A Legendary Region

"You know, you sound like my father when you speak like that, Professor."

Aesen was going to put things as bluntly as he possibly could--to hopefully shake off some of these negative thoughts that seemed to be draping themselves over Lauren.

"He asked himself what he did wrong when it came out about Lysandre and Team Flare. 'If I knew that he would make that choice, I would have reached out more. I wouldn't have let him suffer alone. What did I do wrong to lead to such catastrophe'. I will tell you what he learned over the years--some people are just too stubborn and prideful to ask for help, even if you are as kind to them as you possibly can be.

Blaming your lack of action does nothing but leave you mired in misery and blinds you to the next steps that need to be taken--steps to improve yourself and the world around you in the wake of tragedy. If my father could pick up the pieces of his own broken trust in the wake of the Ultimate Weapon being fired, I believe you can pick up the pieces from this in time. Also, you won't be moving forward alone. You have Miss Chrona, and you have me as well. Not to mention Miss Heidi will also be there to support you as you move forward."

Luckily, Professor Cherry was too exhausted to see the Scizor before it was recalled. Instead, she was able to walk over to the nearest chair and collapse on it. God, what a day.

She was so exhausted that she broke off of her form right after the collapse. So, instead of talking, she continued the conversation through telepathy.

[Wally's fired. Not just fired — jailed. He tricked me and kidnapped me, Chrona, and several others. He was working with a criminal organization to harvest our energy to... I still don't know? Communicate with some dangerous being or something? I think that's what sis told me. Luckily, our niece and her girlfriend came to find and save us, or else I don't know what would have happened to me.]

She rolled around a little bit to get comfortable.

[There's an investigation ongoing for what happened, and he'll be held in jail for the foreseeable future, but I still had to spend time to put in a restraining order against him. He... shouldn't be able to harm anyone anymore.]

A part of her wanted to cry. If she knew what he'd be influenced by earlier, she would have taken the boy in herself... adopted the little guy and made sure nothing happened to him. Instead, she had to stay far, far away from him.

"I... see."

Honestly, it reminded Aesen a bit of the stories he'd heard about Lysandre--and how that man walked a path of destruction simply because he was unhappy with the world and his place in it. At least things were resolved before too much was lost, and Lauren was safe. That was all he could ask for.

"There's no need to apologize for worrying me, Professor. These were circumstances you couldn't control or foresee. There's no fault to be found with you."

Suddenly, a Meowstic would walk into the room and jump into the chair to curl up with Lauren--although he would also be purring as he did so. The sight of it all caused the new top aide to chuckle a bit.

Odd. She thought that Tor had a small crush on him. Why would she send him on a suicide mission?

Heidi sighed.

Prompts based on quotes you might say to each star sign 💫

♈ ARIES

“You keep rushing into danger like you’re fireproof. One day I’m not gonna be there to drag you back out.”

“Tell me what you’re really fighting for. It can't just be anger”

“I dare you.”

♉ TAURUS

“You keep showing up for everyone else. When’s the last time someone showed up for you?”

“Stay. Just for tonight. Pretend the world can wait.”

“I made this for you. Don’t argue - just take it.”

♊ GEMINI

“Which one of your truths am I getting today?”

“You’re smiling. That’s never a good sign.”

“Let’s skip to the fun part where everything goes terribly wrong.”

♋ CANCER

“You keep saying you’re fine, but you’re holding yourself like you might fall apart.”

“Who hurt you? Just point me in a direction.”

“I don’t care how late it is. I’m coming over.”

♌ LEO

“You don’t have to shine so bright for me. I see you even in the dark.”

“Tell me the truth - do you want love or an audience?”

“You act like you’re untouchable. Let me prove you wrong.”

♍ VIRGO

“You can’t solve everyone else’s mess. Try letting someone help you for once.”

“Stop overthinking and just… breathe with me.”

“You made a plan for this? Of course you did.”

♎ LIBRA

“You keep pretending everything’s balanced. When are you going to admit you’re choosing them over yourself?”

“You can charm anyone except the one person you want most.”

“Pick a side - or I’ll pick it for you.”

♏ SCORPIO

“You say you don’t care, but your eyes always tell on you.”

“Tell me your secret. No more hiding.”

“If I step closer, are you going to kiss me or kill me?”

♐ SAGITTARIUS

“Pack your things. We’re leaving. Don’t ask where.”

“Everything’s an adventure to you - even me.”

“Are you running toward something or away from it?”

♑ CAPRICORN

“You don’t have to carry the whole world on your shoulders.”

“Let go of control for five minutes. I dare you.”

“You say you’re fine, but you’re exhausted. Let me take the weight.”

♒ AQUARIUS

“You pretend nothing touches you. But I know better.”

“Let me into that brilliant, stubborn mind of yours.”

“You’re not alone. Not anymore.”

♓ PISCES

“You look like you’ve been living in a different world. Bring me with you.”

“Why do you always love the people who hurt you?”

Godzilla:

King Ghidorah:

"There's a center in one of the buildings nearby. It was fixed up recently for scenarios like this." Matcha turned and hopped off the rock with Tyra in her arms. "This way."

However, before they could go much further, Matcha paused and looked at all of the Paradox Pokémon that were still nearby and ready to follow them.

"... Not you guys, though.... You all leave and give our guest some privacy, y'hear?"

The Paradox Pokémon disbursed. With that out of the way, Matcha started leading the way to the center.

"As I've stated, I have plenty of experience in fighting my own world's Terapagos--Astra." Cadmus explains as he followed after Matcha.

"However, I don't know if he's still alive, let alone whether he made it out of Kepheus. If he is alive, I hope he's well and that he is able to find his way to us once more. I know many would enjoy his presence, and his wisdom is highly valued among our Pantheon. Not to mention that he would need to know of Lord Polaris's survival. If he is fortunate to have survived, I would like to be the one to introduce him to the two of you."

"There's gotta be a movie about that in some other world out there--'Lusamine: Ultra Beast and Loving It."

"Hm... a documentary, I'm assuming. A work of fiction surrounding a real person is rather tricky to pull off." Why is she entertaining this idea? Who knows?

"The name's Soyi Bellarose. I'm a Gym Leader in the Shokiko region, which is technically nestled right between Alola and Orre. Perhaps you might have heard of my father--Hiro Bellarose, the Chief of Interpol."

Of course, Soyi had made a name for himself outside of his father's shadow--although the things Soyi became known for were definitely a headache for his father. That much was a certainty.

"Although I wouldn't say that the concept of a work of fiction surrounding a real person is difficult to pull off. Bram Stoker seemed to do a good job of it, I think. I've heard it's required reading for any Crobat Chosen on things not to do."

Although given some of the things Soyi knew about? Perhaps that book might not have been as 'fictional' as most people believed. Maybe Dracula was out there in the world somewhere, having replicated the power of the Chosen in a forbidden way. Who knew?