Prompt: The Bonds Between Humans and Pokémon
Content Warning: None.
Characters: Arceus, Unukahlai (Black Rayquaza)
Setting: Ransei
The battle was over. Nobunaga and Unukahlai, the supposedly invincible black Rayquaza, had been defeated by Hiro and his partner — the Original One and creator of Ransei themself, Arceus.
With that victory, the region was united under the same flag, with Hiro proclaimed the strongest Warlord and ruler of all kingdoms.
Since the conflicts and hostilities had been abated, Arceus had no reason to stay in the mortal plane any longer and they prepared themself to return to their dimension. But before they could open a portal, Unukahlai approached them and asked them to stay for a little longer.
«You have been away for so many centuries. Aren’t you wondering how the world has changed during your celestial slumber?» asked the sky goddess.
«I do not desire to interfere with mortals’ affairs any longer than I ought to,» was Arceus’ response.
«Ah. Well, it’s not like you haven’t interfered plenty already, what with you being a celebrity around here, and defeating me in a battle, and all of that!» Unukahlai chuckled. «You might as well try to make the most out of your time here, huh? It would be a kind of pity to leave just like that, without experiencing the joys of this world.»
Her behavior surprised Arceus. The last time they interacted with the sky dragoness in outer space, she was more aloof and serious. The alpha god assumed that it was because of her natural temperament, since that was a common trait among Rayquaza, but their analysis was probably off.
This seemed to be her true nature: cheerful, open-minded, perhaps even human, they dared to say.
Things truly had changed plenty, and Arceus couldn’t help but be curious about such progress.
«Very well. Show me, Unukahlai, how the world has developed in my absence.»
And this is how Unukahlai and Arceus ended up striding through the pebbly paths of Dragnor, the Dragon Kingdom. The alpha god found the entire experience particularly bizarre, as they felt the many mortal gazes trained on them, following every step with eyes full of awe and reverence. Even the most rebellious Hydreigon and Haxorus couldn’t help but stay quiet and lower their heads in respect, fully aware of the immense power radiating from the wheel-wielding god.
Soft hisses resonated from their side and Arceus turned to see Unukahlai, who gave them an amused grin. «So, even the creator of everything isn’t immune to stage fright, huh?»
Arceus blinked slowly. If that statement bothered them, they didn’t show it. «Such bold claim of thee,» grumbled the alpha god, before their gaze fell on a shiver of stunned Gible. «I am merely not used to all this attention. That is all.»
«Mortals are easy to impress, and that’s something I find adorable about them. They can find value and worth in near everything, be it the vastness of the sky or the scent of spring flowers.» Unukahlai tilted her head and flashed a wistful gaze. «I suppose having a limited lifespan is an excellent motivator to consider every experience a priceless treasure. We kind of… take everything for granted, do we not?»
Arceus stared intently at Unukahlai, unsure if they were still following her rationale. «And is there something wrong with that?»
Unukahlai shook her head. «Not really, no. It’s just another perspective. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t try to see things through mortal eyes, at least for once in our lives.» She glanced at a group of human children accompanied by a few Dratini and Bagon, all of them giving her expectant stares, and she grinned again at the alpha god. «You know what? How about trying out that lesson right now? Follow my lead!»
Having said so, Unukahlai slithered through the air and toward the group of young mortals. The kids stared in marvel at the towering dragon, her dark scales shimmering under the sunlight.
«Hey! Anyone wishes to take part in a quick flight lesson?» she exclaimed, stretching out her arms toward the sky. Small tornadoes swirled around her serpentine body, and squeals of excitement rang from the children and Pokémon alike, fully aware of what was to come. Satisfied with their response, Unukahlai flashed another warm grin. «Alright, then! Let’s ride the winds, everyone!»
The markings on Unukahlai’s body glowed with a green hue. An updraft began blowing from underneath the group, lifting the children and cubs off of the floor and into the air.
Out of the crowd, the young Bagon showed the most enthusiasm, as they flapped their arms like their future wings. The Dratini followed the other dragons’ lead and began doing loops and swimming through the aether. As for the human children, Unukahlai leaned herself closer and allowed them to cling to her body, fully aware that humans didn’t share the same predisposition toward the sky and the sensation of being airborne. And then, the sky serpent and the air-lifted mortals flew, enjoying the fresh breeze blowing through their scales, skins, and any other body surface.
Arceus studied Unukahlai and the air-riding mortals, somewhat bemused by their carefreeness. To see a deity and a large crowd of proteges have such close interactions was something the alpha god hadn’t anticipated. It was difficult enough for deities to find pure hearts who could bond with them, but Unukahlai had taken a step further while living among mortals. She had made friends with nearly everyone, placing her trust and faith in mortals.
Faith from a deity… What a bizarre thought was that.
Something touched their hoof, making Arceus return to the mortal plane. They focused their attention on whoever touched them, and their gaze locked on a small human child, who looked back at them with eyes full of curiosity. However that child wasn’t alone — a group of other humans and Dragon-type Pokémon had inched closer, still staring at the alpha god with reverence.
Did that mean that Arceus had to do something? Was that a moment to bond and connect with mortals? Did they have to give some essay about their role, guide them as their creator, or…?
Follow my lead!
Arceus glanced back at Unukahlai, who was still carrying the young mortals through the air. Perhaps they only had to follow the flow?
They pondered what to do for a moment, and then their wheel started glowing with golden power. The world around the group surrounding Arceus melted and warped into a planetarium, depicting faraway worlds and different eras. That startled the mortals, who didn’t expect to be mentally transported to the dark sky and the stars while being stuck to the ground, but with some growls of coaxing from Unukahlai, they relaxed and marveled at the tiny cosmos around them.
Sensing that the mortals were at ease, Arceus lowered themself to the floor and laid down, their forepaws crossed in front of them. But doing so seemed to have sent some kind of signal, as many children and cubs gathered around them and sat by their sides, their bodies brushing against the fine fur of the alpha god.
Arceus didn’t know what to think. That was the first time that mortals cuddled with them, and that… By the stars, that made them feel… good. Why was that?
«…You realized it now.»
Arceus turned to Unukahlai, who floated into the planetarium while children and cubs rode on her body. She glanced at her proteges, who marveled at the glorious sight of distant stars and planets, and her expression shifted, halfway between happy and sad.
«These connections with mortals… They are wonderful, aren’t they? Mortals and deities are both part of this world, so why must there be some standards to follow? Why should we restrict and select only a limited amount of mortals to interact with?»
Arceus internally sighed. The deities’ need for distance seemed to be a concept that many younger deities didn’t grasp fully, and it was tiresome to repeat the same answer, but it seemed like the sky goddess needed the bitter reminder.
«Because, as adorable as they might appear in thy eyes, most mortals are fickle. Especially humans,» they pointed out. «And thou should know that already. After all, thou must have borne witness to their vices and impulses during these years of conflict. To what lengths they can go to attain more power.»
The markings on Unukahlai’s body flickered and she thumped her tail, clearly uncomfortable with the answer. Arceus had brought up a good argument: she
had sensed the thirst for power in many Warlords, both young and old.
But while it was true that mortals could breed ill intentions, the sky goddess knew that they were also capable of performing acts of great benevolence. Hiro proved that many times, both before and after Arceus became his partner in battle. And yet, despite that unmistakable evidence, the alpha god was still keeping their guard up. Why was that?
Then, Unukahlai had a flash of realization when she pieced the various events together: Arceus keeping a formal and impersonal partnership with Hiro, their tension while walking among mortals, and their surprise when they experienced physical contact from harmless children.
Just how much did they
truly know about mortals, the ways they tick, and their development throughout the centuries?
Perhaps there was a lesson that the Original One themself could learn.
«Yes. I understand we shouldn’t bond with humans tainted by the void in their hearts, but that doesn’t mean we can’t try to reach out and help them out, especially if we have the means to do that,» she replied, her marking glowing fiercely and defensively. «Many mortals see us as paragons and defenders, and seek our help for comfort and inspiration. By showing hostility toward them and keeping our power only to ourselves, they will learn that it is acceptable to be hostile toward others and greedy. And, well, you saw where that led — to distrust and continuous conflicts.»
Arceus hummed to themself, surprised by the sky goddess's outburst, and contemplated her words. «Mayhaps there is some truth in thy words. Is this the reason thou decided to live so close to mortals?»
«We could say that, yes. I couldn’t simply do
nothing! Not when mortals needed our help the most.» Unukahlai glanced at the children and wagged her tail in front of them, chuckling in amusement when some of the younger ones tried to grab it. «Someone had to set a good example. Inspire others to be more compassionate and empathetic, and show that anyone can use their power to help others, not only themselves. And who knows, maybe someday we all could be… friends?»
Arceus nodded in approval, their eyes gleaming ever so lightly. «That is quite the noble intent, and I thoroughly commend thy initiative.»
Unukahlai looked back at Arceus and hissed joyously, appreciating the alpha god's words. But then, her markings flickered faintly and her gaze fell, earning a concerned gaze from Arceus.
«What is the source of thy concern, my dear?»
Unukahlai hissed loudly and tapped her claws together. «It’s just… I wish my brother would let me explain and he didn’t exile me just because I wished to connect with all mortals. I mean, there is so much we deities could learn from them, too!» She tightened her coils and brought the children close to her face, earning a few rubs that lifted her mood once more. «If the mortals could iron out their differences and learn how to coexist and help each other, then why can’t we?»
Why couldn’t they, indeed.
Arceus turned their attention back to the mortals pressed against their body, secretly relishing the soothing touch of small hands and paws, then focused again on the surrounding cosmos. A scenario got their attention: a dark swirl surrounding Mount Coronet, and humans and creatures trading gazes of distrust and hostility. Red-eyed titans tromped through the lands, attacking anything in sight — no matter if humans or creatures. And then, a slithering figure emerged from the shadows, staring directly at the alpha god from across time.
Giratina? What art thee…?
The creature roared silently at their creator, unfurling their wings and letting dark red sparkles scatter in the air. Time and space churned and twisted into many wormholes from which poured corrupted energy. Arceus squinted their gaze, having noticed another figure in the background. Some void aura, but it seemed to be… human-shaped?
And the vision faded, leaving more questions than answers.
Arceus stared at the blank spot, shocked by the sight. From the corner of their eyes, they noticed Unukahlai had witnessed that scene as well, and she shot them a worried glance. The markings on her body dimmed until they became almost as dark as her scales, fully showing her distressed state of mind.
«Worry not, my dear,» started Arceus, their eyes narrowed with determination. «I shall do something about this, and that dream thou envisioned — with mortals and deities being friends — will be a reality. Thou hast my word on that.»
Upon hearing that promise, Unukahlai showed the brightest stare of admiration that Arceus had ever seen. So bright that it could dwarf even the most brilliant of stars. «Show them what you can do, Arceus. I’ll be rooting for you!» she exclaimed, thumping her tail in excitement and her markings pulsing with renewed fervor.
Arceus nodded in agreement, and their mind began concocting some vague plan. No longer they would stay away from the mortal plane for such a long period and expect the worlds to fix all their problems by themselves. Hisui direly needed guidance, and it was time for Arceus to abide by their role and redefine what it meant to be a god.
