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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Apr 27, 2024 17:48:03 GMT
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Post by Robot on Oct 5, 2020 22:18:49 GMT
Beatrice's return trip is spent much like Frederic's, minus the future sight. Drowsing against Rainbow, on the smoothest flight she will ever enjoy, she watched the sky jet by and reflected on the journey.
Remaining close to the friends that had carried her so far, she spared what words of comfort she could manage, and a joke for Tobias since he ever made light of things. There would be no consoling Lucille. Magnolia's sacrifice had hit them all with great intensity.
Mossdeep remained where it had been, not overrun and burning, not covered in fouled crystals. The return had been swift and painless, now little remained to be done. Waking Yellow, and purifying the world.
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Post by DataNinja on Oct 5, 2020 22:26:43 GMT
Swiftly, Beatrice and Rainbow head for where they left Yellow, within the mountain. The girl remains where they had left her, though a bit more pale and shivery now.
It's but a light touch, though, that awakens the sleeper. Yellow bolts awake, startled, before breaking out into a grin. "Oh, you made it. I'm so glad," he says, laughing gently. "I shouldn't have been worried. You... you look like you've been through a lot, though," the boy adds, worried. "But... let's hurry outside, shall we? You have what I need?"
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6,670 posts
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92 likes
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Apr 27, 2024 17:48:03 GMT
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Post by Robot on Oct 5, 2020 22:48:43 GMT
"Right here...". Beatrice followed Yellow outside. "And the stories I could tell you would make your toes curl.". A moment of rooting in her pack for the pure shadowstone, and she lifted the raw void of unbridled corruption free of the vinyl, canvas, and metal pack.
"It's really good to see you again Yellow."
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Post by DataNinja on Oct 5, 2020 23:23:58 GMT
"You as well, Beatrice," Yellow says, nodding. It seems that a crowd has begun to gather, with the dragon up above. The Jirachi takes the offered stone in hand, and begins to concentrate.
At first, there's nothing much... but then a faint wind can be felt blowing, stronger and stronger, and Yellow begins to glow intermittently. The glow brightens and becomes steady, before there's a flash, and it seems that they've aged up into an adult of indeterminate gender, as storm clouds begin to gather overhead, blocking out the orange and yellow sky.
A voice rings out, one familiar to Bea. "You can see now, can you not? You have power in the palm of your hand. You can reshape things to your whim, not relying on humans anymore. All they do is make a mess of things. You can fix it all."
There's a bit of a dark look on Yellows face, before they turn to Bea and Rainbow. "I may have thought that before, but you've shown me. There is good, there are those who are selfless. And so long as there is at least one person like that... things can't be given up on." Their face softens, and the wind grows stronger. "I cast aside the darkness. You will tempt nobody any longer. All that the light shines on will be cleansed forevermore."
There's an unearthly screaming from nowhere as they hold the stone aloft, locking eyes with Bea and smiling. The stone is suddenly clear, no trace of the darkness... and a burst of light radiates out in all directions. It bursts aside the clouds, illuminating the lands around. The air no longer feels as heavy, nor as dark.
The sunset sky shines on the crowd below, as Yellow falls to their knees, bright laughter filling the air. "We did it..."
"You did indeed," a voice calls from behind them, light in tone. "But, would it have killed you to not misplace my sword? I carried that around for a long time."
Alissa stands by the group with another girl, looking much happier than she ever has. "But it's fine. This was more important. I was just hoping to have something symbolic to stab this bitch with." She says it in the same light tone of voice, but for the first time it's rather clear that the person beside Alissa is not there voluntarily, and is struggling futilely against a death-grip on her arm. She's not quite the same, and the clothes are different... but standing in front of them looks like a very human Julia.
"Funny how things work, y'know," Alissa says, grinning, clearly enjoying the glowers the other is giving her. "Appeared in front of me right after your buddy there did the light show. Thought you might want to say hi, though."
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6,670 posts
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92 likes
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Apr 27, 2024 17:48:03 GMT
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Post by Robot on Oct 5, 2020 23:44:33 GMT
"Not my fault it exploded. Absolutely terrible craftsmanship, I'll never weild another one like it.". Beatrice grinned seeing Alissa, her expression faltering when she realizes Julia has been returned to her own body.
"You had so much potential for good. So much intelligence. So much ability. I would have loved nothing more than to work with you to make something amazing that didn't treat lives as a resource. I'm happy that I didn't kill you, not having that on my conscience is a relief. Speaking of."
Turning back to yellow,. Beatrice produced her Pokeballs. "Is it safe for you to set them right? Do you have the strength left?"
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Post by DataNinja on Oct 6, 2020 0:22:35 GMT
"They should already be returned," the Jirachi says, smiling, working on getting back to their feet. "But... you're right, I still have other things to address." They turn to Julia, a stern look on their face.
"What? You going to kill me again?" She asks, bitterly. "I've only gone through it like a half-dozen times already. Either let me go and live my life, or just get it over with."
"Oh, can I do it?" Alissa seems almost giddy. "You have no idea how long I've been trying for this."
"We might have some idea," Rainbow comments, dryly.
"No. I will do neither of those options," Yellow says, laying a hand on Julia's shoulder. "Julia Alexis Walker. I stand before you as judge, jury, and executioner. I have seen what you have done. I know it all now. And there is no punishment truly fit for you. I consign you to oblivion. However, before that happens... you will experience the collective lives, their pain and trauma, of every person that you have hurt. Every pain that you have caused people. Beginning with this one right here." They nod at Alissa. "Only then will you be allowed to pass on."
"What? No, you can't-" "I can, and I will. You have hurt countless people. This is your punishment. Goodbye, Julia. I hope you learn something." There's a look of fear and panic on the woman's face, before she suddenly fades away.
Yellow sighs. "I'm sorry that you all had to bear witness to that. But... I did not want to leave her to affect the world any longer. And she has caused so much pain. Even just to my friends. I do want to thank you all. I have enjoyed my time alive. But... I do fear that everything will cause me to fade soon." They chuckle. "Ironic, isn't it? I wanted to do this to prolong myself, but in the end... it brought me to this. Just a few months of life. I don't regret it, though. Because I feel like I properly lived more than any other Jirachi. And that memory will continue onwards."
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6,670 posts
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92 likes
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Apr 27, 2024 17:48:03 GMT
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Post by Robot on Oct 6, 2020 2:13:59 GMT
"As long as you have no regrets, I guess that's what is important." Beatrice wound her arms around Yellow, resting her head against his neck. "When I found that egg, aside from thinking I was losing my mind... I was so excited to see what you would turn out to be. To raise you and study you. Huge disappointment that you came out fully fledged by the way," She joked softly. "You ended up moving me along in my own development instead. Rainbow and I might see you again in your next life, if she isn't still frightened to move forward."
Tears blurred her vision, but she refused to sob. "Thank you for every experience... for believing... I wish I could have done more for you, but it's hard to help anyone that can just... you know."
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Post by DataNinja on Oct 6, 2020 2:22:49 GMT
"You did help me, Beatrice," Yellow says, smiling and resting a hand on hers. "I told you. You've shown me so much, even in such little time. I had an adventure. Was able to help more people than I would have ever thought possible. Instead of just languishing around, causing trouble every couple hundred years."
"Can you... can you help one more person?" Alissa ventures, tentatively. "You ended her. Can you end me? I... I don't want to live forever. Things have gone on long enough. I'm... I'm ready to move on."
"I think now... that is within my grasp," Yellow says, nodding. They stretch a hand out, and lightly rest a hand on Alissa. At first nothing much happens... but then the carapace begins to fall away, leaving behind nothing but human skin.
Alissa stares in disbelief, before she joins the hug with Bea and Yellow, crying enough for all three involved. Rainbow joins in, and then... Yellow's gone, in a flash of golden light.
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6,670 posts
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92 likes
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Apr 27, 2024 17:48:03 GMT
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Post by Robot on Oct 6, 2020 4:08:58 GMT
Holding onto Alissa and Rainbow as Yellow returns to whatever mysterious place continued his line she took a moment to just breathe. Another to cry herself dry. The day had been menacing, and painful, heavier than anything she had ever born. "I can't imagine envying the ability to die, or the pain you've been through all these centuries, but after the week I've had I think there's an inkling of it. Even though you got us awful personal with a knife a few months ago, you are welcome in our home."
Sagging, she smiled an exhausted smile. "I need a wash, and... a... nap....." Beatrice's expression fell slowly. "I can't go back to my own time. No more Shadowstone, means there isn't any to purify. You won't be able to move us past the Dark Age without risk... Though I suppose I did just fight off a sky god and an undying malice that permeated the ages. Maybe someday. Till then, I can be happy making this my time."
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Post by DataNinja on Oct 6, 2020 4:22:32 GMT
"I don't remember threatening you with a knife," Alissa says, "but... hey, clearly there was no serious damage." She laughs, before descending into coughs. "Ah... man, it's weird to have to breathe for things other than talking. Gonna take a lot to get used to. And... I appreciate the offer, but I'm not used to other people yet. Maybe in time."
"There's still some around, Bea..." Rainbow says, smiling, bending down to pick up the pure, glowing shards of what was once Julia's heart. "At least... it seems like it. We can go back. Even if you don't want to stay, even if it's in a little bit, we c-" She's abruptly cut off by a tackle hug from behind.
"Urk! Careful of the wings!" she complains.
"I know, I know," Brooke says, laughing, instead casually turning her around to give a tight hug. "But you're back. You made it. That's what's important. And," she looks over at Bea, raising an eyebrow, still refusing to let Rainbow go, "you seem to have brought a, uh, very large friend. Also, don't you run away, you're next." She laughs.
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6,670 posts
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92 likes
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Apr 27, 2024 17:48:03 GMT
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Post by Robot on Oct 6, 2020 21:55:24 GMT
"Well that's a relief.". Her expression relaxed seeing the crystal in Rainbow's hand. "I might be able to use that in practical application rebuilding. Something to make lives easier."
Color spread on her face as Brooke threatened her with a rough cuddling. "Please be gentle, I already learned the limits of my durability, stamina, and wit today, I am very tired."
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Post by DataNinja on Oct 6, 2020 22:17:04 GMT
"And it means we can go back, and find some things that weren't as important to bring forwards the first time," Rainbow says, before winking. "Like the secrets of ice cream."
"And," she adds, more seriously, "It means if you do end up wanting to stay here... you can say goodbye, in person or by a message. Because... that's what I always worry about, when spanning. That to anyone else... I'll just have disappeared. That I might just... end up never coming back, with them not knowing what had happened. I want to make sure you can avoid that."
"Okay... you can have more serious conversations later," Brooke says, finally releasing Rainbow, before moving over to pull Bea into a firm but gentle hug. "The important thing is that you're safe now. And you've got all the time to talk about that that you need. What say we go home, get some rest? Can talk about more after you've slept for a day." She laughs.
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6,670 posts
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92 likes
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Apr 27, 2024 17:48:03 GMT
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Post by Robot on Oct 6, 2020 22:42:21 GMT
Beatrice liked that idea, bringing ideas and thought forward in time so that the future could benefit from the triumphs of the past. And ice cream. That one, if for nobody else, then Yellow. "We should see if Alissa has any requests, she only has so much time, after all.". She suggested before Brooke set upon her, physically sagging into the hug.
"Only a day? I feel like I could make one of Yellow's centuries long hibernations look like a power nap. I am sure there will be a whole big to do about this all too soon... But for now, you think you could carry me home, maybe ravish me with some heavy blankets and warm food?". She blushed, a shy giggle escaping her.
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Post by DataNinja on Oct 6, 2020 22:54:53 GMT
"Eh, it's been so long," Alissa says, shrugging. "I... don't need anything. Not in particular. I've forgotten the details everything important to me so many times over. Better that way. A part of me wonders what it'd be like, to see it all again, only this time... not as a timeless monster. But I don't need the scars torn raw again. It's better like this. I can start again fresh. And... I want to worry about time, this time."
Brooke scoops up Bea as Alissa talks. "Okay, enough planning. Let's get you home. I, uh, may have to make the bed a little less crowded, as I might have possibly... built up a little nest just to try and make sure I could fall asleep at night because I was worrying too much." She flushes.
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6,670 posts
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92 likes
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Apr 27, 2024 17:48:03 GMT
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Post by Robot on Oct 6, 2020 23:37:54 GMT
"Rainbow and I will have to make that up to you after a recovery period.". Bee rested her head on Brooke's shoulder. "Thank you for everything Alissa, we'll definitely be seeing you around... I could get used to this.". She beamed. "It's almost as good as floating."
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Post by DataNinja on Oct 6, 2020 23:58:57 GMT
"Yeah, you better not get used to it," Brooke warns, laughing. "Or else you might find yourself being dropped."
"Yeah, I'm sure I'll see you around," Alissa says. "I feel like I have so much more... energy now. Even if I know I can't keep going forever." She waves, as the trio make their way back to Brooke's place.
Bea's unceremoniously (well, unless with a grin counts as ceremonious) dumped on the couch with a snack while Brooke goes to get a proper sleeping abode ready. Though, she's not gone for very long before coming back, wide-eyed. "Uh... you both need to come with me. And explain what's going on."
She's very quiet as she basically drags them to the bedroom, where it's clear that, nestled in amongst a bunch of blankets and pillows and clothes, there are two figures, fast asleep. Ones that Bea recognises from her dreams, her nightmares. The pair they encountered facing off against Julia. Only this time... human, garbed in what they were back in her dream.
Chrysanthemum's eyes flutter open. "...Beatrice? Rainbow? W...what? I thought-" she looks down at her torso, where the crystal had been shattered before. "...are we all dead? Did you fail?" She looks distraught.
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6,670 posts
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92 likes
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Apr 27, 2024 17:48:03 GMT
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Post by Robot on Oct 7, 2020 0:15:58 GMT
"Yellow just gave that last wish his everything, didn't he...". Beatrice laughed. "I genuinely have a twin, won't Mom be surprised.". She wiped wet from her eyes, struggling for the mix of tears and laughter. "Gee Brooke, if I had known we were going to be replaced I'd have gone to my own time."
Rolling with mirth, she braced herself against a wall. "Welcome to life girls, actual, genuine life. One you can live how you choose, and with each other."
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Post by DataNinja on Oct 7, 2020 0:43:39 GMT
"I... what? I don't understand..." Brooke says, confused, before pouting at Bea's laughter. "Are you going to explain this, or not? They weren't here beforehand... and you know them? They look like you, just... what?"
"It makes sense," Rainbow says, nodding. "Julia was cast out, so they were probably released, too."
"Okay, now you both are just deliberately doing this!"
"Ah, sorry, miss," Chrysanthemum says, awkwardly sitting up. "I'll do my best with what I know. She and I," she gestures to the person sound asleep next to her, "were crafted by the one who basically... ruined this place. Was controlling all the Pokémon and whatnot. We aren't exactly sure what our relationship is to those two, but... probably part of their soul was involved? Somehow? We don't really know. Julia probably would, but... we never got the answer. So, Bea there showed up in my dreams a few times, and then we met... uh, whenever that day was. And then I died, because I was sick of being a pawn, and... I don't know about Beatrice. And then I woke up here! Except, uh, not crystal. And apparently not dead anymore!"
Brooke sighs, looking exasperated. "That just raises more questions." Her face softens, though. "But... that can be for another time. It sounds like you've had a rough time, so... it would be rude to press you too much. Though... my house isn't really set up for this many people."
"Oh, I'm sorry!" Chrysanthemum says. "I don't mean to impose! And I'm really not that tired right now."
"It's fine, it's fine," Brooke laughs. "I can't stay mad at you. You remind me of another lovable goof." She winks at Rainbow, before asking. "So... you two aren't the same people?"
"Well... I don't really know. We don't know the same things, though, so I would certainly say no."
"I would say the soul and body," Rainbow says, quietly, "But not the mind. And... just that of us, without our bonds. What we could have been."
"Anyways, let me get sleepyhead here up, and we can be out of your way," she shakes her Beatrice, who begins to stir, before looking out to the original. "Thank you. For everything. You were the reason I questioned to begin with, had the motivation. And you freed us at the end. Even after everything."
"Look, you all just... get everything out now, between the four of you or whatever" Brooke says, laughing, "and then I'll feed you guys and we can see if we can find a place for you to sleep for the night. We can work things out in the coming days."
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6,670 posts
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92 likes
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Apr 27, 2024 17:48:03 GMT
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Post by Robot on Oct 7, 2020 18:10:32 GMT
Beatrice took a seat on the bed, still holding her uneaten snack close to her chest, the other hand settling over one of the lumps under the blankets. "You trusted me with your lives, and then your deaths... I don't have to tell you the value of this second chance."
She forced herself to eat the piece of fruit in her hands. Her entire body felt leaden. "I thought you were both just a dream until you were there in the crystal... And I had to make some very hard decisions. Everything turned out alright I'm the end... Hard fought and not without casualty, but no phyrric victory."
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Post by DataNinja on Oct 7, 2020 18:39:32 GMT
"And we can never repay you for that. For all the hardships you went through to get to that point," Chrysanthemum says. "Even though we may not have been why you came... nonetheless you came for us, helped us. Just let us know if we can do anything in return."
The girl next to her flutters awake, sitting up and looking around with confusion. "Wha…?"
"It's okay, darling, I'll explain everything in a bit," Chrysanthemum says, giggling. "But let's get out of their hair and let them rest."
She gives Beatrice a hug, followed by Rainbow - the latter of whom seems very weirded out by this, judging from the look Bea can see on her face. Very deer-in-the-headlights.
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