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A Legendary Meeting

The little Fire/Psychic-type legendary sat anxiously around the makeshift table of rock. She could only sit for a few moments before she fluttered up and busied herself with shifting the cups of water she had set at each spot. She never could sit still. She was awaiting the arrival of three very different dragons. Needless to say, she was a bit on the nervous side, especially since two of those dragons didn’t get along terribly well. She could only hope that they could set aside their differences for at least half and hour while they discussed something that could affect them all, the stars. She hoped that they had more insight into these strange objects than what she’d already gathered herself.

Jormangandr was the first to arrive; this was both a blessing and a curse. The shiny Rayquaza always teased her about the way she spoke and constantly threatened to eat her. But, had he arrived second to Escher, the Palkia, there was no way Jor would’ve just flown on by.

“Vhere’s your brother?” Venka asked timidly as the long dragon coiled himself on a spot and picked up the small cup of water in disgust. Venka knew what was coming so she braced herself.

“I’m sorry, were you speaking to me?” Jor set the drink down, a hungry look in his eyes as he stared, unblinking, at the little Victini. “I didn’t hear a ‘sir.’”

The little Pokemon swallowed hard and tried her hardest to not be scared. “My apologies, sir”

“That’s better.” He relinquished his gazed and sneered at the makeshift cups and table. “I see you’ve spared no expense.” He jeered, avoiding her question.

She was relieved when, at that time, a rift opened near the table and Escher, the Palkia, stepped out. His mood was instantly soured as he noticed the other guest. Venka dared a glance at Jor and could see he was far less happy. But he wasn’t one to run off from this.

“Jormungandr,” Escher growled as he took a seat opposite the Rayquaza. “I see you’ve not been joined by your brother.”

“No,” Jor hissed back. He was braver when his brother was with him. There was no way he could take the Palkia, one-on-one. So, he sat uneasily and quietly for the time being.

Escher kept his eyes locked on Jor, forgoing his usual manners to keep the shiny Rayquaza in line. “Venka, why have you summoned is?” He tried to soften his tone, to relay he wasn’t entirely upset with her, but it was hard with his gruff voice.

“Yes, thank you… sir” she cleared her throat and began fluttereing out of her seat. “I have called you here to discuss the occurrences of these star-shaped objects that seem to change Pokemon into Pokemon-human hybrids.”

Jormungandr was suddenly interested in this meeting. He’d heard rumor of these stars, but had yet to see any evidence. From the sound of it, the little Victini had seen some of these Pokehumans. “Have you seen any?” he asked anxiously. He believed great power lied in these stars and anything that could give him an edge in power, he was wanting.

Confident that Jor wouldn’t cause trouble for the time being, Escher directed his attention to Venka. He was interested in what she had to say as well, though he had an inkling he knew more than her.

“I’ve not seen a star, no, but I have spoken vith two such changed Pokemon.” Venka could sense the disappointment radiating from the Rayquaza.

Also sensing his anger, Escher deemed it wise to put in his two cents, so to speak. “I have also spoken with one who has changed. Pyry, my ward, happened upon one a few months ago. He was out playing when the star found him.”

“Found him?” Jor asked, disbelieving, “How could it find him?”

“No, I know vhat you mean!” Venka burst in with vigor. “That’s vhat it seemed vith the Combee and Lilligant girls!”

“Explain!” the Rayquaza slammed a fist on the stone table, rattling the glasses.

Escher stood, taking a defensive stance, purple flames dancing across his teeth as he roared. Jor immediately shrank back. “Silence! Do not speak again unless are you spoken to!” Jormungandr crossed his arms and glared daggers at Escher. The flames died and Escher sat back down, glaring equally as hard at the Rayquaza.

There was a long, unsteady silence between the group before Venka broke it with a small cough. Jor immediately glared at her and Escher growled lowly, warning him. “A-anyvay,” she started again, worried that she was about to gobbled up. “Th-they said they found their stars, but they vere in very convenient and easy-to-find places. They also said the stars vere almost calling to them.”

Jormungandr didn’t care for this answer. If what Venka said was indeed true, then it would probably be unlikely if he would find a star to use. He flicked the end of his tail in irritation. “Has any one who’s NOT a peon been changed?”

“I-I don’t know…” Venka lowered her voice as she sank down.

“I have heard that Eilam has been changed.” Escher answered flatly. At this, both Jor and Venka were shocked. For the Arceus to have been changed by these stars showed they were indeed powerful. The Rayquaza’s mind reeled. To possess just one of these stars would most certainly give him the upper hand. The Victini had other thoughts, though. She was worried that if Eilam could be changed, what did that mean for the rest of Pokemon kind?

“This could prove to be very dangerous!” she voiced, most concerned.

“No, this is a gift!” Jor leaned on the table, his voice hungry for a star. “Think of the power one would hold, being half human, half Pokemon!”

“This is not something to play with, Jormungandr.” The Palkia warned. He too saw the possible danger in these stars.

“You both are fools!” he slammed his fist on the table again.

Escher stood at this once more. “Watch your tone!” he roared, the purple flames returning. Venka retreated from the table; this fight would not end as peacefully as the last.

“Make me!” the Rayquaza roared back, his body lifting off the ground. “You are an old fool, Escher! You cannot see true strength when is staring you in the face!” The wind began to pick up and snow hurled towards the Water/Dragon. Jor was whipping up a Blizzard. He laughed as Escher tried to block the hail. “Idiot!”

Escher roar, the hail hurt, but not nearly as much as what he was about to do to the Rayquaza. The flames than had been licking his teeth burst for with ferocity, blasting the serpentine dragon backwards. He roared out in pain and flew off as fast as he could. “Coward!” Escher yelled after him.

Venka came to Escher side when the Palkia had calmed and was certain the Rayquaza would not be returning any time soon. “Are you alright, sir?”

He shook off what ice was still on him. “I am quite alright, my dear.” He turned to face the Victini, his harsh visage softened upon seeing her worry. “Next time you summon me, I bid you not invite him.” She nodded in agreement. “I realize you were simply trying to gain as much knowledge as you could, but I fear that may lead you into more danger than even I can save you from.”

Venka sighed and looked away, “I know…”

The Palkia managed a little smile; the warmth only showing to those that knew him. He lifted her chin with a gentle claw. “Please, be careful. I know you will seek out these stars until you have your answers, but I beg you to reconsider.”

The Victini placed her tiny hands on his claw, lowering it. “You know I can’t.”

Escher sighed, lowering his hand. “I know. I cannot change who you are anymore than I can change the way time flows.” He gave a knowing smile and a rift opened behind him. “I bid you welcome anytime you wish; you know where to find me.” She nodded and he left the same way he came in. And then she was alone.

Warped Sense

Escher stood outside the cave entrance that he and Pyry called home. Something felt… off… like space was being warped, and he was most certainly not doing it. The last time he sensed this same energy, Pyry had changed from a normal Cryogonal, to a Pokemon-human hybrid. Whatever was causing this sensation, it was close; within walking distance, so no need to open a portal.

He took a step forward. Surprised, he stared at his feet, it seemed so deliberate, but involuntary. It was like whatever was causing the odd sensation was drawing Escher closer to it. The other odd thing was that Escher didn’t feel the need to fight it. Some other part of him was telling him he needed this… whatever it was.

It was only a short walk for such a large Pokemon, despite the dense fir trees in the area. Of course, he had the ability to warp the space around him, so the thick forest was nothing. They would bow and flex and bend out of his way in a very unnatural manner, like someone took a fisheye lens to the real world.

He stepped into the relatively small clearing, the trees flexing back to their normal state like nothing had happened. In the center of the clearing sat a star-shaped stone. It twinkled in the morning light and gave off a gentle humming noise. The humming was rather melodious and Escher would have found it quite enchanting under different circumstances.

“I see,” he spoke aloud, to no one in particular. “You must be what all the others have spoken of.” Nothing but the humming replied back. He chuckled a bit and shook his massive, finned head. “You must have some strange affect on Pokemon; I am addressing you as if you could reply back… or grasp what I’m saying.”

He took a step closer to the stone as the humming seemed to grow louder. A trance seemed to befall him as his gaze could not leave the stone. Closer and closer he crept, arm now being outstretched, reaching for the stone.

“I understand.” He spoke softly, eyes closing as he grasped the star and fell into a gentle slumber.