Chapter 53: Visitors From Sinnoh
Summary:
Zeryph is recalled to the past once again, for a pair of important visitors. Two people who caught wind about his team's connection to the Creation Trio, and Arceus. As well as being there for the Indigo League, in one case.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
I slowly woke up, feeling a hard nuzzle against the side of my face. I smiled softly, turning my head enough to share a kiss with Latias, then allowed my magic to flow. I felt my form shift, my body becoming heavier as my bones turned to steel. I blinked my eyes open, catching Latias smiling at me.
"Morning Zerrie." Latias broke the silence in the room. She moved, letting me sit up and stretch. "I woke up a few minutes before you did. Figured I'd just wait for you instead of going on down."
"Seems like you slept pretty well." I pulled myself out of bed before starting to stretch my legs. "I know I definitely did. Felt good to be back in my human form again, too."
"I'm sure it did." Latias floated up, stretching her arms, then used telekinesis to make the bed back up. "Oh…our attention was so focused on each other, you forgot the s'mores." She giggled softly. "It's my fault for distracting you."
"Ah, no worries. I'll get the others in here tonight, and we'll all make some." I channeled power into my right hand, then cast the portal spell. As it flared to life, Latias was the first through. I followed behind, the quiet atmosphere broken by the muffled roar of heavy rainfall. It sounded like it was much stronger than it was, yesterday morning.
"Hey, you two." Melanie's soft voice met my ears. "Goodness, someone's glowy, this morning."
"What? It was a great night." Latias blushed faintly, but her smile didn't break.
"Oh, honey, I know it was. I can tell, just looking at you." Melanie smiled softly. "Your whole day must've been great, 'cause neither of you popped up for supper."
"We went to Mauville for that, actually." I spoke up. "Had some fan encounters, as well. Became part of a few pictures, and there's something else." I pulled the customized ball I got for Latias from my inventory, and showed Melanie.
"So, it's official?" Melanie's smile widened. "That's great. So…anything else of note?"
"Actually, no. Outside of getting to talk with a boss from a completely different series. But, after last night, that's just a minor note." I saw Latias blush just a little deeper. "Anyway, what about you guys and gals, here?"
"We mostly sat around all day, really. Not much you can do when there's rain like this, and your team leader's off on a date." Melanie reached out, pulling me into a hug before sharing a quick kiss with me. "Solais seemed rather uncomfortable though, kept looking out to the east."
"Huh…lemme see." I pulled away, then brought my hands together just above my chest spike. Closing my eyes and bowing my head, I pushed my senses to the max. I heard a teleport, and felt Mewtwo's hands on my shoulders, and Melanie did the same. They used their own power to boost my senses. I knew what to look for, and it wasn't long until I found it. Fortunately, it seems like she's still asleep. Kyogre is, I mean, which is good for us.
"She's still asleep, at least for right now. That could change at any time, so we should be careful." I spoke up, breaking my focus on my senses. I heard the sound of Dialga's unique form of teleportation.
"Zeryph, once you and your team finish breakfast, you're needed in the past." He spoke up. "You have a pair of visitors, waiting for you at Professor Oak's lab. Very important visitors, might I add. I won't say who, you'll have to see for yourself."
"Thanks for the heads up." I said, while wondering who it's gonna be. Because of our performance in the tournament, my first guess is that one of the visitors is likely to be Lance. We'll just have to wait and see, of course. As the others began to get up, I noticed a weak glare being sent my way, from Latios. Latias told him about it yesterday, before we left. I think he's just concerned for his sister, is all.
He and I are gonna be having a talk later, for sure. I just hope things don't go poorly, because I'd rather not have to fight him for any reason. Still, it can wait for later on, once I'm back from seeing whoever it is that's looking for me.
Lexie and I started on breakfast, once she was up. Melanie decided to pitch in and help out, as well. Though she was also talking with Latias, pretty easy to guess what it was about. The sound of heavy rainfall continued, a steady bit of background noise to go along with what was really just another quiet morning. Honestly, it's nice to settle in one place for a while.
Breakfast didn't take too long with the extra hands to help out. Lexie and I did pepperoni omlettes, something we haven't made in a while. Melanie helped out by working on side stuff, allowing us to focus on the main part. Latias decided to help us, as well, setting up places for everyone to sit, as well as helping to serve it all.
Following breakfast, Dialga and I prepared to head to Pallet Town. Kaorah decided she was coming along with us, too. She didn't want to sit around all day, again. Honestly, can't blame her for wanting to get out for a bit. The heavy rain actually isn't really much of an issue that prevents training. The main reason we haven't been is just from taking a few days off.
The world shifted as Dialga's power flared, and in an instant, we went from our outpost, to Pallet Town. Kaorah winced at the sudden cold air, growling softly as she was reminded that it was still winter time. It wasn't as bad for her, after living up near Mt. Silver for a couple months, on top of the winter endurance training. At least it'll help her with being prepared for Sinnoh.
Dialga shifted form in a flash of azure light, a signal that I should do the same. A flash of green light signaled my own change in form, and I saw the smile Kaorah sent my way. I'd switched for a clean outfit this morning, before changing forms, I just didn't draw attention to it. My scarf still remained, of course, as I really don't have any reason to just leave it in the cabin.
[BGM Suggestion]
[Zame- Rowan's Lab (Remastered)]
As the door to Samuel's lab opened, as my eyes caught sight of the gray haired man talking with Samuel, my ears caught the beginning notes of a song that hits way harder for me than it should. The music for Rowan's Lab, although it might as well be his theme, in general. The first song you ever hear when starting a playthrough for Diamond, Pearl, or Platinum. Platinum being my first game…ever. It's what started my whole thing as a Pokemon fan. I didn't think I would be meeting Rowan so soon.
"And there he is now, right on time." Samuel drew attention towards Kaorah and I. The other Professor turned to face us. Unlike Samuel, he wasn't wearing a lab coat. Instead, a white dress shirt under a blue vest with a black tie. "Professor Rowan, this is the young man I was telling you about."
"I see. And Dialga as well, I presume." Rowan stepped forward, offering a handshake. I accepted, while letting a smile form on my face. "Mr. Ketchum, it's nice to meet you. I had heard of a trainer here in Kanto, who was very well connected with the Legends of Sinnoh."
"It's true, both Legend and Myth." I said. "Over the past several days, Dialga had us on mission. That's why my team and I seemed to disappear like we did." I saw Dialga nod, confirming what I said.
"Interesting. I have also read your own research reports on the unique one, Mewtwo. Very interesting, I must say." Rowan pulled his hand away. "Now then, I am not the only one here to meet you. The other should be returning shortly. She had gone out to walk around, not too long before you arrived. She should be back shortly." Just as Rowan was speaking, I heard the door to the lab slide open again. As I turned, I saw her, and for a moment my mind flashed to a certain house in Undella town. Just from the sheer surprise of this unexpected meeting.
A tall woman, with long blonde hair, gray eyes, and dressed in all black. A while back, I said Red was one of the strongest. But, in this case, it is the strongest, by far. The Lady in Black, Cynthia.
"When I saw the blue light, I figured it was time to return." Cynthia offered a handshake, much like Professor Rowan had. "I heard about you, even saw your performance, that day." I didn't know she was here for the Indigo League. "I'm not the only one, of course, but I may be the one who has the most interest in your career, Mr. Ketchum."
"This is rather sudden, don't you think?" I asked. "I wasn't expecting either of you to pay me a visit."
"We would've visited sooner, but Professor Rowan was busy at the time, and I had to return to Sinnoh for other reasons." Cynthia's Garchomp ducked under the door, behind her. "Young man, you might be one of the strongest trainers in recent history. If not the strongest. It's not often a rookie wins their first League without losing a single battle."
"Not to mention, making contact with our world's creators. And, not only that, but training with them, as well." Rowan spoke up. "Now, Samuel here, has stated that you're also capable of changing form. Is this true?"
"Yes, Professor." I stepped away from the group, channeling my magic before casting the spell I was looking for. My body changing into the Lucario form I had started to get adjusted to.
"Interesting. I didn't know such a thing was possible. I've also heard of your ability to understand Pokemon. As well as your team picking up on our language. If you wouldn't mind, I would like your assistance in that regard. But, that can wait for a later time." Rowan paused for a moment. "Now, onto the main reason I am here. I wanted to know if there was any way for you to establish contact between myself and the seven creators."
"That can be arranged." Dialga spoke up. "In fact, I shall let Father know about this. We will make contact properly, once you're back in Sinnoh."
"Excellent. Thank you, Dialga." Rowan then turned towards Cynthia. "And, now, for her reasons."
"Right. Zeryph, would you humor a request? I would like to see what you're capable of, in battle. This will be a three versus three. No reason to use my full strength here. I might've seen a little bit, during the League, but I would like to face off against you, for myself." Cynthia's visit was already unexpected, as it was. Her wanting to battle, though? That was even more of a surprise.
"Ah…sure." I wasn't going to turn it down, of course. Dialga disappeared for a moment, before returning with Mewtwo, and Melanie in case any of us got injured. "If you're fine with it, I would like to use my Lucario form for this."
"That's fine, just so long as you're careful. Wouldn't want you to get hurt." Cynthia started to head outside. While the rest of us followed behind. "I brought my Roselia along, as well as my own Lucario. The latter should prove an even match for your form, and my Garchomp will want to face yours." Cynthia's partner nodded. Samuel took the lead, showing us to a local field we could use.
Some of the people who were out and about, noticed what was about to happen, resulting in a small crowd quickly gathering. My Aunt and Mimey even turned up, with people allowing her through to be closer to the field. Kaorah and Mewtwo readied themselves for battle.
"What's our ruling on Megas, for this battle?" I asked.
"No Megas, this time. As I don't currently have anything capable of facing Mewtwo at full strength." I wasn't expecting Cynthia to outright admit that. But without her Spiritomb here, she's right. "Professor Rowan, would you kindly act as our referee for this battle?"
"Certainly." Rowan took his position, before beginning to call out the rules of this battle, then once he knew we were ready, he gave the signal to begin. Cynthia began by sending out her own Lucario. He stretched as he landed on the field, then his eyes lit up. At the same time, I dropped my weights and released my stage one seal. My Aura flaring to life just like it had before.
Cynthia's Lucario reacted with an expression of awe, before he began to focus. Forming a pair of bone tonfas for Bone Rush. While I formed the staff I was comfortable with. I closed my eyes, focusing on Aura Sight and my senses, rather than on what I could see normally.
"Open up with Earthquake." Cynthia's voice met my ears. I sensed the way her Lucario's Aura shifted, he brought his tonfas together, then struck the ground as hard as he could. I waited, leaping into the air just as the attack would've hit. I formed an Aura Sphere in my right hand, before whipping my arm forward and launching it. My opponent automatically responded with one of his own. It wasn't nearly as strong as mine, but was still enough to cause an explosion. Under the smokescreen, we clashed.
"How is your Aura so strong?" Lucario asked, genuinely curious about my strength.
"I'll tell you after battle, we need to focus." I caught a brief nod, before he continued on the attack. If not for the sounds of our constructs clashing, those on the outside would've lost track of our movements. I felt a shift in Lucario's power, before an invisible force shoved me back a short distance. The use of Psychic wasn't nearly as strong as what Mewtwo has, by any means. Still, it was enough to tell me to switch tactics. Changing to the counter strategy I've been working on for Mewtwo.
It still wasn't perfected, but part of it involved using my shadow abilities to anchor myself to the ground, and as a shield against it. So when Lucario got the call to use it again, my shadows rose in a hurry, catching the blast with ease. Lucario's momentary surprise didn't last long. His Aura shifted, and I had to dodge a Dragon Pulse. I found out through testing that Dragon-Type moves can cut through the shields. An interesting weakness, likely inherited from Giratina.
It would be reasonable to say that Ghost and Fairy type attacks are likely to be a threat, as well. Although the latter case is handled by Steel, somewhat. My opponent began to use Psychic in a defensive manner, using it to keep an eye on my shadows when I began to strike from odd angles with them. With Foresight, he was able to block them, though from the low grunts or the way he winced, the hits did still hurt.
Psychic had another effect on the battle, allowing him and Cynthia to use a weaker telekinetic bond than what Mewtwo had set our team up with. Still, this let Lucario take the offensive, for a short time. As I began to channel Aura into my arms, lighting them with green flame, that things shifted. Lucario was quickly on the backfoot, fighting to keep up as I began to move faster with each strike. Settling into the battle meditation that Mewtwo and I have previously practiced.
The use of battle meditation changed my style entirely. My attacks weren't focused on strength in this state, but precision. As well as being able to defend myself much more effectively. Unlike Mewtwo's, however, mine lacks the boost from being a Psychic Type. And even though it's not as effective as his, the benefits are still noticeable.
And it's showing here. As my opponent began to slow down, I was only getting stronger. My power flowing more as I prepared to unseal phase two. I held back, since using that much strength would be excessive. Even phase one is a bit more than necessary. Even with his experience, Lucario knew that he was losing. As he managed to gather enough strength to push me back, he collapsed into a kneel.
He was already winded, panting audibly. His Bone Rush fizzling out as he signaled that he needed to switch out. Cynthia made the call, allowing Lucario to switch with her Roserade.
"You're much stronger than I thought." Cynthia commented. "I was thinking that your inexperience with this form would hold you back, but it's clear that it doesn't."
"I have Mewtwo to thank for that." I let my staff fade away. "It took a lot of being planted in the mud to get to where I am, but I've still got a lot more room for improvement."
"That's the spirit. By the way, those symbols on your arm. Are they tied to your powers, somehow?" Cynthia asked.
"They are. They're a gift from Arceus, with the thought being that sealing my power into separate phases would make it easier to control." I didn't see any harm in explaining how it worked. "Phase One is enough for normal battles, maybe Phase Two if I need it. Anything higher, and we're getting into risky territory. Last thing I want is to cause an accidental injury, or worse."
I picked up on the signs of Roserade charging up a Dazzling Gleam, while Cynthia and I were talking. A quick burst of Aura to my legs was enough to leap to the side and narrowly avoid it. I then hopped backwards, making the hand signal for a switch. Mewtwo and I traded places, his blades flaring to life with a flick of his wrists as he began to slowly advance forward.
Roserade sent a Shadow Ball his way, frowning slightly when he deflected it. Mewtwo's blades fizzled out, in favor of channeling his power into an Aura Sphere, held in his right palm. He then spun, before throwing it. Roserade was quick to avoid the Aura Sphere, but found herself caught in Mewtwo's Psychcic grip. Before being pushed off the field. Hard enough that she couldn't stop herself from flying out, but not enough to stop her from recovering in the air and landing safely.
Mewtwo then had to teleport, narrowly avoiding a Dragon Rush as Cynthia's Garchomp took the field. Mewtwo and Kaorah traded places right away, and Kaorah immediately dropped her weights before engaging. Without her weights, Kaorah definitely had the speed advantage. While Cynthia's Garchomp had Sand Veil, Kaorah had Rough Skin. Meaning that her opponent's attacks were also helping her. Rough Skin doesn't come up much, simply because Kaorah doesn't really get hit enough to draw attention to it.
Cynthia's Garchomp also had one extra little surprise, Poison Jab, using it just enough to make sure Kaorah was poisoned. The first we've seen that happen. It meant the pair was gradually chipping away at the other, even if indirectly. Though Kaorah still had the advantage, it quickly began to change as poisoning started to slow her down. She and I made the decision to switch, and I had to deal with Earthquake as soon as I was on the field.
Cynthia's Garchomp, without having to worry about Rough Skin, got way more aggressive. And I had to fight hard to defend myself. Her attacks were quick, and hit very hard. Much harder than what I've faced in training, with Mewtwo, but not quite as hard as Rayquaza's attacks during that battle. Garchomp found a pattern in my defence that she could employ, allowing her to catch my staff with her claws before ripping it away. And in the same motion, her tail slammed into my chest. I felt the wind being knocked from my lungs, and the feeling of being thrown backwards out of the ring. Landing hard and tumbling, but the metal in my bones kept them from fracturing.
I formed another bone staff and began to push myself to my feet. Mewtwo took my place on the field, giving Cynthia's Garchomp another even fight. However, unlike with Kaorah, she wasn't able to rely on Poison Jab. Simply because Mewtwo's blades let him block it without risk of being poisoned. Mewtwo caught one of her arms on a particularly heavy swing, pushing it away but leaving one of his markers.
"I win." Mewtwo spoke, vanishing in a flash of light before catching the Garchomp by the tail. Her expression of surprise only lasted for a moment, before she found herself in the air. Mewtwo then teleported again, before blasting her into the ground with a Psystrike. Dazed, from hitting her head pretty hard, Garchomp slowly picked herself back up. She stumbled, letting out a low growl of pain. She switched with her Lucario teammate, just before Mewtwo would've hit her with an Aura Sphere.
Lucario quickly found himself on the defensive. It didn't help that Mewtwo had practice from fighting me. Even though our styles were very different, mine and the Lucario he was up against. It wasn't too long before Lucario had to call a yield, as there wasn't really anything he could do in this situation. Because she likely had a concussion, Cynthia wasn't able to send out her Garchomp again. As Rowan called an end to the battle, our spectators broke out into applause. I felt good, winning against Cynthia. Melanie began to give me a once over, after taking care of Kaorah's poisoning.
Although I'd won here, I reminded myself that Cynthia was not facing us at full strength. This wasn't just half her team, they weren't putting everything into this battle, either. If this battle was any indication, then…facing her for real is something we definitely have to look forward to. In fact, surpassing Cynthia is one of my long-term goals.
As soon as she was done with me, Melanie shifted focus to Cynthia's team, beginning to heal them as well. She started with Cynthia's Garchomp, whose injuries were the most serious. She confirmed what I had seen, stating that the Garchomp had gotten a concussion. Garchomp didn't seem upset about losing, though I guess the fact that this wasn't an official battle might be part of that.
"Mr. Ketchum, that was incredible." Cynthia said, stepping forward for a handshake. I accepted it, once I was back in my human form. With the battle over, the crowd had begun to disperse. My ability to change into a Lucario had gotten some surprised reactions, but with word getting around about what my team can do, people didn't seem as surprised as I thought they'd be.
"Yeah, that was really fun. I look forward to when we get to face you at full strength." I still felt sore from the hit I had taken, but it wasn't bad enough to bother me. The worst I'd have was going to be a light bruise, anyway. Since my other form was much more resilient.
"As do I. But I'll warn you, your strategy from this time, won't work the next time. We'll remember, and I'll be studying how you handle the challenges for Johto and Hoenn, too." Cynthia waited for Melanie to finish treating her team's injuries, before recalling them. Though, she allowed her Garchomp to stay out.
"We'll be ready, I'm sure of it." We have several months, if not a few years, to prepare for that battle. "I still have the ability to challenge the Elite Four and Lance, here in Kanto."
"That is true. I wonder when your team will get around to that. I would very much like to see it for myself." Cynthia smiled, softly. "Oh, and, you should be aware. Your power, as strong as it is, people around the world can likely sense it. You should practice making sure that it doesn't flare like that, again."
"That's actually one of the things on our list to work on." Although my Aura flaring doesn't reach the same level as Mewtwo going through Mega Evolution, it's a lot brighter. Those who are able to sense it could pick up on my presence from miles away. "Still, we'll let you know when we're preparing to head to Sinnoh."
Cynthia and I continued to talk for a little while longer. She asked about our weight training, expressing interest in possibly picking it up for her own team, in the future. Having seen how well it helped us, both during the League, and just now. Professor Rowan had to leave not long after the battle concluded. Though, before going, he personally recommended that I pay a visit to some people in Kalos. Professor Sycamore, as well as a couple trainers who had great understanding of Mega Evolution, themselves. It wasn't long before Cynthia had to leave, as well.
I decided to stay around for a little while longer, while Dialga took the others back. Even though it was cold out, it was still a nice day. Well, as nice as it can be, for winter. But warm air in winter usually means thunderstorms in the near future. At least they won't be anything like the hurricane we've been dealing with.
[Break]
A couple hours more, and I decided it was time that I headed back, myself. The quiet day being replaced with my team's outpost. The dimly lit main room, with the muffled roar of heavy rain. I know which trainers that Professor Rowan was referring to, as well. Both of which would be major help for my own training. And as I returned home, I was already making plans to head to Kalos early, in order to meet with each of them.
Gurkinn, especially, since he can really, really help with my Mega Evolution training. Mewtwo has been trying, when he can, but his works differently enough to my own that he was limited in what he could do. Gurkinn, however, has a Lucario of his own, who has fully mastered his Mega form. I might've mentioned visiting him before, but I don't remember for sure.
As for Sycamore, my only guess is that he'd like to have the Empowerment Seeds for his own research. After all, I was the one who made the reports on how Mega Evolution works for them, myself. Along with the discoveries of two entirely new forms. While I'm not sure of how the information has spread, I'm sure that the Professors around the world will want to see all the things I can find.
My thoughts were briefly interrupted by a familiar feeling. My senses spiking in response to something I had caught before. Rayquaza had passed on the word that some parts of the asteroid did make it down, but he wasn't sure if anything might've come along with it. From what I've been feeling, it's very likely that something did survive the blast, as well as atmospheric entry. It's powerful, and carries quite a bit of ill intent. But it lasts for such a short amount of time, that it makes me wonder if whoever it is…might be fading in and out. As if the crash had severely injured them.
Speaking of feelings, another thing had popped up recently, once more. Gardevoir, the one previously thought to be tied to Gengar. While saddened by the death of Gengar and his team, she ultimately understood that I wasn't in control of myself at the time. However, she was very happy that we stopped the asteroid, and saved the planet. My promise to free her from the curse still stands, and if I can make contact with Camilla again, we might be able to figure out how.
Of course, there's three others I can ask. It's thanks to them that the Gardevoir and I are able to maintain contact now, after all. I went to the room that Mewtwo and I set up for our meditation, then settled into the proper position for it. Then I sent out three small pulses, each tied to a different frequency. Small flashes lit up the room, and the sisters settled onto the floor in front of me.
"Hey Z." Azelf was the first to speak up.
"Hey ladies. Need your help with something." I began to prepare to shift into my mindscape. Catching on quickly, the sisters each placed the tip of one of their tails on my forehead. I pulled them along, shifting into the moonlit shoreline I had crafted my mindscape into.
"Whoa…pretty." Mesprit spoke up. "Nevermind that. Onto what you need us for."
"Right." I sent out another pulse of power, and felt her arrival. The translucent apparition appearing just over the water. Smiling softly as she settled down, the water rippling beneath her. "Ladies, meet Gardevoir."
"Another one? Isn't Melanie enough?" Uxie asked. When a blush formed on my face, the sisters shared a short laugh, which our guest joined in on. "I'm only kidding, of course. Wonder if you could handle a Lo-"
"Sister, focus." Azelf interrupted. I think Uxie was about to say Lopunny. I mean…I probably could, actually. But our team kinda does already have a rabbit.
"I didn't think you'd bring along the Lake Guardians to one of our meetings." Gardevoir spoke up. She moved onto the sand, then found herself a spot to sit down with us.
"Zeryph's asked us to see if we can help with the curse you're under." Mesprit said to her. "Hold still, let us look into it. We'll see if we can find anything." The sisters placed the tips of their tails against the Gardevoir's head, just like they did when I drew them in. They began to focus, and I felt their powers pulse. They were careful, as to not risk harm to me, by mistake.
"Hmm…OK, so, from what I can tell." Uxie began. "The curse effectively banished your physical form, trapping you in an immaterial state. While it has prevented you from aging, it also means that the only way to contact someone is through mental contact like this. Ninetales and their curses are known to be particularly spiteful. It's said that touching their tails causes it, but that is not necessarily true."
"One may touch their tails if they're allowed, and some are even able to do so freely without having to ask. Zeryph is one such example, should he meet any besides his mother or grandaughter. Still, for a Ninetales to place a curse, especially one like this, he or she would've had to be…greatly displeased. If not outright angry."
"Angry enough that they created the prophecy of the world being thrown off by their rebirth." I spoke up. "But that only came up because the human abandoned Gardevoir, here, rather than try to save her. As we know now, that wasn't necessarily true."
"Right. The death of the human from that legend, regardless of form, would not have stopped the prophecy. It was never about the world balance, anyway. Zeryph, I'm sure you have sensed it, and Rayquaza has been on high alert. Allow us to increase the strength of your senses for a moment." The sisters flared their powers along with Mesprit's words. "Feel for it, the hatred, the anger."
And as I reached out with my senses, I felt what Mesprit was speaking of. From the largest impact site, hatred unlike any I've felt before, but only for a moment. All of it, directed at Rayquaza, of all people.
"I see." I spoke up as my senses returned to normal. "So…that confirms I was, indeed, sensing something unusual, a few nights ago. A Deoxys, perhaps."
"Yes, but that discussion can wait. No, the so-called legend wasn't tied to him, either. We can't say why this is, because, as you know, spoilers." Azelf said. "Still, what we can tell you is, the legend does have its own origin point, but is not tied to Camilla. Or to your family at all, even."
"Right. Onto the curse itself, is there a way to reverse it?" I asked, reminding the sisters why we're talking, currently.
"Oh, yes, a simple matter, in fact. But it requires us to shift to the outside world, so that the three of us can teleport you to somewhere clear of the storm. Normally, the curses last for a full millenium. But if someone stronger is able to break it, then ending it early is simple." Uxie pulsed her power, returning us to the outside.
I then felt the sisters take hold, and the world blurred. Shifting to a quiet forest. One which seemed much more vibrant than most normally are. In the center of a large clearing, sat a sakura tree. And, tending to its needs, a tall, thinly built deer. She had black and blue fur, with large golden antlers. Gold markings accented her legs, and multicolored gems accented her large antlers.
"Children of Arceus, it's a pleasure." She spoke softly. "And, my oh my, do I see the Chosen with my own eyes? It has been a very long time, Mon Amour." Huh? 'My Love.' Wonder what she means by that. I've got a pretty good guess, of course.
"Xerneas, we need your assistance with something." Azelf spoke up.
"For this handsome young Lucario, perhaps?" Xerneas let out a soft laugh when my face lit up slightly. "I am only kidding. He looks much too healthy to need my aid. So, what is it, then?" She fell silent as the sisters shared our recent memories, before smiling softly. "I see. It will take time, Ninetales curses are tricky things. Even for myself, but I'll be able to handle it. Chosen, place your hand on my forehead." I reached out as Xerneas bowed her head, and used my powers to link Gardevoir with her.
"Perfect. I shall set to work immediately, then notify you of when I am finished." Xerneas lifted her head back up, looking down slightly as she was just a little bit taller than I was. "I cannot say how I already know you, of course." She blushed softly. "Or for that matter, how intimately. You must learn of this, yourself, during your normal timeline." It wasn't hard to catch what she was implying, either. "Now, go on home. I must focus, and your…presence, will make things difficult for me."
"C'mon Z, let's go." Azelf spoke up. The world blurred as we began to teleport, but I was just able to catch Xerneas mimicing the motions of blowing a kiss and smiling warmly. That's…definitely hinting at something that's going to happen. Maybe a clue as to how age stops becoming a problem for my team and myself.
"I hope her light teasing didn't bother you." Mesprit spoke up, once we landed. "The history you and her end up developing, it's…pretty rich, if that's the right word to use. Of course, we can't tell you why that is. You're safe to change when you meet her in Kalos, though."
"So, I could basically set it up just by going tomorrow, or something?" I asked. Not actually gonna do that, since I want to save my true first meeting.
"Well, if you want to…suuure. But, I mean, for now you should focus on training. Save your first meeting with Xerneas for later on." Azelf said. "Oh, and…we can say this. You only have a couple more days of hurricane weather before your team is safe to start working on disaster relief. You're not in the eye's path anymore. Rayquaza asked us to pass it on."
"Good to know. So, tomorrow, I should go see Gurkinn, then?" I got a nod from the sisters. "Right. And, when Xerneas sets Gardevoir free, ask her to let me know, please."
"We can do that, ourselves." Uxie said. "Now, we've gotta get going. Enjoy the rest of your day…if you really can do that on a rainy day, anyway." The sisters all disappeared in flashes of light that matched their normal colors. I then heard soft steps, and Mewtwo entered the room.
"What was that about?" He asked, softly. I reached out with my mind, feeling him connect, before sharing the last little bit with him. His expression shifted into a small smile. "I see. So, tomorrow is going to be another day of training, then?" Mewtwo's smile widened when I nodded. "Good. I'll join you for that. As for helping that Gardevoir, I'm glad you chose to do that. And, I'm happy that you found a way to help her, too."
"Yeah. Now though, we've still got quite a bit of time to do…anything today." I began to stand up, stretching my legs as I did.
"How about some s'mores? Latias got us all on board with that idea." Mewtwo reached out for one of my hands, smiling when I grabbed his.
"Sounds like a great idea. Let's go round up the others." As we left to gather them, my mind wandered back to what Xerneas called me. A hint to something that would be happening on our storyline, later on. I find myself wondering, about what Camilla said, the mystery departure. And if I would occasionally visit Xerneas despite it. I certainly hope so, because, from the way she spoke to me…Xerneas certainly seems like she and I hold a very close bond. Or, at least, we will, when I meet her in what's her own past.
[Xerneas]
Humming softly to herself, Xerneas began to walk back towards her own little home, not too far from the clearing with the lone cherry blossom. It was a special gift, one which her beloved had helped her plant. He had fed it magic in the past, so that its flowers would never fade. Similar to how her own powers could bestow eternal life. Just like with…
"I knew you couldn't stay away." She said softly, her ears twitching at the sound of faint steps. A pair of strong arms wrapping around her. She sighed softly, leaning against her beloved's side. She leaned down, into the feeling of a clawed hand gently scratching softly against her neck just beneath her head. Purring softly at his gentle touch.
"I had to wait a little longer, just to not cause a paradox. Being this close was already risky enough as it was. But, we both know that it was right on time." Red claws pulled away from her as he spoke. "How long do you think it'll be before he discovers this form, hm?"
"It took you a few months to find out, so I think the same will hold true if things continue to go exactly as they did." Xerneas turned, nuzzling the Zoroark softly. "Just like you and the other ladies said, this form fits you just like your other two. And it's ironic, given what your first boss was."
"Second boss, but yes. I still chuckle, thinking about it. How our first ever boss fights hinted at what forms I would get later on." The Zoroark smiled warmly. "Now then, shall I start on our meal for tonight?"
"Oh, that would be lovely." Xerneas smiled. "It is always a treat. You and madame Lexie have always been amazing at it. Though I wish that miss Melanie could've joined us, tonight." Things always got real fun when Melanie was involved, after all.
"Heh, yeah, even the later kids didn't slow her down any. If anything, that bit with her heat when we had the first one, actually helped her with it. Having to be sidelined while she carried meant she could focus her talents elsewhere. And, she sure did." The Zoroark began to head for what Xerneas had set up as a kitchen area. "I wish I could stay for longer than just a night, but you know how it is…being so busy. Speaking of, that's the main reason why Melanie couldn't join us, tonight."
"I understand. But at the very least, you always make it up to me in the best way possible." Xerneas let out a soft giggle when her beloved began to blush softly. She went to find a spot to settle down, while her beloved started on their meal. "You know, I often forget what you used to look like. Seeing your past self today, was a nice reminder."
"Well, what can I say? I'm definitely unique." The Zoroark shot her a wink. "He just doesn't have the scars that I've got. Or any of the other stuff, not yet anyway. But he'll certainly have the experience in one area, by now." He smiled, chuckling as it became Xerneas's turn to blush lightly. "Now, you just relax and wait, let me focus on food. And we'll see to each other's needs once we finish up."
Xerneas smiled and nodded. It seems like her beloved's past self is indeed on the right path. Thinking back to their first proper meeting. She wondered how many more Zeryph had left to…bond with, by now. There were a few, between Latias and herself, that much she did know for sure. Shifting her focus from her thoughts, she began to watch her beloved go through the motions of preparing their dinner.
Notes:
The first meeting with Rowan and Cynthia are out of the way, along with a small battle against the latter, too. The battle they had now, I'll already say, is gonna be nothing like their official match, later on. I want to take the battle against Red, as well as pretty much any battle between that and the champion match with Cynthia, and blow them all away. My battle scenes should be refined nicely by then, of course.
Also, Xerneas has appeared, and she already has a little nickname for Zeryph, too. And that little bit at the end there with Future Zeryph, present and future aren't ever going to interact, for any reason. It's really just to show that despite him and his team mysteriously leaving, Zeryph still visits Xerneas whenever he has time. This chapter is just the closest they can get without causing a paradox. It also reveals what Zeryph's second Pokemon form is.
Fun fact, it wasn't intentional that Zeryph's Pokemon forms lined up with the team's first ever dungeon bosses, but I thought it was kinda funny that it did. As for how Zeryph gets that new form, I won't be revealing that for a while longer.
