Chapter 18: Benevolent Purity

(Thanks everyone for the support, I hope the story will continue to keep everyone glued and interested as the plot points continue. Now, onto the story!)

{Rui's Point of View}

It's been a few days since my time with Aura. She's finally going to sing for Dialga. After crying into my chest, she left abruptly and wouldn't answer my messages. I started watching for any news about her. I was worried she'd... I guess break the bond between us. In my heart I know what'd become of me if she did. I'm not going to lie, I'm afraid of that. Even Abaddon seemed a bit worried. He asked me, "Are you alright?" I stared out my window, lost in my thoughts. When I finally answered an entire hour had passed, "I'm okay." Abaddon tried to reassure me, "She'd never do it, you know. That girl's love is too pure." I shook my head, "I don't know Abaddon. I just don't know. This secret she has is so bad, she refused to tell me. That means she believes in her heart the worst will happen if I learn of it." Abaddon tapped my shoulder with his cane, "As such, maybe you should avoid it?" I rejected the idea, "I'm tired of things being dodged. Her bitch friend still refused to tell me about the fucking hypnotism nights or whatever the fuck that meant." As if on cue, Cayden called me. I answered him with a depressed sigh, "What's up man?" He said, "We figured it out. We can get you a plane ride to Benevolent Purity. All we'd need is an Armored One suit for you to wear... well not one of theirs specifically since they'd be hard to get, but something passible to get you off the hook once there." I rolled my eyes, "Shit, I almost forgot about this crappy plan. Don't worry about the armor, I already got a suit." Cayden sounded surprised, "You... What?" I answered him, "Silvia got me a suit as a thank you for something I did for her and her mom. I can wear it to hide myself as an Armored One." Cayden didn't sound happy, "You sure this will work?" I nodded, "Positive." Cayden sighed, "Well... alright. If you're sure, then go for it. The plane takes off tomorrow night. You'd reach it by the morning." I wasn't very enthusiastic, "Great..." Cayden asked, "What's wrong?" I snickered a bit in disbelief, "You are sending me on a death run. This plan is almost surefire to get me killed." Cayden stayed quiet and I wanted to hang up but didn't. He finally said, "No. You'll survive. You're a survivor Rui. I know you. Nothing will put you down apart from Arceus and Time." As much as I appreciated his belief in me, I really didn't have the delusion to believe it. I said my goodbyes and decided to go back to the restaurant we visited. Aura may not want to tell me about mister snake man, but I think there might be one other person who will.

When I got to the restaurant, I found it to be pretty busy during the lunch period. as much as I wanted to walk in and assert my presence onto the establishment, I'm not one to do such things especially when people are just trying to do their jobs. So, instead, I waited outside until the lines died down and went in respectfully. The look of shock on his face wasn't at all surprising for me. I walked up to him and said, "Sorry to bother you, but I need to know. Who was that guy from the other night?" The Bisharp reached into his pocket and pulled out a picture, "Don't know his name, but here's a picture of him. I had a feeling your mate wouldn't tell you who he is herself. She looked terrified." I examined the picture and noticed he definitely looked like a hybrid but wasn't. He doesn't have white in his eyes, they're black. That's not normal and certainly not a hybrid trait. Who the fuck is this edge lord? Bisharp then said something that really piqued my interest, "Rumor has it... he has ties to that terrorist group, Venge I believe they're called." I felt a cold wind blow over me but kept my composure. A part of Venge? That's probably the biggest load of shit I've heard in the last month. Then again... what if it is true? I put the picture in my pocket and thanked him. He asked if I wanted to eat there; I politely declined and promised to be back with Aura... if we are still together later. The more the thoughts came into my mind, the more I think I drove myself crazy. She's literally the only pure light in my life. If this entire time she's been acting as the loving childhood friend, got us to finally be together just to break my heart at our highest point... I... don't know what exactly I'd do... but I'd probably kill her. The thought of her dead from my hands made me sick. The Bisharp asked if I was okay. I nodded and tried to get out of there as fast as possible. I need to distract myself. Abaddon popped up beside me and said, "You need to calm down. Your heart is racing too much from the stress." I yelled, "Fuck off. I'm fine." He held his cane out in front of me, stopping me in my tracks before pushing me back, "No. You are not." I looked away, "What do you care?" He tapped the cement with his cane, "As I recall, the deal was to be your best friend. You're my chap, my buddy, the dearest friend. I have to care. You are driving yourself mad. You're allowing your mind to tear itself apart." I looked at him, "I'll be fine. I've just never experienced this before." Abaddon placed a hand on my shoulder, "You're in love. Even her kind cannot control that emotion. Granted, I cannot say with certainty that she does, but as an outside looker... she looks so infatuated with you the pain is evident in her eyes when you two aren't within a foot of each other." I looked down sadly, "I'm not really one of them... but in Gardevian culture it... hurts... to be away from your mate. To think they will leave you causes emotional and mental anguish." He shook me gently, "Wake up Rui. You're... Sigh... listen. You're a human. You aren't one of them and no matter how hard you try... you never will be." I looked away, "I know... I know... but sometimes... I just... I just wish I was." Abaddon pat my back, "You may not be, but she still loves you all the same. She's said it multiple times, hasn't she?" I thought back to her telling me she's always loved me. A mixture of doubt and regret swelled in my chest. I didn't want to cry, especially not in front of Abaddon. I shouldn't be crying to begin with, nothing has happened yet. She could be lying to me or lied to that douchebag. It's figuring out which that's tearing me apart. Abaddon had us go get a drink at a normal cafe, not a Gardevian one. Strangely, I felt more alien being surrounded by Pokémon of different species. Abaddon didn't care about the Pokémon and thankfully his presence kept them away from us. I saw a Blaziken, a female one, but seeing her species pissed me off internal. I couldn't keep myself in check as the thought of Aura cheating on me because that serpent tongue dickweed ordered her to is just pissing me off. It's like I'm a ticking timebomb. I looked at my phone, praying to see a message or missed call from Aura, but nothing. The silence was maddening. Abaddon did his best to try and distract me. By the end of the day, I think I finally got over it just enough to sleep at night. I have to take a plane tomorrow... and go to the literal most dangerous place on the planet for a human.

- The Next Night -

It took several hours by bus to finally reach the airport. Abaddon said he'd watch over my apartment in case Symphony tries to fuck it up, or someone tries to break in while I'm not there. I accepted this, knowing I can't force him to go with me. I just did not like the idea of going alone. Thankfully, I ended up finding Zraak there. He came as a Zoroark, stating he is allowed to go there for business purposes and as his guard I am allowed passage. I asked him, "What do we need to get in the city?" Zraak looked around, making sure no one was nearby, "There's some intel about a weapon. Something huge. We need that information on what it is and how it is made. Not entirely to make it ourselves, more so to know what they are planning for it." I thought to myself, 'So, he's actually planning to sell it to someone for money or a favor. There's no way it's just to collect some research.' He noticed my doubts, "You think I'm lying?" I shook my head, "What I think does not matter currently. Let's just get this over with." He looked concerned, "Are you okay?" I cursed myself for being so bothered lately, "Some things in my life are bothering me. It won't distract me during the job." He decided to drop it, "Alright, as you desire. Go get changed into your Armored One Suit and we'll get on the plane together." As I got changed, I noticed a notification on my phone. It was a text from Aura.

I did it! I impressed Dialga!

That's great babe.

I'm sorry I've been so distant...

It's... well... it's been hard honestly.

I love you. You know that right?

Yeah. I was scared you might have been... you know...

Lying?

Yeah...

I understand. We're not ever breaking up. I'll be able to fix this.

Fix what? What could you have done that's so bad babe?

I'm sorry... I'm too ashamed to tell you. I'm just going to bury this and once we have a place of our own away from everyone, I'll tell you everything. I promise.

Don't you trust me?

We've been best friends for a long time.

You're the love of my life. What I did would have repercussions because... I know you...

Alright... I'm going to be home in a few days.

When you get home, my mom wants us to visit her.

Have I ever met your mom?

No. I don't talk about her.

Why? Is she evil?

No, she's just... really embarrassing.

Lol. You're silly.

:) Not as silly as you my beh sze

Don't use your language to be cute like that.

Come on baby. I've been dying to read or hear you call me it.

Call you what?

Please? Don't make me beg...

Ugh... My Ses Frau.

Yay! Love you my dear mate. Stay Safe.

I'll try... but... I'm going somewhere very dangerous.

Where?

The place I'm not supposed to go.

Oh, I see. A place for my kind.

You get it?

I do. Please... come home alive. I'd die without you. You're my entire world.

A tear dripped onto the phone screen. I wiped it and regained my composure. I didn't respond. I feel a million times better. I know I'll be okay. I've been good so far. The messages improved my mood considerably; the armor masked this effectively. Seeing Zraak as a Zoroark bothered me greatly. I found myself wondering if I am following the right one from time to time due to the lack of distinction between him and other male Zoroarks. Luckily, he kept me close to him and we got on the plane without a problem. In my heart, I felt a bit excited. I'll be one of the few humans to ever go to Benevolent Purity, the Pokémon Holy City, and live. In truth, I don't think any have, but with how Margrev kept her human mate alive as a secret, there's no telling what secrets lie there. The ride took several hours, and I ended up taking a nap shortly after taking off. Zraak and I were woken up once the plane landed. I felt surprisingly cool, despite being in the armor. I checked to make sure Zraak is alright too, and he was. We got off the plane and the first thing we noticed is a large building in the back of the town with a glass pane of every species for their windows. There was no particular order and even had feral animal/insect Pokémon too. My eyes immediately wandered to find the Gardevian glass pane, and I felt something grip my heart. Someone was trying to make their presence known but with the blessing, no psychic type should be able to know I'm human. Hell, with the armor on, why would anyone think I'm human? I felt to one knee, breathing heavily as I rubbed over my chest, trying to get past this feeling. Zraak knelt down beside me, "What's wrong?" I panted heavily, "Someone's gripping my heart. They won't-" The feeling subsided, "Huh? They stopped." Zraak asked, "What do you think we should do?" I got up, "I'm not entirely sure, but we can't make this trip be for nothing right?" Zraak agreed, "Plus our return tickets are for a flight two days from now. We can't leave early." I cursed my luck, "That's not good..." Zraak said, "Cayden said he'd contact us on where they are once we've arrived." Zraak pulled out his phone only to find it completely cut off. No signal at all and mine ended up being the same way. So, we're stuck here for two days with a brick in our pockets. Fucking fabulous. We decided to get our luggage and find our lodgings. The inn we are booked to stay at is near the center of the town. As I stood in our room my mind still couldn't believe it. The Pokémon holy city, Benevolent Purity. The only place on the planet where borders nor Pokémon species matter. Why? It is the place of origin and where the ancestor of every Pokémon species resides. Ancestors blessed with eternal life and strange powers for being the blueprint of every Pokémon out there. A place where humans are not allowed to be. A place where the Armored Ones train before going back to their homes. The first battle waged here, and it is said the human leader thousands of years ago died on these very grounds. I silently thanked my armor for hiding my identity. There's no telling what would transpire if I were discovered. Despite that, a large amount of dread befell over me as I looked at the Gardevian Glass Pane. The glass reflecting the original look of the Gardevoirs, not Gallades. As the light reflected off it, I noticed it'd switch between the green, red and white with a Greenish Teal, Orange and light purple coloring. There've been a handful of Teal Gardevoirs with orange hearts at the estate. The light purple is what bothers me.

I then heard a voice in my head, "Young one... come find me..." At that moment I knew exactly who it is. But the armor... the blessing... why wouldn't it stop her? I did my best to be calm and told Zraak I'm going to scope out the area. He agreed, saying he'd rather get a good night's rest anyways. That same voice in my head, "You've grown so much... haven't you..?" The more she spoke in my mind, the worse I began to fear. I was hoping it's paranoia, or my imagination, or something else. I found myself feeling dizzy, the crowd of Pokémon walking without a care and then I saw her. Bathed in the moonlight, looking at me with a fake smile but an evil taint in her eyes. Besides her is an Armored One, fully armored except for his arms. A human hybrid... figures. She walked towards me, her light purple eyes, glowing in the darkness, light teal hair curled up and her orange heart glowing with glitter. I've seen her once, when she came to the estate to visit Margrev and bossed her around. Silvia hated having to watch their ancestor come into the estate unannounced just to put Margrev in her place for the fun of it. She always commented on the fact humans were living in the Gardevian part of the estate. As she got near, I got sat on my knees with a deep respectful bow. I felt myself unintentionally holding my breath. She leaned down and whispered, "Long way from home, aren't you?" I couldn't answer, I merely nodded. She sounded a lot firmer, "Answer me when I speak to you." I took a breath, "Yes." She sounded annoyed now, "Yes what?" I regained my composure, "Yes, Mistress Minerva." She placed her hand on my chin and made me look up at her, "You know who I am?" I nodded, "Yes. You're Minerva, also known as the Moon Goddess by our kind." Her eyes narrowed, "The Moon Goddess you say? Who told you that?" I started to feel my heartbeat faster, "Margrev called you that... am I wrong...?" Her eyes stayed narrow, the expression on her face impossible to read. She then said, "Get up. We have to talk in a more... private setting." She leaned in and whispered, "After all, you're not supposed to be here human." I flinched, "How?" She pulled back, "I am in tune with every pure being of the Gardevian descendent. As a byproduct... I have the innate ability to know humans that are of Gardevian descent too. I felt you as you got off the plane and the moment, I knew reading your mind was impossible, I decided to mess with your heart to drive up your paranoia. Followed by some whispers using powers my descendants don't have access to and... the rest you already know." I looked at her guard, noticing a stern head nudge to follow her. I didn't want to start a fight, so I did what I had to.

I followed her and ended up at her 'humble home'. The Armored One was ordered to stay outside. I asked her, "Why bring me here?" She gently pushed me into a wall, one hand ripping my helmet off, "That's why." I raised a brow, "Just to look at my face?" She stared at my face and then I noticed she had a look of realization, "You look so much like him..." I asked, "Who?" She snapped out of it and said, "No one, it doesn't matter." I then said, "So what then? Was this to help me? I thought you hate humans?" She smirked at that and leaned in, "I hate humans just like my father, Arceus. But do not get me wrong, boy." She whispered in my ear, "I was one of the first to commit the sin. The first to utilize those worthless, pathetic, sniffling slaves. The rest just ran with it. Don't test me." I shuddered, scoffing at her threat, "It's the same old threats with our kind." She giggled at that, pulling back, "Oh that's not a threat. It's a request." She placed a hand on my shoulder, slowing rubbing down my arm then back up, "You see, I know what you are thinking and who you love. I can allow you entrance into the future sight sanctum and see where you can bring your people for salvation." She pinned me against the wall, our lips an inch apart as she whispers, "If you want to save them, you'll have to sacrifice your vow to me. Aura won't find out from me, but she might notice the thirteenth smell." I initially wanted to reject her advance, but what she just said took my attention, "Thirteenth? I've only mated with two females my entire life." She grinned, bringing her mouth to my ear, "Poor boy, it seems ten others have used you... and you didn't even know." I thought to myself, 'Ten? How the hell would ten other females have used me, and I didn't know about it? Aura would have-... Wait... Aura would know. She has known... all this time. Why didn't she tell me?'

(That's the end for this chapter! As always, please favorite, follow and/or leave a review to support the story!)