Chapter 28
Char had never seen the inside of High Intelligence's chamber before, and got the impression that not very many Pokémon did. It was shaped like a large hall, or a throne room, almost. A calm white light shined from the ceiling and filled the room, not by a ghost-torch, but by a giant glowing crystal. Huge shelves piled high with books, orbs, and relics lined every wall, and several tables occupied the space in the center of the room. Metagross stood at the back and watched silently and motionlessly as the meeting took place, listening to each word spoken and committing it to memory.
Char knew he would have been in awe of the place if he hadn't felt so intimidated, not to mention sleepy. He felt especially uncomfortable since Alakazam forbid Saura from joining him in the meeting. Of course, that didn't stop him from resolving to tell Saura and Ray every single word spoken in that chamber, no matter how much Alakazam or even Scythe would insist against it.
"My most sincere apologies for this… untimely intrusion," Alakazam said with a bow. "But, as a service to you both, I have chosen to inform you of things as immediately as possible. You must also understand that we would not have the time or the coordination to hold this type of conference during the day; our plates are simply too full, just as I am well aware that yours are as well, Scythe."
Scythe responded with a gesture that somewhat resembled a half-hearted bow, but said nothing. Char copied his motion.
Alakazam lead the two over to a larger table. Char was too short to see on top of it, but soon noticed a convenient stone brick located near the base and stepped up. An extremely large map of Ambera, covered by a layer of glass, spanned the surface of the table. It was larger and more detailed than any map he'd ever seen before, and cluttered with countless small objects on the tabletop that undoubtedly represented things like locations of key efforts and known positions of the Master's forces. It appeared hand-drawn and shaded, and it was covered with enough hand-written notes and descriptions to make Char's head spin. He wondered if this was the real Map of Jirachi, which had simply been transcribed into smaller copies for ease of use.
"You must understand that the information I am about to impart to you is of the utmost level of secrecy," Alakazam warned. "Only a select few Pokémon share this knowledge. It will remain unknown to the remainder of the Division. And, although you might take me for a fool, you must remember that I am a psychic, and I can see your emotions as an open book. I have not even spoken, yet you both are resolute upon spreading the knowledge to your trusted teammates. While I feel that I must respect the relationships you hold with your associates, I must make a few things clear: first, that in the best course of action, you should keep this a secret even from them, that imparting it would be most unfavorable and dangerous, and could ultimately prove to be catastrophic. However, since I have nothing in the way of control over what you choose to tell them, I will simply impart the information to you and leave it to your own best judgment. Secondly, that, should you ultimately chose to tell those whom you trust, you must make them undeniably understand the gravity of the situation, just as I am making you understand now, so that they would never, under any circumstances, allow the information to spread farther than themselves. Do you understand what I am saying?"
Char felt himself gulp.
"I do, your honor," Scythe said, nodding his head.
"Yes, sir," Char said simply.
"Good, now," Alakazam said, sitting on one of the blocks and folding his hands on the table, "over the past month, my colleagues and I have devoted over four hundred hours to the research and study of the phenomenon known as the Call. Through it all, we have found… nothing."
Char and Scythe both listened intently, knowing full well that Alakazam didn't bring them for nothing.
"The Call's power changes with each new incarnation," he continued. "The legends and history books speak of its effects. But never, in the history of the recorded world, has the Call's power matched that which we witnessed that fateful night thirty-nine days ago. Analysis of the Call is also rare among the records, amounting to nothing but flimsy and useless speculation. In effect, we do not have an answer for what triggers it, or how it could be manipulated to call upon the servants of Arceus. The appearance of the Call was untimely. We wish only that our ancestors had kept better records, so as to help Ambera in its time of desperate need."
Arceus. Char kept hearing that name, over and over and over, and from every Pokémon he ever knew!
"What is Arceus?" Char asked. "I keep hearing the name, but what is it, and why do we swear by it?"
Alakazam grunted, not expecting the question. Char could tell that he was not amused by it, as he expected it to be common knowledge, but Char really wanted to know the answer.
"Arceus is a Pokémon," Alakazam said. "Arceus was the first Pokémon. Arceus created the universe. Arceus created Dialga, to tend to the river of time, and Palkia, to tend to the void of space, and from their powers combined, the universe came into being. By the power of Arceus, Mew was born, and all other Pokémon came into being. Arceus is the legend of legends, the god of gods, the omnipotent, the supreme. If we succeed in using the Call to evoke the sympathy and the wrath of Arceus' most powerful servants, you will see with your very eyes why we swear by the name.
Incredible, Char thought, trying to digest the words. A Pokémon that created the universe? Could it really be possible for a single Pokémon to be so powerful, to have total control over existence itself? What about humans? He said that Arceus created Pokémon, but did he create humans? And since Arceus is a Pokémon, could he be caught, like any other Pokémon? What would happen? What would happen if the god of all the universe came under the control of something lesser than himself? Would the universe collapse? This is so mind-boggling! How can the creator of the universe be a Pokémon?
"Please, try to focus," Alakazam requested. "Believe me, I know your head is now filled with silly questions, but you would be hard-pressed to find a Pokémon to answer any of them. They are mysteries to us all, and will probably remain that way until the end of time. You see, Arceus has never been seen. While Dialga, Palkia, and every other Pokémon of legend has made appearances throughout history to demonstrate their powers and to conform our world to the will of Arceus, our great and powerful father has never once visited us. Because of this, we must assume that Arceus is somewhat detached from creation, choosing instead to delegate power to the various legendary Pokémon and simply choosing to sit and rest in whatever plane of existence it calls home."
Oh, I see, Char thought. That makes sense. Arceus uses other Pokémon to do his work instead of dealing with the world directly. Guess we don't have to worry about him getting caught, then… yeah, that was pretty silly of me to worry about… But still, wow! An omnipotent Pokémon! I knew Dialga and Palkia were powerful, but Arceus sounds… absolutely mythic!
"But I am deviating from the matter at hand!" Alakazam said, shaking his head. "I must move on to the purpose of this meeting. Just this evening, we received word of the impossible. It is something that signals the changing of the threads of fate, something that suggests the legendary dragons could be on the move as we speak, and it is something… that could have everything to do with you, Charmander. Xatu, in her meditation this week, sensed something amiss, and flew far out to the north to investigate. It was then that she met with a group of Pokémon who had come all the way from the Emerald division in pursuit of a similar inkling, and they told her of their discoveries, and she returned this evening to share her tale…"
THUNK.
A brass cylinder hit the table, completely without the aid of Alakazam's hand. Char watched as Alakazam moved it with telekinesis, sliding it across the map of Ambera, around the countless other blocks and coins used as markers, and to the very northern boundary of Ambera itself. There, he released it from his hold and returned his attention to Scythe and Char.
"Temporal Tower has been revealed," Alakazam announced. "It can be found in this vicinity, north of the Emerald Division near the border of Zerferia, obscured by the surrounding—"
"Temporal Tower!" Scythe gasped suddenly, cutting Alakazam off. "We did it! We called upon Dialga! Could he be coming to our aid…?"
"What's Temporal Tower?" Char asked shamefully, hating himself for not understanding what were probably the basic legends of Ambera. "I'm sorry, sir. I was sheltered…"
Alakazam sighed again, stopping to explain things.
"Temporal Tower is a symbol," he explained. "It is a symbol of Dialga's power over our realm. Just as the very bodies of the legendary dragons are, themselves, symbols, since the servants of Arceus are, in actuality, pure spirits. While most Pokémon associate the form of Dialga with a great, sapphire, diamond-studded dragon, and Palkia as an equally majestic pearl-laden beast, those forms were merely chosen by Arceus so the Pokémon of the temporal realm, you and I, could more easily comprehend their existence, even when their beings far transcend the physical boundaries we see. For we are but creatures of flesh with no comprehension of the astral plane, and we can only believe what we see…"
"And, just as the dragons show us symbols of their beings, they also show us symbols of their authority, their power, and their connection to this world," Alakazam said. "In the history books, we can glimpse at some of these symbols, these monuments which represent the roles they play in governing time, space, and the other forces that control life itself. One such monument, spoken of in countless legends, is known as Temporal Tower, which represents Dialga's control over the time stream of this planet. It is said that, when Dialga visits the physical realm to intervene in whatever way it wills, Dialga's body, its physical form, dwells at the top of Temporal Tower to watch over the Pokémon down below. It is also mentioned in the legends that, in the times of greatest need, Pokémon have climbed to the top of Temporal Tower to beseech the aid of the time god."
"So Temporal Tower is where Dialga lives?" Char asked, his heart already starting to beat faster. "So that means Dialga's here? We could visit him?"
"This is the idea, yes," Alakazam said. "Although we must be wary of jumping to conclusions and rushing headlong into the affairs of the dragons, I fear we may have no choice. Temporal Tower is not a stable phenomenon. In the blink of an eye, it could be gone, hidden again from the eyes of mortal Pokémon. Legends even suggest that its location is not constant. Some speak of the Tower hovering above the ocean, others miles in the sky… To us, it appears inconsistent, not rooted to any location at all. For Temporal Tower is not actually a place, but something far more significant; it is a state of being, an expression of authority, given the appearance of a place."
"What now?" Scythe rasped. "What step do we take now? Do we… attempt Temporal Tower?"
"You shall," Alakazam said. "But again, it should not be a public affair. Because we have reason to believe that your ability has caused this, Charmander, it involves you and no one else. Scythe, you may choose to oversee his journey if you wish, but this is not an official mission. This is off the record. If word of Temporal Tower spreads beyond a simple harmless rumor, it could cause a wave of panic that would entice the Master to take drastic action, destroying everything we have. Do you understand?"
Char had to wonder if he was dreaming. It all seemed so… unreal. Alakazam wanted him to travel across the land, climb a mystical tower, and seek the aid of Dialga? Without the help of his team or even any of the Division? …Seriously?
It all happened so fast, Char knew it was going to take a while to sink in. Already, in his weary, half-asleep state of mind, he felt scared. Truly scared. Too much was expected of him. He'd just gotten used to being a Charmander, to facing risks and dangers that were at his level, and to feeling comfortable with his new friends in his new home. But now, as he was called upon to face the consequences of his supernatural ability, to unravel what was perhaps another milestone in his journey to find his purpose, he knew he would buckle.
For a second time, he wondered if, deep down, he really wanted uncover his past.
"You will take three days to prepare," Alakazam dictated, standing upright once more, "And on the fourth day, you will leave for the Emerald Division. I will try to arrange a viable means of speedy transportation for you. In the meantime, pack your supplies, and do everything you can to prepare yourself."
Saura is coming with me, Char determined. I don't care what anyone says. I don't care what Scythe says. I'll defy Scythe if I need to. This is exactly what Saura wanted in the first place, to help me reach this point, and he's going to be there with me when it happens… because I need him.
"I see that you fear this task, little Charmander," Alakazam sympathized. "In the pit of your stomach, you feel a quiver when presented with this task. Yet, inside of you, there is also a pride that could be controlling your actions instead. Do not make yourself so vulnerable. Take pride in your glorious purpose! The very existence of Temporal Tower here and now means that something is happening behind-the-scenes, and you, little ember with the power to woo the gods, can play a role! One day, all of Ambera may sing songs about a little Charmander who summoned the gods and saved them from the Master's wicked reign. Besides… I sense another emotion in you. There is something… about Dialga that troubles you. Or maybe intrigues you. You look up to Dialga. You seek Dialga for… some type of fulfillment, or… some type of answer. This will be your one and only chance to satisfy this longing in your life. Seize it while you can."
He's right! Char thought. I can… I can meet Dialga… face-to-face… and ask him everything! I can ask him why I'm a Pokémon! I can ask him where I came from! I can ask him why I'm here and why I have the Call! But… still… this is all unbelievable, to be caught up in the affairs of the gods like this… I just hope that Dialga will be nice to us…
"You, Scythe, also seem troubled," Alakazam said. "But I will not attempt to intrude upon your mind; you are a grown Pokémon and are capable of consoling yourself."
When he said this, Char thought he noticed Scythe casting a rather dangerous glance at the Alakazam, but only for a second. It was apparent to him that Alakazam was right: the information and the assignment, although extraordinary, disturbed him somehow.
And that was that. The meeting ended with some awkward formalities, and Char found himself being lead by Scythe out of the Alakazam's chambers and back into the halls of the base.
… … …
Char felt himself stumbling. He knew he needed sleep, but he started to wonder if, after hearing the news, his body would even let him get back to bed, the thoughts throbbing as if a cold blade had been slid into his head and left there. Half of his mind was in a fiery debate with the other about whether or not he wanted these events to be happening in his life, whether he wanted to fulfill his role as a human or just settle down and live life as a Charmander, whether or not, in the end, he'd even have a choice in the matter…
But as he walked with Scythe up to the rooms, he soon discovered that Scythe had a lot more on his mind than he did.
"This wasn't supposed to happen," Scythe muttered, practically to himself.
"What?" Char asked, wondering if he was supposed to have heard it.
"This isn't supposed to be happening," Scythe said again with more certainty.
"What do you mean?" Char wondered aloud. "I thought this was the moment you were waiting for! Dialga could help us defeat the Master once and for—"
"Not now, not now," Scythe said. "No, not now. I had different plans."
Char was taken off-guard by the new tone in Scythe's voice. He almost sounded… crazy. It may have been his sleepiness speaking for him, but…
"I had it all figured out," Scythe said incessantly. "But then this happened. It was the wrong time. Do you realize how hard it is to conceive the perfect plan? Do you know many sleepless nights it takes? And then when it finally all clicks together, and you have a perfect plan, a perfect answer, something that couldn't fail… and then it's all thrown apart by…"
To Char's surprise, Scythe stopped walking. He slumped himself down in the corner of the hallway beneath a blue torch and stared into space, looking lost.
"Scythe, are you okay?" Char asked, approaching him warily.
"No, human, I'm not," Scythe replied. "I'm… disheartened. I'm not supposed to fail. Nobody expects me to fail. But I'm about to fail. Everything is about to come crashing down. Everything is…"
Scythe shook his head, as if to try, futilely, to break himself out of his looping thought patterns.
Char stood, wide-eyed. Scythe's weariness was making him drunk, making him say things that he would not otherwise say. Char realized that Scythe was being personal with him, that his innermost thoughts were starting to untie themselves and rise to the surface. Just how many nights had he been staying up?
"Basin Canyon," Scythe muttered. "I cannot lose Basin Canyon. I can't lose. I can't lose it, human. I can't. What do I do now? I had the perfect plan. But… It's…"
Char stood still, wondering if he should speak with Scythe or just walk away.
"What happened?" Char decided to ask. "Why… did your plan fail?"
"Because, I can't be in four places at once, I can't!" Scythe cried quietly, shaking his head. "It took me this long just to figure out how to be in three places at once. But now I have to be with you, at Temporal Tower, and it's all gone. All gone. It was the wrong time for this. It was the wrong time! The plan won't work anymore…"
"Scythe… No, don't say that," Char gasped, not knowing what else to say. "I can go to Temporal Tower alone. It's okay. As long as Saura will come with me, you can stay here and—"
"No, no, no, no, that can't work," Scythe whined, shaking his head faster. "No. I have to come. It is the only way. I have to come. I will come with you. It is the only way. But it… it will make me… give up… you…"
What is he saying? Char wondered, grimacing.
"I will… I'll have to lie to them," Scythe muttered. "I'll have to tell them we're at the Emerald Division. Visiting. My team... can't know… where I am… It's… the only way…"
Scythe shifted. Char knew that he was falling asleep.
"If you… tell Saura… don't tell Ray… don't tell anyone else… Just… you… and I… and Saura… or else… she… might know…"
His eyes fluttered closed, and his head fell. He was fast asleep.
Char stayed standing, frozen in place, wondering what had just happened. He knew now that it was true: Scythe respected him as a human. If all the times he'd shown Char the reverent bow-like gesture weren't enough to convince him, this definitely did. Even though he wasn't in his right mind, the fact that he'd offered such a deep and personal confession to Char meant something; Char had to really wonder if there was anyone else in Scythe's life that he could share his deepest feelings with, or if they'd all just been buried away, just like the secrets he kept…
Char's daze was broken when a wince shot through him, making him realize that he was about to fall asleep himself. He took a step away, then another, until he started to feel his heart rate picking up enough to allow him to complete the walk back to his room.
He knew, when he'd wake up the following morning, everything would be as normal. Scythe would pretend nothing happened, and so would he. But as he left Scythe on his own to sleep in the deserted corridor that night, he started to realize that, no, he couldn't just accept his existence as a Charmander. He couldn't seek to leave behind his humanity. Not when the world revolved around him. Not when Pokémon served him and respected him as the human he was. Not when gods answered to his Call.
The next step, he determined, was Temporal Tower.
When he returned to his room, he'd barely touched the front door before it shifted away in front of him, revealing a weary-eyed, but softly-smiling Saura on the other side. He knew that his best friend had stayed awake to await his return.