Watcher of Arceus - Path of the Immortal

by The Shadow Master of Weapons

Watchers, the direct descendants of Arceus herself, sets of twins born with her power. Born in pairs, these twins were meant to bridge the gap that had come between humans and pokémon, one a gifted human, born beside a pokémon. Inseparable immortal twins, the godchildren wandered the world. But now, a single pair remains. Full summary inside. Reboot of Watcher of Arceus.

43. Chapter 43 : Arrival of The World Mother

Watcher of Arceus

Disclaimer: I don't own Pokémon. Only the idea and OC's.

Author Notes:

-X-This will be used for scene breaks and for when the story switches to another character, but it does not mean that a new section of the story has started.

~xXx~ This will identify where each paragraph breaks.

"Human Speech" 'Character Thought' {Pokémon Speech}

Co-author: Catsithx

The following is a total and complete Reboot of the story "Watcher of Arceus".

~xXx~

Chapter 43 : Arrival of The World Mother

Morag was in a rush over the next two days. The entire kingdom was up in a fuss, everyone working hard and fast in preparation of what was to come. Morag could tell that Darkrai was telling the truth, that Arceus was coming to the Lucario Kingdom and wanted everything to be ready.

As the moon was starting to rise up into the air over the mountains surrounding the valley on the third day, things were finally starting to happen. Rayquaza had arrived and flown right into the temple heading for one of the largest chambers, and Mew had teleported in as well.

Xent was still furious with Mew, but attempted to be peaceful, Suicune trying to keep the two separated for now while she could, and Mew was happy enough to be see all playful riolus, which was enough to keep him busy.

Even Morag had a little trouble with him though, trying to get the young ones to nest for the night, which Mew wasn't helping with. Thomas however was just deep in thought and waiting outside though, thinking about what he had seen with Radara.

Their private thoughts were interrupted though by a voice calling out, rapidly getting closer.

[Soular! Brother Soular!] The voice yelled at them, Thomas turning and getting up, looking up just barely in time to get tackled back down.

Latias was holding him tightly, nuzzling him eagerly, so eager and happy to see. [How have you been? Do you remember fully again? Wait, of course you do, your eighteen again, you've had your second awakening, you remember all of your family!] Latias cheered rather eagerly, holding Thomas, and then quickly pulling him into a sitting position, before rapidly trying to sit and fit in his lap despite being much too large, taking his hand and pulling it up to her head.

"Hey Latias... I'm happy to see you too." Thomas said, slowly reaching up to rub her head a bit.

[Soular... what do you prefer this time, Thomas I think?] A second voice asked now, flying down from the skies.

"Latios." Thomas nodded, there being some annoyance between the two, but never much. "Yeah, I was named Thomas in this life. Thomas, Thomas Falston, raised by Andrew and Vivian Falston, scientists and researchers. They've given me a more direct understanding of your lives too even, of the experimentation and research."

Latios nodded, taking a seat next to them while Latias just eagerly stayed in Thomas's lap, nuzzling him a bit more.

[So... Darkrai says that thing is back. He doesn't really lie, but I'd rather hear it from you.] Latios stated.

"I think it is, or will be." Thomas noted. "I recently lost my worldly senses with Radara, and we don't know how. We came here hoping that meditation would fix it. It has bolstered our senses before, even given us clarify when our minds were unclear. For the most part, it seems to have worked, but in the final hour of meditation, we began to notice things." Thomas explained.

'It was like something was knocking on our world though the distortion. Underneath its pounding though, we felt something else. There was... well it was like something was calling out, not to us, but from our world to the distortion.' Radara added.

[Don't be silly Soular and Radara. Who would be calling to something on that side. Its far too dangerous.] Latias said, still just staying in Thomas's lap.

"We know this, we know how dangerous it is. But many others don't. Pretty much the entire world is oblivious to the distortion at all. They don't know the dangers that lurk there. We can't even be sure that its intentional at this point." Thomas replied.

[Human ignorance goes a long way. They have advanced greatly since the dawn of harnessing your type of elemental powers brother, but they still have much to learn and not all of their lessons and experiments have been without cost.] Latios nodded.

"We don't who might have been calling out there. Only that something is reacting. Its mostly around Samiya right now. In any case, while were trying to find out what was going on and realigning our senses, we were found. That evil thing revealed its face...its eyes staring over us hard, mocking us." Thomas stated slowly.

Latias seemed to give a shiver and a whine though at Thomas's words, Latios moving up and holding her. [You're certain that it was that thing?] Latios asked.

"Without a doubt. It might have tried to imitate mother's form, only clad in gold, but I know those eyes. I still see them in my sleep from time to time, and my memories of that day are fully intact. I know what it was I saw, even if it was trying to hide behind a false image." Thomas replied.

[It's not getting out right?] Latias asked quickly.

'Not immediately no. But even if it remains locked up, it can still cause problems if it can reach out.' Radara noted.

"That's hardly our only concern right now. Has Darkrai told you that someone stole one of Mother's elemental shards?" Thomas asked.

[What! Someone stole something from one of mother's special places?!] Latias gasped out, quickly floating up a few feet now, hands over her mouth.

'The ghost shard has been replaced with an alternate metal plate.' Radara noted, looking over to their bag, and pulling out a small container that it was held it. Opening it up and showing the shard to Latias and Latios, they both quickly looked it over, Latios carefully picking it up with his own psychic power to rotate it.

[Its a copy, made through different means. It houses the concept and power of the elemental powers of the dead and undeath, and yet its means of use are different. It looks to be part of a set too, but there is no way to be sure.] Latios noted.

[This one is old too, and corroded. Time has taken a toll on it, its been disconnected from whatever powered it for far too long. It wants godly essence to fuel it, but it looks like its not attuned to ours properly. The World Mother didn't make this, but someone with a thorough understanding of the world did.] Latias added.

[Its also spent centuries in the distortion. That has warped it shape and altered its nature. This was made strictly for a being of one, or at least as it is now, its not meant to be used by many.] Latios continued.

"You said that it has spent centuries in the distortion. Well, we know that the distortion twists all kinds of things and we know that it can copy some things, like terrain and items. We know that mother had minor shards before, could one of those have lost in the distortion and it copied that? The original shards were made out of crystals and we know that they grow." Thomas asked.

'If it spent centuries in the distortion, then it could have spawned there and became this over time? Would that explain why its a twisted mockery of the real plate?' Radara asked.

[A possible scenario. The method of creation eludes us though. We helped mother forge a great many things over the years, but never the shards themselves. We also don't study the distortion directly, it...] Latias replied only to shake her head hard.

[That place defies everything we are. We can't stand being there for even just a minute, so we don't know how things work on that side. This was definitely a golden ore base though. If a minor shard did fall through the cracks and ended up on that side, and contacted a deposit of golden ore, its possible that they would have fused and grown over time under the influence of the distortion though. Its very unlikely though, I think someone or something hand crafted this. Did Darkrai explain anything else about it?] Latios explained.

Thomas and Radara just nodded a bit at their explanation, before shaking their heads. 'He was very adamant about us performing our own investigation. He's afraid of something, like he's worried what he might find, that his fears would hinder our investigation like he seems to think his own has been.' Radara replied looking over just in time to see a box truck drive in through the woods, Morag rushing up to meet it and even before the engine was off, a man got out and was in a talk with Morag, Morag clearly pointing them out.

[If Darkria is scared of something enough to not talk about it, we should perhaps have reason to worry. He is not one to hide his fears, he would rather confront them directly. Did he leave any other clues, or perhaps hint that maybe this is connected to why we're here in the first place... and that thing?] Latios asked.

"No. He mentioned something about chasing ghosts, and that he wanted to be proven wrong again after being proven around about Dahlia." Thomas replied, trying to think if there were any other unspoken clues that he might have left.

'We have company approaching.' Radara stated, her tail pointing over towards Morag and the human she was with quickly approaching.

The human quickly drew some attention though, in what looked like a ranger, and as he got closer, a ranger's Capture Styler device on his hip showing that maybe he was on. All four of them turned to face Morag and the human fully now as they ran up.

'Speaker Thomas, Speaker Radara. This is James Jameson, a Ranger. Do you have time to talk right now?' Morag quickly asked.

"A Ranger? Here?" Thomas asked, James giving a nod, his eyes looking over James rather confused as James extended him hand.

"Technically retired Ranger." James stated as Thomas gently shook his hand. "Morag has kind of made me her number two I guess. I helped a lucario and a riolu from some over zealous trainers many years ago and they brought me here. I've been helping them ever since and handle getting all the supplies and news from the rest of the world." James stated still looking over Latias and Latios a lot, intrigued and amazed by them.

'Please. As their speaker, tell us more of what is going on. James speaks of bad things in the outside world. Of how the gods are being watched at more closely then usual lately.' Morag explained.

"I'm sorry I wasn't here sooner, I was attending a conference at the Rangers Academy. I got back as soon as I could. Can we talk for a bit? I'm sorry, but I need to know to what's going on. You're in the news, legendary pokemon all over the world are more active then they've been in centuries, and there's been more arrests related to the legendary pokemon then ever before." James quickly stated, Morag knowing that things would affect the kingdom.

"I'm sorry about that. I know it can't be any easier for people trying to keep the peace right now. This whole thing about the news focusing on me though, I don't know who could have done that." Thomas stated, a bit worried now.

"Listen, I really can't be involved with any... any part of the government right now. Its safer for everyone if fewer people knew where I am." Thomas stated a fair bit worried now.

"I fully understand the need for secrecy. The Lucario Kingdom isn't unknown to the world. There's a small group of rangers dedicated to just keeping things quiet around here. I'm kind of in charge of that group, but we've even made arranges for the mountain to have been quietly set up as a pokemon reserve, no one can develop a large part of it. And if there are... multiple legendary gathering here, then its even more important that fewer people know about this. Its going to be hard though with all of them rushing towards the valley." James stated.

'You said that my kingdom would be safe from this evil, but will it be safe from others in the world? We have survived on secrecy for centuries. There have been attacks against us before, isolated attacked, but only because people of the outside world don't know about this kingdom.' Morag asked, as Suicune was coming up as well.

'We understand the strong desires to protect your kingdom. I apologize that so many of us are arriving. We have other means to talk, but most of us will feel better discussing this matter directly in person apparently. We will... take extra measures to help your kingdom for the troubles we may cause. If nothing else, I will personally take some time to expand the defenses of the temple over your village directly.' Suicune stated, as one last person walked up, a young man with a bit of a worried look on his face.

"Look... uh James. I just... I get you said that you need some help and you trust me, but if I can ask. What... exactly do you expect me to do here? I'm not a trainer, I may have some skill protecting myself and I kind of know a few things because of Luke, but... James, I'm a gym rattata and okay martial artist. What exactly do you think I can do here?" The other man asked a bit confused looking over Thomas who he readily recognized from the news, and three different legendary pokemon all right there.

"I want you here to help Rick, not fight. If things go bad, I trust you'll keep a level head and can help the people here. I need someone who can think under pressure and will put thought into what do even when things don't make sense." James quickly stated.

"Help evacuate a village full of lucarios that have never seen my face before in the event that one or multiple natural disasters occur within moments of each other... well I agreed and signed the NDA, just point me to where I should wait." Rick stated, clearly out of element, but willing to go through with whatever he had agreed with.

Morag just turned towards James though at his discussion with Rick. 'You really think that others will come here?' Morag now asked very concerned, and didn't even wait for James to answer, already seeing his worry in his aura. 'Please my goddess. If you are truly offering, the defenses that help protect the temple. May we expand them quickly over the village of my people. I cannot let my kingdom suffer twice under such a dark day under my rule.' Morag stated, half pleading now in worry, Suicune giving a slow nod.

[It will be a task, but we can do such.] Latias replied looking around a bit, while Latios flew up several feet into the air to survey the village.

[I'm guessing... eighty-two crystals laid out in a hexagon grid with a few more aligned over the buildings. The extended field of influence should be almost four hundred meters for an immediate effect and we could do that in a few days, but we could double that, or just expand it even further but that would take time, maybe a week?] Latios called out looking back down.

[Sixty large carved crystals taken from the roots from the tree would be faster to make, but their effects would be more limited. Those around the perimeter of the village combined with raw crystals would be produce a more direct effect as a first defense against would be invaders, and we would need to teach them how to give a blessing. We would need a new priest to be taught the old ways of doing things unless we want to remaking the blessing circle.] Latias added, Latios flying down, quickly using a claw to draw out the village in the dirt, a little x marking where he though all the crystals should go while Latias flew up now to look over the tree line.

Latias quickly flew back down and began adding her own little marks the quick map that Latios was drawing. [A secondary blessing circle however would work. There's a large chunk of root just below the surface near cabin by the stream. If we merely provided basic blessings and not true legendary ones, we could teach someone how to bless all that they would want to enter and leave the field on that side of the village unprotected to allow chose persons to enter freely with their own blessings.] Latias added, making a bunch of very basic tree markings around the village, and then a cross of Arceus design where the temple would be.

[And it would let us strengthen the field around the village directly using lesser blessings. Only those of great mental prowness and training could resist the effects, but the field would be extended further. If they cut down the trees another few meters back, they could make a wall few foot wall as well, and we embed a crystal shard on the inside within a few to make a more viable wall to the initial field of influence, making it hard to slip though.] Latios continued.

Suicune now walked up to join them as well, a gentle ripping pulling Morag closer to let them see. 'You must forgive my brother and sister here. It has been ages since they have partaken in their domain such as this. We can teach a few of your subjects how to bestow lesser blessings, and that would help protect your village if we were to make a secondary field of protective influence over the village. It would not be as strong as the temple's defenses, but it would deter many. With most would be invaders hindered and fearful they would be easier to handle and protect yourselves and only a few things would be able to resist the effects. You would also be able to share the blessings yourself, to allow those you choose to enter the village.' Suicune explained.

"Let them work. They'll design half a dozen different variations and then we can talk about what might better su-" Thomas started, only for a small wind to blow over the valley, and with it the scents of another place. Morag was the first to notice it along with Suicune, and then Thomas and Radara caught on with Latias and Latios all turning towards the temple.

"What's going on?" James asked, quickly noticing something was wrong.

"The World Mother is arriving." Thomas replied simply, only for Morag to almost freak out.

'Now? The Goddess Arceus arrives now?' Morag gasped out, only to rush into the village.

'Our God arrives, Arceus makes her arrival!' Morag's voice bellowed out over the valley to each and every member of her kingdom. All the lucarios, humans, riolus and even a few guests all heard her cry as she rushed towards her main cabin while Thomas, Radara, Suicune, Latias, and Latios all could feel the sudden presence of their mother in the temple now.

Latias quickly grabbed onto Thomas and pulled him along, letting Latias do such for now while Latios just floated behind them letting Suicune and Radara lead the way.

The entire village was now a thorough hub of activity as James and Rick turned towards the others.

"James... Is there anything else you would like to tell me?" Rick asked hearing that Arceus was apparently arriving now, as they were speaking.

"I might have heard rumors that Luke's work with how fast he had Anna evolve and what all he's been teaching her besides her nursing projects have sparked interest in with the Ranger's Academy." James shrugged.

"Not a word about what happens here gets back to him. I'd never hear the end of it." Rick grumbled, just following along now.

The group just moved along slowly walking up to the temple where Xent and Sarah ran up to join them.

"So... uh anything else we need to know about this mess? I mean things are about to get loud or this is just another normal thing for when your mother shows up?" Xent stated as he walked up, pointing back to where a large group of lucarios were moving drums, there were banners, large kegs of drink, the entire village was now trying to crowd around the temple entrance.

"I hope mother takes this well." Thomas merely commented.

"What... to small for her liking. I think they've put nearly everything they can into this." Xent stated, but not really how else to respond. His first meeting with her had been in their home so to speak, so he couldn't make any judgements about how they interacted with others, and it was a party of sorts, a celebration around Dahlia. This though, Arceus was coming to another group of people, who all seemed eager to serve. "And its not like I could stop them, it was a hassle just to get them to leave me alone. They were asking me too many questions about what all she was like and I had to scream at them eventually to get them to stop." He added.

"That's a bit of the problem. She knows that anywhere she may go, she could get praise, but she doesn't want others to break themselves trying to do it. She might be willing to be nice and humor them a bit since it would be their first meeting in several generations for the village, but she doesn't want too much praise. She'd be just content with their respect for her decisions and choices, that maybe she understands what she is trying to do." Dahlia noted.

"Mother accepts a lot of praise and its customary to give her... well all of us tribute of a sort, but none of us want others to bend over backwards or starve themselves just for our sake." Thomas added.

'There is a strong difference between working for years to give a few things of praise to offer us, and trying to give everything you half to try and please us. We'd be much more content knowing that they are suviving well enough to have something to give us without causing problems for themselves. It really is just enough for us to know the collectives of the world are living in a natural world.' Suicune stated.

"So, at most, she'd rather have a normal, civil discussion with Morag, clarify anything and answer a few questions, and then carry on with her business?" Xent asked, seeing if he understood correctly.

"There is nothing wrong with just seeing the world grow. We call our mother the World Mother because the world as a whole is her child. We're just the parts the she can interact with." Thomas started, only to turn.

'Thomas!' Rebecca called out, walking up with another lucario. Both of them were now in rather fancy kimono's, both carrying an umbrella, and wearing tall sandals that fit their paws very well. Rebecca was having a little bit of trouble walking. The lucario with her was helping her long though as a third one ran up, this wearing just a simple dress with a pouch around their shoulder.

'Wait. You forgot something! I'm sorry, I missed a ribbon. You want a ribbon on each side!' Another voice called out, the aura voice far too plain to tell gender though, the lucario beside Rebecca helping her walk turning to face the third one running up to them.

'Now now Miridia. You're not going to make a poor impression today are you. You designed these, at least show them off properly to our esteemed guests.' A third aura voice sounded, this one definitely female, strong and a bit commanding.

Even Xent was impressed as the lucario in just the plain dress quickly fixed Radara's kimino, pulling out a large scarlet ribbon and began to make a bow with it around the belt that held Rebecca's kimono up, before doing the same to the other side.

'I'm sorry. I didn't mean to mess this up, but I'm all giddy right now. The gods come, they get to see my work! And I was worried that I had nothing to give. I'm not a forager, or trinket maker. But when you suggested I make a kimono for Rebecca here and use that to show of my skills before offering any of them who wanted such a clothing piece, I'm all distracted now!' Meridia stated a minor blush on their face.

The other lucario in the kimono just laughed some, smirking some and reaching out to rub Meridia's head a bit. 'You must steady yourself silly Meridia. Surely they shall love your work, and if they love it enough, then mayhaps the whole shall come to know of your craftwork. And then none but our alpha can deny whatever you wish to wear, regardless if your a boy. All that truly matters is if you believe in yourself, and it doesn't matter what the humans think.' She continued before taking a step back.

'Thank you Mana.' Meridia stated, before doing a few small adjustments to the kimino that Rebecca was wearing and then turning her back around to face Thomas. 'All done now! Go on, show him. Show him for me! I hope you like it Mr. Thomas, son of our god Arceus.'

Thomas however was too busy just looking over Rebecca though. She was wearing a dark kimono speckled with little glittering stones almost like a star filled night sky, with scarlet accents. It covered her body nicely, and was even made for a lucario, taking into account their chest spike and wrist spikes. There was a slot for Rebecca's chest slot, with the same scarlet accents, but embroidered with small golden cross of Arceus around it.

Her sleeves also moved down to wrap around the middle of the three fingers with bright scarlet band, with a matching band comfortably wrapped around her wrist spike to hold the sleeve in place while still hanging off of her arms just a little bit. Coupled with the large ribbons that were just put on just now and she easily stood out with her shiny colors, the starry night black pairing well with her natural black fur, and the reds of the scarlet going well with her yellow fur.

'The umbrella dear, don't forget that. Like this.' Mana stated, pulling her umbrella up and then opening it resting it lightly against her shoulder, and behind her head now. Rebecca just smiled and did the same, but over the other shoulder, the two standing close just to show off fully.

'Do you like it Thomas?' Rebecca asked.

Thomas was just a fair bit shocked, only for Xent to elbow him hard in the gut, and gave a nod his of head towards Rebecca. "I, yes. Yes, its perfect, you look perfect, great!" Thomas stuttered a bit.

Dahlia and Latias just burst out laughing though, Suicune giving a small smile.

'You look wonderful Rebecca. It fits you so well.' Suicune said softly.

'You see Meridia. They do like your work.' Mana smiled, turning back towards Meridia, and pulling him forward. 'Come now, let them see you. The gift of such wondrous clothing is yours to give them alone.'

"You made those?" Dahlia asked as James and Rick moved up following along.

"Showing off again there Mana and Meridia?" James asked now.

'Just Meridia for now.' Mana stated turning to face him.

'Y-yeah. I uh. I like to make dresses and kimonos. I would have gold and green but dying green is hard right now. I lost a batch of green and blue cloth and yarn and haven't h-had a chance to replace them yet. I could make more, but my dyes take days to set color right.' Meridia explained.

"You do very fine work. I can see the quality easily." Dahlia continued. "I see you picked well Rebecca. I know my brother will love it."

'I can say without a doubt, you have the sole interest of my brother right now. He enjoys the sight before him very much.' Radara smirked.

[You did this?] Latios asked coming up slowly, looking over the kimonos.

'Well, I made Rebecca's myself. Mana likes to make any bit of clothing she wears though.' Meridia stated.

'Indeed I do. I would prefer to make all of my clothing myself, but I'm not quite that skilled yet and Meridia is much better at weaving and sewing then I am right now.' Mana stated, but Meridia nodded heavily.

Hearing this though, Latias let go of Thomas and moved to look over the kimonos more closely to. [This is fine needle work. You need steady paws to make such things.]

'Thank you. I love working with my paws, and I really love making dresses.' Meridia blushed some, but with a smile.

[Are you capable of such work with other things? We could use another pair of steady paws when we expand the protective barriers of the temple over the whole village. Setting crystals and securing them its a lengthy task as would go faster with more paws.] Latios asked.

'You would want my help!' Meridia gasped out.

[If you would offer your services, we can do this much faster. You said that you didn't know what could offer us, but we really don't need anything. Just your thanks is really enough. But if you really want to help, then you could do a lot for both us and your village if you would provide some assistance to us.] Latias stated.

'Mana! You hear that? I can do something really big for the village and our gods!' Meridia cried out happily. 'I can do so much for them! I'll gladly help! What about you Mana? You encouraged me to do this, but what do you have to give our gods?'

'Well, I don't have much, but I have helped in my own ways. There is one though I will be happy to give. If Thomas would allow me, I know I can show him a very nice time. It would be a great honor if you would allow me to carry a cub, your cub.' Mana stated, everyone staring at Mana now.

'Thomas is mine!' Rebecca growled.

'And I have no right to take him from you, for he choose you. The pack that you start with him would be one of such strength and power, a line of honor. I hope you make him happy, and that your future pack is one of great fortune. I seek his cub, if he would grace with me such an honor. His child would surely be a powerful protector, a worthy heir, and guardian to keep the legends of his visit here for generations. Such a cub would be both protector of lives, and of knowledge, and I would raise any cub given to me with every bit of reason and strength as he should be raised while you go about your duties and lives. Surely you understand the value of raising a variety of strong cubs with our species much lower female population compared to the many males.' Mana stated.

Thomas however was a bit flustered, but just pulled Rebecca close. James though quickly moved forward. "You'll need to forgive Mana. Her parents were killed in an attack long ago, and the lucarios of the valley here, or at the least the females are few in number. Each of the females here try to raise at least six cubs each, and Mana has been seeking strong companionship to raise a strong line to protect the valley when she is old or gone." James quickly explained.

'My brother has no such cub to give you right now. I see your intentions and desires, but I would ask that you leave my brother to make his own choices. While he may appear physically mature, he is not able to sire any cubs right now.' Radara quickly stated, hoping to disarm the unknown situation that Mana had caused, her words only with Mana right now.

'I see. Tis a shame, but.' Mana gave a lengthy bow and then slowly stood again. 'My offer shall remain open for when he comes of such an age. I would hope to carry his cub, but a cub from him given to any of our tribe would be a great honor for us, and would surely help protect us for generations.' Mana stated, before slowly walking away, going to join the others, watching as Mew flew out of the temple now, rushing towards the group of riolus from the village.

'Meridia dear. Do be a good boy and well behaved. I'll let Morag know of your duties if you are unable to join our proper welcoming party.' Morag stated as she walked away, Rebecca still growling some.

'Thomas! You are just mine right?' Rebecca asked Thomas now, not liking when Mana tried to take him, but not wanting to tear her kimono that Thomas seemed to really love on her.

"Of course I'm yours. You are my mate, the only mate for me here and now. I'll be with you for your entire life and I'll never forget you." Thomas stated, taking and holding Rebecca close now, nuzzling her cheek himself.

Rebecca didn't like Mana now, but Thomas's attention certainly made her feel better. 'Don't worry Rebecca. Mana didn't want to take him from you, she just wanted a strong blood line. Lucarios of the kingdom often make trips outside the kingdom to find strong males to keep their bloodlines strong and varied. They raise their cubs well, but Mana knows better then to challenge you for Thomas. She knows that you two belong together.' Radara explained.

'I still don't know if I like her anymore...' Rebecca whined.

"It's fine, I'll always be yours and just yours this life." Thomas reassured her, even giving her a small kiss to her cheek.

[We should head inside, and greet mother. Let her know what to expect.] Latios stated, turning now and heading for the temple.

[Come on, we need to go you two off to mother before she gets distracted! She''ll love you cute you look beside Thomas!] Latias giggled, grabbing both Thomas and Rebecca lightly, herding them up the steps and into the temple now.

Rick and James just stared on in confusion though, sparing a few glances at each while the rest of them walked up the steps. "I... look, I feel the need to apologize, this is a lot more complicated then I first would have thought. You are right though. We can't let Luke get a single hint of this. There will no protecting the valley once he starts asking questions." James sighed loudly.

-x-

Rayquaza, Darkrai and Mew were all resting in the central chamber of the temple, only for a passage to open up above them. The air quickly mixed with that Mount Coronet and they knew who was coming as Palkia dropped down gently into the chamber. "Mother is still weak, making an echo of Argyle has taken a toll before she was awakened. We must be cautious." Palkia stated, and above them Arceus started to come down.

She landed softly beside Palkia and looked around. "Are... are you, are we all coming here?" Arceus asked, seeing Rayquaza and Mew there already.

"Despite any personal grievances, this is far more important. And it would be best if I was here anyway. Someone must Groundon and Kyorge from stirring too hard even in slumber." Rayquaza quickly stated.

"There are some things worth tolerating discomfort for. I say that the more of who are here in personally, the better our chances dear mother. If it returns, then we must all be prepared to help each other regardless of differences and dislike. That thing would care nothing for who get hurts, we are all below it, only fodder for it use." Darkrai added.

[Hello Mama!] Mew cried out, rushing up and cuddling against Arceus, Arceus giving a small smile at her most eager and innocent child. [Can we play today! I have new toys, the humans make so many fun things.] Mew asked eagerly.

"Oh, how I wish I could play with you today, but mother has work to do. I promise you time to play later though okay?" Arcues smiled, nuzzling him a bit and even giving his cheek a small playful lick.

[But mama...] Mew started, Darkrai shaking his head, going to say something, but Arceus spoke first.

"Now now Mew. Everything will be fine. I spent a day playing with you after saving Dahlia remember. And I'll always have another day to play with you remember. I have some work to do right now, but I'll make some time just for you again. I know its been a long time since we've done a lot together." Arceus smiled, and Mew nodded, before flying up.

[Okay mama. I'm going to go play with the children now! They are fun too.] Mew stated, before rushing off and through the temple.

"How many others are coming?" Arceus asked now.

"Latias and Latios are here now, and Raikou is walking the grounds. Entei should arrive soon, an- Well Ho-oh just arrived." Rayquaza stated turning towards the front of the temple, and just flew in quickly.

Ho-oh landed with a sudden stop and looked over the others, taking a step forward and then giving a deep bow to Arceus. "World Mother. It is a shame to meet again so soon under such dire news." Ho-oh stated firmly, respectfully but clearly agitated.

"Yes, I do agree. This is not something I had wished to deal with so soon." Arceus nodded.

"Lugia sends her regards, but the elemental islands need some extra care right now. The news of recent events regarding our brother has sparked some problems at their dens. As our brother remains here, then clearly they will be safe in protecting their dens, but they remain occupied." Ho-oh explained.

"Palkia, if you would be willing... go to your brother Dialga, the two of you should be there helping just in case. They may yet need help, but that is something to discuss when we are gathered. Just know that our dear watcher's senses may be complicated at the moment." Raikou stated as he moved into the chamber.

"Has something happened to Thomas and Radara?" Arceus asked, extremely concerned now.

"I shall leave that explanation to them. It is concerning yes, but they deserve the chance to explain it themselves. Times ahead just be eitherway though, perhaps far more so then they need to be. We should be cautious until we know for sure what is happening." Raikou explained.

"If I must..." Palkia stated, slowly rising up and flying into the portal to Mount Coronet again, before closing it.

"It would seem our brother is in the thick of many things right now." Darkrai stated, only to turn and face the entrance. "And speaking of him, he approaches with Latias, Latios, and Suicune. Ho-oh, do you have word of any others coming to join us, or can we start as soon as Entei arrives?"

"Regigigas sends an envoy to be his eyes and ears, a Registeel is making its way here even as we speak. It should arrive before the night is over. Cresslia and Yveltal have expressed desires to be here personally as well." Ho-oh explained, turning just in time to see Latias pulling Thomas and Rebecca into the chamber.

Upon seeing Thomas and Radara though, Arceus quickly turned towards them. "My children, are you okay? Raikou suggests that are not well." Arceus asked, her voice full of worry and concern.

"We have had some problems in the past week." Thomas stated, already knowing what she was asking about.

'Our worldly senses have been disrupted, but meditation appears to have helped. I feel the world fully again, more then usual. Please, do not worry for now. There are more pressing concerns at the moment.' Radara added, only for Latias quick put Rebecca on display.

"Look mother. Look! Rebecca went and got all dressed up, just for Thomas! See how pretty they look." Latias giggled, making sure that Rebecca even had her umbrella up, and lightly held them together.

While Arceus was still greatly worried for Thomas and Radara, she still took a moment to look over Rebecca. Rebecca was a little worried at first how Arceus didn't speak, and it was too hard to try read her face. Of coures, Rebecca didn't dare try to look at her aura, but finally Arceus after a moment, taking a good look at them.

"You look wonderful Rebecca. Whoever has made this for you did a wonderful job." Arceus said a with a smile at last, leaning down and looking over Thomas and Rebecca. "Thomas, do you still those robes from the Mirage Kingdom? They would be a most fitting and delightful pairing to Rebecca's kimono."

"I don't know if that's survived the past three hundred years." Thomas replied. "I took care with it when storing it, but I don't know if time has taken its toll."

"Let us hope that it has then. I would wish of a painting of you and Rebecca dressed so well. It is a very fitting image of the two of you, for my child to find love after so many years again." Arceus said leaning her head down to gently press against the of theirs, Thomas reaching up and rubbing Arcues's cheek some in thanks.

"I am so happy for you my son. Please, enjoy this, learn to love again. You deserve this." Arceus smiled.

"Indeed you do brother." Darkrai smirked, only for Dahlia to quickly move up to him.

"Don't... you... dare..." Dahlia snapped at him. "If you bring that up right here-"

"Bring up what? The fact that Thomas is in possession of the Guardian Aegis?" Darkrai stated, all eyes turning to Darkrai, and then to Thomas.

"Wh-no! No! Darkrai is the one trying to force it into my hands!" Thomas quickly stated.

"Hmm. While taken from its pedestal, perhaps it is time for it be put to use. I'm not sure if he is up to the task though." Ho-oh stated. "Not at he is at least. He would need to train for it, but he does hold the strength to wield."

'Don't you add to this right now. My brother is-' Radara started.

"He is in no way ready as he is to carry that burden, not while he doubts himself. He does carry strength of person though, and we will need a proper speaker. It would be a long task, preparing him. If he can accept himself for all that he is, then he would be the teacher the worlds needs most right now. If this thing returns, a shepherd will need to protect the flocks, and in the past, I could see Soular as quite the teacher to guide the world, there when needed and yet still encouraging freedom and choice. Thomas is a bit of stretch from his former self though, but if he starts training, there might yet be a chance for him. Until then though, that blade should be returned to its pedestal unless Thomas is training with it." Ho-oh stated.

Dahlia grumbled loudly now, but at least Ho-oh understood the situation, that Thomas at another time could wield it, but clearly not today or anytime soon. "Thank you, Ho-oh."

"Then we are in agreement. Thomas will, at some point, take up the Guardian Aegis?" Raikou asked quickly.

"I agree! He would be a great leader." Rayquaza added.

"It is time that he took his place. He is stronger then thinks, if only he would stop hiding." Darkrai grinned, not even caring when Dahlia slapped him, only giving a laugh from the strike.

"Now look what you've started." Suicune grumbled looking at Raikou rather annoyed.

"Please... no I … I can't take that. I can't do it!" Thomas called out finally over the shock of hearing it discussed again.

"My son... you can carry the burden of the First Blade." Arceus stated softly now, speaking quietly to him as she knelled down by Thomas. "When I began gathering power into making the Guardian Aegis, it was first meant to be a symbol, an icon which I knew any your personal brothers or sisters could carry, or even you. It was never to be a weapon, but a shield, and a sign of status." Arceus explained.

"The one who carried it, it would give more weight to their words, more meaning, proof of lineage and their strength. And your words have always been strong, you've always sought a peaceful existence. You only learned to fight to protect those who couldn't, and even before you could fight, you threw yourself into harms ways to save as many as you could. It was after the War of Legend that you learned to use your gifts in combat, and you have always tried never to take a life. Even today, you continue to hold the lessons of the world close. And you do this knowing such great pain and sorrow." Arceus continued, Darkrai holding back a great laughing fit, but not his grin and delighted face.

"I know why you don't think you can take up such a title, but you can. You do have the strength, both mental and physically to carry the Guardian Aegis, and you would make a great leader, you need to have confidence in yourself, in who you are. But a great leader also knows when they are not ready. There is time for you learn, time for you ready yourself." Arceus stated slowly standing again, before looking over the others.

"But we cannot force Soular to carry such a burden. Why would you try to force such a thing into his hands?" Arceus stated, looking over the group now, and a bit more at Darkrai.

"Because he is your son, dearest mother. He holds the same values we all strive for deep down, and he didn't need to be taught them, they just come naturally to him. There was a time I respected him once, for those decisions that put himself in harms way to save family even when he lost an arm, when he always made decisions that were for the better, even ones I would have had a hard time making. He could always gather crowds and bring peace, he is a leader, if only he would do his part. He would lead first with peace and words, but still learned to fight and defend us when we were weak. And then he hid, tries to deny himself, and yet even when cowering, he still tries to make the best decisions. What he is needs, is purpose. Let's give him one, turn what was once a beloved child of the world into the leader he should have always been." Darkrai stated.

"Yes, we are in agreement that Soular should take up the Guardian Aegis! But Thomas is not Soular! I will handle it, I will help him remember who he is supposed to be. With Radara, and Rebecca, and maybe Juno. But so help me Darkrai, if you keep pushing this, I will keep your jaw fused shut for the rest of my final life. So stay out of it before I turn you into my punching bag." Dahlia snapped out loudly.