Forum Thread

(Kaden's POV)

"Oh no...Jasper, come on, we have to go see if she's okay. We can't let her get hurt!" I said, running after her. Jasper looked at the Gardevoir but she was already running off? After them?

(Aurora's POV)

Oh! Ouch! That hurt. And she had...oh! that was so not cool! She'd had the nerve to call me that?! She didn't even know me! But...doing the right thing won out so I ran after her, gliding past the trainers and deep into the forest. I hope she was alright...some said there was evil deep in these woods. Focusing, I calmed my mind and searched for her. Finding her mind, I made it to her side quickly. I knew these woods after all. When I found her, she was crying. I made my way over, being careful to not scare her. When I was close enough, I gave her a hug. "Hey...I know you don't like me. I'm a Gardevoir and your boyfriend is a Kirlia. I get that. But, you don't have to worry. I'm not like that. In fact, I've basically been betrothed since I hatched. My parents and his thought it was best for our tribes to get closer. I didn't even think about your boyfriend like that. I've never meet anyone from my species who wasn't from one of the tribes. I was worried about him when the Steelix hit him, but if you had been hit, I would have done the same thing. I was worried. I'm sorry I caused a fight between you two. That was not my intention. I just wanted to invite you to the festival...I thought you might have fun and I could make a few new friends. You don't have to come. I just thought..." I sighed, running out of steam. "I just thought it might be cool. I guess I was wrong." Turning, I went to leave. I don't know how I would feel in her position. If a girl was talking with my betrothed, would I get upset? Gods! I didn't even know him! I had tried writing him but he didn't seem to think I warranted an answer. He would be there at the festival. We were suppose to renew the vow our parents had made. Which meant I was to dance for him and sing. He would perform something and then, we would wrap our hands together and walk around the glen the festival was held in. I would do it. For my family and for my tribe. Yet another reason I hadn't left to find a trainer.

(Jasper's POV)

Oh! That girl was rude! I had half a mind to snap at the Kirlia to watch his girl. All I had heard was her call that pretty, warm, kindhearted Gardevoir a floosy! She was anything but that! I raced ahead of the trainers and followed her scent, hoping to save her from whatever nasty words that Dreamscape had in store.

(Vanisster's POV)

I followed close to Emily's heels, mentally beating myself for having said those things. Sure it had been rude, but Dream didn't deserve all I had said. I tried to find her with my mind, but wasn't able to. She didn't want me to find her.

(Dreamscape's POV)

What was this girls deal anyway? Why was she so hard to hate! She was talking about her arranged marriage or something, but all I could think of were Sky's cruel words. She put me down and turned to leave. I suddenly had the desperate need for her to stay. "Wait!" I said reaching a hand out to her. "Please don't go..." I didn't know what I was going to say, but I knew I had to say something. "I...I'm sorry. I'm sorry for being rude, and for calling you a floozy. I- I was just so scared that you might...that you would try to..." I broke down into sobs again. "It's just that, y-you're so much p-prettier than m-me, and I-I had something l-like this happen b-before, and I j-just could take the chance o-of losing him." I covered my face with my hands, unable to say anything else. I just needed someone who could maybe understand what I was feeling like. I needed a friend and the only person who could be that friend I had beaten down and insulted and belittled.

---

(Aurora's POV)

Turning back, I listened to her. Then I hugged her again. "I'm sorry. And as for me being prettier then you, I don't think I could even compare. You are so lovely, so clearly exotic. I am sorry you felt like that. I would never try to do that. I feel horrible that I made you feel like my attention to him was more then curiosity and friendship. I can't begin to wrap my head around how you must be feeling but I can be here for you...if you want someone to just listen and not judge. I saw the last of your battle and you were so fierce and stunning. I wish I could be like that. I-I really want to meet a trainer and became a Mega Gardevoir but...well, I don't think I will ever get the chance. Not that my family wouldn't let me go, just...I would feel horrible leaving them. I wish I was as brave as you, to travel around, go on adventures and meet someone, to fall in love! And between you and me, any guy that would leave the person he loves to chase after another isn't worthy of them. I know that doesn't take out the sting but I wish it did."

(Dreamscape's POV)

She was a good hugger. She held me close to her chest, making sure not to impale me on her horn. I pressed my tear stained face into her neck. Suddenly my body felt warm, almost hit, and a blue glow surrounded me. My True Eye snapped open and a noise like a bell sang out. I instantly felt better. I was no longer as upset about Sky's words. Sure I wasn't happy about what he had said, but I no longer felt like crying. I was a bit confused for a moment, until I remembered the Gardevoir's words. "I wish it could take the sting out of it." A small giggle escaped me. "Your wish came true!" I floated back a bit, hovering in front of her eyes. "Thank you. You have been so kind to me, even after I acted like scum. I don't know how I could make up for the way I treated you, but-" A loud crash came from the bushes behind me. Skylark suddenly blasted out of them at full tilt, accidentally running straight into the Gardevoir. They both tumbled to the ground. I floated closer, about to ask if they were ok, when I saw something that made my heart stop. Oh Arceus, why!? Why me? Why now?

(Vanisster's POV)

I pushed my self up, head swirling from the collision. I shook off the confusion, and realized what I had hit. "Oh man, I'm so sorry! Are you ok?" Then I noticed something odd. The horn in her chest was glowing a bright crimson. I had never seen anything like it before. I heard Dreamscape squeak behind me. Turning I saw that she was shaking her head violently. "NO, NO, NO!" She shouted. "How could this happen! Why me..." She slowly fluttered to the ground. I was monumentally confused.

---

(Aurora's POV)

I hadn't even thought of that when I said the words. I had just been voicing how I felt. Smiling, I hugged her again. "Oh! I'm glad you feel better!" I heard the crash but didn't have time to turn around before something crashed into me. I released the good, hoping she would fly up and out of danger. Landing hard, I took inventory of what was hurt or damaged. I felt okay. But they were both staring at me like I'd suddenly grown a horn out the middle of my forehead. "What is it?" I asked, confused and worried about the girl. She was hurt in some way and I didn't know what to say to comfort her. Of course, that was when someone else rushed into the clearing.

(Jasper's POV)

I cleared a path through the trees, having followed the Kirlia. Pinpointing the three of them, worry and concern bloomed in my heart as the other two gawked at the Gardevoir. She looked frightened and concerned for them. He chest was glowing. What on earth did that mean? "Hey! What's going on? Did you two hurt her?" I asked, charging forward to protect her.

(Vanisster's POV)

As I looked in aw at the Gardevoir's horn I realized that a similar glow was being cast on the tree behind me. Putting my hand up to check, I saw that my horns were glowing as well. At that moment Jasper thundered into the clearing. He clearly thought we had hurt the Gardevoir in some way, and was charging at us! Dreamscape suddenly threw up a psychic field around him, stopping his progress. "Calm down you big oaf, she's perfectly fine except for a few sore spots. Sky accidentally ran into her." She dropped the field quickly. "Think before you act friend, or you're bound to get into trouble."

(Emily's POV) I tried to follow Skylark, but was quickly left behind. Luckily, Jasper was not nearly as difficult to track. I found myself running alongside Kaden. We followed the deep groove Japser had carved through the forest, finally arriving at a clearing. The Pokemon were gathered round something. A red glow emanated from both within their circle, and from Sky's horns. I assumed that the second red glow must be the Gardevoir.

---

(Kaden's POV)

I seriously hoped Jasper used his brain and not his bronze! He just took off out of no where! Stupid slow running. But it couldn't be helped. We reached the group soon enough. A strange red glow was coming from them. "What's happening?" I asked Emily, not knowing anything about it.


(Aurora's POV)

"I'm perfectly fine," she smiled, moving over to Jasper, "Thank you for you're concern. But I am truly fine." He calmed down but still glared at Dreamscape and Sky. "I am not an oaf and ask you kindly to stop your name calling," he told Dreamscape. Hoping to calm the situation, I took hold of Dreams hand and put one hand on Jasper's side.

(Vanisster's POV)

At Jasper's words Dreamscape sagged, letting out a sigh. "Sorry. I'm a bit tense right now, but you're right. I shouldn't take it out on you." She seemed to cheer up a bit, but it was obviously forced. "Anyway, you said something about a festival? I assume that's what the basket was for right?" She seemed to be completely ignoring the fact that two people in the conversation were lit up like Christmas trees. "Uhh, I think we have ore important matters to deal with at the moment." I said. Why was she so upset about the glowing? "Like why our horns are glowing. I've never seen anything like this before."

(Emily's POV)

I stared at the group, fairly confused myself. "I'm not sure what the glow is about, but they seem to be talking about something. I'm thinking we should let them work out their problems on their own." I turned to look at Kaden. "While they do that, I've got some things to ask you." I grinned widely, hoping that I wasn't weirding him out. "Where are you from? Do you have any other Pokemon? How many gym badges do you have?"

---

(Aurora's POV)

"I have to confess I haven't seen it either. I feel like I should know but I just can't place it at the moment. Dreamscape? What is it?" I asked, moving towards her. I felt powerless and silly as my voice shook a little. "What does it mean? It's not the same glow as an evolution. I-I'm scared. Please, tell me." I took her hands in mine, trying to get her to look at me. Was it something bad? Did this mean something horrible? How was I going to explain it to my family? What if it was something horrible, a marking because she'd done something wrong and was now branded by it? I had to get ahold of myself! Worrying myself sick wouldn't stop it.

(Kaden's POV)

She was so lively! And unlike any girl I'd met. "Pokémon? Well, Japer is my starter. He and I have been friends form the moment we met. I have a Hitmonlee, his name is Jack. There is Red, a shiny Gyarados. And a few others. Jasper and I are out seeing how many Pokémon we could meet and catch. As for gym badges, I've got all of the Joto region badges and a couple of Hoen badges too. What about you?"

(Dreamscape's POV)

She didn't know? Have her people forgotten so soon what we did for them? I wanted to lie, to tell her that it meant nothing. But how could I? She had tried so hard to be a friend, how could I turn around and lie to her face? I sighed, my whole body feeling heavy. "It's not anything dangerous." I stared into her large red eyes. "In all honesty you are exactly how you were ten minutes ago. The glow is..." I hesitated, wondering if I could still salvage this situation? "I better start at the beginning. There have been very few Jirachi ever born, and only one family line. My great grandmother was the original, created by Arceus. She is also the one who made the Gardevoir line, who were basically humans at the time, into what you are today. You probably have some ancient legends about it. Anyway, long story short, she granted a Gardevoir a wish. When that wish has been fulfilled, the Gardevoir's heart would glow like a star." I dropped my hands to my side. "The wish was..." I stopped. I couldn't tell her. Everyone would be happier if I just shut my trap.

(Emily's POV)

"Let's see" I held out my hand, ticking of a finger for each league. "I have all Kanto, Johto, Sinnoh, and Kalos, a few Unova badges, and one badge from Hoenn." I looked up at him, realizing how snobbish I sounded. I laughed nervously, rubbing the back of my head. "Uh, I don't have a shiny though."

---

(Aurora's POV)

"Oh! It must be from the wish just now, right?" I asked, working the pieces together. "So because we are apart of you and your line, when we make a wish, we must glow, right?" It made sense to me. I didn't want to think that it could mean what I thought. I'd remembered a story similar to that. I didn't want to break anyone apart. And if that was what this meant...it couldn't be! I didn't want to...not to my new friend...

(Kaden's POV)

"Oh wow! You've seen so much! I'm more of a collector myself. When I see new Pokémon, it's like a drive to collect one. But they are more then just a collection. I befriend each of them and name them. They are more then just pet's or pieces of art. They are my friends and my family," I explained, smiling at her. "Emily, would you mind if Jasper and I traveled with you? After I convince a Gardevoir to join me, I would like to travel with you."

(Emily's POV)

My eyes widened in surprise. He wanted to travel with me? Me, the crazy Pokemon fanatic, who scares off most everyone she meets? I wasn't sure what to say. No one had ever asked to come with me before now. "I- Uh- I mean..." I sputtered. "If- if you want to I guess. I mean if you're sure." Why was I so nervous? It's not like I hadn't talked to boys before, and I didn't even have a romantic interest in this one!

(Vanisster's POV)

I was pretty sure that wasn't what the wish had been. Why would Dream be so upset about something like that? But she looked so relieved with that answer, and I didn't want to stor up any unnecessary drama. I was just happy that she seemed to have calmed down a bit. "Uh... Dream?" She looked at me, a look of worry obvious on her face. She seemed afraid that I would burst out again. "I just wanted to say I'm sorry for what I said." I didn't know what else to say. She still looked a bit sad, but said, "If you really mean it, then of course I forgive you..." She suddenly hugged me tight. I held her, rubbing her small back.

---

(Kaden's POV)

"I would love to travel with you. If you'll have me and my gang of pals," I smiled, thinking of my Pokémon. Looking back at the group, I said, "Well, I think they've worked through it." At least her Pokémon were hugging again. The Gardevoir looked flustered and unsure. Poor Jasper was just sat there confused. He no doubt wanted to comfort her but was too nervous and shy to approach her.

(Aurora's POV)

I was so glad they had made up. But I was still flustered. One hand I held over my heart and the other I tapped nervously on my side. "Are you okay?" Jasper asked, moving closer. "Huh?" I asked, looking up at him. He'd asked at least twice. I was just comprehending it. "Oh, um...yeah. I'm okay. Just lost in thought," I told him. Thoughts about the glow. Thoughts about my betrothed and of the Pokémon around me. Things had happened so fast! Just a couple hours ago I was just worried about making my performance for Roland, my betrothed and now, I was caught up in a flurry of activity! Oh! My head was spinning.

(Dreamscape's POV)

I suddenly realized how awkward we were making the others feel. I hovered back a few inches, floating at Vanisster's side. "Sorry about that." I bowed to Aurora. "By the way, I'd like to formally except your invitation. I believe it's the Festival of Dawn, right?"

(Vanisster's POV)

Festival of Dawn? Does that mean what I think it means? Maybe I could evolve! I turned to look behind me at Emily. She was happily chatting with Kaden. She had an odd look on her face, as if she were nervous. Since when does Emily get nervous? Fight gods doesn't faze her, but talking to a boy does. I shook my head. He just better not get any ideas. She was to innocent for her own good, and the last thing she needed was a young man taking interest in her.

(Emily's POV)

I watched Vanisster and the others for a moment, noticing the odd look he gave me. What was that about? "Looks like they finished whatever they were doing. Once I find out what this basket is for, we can figure out where to go." I rubbed the back of my head, laughing nervously. "I didn't really have a plan on where I was going before our battle. I sometimes get so caught up in the going, I don't forget to look where I'm going.

---

(Aurora's POV)

I smiled at Dreamscape and nodded. "It is! There is going to be dancing and feasting. It'll last all day! You'll come? Really? Oh! I'm so excited! I'm actually going to be performing. All of the tribes in the area will be there. But my father will start it." I told them, shifting back forth. "So you'll really come?" I couldn't believe it! We hadn't had feigners' come to a festival for as long as I could remember. Unable to help it, I twirled around, letting my gown spin out around me.

(Kaden's POV)

"I don't think he likes me very much," I admitted, laughing lightly. "Though, I haven't done much to make him like me. Hopefully I can do something that'll change his mind. Should we go on over and see if we can figure out this mysterious basket?"

(Emily's POV)

I walked over to the Pokemon, basket in hand. "So what's this basket for anyway?" Vanisster quickly told me about the Gardevoir's invitation. A huge grin spread across my face. A Gardevoir festival! I was going to going to see a part of Pokemon culture! I bounced on my toes. "Oh man, of course I accept! That sounds awesome! I can't wait!" I spun around in excitement, nearly falling over in the process. I felt Dreamscape prop me up with Psychic.

(Vanisster's POV)

I shook my head at the girls antics. As much as I cared for her, she could be quite the handful. I looked up at Aurora. I think she's ready. It appears that the boy will also be joining us. If you are fine with that, then we should get going. All the ruckus we've made will no doubt attract some unsavory Pokemon." I then turned to Jasper. "Also, I would like to apologize for interrupting your battle earlier. I was foolish and rude." I bowed to him. "Forgive me."

---

(Kaden's POV)

She began to spin around in her excitement and I couldn't help but smile. Then she looked like she might fall. I darted over, my arms out and with every intention of saving her but before I could catch her, her Pokémon caught her. My cheeks flamed as they saw me with my arms out to catch her. Dropping my arms, I tried to play of off.

(Aurora's POV)

I smiled and nodded, "Let's go. I don't know where my father will put you but we'll figure out someplace for you all to stay."

(Jasper's POV)

"I am the one who should apologize. I hit you and I shouldn't have. Please, forgive me," I asked, bending down. "You're alright, right?"

(Dreamscape's POV)

When I saw Kaden try to catch Emily, I couldn't help but giggle. The boys face had turned bright red. Oh you poor naive boy. Your playing a dangerous game falling for her. Not only do you have to deal with her obliviousness, but Vanni is not going to be happy about it. I hovered there, barely containing my giggles, waiting for the others to be ready.

(Vanisster's POV)

As noble a gesture as trying to catch her was, I can't say I was pleased with what the implications of that we're. The beet color on the boys face told me everything. I would need to keep an eye on him at all times. I looked at Jasper. "No need to apologize. It takes more than one iron tail to keep me down." I grinned, turning to follow Aurora.

(Emily's POV)

I steadied myself, grinning at Kaden. "Guess I need to be more careful, huh?" The Gardevoir began to move off into the trees, with the other Pokemon following. I jogged to catch up. "I'm so excited! I've never been to a Pokemon village before. I wonder what it's like. Is it like a human town, or is it just like huts? Ahh! I must know" I clapped my hands, making myself look even more psycho. I took a deep breath. "Sorry about that."

---

(Kaden's POV)

Her excitement was contagious and I couldn't help but laugh as I jogged after her. "Oh, don't feel like you need to apologize," I said as she apologized for her excitement. "It's nice to see someone so happy. Why do you keep apologizing for it?" I asked, genuinely curious, "I think it's great you're so excited."

(Jasper's POV)

I saw Kaden talking with the girl and smiled. He'd been through a lot. It was nice to see him happy and talking to someone again. Turning back around, I followed the pretty Gardevoir who had stolen my heart. "Hey, Vanisster, right? Um...do you think you could talk to Aurora? Maybe talk me up to her?" I asked, hoping he would help now that we were on the road to friendship.

(Aurora's POV)

I looked back a few times just to make sure they were following. My friend would make sure the village knew we were coming and everyone would be out to greet us. I was excited and picked up my pace a little then slowed, remembering I was leading them and had to actually go at a pace they could follow.

(Vanisster's POV)

I was a bit confused by Jasper's question. What does he mean. Dreamscape giggled, speaking into my mind. "He's totally fallen for her you dope." I felt quite foolish at that. Of course he had, it seemed so obvious now. I spoke to his mind, so that Aurora wouldn't hear. "I mean, I could try if you wanted me to, but I don't think that will be necessary. She already seems to like you, so if you get to know her better, I'm sure things will work out for you." I gave him a friendly nudge. "And by the way she was talking about traveling, I wouldn't be surprised if you get to see her quite a bit more often."

(Emily's POV)

I laughed nervously. "Well, most people are not as welcoming of my enthusiasm. I'm often seen as, that crazy foreign trainer! Since its so weird to other people, I've gotten in the habit of apologizing for it." I put the back of my hand to my forehead, as if I were feeling faint, and gave a dramatic sigh. "The masses just don't appreciate my unadulterated love of life."

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