We head down to the Explorer's Lounge, a small, self-contained courtyard that lies just beyond the trees, for an emergency assembly. I'm a bundle of nerves…it's been a while since I was last here. So far I haven't seen any familiar faces, but…well last time I saw them they weren't best pleased with me.
Delcatty, Seviper, and I wait out of sight as teams gather in the Lounge, chattering away. Nothing's changed, really, and it seems Delcatty has a flair for theatrics, although not as impressive as Lurantis'. Once she decides it's time to start, she beckons us inside. "You ok?" She asks, obviously sensing my nerves, "just…not quite sure what to expect." "Don't worry, I'll be there the whole time," she smiles reassuringly. I take a deep breath, then another, and then before I know it we're on the main stage.
I look into the crowd and see several unfamiliar faces, although there are a few I do recognize. Ariados and Scolipede are there; it seems they have a new member, a grimer—really going for the poison theme I see. The ones that really surprise me, way in the back, are Tinkaton and Lurantis.
I'll be honest, when I learned Delcatty was Master of the Center, I kind of assumed Lurantis had…died or something. She doesn't seem the type to give up the title on a whim, although I guess there's no reason one can't retire from the position. We make eye contact and she offers a wave and a small smile.
"Thank you for coming on such short notice, my announcement will be brief, but it's contents are incredibly important." Delcatty starts. "Some of you may recall seeing this zorua and seviper being brought to the hospital unconscious this morning. As you can see, they have both awoken and made a full recovery." Some weak claps from the crowd—I'm not sure how interested they really are, but they can at least see it's important to their Master.
"Some of you may also recognize this particular zorua as my dear friend, Gwen, who was an explorer on my team for a short time here several years ago." "Hey Gwen!" Tinkaton calls from the back. I wave awkwardly in response. "This is the human Gwen from another world, whose story is in the Artifacts Wing's History of the Center." Woah, really? They…had that put in there? I'm touched for a moment, then remember the last version of my 'exhibit' there—let's just say, seeing wanted posters for my team didn't make me feel all warm and fuzzy. Although I'm sure Delcatty's opted for a…friendlier account of things.
She continues, "I just wanted to alert everyone to be on the lookout for a selection of pokemon, and potentially one or two humans." Some unrest in the crowd. "Quiet please! Now," she continues, "there is no way to know whether Gwen's wife and son are actually here, and, if so, whether they have been transformed into pokemon or not. This will make finding them particularly challenging. I urge you to be on the lookout for any pokemon speaking of strange things—of other worlds, humans, lost memories, etc." She pauses, letting the crowd process her words "In addition, please be aware of any groups including the following pokemon," she proceeds to list everyone from my team, and suggests explorers interrogate any such pokemon about the issue, in case it happens to be one of them.
"That concludes my announcement, with that, I wish you all a good evening." She says, bowing before leading us off the stage. Seviper whispers as we leave, "do you really think they'll find them?" Her eyes are worried, searching mine. "I mean…we don't know if they're even here, but if they are, I think the Center will be our best chance." I offer a smile, hoping my words bring her more confidence than they do to me. I just can't bear it…thinking about my team—my family—scattered across this world again. And what if something did happen to Elliot or Stephanie? What if they've lost their memories? I mean, last time only I had, but I suppose it's possible. If they're all alone out there, lost and confused? What if—
Stop that. You're always letting your mind run away with scenarios, working yourself up with 1000 'what-ifs.' All I can do at this moment is make the best of the situation I'm in, even if it's not ideal. And right now…I'm feeling incredibly tired.
Delcatty is beside us again a moment later, "so, what would you like to do? Seviper? Do you need help back to your dorm?" "Actually, I was hoping to stay with Gwen here on out…" she says, looking at me for help. "Are our accommodations…not to your taste?" Delcatty replies, not quite getting the point. "I think…after everything, and not knowing about Stephanie or the others, we'd both probably feel better if we stayed together." I say, hoping I'm not putting words in her mouth. I'm sure she'd rather be with Stephanie, but right now I'm the only familiar thing here for her. Seviper nods and comes up next to me. "That's right! I…I don't have anyone here besides Gwen! So if it's alright…" Delcatty looks annoyed for the briefest of moments, then back to her smiling self, "not a problem! I can make space for you in my room." She says. I'm surprised—I actually didn't realize I was expected to stay in her room at all.
We slowly work our way back up the trees, Seviper getting more nervous the higher we go. "Oh dear, I'm terribly sorry about the height…if you're not comfortable here, there are of course other rooms," Delcatty says with just a little too much bite. Is…is she seriously antagonizing her in the middle of all this? I go up to her and whisper, not wanting to hurt Seviper's feelings. "Seviper is…a little sensitive. She's Stephanie's one and only pokemon, so she's uh…she's not used to this kind of…lifestyle." In all honestly, she's incredibly babied, but I don't want Delcatty to know that. Whenever there's a…disagreement between her and any of the others, she usually gets her way by turning on the tears. But she is a sweetheart nonetheless, and, above else, is probably terrified out of her mind.
"…is it possible for her and I to have a room somewhere…lower?" I probe. "Oh dear, she'll never do well as an explorer like that!" She replies, "besides, don't you want to bunk with me?" She says, eyes wide. "Of course! But I don't want to push her too hard…not in the middle of a crisis like this. Plus, I'm not sure if she's really into 'exploring,'" I laugh weakly. She studies me closely for a moment before sighing. "I'm sorry…of course, you're right. Seviper, dear?" She calls out, "if you would prefer, I can arrange somewhere for you and Gwen that's a little lower in the trees." "Oh, I'm really sorry Master Delcatty! I'm just…I'm not so good with heights…" she says, shaking slightly. "…of course," Delcatty replies. "Don't worry about it Gwen, we'll have plenty of time to catch up tomorrow." She smiles and starts leading us down. "Thank you so much, I'm really looking forward to it!"
We're brought to a lovely room that doesn't make Seviper's head spin. "I'll see you tomorrow Gwen, bright and early!" Delcatty beams. "Wouldn't miss it!" I grin back. Delcatty smiles once more, then leaves the way we came. My wonderful, precious friend…how I've missed her. I can't wait to talk to her more tomorrow, and hopefully get some updates on the others.
I turn to see Seviper curled up on a hay bed. "I'm sorry for messing with your plans Gwen…" she starts. "You could never! We're a family, and if you're not feeling alright somewhere, then we need to find somewhere you will. It's as simple as that," I say, trying to reassure her. "Don't worry, Delcatty is a good pokemon, and she understands how difficult this all is for us." "Thanks Gwen…night" she says, closing her eyes. I settle on my own bed and start drifting off, smiling, "goodnight."
—
Why did Gwen get paired up with her wife's lame partner of all of them? If it weren't for her, we'd be bunking together! I even had Ampharos and Cradily move for the night, just to give us some space.
Ugh…I've missed Gwen and the others so much, but ever since she got here…well I understand she's worried about them…but it's like it's all she can think about! What about reuniting with me after so long?
"It's a shame when friends disappoint friends, isn't it?" A familiar voice singsongs in my mind. I'm alone in my room, but I know who it must be. "What is it Hoopa? Don't you know what time it is?" I say with exacerbation. The small pokemon appears from a ring in the center of my room, grinning.
"Why did you separate them all? The others are here, right?" "They are, of course! A deal's a deal, after all," they giggle. "I just thought I'd have a little fun in the bringing them 'to this world.' If you wanted them all at the 'Exploration Center,' you should have perhaps been more precise with your wording, my friend." I glare at them. "Why such a nasty look between friends? I need to have a little fun in all this, to sweeten the deal you know." "You're already getting your end of the bargain whenever you ask, so I don't know why you have to make it difficult!"
"The only one making things difficult, my friend, is you." They say, touching my nose with a finger. I back away instinctively and shake my head. "Anyway, you are right—it is such a late hour! I'm not ready for my favor just yet, so for now, enjoy your sleep, goodnight dear friend!" They say before vanishing through another ring.
Goodnight and good riddance. It's ok though, it's understandable that Gwen's thoughts are a little preoccupied—tomorrow should be better. Tomorrow we'll get to start being a team again.