//------------------------------// // Chapter 10 // Story: Pokémon: X-traordinary // by Speven Dillberg //------------------------------// Chapter 10 Xavier and his team weren’t sure how long the press conference had gone on for. While most of them were able to remain calm and still, Luca and Amp instead gave the audience a small show as they fought off boredom. The Ampharos had been juggling balls of concentrated electricity, while the Lucario had decided to go through a number of meditative exercises. For a while those exercises garnered more attention from the photographers, and Luca was happy to give them a show. The movements quickly became more exaggerated and ridiculous, until he was performing spinning kicks, backflips and pirouettes. Xavier only rolled his eyes as the Lucario didn’t even break a sweat after twenty minutes. “Alright, Luca, that’s enough,” Xavier eventually said. “I’m sure you’ve given them enough material for an entire magazine.” Show-off, Daphne thought quietly. Don’t be too harsh, you know he’s always had poor self-control, Gabrielle replied calmly. Luca ignored the barbs and settled back into a relaxed stance. He resumed his vigil, though, knowing that even in a place like this there would be someone stupid enough to try something. Amp just shoved the electrical orbs back into his wooly tail. “Are we done here?” Xavier asked Gabrielle, having grown tired of standing around ‘looking pretty’. I hope so. All these cameras are making me nervous. The Gardevoir didn’t show it, though, maintaining her facade of serenity. At least Luca is drawing their attention. She paused when Luca growled something at her. Oh. Well, thank you for being so considerate. Luca being considerate? Daphne asked. Great, how long until Dialga shows up and restarts the universe? “Cut it out, Daph, it’s not funny when you do it constantly,” the trainer said tiredly. “It’s been a long day and I’d kind of like everyone to just get along, okay?” We haven’t even had lunch yet, the Delphox pointed out. But I’ll stop, if it’s really that annoying. Before them, they saw Princess Celestia snort. They wouldn’t have seen it if they weren’t so close to the alicorn. I can’t say I’m surprised one of them asked that… I’d say that, given your smile, it wasn’t a bad question, Daphne replied. Bad, no. But it was silly. Celestia sighed. Are you here as the herald of an alien invasion? Daphne had to quickly put a paw to her mouth to stop her laughter. Someone actually thinks that!? her mental voice cackled, barely keeping the thought to the group on stage. I do love my subjects dearly, but sometimes… The alicorn let out a small, tired smile. How should we handle this? Gabrielle asked. I… I really can’t think of a good way. We deny it, we’ll get accused of hiding things. And we definitely can’t say yes, the Delphox thought carefully. We might not have to, the Gardevoir pointed out, nodding at the crowd. A fight had started between some of the reporters, among them the one that had asked about the alien invasion. It would seem that we have a few supporters. They watched as a number of guardponies pulled the brawl apart and cuffed all members involved before dragging them away. Celestia let out a sad sigh. I guess that would be a good place to end it. “So,” the auburn stallion said, “you’ve returned.” “A fight broke out amongst the reporters,” Blueblood explained. “Princess Celestia was quick to end it after that.” “I can imagine. So, what can you tell us?” “Nothing the newspapers can’t tell you tomorrow,” Blueblood replied neutrally. “You were able to get close to them,” the other stallion snarled. “Now tell me what those freaks can do.” Blueblood held back a sigh. “Seems like parlour tricks, for the most part. I would be careful around the giant bird and the Diamond Dog-lookalike, though,” he added. “Those two are definitely dangerous.” There was a snort. “I can’t imagine them being too difficult to contain.” He walked over to a cabinet and pulled out a bottle. “Whiskey?” he asked. “No thank you,” Blueblood said politely, knowing very well what the servants did to the bottles. “I have business to attend to after this, and I would rather do so sober,” he lied effortlessly. “Very well,” the stallion said, pouring some of the alcohol into a cup and taking a sip. It took all of Blueblood’s considerable willpower to not cringe. “Anyway, we’ll start drafting plans to deal with these… Pokémon.” “Of course,” Blueblood said. “Is that all?” he asked. “Yes, yes, leave,” the stallion said dismissively. “Gladly,” he muttered as he left the room, feeling dirty and unclean. “What a day...” Xavier said as he leaned against the couch cushion. “Feels like that whole thing lasted weeks.” We haven't even had lunch yet, Daphne pointed out. Where will it be, anyway? she asked. I believe we will be eating in the ‘Grand Dining Room’ somewhere within the castle, Gabrielle replied as she leaned her head gently against Xavier’s neck. Though I for one could simply skip the entire overblown endeavour and eat here instead. “We still need to talk to Celestia about a few things,” Xavier pointed out. That’s true, Gabrielle said. But still... I am just not in the mood. Would you like the rest of us to go without you so you and Xavier can - Yes, the Gardevoir answered bluntly. I would like that a lot. For his part Xavier looked a bit conflicted. On the one hand, here they were, finally somewhere civilised where they could get a modicum of privacy to enjoy themselves and spend time together. On the other... they still didn’t know a great deal about said civilization and the future was uncertain. The man sighed and was about to tell Gabrielle that they’d have to wait for later until he looked down and saw the all but pleading look in her eyes... he’d always had trouble saying no to her. Oh for the love of… Daphne facepalmed. The rest of team reacted similarly. Xavier, no. Just keep control of yourself for five minutes so we can do this lunch. “Well... it’s not like I can actually do any of the talking,” Xavier said with a small thoughtful frown. “And I trust you to represent us well, Daphne. You are after all the smartest one on the team... but I guess if you need Gabby and I there for moral support...” Blaster? The Blastoise, still in his Mega-Evolved form, looked at her. Hit them both. Both Xavier and Gabrielle screamed loudly as icy cold water soaked them to the bone. “What was that for!?” the man yelled as Luca and Amp started laughing at their misfortune. You needed a cold shower, I needed to improvise, she stated calmly. Now get a towel and stop making excuses. We’re going to that lunch, even if Amp has to paralyse you. That was very inconsiderate and childish of you, Gabrielle stated with a peeved expression as the man stomped unhappily to the bathroom. Says the one acting like a Purugly in heat, Daphne shot back snidely. Gabrielle’s eyes narrowed as Luca let out an ‘oooooooh’. I am simply trying to snatch a moment alone with the one I love... besides, I rate at least a Mightyena, she replied as she rose from her seat, using her power to send the water droplets onto Daphne. The Delphox began to steam lightly. Doesn’t change the fact that you are not thinking with your head. “Girls!” they heard Xavier yell from the bathroom. “Stop fighting!” We’re not fighting, we’re just having a discussion, Daphne broadcasted. “Well, whatever it is, stop. Also, Daph, could you blow me dry?” he asked, poking his head out. “This suit isn’t exactly something I can dry with a towel.” Stand still, Daphne commanded. You remember how this works, don’t you? “Yeah,” Xavier said nervously. “I know it doesn’t hurt, but - ” Keep your mouth shut, you don’t want that to happen again, do you? Xavier shuddered as he remembered... there wasn’t enough water in the world to wet that kind of dryness. It had taken weeks before he could taste food again, and having to resort to telepathy for a month had given him brain damage, he was sure. “Get it over with.” There was a brief burst of intense heat as a vortex of flames enveloped the man. Half a second later, the fire disappeared, leaving him standing in a crispy-dry suit. Razor was quick to flap his wings to help cool him off. There, now you are ready, Daphne said before quickly adding, Now control yourselves and make sure that we need not repeat this exercise. Yes, mother, Gabrielle shot back snidely. If I were your mother... Daphne trailed off, allowing Gabrielle to finish the thought within her own mind. At any rate let’s simply get this over with, shall we? That way the two of you can return to your ‘coupling’ while the rest of us entertain ourselves with less ‘base’ desires. Like you aren’t prone to giving in to temptations like that yourself, the Gardevoir replied. “Girls, seriously,” Xavier said, raising his voice so he could be heard as Luca facepalmed at the pair’s bickering. “Aren’t you two supposed to be better than this?” Celestia eyed her guests with a slight amused smile. Her keen and experienced eyes could make out the distinct signs of recently dried hair as well as slight creases around the collar of Xavier's suit that spoke of a quick dry. Not only that, but she noticed the same signs upon Gabrielle’s ‘attire’ as well. Her suspicions of what may have arisen within the short amount of time that Xavier and his group were in the suites was only further evidenced by the occasional annoyed looks that the Gardevoir and the Delphox had been exchanging when they thought no-one was looking. I must say, thank you for jumping through these ‘hoops’ that have been forced upon you since your arrival, Celestia said, breaking through the slight silence that had spread over the table as they moved to dessert. I’m sure it has not been an easy undertaking... and I know that my niece was not exactly the most understanding of hosts. Given the history of that crystal city, we can understand how she jumped to conclusions. Gabrielle conceded. I didn’t exactly help, though. I made the mistake of thinking that what’s normal for us would be normal for you as well. That is true, Celestia agreed with a small nod. Still, I had thought Cadance would know better than to assume the same for you. At any rate, I hope the rest of your stay with us will be far less eventful and hectic. Hopefully you will not have to give up your intimacy for the sake of a luncheon in the future, she added with a small knowing chuckle. Both Gabrielle and Xavier turned crimson. H-how did you know? Live as long as I have, you learn to pick up on things, the princess replied with a serene smile. That... and I have excellent hearing when it comes to ‘blanket’ telepathy. Oh. Daphne had to put down her fork to stifle her laughter. Oh this is too good, she commented. Well, Daphne, I would keep in mind that the same applies to you, Celestia said with a small smile. I do believe that destroying one’s brush out of pure spite is a bit... excessive. Celestia watched as the Delphox rolled her eyes before turning back to Gabrielle. I’m mostly telling you this so that you know to shield yourself in the future. While I know that Luna has always loved those who stay up during the night... she does not enjoy hearing them enjoy it. We… we shall keep that in mind, Gabrielle replied as Xavier turned back to his cake. Excelent, Celestia stated with a smile. With that settled, I suppose we should return to our other business. Sorry if this seems rude, but I can’t imagine just what needs discussing, the Delphox said as she sipped at her water. You don’t have any identification that any officials here can read, Celestia pointed out. Nor do you have money. Before you leave Canterlot, both will need to be looked at. We never had to worry about that before, Gabrielle replied thoughtfully. Only you had to worry about that, didn’t you? she asked, turning to Xavier, who nodded. And it’s not that much of a deal because all the different regions share the same database, Daphne added. Database? Celestia asked with a small frown. I’m afraid while I know both words I’ve never heard them combined like that. As for all using the same identification... it is true that while an Equestrian citizen will be recognised as that everywhere they go, specific documents are required if they plan on travelling to other countries. So, before we can do anything, we need a piece of paper saying we are who we are? Daphne asked. Seems pointless. The bureaucracy is a mindless beast that can’t be tamed, only sated, the princess offered. We don’t do things their way, they make life difficult. Even I need a piece of paper to confirm my identity, she added with a small chuckle. How long will the process take? Gabrielle asked. Usually, anywhere from two weeks to two months. However, I am willing to streamline the process, so you can roam Equestria as you please within a week, the alicorn told them with a smile. In the meantime, you’re welcome to stay here in the Castle and I can promise you that you won’t spend all of your time being hounded by those who wish to numb your mind with either neverending questions or noble ‘bickering’. How does she know what that Twilight pony did to you? Daphne asked, being careful to transmit the thought to Gabrielle instead of to the room at large. I suspect she either received a report... or she simply knows her. She is a Princess as well, after all, Gabrielle replied while taking the same precaution. That... and I sense that they are very well acquainted regardless. Celestia simply smiled and drank from her cup of tea as the pair talked for a moment before adding. I heard what my dear former student Twilight Sparkle subjected you to, Gabrielle, and I apologise for her. She is simply very excitable when new knowledge is concerned. It makes her an excellent researcher yet it occasionally cripples her socially, she explained, offering the Gardevoir an apologetic smile. We’ve encountered that type before, Daphne said, leaning back into the comfortable chair. They mean well, but they tend to forget that we don’t like being treated as experiments. I understand. I’ve already spoken to her about it, Celestia replied. I’m sure over the years she will simply come to regard you as friends. After all, she like yourselves is going to be here for a rather long time. That depends on how long we are here for, Daphne pointed out. We don’t know when or if Arceus will decide to take us back home. Celestia shrugged. If he does then I wish you the best of luck on your own world and if he doesn’t always know that you will always be welcome here in Canterlot, she told them. I know how it feels to travel for hundreds of years and I know the true value of having a familiar place waiting for you upon your return. Thank you. Gabrielle and Daphne looked at each other for a moment. We don’t really know what to say Then do what all immortals must learn to do when given a gift by another, Celestia replied. Simply smile and accept. We’ve spent a lot of time with just each other for company. We’re not used to receiving gifts, Daphne pointed out. Master Xavier doesn’t even remember when his birthday is, Gabrielle added. The man gave her an unhappy look before saying something. The Gardevoir responded by poking her tongue out cheekily. That is not overly surprising, Celestia said with a gentle smile. After a few hundred years such things begin to stop mattering. If I were to make a suggestion, decide that your birthday is on the day the year changes. It is a good way to make sure that you both keep track of such a thing, and that you know what year it is... something that is very easy to lose track of. Oh he knows the year, he doesn’t remember the date, Daphne elaborated. A little hard to forget when he’s constantly reminded. Ah, I see, Celestia replied with a small nod. I suppose I only lost track of the year due to Discord’s meddling. At any rate, it’s good to know that he hasn’t forgotten his age completely. It is a rather horrifying prospect. Xavier tapped Gabrielle on the shoulder. A moment later the man’s head hit the table as he cried out in pain. Celestia nearly gaped, and was shocked to see that the Pokémon seemed completely unfazed by what had just happened. I hate that… Xavier thought as he rubbed the forming bruise. Are you alright? Celestia asked, concern coloring her voice. To my eyes that looked rather like the process of shoving a blunt knife into your brain. Sounds like an accurate description, Xavier replied, smiling a little. Can’t be helped, though. The human brain just isn’t meant to be able to do this. I see... Celestia stated before shaking her head slightly. I take it that you did not suffer that pain for no reason Xavier. What did you wish to say? I just wanted to thank you myself, the man replied sheepishly. I also kinda wanted to explain why I’ll never be able to forget how long I’ve lived. When you stop someone from ending all life before you’re even an adult, you tend to get remembered. Oh my, Celestia said, her mouth opening and then closing. I take it that that is not a metaphor? No, Lysandre wanted to kill everyone and everything using an ancient weapon powered by the lives of hundreds of Pokémon, Xavier explained. He wanted to make everything start all over again. Celestia was silent for a long moment before simply nodding and accepting the words catching Xavier off guard. I see. I would say that I commend you for that, but I’m certain you have already heard that a great deal and are sick and tired of it, she stated, further surprising the man. Remind me to tell you of Discord’s reign at some point and we shall compare notes on the minds of insane megalomaniacs. Do you remember that story about that man called Ghetsis? Daphne asked. I think he was more insane than Lysandre. Wanted to take over the world, didn’t he? After trying to rip apart everyone by making everyone think that us being with humans was leading to us being abused. Gabrielle snorted. Insane, she added. Enough, girls, we don’t want the princess to think our world is a bad place, Xavier said worriedly, glancing at Celestia. Oh, this world is hardly as innocent as you think. I know the horrors one can find if you dig deep enough, Celestia replied kindly. Ponies will go to horrendous extremes to protect their communities from a perceived threat. Some even go as far as cold-blooded murder. Xavier saw a harsh flash of either grief or... perhaps anger in her eyes but it was gone a second after it appeared. Should we be concerned? Xavier asked. No, most ponies know better than to mindlessly lash out. Those that do are considered fools or insane. Well if they do we will defend ourselves, Daphne said. I wouldn’t expect anything less. If you’ve all had your fill then feel free to retire to your rooms. If you’d like, I can send a photographer to take your photographs for your identification documents, The alicorn added before she took a sip of her tea. Or I could ask them to wait until tomorrow if that suits you better, she stated, eyeing Xavier and Gabrielle. Oh, it won’t be a problem, Daphne answered as quickly as possible. After all, no sense in delaying something as small as this, is there? she asked, smirking at the pair. No reason at all, Xavier agreed, gritting his teeth at the smug-looking Delphox. Very well then, Celestia declared, hiding a chuckle. If nothing else, I’m sure nothing will happen to disturb you later tonight. Canterlot is a surprisingly quiet city. Umm… Both Xavier and Gabrielle were at a loss for something to say. Daphne and the rest of the team responded by trying to hide their laughter, some doing better than others. Celestia just chuckled at the pair. I’ll leave you be now, she said as her horn began to glow faintly. I’m sure you can find your way back to your quarters. I must return to court, but feel free to seek me out if you should have need of me, she added before she vanished in a flash of light. We should probably get our photos taken, Daphne suggested. I suppose you’re right, Gabrielle said with a small shrug as she rose from her chair. She was... nice, she added, her mental voice sounding a bit thrown off. A little bit strange, though, Xavier thought. I heard that, he heard a motherly voice say in his head. He jumped and nearly fell out of his chair. Of course I can’t deny the truth, it added. But I’m sure you understand how age can give rise to… eccentricity. “Let’s get going,” the man said hurriedly. “I think I may have come across too strong,” Celestia told Luna with a small frown as the alicorn pair sat together on a rather large couch within her chambers. “Oh?” the darker alicorn asked. “In trying to explain to them that I know how it feels to be immortal I may have scared them,” the alabaster alicorn said, letting out a sigh. “Either that or I came across as a bit... too casual.” “I’m not sure about you, but I got the impression that they’ve been immortal for quite some time. Far longer than our dear niece, that much is certain,” Luna replied. “I received the same impression,” Celestia agreed. “Though I still feel I was too casual about things... I’m far too used to speaking with you and the dragons who know they’re going to be immortal.” “Yes, from Twilight Sparkle’s notes it seems clear that they either achieved immortality or had it thrust upon them.” Luna frowned. “Though what could have forced such a thing must be powerful indeed. Like… like a god,” she muttered. “I’m not entirely sure I would count that out,” Celestia replied. “Though from my conversation with them it seems that it was obtained after they prevented some great catastrophe. Perhaps it was their reward.” “Then whoever bestowed it upon them was either short-sighted, or malicious,” Luna concluded. “Indeed... immortality is not something thrust upon someone without their knowledge...” Celestia said, her mouth turning down into a frown. “In fact, I would not have granted it to Twilight were I not sure that she could both handle it and have agreed to it.” “They did say that they have bested gods,” Luna said thoughtfully, ignoring her sister. “Perhaps one of these gods decided that their punishment for facing them in combat was to live forever.” “Like you said, they claim to have bested them, though. Surely that would only make sense so they could live forever with the shame of losing,” Celestia countered. “Beings of such power surely move in ways we can’t comprehend. To try and do so is likely a path to madness.” Luna let out a disgusted noise and threw away the piece of paper she was reading. “Though some of these demands the nobility make feel to be a quicker path.” “No, Luna.” “But I didn’t even - ” “You didn’t have to.”