A Tepig's Tale

Episode 102

At the Elite 4 after beating Shauntal 

Shauntal: Wow. I am impressed. You guys have grown much stronger since our last encounter. I guess you still hold true to your legacy as Pokemon League Champions. 

Pignati: Yes we are. 

McFly: We've all come a long way to get to where we are now. And we're ready to beat you guys again. 

Harmony: You are now the third member we have defeated. Meaning all that remains is Marshal, the master of the Fighting-Type Pokemon. 

Shauntal: Hoo boy, you guys have your work cut out for you there. Not to mention the Champion herself, Iris. 

Jade: Well don't you worry about us, we can take'em! Ain't that right Aidan and Lasagna!? 

Aidan: Exactly. 

Lasagna: These last few guys won't know what hit'em. 

Jade: Yeah! Oh, and also, hugs Lasagna Nice sweeping out there. kisses Aidan And nice tanking out there. 

Aidan: Anything for you Jade. returns the kiss 

Shauntal: Anyway, I believe you should make your way to Marshal now. Your final trial before Iris awaits. 

Pignati: Thank you. Come on guys, let's move. heads out with the others 

Ontario: stays behind for a minute Hey, um, Shauntal? 

Shauntal: What is it? 

Ontario: Well, have you been aware of the recent events within the Pokemon world after we beat you the first time? Such as, any changes in the spirit world or something? 

Shauntal: You refer to the influx of dead Pokemon entering the realm at the hands of a Misdreavus, correct? 

Ontario: Yeah. Shimmer. I'm sure you know all about her, right? 

Shauntal: Mostly. It appears as though her thoughts were clouded when I tried to tap into her mind to understand why she acted the way she did. However, I was recently able to peer into her mind and well, it was not a pleasant site to say the least. 

Ontario: What did you see? 

Shauntal: ... I saw the mind of a Pokemon broken to their core, a heart that was shattered in every conceivable spot you could imagine. The absence of a family, the corruption of other's desires, and an aching pain of being forgotten forever. Even though she has committed heinous acts in the face of Arceus, it also breaks my heart to see her soul fallen so low. If she truly feels the remorse of her actions, I will look to Arceus themselves and ask for them to forgive her soul, so that it may rest in peace. 

Ontario: ... Wow. 

Shauntal: You should go meet up with your friends now. But if all is well, this will not be the last time we meet again. 

Ontario: Alright. Thanks for talking with me. heads out 

meanwhile in Pinwheel Forest, Shimmer continues to cry with all of her strength. All alone wallowing in her shame as to who she has become 

Shimmer: still crying What have I done? Why did I have to suffer so much in this world? Why was I even brought here to begin with if nobody wanted me. And when I thought I had found my place in this world, it was ripped away from me just like that. And for what, so some malicious person could rule the world only to be stopped by some teens. And on top of that, my life was stolen from me as well. And it brought me back here as a ghost to haunt this realm forever? ... I am just destined, to be alone forever? continues crying 

Shantae: No. That's not true. 

Shimmer looks up and sees Shantae, Sasha, and Shanir 

Sasha: We've said it before, but, without you, we'd be in the same position as you. 

Shantae: You gave us the strength to keep going when both of us wanted to quit. And I don't care if the world doesn't know about you, or me, any of us. All that matters to me, is knowing that you know you are the reason we're still here. Either in spirit, or in body. 

Shanir: I know for a fact that the Shimmer I knew at the center was strong in heart, never despairing from anything. If the world told you no, you fought back against it. And I know, that if you let us help you as you've helped them, your sisters. We will help you find the light you so deserve to bask in. 

Shimmer: slightly shaking I know I don't deserve your kindness, looks up with tears in her eyes But I'm glad you're willing to share it with me. 

Shantae: Anything for our sister. 

Shimmer: floats back up and wraps her ghostly vines around all of them to embrace them in a hug, with tears rolling down her body Thank you. 

the four continue hugging and comforting Shimmer 

Sasha: So, now what? 

Shanir: gets a message from her xtransceiver I think I have a good idea. Come on, we've a got a long ways to go. 

the four make their way to Victory Road, and the Elite 4 

to be continued