Interlude: Higher Thoughts

For all the glory and honor that was owed them for their duty, Dialga would be the first to reveal that their assigned lot in life was simple. It only took one trait to do their job well, only one quality that was demanded to maintain proper vigilance over the Time Gears.

Stability.

Ensure time flows ever onwards. Protect its stream from blockages and divergences that would impede its current, that was their divine appointment.

So they did so. And in the process, they read stories.

Mortal Pokemon made for beautiful stories. All different shapes and sizes, all with their own personalities, quirks, and potentials. Granted, the early days were a mite concerning, they hardly differed from the feral constructs that roamed the Dungeons nowadays.

As was expected, the earliest generations defaulted to tribes throughout the world, and interactions between them could be quite bloody indeed. Simple narratives. Brutal, but no less impactful.

Yet, the propensity for thought remained, and over time, grew. Claws learned to carve wood rather than bodies, teeth bit into fruits and vegetables rather than flesh, and desires evolved to encapsulate more than one's next meal or mate. Dialga watched this development with rapt attention, always eager to witness the stories of love and loss that mortals performed, the triumphs and tragedies they experienced, those glimpses of the divine that they performed in even mundane actions.

A true shame that mortals only thought to start writing things down but a couple millenia ago. So many stories played out upon the world that only its actors, and themself, would remember.

The one constant across all of this, of course, was their position as the audience. Rules and decorum aside, Dialga had no reason to actually interact with the mortals, the ones who created these stories. For as much as they took pleasure in their endeavors, they had accepted that their role was as a watcher and observer, ensuring they would have all the time necessary to play their parts on the earth.

Until now, that is.

"...Yeah, Lumi's doing fine. He's been a little quiet recently, spending a lot of time in his and Van's workshop. I think he'll give you a call soon, he's just been thinking alot, I guess."

"I understand. Thank you, Clara." And then, because small talk was a skill that Dialga rarely got to practice, they asked, "It is late, is it not? Will you retire soon?"

"Oh...huh, yeah I guess it is night time. Whoops," she giggled. "Got real into testing today, so the day kinda flew by. Shoot, I need to grab a bite from the mess hall before it's too late, someone went out and got a bunch of pizzas, so we finally have real food!

"A splendid feast, indeed."

"You know it! Hey, how about you come down from that tower and join me for a meal? I promise we can have seconds~" she trailed off, the smile clear in her voice.

"Circumstances as they are, I'm afraid I'll have to decline the offer. You understand."

"Eh, worth a shot. You probably have way better food up there anyway, I bet your servants are the best chefs ever!"

Dialga offered a low hum of agreement. They had sampled the occasional delicacy when the urge struck them, but only rarely. Food offered no benefit beyond taste, and no true sustenance besides that.

Well, besides coffee. Dialga had audibly thanked Arceus once mortals had figured that one out.

"Hey, before I go, I wanted to ask something," stated Clara, voice becoming a bit meeker.

"You may speak."

"Well it's just...I'm still sort of blown away by this, what I'm doing right now. Talking to you, Dialga. Like, I've seen you, seen you be...well, you. And I am really grateful that you seem okay to have a conversation, even though I'm just a Spinda. But I guess I want to know if I'm...overstepping? Is there a code of conduct when talking with Legendaries or something?"

"You did not seem to care about a code of conduct when you inquired about my taste in Pokemon."

"Uh...uhm...well," she scrambled for something to say, but Dialga continued.

"Your forwardness would be taken by some as blatant irreverence, and others as a welcome reprieve. It is a rare mortal indeed whose first instinct is to find common ground between one vastly different than them. I find myself grateful for our conversations."

"Even though I'm basically a speck of dust compared to you?"

"And why would you say that?"

"Well, it's the truth, isn't it? Not to get morbid or anything, but, come on. I'll pass on one day, and you'll keep going, and that's just the way it is, right?"

"That is one perspective, but you seem to not be considering something."

"Yeah?"

"You are unforgettable."

There was no response on the other end, and Dialga checked to make sure the orb it levitated next to its mouth was still green. Seeing elaboration was required, it continued.

"I was there at this world's formation, and have watched it end more times than you have woken up in the morning. Millions of mortals have come and gone, and none of them could have ever hoped to match the power I wield. I am higher than you, this is true. And yet, through my observations, I have come to the conclusion that I have never lived like you. Any of you. The promise of death, of the end, is as much of a motivator as it is a threat, and I have seen it push mortals to do amazing things. Such as a guild on a quest to defy nature itself, for instance."

"You call yourself a speck of dust, but dust doesn't shine. No matter our time together, I will always cherish it."

To their surprise, their elaboration did not seem to make their stance any more coherent to the Spinda on the other end, judging by her continued silence. They gave her a moment to speak, but looked down in concern.

"Oh, I had no idea you could be so heartfelt," giggled a high pitched, airy voice from ahead.

Intruder.

Quick as lightning, energy pooled in Dialga's throat, and the gem on its chest glowed a bright blue as they shot their head up at the source of the disturbance. A hyper beam erupted from its mouth and vaporized the marble floor where it impacted, crumbling some of the surrounding pillars.

In their state of mind, the frantic stuttering that spilled from the echo orb was only barely registered.

"Rest well..." growled Dialga, silencing the orb. Not Celebi, there was no tug on their power. There was nobody scheduled to arrive on their tower, and no life signatures were sensed on its arrival. It had simply appeared in their domain without their knowing.

Unacceptable.

Movement from above, to the right. Dialga whipped its large head upwards to lance the air with another hyper beam, and was about to release it before the sight of the interloper above put a halt on its attack.

A small, grey body, with a pink head and two long twin tails that curled behind it floated above. Their form was vaguely transparent, but Dialga could still make out the bemused expression on their face. Or rather, her face.

Mesprit put her hands on her hips and floated towards them. Dialga followed her movements carefully with their head, yet she continued to fall at a sedate pace until she alighted in front of the first step of the dias. Her small feet touched the alabaster floor, and she bowed with a flourish of her arms.

"Hello my liege! It warms my heart to see you alert and lively still," she stated with amicable reverence. Dialga dispersed the energy in their throat, but a deep rumble of a growl remained. Her head remained bowed low as the growl receded, and Dialga lifted themself to their full height.

"Rise," he commanded. Mesprit duly did so, and faced him with a perky smile, arms swaying from side to side. They noticed that her form was indeed transparent, the barest hint of the floor visible through her body. Well, that explained why there wasn't a scratch on her, or any life signature.

"Mesprit. For what reason does your spirit visit my realm, unannounced?"

"I simply wished to inquire as to your well being, Lord. It has been a while since I have seen you."

"You are aware of my stipulations. You are to schedule visits ahead of time via Celebi."

"Indeed I am aware. I am also aware of the opportunity it presents!" she put a hand to her mouth with a coy smile, eyes squinted in mirth. "To see Lord Dialga caught unawares? That is a marvel in and of itself, so as you can plainly see I took the necessary precautions." She gestured to her transparent body.

"Your decision to forego your sight is an interesting development, especially considering the present circumstances," she said.

"Have you some comment to make on my decision?" stated Dialga. Their tone was unwavering, but the glare in its red eyes was unmistakable. Mesprit bowed her head once again in deference.

"I mean no disrespect Lord. On the contrary I applaud this new perspective you've taken. Life is much richer when you let things take you by surprise. New heights of emotion are possible with the unexpected."

"Restricting my sight to the present was for practical purposes. Remaining focused on one outcome blocks other possibilities, I am simply keeping our options open."

"And yet, some would call your recent actions quite impractical. Perhaps even downright irrational, especially for one as careful as yourself."

"Given all I have witnessed, I determined it is proper to adopt a different strategy and act. If my actions are perceived to be irrational, it is only due to a lack of perspective."

"Oh, I wholeheartedly agree, Lord. Love is hardly ever rational to begin with."

"...Elaborate."

"It's simple, really. Your actions were clearly motivated by emotion rather than logic, which is for the best, I would argue."

"You are being presumptuous," argued Dialga. Mesprit's smile widened, and she floated up closer to the dias.

"Your decision to reward that pair of heroes with a child was rational. It was perfectly within the rules to intercede in that way, and was by all accounts the moral thing to do. Your decision to leave a piece of you, and then awaken it in that child was an act of passion, plain and simple."

The growl returned in Dialga's throat, low and dangerous. It stomped its heavy foot upon the dias hard enough to cause the top of the tower to quake, and Mesprit's smile faltered just a bit as the massive Legendary stalked closer to loom over her.

"I will need to have words with Celebi," stated Dialga, with a menacing glint in their eye. "I underestimated how quickly her mouth would run. And as for you," They leaned down to give her a harsh glare.

"Reducing that choice to a mere act of passion is teetering dangerously close to disrespect. I am not some rabid feral that indulges in every desire, Mesprit."

"Please do not be angry, Lord. But I think even you should indulge, every once in a while. In fact, I believe you have earned this form of comfort."

Slowly, she reached a grey hand out and rested it on the side of Dialga's head. They allowed it, and so she risked a few gentle strokes along their side.

"Mortals are engaging creatures, aren't they? Even the most recalcitrant of us agree that finding one to Bond with, even for a short time, is an act of closeness that makes our lives that much brighter. To think one as distant as you would perform the deepest form of a Bond, seeding your essence at their conception...it is a testament to your loneliness that you desired someone to relate to so fiercely."

"You think me lonely?"

"I know," stated Mesprit with conviction. Her yellow eyes stared deep into Dialga's red. "Tell me, have you spoken with Palkia at all since their rescue? The chance to come together as a family? We were all quite relieved, for both of your sakes, when their madness was relieved, but can you say that things are truly as they once were? Blessed Giratina is unreachable, but perhaps-

"Mind your tongue Mesprit, you speak of things above you." stated Dialga, wrenching his head away from her. He looked down at her, mouth open with teeth showing. "I am not 'lonely,' as you would call it. I have frequent interactions with Celebi. Palkia and I are simply...at a disagreement for how to address the world's inevitable demise."

"Celebi is a gift, you ought to treat her better, you know. But even still," she continued even when they glared at her admonishment. "I know the pain of going long without the sound of my kin. Contact with Azelf has been brief to better tend to his lake, and I fear the worst for Uxie, it has been...difficult to reach him."

Mesprit averted her gaze as a frown spread across her face, and the air itself seemed to become somber as she released a deep sigh. A pang of deep hurt and loneliness resonated from Dialga's core, as if drawn out by her breath, and they let out a low groan of discomfort.

"So many of us are beginning to lose ourselves, either smothered by the Distortion entrusted to us in Giratina's wake, or by despair. You must understand Lord, we face a crisis of the soul just as much as of the earth."

The weight of sadness lifted a bit when she faced him again, and alleviated more as her mouth curled up in a soft smile.

"Which is why the sight of you speaking openly with someone, even a mortal, brings me hope. I meant it when I said I didn't know you could be so heartfelt."

"Forming friendships with mortals is discouraged, but not restricted. I would assume one such as you would have a number of them to speak to, you have a history of such in days past," suggested Dialga. A sad laugh escaped Mesprit.

"How ironic, that you have more friends than me, right now! I am unable to make any appearances, even meeting with you like this leaves my body vulnerable back at my lake. I need to stay watchful to keep it safe, but you have the added protection of being located in the Hidden Land."

"I see. Forgive my presumptuousness. I did not mean to make light of your situation. My condolences to your brethren," said Dialga, bowing down slightly.

"And I do not mean to burden you with my problems, it is simply the way things are."

"The world depends on the well-being of us Legends. I am ill equipped to alleviate matters of an emotional nature, but if it would provide you comfort to talk, then you are free to do so."

"Is that right? How kind of you Lord. In that case...if you would indulge me before I leave?" she asked. She casually floated over to the little green orb to the side of the dias, and plucked it up to marvel at it, as if it were a shining diamond. Dialga sniffed the air and huffed at the rapid change in mood the Emotion Legendary exuded.

The air around their dias began to smell vaguely like cherries, and tickled their thick hide.

They sighed and nodded their head, wary of the wide grin that spread across Mesprit's face.

"Who is this 'Clara' you so eloquently spoke to, my Lord?" asked Mesprit, sweetly, though with a conspiratorial tint.

"An associate of my kin, Lumiere. As I understand, they work together in the guild run by Absol."

"Mmhmm. And her species? I would assume one of the more powerful ones, to earn your respect so soon."

"A Spinda," he replied. Mesprit audibly gasped, and then giggled with her hand on her mouth.

"So humble! Although as I think on it, you've never been one for appearances. She must be quite exceptional indeed."

Dialga tilted their head in thought, before responding.

"I have never met someone so determined to remain grounded amidst all of this chaos with Distortion. She is...how one would say, down to earth?"

"Ooh. Tell me more~" purred Mesprit, now floating on her stomach next to Dialga. The great dragon leaned away slightly.

"There is not much to tell, most of our conversations are quite mundane, really. A surprise, considering the nature of her work."

"Mundane indeed. I did not miss how she casually invited you to dinner as one would a friend. You seem to have warmed quickly to such a simple creature."

"Simple is not the word I would use," asserted Dialga, with squinted eyes. Mesprit laughed in response.

"Already defensive! Please enlighten me Lord. Am I missing something? Or is talk of pizza the most riveting of conversation to you?"

"It is precisely because someone would dare to mention pizza in my presence that I am intrigued. That, and I showed her a fraction of my power when we met, enough to make most mortals cower in fear. And yet, she only seemed more excited to speak with me after the demonstration, much like my own kin. It is...fascinating."

"Ah, I see. I think I'm beginning to understand the nature of your relationship with this Spinda." Mesprit simpered behind a grey hand, and Dialga huffed in agitation.

"Why would the nature of my relationships be of any concern to you, Mesprit?" demanded Dialga. Mesprit gave them a look, and they sighed once they remembered precisely who they were talking to.

"I am simply curious as to why the Great Dialga, Master of Time itself would associate themselves with a young mortal, especially when it does not seem to further any particular goal of yours. You can be honest with me, you know." She mimed zipping her mouth shut and winked. "I won't tell a soul."

"I appreciate her perspective, that is all. When most of my thoughts are concerned with heavier matters, it is...nice to speak with someone about simpler things. I am unused to being treated without formality. It is a novel experience."

"Mmhmm," murmured Mesprit. "I suppose I see the appeal. One of my Bonded long ago was similar. We could spend hours chatting about nothing at all, and it meant the world to me. It is a comforting friendship to have."

Dialga simply nodded in response, and Mesprit gently set the orb down before floating backwards. Her transparent form flickered for a bit, and she hmmd in consideration.

"It seems my time with you is coming to an end, but it was time well spent. You have encouraged me more than you know, Lord."

"I appreciate your consideration in contacting me, Mesprit. Even if I don't quite understand the purpose of the conversation."

"Never underestimate the power of relationships, my Lord. Sometimes they are all you have. On that note, it would please me greatly to be able to meet such an interesting mortal, as well as your Bonded!"

"If fate permits," they responded. Mesprit nodded and turned to float away, her form becoming more and more see through, before she paused. Dialga caught the glimmer in her eye as she looked over her shoulder.

"One thing before I go, Lord. As a word of advice. Some of the more...passionate mortals have a particular reaction to certain compliments, such as being called 'unforgettable.' You would do well to remember that in your interactions with your Spinda friend."

"I was merely speaking the truth," asserted Dialga. Their words incited a fit of giggles in the smaller Legendary, the mood becoming downright ticklish with glee, and Dialga had to resist the urge to sneeze when the smell of peonies fluttered in the air.

"So you were Lord! So you were..." responded Mesprit, still holding in laughter. Her form faded away from view, the surrounding mood dissipating soon after. It wasn't long until all was silent atop Temporal Tower again.

Dialga shook their head at the strange encounter, and idly returned the echo orb to its place next to them.

A particular reaction...what did she mean by that?

A/N: A brief look from a different perspective before we return to the guild. Perhaps this gives some insight into the broader narrative, as well as how Legendaries tend to relate to mortals.

Also, I made a new slice-of-life collection for R&D theat you can check out in my profile. Sometimes I write side stories that I can't really find a place here, so I'll be uploading them onto there from now on. As a result, I've relocated an earlier chapter over there, and have included these little 'interludes' as a way to better organize this story.

As always, thanks for reading. I'll always appreciate it, as well as any feedback you have :)