Chapter 95 – Sharing Secrets

Chapter 95 – Sharing Secrets

I’ve started noticing a pattern with our esteemed houseguest. A penchant to adopt pseudo siblings as a way to show fondness. Aster, who was holding the box containing our Mega Stones like a lifeline uttered a set of harrowing words which had my alarm bells ringing. Which caused me to try and diminish the effort I put in trying to gather those stones as a way to lower her overbearing gratitude.

“It isn’t really a big deal. We weren’t actively looking for those Mega Stones while traveling. We just picked them out each time I got afforded the opportunity. Your people must have found many more stones over the course of the years.”

“Not at all! Our people celebrate every time one of our own manages to bring back a Mega Stone. On average each successive generation only manages to find a single one.”

“…Really? I wasn’t even trying… We bought two of those from local small-time vendors. I am betting that if we actively scour the open markets inside each town there’s bound to be more of them.”

“Vi! Vi!” “Be grateful! It is because I am our good luck charm!”

Not minding Victini’s flare-up I softly coaxed the winged rabbit to come closer for her much-deserved head rubs. If successive generations of Draconids were having such difficulties acquiring more of these stones Victini actually might be onto something.

“Yes, none of this would’ve been possible without you. So… Aster, I assume you don’t carry any of your personal savings around with you…?”

“Oh? Yes, when I get back I’ll have one of our merchants wire the full amount over to your association account?”

“That’s fine but make it an even one hundred and fifty. You can take along that Ampharosite and gift it as a Christmas present to my sister. Then when she’s managed to earn her license, we can all go to the safari zone and let her try and catch one of the mareep living there.”

“Spoiling Zinnia all the way. What a good big brother you are.” 

“Of course, it’s my responsibility as a big brother to make all her dreams possible.”

“Nineee!” 

Rena didn’t seem to be as enthused having come out of her listening spot to openly complain. The fox Pokémon treasured her bracelet very much, especially since she earned it using our battling money. 

“Don’t you worry. Aster will only be taking the Ampharosite not your bracelet.”

“Ninee?”

“Grandpa is very handy with this sort of thing. With the help of a fire type assistant, he’ll get those fittings loose and ready for the next gemstone. Tomorrow, once we’re back in Petalburg you will get to pick out a real gem and have the bracelet resized.”

“Ninee.”

Somewhat mollified by the offer, my fox companion sneaked back inside the house. The prospect of only getting to stay with Zinnia up until sunrise would have her sticking to my little sister like a Gulpin slathered in extra strength glue.

With our transaction finalized my reasons for staying outside in the cold air were drawing to a close. Even Numsy was eying the poké ball on my belt with a longing gaze. With an extra full stomach my longtime partner was just waiting for the chance to go right back to sleep.

“So… what do you like to do in your free time?”

“Reading up on the latest scientific breakthroughs and watching reruns of Trick House.”

“Trick House? Is that a TV show?”

“Zinnia hasn’t once talked to you about the greatest show on the planet?! It’s a contest where trainers and Pokémon overcome all odds in a no-holds barred multi-level obstacle course. Our whole family are loyal Trick Master fans! Before the three of you leave for the secret village, I insist that you watch a few of our older recordings.”

“If it’s important to Zinnia I will. Say… how would a laywoman outside of the proper circles stay informed on the newest technological developments?”

“Just get a subscription to Rustburo Science Monthly. It often breaks any cutting-edge developments years beforehand and for readers living on the routes they offer Pelliper delivery service.”

“Hmm… I have to ask some of my people if it’s feasible to have our merchants bring one back to us every month. We’re a bit too far out for Pelliper delivery services I’m afraid. Though I am glad that reading science magazines is a popular trend among the younger generation.”

‘Okay, Now I am sure that this woman doesn’t have many human friends. A lack of sociability won’t do for someone claiming the position of Zinnia’s role model. This must be a case of Aster’s social status in the tribe getting in the way of her making friends of the same age.’ 

“How would you know?”

‘Those people worship Rayquaza. Its favored human must therefore be the tribe’s de facto leader.’

“That’s smart thinking! You would be the leader of the Victini worshipping tribe!”

‘I doubt something like that exists. People don’t worship adorable and easy to get along with Pokémon. Which gives me an idea… When the two of us first met you also experienced difficulties coming out of your shell. Could you…?’

“On it!”

Victini left my shoulders zipping towards Aster who was struggling to come up with a new topic of conversation. Disregarding any form of propriety, the fire rabbit clamped down on Aster’s face causing her next set of words to turn into an unintelligible mess.

“Mpff Mpff!”

“Vi, Vi.” “Relax, just let this happen.” 

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For this POV pokéspeak is in italics.

POV – Victini

Aster who had been captured by my awesome strength quickly gave in and was now brushing my fur as a proper friend should. Egon’s little sister watched on in envy as I trained her big sister to become a well-adjusted human.

“Vi!” “I’ve never been to a slumber party before!”

“My nerdy brother doesn’t let you sleep with him?”

“Sometimes I do but Rena’s fur is much softer. Just after Egon invited me to come along for his journey either Numsy or Rena would always huddle up together with me at the foot of the bed.”

“Nineee!” “She was very skittish back then.”

“Sea!” “I want to hug while falling asleep too!”

“Vi! Vi…” “I’ll hug you as much as you want Horsea! Make sure to lock up that window extra tight, Bagon is acting suspicious.”

“Gooom!” “I am still hungry, that lettuce was too delicious!”

“Gon! Gon!” “You can trust me! Somebody, open up that window!”

“Victini is right, better close the window shades as well so little Bagon here won’t feel tempted.”

“You already know what Bagon is trying to say? How?!”

“Have you already forgotten little sister? As the Lorekeeper I can feel the emotional state of any dragon type Pokémon but that’s not why I can understand Bagon. I’ve been with my own partner Salamence since the moment that he hatched from his egg. Bagon talks just like he used to. In time you will also begin to understand the thoughts and feelings of your own Pokémon.”

Aster seemed to have a clear understanding of what Goomy and Bagon were saying without being their trainer. Egon can do so as well with our merry band but as he puts it; without a smart and amazing translator like me to help him out it had taken multiple years before even his nerdy self had a clear grasp of Vulpix and Numel pokéspeak.

‘As expected of someone that big bad Rayquaza partnered up with! The first thing I am going to do is ask if Rayquaza remembers where Beheeyem’s ship crashed! Selling space technology is just what Kecleon Brothers & Co. needs to edge out our competitors.’

“Vi! Vi?” “Wooow! Being a Lorekeeper helps with understanding Pokémon?”

“The position itself doesn’t magically make people able to communicate better. Lorekeepers are selected based on an inborn ability. Once in every generation or so there is an ability user who is born within the tribe. I was groomed for the position once it became clear I was that person.”

“Vi! Vi!” “Oh! I know this part! Like humans who use psychic moves without being Pokémon!”

“Yes, exactly like that but I can only use it with dragon type Pokémon.”

“Big sis is so cool… Can I learn how to do that as well?”

“Maybe… probably not.”

“That’s…”

‘Now Zinnia is the one who looks sad. Time to cheer her up!’

“Vi!” “Egon also doesn’t have any special abilities and he’s the best trainer for me!”

“Victini is right, little sister. Inborn abilities like mine don’t matter as much for Pokémon trainers who have worked with their partners for a long time. My predecessors used this ability exclusively to hasten the process of bonding with wild Pokémon. Allowing our tribe to settle upon our homeland without earning the ire of the wild dragon population.”

“Vi… Vi?” “Somewhere in or around Meteor Falls, right?”

“How…?”

“Vi, Vi Vi!” “Egon knows, and it’s the only place in Hoenn where the big scary Salamence live. We’ve been all the way up to route 115 and I’ve even gone on an adventure inside Meteor Falls by myself!”

“That’s dangerous, Victini! The Salamence keeping watch over the Mountain Range do not tolerate outsiders. Even our little Zinnia knows not to explore on her own like that.”

“Vi! Vi! Vi.” “Stealth is my expertise! When me and the kecleon brothers play hide and seek the team I am on always wins! Even you didn’t know I was there in the dining room watching the family eat before revealing myself.”

“That’s true but...”

“There weren’t any dragons, but I’ve made friends with the Clefairy tribe living near the impact site. They liked me so much that Egon and I received a standing invitation to come and visit them whenever we want. Thanks to my business smarts we even managed to trade in a Moonstone for a Mega Stone. Clefairies really like collecting moonstones; it makes them nostalgic for home.”

“Hmm…?!”

“Egon told me about Clefairy! He says they’re Pokémon from outer space!”

Both of them had major differing reactions, with Aster showing concern and Zinnia being excited hearing about my fellow cute Pokémon living close by.

“Vivi Vi?” “There was this biiig Clefable who scares off all the wild dragons looking for an easy meal. Any Pokémon is welcome to stay with them as long as they chip in. Do you already know of them, Aster?”

“Yes… Their group is well known among us grown-ups. Let’s just say we don’t get along; in fact, there have been skirmishes in the past between them and some of the more zealous members of the tribe who believe the Mountain range has no space for Fairy Pokémon.”

“Vi? Vi.” “Fairy type Pokémon are strong against dragons, aren’t they? Hmm, naturally one group would avoid the other.”

“At this point I am not even surprised by your wide breadth of knowledge you and your trainer seem to possess. We dragon specialists have mutual understanding to keep this weakness of ours an open secret.”

“Open secret? What’s that about big sis?”

“We avoid talking about Fairies to keep our advantage in battle. I’ve even known a few dragon tamers from Blackthorn City who kept donating money to lab personnel redirecting their topic of research into other fields of study.”

“That’s so lameee! Dragon Pokémon are strong enough to win even at a disadvantage!”

“Gon!!” “I’ll beat up any pesky fairies, no problem!”

“You are right of course Bagon, Zinnia. This repression of knowledge is always perpetuated by those in our community too lazy to properly train. The only reason the rest of us don’t do anything to halt their actions is because we have no desire to see an increase in Fairy Pokémon specialists. Having to defeat one or two in a full-sized team is doable but any more than that will completely shut down our favored typing’s most powerful moves for an entire match.”

“We have a larger community!?”

“Yes, there are freelancers who find themselves having an affinity with dragon Pokémon who inevitably seek us out. If they are likeable one of the council members may decide to take them on as apprentices. We also have strong ties with the Blackthornes in Johto and our members often intermarry. We live in a small village, you know? There aren’t many options for those who are looking to start a family. Blackthorne City is the number one travel destination for villagers looking for a spouse.”

“Ohh! Big sis Aster has a secret Johto lover?!” “Viiii!” “Forbidden love!”

“Stop it, Zinnia! You too, Victini! I have too many responsibilities to properly maintain a relationship!”

Aster stopped acting like a wise old master and turned into a bumbling maiden. Egon acted exactly the same whenever we teased the goof about getting a mate. I didn’t know much about egg making but according to Glove the wisest of us Egon should be about the right age to start getting interested. 

‘Aster’s a perfect match. They’re both goofs who like spending time lecturing others.’

“Vi! Vi.” “Big sis Aster… our nerdy trainer is totally ready to date! Egon’s got seven badges right now, but I am sure he’ll reach your standards before long.”

“Noooo! Little Egon is six years my junior, stop saying weird stuff Victini.”

“Ninee!” “Age is just a number. Get sham-married right now so we can keep looking after Zinnia!”

“Bleghh!! My brother’s too uncool to ever have a chance with big sis Aster! It’s got to be someone more mysterious like Indigo’s Lance!”

“Vi! Vi?” “No way! That flying type specialist?”

“What are you talking about?! Lance is a dragon master and part of their Elite Four!”

“Vi! Vi!” “Egon told me about that guy! Name one Pokémon of his that isn’t a flying type!!”

“…Well, that’s easy! There were two Dragonair on his inauguration team!”

“Vi! Viiii!” “Those two haven’t evolved by now? Hmpff! With my help Egon can beat any of their Elite Four!”

“Perhaps I can be of assistance in settling this argument? This big sister has a standing invitation to come for tea in the dragon’s den whenever I visit Johto.”

“You’ve been to the Dragon’s Den Big sis? What’s it like?”

“The Dragon’s Den is the best place to capture a wild dratini or dragonair. Of course, convincing Blackthorne’s Dragon Tamers to let you catch one is a whole other matter. The Den itself is a half-flooded cave system filled with melted ice water flowing down from the nearby mountain range. In its deepest parts lies the Dragon Shrine where the city’s Dragon Masters hone their skills. The group’s leader is known for being the strongest trainer in all of Johto and his longtime partner Dragonite is nearly unbeatable. You would do well partaking in one of his lessons if you ever get the chance to visit little sister.”

“We’ll make it a roundtrip! You can show me around big sis!”

“Perhaps we could… but we will have to travel separately. Whenever I visit Johto there is some secret tribe business I have to attend to, together with one of my dearest friends.”

“Your friend is a Pokémon, right? Big sis Aster doesn’t have any regular friends.”

“I do too! But yes, my friend is a Pokémon. If you work hard in your studies, I will introduce the two of you to each other someday. My friend is slow to trust anyone, but I am sure he’ll make an exception for you.”

‘Rayquaza! I’d like to meet him too. There’s so much I want to ask. Rocky didn’t know much of anything aside from following others’ directives and the twins don’t trust humans enough to come out and play with Egon nearby.’

“Vi? Vi.” “Can I meet your special partner too? Everyone I know becomes my friend eventually.”

Aster seemed to struggle coming up with an answer. Aster finally managed to give me the great and terrible Victini a single one-liner.

“One day you will.”

Miffed, I focused my will to create a direct line of communication with Miss Lorekeeper.

“Vi! Vi!” “I’ve learned how to do Future Sight too, you know! There’s some pretty important stuff that I won’t share if you can’t be honest with me!”

It was well known that well-trained psychic type Pokémon could glimpse into the future. Xatu were famous for it, but others could learn to pick up the skill as well. I hadn’t learned how to yet, but Egon made sure to impress upon me that bluffing about your sources of knowledge was very important.

“Zinnia, go brush your teeth. Don’t think I haven’t noticed you skipping out.”

“Aww really? Okay, but Bagon has to as well! Else it’s not fair.”

“Gon! Gon!” “Toothpaste is for humans! I wash my teeth with the blood of my enemies!”

Despite Bagon’s protest the little dragon type hopped off the bed and followed its trainers into the bathroom. Leaving us alone with Goomy and Horsea who were already sleeping in his fishbowl.

“Psychic types don’t share that kind of information even with their trainers. What do you wish to tell me?”

“Only two things. In around five years’ time a huge Meteoroid will smash Hoenn into bits if no one does anything about it. That’s why it’s important that you stay safe!!”

“…! I don’t exist in the future you have foreseen?”

“No! Some mean Devon Corporation guys working together with the League Association try to capture Rayquaza and you… die while fighting together. Don’t go to the Embedded Tower okay? Everyone would be really sad if you disappeared.”

“I see… our mistrust was not misplaced. However, Champion Drake would never allow this to happen. That means he will get unseated soon, who will become Hoenn’s next reigning champion? 

“Steven Stone.”

“The heir to the Devon Corporation. That explains a lot.” 

“So, don’t do anything reckless, okay? Without you Zinnia will become a revenge obsessed outlaw trying to take back all the Key stones that those people steal off your body.”

“…Thank you for trusting me enough to tell me about the upcoming danger facing Hoenn and myself. Does your trainer Egon know of this as well?”

“That… Egon is the smartest human I know! His plan to avoid all this was too convoluted. Telling you what happens is way easier!”

“Then please don’t tell anyone anything else about the future. There are many reasons that psychic types such as yourself don’t share such secrets with the wider world.” 

“When can we meet with Rayquaza? We’ll have to make sure he hears about the Meteoroid. I’ve never met a space-faring Pokémon before!”

“It is not so simple. My friend comes down from the heavens only twice a year to catch up with me. To summon him outside of our appointed times is only to be done during great need. In the interim he guards this planet and all its wonders.”

“So… that’s a maybe?”

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The following morning*

As the evening drew to a close each of us retreated into our respective bedrooms. Grandma graciously allowed Aster to stay inside our family home, having her share a room with Zinnia while it had been decided that our mother had to sleep on the couch. There was still enough space left in my own room to put her up with a mattress, but I was spared the awkwardness that would entail by my insightful grandmother.

Unlike the quietness of my own room Zinnia’s boudoir was a hotbed of activity even hours after curfew. The addition of both Victini and Rena mixed in with the baby dragons plus the atmosphere of a sleepover lulled my little sister into bouts of never-ending pillow talk. I had gotten used to camping out and sleeping through sounds of nature, but this was an entirely different beast. Leaving me a smidge grumpy as our grandparents called us over for breakfast the next morning.

Granny Sylvia had cajoled her daughter into helping out as the two of them kept going back and forth from the kitchen putting down plates filled with eggs and pancake stacks. This Unovan style breakfast was unusual for the family but seeing as we wouldn’t be seeing Zinnia for a while I figured grandmother wanted to do something special to commemorate her departure. Having eggs for breakfast was an expensive endeavor mostly because there are no large scale producers. Chansey produce only one egg each day and were some of the rarest Pokémon one could come across.

“Vi!” “Pass the syrup!”

Zinnia was about to fulfill Victini’s request when I snatched the bottle out of her hands. 

“Hey! What did you do that for?” 

“Vi!” “Yeah!”

“Pancakes are bad for you, especially ones drenched with syrup. Berry jam is a much healthier alternative. Also don’t forget eating with us means I will have you skip breakfast with the others later.”

“Viiiii!” “Big sis Aster, Egon is bullying me!”

The gremlin had the nerve to complain about me to our current guest. Smooching up to Aster as if she were some helpless azurill. Aster, who had been awkward but professional while staying here, had started opening up especially to Victini. Something must have happened while I was separated from them in the other bedroom. 

Trying to make sense of this newfound situation I gave Victini, who was still acting clingy, a glare of suspicion. Partly due to our mental connection I was quite sure that Victini had gained an inkling of my growing suspicions. Promising myself to get to the bottom of this afterwards I shifted my attention to Zinnia who was busy spoon feeding her Pokémon slices of egg. 

“When you get back make sure to study seriously.”

“I knooow….”

“You don’t want to be like Flannery. She kept nagging my ears off for months about not being able to go on her journey early like me. Now she’s still stuck at home taking care of seven newly caught puppers.”

Raven, who was until now quietly sleeping on a doggy mattress in the living room, seemed to have taken offense to my analogy.

“Ruff!”

“I didn’t mean it like that Raven. It’s just a common stereotype which I made use of to illustrate my point. We can go visit the gym in just a bit. Would you like that?”

“Arf!”

Having placated my fair but demanding Houndoom I got back to fussing over Zinnia who was set to leave. 

“I’ll miss you a whole bunch. Make sure to cheer for us during our conference matches, okay? Your cheers alone will make all the difference.”

“Ninee!” “Ruupt!”

“Geez! Alright! Big sis, can we go and watch Egon on the communal television?”

“Of course. Even the tribe is interested in keeping track of new talent. That television is only ever turned on during the few weeks of the Ever Grande Conference. Tomatoma is also participating this year so you will have to sort out with his family who gets control of the remote on the off chance both of them are up at the same time.”

“When the Ever Grande Conference concludes I will be busy taking care of some miscellaneous matters but after that I am free to pick you up for our vacation on Cinnabar Island. We just have to find an affordable mode of transportation.”

“That is where I can be of assistance. You might not know it, but we traveled to Lavaridge Town on dragon’s back. Would you like to meet my Pokémon?”

“Vi Vi!” “Yes please!”

“I’d also be interested. Here’s to hoping that your Pokémon are as even tempered as Champion Drake’s Flygon.”

“Silly brother, all Flygon are sweethearts. That’s the rule, not the exception.”

After that it didn’t take long for breakfast to conclude itself. To avoid upsetting the neighbors we opted to have Aster release her dragon Pokémon out in the garden. Where our home’s tall fence could block their silhouettes from view. Aster revealed the two comically large poké balls strapped to her belt and after some finagling managed to open them up. In a bright flash of white light her two Pokémon were materialized.

“Gaaarr!”

“Preeee!” 

‘Garchomp and Dragonair. Both dragon types that cannot be found inside Hoenn. The Draconids must have established some sort of breeding program to provide their members with a more diverse range of dragon type Pokémon. I wonder if the Sinnohan and Indigo league associations know that their prized Pokémon have already been claimed by the Draconids.’

Mother, Aster and Zinnia seemed to be completely fine being around an apex predator like Garchomp but I noticed Grandpa imperceptibly twitching when faced up with this large she-dragon. 

“Hmm this one has very pronounced dermal denticles. Developing Rough Skin must have been quite the challenge.”

“I told you my brother Egon is a nerd! No normal person would know what a dermal denticle is.”

“Being a nerd is a good thing Zinnia. That’s why I graduated one year early and got to stay home for an entire year.”

Zinnia struggled to come up with a good reprisal until Aster stepped in to acknowledge my eruditeness.

“Most wild caught dragons of her line start off with Sand Veil. Only trainers in our inner circles are informed enough to help Gible develop their secondary ability. You have quite the eye, little brother.”

“It’s nothing. Anyone with working eyes could spot the similarities between Garchomp’s skin and that of a Sharpedo or Druddigon. Hmm… and an excellently trained Dragonair like this one should have either Shed Skin or Marvel Scale. Although I am not familiar enough with the species to tell which it is.”

Zinnia who usually isn’t that interested to hear me droning on about random trivia will always make an exception if it was something concerning dragon type Pokémon.

“Marvel Scale?” 

“It’s a nifty ability that hardens the outer layer of skin whenever a Pokémon is suffering from a debilitating condition like poison or paralysis. The only other Pokémon known to have an aptitude for this particular ability is Milotic. Seeing how rare those Pokémon are I wouldn’t be surprised if you hadn’t heard about Marvel Scale before. Well… I figured with how long the Draconids have trained these creatures that they would teach you if you paid attention during your lessons with them, Zinnia.”

Contrary to my expectations Aster seemed astonished by my casual remark. Which left me wondering if I had let my mouth get me into hot water again.

“How…? Uhmm yeah… of course we’d know! Now hop on little sister we best get going before the elders work themselves into a tizzy again.”

“Preeee!”

Dragonair seemed amused as Zinnia clung onto its long neck. Mother was about to do the same before she suddenly turned around and embraced me out of the blue. While I was trying to make sense of the situation Willow started whispering in my ear. 

“I am sorry for not spending more time with you. Will you ever forgive me Egon?”

“It's fine, Grandma and Grandpa are the best. Zinnia isn’t as independent as me so she needs you a lot more. As long as you try extra hard being a mother to her from now on.” 

“I promise.”

With that she let me go. I wasn’t sure on how to sort out my own feelings concerning this ditzy woman. However, I did know that I was still grateful for this second chance that she had given me.