Burning Honey - Chapter 13

They were greeted with a swarm of Combee, chattering all at the same time. In the middle of them all was a Vespiquen they knew well, though the expression on her face was new. It was soft and gentle, her body slowly and gracefully turning as the young circled her.

“I see why they would like him.” A soft and sleepy voice broke through the humming of insect-wings. Beside Elisa was a strange Pokémon which seemed to redefine ‘girly’. Her eyes were closed, but she still seemed to be able to tell who had arrived.

In reaction, the Combee stopped moving, following her non-existent gaze to the arrivals. Matthew had rarely seen such unbridled joy on anyone’s face. And now fifteen small Bug-types were looking like Christmas had come early and their biggest dreams were fulfilled. He was just a tad worried.

“Down.” It was Elizabeth’s voice that cut through their joy. Their faces fell, but immediately brightened at her next words. “Perhaps later.”

“Forgive zem.” She smiled warmly towards Matthew. “Zey are quite snuggle-addicted and your chest...”

“Is quite fluffy.” He finished her sentence, not quite sure if he ought to like the change that seemed to have come over her. It was nice seeing her smile again.

[Heh.] Elisa chuckled lightly at the sight in front of her. [Alright, as you might have noticed Elizabeth is back. The Combee will be staying, the garden is for them. Also, Jacqueline’s Pokémon will be staying with us for a while. This is Masena, a Musharna from Unova. From what I gathered, they’re all Unova-Pokémon so it’ll be interesting at least.]

“Hello.” It sounded like Masena had to suppress a yawn as she said that.

Elisa took the Ultra-ball from the box, studying it. [So, who is in here?]

“His name is Hadei. He is a Cofagrigus.” Masena dutifully answered. “He’s the one who can help you with your garden. He is an accomplished gardener.”

[Ah.] Elisa clicked on the button, jumping back in surprise when a massive golden sarcophagus crashed onto the ground, having toppled from where it appeared. It was closed. [Is he inside...?]

“That’s him.” Masena sounded almost amused. “Elizabeth?”

“Vhy do I have to vake him?” The Vespiquen asked, flying up to the golden form on the ground. “You know how he is.”

“Exactly.”

Fire formed around the yellow pincers, dancing in the light breeze briefly before flying over to Hadei. It did not hit, ghostly hands reaching out and shielding his form. He rose from the ground, the massive metal sarcophagus floating like it was nothing. A maniacal grin appeared as silver-gold parts of the coffin shifted apart.

“What a rude awakening.” Hands the size of her chest reached for her, their ghastly aura flooding the place.

“Hadei.” Gone was the sleepiness, sharp came that one word. “Meet Elisa, Elizabeth’s trainer.”

“Ah...” The grin did not fade, but the hands retracted. “Apologies for my behaviour. I am somewhat grumpy when woken up. Especially by fire.”

Elizabeth just chuckled at him from between the Combee, a single flame still dancing around her pincers.

[You’re Steel?] Elisa tilted her head, studying him.

“You’d think that, but no.” He answered, one hand briefly touching his coffin.  “You remind me of my wife.”

[Whuh?]

“Heh, sorry.” He lightly turned away. “Fond memories of long ago... It tends to happen in my species.”

“These Pokémon arose from the spirits of people interred in graves in past ages. Each retains memories of its former life.” Masena interrupted softly, speaking the words almost mechanically. “This is what the Pokedex of Unova says about his line.”

“You’re human!?” Veruka demanded.

“I was. All of my kind.” The grin gained something sad. “And I – we - remember everything with more clarity than even in life. It makes us... somewhat violent. Or not. It depends on the lives we led.”

“And you?” Cotton whispered.

“Peaceful, by the standards.” He chuckled. “I had my moments of glory, of pain and grief, but I died at peace. It’s why I am such a good gardener: I was one before my death. Head-gardener of a mighty King, in fact.”

He looked a bit surprised at the look in her eyes. “Do not grief for me, Lopunny. We all die, once upon a time. And there is a strange kind of contentness to be found in knowing that all you loved have found their peace.” His grin softened into a smile.