A chorus of shadows a li.., p.7
A Chorus of Shadows: A LitRPG Isekai Adventure, page 7
"Perhaps we could request Wigglytuff to contact Alakazam for assistance. Alakazam has aided us before," Rai suggested, recalling the powerful Pokémon's past help.
Armaldo posed a thoughtful question, "And what do you intend to offer Alakazam or the Guildmaster in return for their assistance?"
"We... We saved the world!" Mane exclaimed.
"Very well, you've secured a world to live in for yourself. You saved it for your benefit as much as for others," Armaldo responded calmly.
Mane and Rai exchanged frustrated glances. "Shinx saved the world, what's wrong with you?" Mane retorted.
Armaldo's gaze remained unwavering. "This is how many Pokémon will perceive your actions. Yes, you saved the world, and some will express gratitude, but many will always expect more. I want you to comprehend that."
Armaldo changed his tone and decided to offer some guidance. "You've had a productive first day," he remarked and tossed them a lifeline. "You still have twenty-nine days. I'm not saying you cannot approach the Guildmaster or Alakazam. You have a month to reach Lucario or explore other avenues. Remember, this isn't a lead; it's the potential to discover that lead. Finding Lucario is no simple task; many claim to be her. Choose your path wisely."
With those words, he distanced himself from Team Ion and gave a nod in the direction of Team Sunrise. "It'd be in your best interest to stick with them," he advised Sean. "Technically, you weren't part of the Guardian's agreement, but it might help ease tensions further."
"Let me have a chat with Shinx and Litleo first," Sean responded. Satisfied, Armaldo walked away and headed towards the Guildmaster's quarters.
Rai and Mane turned their attention to Sean, who wore a faint grimace. "Could we talk in private?"
They exchanged nods and made their way to their shared room. In the room, with only two beds, Sean took a seat on one of them. "...I, um, don't know where to begin."
Rai glanced at Mane, who let out a sigh. "You don't have to," he said, offering a reassuring smile to Sean. "The moment they appeared on the beach, I think we all knew where you'd be heading."
"I don't want you to think I'm favoring-"
"You're not," Rai interjected. "It's not really a choice, is it? I mean, aside from Armaldo's intimidating orders."
Everyone exchanged nods. "They belong to you," they all concurred.
Sean let out a deep sigh, shutting his eyes. He wore an expression of profound distress for a moment. "If it weren't for the two of you, I'm not sure I could have made it this far." He ran his hand across his face, attempting to conceal his emotions. "Um."
A gentle tap on his shoulder made him shift his gaze reluctantly, revealing Rai's comforting paw. Rai placed it down and offered a warm smile. "Sean."
"I'm sorry," Sean blurted out. "I wish it were him, I wish that-"
Rai nudged their heads together, nearly causing Sean to stumble. "Don't say that," he whispered. "Ever again. Please." He glanced over at Mane, who had a complex expression on his face.
Mane bit his lip before sighing. "Yeah. We all miss Scout. But no one would trade you for him. That's not right."
He trotted up and sat beside Rai. "Hey, you're making this into a bigger deal than it needs to be, Seany. We understand. We're grateful you stuck with us."
Sean smiled with gratitude, and, apparently unable to end on a soft note like that, Mane added, "Besides, you'll finally get to sleep without getting kicked out of the room, if you catch my drift?"
Sean groaned and playfully punched Mane on the shoulder, who pretended it didn't hurt. The three continued chatting a while longer before Sean left to rejoin his new, old team.
Scout sat in the room with them, a fond smile on his face. "Thank you, Sean," he whispered. It was easier to speak aloud, as if he were addressing them rather than going mad. "I've witnessed how you all have supported each other. I know you felt like a burden on Rai and Mane, but helping you helped them immensely."
He shook his head, observing as Sean exited the room. "So much." Turning back to Rai and Mane, their smiles faded once Sean was gone. They rested their heads on each other's shoulders, seeking solace in each other's company.
Scout had noticed how three beds had become two and sat on Sean's vacant bed as Rai and Mane settled on theirs, seeking comfort in each other's embrace. He couldn't stray far from Rai, but he respected their need for privacy when it was required.
Behind closed doors, Mane allowed himself to shed a few tears, leaning into Rai, who responded with an intense need for proximity. Dialga had shaken them, Scout knew that. If he were capable of being shaken, he'd probably feel the same.
"Armaldo's got a point," Scout mused, though they couldn't hear or sense him. "You can't expect everyone to help without reason."
"I appreciate your eagerness to have me back, but please, don't sacrifice yourselves for this." He attempted to reach out to Rai, but found himself unable to, and a frown crossed his face as he looked at his paw. "You've come such a long way; don't regress to where you both were before. It's not worth it."
No response came from them, as he had expected.
Scout, Scout, I am Scout, Scout is me, my name is Scout, and I am Scout.
It was a peculiar experience to watch someone sleep when you couldn't sleep yourself, and it was awful in numerous ways.
Scout let out a sigh, or at least he believed he did, while he lingered near Rai and Mane's unconscious forms. It felt eerie just to be present, observing them while they slept, but he had nothing else to occupy his time.
The only thing more distressing than lingering as a specter with no means to vanish was when they began to toss and whimper.
For a fleeting moment, he felt a sense of horror. Both of them were whimpering, curling up, and shifting in their sleep—nightmares.
Only briefly, while Rai slept, Scout found it increasingly difficult to think, to feel, to exist...
A minute passed, or perhaps an hour. In a sense, the disorientation was merciful. Living as a mere specter was already lonely, but drifting aimlessly for hours would be unbearably tedious.
They had experienced a similar situation the previous night when sleeping in the Hidden Land. It seemed that Dialga had left an impact on everyone, or perhaps it was just post-traumatic stress.
Ah, reminiscing about the days when all was pure, and no one was harmed.
"Oh, dear Mr. Sandman, bring forth a dream for me~."
Scout froze in place. What on earth was that?
"Make it the most adorable, that I've ever laid my eyes upon~."
The voice possessed a certain charm, Scout would admit, deep and melodious. Not quite as enchanting as Striker's voice, but still rather pleasant.
Of all the moments for this to occur. Scout couldn't venture too far from Rai, but he did have some leeway, and tonight, he felt a bit more tangible. Rai must not have been in a very deep sleep.
Whatever he was, solid barriers proved no obstacle, and Scout could glide through the guild's walls.
"Bestow upon him lips that beckon - come closer."
That struck Scout as exceedingly peculiar, but something had taken hold of him, and he yearned to discover the source of this voice. Stepping out of the guild, he trailed the sound. Down the stairs, toward the crossroads. He couldn't fathom how the voice managed to reach him from such a distance, maintaining its volume even as he distanced himself from the guild.
Advancing further became increasingly challenging. The same pull he had experienced while conversing with Dialga began to intensify, but Scout pushed forward. He could withstand it for a while; a part of him wondered if this connection might break...
He surveyed his surroundings, aware that he couldn't venture much farther, yet the voice didn't seem any closer. Was he losing his mind, perhaps? He moved past the intersection, right where the trees parted.
And there it was — the singer.
"Then inform him that his solitary nights… are… at an end." Darkrai opened his gleaming azure eyes and gazed directly at Scout. "Greetings," Darkrai uttered, as amicable as Spinda and as unsettling as Croagunk. " Friend ."
"Oh, goodness," Scout muttered under his breath.
Chapter 3: Passing Days
"Hello, Scout," Darkrai greeted, standing up from the stump it had been perched on. "You see, my name is-"
"Darkrai!" Scout exclaimed.
The enigmatic Pokémon in the pitch-black cloak paused. "I'm... taken aback that you're familiar with me," Darkrai began.
"I know more than just that!" Scout shouted, causing Darkrai to step back. "YOU! You're the one who shattered Temporal Tower. You attempted to bring about the end of the world. Whatever your purpose here is, I don't care. LEAVE!"
Darkrai gazed at him, a look of utter astonishment on his face, though it was challenging to discern beneath the crimson visage and gleaming azure eyes.
"Well," Darkrai responded, visibly taken aback. "That's not quite what I was expecting."
Scout growled at him, and Darkrai raised his hands in a placating manner. "It's alright. It simply means I won't have to explain as much."
"What?" Scout snapped, shaking his head. "Why am I even staying here?"
He started to turn and depart, but Darkrai cried out, "WAIT!"
The urgency in his voice caused Scout to pause. "What is it?"
"Please, I just want an opportunity to clarify, to have you hear me out."
"I am NOT inclined to listen to you," Scout grumbled, turning to leave.
"I want to express my gratitude!"
That gave Scout pause. "...What?"
Darkrai gave a solemn nod, releasing a soft sigh as the Meowth refrained from storming off. "Indeed. I wish to express my gratitude for preventing that dire future."
Scout found himself staring in bewilderment. "I... what?"
Darkrai nodded, its demeanor solemn. "One aspect you might not be aware of is how a Pokémon of my stature, often referred to as legendary or mythical Pokémon, perceives its existence. Alterations to reality have a profound impact on our kind."
"Alterations?" Scout inquired.
"Yes, including changes to time," Darkrai explained. "Many of us, if not all, retain some memory of what now no longer exists, especially through dreams, as the sleeping mind is better equipped to handle such anomalies. I, being one of the two Pokémon with authority over the dream realm, possess a deeper understanding of these alterations. I am aware of the future that would have unfolded, the consequences of a world teetering on the brink of temporal collapse. I am cognizant of the grave mistake I would have made, but not anymore."
Scout remained incredulous, making his skepticism evident. "I... I find it hard to believe," he murmured, sounding almost wondrously baffled.
"Your desire was solely for a world consumed by darkness. That's what the Dark Future represented," Darkrai affirmed.
"Indeed," Darkrai conceded. "I must admit that, initially, as the memories of that era flickered away, I was filled with anger. However, over time, my perspective shifted. I came to realize the devastating consequences of my actions and what had been averted through the salvation of time. I genuinely want to express my gratitude from the depths of my heart for preventing such a catastrophic tragedy."
"Once again," Scout responded, his voice still tinged with disbelief, "I find it hard to trust your words."
Darkrai let out a mournful sigh. "Regardless of whether you believe my intentions or not, I felt compelled to extend my thanks to you."
"Very well," Scout retorted curtly. "You've conveyed your gratitude. Now, please depart."
"I've indeed expressed my thanks," Darkrai acknowledged. "But I've yet to offer my appreciation in a meaningful way. I wish to repay you."
"Pardon me?" Scout inquired.
"It's clear that you require assistance," Darkrai observed while scanning Scout up and down. "Dialga won't come to your aid, will it?" Scout struggled to hold his composure. "In your current state, no one will come to your aid. But I can assist you." He extended his left hand, the arm's appearance a curious combination of dark and gleaming, with skin that seemed to shift between rippled, taut, and scaly, leaving Scout uncertain. "Take my hand, and I can return you."
"No," Scout protested, backing away. "I won't touch you."
"Scout...," Darkrai began.
"And don't address me that way!" Scout retorted.
"Would you prefer Sean, then?"
"NO! Go away. Leave me alone. Leave EVERYONE alone. You're the reason they are having nightmares, aren't you?"
Darkrai nodded sadly, lowering his hand. "A side effect of my existence. I cannot control any more than you could control your heartbeat."
"If this is where you go into a spiel about why THAT is why you are such a bastard, save it. I want nothing to do with you, Darkrai. I just want you to leave."
"Very well," Darkrai whispered, eyes dim with sadness. "I will leave for a time. Give you some space. But I cannot let a debt go undone; I truly cannot. It is a rule with me. And I have one to you, as well as the others. I can bring you back. I am the only one that will. The other 'legends' all despise me regardless of what I do; I cannot make them hate me any more than they do already."
Darkrai slowly faded away, and Scout raced back to the guild. It was easier to return than leave, and he breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing Rai and Mane sleeping peacefully.
For whatever reason, Darkrai was around. But at least it left.
For now.
A brief flicker ran through him. The first conversation he'd had in months was with the monster responsible for all of this..
Already, a part of him longed to return, engage in further conversation, and listen to Darkrai's words. He was fully aware that it was a mistake, and he had resolved to remain where he was.
He maintained a vigilant watch over them throughout the night until the first rays of sunlight streamed through the window, rousing them from their slumber.
"And the count is THREE! Smiles can take you miles!"
"Alright, everyone!" Wigglytuff exclaimed. "Time to start our tasks!"
"Hooray!"
This morning, there were a few weary eyes and stifled yawns. No one had experienced a particularly restful night, but the Pokémon were too occupied to discuss their issues just yet.
Team Sunrise had to stay behind to receive their daily assignments from Armaldo, but the others scattered, fully prepared to fulfill their duties.
Diglett and Loudred headed to their respective workstations, while Croagunk slipped into his little shop, humming contentedly. Wigglytuff returned to his room, and Chimecho floated to her designated spot.
Team Ion made their way towards Chimecho.
"Good morning, Shinx, Litleo," Chimecho greeted them, nodding cordially at the duo. "I'll establish a connection shortly if you're comfortable with waiting."
"We don't mind waiting," Rai responded. Chimecho reciprocated the nod and floated into position, closing her eyes. She had to remain perfectly still and focused, channeling her psychic energy to locate one of the broadcasters.
After dinner, they approached her with a request to help ascertain Lucario's whereabouts on the continent. Chimecho, always eager to assist, promptly agreed. She sought out one of the nearby minds, a friendly Natu, and initiated her inquiry. It took a brief moment for Natu to focus and join her mental connection. She had entered Natu's thoughts.
"Good morning, Natu," Chimecho greeted verbally, though she could convey her thoughts without speaking, it helped her maintain focus better this way.
"Good morning, Chimecho," Natu replied, smiling to hear her voice.
"I have Team Ion, the same one that previously helped us with time, here with me," Chimecho informed. Rai blushed, and Mane playfully nudged him. "They urgently need to get in touch with Lucario... yes, the one and only Lucario. Can you find out if she's on the continent?"
"Hmm. Let me disconnect for a moment and inquire," Natu responded.
"Of course," Chimecho acknowledged, reopening her eyes. "Natu will contact me once she has the information," she informed Team Ion.
They waited patiently for a few minutes. Mane wandered over to engage in conversation with Sunflora, while Rai sat down, attempting to remain calm but visibly anxious. Chimecho couldn't partake in casual chatter; her anticipation centered around reestablishing her connection with Natu.
"Chimecho?" The guild's Psychic-type sensed, and she swiftly reconnected.
"I've got some great news. She was spotted in Dample Valley a few months back. Get in touch with Gothorita there; they might have more details for you," said Natu.
"Thank you, Natu. Have a wonderful day," Rai replied.
"You too," Natu replied.
After the call ended, Chimecho let out a yawn and blinked a few times. "Natu thinks that Gothorita from Dample Valley could have some insights," she informed Rai, who was visibly excited. "This might take a while. Maybe you and Litleo could enjoy some time in town? I'll talk to you later."
"Alright," Rai agreed, rising from his seat. "Thanks, Chimecho."
"Don't mention it," Chimecho replied as she waved him off. Rai headed over to Mane to share the news, and they both left the guild together.
Chimecho hummed an old tune to herself while she searched for Gothorita's psychic signal. "Dee dee de-de. Dee-de dah dada."
Guardian noticed Team Sunrise emerging from the lower level and gave a nod to Chimecho before hurrying to catch up with the group.
"Chansey played a crucial role in saving Shinx, Litleo, and Scout's lives," Sean mentioned as they walked. Guardian nodded in agreement. "Guardian even carried them back to Amp Plains. In his...uh, belly mouth, I heard."
Striker chuckled, "Scout must have had a good time with that."
"He didn't," Guardian responded. "Litleo had some objections about it as well."
