The Messanger of Time

Prologue

The world is growing darker... Each day, I can feel life slipping away... It is nearly time...
Only the final one can prevent the great crisis... But can he do it?
This will be the ultimate test for him...

Good luck... Vincent Verona.

It is October 15, 1990 at Temporal Tower, the ending point of the Messanger of Time, Gerald Grey, who is in the form of a blue-flamed Typhlosion. He is followed by Lucas Crane, who has been alongside Gerald through his entire task. He is in the form of a Mightyena, and is a Messanger sent out by the Spiritual Council to take on the Spacial Task.

For those unaware of what the Spiritual Council is, they're a group of beings in a plain between life and the afterlife, who have been chosen to serve Arceus in protecting the various realms in existance. They send individuals called Messangers on lifelong tasks to prevent foreseen calamities from befalling these realms. Two of which, are Gerald and Lucas.

In the Spiritual World, most take on a human form as they serve the Council. Gerald would be in that of an average sized male appearing in his early thirties and having short, brown hair and dark blue eyes. Under normal circumstances, he would be seen in a somewhat thick attire, and he has a bold personality, but is known to make rash choices at times.

Lucas, however, is one of the more calm and focused nature. He would be seen normally as a tall man in his late twenties and having black hair slightly longer than that of Gerald's. Eyes of a deep amethyst color reflect his wealth of intelligence and wisdom, often fabricating ideas that have proven beneficial for the rest of the Council. He is known to suit primarily in a priest-like outfit, however he preferred the darker colors, which could come from the idea that 'darkness' is not necessarily an evil force, but harder to make proper use of.

This idea may also reflect on the fact that he is naturally born a Mightyena, as he appears in the physical world. The same is for Gerald, being that of a Typhlosion.

As the two reach the top of the tall tower long seen as a sacred monument to all who live in this realm, Gerald looks down at the necklace which he was given to hold contact with a close friend. He remembers the vow he made to one day return safely from his task. And he will do everything in his power to make that true.

But is that enough? He begins to wonder if he's followed the right path to finally come to this point. As he looks ahead to the shrine which awaits them, he takes his bag and pulls out five small objects in the shapes of teal gears. After looking at them for a moment, he walks forward and examines the shrine, seeing fine carved indentations which the gears would be placed in order to restore the proper flow of time throughout the realm.

He begins to place each Time Gear in the shrine, growing more tense with each one placed. As he takes the last one, he stares at it for what seems like forever. Lucas walks over to his side and nudges him, getting his attention and then nodding to him. As he reaches out to place it, his attention is caught by a deep growl behind them as they both turn, seeing what looks like Dialga. However, he is dark blue in color and the diamond which is normally clear, is a deep crimson red.

Upon the sight, Gerald lowers his arm and steps back from him. However, he only backs into the shrine behind him as he stares up at the deity of time in Primal form. The sheer sight of this dark entity sends chills through him as he faces fear in the eyes.

Lucas soon steps forward, staring up at Dialga as he stands inbetween him and the Typhlosion whom he swore to protect during their task. Not taking his eyes off the large creature, he speaks in a low tone. "It's now or never, my friend. Place it before it's too late."

Gerald looks at him, and slowly nods as he holds up the Time Gear and is about to turn to the shrine. But Dialga roars out and fires a beam of energy at them, the two barely dodging as they are separated by an explosion that could've destroyed them both.

Upon landing, Gerald drops the Time Gear in his paw, it rolling across the ground as it nears the tower's edge. He quickly rushes after it as it rolls over, about to jump after it as Lucas yells out to him and grabs him.

"Gerald, no! It's too late to go after it!"

Gerald growls and throws him back, looking over the edge as the a feeling of dread comes over him when the Time Gear hits the ground below, shattering into several pieces.

Lucas slowly staggers up, looking at him as he stares down over the edge in complete silence. "...Gerald?"

Gerald turns and walks by Lucas, speaking quietly. "It's over... I've failed..."

Lucas watches him, turning as he walks by, towards Dialga. "I'm sorry, Gerald... There was nothing we could do."

Gerald looks up at Dialga, who stares back down at him, no longer attacking as the task has already ended in failure. The Typhlosion growls lightly and clenches his paws. "This isn't the end... I may have failed, but we will find a way..."

Dialga snorts in response, turning and walking away. And soon after, Gerald drops to the ground, emitting a silvery glow. Lucas, seeing this, runs to his side and crouches down to him.

"Hey! Gerald, look at me..."

Gerald lifts his head to look up at the Mightyena, who stares into his eyes.

"I'll make sure it changes. You've done well, my friend... Just go back, I'll take things from here."

Gerald slowly nods and lays his head down. "...And to think, I was so close... to finishing it, once and for all. I guess, just like the others, It'll end empty-handed for me."

Lucas nudges him. "Hey, don't say that. You won't fall like the others have. I'll see to that."

Gerald grunts and chuckles a bit, closing his eyes. "You're a good friend, Lucas... Keep at it, wherever you go."

Lucas nods and smiles a little. "Farewell, my friend... I'll see you, in time."

Gerald smiles and lets out a breath as he fades away in silver particles, returning to the Spiritual World as Lucas slowly steps back.

He then turns to the shrine and sighs. "I guess... it's up to one more to finish the task. I just hope they can pick the right one..."

Lucas walks off, fading into the shadows as he prepares for the next to come.

- - - - -

"What... What do you want? ...No. No! I'm not going!"

- - - - -

~October 16, 1990~

"Vincent? Are you awake?"

A tall male, looking to be in his late teens, sits up on his bed and looks to the door. He has short, dark hair and deep blue eyes, and wears clothing of seemingly average style. A short-sleeved white shirt and long light blue jeans, looking almost a size large for him and held with a black leather belt which is hidden under his shirt.

"What is it, Joseph? ...Why do I get the feeling from your look that somemthing bad happened?"

Another man, nearly Vincent's height and in thin, silver robes, stands in the doorway. His blue hair is held by a silver band and he bears a long katana on his side. He looks back at the younger male with lighter blue eyes, having an uneasy expression.

"You've been summoned to the Council Chamber. It can't wait."

Vincent gets up and looks at him curiously. "What happened?"

"Come. I'll explain on the way."

As the two walk out, Joseph explains to Vincent what happened during Gerald's task, and how the Council Elites found him unconscious upon his return. He seemed to be brutally injured. By what, is not known. For what they knew, he returned with no incident. It is thought that he was attacked before they came to him. But as of yet, he hasn't regained consciousness.

Vincent looks down in thought. "But what could've happened..? And you said he failed his task? That's not like him..."

Joseph shakes his head. "I don't really know the details. But he may be awake when we get there."

Vincent nods slowly and looks ahead as they climb the stairs to the Council Chamber. As they enter, he looks to the room on the left, being the infirmary. He looks around inside, noticing Gerald on a nearby bed and running to him. He is seen to be in human form. "Gerald? Gerald, can you hear me?"

He slowly opens his eyes and looks up at Vincent, blinking and then letting out a small sigh. "How'd I know I'd see you here..?"

"What happened to you? Do you remember?"

Gerald slowly shakes his head. "I was attacked... He tried to take me... as soon as I came back..."

"Who? Who did this, Gerald?"

He winces in pain, trying to speak, but losing conscious again.

"Gerald..? Gerald!"

Joseph, who is watching from the doorway, shakes his head and sighs. "And yet more questions left unanswered..."

Vincent looks at him and shakes his head. "What is happening lately?"

Joseph turns to the hall. "I wish I knew. But we can't spend any more time here. The Minister's expecting you." He then walks out.

Vincent blinks. "The Minister... But he was just elected, yesterday. He's already assigned to a meeting?"

He decides to shrug it off and follow Joseph out, going down the hall to the main chamber. He looks around, the room seeming to be practically empty, other than a couple people in the seats and the Minister at his desk in the front.

As he walks over to the pedistal, he looks up at the Minister. Joseph goes to a nearby seat and sits down. The Minister, seeming to be somewhat impatient, is going through papers on his desk.

"...Minister? Is something the matter?"

"I'm expecting another. He seems to be late in his appearance."

"Another..?" Vincent turns to hear quick footsteps down the hall as he sees a shorter male with light brown hair and green eyes run into the room. He rushes to the other pedistal and pants. "I'm sorry, Minister. I tried to get here as fast as I could."

The Minster eyes him irritably. "Of course you did, James. And I don't suppose your mentor did his job at making sure you got here in time?"

A blonde-haired man dressed in all black runs into the room and looks up at him. "Not true, he was dodging the subject and decided to take a few side trips."

The Minister holds his hand out. "That's enough, Chris. I will hear no more of this. The fact of the matter is, under no circumstances should individuals ever be late to a summoning. The Elder will know of this."

Chris grunts and sits down next to Joseph, folding his arms. "It wasn't my fault..."

Joseph rolls his eyes. "Just accept it and move on so we can get to the purpose of this meeting."

The Minister nods and looks down at Vincent and James. "Now, you two have been called here under special orders."

Vincent looks over at James. "What kind of trouble did you get into this time, hmm?"

"No more than usual... I hope."

The Minister clears his throat and speaks again. "He is in no trouble. The situation calls for a different cause. And that is, you two are brought here to fulfill your role as Messangers. There is a task chosen for each of you."

James looks back up at him and tilts his head. "Oh? And what kind of task is this, might I ask?"

"Your task is that of the Peace Messanger. And as such, you will be sent to Earthrealm under said terms."

He nods slowly and looks over at Vincent. "And what of him?"

Vincent looks up at the Minister, having a feeling of tension as he can tell what he is about to say.

"We have received intelligence that Gerald Grey has failed the Temporal Task, yesterday. And because of this, a new Messanger must be assigned the task..."

James blinks and looks back at the Minister. "Wait. You can't be saying..." He looks at Vincent, then back at the Minister. "Do you realize just what you're putting him on?"

"We've no other choice. Vincent's records have shown his level of abilities in fulfilling his tasks. Regardless of a recent occurance, he is still in highest standards, and one of our best."

Vincent looks away in silence at his words. Having the memories of what had previously happened, he is uncertain he can take on such a task. But if it's what the Spiritual Council has chosen, then it is something he must do.

After a moment, he looks back up at the Minister. "I accept this task..."

James looks back at him and shakes his head. "You can't be serious, Vincent! You know what happened to the other three."

"There's no choice, James!"

He steps back, now quiet, and Vincent turns to him.

"It'll be okay... Trust me on this. I'll see to it that it gets done and I come back safely."

He sighs and slowly nods. "Fine... But be careful. I don't like this idea, one bit."

Vincent then turns back to the Minister and nods. "Go on."

The Minister nods and hits a switch, what looks like a hologram appearing in front of them. "Due to your current positions, you shall enter the world from a natural birth, and live your tasks."

James looks at the one in front of him and sighs. "I know..." He runs through the list, reading the names and then tapping one of them. "Done."

Vincent looks at him curiously. "That was fast..."

"It's intuition. I know this one will be right for me."

He shrugs and looks through his own list, going through the names and blinking as he overlooks one of them. "...Minister? What is with this one?" He taps one and the Minister looks over his papers.
"Chrissa Verona and Samuel Alicera... Wait, what is this? They shouldn't even be here. From this report, the documentary on these people was found destroyed two weeks ago."

"Destroyed... Curious..."

James looks at him. "Don't tell me you're actually going to go with them."

"You know I always pick the ones that stand out the most to me. Perhaps if I go with them, I'll find out just what happened to their documents. Clearly, someone doesn't want us to know about them."

"You're insane..."

Vincent shrugs and nods to the Minister. "I choose them."

"...Very well then, if you insist." The lists then fade away and are replaced with several small orbs of varying features. "I believe you know what comes next. I'll leave it to you to choose."

James looks them over, then taps four of them, having them immediately disappear when touched, but also vanishing on Vincent's side as well.

"...Hey, I wanted one of those."

"You're too slow." James looks at him with a chuckle and he shakes his head.

"I'll get you back for this." He then looks over them, tapping four of them and naming each of them. "Time Crossing, Light Warp, Dimensional Scream... Dragon Taming, I suppose."

After the fourth one is selected, they fade away, the chosen abilities binding to both of them as they look back at the Minister.

"Right, then. It would seem you're both now prepared. If you will, please step forward." He then hits a switch, the large panel in the center of the room lighting up and then swirling around in a pool of silver energy.

Upon seeing this, the two move over and look down at it. Knowing that stepping onto it would send them to the physical realm and begin their tasks, they look at each other, Vincent taking a deep breath.

"...Are you ready, James?"

He slowly nods. "You, Vincent?"

He nods and looks back at Joseph and Chris, who are watching them silently. Joseph nods to him assuringly, and he turns back to the panel.

The Minister then speaks up. "When you're ready, you may begin. And the best of luck to you both."

After a moment, they look at each other again, then back at the panel and step onto it. It lights up and they turn back to Joseph and Chris, looking at them one last time before fading away, the panel then returning to its normal look as they are sent away. And on the following day, their tasks have begun...