Living in the Shadows

CHAPTER 12 GRIEF, MEMORIES, & MANY FLASHBACKS

(Cresselia)

I have never spoken until now because there was no need. After reflecting on my recent choices, I realized I didn't feel worthy to share my story. But now that Jenna, the girl I loved and raised as my own, is dead. I can be silent no longer.

Before I share my story, I must set you straight on a few things.

First off, Jenna and I did not first meet on the night we fused; truthfully, that was the third time. The first time was after she'd been born and took her first breath.

I sensed her power with that first cry, and I was not the only one, either. Many Legendary and Mythical Pokémon did; same with the ordinary ones. However, I was the only one who went to see her.

She saw me glowing outside the hospital's skylight while her parents, grandparents, brother and Hannah, plus her great-grandmother, slept. I waved at her. She waved back from her crib by swinging her arms. Then I left.

The second time I saw her, she was over a year old, give or take a few weeks. She and her family, including Hannah and Zora, were sleeping outside under the stars. I was on my way to the flower garden above Courtship Lake to meet Darkrai when I sensed a menacing shadow.

I don't need to tell you that menacing shadow was Darkness.

It was nearly upon her when I appeared and drove it away. I knew then it wanted her dead, and it would keep going after her until it succeeded. That was when I cast a protection spell on her using one of my feathers. After that night, I remained on New World Island, keeping watch over her.

Second, ever since I met Shane and Zora, I sensed great power and unusual abilities within them; a power that would only increase if they combined their bloodlines. But until Jenna's journey, I did not know the origin of that power.

And third, I never forgot those memories; Darkrai's spell only affected Jenna.

Rather than tell you the whole story, I'll start with the night we fused and then give you pieces of the rest.

*Flashback*

It was twilight, and I was practicing my confession to Darkrai.

"Tonight is the night, Cresselia," I told myself. "You are going to tell him how you feel."

My heart beat faster every time I thought of what I would say to him when he comes tonight.

"Do I start with my usual greeting?" I added while pacing by a waterfall in a well-hidden cove on New World Island. "Or do I let him speak first?"

I rehearsed and rehearsed until I felt the moon's rays touch my wings. I jerked my head to see its position. "It's almost time, Cresselia. Are you ready to tell him how you feel?"

My frantic heartbeat had me second-guessing that question. I smacked myself in the face to calm my nerves, and my heart, before taking a deep breath.

"Why don't you just come out and say I love you?" a voice said from behind me.

I swerved and saw my mother hovering above the water with a very amused grin on her face.

"I'm not going to do that, Mother!" I told her, blushing furiously. No matter where I hide, she always finds me; it's a wonder why I bother.

"Why not?" she asked while cocking her head, still with that smile. "It will save you both an awkward conversation and long periods of uncomfortable silence."

I felt a vein on my head as I answered; "Because!" Avoiding eye contact, I continued; "This is a very delicate situation and I don't want to scare him or make him feel uncomfortable or awkward or," I hesitated before softly voicing my fear; "Or destroy our friendship if he doesn't feel the same way."