TCC: Collab with Vypor PT 2

     “Holy.....” Peter said in pure amazement. “I think I'm gonna turn green myself...” He stared in awe at the ten foot Lati in front of him.

     I couldn’t help but chuckle. “What now? Feeling a bit woozy are we?” I asked him.

     “Maybe with envy.” Peter laughed. Which made me a tad curious.

     “Envious?” I said. “What is there to be envious of? I have no legs."

     "Well the fact that you're really a Pokémon!" He exclaimed. "This is like something out of my wildest dreams!"

     I raise an eye. "Oh really? Well I certainly wasn't expecting to become this after I ran across Latias either.” Then I tilted my head. “Actually, I hadn’t expected her to even exist."

     Peter just shook his head. “This is still freaking amazing.” He told me again.

     I nod in agreement. “I’m so used to it by now. But when I think about it, I suppose it is. I mean, it's not everyday you see a kid turn into a Pokemon. Let alone into what I am.”

     “I'm most probably gonna remember this day forever now.” Peter mused. “This is amazing. I've made a friend who can become a Latios.”

     I rolled my eyes. “Actually, I'm not a Latios. I'm a Lateon. It’s my specie, and the name that I go by.”

     “Well that's a new one for me.” Peter said. “I’ve never heard of a Lateon before.”

     “It's a new one for everybody.” I reassured him. “I am after all, the only one of my kind. And that's only due to an extremely odd chain of events.”

     “Heck, if I was like that, nobody would mess with me again.” Peter said, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “I could beat up anything!”

     I quickly shook my head. “No, you don't know the half of it.” I told him. “It’s not about power, that will only corrupt. I’ve done things before... That I never want to see again. And I've literally watched loved ones die.”

     I looked at him. “That, is something you should never have to see.”

     Peter then hung his head. “I've seen it once...” He told me.

     “I...I saw my Empoleon die...There was nothing I could do to help it... The one I started with when my journey began...” He struggled, a tear dripping from his face. “They called out a group of strong Pokemon, and unleashed a barrage of Hyper Beams on it... I got it to the center...but by the time I did...”

     I flew over and put a hand on Peter's shoulder. "I'm sorry...” I told him. “I truly am, I know the feeling…”

     “That’s why I hate hunters and thieves so much...” He stammered. “They killed my starter...” He dropped down to his knees sobbing.

     I look down at him. I saw a pain I had known, perhaps his wasn’t as severe, but it was nothing short of heart wrenching to see another like this.

     “I promised I would make them pay...” He continued. “That I would avenge his death... That’s why I went to where the hunters had made camp, and tried to round them up for arrest..."

     “That's where and when I got this scar…”

     I shook my head. “Control your anger Peter. Or it will take control of you. Trust me, I know better than anybody." I reached down and lifted up his chin.

     “You have friends who are willing to help you through this.” I told him. “And you have just gained another in me.”

     Peter looked up tearfully at me. “You mean that?”

     I nodded. “I know your pain, and I mourn also for your loss. But yes, I see you as someone I can trust. Someone who knows pain like I have. A little bit anyway."

     I got up. “And should you ever need help, I am here. Trust me, I live closer than you think.”

     Peter suddenly reached out and placed his arms around Lateon's shoulders in a hug. “Thank you… Thank you so much…”

     I just smiled an patted him on the back. “It's fine... I can already see you've held this in for far too long as it is. It’s good to see you let it out.”

     “I'm sorry for losing it like that...” Peter apologized. “But just mentioning Piplup earlier brought back a lot of bad memories...” Peter said as he slowly got back up onto his legs, wiping his eyes.

     “I could see that.” I agreed. “Now then, feeling any better?"

     “Not really...” He shrugged. “It's a type of pain that doesn't just go away... And I doubt it will until I can avenge his death...” He said solemnly. “I love my Pokemon like a family... And I don't ever want to see another one die…”

      I looked at him sternly. “No.” I told him. “Despite the pain, you will still have to learn to overcome it. If you dwell on it, it will consume you. I did the avenging thing, and it shocked me at what I did."

     “Those memories are still to this day embedded into my mind. Vengeance, will only create more bad memories.”

     “I guess you're right there...” Peter sighed. “I just… I want to do something…”

     “That's why it's best to have a friend to lean on instead.” I said. “And as I told you before, I'm here if ever you should need such.”

     “Thanks again.” Peter replied.

     I nodded in return. “You're very welcome Peter.”

     “So...” He said as he looked around the surrounding forest. “What next?”

     I sensed his wish to change the subject, and thought it a good idea as well. “I dunno.” I shrugged. “Some time to refresh perhaps? After that little 'episode' you look like you could use just that.”

     “Maybe a walk would suit you?” I then looked down at myself. “Though granted that I myself wouldn't be able to join. I don’t exactly have any legs.”

     Peter couldn’t help but chuckle. “But that’s the good part about you. No legs means you wont fatigue easily.”

     I nodded. “Tis true. But hey, if you get too tired, I can always give you a ride.”

     “I'll hold you to that now.” Peter replied. “You wanna lead the way?”

     “To where exactly?” I asked him. “I know how to easily find the town again. We can 'walk' anywhere you want out here.”

     Peter shrugged. “Well why don't we explore this area. I didn't know such a beautifully untouched area existed here.”

     “Oh, it's all mostly that way out here.” I told him. “I find living out here very refreshing."

     “Well you know the area better than me, why don't you show me the highlights?” Peter suggested.

     “Ok, well over here we have some lovely trees. With some more lovely trees behind them.” I said sarcastically. “Actually, this spot is new to me. Mind you that this is a huge forest. I still haven't seen it all.”

     “Well then, let's take a look.” Peter shook his head as he started off in a random direction.

     I just hovered around, looking over ridges and pointing out different things that I thought interesting.

     "You ever considered becoming a tourguide?" Peter joked.

     I shook my head. “I'd be a lousy one. I mean, I don't know this forest THAT well.”

     “Well I dunno, you've done fine so far.” Peter shrugged.

     “Okay, I led you to a random part of the forest, and am pointlessly leading you through it. That's fine?” I laugh.

     “Fine enough for me.” Peter chuckled back.

     “Well then, being a guide is easier than I had previously thought.” I mused.

     “True. Besides which, in a forest like this, who knows what we could find.” Peter said, that mischievous glint in his eyes again. “We could come across something like a beautiful hidden lagoon!”

     “Lagoon, no. Pond, yes.” I chuckled. “Or waterfall. I do like a good waterfall. Though it wouldn't compare to something I DO know about.”

     “You gonna tell?” He asked. “Or is it a secret?”

     “Uuhh... I’m gonna have to go with secret this time. I told him. “It’ll have to wait.”

     “Fair enough.” He said. “I won't ask you to talk about anything you don't want to.”

     I nodded and continued. “Good. Cause I'd hate to have to erase your memory.”

     Peter couldn't help but laugh. “That's the last thing I need, having my memory wiped.”

     I chuckled along with him. “Just kidding. I can't actually do that, unless I hit you hard enough to give you amnesia that is. Though I tend to hit a bit too hard.”

     “Well with the way you seem built, if you hit me too hard I'd be in a coma.” Peter said to himself.

     “Or dead. I tend to do the latter.” I said.

     Peter seemed to go a little white.

     “I'm sorry…” I apologized. “It's just what I've been through. I was never in any 'fun battles'. It was life. Or it was death.”

     “Wow...” Peter mused. “Well I can assure you if you were part of my team, it would be fun. You'd have nothing to worry about, and I'd take brilliant care of you.”

     “Haha.” I laughed. “Sure you would. But the thing is, I wouldn't be captured. My being partially human nullifies my chances of being caught by a Pokeball. So there would be no recalling of me.”

     “Did I even say I would attempt to capture you?" He laughed. “Most of whom I encountered chose to come with me.”

     “Ahh, that is good.” I replied. “I was actually referring to the 'storage' of myself however.”

     “To be honest.” Peter continued. “When I'm at home, I let my Pokemon have free roaming of my house. I even set them up their own beds.” He laughed.

     “Well that's what I call taking care of em." I told him. “I honestly can't imagine what kind of cramping I’d have to put up with being in that tiny little ball.” I shuddered at the thought of it.

     “Nor can I.” Peter said again. “How anyone can really keep them in those things is a mystery.”

     “I know. Heck, I didn't even think they were real before.” I chuckle as I hover over a small ridge.

     Peter had stopped behind him, a few inches away from the ledge

     I turned around. “Oh, need some help?”

     “Well unlike you, I can't hover.” Peter said sarcastically. “If I tried that, I'd most likely gain a few broken bones.”

     “Heh, alright then.” My eyes begin to glow, and Peter lifts into the air.

     “Woah, what the?!” He exclaimed as he looked frantically around.

     I then set him back down on the ground below. “Sorry, guess I should have mentioned that I have telekinesis.”

     “Uhh, yeah. A little warning might suffice next time.” Peter replied, shaking his head a bit.

     “Alright, sorry bout that.” I apologized. “It's just so much fun to confuse people.”

     “It's ok.” He assured me. “Now that I'm aware of it, you can try again.”

     A crystal then grows up out of the ground in front of Peter. And I calmly fly over and pick it out of the ground. “Care for some?” I ask him.

     “A crystal?” He said skeptically. “You ain't actually expecting me to eat this, are you?”

     I take a big crunch out of it. “Mmmmm... Tastes like chicken.” I say as I break off a small piece and hand it to Peter. “It doesn’t actually taste like chicken. But go ahead and try it, it's a lot easier to chew than you would think.”

     Peter looked at it strangely for a moment. “Ok, but if I break my teeth on this, you're paying my dentist bill.” He said as he slowly placed it into his mouth.

     I just laughed. “Oh there's no danger of that.” I assured him.

     He bit it and it crushed easily, the texture basically the same as Pop Rocks. The pieces dissolved in his mouth, sending their energy through him.

     “Oh wow!” He said in amazement. “That's really good!”

     I nod. “Indeed. And the best part is, they come in ANY flavor that I myself have tasted. So long as long as I've tasted it before, I can replicate it into a crystal.”

     “Maybe next time you could try something like chocolate or blackcurrant.” Peter smirked.

     I laughed. “Ok, I see what’s going on now. Though I mainly do fruits, I may be able to do chocolate. Granted, the crystal color may not look all that appetizing.”

     “True.” Peter nodded. “A brown crystal would look a bit off putting. Because face it, how often would you see a brown colored crystal?”

     I shook my head. “Ugh, no kidding.”

     He just chuckled. “We'll cross that bridge when we come to it though. A purple crystal would look a lot more pleasant.”

     “Purple crystals would indeed look much better.” I agreed. “Hooray for grape.”

     “Would make a nice ring too. Unless the person tried to eat it.” Peter said.

     I simply laughed. “I could if I wanted to.”

     Peter continued. “I mean you could picture it. A person could find this and mistake it to be some really rare, expensive crystal. Said person could turn it into a ring for someone. Imagine the look on their faces when they find out the crystal is actually food!” Peter burst into laughter.

     I think for a moment, then laugh out loud. “Good point. A very interesting, yet destructive discovery. Especially with the price of ring’s nowadays.”

     “Destructive is right!” Peter gasped. “The girl would be fuming!”

     “Haha! Yeah! Or the person who payed for it.” I laughed along with him. “Latria wouldn't mind all that much though. She knows I could just grow another.”

     “Yeah, but its obvious she wouldn’t mind.” Peter said. “Human females would be livid though. They'd throw the person who gave them the 'ring' out on the street!” he laughed harder now.

     I tried to keep a straight face. “It's painful to imagine the poor bugger. But the scene is so darned funny!”

     “Seriously, I think that’s the funniest thing I’ve ever thought of!” He laughed more.

     I finally stopped laughing and wiped my eyes. “Phew… Yeah, perhaps. But you sure wouldn't if it was you. I can guarantee that.”

     “No, but I wouldn’t be that daft.” Peter grinned.

     “Suuurrre...” I rolled my eyes. “You'd call me to make another.”

     Peter looked at him seriously for a moment. “Seriously though, I'm not the type of person who would do something that cheap.”

     I just nodded. “I understand. In fact, I imagine what you gave your Latias as something that you'd give the one you love. Something of high value, something above average.”

     “Darn right.” Peter replied. “That's how much I love someone, that I'd buy them something like that.” He smiled. “Oh, speaking of which, I never gave it to her to put it on.” He said, pulling out his Latias’ Pokeball to call her out again.

     She appeared and blinked a few times, then jumped in surprise at my presence. “LAA!” She exclaimed.

     She quickly flew in front of Peter, facing me in a defensive position. “What are you doing to him?!” She telepathically demanded.

     “What?” I chuckled. “Do you not recognize me?”

     She stared at me, then my energy signature tipped her off. “You... You're Brad...?”

     I nod. “The one and only. Now then, Peter simply called you out to put the necklace on ya.” I motioned to Peter.

     “That's true.” He smiled to her, gently placing a hand to her face and rubbing it softly. He was rewarded with a soft purring sound from her.

     I smiled warmly, remembering how Latria did pretty much the same thing.

     “In all the commotion earlier, I forgot to give you this.” He said as he took the crystal necklace from his pocket and placed it around Latias' neck.

     She smiled and chirped happily. “Thank you! I love the colors.”

“I knew you would.” Peter replied.

     “I just about translated, but realized that you already understood her.” I chuckled.

     “I've been with her for so long that I can translate just about anything she says.” Peter smirked and cuddled her.

     I just nodded. "I understand. It always warms me up to see a trainer that cares so much about their Pokemon.”

     “I think I said it before, but I'd give my life to protect my Pokémon.” Peter reiterated.

     “I heard, and believe you.” I said. “I can see that from both your eyes.”

     The two of them just blushed a bit.

     “Now then. We were traveling a bit now weren't we?” I coughed, the atmosphere suddenly growing a bit awkward for me.

     “Yeah.” Peter chuckled as he got back up. “Is there anything else to look at, or have we seen the highlights?”

     “Dude. There are endless highlights in this forest.” I told him. “That is unless you feel like going back. I can do that as well.”

     “I think I'll walk with you a bit more. And I'll keep Latias at my side too.” Peter responded.

     “Very well.” I shrugged, looking down a valley. “This direction looks interesting enough.”

     Peter looked at Latias for a moment. “You know with that on you look good enough to marry.” He smirked, Latias just blushed however.

     I just closed my eyes and shook my head. “You've got no idea what you're getting yourself into...” I whispered under my breath.

     “What was that?” He stopped for a moment.

     “Oh nothing.” I responded quickly, then randomly pointing up at a hill. “Hey! Let's go there.”

     “Sure, lead the way.” Peter rolled his eyes. “Just be sure to tell me if it involves any death defying gaps.”

     “Oh don't worry.” I replied. “We already know that I can take care of those.”

     “Yeah. Just give me a little warning next time.” Peter muttered under his breath.

     “Ok ok.” I mockingly hung my head like Peter just ruined all my fun.

     “Cheer up.” He told me.

     I chuckled. “I was just kidding...”

     I was about to say something else, but all of a sudden I saw a stone wall up ahead.

     “What the?...” I mumble as I fly a bit closer.

     “What is it?” Peter stopped beside him, Latias flying up behind.

     I point ahead. “That...” Up ahead, there was a large stone building.

     “It looks like some kind of temple or something..." I mutter as I fly closer. “And it's definitely been here awhile judging by the overgrowth and wear.”

     “A temple?” Peter mused. “Well that's certainly interesting...” He looked at it from where he was. “Geez, this thing looks older then the Ilex Shrine.”

     I turned to him. “I say we check it out. It ain't everyday that you find some ancient shrine temple thingy buried in a forest.”

     “True... Hey! Maybe there's some really rare treasure hidden in it, or maybe a Legendary guarding it!” Peter said, obviously the prospect of such things excited him as much as it did myself.

     “What do you think Peter?” I ask. “Shall we 'investigate'?”

     “Why not?” He grinned. Latias smiling too, both seemed very keen to explore.

     “I knew you'd say yes.” I chuckle as I hover toward the shrine. “Let's see what's in this place.”

     Peter looked thoughtful for a moment. “Well first off we need to find the way inside.” He said.

     I just shrugged. “That shouldn't be hard at all.” I reached out to Peter. “Take my hand.” I told him.

     He extended his hand, gripping my claws. “Umm, okay.”

     I simply flew towards the temple and phased through the wall with him. “There we go.”

     “Wow...” He blinked for a moment. “That's a handy skill to have.” Then he looked around. “Hey, did Latias come through with us too?” He asked.

     I phased back out and several seconds later back in with Latias. “Anything else that you'd like?” I chuckled.

     “Well the gangs all here, so for now we're fine.” He replied.

     “Ok, cool.” I said, flying around a corner while looking all over the walls.

     “Found anything interesting yet?” Peter said several minutes later, both he and Latias were looking over the walls.

     I placed my hand on the walls, tracing out different symbols. And a rather perplexed look crosses my face.

     “Found something interesting?” He repeated.

     I nodded slowly. “This text... It's reminiscent of the Crystoldian dialect...” I looked over at him. “But... How?”

     Peter looked on at it. Knowing nothing about Crystoldia, it's people or texts, there was nothing that he could say that would be of any help to Lateon.

     “Your guess is as good as mine there.” He shrugged.

     I just shook my head. “Sorry, you probably have no idea what I'm talking about.” I turned back to the walls “Either way, this text even being here is highly unusual.”

     “You're right on me saying that I have no idea what it's about.” Peter said as he looked at it again. “Maybe it's from another civilization that used similar texts... Although I could be wrong. You have any idea what it reads?”

     “I would know exactly what it reads...” I replied. “However, most of it is worn away into illegibility. But from what I can tell... It is most certainly a temple.”

     I looked at him. “A temple dedicated to Crystoldia... Though I still wonder. How would whoever built this know about Crystoldia?”

     “Maybe they had a bunch of loyal followers.” Peter shrugged

     “No.” I shook my head. “You don't understand. I am the ONLY one who has entered Crystoldia. That is until I brought Latria there.”

     “So only you and Latria know about it?” Peter went into thought. “But that makes no sense.... You can't have been the only two to ever enter there if this shrine is standing.”

     “No... Perhaps not.” I agreed. “Unless this place has something to do with the Guidecrystal rather than Crystoldia itself...”

     I turned to him, and seeing his perplexed expression at my mention of the Guidecrystal, I knew I’d need to explain.

     “The Guidecrystal is what I carry.” I told him. “The large glowing crystal on my back. It guides the holder to Crystoldia.” Turning to the walls, I continued. “Perhaps the builders of this shrine had the Guidecrystal originally, and built this from visions that they had in honor of the Guidecrystal.”

     I continued t search around on the walls.

“Perhaps...” Peter said, still looking perplexed.

     “Either way, this calls for a bit more investigation.” I said, flying back around a corner, scanning everything that seemed suspicious to me.

     Peter and Latias moved into the center of the next room, watching as Lateon looked around. “Well this sure is exciting, isn't it?” He said to her.

     Latias nodded. “I love the mystery of it.”

     “I'm wondering if we'll find anything really good.” He continued. “Imagine if there's an ancient treasure buried within these walls, or a Legendary guarding it. It would be a battle, but we might be able to befriend it.”

     I looked back at Peter. “If there's a Legendary. Don't expect it to be friendly. In my experiences with Legendaries, they don’t like intruders.”

     “And we technically would be intruders right now.”

     Latias shrugged. “Maybe, but I still think it would be exciting.”

     “Oh, it’d be exciting alright.” I muttered under my breath.

     “I'd still be eager. You know me enough to see that." Peter smiled to Latias.

     She just rolled her eyes. “Anything for a thrill...”

     “I heard that.” He smirked playfully. “I can't help it if I'm that kind of person.”

     I suddenly turn over a stone and see something on it. “What's this?” I pick up a slab and look over it. “This temple was most definitely dedicated to the Guidecrystal...” I said.

     “Really?” Peter asked, walking over to look at it.

     “Yes.” I said, showing Peter the slab. “What does this look like?” I ask as I point to the telltale triangular shape.

     “Well I’m no genius, but it looks like some sort of crystal.” He shrugged.

     “This, is the Guidecrystal.” I told him. “Not in the form that you see on me now however. This here is a picture of it's form when I'm human. This temple WAS built because of the Guidecrystal.”

     “Well then, this is really interesting. This temple stands in its name, but you have no idea to why it was built. Is there more than one Guidecrystal?” He asked.

     “No. This is the ONLY Guidecrystal.” I replied. “It must have left this temple a VERY long time ago, and was eventually found by the Pokemon Resistance.”

     “But the Pokemon Resistance is a VERY long story, one that I do not wish to elaborate on here. That is unless you want to be here for a very, long, time.” I chuckled.

     “I'm guessing that a very long time could be days or more.” Peter said. “And while I really would, hint no sarcasm in my voice, love to hear about that story, I don't think this is the time or the place to explain it.”

     I nod. “Agreed, that would best be saved for later. Until then, I believe we have some more exploring to do.”

     “Yes, that's the reason we're here in the first place.” Peter responded. “Being inside here with all this ancient writing and things is very oddly reminiscent of a fantasy game.” He laughed. “It almost feels like home.”

     “Oh really?” I said. “Well let's see what special 'items' we can find in the said, video game.”

     Peter just chuckled and continued to look around the temple. “We might find a treasure chest or something among all this rubble.”

     “I hope. I do love ancient treasurey things.” I rubbed my paws in mock anticipation.

     He laughed. “Maybe you could take a little something home with you if you find anything appealing.”

     “Perhaps I shall.” I replied. “But that requires me finding something first.”

     “And just what is that something you need to find?” Peter asked.

     I shrugged. “I dunno. Anything if I'm lucky. After all these years of being in desolation here. This temple has to have had most of it's stuff rotted or weathered away.”

     “Yeah, time will do that to a place like this.” Peter sighed.

     I hovered around another corner. “This place is indeed in ruins.” I mused. “I hope we can at least find SOMETHING.”

     “I hope so too.” Peter agreed. “It’s not everyday you find a place like this, and it would be a waste to not find a souvenir or relic.”

     “Well souvenirs from a place like this would be indeed rare.” I said. “And I love rare stuff, so I'm just as eager to find something as you are.”

     “We should look around a bit more. We might find a hidden stairway or something.” Peter mused. “A place like this is bound to have hidden stuff.”

     I nodded. “That is very true. And if there's anything I've discovered about ancient ruins. It's that they always have some sort of secret.” My eyes began to glow green as I channeled energy to my vision, searching for clues to any possible hidden entryways.

     Peter stepped out of the way, standing beside you as you scanned every nook and cranny of the room. “Nice skill, wish I had eyes that good.”

     I grinned. “Yeah, well I sure didn't have this skill when I started out either. My vision was as bad as anything.”

     “But that's beside the point.” I shrugged.

     “Well that's kinda obvious. You got lucky.” He mumbled.
“All I've got to go on is my team.”

     My eyes stop glowing and I looked at him. “Never underestimate your team.” I told him. “I saw how much they trust and look up to you. They are your most valuable possession. And they would die for you.”

     “I would never underestimate them for a second." Peter defended himself, his head drooping when he hear ‘die for you’. “I love them like a family, and at times I wonder if I could even be closer to them.”

     I then nod and turned back to what I was doing. Noting that perhaps I had gone too far. “I'm sorry. I should not have said that.” I apologized.

     “It's ok...” He said. “We got a little heated up, it was to be expected…”

     I simply nodded and continued onward. I knew his pain once, and knew what it was like after having it drug back up. I was pulled from my thoughts at that moment, as my eyes were drawn to a certain spot on the floor.

     I flew over quickly. “Hey, I think I may have found something!” I called out.

     “Really?” He said excitedly, dashing to my side

     “Yeah.” I replied, floating closer to the floor and looking over it. “Stand back.” I told him as I floated back up.

     Peter stood back a little bit and watched. “This oughta be big...” He chuckled.

     “Not really.” I replied, reaching out toward the floor. A faint green glow grew around it. Then bricks started pulling out and floating in the air around me. A small pathway was revealed beneath the floor.

     I looked over at Peter. “Shall we?”