Chapter #4Paradise by: Unknown For the first time in a decade, Xerneas’ face softened. “Lucario… it’s been so long...” she said, noticeably on the edge of tears. You were starting to feel bad for tricking her like this… but she would’ve eaten you otherwise. “I’m… so sorry. I failed you. The Tree of Life… I couldn’t control it…” You walked tentatively up to the once-legendary Pokemon as tears dripped down her cheeks, and you placed a comforting paw on her snout.
“It’s alright, Xerneas. Nobody could,” you said, in as soothing a voice you can muster. Luckily, it’s been so long that the Xerneas must’ve forgotten what Lucario’s voice sounded like. She was crying openly now, and you take another step forward, hugging her around her huge neck. She wrapped her head around your back, and the two of you hugged for a long time while she quietly sobbed. “It’s okay. It’s okay. There was nothing anybody could’ve done,” you whisper, trying to reassure her. The Tree of Life has caused millions of deaths, and plunged her kingdom into savagery, so you understood why she would be so upset. Eventually, she composes herself, and you sit down by her side, leaning against her soft belly while she laid there.
“I’m… so glad that you’re okay,” she said, quietly. “It’s nice to have someone to talk to… after all these years.” You wanted to just ask her where the Explorers are and leave, but you felt really bad for the Xerneas, so you decide to stick around for a while. This was probably the safest place to be tonight, after all, so you decide to stay with Xerneas until morning. You quietly cuddled with the deer while she vented all of the frustrations, the guilt, the loneliness, the terror she’s been feeling over the past few decades. You found that you could relate to her, in a weird way. “I… guess it’s time to get some sleep, then,” She said, after the two of you had talked for a couple of hours straight. At first, you felt guilty for posing as the Lucario; but it seems to have made her happy, at least.
“Alright. Good night,” you say, turning over. You go to sleep using the Xerneas’ huge, soft belly as a sort of pillow, bringing you a welcome feeling of closeness. The legendary Pokemon wasn’t nearly as scary as you thought she would be… in fact, you almost never felt safer. In the morning, Xerneas prepares a delicious breakfast, and the two of you have a much more jovial conversation over cheri berry galette and salad. She certainly seemed happier than she did when you first met. After the two of you quietly watch the sun rise over the forest, you feel the need to pop the question. You wished you could stay with Xerneas forever, but with every moment that passes, your chances of finding your mother decrease. “Xerneas?” you said. “I am sorry, but I will have to take my leave. I have… important business.”
Xerneas seemed saddened, but understanding. “I… understand. I am really glad we were able to see eachother again,” she sighed. “Is there any way I can help you on your journeys?”
“Actually, there is,” you reply. “I need to find other members of the Society. Think you could assist me with that?”
“Of course. I think I’m... still connected to them. Hold on...” she said, and closed her eyes, as if concentrating on something. You sat in silence for a while, until she had an epiphany. “Yes… yes, I see them. There are some in the salt flats, to the east,” she revealed, without even opening her eyes. You frowned. The salt plains? Your mother always said that she hated that place. Regardless, you were grateful.
“Thank you, Xerneas. That is a great help,” you say as you stand up, looking out over the tranquil forest. “It was nice talking to you.”
“You too...” she said sadly, as you walked away. Once you were out of sight, you transformed back into a zorua, and continued your journey.
---
The salt plains were barren and miserable. The ground resembled snow, but was burning hot beneath your paws. Every once in awhile, the wind would blow sand in your eyes, just to add insult to injury. You couldn’t imagine why any Explorers would want to be here; this place seemed empty. But you had to trust the Xerneas, as she was your only lead. As you walked, you eventually realized the salt was shifting strangely beneath you, as if it was alive. You were confused for a moment, only for another Pokemon to emerge from beneath the sands! It was a hippowdon! You leap out of the way just seconds before it can close its jaws around you, before turning to face your opponent. The hippowdon looked typical for a savage Pokemon, with scars littering its body, salt filling its shells, and glowing red eyes devoid of feeling or higher consciousness. Before you could let out an attack, it leaped forward, closing its jaws around you once again. “Help!” you scream as you’re rolled around on its tongue, just narrowly missing the hippowdon’s sharp teeth.
In that moment, some powerful force struck the hippowdon in the side. It spit you out by reflex, and you collapsed onto the ground, covered in saliva. You could only watch as a Lucario emerged from the salt flats, and blasted the hippowdon with a powerful aura sphere, destroying the creature’s protective shell. The hippowdon turned to fight its aggressor, only to be attacked from behind by a burst of fire, as a braixen emerged from the sands as well. The hippowdon yelped as the flames struck its unprotected skin, and burrowed its way back into the thick salt. The battle was over almost before you could even register what had happened. With that finished, the lucario leaned over, offering you a helping paw. “Are you alright, little guy?” he asked, and you nodded silently as you stand and get your bearings together. You were stunned as you got a closer look at your saviors; a braixen and a lucario, both with red bandanas around their necks. You recognized them!
“Y-you’re the Pokemon that saved the Tree of Life!” you gasped. You had heard of these two Pokemon all the time in fairy tales, but you never knew they were actually still alive! Just a couple decades ago, they defeated the anti matter, and prevented all the life from being drained from the world. The two of them had defeated legendary Pokemon with ease, and travelled the world during their epic quests.
The braixen looked flattered. “Well… that happened a long, long time ago,” she said, humble. “But yeah, that’s us, I guess.”
“My mother told me all about you! Is it true you really battled with legendaries?” you asked, excitedly.
“Uh, let’s save the questions for when we’re not in the salt plains,” the braixen dismissed your query. “We have a safe place nearby, little guy. Do you want to come along?”
“Of course!” you smiled, skipping with excitement as you followed after them. This was perfect! This duo could do anything… they could definitely find your mother! All the fear and anxiety you’ve been experiencing melted away. The duo led you far from the salt plains, deep into the most secret areas of the forest. Eventually, you came across their hideout; a palace built into the old trees of the forest ▼ . It was the most beautiful thing you’d ever seen! The palace was littered with other friendly pokemon, all seemingly working on expanding the place. You had never seen this many Pokemon in one place before! “Whoa...” you gasped, hardly able to believe your eyes. “What is this place?"
“Well… we call it ‘Paradise’,” the braixen said, sounding a little embarrassed. “I mean, it may not necessarily be a paradise yet, but that’s the end goal.”
“We’ve been trying to build a community here. Somewhere safe,” the lucario explained in more detail. You wandered around, saying hello to all the friendly Pokemon. Compared to living alone in the savage forest, this place really did seem like a paradise. “We have important business to take care of, so you should just get settled in, little guy. If you need anything, you should talk to Kangaskhan.” You wander around, still awed by your surroundings. You had never seen anything like it before. There was so much to be done! … where to start?   indicates the next chapter needs to be written. |
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