Pokemon Virus Version Chapter 132: A Rose in the Grassy Plains
Author's Note
And so, the next arc begins. That will be all.
Flashback-A Beautiful Beginning To A Wonderful Life
This was a day in which the world of the entire organization stopped, in the name of a Princess.
In a cathedral, they were. And in the center of the sanctuary, lied a patch of verdant grass and vivid flowers. These plants represented life-life that would stand even through the most empty of times-as empty as the sanctuary was every day until today…
Who would have such hope for life? For humanity and pokemon?
…She could be found at the altar at every hour of every day, very little to accompany her. Her beauty was unmatched. Lord Arceus himself blessed her with long, blonde hair with a glow as elegant as the morning sun. Her eyes were as vivid blue as the untouched ocean that lies at the edge of the world, and she was gifted with the face of an angel. Her choice of clothing was simple: A white maiden dress.
She was the perfect woman, admired by all who were fortunate enough to ever lay eyes on her. And while she lacked in the 'emotions' category, her compassion was genuine and contagious.
What was her name?
Flora. Flora was her name.
On the face of Flora, was a soft smile as warm as dawn. This was the first time any member of the organization has seen Flora smile, so what was the occasion?
In her arms, she cradled something.
"…" It was a child. And it was sleeping.
Flora slowly walked onto the verdant patch of vivid flowers that she cared very much for. Everybody watched and waiting, on this morning.
As if on cue, through the glass serving as this cathedral's ceiling, a heavenly light began beaming down on the cradled girl, as the clouds dispersed.
The life created by Flora, cradled in her arms could be identified by the many members of the organization now.
It was a young girl! She was a spitting image of Flora. Her hair was a very rich blonde, and when she opened her deep blue eyes, they glistened in the face of the heavenly light reaching her from the sky.
This, was a momentous day for the organization. Those within the organization, whom Flora considered her dearly beloveds, were singled out, looked on from various points of the altar.
"…" Atticus, Flora's husband and Leader of the organization.
"…" Zero, the first life Flora has blessed this world with.
"…" Lilligant & Roselia, lifelong friends of Flora.
"…" Commander 15 Bastion, a man who is close to Flora through 'association with friends'.
"…" Volbeat & Illumise, occasional visitors whose light heartedness contributes to Flora's hope for life.
"…" Gallade, who is in the same party as Volbeat and Illumise, belonging to…
"…" Commander 06 Beatrice, Flora's closest friend in the organization…The woman who was to be the Godmother of Flora's child.
Amazing how much a woman could change. From an aimless delinquent of a Team Rocket Grunt, to the Godmother of a Princess. Beatrice, looking at the young child who was destined to become the organization's 26th Commander, was proud of herself and how far she'd come.
The young girl was going to be surrounded by quite the cast of characters in her life. Flora and Beatrice were going to be her Mother and Godmother respectively. While Commander 15 Bastion would be the distant relative who would always be close to 26 in spirit. Zero was the older brother whom she would look up to. Meanwhile Lilligant & Roselia would constantly bicker with Volbeat & Illumise over who gets to keep the child company, Gallade being the mediator.
Yes. Life was good for her. But as all children do, she eventually left the nest. Even then, she has those from her past on her side.
Flora. Zero. Bastion…and Beatrice…
End Flashback…
Location: Cathedral
Beatrice's POV
"I've been to see her…"
The aesthetic of the cathedral was much different than it was five years ago. It was run down on the outside, but kept pristine by Flora and her friends on the inside.
Flora stood in the patch of verdant grass and vivid flowers, which were in bloom.
"Lil?"
"Selia?"
Lilligant and Roselia accompanied Flora in the sanctuary, as always. And upon hearing my voice, they perked up.
"Lil."
"Selia."
The two pokemon greeted me.
"Vol."
"Illumise."
I was accompanied by Volbeat and Illumise. In general, Volbeat & Illumise have never really gotten along with Lilligant and Roselia. But every time someone would come to Flora with tales about her daughter, the conflict would dissipate. Our worlds all stopped, just to listen to how she's doing.
I was talking to Flora right now, as Volbeat and Illumise hovered around.
Flora gave a warm smile upon hearing that I crossed paths with her.
"Yes," Flora replied, "It wasn't too long ago Zero said the same thing. He told me that he was going on a quest-a quest to reunite us with her and her brother."
Yes, her other brother- the one whose father wasn't Atticus. I've heard tales about him. From Zero to the other Commanders, it is said that he inherits his lack of emotion from Flora. I've heard that upon discovering that him and her were siblings, they decided to journey together. Me, Volbeat and Illumise have never met him. However, I hear he's on a journey to satisfy his thirst for vengeance. Him and I crossing paths is an inevitability.
"How is she?"
"Lil?"
Returning my thoughts to my Goddaughter, was another person who's close to her.
His hair was slicked back, and went down to the upper part of his neck. He had masculine features, from being tall to having muscle. He wore a navy jacket with shoulder pads. His pants were light black, while his boots were shades darker. Despite his masculine appearance, he had a calm demeanor. Probably from watching over her back in the day.
His name was Bastion. He was the organization's Commander 15, and you could say that he was her Godfather.
I looked to Bastion, "She travels with the Pokemon Ranger and Missingno."
"The virus?" Bastion questioned calmly.
I nodded, before replying, "I encountered them in Mahogany Town. It was there that the Pokemon Ranger and I fought. I defeated her with a single swing of my sword…"
"And my daughter?" Flora asked.
I closed my eyes as I answered, "I laid not one finger on her. And allowed her and the Pokemon Ranger to retreat. However…" I opened my eyes, and I could not help but reveal to Flora and Bastion the soft sadness in my eyes, "I told her that I would show no mercy when we next met."
I am a Commander capable of defeating over one hundred enemies with the single swing of my sword. But when all is said and done, how could I harm my Goddaughter? I told her that I wouldn't show mercy when we next met, but was the threat made with uncertainty? I wished, more than anything, to meet her again. However, the threat I made has me wishing that our paths doesn't cross. Even if our paths DO cross, will I be bound by obligated duty to fight her directly?
…
…
…
Maybe I don't have to fight her. Her Mother wishes to see her, and I'm certain she wishes for the same thing…Perhaps there is a way to return her to our side…?
I…I'm going to get her back, but not without help.
"Bastion." I abruptly addressed Commander 15.
"Lil?"
"Selia?"
"Vol?"
"Mise?"
The pokemon all eyed me questioningly.
Bastion answered my call, "Yes?" He retained his calm demeanor.
"We are going on a mission-a mission to return her home, to her family." I told this to Bastion in a tone that assured he had no say in the matter. As his senior Commander, he was to do as I say. Even without the authority, I'm sure he'd agree with my proposition.
"Ah!" Lilligant, Roselia, Volbeat and Illumise all lit up as I gave the order.
Flora's facial expression could not be deciphered by me.
Bastion gave a chuckle, and replied with quiet enthusiasm. "How I've looked forward to this day."
Volbeat and Illumise chirped. We've been together long enough for me to decipher what they say.
"We will. journey to find her!" Volbeat cheered.
"Journey to find her, we will!" Illumise echoed.
Bastion needed no reminder of the company she had. The Pokemon Ranger, her brother, and the threat of Zero were all within his knowledge. Nevertheless, he was as passionate as the rest of us to bring her home.
"Will you have issue will proceeding to their presumed whereabouts before me?" I asked, "We must gauge the strength of her and her company."
The real reason why I decided to send Bastion first was because I didn't want to face her myself. Not yet. Give it a little time. Bastion's presence will refresh her memory. Hopefully, she'll willingly return to us.
Let us begin this mission. Not as Commanders, but as family…For her…
….
Location:…
The sky was beautiful on this day. I found myself getting lost by the thought of the endless expanse of said sky. Our journey of late has been rather uneventful. The Aomori Mountains marked the beginning of a very long stretch until the next town. The lack of events allowed for my mind to wander throughout the days. Eventually, I began to reminisce about days past…I wonder about how well they are these days.
…
…
…
"Rose."
Rose's POV
I was touched on the arm by a dearly beloved of mine.
"Hm?" I was addressed by my darling partner, Banette.
As soon as I faced Banette, I was touched on my shoulders as well.
"Is there anything wrong?" Chapel was on my right. "Piplup!" Piplup was standing on her shoulder.
"You're spacing out a lot lately!" While Yumi was on my left. She was as jovial as ever.
"Well…" I attempted to find the correct wording for my reply to the girls, but was promptly interrupted.
"Is it the Egg?" Yumi was full of energy, even during the uneventful.
It was not too long ago, Chapel and I received Pokemon Eggs for aiding in the defeat of a Mafia in Mahogany Town. Chapel kept her Egg in her backpack, while I held mine in my arms. I looked to my white Egg with the red flower decorating it. A valiant guess, but incorrect, Yumi.
"My mind is simply wandering from thought to thought." I replied, "I lost myself within the sky."
In the past, Yumi has often called my dialect weird. This time, she simply shrugged her shoulders.
"Haha." The dynamic between Yumi and I caused for Chapel to let out a small chuckle. Chapel once again made contact with my shoulder as she said to me, "Let's go."
"If we continue walking, we'll reach a town or checkpoint sooner or later." Banette remarked.
As they continued walking, Chapel countered Banette's statement, "It'll probably be later-much later." As a Pokemon Ranger, Chapel expressed that she was very knowledgeable about this part of Johto. "This part of the region has remained relatively untouched by humans."
"Why is that?" Banette asked.
"Just take a look around us." Chapel replied, "There's nothing out here. Ever since Dark Cave essentially connected Cherrygrove and Blackthorn, humans have had no reason to traverse this route."
Nothing out here…Chapel was correct in that regard. After passing the Aomori Mountains, the land eventually levelled out. For days, we've been crossing these seemingly endless plains of green.
"Remember, we're on our way to the northern edge of Johto. Once we reach the coast, we'll follow the coastline to 'The Bridge That Leads Nowhere'." Chapel explained.
"It's located in Troia Town." Yumi added.
"Troia Town is our checkpoint. Once we make it to Troia Town, we know that Blackthorn City won't be too far away." Chapel finished.
Even so, the distance between us and Troia Town was…unpleasant.
Tired of walking, I allowed myself to float in the air using my virus power. My vivid blonde hair and black maiden dress brushed gently against the breeze. There was not a thing for me to lose by using my power if no human could see it.
Yumi giggled upon seeing my start floating, "I suppose the baby's just tired."
I sighed. "Honestly. I am only five years old, yet you act more childish than I, Yumi."
I teased Yumi by intentionally sounding off like a spoiled Victorian Era princess, which in turn, caused merriment. Yumi, Chapel, Banette, Piplup and I all shared a collective laugh. It was moments like theses where we could forget about the state the world was in. All the conflict, and the threat of the organization ending the familiar way of life we all know…it is all in the back of our minds. Smiles decorated all of our faces. Well…almost everybody.
"Haha, Seth!" Yumi called out to Brother, who was walking ahead of the rest of us.
"Chi?" Chikorita turned to face us with a greeting, but not Brother.
He was the only person not smiling…He never smiles. Every time we share a moment of glee, his head is turned, hands in the pockets of his jacket.
"Seth, you wanna come walk with us?" Yumi asked.
Brother did not answer. He remained quiet, as his head faced forward.
"…" My smile disappeared.
"His attitude is frustrating…" Chapel expressed. It was in Mahogany Town that she declared herself a rival of Brother, and all for the good of his character. Chapel is oftentimes angered by Brother-by his attitude, his past deeds, and his reluctance to show emotion. Even when all of this is said and done, Brother has shown signs of development, which has not gone unnoticed by Chapel. "But he's not a bad person. He just needs time."
"Like with me!" Yumi was used to the silent pessimism of Brother. It was different for her though, because Brother views her like he views no other. He has developed to the point where he HAS said that he cares for Yumi. It was like Chapel said, Brother just needs time.
…But how much time is too much time? How long has it been since we forged our connection? And how little has that connection developed? What does Yumi have that I lack? What is preventing Brother and I from sharing the familial bond I shared with Zero and Mother Flora?
Flashback…
Location: Ecruteak City
The name of Ecruteak City was in the midst of being lost by the hands of Neo Snagem. It was Brother, Chikorita and I, standing against 20.
Brother and 20 were preparing to do battle.
"Justice is merely left to chance." The tone of Brother was as indifferent as it typically was. He grabbed a single Pokeball, "Times have changed. The hero no longer wins every battle." The exposition coming from him…
I sharply looked Brother in the eye. His right eye was turning that purple color, as his voice slipped to that of an ominous whisper.
He starting emitting that dark aura, "Thanks to the newest addition to my party, you'll be begging for mercy as you let down your 'adoring fans'." He threw his Pokeball, releasing a blood thirsty Shadow Seviper. "But of course, I've found that I can only control Shadow Seviper if I do this-"
"Brother, are you…?" I recognized the darkness his right eye was becoming, and got in his face. "Brother, please no! Those powers only create trouble!"
I was early, but at the same time, I was too late. I could see it in his eyes: The voice of his sister no longer reaching him.
I was now looking at Fear…But why? Why would he use that power? That power…I despised that power. I felt I needed to do SOMETHING, to keep Brother from going through with Fear.
"Brother? Brother!" Floating in the air using my virus power, I grabbed Brother by the collar of his jacket, and began shaking him.
"…Pest."
"!" Brother was not listening to me…And as his dark aura grew stronger-
"Agh?!" Me, being violently touched by him…I had not enough time to take in this, this…this absurdity. I was thrown to the ground. It was as if the entire world halted-MY entire world. "You…" My gaze was on the ground before slowly turning to Brother and uttering, "You hit me…"
"What of it?" Fear questioned coldly, "You stand in the way of me defeating the organization."
My eyes began to water, "You struck you sister, and you do not even care?!"
He looked away from me, and placed his attention on the Commander opposing him, "I will do whatever it takes to satisfy my thirst for vengeance."
The tears were trying to creep out of my eyes, even with my resistance. I continued to resist crying…But how could I? Brother…No this was no longer the Brother I have come to know and love. Is he…? Is he no better than Father Atticus when HE struck me?!
I sniffled, "…" And that was it. My emotions could no longer be held back, as I could see Fear spotting the single tear on my face. "I hate you…" I felt like a stranger, in the raging streets of this foreign city…And now, I felt like a stranger in the presence of those I consider 'dearly beloved'. I…I could not bare the sight of the monster that was now Brother…
That was the day our relationship changed. I ran from Brother, with no place to go. It was just like when I left the organization…But, unlike the organization, I still 'live' with Brother. Has our relationship ever truly recovered…?
Maybe?
…..
At Lake of Rage, On That Sunset…
It was a long day, in which we all partook in the saving of Mahogany Town from what little was left of Team Rocket. It was thanks to cooperation between Brother and I, that everyone was able to get their pokemon back, including Chikorita.
"Brother?" It had been some time since I last addressed Brother.
"What do you need?" He asked.
"So, how did we do back there?" I answered, "You know, 'us'?"
Yumi and her friends all stopped their rambling, genuinely curious as to what Brother had to say.
"The last time we spoke before today, you said that you hated me," he started, "And there was little or no need for you to be involved in this plot at all..."
I drooped.
"…But at the end of the day, I could not have done it without you."
I sprouted like a sunflower. Those words, coming from Brother…? I sat there, and it was at that moment that I felt so warm inside-as warm as how I often felt when I lived with Mother. From striking me, to showing a sign that our connection is deepening…My eyes began to water with tears of joy, glistening in the sunset.
Brother…
End Flashback…
Brother is just 'Brother', so to speak. But the way things are now…it is not enough anymore. Do you not recognize who I am as a person? Do you not see how emotionally fragile I have always been? I love you. I love you very much. But when you are cold, it is the end of the world to me-the end of MY world… Something has to change, in order for us to call each other 'Dearly Beloveds'.
"Rose?"
"Huh?" Oh my, I found myself being snapped out of deep thought, once more.
Banette looked into my face with worry.
"You spaced out again," the ghost said.
"Yes. YOU DID!" Yumi was a passionate lady with very strong traits when it came to 'affection' and 'touching'. However, THIS was going too far…
My eyes went wide when I felt Yumi touching me, picking me up and holding me eye-level, like some sort of doll.
"Do I have to shake you back to reality?!" I could tell, the hyperactive Yumi was enjoying this.
"Hmhm…" Chapel covered her mouth with her hands. It was obvious she was trying not to laugh, but after a second, she could not resist, "HAHAHAHAHAH!"
"Chi…" From upon the shoulder of Brother ahead, Chikorita giggled to herself.
"Rose, she's holding you like a doll!" Chapel continued laughing.
"Like me?" Banette was amused as well. She was referring to herself when in her Mime Jr-doll-form.
"No." the reply of Yumi was rather blunt, "She looks like a Rozen Maiden doll."
"Rozen Maiden?" Banette questioned. "She's 'Rose The Maiden'!"
"Let's see…You have Shinku's hair and attitude, while wearing the dress of Suigintou…"
Chapel held her laughter for just long enough to ask, "How are you able to pinpoint Rose's character like that?"
"I'm in the Author's thoughts just as much as his 'Author Notes' left at the end of each chapter. I simply wandered into another part of WeS RoYaL's mind, and discovered that Rose IS in fact HIS Rozen Maiden. Don't tell him I've been instigating though."
"It is too late for that." I am positive that the writer is among YOU people, readers.
My eyes were no longer widened as I gave Yumi an order, "Unhand me, at once." I was still holding my Egg, and was rather bemused by the antics of Yumi.
"See? Shinku's attitude!" My order seemed to only excite Yumi further.
"I mean it," I said.
"You know what, I think it's time for us to break the monotony." As Yumi said this, she obeyed my order, putting me down as she raced up to Brother. "Hey!"
"…"
"The monotony even has YOU bored!" Yumi stepped in front of Brother, which caused for him to stop. "Let's set up camp for today. We could use some time off."
"We need to get to the next town." Brother provided the most logical argument, but was quickly shot down by Yumi.
"Even if we DON'T rest, it'll still be a long time before we reach the next town." Yumi motion for Brother to face us, and as she did, she explained, "Rose, Banette, Chapel and Piplup…we could all use some time to rest or connect. You never know when we'll have an opportunity like this again, with the threat of Neo Snagem always lurking."
Brother was not convinced…But the way he looked at Chapel and I, and then into the pleading eyes of Yumi, his determination to continue began to waver.
He sighed, before lowering himself to sit on the grassy ground.
"Haha!" Chapel and I both smiled. Apparently, Brother was on board with the idea.
"Chico!" Chikorita excitedly hopped of the shoulder of Brother, and proceeded to lay in his lap. "Chiiiii…" She was as cute as happy Clefairy plush, the way she stretched and cuddled with him.
"Alright girls," Chapel took a few steps forward as she began to delegate orders, "Let's set up the tent house before we enjoy ourselves."
"Aw! Why now?!" Yumi drooped her shoulders as she lazily asked this question.
"So sue me." Chapel remarked, "If we do it now, we won't have to worry about it later."
Haha. No matter how small the mission, Chapel was motivated to see it complete. Perhaps too motivated. Yumi and I, despite our occasional protests, did not mind this attitude.
With a smile on her face, the unofficial leader of our group walked over to Brother, and gave him a light knock on the shoulder, "Come on, you and Chikorita are helping too."
Despite being rivals, they were still companions at the end of the day. Brother silently looked to the hand Chapel held out before him. His deep blue eyes looked into the maroon eyes of Chapel, and after a moment, he accepted.
…..
Setting up the tent house was really a time for us to bond through cooperation; At least, that is how I saw the process. Chapel, the seasoned Pokemon Ranger would tell me improvements needing to be made whenever I grounded the strings. Banette was just as new to this as I was. Brother and Chikorita worked together to have the tent house standing properly, while Yumi was in charge of food, whether it be it using ingredients we already had or finding berries in the wild. With a lack of trees in these grassy plains, it was the former with Yumi.
This tent house was recently acquired by Brother of all people. He said he was well aware of the long stretch until the next town. It was weird, him saying that he cared about his pokemon living in comfort, ever since the incident where Mawile fell into the dry ice.
Anyway, this tent house was decent sized enough to where it felt 'homey'. Our sleeping bags were all set inside, as was the food to be eaten later. Chapel, and Yumi felt in adequate to release all their pokemon. Brother was not obligated, but had no further say in the matter when Yumi actually grabbed his Pokeballs and released his pokemon. Brother was annoyed, but Yumi gave him a hug…while giving Chapel and I a knowing look.
Servine maintained the defiant streak obtained when evolving from Snivy, and chose to sit alone outside the tent, much to the dismay of Yumi.
On the contrary, Chandelure remained inside the tent. Convenient, considering the pokemon is a fine source of warm light.
Murkrow flew alone in the sky, accompanied by Skarmory and Gligar.
Piplup and Glacen complimented each other very much. Glaceon was as skilled at Ice Beam as Piplup was, and she happily accommodated the desire of Piplup to perform some decent figure skating. Chime the Chimecho peacefully watched on.
Braixen was an energetic one, hoping to get in the head of Umbreon using the tricks of a prankster witch. Umbreon was not amused, and decided it was time for a nap.
Elekid, Gabite, and Ursaring were sparring with each other, proving to be formidable opponents.
Chikorita, as usual, decided to stay close with Yumi, Chapel and I. Our time together was filled with laughter and merriment. We would make fun of past experiences on our journey, such as Brother walking in on a Yumi in her underwear, or Chapel and Piplup flirtatiously toying with the emotions of a Dustin with a male superiority complex.
"Hahahahah!" Laughter was contagious in the tent.
"I swear, getting Chikorita into her Pokeball was a waste of effort. There was NO way she was going in there." Yumi was rambling about the first day of her journey-the day she met Brother, "I almost felt sorry for Seth. He acts all cold and tough, and here Chikorita comes, cuddling with him. Way to ruin his mojo!"
"Chi!" Chikorita could only laugh and accept this fact.
I will admit, I was amused by this story. From what I heard, Brother originally desired a Cyndaquil on his journey, Ironic, the way things have turned out.
Yes, Chikorita fits right in…
…But what of the newest addition to our party?
…..
Seth's POV
With Chikorita with the girls and the pokemon outside the tent, that left me at the corner of the tent. Mawile, whenever out of her Pokeball, was always eager to remain close by. There, where I sat, she leaned against me. A smile was on her face as she closed her eyes, ready to nap.
"Wile." Just her and I…
"The outside world is amazing, isn't it?"
Just as this echo of a voice sounded off, Mawile opened her eyes. It appeared as though her nap would have to wait.
Floating in front of me, was the newest addition to the team. She…was different from my other pokemon-whether or not they were a Shadow Pokemon. She was different in that she could communicate with me through human dialect. I was bewildered by this when I first released her from her Pokeball. I was questioned by Yumi and the others, but they said they couldn't understand what she was saying. Perhaps I was the only one she could communicate with, but how?
"The verdant plains…it's been so long since I've last traversed them." Froslass…She, like Mawile, was content being with me.
Not only was Froslass different due to communication with me, she was also able to use her illusionary powers to alter her form in the eyes of others. Right now, she was the very Yukiko girl I met in Meiji City in my dream. She had long, pitch black hair contrasting with those ice cold eyes. Yukiko wore a white, short skirted furisode with a red obi. The sleeves of the furisode were long enough to hide her hands and arms entirely. She also wore black pantyhose. She had the look of Yumi, and the color scheme of a Froslass.
"Froslass, do you intend to stay in that form while we travel the outside world?" I asked.
I'll say, we've had a lot of 'unique' characters joining the group recently.
"Please, call me Yukiko. It is my nickname." The illusionary girl remarked. She then sat down next to Mawile and I, before facing Yumi and the others. What she said was a legitimate justification for her continuing to use her illusionary power, "The Banette that Rose carries, it walks and talks like a human. Is there reason for me not to do the same? Remember, I was human, once upon a time."
I closed my eyes, as I had no argument. But then I digressed to another subject, "Sooner or later, this journey will take us through Meiji City."
The city of Meiji lied south of Blackthorn City. It's been many decades-possibly centuries, since Yukiko left her home. Things have changed since the Edo Period. It will be the site of Yumi's next Contest. And rumor has it, a Pokemon Gym was recently established there. There's so much lore to Meiji City for us to venture into…
"Please, let us enjoy where we are today," Yukiko said, "When we near Meiji, we'll talk about it more. Let's keep our sights of Troia Town and Blackthorn City, for now."
I could only sigh at the words of Froslass. Silence had found its way and settled between Froslass, Mawile and I. From then on, I kept my eyes closed, as the three of us dozed off…
…
Outside…
POV: There is no POV
It was a long and rather uneventful day for Seth, Rose and company…And also, for those who travel.
Leaving behind their Lady and party, they flew in the clear sky. There was no breeze, and they could hear each other clearly. Innamorati masks donned on their faces, they would stick out like a sore thumb if they were in the big city.
"Lord Bastion."
"Lady Beatrice."
They spoke in their familiar unison.
"Do they maintain their pace behind us?" This question escaped both their mouths: Volbeat and Illumise.
"It does not matter!" Volbeat, as he often did, had a mischievous smile on his face.
"Matter, it does not!" Illumise echoed in agreement, as she also had a smile on her face.
Both fireflies became blissfully giddy, realizing that they were now closing in on their target.
"We get to visit 26 again!" They cheered in unison.
"Hahahaha!"
"Hahahaha!"
Ugh, these fireflies were as obnoxious as always. Even when away from the world that was their stage, they kept up their annoying, Innamorati act. It was as if the whole world was watching. Oh wait, NOBODY was watching them!
"Hahahaha!"
"Hahahaha!"
That didn't stop the duo from clapping and laughing awfully loud, disturbing the peace in the sky above the plains.
"HAHAHAH!"
"HAHAHAH!"
"HAHAHAH-Oh wait!" Volbeat stopped clapping, and as he did Illumise chirped what the issue was.
"26 hates us, remember?" Illumise asked.
"I know. Isn't it wonderful!"
"It is wonderful, I know!" They resumed clapping once more!
"YAAAAAAYYYY!"
These two were blissfully unaware of how stupid they were…or were they? Haha, they were as ignorant as spoiled children. They continued their cheering, until they spotted something in the distance.
"A tent, that is?" Illumise asked.
"That is, a tent?" Volbeat echoed.
…
"That HAS to be 26!" They both sung.
"Nobody travels this part of the land anymore!" Volbeat exclaimed.
"Nobody, except for 26…" She was the only one who would…
They began making haste toward the tent in the distance. There was a hint of finality on the face of Volbeat as he said to his Innamorati sister, "Let's greet Commander 26."
To Be Continued…