Four Paws: Deliverance

One Chance

Wind whistled through the treetops, carrying leaves far away, across the vast ocean. A Vulpix sat on the beach, watching the golden leaves of autumn disappear amongst the waves.

Her tails curling around her side, Vulpix glanced downwards, feeling the sand between her paws. Ugh, she'd have to shake the sand from her coat later. It was coarse, rough, irritating, and it got everywhere.

Sighing, Vulpix shook her head and looked to the sky. It was so clear, so blue, so bright. Why did it seem to contrast her feelings so perfectly?

Being here made her remember her childhood home, being with her siblings and Dad. Of course, that's why she'd come her today. For the first couple years, her siblings and her had gathered together for the anniversary of their Dad's death, but now they had all left. Her siblings all had families to care for; people to love. So why, why was Lavendar the only one alone?

Pushing the thought from her mind, she tried to picture her Dad. His smiling face and scruffy coat. Everything about him had been warm. Just being with him and she was safe, she was home. Then, when he got sick, he still smiled, but she watched as the warmth faded from him, piece by piece. She wondered, do other people associate being cold with being lonely? Do they go hand in hand? Are they one and the same? She didn't really know; even in the sun's gentle grasp, it had been a long time since she'd felt warm.

"It doesn't seem fair, does it?"

Starting at the voice, Vulpix hurriedly wiped at hers, but only succeeded at getting sand in her eye.

"Ow, ow," she cried, scurrying backwards, shaking her head and blinking quickly.

Tears came thick and fast, grabbing at the sand and carrying it away. Vulpix closed her eyes hard and opened them again, looking at the Pokémon who'd scared her.

A small green Pokémon, with tiny transparent wings on its back looked at her strangely. It floated in the air for a moment before slipping downwards until it was sitting on the beach. Looking back across the ocean, the Pokémon shook its oddly shaped head. "Honestly, their story was so much fun! They fought legends, found love, and saved the world, more than once! For what? It just, it doesn't seem fair."

Her head tilting cutely, Vulpix stood still, transfixed by the strange Pokémon. "Um, what, what're you talking about?"

"Your parents, of course."

Vulpix's jaw dropped. "How do you-"

"And Glair and Tertle. Ace too, I suppose. Still not sure how I feel about him."

Hanging her head, Vulpix sat, willing herself to calm down. Her tails however stood on end. "Did you know them?"

The Pokémon sighed dramatically. "No, but I've seen their story so many times. I'm not supposed to interfere, but I just can't be satisfied with this."

Unsure what the strange Pokémon meant, Vulpix just waited. Sure enough, it continued after a brief pause, "It's really not fair, don't you think? They should have had more time."

"Yes, they should have."

"Hah, well then, are you ready?"

Raising her head, Vulpix squinted at the strange Pokémon. "Ready for what?"

"I can give you one chance." The Pokémon fluttered its wings and reached upwards, as if grasping for something. "I am Celebi, the Time Travel Pokémon. I can send you back to save your parents."

Vulpix's jaw hung open. This couldn't be real, right? The Celebi?

"You only get one chance though. Anymore and I'll get in trouble with the mon upstairs."

Unable to believe it, Vulpix simply sat there. Could she really bring back them back? Could she really change how things ended? It wasn't possible, right? Still, at Celebi's words her Father's smile seemed brighter. A flicker of warmth, hope, sparked inside her chest for the first time in too long.

"Lavendar?"

At the sound of her name, Vulpix raised her head, tears welling in her eyes.

Celebi smiled sweetly and flew slowly closer. Reaching out, she stroked Lavendar's cheek. "You won't have to be alone anymore."

A sob escaping, Lavendar nodded. "Please. I'll do whatever it takes. Just please, let me have them back."

"Well then, I'll see you in a minute." Celebi floated backwards, its hands glowing. The ethereal white light surrounded Lavendar, consuming her. She shut her eyes against the intrusive brightness. Then, with a flash, she was gone.