Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

. . .I’m standing in Lumiose, but it’s wrong–all of it’s wrong. The sky is burgundy black and there’s a sweltering storm emanating from Prism Tower. The air feels static, born of tension and embers as I struggle to get my bearings. The concrete beneath my feet pulsates like an anxiety attack–like it’s just waiting for something to break.
I reach for Gardevoir’s pokéball but it’s not there. I look around frantically–where the fuck is it? As the very world trembles, I see it–her heal ball, bouncing away on the cold, rigid road, far faster than I can run towards it. I desperately reach my hand out to grab it, but I feel like I’m walking through quicksand or wading water. Her ball bumps onto the curb, the force springing it open in a broken crack that shoots through my chest.

I watch in horror as she materializes in front of me–only…it’s not her–or her in the usual sense. Towering over the beating streets is a Mega Gardevoir, my Gardevoir in visible pain. She’s screaming and crying as I watch her rip her mega stone out of her choker and crush it with her bare hands–discolored and bloody shards falling onto the ground.

You left.

She was in pain and you left.

A voice echoed behind me–it was mad. It was hurt. It was hers. With tears streaming from my face I turned around, desperate to understand what was going on.
“I had to–!! Okay?!” A much younger version of me cursed. “What the FUCK are you supposed to do after watching the goddamn world nearly burn?! We KILLED someone Viv!! Sylvie nearly died!! YOU nearly died!! I- I just…I..I..” I collapse to the floor, unable to hold back my emotions. I sobbed into the rain, my tears falling much like those of our wicked storm. “I left because I was scared…I was scared of you leaving and I’m so sorry…I’m sorry–!!”

. . .I woke up scared–in a cold sweat. Gardevoir was right beside me, her hands glowing a remorseful pink as to help wake me up, and calm me down. I let out the most relieved, unsteady sigh as I hugged her tightly, desperate for comfort. Tears still lightly dribbled down my face, and it took me a while to actually catch my breath.

“We need to go back to Kalos, Sylvie. I don’t– I can’t–. I’m done, no more Alola, no more running.” I grieved. “I miss her so much.” I let out with another quiet sob.

****

I woke up in a quiet haze, the soft murmurs of my Gardevoir pulling me back to the waking world. The ambient sounds of our train and wind blew past us, and we were finally nearing our destination. We’d been travelling for days now, jetlagged from our flights from Alola, and now that we’re back in Kalos, I can’t shake this anxiety about what’s changed since I’ve been gone. As Gardevoir continued to sleep, her arms wrapped around mine with her sleepy head on my shoulder. I took a deep breath as my rotom phone popped out of my pocket, presumably sensing my worries. It pulled up a few articles announcing something called the “Urban Redevelopment Plan” that Lumiose was currently undertaking–with the help of a company called Quasartico? From the looks of it, Lumiose has seen a steady rise in wild pokémon entering the city, and as a response they’ve set up “Wild Zones”--or areas inside the city specifically dedicated to containing wild pokémon. It’s… a bit of an odd choice, but it sounds like these developments are new and possibly temporary.

To get a better idea of how Lumiose, and therefore Kalos, have changed, I pulled out my old Kalos Pokedex that Professor Sycamore gave me the first time we met. Before I had left Kalos, I had filled the grand majority of it out when I was participating in our pokémon league, but I gave up trying to finish it after the region was almost obliterated. I had rotom pull up the obviously “in-development” Lumiose pokedex list and cross-referenced it against my dex from five years ago. It was interesting seeing which pokémon are actually moving into the city–especially considering some species weren’t seen anywhere near Lumiose a few years ago.
Admittedly, I must’ve been moving around too much–or let my anxiety get the best of me–as Gardevoir quietly woke from her nap. She clutched my arm just a bit tighter and nuzzled into my cheek, letting out tranquil cries of reassurance that did help to calm me down. I let out a relieved sigh and cuddled into her, trying to self-soothe as we quickly approached the city.

The train screeched to a quiet halt as we reached the Gare de Lumiose station. This, too, seemed a lot different–new construction, but it seemed pretty. I quietly gathered my things, notably just a carry-on bag filled with essentials, and beckoned Gardevoir to stand up with me. “C’mon Sylvie, we’re home.” I murmured, my voice growing softer as I spoke. I tried flashing her a small smile to quell her worries, but I could tell she could see right through me–she is a feeling pokémon, after all.

As we stepped into the city for the first time in years, I finally felt at home again. I could see Prism Tower looming over the city, and the climate outside was so wonderfully liveable–I was getting quite tired of the heat in Alola, to be honest. I let out a small sigh as I checked my watch, “Okay, first things first. I booked us a hotel room at…” my voice trailing as I struggled to find the booking on my phone. “Ah, Hotel Z–it’s not too far from the station–or the lab. I do wanna drop by the lab today and talk to Professor Sycamore, too. I’m curious what his thoughts would be on my Mega Evolution thesis.” I paused, trying to collect my bearings with the new map of the city. Before I got too caught up in my own thoughts, I glanced over at Gardevoir with a soft, inquisitive look on my face. “Are you tired, Sylvie? Do you wanna get checked in at the hotel and then go see Sycamore?” I asked, with rotom flying back into my bag as I gave Gardevoir headpats. She nodded silently in my affection, and I giggled quietly at her soft expression. “Sure, let’s go check in. We deserve a lil break.” I assured her, gently grabbing her hand and leading her in the direction of the hotel.

The walk wasn’t long at all–I was almost a little disappointed at how little of the city we got to see. I’m sure my body was overjoyed, though, as my past few days have been exclusively uncomfortable flights and airport seats. What did manage to catch my eye was how…sparkly the city was? I caught glimpses, but it almost looked like crystals were growing out of the buildings? Not sure what that’s about–maybe Sycamore would know? Anyway, the hotel.
I gently let go of Gardevoir’s hand and let her trail behind me just a bit. Opening the door, I was greeted with a beautifully quiet lobby–decorated with muted greens and browns–invoking a feeling of home-away-from-home. I looked around for a short moment before entering, Gardevoir silently behind me as I realized no one else was in the lobby. The front desk was empty, but warmly lit–inviting almost. 

We approached slowly, careful not to disrupt the tranquil environment, and from within a room obscured by the front desk, I could hear the soft tap of a cane against the tile—slow, deliberate. From the doorframe emerged a man–someone oddly familiar that I couldn’t place in the moment. He was tall–towering would be the best word–he had long, white hair and walked with a slouch. His face looked tired, but also kind. Who are you…?

“Miss Caelivane,” He opened, with a soft, tenderly deep voice–one that sounds weathered, but wise.”I had a feeling you’d return someday. Kalos has a way of calling home the ones it needs most." I stared blankly at him for a moment while he opened an old ledger and began writing in it. 

He must’ve picked up on my surprise, and gave a light shake of his head in response. “Don’t worry. You were very young. And it’s been…quite sometime.” He murmured, looking at me directly. “Five years ago–you passed through here when the city was on fire…in more ways than one.” He added softly, flashing a small smile as he turned back to the front desk. Pulling out a small drawer, he took out a keyring and handed it to me. “Room 202, you’ll find it on the second floor.” He ended, gesturing with his eyes to the elevator right next to us.

“Thanks… I appreciate your kindness…” I let out sheepishly, a tad embarrassed that my memory wasn’t fully cooperating with me.

 He nodded knowingly, softly closing his ledger as he began to retreat back into his quarters–but just as me and Gardevoir began to move, he stopped. "Miss Caelivane?” He paused. “I do hope you find what you’re looking for during your stay here.” I froze for a moment–my mind sputtering through each anxiety that ended up bringing me back here in the first place, and how obvious it must be if a stranger can pick up on it. I let out the faintest nod, and the towering man quietly disappeared.

We found our room just as described–it was simple, vintage furniture, warm lighting, a neatly made bed. I set my bag down on the desk chair, and Gardevoir silently floated past me, darting towards the only bed in the room. She lay down on the bed, letting out a big stretch with the cutest little noises I’ve ever heard her make, before she curled up on the sheets and gently closed her eyes. I couldn’t help but blush, and I carefully walked over to pat her head playfully, almost relieved she’s still comfortable back home. As I gazed out the window, I could see Prism Tower blinking in the distance–almost like it was waiting for me.

Chapter Text

“…what in the hell?” I muttered as I leaned closer to my laptop, almost in disbelief at what I was seeing. “Those were native to Hisui…what the hell are they doing in Lumiose?” I whispered, pausing for a long moment to contemplate the implications of this. Was this the true reason Wild Zones were set up? This is crazy dangerous for anyone not a pokémon trainer–, I let out a quiet sigh and collapsed back in my chair, staring up at the ceiling to try and gather my mental bearings.

I heard Gardevoir quietly stir from the bed, letting out cute groans as I watched her slowly wake up. “Awww I’m sorry sleepyhead, I’ll be quieter.” I softly giggled, completely forgetting we were supposed to be resting–I must’ve gotten caught up in reading articles from the past few years…

I heard Garevoir coo one last time before I felt her presence slowly float towards me. She softly shook her head as she cooed again, this time wrapping her arms around me as she floated behind my chair and settled her head on my shoulder. “Yeah, cutie?” I teased, prompting her to gesture her eyes to my screen. “Oh! Are you curious?” She nodded. “I was just catching up on some ecological surveys from the past year. Around 300 years ago in ancient Sinnoh, when humans were first learning to coexist with pokémon, there were sometimes pokémon in the wild referred to as ‘Alpha Pokémon’. These pokémon were abnormally larger than their usual counterparts and notably more hostile. Allegedly, there have been recent sightings of alpha pokémon within Lumiose recently, which…worries me.”

Gardevoir gently patted my head while she let out quiet noises to soothe me. I couldn’t help but smile and I closed my laptop, as I felt we should get going soon. “Thank you, sweetie.” I mumbled softly as I stood up to gather my research components and shoved them in my laptop bag. “So, the shortest path to the lab has been indoctrinated into a wild zone. The inhabitants seem tame, though, so we shouldn’t have any trouble.” Gardevoir nodded happily and took my hand in her arm as we walked out of the building.

****

I had seen them from a distance, but standing up close to a wild zone entrance was…jarring at best. Quasartico is utilizing something called “holo-tech barriers” to make these wild zones–which I imagine limits construction costs, but that also means it’s just repurposing parts of the city instead of addressing the actual problem…
“Uh, okay, to be honest I have no idea how these things work, do we just–?” I asked, throwing my voice a tad behind me for Gardevoir to pick up on. I pressed my hand against the neon barrier, which let it pass through naturally. “--I guess we do.” I stepped through completely, beckoning Gardevoir to follow me inside. Gardevoir, too, seemed a bit curious about the technology, and it was cute watching her eyes flutter around the area while she deciphered the city’s changes.

We carefully made our way through the narrow street of Wild Zone 1–which made my mind buzz. This zone cuts directly through one of the main walkways on the outskirts of the city–directly next to the train station, mind you. If you were just trying to get to Camphrier Town and wanted to avoid wild pokémon, you’d have to walk all the way up Vert Street and down Vernal Ave. That’s an extra 20 minutes of walking distance.
I was pulled out of my analytical thought spiral not even halfway through the zone, disturbed by shouting from behind a building. Without thinking, I picked up the pace to see what was going on, only to find a woman fighting off a couple pidgey with her apron.

“Shoo–!! Shoo–!! These aren’t for you–!” She growled, trying to put as much of her product into the vendor cart she was attending. In the ruckus, I watched a fletchling try to swoop in to pick up some crumbs, but quickly fluttered away. I didn’t realize I was staring, but our eyes met as she was fending off a stagnant tug-of-war with the birds. “A little help please–?” I perked up, but Gardevoir reacted sooner than I did.

Gardevoir elegantly floated towards the pidgey, warm, psychic light gently pouring out from her fingers. The air pulsed with a quiet glimmer–just enough to spook the troublemakers without hurting them. Gardevoir watched them fly away and floated back down to the ground, patting the woman on the head while smiling at me–clearly proud of her work.

“Ugh,” the clerk groaned, brushing off her apron and attempting to tidy her pastry cart. “Third time today. These stupid birds are getting cheeky.” I did my best to flash her a sympathetic smile, but I also wanted to satisfy my own curiosities.

“Do you always work out here?” I asked, letting Gardevoir return to my side and hug my arm.

“It used to be a great spot, but ever since they threw up this wild zone I’ve been getting less customers and losing more products thanks to pokémon.” She sighed, digging through her cart for a short moment before pulling out a small chocolate croissant–albeit a little squished. “Here, for your Gardevoir. Thanks, by the way.” She added softly.
I took it with a nod and passed it to Gardevoir, whose eyes lit up at the sight of a dessert. A small smile crept from under my lips, but underneath that I felt a little unnerved. Wild pokémon steal food sometimes, yes, but directly attacking a woman like that? That’s not…normal behavior, even if they are wild. These ‘wild’ zones don’t feel thought out at all.

****

I let out a quiet sigh of relief as we reached the entrance to the Pokémon Research Lab. Even with all of the crazy changes happening around the city, I was still excited to get to chat with Professor Sycamore about my mega evolution thesis. After spending time in both Paldea and Alola, I really do believe that mega evolution isn’t tied to specific species–but instead manifests directly as a result of their emotional bonds. If I’m right, this could mean that every species of pokémon on the planet has a mega evolution–we just have to unlock it.

I could feel Gardevoir’s giddiness as we walked through the doors, which helped to comfort any of my remaining anxieties. I waved to the clerk as I made my way to the elevator and pressed the button to the third floor, followed by a small wait before the doors opened. I had only taken a single step out when–

“That shortsighted NITWIT–!” came barreling at me from the adjacent wall. “That stupid mayor poured even MORE money into this ridiculous urban redevelopment plan?!” I stopped in my tracks, glancing over at Gardevoir with a shocked expression on my face. “Sure! Great! More pokémon! Love it! But you can’t just throw ‘em in a wild zone and call it a day!!” Trying to decide what to do, the two of us slowly crept forward, clinging to the wall so as to not be seen. As I was listening, though, this woman’s voice was familiar–angry, but familiar. Where have I heard that voice from…? “No–you’ve got to have scientists SURVEY and STUDY these things to figure out what’s safe–!! Who can keep up with the work when they keep adding new wild zones every time I turn around?!” No, wait, I know who this is–but, no, it couldn’t possibly be.
Curiosity got the best of me and I peeked over the side of the wall before coming completely into her vision. Holy shit.

“Mable?!” slipped out of my mouth as I stood in front of her in disbelief. The moment Mable saw me her body tensed up. I watched her grit her teeth as she took a restrained breath, her hands tightening into fists as she was processing. I suppose she was already pissed, oops. Gardevoir looked like she was about to step in, but instead Mable sighed, calming herself down.

“And here I thought you were done saving Kalos.” She mumbled, daggers laced within her voice. It really was her–I hadn’t seen her since the incident from five years ago. I thought she was like, jailed?? I watched her rotom tablet fly to her hand as she finished tapping on it and her keyboard. With a groan, she closed her laptop, resting her chin on her hands as she leaned over the Professor’s desk. “It’s been what–five years? You haven’t changed a bit."

“I– what– where’s Professor Sycamore?!” Mable rolled her eyes, getting up from her chair and casually strutting over to me and Gardevoir.

“Resigned. Much like you, he couldn’t handle the stress of almost ending the world. Wonder what he’s up to nowadays.” She asked, pretending to think as she continued to condescend me. “Maybe you could’ve convinced him to stay, if you knew he was leaving.” I bit my tongue–no I’m not playing into this. “How was Paldea by the way? You didn’t publish very many papers during your time there.” She added, doing a 360 check of Gardevoir, seemingly examining her as a specimen. Gardevoir, instead of shuttering, let her…? Mable even scratched under her chin and listened to her coo. Gardevoir must not sense any hostile intent from her…but her words say otherwise. “For your information, I took a plea deal to temporarily assume the role of professor while they look for a permanent replacement. I legally cannot harm you.” She said, giggling slyly as she took a playful fall into her seat.

“How long have you been acting professor?” I asked, letting up just a bit on my defensiveness.

“About a year or so. If I’m good, they’ll let me leave the city in a few years~.” She cooed. “Anyway,” She began, turning to face me again. “I have far too much work to do because Lumiose’s governmental body is entirely incompetent. What are you here for?” I stood awkwardly in front of her desk, debating whether or not to actually tell her. Fine, sure, yes, people deserve second chances. I took a breath and pulled out a file folder from my bag.

“I was planning to show this to Professor Sycamore, but it’s my field thesis on mega evolution. That’s why I wasn’t publishing anything in Paldea–…wait, you’ve read my work??” Mable let out a small laugh.

“Unfortunately, you are rather smart. You and the champion both.” She said off-handedly, going back to typing on her laptop she opened a moment ago. I gave her a slightly puzzled look, pulling my thesis closer to my chest.

“…I wasn’t aware Diantha had gotten into pokémon research.” I mumbled quietly, puzzled by why she would group us together.

“She didn’t.” The faux professor paused, looking up from her keyboard and directly at me. “…Do you really not know?” My heart sank a little as I watched Mable smirk from her laptop. “Here. Look. This was two years ago.” She said, a snark at the end of her voice. She flipped her laptop around and played a video full-screen.

…And there she was. Rising from the stained glass platform in the trench coat she bought after saving the fucking world–was my childhood best friend: Vivienne Calverne. The champion hall looked stunning. The battle wasn’t even close. She didn’t even mega evolve. With a final shout towards her Ceruledge, “Burn it DOWN SERAINE–!!”, a final bitter blade struck Diantha’s Mega Gardevoir, ending the fight as the fairy fell to the ground. Vivienne is crowned Champion of the Kalos League.

Chapter Text

I don’t remember leaving the lab. One second I was staring at Mable’s screen–Vivienne, her Cerluedge–and the next I was in a full sprint running down South Boulevard while choking on my own thoughts.

The sun was already setting–casting nauseating shadows over the city that towered over me, almost as if to scare me on purpose. I felt sick. I didn’t know where Gardevoir was. I needed to find her, I had to–I had to say something, do something, show her how sorry I was. Not a day went by where I didn’t ache for her, where I wasn’t praying–hoping that she was doing okay. I never stopped thinking about you, Vivienne. I should’ve never fucking left. What the fuck was I thinking?
My lungs gave out before my grief did. I felt my knees buckle under the weight of my guilt and collapsed onto the pavement, wind knocked out of me. I didn’t even try to stop the tears, they just came. I pressed my face into my arms, sobbing face down onto the cold, hard concrete while the sky grew melancholy.

Time passed–to hell if I know for how long. The streets were quiet–empty. I was alone. Just like I said I’d always wanted to be. Rolling onto my back, I gazed mournfully upward–the blurry shape of Prism Tower leaking into my vision, my tears obscuring any clarity I’d hoped for. There were stars out. Barely.
I felt like a chapter of my life just closed without my permission. How the hell was she the Champion?! How did I not notice?! Why didn’t she tell me?! Thoughts clung to my heart as I continued to sob. This should’ve been a dream. A terrible, horrible dream. I clenched my fists enough to dig my fingernails into my palm, desperate for the pain to wake me up.

‘Burn it down, Seraine.’ echoed over and over inside my head. Like those words were meant to erase me.

****

I watched as the last of the sunlight faded, being overcome with a slight chill as the temperature dropped to nightly levels. I was sitting on a bench in Vert Sector 4–this is where I caught Sylvie, years ago. She was just a small ralts back then–timid little thing. I caught her because I thought her messy hair was cute–she definitely stuck out in a crowd despite wanting to be invisible.

I don’t know why I’m here. Comfort, maybe? Nostalgia? Longing for a time that’s long since passed, my heart overstaying its welcome. I quietly pulled out my rotom phone–the little ghost of electricity quietly asleep as I pulled up mine and Vivienne’s text messages. She was so warm when I first left, even when I did it in the most cowardice way possible.

‘Hey Jules. Emma had told me you left for Paldea the other day! I know you need space, but it has been rather lonely around here without you. The damage to Lumiose was relatively tame, and I’ve been trying to help the locals rebuild. I hope you find what you’re looking for while on your trip. Send me pictures, okay? Miss you.’

…

‘Hey Jules! It’s been a while, how’s Sylvie doing? I hope she’s enjoying all her Gardevoir powers still. Whenever I pass by that little alcove, I always think about how adamant you were about catching her in a heal ball. It was so cute. Emma says hi.’

…

‘Hey Jules, I hope you’re okay. No one’s heard from you since you left and I’m starting to get worried. Whatever you’re going through, you know you don’t have to go through it alone. I’m here for you Julia–please get home safe.’

...

So fucking stupid. If I had just replied we wouldn’t be in this mess. I was four years too late getting back to her. She’s changed. If I could take it all back I would. I didn’t realize how much I needed her–I thought, choking on the air. It was hard to breathe, it felt like my lungs were collapsing and my heart was dying. I curled up on the cold anti-homeless bench, arms around my knees, sobbing into the fabric of my sleeve as I cursed every decision I made after the incident. This is what I get for killing someone.

****

I sat silently in the cold, cruel backdrop of an empty night. The wind quietly howled, and the grass rustled with a somber sort of tone. Ralts aren’t exactly fond of negative emotions, so I’m not surprised I didn’t see one. I’d hide from me too.
In my own self pity, I heard the wind pick up. The grass rustled just a bit louder. And out of the corners of my vision crept a soft, knowing pink light. I heard Gardevoir let out a quiet hum, assuming she’d just teleported to find me, but when I did–she was there too.

Towering above my Gardevoir was a tired woman in her early twenties. She had a cigarette lit and scowled as soon as she saw me. My breath hitched. She was wearing a gorgeous, worn trench coat–one that looked intimidating, but formal. Her collared shirt was haphazardly open and she smelled like tobacco and regret. Vivienne didn’t speak right away. Her eyes moved over me like she was reading a ghost story. Her silence wasn’t indifference. I looked at Gardevoir with a primal fear in my eyes–I’d never been this scared before in my life. Why the hell would she grab her??

“You don’t get to fucking send her to do what you wouldn’t, Julia. We’re not kids anymore.” Vivienne angrily berated. I was frozen, my throat choking on the words I so desperately wanted to say out loud. I didn’t send her, she acted on her own. She wouldn’t even believe me if I did have the words.

“I- I didn’t…” I managed to sputter out before being met with a frustrated eye roll.

“Save it.” Vivienne growled. I hugged my legs a bit tighter, completely unprepared to be speaking to her today. 

“Vivienne I–”

“Fucking shut it, Julia. You don’t get to ghost me for four years and then come back into my life like nothing happened.” I whimpered quietly, my eyes widening as I was caught off guard by her hostile demeanor. I don’t think I’ve seen her this upset before–not even when the world was ending. Tears welled up in my eyes as the true extent of my neglect burdened my mind, and I couldn’t manage to stammer anything out without bursting entirely. “If you want back in Kalos then I’ll make sure you learn your goddamn place.” She said, flicking her cigarette onto the ground and stomping it out with her foot.

Reaching into her trench coat, she pulled out a dream ball before tossing it onto the ground. Her Ceruledge materialized beside her, standing like a vengeful knight before its queen. The heat was unbearable. The hatred—terrifying. It radiated off them both in waves. “Fight me.” Vivienne began coldly. “Show me you want to be here.” Ceruledge readied at her side, a literal sword she would surely use to cut me down.

I didn’t respond. The Champion? I don’t…–is this punishment? Have I really ruined everything? Gardevoir quietly floated by my side, placing her hand on my back and nodding.

“Wha–... Sylvie, please–” I begged, as she grabbed my hand and led me off the bench. My heart felt like it was about to pound out of my chest, and my legs could barely hold me upright. Gardevoir gracefully floated in front of me, taking the elegant battle stance she’s always assumed. She turned her head around to face me, and offered a small, kindred smile before looking back at Vivienne and Cerluedge.

The battle began faster than I could react. A quick nod from Vivienne turned into a fiery wave of hatred and anguish. Gardevoir threw up a protect shield that shattered within two hits. Gardevoir burned. My body trembled. 

Ceruledge was predicting Gardevoir’s movement–a psycho cut, bitter blade–fire blast off the wall that always hit. “Sylvie!!” I let out an agonizing cry as she staggered backwards. My eyes flew to Vivienne, who was just watching us burn. God fucking damn it. “I don’t want to fight you, Viv!!” I shouted, voice breaking, as I commanded Gardevoir to fire a blast back.

With a passionate cry, Gardevoir threw a ball of moonlight directly at Ceruledge, only for it to get cut apart before it even landed.

“Then you shouldn’t have left me here to rot.” Her voice echoed, a tragic anger laced within her voice. That line shot through my heart directly like a bullet–my chest caved in. Is that how she feels? Before I could comprehend anything–against the sound of Ceruledge and Gardevoir clashing–I watched Vivienne reach into her coat and pull out a revolver.

“Wh-wha.. Vivienne you wouldn’t—” My breath hitched–and I instinctively took a step backward, debating taking Gardevoir’s heal ball and running. Does she really hate me that much? For a moment, Ceruledge stopped her attacks. She just stood there, menacingly. Gardevoir, nearly beaten and on the ground, looked up at the two of them with a desperate sadness in her eyes.

“For what it’s worth,” Vivienne began, low and exhausted. “I’m sorry I had to do this.” She grimaced, pointing her revolver directly at me. I tightly shut my eyes, accepting that today was the day I died. I guess she does hate me. I heard her click the revolver back, and then…

A cry from Ceruledge. The air around us began to move and I opened my eyes to see her revolver glowing with a rainbow light, pulsating in front of Seraine as a sphere of pure energy engulfed her completely. I stood with a look of desperation and fear plastered on my face, as Ceruledge’s energy began to crack.

In a moment, it shattered–revealing my worst fear. I choked on the swelteringly hot air emanating from the glow, Gardevoir groaning in pain as the energy burst. She did it. She fucking did it. In all of its malicious, mystifying glory, hovering above the ground with pink-hot flames, was Mega Ceruledge. A flame specter engulfed in molten armor, its blades serrated–quelled only by the screaming spirits trapped from inside. I wanted to tear myself apart. “Seraine?” Vivienne added–Ceruledge completely still as she awaited orders. “Burn it down.” She said, pulling out a cigarette from her coat, and lighting it with her…revolver.

The final attack was swift–clinical. It threw molten metal all around the sides of buildings where it slashed. The alcove bled–scorched. Tall grass swayed softly as it burned. I was sweating blood. Ceruledge quietly floated to the ground, where Gardevoir–barely conscious, reached out her hand toward them both, before Vivienne called Seraine back into her dream ball. Vivienne looked down at my smoldering Gardevoir, this time she just looked…tired. Her flames were gone.

The two of us sat in silence for a moment that felt like years. My lip was quivering, my legs uneasy as we locked eyes. Vivienne took a breath like she was going to say something, when her phone began ringing. It flew out of her pocket, and she answered. “It’s 10pm, this better be important.” She remarked, beginning to walk forward and out of the alcove. As she passed me, she almost looked…regretful. Like she was grieving. Calling Gardevoir back into her ball, I was once again alone.

What the fuck have I done?

Chapter Text

The hotel room was quiet, aside from Gardevoir trying to tidy the room. It’s been a few days since our fight, and I’ve kept myself in a self-imposed prison sentence in this damn hotel since. I let out an unsteady sigh, and buried my face further into my pillow. I’m so fucking stupid. I gave up everything that gave me comfort because I was too afraid of losing it and now I’m drowning in the consequences of my own actions. Maybe I shouldn’t have come back. Maybe things would be better if I just–...

Gardevoir let out an annoyed cry, almost like she was listening to my thoughts. I hadn’t really been speaking with her these past few days. She insisted she wanted to stay out of her ball, but I’ve felt…a little betrayed, since that night. I rustled with my pillow before peeking out from under the covers, trying to get a look at Gardevoir. I couldn’t stay mad at her forever. I just don’t understand why she did what she did. I gazed up mournfully at her, watching as she adjusted the curtains to let in a small amount of light. She had some of my pokeballs out on the desk–her heal ball and a friend ball I used back in Kitakami.

With a steady breath, I watched Gardevoir as she gently petted the green pokeball, a warm, pink light softly emanating from her hand, like she was comforting the pokémon inside. My eyes softened as I listened to her coo, and any irrational anger I felt slowly melted away. Our eyes met, and Gardevoir gave me a small smile.

“Why did you…?” I ached, a pit of guilt resting in my stomach. Gardevoir timidly floated towards me, slowly–enough not to be imposing. She knelt down to my level and pressed her forehead against mine, letting out a low, remorseful hum. My eyes swelled with tears, and I felt her love ruminating against me. “I wasn’t…ready. I…I wanted to find her…once I was…” I mumbled softly, knowing full well I was lying to myself and to Gardevoir. Sylvie gently shook her head, and brushed my bangs out of my face to leave a soft kiss on my forehead. “You…knew, didn’t you…? That I’d never be ready,” I began, my eyes drawing to the floor. “And you knew she wouldn’t be either…”

With an honest, relieved cry, she pulled me into her arms and hugged me tightly. I froze, finally putting the pieces together. My lip quivered, and I couldn’t hold back my tears anymore. I hugged her tightly as I cried into her shoulder–a mix of remorse, relief, and unconditional love swelling in my chest.

We stayed like that for a while. I clung to her almost desperately, and she held me in the way she knew I needed. With time, my tears slowed. My breath steadied. I could feel my own agency returning to my thoughts. I placed my hand lightly on Gardevoir’s chest, feeling her heart–warm and steady, like it always was. I took a quiet breath, trying not to choke on my words. “I- I’m sorry, Sylvie…” She embraced me just a bit tighter, and I could’ve sworn I felt her body grow warmer with joy.

I had finally gotten up and out of bed for the first time in days. Gardevoir helped to make my bed, and I opened the curtains completely to let light in. It looked so nice outside. I ended up opening the window, just to feel the air. The breeze quietly flowed into our room, and Gardevoir was happily humming to herself as she floated over and gave me a pat on my head. I giggled quietly, finally accepting, I think, that things will eventually be okay. I want her back. I want her back and I’m willing to do anything in order to love her again. I don’t know what that love looks like yet—not…after everything. But I’m ready to find out.

I had spent the next few hours on my laptop, trying to piece together everything I missed–everything I was too afraid to confront. It stung, looking at everything Vivienne accomplished while I was gone. She looked so tired after becoming Champion. Apparently, about a year ago, she collaborated with Mable at the Research Lab to synthesize the first completely artificial Mega Stone–Ceruledgite. Ceruledge was a recently discovered evolution of Charcadet, found only in…Paldea. I wasn’t aware Vivienne even left Kalos, and it makes my heart ache that her new partner was one born of anguish and grief.

As the sun began to set, and daylight stretched within the shadows of the walls, my internal monologue was interrupted by a subtle knock at the door. Not a sharp one–just three gentle taps like the punctuation of a thought. I glanced over at Gardevoir’s heal ball, relieved she was finally resting, before going to answer the door. Cracking open the door, I was greeted by the towering man from the lobby, accompanied by a concerned, but happy, Floette with the most beautiful flower I’ve ever seen.

“Pardon my intrusion, Miss Caelivane. Floette had grown worried for you and your Gardevoir, and insisted I come check on the two of you.” He said, flashing me a kind, knowing smile. My cheeks flushed a light red with embarrassment, and I could feel the man quietly examining my expression while I was lost for words. “That look you have,” he began. “It’s the same one I wore when I thought I had ruined everything I loved.” He sang, in a soft, low tone. “Would you humor me, a moment? There’s something I’d like to show you.” His Floette danced on his shoulder, letting out a happy cry that made the man smile.

“Um, sure, y- yeah.” I nodded, an aching familiarity about this man fueling my analytical brain. He and Floette led me towards the elevator–it was old, vintage, but so charming in a city that felt like it’s lost its identity. As the elevator rose with an analog variance, he gently looked down at me, only for a moment.

“I apologize for not introducing myself formally. My name is AZ, and I’m the caretaker of this hotel.” I gave him a shy nod as the elevator eventually creaked open, revealing a beautifully kept rooftop space, with seating and vivid boxed gardens. The sun had set completely by now, the dusky atmosphere leaving gold and pink bruises reflected on the buildings in an almost romantic sort of way. Prism Tower rose in the distance like a lighthouse no one had called home in years. AZ and his Floette simply walked towards a railing on the edge, and gazed out at the city below. The wind howled quietly, almost like it was taking a reverent moment to enjoy our presence.

After a long silence, AZ turned around to face me. He gestured towards one of the cushioned chairs, and I took a seat opposite of him and Floette. Floette exchanged glances with him, a flicker of concern laced within her eyes, and AZ simply gave her a quiet nod. With a quiet noise, Floette floated over to me and sat quietly on my lap–looking up at me, almost asking for permission. I gave her a small smile, giggling softly as I gently patted her head with my finger. She cooed happily, nuzzling into my lap and giving AZ a shy nod once she was settled. AZ smiled, in a knowing, almost protective manner.

“I came here often, after the war,” He began, in a reverent, almost regretful manner. “Back when I believed that moving on meant pretending nothing happened. I thought–if I just stayed still, no one would ask me to change.” His eyes looked up at me with a grief that reminded me of mine. The understanding he was trying to convey wasn’t one of sympathy–but of surviving your worst mistake. “You left because you were afraid.” He echoed gently. “And she kept pushing forward because she didn't know how else to keep herself together. You two loved each other so much that you mistook silence for mercy.” His voice was much softer, and he offered me a tragic smile. Floette seemed to cling tighter to my chest, like she, too, needed comfort. 

That line plucked a heartstring I’d been trying so damn hard to ignore. We did love each other. We grew apart because we thought the other wanted to let go. “…When I built the Ultimate Weapon, my sin upon the Earth,” He said, his voice quietly unraveling. “I thought it would bring her back to me.” He paused, looking mournfully at Floette. “But grief,” he added. “doesn’t rewind the clock. It only teaches you the cost of not speaking when you had the chance.” My lip began to quiver, and I tried to look down at the ground so as to not cry.

“What if I already ruined it?” I asked, voice unsteady. “What if I already waited too long?” AZ gently shook his head.

“Floette returned to me three thousand years later. There is no such thing as too late, only losing hope. You’ve done terribly well for yourself, Julia. You have your Gardevoir–your voice. Vivienne stayed here for a reason, and I think deep down you know why.” …She was waiting for me to come back.

Floette floated up towards my cheek and nuzzled me softly, almost in a bode of reassurance before she flew back towards AZ and sat on his shoulder. The wind drifted as my mind sputtered with all the things I wanted to tell Vivienne. We sat, gazing at the night sky, no words needing to be said. The breeze felt nice. I felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. Please, wait for me a little longer, beloved.

Our silence was interrupted by AZ, his voice quiet and soft. “Something is happening in the city, Miss Caelivane.” He sighed, his tone almost burdened. “Something only those who’ve endured loss seem to feel. Vivienne knows it…and I believe you do, too.” He paused for a moment that almost felt too long. “Kalos may need both of you again–not because you’re strong, but because you remember what broke it the first time.” He gave me a subtle nod as he stood up from his seat. Him and Floette turned to leave, but as he called the elevator, he turned back to me for just a moment, offering one last truth. “Live like it isn’t too late. That’s the only way I ever found peace.”