Pokemon Regression

Chapter 29: Fate Points

[Guardian:

"Stop talking out loud, your friend might hear you and wake up."]

I placed my hand over my mouth in response, realising that this 'Guardian' was correct. Others couldn't see the system, so I would just look like I was insane.

[Guardian:

"Idiot."]

I stared in disbelief at the window in front of me. After all this time, I'd gotten used to the idea that the Regression System was a fairly mechanical and uncaring construct, but now it was talking to me-Even insulting my intelligence. 

But if I'm not talking, how can I communicate? I thought to myself. 

[Guardian:

"If you direct your thoughts at me, I'll hear it. Just like every other function in this system."]

I digested that for a few moments, still partially in shock from the sudden human-like way the System was communicating with me. 

[Guardian:

"Idiot."]

I furrowed my brow in frustration. Hey, it's not like you came with an instruction manual! I've been trying hard to figure out what you are this whole time!

[Guardian:

"I am your Guardian, not the Regression System. Please don't confuse us."]

That only caused me to furrow my brow further. You're not the system? What are you then?

[Guardian:

"I am your Guardian. Didn't I just say that? Idiot."]

Do you have to keep calling me an idiot? My frustration grew. 

[Guardian:

"Stop being an idiot and I'll consider it."]

I pinched my forehead. Never mind, just... What do you mean when you say you're my 'Guardian'?

[Guardian:

"I am the one assigned to watch over your second life. You could also say I'm partially responsible for you being chosen by the system."]

I blinked a few times in surprise. ...You're the reason I got sent back in time?

[Guardian:

"If you are upset with me, that is understandable."]

No... Thank you.

There was a long pause before the next window opened, which allowed me to begin processing everything that was happening. Whoever this Guardian was, they were somehow intertwined with the system. The system had been a huge boon to my efforts to survive, as well as gaining my second chance in the first place. If I had any questions, now was a good time to start asking. 

[Guardian:

"...That is an unusual response. Why are you grateful?"]

Why wouldn't I be grateful? You've given me a chance to change the fate of all the people I cared about. I frowned. I already died once, having a chance to prepare for this long... I couldn't have even dreamed of something like that. 

There was another short pause before I got a response. 

[Guardian:

"I see."]

But there's something I want to know. 

[Guardian:

"Stop. Don't ask me anything, let me finish my explanation first."]