Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rising Spirits

Chapter 7, Part 1 - Catalyst

Upon opening his eyes, Trevor found himself once again floating amidst a familiar world of swirling colors after several months of complete radio silence. His heart beat furiously as he continued to float aimlessly, silently pondering what he would ask if presented the opportunity. It didn't take long for a certain feather-tipped shadow to appear instantaneously in front of the Meowth, the massive, crimson gem on its forehead glinting furiously as it lowered it's head in concentration.

"Hello, Trevor." the shadow spoke without moving its lips, "It's good to finally meet you. I trust that you can understand me?"

In his haste to ask a torrent of questions, Trevor opened his mouth as if to speak, forgetting that his voice was completely useless in this dream world. The shadow chuckled softly.

"Words are not necessary in this place. It would be far more easier for both of us if you could simply think what you want to ask instead."

Trevor instantly shut his eyes and attempted to imitate the shadow's concentrative stance. "Hello," he managed to think aloud, "It's... good to meet you too. I have a lot to questions to ask you, if you don't mind answering them. Who are you, and what is this place? How do you know my name? Why can I only sometimes communicate with you seemingly at random? What-"

"Slow down please," the shadow insisted, "All questions will be answered in due time. To start, I am Uxie, the Being of Knowledge. At least, that is the title which countless generations have bestowed upon me. As you may surmise, I am aware of the names of every Pokémon in this world, which is why I was aware of your name in particular. As for where we are, this little space is the product of a psychic link produced by a combination of your dreams as well as my psychic abilities."

Uxie gestured towards the gem on their forehead, which continued to emit flashes of brilliant red light. "Creating this kind of dream link is very taxing, even for a powerful Mythical such as myself. Hence why the first time I've managed to link with you, all you could perceive was an abrupt, discordant series of jumbled sentences. Managing to link with your dream is hard enough, but managing to maintain said link for an extended period of time is another thing entirely; I am only able to speak with you so clearly at the present moment through several months of continued effort. Are you understanding me?"

"I... err... yeah. I think I got the gist. But what I don't understand is... why? Why have you been trying to contact me all this time?" Trevor's heart raced in anticipation. "I remember you called me 'human' earlier, so you know that I wasn't always a Pokémon. Do you... know anything about about why I've been sent to this world?"

Uxie gave a subtle nod. "Very astute of you. Yes, I have information which you've long since deserved to know. You see-"

The distant sound of rumbling interrupted the shadow's long-awaited explanation as the surrounding world of colors slowly to tremble violently. Trevor frantically swiveled his head around, his dark eyes rapidly jittering around.

"W-what's happening?!"

"You're... waking up!"

"Oh no! But when will I see you again?! I have to know the truth now!"

Uxie swiftly flew forwards and grabbed onto Trevor's shoulder as the rumbling grew exponentially louder. "Listen carefully! I am currently residing within the bottom of a dungeon known simply as the 'Passage of Mirages.' Reach me there, and I shall tell you all that I know." Trevor could only watch in horror as the silhouette began to waver.

"Wait! Please, wait!"

Despite Trevor's protestations, Uxie swiftly dissipated as a massive crack formed from above, a massive beam of white light violently spilling into this once serene world. Several more piercing rays of light quickly appeared from all angles.