[A burst of static signals that the recorder's been turned on. Only the flat sound of two pairs of steps against cement is heard for a while, accompanied by no other. No wind, no Pokemon cries in the distance. Lynne is the first to speak.]
"Huh. Look, a car."
Yes. Motorized vehicles, how fascinating.
[Tulip masticates that last word as emphasis, and Lynne doesn't make himself wait before huffing.]
"You know that's not what I mean. You'd think someone would have stolen it by now. Looks a tad rusty, but other than that it seems to be in perfect condition. Hm. Nice rims, too."
[There's a pregnant pause.]
…Are you into cars?
"Kind of. Never could afford one, had to rely on the old Corvinight Taxi to move around. I remember I have a few magazines full of cars back home."
Gross. Awful. Illegal.
"…Yes. Motorized vehicles, how abhorrent."
[Tulip chuckles. It's short and she cuts it off mid-way in a failed attempt to disguise it as a cough.]
"Would you look at that. Who'd have known all I had to do to make you laugh was repeat your own words back at you. Isn't that narcissistic? It feels a tad narcissistic."
What do you expect? I spend all my time around idiots, haughty older women, normal cultists, theater kid cultists, and traumatized folk. If I didn't love myself I'd have jumped off the tallest building by now.
"Huh. That's kind of inspiring, in a way. Wait, which one of those am I?"
…
[Tulip raises the recorder to her lips and starts talking in a serious voice.]
Tulip Glasslip here. We have recently entered the abandoned town of Wysteria in the hopes of–
"Oh sod off."
[Tulip lowers the recorder, and while she doesn't laugh, there is a sharp exhalation.]
It was a joke. Sorry if my humor is too dry for you.
"Right. And about as scathing as an internet comment. Why did you even turn the recorder on in the first place?"
Because we're finally here. I was thinking about how to start the entry when you distracted me with your car-spotting.
"Sorry for wanting to break the silence."
…It does feel heavier in here than back in the route, doesn't it?
"Yeah, it's… it's like being in a room where someone else is sleeping. Except you can't see them."
And you can't hear their breathing either. Which is, in my opinion, the most unsettling of the two possibilities.
[The pitch of Tulip's voice changes, ever so slightly. It's deeper, but not in the way one would associate with the word.]
"Yes, it's–"
It's like entering a building after the power has gone out, with headphones on. It feels disorienting. You can't be sure if your next step will be the one that'll send you crashing against someone else. But if you don't move, then that someone else might crash into your first, right?
"I…"
It's a cold lake at night. A sheet of moving black that sometimes glimmers and sometimes lets you catch a glimpse of movement that might as well be born of your imagination. You don't touch the water, but it feels cold from afar, doesn't it? But it's summer. Why would a lake be cold during summer?
"T-Tulip?"
[Tulip mumbles to herself. She doesn't sound as though she's fully aware of what she's saying.]
It's the pearly mist, you think. It rolls over the lake in the same way the nonexistent waves do not, carrying perhaps not cold but the idea of cold, like the vapor that comes out of someone's mouth when they speak in the middle of winter. Just looking at it makes you feel a bit colder, doesn't it? The black surface remains underneath, unmoving, but common sense tells you that there's nothing to feel in shallow waters. That brush against your leg must be an algae. That cold rising up your body to your neck is the surface of the water. It couldn't close above you. It only looks solid because nothing has disturbed it.
But then you have. And even a summer lake holds spots in them where you could freeze to death. Except the lake was never cold in the first place. It was alwa–
"Tulip!"
[They stop walking. Tulip mumbles to herself, surprised, for a moment before she regains her voice.]
W-what? What is it?
"… What were you rambling about? You sounded like a proper maniac. That thing about the lake and…"
[Lynne is heard taking a step closer and Tulip inhales sharply.]
"I thought your eyes… no, never mind. Must've been a trick of the light or something."
I…
[There's an undeniable effort in Tulip's voice, of her trying to keep it unwavering.]
I was just… trying to spook you. Obviously. You make this really funny face when you're unsettled, you know.
"… Really."
Yes. Really.
[She says that in a way that makes it clear there's no more room for discussion, then steps are heard as she walks away. Lynne follows a second after.]
…What I was going to say before you interrupted me is that we probably shouldn't worry too much.
"Shouldn't we?"
I mean, yes. Technically speaking we probably should, but we're at a point where if we're being followed we're fucked anyway, so there's no point in thinking about it. And the town itself isn't dangerous.
"How do you figure? You were just rambling about how we could freeze to death or something."
Figure of speech. Maybe. My point is that whatever had to happen in this town, it already happened. I don't know how to explain it but… I feel like it's done. Like an actor whose character dies during a play; they're out of the equation, you know you're not going to see them again. This place feels dead in more ways than one. Just talking out loud I can feel the quietness pressing down on my tongue, like it wants me to shut up. Like no one or nothing should ever say or do anything ever again. The same way you shouldn't disturb a corpse.
Does that make sense?
"Not in the slightest."
[Tulip snorts.]
Good. If I were to start being understood then half of my charm would disappear.
[Lynne laughs.]
"You know, I don't remember you being this much of a drama queen before. Are you sure that lass covered in shadows didn't influence you a tad too much?"
Dear Synn above, no. Don't ever say that to me ag–
"Dear Synn above? What? What are you now, Sinnohan? I was just kidding before but…"
[Tulip stutters for a moment, her steps getting slower. After a moment she just laughs.]
I… always liked that saying. Sounds good, I think.
"…Right."
Anyway, I would be compelled to punch you for comparing me to that tasteless mess of a woman, but we're almost there. My house… or, well, what may remain of it, is just a couple streets away.
"Hm. Going there before the Miller's house, then?"
It's very possible that past me already came here, and if she did then she probably left something there for current me. There are a lot of good hiding spots, so even if someone else searched the place I doubt they'd find it. Only I could.
And besides, it'd be nice to visit again. Less so to open up my chest and pour out my past and all of my most horrible secrets onto an interview of my own, but I am a woman of my word, and I promised my readers that I would do this. It's about time, anyway. Couldn't hide this forever.
[Lynne waits a bit before replying. When he does, there's less of an edge to his voice.]
"Want me to wait outside while you do all that? I wouldn't want to intrude."
[There's a short pause.]
You'll have to read the transcribed version later anyway. It's okay.
"Are you sure? Bec–"
I said it's fine, so it's fine.
[Lynne doesn't argue further. He doesn't have time to regardless, because a few moments later Tulip speaks again with a hint of excitement in her voice.]
Here. Over this next corner on the right, it's there on the opposite end. Should b–
[Tulip's steps cease in an instant. Her breath hitches in her throat.
Lynne doesn't notice. He takes a couple more steps and then whistles appreciatively.]
"Sod off, are you serious!? THAT'S your house? I was expecting… I don't know, a haunted shack, a witch's castle or something. That's a proper mansion!"
[He laughs to himself, sounding aghast. Tulip doesn't make a single sound.]
"Why didn't you tell me your family was rich? It explains a lot, even–"
That's not…
[Tulip's voice comes out cold and shaking. Lynne stops talking and is heard turning around, a grunt of concern rising up his throat.]
"Tulip?"
That's… that's not my house.
"What?"
That's not my house.
"Wh–"
[Her hurried steps echo loudly, and when Lynne screams out his voice sounds far away.]
"Oi, wait! Tulip!"
[The sound of Lynne's footsteps are heard in the distance, but they're muffled by the quick, ragged breathing from Tulip. After a few seconds her steps stop echoing and instead make a swishy sound as she steps on grass.]
"Careful! There might be Pokemon there on the lawn!"
[Tulip doesn't listen. She stops a few seconds after, a hollow thump resounding as she presses her hand against what sounds like a doorframe.]
Come on, come on. Where is it!?
[Lynne's steps stop beside her, and for a moment all that can be heard is the sound of their breathing.]
"What are you looking for? What's going on?"
The address plate! It's there but I–
[Tulip jumps high with a grunt.]
C-can't reach it. It's full of mold and dirt and I need to see if…if this is it. Maybe I took a wrong turn or something or…
"H-here, let me…"
[Lynne walks closer and there is a sound of a hand brushing against something flat and metallic.]
"Hemwick St. 108…"
[Silence stretches for a few seconds.]
T-that's my address. That's my house's address.
[Tulip's voice sounds breathless.]
"Maybe… maybe it was…"
[There's a pause. Lynne's breath hitches.]
"Wait. A mansion… and this is the biggest building we've seen so far since we entered the town."
[A noise comes out of Tulip's mouth that almost sounds like a chuckle.]
This is it. This is the Millers' house. It has to be.
"But then why–"
I don't know, okay? I don't know! There's something going on, maybe… maybe I forgot something. Wouldn't be the first time. Maybe they messed with my mind again, more than just to erase two fucking years from my memory. Maybe…
"Tulip."
[Tulip stops, almost hyperventilating. There's a sound of her hand running through her hair and she laughs bitterly.]
I-I'm not… I don't want to think about this. Let's just go in. We can worry about finding my house later, let's just go in and search for the entrance to the tunnel and… god. Just…
"It's okay. Let's do that. It's fine."
[They stand still for a few seconds, Tulip gathering her wits, slowing her breathing. Then there's shuffling under her feet as she walks closer to the door. The hinges creak sharply as she opens it.]
Of course it's unlocked.
"Let's hope it's a good omen."
Get your flashlight. Something tells me the power's not gonna still be working in here.
[Tulip turns her flashlight on with a click. Lynne shuffles through the inside of his backpack and then another click is heard as he turns on his own. They step inside and the hinges creak again as the door is closed behind them.]
"It's… dusty. "
Hold on. Look.
[There's silence for a moment.]
The layer of dust is pretty thick all over the floor. Doesn't look like there's any footprints nearby, and there was all that rust that fell of the hinges when we opened the door.
"No one's been here for a while, then."
Not necessarily. There might be another entrance, we'll have to check. But at least we know no one came through here.
[Their steps are muffled by the thick dust, but still they echo into a dry, hollow sound as they make their way forward.]
"A marble staircase? Hell, look up there at the end of the rail, that's a bronze statue of a… it looks like a Nidoran?"
Head is too big to be a Nidoran. I don't know what they are but they look exactly the same as the statues in Cinnabar Mansion.
"Cinnabar Mansion?"
Long story, don't worry about it. Look, there in the mess of the rails. Notice something?
"Not… really? Looks all nice and proper, I guess."
That's the thing. It's copper, it should've rusted and turned green by now. Look around. There in the lobby. There's only dust; do you see any webs or shedding or anything else littered around?
"N-no. If it weren't for the dust and the darkness you'd think this place was just built."
Yeah. I don't think any Pokemon has set foot in Wysteria, no matter how small or thoughtless. They must avoid it on instinct. Same goes for people.
"We're the idiotic exception."
[A sound almost like a chuckle leaves Tulip's mouth.]
There must always be one. Come on, let' see if we can find the entrance to the tunnels. If it's out in the open it might be in a basement of sorts, but otherwise we'll have to look for cracks or shifting walls that might be hiding it.
"And… how would we find that, exactly?"
Look really hard.
"Right."
You take the left wing, I'll take the right.
"I… is it smart to split up?"
Why not? If there's something in here then we're dead anyway, being together won't make a difference. And the faster we get this over with the better.
"… Alright. Scream if something happens. I'll come in running."
Same to you. If anything attacks you let me know, it might give me enough time to escape.
[Lynne lets out a genuine laugh.]
"Righto."
[Lynne's steps get farther and farther away while Tulip's keep resonating. Hers are slower, more deliberate. She stops every few seconds, her breath hitching as she concentrates on the sight the flashlight shows her.
Another sharp creak is heard as she opens a door, then stands still as she moves the flashlight around.]
Kitchen looks normal. Doubt there's a secret passage here, but I might as well check. If the food here was well preserved I might've just found tonight's dinner.
[She walks around the room slowly, occasionally grabbing items from the table or counter, then setting them down moments later. There's another whirring sound as she opens one of the drawers.]
Utensils. None of them are rusted. And…
[She pauses for a moment.]
Ceramic knife. There's something inscribed on the handle but… ah. Can't read it. Is that Sinnohan? Looks square enough.
[The knife makes a soft sound as she shoves it inside her backpack.]
Might as well.
[She lets out a small grunt as she most likely stands on her tiptoes to reach the cupboard. There's another creak as she opens it up.
Tulip yelps and there's a Bonk as something hits her in the head.]
FH-SHIT!
[The object sounds thick and heavy as it falls to the ground with a deaf thump. Tulip grunts, and her hand is heard rubbing her forehead as she takes a step back.]
I'm… I'm fine! Don't rush over or anything, I just gave myself a concussion, I think.
[Lynne doesn't reply.
The joints on Tulip's knees crackle as she lowers herself and picks up the object that fell from the cupboard. It sounds smooth as she rolls it through her fingers.]
A lighter? It looks extremely old.
[A click is heard, followed by the soft swishing of flames. It persists for a moment before Tulip closes it with a snap.]
Weird.
Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.
[She saves it in her pocket and then her steps echo down the room.]
Nothing in the kitchen. Let's see…
[For about half a minute only the sound of her steps is heard, slow and deliberate. She closes the door behind her and walks around while moving her flashlight, silent.
Finally, she stops and doesn't say anything for a few moments.]
Pretty impressive collection of ugly ceramic plates. And cups. And… ugh, those little ugly Meowth figurines made of marble. I fucking hate them.
[There's a pause.]
I could say something really bad, but I have to transcribe this later and I don't want my readers to think I'm a bad person.
[Another pause. Tulip sighs.]
Whatever. I don't know if this was Joseph or his wife, but if they had such bad taste then it's probably for the best that they're dead.
I'm joking. Mostly. If you guys abandon me because of that comment then I'm gonna feel real lonely.
[She laughs to herself.
After a moment, she reaches with one hand and this time the creak isn't as loud as she opens the cabinet, perusing its insides. She mumbles to herself.]
Chasers, whiskey glasses, champagne cups… no actual alcohol though. God dammit. Maybe they have a wine cellar; this house is ridiculously big enough for that, right? I'm definitely stealing some bourbon if they have it. Or fuck it, anything over 80-proof. I'm not picky.
Hmm, can't see anything. Guess they really do have a separate room to keep all the alcohol in. That'd be such a nightmare, why are rich people like this? If I'm in the mood for drinking the last thing I want is to have to walk to two separate rooms to get the glass and the bottle.
I guess when you have so much space in your house you have to fill it with something.
[She sighs, then closes the cabinet and only walks a few steps before stopping again. There's silence for a moment, then she murmurs a 'Hmm' ]
Family photo. This must be them.
[Tulip reaches over and grabs something, turning it in her hand. Then she curses under her breath.]
This is the Miller's house, alright. I've never seen them before but there can't be too many rich nuclear families in town that fit the description this well. They're…
[She examines the photo in silence for a moment.]
Shizue was right, Joseph is one hunk of a man. He's got those eyes too, and that cocky grin that every guy thinks he can use to get what he wants. Still, sounds like he at least was pretty good at it.
[Tulip chuckles.]
Still didn't end up saving him, did it?
The kid must be Marty. He certainly takes a lot more after his mother with those rosy cheeks. He looks to be about fifteen, so this couldn't have been too long before the incident.
… Bunch of fucking ghosts, giving me the run-around as usual. That's the story of my life right there.
[Crinkly, plastic-y noises are heard as Tulip tries to remove the picture from its frame. She succeeds after a few huffs and curses, and throws the frame itself down to the ground.]
Hnm. Nothing written in the back. I'll take the photo anyway, I'm sure I can find some use for it. Lynne's good with computers, maybe he can–
[She cuts her sentence short, a heavy silence hanging in the air for a moment.]
I…
I don't hear him. He didn't reply when I yelled out earl… shit.
[Her steps echo loudly and fast as she runs back the way she came, her breathing quick and harsh, desperate. She opens the door quickly, making it shriek and then slams it behind her as she emerges into the foyer.]
Lynne! Lynne, hey, are you still there!? Lynne!
[She waits for a second for a reply, but none comes.]
LYNNE! You better answer or I'm going to shove this knife I found up your–
"I'm here, calm down!"
[Tulip gasps so hard she goes into a coughing fit. She takes a step back and turns around, her voice breathy.]
S… son of a… why the hell didn't you answer me!? And wh…
[She stops again, only now noticing Lynne's steps as he walks down the staircase.]
…Why were you upstairs?
[Lynne takes only a couple seconds before answering.]
"Didn't find anything below. Thought I'd check the rooms upstairs."
[There's a heaviness to his voice that Tulip doesn't miss. She takes a step forward and Lynne makes a sound that's almost like a grunt.]
Are you okay?
"Yeah, I'm fine, I got scared when you yelled and ran down as fast as I c–"
Don't treat me like an idiot, Lynne.
[The next words hitch in Lynne's throat. He stays silent for a second, then speaks again.]
"You're the one that yelled like a maniac."
Yes, and you're the one that's looking at me like I'm a rabid Scyther, what the hell's gotten into you? You're acting l… like…
[Tulip's voice trails off, getting thinner before vanishing. When she speaks again, it's barely a whisper.]
What is that in your pocket?
"W-what?"
In your pocket, something's bulging out. What is it?
"It's nothing, I just–"
Don't lie to me!
[Tulip takes a sudden step forward. Lynne curses under his breath and stumbles as he tries to take a step back.]
"D-don't!"
[She stops in her tracks. Lynne slides up to his feet again, grunting in pain.]
"D-don't come near me."
What? Lynne, what is up with you? I'm not going to hurt you, I just want to know why you're not answering me!"
"Look, just… just stay there. Please. I'll…"
You're scared of me. Why?
[Tulip's voice sounds saddened as she says that. Neither of them says that for a few seconds, an uncomfortable silence setting in. Then there's a shuffling sound as Lynne takes the object from his pocket.]
"I… I found this."
W-what is that? Is th…
[Tulip moves the flashlight. She lets out a sharp breath.]
A tape? It's…
"Same model as the ones you use, yeah. Found it upstairs."
Then… it has to be one of mine! I must've come here before and left it there. Give me t–
[Again Tulip takes a step forward, and again Lynne steps back.]
Lynne…
"I told you to stay there."
Well then you better explain yourself or I'm going to run up to you and punch you in the face for that tape. It's not like you could've listened to it, so why the hell are you acting s-
[She pauses, the weight of realization falling on the ensuing silence.]
Did you find something else?
"Y-yeah. A note. It was stuck to the tape when I found it."
What… did the note say?
[It's faint, but Lynne can be heard taking in a deep breath, muttering something to himself.]
"Alright. Alright, alright. I'm going… I'm going to give the tape to you, and I'm going to tell you what the note said."
Yeah I sure fucking hope so.
"But first, I need you to do something for me."
A-are you serious? What, do I need to prove myself to you or something? Fuck you. F–
"N-no, it's not that. Please, just… I need to ask you something. And you have to answer honestly. Do that and I'll give the tape and the note to you."
I…
"If you refuse then you'll have to take it by force."
You're serious.
"I'm not pissing about here, Tulip. I'm serious. It's just a question. One question, that's all."
[Tulip sputters a few interconnected swears to herself. She is heard pacing in a small circle, clearly antsy.]
Fine. Fine, ask your fucking question. I can't believe this.
"You're sounding very irritated."
Is that the question?
"N-no, it's…"
[Lynne sucks in a breath, and it sounds as though he runs a hand through his hair.]
"When we came here. You said this is where your house should've been."
Yeah, but I must've been mistaken or remembered it wrong or something. Why?
"… I don't think you did."
…What?
"Here's… my question. Do you remember what your house looks like?"
Wh–what kind of… Yes, yeah I remember my house!
"Could you close your eyes and picture it in your head?"
Of course I could. Why are y–
"Could you do it for me? Please?"
I…
[After a few moments of silence, Tulip inhales deep, and when she speaks again her voice is heavy with irritation.]
Fine. Here, I'm doing it. This better be important.
"Thanks. So… are you picturing it?"
Yes.
"Describe it to me. From the moment you enter through the door, tell me how the house is laid out."
It's...
[Tulip takes a moment to gather her thoughts.]
You… you open the door and enter. First thing you'll notice is the couch at your right; there's a little space in between it and the door-side wall where you can walk around to the space between the couch and the T.V. If you go left instead, it's only a couple steps to the narrow hallway with a big mirror at the end. Left side of the hallway has two bedrooms, right side has the bathroom and another bedroom. The walls of the hallway are red. But it's not… paint, I think. It's some weird, rough wallpaper or paste or something.
[Tulip fails to notice, too focused on her explanation, but Lynne's breathing hitches, getting shallower.]
If you ignore the hallway and the couch and just walk straight, you'll reach the table where everyone eats, and there's a big… furniture thing on the right where all the cups and glasses and plates are. You can see the garden past the table, through the big window doors, but it's easier to get out there through the kitchen, so–
"No."
–you have to go left an–
[Tulip pauses.]
What? What do you m… hey. Lynne, are you okay? You look…
"I'm fine."
Seriously get down from that staircase you look like you're about to pass out any second now, what the fuck is going on?
"That… that wasn't it."
W-what wasn't it?
"Your house. What you described wasn't your house."
Wh…!? Yes it fucking was! It has only one floor and three bedrooms and a big garden in the back and to get there you have to either go through the kitchen or–
[Tulip's voice gets harsher and louder, she can be heard gesticulating more wildly as she explains the layout.]
"Or through the bedroom on the right, past the bathroom. There's a window door that opens to it."
[Lynne, on the other hand, can barely be heard. His voice is thin and weak.]
How… do you know that?
"I just told you. Because what you just described wasn't your house."
[He laughs. It's a shaky, broken sound.]
"It's mine."
W-wh…
[Tulip's voice dies in her throat. For a few seconds, she stays still and silent, and nothing can be heard on the recording.]
… Go fuck yourself.
"Tulip–"
You think this is funny!? You think you can just make a stupid fucking joke like that and think I'm going t–
[Tulip stomps her way forward, her voice hot with anger.]
"It's not a joke! I'm not lying, Tulip, you just–"
What!? I just… misremembered again!? Yeah, first I can't remember where my house is, then I can't even recall what it fucking looks like. And how would I even know what your house looks like? I've never been to Galar! I've never–
"Then maybe there's another reason."
Fuck you. You lying sack of s–!
"Fine! Refuse to believe me, it's fine. Get angry. Punch me. It won't make you right, it'll just turn you into a violent wanker."
Sounds fine by me. I've got no problem punching a fucking liar.
"Why would I even lie to you about this!?"
Why are you asking me!? Hell, maybe you–
"Wait. Wait, I got it."
[He takes a moment to swallow, and to breathe in.]
"You want to prove that the house you remember is your house."
I've got nothing to prove to you.
"Great. Well, do it anyway."
…
"Here it is. You remember the big tree in the middle of the garden, right? The one a tad right of center when you look from inside."
I… yes. Of course I do. It's been there since I was a kid. It bloomed every May. It's–
[She pauses. A low whine leaves her throat and the recorder creaks with the force of her grip.]
"Do you remember the kind of tree it was? The flowers that bloomed on it?"
I–I… I r-remember, yes. It w-was…
[But that's as far as she can get her words out, each one straining her voice even further.]
A-agh! Fuck, wh–!?
[Tulip shakes, moves erratically, a deep, guttural grunt of pain rising up her stomach to her throat. She thrashes and whines, the floorboards creaking under her stomps.]
Hngh! W-what is… why can't I…?
"It was a Bristol Whitebeam, a tree that you can only find in Galar. And do you remember the Pokemon that always rested outside your house? It belonged to the neighbors. You pet it every day on your way to school. Do you remember what Pokemon it was?"
N-no, I can… It was…
"A Wooloo, right?"
[Tulip screams, and her knees are heard touching the floor before Lynne finishes airing his question. A burst of static shakes the recorder.]
I-it hhhur… fffuuckc,ng much, god, fuck, oh god…
It… I…
[An actual sob leaves Tulip's lips. Her voice is thin and shrill, nothing like her usual tone.]
"Tulip…"
W… why can't I remember? I can't e-even picture… it. I c-can't…
[She stops. A heartbeat passes, and then she lets out a whine and starts quickly muttering to herself.]
N-nononono I… t-they can't, I… I don't…
"Tulip?"
[By the time Tulip can stop heaving and breathing out only half words, the pain she was feeling seems to have dissipated, as she stops whining. Instead she just lies there, breathing in deep, before speaking.]
I… I can't remember my parent's faces.
"What?"
I can't remember…
[There's a burst of static in the recording as she says those words. It hangs for a moment before vanishing. Tulip speaks again, but the word is swallowed by static once more.]
Did you hear that? What I just said?
"I… you didn't say anything."
[Tulip pushes herself to her feet. It sounds as though she stumbles wildly and doesn't stop moving, her steps resounding in a circle.]
Nonono, this can't be happening, this isn't… they…
"Tulip?"
What… what was my dad's name?
"I…"
What was my dad's fucking name, Lynne!? You've got the memories of my house, maybe you have that, too! What's his name!?
"That's… I told you, that wasn't your house, it was mine."
Fuck that. You're lying.
"Then how did I know to ask for that? Why do your memories of your supposed house have Galarian stuff in th–"
[Tulip grunts and shakes again, and Lynne stops.]
"Sorry. But you see? This proves that I'm right. I knew it from the note; it told me what to ask you."
W-what did it say?
"Here, you can have it. I said I'd give it to you."
[Lynne tentatively walks downstairs and hands over the recorder and piece of paper, which Tulip takes off his hands quickly.]
"There. What does it say?"
I…
[Tulip breathes out. She says silent for a moment, then reads the note aloud.]
Don't trust her. She is not Tulip, but what little is left of her. And soon, she'll be what little is left of you, too. Unless… you stop her. Ask about her home. Ask about her family. Confront her with the contradictions she herself is unaware of and then–
[She breathes in sharply, her voice thinning.]
K-kill her. It probably won't work, but it's your best chance at escaping from her while still yourself.
[There is a moment of silence, in which the change in the sound of Tulip's breathing indicates that she is looking up at Lynne.]
"I… figured I maybe shouldn't go around killing just because a note told me to. Could be a lie. Fabricated. But… we can't deny that there's something wrong here."
N-nono, this isn't me–this isn't–I'm not… tricking you, I'm… I can't…
[She places both hands and the recorder against her head and lets out a painful growl, taking a step back.
When she talks again, her voice is on the verge of breaking.]
I c-can't… remember their faces. Or their names. My parents, my friends… anyone. They must've… must've fucked with my head, somehow. It was more than the two years, it was…
"Why did you only realize now? Did you never think about your parents ever since you woke up in Cerulean?"
Wh–no, I… of course I did. I…
[She pauses.]
I… must have. Right? There's no way I haven't thought of them once; I knew I was coming back here, I knew I was going to tell everyone what happened to us, so I must've…
"But you can't remember it."
[Tulip doesn't say anything.]
"And what about all the other people? The ones you've interviewed so far."
W-what?
"You said in one of your entries that you regularly kept in contact with them. Is that true? I haven't seen you do anything of the sort."
Because… I've been busy, but I've talked to them! They're… I had to make sure they were okay so…
"But you have no proof. You only told your readers you did."
W-why would I lie about that!?
"I don't know. But you… have to admit it's weird. Do you remember what you talked to them about? What they told you, exactly? Do you remember each conversation?"
R-right, yeah. It was…
[There's a swish as she raises her hand, gesticulating as she prepares to respond, but the words never come out. Seconds pass in silence. Tulip lowers the recorder slowly. Her breathing is hard to hear.]
… I can't.
"You don't remember?"
[Tulip doesn't answer directly. She takes a step back, letting out a breath that almost sounds like broken laughter. She mutters to herself unintelligibly.]
They… they took them from me. All of them.
"That's… we don't know that. We can try to contact them later an–"
No, nononono! They can't…!"
"O-oi', Tulip–"
They can't take them!
[Tulip throws her hands down, her scream echoing through the walls of the mansion.]
They can't, t-they can't! They're… T-they can't take them from me, they're all I FUCKING have!
"Calm down, we don't know if that's the case! We have to keep–!"
SHUT UP!
[There's a burst of wind and static. A second after, something flies through the air and breaks against a wall, shattering like glass. Lynne yelps and stumbles back. Tulip lets out a deep grunt and kicks one of the nearby pieces of furniture, making it clank against the wall.]
Where are they!? Where the fuck are they!? Where's the entrance to the tunnels!?
"Tulip, calm down!"
HGGAAGH! F-FUCK!
[Once again, Tulip grabs at her head and lets out a series of curses and pained grunts, her steps quick and erratic as she stumbles her way around the room.]
W-where are you!? I'm here, just come and take me! If you want something then stop playing me and just fucking do it!
"Tulip, pl–"
"If you insist."
[The voice sounds simultaneously as though it's an inch from the recorder and also far away, on the other end of a long and narrow tunnel. It's low and soft, yet sharp. Like the crackling of flames.
Tulip and Lynne freeze. They don't gasp or scream in surprise. They stand there, in silence, for a long, uncomfortable second.]
"W-who was that?"
I…
[The door behind them creaks loudly, as though every individual splinter were trying to separate itself from the rest.
Then comes the sizzling. Tulip inhales sharply and the recording is barely intelligible as she jumps and screams.]
GET DOW–!
[The rest of her warning is swallowed by the roar of the flames, and the sound of the door flying off its hinges by the force of the blast.
Little can be made out over the chaos. Tulip throws Lynne down, shielding him with her body. The recorder flies off her hand, bursting with static with every bounce.
After the boom, the sound of flames licking up the walls around the spot where the door was crackles loudly.]
"Keep them still for me, will you?"
[They have no time to do anything. Lynne and Tulip are still coughing out the smoke they inhaled, and when they hear the running behind them it's too late.
Tulip tries to jump to her feet, but a deep roar cuts through the room like a second explosion, and then something swipes at her, throwing her to the side. Tulip tries to scream, but the sound is cut off as all air leaves her lungs. It sounds as though one of the creatures presses hard against her with its paws, immobilizing her. A second after, the same happens to Lynne.
The depth and pitch of the ensuing hisses indicate that the creatures are Pyroar.]
"Hgh-ghaah! C-can't…!"
G-get off me! G…Ghaah!
[Their struggles echo against the background of the growing flames. Behind them, slower, more delicate steps approach.]
"It's funny, you know? After all that trouble you gave us, after I'd started thinking this might be a problem… you just go and announce your position. You ask us to find you. Who would have thought?"
[There's an inherent smile, a constant hint of laughter in the woman's voice. It's a discordant sound.
Tulip's breath hitches as she hears it, and she goes taut.]
Y-you…!
"Wh–who is she? What... GHaagh!"
[One of the Pyroar presses harder against Lynne's arms, making them creak.]
Lynne! S-stop that! Let him g–HMPH!
[A paw presses against Tulip's mouth, silencing her. There's a tearing sound as the Pyroar's long claws drag down her face, digging into it ever so slightly.]
"You'll have to forgive me for silencing you, Tulip, but I'm pretty sure I know exactly what you'd say to me if you had the means to, and I'm not in the mood to be insulted at the moment. I'm on something of a schedule here."
[The woman's steps somehow echo louder than the crackling of the flames behind her as she approaches the pair, walking around them slowly.]
"Hm. Seems I got here just in time. Sanbica was right to be worried; meeting with Shadi twice, going as far as to interview her… I shudder to imagine what would've happened if you'd actually taken a big piece of her. But you seem… mostly unchanged. You've been fighting it, haven't you?"
[Tulip moves and struggles and tries to yell through the paw against her mouth, but it's all for nothing.]
"She was mistaken, thankfully for us. If she'd known what you really are…"
[Her voice trails off, and Lynne struggles to get a few words out as it does.]
"W-who… are you?"
"Hm? Ah. You don't remember me."
"Wh–I've never… met you before."
"Haven't you?"
[The woman's smile can be heard through her voice as she says that.]
"Not to worry, though. I'll have you fixed and ready to go in no time once we're back at the Institute. I'm sure I'll get chewed out plenty once everything's back to normal and… I most certainly deserve it. Hmph. Matters for later. I guess I should be courteous and introduce myself regardless:
"I am Malva Valzifer, member of the Kalos League and Stigma number Four of the Institute of the Sunken Library. Some have taken to calling me the Demon of Flare, as tasteless as the moniker is. A pleasure, I know. Or it will be, very soon. Once certain pests are taken care of."
[Malva takes a few steps, walking closer to the recorder, to Tulip. She stands still for a second.]
"Three years. Three long years you've evaded us… and all because of a single stupid mistake on my part. I never should've let her in the same room as you.
"Oh well. Mistakes are there to be fixed, and I'm finally on course to do that with you, Tulip."
"O-oi… what are you going t-to–"
[There's a muffled thump as Malva stomps on what sounds like Tulip's knee, followed by a single, loud crack.
Tulip's screech is muffled by the Pyroar's paw, but even so it shakes the air, sharp and broken.]
"TULIP! S-stop! Stop it, what the hell are you doing!?"
"Don't you worry your pretty little head. I made sure it was a clean break; no mess, no internal bleeding. Or, well… not too much, at least. I can't have her die yet, not before the slate is wiped clean and all she has stolen is returned to their rightful owners. It wouldn't do for a Miltank to be put down in the same way as a lowly Poochyena, would it? It needs to be pampered and ready before it's sent to the slaughterhouse."
"Wh–shut up! Just… p-please let us go. We didn't do anything! We never wanted to mess with you so just–!"
[Malva whispers an order, and a second after Lynne's voice is cut off, muffled by a large paw pressing tightly against his mouth.
For a few seconds, all that can be heard is his struggle to break free, as well as Tulip's failed attempts to keep herself from sobbing due to the pain in her leg.
Malva sighs.]
"I'm certain I'll get chewed out for all I'm worth. You'll probably be spitting out Pyroar hairs for a week, but try to remember that I wouldn't be doing this if this side of you weren't so noisy. And Galarian. Dear god, that accent…
"Hm. Where was I? Oh, yes. Waste disposal."
[The familiar sound of a Pokeball opening is heard, the rush of sound and light promptly materializing into another fiery creature next to Malva. Its flames, however, crackle in a much calmer way. Almost pleasant.
The soft, almost musical purr indicates that the Pokemon is a Delphox.]
"Again, sorry for the swift and impatient treatment, but the fire growing behind us is not the only timer I'm running against. You'll be getting the premium treatment regardless, Tulip, be sure of that. Normally…"
[She stops talking for a moment, the bracelets on her arm clinking as she raises a hand.
Then, there is a surge of something, a burst of emptiness, and the entire room falls deathly silent.
Another crackle, similar to that of the previous flames, resounds from Malva's hand. But it sounds wrong. Devoid of life, of an echo.]
"…I would simply erase you myself. But I'm afraid those pieces need to be returned to their respective boards… or so Colress tells me. So instead, you'll be given to a pair of more… surgical hands, you could say. And yes, you should feel exactly as lucky as you look.
"Now, Walpurgis, if you'd please. Bring her along."
[Tulip gasps sharply as the paw is lifted up from her mouth.]
YOU FUCK–GGHHAH!
[But almost immediately after being released, the air crackles and pops as though it were solid, a sudden surge of psychic energy cutting through the fabric of reality. A low, persistent static overtakes the recording, although not powerful enough to drown out the voices.
There's a shuffle as Tulip is lifted off her feet by the rush of psychic energy. Judging by the choked, desperate sounds leaving her mouth, she is unable to move.]
"There we go. Now, I believe you came here hoping to find an entrance to those tunnels you were going on about? If so, today is your lucky day. You will get to visit them personally."
"Hmphgh! Ghg–Gah!"
[Lynne struggles hard enough that he manages t free his mouth, if only for a moment.]
"Tulip! Tulip, please hang in there! I'll come back for you, I–HGHG!"
[He is silenced once again, only muffles coming through.
Malva groans.]
"I told him to go easier on you because I don't want to be reprimanded later, and this is how you repay me? Just stay put, would you? I'll be right back for you.
"Let's go, Walpurgis."
[The creature next to her slides through the air as though it were floating, the fur falling around him making a pleasant sound as it brushes against the floor. Judging by the change in volume in Tulip's whines, she is being moved as well.
Malva starts walking away, but stops only a few steps after.]
"Hm. Of course."
[She walks toward the recorder and picks it up, the static getting louder and harsher the closer she gets. She giggles at herself.]
"Good."
[She starts walking again, and both the Delphox and a powerless Tulip follow, the latter two either sliding or floating through the air in front of her. There are shorter steps, then longer ones as they reach what sounds like the room in the back of the mansion, then stop.
Something is unlocked with a metallic sound, and next Malva is heard walking down a stone staircase, following her Pokemon. They walk for a few seconds before reaching an underground room, filled with a wet, heavy echo.
Tulip continues to struggle the entire way, but she is powerless against the hold of Delphox' psychic power. Her whines are harder to hear now, as the static coming from Malva continues to beat irregularly, like a heart.]
"Colress said the wine cellar, and this is it. Entrance should be around…"
[Malva mutters to herself as she walks around the room, her steps echoing more loudly than they ought to.
After what feels like an entire minute, she stops and stays silent. Then she laughs.]
"Here it is! Now…"
[The bracelets on her wrist clink again, and then that emptiness, that void crackles to life again, swallowing every other sound in the vicinity except the static and the sound of Malva's voice.
She takes a step further, and presses the hand against the wall. It sizzles. Whines sharply, as though it were being burned away.
Then, something unlocks. The void disappears. A loud, grating growl shakes the room as the wall moves by itself, parting to reveal a hole from which a gust of wind emerges into the room.]
"There we go."
[Tulip's whines stop. She is unnaturally quiet as she is slowly brought near the opening.]
"Hold on. Before you throw her in there… here."
[Malva walks toward the immobilized Tulip and, with a loud shuffling sound, places the tape recorder inside the pocket of her jacket. The static disappears. When she talks again, her voice is muffled and distant.]
"You can keep that, as a sign of… good faith, let's say. Don't worry, I'll retrieve the recorder once I come back for whatever's left of you, so just make sure you record the entirety of your hopeless struggle, okay? I need something entertaining to listen to during my lunch breaks now that I finished all the podcasts Colress recommended me.
That is all. Walpurgis, be my guest."
[The pressure upon the air disappears with a pop, and Tulip falls to her knees with a sharp inhale, crumbling upon herself. She screams as she lands atop her broken knee, but doesn't let it distract her for more than a second.]
M-MALVA! YOU'LL–
[She crawls on her stomach and throws herself forward, the fingers on her hand creaking slightly as they close around Malva's ankle.
Then, the air pops again.]
G-GHAAH!
[A force like a wall of powerful wind crashes against Tulip, throwing her a good distance back past the opening, where she lands and collapses again, falling upon herself.]
"Goodbye, Tulip. It's been… a pleasure, let's say."
N-NO! N–!
[Tulip struggles to move, but it's too late. The stones move at lightning speed, slamming against each other with a loud, echoing thump, closing the opening shut.]
No… N-no, this…
[Malva's steps are barely hearable past the thick wall of stone. They only echo for a few seconds, getting farther and farther away, until they disappear altogether.
Never to come back.]