Chapter 6
She’s still going…
“I’ve seen scientists with less enthusiasm.”
Shortly after the two groups had come to an agreement, the trainer and his team were led to the castle, the giant crystal spire they had seen from before they had even stepped foot into the Crystal Empire. The Crystal Ponies themselves reminded him of the stories he had heard of the Crystal Onix in the Orange Archipelago.
The whole walk, they had been watched. None of the stares were hostile, though a few looked at them in fear. For the most part, though, the ponies were simply curious. Xavier knew that it made sense, what with being an alien visitor. They had undoubtedly been talking about him and his team.
They had been in the Crystal Empire’s palace for several hours now, specifically the rooms that had been set aside for them. They were so lavish that they made the five-star resorts they’d stayed in over the years look like one-room huts with dirt floors.
The youngest princess had accompanied them, having literally conjured a notepad and a pencil from somewhere. It had been three hours since she had started, and she was still asking Gabrielle questions at a speed which would put an Alakazam to shame.
I’m not sure I can answer that, they heard her say as calmly as she could. That sounds like something Daphne would be better qualified to explain.
What. The Delphox gaped at the Gardevoir briefly. No. No! Don’t you dare do this to me! Don’t you dare, or I swear by Palkia I will -
Before she could finish her death threat she heard Twilight’s telepathic voice. Miss Daphne?
Just… Daphne is fine, she replied, quickly composing herself. Behind her she heard Luca bark out a laugh, so she whipped out her wand and shot a fireball at him. Smiling as he yelped, she asked Now, what was your question? as Gabrielle glided towards Xavier.
“That was cruel,” the man said.
If she hadn’t kept making fun of me, I wouldn’t have done that. Gabrielle watched as Luca massaged his tail gingerly, shooting Daphne a furious glare. Besides, I was honestly running out of answers. She is relentless.
“Was it really that bad?”
Xavier, my brain feels as if it has been put through a blender, she said flatly, staring at him. The last time that happened -
“Was when we challenged Diantha the first time, you told me about that.” Xavier let out a whistle and leaned back onto the bed. “Just what did she ask?”
It started innocently enough. Then she wanted a list of every single documented Pokémon…
“You’re joking.”
I wish I was. Hmm, this is a nice bed, Gabrielle thought. I guess we can look forward to breaking it in later.
“What am I gonna do with you?” he asked, sighing at her behaviour.
She turned to look at him. After this, I think I deserve it, Xavier, she told him seriously.
“Hey, I never said we wouldn’t. I’m just wondering why you seem more… I dunno, frisky, than normal.”
I know what you mean. For some reason I’ve been feeling… ugh, I can’t find the words, she replied, annoyed with herself. But I just want to be as close to you as I can. Even if it’s just holding you, that’s enough for me.
Xavier chuckled and put an arm around her. “And it’s enough for me,” he said warmly, pulling her closer.
Meanwhile, Daphne was still shooting withering glares at Gabrielle in between answering countless questions from Princess Twilight while Luca sniggered in the background.
So, Daphne, Gabrielle told me that on your world different breeds of Pokémon can breed with one another and produce fertile offspring, something that is unheard of here in Equestria barring the use of magic. Can you explain how that became socially acceptable or perhaps share some insight into it? Twilight asked her curiously.
Daphne took a moment to think. Well, I suppose the breeding aspect comes from our history, when humans and Pokémon fought side-by-side on battlefields. Some Pokémon are capable of techniques that, unless you’re born with them or its something your kind is known for, can’t be learned.
So… Pokémon were used as weapons? Twilight asked, sounding disturbed by the notion.
I just said that humans and Pokémon fought side-by-side. Wars back then were devastating. When one side is capable of forcing the very earth to crack open beneath them, and the other commands blizzards, it’s not surprising that more than a few areas are completely uninhabitable, she said darkly. And those were just the milder examples. I’ve read a few of the history books and, trust me, when I say entire cities were wiped from the face of the planet, that is not an exaggeration.
I... I see, Twilight answered with a small, shaky nod. Um... so... I see.
We got a little sidetracked, didn’t we? Daphne asked.
Yeah. Um, a little. The alicorn laughed nervously. So, it started through trying to… breed better soldiers?
When you put it like that it sounds disgusting. But yes, you’re right. Now, it’s just the way things are, and have been for centuries.
Alright... and what are your feelings about it? Twilight asked her. If given the chance would you prefer a male Delphox or something else? the mare inquired, then she blushed. Sorry, I’m just trying to get a better idea of how this works overall.
Daphne chuckled. Looks and species aren’t everything. I refuse to go anywhere near some arrogant blowhard in that way, no matter what. They have to prove that they deserve respect. Whether they are another Delphox or not is irrelevant. She paused for a moment and then shrugged. But that’s just me. More than a few are perfectly happy finding love within their own species.
Ah, alright, Twilight said with a small nod, hastily scribbling it down. Now, what about relationships between Pokemon and humans? I gather that it’s not a very widespread occurrence, yet Xavier and Gabrielle seem content and happy together.
Daphne snorted. It was one of those things that fell out of favour. I guess those relationships initially started because the wars left very small populations of both humans and Pokémon, so they were willing to look anywhere for companionship. It still happens, but it’s pretty rare. Of course, given the circumstances, it’s not surprising that they fell into each other’s arms.
Circumstances? Twilight inquired curiously. What circumstances?
Other than the fact that he has spent more time in our company than with other humans? Daphne asked. Well, it would be that all seven of us share the same burden, the same curse, if you will.
You’re cursed? Twilight asked with a slight frown, staring at the Delphox intently. But, there’s no such thing as a curse.
Not a literal curse, Daphne explained. There are very few Pokémon blessed with immortality, and they all know how to cope with it. Some are long-lived, their lifespan measured in centuries. We were unsure which ours truly is, but our encounter with Arceus confirmed that we are indeed immortal. The only thing keeping us sane is each other, she said sadly.
Twilight took a few moments to digest that. I... see, she said at last. So the reason that Xavier and Gabrielle are together is…
They will not have to watch the other age and pass away. They have someone they can hold in their heart and never have to replace.
Twilight nodded slowly. I understand... I wish I were so lucky... though I have no feelings for anypony at the moment.
You share our curse as well? Daphne asked, surprised.
Yes, all four alicorns, myself, Cadence, Luna, and Princess Celestia, are immortal, Twilight answered. Along with a hoofful of others scattered across the world.
Then at least you are not alone. It is easier to deal with the repercussions with someone who understands.
I’ve heard, Twilight said with a dour nod. I only ascended recently... and I am not exactly looking forward to the next hundred years of watching those I love die. The mare let out a small sigh. Anyways... I should probably get going... got to get my report for Princess Celestia ready.
As the alicorn walked out of the room, Xavier and the rest of his team turned to face her. “What did you do?”
I… I may have touched a nerve.
She looked like a kicked Growlithe, Gabrielle said pointedly, raising an eyebrow at Daphne.
It’s not like I meant to do that, she shot back. It… it just happened.
“What did you say?” Xavier asked again, less harshness in his voice.
The subject of our immortality came up, she explained.
“And that touched a nerve with her?” Xavier asked in confusion. “Why?”
Daphne took a few moments to think about it. She’s immortal as well, and in the same position we were all those years ago. I must have pushed it to the forefront of her mind.
“Wait... she’s an immortal too…?” Xavier trailed off and frowned. “That’s strange. I wonder if it’s coincidence... did she mention any others?”
The other alicorns, the ones with wings and horns, she explained. She’s not alone, which is something. But she did say that she has friends, and they’re not… not like her.
Xavier cringed, remembering what that had been like for him. “Oh.”
Do you think Arceus knew? Gabrielle asked. Were we sent here to help?
“I don’t think Arceus knew about this,” the man said, waving away the idea. Blaster snorted and Amp bleated his disagreement. “What do you mean Arceus probably did?”
Arceus said that my fires were nothing compared to the ones breathed into every star and planet. That Arceus created them. It would make sense that he - it would be monitoring everything, Daphne said.
Not to mention that he - it is by definition all knowing, Gabrielle added with a small frown. Of course, that returns us to our original question; why were we sent here of all places?
Xavier sighed. “I guess we can ask Arceus next time we run into… What is Arceus anyway, male or female?” he asked. All around him, his team fell into thought.
Luna looked up from her seat on a plush couch in her guest room as Twilight entered. Until then she had been re-reading the reports on their guests as well as penning her first thoughts of their encounter down in a journal of sorts.
“Ah, Twilight, you are back,” Luna said with a smile. “How did your time with our guests go?” To Luna’s surprise, Twilight did not seem happy. “What is the matter? Did they not share anything?”
“No, no, they shared a lot,” the younger alicorn replied, holding up a notepad, each page filled with notes.
“Then, and pardon the expression, why the long face?” Luna asked her, frowning slightly.
“They’re immortal. Like us. And while we were talking... one thing lead to another... and I was reminded of how very alone I - we are,” Twilight said despondently.
“Oh, Twilight, we are never alone,” Luna said kindly, getting up from her seat and walking over to wrap a wing over her. “Though those we hold dear may pass on, they will live forever as long as we remember them.”
“Auntie?” They both turned to see Cadance standing at the door. Her mane was a mess, her crown was nowhere to be seen, and there was a strange smell clinging to her.
“What is that smell?” Twilight asked, waving her hoof in front of her face.
“Cadance, have some decency and shower. You smell like a brothel,” Luna said, scowling at her niece. “And look like you stepped out of one too,” she added, noticing how the pink alicorn’s horn had a strange sheen to it.
“Well excuse me for wanting to spend some time with my husband,” the pink alicorn huffed. “After I thought I wouldn’t see him alive again, can you blame us for what we did?”
“Oh, ew!” the youngest alicorn exclaimed, backing away. “Cadance!”
Cadance gave Twilight a slightly flat look. “You’re old enough to accept these things Twilight,” she said before shaking her head. “And no, just because it’s your brother doesn’t mean that it’s any different from normal love.”
“Part of me knows that, but…” Twilight shook her head. “Can you please just take a shower, though?”
The pink alicorn rolled her eyes. “Fine. I’ll see if I can get Shiny to join me…” She laughed when Twilight made more noises of disgust. Despite herself, Luna couldn’t help but let out a single snicker at the look on Twilight’s face.
“Well, at least they shall be clean,” Luna stated. “Anyways; are you feeling better now, Twilight?”
“Define ‘better’,” the little alicorn replied bitterly.
“Not concerned about the impending deaths of everypony you know over the next fifty to seventy-five years,” Luna replied bluntly.
“A… a little,” she replied hesitantly. “It still hurts, but you’re right. As long as I remember them, that’s all that matters.”
“Good,” Luna said, unwrapping her wing from around Twilight and returning to her seat while she pulled out a blank piece of paper and an ink pot. “Now, onto business. What was your impression of our guests? No, I do not want a ‘report’ on it as my sister will undoubtedly request. Instead I want your honest and unfiltered opinion.”
Twilight took a few moments to compose her thoughts. “Well, they seem friendly enough. And they definitely view each other as siblings, with the exception of Xavier and Gabrielle. They’re lovers,” she explained. “They’re like a family. A strange family, but a family nonetheless.”
Luna nodded thoughtfully. “I see... Is there anything else you can think of?”
“The one known as Daphne seemed a little bit too casual about harming the one called Luca,” she said, sounding a little uneasy. “I’m not sure why, but she sent a fireball at him. If I could understand what the others were saying, then I might have a better idea.”
Luna frowned. “You said they are like a family, yes? Perhaps they are like a brother and sister, constantly at odds with one another,” she hazarded.
“Likely. I was never like that with my brother, but studies show that…” She trailed off under the withering glare Luna gave her. “Right. Sorry.”
“No matter,” Luna replied after a moment. “The more important question is, do you believe that she would throw a fireball at our little ponies?”
“Not unless they did something to hurt her or Xavier.” Twilight paused for a moment. “They’re all especially protective of him,” she added.
“That makes sense from what Cadance was able to get out of them,” Luna said, nodding her head slightly. “Overall what would you have us do with them if you had the final word?”
“Keep them under watch, but otherwise let them move about as freely as any other tourist,” she replied confidently.
Luna smiled slightly. “That was the conclusion that I had drawn as well,” she agreed. “Very well then, I shall write Tia and inform her what has transpired here today, as well as send her your undoubtedly detailed notes,” Luna added with a nod to Twilight. “Then... I suppose we'll see how our guests react to true ‘freedom’, as it were.”