. Apparently he had more questions about Aura, not to mention Pikachu seemed particularly enthused about meeting with his older counterpart again.
Serena and Bonnie, on the other hand, decided they would spend the next day getting some training in. They were performers and coordinators, after all, and as interesting as this journey had been so far, neither had devoted much time to perfecting their routines. Plus, Agate seemed like a good place to do so, with its tranquil and peaceful atmosphere. Perhaps the rustic nature of the village would help spark some inspiration.
"Alright, let's try it again." Serena said as Pancham and Delphox took their positions, the evening sun framing their practice beautifully. Both Pokémon looked tired; they'd been at this for a few hours now, so after this bout she'd give them all a break. "Pancham, try to angle your Stone Edge down just a little more. Give it a more gradual slope. Delphox, dial back a little with your Mystical Fire. We need control here, not power. Sylveon, be ready."
"Cham, Pancham!"
"Del."
"Sylv!"
"Ready?" Serena prompted her partners. At their determined looks, she pointed her Magus Staff in the air. Despite the wizard hat carved into its head, it was very well balanced, and made for an excellent baton. She considered using it during her actual performances to really lean into the magical aesthetic of her acts. "Begin!"
Pancham jumped high into the air, flipping once before crashing down onto the ground below with a two-fisted slam. Large slabs of stone erupted from the ground, overlapping and forming two ramps that met in the middle and pointed to the sky.
Delphox inhaled deeply before aiming her wand. She exhaled a plume of fire which shot past her wand and right onto the ramp. The fire, unlike previous attempts where it destroyed the rock, twisted and furled as it traveled up the length of the stone slope before emptying out the top.
Sylveon, meanwhile, was churning up a flurry of Fairy Wind. Just before Delphox's fire reached the top of the ramp, Sylveon let loose, allowing the cooler Fairy Wind to travel up the opposite side of the ramp. The two moves met at the ramp's zenith and swirled together into a wheel of pink air and vibrant orange fire. Serena watched with an analytical eye…
…and frowned when it dispersed quietly, and rather anticlimactically. It was missing something.
Serena let out a disappointed sigh. The sentiment was echoed across her team, who were equally as puzzled.
"What's it missing?" She asked her partners. They gave thoughtful and pensive expressions, but ultimately shook their heads or shrugged.
A fierce roar echoed nearby as Tyrunt dispersed an assembled assortment of Will-O-Wisps, which looked to have been charged with electricity from one of Dedenne's Thundershocks. The result was a scattered array of motes of blue fire sparking with electricity. An impressed smirk crossed her face. Bonnie was getting very creative with her moves. Not many would think to use Roar to scatter a move like that.
"Great job, Bonnie!" Serena cheered. Bonnie turned and flashed a smile.
"Thanks, Serena! How are you doing over there?"
Her mood fell a little, and she explained her predicament. Bonnie's eyebrows scrunched in concentration, and she looked up pensively.
"Well, what's Toxel doing?"
Serena blinked. She looked down at her new purified Pokémon, who looked back at her expectantly. "Nothing, actually. Toxel, do you wanna try helping us? You've never worked as a team with the others before."
Toxel grinned and shakily stood on his two feet. "Toxel!"
"Alright, then." Serena said. Her team already looked ready. "Once more, from the top. Toxel, let's have you try an Acid attack at the swirl, okay?"
"Tox!"
Serena smiled. "Begin!"
The performance played out identically to the last, and once more the swirl of Fairy Wind and Mystical Fire formed at the apex of the Stone Edge ramp. She heard a gurgling sound from her left just before Toxel spat a rather large glob of Acid up into the swirl.
Surprisingly, it didn't explode immediately like she suspected. If anything, the Acid seemed to absorb into the swirling vortex, adding streaks of yellow into the mixture. Then the orb of attacks seemed to pulse several times before exploding in a dazzling display of light, motes and clouds of orange, yellow, and pink decorating the practice area. The setting sun seemed to refract and enhance the effect, elevating the performance from dazzling to stunning.
A round of applause rang out from nearby. Serena – as well as Bonnie and their respective teams – were surprised to see a small crowd had formed, and had apparently found the last move to be praiseworthy.
"Thank you!" Serena beamed. "We're so glad you enjoyed it!"
She looked down at an equally ecstatic Toxel, who was soaking in the praise with a characteristic bashful blush on his cheeks. Yep, Toxel was going to fit right in with her performance crew. To think, she might come across and rescue more Pokémon, who could each add their own exciting flavor to their work!
She couldn't wait!
Dakim hated waiting.
Some claimed that he was nothing but a musclebound oaf, which on face value wouldn't be too far off the mark. Between the skintight white body suit, the long, windswept hair, the red facial tattoos, and the fact he preferred to walk around barefoot, he certainly looked like a barbaric brute.
But Dakim was so much more than that.
He was a man of purpose, of action. He didn't get to be where he was in this organization by sitting and twiddling his thumbs. If it were up to him, they would have started already, but for whatever reason Lovrina insisted on waiting until her mission was done. It didn't make sense to him; the two missions were completely independent of one another! Why in the world did he have to wait?
"Daki, come in. Answer me already, ya big goof!"
Dakim grumbled as he was yanked out of his thoughts by his communicator. "It's Dakim, little girl. Get it right."
"Yeah, whatever. The Braviary has left the nest."
"Huh?"
"The Slowpoke has caught the Shelder."
"What are you talking about, girl?"
"The Miltank is in the barn."
"Speak plainly, woman! I don't have time for this!"
"Ugh, you're no fun. We have the Professor, you idiot! He's now secure back at base, so you're clear to start!"
"Finally! Dakim out."
He grinned evilly as he overlooked the sunset-lit village below. Why in the world hadn't they tried to attack this place again before now? This was the place that threatened to undo all of their hard work. If it were up to him, they would have laid siege to Agate a long time ago, especially since neither Wes nor Rui were reported to have visited the place in over a year.
"Form up." He ordered, and about a dozen Cipher grunts assembled behind him, having abandoned whatever meaningless task they were doing beforehand. He didn't need to look back to see they were anxiously fiddling with their Pokéballs.
He snapped his fingers, and a small army of black creatures of various shapes and sizes rose from the shadows cast by the setting sun. He looked down the mountain at Agate Village, its citizens hopelessly ignorant of what was to come.
"Let's stomp them out, once and for all. For the glory of Cipher! Attack!"