Lonnie's P.O.V.
*****
I watched as rain tore through invisible air, giving a sigh as Blake's lackluster stare took effect on me. I wasn't used to his silence nor arguments, for I wasn't even feisty enough to start one, let alone a mon of advice.
"Let me guess," I started. "Philip denied the fact when you accused him as your long lost partner, right? I'd say it has no impending flaws, since he really reminds you of him, I assume."
"That may be true..." The Charmeleon replied. "But I still couldn't believe that he- had the same name as him. I mean– just look at him! It's just too obvious; he acts like him and he talks like him! There's no use covering up the truth with incoherent lies unless he really isn't the Philip I know! How could I be that stupid?" Blake growled with a clear fit of pique in his voice.
One more surge of frustration could easily invoke him to burn a whole house, but still, it didn't dare to drag me out of the topic.
"Stop it. You're not an idiot, are you? Just calm down. I'm sure he had an explanation behind this. Who knows when the real Philip will come back here, out of the blue?"
"Impossible. I've searched about five years for him. It was useless like a Rockruff trying to catch his own tail, even worse than a wild goose chase!" He seethed, and his flame glowed menacingly large, sending a chill down my spine. Blake frowned. I could see his anger managing to die halfly down, averting his gaze.
"I'm sorry, I just couldn't help it..." He said, quietly. I pouted, giving him a punch on the shoulder, earning a confused glare from Blake.
"What?"
I huffed, folding both forepaws as I looked away indignantly.
"I didn't want you to behave like a five year-old. I want you to behave like a teenager as you are right now! Geez, Pokémon these— huh?!" I gasped as he held me around his arms, giving me a hug. I blushed hard, mouth ajar.
"W-What the heck are you doing?"
"I said I'm sorry, 'kay? Plus, let's just stop arguing like we're in some kind if lovers' quarrel."
"Why... W-Why is that...?" I asked, baffled. His face flushed deep red, looking away with a small smile.
"I..."
"I...?"
"I... I like you, L-Lonnie." Blake confessed with a grin. My eyes widened as he started to lean in with me in a state of shock. Blushing hard, my paw shot to his face in breakneck speed, punching him in the face.
"Y-You're kidding!" I screamed, hardly believing my luck. "Seriously, it's too early for a kiss when you didn't even dare to court me yet!"
Blake chuckled, making me annoyed, for I saw he wasn't really affected by my punch.
Damn these soft paws.
"Ha, you're too old-fashioned. No one really asks for that these days. Well, except for you of course,"
I glared at him. Why is he getting off the topic so sudden?
"Hey, don't even think I'm letting you off my hook! You just confessed to me and now you're talking like nothing special just happened?"
"Oh, really? Then why would you remind me of that? Aha, you like me, don't you?"
"N-No! Geez, why would I? You're totally not my type!"
"Ouch! You're so cute, I could pinch your cheek right now!"
I pouted, averting my gaze as he embraced me around his arms again, ruffling my fur. A part of it made me smile unawarely, probably from his unseen sweetness. I know, he's handsome and could be a pawful sometimes, which I really didn't mind.
"Alright, fine..." I giggled. "I like you too."
Blake let go, shouting a loud, victorious 'yes' as he leapt into the air. I giggled at his goofiness, overjoyed by the fact that he also shared my feelings. And so, finally, after all these months, Blake and I were official.
Katherine's PO.V.
*****
"Don't forget to apologize to Blake," I reminded firmly as I gently pulled his paw towards Blake and Lonnie. Philip blushed with widened eyes as he followed me with no choice.
"H-H-How?" He asked, walking clumsily in three legs.
"Just be yourself," I told him. "Be cool and set things back the way they are. I'll be right behind your back."
"I'll try, but what if he just couldn't?"
"Don't be like that. Be positive. I'm sure he will understand." I assured, as Blake and Lonnie reappeared from their place, and awkward silence took over our inpenetrable voices. Both guys sighed and spoke up.
"I'm sorry. I know I shouldn't have yelled at you earlier, and it's my fault. I'm just a little bit too rash and out of control, but still, I hope you can forgive me for that."
"No need for it," Philip says. "It's just a bit... surprizing for me that you thought I was your long lost partner. In return, must apologize to you. Did I really remind you of him years ago?"
"Yeah..." Blake sighs. "I guess you really did. You just... l-lost your memories right?"
"I know, I know. But if you're sure I was your partner, I think I just need a little bit more time to confirm it once it'll get back. I promise, and by that, I hope that you can excuse me from earlier, if that would be okay for you..." The Jolteon mused, looking up to him.
"Of course. We're friends, after all." The Charmeleon smiled and held out his paw. Philip nodded and shook it in relief that they've forgiven each other by that. Lonnie nodded in approval as we exchanged glances.
"It's settled, finally." I said, turning to Lonnie.
"I think we should probably head back to our houses," The grass fox suggested. "The rain has probably stopped by now."
"Yeah..." I replied, halfly disappointed that this day was short-lived, out from all the days we had met. Dusk rolled in and gleamed partly from the afterglow of sunset as we padded along the wet grass, waving goodbyes as everyone went into their own houses. Blake and I turned and decided to come home at last, for it was indeed a little tiring for our worked-up muscles.
The Charmeleon stretched his arms happily into the air, letting out a noisy yawn.
"Today was great," He mused. "I've never thought that Lonnie just liked me back, and yet, she really did. Looks like I really owe her a date."
"A date?" I asked with a matching raising of brows. "Does that mean you two are together now?"
Blake laughed. "Kinda, yeah. Well, what do you think? Does it really need to be grand or something simple like just hanging out in the forest? What if she doesn't-"
"Hey, of course she'll like it whatever it is. You know the saying 'remember to keep it simple but elegant'? I know she likes that one, judging for her love for love stories, I guess. She likes you the way you are, so there's no need embellish it that much in cliché plots. You'll be okay."
"Gee, thanks for the advice, love expert." The fire lizard drawled, shooting me a smirk. "How's it going with Philip?"
"It's fine," I replied with a bland expression as my pace deadened down into an abrupt stop, my head hanging low. Blake's grin slowly morphed into a concerned lower, crooking down until I was forced to look into his emerald eyes.
"What's wrong? Did you two fight or something?" He asked, tilting his head in curiousity.
"No..." I answered, drawing a deep breath. "T-That's not it."
"Then how could you not be happy when there's nothing wrong at all? You were always the cheerful one."
"Well, right now, that person felt that nothing more than you do," I said, averting my gaze aside. "It's just... I'm not really sure about my feelings for him. It just- it just feels kind of... wrong. I don't know but, there are these kind of doubts residing at the back of my mind. What if, we w-weren't really meant to be together with only these feelings? Is it really worth keeping?"
Blake smiled, casually patting me softly on the back.
"You really think you can when this happened only once in your life?" He asked, giving me a questioning look. I remained still, frozen with thought. The Charmeleon chuckled and crossed his arms, shaking his head in disbelief.
"It's alright to get scared." He assured, and I did nothing except for shaking my head in disapproval.
"I'm not scared," I told him. "I'm just not really sure that I, a human, is willing to love a Pokémon like him. We're just too... different. I know it's a shame to just let it go by, but... I'm just not really sure."
"Oh, come on, Kate. Love, is just something mysterious. To me, it's not just about the wonderful, joyous moments it held. It's the moral it holds."
I couldn't help but laugh instead. "So who's being the love expert now? You're being cheesy."
"Not only that, but it also made you laugh. I really don't like drama."
"Of course you intended it so. You're my best friend, after all."
"I'm flattered. I think I could still remember the time you punched Devin's face." Blake snickered, and both of us laughed at one's reminiscence.
"Wait..." I interrupted. "Speaking of Devin, how is he doing now?"
"He's currently working for Harry Chesnaught's Woodworks by now. I think he'll think twice before underestimating a girl's dignity again. He won't be a problem anymore."
"Hmph. That's good to know. Because if I would ever see him or the others do that again..." I answered, amusingly pretending to crack my knuckles. "It won't be pretty."
"That's right." Blake chuckled. "C'mon, let's go home, as it was beginning to get dark."
I sighed, watching him take off with his particular gait. I know that my friend had made me laugh, but it still wasn't enough. I still didn't know what to do, for the fact of me being a human and Philip being a Pokémon didn't seem to make much sense. I hope I could get through this soon, even if those doubts could cling on harder inside my heart. After a moment, I shook myself of these unbearable thoughts and ran after Blake.
Philip's P.O.V.
*****
The stars themselves are pretty, bringing a merry shine to the plain night sky, accompanying the bright moon. Now I knew why she was quite fond of stars, for they're actually mesmerizing for the playful twinkles they made. The time was near for Norsoe to hatch a new plan, and it was not getting better for us. After all, the more I did something better, the more Norsoe gets determined to execute the success for his plan, which brings more possibilities of what will happen if she happens to know the truth. The more I come to think of it, only one question remained behind all of the options I had.
How can Kate and I face the truth?
I heard the door creak from behind me, and Sun and Lance came in with concern etching on their faces. I groaned and turned towards them with a piercing glare.
"What?"
"You seem troubled." Lance says with a pertaining frown. "Why are looking at the stars?"
"No I'm not," I answered. "I-It's a promise I made for a... f-friend. None of your business."
Sun and Lance laughed. I rolled my eyes at the sight of them making fun out of me being stranger than usual. What's up with them anyways?
"Ha! Ha! Geez, I know she's not just your friend." Sun chuckled as a blush flared into my cheeks, revealing streaks of maroon embarrassment out of my face until it reached the tip of my ears. "Wait, aha! Her name's Kate, right? Leader of Team Alpha from Plasma's guild? That's one dynamite girl...."
"Yeah..." Lance drawled. "So you do like her? Wow, Philip. You usually don't like being around girls, but I've never expected this to happen to you!"
Their constant nagging was too much for me to bear, and instead, I sighed and I have to yield just to stop the noise that was pounding itself against my ears. Smacking a paw against my forehead, they slowly raised in surrender, deeming it embarrassing in front of them.
"Alright, fine. I do like her..." I confessed, turning away. "I'm just not brave enough to tell her. What if she'll turn away from me after she finds out about the truth? I'm no good for her, anyway."
"Ugh, how tragic..." Lance groaned, receiving a glare from a certain Espeon.
"Hey," Sun scoots closer, giving me a pat on the back. "Whatever bothers you, feel free to tell us, 'kay? Even though that uh... Darkrai thing'y you just told us, we'll be sure to understand. And the fact she used to be human really doesn't make sense!"
"You know that?" I asked them, though it was stupid to know he was a Psychic.
"Her aura told me," Lance explained. "While on that mission we were sent to weeks ago, I noticed a rift on her aura. It could be that she's from another world, because normally, I could totally sense it completely if one is a normal Pokémon. You should be glad I've never thought of your girl as an alien of some kind!"
"She's not my girl!" I protested, blushing madly at his emphasized words. "Darkrai wouldn't let me. If he did, then I should be dead for betraying him right now."
"Pffft, who cares about Darkrai's wants? If you did truly love her, then fight for her!"
"I told you, this isn't any of your business." I growled, getting off my bed.
Come into the forest when the clock strikes twelve. Norsoe's voice echoed into my ears. We'll have some things to discuss. Don't be late.
"I'm going outside." I rasped, opening the door. "And don't even think of following me."
The cold breeze of the night blew around my pelt like a thin, shredded blanket, though I intended to release a few sparks of electricity for warmth, which could also be useful as a light source. Bounding off into a coppice of small trees at a slow but steady pace, I slowly made it through with a small lag, not minding how feral Pokémon shrouded the safety away from the others.
I went on running, as if I was wild and free. Before I realized it, I was deep in the lush forest, having only my natural instincts to rely on. My ears stood on end, flicking around for any signs that may consider as a threat. A deep snarl echoed through the trees, and immediately, a pair of sharp claws sliced through the wind, and if I wasn't quick enough to dodge, my right eye would've been long gone by then. Retaliating with a swift electrified punch, I sent a flare of electricity towards the familiar wolf Pokémon, sending him flying.
I quickly gathered my strength and slammed into him with a sharp blow from the crook of my arm, immobilizing the rock wolf with a headlock. He howled and dug his claws into my arm. With a scream of pain, I made the baleful mistake of letting him free as he assumed, tripping my front legs as I fell down. The Lycanroc tensed and the ground exploded with Earth Power, bringing a fair amount of damage.
My lips curled back into a savage snarl from the vile pain, and my pelt of mangled fur stood up in a sudden ire. No mistake, it was my rival, Trusty the Lycanroc. He was lucky he still made it despite some of the deadly battles Norsoe had us partake in for a captain's position. He would be long gone if I did tear his throat apart with my own claws, but mercy had prevailed over my rage. With a glare of pure scorn, I scoffed in disbelief, both of us circling round in a savage, wolfish circle among the trees.
"Trusty," I managed to utter in a snarl. "That must be very kind of you to give me this kind of greeting. How many times do I have to tell you to stay out of my sight?!"
"It is you, my friend, who must stay out of my sight." Trusty sneered, growling in hate. "Though we're not even the best of friends; screw that word."
"As expected from you, second rank." I laughed, mockingly eyeing him from head to paw.
"You shlub..." The Lycanroc scoffed, baring his fangs. "Do you even realize what us wolves can do to petty little foxes like you?"
"Except that one fox did come to outwit you," I retorted.
"Touché. Now you do sound like that pretty foolish vixen of yours."
"Don't you even dare to touch nor mention that girl, or else I have no choice but to tear your throat apart." I snarled as strong volts of electricity hovered threateningly around my pelt. I was gonna zap this wolf to ashes if I had to. "You had your job. All I have to do is do mine, and don't even dare to interfere..."
"Hey, you two!" A Ferrothorn interrupted, seething madly. "This is a place where Master sent us to tell his plan, not a place to trade barbs! I don't care if you're captain; just stop this nonsense and–"
I immediately silenced him by sending a quick jolt of electricty to his side, causing a tree's bark to smolder with a thin smoke. Ferrothorn hovered in the air, paralyzed with fear.
"Leave," I ordered as my fur crackled with sparks. Ferrothorn gulped and backed away into the darkness, until he was no more. Trusty smirked, unsheathing his claws.
"Not bad, captain..." The Lycanroc sneered, fiddling with his claws, gleaming in the moonlight. I growled at his sarcasm, trudging into the bushes.
Narrator's P.O.V.
*****
This is it. Norsoe smirked as he flew along his deep, underground dungeon. His eyes had a confident glint, one so dangerously bloodcurdling, enough to paralyze any Pokémon who would come to face his wrath. He felt like a proud royal. To anyone's eyes, his kingdom was undoubtly large, complete with a strong army.
A dungeon was mentioned. No, it wasn't a mystery dungeon. It was a literal dungeon, more like an inescapable prison. There he kept his most wanted prisoners, especially those who acted up against him, and one empty cell remained, and it was no wonder whose cell it was for. It was meant for the prophecy's chosen: Katherine. He had thought one so emotionally feeble couldn't defeat the likes of him, regardless of physical strength.
He had always despised heroes, every kind, every look, and everything that reminds him of them. He wished that they would be gone forevermore, when they acted more like a nuisance to him.
Wish.... that's it.
The pitch-black legendary smirks and floated past the countless number of cells, coming into a stop at one of the unbreakable bars of his prison. A bright flame shone in the darkened corners, revealing the face of a familiar bird-like legendary. It was Ho-Oh, the rainbow Pokémon. The two traded glares of pure hate.
"Long time no see, Ho-Oh," Norsoe laughed as the legendary thrusted her own beak downwards in scorn. "You said you know Celebi, right?"
"Hmp, of course, I know him. It should take years for the likes of you to track him down, knowing he likes to move from place to place. And why are you asking me? Go open up the portal of time yourself, you sorry excuse of a legendary." Ho-Oh ranted, giving a choking laugh. "So much for greatness."
"You can talk all you want, but sadly, it wouldn't get you out from your bird cage." Norsoe insulted, resulting another glare from Ho-Oh. "My request is simple. I need him to conduct a time portal towards Jirachi."
That was enough to convert the enormous flame bird to rage mode.
"Imbecile!" She seethed, drawing fire from her wings. "Believe me, you do not know what you're dealing with! You simply cannot use a wish against the prophecy itself! Arceus wouldn't allow such hideous act to go underhand! You shouldn't, you mustn't!"
Darkrai; half Yveltal gave a smug smile, displaying his pair of crimson wings. Ho-Oh shut her beak in fear, the same shade of mad, orange fire reflecting the hues of her horror-stricken eyes.
"I can feel it." Norsoe cackled in mockery. "Your eyes reek of undesirable fear. Well, you should be. I see it now. Oblivion Wing cannot only steal a Pokémon's life force, but it can also sap away their strength into mine. What happens if I take all the legendaries' life force, including yours if you won't obey?"
The large bird shuddered in fear, withdrawing into the large sheet of stygian darkness.
"Now." He said with a voice full of authority, compelling the legendary to sigh. With a giant flap of her wings, sending a small tornado of dust, out fell a small feather, obviously the rainbow wing. Picking it up with her beak, she gently flew towards the edge of the bars, coming into an abrupt stop.
"The rainbow wing contains the essence of pure light energy. The intense light it emits that made Celebi recognize it as a distress signal can help you complete your search. But on the wrong claws, it succumbs to darkness, killing its light until it was no more. To anyone like you, of course."
"I don't care how it works, just give it to me!"
"Fine. But don't you dare blame it on me if the trick doesn't work." Ho-Oh growled, giving him the rainbow wing, which he gladly took. As expected, the feather darkened to a shadow of caliginous ebony, much to his surprize.
"The light it has may be gone, but surely, Celebi could be suspicious of the darkness it holds and may come to investigate. Brilliant plan, Ho-Oh!" Norsoe cackled, sending chills to Ho-Oh's spine. She shrunk back, ashamed of herself.
Of course it will. She thought. But that doesn't mean he'll end up victorious in this so called war. Hope still remains in this world, and no matter how hard he works to make the hero stop, she'll remain slipping away from his grasp and save everyone. I hope...
Katherine's P.O.V.
*****
Kate... we need you.
...Please, wake up.
I let out a quiet groan as I stirred awake, rubbing my eyes as I took a few blinks.
"Irazi, isn't it the middle of the night...?" I asked, hearing a small titter against my ears.
"The name's not Irazi dear~" It giggled, igniting itself with tiny flames. It only took me a moment to recognize a familiar Pokémon in the dark. It was Victini, the Victory Pokémon.
"V-Victini? What are you doing in my room?"
"Palkia sent me. Why? Does it matter?" Victini asked, tilting its head. I laughed nervously, since I didn't know if it was a guy or a girl. I always find it awkward with other guys, all except for Blake and Philip.
"N-Not at all..." I answered, eliciting a sigh from the mythical Pokémon.
"Ugh, I can't stand it if people treats me as gen... der... less..." Victini grumbled, emphasizing the word. "I'm a girl!"
Whatever it is, her state made me laugh gently as I looked over at her in disbelief. She was cute and all in those fox-like features, not to mention those adorable wings.
"Uh, anyways, Palkia has a message for you."
"Message?" I blurted, knowing whenever she does, it was urgent and needed to be heard with complete attention. I stood on all fours, staring at the Pokémon in front of me. "What is it?"
"It's telepathic, actually," Victini says. "Let me hold your paw. I need to connect you to our telepathic channel. She was devastated when she lost contact with you."
"She lost contact with me? How?"
The victory Pokémon sighs, revealing a tinge of fear on her face.
"It was Darkrai. The dreamworld is too risky to be used for now. When he interrupted the conversation between you and Palkia, it somehow kinda broke your connection with her. He did it as planned."
Silence took over as Victini shone with a soft, orange glow, making me feel a bit light-headed. Along with her, my body radiated an argentine silver, looming around hers as she let go, ceasing the light around us as it returned to moonlit darkness. Victini grinned, opening her eyes.
"There you go. Now you can contact her anytime and anywhere!"
"Thank you," I said, bowing my appreciation. Victini giggled once more, fluttering around my room.
"Oh dear, you didn't have to. I'm just an ordinary mythical Pokémon, after all."
Child?
Yes? Irazi? Is that you?
Yes, it's me. Arceus, I'm relieved to hear you're alright.
Of course I'm alright. I answered, knowing that something was wrong. What did she mean by that?
It's N-Norsoe. He's trying to find Jirachi.
Jirachi? You mean the wish Pokémon?
Exactly. Child, I need you to find him first. If Norsoe happens to get his claws on him, who knows what he wants to use a wish against the prophecy. We know that Jirachi resides in one of the deepest dungeons in the world that Norsoe himself couldn't dare to get inside. We need you to find him. Also, this is a task that you shouldn't pursue alone, so maybe a few friends by your side could help. Are you sure you can handle this?
Of course, I should. We shouldn't let him prevail over us. Don't worry, Irazi. We won't let you down.
Good. Victini will help you in this journey. She can be of big help, and take good care of her. Good luck, and thank you for trying.
I should be thanking you. I told her. Victini beamed, giving a somersault in the air.
"Yay! I'm sure we're gonna get along well!"
"Yeah, I guess we do." I smiled as she laughed.
"But... eh... I'm a bit hungry, though." Victini pouted, patting her stomach with a paw. "Do you have anything to eat?"
"Follow me," I giggled, opening the door as the mythical Pokémon tailed along with me, drooling for food. I'm not sure if we could complete this task, but we were sure to give it our all. Plasma will understand about our absence. After all, everyone's lives are depending on here, and I couldn't let Norsoe have the last laugh.