03--video

[shatterings]

[ If you've spoken to Naminé before, you might notice she looks far more at ease now. Being around people who actually like her and mean her no harm has done wonders for her, and there's even a small, content smile there. She's sitting cross-legged on the floor, and in her lap is a Chikorita.

Making sure not to disrupt the sleeping Pokémon, she holds up a (probably familiar) feather. ]

... Is it normal to have things like these floating around? They're beautiful, but... I'm not sure what their use is.

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[Video]

[shatterings]

[ itisamystery.jpg. Naminé studies the feather, nods--it's the same, just like all the others. ]

Mm. A lot of people or Pokémon seem to have picked them up.

[dressofheaven]

Well, hold onto yours. I expect they're going to be important later, if only because of what I've seen in this world already. And if what they lead to turns out to be dangerous, don't worry, I have one too. I'll protect you.

[shatterings]

[ Oh. There's a faint blush there at her last words. ]

Um... you don't have to, I mean--well.... I don't want you to feel obligated to... protect me.

[ She's a little flustered, forgive her. ]

[dressofheaven]

[Ilya, of course, just laughs off the implication that protecting Namine isn't worth it.]

Don't be silly. I already have Xion and Kairi under my protection, adding you is just natural. Besides, you've seen what my Pokemon are like. Anyone who'd try to hurt you while I have them under orders to keep you safe is just asking for pain.

[Typhon alone would be a nightmare for any would-be kidnappers.]

You're my friend, Namine. I take care of what's mine.

[shatterings]

[ Yep, that's blushing. Again. So much blushing. She can't really argue with Ilya, honestly; her Pokémon are pretty ferocious. ]

Ilya... thank you. I'll... I'll do what I can for you.

[dressofheaven]

You already do.

[The statement isn't as enigmatic as it might seem. Ilya had grown up without a single friend herself, and she latches on to each one she gets without any reservations. Namine was valuable to her, as much so as Kairi or Xion, and she fully intends to treat her as such.]

So, now that that's settled, tell me. What do you think these feathers mean?

[shatterings]

I do?

[ It comes out as honestly surprised. As far as Naminé was concerned, she hadn't done anything of note. She's just... been there. ]

... I'm not sure. Some people I've talked to think it's from a Pokémon... and others think it's a sign of something to come. I think someone would have seen a Pokémon dropping all these feathers, maybe, if it were big enough... but I think they're for something that will come up soon.

[dressofheaven]

You do.

[Ilya's smile is fond, and as Namine meanders through her thoughts, she just sits there and nods at her conclusion.]

Having been here for a few interesting things over the time I've spent here, I'd have to say you're very likely to be right. But don't be so sure you'd have seen the Pokemon. It may be the kind that won't be seen until it wants to be.

[shatterings]

Well... I'm glad.

[ Even if she doesn't know exactly what it is she's done. ]

It must be a special Pokémon, if it can will itself to not be seen.

[dressofheaven]

It's quite possible it's a Legendary of some kind. When something important happens in this world, they're usually involved.

Have I ever told you any of the stories of what the Legendaries have done before?

[shatterings]

That would make sense... Then they must be very important, if they're from a Legendary.

No--but someone else told me very briefly of them. I wouldn't mind hearing them from you, though.

[dressofheaven]

Did they tell you about the time the two Legendaries from Hoenn came down to attack us? The ones named Groudon and Kyogre, brought here by two groups like Team Rocket?

I was there when that happened, you know. I fought them. I imagine many of them still have nightmares about me and my Pokemon.

[shatterings]

No... I didn't hear that one.

You fought them? Really? [ Ilya's so cool. ] I wouldn't be surprised. You're all so strong.

[dressofheaven]

Really? That surprises me, considering how recent it was. Just last year, actually, in October.

[Ilya preens under the admiration, though given how confident she usually is it's hard to tell the difference.] One day, Namine, you'll be ready to fight beside me when something like that happens.