The following is a transcription of the tape found by Lynne and Tulip on the second floor of the Miller's house. It takes place shortly after Tulip's initial capture by the Gardevoir guarding the tunnels underneath Wysteria.
That is all. Enjoy.
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[The recorder comes alive with a burst of static, and that static persists as the person carrying it walks through what sounds like a long and narrow tunnel, their slow steps echoing.
Another sound can be heard in the distance. The person carrying the recorder opens a door onto what sounds like a much larger room, and starts walking down a set of stairs. And as they approach the door they will soon open, what at first sounds like a heated conversation behind it turns out to be the struggles and growls and cocktail of insults of a single woman, sitting on the other end of the room the mysterious person enters.
Immediately, the woman's struggles cease. Judging by the raspy, creaking sound, it seems as though she's bound by rope and cannot move. But she can clearly still talk.]
"W-w-who are you!? Ge-get away from me!"
[The person holding the recorder doesn't take a single step forward. They simply close the door behind them, unbearably slowly.]
So it was true. When I heard Gardevoir had captured someone new, I hoped it to be some clueless hiker who'd found the entrance to these tunnels by accident. Yet across all the possible paths I glimpsed onto, almost zero times that was the case. This was to be expected, I suppose.
[It's a young girl's voice, not sounding older than twenty. Deep and melodious, she talks with small pauses after every few words, as though she were constantly getting distracted mid-sentence.
The bound woman is without words for a moment.]
"Is… Is the Gardevoir yours? Were you the one who… are you…?"
You should be afraid, Tulip, but not of me. I am only here for confirmation.
"T-then…"
[Tulip takes in a deep breath, collecting herself. When she talks again, she sounds less panicked, her voice almost firm.]
"Aren't you… with them? The ones who…"
…Yes. But this is not my territory.
"What?"
Wysteria is under the Fourth and the Sixth's supervision. I am the Seventh."
[Tulip inhales sharply, as though she's been slapped across the face.]
"You… you are one of them, then! Y-you…!"
[She growls and snarls and struggles against her bindings even more fiercely. The girl before her sighs.]
I don't mean to call you uncourteous or anything of the sort, but do you really think you have the luxury of insulting the one living thing that hasn't yet attacked you down here?
"Shut up! Just… fuck off and die! Why are you even here!? Did you think it'd be fun to taunt me!?"
I am here to help you.
[Tulip scoffs, as though she were spitting out a mouthful of poison.]
"Help me? Sure, why not! Why don't you get me out of these ropes then? I'll really show you some fucking courtesy then."
I won't. There is a hundred percent probability of you assaulting me were I to release you from your binds.
"Then what good are you to me? Do you think I don't know why that thing captured me? Do you think I'm stupid enough to believe you're… you're not here to… kill me?"
I would gain nothing by hurting you, yet I would lose nothing from your death. Your existence is insignificant to me. The only reason I'm here is because I felt as though I needed to be. That's why I brought this, too.
[Judging by the shush sound the recorder makes, the girl is showing it to Tulip.]
"W-wh… is that my recorder?"
Hm. I figured as much. Then it was a good idea to pick it up. Do you use it frequently?
"I… n-no, I mostly just… I rarely use it, I'm more used to writing things... down."
[Confusion is clear in Tulip's voice, seemingly enough to put her anger on hold for the moment.]
Then I suppose it was meant to be. I'm starting to get a clearer idea of why I was guided to you. Here… you can have it back.
"Wh…!"
[Tulip tries to shy away, but she is against the wall and unable to move further back. The girl kneels down and slips the recorder onto her pocket, standing back up and taking a step back before Tulip can throw herself at her.
The next words come somewhat muffled, but still hearable.]
"Why did you… I-I don't…"
I don't question the whims of fate. I obey.
[The girl is heard turning around, and taking a single step away before Tulip calls out.]
"Wait! Where are you going!? You can't just…!"
[She probably remembers just then who she's talking to, and clamps her mouth shut. Still, the girl stops on her tracks. She says nothing for a few seconds, but then lets out a short, dry chuckle and speaks.]
The Fourth was also alerted, so she'll be here soon. Knowing your boundless persistence, you'll make an impeccable test subject for her experiment. The possibility of you surviving is… low. But it is not quite zero. The stars burn bright. It is a good night for miracles.
"S-stars? What are you talking about!?"
My time runs out. I have only one piece of advice to give to you: stay true to yourself. Remember your core. The very reason for your existence. If you mire yourself in it and raise it as a shield, it might just be enough to save you from total oblivion. It won't earn you freedom, however. Nothing will. But I have a feeling you'd prefer a long, pointless struggle to a short, meaningful one. You must protect your own life, no matter how much of that life might be suffering.
You are in charge of remembering them, after all.
[Tulip is unable to speak for a short while. When she finally does, her voice is thin and distraught.]
"Why… are you helping me?"
Because fate wanted it to be that way. And… if I'm honest, I don't particularly like the Fourth. I find this Wysteria experiment of hers and the Sixth's to be particularly distasteful.
Still, like I said, you mean nothing to me, Tulip. But even so, I will offer a prayer to your survival.
[Tulip swallows audibly. Then, forcing out a dry laugh, she speaks.]
"I mean nothing, huh? And what if I tell your pals you're working against them when they come for me?"
I don't believe you'd throw away your chance at survival just to spite me. But that is a good question. Hypothetically, if you were to sell me out…
[Just then, a potent burst of static bursts through the recording, sharp and shriek like tiny needles. When the girl speaks again, her voice has an ominous weight to it.]
Your fate will be nothing but a wall of zeros.
"What… does that..?"
Goodbye, Tulip. May the stars favor you.
"Wait! W-wait, don't…!"
[She is interrupted by the sound of the door slamming shut, the girl's steps echoing less and less, until they disappear completely.
Tulip sits there, dumbfounded noises leaving her mouth. It's only after almost a full minute that she's able to speak again.]
"What… what the fuck, even…"
[She laughs. It's a discordant sound, with all the fear and desperation tinted through it.]
"This… this is really happening. I really just went and fucked myself more than I could've even imagined. And all because of a diary…"
[A long sigh leaves her lips. She is heard hitting the back of her head against the wall, softly enough not to wound, but hard enough for the concrete to echo. She mutters unintelligibly under her breath for a while, then stops.]
"Dear Mew, I'm… no it's. It's okay. It'll be… you knew this was going to happen. You knew, so no… no more of this. Come on."
[There's a hint of a sob in the middle of her spiel, but she forcibly suppresses it and takes a deep breath, collecting herself.]
"There, there we go. Calm and collected. I don't care what that… goth kid said, there has to be a way out of this. I just have to… bide my time. See if I can get these ropes loose or–"
[Tulip has no time to plan. A sudden, crackling sound like that of a thousand glimmers of flame blooming from a single point resounds throughout the room, peaking into a roar before dissipating.
Tulip gasps and accidentally hits the back of her head against the wall. A single step is heard, as well as the inhalation coming from the room's new arrival. There is also a subtle static, the kind that can only be caused by a psychic Pokemon's interference.
The new person hums for a moment to herself, most likely looking around for something. The cheery sound that leaves her throat indicates she finally sees Tulip, once her eyes adjust to the darkness.]
Ah, there you are. Sorry for the delay; I assure you I made my way here as fast as I could.
[There is not a single hint of concern or regret in the woman's voice. It's smooth and singsong, as though she were constantly on the verge of laughing. Malice drips from it like thick honey.]
MmmmTulip… was it? I am oh so glad to have you here. We'd ran out of test subjects some time ago, you see, and to have you deliver yourself to my doorstep so courteously… why, that is so kind of you. You are just the piece I needed to test my theory o–
"…Shut up."
Oh? I'm sorry, have I said something wrong?
"How… f-fucking dare you…"
[All the composure she'd been able to gather is gone from her voice now. It is nothing but hurt and anger and broken, bloodied glass.]
"How can you… smile and joke like that? H-how can you look so…!"
[Her voice shakes and breaks, all semblance of calmness gone from her.]
"Y-you piece of shit! Die! Slice your throat open and bleed rot and pus! Take your fucking head off and feed it to the Gyarados! I'll kill you! I'll–"
Walpurgis, shut her up.
[It sounds like a blast of wind cutting through the room, and suddenly Tulip is unable to speak. She growls and struggles, but no sound leaves her lips. They simply reverberate desperately through her throat.
The woman before her lets out a relieved sigh.]
There we go. I have to say, you've got some more colorful language than those brats I encountered back in Kalos. I appreciate the lack of heroics and cliché one liners. But I'm also not in the mood to be yelled at, so…
[She doesn't make a sound, but it's not hard to imagine her shrugging.]
Oh, but of course. My name is Malva, I'm sorry for not introducing myself before. No, there's no need to growl or say anything. I know who you are. Your… entries have proved a never-ending source of comedy during my afternoon coffee breaks. I'm almost heartbroken there won't be any more of them. But all things must come to an end, don't you think, Tulip?
[Tulip's response is a shaky mess of growling and struggling.]
Right! I'm so glad you agree. Now, how about we skip the rest of the pleasantries and get down to business? Our guest of honor isn't too far, if I had to guess.
Walpurgis, would you sit her down here, please? Thank you.
[That wind-like sound cuts through the recording again, and a sharper, more sudden growl reverberates through Tulip's throat as she is apparently lifted from the floor. There's a rush, as though she's moved quickly through the air. Then a deaf thump as she is deposited upon one of the two chairs in the room, and immobilized.
The Pokemon accompanying Malva whistles as to tell her master that the work is done.]
Good job. Now, for the other part of this little puzzle…
[Steps echo as Malva walks a few steps away from Tulip. The sound gets duller and harder to distinguish as she gets closer to the source of the distant static. The hole in the back of the room. She stops near the edge, and whispers something down. It is hard to make out, but it sounds like she's calling onto something.
The something answers back, first with an emptiness, a void of sound that swallows all in the same way air is inhaled when one breathes. Then, it shifts. Expands upwards, its movements being met with a spike of static in the recording which grows and grows until nothing else can be heard, and then slowly, very slowly tampers off, until it is only present in the distance, in the background.
Noises of distress hum through Tulip's throat. The something shifts closer, not quite moving, not quite walking, more like the slow advance of a noxious gas spreading through a room.
It coalesces not too far from her, judging by the sound. All the separate and discordant noises join together into one, and the something becomes one in front of Tulip, the other chair shifting ever so slightly as it sits on it.
Its breathing is vast, as though its lungs were the entire room. Yet instead of air, it seems to inhale and exhale sound. The recording goes quiet for a moment, then returns to normal, then is filled with static for another moment, and so on.
Tulip struggles, her grunts terrified, but it doesn't sound as though she can move much. Walpurgis' psychic power keeps her in place.
Malva chuckles.]
I was right, you are a far cry from all the other hicks we fed to our friend here. Even in its presence, you still fight and struggle. Then again, I suppose the rest of your people were too physically and mentally exhausted to do anything but submit. I wished them no harm, truly. But I'd be lying if I said seeing you here doesn't put a smile on my lips.
[Tulip falls silent. Whatever expression she makes, Malva must find it terribly amusing, because she laughs again, and every word she speaks from then on is laced with that laughter, threatening to break out.]
Now that is the face I wanted to see! Did you realize? Finally cooled your head enough to understand what this place is? What the opening behind me represents? You didn't see any remains on your way here, did you? No blood, no corpses… my, my, one can't help but wonder, hmm?
Oh come on, don't glare at me like that. I know bodies are supposed to be disposed of with dignity, but what do you do when you've got so many of them on your hands? Propriety is hard to come by in such numbers, you see. Besides, thanks to our efforts, all of Wysteria's citizens became so close in life… a mass grave just felt appropriate! Now they will forever be joined in death too!
[Her laugh explodes, laced throughout the static in sharp, painful peaks and valleys of sound. It is a disgusting sound. Like shards of glass stabbing in and out of one's skin.
Tulip's furious grunts and shakes can barely be heard. She is quieted, muffled, her anger pouring wordlessly from her like steam rising out of a hot meal Malva intends to enjoy to the fullest.]
Ahh, those eyes of yours! They're telling me that was in bad taste, hmm? Well I can't help myself! I won't quite have the opportunity to gloat once Alberich's here, so you can't blame me for enjoying those tears of yours while I can… after all, you've caused us no end of trouble yourself, Tulip. You and that other…
[There's a sudden quietness that can be heard through the recording. Malva stops talking, and takes a step to turn around. Even Tulip's struggling ceases.
A glimmer of sound similar to the one heralding Malva's sudden appearance echoes through the room, louder than the last one, yet more hollow as well.]
Hm, speaking of… he arrived earlier than expected. Do make sure to behave and make me look good, hm?
Stolen novel; please report.
[Tulip's only answer is another furious growl.]
Good girl.
[The sound peaks, then disappears completely. Once it's gone, another person's presence takes its place. A single step is heard, then another, approaching the table.]
…Malva, yes? It is good to see you again.
Same to you, sir. It's been some time… I must say, I'm a fan of the new look.
[The man's voice is low and smooth. It reverberates through the room and over the sound of static, as though it weren't there. It's a familiar voice, although not yet to the Tulip present in the recording. There's no hint of malice in it, unlike with Malva. And although still present, the hints of an accent that future Tulip would be used to are almost completely gone in his voice.
The man that would later call himself Lynne stays still and silent for a few seconds, until his eyes adjust. When he speaks again, his tone doesn't change. It's calm, monotone.]
I was informed by the Third that you required my presence. I apologize for the delay. My accuracy with teleportation is, regrettably, lacking at the moment.
There is no need to apologize. Such is expected so soon after your last switch. You will grow into it again, just as you have before.
Mhm.
[The man clears his throat, then addresses Malva again. It doesn't sound as though he is good at small talk.]
This place… is it Wysteria's singularity? I had trouble recognizing it at first. My memories, it seems, are still working their way through this new vessel.
Well, there are a lot of them, after all.
I suppose. Hm…
[He takes a couple slow steps toward Tulip, silent for a moment.]
I was aware of the form this particular singularity had taken, but I don't believe I've seen it in person yet. But that is to be expected. I seem to recall being assured by you and Colress that you had everything under control.
As always. And yes, that is it right there. Quite spectacular, isn't it?
It's certainly a unique sight, but…
[He makes a sound almost like a grunt of frustration, like someone hit by a sudden headache.]
The… specific details elude me at the moment, but I was under the impression the two of you had moved on from this experiment. Why have you called me here?
Worry not, sir. I will explain.
[There's an eager excitement in Malva's voice. She clears her throat and start pacing around the room as she talks.]
Soon after Sanbica's discovery of this singularity, Colress was put in charge of examining it. Do you remember the results?
Somewhat. Besides serving as portals between worlds, singularities tend to manifest differently depending on where they appear. Like the fresco in Celestic or the formation of the Griseous Orb in Spear Pillar. This one was… a blur of sorts, yes?
Yes, exactly! A tremendous force that blurs the lines between souls, allowing two or more to mix in ways that would otherwise be impossible. Colress theorized that was the reason why the people of the town were so close to one another. He figured we might be able to use the phenomenon to study artificial bonds between humans and Pokemon, as well as find a way to more reliably carry out the Blossomings.
…Mhm, I remember now. And it was you who thought of an alternative experiment… yet failed at executing it. Am I wrong?
[Malva stops in place, choking on her next words. The sound that comes out of her throat just then is hot and venomous, barely composed.]
I… I was just mistaken. A couple variables weren't taken into account. Please… retract what you said about me failing. I haven't failed, alright? I have… never, not once in my life failed in any endeavor, so would you please… take back those words?
[The man staggers, a hint of concern in his voice.]
I see. My apologies. In any case… what was it that you wanted to show me?
Right… yes, of course.
[Her pacing resumes, slower this time. It takes her a few sentences for her voice to compose itself again.]
I had some thoughts about another way we could use this singularity's unique properties… a way that could aid you, sir. I theorized that, if its mere presence could blur the outline of Spirit from so far away… then closer contact with one of Wysteria's citizens could yield different results. My hope was that the singularity would absorb them completely. Memory, behavior… everything that makes a person themselves, you could say. If that was the case, then…
Ah. I see your point. You thought it might be a suitable alternative for me.
Yes. Unfortunately, all of my previous trials were unsuccessful. Even after harvesting the citizens, none of them could be properly… siphoned of their identity. Parts of them would be taken, would stick to the singularity, but everything else would disappear. Erased, because of the pull from the other side, I assume.
Hm. And leaving behind nothing but empty husks. I'm starting to remember your words from back then. It is an interesting premise, but as you've said… none of your experiments bore fruit, despite you having the entirety of Wysteria's population at your disposal.
[He walks closer to the table, to the silent Tulip, and the weight of his gaze can almost be felt as a whirr through the recording.]
What would make her different from the rest?
I'm glad you asked! I think it'd be better to just show you, so… Walpurgis, if you will?
[The Delphox makes another whistle-like sound, and the wind-like pressure running through the background of the recording disappears.
Immediately, Tulip lurches forward. She gasps and splutters out mouthfuls of air, her breathing sharp and uneven. Unintelligible sounds not unlike broken, disjointed words and sentences leave her mouth. She sounds on the verge of a panic attack.]
Now, s–
[And yet, despite the state she is in, she gathers herself for just long enough to spit at Malva and the man.]
Gh-shit, my blouse! Y-you…!
Hm. Perhaps we should have stepped a few meters away.
[Tulip laughs. Jagged, bitter, the sound of futile victory.]
"Hah… s-should apologize to my spit for making it touch something as rotten as y–"
Singularity, absorb her.
[Malva's order lacks the glee and malice from before. Her voice drops lower, echoing unnaturally.
Yet an instant later, another voice answers, deeper and colder. It is not a human voice. It is not even a human sound, or at least not one belonging to a single person. When the singularity speaks, it does so with the tone and cadence of hundreds of different people, as though it's taken a sliver from each one of its victims and tried to mash it together into a single, coherent sound.
It barely works. Were it not for all the voices' only similarity –the accent– it would be an incomprehensible mess of broken, disjointed words. As it is, it can somewhat be understood.]
UNDER…stood. Who ARE Y…you?
"GH-GHAH…!"
[Tulip chokes. She throws herself back on the chair, but Walpurgis is quick to set her in place. She cannot move. A growl of struggle rises from her throat.]
"W-wh… w-what the…?"
WHO A…re you?
"I-I… I'm… I am…"
[It sounds less like Tulip speaking and more like the words are being grabbed and pulled out from her chest against her will. She tries to fight against it. It doesn't last long.]
"My name is… n-no. I am… I'm Tulip. Tulip Glasslip."
Who are y… YOU?
"I'm an… ex-resident of Wysteria. I was born in the town t…t…twenty-nine y-years ago, but I'm… I only… lived there for about ten…"
WHO A…re you?
"I am…"
[The entity keeps repeating the question, each time with a different, albeit still strange cadence, as though that difference was another question entirely.
Tulip's struggle gets weaker with every second that passes. The fear and anger in her voice start to subside, followed by every other recognizable emotion. Soon, it turns completely monotone.
Malva's voice resounds in the background while Tulip speaks.]
Oh? I was so sure that 'Tulip' was just a pen name.
It might still be one. Objective truth need not apply to the way we humans see ourselves. It is likely she's embraced her moniker to such an extent that she considers it her real name.
I… hadn't considered that before. Heh… still, it's more proof of what I wanted to show you.
In what way do you mean?
Pay close attention to how she's talking. The wavering in her voice, specifically.
[They fall silent, listening to Tulip speak.]
"…was the eve of winter when it happened, soon after my seventeenth birthday. And only a few months before everyone disappeared. I wasn't even meant to still be back home. My two-week vacation was over, I was supposed to head back to the academy that morning, but all the bus rides were cancelled due to the weather. I remember it vividly. I'd never seen so much snow in my life; I'm pretty sure it was the biggest blizzard eastern Kanto had ever seen. And because of that, I had to stay home for a few more days."
W…WHO ARE… you?
"I was… happy, actually. Barring the holidays, I rarely had time to see my family for this long. Mom was very insistent that I focus on my education. She was… strict. It was mostly dad and Narcie that I was happy to see…"
[The man speaks up again, cutting over the monotone Tulip.]
There is no wavering.
Exactly. That is a rarity.
[Malva sounds very pleased.]
Normally by this point, the subjects would start wavering, stuttering. Losing their voice, basically. The more the singularity takes from them, the harder it is for them to keep going. Eventually, it reaches a point where they can't put a single sentence together, no matter how much they're compelled to. That's when the singularity loses interest. It severs the bond, and the subjects are left as empty husks, what little remained of their Spirits vanishing into the air, while the singularity feasts on the rest.
Hm. Then it could be said that no subject has ever been fully absorbed.
It… baffled me at first. I thought that maybe my initial assumption had been wrong… that it was impossible to use the singularity the way I'd intended.
[She lets out a low chuckle.]
But I wasn't wrong, I just hadn't taken a few things into account! It was all thanks to a tip I got. I hadn't considered… the state of the subjects before the experiments!
Their state?
Yes! Mentally, physically… even though they were kept docile and placated, they were completely exhausted. Some of them, the sicker ones, fell dead before we could even use them. Their Spirits were weakened, almost snuffed out. That's why they couldn't survive the process!
Hm. An understandable assumption. You expect this girl to perform differently, then, due of her strength of will?
Not just that. I believe every aspect of the subject counts, and from what little I know of this… brat, I can't think of a better ex-citizen of Wysteria to test it on. She's stubborn and determined like only pests can be; if anyone can survive the process, it's her.
…So it seems, from what I've heard so far.
[As his voice trails out, Tulip's returns to focus.]
"…was everywhere. The fire. I thought it was Narcie's fault at first, thought it was because of our fight, but I hadn't seen him home all day. And though mom screamed and screamed for him, he never came. I… don't think he was home anymore. Or maybe that's what I like to think. If he'd been, then by that point his room would've been entirely engulfed by flames…"
[Malva snickers arrogantly.]
Just another hick sob story, like all the ones she's documented so far. And this one doesn't even have the decency of being interesting.
Hm…
[The man hums to himself, sounding interested.]
I am starting to see the point of your experiment. If she can be fully absorbed and kept within the singularity…
Precisely. There's no reason you couldn't do the same, to an even greater extent. Such is the strength and vastness of your Spirit.
Hm. You should know that flattery doesn't work on me.
[Malva laughs amiably.]
Of course, sir. My point still stands, though. If you don't mind me asking… just how many times have you exchanged vessels already?
…More than I could conceivably count. Especially while my memories are still finding their way through.
And it even took you a few centuries to get started, hm?
Yes. Were it not for that frightful fate befalling Nyss first, I would have lost myself long ago. It was hard-paid foresight. The human Spirit was not made to last for so long… yet we are good at delaying the inevitable, if nothing else. I urged Nyss to follow the method I'd discovered, but she adamantly refused. As is her nature. It is just as well. Looking back on it, I am not convinced her attempt would have been successful.
That is an interesting thought. So she couldn't have done it because she was Azelf's hero instead of Uxie's?
She was bonded with Uxie, but for only a short time. And even then, their compatibility was nothing like ours. She practically held it prisoner. I am uncertain if she could have passed herself on to another vessel with Azelf's power as I have done with Uxie's. Most likely, it would have ended in failure. Identity is the domain of Memory, not Will.
Lucky you then. I admit, I'm still new to the concept, but it is simply so fascinating I can't hold myself back from wanting to know more.
[The man lets out a small sigh.]
I have been a seeker of knowledge for centuries, which is why I can tell you are not. You seek for a way to achieve a similar state of immortality without relying on my powers, do you not?
Perish the thought, sir. I assure you, my interest is entirely academic.
…Of course.
[He doesn't sound convinced in the slightest, but Malva doesn't give him time to dwell on it.]
Everything I do is through your will and mercy, and for your benefit. That's the entire point of this experiment.
I… appreciate it. But I still fail to see what this singularity could offer me that you and the Fourth could not.
It's mostly a matter of time. I didn't ask before because I thought it might be rude but… I assume the process of switching to a new vessel takes longer each time?
…You heard from the Fourth.
Oh, you know, just water cooler talk. I mean, it's not something I would've noticed otherwise. My part of the process took no time at all, just a quick erasing of that vessel's previous occupant, but I recall Riley being absent for quite some time. When I asked about it, he told me the truth. It took him almost an entire week to receive all of your memories. And even then, I heard he had to erase a few of his masks just to make space.
[The man says nothing for a few moments. When he speaks, there's an air of reluctance to what he says.]
Yes, it is an expected though… unfortunate side-effect of repeating the process so many times. Even finding a human suitable to be my vessel is... a lengthy endeavor.
And even now, you're not fully yourself yet. How long has it been, a month? Month and a half? Forgive my impudence, sir, but that hardly seems optimal.
It is not optimal, no. But until now, I've thought it a reasonable price to pay in order to keep myself sane. I also hope that this will be the last time such cruelty is necessary. If the Seventh's foresight is true, and if the First and the Fifth succeed in their mission…
Trust me sir, I would love nothing more than to be the last Fourth Stigma, but we both know how dodgy Sanbica's prophecies can be. It never hurts to have options.
…You have a point. This singularity might be a good alternative to your and the Fourth's aid, should it come to it.
Yes! I am very glad you understand, sir. Just look, look at how fast it is in comparison! Tulip has been almost completely absorbed.
Hm…
[Tulip's voice sounds weaker now near the end, but it doesn't break or stutter. She keeps recounting, without pause.]
"…and I've been looking for information ever since. Any hint or clue I could find. The Wysteria Files were a… desperate excuse to talk to those who were like me. Those who survived the… incident. I wanted to know the truth. And I wanted them to… be remembered. I didn't want their pain or suffering to… just be another mystery, another question that… never gets answered…"
WHO… A…re you?
"I… I am…"
[Tulip stops. It's only for a moment, so short that Malva doesn't pick up on it. But it's the first time since the start that she's been able to stop talking.
The man hums deep in his throat, intrigued.]
…Tell me.
Yes, sir?
Who exactly was it… that gave you that tip? About using someone like this girl?
Oh? It was Sanbica.
The Seventh… did?
I… yes. Why? Is there something wrong with that?
No, nothing. I just find it odd… that she would bother. Very odd…
Sir? What are you…?
[For a few breaths neither of them say anything, and yet it takes them a few more seconds to realize.
They are in complete silence. Tulip has stopped talking.]
Wait…
Who a…RE YO…u…?
"…"
[Tulip doesn't answer, but not because she is unable to. Her breathing can be heard, firm, controlled. Her body shakes with effort, a pained grunt reverberating through her throat.]
What's happening? Why isn't she answering?
Hm…
WHO A…re you?
"…"
Wh…WHO…Who a…re…?
"…"
[It is the singularity's crackling mess of a voice that starts shaking. It sounds pained, distressed. Like it can't understand why its questions are being ignored.
Tulip breathes in deep. She sounds as though every muscle in her body is tightened, every ounce of willpower pumping like blood through her veins. When she speaks, her voice is weak, but firm like stone.]
Who a…?
"I'm Tulip Glasslip. I'm in charge of remembering those you've consumed and forgotten. Who… are you?"
W…W…WH…WHHH…
"Who are you?"
W-WHHHH…HHAAARRRHH…Y…?
"Who are you!?"
I-I-I… I AM… A-AM…
[Malva takes a sudden step back, her voice coming out in shocked stutters. The man beside her doesn't move an inch.]
W-what the hell is this!? Walpurgis! Walpurgis, what is…?
[There's a sound of frail knees colliding with the ground. The Delphox lets out an echoing whine of pain, as sharp as nails on a chalkboard. Malva calls out to her, concern in her voice.]
Walpurgis!?
I see… so I was right to doubt.
Wh…!?
[There's a change in the air, in the pressure that can be picked up by the recording. The static in the background goes paler, quieter.
When Tulip speaks, her voice echoes in the same way the singularity's did before.]
I AM… I-I… AM…
"You are what's left of them, and you are also me..."
…I A-AM…
"…but I am not you."
…AM… A-AM…
"You… are mine."
….
[The static disappears completely at those words, only to pulse back a moment later, this time outwards from Tulip instead. Another sound is also heard. A faint breeze, almost. Something being siphoned.
Malva can barely react. When she stutters, she sounds completely beside herself.]
W-what is this!? She's…!
Reversing the flow. A new Blossoming... how fascinating…
N-no! She can't… Walpurgis, s… shit!
[Malva seems to realize her Pokemon is in no state to stop her. Whatever Tulip has done, it seems to have interfered with the Delphox' psionics, leaving her weak and shaking on her knees, moaning in pain.
Clicking her tongue, Malva raises a hand, and a sharp, cold crackle reverberates through the room a second later. Like cold flames made of liquid glass.]
S-stay back, sir! I'll erase–
"Who are you?"
GHA-GHK..!
[The question is spoken softly, but its strength reverberates with such power that the walls shake. Malva chokes and splutters, falling to her knees. The man beside her wobbles a couple steps, grunting in pain.]
N-no, this can't..! How could t-this… have..!?
H…ha… I see. So this is why she… h-how fascinating…
[The man sounds in pain, as though he can barely get the words out, and yet there is no concern in his voice. There's also no confidence or arrogance. He genuinely sounds curious, interested in what's happening.]
Sir… s-sir, we have to get out! P-please, teleport us… if w-we stay here, the singularity will…!
"Who are you?"
GHLK!
[Malva's body can be heard shaking uncontrollably, growls of pain rising up her throat as she attempts to fight Tulip's question, her command.
The man, however, does not struggle. He answers.]
I… am…
S-sir!?
I am… I'm... Alb… Alberich! N-no… no, I'm…
"Who are you!?"
I am… I am…
[It's a sound like glass breaking. A sharp echo that reverberates through the room, coming from the spot where the man stood.
Then, when he speaks again, it's different. His voice is the same, but his tone and inflection make it sound as though it's not. His calm, curious disposition is gone. His accent is more noticeable. He sounds confused, panicked.]
I-I'm… L… Lynne. My name is Lynne…
W-what!?
I'm… I'm Lynne! Lynne Randonneur! What… what is this? Where am I!? W-what… happened!?
No! I erased you! I… I made sure you were… s-shit, how did she bring you back!?
A-agh! Who are you!? W-where… is this!?
[Fueled by the kind of panic that can only come from fear of death, Malva struggles to push herself to her feet, gasping and panting with effort, nails dragging across the concrete floor. Her voice is on the verge of breaking.]
I… I have to e…erase you and her! I c-can't…
"Who… are you?"
A-AGH! SHIT!
[Whatever little resolve was in Malva's voice disappears as Tulip compels her again. She screams and falls to her knees again. Desperately, she drags herself across the floor, gasping as though she's suffocating.]
N-no… fuck this! I'm… I'm n-not dying here, I'm not letting you have me! W-Walpurgis! Walpurgis…!
[Using what little strength she has, Malva crawls to where her Pokemon is, both of them on their knees, groaning in deep pain. She moves as quickly as she can, desperation clear in her jagged breathing.
Tulip tries to compel her again, but by then it's too late. Just as her voice starts resounding, there's a small thump. Malva's fingers, closing around her Delphox' wrist.]
"Who a–?"
TELEPORT!
[That psychic glimmer returns, followed by a sound like all the air around Malva being sucked in and compressed into a single point.
Then, a sharp ringing, and they are both gone.
Only the low static can be heard for a few seconds. All else is silence, until Lynne opens his mouth again.]
H…hell just… happened? Who…
[He stumbles forward a couple steps, teeth chattering, sounding lost and terrified.]
W…who are you?
"I am… Tulip. I'm…"
[Tulip's voice weakens throughout those four words alone, until it is barely a whisper. Suddenly she sounds so exhausted.]
"I'm… me."
[And with that, all strength leaves her. There's a shuffling sound as she slides down the side of the chair, followed by a deaf thump when she collapses to the ground.
She stays there, unconscious, her breathing slow and steady.]
I d-don't… bloody hell, what even is… this? I'm…
[Lynne can only mutter to himself. He sounds delirious, barely conscious of the world around him. Like someone waking up into a nightmare.]
I… I c-can't… I have to g-get out of here! Where is… the exit…!
[He stumbles toward the door in a panicked haze, tripping over his own feet. It takes him a few seconds for his hands to stop shaking so he can open the door, but when he does there's no hesitation. His steps echo as he runs out of the room and up the stairs, the sound getting farther and farther away until it can't be heard anymore.
And Tulip remains there, face-down on the cold floor. Her breathing is peaceful, as though she's only sleeping.]
"…"
[For almost two minutes, the room is in complete silence. Even when steps are heard again in the distance, they are light and slow, coming from someone who is clearly not in any hurry. They are familiar steps.
The door opens, and a few more steps are heard. The person stops when reaching Tulip, kneeling down to press a hand against her forehead.]
…Huh. You actually pulled it off. Color me impressed.
[The girl from the start of the recording snickers to herself, amused.]
Alberich almost blew my cover there. Thanks for stopping him… even if helping me was far from your mind at the time. I… suppose I owe you a reward, for beating the odds. Hopefully bringing you back to your car on the outskirts of town will suffice… it certainly wouldn't do for you to still be here when Malva returns with reinforcements.
But before that…
[There's a shuffling of fingers against cloth, and then the recorder shakes and creaks as the girl grabs it from within Tulip's pocket. Her voice is much clearer as she raises it close to her chest.]
You can have the recorder, but I'll be keeping the tape for now. Consider it a form of… interest.
[She laughs to herself again. It is a strange, inhuman sound, right on the verge of uncanny.
Her finger hovers one of the buttons, and her last words echo before the recording cuts off.]
I don't make a habit of betting on losers, Tulip. Make sure you don't disappoint my expectations.