To Wrap My Life in Leaves~Pokémon Watty Awards2014 1st Place Short Story Winner~

Chapter 1: The News

"Serphisa, Aqua, look, there's the stairs!"

I stopped and panted after our run around the Mystery Dungeon floor. Dang, how did Sketchy have so much energy?

"Sketchy, settled down and let Serphisa and I rest for a second." Sketchy groaned before lying down and cuddling her large, pink tail.

"Just don't take forever," the Skitty said, and I sent a thankful glance at the Vaporeon beside me. Somehow, Aqua was able to stifle Sketchy's bottomless energy. Before I was able to completely slow my breathing, Sketchy was on her feet again, calling, "Alright, let's gooo!" Aqua and I pried ourselves from the ground, and got into formation again: Aqua as leader, Sketchy in middle, and me in back. This was our normal format, unless it was better for me to be leader because of type advantage. We walked up the stairs, and entered the open cross roads, meaning we were back at Treasure Town. But one thing was a miss: where were all the other rescue teams?

"Come on, I feel we should head to the guild," Aqua said, keeping a calm demeanor. Nodding, the three of us headed to the guild, where voices of what seemed like all the Rescue teams emanated up from the entrance. Climbing down the ladder, we enter the jam-packed room where we notice our observation was true; all of the Rescue Teams were here.

"What's going on?" Sketchy questioned, and we all craned our necks to try and see.

"I'll climb up the ladder some," I offered, scurrying up to survey the area. As if on cue, the doors of Wigglytuff's room opened, and out walked him, Chatot.... and....

Cobalion.

A collected gasp fell over the Rescue Teams, and I whispered a single word down to Sketchy and Aqua: "Cobalion."

Sketchy urged me upward with her tail, and Aqua followed us up. A quiet murmur had arisen from the Teams, and Loadred shouted to quiet us down.

"Every one, Cobalion has an important announcement to make," Wigglytuff said, gesturing to the Legendary besides him.

"Thank you, Wigglytuff," Cobalion said, clearing his throat before speaking loader to all of us. "I come bearing grave news. Virizion is dead." I gasped, along with everyone in the room. "As you must know, this is fatal news, and Virizion needs to be alive to keep the balance of this world. But fear not, for I have been told in a dream what must be done to restore this balance. Where is the Snivy of the name of Serphisa?"

I almost lost my grip on the ladder. Me? He needed me? Climbing up a few rungs, I called out, "Here".

"Come to me, then. I will tell you in detail the role you play in this." Murmuring an 'excuse me' to Sketchy, I climbed back down, pushing my way up to the front. My heart was synchronized with my footsteps, a constant drumming as I slowly made way to the front. What way was I included to help Virizion? I was just one small Snivy, what could I do? Finally, I had made my way to the front of the crowd, and I stood beside Cobalion, looking up at his grim, serious eyes.

"Serphisa," He began quietly, "my dream has told me that a body is needed for Virizion to come back. It told me a certain body of a certain Pokémon was needed; and that was you. This is grim news, I know, and quite sudden, too. So, therefore, I am giving you six days to say good bye and tie up any loose ends you have in your life. At sunset on the final day, you are to come here so we can summon Virizion's spirit to alter and enter your body. In all actuallity, you are to die for the resurrection of Virizion. Be honored, Serphisa. Be brave."