Author's Note: Seriously, why hasn't anyone done this? I mean, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon (Time, Darkness, and Sky) is a really good spin-off game of the main series. And there are plenty of fanfics out there that depict the Hero x Partner shipping. So I thought of putting a Gardevoir/Gallade as the Hero x Partner. Again, how has anyone not done this?
Anyway, I had to. I just had to. I just had to make Gardevoir the Hero (Heroine?) and Gallade the Partner. Although this story is basically no different from the original game, there will be slight changes. The only obvious difference is that the Hero/Partner pairing is not the typical Pikachu/Piplup or Skitty/Turtwig pairing, but rather Gardevoir/Gallade.
Just for the record, there are no humans. In a world where only Pokémon exist like Mystery Dungeon, how do they know what humans even are? I always thought that was a weird plot hole.
Pokémon randomly spawning in dungeons for the sake of gaining EXP was a bit unrealistic, so I decided to remove that feature and focus on the environment of the mystery dungeon. It's one thing if the games spawn Pokémon for you to defeat, but when you think about it in terms of story plot, it's kinda… clumsy. After all, in the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Special (anime), I don't recall seeing random Pokémon spawning to the Chimchar/Piplup/Sunflora for the sake of gaining EXP.
Aaannnd I'm really worried about my characters. I feel like they're a bit too pale, but it's just the first chapter and I have an idea where those characters are going anyway so… *sigh* That was probably an unnecessary writer's rant.
And maybe I sounded too poetic in this fanfic? I hope that's a good thing; I am in the middle of reading one of Mark Helprin's novels and his magical prose seems to have made an impact on me. But I hope I don't sound too foggy or too cheesy while I'm at it.
I've also posted this on fanfiction.net (under my same name Empyrean Symphony), but I decided to join the Bulbagarden forums to see if I could get any more feedback on the forum. Thanks in advance to all who read and review!
Next chapter will be up whenever I find the time! Somehow, of all the fics I've published, this is the one I feel like updating the fastest. This is going to seriously eat up a lot of my time. Anyways, here goes!
Chapter 1 - Where the Waves Touch the Shore
Anyway, I had to. I just had to. I just had to make Gardevoir the Hero (Heroine?) and Gallade the Partner. Although this story is basically no different from the original game, there will be slight changes. The only obvious difference is that the Hero/Partner pairing is not the typical Pikachu/Piplup or Skitty/Turtwig pairing, but rather Gardevoir/Gallade.
Just for the record, there are no humans. In a world where only Pokémon exist like Mystery Dungeon, how do they know what humans even are? I always thought that was a weird plot hole.
Pokémon randomly spawning in dungeons for the sake of gaining EXP was a bit unrealistic, so I decided to remove that feature and focus on the environment of the mystery dungeon. It's one thing if the games spawn Pokémon for you to defeat, but when you think about it in terms of story plot, it's kinda… clumsy. After all, in the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Special (anime), I don't recall seeing random Pokémon spawning to the Chimchar/Piplup/Sunflora for the sake of gaining EXP.
Aaannnd I'm really worried about my characters. I feel like they're a bit too pale, but it's just the first chapter and I have an idea where those characters are going anyway so… *sigh* That was probably an unnecessary writer's rant.
And maybe I sounded too poetic in this fanfic? I hope that's a good thing; I am in the middle of reading one of Mark Helprin's novels and his magical prose seems to have made an impact on me. But I hope I don't sound too foggy or too cheesy while I'm at it.
I've also posted this on fanfiction.net (under my same name Empyrean Symphony), but I decided to join the Bulbagarden forums to see if I could get any more feedback on the forum. Thanks in advance to all who read and review!
Next chapter will be up whenever I find the time! Somehow, of all the fics I've published, this is the one I feel like updating the fastest. This is going to seriously eat up a lot of my time. Anyways, here goes!
Chapter 1 - Where the Waves Touch the Shore
There was an unconscious Gardevoir named Genevra lying on the beach, curled around in a weak, fragile position, her face against the soft beach sand. She was rather uncomfortable to look at, for if you saw the position she was curled in, you would cringe at how painfully fixed her body was.
She had been lying there for quite some time. The previous night, there was an angry thunderstorm rampaging around the shores of Treasure Town. Genevra wouldn't remember this, but she was struggling to take hold of her beloved partner's hand, Grovyle, as they were desperately trying to swim in the violent tempest that brewed. The waves were crashing between them, and they were yelling at each other, trying to be heard over the roaring thunder. Unbeknownst to both Genevra and Grovyle, they were separated in a flash from their enemy.
The sun would be soon getting ready to leave work, for it would soon sink behind the ocean waves, saying its usual goodbye to the world its rays touched upon before rising again in the east in the morning to shine brightly again as it usually did.
Meanwhile, there was a Gallade named Redley slowly walking towards the edge of the beach. He was feeling quite curious about his recently-discovered, strangely-intricately-patterned rock, quietly hanging in a small pouch from his neck on a feeble string. It was a rock, nothing more than a stone with a dull luster. But because this stone had this foreign pattern carved neatly into the rock, he couldn't help but feel that something was pulling him to discover the secrets behind it. There was something extraordinary about it, and he couldn't deny it, for denying it would be the same as saying that Dialga didn't exist.
And so, Redley began wondering about the stone's secrets, where it originally came from, and how it made its way to Redley's feet at the edge of Treasure Town. To do that, he realized he would have to go exploring out in the grand yet intimidating region he lived in. And to do that, he realized he would have to form an exploration team.
But the problem was, he never had anyone he could completely trust to form an exploration team. While Treasure Town never thought of Redley as some mentally-unfit, anti-social freak, he liked spending time with himself, doing things such as pondering on the wonders of the world, or training independently in the Marowak Dojo. Of course, he had friends and acquaintances that he talked to occasionally, but he couldn't bring himself to trust any of them up to the point where they would be willing to help him discover the secrets behind the somehow-special stone. And although all were nice Pokémon, he couldn't find anyone that he could deeply trust to share the secret of the stone.
If I could find someone who would be willing to join me on my search… Redley thought disappointedly as he walked, staring at the silky, beige sand. Perhaps I really will have to do this myself. After all, I'm not the first Pokémon to form a one-man exploration team… But it would be better to share this mystery with someone else… to share the happiness of exploring with someone else I can trust…
Sighing, he looked up at the sun, which wasn't just setting yet. The amorous, peach-colored sky illuminated the scene with such a romantic overtone that you would feel a universal love of understanding and compassion wrap around you, as if the cosmos told you that everything, no matter how small, was essential. The ocean, as always, was glittering as if stardust sprinkled across its waters, its waves playfully hopping over one another. The sparkling, celestial-blue bubbles that the Krabby blew added a certain, song-like magic to the picture, so that whenever you found yourself staring at a bubble, you would see your eyes mirrored back into it, the reflection in tune with your delight and amazement. Such musical harmony lifted the spirits of Redley, for he found himself smiling rather contently.
The happy Gallade turned his head around to the left, expecting to find an empty and beautiful beach. Instead, he found an unconscious Gardevoir lying face-down on the sand, somehow disrupting the heavenly symphony of the image that made him smile.
"H-hey!" Redley half-stammered like anyone else who had just discovered an unconscious body. He ran towards the Pokémon, his previous thoughts immediately vanishing. "A-Are you all right?"
He noticed that the Gardevoir was still breathing, so it meant she was still alive. Immediately remembering that he had a spare Oran Berry in his Treasure Bag, he took it out without hesitation and settled it near the unconscious Pokémon. He cursed himself for not carrying a Reviver Seed, leaning down towards the Gardevoir, and carrying her shoulders so that her head would rest on one of his arms.
"C-can you wake up?"
The Gardevoir stirred softly against the sand, groaning incoherently as she slowly opened her eyes to see that she was on the shore of the ocean. Sensing that someone was holding her, she turned her head up, finding herself looking at a Gallade with a concerned face.
"Ohthankgoodness," Redley rushed his words with a relieved sigh, "I'm Redley. Are you okay? Are you hurt? I found you lying unconscious and—"
"AAAHCK!" Genevra screamed at the stranger in terror as she tumbled out of his arm into the sand. Who was this random Pokémon to dare hold her while she was sleeping?! And where was she?
"Who are you?" Genevra asked harshly as she leaned against a rock. Clearly, she hadn't listened to Redley the first time.
"M-my name is Redley," the Gallade replied nervously. "I didn't mean to scare you! I just wanted to make sure you were okay!"
A silence cascaded over them like a fountain, and for a moment in time, the two Pokémon stared at each other in awe and wonder. The only sound they could hear was the sound of gentle waves washing against the shore rhythmically, almost like listening to a comforting lullaby. In one another's minds, there was no doubt that they were falling for each other. Between their gaze was an awakening bond of friendship, and how little they understood that this bond would grow to become one of the greatest the universe would come to acknowledge.
The two Pokémon blinked, and then, reality clicked back into their minds.
"Oh…" the Gardevoir replied with a weak voice as she sat up. Her body was sore and aching, every part feeling as stiff as dried clay. "Oh, I… I'm sorry."
"A-Are you sure you're all right?"
"Y-yes." The Gardevoir straightened herself. "I'm all right. My name is Genevra. I apologize for snapping at you like that earlier. I was… spooked."
"No, it's okay," Redley sighed, and looked away, for his face had begun to blush. "D-don't worry about it."
Genevra did not say a word as Redley picked up the Oran Berry that was now closer to him than it was to Genevra.
"Would you like an Oran Berry? It's my last one, but you can take it if you'd like." Redley held out the berry to the Gardevoir.
Genevra looked at the Oran Berry, and reluctantly reached out her hand to take the berry. She had grown hungry, and she couldn't remember the last time she ate something. Her stomach rumbled, to her embarrassment, and she took the berry without another word. Genevra found herself staring at the fruit and to the best that she could, she ripped open the berry in two with her Psychic.
"Here," Genevra said as she gave half of the berry to Redley, "I'll eat half."
Surprise dawned on Redley's face as she ate the small half of the berry. It was such a selfless act, and even though she was clearly suffering, it was unexpected that she would only take a half of a small, three-centimeter berry.
"Where am I?" Genevra continued, ignoring Redley's expression.
"You're at the beach," Redley answered, "Where did you come from?"
Genevra jolted in surprise. Her mouth was open, as if it were ready to deliver an answer. Instead: "I… I don't remember where I came from."
"Did you come from Treeshround Forest?"
"…Where's that?"
"O-or, maybe you come from Spacial Rift?"
"?"
"!"
Genevra scratched her head, a frown twisting her face worriedly. "I feel like I lost my memory. I can't remember anything about myself. I can't remember where I came from or how I ended up here or why I'm even here. I only remember… my name."
Redley didn't know how to respond to this. After all, when else had he met a Pokémon lying unconscious on the beach, waking up screaming at seeing his face, and then telling him that she couldn't remember anything but her own name?
Genevra suddenly sensed two other Pokémon approaching, a coughing Weezing and a malevolently-gaping Golbat. They were both sketchy in appearance, poisonously floating in the air, creating an ominous atmosphere that seemed to wreck the heavenly symphony of the beach. The Krabby scurried away back into their homes, and the bubbles popped with an agitated sound, as if multiple violin strings had snapped crudely in two simultaneously.
"Who are they?" Genevra asked as she made an attempt to stand up, despite her body unpleasantly aching.
Redley immediately rose up, storing the half-finished berry inside his satchel.
"Be careful," he whispered under his breath softly enough for her to hear, "They aren't Pokémon you'd like to trust."
The two Pokémon waited expectantly, battle ready were anything to happen.
"Whoa-ho-ho," the Weezing laughed, noxiously annoying, and slightly intimidating, "No need to act so tough."
"What do you want?" Redley snapped, impatient.
"Ya know dat pouch hangin' roun' ya neck?" The Golbat spoke in response this time with an equally annoying and slightly intimidating tone. "We wanna see dat."
Redley narrowed his gaze to the two Pokémon, and in a serious voice, said, "I don't think so."
"Whoa-ho-ho! So it really must be worth wads of cash!" Weezing laughed maniacally, the toxic puffballs forming out of its pores, unnecessarily poisoning the air around them. "Golbat, ya know what to do!"
"'Course I do!"
Within less than a second, the Golbat flew directly towards Redley and ripped out the weak string holding the pouch. Before Redley could prepare a move, the two goons had rushed away with the stone, bouncing sadly inside the little pouch, flying into the dark Beach Cave, disappearing into the depths with unanticipated velocity.
"You have got to be joking!" Redley sighed, more exasperated than he could remember. His face wrenched into an expression of turbulence and sadness. "Genevra, I have to go after them—"
"Then let's go," Genevra spoke urgently, "We haven't got any more time to waste if you want your treasure back."
Genevra's reply came as another unexpected surprise to both Pokémon.
Why did I just say that…? Genevra thought. I barely know the Pokémon, and yet, I want to help him already? I don't know where I am, I don't know why I'm here, or how I got here…
Redley could only look at the Gardevoir, for he couldn't think of how to respond. He could only think, How thoughtful of her…
Breaking the silence between them, Genevra began walking towards the Beach Cave. She was ahead of Redley when she turned around and said, "Are you coming or not?"
Redley snapped out of his thoughts and nodded. "Let's go."
With that, the two hurriedly rushed in the Beach Cave, disappearing into the depths as Weezing and Golbat had previously done.
---x---
Within the cave, the Gardevoir and the Gallade walked beneath the rugged stalactites dripping with water that made an oddly soothing sound with its continuous drip-drip-drip. The two were careful not to separate as they walked deeper into the cave, occasionally looking at one another to make sure they were together.
"It's… so damp in here," Genevra commented as she stepped over a budding stalagmite, "And it's so much like a maze."
"You've never heard of mystery dungeons?" Redley was half-surprised that Genevra didn't know what mystery dungeons were, but he also half-expected that she might have not remembered what they were.
"You call these mazes mystery dungeons?"
"At least, that's what we call them around here in Treasure Town."
"Oh. So I see."
…
"Listen, Genevra," Redley started as he looked towards her, "About earlier, you sure you'll be okay? I mean, you decided to help me, but you don't remember anything about yourself but your name."
The truth was, Genevra felt her intuition say that Redley needed to get that treasure in the tiny pouch back from the goons who stole it. There was something about Redley that she couldn't deny, and if she didn't help Redley get back his treasure, she would feel as if she were contributing to some unethical act that would go far more than just making Redley upset. Of course, she wouldn't tell this to him, for maybe he would think of her as a strange woman.
"Well, it's obviously something that's important to you. I won't ask about why it's so personal to you. Since you gave me your Oran Berry, think of this as a thank-you from me."
To this, Redley wasn't sure how to respond, but the longer he kept his mouth shut, the more his response to hers would seem awkward. Defeated, he decided not to say anything at all as the two continued deeper into the cave. Genevra noticed the clumsy silence between them, and in an attempt to make the air more natural, she asked, "How far do you think those two went?"
"Oh, uh," Redley shook his head, composing himself, "The Beach Cave isn't such a big maze, so I wouldn't expect to be here too long."
"So how exactly does the mystery dungeon end?"
"Well, they end usually when there is a giant clearing, and that means there's nothing left to explore."
"So how do you get to this 'giant clearing'?"
"In every mystery dungeon, there are what we call 'stairs,' and the stairs either go up, down or just lead deeper to the center of the dungeon. They don't really look like stairs, they're just ordinary holes with steps for Pokémon to go through, but they're called stairs because they do resemble real stairs, in a way."
"Like those?"
Redley turned his face to his right, where Genevra was pointing to a small, visible hole leading deeper into the Beach Cave. In this case, the stairs were made of the cave's wet-brown rocks, making a small slope that led deeper into the mystery dungeon. There were rocks piled below one another, building sturdy-looking steps.
"Yeah, like those." Redley gave a small smile to Genevra. She didn't return the smile as the two went towards the stairs, however, to Redley's embarrassment. Though she noticed, she didn't bother returning his smile, and ignored it as if he had never smiled at all.
How am I going to work with her…? Redley thought. She doesn't seem as friendly as everyone else in Treasure Town. She doesn't return my smiles. And yet, she's offered to help me with Weezing and Golbat. What's going on in her mind?
---x---
The Beach Cave Pit wasn't very big, but it was simple and cool. The sand was soft and comfortable enough for any Pokémon to fall asleep upon it, while the refreshingly cold seawater rocked gently back and forth against the sand. The ceiling kept the clearing cool from the sun's burning rays at day.
In the middle of the clearing were Weezing and Golbat. Anyone with half a brain could tell that they were polluting the atmosphere, with Weezing's noxious, puffy clouds looming around and Golbat's menacing presence. They were both staring at the intricately patterned stone they had snatched off Redley's neck, wondering with their rather dopey, stupid brains what in the world the pattern on the stone meant. The poor stone looked clearly unhappy as two pairs of eyes glared all over it, trying uselessly to figure out its meaning.
Unexpectedly, both Weezing and Golbat were sensible enough to notice that Redley and Genevra were arriving in the clearing.
"Whoa-ho-ho, well look who came back," Weezing coughed as a couple of toxic clouds puffed out from one of its pores.
In response, Redley frowned, unimpressed.
"Give my personal treasure back to me."
"Ya mean, dis?" Golbat dangled the stone from its pouch with a toe. "Dis is treasure?"
"I said, give my personal treasure back to me!"
"Seriously," Genevra sighed in a voice much more calm than Redley's, "Give it back to him. You two pathetic morons can't even understand that it's a personal treasure. Therefore, it has absolutely no value to anyone but him."
Redley looked at Genevra in surprise and awe. He certainly wasn't expecting the witty remark from the Gardevoir.
"Whoa-ho-ho, the chick's decided to start talking!" Weezing laughed. "If ya really wanna it back that badly, you'll come and get it!"
Genevra grit her teeth as she frowned, her fists clenched with tension, as she growled, "You'll regret you ever called me that."
Without another second to waste, Redley prepared a Psycho Cut, ready to slash through the Golbat. Golbat dodged the first time, flying with tricky agility, while the stone wildly flew on its one toe. It took Redley a third try for him to finally hit the Golbat, and its super-effectiveness knocked the bat into the seawater as Redley caught the stone midair with a hand.
Meanwhile, Genevra had managed to hit Weezing with Psychic once, which did much damage, though the Weezing wouldn't get down very easily as he sprayed Clear Smog all around Genevra. Trapped in the white haze, Genevra couldn't move, so she held still, breathing as very little as possible. She felt a soft breeze come from behind her back, and quickly realizing it was Weezing, she dodged and landed against the soft sand before he could hit her with a Sludge Bomb.
Though Golbat had landed in the water, he had no trouble getting himself out of it. He was clearly mad, as he screeched with anger in a high-pitched tone, preparing for a Giga Impact. Suddenly seeing an opportunity, Redley immediately thought up of a plan as he led the angry bat towards the Clear Smog Weezing had built. He sensed that Weezing was lost within his own Clear Smog, and without any hesitation, he landed himself into the sand under the Clear Smog, hoping that Golbat would collide into Weezing.
At that moment, all four Pokémon heard the screams of pain as Golbat's Giga Impact smashed into the Weezing, deflating the air out of the toxic puff-cloud Pokémon. Redley rolled out from under the Clear Smog just before the two Pokémon could hit him. Genevra, who had already gotten out of the Clear Smog, stood at a distance. Comprehension slowly dawned on her face as she understood what Redley had done.
"OWOWOWOWOW…" Some Pokémon said, for the voice who said this was unrecognizable.
Golbat immediately flew up from the Clear Smog, his wings flapping lethargically, clearly tired and pissed off. "Don't… huff… think… huff… you're done… huff… with…"
Genevra rolled her eyes, clearly unmoved by Golbat's words. Redley simply stood there.
The Clear Smog cleared up immediately as Weezing breathed in its own clouds. He huffed, breathing heavily. "Don't think you're so cool! Your victory was a fluke!"
Genevra gave a death glare to the two Poison-type Pokémon, her arms crossed. "Care to battle again?"
Suddenly, the two Pokémon looked at each other, cowardice shaking into them, as they scooted out of the Beach Cave Pit as fast as their fear could take them.
"Didn't think so." Genevra looked away from the two Pokémon, disgusted.
---x---
At a later time, while the sun was just getting ready to set below the ocean waters, Redley and Genevra stood across each other, the sunlight outlining both Pokémon. Once again, the Krabby blew their usual, celestial-blue bubbles into the air as the magical symphony of the beach began singing from the top.
"Are you sure you'll be okay?" Redley asked in his concerned voice.
"I'll be okay," Genevra responded primly. Redley didn't seem so much like a Pokémon that she had to be careful around any longer. He seemed very genuine in terms of personality, and though it was off topic, she couldn't help but think how attractively handsome he looked against the soft, warm light of the sun.
"I mean, are you still hurt anywhere?"
"No. Not anymore." Clearly, this was a lie, as Genevra still felt her body ache sorely in certain parts.
Redley smiled, half-hoping for a smile from Genevra, but also knowing that he couldn't expect too much from her. With a relieved sigh, he took out the stone from the pouch and held it in his hand, the pattern of the stone visible. He knew by now that he could trust Genevra as a Pokémon, so it wouldn't hurt to show her the stone.
"This is what they stole from me," Redley began as he noticed Genevra's eyes observing the detailed design. "I think this was once part of something bigger, so it has to be a fragment of something. And, it has some ancient feel to it. Hence why I call it the Relic Fragment."
"So this," Genevra paused, creating a dramatic effect, "Is your personal treasure?"
Redley laughed sheepishly. "Y-you could say that. I simply found this along the edge of Treasure Town when it rolled in front of me a while ago. I was curious, so I picked it up, and thought it had to have some kind of worth to it. But, I also noticed that Weezing and Golbat had seen the Relic Fragment the same day I found it, so…"
Genevra didn't make any comment as she took her eyes away from the Relic Fragment. Redley sighed softly, and he prepared to ask the Gardevoir a question he had been thinking of quite some time.
"Genevra," he began, "I know I've just met you today, but I was wondering if…"
Genevra looked expectantly at the Gallade, who seemed to turn redder by the second.
"Well…" Redley turned his head, as he was quite unsure if looking at her in the eye would make the situation any better. "Would you like to form an exploration team with me?"
Genevra stared at Redley, not quite sure how to respond. It took a while before she could respond.
"An exploration team?"
"Yeah!" Redley smiled jubilantly. "It's because of this treasure that I found that makes me want to go out and explore the secrets behind this. I mean, I've always been interested by history and folklore and legends, and I've always wanted to go out and explore this entire world, hoping to make new discoveries. Just imagine all of the things in this universe, patiently waiting for us to discover them! And I hope that someday, I'll be an explorer who'll make history. But," Redley looked away with an embarrassed, crooked frown, "I wanted to find someone to explore the world with me, and I couldn't find anyone who I thought was suitable enough. At least, not until I met you. To be honest, I didn't think I would ask you to be my partner, but now, after battling Weezing and Golbat from earlier, I feel like I can trust you."
Genevra was taken aback as she listened to Redley's dreams.
"But I barely know you." Genevra pointed out logically. "I've just met you today, I don't know who you really are, and somehow, I can't even remember how I got here." Genevra scratched her head. "I'm sorry, I can't agree immediately. It's just that I only met you today and you already want to start this so-called exploration team with me."
"Oh…" Redley looked away from Genevra's eyes, clearly disappointed, "S-sorry. You're right. I just met you today and I barely know you so i-it was stupid of me to ask you…"
Genevra faltered at Redley's response. She hadn't meant to make him feel stupid, as he had mentioned. Soon, she delved into her thoughts, without realizing that Redley had said goodbye to her without looking, and that he was walking away from the Gardevoir.
But you don't have anywhere to go, either… Genevra thought. What if those goons come again? If Weezing and Golbat come back and haunt me, then I might not be as lucky as I was today with Redley… Maybe I really should go with Redley and form this so-called "exploration team" since Redley is the only Pokémon I've met that I can trust so far… Besides, you don't even know where you are!
Genevra snapped out of her thoughts and she turned around, expecting to find Redley standing right beside her, when in fact, he was already at least ten yards away from her.
"Wait, Redley!" Genevra called out his name as she started rushing towards the Gallade. "I'll join you!"
Hearing Genevra's words, Redley stopped walking and turned around. He found the Gardevoir running, her gown flying unintentionally gracefully. For just a split second, he saw a beautiful Gardevoir who seemed to glow in the passionate, orange-yellow light of the sun, breathing frantically as she tried to meet up to Redley, as if she were afraid that he'd leave without acknowledging her words. He blinked, and the image was gone as the Gardevoir stopped running when she was close enough to him to speak in a normal voice.
"I don't know the environment very well around me," Genevra said through breaths, "And I don't remember what happened to me, but maybe if I stay around with you, I'll discover something about myself."
Redley opened his mouth in surprise as Genevra took another deep breath before speaking.
"Besides, you're the only one I can trust at the moment," Genevra did not look into Redley's eyes as she said this, "I don't know anyone else. So until I find out some things about myself, I'll string along with you."
"So…" Redley began hesitantly, "You really will join?"
Genevra nodded in response. "Yes. I'll join you."
As she finished her last words, Redley did what he felt he could only do: smile. Perhaps it didn't matter so much that Genevra wouldn't return his smiles, but he could tell that she was trustworthy and honest. There wasn't any doubt in him about Genevra, and he felt his heart surge with joy and hope at the prospect of travelling around the world together with their exploration team.
"Where do we go from here?" Genevra asked.
"We head for the Pokemon Exploration Team Federation," Redley answered quite happily as the two Pokémon began walking away from the beach.
What happened to me, where am I, and why did this happen to me? Genevra's mind began pounding with questions. Where did I come from? How was I washed up on the beach? …I hope I'll discover something in the near future…
Somehow, the sun seemed to be taking very slowly to set down below the ocean waters. It was as if time had stopped for a moment, so that the scene of the sunset was preserved as Genevra and Redley walked away from the beach, making their way to the Crossroads of Treasure Town. The Krabby continued blowing their usual celestial-blue bubbles, as the ocean waves kept rocking back and forth, soon ending its magnificent, heavenly symphony.
She had been lying there for quite some time. The previous night, there was an angry thunderstorm rampaging around the shores of Treasure Town. Genevra wouldn't remember this, but she was struggling to take hold of her beloved partner's hand, Grovyle, as they were desperately trying to swim in the violent tempest that brewed. The waves were crashing between them, and they were yelling at each other, trying to be heard over the roaring thunder. Unbeknownst to both Genevra and Grovyle, they were separated in a flash from their enemy.
The sun would be soon getting ready to leave work, for it would soon sink behind the ocean waves, saying its usual goodbye to the world its rays touched upon before rising again in the east in the morning to shine brightly again as it usually did.
Meanwhile, there was a Gallade named Redley slowly walking towards the edge of the beach. He was feeling quite curious about his recently-discovered, strangely-intricately-patterned rock, quietly hanging in a small pouch from his neck on a feeble string. It was a rock, nothing more than a stone with a dull luster. But because this stone had this foreign pattern carved neatly into the rock, he couldn't help but feel that something was pulling him to discover the secrets behind it. There was something extraordinary about it, and he couldn't deny it, for denying it would be the same as saying that Dialga didn't exist.
And so, Redley began wondering about the stone's secrets, where it originally came from, and how it made its way to Redley's feet at the edge of Treasure Town. To do that, he realized he would have to go exploring out in the grand yet intimidating region he lived in. And to do that, he realized he would have to form an exploration team.
But the problem was, he never had anyone he could completely trust to form an exploration team. While Treasure Town never thought of Redley as some mentally-unfit, anti-social freak, he liked spending time with himself, doing things such as pondering on the wonders of the world, or training independently in the Marowak Dojo. Of course, he had friends and acquaintances that he talked to occasionally, but he couldn't bring himself to trust any of them up to the point where they would be willing to help him discover the secrets behind the somehow-special stone. And although all were nice Pokémon, he couldn't find anyone that he could deeply trust to share the secret of the stone.
If I could find someone who would be willing to join me on my search… Redley thought disappointedly as he walked, staring at the silky, beige sand. Perhaps I really will have to do this myself. After all, I'm not the first Pokémon to form a one-man exploration team… But it would be better to share this mystery with someone else… to share the happiness of exploring with someone else I can trust…
Sighing, he looked up at the sun, which wasn't just setting yet. The amorous, peach-colored sky illuminated the scene with such a romantic overtone that you would feel a universal love of understanding and compassion wrap around you, as if the cosmos told you that everything, no matter how small, was essential. The ocean, as always, was glittering as if stardust sprinkled across its waters, its waves playfully hopping over one another. The sparkling, celestial-blue bubbles that the Krabby blew added a certain, song-like magic to the picture, so that whenever you found yourself staring at a bubble, you would see your eyes mirrored back into it, the reflection in tune with your delight and amazement. Such musical harmony lifted the spirits of Redley, for he found himself smiling rather contently.
The happy Gallade turned his head around to the left, expecting to find an empty and beautiful beach. Instead, he found an unconscious Gardevoir lying face-down on the sand, somehow disrupting the heavenly symphony of the image that made him smile.
"H-hey!" Redley half-stammered like anyone else who had just discovered an unconscious body. He ran towards the Pokémon, his previous thoughts immediately vanishing. "A-Are you all right?"
He noticed that the Gardevoir was still breathing, so it meant she was still alive. Immediately remembering that he had a spare Oran Berry in his Treasure Bag, he took it out without hesitation and settled it near the unconscious Pokémon. He cursed himself for not carrying a Reviver Seed, leaning down towards the Gardevoir, and carrying her shoulders so that her head would rest on one of his arms.
"C-can you wake up?"
The Gardevoir stirred softly against the sand, groaning incoherently as she slowly opened her eyes to see that she was on the shore of the ocean. Sensing that someone was holding her, she turned her head up, finding herself looking at a Gallade with a concerned face.
"Ohthankgoodness," Redley rushed his words with a relieved sigh, "I'm Redley. Are you okay? Are you hurt? I found you lying unconscious and—"
"AAAHCK!" Genevra screamed at the stranger in terror as she tumbled out of his arm into the sand. Who was this random Pokémon to dare hold her while she was sleeping?! And where was she?
"Who are you?" Genevra asked harshly as she leaned against a rock. Clearly, she hadn't listened to Redley the first time.
"M-my name is Redley," the Gallade replied nervously. "I didn't mean to scare you! I just wanted to make sure you were okay!"
A silence cascaded over them like a fountain, and for a moment in time, the two Pokémon stared at each other in awe and wonder. The only sound they could hear was the sound of gentle waves washing against the shore rhythmically, almost like listening to a comforting lullaby. In one another's minds, there was no doubt that they were falling for each other. Between their gaze was an awakening bond of friendship, and how little they understood that this bond would grow to become one of the greatest the universe would come to acknowledge.
The two Pokémon blinked, and then, reality clicked back into their minds.
"Oh…" the Gardevoir replied with a weak voice as she sat up. Her body was sore and aching, every part feeling as stiff as dried clay. "Oh, I… I'm sorry."
"A-Are you sure you're all right?"
"Y-yes." The Gardevoir straightened herself. "I'm all right. My name is Genevra. I apologize for snapping at you like that earlier. I was… spooked."
"No, it's okay," Redley sighed, and looked away, for his face had begun to blush. "D-don't worry about it."
Genevra did not say a word as Redley picked up the Oran Berry that was now closer to him than it was to Genevra.
"Would you like an Oran Berry? It's my last one, but you can take it if you'd like." Redley held out the berry to the Gardevoir.
Genevra looked at the Oran Berry, and reluctantly reached out her hand to take the berry. She had grown hungry, and she couldn't remember the last time she ate something. Her stomach rumbled, to her embarrassment, and she took the berry without another word. Genevra found herself staring at the fruit and to the best that she could, she ripped open the berry in two with her Psychic.
"Here," Genevra said as she gave half of the berry to Redley, "I'll eat half."
Surprise dawned on Redley's face as she ate the small half of the berry. It was such a selfless act, and even though she was clearly suffering, it was unexpected that she would only take a half of a small, three-centimeter berry.
"Where am I?" Genevra continued, ignoring Redley's expression.
"You're at the beach," Redley answered, "Where did you come from?"
Genevra jolted in surprise. Her mouth was open, as if it were ready to deliver an answer. Instead: "I… I don't remember where I came from."
"Did you come from Treeshround Forest?"
"…Where's that?"
"O-or, maybe you come from Spacial Rift?"
"?"
"!"
Genevra scratched her head, a frown twisting her face worriedly. "I feel like I lost my memory. I can't remember anything about myself. I can't remember where I came from or how I ended up here or why I'm even here. I only remember… my name."
Redley didn't know how to respond to this. After all, when else had he met a Pokémon lying unconscious on the beach, waking up screaming at seeing his face, and then telling him that she couldn't remember anything but her own name?
Genevra suddenly sensed two other Pokémon approaching, a coughing Weezing and a malevolently-gaping Golbat. They were both sketchy in appearance, poisonously floating in the air, creating an ominous atmosphere that seemed to wreck the heavenly symphony of the beach. The Krabby scurried away back into their homes, and the bubbles popped with an agitated sound, as if multiple violin strings had snapped crudely in two simultaneously.
"Who are they?" Genevra asked as she made an attempt to stand up, despite her body unpleasantly aching.
Redley immediately rose up, storing the half-finished berry inside his satchel.
"Be careful," he whispered under his breath softly enough for her to hear, "They aren't Pokémon you'd like to trust."
The two Pokémon waited expectantly, battle ready were anything to happen.
"Whoa-ho-ho," the Weezing laughed, noxiously annoying, and slightly intimidating, "No need to act so tough."
"What do you want?" Redley snapped, impatient.
"Ya know dat pouch hangin' roun' ya neck?" The Golbat spoke in response this time with an equally annoying and slightly intimidating tone. "We wanna see dat."
Redley narrowed his gaze to the two Pokémon, and in a serious voice, said, "I don't think so."
"Whoa-ho-ho! So it really must be worth wads of cash!" Weezing laughed maniacally, the toxic puffballs forming out of its pores, unnecessarily poisoning the air around them. "Golbat, ya know what to do!"
"'Course I do!"
Within less than a second, the Golbat flew directly towards Redley and ripped out the weak string holding the pouch. Before Redley could prepare a move, the two goons had rushed away with the stone, bouncing sadly inside the little pouch, flying into the dark Beach Cave, disappearing into the depths with unanticipated velocity.
"You have got to be joking!" Redley sighed, more exasperated than he could remember. His face wrenched into an expression of turbulence and sadness. "Genevra, I have to go after them—"
"Then let's go," Genevra spoke urgently, "We haven't got any more time to waste if you want your treasure back."
Genevra's reply came as another unexpected surprise to both Pokémon.
Why did I just say that…? Genevra thought. I barely know the Pokémon, and yet, I want to help him already? I don't know where I am, I don't know why I'm here, or how I got here…
Redley could only look at the Gardevoir, for he couldn't think of how to respond. He could only think, How thoughtful of her…
Breaking the silence between them, Genevra began walking towards the Beach Cave. She was ahead of Redley when she turned around and said, "Are you coming or not?"
Redley snapped out of his thoughts and nodded. "Let's go."
With that, the two hurriedly rushed in the Beach Cave, disappearing into the depths as Weezing and Golbat had previously done.
---x---
Within the cave, the Gardevoir and the Gallade walked beneath the rugged stalactites dripping with water that made an oddly soothing sound with its continuous drip-drip-drip. The two were careful not to separate as they walked deeper into the cave, occasionally looking at one another to make sure they were together.
"It's… so damp in here," Genevra commented as she stepped over a budding stalagmite, "And it's so much like a maze."
"You've never heard of mystery dungeons?" Redley was half-surprised that Genevra didn't know what mystery dungeons were, but he also half-expected that she might have not remembered what they were.
"You call these mazes mystery dungeons?"
"At least, that's what we call them around here in Treasure Town."
"Oh. So I see."
…
"Listen, Genevra," Redley started as he looked towards her, "About earlier, you sure you'll be okay? I mean, you decided to help me, but you don't remember anything about yourself but your name."
The truth was, Genevra felt her intuition say that Redley needed to get that treasure in the tiny pouch back from the goons who stole it. There was something about Redley that she couldn't deny, and if she didn't help Redley get back his treasure, she would feel as if she were contributing to some unethical act that would go far more than just making Redley upset. Of course, she wouldn't tell this to him, for maybe he would think of her as a strange woman.
"Well, it's obviously something that's important to you. I won't ask about why it's so personal to you. Since you gave me your Oran Berry, think of this as a thank-you from me."
To this, Redley wasn't sure how to respond, but the longer he kept his mouth shut, the more his response to hers would seem awkward. Defeated, he decided not to say anything at all as the two continued deeper into the cave. Genevra noticed the clumsy silence between them, and in an attempt to make the air more natural, she asked, "How far do you think those two went?"
"Oh, uh," Redley shook his head, composing himself, "The Beach Cave isn't such a big maze, so I wouldn't expect to be here too long."
"So how exactly does the mystery dungeon end?"
"Well, they end usually when there is a giant clearing, and that means there's nothing left to explore."
"So how do you get to this 'giant clearing'?"
"In every mystery dungeon, there are what we call 'stairs,' and the stairs either go up, down or just lead deeper to the center of the dungeon. They don't really look like stairs, they're just ordinary holes with steps for Pokémon to go through, but they're called stairs because they do resemble real stairs, in a way."
"Like those?"
Redley turned his face to his right, where Genevra was pointing to a small, visible hole leading deeper into the Beach Cave. In this case, the stairs were made of the cave's wet-brown rocks, making a small slope that led deeper into the mystery dungeon. There were rocks piled below one another, building sturdy-looking steps.
"Yeah, like those." Redley gave a small smile to Genevra. She didn't return the smile as the two went towards the stairs, however, to Redley's embarrassment. Though she noticed, she didn't bother returning his smile, and ignored it as if he had never smiled at all.
How am I going to work with her…? Redley thought. She doesn't seem as friendly as everyone else in Treasure Town. She doesn't return my smiles. And yet, she's offered to help me with Weezing and Golbat. What's going on in her mind?
---x---
The Beach Cave Pit wasn't very big, but it was simple and cool. The sand was soft and comfortable enough for any Pokémon to fall asleep upon it, while the refreshingly cold seawater rocked gently back and forth against the sand. The ceiling kept the clearing cool from the sun's burning rays at day.
In the middle of the clearing were Weezing and Golbat. Anyone with half a brain could tell that they were polluting the atmosphere, with Weezing's noxious, puffy clouds looming around and Golbat's menacing presence. They were both staring at the intricately patterned stone they had snatched off Redley's neck, wondering with their rather dopey, stupid brains what in the world the pattern on the stone meant. The poor stone looked clearly unhappy as two pairs of eyes glared all over it, trying uselessly to figure out its meaning.
Unexpectedly, both Weezing and Golbat were sensible enough to notice that Redley and Genevra were arriving in the clearing.
"Whoa-ho-ho, well look who came back," Weezing coughed as a couple of toxic clouds puffed out from one of its pores.
In response, Redley frowned, unimpressed.
"Give my personal treasure back to me."
"Ya mean, dis?" Golbat dangled the stone from its pouch with a toe. "Dis is treasure?"
"I said, give my personal treasure back to me!"
"Seriously," Genevra sighed in a voice much more calm than Redley's, "Give it back to him. You two pathetic morons can't even understand that it's a personal treasure. Therefore, it has absolutely no value to anyone but him."
Redley looked at Genevra in surprise and awe. He certainly wasn't expecting the witty remark from the Gardevoir.
"Whoa-ho-ho, the chick's decided to start talking!" Weezing laughed. "If ya really wanna it back that badly, you'll come and get it!"
Genevra grit her teeth as she frowned, her fists clenched with tension, as she growled, "You'll regret you ever called me that."
Without another second to waste, Redley prepared a Psycho Cut, ready to slash through the Golbat. Golbat dodged the first time, flying with tricky agility, while the stone wildly flew on its one toe. It took Redley a third try for him to finally hit the Golbat, and its super-effectiveness knocked the bat into the seawater as Redley caught the stone midair with a hand.
Meanwhile, Genevra had managed to hit Weezing with Psychic once, which did much damage, though the Weezing wouldn't get down very easily as he sprayed Clear Smog all around Genevra. Trapped in the white haze, Genevra couldn't move, so she held still, breathing as very little as possible. She felt a soft breeze come from behind her back, and quickly realizing it was Weezing, she dodged and landed against the soft sand before he could hit her with a Sludge Bomb.
Though Golbat had landed in the water, he had no trouble getting himself out of it. He was clearly mad, as he screeched with anger in a high-pitched tone, preparing for a Giga Impact. Suddenly seeing an opportunity, Redley immediately thought up of a plan as he led the angry bat towards the Clear Smog Weezing had built. He sensed that Weezing was lost within his own Clear Smog, and without any hesitation, he landed himself into the sand under the Clear Smog, hoping that Golbat would collide into Weezing.
At that moment, all four Pokémon heard the screams of pain as Golbat's Giga Impact smashed into the Weezing, deflating the air out of the toxic puff-cloud Pokémon. Redley rolled out from under the Clear Smog just before the two Pokémon could hit him. Genevra, who had already gotten out of the Clear Smog, stood at a distance. Comprehension slowly dawned on her face as she understood what Redley had done.
"OWOWOWOWOW…" Some Pokémon said, for the voice who said this was unrecognizable.
Golbat immediately flew up from the Clear Smog, his wings flapping lethargically, clearly tired and pissed off. "Don't… huff… think… huff… you're done… huff… with…"
Genevra rolled her eyes, clearly unmoved by Golbat's words. Redley simply stood there.
The Clear Smog cleared up immediately as Weezing breathed in its own clouds. He huffed, breathing heavily. "Don't think you're so cool! Your victory was a fluke!"
Genevra gave a death glare to the two Poison-type Pokémon, her arms crossed. "Care to battle again?"
Suddenly, the two Pokémon looked at each other, cowardice shaking into them, as they scooted out of the Beach Cave Pit as fast as their fear could take them.
"Didn't think so." Genevra looked away from the two Pokémon, disgusted.
---x---
At a later time, while the sun was just getting ready to set below the ocean waters, Redley and Genevra stood across each other, the sunlight outlining both Pokémon. Once again, the Krabby blew their usual, celestial-blue bubbles into the air as the magical symphony of the beach began singing from the top.
"Are you sure you'll be okay?" Redley asked in his concerned voice.
"I'll be okay," Genevra responded primly. Redley didn't seem so much like a Pokémon that she had to be careful around any longer. He seemed very genuine in terms of personality, and though it was off topic, she couldn't help but think how attractively handsome he looked against the soft, warm light of the sun.
"I mean, are you still hurt anywhere?"
"No. Not anymore." Clearly, this was a lie, as Genevra still felt her body ache sorely in certain parts.
Redley smiled, half-hoping for a smile from Genevra, but also knowing that he couldn't expect too much from her. With a relieved sigh, he took out the stone from the pouch and held it in his hand, the pattern of the stone visible. He knew by now that he could trust Genevra as a Pokémon, so it wouldn't hurt to show her the stone.
"This is what they stole from me," Redley began as he noticed Genevra's eyes observing the detailed design. "I think this was once part of something bigger, so it has to be a fragment of something. And, it has some ancient feel to it. Hence why I call it the Relic Fragment."
"So this," Genevra paused, creating a dramatic effect, "Is your personal treasure?"
Redley laughed sheepishly. "Y-you could say that. I simply found this along the edge of Treasure Town when it rolled in front of me a while ago. I was curious, so I picked it up, and thought it had to have some kind of worth to it. But, I also noticed that Weezing and Golbat had seen the Relic Fragment the same day I found it, so…"
Genevra didn't make any comment as she took her eyes away from the Relic Fragment. Redley sighed softly, and he prepared to ask the Gardevoir a question he had been thinking of quite some time.
"Genevra," he began, "I know I've just met you today, but I was wondering if…"
Genevra looked expectantly at the Gallade, who seemed to turn redder by the second.
"Well…" Redley turned his head, as he was quite unsure if looking at her in the eye would make the situation any better. "Would you like to form an exploration team with me?"
Genevra stared at Redley, not quite sure how to respond. It took a while before she could respond.
"An exploration team?"
"Yeah!" Redley smiled jubilantly. "It's because of this treasure that I found that makes me want to go out and explore the secrets behind this. I mean, I've always been interested by history and folklore and legends, and I've always wanted to go out and explore this entire world, hoping to make new discoveries. Just imagine all of the things in this universe, patiently waiting for us to discover them! And I hope that someday, I'll be an explorer who'll make history. But," Redley looked away with an embarrassed, crooked frown, "I wanted to find someone to explore the world with me, and I couldn't find anyone who I thought was suitable enough. At least, not until I met you. To be honest, I didn't think I would ask you to be my partner, but now, after battling Weezing and Golbat from earlier, I feel like I can trust you."
Genevra was taken aback as she listened to Redley's dreams.
"But I barely know you." Genevra pointed out logically. "I've just met you today, I don't know who you really are, and somehow, I can't even remember how I got here." Genevra scratched her head. "I'm sorry, I can't agree immediately. It's just that I only met you today and you already want to start this so-called exploration team with me."
"Oh…" Redley looked away from Genevra's eyes, clearly disappointed, "S-sorry. You're right. I just met you today and I barely know you so i-it was stupid of me to ask you…"
Genevra faltered at Redley's response. She hadn't meant to make him feel stupid, as he had mentioned. Soon, she delved into her thoughts, without realizing that Redley had said goodbye to her without looking, and that he was walking away from the Gardevoir.
But you don't have anywhere to go, either… Genevra thought. What if those goons come again? If Weezing and Golbat come back and haunt me, then I might not be as lucky as I was today with Redley… Maybe I really should go with Redley and form this so-called "exploration team" since Redley is the only Pokémon I've met that I can trust so far… Besides, you don't even know where you are!
Genevra snapped out of her thoughts and she turned around, expecting to find Redley standing right beside her, when in fact, he was already at least ten yards away from her.
"Wait, Redley!" Genevra called out his name as she started rushing towards the Gallade. "I'll join you!"
Hearing Genevra's words, Redley stopped walking and turned around. He found the Gardevoir running, her gown flying unintentionally gracefully. For just a split second, he saw a beautiful Gardevoir who seemed to glow in the passionate, orange-yellow light of the sun, breathing frantically as she tried to meet up to Redley, as if she were afraid that he'd leave without acknowledging her words. He blinked, and the image was gone as the Gardevoir stopped running when she was close enough to him to speak in a normal voice.
"I don't know the environment very well around me," Genevra said through breaths, "And I don't remember what happened to me, but maybe if I stay around with you, I'll discover something about myself."
Redley opened his mouth in surprise as Genevra took another deep breath before speaking.
"Besides, you're the only one I can trust at the moment," Genevra did not look into Redley's eyes as she said this, "I don't know anyone else. So until I find out some things about myself, I'll string along with you."
"So…" Redley began hesitantly, "You really will join?"
Genevra nodded in response. "Yes. I'll join you."
As she finished her last words, Redley did what he felt he could only do: smile. Perhaps it didn't matter so much that Genevra wouldn't return his smiles, but he could tell that she was trustworthy and honest. There wasn't any doubt in him about Genevra, and he felt his heart surge with joy and hope at the prospect of travelling around the world together with their exploration team.
"Where do we go from here?" Genevra asked.
"We head for the Pokemon Exploration Team Federation," Redley answered quite happily as the two Pokémon began walking away from the beach.
What happened to me, where am I, and why did this happen to me? Genevra's mind began pounding with questions. Where did I come from? How was I washed up on the beach? …I hope I'll discover something in the near future…
Somehow, the sun seemed to be taking very slowly to set down below the ocean waters. It was as if time had stopped for a moment, so that the scene of the sunset was preserved as Genevra and Redley walked away from the beach, making their way to the Crossroads of Treasure Town. The Krabby continued blowing their usual celestial-blue bubbles, as the ocean waves kept rocking back and forth, soon ending its magnificent, heavenly symphony.
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