Forum Thread

Gardevoir, Gallade, and their pre-evolutions are highly intelligent creatures and, like most Pokemon, sentient.

Gardevoir society however, is different from that of humans, or even other Pokemon in many ways. They are commonly known as the Embrace Pokemon, and for good reason. Gardevoir culture is based highly on emotion, which can lead to intense controversy within the community. Every Gardevoir and Gallade are considered part of a collective family, and will parent Ralts and Kirlia that are not there own. Every individual is Father or Mother to all younglings. Gardevoirian culture is filled with myths, legends, and superstitions, brought about by their psychic nature. The most popular legend is that of the Heart Bond. It is said that many years ago, the Gardevoir line's heart were not visible, but were hidden in their chests like most creatures. They had no psychic abilities either. They were a much less loving race then, and cared little about the wellbeing of others. One Gardevoir however, gave love to all, not withholding kindness to anyone. Even the cruelest of Pokemon would seek her aid in times of need. Then one day it happen, as it always seems to. She fell in love with a Gallade from another tribe. They were happy together, allowing their love to spill freely into the world. Some were happy for them. Others however, were not so understanding. The Gardevoir had many admirers, some more desperate than others, and they were not pleased when she chose another. Among these were many large and violent Pokemon, who decided that the Gallade should be taught a lesson. They came during the night, when all was quiet, and fell upon the poor soul. The Gallade fought valiantly, but in the end it was not enough. He was slaughtered in cold blood by the horde, and left to be discovered the next morning. The poor Gardevoir had been blissfully unaware of the hordes feelings, and how angry they were. In the end she blamed herself for the tragedy. For many weeks she closed herself away, despair being her only companion. Many came to try and help her, but all were turned away. Finally, in desperation, the Gardevoir left her home and traveled deep into the forest. After many hours of walking, she came upon the shrine of a long forgotten god. She fell before the worn shrine, crying out to the heavens for help, for someone to bring her peace. A voice came to her, soft and sweet. "I have heard your cries child, and they have caused my heart to ache with your pain. Your broken heart is to large to remain hidden any longer.Your sorrowful thoughts I now unchain!" In that moment a beautiful red crystal grew from her chest, pouring out her sorrows like a river. The very woods around her wept with the flood. She felt every living presence in that wood, feeling their pain, their joy, their life. A small golden Pokemon appeared before her. It was shaped like a star, with tassels that blew in the wind. "Weep no longer dear child," It said. "for you have not lost your love. He is waiting for you. One day you will both live again, and you will find your peace at last. But for now, go teach the Gardevoir the ways of love. Embrace them with open arms. Teach the Gallade the ways of the Father, to protect the young and the innocent, and I will watch over your people always. Remember this. When you find your love again, your heart will glow with joy." The creature then vanished. Upon returning to her village, she found that all of her people had grown the same strange crystals, and could speak with their minds. She taught them, and they taught the young. When the young grew, they taught their young. And so the Embrace Pokemon was born. The Gardevoir patiently wait for the return of the lost lovers, hoping they may finally find their peace

Form
Name:
Gender:
Nickname: (If trainer)
Age: (At least 16 years old)
Evolutionary stage: (Stage is not age. A Kirlia and a Gallade are not an uncommon pair, because of dawn stones.)
Level:
Attacks:
Affiliation With Humans: (trainer or no? Actively involved with no trainer humans or no?)

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Name: Vanisster
Nickname: Skylark
Age: 18 in human years
Gender: Male
Evolutionary Stage: Kirlia
Level:43
Attacks: Heal Pulse, Imprison, Psychic, Magical Leaf
Affiliation With Humans: Trainer

---

Name: Aurora
Gender: Female
Nickname: none, yet
Age: 17
Evolutionary stage: Gardevoir
Level: 30
Attacks: Psychic, Heal Pulse, Wish, Magical Leaf
Affiliation With Humans: not yet but hopes to find a trainer and became a Mega Gardevoir

I floated in darkness, watching the world pass before me through the glass. A deep sense of comfort and ease bathed me in its warmth. As much as I preferred to walk, traveling by pokeball did have its merits. I knew Emily was biking along a dirt road, but all I could see at the moment was a wide field with a forest beyond it. The view jostled a bit as she hit a bump. Luckily the pokeball kept me safe from most impacts. As we moved I couldn't help but think of the last town we visited. How kind the people and Pokemon were, and how nice the surrounding woods has been. Emily had even thought about settling down there. I had secretly hopes she would, but alas, the wanderlust tugged at her heart again. After almost eighteen years of traveling, you would think she would be ready to retire. We had been to five different regions. We had sailed the Orange Island. We had fought some of the most powerful creatures on the planet, some with God-like powers, and even captured a few. Our lives were the stuff of fantasy, and if I really thought about it, I wouldn't have it any other way. Maybe some day we'll retire, or perhaps not. As long as I was beside my dearest Emily, I would be happy.

---

Smiling, I helped collect berries for the festival coming up. My tribe was getting ready for the mid summer festivals and I couldn't help the air of excitement that stirred in me. I was hoping to dance in the ceremony, but I wasn't sure I had what it took. Looking to make sure no one was looking, I went through a few steps, making sure I was careful to keep my hands just so. My family and friends said I could do it and I wanted to make them proud. As I danced, I imagined what it would feel like to perform the steps as a Mega Gardevoir. But I didn't think I could ever be one. I needed to find a stone and have a trainer help me. In our remote woods, no one ever came close enough to challenge. One of the elders of my tribe had run into a trainer. He told the story at the festival. It was exciting and sounded like an adventure! I knew I could always just set off and find a trainer, but I would be so lonely and miss my home. So for now, I stayed. Perhaps if a trainer were to settle down near here...

I was so absorbed in my own thoughts, I never saw him coming. The tall, cloaked figure had sent out his pokemon, a huge steelix. I only noticed them both when the steelix lashed out and hit me!

The bike screeched to a holt, jostling me slightly. Why had we stopped? I was about to send my question to Emily's mind when I saw it. The bright flash of a pokeball from within the forest, followed by a massive metal head rising above the treetops. A Steelix! Only a strong trainer would be able to handle one of those. I could tell that Emily was thinking the same thing, as we turned and headed quickly in that direction. I knew that this wouldn't be a fight for me, what with the whole steel/psychic thing, but i still loved to watch. It would also give me a chance to stretch my legs a bit, maybe have a nice conversation with Dreamscape. Soon we had broken through the tree line, quickly approaching the spot where we had seen the Steelix. As we got closer I began to feel something odd in my mind. It was a presence, both familiar and foreign at the same time. Emily slowed her bike, hopping off silently. She propped it against a tree before tiptoeing to the edge of a clearing. I strained to see through the leaves, and was able to catch glimpses of a battle. I wasn't sure what it was fighting, but the battle had just started, with the Steelix swinging first. Emily new better than to interrupt a trainer while they were battling, especially with a wild Pokemon. That's when I saw her. It was a wild Gardevoir. I blinked in surprise. I had never seen a wild one before. Oh sure I had seen several trainer owned ones, and even fought some, but I had been born in the daycare. I wasn't exactly sure what to think of it. On the one hand, it was a trainer battling her, probably to catch her, so I had no right to but in. But I also didn't like seeing one of my own kind getting pounded in an obviously unbalanced fight. Then I saw the look in her eyes. A look of surprise and a little fear. This trainer had snuck up on her and attacked from behind. I couldn't take it. As an honorable warrior I couldn't just sit and watch. It was my duty to defend the weak and innocent. How could I hope to one day take part in the Light of Dawn if I sat idly by doing nothing. I forced my way out of my pokeball, much to the surprise of Emily, and bolted into the clearing. Standing between the two Pokemon I threw up a barrier of psychic energy, takeing the full force of the oncoming Iron Tail. I cried out as the wall cracked slightly, but I held strong. After a few seconds the attack finished, and everything went dark.

"SKYLARK!" Emily cried rushing to her fallen friend

---

He had appeared out of no where and...he saved me...Bending down, I gently put his head in my lap, whishing I knew some way to revive him. But only trainers had that. And that guy and his steelix looked mad! I wasn't going to get help from him! A girl appeared, calling a name and pulling him away from me. Oh! He had a trainer! That was cool! But that man who had harmed him...I stood and faced the steelix.
"It is not nice to hit people!" I told him in the universal language of pokemon. "Why did you hurt him? You wanted to get me. Couldn't you have stopped and talked?"

He shook his head and came after me.

"Jasper! Enough!" the cloaked boy called. He looked at the girl trainer and asked, "Are you okay? Is you're Kirlia alright? I'm sorry, I told Jasper that I really wanted to catch a gardevoir and I think he got carried away. I think I have a revive if you want it..."

(Emily's POV)

I scooped up Skylark, cradling his head in my hands and prayin that he was alright. I was so focused that I didn't hear the boys question until he asked a second time. "Hey do you need a revive?" "What? Oh yes please." He handed me the small yellow item, watching nervously as I pushed it into Sky's mouth. After a few tense seconds his pretty red eyes fluttered open. "Kir?" He groaned. I giggled, giddy with relief. "Yes silly it's time to get up. You have some apologizing to do." He sat up slowly, blinking at the trainer before frowning, his arms crossed. "Don't be like that," I scolded. "You interrupted his battle with some foolhardy attempt at bravery. Don't you know how dangerous that was? You could have been seriously hurt, or... Or worse." He sighed slightly, before hopping up and giving a low bow to the trainer. He said something in his native tongue, hopefully not a slur of insults, before walking back to my side. I bowed as well. " I am very sorry for that. Sky can sometimes be a bit impulsive." I smilies at him, pointing at his Steelix "To make up for it how about a Pokemon battle. I haven't had a good challenge in ages!"

(Vanisster's POV)

I didn't pay much attention to what they where saying. I was just glad that Steelix hadn't heard the string of derogatory things I had called the boy. I suddenly remembered the Gardevoir. I turned to see if she was still here, hoping that she had had the sense to escape quickly.

---

(Aurora's POV)
I watched nervously, praying he would be okay. He had to be okay! Nervously, I glided back and forth behind the bit of trees I'd hid behind. Then he moved and I think I nearly exploded with relief! His trainer had asked him to apologize to the trainer and his steelix, but what I heard was most decidedly not an 'I'm sorry'. Helpless, I held my sides and bit my cheek as in an attempt not to laugh. It was crazy to be laughing about it, but I was just so relieved he was okay! And to have him come up with a slur of insults that well worded that fast? It was just too much after all of that excitement. When he looked around, I moved into his sight and bowed, making a gesture of gratitude. I wanted to go and talk with him, to invite him and his trainer to the festival. But that other trainer and his Steelix where there.


(Kaden's POV)
Oh man! I was terribly sorry. I had asked Jasper to help me catch the gardevoir, knowing how powerful they were. But I hadn't planned on the Kirlia. I was so glad when the little guy opened his eyes and was going to be okay. Bowing back, I told him I accepted his apology. "A battle? I would love a good battle! I think that Gardevoir is gone anyway. But I'll catch one yet! The village a couple miles back says that the local Gardevoir community has a festival soon. I was hoping to catch one then. I figure they have to be out and about. Hopefully I can convince one to come with me on my journeys. For now, let's battle!"

(Vannister's POV)

At first I didn't see, but after a few moments she glides slightly into view. She bowed slightly. I nodded, letting her know that I had seen her before turning back. The trainer hadn't seen her so I didn't want to give away her position. I directed my thoughts to her mind, speaking so that only she could hear. 'If you aren't hurt you should go quickly to your home. That boy said you lived in a village, so make sure to let them know that he is in the woods. I wouldn't want anyone else to get snuck up on. After Emily is finished thrashing this trainer, she will most likely want to track you to your home. She wouldn't dream of passing up the chance to see a Gardevoir village." I cut of the mental link, turning my attention back to the impending battle.

(Emily's POV)

I felt that familiar thrill as I grabbed a pokeball at random. Glancing at it, a wide grin spread across my face. This would be a good fight. Tossing it high in the air I shouted, "DREAMSCAPE, PREPARE FOR BATTLE!" A flash of light, a high pitched cry, and she was ready. Her star shaped head glowed a pale gold, and her tassels fluttered in the wind. I never could get over how cute Jirachi was.

---

(Aurora's POV)

I was really afraid when the boy had talked about the festival. But...I wanted to meet this Kirla and actually talk. I wanted to thank him and his trainer. Moving fast, I ran to one of the guys I knew would be on patrol. Explaining what had happened, I asked him to go and warn the others. He agreed but was reluctant when I said I was going back. After I explained my plan, he seemed more willing.


(Kaden's POV)

Oh snap! She has a Jirachi?! She had to have seen things. Well, I'd had only Jasper and a couple of new pokemon I hadn't had time to bond with yet. We'd been roughing it, finding as many new pokemon as we could. However, that left me with just Jasper and a couple of pokemon that didn't trust me yet. "Alright, Jasper, looks like it's just you and me, buddy."

(Vanisster's POV)

I felt the Gardevoir's presence fade as she left. I was intrigued by her. Being daycare born had its perks, but it meant that I never had a chance to learn about the culture of my people, their history, traditions, or even folktales. The only reason I knew about the Light of Dawn ceremony was because of a Gallade I had briefly spoken to. Hopefully, when we tracked her to her village, I might be able to talk one of the older members about my heritage. Turning my attention back to the fight, I analyzed every move and shift the opponents made. It would be a 1 on 1 with the loser being the first to fall. Emily liked to play it random, pick one of her six Pokemon without looking, then going with the flow. Luck was not on her side this time however, as it had produced Dreamscape. Even with being a powerful legendary, her typing wasn't the best for this fight. Emily might lose this one. I glanced at her and was surprised to see that she was grinning. Why was she so pleased? She was a t a disadvantage! Then it came to me. She was going to try the new technique.

(Emily's POV)

I concentrated on Dreamscapes mind, channeling my thoughts to hers. I had been working on voiceless commands for a while now, but hadn't tried it in battle yet. 'Dreamscape, use Body Slam.' For a sickening moment nothing happened. The she shot forward, throwing herself high in the air. I pumped a fist, shouting gleefully as she came down hard on the Steelix head. As she retreated, familiar yellow sparks emitted from the snakes body. Thank god for 60% paralysis chance!

---

(Aurora's POV)

After communicating to my friend, I gathered some things. I was going to make an invitation for the Kirlia and his trainer! But now I was self conscious. All of the stories I had heard of inviting a non tribe member had specific symbols and intricate way of doing things. Sitting down, I began to wave the flower stems together, making sure the flowers stayed in the places I wanted them to go. Once satisfied with the basket, she placed the berries inside just so and then added the last finishing touches. I re-inspected the sighs and symbols of welcome.


(Kaden's POV)

"Jasper!" I cried out. I hadn't even seen that coming! When had she even given the command? I realized just how powerful this trainer was. And now, Jasper was paralyzed! Alright, then offensive moves are out..."Jasper, use Iron Defense, buddy!"

(Vanisster's POV)

I walked to a nearby tree to sit. I still aches from the hit I had taken, so I moved slowly at first. Leaning back brought a few twinges, but nothing too bad. Closing my eyes, I yawned, wondering what lunch would be.

(Emily's POV)

I couldn't help the massive grin on my face, and I giggled a bit. I must have looked like a psychopath, but I really didn't care. Battling was just so fun! The movements of the two Pokemon, almost like a dance. The thrill of having your opponent at your mercy. Geez now I sounded like a psychopath to! "Here I'll make it a bit easier on you." I called. "Dreamscape, use Calm Mind!" Her tassels fluttered back, as if in a soft wind, and a gentle pulse emitted from her body. I looked back at the boy. "Your move."

---

(Aurora's POV)

I was still perfecting my invitation and gift as I made my way back to were they had been. I really hoped they were still there. Slowly, I reached out with my mind, gradually sending it in a widening circle. I was searching for him. For that Kirlia. Maybe I was foolish to think he was still there but he had said they, he and his trainer, were interested in coming to the festival. Then I found him! My mind was a butterflies wing against him as I hesitantly asked him to stay there.

(Kaden's POV)

She was alive in this battle. I had to look like an utter fool watching her. But I couldn't help it. She had this way about her that made me want to find out more about her. Perhaps I could ask to travel with her for a little while. Besides catching a Gardevoir, I had no plans. Focus! I had to remain focused! "Jasper, use Iron Tail!" I called, then waited to see if the paralysis would affect us this round. Jasper's tail glowed silver and he lashed out at Dreamscape. He hit her, landing his tail on her middle.

(Vanisster's POV)

I felt something brush against my mind, faint but still there. Someone was trying to talk to me, but they were to far away at the moment. Or they might be mumbling in their mind. I was snapped back to reality when Dreamscape smashed into the trunk above me, falling into my lap. Looking up at me she giggled. I smiled, shaking my head. I kissed her, and rubbed her back. "Not during battles you two!" Emily shouted, but she didn't look angry. Dream looked a bit put out, so I gave her another kiss before nudging her back to the battlefield. She gave me a naughty smile and a wink as she flew back. I shook my head. That girl... I then remembered the voice from earlier. But it was gone.

(Emily's POV)

I shook my head as Dreamscape flew back. Those two could hardly keep their hands of each other for five minutes. "Sorry about that." I called. "Let's continue. Actually, let's finish this. Dreamscape, Focus Blast!" A glowing orb began to grow in front of her, getting bigger by the second. The boys Steelix attempted to move away, but yellow sparks flew across his body, pinning him in place. The orb shot out, slamming into him. The massive creature was briefly airborne from the force of the hit. He didn't get back up. "Yahoo!" I shouted, pumping my fist. I quickly reached into my bag, pulling out a max revive. "Here," I said as I walked over to the boy. "It's the least I can do for such a great battle. Most people don't even get one hit in!" I cocked my head slightly. "I never caught your name by the way. I'm Emily."

---

(Aurora's POV)

I made it back to the glen just as the battle was finishing up. I felt so bad for that Steelix. To be paralyzed and know that you are going to faint but you can't get away? It had to be horrible! I was so glad the girl trainer gave his trainer something to bring him back around with. While the others where focused on each other, I moved to the Kirlia. I had my gift ready and caught his attention.

(Kaden's POV)

"I didn't, my lady," I said with a bow, taking the revive thankfully and then moving to Jasper to care for him. From his side I called back, "I'm Kaden. Emily, you fight with a passion I haven't seen in anyone. It's really nice to see someone be that excited." Jasper groaned, waking up and looking about. I rubbed my hand over his large head and smiled. "Nice job, buddy. You did really good. Don't worry. We'll get the next one."

(Vanisster's POV)

I stood, ready to go congratulate Dream when I saw something move out of the corner of my eye. Turning, I was startled to see that it was the Gardevoir. She was carrying a basket filled with indistinguishable objects. She made another wave, as if trying to catch my attention. I walked over, hoping that Kaden wouldn't notice. "Why did you come back?" I asked in Field Tongue, the universal language for Pokemon in this region. "I said that we would come find you." I let out a sigh. "Never mind. It doesn't matter. Things have settled down a bit so you won't be in danger." I felt something land on my head, tickling my horns. Dreams leaned over, looking at me upside down. "That was great! I love beating Pokemon bigger than me." She then noticed the Gardevoir. She looked at her, then back at me. "She's pretty. I'd even go so far as to say she's hot." She said. I kept my mouth shut. Dream patted me on the cheek. "Smart boy." Floating upwards, she hovered in front of the Gardevoir. "Listen, I'm only going to say this once. You may be prettier than me, but this one," she pointed at me. "This one is mine. Respect that and we won't have a problem, K?"

(Emily's POV)

I smiled at the boy. "Kaden huh? That's a cool name. And thank you. I try to give my all in every battle. I heard Skylark talking behind me. Turning, I saw the Gardevoir from earlier hold a basket. Dreamscape was floating between her and Sky. "For Arceas sakes she better not be giving that poor thing a hard time. Give me a sec Kaden. I'll be right back." I jogged over to the small group. I pulled out Dreams pokeball. "Dreamscape I swear if you are hassling her I'm putting you back in this ball." The Jirachi made a pouty face before landing of Sky's head.

(Aurora's POV)

I was just about to tell him why I had come when the strange Jirachi came floating over. I smiled at her and was about to introduce myself for both of their sakes when she insulted me! The area around me rippled with energy as I tried to remember not to smack her with a psychic attack. I closed my eyes, my mind awash with nasty things I could yell at her or call her. Taking a deep breath, I said dryly, "Well, then it looks like you and I will get along famously." Turning to their trainer, I handed her the basket, curtsying and saying the ancient words of my people to invite her and her Pokémon to the festival. I don't know what made me do it, but after I had given her the basket, I glided past them and over to the boy and his Steelix. The Steelix looked at me sheepishly and I smiled at him, then gave him a hug. "It's alright. I'm sorry she hurt you." Then I invited them as well.

(Kaden's POV)

The Gardevoir was back? And she had...given Jasper a hug?! What was going on? Jasper looked at me, confusion and, was that...? Oh! Oh Jasper! I laughed, knowing he had just fallen for her. The Gardevoir looked at me, her eyes narrowed slightly as she tried to figure out what I was laughing about. If Jasper could blush, the poor guy would be beet red. As it was he nudged me to try to get me to stop. I rubbed his side and relaxed. "Sorry, buddy. I couldn't help it. But I'll help you. Don't you worry. I'll be your wingman." This only got me another look of confusion from the Gardevoir.

(Emily's POV)

I snorted at Kaden's words. The idea of him being the wingman to his Steelix unfolding love story was to much. I glanced at the basket in my hands. It was obviously some kind of peace offering or invitation of some sort. I was unsure about the customs of wild Gardevoir, so I was unsure what to do with it.

(Vanisster's POV)

I watched the Gardevoir for a moment before turning my attention to Dream. I pulled her off my head, holding her by her waist at arms length. "What was that all about, huh? Why were you so rude to her?" She frowned, pushing at my hands, to no avail. "Why do you care?" She said scathingly. "You got some sort of crush on her?" I released her, folding my arms across my chest. "Oh come on! I'm not that kind of guy. My heart is yours and you know that perfectly well. There was no reason to treat her like that. It was selfish and you should know better. I mean, you're a legendary for Helix sake. Even if she was trying to steal me, you're should be above petty insults! If you can't even show a little self control then how are you different than any old Rattata?" I suddenly realized how loudly I was talking. Both trainers and the other Pokemon were staring at me. I turned back to Dreamscape to see that her eyes had filled with tears. She was sniffling pathetically and her tassels hung limply. I sagged at the sight. I hadn't meant to go off like that, and I certainly hadn't meant to make her cry. "I-I'm so sorry Dream. I didn't... I shouldn't have..." I moved a bit closer and she hurriedly backed away. "F-Fine!" She said with a small sob. "If I'm such a terrible Pokemon, go ahead and go have fun with your stupid floosy!" She turned and flew sobbing into the woods. "Dreamscape! Emily shouted, before taking off after her.

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