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katisconfused · 2 years

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Distorted Reflections chapter 5

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“Hey Cynthia, I caught your last battle in Unova, that was a real good fight! Those subway brothers are really strong huh?”

Cynthia laughed. “They really were, I’m glad I had a strong partner for the double battle. The Unovan champion is just as skilled.” Astrid internally wished she could be her partner… In more ways than one honestly, but best not to think about that.

“What was that Pokémon one was using, Chandelure? Fire/ghost is such a cool combo. I wish there were more Pokémon with it.”

“Once upon a time, if you evolved a quilava here in Sinnoh, it would gain ghost typing, but no one knows why it doesn’t anymore.”

Astrid groaned. “That’s so unfair I wish that was still a thing.” She liked normal Typhlosion a great deal already, the idea of a ghost type one… she’d love that. It didn’t really matter when she wasn’t a trainers but it would have been nice to see them around at least. “Ghost types live awhile, don’t they? It’s odd to think they’re just totally gone.”

Cynthia smiled slightly in a way that made Astrid raise her eyebrow at. “Do you know something else?”

“Hmmm, well, just because you can’t evolve a pokemon anymore, and there aren’t any that are known to researchers, doesn’t mean there can’t be any in the wild, or that people don’t have unregistered pokemon somewhere. You might see one, one day.”

☆

Astrid made her way to the office just trying to process this. Was it just his ancestor like Volo was to Cynthia? But the coat. Why would he have the same outfit then? If it was just something that his family passed down, why would it be in tatters, as it had been through major shit but was too sentimental to let go of? It was definitely not like that on TV. Was he also from the future? Why was he wearing a Pearl Clan tunic then?

She arrived to Kamado and Adaman discussing Electrode, Lord of the Hollow. A few moments later its warden, a tall man with long purple hair and outfit adorned with flowers, barged in despite, according to him, not being invited. Adaman identified him as Melli. Apparently, he objected to receiving help from a “flimsy noodle” like herself, as if he wasn’t even more noodly than she was. Adaman asked to battle her to show Melli her worth, and she happily obliged. Melli didn’t seem impressed. Adaman told her to head to the training grounds to meet their “helper from the Pearl Clan”.

The helper was in fact Ingo. She walked up to him and Irida. “I look forward to conducting you on this endeavor!” He said, greeting her. She decided to roll with the theme, responding with “Happy to come aboard sir!” He blinked for a moment, clearly not expecting such a reply.

Irida began to explain the situation to her. “This gentleman here is Warden Ingo, who serves Sneasler. He will guide you to her domain.”

“Pleased to properly meet you. I apologize for that abrupt how-do-you-do before. I am the Warden Ingo. I understand you’ll need a hand from Sneasler in order to meet Electrode. Whether she’ll see fit to help you, however, we can only find out by making the journey. Now, let’s have a safe journey to Mount Coronet! All aboard!”

“Ingo’s a bit like you, you know. He appeared one day from who-knows-where. What’s more, much of his memory seems to be missing.”

“Oh I’m aware of Ingo. He came from the same world I am from.” Both of them looked startled.

“You… you know me?!” He said incredulously.

“Not personally, but I’m aware OF you. I’ve heard great things about your ability to command Pokémon.”

“This is great! Irida said, clapping her hands together. Maybe traveling with you will help fill in some gaps in his memory!”

“I look forward to meeting you in the Highlands.” Ingo said with a nod. Astrid went to prepare for her trip.

☆

Astrid arrived at the Coronet Highlands and ran into Ingo rather quickly in front of Wayward Cave. He started explaining the situation.

“The Electrode known as Lord of the Hollow is somewhat different from the Electrode I recall. But its electrical discharges, at least, are familiar. One false step around it could put you in danger. If you’re going to face it, you might consider catching Pokémon that can withstand electricity. It must be difficult being a Pokémon, don’t you think? Especially one as irritable as Electrode. Then becoming frenzied to boot…”

“So true! It’s a tough old life for Pokémon and humans alike!” A voice came from the cave. “Well, well. Warden Ingo of the Pearl clan… And… oh my! The Galaxy Team grunt from before.” Melli’s voice echoed as he exited the cave. “You’re punching well above your weight to seek out the great Electrode Lord of the Hollow! But by the sheer tenderness of my heart, I’ll grant you a trial to see if you’re worthy. The greatest obstacle you’ll ever face awaits you right here! Battle with me—if you dare!”

“You know what? Bitch, you are ON.” Astrid replied. Ingo seemed a bit taken aback. “You’re probably not gonna leave me alone until I do, so let’s go.

Astrid sent out Cynder, Melli sent out a skuntank. “Ah HA, I have the type advantage! Skuntank, use night slash!”

“Cynder. Bulldoze. Strong style.”

“Wait-” Skuntank went down in one hit.

“L-listen here! Neither I nor Skuntank admit defeat just yet—our challenge to you still stands! However, I will withdraw and allow skunktank to recover. There’s no shame in a tactical retreat. It’s more of an advance, if you think about it. Keep your guard up—we’ll be back.” Melli scoffed, before runninh off ahead.

Astrid sighed. “Sorry about that Ingo please go on.”

He looked a bit amused. “I see you’re not unskilled in commanding pokemon yourself.” They headed into the cave.

The torches in the cave were missing for some reason, but Ingo was still confident he could get them through the cave.

As they walked along Ingo talked a bit about what he could remember of his previous life. “I recall, faintly, that I had a partner once, a precious one. Its name escapes me, but I remember that it wielded flames with mastery. If only it were here, I’m sure it would light the way, luring us onward…”

Astrid responded, digging out Cynder’s pokeball. “I once had a conversation with a friend about a battle she had in Unova. I commented that her opponent’s Pokémon was a combination of two types I was fond of, and it would be nice to have a Pokémon like that, but the Pokémon in question wasn’t native to our region. She told me that in the time that Sinnoh was known as Hisui, that there had been a Pokémon unique to the region that had that very typing, but it had essentially gone extinct in the time since then.” She released Cynder from his ball, lighting the tunnel with the purple-pink glow of the flames around his neck. “The Pokémon the opponent had used was called chandelure. It was a ghost/fire type.”

“I see.” Ingo murmured. He stared at Cynder in a way that was almost like he was staring through him, off into the murky darkness clouding his own memories. “Chandelure…”

He suddenly stopped walking and seemed to shake himself from his thoughts. “Please excuse the unscheduled stop. I detect an alpha crobat to our right.”

“Ah, want me to take care of it?” She took out a second pokeball. He looked over to her typhlosion, providing enough illumination to light the tunnel up rather well. “I suppose it would be ok.” Astrid sent out her luxray, Lev, to take it down. “All set!” She said with a smile. Ingo nodded and continued walking.

I’m starting to recall a man who looked… like me. We’d battle and discuss Pokémon, I think.. The words “I like winning more than anything else” flashed through my mind just now…”Astrid racked her brain trying to remember what the name of Ingo’s brother. Evan? Eric? It began with an ‘E’. She regretted that she couldn’t be more helpful to him.

Ingo continued. “Even if memories themselves have faded… it appears much still lives on in my heart.” Ah well, even if she could remember, would it really help to tell him if the feelings remained anyway?

Soon after that, they came across the missing torches. Ingo took a moment to put them back up before the two of them head out of the cave. They made their way to the ancient quarry. Ingo explained how the stones were used to build the temple atop Mt Coronet. As they spoke a voice behind Astrid called out. “Ah! There you are, Ingo!”. Astrid turned to see Volo coming down the stairs.

“Volo, was it? What is the matter, sir?”

“I wanted to ask about that memory loss of yours. Have you considered that it could have somehow been caused by the space-time rift?”

“Yes, Astrid has confirmed that I came from the same world as her. So you might do better to pose your questions to her, I think, if it’s to do with that rift.”

Volo was actually a bit startled. They came from the same place and time, then? “Oh I see! Well, I hope your memories return, Warden Ingo. How about you, then, Astrid? Do you remember what you saw before you fell through that rift? Was there anything inside? ”

A wicked grin spread across her face. “I’ll tell you, but first how about you aid me in helping Ingo get his memory back? You might be able to get additional info that way.” Something about Volo’s gut told him that this was some kind of trap, but his curiosity got the better of him. “Alright, what do you need from me?”

Astrid pulled him aside. “Ok so what I need you to do, is to go get changed into some black clothes. Do you know where you could get a similar coat to the one you’re wearing but in black? You’ll need that and some black pants, and then something to put in your hair like a lucario’s aura sensors. Go get changed into something like that and come back.”

Volo blinked at her. “Excuse me, what? What does my wardrobe have to do with this?”

“You look enough like someone Ingo has met that if you get dressed up like them, it might jog his memory.” Astrid took out some paper and scribbled a quick sketch of Cynthia’s usual outfit on it.

“I don’t know about this…” Volo started, only to be met with pleading eyes. “Please Volo, I’ll make it up to you I promise.” Why did he keep ending up in this situation? He sighed. “I guess I can see what I can do.”

Astrid’s face lit up. “THANK YOU VOLO! You’re the best!” She threw her arms around him for a quick hug. He could feel his cheeks heat up in response, and was glad that she couldn’t see his face before he could compose himself a bit. off, trying to ignore the weird fluttery feeling in his chest at that response. He headed off and grumbled. Whatever this plan was better work.

☆

Why in Arceus' name did he agree to this? Volo didn’t have any clothes like this picture. He had nothing even close. Cogita probably did however, giving him the only option of digging through her clothes to see if she had anything similar in addition to the rack of dresses.. She did have a coat suspiciously similar to the one in the picture, which combined with the broach attached to it made him wonder who the hell he was supposed to be dressing up as.

“What are you doing? Is there any particular reason you are rummaging through my things?” Volo winced a bit hearing Cogita’s voice from behind him. He was really hoping he could get the clothes and get out of there before she noticed.

“The Hero of Hisui has requested I find clothes like these.” He said with an obvious note of distaste for the concept of the “hero”, waving the picture behind him.

“Oh? And what use will my clothing be to her?”

“She thinks that this will jog the memory of someone else who came here from her world which might give some new info on Arceus.” He finally found a pair of pants. He couldn’t tell what the shirt looked like under the coat in the picture. Maybe he could just button the coat lower. Why the hell was it so low cut though? He studied the sketch again and grumbled when he realized the shoes were heels. How utterly obnoxious for walking around the Highlands.

“This picture seems to depict the exact coat I have. Is the person that is supposed to resemble also descended from our people? This broach depicted definitely looks Celestican. Don’t tell me you’re going to dress up yourself.” Cogita said incredulously, only to be met with silence. She had to suppress a laugh at the implication. “The hero of Hisui has instructed you to wear my clothing and you’re actually going to do it? I’m shocked.”

Volo spun around and snapped angrily. “I will do anything to get closer to my goal of meeting Arceus and if crossdressing will do that so be it.” He violently yanked some clothing out of the trunk he was rummaging through, before stomping out the door to the sound of Cogita laughing behind him. To his annoyance she wasn’t completely off. This was above and beyond where he’d normally draw the line for what would quite possibly be a dead end information wise. He hated that he felt the need to play along with all Astrid’s ridiculous ideas. Why in Sinnoh’s name was he putting up with this?

☆

Astrid was caught off guard running into Eshim near the Lonely Spring, expecting every blonde member of the Ginkgo Guild to be Volo apparently. Once she finished helping set up the base camp, she released Cynder from his pokeball. “Ok, so Zisu didn’t know how to teach this move, and there’s no TMs or anything, so we’re going to work on combining two moves and mimic it. I want you to go from infernal parade then try to switch into overheat mid attack, ok? We’ll test it on these carnivine nearby.” She spent a few hours practicing this before she was satisfied with the results. She returned Cynder to his ball, and pulled a steelix and goodra out of storage, and headed over to the cliff Ingo was waiting at.

When she approached, Ingo began to speak. “You would never expect to climb such sheer cliffs as these, yes?” He said looking over to the cliffs that towered above them. “But with Sneasler as an ally, it becomes the work of a moment. She is so at home on a cliff face, one might think she knew some secret—some hidden move… What am I saying? Hidden moves? There are no such thing in Hisui, surely… Yet I feel as though I was on the cusp of remembering something just now…”

Astrid smiled sadly. “Ah, yes there are… quite a few moves that are not known in this place and time. There was in fact one that you could teach to your pokemon to allow you to climb some cliffs like these.

“Just who was I before I came to Hisui? Astrid, you said you think you came from the same world as me, Perhaps a Pokémon battle with you would job this memory loose.. Would you honor me with a battle Astrid?”

“Of course Ingo, it’d be my pleasure.”

Astrid sent out the goodra first, using dragon pulse to take out a good chunk of machoke’s health, before it took it out with rock smash, She sent out Cynder next to finish it off. Ingo sent out gliscor next, she switched to steelix, who took a good chunk of damage from a bulldoze before defeating it with rock slide. Tangala was sent out next, for which she sent out Cynder who was easily able to dispatch it with flamethrower. Throughout the battle she could see he was grasping at something familiar, similar to in the cave. She picked the pokemon specifically for their typing resemblance to all three of the ones she’d seen him face Cynthia with, Chandelure, Haxorus, and Excedrill.

Ingo closed his eyes and smiled. “Bravo! Excellent! Your talent has brought you to the destination called Victory!” Astrid smiled too. To think she could hold her own against a trainer who had been a formidable opponent even for Cynthia now. “It’s not too late, you still have time.” Cynthia’s assurance echoed in her head. I guess she was right after all, she thought to herself. Ingo called for Sneasler and Astrid received another plate from her.

“I’m afraid this is my final stop. Please proceed up the cliffs with Sneasler’s aid and quell the lord up in the mountains! I will return to Jubilife Village. Please convey my well wishes to Warden Melli.”

Astrid glanced over his shoulder. “Actually, I think there may be one more stop.” She replied, as another person approached, a sight she honestly never expected to see again.

Volo had waited until he got to the mountain camp to put the shoes on and was still having a miserable time trying to move in them. He felt ridiculous. He looked ridiculous. Eshim had laughed at him as he walked by and he just knew that the entire guild would be mocking him by the time he got back for this. Even if he hadn’t had to resort to wearing a dress, these clothes were far too tight, he could barely move. The coat didn’t button all the way down so his midriff was showing, on top of the ridiculous plunging neckline most of his chest was visible. He should have kept looking for a suitable shirt. Why did he agree to this? He hated Astrid for this. He better get some good information for this, the experience was making him want to die of embarrassment. As he approached the pair they gawked at him.

“Go ahead! Laugh! I look ridiculous!” He said, glaring. He was in no mood to put on his perky mask for this at all.

Astrid was struggling to make eye contact, the outfit was very distracting and she was somewhat glad that he seemed to be as dense as Cynthia was when it came to staring at her chest. “No you look great … you should wear that every day actually.” She said. “Did you seriously already have the exact coat? Where did you even get that?”

He blushed in response, but continued to glare. “Does it look like this is my clothing? Obviously I borrowed it! None of it fits right! I can barely move!” What a shame. “It still looks better than the ridiculous clown looking pants and shoes the Ginkgo Guild makes you wear. Anyway, we’re gonna do a battle. Just one Pokémon for now. Get your gible ready.”

“It’s a gabite now” He said with a sigh, taking out a pokeball. “I don’t understand the point of this.”

“Don’t worry about it. You’re probably going to win this one anyway because I’m going to have a type disadvantage.” She released Cynder again, giving him a potion before sending him in for the next battle.

Volo sighed. “Gabite, use bulldoze.” The ground began to crack under the Typhlosion.

Cynder took some damage but held on well. “Oh here we go, Cynder, use inferno.”

“Use what?!” Volo had never heard of this move. It wasn’t anything anyone in Hisui used. It looked somewhat like overheat, but the ring of fire produced wrapped around Gabite instead Cynder. Having never seen it before caught the dragon off guard enough to miss the window where the attack was dodgeable for a direct hit, the fire closed in and applied a heavier effect of infernal parade’s burn risk, enveloping it and leaving it quite singed.

Ingo’s face showed surprise and recollection. The executed combination resulted in a striking resemblance to the signature move of chandelure. Gabite, having fire resistance typing, didn’t go down from the attack or the nasty burn it had given, and was able to knock out Cynder rather swiftly after, but Astrid didn’t need to win this battle. Garchomp had no issue dispatching chandelure either, things were more accurate this way. She recalled Cynder to his ball. “Good job buddy, you did perfect.”

Ingo smiled sadly as a few more pieces clicked into place. Astrid turned to him and winked. “Maybe some time we can try a double battle.” She pointed over her shoulder at Volo. “We actually make a pretty good team ourselves after all.” Volo continued to be immensely confused as Ingo adjusted his cap and replied. “I think I’d like that.”

“...So do you remember anything?” Volo asked, a bit impatiently. “I do.” Ingo confirmed. “But unfortunately what happened immediately before being brought to this place still escapes me, so the information isn’t much use to you.” Volo made a twisted up face and cursed. He was clearly extremely unhappy with this outcome.

He spun around to yell at Astrid and she held up the plate she just gotten from Sneasler. “I got another plate though, do you want to see the plate?” He continued to glare but after a moment responded. “Yes, I want to see the plate.” Ingo left as Astrid ran over to give it to him.

“I don’t think I showed you the one from Arcanine either yet, let's read some plates!” A sheepish smile crossed her face. “Sorry Ingo didn’t end up having anything of interest to say for you, but you really helped out here and I’m sure he’s really grateful. I’m really grateful. Thank you so much Volo.” Her hands lingered on his after handing the plates to him. Her eyes sparkled as she looked at him. Irritatingly once again he was finding it difficult to stay angry at her. He tore his eyes away from her to read the plates.

“‘The power of defeated giants infuses this plate’ and… ‘The rules of time and space change within the opposite world.’” Astrid finally moved her hands, snapping him out of the daze he was in.

“I wonder what it means by ‘giants.’ Maybe the alpha pokemon? The second one is definitely about the distortion world Giratina exists in…” She suddenly held the toxic plate up. “Could this one help me attract Giratina?!”

“I’m not sure that it’s that literal…” He started, before jumping to the second half of her statement and having his brain stall out at yet another mention of Giratina. He reached for the brim of his hat to pull down, only to notice it’s absence and remembering his attire, suddenly wanting to die of embarrassment.

“Now if you excuse me I am going to get changed out of the ridiculous clothes, what a waste of time.” He grumbled. “It is far too cold here for this nonsensical manner of dress.” Before he could turn away Astrid hugged him again, this time much longer, nuzzling his chest. “I’m sorry Volo you’re such a good sport, thanks for putting up with me. If anyone does laugh at you, I’ll have Cynder set them on fire for you.” He couldn’t help but smile a little, picturing Cynder burning down Cogita’s house and the Ginkgo guild wagon. FInally, he would be free. Astrid smiled back, not knowing of the violence was capturing his imagination.

“Seriously though, if you want anything from me I’ll try my best to give it to you, you’ve been so good to me.” He tipped her chin up to meet his gaze as he took the very easy opportunity to toy with her. “That is a very dangerous offer to make someone.” He practically purred. “You may want to reconsider your wording.”

Her cheeks flushed in response as her eyes darted away, but she didn’t offer any corrections to her statement. She couldn’t even manage a half hearted deflection of the implications, he wondered if it was more intentional than a slip up. He had more important priorities with taking advantage of her inability to say no to him though. “So you’d be willing to say, give me all the plates once we collect them all?” He said in a teasing manner, trying his best to disguise how incredibly serious he was about the question.

Astrid considered this for a moment. Arceus had only told her to “meet every Pokémon”, it said nothing of plates. The plates were precious gifts from the noble Pokémon, but it wasn’t like they had a particular use to her (unless of course, they could somehow locate Giratina as well.) She didn’t want to just give them to anyone, they were if nothing else, valuable archeological finds, but she couldn’t imagine Volo being irresponsible with them. If she did need them later he’d probably let her borrow them, right?

After thinking it over, she replied with what she figured would cover the bases for her own goals at least. “... How about this, if you help me find Giratina, I’ll trade you for the plates.” Volo’s visible eyebrow shot up, clearly he hadn’t expected her to agree.

She actually agreed. She was actually going to just… willingly give him the plates. He had done it. He had effectively won. It took a great deal of self control for Volo not to break out in giddy maniacal laughter at his victory. He was going to get the plates. Arceus’ chosen one had agreed to betray it because he put on this stupid skimpy coat. Maybe there had been some worth in this humiliation for him after all.

“Volo?” Astrid’s voice pulled him down from the clouds he had ascended to. He smiled brighter than she had ever seen before. “Deal. I will find Giratina and bring you to it.”

She reacted with just as much excitement as he was feeling right now, squealing and hugging him again. This time he returned the favor, wrapping his arms around her and giving her a squeeze. If this was all that was needed to bribe her into helping him achieve his goals, that was fine with him. He didn’t really want to admit it to himself, but the physical affection was probably more of a bonus than a cost. He was still riding high off of all of this after the embrace ended and he set back down the mountain.

Once out of sight, he allowed himself his laughter. It was true this could be a trick, but his half of the deal required no actual effort on his part, and the worst case scenario would be going back to plan A and having to use Giratina to take them by force. He still resented Arceus choosing a random outsider like her over someone devote as he was, and his pride would be permanently scarred by that, but the ill will towards her personally had all but evaporated at this point. If she kept her word, he had nothing to hate her for.

There was still a chance she’d go back on her word, but he should probably put at least a little consideration into her inclusion in his new improved world as a reward for her devotion. He would be a far more generous god then Arceus, or even Giratina, and grant her own wishes himself. He let his mind wander through daydreams of a better life full of her praises for the gifts he’d bestow on her for loyalty to keep him warm for his trip back from the cold mountains.

☆

Astrid made her way to Electrode. She wasn’t looking forward to dealing with Melli’s selfish attitude again but something was bothering her about his claims that the frenzied state of the nobles was a gift from the almighty Sinnoh. It was like she had heard it before. Where had she heard it? This was going to drive her crazy. She remembered hearing something about the lords when dealing with Arcanine. Did Iscan or Paulina say something about them? Was it Volo when she saw him on Aipom Hill? No, wait… She pulled out scraps of poems that Ursaluna had dug up and flipped through them to one she had dug up just before that, and read it.

“No claws nor fangs, no strength to claim— no man could hope to hold his own to mighty Pokémon. “But bolts of light rained down one day, ten times they fell, ten times struck true upon ten Pokémon. “Then to weak man did these ten turn, his strength to be, and all were blessed by loyal Pokémon. “Were not these bolts a gift to man? Were they not your almighty grace, great Sinnoh, paragon?”

Oh… Could Melli be right? Oh no, she didn’t want to give him the satisfaction. It didn’t change the fact that the lords were out of control though. She still had to do something about the danger to other people, but she was shit at lying in situations like this and wouldn’t be able to pretend that she disagreed with him on who was causing the frenzies. Ulgh. She prepared herself and walked over to Melli.

“I know I’ve not exactly been in supportive of you reaching this place, but a part of me did hope you’d make it. Call me contradictory all you like, Galaxy Grunt, But such is life. Embracing the complexity of both ourselves and the world can only help us grow. As a member of the Diamond Clan, my highest calling is to please almighty Sinnoh. And right now, that means I must protect my lord by stopping you where you stand!”

“Actually I would like to talk to you about that. I would like to revise my opinion on the frenzied lords.” Melli was absolutely not expecting that statement. He stood there and blinked at her for a moment then grinned brightly. “Oh so you admit I am correct! I suppose the battle is unnecessary then! You may be on your way then-”

“Not so fast. It is true that I agree that it’s likely that these frenzies are caused by power granted by the almighty Sinnoh, but I will still need to see Electrode.” Melli’s smile dropped. “How DARE you, what gives you the right-”

“Even if this power was granted on purpose, it doesn’t change that the lords are seemingly unable to control it for now and a danger to themselves and others in the meantime. I have also been gifted with similar power from the almighty Sinnoh for the purpose of being able to endure these frenzies and help the lords regain control of themselves. The fact that the quelled lords gift me with plates is evidence that this is what I am supposed to be doing, don’t you think? Shouldn’t it be up to lord Electrode to decide if I’m worthy or not?” Astrid was less confident in this then she sounded, but it would probably be good enough. She was also praying Melli would be too distracted by the situation and the fact he got to be the smart one to take the conclusion a step further. The silent implication of this and the fact that kleavor became frenzied immediately after her arrival, was that her presence was why these events were happening. Did the lords themselves know that? Were they trusting her for her help, unaware if she wasn’t there they maybe wouldn’t have needed saving to begin with?

Melli seemed to take a moment to consider this. “Fine. Have it your way. Lord Electrode will absolutely flatten you like a pancake.” “Oh, you’re actually agreeing to let Astrid do her job?” Adaman walked up as they were talking. “Astrid has conceded that I am correct but has asserted she would like to become a noble sacrifice to lord Electrodes incredible power.”

Adaman looked surprised then looked over at Astrid, raising his eyebrow. “Well then, that’s a relief, I guess.”

“Would you like to also take the opportunity to admit you were wrong?” “No.”

Melli huffed at the response and they put the balms together. “There! I made you a practically infinite supply of balms, so chuck all you like at Electrode. But don’t underestimate my lord’s strength! I very much doubt the likes of you can quell it.”

“I’ll do my best. Why don’t you stick around, you might see something interesting.” Melli looked skeptical, but hung near the entrance to the arena.

Astrid had to admit, she probably wasn’t as good at wielding power from Arceus as she was from Giratina, and honestly some of it was lack of motivation and investment by comparison on her part. Still bitter over Giratina’s continued absence, she wasn’t taking full advantage of what she did have. She would this time try to wield it less like something that just activated and more a constant state. She had claimed this power was similar to the frenzied states the lords were in, now she would try and back that up with action. She started continuing the power that flowed into her when she dodged, right into throwing the balm. The force allowed her to throw farther and faster, then being able to go right back into another dodge with less recovery time. Electrode was indeed the most formidable opponent so far but this extra edge seemed to make a good difference. She was doing far better than with Arcanine. Like hell she was going to let Melli mock her for being “wrong”... Though that was still roughly what he was doing from the sidelines, instructing Electrode to run her over. She eventually was successful, and she received the next plate.

Melli reacted overdramatically. “I agreed to make those accursed balms, yes… But now that the almighty Sinnoh’s precious blessing has vanished forever… it’s just so unbearably sad!”

“Is that how you see it? Electrode looks relieved to me. Glad it’s suffering’s ended, probably.” Adaman corrected.

“Just because it’s not glowing anymore doesn’t mean the blessing is gone. Was I glowing when I arrived? Am I glowing now?” Melli huffed a bit in response. “I suppose not. Hopefully lord Electrode will not be negatively effected by this.” Astrid was relieved that he had gotten the message.

“I arrive, right on schedule!” Ingo walked into the arena “Now what did YOU bother coming back for?!” Melli apparently was still in a bad mood.

“Only to say that I recalled some things after Astrid did me the honor of traveling with me. Things to do with a world where I believe I lived before my memories were lost. Most people there caught Pokémon, lived with them, formed supportive partnerships with them… And then there were the Pokémon trainers…” He paused for a moment.

“I was blessed with the position of someone who would provide unique challenges to trainers, who would come from far and wide for the opportunity to overcome them. I’ve had the honor of witnessing Pokémon and humans banding together to overcoming what seems like insurmountable odds through the strength of their bonds.The fog has cleared, the lights are on, I can see the track ahead of us clearly. If Pokémon and people work together we can forge new paths forward. We’ll be lost to history if we go on believing only Pokémon can be strong— or if we go on fearing them instead of understanding them.” He looked over to Astrid. “I believe guiding Hisui down towards this station might be why we are here.” Astrid smiled at him. She hoped he was right. That the purpose of what Arceus was having her do was helping people and not hurting.

“Oh! Once again, the brilliant Warden Melli has realized something rather clever. It’s not just my Pokémon that need to be strong—it’s me as well! The greater my valor and might, the more my Pokémon can reach their potential! If this noodle can be granted Arceus’ blessing, then why not I? I will strive to be even greater! I wonder if the almighty Sinnoh will be pleased I’ve achieved exactly that?” Melli then proceeded to pester Adaman on the teachings of the almighty Sinnoh.

“Bravo! Excellent! Please, all of you, do your best and run towards the destination—and even higher state! Of course, you ‘higher state’ is clear, Astrid. It surely lies with the next lord!” Ingo declared. “Now, this time I really will make the complete return trip to Jubilife Village… I believe I will see if I can set some good challenges for trainers to strive for once more. You’ll help me conduct people down these tracks forward, won’t you Astrid?” She nodded back to him. She’d do her best at least. She knew Ingo would do a good job at least. “Now begging your pardon, I owe Commander Kamado my report. Until next time.”

“Can we find a way to honor our past while also forging a better future? Maybe that’s what the almighty Sinnoh really wants from us. After all, it rules over all time… and it created everything there is.” Adaman remarked.

“Be ready to shield your eyes, Astrid! I’m going to polish Electrode as well as myself until we both are glowing brighter than you could ever dream of being, both our strength and brilliance will be blinding!” … At least Melli was calling her by her actual name now instead of a grunt or a noodle. Something really bothered her about being called a “Galaxy Grunt”, for reasons she couldn’t place.

☆

Astrid went to report to Kamado, and it seemed Ingo had already mentioned Melli’s theory. She was grateful he hadn’t been present for her agreeing with it, and that Melli’s reputation was so bad it probably discredited it somewhat. Kamado still questioned the purpose of causing the lords to frenzy. He contemplated that a bit, while Astrid prayed he didn’t reach the same conclusion as her. Eventually she was released to go meet Rei and Laventon for dinner.

“Can we talk about how you’ve gone from being some nobody from nowhere to basically the hero of Hisui?” Rei said as he, Astrid and Laventon ate the dinner Kamado had treated them to. “Indeed! Taking on such perilous duties has earned you a great deal of trust, Astrid. It’s like I always say: ‘Behavior is a mirror that reflects one’s true nature.’ You let your actions do the speaking for you, Astrid, and the message is clear as day! It doesn’t matter one whit where you came from. You’re a part of the Survey Corps and Jubilife Village now!”

Astrid laughed nervously. “You say that, but people can do things without being sincere about it.” “Insincerely walking into the line of fire of a frenzied lord?” Rei snorted. “Yeah sure you definitely nearly died for the sake of deception.” She still couldn’t help but worry at this point. She didn’t even trust that she was there for positive reasons herself. Her stomach churned from the anxiety as she returned home afterwards.

#PLA #pokemon legends arceus #Volo #Ingo #distorted reflections #volvo from my games

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