Prema dragged herself along the trail behind the Kannagi Shrine. The heir to the shrine supposed it really was her spot in a manner of speaking. No one except herself made use of it. She often came by to clear her mind while getting some fresh air and quiet. The dilemma before her had been preoccupying her thoughts, thus going here seemed of sound mind.
Shu was merrily floating alongside her, chirping a tune and occasionally twirling. It was his way of trying to cheer her up. The sentiment helped if nothing else. Prema occasionally opened her mouth to say something to her friend, yet thought better of it each time.
They eventually arrived at the clearing. Prema wandered over to the log off to the side and sat upon it. Shu was beside her the whole time. She idly rested one hand on his beak while the other flowed into her robe to retrieve another Poke Ball. She gave it a long, thoughtful look before opening it.
A majestic insect Pokemon emerged. She had six orange wings that glowed with the radiance of the sun, and two equally warm blue compounded eyes. Smoky white fuzz covered her thorax. Part of her abdomen was black as coal, but the rest was a pale blue.
The antennae on the side of the Volcarona's head twitched, and she clacked out a greeting. Shu replied in kind, waving a wing.
"Hello, Taiyoko," Prema said while leaning forward. "I wish to speak with you."
Her most powerful partner patiently hovered before her without so much as a formal acknowledgment. Shu glanced between them before peering up, batting his eyelashes. Her knowledge of understanding Pokemon was not restricted to her abilities. She understood what he was asking from the context. Why not him?
"It is something better suited for one with more life experience," she explained, giving Shu another gentle pat along his beak. Taiyoko had lived nearly a century by her own account. Even if that turned out to be hyperbole, she was the longest lived of Prema's partners.
Shu squeaked and nodded hesitantly. Truth be told, she had wanted to ask his opinion the other day. It was cut short when her focus had faltered. Prema hoped that she would be able to keep her emotional turmoil in check.
Taiyoko was still waiting. Just as she did several days ago, Prema performed the meditation necessary to open her ears to the words of Pokemon. She focused her mind upon Taiyoko. Had Prema been more talented, she would have been able to understand more than just one at a time. The fact that she could not was proof that she had a long way to go as a diviner.
It took a minute, maybe more, for her to clear her head. Further proof of how much further training she needed. With success came a sensation in her ears and pressure in the back of her back. She opened her eyes and spoke.
"I am ready now."
"Then I will say again, good afternoon, Lady Kannagi." Although her words were formal, Taiyoko spoke in a harsh and powerful tone in the subterran language. It was akin to an accent and indicated her former status as a powerful, independent Pokemon.
"It is always a privilege to speak with you, Taiyoko." Prema bowed gently at the fiery moth. Though Taiyoko had considered her worthy, Prema still felt it partly undeserved. After all, it was Father who had defeated and captured her. Prema accepted it nonetheless; the majestic Pokemon's respect only meant she had earned it over time.
Taiyoko pulled her legs inward. "From the look in your eyes, I take it you did not call me to talk pleasantries?" There was a hint of playfulness in her tone.
"That is correct." It was unwise to use a taxing ability on a casual discussion. Moreover, what would they speak of? She knew all of what they did, and her life was uninteresting. "I am facing something of an ethical dilemma. I understand that there are fundamental differences in values between our species, yet I would ask for your thoughts nonetheless."
Taiyoko exchanged a momentary glance with Shu. He chirped something short, to which the moth twitched her antennae.
"Very well," her Pokemon agreed, in spite of (or because of) what Shu said. "I cannot promise it will be what you're looking to hear, but I will help to the best of my abilities."
"Thank you, Taiyoko." That was all she could ask for.
She paused to consider how to word this. Prema would be the first to admit that speaking to a Pokemon about this subject was unusual. It was not as if they fully understood human culture and traditions. She would prefer to ask Nariya for that reason. Yet under present circumstances, Taiyoko was the best option. Perhaps she could give a unique perspective.
"I am considering going against the wishes of my father and assisting Nori with his current assignment," Prema began.
Before she could say anything else, Taiyoko immediately answered. "Do it." Shu also seemed to agree, bobbing his tiny pink body and chirping in a crescendo.
Prema looked to both of them. She supposed Shu's reason was obvious. "Taiyoko, may I ask why you say that?" Merely vouching for something without giving any reason did little to convince.
"For one," Taiyoko stated. "It seems to me as though you have already decided."
Prema lurched back as her heart skipped a beat. "I was thinking of doing so, yes. I asked because I wanted another opinion on the matter." She suddenly found herself smiling and paused thoughtfully. "So that was only one reason."
"The second," Taiyoko declared, tucking her legs and spreading her wings gallantly for a moment. "You might know where this is headed from my history, Lady Kannagi. I will always vouch for doing as you will."
Prema vaguely shook her head in reflex. It was simple to say that, but their culture said otherwise. Particularly as she was the heir to a major religious group. There were certain standards she had to adhere to, both spoken and unspoken. Listening to her elders was one. Leaving aside how two were in conflict, nonconformism for its own sake was hardly a justifiable reason.
Shu mumbled something. Prema was aware that his grasp on the subterran language was not great, so it was a mild yet pleasant surprise that he understood and was able to reply to that. Likely in the language he was more familiar with.
Taiyoko turned and pulled her antennae outward. She began speaking in the terrestrial tongue, her voice pitching up between doing that and a sudden burst of passion that made the little Spritzee shrink back. "It is because she is worthy! I serve Lady Kannagi because I want to! I could have easily ended up in the hands of a rekuradh who only wanted me for the sake of their WKefawPorE hobby, or one far worse."
Prema raised her shoulders at the unfamiliar and untranslatable word. The first one she did know and only heard that way due to nuances in the term, but the second one was not. Ook-evv…then it got too complex to hear, before ending in a long E. It had to be an adjective with highly negative connotations.
Taiyoko flapped vigorously. "But I met a daughter of the Kannagi Clan!" she boomed. "Among the greatest honors I could ask for! I thank the progenitor every day for that!"
Shu scooted forward and, after a moment of hesitation, let out a low-pitched chirp.
Taiyoko turned to the bird-like fae and floated backwards. "My apologies, friend," she said while curling her body inwards. "I did not mean to get so zealous there."
Prema could only smile softly. The fiery moth could act this way when she felt passionate about something. It was not a surprise to her, but this was the first time Shu had seen and heard her so.
"Regardless, that leads me to my next point," her friend continued speaking in subterran. "Much as I respect you, Lady Kannagi, I would not obey an unreasonable order." She tilted her head up. "Not that I expect you would ever give me one. Yet you are in the same situation. If you believe your father's edict to be unjust or does not fit what you stand for, you should not feel bound to it."
"Taiyoko," Prema took a half step forward to say. She leveled at the Pokemon. "I am concerned about what Father might think if I go through with this."
"If it is retribution you fear, do not," Taiyoko assured her. "He would not be so foolish to dismiss his sole heir. And should he do so, it only proves he is compromised and no longer fit for his position. The rest of your shrine should see that."
She winced again. If Father was unable to perform his duties…she would have to take over. That is what she was thinking before, and now Taiyoko was saying that. Priestess Satomi said they would not let that happen. But what if? The heir to the shrine closed her eyes. What should she do? What if this made things worse?
"Lady Kannagi," Taiyoko sharply spoke up. "If it comes to that, I am certain you will find the support you need."
There was no denying Taiyoko was taking an extreme view on the situation. It was actually why Prema had asked her. Yet there was logic in her words. Father loved her. He was unlikely to see this as a betrayal. And if he did…in the event that he did…
Prema sighed. If he did, it would work out. The shrine was more important than its Master. Her stomach twisted at the thought, but she nodded at her friend. "I suppose you are correct," she admitted, a pain rising in her throat. "Thank you for your thoughts, Taiyoko. This at least cleared some matters up."
The moth respectfully lowed her head. "I am always happy to serve you, Lady Kannagi."
The diviner pressed a hand to her chest. There was only one thing that she knew for certain. She had to help, come what may. "With this, I believe I should do as Priestess Satomi said. That is, to do as my mother would and follow my heart."
A puff of smoke came out of Taiyoko's tiny mouth. "That way of thinking will only get you into trouble down the line, Lady Kannagi. I would advise that you stick to the facts when making your decisions."
She folded her hands. She had thought of those too. "If I am the only one Nori may turn to regarding his Qwilfish, and he is willing to come seek my aid regardless of what Father says, I should honor his decision. Both as his friend and a Kannagi."
Prema was unsure why Priestess Satomi thought it was a probability. Perhaps she just understood Nori better than she did. The conundrum was whether to go against the wishes of her father. Taiyoko had touched on a point that had come up before, that his stance went against what their family stood for. Prema could only have faith that he would make the realization in time. Until then, she was going to help her friend regardless.
"It is what I want to do," she added. That was what her heart said. It is what her mother would want. Her mind and the facts only said that it was not the wrong thing to do; different from the right thing, and yet again, there might not have been a wholly right answer. She asked, "Is it sensible?"
While Shu agreed at once, Taiyoko only conceded. "I suppose so." It was strange. Taiyoko had said she supported doing as one willed, so what was the reason for the sudden disapproval? The old Pokemon spoke up a second after, "But regarding that Qwilfish. Since we're here, I'd like to ask you some questions, Lady Kannagi."
"Oh?" She was going to drop her focus. But if Taiyoko wanted to continue, Prema would try to hold it for longer. "If you are curious, I will answer any questions you have to the best of my knowledge."
"Is it true that the Pokemon at the center of this incident killed a human being?" her friend inquired, formal as usual and yet harsh as desert sunlight. Prema could sense a mild pressure from her.
The priestess nodded gravely. The response was startling. The Volcarona stopped flapping her wings for several seconds. A backdraft of heat from boiling scales kept her aloft.
"Taiyoko, do you happen to have reservations against this?" Prema asked.
The Pokemon turned her whole body towards Prema. "You could say that it's telling…" she responded enigmatically.
Prema frowned. Was that why Taiyoko seemed to change her mind? Shu cheeped to her fellow Pokemon, and the priestess spoke to clarify. "It was not purposeful, if you are concerned about that."
For ten seconds, Prema only heard the wind and cries of distant Pokemon. "Is that indeed the case?" Taiyoko inquired.
Prema folded her hands. "It is admittedly only my speculation. I based it off a moment of observation and the circumstances of the accident."
"An unstable Pokemon who acted without thinking," the fiery moth scoffed. "That would be one way. One would think she would know better, however."
"Taiyoko?"
The moth landed on the forest floor and looked up at her humbly. "Ah. Forgive me, Lady Kannagi. It is not my place to question your judgment."
Prema frowned. There was one part of her content to let the issue lie. Yet another part was curious, if not needing to know. Why did Taiyoko feel so strongly about this? What did Taiyoko mean when she said that Qwilfish should have known better?
She opened her mouth to speak, and after no more than a half second of hesitation, asked the question. "Taiyoko, do you feel there is something wrong here?" Was she sage enough to see something that they were missing?
Shu also batted his eyelashes, equally curious about this. After some moments being scrutinzed, she relented.
"If you are asking." Taiyoko was still for several moments. "Lady Kannagi, there is something you should understand about us when it comes to your people," she stated, her tone unexpectedly grim. She took to the air once more, her wings beating gently.
Prema understood where this was headed. "Taiyoko, I do realize that Pokemon respect humanity so long as the same courtesy is returned in kind." That was, for example, why you rarely ever saw them attacking towns. They know those are human habitats. "Most Pokemon will only attack a human under exceptional circumstances."
Yet her friend shook her form vigorously. "It goes beyond that, Lady Kannagi. It's instinctual."
She slowly blinked. Her family was one of the foremost experts on the relations between humanity and Pokemon; they practically established them, after all. But this was something that had yet to come up in her studies. "What do you mean by that?"
"By that," Taiyoko elaborated, "I mean that we Pokemon reflexively restrain ourselves when we attack humans."
A tightness gripped her head. That made no sense. "Pokemon attacks can be fatal," she pointed out. For that matter, Shu gave an inquisitive glance and cheeped an agreement.
"I will get to that." She continued. "In any case, some of us believe it was ingrained in us by the progenitor. So in our beliefs. To take the life of a human without just cause is a great taboo. But!" Taiyoko did a loop. "It is possible to go against this instinct with sufficient willpower. That is why I was asking about the killing. Mental instability could also be a cause. Not thinking right! I simply hope for your friend's sake that it is not habitual. Or worse." The bug hissed. "That she did indeed do it purposefully."
Prema took this information in. It did not feel as though Taiyoko was lying or stating an opinion. Tens of thoughts raced through her mind. Her pulse quickened. She could feel her mind slipping. One dreadful idea stood out over the rest, which she focused her mind upon, no matter how unpleasant it was.
"But Taiyoko!" she protested, a horrible realization beginning to sink in. She had to press a hand to her head. "Back then, you…"
Prema had met Taiyoko in Unova during her studies, yet it was far from cordial. The fiery moth had attacked her and her other two Pokemon at the time. What was going through her mind at the time? Pokemon attacks. Something–
"Prema!" Shu cried. Taiyoko shouted the same, just much more formal.
His friend's eyes had gone blank and she was starting to topple back. Shu focused hard, yet it was unneeded. A burst of thick string launched out of Taiyoko to grab her. With a yank, the sun moth was able to guide her gently to the ground in front of the dead tree.
"She must have exhausted herself," Taiyoko remarked in terrestrial.
"Yeah. But you gave her a bad thought." Shu twisted to Taiyoko. He only understood Prema's side of that conversation. But it was enough. "I want to know too. When you came after us, did you mean to kill us?"
Taiyoko didn't answer for a few seconds. It was tough to read a bug. They never blinked and their mouths were so small. But she did answer.
"Never would I have killed her. I stand by that. But I was arrogant," she admitted. "I thought that by only hurting her, there would be no consequences. I thought wrong." She clacked madly before clicking her mouth.
"You should tell Prema that!" Shu cut in.
"Yes, I should. I did not mean to cause her distress. She is stressing and overthinking things right now. I should have known that might not be an exception." Taiyoko turned away. "But did you not know that? It's important in our culture."
"No, I was born from an egg on a farm." Actually, he went to Prema like ten nights later. He overheard some guys saying to be a friend? "Anyway, how bad did you mean to hurt us? We should clear that up, friend."
"No more than unconsciousness and light burns. I simply wanted to teach you a lesson about wandering where you should not." Taiyoko flapped idly for several seconds.
"Okay." Shu wasn't going to dwell on it. They were friends now. "So do…all Pokemon in the wild hate killing people?"
"It varies by the individual," Taiyoko explained. "It is not just beliefs that make us wild Pokemon avoid killing manh. It is also a matter of pragmatism. To do so can attract unwanted attention. So we generally aim to incapacitate, when of sound mind."
Oh, that would make sense. "So I just want to know. What do you think of the spiny sphere? That…Cufis?" Despite how long as Shu had been around people, he still had trouble with their words.
"As I said, it is not my place to judge," the sun moth evaded the question. "Her fate is the decision of humanity, for this is their world. We live in it, so says the progenitor."
Shu half-closed his eyes. "That's not an answer!" he protested. But Taiyoko refused to elaborate. It sounded negative and kind of extreme, actually. What did Yahata think? Actually, he probably wouldn't care. It didn't affect him or Prema. And Shu didn't think that spiny sphere was bad.
Well, Taiyoko was right about one thing. This was up to Nori, but it was also up to what others thought. Could he change others' minds? Maybe if Prema helped. That was what this was about.
A sound from Prema caught his ear. Something of a groan. If there was a meaning, Shu didn't understand what it was.
"That wore her out really bad." They were talking for so long. Prema had been falling asleep late and waking up early some days lately. She wasn't physically able to keep up, or mentally either!
"I will bring Satomi here," Taiyoko began to spread her six wings. "Keep guard." With this proclamation, she took off over the trees.
Shu would've done so even if she didn't ask. He glanced down at Prema, who was gradually coming to. She must be so tired. Shu flew in close, letting out a soothing scent. He didn't know how to properly pray to the gods, so he could only wish she and her dad got through this. It was hurting them both.