HOME STRETCH! HOME STRETCH! HOME STRETCH!
No more delays we're finally here, the last chapter. So I won't take anymore of your time. Just a thank you for reading this story.
(Manaphy POV)
The first feeling that hit me was how much my head ached followed swiftly by that same dull pain that had taken root in my chest since last night. I feel like I just swam through an oil spill... Not helping matters was a continuously shrill screech. It hit me in waves ensuring that falling back asleep was going to be a trial.
"ARE YOU SERIOUS?! WHEN DID SHE HAVE THE TIME TO TELL YOU THAT?!"
One I was destined to fail without a means to cancel out all the noise. Rubbing the sleep haze out of my eyes I could more plainly discern Mesprit and Jirachi. Oh right... last night... Why couldn't all of that have just been an anxiety induced nightmare?
"Oh yeah, Azzy showed up to talk like the moment after you fell asleep."
Something about those words lit a fuse in Mesprit, they were enough to get her to storm outside. Almost immediately after the door slammed shut Jirachi began a countdown starting from three. The second her little countdown hit zero a soul shattering screech punctured my ears. The sudden force caused my body to jolt out of bed and crash into the floor below. It would be really nice if I could fly like so many other members of this council... In any case I was definitely awake now...
"Oh hey Manaphy? Did we wake you?"
Those golden ribbons coiled around me pulling me away from my awkward spot on the floor. She gently placed me back on the bed and something about her just felt...off... I couldn't quite place what it was, but she felt uneasy about something...
"Uh huh...what caused that scream?"
"Ooooh not much... she's just salty cause Azzy told me how she felt about Uxie before her."
She fiddled with her fingers as she spoke, pretending the information she was leaking wasn't a big deal. I mean in hindsight it really wasn't, it was painfully obvious the two are interested in each other. Then again they are also way to dense to ever realize it so it is kinda funny... She kept twiddling her thumbs even after speaking. I think I know what's going on. I guess we really couldn't avoid this topic forever but maybe it's for the best that we get it over with as soon as possible.
"Hey Jira, about yesterday-"
"H-h-hold that thought for later, I got a real big day ahead of me. K'now gotta make sure the kitchen is all stocked up when everyone gets back from cleaning up that mess."
Before I could even say anything she kissed my cheek and flew out the door. She seemed really on edge. If I knew anything at all about cooking I'd see if I could help her in any way possible, but... I'm certain I would just cause a natural disaster in there. All those orders really were going to take up her entire schedule. Maybe I could find the time to talk when she was done with all that cooking.
That was an abrupt exit and what did she mean by mess? Did I miss something?
Well not like I was going to fall back asleep at this point. Might as well just get whatever nonsense Kyogre wants to blame me for over with so I can get on with my day. Stepping out of my cabin I was genuinely surprised to see no sign of that homicidal orca. Heck the only person present was Mesprit. She was lazily draped over the railing, totally motionless and completely silent. Did she pass out? I reached out with one of my antanea to give her shoulder a quick shake and in the blink of an eye that antenna was swatted away by one of her tails.
"Don't touch me!"
Nope! Not asleep! She slumped to her side grumbling to herself.
"Oh...I thought you were Jirachi... Ugh... stupid hangovers I can barely think straight..."
"Hey, I kinda missed all of last night. What exactly did Jirachi mean by there being a mess to clean up."
She simply shrugged her shoulders.
"Apparently all hell broke loose in that club and Arceus made everyone who was at the scene of the crime work to clean that mess up. Except for whoever she felt was innocent."
She went back to clutching her head as soon as she finished. So even if Jirachi didn't carry me out I still would have been able to leave that club. I'll have to find just the right time to bring that up to Kyogre later. If I couldn't see the rage in her eyes before then I certainly would when she gets back. I can already see how she'll react 'Manaphy you pompous brat! How dare you slink your way out of the punishment!' plus a bunch of obscene profanity that I will have miraculously never heard of up until now.
"Hey, don't look too torn up about it. You know Kyogre would have found a way to blame you for something anyways regardless of how valid it was."
True, she once found a way to pin the blame on me for stealing her entire seaweed supply when I had never even been to her home before...
"Well you probably won't like to hear this next part. Arceus is giving those of us who weren't in that line of fire a day to do whatever we want. Apparently she had a beach day all planned out in Hoenn but is now cancelling it to 'teach everyone a lesson'."
Shame. I would have liked to spend a day on a beach. She leaned off the railing slowly drifting down until she had her arm wrapped around my shoulder. Didn't she say not to touch her?
"So...what's the juicy story behind Jira and the Sea Prince?"
She shook me while giving me an unsettlingly sly grin. What was she trying to glean out of me. What it was like being rejected? There's no way she doesn't know what that feels like. She has to have felt it from at least one member of this council already. Plus it's not like Jirachi wouldn't have told her about what happened. Those two were the biggest gossips in the entire council.
"Friends."
"What? That's it?! What about the kiss on the cheek?"
She saw that? Was that why she was acting so weird? A kiss on the cheek from Jirachi isn't all that special. She does that to Mew and Celebi plenty. Heck she's probably done that to Mesprit on a couple of occasions. Jirachi shows support and kindness through affection.
"Jirachi said she wasn't interested and we agreed to still be friends. That's where that conversation ends."
I was expecting her to go full Azelf and Uxie mode on me and try to force that match into reality. Thankfully I wouldn't be dealing with that reality. She tossed her arms in the air and floated upwards letting out an aggravated cry of defeat. Then released a second gust of wind that matched the sound quality of the air being let out of a balloon.
"Ah screw it. I'm grabbing something to eat before everyone else can stampede through all the food. Wanna come with?"
Eh...might as well get something to eat. It'll keep me away from the massive fight that'll break out when everyone is tripping over themselves to grab whatever they can get their paws on. Especially if I can swipe a couple cinnamon roles.
My prayers had been answered. Fresh out of the oven was a wonderous cinnamon treat to start my day~ Aside from us two the only company we had was a short interlude where Mewtwo floated in grabbed nothing more than an apple and floated back out the way he came. I wonder just how many of us did manage to avoid what happened back there?...
I wanted to speculate with the emotion fairy sitting next to me. Except she just shrugged and stated that it 'was probably most of the council' did she really not care if it didn't involve relationships or blackmail material? Maybe she was distracted watching how quickly Jirachi was working. Nearly every minute she rushed out of the kitchen to set up higher and higher towers of food. Admittedly it was a bit of a mesmerizing display. How in the world can she move so quickly yet place everything so graciously in the exact spot she wanted them to go?
Why was that sly grin back? It was the only way she was even bothering to communicate with me at this point. If she wasn't giving me the prowling Mightyena look then she was back to sipping a cup of tea mixed with some kind of herb to relieve her headache. Please stop giving me that look! I'll take her trying to fish for blackmail out of me! Just anything to make THAT stop!" My second prayer got answered. After downing her third cup she started up a new conversation.
"OK dude, how'd you drink several times your body weight and not come out the other side completely hungover or STILL drunk!? I had three glasses yet I gotta deal with everyone else's hangover!"
Well that was an easy one. Getting out of bed sucked but as long as I was in a large body of water or someplace where it was running I could make easy use of purging my system with fresh, non polluted water.
"Simple, my body can filter all kinds of toxins. Alcohol is no different."
"It also helps if there's a lake..."
What the?! When did Jirachi get here? I thought she was too busy cooking for everyone. She was sat next to me looking down and her hands firmly placed in her lap. Was that why Mesprit was giving me that look all this time?! Was she still trying to force something to happen? Come on Mesprit! Can't you see just how uncomfortable Jirachi is with this?!
The words she spoke next were a blessing to Jirachi and a nightmare for me, "Go on. I know there's a story behind all this now. So keep going. I'm dying to know what I missed~"
I'd especially prefer not to relive THAT part of the night ever again. Guess there was a topic I'd prefer the creepy silent treatment over after all.
"So you might not have noticed it, but last night Suicune was real grumpy."
"Oh I did."
"So you know how you sober up a drunk by soaking them in the shower? Well I thought it might with Mananpy. Y'know with also his water filtering powers but we don't have any of those out here. Soooo I tossed him in a nearby lake and that filtered it all out of his system. Suicune was real nice and offered to help fish him out of the lake if he took to long to surface or couldn't make it back to the shore himself. It also woke him up real fast."
That water was colder than Regice. It did not sober me up at all. All it did was give my system a total shock from the sudden rush of frigid lake water. By the time I got to shore I did manage to purge the toxins from my body. Not from filtering it all out of my system, but because I hurled it all into that body of water. The rest of the night is too much of a blur for me to accurately recall beyond how cold I felt. Thank goodness I didn't wind up catching a cold...
Jirachi's shuddering conveyed that message better than any words possibly could.
"So long story short it kinda worked...and Suicune was not happy to clean up that mess..."
"Wow..."
"Hey Jirachi, since we're on the subject of last night-"
"W-w-well w-would you look at that?! Break time sure does fly! I-I'll c-catch up later on my next one! OK BYE!"
She gave me another kiss on the cheek and just as quickly flew back into the kitchen. That was odd, why didn't Mesprit get one?
"You sure there's nothing of note between you two?"
"Yeah, but it's so weird that she didn't give you the same treatment..."
"That's because the last time she did that. My body rejected that affection with violent force."
What?
"I puked dummy."
There wasn't a need to be rude about it. She suddenly decided to wrap her arm around my shoulder again. She really was ignoring the double standard she created.
"But, since I can pick up on things nobody else in this council can, how's about I give you a little something special inside scoop on everyone's favorite little wish granter?"
What? Was she talking about Jirachi's emotions? Those are meant to be private thoughts why would I?
"As if! You gotta ask her yourself for all that juicy drama!"
I wasn't even thinking that! She was not even close to the same wavelength I was at. Now I was starting to see why she was not helpful at all when it came to her counterparts getting together.
"You're not out of luck though, I got a bit of experience with dating Jirachi. After she rejected you she agreed to a date with me."
Oh, that would explain why she's been acting so awkward with me all morning. I really should let her know that I'm happy for her and Mesprit. I almost didn't notice Mesprit was still chattering away about...something...
"Come on now. You aren't gonna make any progress with her if you don't tell me the whole story."
Now I was starting to get what she was doing. She was making sure that there would be no further misunderstandings between Jirachi and I. If it could help ease things over between the two of us then I guess I could share the details with her new girlfriend.
She didn't have the reaction I was expecting. She went back to rubbing the temple of her forehead. She was acting like being romantic was a bizarre phenomenon. I thought this was her domain.
"God I really should have brought that wine bottle with me... Look... I know she's into that kind of thing for...whatever reason... but just be real with her. Ask her if she'd like to do something with you later. No romantic hijinks, no attempts at making it a date. None of that."
I had even more reason not to do any of that now.
"I've been trying to have a talk like that with her since I woke up..."
"Oh that'll be easy. Just let me you help you out."
She refused to share any further details beyond only speaking when I need to. Did she really think I knew what that meant or what that signal was going to be? I didn't even know when her next break was going to be. All I could do was silently watch as more and more food piled up. A mountain of food had manifested by the time she declared she would be taking a short break. She lazily hovered next to Mesprit and lazily crumpled next to her.
"Woo...that takes care of everything Groudon is going to eat... So the hard parts over."
That was all for Groudon? I knew the guy was a glutton but... that's gotta be for someone other than just him... Mesprit took the time to gossip with Jirachi about Arceus cancelling todays events.
"You know it really is a shame Arceus decided to cancel that beach day in Hoenn. Frankly I'd love to have a nice day to relax at the shore."
She pouted puffing her cheeks while grumbling about how much fun she would have had.
"Yeah... I would had so many ideas for everyone's disguises and everything..."
Mesprit and I exchanged the same look while mirroring the exact same thought. That checked. The unimpressed expressions she received turned her face bright red. In a mixture of embarrassment and frustration she stammered out, "That wasn't the only thing I was excited about it! I've never gone swimming before... this would have been a nice chance to learn..."
Wait really? I'm kinda surprised to hear about that honestly. With how much of a free spirit she was I would have wagered she's tried it at least once. I could feel a light nudge on my shoulder from Mesprit. Out of the corner of my eye I could see that she was grinning at me. Was this what she was referring to?
"If it's not too much trouble I can help you learn."
In an instant the exhaustion left her eyes. They lit up like the night sky and she launched out of her seat. She twirled around while happily declaring, "I'd love that!"
She would have flown right back into her kitchen if Mesprit didn't grab her ribbons at the last moment. Was she not finished yet? Jirachi soon enough realized she wasn't moving at all. She turned to Mesprit gesturing frantically that she needed to get back to work. After intentionally dragging out the tension she reveled in by sipping her tea she spoke, "Y'know Jira, you'd get it done way faster if you had an assistant in there."
She wagged her finger and began speaking in that same tone she always had when scolding Mew, "Not a chance Mesprit. You need to spend the day resting after what happened last night."
"I wasn't offering."
She blinked in confusion. Then slowly turned her attention towards me. Did I just get volunteered?
"W-well I-I-I guess i-i-if he wants..."
I didn't get the chance to protest. Mesprit nudged my stomach the moment I tried speaking. "Course he does. Now hurry along with him. You're not the only one who'd like to spend the day lazing under the sun."
"Y-y-yeah... T-t-thanks M-manaphy..."
Mesprit gave me a coi look along with a thumbs up and promptly returns to her tea. "Alright. I set things up for you. Now go talk with her."
I never got the chance to speak with her when I stepped through those doors. She kept me busy prepping food for her or cleaning discarded pots and pans. The whole process left my whole body utterly exhausted. Honestly the fact that she has accomplished this task so many times all on her own and hasn't gone feral from the workload is an accomplishment onto itself. This may just be the most impressive of her accomplishments and I say this knowing full well she can alter reality with a flick of her wrists.
"Woo...All done! We just gotta clean up what's left and we'll be on our way. Why don't you take a rest...you look like you need one way more than me."
Gladly. I didn't even bother to find a seat. I found a nice corner and stuffed myself in there. As soon as I could catch my breath I could have that talk with Jirachi...
"Mind if we talk while you clean? There's something I was hoping to talk about."
Her whole body flinched. She completely froze in place.
"Uh...y-you know what. T-these are clean enough! I'm sure letting them soak in the soap and water will be all we need! I-I'll m-meet you at the shore later!"
We didn't discuss which shore we were going to go to. How would we even find each other? I wouldn't have the time to bring this up. She was darting for the exit.
"Jirachi wait! Am I making you uncomfortable?"
She stopped in her tracks. Spinning around and waving her arms in as many directions as she possibly could. Her head followed a similar trajectory rapidly snapping from side to side. "No! No no no no! What you did for me was REALLY sweet! Trust me when I say you didn't overstep any boundaries. I would have kneed you in the balls if you did."
"Duly noted, but that's not what I was talking about. Mesprit told me about what I missed last night."
She hung her head and slowly trudged her way over to my side until she was sitting next to me.
"I know...It's not an excuse but... I got a lot of stuff on my plate recently. Old wounds I thought were closed by how long it's been since I received them but I was wrong... I'm doing my best to process all of it now. I mean I really do enjoy the time I get to spend with you. I'd honestly love to get to know more about you too. I get all warm and fuzzy just thinking about it, but it also reminds me of someone else who in spite of how much I want to move on from him. He still makes me feel that way... We really did have something very special back then and I can't force myself to move past him yet. I'm really sorry that my actions hurt you so much..."
She glumly floated next to me. She plopped down with the same level of exhaustion groaning the moment she hit floor. I was prepared to ask her to keep going but that never happened. She held up her paw as she voiced her request, "Please... I know it's selfish, but I don't want to talk any more about him right now..." I could respect that. It did take away the main subject I was going to ask her about. Well... there was a different subject. Not really answering any questions, but it was a memory I always looked back to with the fondest of memories.
"Hey Jirachi, do you remember how we met?"
"How could I possibly forget that? Kyogre was being so rude to you. How could she just say that you were irrelevant?!"
Quite easily. It was after I had been officially inducted into the council and I wanted nothing more than to return to the depths of the oceans Kyogre never bothered to explore. I probably would have to if she didn't catch me at the base of those absurd stairs.
"I've had bad days with and without Kyogre before but that was easily one of the worst of them. Not because of Kyogre's tantrum, that was something I expected but... the way everyone just silently agreed with her was gut wrenching... Except for one bright spot. It made the whole ordeal worthwhile."
"I can still recall exactly what you said, 'Some of our members can be real cruel and some of them think such actions are more appropriate than showing acts of kindness. I however think that kindness is something more of this council could learn to use. Thanks to Mew I heard you were going to be joining us and I wanted to make a little welcome to the council treat.'"
A small but wonderful cinnamon roll that she even managed to write a little welcome message in icing. I wasn't the only one who remembered that gift so clearly.
"Oh my gosh! That's why you like my cinnamon rolls so much."
"Yeah."
I can always go back to that moment where it felt like I was truly wanted in this council. For the longest time I thought her kindness was why I felt so happy whenever I got to be around her, but I slowly began to realize the true effect her gift had on me. I didn't know who she was back then but that was enough for me to unknowingly fall for her. She doesn't need to know that last part. Not right now.
"It meant the world to me to get something other than Kyogre's scorn or Groudon's total indifference. It may not seem like much but I'm never going to forget what you did for me."
I didn't think sharing such a simple story could make me feel so much better... I didn't realize how gloomy I'd been feeling until then. When I looked back at Jirachi she had that warm smile that always managed brightened my day. She wrapped her arm around my shoulder pulling me into a tight one armed hug.
"Thank you for sharing that with me. It's a lovely story... and it's not forever. Someday, I'm not sure when, but someday I'll be ready for that next step. I hope you'll be there when that happens... Wait hold on. T-that's not what I- Oh geez... I don't wanna give you false hopes like that.. P-please don't throw away a chance to be happy for my sake!"
That short embrace was over and she was frantically floating trying her hardest to speak in coherent sentences. This was getting way too difficult for me to follow...
"It's cool. We already promised we'd stay friends regardless of what happens. Although I think we should add one last rule we both need to follow. If in that time frame either of us find a different partner then we need to be supportive of that outcome. Deal"
She nodded, vigorously bobbing the ribbons on her head up and down. She proceeded to coil the golden ribbon emerging from her back around my antennae and mimicked a human handshake. A nice official way to seal the promise between us.
"Plus it's not like I was going to get between you and Mesprit."
Her eyes shrunk to the size of pea sized dots for a split second as her mouth formed just as tiny a whole. Then out of nowhere she burst out laughing clutching her stomach as she fell back to the floor. What in the world did I say to cause that kind of a reaction. She feebly held up her hand asking me to wait but... I'm not sure if she was going to come back anytime soon. Her laugh had become a high pitched squeal and her breathes were rapid snorts.
"Oh...Ok... I'm *Snort* Good... Messi and I... we're besties. Nothing more, but... thanks for being so understanding if that was the case." She punctuated the last part of what she said by patting me on the cheek. Now it was hard to tell if she was being genuine or having a laugh at my expense like Mesprit... I wasn't diving through that rabbit hole either way.
She proceeded to fly to a separate cupboard. When she returned she had a myriad of cleaning supplies which could only mean one thing. Time to clean up the mess.
"OK. I think we've spent long enough in this kitchen. Once this mess is clean we can get a move on. I wanna see those sunny shores before the sun sets!"
True it would be nice if we could just jump right into the same kind of loving relationships the rest of this council has managed to stumble into, but maybe it was best for the both of us.
(Mew POV)
This was the most overwhelming sense of dread I could possibly be feeling. When Arceus was upset in general it was bad news for everyone. It was always at it's worse for whoever was the direct source of her ire.
She kept a large bag of ice pressed to her head. If I'm lucky the hangover was the bigger source of mental fatigue than my recent actions. My whole body shook waiting for her verdict. Not even Celebi giving my paw a firm reassuring squeeze did anything to ease how afraid I was.
Not helping matters were Dialga and Palkia. The large space dinosaur kept whispering to Dialga about all the horrible things Arceus could do to me. He was seriously trying to make a bet out of this?! Dialga was glaring at me. Wonderful I'm going to also be dealing with that treatment again...
Arceus slammed her golden hoof sending a spine chilling shockwave across her makeshift council chamber.
"Palkia. If you desire a place to gossip. I recommend you do so elsewhere. Now is not the time for that."
His whole body stiffened and he promptly hid behind Dialga. That was going to be the one reprieve for the day. Arceus was absolutely saving the worst of it for me.
"Now onto the matter at hand. Are you certain what you are telling me is true. You do understand the consequences that comes with such a confession?"
Mmhmm! I knew better than anybody in this dang council what that entails.
"Very well I'll deliver your punishment right away. Step forward and hold out your hand."
Celebi was reluctant to let me step forward, but I wasn't gonna let her get dragged down with me. I could lie and tell her that I'd be fine... She might even believe me if I could put on a convincing smile. Oh who would I be kidding with that?! She's probably going to strip me of my powers then force me to admit what happened to everyone cleaning that club. It was the perfect way for her to be rid of me for good after centuries of making her life miserable. My whole body trembled waiting for the inevitable... but it never came.
I felt a light tap on the back of my hand and... nothing else... None of my powers had been taken away. No restrictions engraved into my soul that I'd be forced to follow for the next century. There had to be another step that Arceus had miraculously forgotten to include. I took a chance to look Arceus in the eyes to see when the real judgement would strike, but there was no rage, bewilderment, or any other kind of hateful thought in there. All she did after what could generously be described as a slap on the wrist was give me an equally harsh scolding. "Bad boy. Now don't do it again."
Was that it? How? Why? I ruined everything last night! That can't be all that happens to me... She must have been reading my inner most thoughts or been a master of answering the question everyone was refusing to bring up, because when she spoke again her words were made to address the confusion now plaguing this miniature council.
"Your actions certainly did not help matters from last night, but in this rare instance they were merely an accelerant to the outcome. I do not wish for the rest of the council to use you as a scapegoat for the outcome of their actions. Not to mention you are displaying a great deal of maturity and courage by admitting fault. So with these factors at play a simple warning will suffice this time."
That strange warmth from when I was put on the competent list was back. There wasn't any tricks at all, she was being entirely genuine with me. By some miracle Arceus was given admission of my own misdeeds and she had willingly chosen not to do anything about it. This was cause for celebration. I was not only going to live but nobody aside from a select few were going to learn about what happened and it all felt just so wrong! Arceus never shows any kind of approval when I'm involved... This had to be her new way of disciplining me. Some sort of punishment through the rest of the council trick. A means to make my subconscious crumble by the weighted guilt...
"Mew is something else troubling you. I implore you not to hide anything else from me."
Why was she even more terrifying now? Why can't she just berate me and question her sanity when she created me? That was something I could understand.
"Why? Why are you being so nice to me? Why aren't you telling me you wished you never created me anymore? I don't understand..."
If Palkia or Dialga had any comments on the matter they were keeping them private. Arceus' eyes flickered from one color to another. The tell all sign that something has managed to catch her off guard. Even Giratina the only being in existence who could be considered crueler than Darkrai looked unsettled by what I was saying. Celebi was putting on a brave face, but I know what it looks like when she's trying not to cry in front of me.
Arceus's eyes quickly settled on a dull blue. A shade I had seen a multitude of times. When she was deeply ashamed of someone, typically me. She reached out her golden hoof placing it on top of my head. OK here it was the real retribution I'd have to face. It never came. She kept her hoof resting at the base of my skull. Was she patting the top of my head?
"I see that years of retribution both warranted and undeserved has left you damaged in a manner that needs to be healed. I am ashamed to admit that I had not realized the burden you have been carrying. Yes, you were a handful. One even I could never have predicted, but to trip on the chosen path to improve oneself is to be expected. I apologize for my neglect and for not making matters more recognizable for you. For what my words are worth I want you to know that I am proud of you and what you have accomplished."
Come on, keep it together. Don't break down again. It was bad enough when Celebi had to see it. Don't show that kind of vulnerability to a number of individuals who despise you. No matter how hard I tried to resist I was sobbing into my hands. I couldn't wipe the tears away fast enough. Arceus was many things but she would never lie, even to someone she loathed as much as me.
"I believe the matter regarding your actions has come to a close, you are dismissed. However I require Celebi to stay for a touch longer. An urgent matter has been brought to my attention that I must discuss with her. Giratina would you please escort Mew outside. This is a private matter and I believe he needs a moment to himself."
What? Why Celebi? I'm the one who was at fault. Not her. Please no! Don't pardon me only to punish her! She put her hand on my shoulder and smiled. It was the exact same kind of forced smile I've worn countless times now. That wasn't going to reassure me at all. It didn't ease my worries at all when she told me she was going to be OK either.
That demonic dragon wrapped one of his inky black tendril around me and dragged me out of the chamber. Once we were outside he sat beside me. We both knew why. I'd sneak back in there if somebody wasn't sticking around to keep me in place. It certainly wasn't from him suddenly growing a heart for any soul aside from Arceus. Dialga was screaming like a feral, cornered beast. Whatever Celebi did left her utterly livid.
Just be glad you aren't the one who's doing that to Celebi... She didn't deserve to be the outlet for all those putrid thoughts. I needed a distraction so badly! It wouldn't be the best conversation. Hell it would probably be traumatizing but anything to distract me for even a little bit was exactly what I needed.
"If you're gonna make me sit here the least you could do is say something."
The bloody irises surrounded by his inky black sclera shifted focus onto me. He was playing up his role trying to get me to squirm in terror. He even went so far as to add an echo to his voice when he realized the stare alone wasn't going to cut it this time.
"You're annoying."
With that he saw no further reason to speak with me and returned to his oh so important brooding. Screw it...Not like we were gonna find any big common ground between us... Best to just mimic what he's doing and mope in peace.
"Yo dude!"
Oh thank goodness. I don't know how he and Darkrai can even do something so monotonous for even a minute. Nevermind the hours Darkrai spends doing just that! It was someone I was always happy to see, Azelf. Oh and I guess she brought Uxie along with her too. The second she showed up Giratina took the opportunity to bail. He slinked back into the shadows. Of course HE can go back in there... I didn't have too long to dwell on the matter though... Azelf wrapped her arm around my shoulder and gave me a good shake.
"You still look terrible."
"Yeah... I'm gonna be fine, but Celebi might not... She did something that landed her in hot water with Diaga."
Her eyes narrowed hearing Celebi's name. She's gonna be like that with her for who knows how long now...
Uxie took his seat beside Azelf and strangely enough he didn't have any books on hand at all. Why is it the one time I wouldn't mind hearing narration from one of those dusty old novels he decides to leave them in his horde? Azelf was jittering with delight and if I focused I could spot Uxie's clasped paws shaking against his will to keep them in place.
"OK, I'll bite. Why are you up so early and what's got him so excited?"
Uxie raised his hand but remained totally silent meaning Azelf had the pleasure of announcing the reason for visiting Arceus.
"We're here to convince the big albino creator to let Uxie use his eyes however he wants."
...Oh... that's not going to end well at all...
"Should be easy. I had a talk with the big llama and she said all Uxie's gotta do is ask her to make the changes and then she'd do it for him. Uxie however insists on thinking through a bevy of reasons and counter arguments."
Nah I'm with Uxie on this one. Even when in a good mood it is a losing battle trying to convince Arceus to change something regardless of how big an improvement it would be. Or maybe I shouldn't? Arceus did just show how she can swerve in a totally different direction from what I've come to expect. So maybe asking her nicely is all these two really need.
From there Uxie practiced all his reasonings and retorts using me as the opposition. I couldn't really offer much in the way of helping him find holes in his argument. It made enough sense to me why he wanted this change and he's kinda a bore when it comes to following the rules so it's not like you could hold a history of breaking them as leverage against him.
The doors began to creak open and to my utter relief I could see Celebi flying there. Not a scratch on her to speak of. I launched myself at her wrapping tiny arms around her waist. All things considered I think I retained my dignity exceptionally well if you disregard all the sobbing and whimpering that followed.
"CELEBI! ARE YOU OK?! PLEASE TELL ME YOU'RE OK! SHE DIDN'T PUNISH YOU FOR MY ACTIONS DID SHE?!"
"Easy, easy. Down boy. I'm fine. The worst I got was an ear full from Dialga."
A low growl from my blue bestie tensed her entire body. I didn't need to see her scowl to understand the message behind it, 'Never hurt him again or I WILL kill you.'
"Come along Azelf. I require your presence if I am to convey my thoughts properly."
He took her by the paw and she didn't try fighting against him taking her away. So that's why he didn't bring a book. Azelf was filling in for that role. Or I could be reading too deep into it and he's just taking any excuse he can think of to hold her hand. As he guided her into Arceus' chambers Azelf made certain Celebi received one last message. Motioning to her eyes with her free paw and point back at Celebi.
"Your friend is terrifying..."
"Yup! She's awesome like that." Her grip tightened the second Azelf threatened her and it showed no signs of loosening. We've both had a lot of things to leave us pretty shaken lately... Not just all that stuff with Arceus. I'm still not used to being widely treated with anything other than contempt and scorn. Well if we were going to need each other for the rest of the day I was going to make sure we could at the bare minimum have our privacy.
(Cel POV)
A wide open field surrounded as far as the eye could see with flowers. The perfect place to lie back and bask in the radiant glow of nature. The sky remained lovely. The sun warmed as the breeze cooled. The perfect time to doze off and let the warm embrace of nature and your loved ones embrace you.
That beautiful weather would have to wait though. Mew lied across from me. Eyes closed in deep concentration. He was searching for something. Something he wanted to talk to me about. There was no warning to when he spoke they were as sudden as they were surprising.
"Cel...Please be honest with me... What were you thinking about undoing?"
How'd he figure it out so quickly? I made no indication I had even used my powers and yet he had put the pieces together with the barely any context clues to think of. My silence prompted him to roll onto his side and open those tired cerulean eyes. The explanation that followed told me exactly where he had spent most of his time thinking. He wasn't going to ask in this scenario without a solid theory behind his reasoning.
"You're like Uxie when it comes to following the rules, a total stickler. If you weren't being called in to take the blame for me. Then the only valid options regard something nature related which given the timeframe and how Dialga was yelling SO loudly I'm pretty sure the guys still at that nightclub could hear it makes that scenario very unlikely. So that leaves me to think you wanted to or did in fact change the outcome of an event you didn't like to a much more preferable solution."
He's too observant for his own good...
"...I was tempted to erase slapping you..."
He closed his eyes once more and hummed. They stayed shut when the utterly haunting words that followed left his lips.
"Well it's a good thing you didn't go through with that. I definitely would have dumped you if you manipulated me like that."
My whole body shivered at the thought. I whimpered thinking about such an outcome. It was a noise he picked up on instantly. He sat up and floated upwards.
"Hey, did you actually do anything?"
I couldn't find the words so I shook my head as quickly as I could. He grinned at my response. "Then there's nothing wrong with taking a little peak. I mean Dialga does that all the time to win bets against Palkia. So who's to say you can't be curious over certain outcomes."
I shuddered at the feeling of his warm fur brushing against my belly. It was a struggle not to laugh at the feeling. If I did then he would certainly take the opportunity to capitalize on that weakness.
I was about to rub the top of his head like usual, but it didn't feel right to do so. Not without his express permission. Well if that's what he wants then I'm happy to deliver. At least now when I lay back in the grass I truly could feel relaxed in mother nature's loving embrace. The silence is nice, but Mew kept fidgeting about. There was just far too much on his mind for him to put his mind at ease and drift off. Fortunately I had the exact solution to that problem.
"Y'know. We still have a few questions left in the crossword for you to solve if you'd let me grab it."
With a flick of his tail the crossword fell to my side.
"Alright then, where were we..."
We weren't avoiding council members who happened to fit certain definitions over the more fitting words. He'd name who fits the description and I would put them in there. If for no other reason than it would help him work through his grievances even a little bit.
"I know the word is nurture... buuuut I think Jirachi fits that definition way better."
Yeah... to an almost smothering degree
"The second we give Jira the full story... I doubt either of us will ever know what life is going to be like without her anymore."
"Yeah, but we still love her regardless."
Yeah. We'd be a mess without her.
"OK next word, a seven letter word for the opposite of one with great temperance."
He gave me a look that could best be described as, 'Come on. Do I really gotta say it? We both know who that is.'
"Groudon...OK last one. A six letter word for a caretaker."
This one had me curious. Unlike previous questions this one had multiple answers. Arceus fit the bill of a caretaker for reality itself, but by that logic Dialga could be seen as one to time itself. There's also a different type of protector the same one Raikou is only about a month away from becoming. The grin on his face was telling me that was the exact kind of thought process he was following. Oh that was going to make it even more fascinating to follow.
"Celebi~"
In one word he sent my heart into overdrive. My face was burning at the thought. Was he making that kind of a proposal right here and now? It hardly seemed appropriate after everything that's happened lately.
"Not right now silly. I'm not ready for that kind of commitment yet, but I'd love to start a family with you someday... Then again... maybe we should have one as soon as possible. If I have a child then I gotta behave to set example for the little tyke."
That broke the barrier and left both of us snickering in delight. If either of us was going to be a total hard ass of a parent it was going to be me.
"Thanks for sharing something so personal with me, but I'm the one who's naming any children we have. Understood?"
There was a light snickering behind his response but otherwise he wholeheartedly agreed that I would be better suited for such a responsibility. As if to prove why I would be handling such a duty he began to rub his head up and down my belly and chest. I was already struggling to keep my composure when he was just resting his head there. This was a game I had no hope of winning. I was totally at his mercy and I was perfectly fine with it. The sound of laughter was like catnip to him and this little sadist was determined to get his fill. My 'torment' came to an end when he had his fill. He rested his head on my chest where he could best hear my heartbeat.
"Hey, why do you like listening to my heartbeat so much? I doubt the novelty of me having one is still in effect at this point."
To my surprise this actually managed to fluster him. He fidgeted about which caused me a whole new wave of trying to maintain the urge not to laugh. Mercifully he didn't decide to distract from the conversation by repeatedly tickling me. He folded up wrapping his tail around himself and mumbling, "It's a pretty stupid reason..."
When it came to Mew... I honestly can't say if I would think so anymore. I did however know of a few ways to make him a little more comfortable with sharing certain stories. I lifted up my free hand propping up my pinky. It was goofy and maybe a little silly, but to some degree that was always going to be Mew. "I promise I won't laugh or ridicule you no matter your reasoning. Nor will I stop you from enjoying this 'activity' going forward."
He never locked his pinky with mine but I was going to keep my promise regardless if he officiated the promise or not. This was clearly something he'd prefer to keep to himself and I think as his partner I could keep some of his personal secrets tucked away safely for him. He let out a happy hum seeing me take such measures to ease his worries. Really just seeing him smile again was all I'd need to be satisfied for the rest of the day, but he chose to share with me.
"Thanks Cel...OK so at first it really was just sheer fascination that you had one. I mean I thought your body functioned entirely off sunlight and chlorophyll so when I heard it my mind was thoroughly blown, but... that isn't the important reason for why... You trusted me to get close enough to hear it and it was this constant reminder of just how much things had changed. I used to think you were totally heartless but suddenly I had proof that you had one in the literal sense and in the way that really mattered... Told you it was stupid..."
"You might think its stupid but I think it's sweet."
Hearing my words must have eased his guard enough to let out the heavy yawn he'd been trying to hold in since we got to this field. The past couple of days had taken their toll. His exhaustion had caught up to him. So rather than let him continue to languish in exhaustion I began to gently stroke his head in small circles. Encouraging him to relax and let his worries wash away. The last thing I could hear from him before he drifted to sleep were his happy mumbling about being a dad someday. His snore was a beautifully mixed with his purring. My own personal surprise when he dozed off in my embrace. They were an irreplaceable source of comfort to me.
I could not escape the inevitable curse that came from hearing another person yawn. Guess I was also still feeling drained from last nights events. Fully laying on my back now I could let the aroma of nature envelop me entirely.
If Cresselia was kind enough maybe Mew and I could have a little fun in the dream world together. If not then we could find something fun to do together later. Either way I couldn't be more excited about what the future with Mew had in store for me. I mean I could take a little peak to see just what that had in store for me... Nah... Why do that when I can look forward to the possibilities the future had in store for me alongside Mew. What fun would it be if I just had the whole thing spoiled in advance?
(Uxie POV)
I was right to prepare for an uphill battle. Arceus was justifiably upset over her personal getaway being left in a state of disrepair. She was not in the mood to politely grant that request anymore. In it's place was a daunting task. "Convince one of your fellow council members and we can determine where to apply changes from there. You have an hour to accomplish this task." On paper it was easy to accomplish. Just one vote would be an easy task to accomplish... unfortunately the majority of currently present council members held firm grudges over the damage my eyes had delivered to them in the past.
I had spent far too long specifically searching for a means to convince Arceus... I fear my opening plea may fall on deaf ears.
"Change is not uncommon within this council. We have seen it happen to our members over the years. Either by choice or by Arceus' hands. We have seen the later occur with Mesprit-"
Dialga never gave me a chance to finish. She saw an excuse to pounce and greedily took her chance.
"Mesprit is responsible with her powers, but I bore witness to you recklessly erasing Palkia's powers when you forgot to keep your eyes shut."
"Yeah. Who's to say he's not looking for a smokescreen to cause future problems."
First arguments from my opposition and I find myself forced to bite my tongue and clench my fists. To a degree I can fully understand Dialga's personal distaste towards me and Palkia's discomfort in my presence However that understanding can only carry so far...my patience was truly tested from the pair's continuous attempts to shift the blame for that event onto anyone but themselves.
"I did not forget. I was at Fogbound Lake. Palkia teleported me right in front of him."
Dialga scoffed not in the least bit convincing either. She was reveling in the power she had been given over me. As if such a sadist deserved even more authority than she was already granted.
"So all the chaos and destruction falls squarely on our shoulders? You went into a trance and refused to close your eyes while your counterpart saw fit to repeatedly get Palkia to look into those very eyes."
I was at fault for failing to respond accordingly and yes Azelf is at fault for the part she had to play. Sadly this went on for another fifty minutes. An endless loop of that one blasted event. It was maddening as though an entire lifetime of control and agonizing restraint was going to be dominated by this singular event.
It was infuriating! I was not in the mood to let these two dinosaurs stall any further. I wanted a direct answer and not some sick game where they could just play with my emotions because they had the freedom to dangle all my hopes before me.
"Why is this debate only revolving around that one moment in my entire existence of carefully maintaining control? Do you have every intention of holding our mistake against me for the rest of eternity?!"
She scoffed at my words. I do not understand how my words could catch her off guard.
"This has nothing to do with that. You're an ass but you have a point. There is blame to share among all of us. Did you think I'm was petty enough to hold onto a meaningless grudge for that long?"
"Yes. This is the most civilized conversation we have had since that day. You have given me no evidence to suggest otherwise."
I was used to feeling the silence my words could create. This was no different. I am uncertain why my opinion in this scenario would surprise anyone. There was no point to keeping my thoughts to myself if she was unwilling to change her stance. There was a sharp inhale before she resumed speaking.
"The answer has nothing to do with any personal distaste for you. It's because it is a power too easy to abuse and too difficult to control. I would be against this even if you managed to keep a perfectly spotless record."
"Sorry dude, I'm sure you could in time, but I really don't want to take that risk..."
No...please no... I can't stay in the dark. Not like this...
"I am sorry to say this Uxie, but it does not appear you can convince anyone. I am afraid this meeting will have to come to a close soon."
Arceus' words set off Azelf. I had to instinctively grab her tails to hold her in place while she tried rushing to get in Arceus' face. The effort was a fruitless one, but it would ensure Azelf restrained herself ever so slightly. Physically... there was no stopping her from shouting her opinion on the matter.
"Seriously?! What happened to being as simple as him asking for permission?! 'Oh thou just need ask when we speaketh in hypotheticals' but when actually asked to follow through on it you go and give some impossible task he has no chance at winning?!"
Once our hour was up Arceus would no doubt toss the both of us outside for 'desecrating' the silence of her chamber... That was no longer a concern for Azelf. She kept lambasting Arceus for her 'hypocritical' approach. She...really was passionate about it. It was hard not to admire her remaining so dedicated when we had no chance of success... If only she could be one of my options to convince... Wait... Arceus never specified that she was not. Should this be the solution... how fitting for Azelf to once again be my savior once.
"Azelf. I must ask. Would you approve of Arceus changing how my eyes function?"
There was a long pause. Stemmed from the sheer disbelief of my words.
"Yes! Obviously! That's exactly why we're here! What kind of question is that?!"
The most important one possible, thank you Azelf. I will have to find a proper way to show my undying gratitude when the opportunity presents itself. Regardless if this was the true solution to the trial Arceus had given. My whole body was tense and I could feel my heart beating against my chest. This anxiety was an unpleasant experience I could do without.
Her response proved unexpectant... She was laughing. I could not let my guard down. She could be laughing for any number of reasons.
"Ah...that was truly entertaining and had the benefit of allowing all of us to talk out our issues."
...This was therapy... I suddenly have nostalgia for Mesprit's matchmaker antics...
"I am impressed to see you think of a solution even I had not expected. You were supposed to ask me for permission just as Azelf said."
"I-we- WE DID! Why would anyone think to ask a second time when a trial was given as a first response!?"
"Hush now. That is hardly an appropriate tone. You passed the trial and that's all that truly matters."
I would argue so much against this but I lacked the energy... Palkia and Dialga were an entirely different matter. They vehemently opposed the idea with their own arguments to Arceus remaining remarkably consistent to when they debated me. Perhaps they were being genuine and not tormenting me after all. I cannot say for certain nor was it of particular interest for me to find out at this point in time.
"If neither of you wish to see Uxie's eyes then I suggest you both leave while you both still can. Now onto the matter at hand. This will be a delicate matter we need to discuss and I do not wish to partake in this discussion while we are meant to be enjoying our break. However I can see that will not fully enjoy your time here if I leave this matter unresolved. So for the duration of this meeting I will revoke the memory wiping your eyes perform. Stand still for a moment."
Her golden hoof tapped the gem adorning my forehead. A wave golden light fully engulfed me senses. Had my eyes been opened the intensity of the light would no doubt have forced them shut. The light faded slowly, but I felt no significant changes... Arceus has shown a propensity for cruelty as of late but surely this would have been a step too far.
"It is done. You may open your eyes now."
With her words Palkia stumbled out of his seat crashing to the floor. He noisily scrambled his way to the exit followed shortly after by Dialga groaning loudly at the presumed destruction Palkia left behind.
I was free. At long last I could perceive the world at large without fear of the consequences. That burden to remain cautious at all times had been lifted. Except eons of my one guaranteed shelter kept its hold over me. I was frightened of the possibilities for catastrophe.
All thoughts of ruin ceased when I felt her embrace. She clasped her paws on both of mine. I could feel that she was right in front of me. Should I open my eyes she would be what I would perceive first.
"It's cool dude. I could never forget someone as obnoxious as you and that is a promise."
She was right... I was no longer bound by those chains. With a final breath I took that first theoretical step forward. Slowly the world cleared as my vision adjusted. Just like the night before I saw her. Except this time I could see plain as day those beautiful eyes.
They really were as lovely as I imagined they would be. That slim fear would dissipate there was no indication at all that she had forgotten who I was. My vision was beginning to blur. That wasn't fair my emotions were taking full reign of my once more. This time it was not from grief or anger. I felt...so happy... it was such an unexpected experience. I had heard of such emotional states from Mesprit but it remained astonishing to experience such a state myself. Her smile remained as warm as ever. She raised her tails slowly brushed against my cheeks clearing the fresh tears now soaking them.
"See? Nothings changed at all. I love you and no matter how many headaches you give me that ain't ever going to change."
Her words made a certain thought crossed my mind. One with a high probability of dismemberment for 'ruining the mood'. On the other this was the exact sort of thing Azelf would prefer especially if Arceus was to bare witness...
Ah screw the statistics! This would be our payback to Arceus for putting me through that trial it would be well worth any of the consequences that followed. Just to be safe I made certain to give her a wink before starting my gambit.
"Alas my wounds have dug too deep and the damage cannot hope to mend. For our tale is told by heartbreak and misfortune."
I spun away from her in mock rejection chewing the scenery as much as I possibly could. All that remained was hoping that she her willingness to play along. Unsurprisingly Arceus scoffed at my actions. Not that it mattered. All that did matter was how Azelf responded. To my utter delight I could practically hear the *ding* go off in her head when the realization struck. She flew in front of me sporting the widest grin she possibly could. She gleefully mirrored my energy from before as she spoke in pure Shakespearean heartbreak.
"Oh say it is not too late. Our tale cannot come to an end this way. Not when we were so close to mending this broken bridge."
Spinning around once more I could see for myself the sheer revulsion in Arceus' face and it was beautiful. She hated ever second of what we were doing and that made it imperative that this be milked for all it was worth.
"Such hope is woefully misplaced for rejection of the past stings too great even now.
Our back and forth was more fun than it had any right to be. Arceus' utter bewilderment was a sight to behold.
Sadly our fun had to come to an end. Not because we ran out of material. I have full confidence in our ability to keep that play going for the rest of the day if that was required of us. No, what truly marked the end of this exercise in Arceus' expense was when our allotted hour had passed. Arceus now had a very convenient excuse to toss the both of us out of her chamber. Not the first time I had been tossed out and most certainly would not be the last.
She held onto me as we collided with the ground ensuring she took the full force of the impact. I tried to get up as fast as possible. A task that proved wildly difficult as long as she kept her arms locked around my waist. She was far too busy laughing over just how flustered we made Arceus to ever consider letting go of me.
"Dude! That was awesome! Oh, we gotta do something similar with Mesprit but like more convincing! Really make her think we already managed to mess everything up!"
"Funny as that would be. I have reason to believe she would genuinely kill the both of us for that and never even learn we were joking."
She grumbled, folding her arms in what I assume was defeat. "Stop being so smart about these things...ugh let's just see how she's holding up. If nothing else we can get a good laugh at her response to the new you."
I could not deny the truth behind that statement. Plus it would be a lovely spot to watch the world. There were so many places I wanted to explore. I've read so many stories about the beauty I have yet to witness. There truly was no limit to the activities I could partake in now... which also means...
"You know Azelf if I can use my eyes freely now. It will be far easier for you to convince me to experiment with all those videogames you hoard."
She threw her fists in the air screaming triumphantly. I did not have to guess how excited that revelation left her. This was emphasized even further when she flew back to me, wrapped her arms around my waist, and took me for a ride. Her uncontained joy was astonishing, borderline infectious. I could not help but smile alongside her. Soon enough she realized what she was doing. She was flustered to say the least. Even with her unfounded shyness she made the conscious decision to continue her embrace. Well this was not the scene I envisioned from Azelf but if this was the path she had chosen then I would be happy to reciprocate.
I gave her a well earned kiss for all she's done for me. Nothing too fancy, it was the exact kind she saw fit to give me the previous night. I saw a wondrously vibrant shade of ruby spread across her cheeks from my actions. Seeing Azelf flustered was going to be one of my all time favorite sights going forward.
"I love you too Azelf."
(Azelf's POV)
Never would have guessed Mesprit would choose to spend her free time lazing around on a beach all day. Not when she had free reign to run around gathering all kinds of gossip and blackmail. That was until I remembered hardly anyone was around today and those who were would know better than to get caught leaking their secrets to Mesprit. Seriously how badly did that club get wrecked for it to take all day to clean up that mess. The sun was getting ready to set and they still hadn't finished... Oh well it made it all the easier to help myself to the buffet Jirachi left for everyone. Also not helping was Arceus failing to give us anything else to do after cancelling an event. You'd think she'd have something planned for the members who behaved themselves, but nope. So I guess it wasn't too big of a stretch to imagine her relaxing all day on a beach.
One thing I would never be able to wrap my head around was why she was so eager to spend it in a human guise. Whenever I ask she claims its because humans have an astonishing eye for the subject. This time she was wearing a valentines themed swimsuit with a gaudy ass pair of heart shaped sunglasses. It was on theme with her role as the cupid nobody was asking for help with.
She wasn't alone either. Jirachi was flailing wildly in the water while Manaphy desperately tried to keep her head above the water. She had the grace of a drunk Hitmonchan attempting to swat the worlds smallest Yanma.
No wonder she hadn't dozed off. She had a show to watch.
"How's their date going?"
She shifted her head to acknowledge the both of us and spoke with a relaxed laziness. The kind of tone you only got when you are a few seconds away from genuinely passing out from a state of relaxation. "Their not on a date. Its one friend teaching another how to swim. I meanwhile am taking my time to relax at the same beach they are choosing to have fun at."
Uh huh...so Jirachi's luminescent blush was pure happenstance. Seriously she could be a lighthouse power source with how brightly her face was glowing. I'd have to be as blind as...well I would say Uxie but that would be inaccurate and in poor taste so I'll just say a Zubat and move on. Speaking of, he found exactly the scenario he was searching for to interject.
"Technically this does not qualify as a beach. It is merely the shore to the island and this shoreline does not stretch far enough to reach that standard."
"Oh who went and made you a land-GAH! WHAT THE HELL UXIE!? YOU TRYING TO MAKE ME FORGET EVERYTING?!"
She did her best imitation of a Magikarp, flopping around the sand. She frantically covered her eyes while her fancy beach drink splashed all over her. He was right her reaction alone made keeping her in the dark about it way funnier than trying to prank her with memory loss.
"Arceus was convinced to change how my eyes functioned."
Our now sopping wet counterpart groaned in annoyance as she used a nearby towel to dry herself off.
"You coulda told me you know!"
"Indeed."
Her scowl deepened as her cheeks puffed in annoyance. I could practically hear the dark curses rattling around her head. For a momentary payback she tossed her now soaking towel at Uxie's face. With a final pout her demeanor softened and she grew curious. Now that she had the luxury to see for herself she was going to get a good look at Uxie's eyes. I mean...who wouldn't dive at that opportunity.
She took off those atrocious shades and leaned as closely as Uxie was willing to let her. Seriously Mesprit you were so close that all you needed wat to dangle a mistletoe over his head and you'd have free reign to kiss him...
"Well I think that's enough for now. If I keep on staring Azzy here might get all jealous."
As if. With a snap of her fingers a new towel appeared and rather than lie on her back she rested on her stomach.
"Have fun you two. Just... don't forget about me OK?"
That was odd. Not the playful teasing. That was never going to go away. That part about forgetting her. Something about her tone struck me as soul crushing. As though she was expecting this to be the last time she'd see us this whole meeting.
We found a nice part of the 'beach' all to ourselves far away from prying eyes. Taking a rest in the warm sun bathed sands we were free to relax and enjoy each other's company. Said company was also conveniently out of Mesprit's earshot so that made it rather easy to ask a question I'm hoping was just me reading to deeply into things.
"So was it just me or did she seem genuine with that last bit about being left behind?"
The joy in his eyes faltered to a familiar frown. Except now it was way easier to tell that he was genuinely saddened and not just being distant.
"She was. Yesterday when I was acting as her model she shared with me how she believes we're always destined to drift apart. While I have every reason to believe we will be constants in our lives once more... I cannot stomach the thought of falling into that same loop and leaving Mesprit all to her lonesome."
Crap... no wonder she'd get so depressed out of nowhere then perk up the moment she saw one of us. Was that why she was so determined to play the losing game of matchmaker with us. Well beyond her obvious shipper brain working in overdrive. It gave her a good reason to be a constant thorn in both of our lives...
"Don't get me wrong she's an obnoxious, gossiping, overly emotional handful and she really needs to learn the importance of private business... but... she's still someone I'd never want to live without... As far as counterparts go we coulda been stuck with one that was leagues worse than her."
"Agreed. For eons I remember being counterparts with a star headed imbecile who would get set off by even the slightest of provocations. Thank goodness you eventually took her place in our trio trust me when I say you would have hated her."
Walked right into that one. Can't even get mad at him for taking such an obvious opening when I set it up so carelessly. I still gave his arm a light jab. I still had to maintain an ounce of my dignity and not let him get away totally scot-free.
"Very funny. For the record I was referring to getting saddled with Zapdos."
The very thought of having that train wreck as a constant in his life made his visibly shudder and gag. How Moltres and Articuno can even function with her constant everything is still one of the council's greatest mysteries. If I were either of them I'd be reveling at the chance to spend the day away from her Tauros crap. Even if it meant cleaning up the destruction the council caused. A part of me is hoping she'll seek revenge so Uxie can verbally destroy her again. Oh well we don't gotta deal with her or whatever problems she'll cause in the future yet. Plus we got someone way better than that fried chicken in every possible way.
"So if Mesprit's got it in her head that we'll be leaving her to her lonesome cause we'll be too distracted with each other then I will be more than happy to prove that notion wrong. No offense but there is only so much of you that even I could take."
He smiled warmly in response. Good to see we were on the same page in that regard. Hell I'd go back and spend the rest of the day with Mesprit right now, but that would just be an endless loop of her trying to get us to enjoy the 'romantic evening together' which... well the sunlight reflecting on the waves was a real mesmerizing sight... So maybe just this once I would skip to the end of the argument...
Uxie was especially enthralled with it. After centuries of only ever being able to witness the flow of Fogbound Lake any body of water must have been a sight to behold for him. He sported the widest most genuine smile I had ever seen in my life. It was the kind of joy I'd only ever seen from Mew, specifically when he revealed to me that he and Celebi hooked up.
With Uxie joy was a far more fleeting experience. He had always kept his guard up and any time he'd let his emotions slip he'd insist it was nothing and resume his emotionless persona. The closest I ever saw to consistent joy before hand was... that year... Even when he was trapped in those absurdly gaudy halls he'd smile whenever he saw one of us. It even got to the point where he never bothered hiding how happy he was to have us around.
Memories of that experience are still marred by a bitter reality. I mean it paved the way for him to start opening up to us and to some degree even began regarding us as his friends... but it also comes with a constant reminder of how it all ended... I shouldn't have let Zapdos get to me. Who cares if she or some other dingus in the council thought I was going soft! I should have just smacked the feathers off that bird and been done with it!
"Something on your mind?"
His focus shifted from the sunny beach to me. His eyes hid that he knew damn well what I was thinking about. It was practically the only time I had ever deeply reflected on the past beforehand.
"I think about it more than I should. How if given the chance it would be the one mistake I could correct if given the chance."
Yeah it was easy to see why he'd choose that exact moment. In a way I'm glad to hear that. It meant that in spite of how disastrous the fallout from wiping Palkia's memories was he must have valued the time we spent together there more than the consequences that befell him.
"I know you've told me more times than necessary that the matter was forgiven, but I cannot simply allow myself that luxury. You could have left me to die by Dialga and I chose to reward that kindness with cruelty."
He too the moment to clear his throat and wipe his eyes clean. Guess we really weren't as over that day as either of us hoped we could be... I took the opportunity to wrap my arm around his shoulder and pull him into my embrace. If he needed a reminder that the past has been forgiven then I'd give them to him until the end of time.
"I apologize for allowing my emotions to take control of my rationale. I am struggling in that regard more than what is acceptable."
"Nah dude, you be whatever emotion you gotta be whenever you need to. If anyone has a problem with it then I'll make sure they live to regret it."
I knew in this moment he had his eyes closed. There was this comfort in his aura the same kind Mew would radiate when Celebi protected him from harm. This desire for protection and safety.
"I used to think I woulda changed keeping those humans from getting their greasy hands on us...but if I did... this wouldn't be happening right now..."
I could feel the reassuring grip of his paw wrap around my waist. It was easily the most horrific experience for the three of us, but unlike what those stupid humans thought we survived. Just like when I fell apart in his arms all those years ago his presence was as reassuring then as it was now. Somehow in spite of the horrific tragedy that befell us we managed to come out alive and rekindled what should have been forever lost to a tragic mistake.
I still never quite found an answer to how he of all people was the one to bring me such relief. How in one night his actions seemingly put all the bad blood accumulated between us and tossed all of it aside. How in that night I realized the answer to why it truly hurt so much when he told me I should stop pretending I cared about him.
Maybe being around Uxie makes me more prone to thinking like this... Eh I guess it's not all bad to reflect every once in a while.
Well who really cares about the how, why, or when. I certainly don't. I honestly can't even find a definitive point. Just like how Mesprit went from an annoying pipsqueaks to one of my best friends. It was a gradual stretch of time that a single event couldn't have entirely dictated. I mean I could take the easy route and say that I felt this magical spark when I saw how helpless he was after saving him from Dialga... but that wouldn't be the truth of the matter. He was still an obnoxious bore who'd prattle on for hours about his favorite chapters in his favorite books, but now I'd be happy to sit back and hear him delve into his reasoning. Whereas before I'd have used that book as a blunt weapon to make his speech end sooner. Somewhere in my life I fell in love with this absolutely wonderful bore and I couldn't be happier because of it. Just like how he 'saw' me and somewhere along the path he took fell in love with me.
I didn't have the answer for when and I'm not sure he would have a definitive answer either, but you know I think that's OK.
Moving forward we'd have each other and I think that's more than either of us could ever ask for.
FINALLY DONE!
This story changed so much over the course of time it took to write it. As evident by the chapters going well above what was originally intended... but regardless of all that's changed I am so glad to have written my own personal conclusion to a story from so long ago. That also kind of became it's own thing in multiple aspects as the story progressed. Is it the ending that would have happened in Silver Umbra's story? NO! Not even close to what she would have managed to accomplish, but is this something that was very special to me? Absolutely!
As I was writing the final couple of lines with each character I felt a real sense of closure. Not for the story this was written as a makeshift ending for but because it became my own way of finding closure with a number of these stories I became invested in that never got to find their own conclusions. Or for the ones that did and had the clear love of the author poured in for everyone to enjoy. These stories touched my heart and molded my own creative outlet and as such I'll always hold them near and dear to me. So if by some miracle Silver Umbra stumbles upon this and reads this I want to thank her for the wonderful works she's made.
I can't say for certain if I am fully done with this story. Not to say that there will be anymore chapters or stories set in this world. This truly is the end of where I wanted to take this story. I'm referring to the earlier chapters before I found the groove of the later chapters and was practically rushing things out on the insanely unrealistic deadline I placed upon myself. I have a bounty of ideas for how I'd like to shape those earlier chapters and am thinking of incorporating ideas I thought of later and wished I thought of earlier or adding in storylines that originally got cut from the original for the sake of time. Eh we'll see where the inspiration leads me and if that is indeed the case you'll probably be reading this and think 'what is this weird windbag on about?' to which I say, fair.
With that page closed all that's left is to say this. Please leave a review and have a good day.