Psycho Boost

Another sigh came from the dragon. 

Deoxys…  I know this information feels… sudden, especially after I had merely threatened you just a few days prior. It is… fine… that you take what I say with skepticism. However, what I have said is the truth and nothing but the truth. Dragons are known for their integrity, after all, and I am no different.

Rayquaza slowly averted his gaze as he looked to the skies in silence.

… One of my sons have perished in battle recently…. Xurkitree. I do not know whether or not you have met him; however, he is an… Ultra Beast– a being from another realm. I had taken him under my wing about a year ago… However, he and I had not… been on the best of terms. He and I have fought on almost every meeting. I have even hospitalized the poor child on several occasions…. It… was not the healthiest relationship between the two of us.

It was not until a few months have passed until I had realized my ways. I had become… embarrassed by my actions and was too ashamed to even visit him. I had neglected him, and, in my neglegence, I had not taught him the proper ways of the People. He had murdered countless innocent beings and laid waste to various lands. It was only a matter of time before he were to be struck down, and by the Goddess of Life, no less.

I had a conversation with Lugia that night, guardian of the seas about him. She had called him an… abomination, and that he was alien scum. She had told me that it is not her responsibility to assist in teaching him our ways. These words have resonated with me, as I believe that such were similar to those I used for one such as you.

Rayquaza drooped his head.

          Holy.

          Shit.

          This was by far the most confusing thing to ever happen to him in his entire life. How busy had he been with cleaning that he was completely unaware of literally everything happening at once? His ‘son’s death, the involvement of Xerneas, Lugia, among various other things such as his embarrassing apology and his attempt at trying to make amends for the first time in what’s felt like years.

          It was all so surreal. He thought he was dreaming again. Was now the time to crack a silly pun or joke? Could he even lighten the mood at this point? It felt so static that he feared one wrong move would kill the mood entirely.

          “Wow, I... uh.” This was awkward. He didn’t quite know the Xurkitree, but what is he supposed to say to someone who’s basically lost his son?

          “... Sorry for your loss, Rayquaza. I, ah... don’t know what it’s like, but it must be hard... y’know... the whole ‘revelation of ones’ self thing.’“

          “I understand that it’s gotta be a lil’ hard for you, though, putting aside your differences, ‘cause I know you really didn’t like me for some time and would rather I rot in space, but now, hearing you say this? I gotta admit, I think I’m dreaming, and honestly if that’s the case I don’t really wanna wake up,” he comments, noodly arms and appendages finally unwrapping from behind him and crossing over his chest. “But, y’know, I kinda like that you’re trying. It’s weird, I’ll admit, but it’s a nice... change of heart, y’know? I once thought you were too stubborn to ever like me or even attempt to talk to me like this, but... guess I was wrong, heh..”

          Oh dear gods. What did he do this time? Deoxys has honestly been so on top of everything that it’s been beginning to stress him out. His ability to clean couldn’t possibly get any better, and now Rayquaza wanted to discuss his insight with him?

          He was probably leading up to his expulsion from Sky Pillar. He was probably on the verge of preparing to annihilate him right then and there. Nervously, Deoxys gulped, hands crossed behind him as he responded - 

Rayquaza could just feel the nervous air around him. He could tell that Deoxys had come fearing the worst. Although, who can blame him? Rayquaza had been bloodthirsty against him for so long and at least mildly resentful towards him for as long as he’s resided in the dragon’s home…. Was that even right? Was all of that worth it.

Rayquaza sighed. It was finally time to let the past be the past.

Please, Deoxys… There is no need to be so tense. You have done nothing wrong.

Goodness. Just starting this made Rayquaza instinctively sick to his stomach.

I have.. thought about my… outlook of life, my treatment of you… my feelings of those not from this world, and many other concepts…. I… wish to have something to say.

Another sigh from the Delta. Today was the day to swallow his Draconian pride for the better of those around him, including himself.

I… apologize for my treatment of you over these recent months. I had known that you have reformed yourself… that you planned to reside here in peace with the people and Pokemon around you… I had been nothing but an old fool to still hold a grudge over what you have done years ago that, even now, as you stand before me, you wince in fear over what I am to do next….

You do not deserve such treatment, Deoxys. Neither you, nor Mewtwo, nor any of the Ultra Beasts that have come here against their will shalt be misjudged and mistreated by me. We are all Pokemon, living creatures… we should all judge each other on our character, not our past or our origin. For this… I… shalt apologize. From here on, I shalt treat you no less than any other child or grandchild of mine.

          One should wonder if it’s even possible for Deoxys to make a noise similar to that of dial-up internet connections, but good god it almost felt like Noodles straight-up wonked out the moment he said the word ‘apology.’ He had to blink a couple of times to make sure he wasn’t dreaming, and when he realized that this was all just reality he wound up becoming even more confused.

          He may be severely out of the loop at the moment, to the point where he has no idea about the imminent ‘war on gods’ thing going on, but he had to wonder what in the seven hells has gotten into him.

          Apologizing? To Deoxys? This had to be a joke, right? It was all just a really mean joke. It was all just a prank, bro.

          But part of him almost felt threatened if he were to not go along with it. As such, he believes the best course of action is to simply play along. Yeah. He’ll let the joke die eventually, right? Right.

          “A--Ahah, you’re serious? Wow, okay, uh, this is, like, totally unexpected but--??” What else could he say? He honestly had so much on his mind but he was keeping it concealed for now. He didn’t want to say anything to upset him, yet at the same time he wasn’t sure what things he could say without grinding in his ears like nails on a chalkboard.