Hello, I'm Ange!

Alive and kicking, and still willing to keep the blog running! I’m so sorry for the inactivity, the end of the year is really tough on me and so is the beginning, lots of stuff to do!

To be honest, I was also thinking on how I should work around Tumblr’s new flag system (had some issues over my personal art account and got afraid of things being flagged here as well), but it seems the flow of things is looking better now.

I’m entering a very deserved break soon to rest my mind, drawing hand, and spend some quality time with the hubby. As always, I do have the next plot chapters typed out, but no spare time to do the art to go with it ;v; So I apologize for the slow pace on which it updates, but am very grateful to everyone who’s reading!

Thought I should make a small note just to let you guys know that no, I haven’t quit the blog and don’t intend to do so! Life just has been busy, but I’m doing my best over here! Hopefully an update will come when you less expect one!

Chapter 9 Broadening horizons

With the Elder’s verdict, we got moving in order to meet with Madame and, surely enough, as soon as I turned around, I noticed a small bird on the floor looking up at me. A Murkrow.

“The Madame wants to meetcha”, he said with a creaky voice. “Y’all. Lady, Tales, Ange. Bring the kit. Elder stays, m’kay?”

Having said so, he promptly turned his back on us and started walking forward. The three of us then followed his lead. News flied fast inside the mafia’s base, it had always been like that. My safest bet on why that’s so, is that Madame’s loyal underlings acted as her eyes and ears at all times.

“It’s been some time, Kurook.”

“Yaya. Ya didn’t change one bit tho.”

“You, on the other hand, look even more sleep deprived than before, if that’s even possible.”

“Tis’ my charm”, he didn’t stutter nor stopp to look behind whenever he talked, dutifully guiding us to his leader.

Kurook may be small, but his serious attitude never changed; I felt like trying to get info on the subject from him wouldn’t work, so I patiently kept walking. He guided us through a series of corridors that seemed to lead upwards, staggering by what seemed to be a very rustic and simple elevator operated by a lever.

Hopping on the lever, he nodded, silently telling us to go in. Once everyone was inside, we heard a voice coming from a worn out computer speaker. It seemed to have been snatched away from the human’s recycling waste.

“Where to?”

“Y’know, diamonds are a girl’s best friends.”

“Got ya, pal. Up we go!”, with that, the elevator started moving under the sound of what sounded like dozens of pairs of wings flapping coming from the speaker.

Once it stopped, what we had before us were curtains; long and silky, their purple fabric shimmering at the wall torches’ lights.

“Asking for permission!”, Kurook announced.

“Permission granted~”, said a low and flamboyant voice in return. I knew very well whose voice that was, couldn’t ever forget how she sounded. Passing by the curtains, there she was.

Madame Crow. The elegant, refined and cunning Honchkrow that stood high as the mafia’s founder and unshakeable boss. She stood on her usual armchair, her piercing gaze aiming at the three of us. Her room’s floor was decorated with shiny and colorful stones.

“My, oh, my~”, she chanted, opening her wings in a salutation. Kurook hovered over his usual spot at her side, accompanied by another Murkrow. “What an interesting loot we have today! You never fail to amuse me, little Ange. So, what did the Purrloin bit this time?”

She spoke in a peculiar manner that would seem arrogant and nearly intimidating, but knowing her personally had proven Madame Crow wasn’t all that wicked at heart. I wasn’t afraid.

“How much do you know?”, I asked firmly.

“Enough, I’d say”, Madame Crow outlined the pearls on her necklace with her wing tips. “So what do you say, dear Ange, we talk about the Fairy World and this little, - if you allow me to put it this way - delta kit of yours? I’d tell you to grab a seat, but I will be brief, promise. Time is precious right now; and time is money.”

“I wonder what you mean by delta, Madame.”

“It’s a nomenclature I adopted in my recent studies, but eh; Let’s start from the beginning instead, shall we? Merley, grab me the records.”

The other Murkrow standing beside her took flight and was soon back with a scroll well-secured between her claws, dropping it by Madame’s feet; scroll which the Honchkrow began nimbly fumbling with, using her claws to open it.

“Let’s make a fast forward, or so to speak; I wasn’t eavesdropping all the way on you talking about the Fairy World. I’ve known about it for quite some time”, she said, looking at the scrolls contents, which seemed to be a research record with lots of text and drawn pictures. “Therefore, I won’t be talking about it in depth now.”

The day was running by with so many plot twists on who knew what that, by this time, I didn’t even become surprised she knew. What I wondered was what she could possibly have to add to this whole situation.

“What I have to add”, Madame Crow said, as if she had read my mind “is, simply offering you some aid, and asking for a favor in return.”

“Yes, I’m listening.”

She was actually nice at heart, but I didn’t expect it to come for free. Lady Noir and Tales didn’t take part in our conversation at all, but their attention remained on their leader. If she had called them as well, they probably would play some part in this.

“As you’re all well aware, I’m a scholar at heart”, she started, pacing around on top of the open scroll. “I’ve been researching on life and its several ways of coming into being on our world. However, with the sudden appearance of Pokémon from another universe in the Alola region, my research took flight.”

Madame Crow held the now open scroll, rapidly skimming over its text while explaining us her findings on said research.

“These Pokémon, nicknamed Ultra Beasts by the humans, are something entirely new to our world. Science has proven they indeed come from another universe by the use of gaps in our dimension’s structure. This made me start believing our universe isn’t the only one, that what we have is a multiverse. Are you following until now?”

I nodded, looking briefly at Lady and Tales to see them having the same reaction. Madame Crow whispered a “good” under her breath, and went ahead with her explanations.

“This made me go into further research and its results made me believe that not only there are other kinds of life forms, it’s also very likely there are universes where everything is the same as we know, but in a new form. Take the alolan Pokémon as example.  And just like the so called Ultra Beasts, these unknown forms may sometime end up in another universe which is not theirs. However, due to these life forms uncanny resemblance to ours regardless being so different, I’ve decided to nickname them delta Pokémon.”

She gestured my way, as if wanting to see the child. I showed her the basket where she was resting, while Madame nodded, seemingly musing to herself in her thoughts.

“It’s only rumors, but I’ve heard about a very distant region on which scientists started tweaking the Pokémon’s DNA to get them new forms. The same Pokémon, with a new appearance and even typing”, she went on, attentively analyzing the child. “Whatever scientific failure regarding DNA proves such can’t be done according to nature’s laws. Assuming these scientists succeeded, means delta Pokémon are compatible with nature’s own process of creation.

That is… they are possible of naturally coming into being. This spreads much ahead on what I can explain you children right now, and there are controversies to what I’m saying; but this child could either be from another universe, and somehow fell into ours; or they’re one of these anomalies, one of what I’ve called delta, that somehow was born as such here in our world.”

“It all ties to creation itself. While I was researching about the multiverse theory, I found out about several worlds that aren’t exactly located in another dimension, but are worlds that coexist with ours regardless being unreachable. Akin to these, I found out about the fairy world.”

I wasn’t very knowledgeable on this kind of subject, but… was she possibly referring to legendary Pokémon? The only one I was aware of was Giratina, who lived in a distorted dimension since they were banned by Arceus themselves… I had heard about Cresselia and Darkrai having a realm located inside others’ dreams, but those were only rumors.

“As it’s vital to my research, I want to know more it. However, I’m not allowed into there, as you already know~”, she winked. “So, I know you – Ange and Lady Noir - are going to try and rescue the kit before their mismatching energy perishes on your world. All I ask of you is you take Kurook and Merley with you.”

The two Murkrow stepped front, waiting on our remarks for such decision. Lady Noir and Tales still kept silent, waiting on Madame Crow’s orders relative to our bargain’s result.

“I’m aware they’re not fairies, but with the great number of looming ghosts in that world, I believe they’re able of helping with their dark typing. I’d go myself, but they can aid you much better than I. You see, both Kurook and Merley here have remarkable memory, and their best asset is acting as living maps.”

“We don’t have much of directions though. What Tales could see was pretty vague in my opinion…”

“If we have him to describe what he’s seen while reading the kit’s aura, they’ll be able of taking in the info and guide you precisely to the location you’re looking for. It’s been their job for ages, and I’ve never been disappointed in them so far.”

I looked at the Lucario, who seemed to somehow feel me staring; he nodded solemnly.

“I can see how that would help us”, I said, taking care of hiding the dormant child under my cape again. “But, how does that favor you, Madame?”

“As I stated before, I want to know more about this world. Let’s say they’ll be acting as my own eyes when in there~”, she winked at me. “So, what do you say?”

“Sure. I have no reason to distrust you, Madame. But please, when – if – we do come back, don’t put this information to use in a reckless way.”

“No worries, Angie. I know better than that”, Madame Crow said vehemently, her piercing gaze making her serious tone justice. “Very well, then. Come over here, Tales. Please explain them what you saw and spare no details, no matter how minor they are.”

“Yes, Madame”, the Lucario nodded, kneeling down to talk to the two Murkrow who now looked intently at him.

“You’ve been really quiet so far, Noir, my dear. I suppose you already know by now where your voyage needs to get started to earn you a shortcut, yes?”

“I’ve been thinking”, she replied, serious. “Using Kurook and Merley as our compass, our travel becomes way faster. However, I’m afraid it’s not fast enough if we don’t enter the Fairy World by the location which’s the closest possible to the one the kit landed at.”

“Southern Island, if I’m not mistaken?”

“Yes. I know of someone who can help, but I’m not sure if-“

Before she could finish her sentence, a familiar voice echoed inside our minds. I felt my mind connected to Lady Noir’s and someone else’s… Serenity?

“I’m aware of what you’ve been trying to do and my time to step forward is near. This is supposed to be my duty, ladies, not yours. Since you’ve already gone this far, please allow me to take the lead now. Let’s reunite at Ange’s house as soon as possible.”

Assuming by how no one seemed to react to this message, it was safe to confirm only the three of us had listened to it. Madame Crow, however, picked up on the situation somehow. She smirked.

“By the looks on your face, I suppose you have an answer now~”

[continue…]

The last edits in a plot chapter to be released in a few minutes.

Elections are happening here on Brazil, and I’m afraid. The candidate with most intention of being voted for is a fascist, homofobic, mysoginistic scum. A man whose spreads only hatred, and people who want to hate are like, worshipping him. I’ve never been so concerned about politics in my entire life.

According to news sites, this has become news in another countries as well, so maybe some of you may know what’s going on here.

I’ve voted already earlier today; votes are being contabilized now and he has the advantage so far. Please wish us luck. Violency has already started spreading at some places due to his seemingly victory. My head’s really fucked up atm hahaha Sorry about this guys, just letting off some steam and hoping for the best, expecting the worst.

Didn’t want to hog the tags in the plot chapter post to say all that, so making a separate post instead. Just trying to not think about it. I’m sorry for all the delays in getting this plot done, it’ll probably not be finished by the time Halloween rolls up (I’m sorry!), but I still love what I do and don’t plan on stopping. Life just gets busier and busier, but I’m happy with what I’ve been achieving.

@nanarin I meant snatch as in, being stolen by others and reposted, etcetera. Since usually there’s no lineart or complex coloring (shading and/or lightining), if I only put my signature it’s really easy to remove it and steal the drawing. Hence why I put an enormous and invasive watermark instead of only my signature.

Hello, everyone! It’s been a while, hasn’t it? Things are really busy on my side lately, and even though I miss doing content for the blog (the plot has still a long way to go, honestly), I’ve gotta focus on getting a minimal monthly income to supply my needs.

So, I’m happy to finally announce my Patreon! I’ve been wanting to launch it for some time now, so I’m glad I’m finally being able to do so. And I thought it was only fair to share such information with all of you who follow me here, since becoming a patron would help me have more time to work on stuff for the blog - and, because I also deeply appreciate all the support you guys give me, no matter how you choose to do so!

There are no posts there yet because I’m holding some things off so I can post them as June’s rewards for the patrons who pledged this month, so if you want rewards next month, you’ve gotta pledge before May ends! 

Also, a friendly reminder that whoever donates me a ko-fi gets a little reward from me! But please, if you do so, don’t forget to identify yourself in some way or other, so I know how to reach you!

Chapter 8 Aura

“Uhm… yes? Lady?”, the Lucario turned to face us, looking confused. “Who’s there? There’s something really weird with the auras in this room.”

I could only wonder what exactly he meant by “auras”, but judging by the pale reddish coloration of his eyes, I realized the Lucario was blind. Both his wrists and ankles had a pair of shining cuffs made of metal, as well as the one on his neck. They gave off a faint gleam under the candle’s lights.

“This one here’s Ange, my cousin. She used to work with us before you came along, so we’ll be doing her a favor. Are you done with your tasks?”

“Ah, yes. There’s enough food for some days so I don’t need to go fetch any more.”

“Don’t worry about me now, young ones”, a low, hoarse voice said, “Old me was about to go back deep into meditation again. Feel free to use the room, if you don’t mind my presence.”

“Actually, we could use your help as well, Elder. If that wouldn’t disrupt your work too much, that is.”

“Please, my name’s Elk”, he lifted up a dismissing hand. On his pointy, wrinkled muzzle, was a small smile. “I’ll try assisting you to the best of my ability, then.”

Lady Noir sat down on the floor next to Elk, and both I and Tales followed her lead.

“So”, Tales said, resting his paws on his lap. “Nice to meet you, Ange. What can we help you with?”

“Oh, I- Nice to meet you, Tales”, I said, stretching out a hand which Tales took on his paw and shook firmly, making his cuffs emit a metallic sound. “Nice to meet you too, mister Elk”, I bowed, though unsure if he could see anything with his eyes closed like that.

“The pleasure is mine, miss Ange”, he smiled again. “Pardon me my curiosity though, but what are you carrying there?”

Yes, apparently he didn’t need to have open eyes to see things, I mused to myself.

“Ange, show them the kit”, Lady Noir said, taking a heartfelt sip out of her pipe. I took my cape out of the way to reveal the basket where the child was tucked inside, and placed it in the middle of us.

“Hmm...” Elk muttered in an understanding tone, stroking his long beard as if doing so helped him concentrate. Tales blinked, looking surprised; he lowered his head to face the dormant child.

“I found her a few days ago”, I said, wanting to clarify the situation for them. “I, somehow, could grasp a kind of psychic connection with her, and that’s how I was led to finding her in the woods. She just… won’t wake up.”

“The most efficient way of discovering things are looking into one’s thoughts or memories”, Elk stated. “However, I suppose you already did so, miss Ange?”

“Yes, that’s right…”

“And what did you see?”

“Nothingness. It felt like I was peering into a ghost’s mind, and I, myself, started to get engulfed in darkness. I couldn’t keep our minds linked for more than mere seconds.”

“It seems not only reckless, but pointless if I were to try doing so myself, then.”

“I wouldn’t ask something like that from you, Elder”, Lady sighed. “Your mind is powerful enough to keep our barriers up night in and day out without becoming tired, but you do acknowledge you’re…”

“Old”, he giggled, looking amused.

“I wanted to go with ‘frail’”, she shrugged as if being caught in a mishap. “But, your sight is much keener than ours, youngsters. Aren’t you able of seeing anything into this kit’s future?”

“For now, I’ll just keep listening, fair Lady. I think young Tales here may be of more assistance to you until I gather all my thoughts on that matter.”

As Elk addressed him, our gazes promptly turned back to the Lucario. He shuffled uncomfortably.

“Uh, welp”, he stuttered. “I… can see something odd in her aura. It may sound off to you, but it’s what I see regardless.”

“Aura?”, I asked, remembering his mention of it earlier. Maybe it was some kind of esper power? “What’s this?”

“Basically, every living being has energy of its own, to put it simply. Usually others call it by spirit, soul, all sorts of names. We, Lucario, call it aura, and are really sensitive to it. And so far, this is the first time I’ve ever seen something like this.”

“Please, go on.”

“The kid’s aura is almost… most completely detached from her body”, Tales furrowed his brows, expressing his bewilderment. “Her body is right here, but most of the aura connected to it isn’t. I can clearly sense an aura, but it doesn’t seem to be hers at all.”

“Y-you mean…?”, I gasped, while Lady seemed oddly calm about the situation.

“Dead things have no aura, so she’s still alive, even if by a little stretch. The meaning of being alive… is that energy generated from within a physical body, and energy that comes from its mind are both present.”

“As psychics, I’d say we’re pretty much aware of that, having to protect ourselves from hungry ghosts and all”, Lady stated, waving her pipe around before taking another sip from it.

“It’s very hard to separate body from mind energy-wise, so they make no distinction”, he kept explaining, averting his gaze on Lady’s direction. “Feeding on mind energy on instinct, attempting to seek a physical body to be theirs since they have none. The only energy left on ghosts is the one that comes from the ‘mind’ of their former selves, but it usually isn’t located in the ‘living realm’.”

“So, what do you make out of all that?”, she said, letting out a stream of purple smoke.

“Either she’s currently a ghost, or she’s a normal living being whose aura is located somewhere else.”

“I’m sure we can check out of the list her being a ghost, I mean; she’s a bit too solid for that.”

“I’m… not sure. What I sense doesn’t seem to be alive, but again, it does differ from what seems to be the kid’s aura. Sorry if that doesn’t help much, this looks as weird for me as it does for you.”

“Tales, are you able of telling from where it’s coming from?”, I leaned in, catching the Lucario’s attention. He closed his eyes, concentrating.

“…From a faraway place”, he said after a short while. “Through the seas, all the way to the south. A land of peaceful and valiant hearts. Far beyond a circle of white, little plants, I see… a tree.”

That didn’t sound as describable as I had expected. I’d never heard of such a place, and not only were the seas too vast, we couldn’t possibly swim for that long while searching based solely on a vague description.

“Uhm… Lady?”, I looked back at her in uncertainty, wanting better explanations. She seemed to know what was going on much better than me.

“That further confirms your suspicions, Angie”, the mafiosa Gardevoir nodded. “That’s what happens to folks alien to that world. Magical energy is abundant, and if one were to trespass uninvited – one which isn’t the same of our kind -, the body is left behind. All energy has a magical source so it blends in easily, but not all physical bodies work the same.”

“And let me guess… It’s probably very, very bad if a body keeps detached from its soul for too long… right?”, I asked, and she remained silent. “Why? Why didn’t you tell me this sooner…?”

Even though I was aware there had something dark about the fairy world, I couldn’t see a reason for Lady to keep shut about such an important detail; now, out of all times. Before I could argue on her motives, Elk, whom had been silent until now, spoke up.

“Mmhm, I see, I see…” he nodded, stroking his beard again. “I’m devoid of doubts now. I did not expect to see this child so soon, although. Pardon me my delay, but predictions shall not be handled recklessly.”

“What?”, I exclaimed, in surprise. “Did you see something, mister Elk???”

“I’ve seen this child’s arrival here in a vision a few years ago. However, I didn’t expect they’d end up in the fairy world.”

The sudden mention of the fairy world surprised both me and Lady, as we hadn’t properly addressed it by name not even once during the conversation. It seemed not only Elk’s future sight was keener than ours, but his knowledge was also much greater than we had anticipated. Even though Tales looked a bit lost once the subject was brought up, he listened closely to the Elder.

“It was naive of me to think their past wouldn’t interfere in their present… Future has too many open paths, thus it is always changing; reshaping itself. However, what dwells in the past can no longer be changed. That much, I can share with you. The place you’re looking for is the Southern Island.”

He lifted his palms and, between them, a vision formed.

“I can’t guarantee a successful outcome on your ordeals since future’s handles move back and forth with your every action, but I can say for sure there’s not much time left for this child. You might want to go see the Madame, as for she will greatly help.”

[continue…]