Novelux The Museum of Everlasting Brilliance

[Panoramic_Vacuum]

Steven was only dimly aware of the conversation between Laura and Ralsen. The words went in, but weren't really being processed.

The only thing that jolted him from his misery was the sound of his name. He focused his gaze to the speaker-- Laura, he was here with Laura-- his eyes startlingly dull compared to how he'd been at the start of the day.

She must be asking about him, he could see the worry written across her face. Okay? She asked him if he was okay. He didn't have it in him to laugh.

"No. No, I'm afraid I'm not."

She was worried for him. But why? He was temporary. It was all temporary.

"I won't do anything stupid. It'd be a waste. Besides, we still have a job to do, no? Can't leave that unfinished."

His words were flat, listless. Not even the sight of so many rocks all around them brought a spark back.

"Once it's done though... I thought... Since I can't go back... Maybe I could stay..."

He wavered slightly. The obviousness of pouring himself into Frontier Town's affairs to avoid thinking about the alternative. But now...

"In the end... I have to give everything, because if I linger here..."

He was never supposed to have time to think about the consequences. He wasn't supposed to have time to feel that wound of what he left behind. He clutched a hand to his chest, his claws scraping against the metal.

"I fear the regret of my choices will bury me."

Suddenly, he was all too aware of Laura's presence. For a moment, he looked up, really looked at her, and realized that he'd dragged her into his mess whether she wanted it or not. The guilt slapped some clarity through him. They were still in public. This wasn't the place for him to have a meltdown. Embarrassment crept in, and Steven fidgeted with the notch on his claw, and glanced towards the museum doors.

"I'm sorry, you should stay and enjoy the exhibit. Don't worry about me. I just need some time."

 

[Jackie Cat]

Laura could only stare as Steven's demeanour tumbled over the edge of some emotional crevice, and fell sharply into distant lightless depths. Depths she wasn't sure she could reach into to pull him out.

He spoke up again before she could muster some response – to make a morbid statement, and to ask her to stay here without him.

If she said yes, and he went and 'did something stupid' as he put it...

She scrunched her face up, and took a couple of sharp breaths. Don't freak out.

"If you're sure," she told him. "I'd really rather you stuck around and told me more about rocks, but... Look, if you change your mind, I'll be here."

That seemed to suffice. As he left, though, she subvocalised a message into the aether, saying, Betel, keep an eye on him for me, please. I have to be there if he needs... If he needs someone.

The reply came quickly, the voice's tone soft and sad.

I will do just that, Laura. But do not worry. Steven is a heroic spirit, and I am sure he will be just fine soon enough.
​

Howls, she hoped they were right.

<><><><><>​

 

[MintyMimix]

When sheep sleep, wolves rise; night time in uptown Novelux was no different. Whether it was an ambitious businessmon proudly dazzling their many lights across their storefront, a shady someone searching for their mark, a couple waltzing their way to their date spot, a tired day worker looking to drink their sorrows away, or a nocturnal crew making no shortage of jabs at their coworkers, the area just outside of the museum continued to hum with activity even as the moon took place of the sun over the horizon.

The Mismagius's deep purple cloak and washed-out scarlet muffler blended right in with the rest of the city's inhabitants. Ghaspius hummed to himself a little ditty as the small bag wrapped around his chest made the accompanying percussion with each "step". However, it seemed the familiar clinks and clanks of his potions had been completely absent — replaced with the shuffling of papers and utensils instead.

He slowed down as he passed by a particularly opulent looking store, Regenia's Prize, gazing upon its show window. A mannequin of a Florges in a fur coated stood in a posed that emphasized her elegance as she held the perfume bottle in her dainty grip. Behind her had been an array of various high-class brands, from Tsa Berri to Chérimon.

His eyes darted from bottle to bottle, as though trying to piece together a difficult puzzle, unaware of anyone that might be nearby. The chatter from the restaurant across the street, Greedent's Glory, had been the perfect background noise for his mind to wander.

 

[Tetra]

"Ghaspius!" he called eagerly. Finally.

When Koa had heard that Ghapius was back in town he'd made a mental note to try and find him. He was curious ever since their first tour of Novelux and the mysterious note they'd decoded.

A nighttime trip to Novelux hadn't been exactly what he expected, but it was nice to see the city at night. It reminded him of Veilstone and Jubilife.

He trotted up to Ghapius, staring curiously at the storefront window, then at the ghost-type. The store felt vaguely familiar. Maybe they'd passed it before? "What are you looking for?"

 

[MintyMimix]

Ghaspius's gemstones glimmered in surprise as he quickly turned towards the familiar voice. Despite his inquiring eyes, his smile was gentle — serene, as though he were satisfied with the daily ongoings of life.

"Oh, Koa, didn't notice y'all there, how's it goin'?" He greeted, adjusting his pack. "Just been eyin' some of these conconctions. They keep them formulas a secret, but ya can't help but wonder..."

He let out a curious hum. "Wanna go inside get a whiff or two?"

 

[Tetra]

Didn't Odette have something similar in her room? Maybe he could get her a thank you gift...

"Sure," he said with a shrug. "It's been going good," he said in a light tone. They'd saved Brisa and the rest of the team had been successful. That was enough for him.

He followed Ghaspius towards the entrance. "What about you though? I think I haven't seen you around for a little while."

 

[MintyMimix]

"Oh ain't much, just be enjoyin' the new job," Ghaspius beamed as he both literally and metaphorically glowed thanks to his gems, "I tell ya, the next interview was just as spooky as the last. But now I got a lab setup and am helpin' make brews to try to cure all kinds of sicknesses."

A gentle bell rang as the pair entered the chamber of decadence. Polished white floor tiles with equally pristine, glistening walls surrounded them on all sides. Were it not for the Ambipom in the suit and bowtie in the corner only giving them a passing glance rather than a proper bow, they might have felt as though the store itself were greeting them as royalty.

"'Course, they first have me doin' test samples. Things that are a lil' less dangerous. Like these," Ghaspius said, picking up a sampler bottle labeled Roseliessence, "Well, not this one specifically, but, things that can be alchemized more safely."

He went into a coughing fit as the scent of intoxicating roses suffocated his senses with just a single spritz. The Ambipon covered his mouth to hide his snicker.

 

[Tetra]

Koa wrinkled his nose at the strong scents as he stepped into the store. So white. Nothing like stores back home, at least not the kind he usually visited. It was almost overwhelming, but not entirely unpleasant either. Florals scents and sweet ones and herbal...

He got distracted trying to pick them out from one another until Ghaspius spoke again. "So what is your new-" he sniffed and rubbed his nose, holding back a sneeze. "-what exactly is your new job? You make...potions? Why were they so mysterious about that?" The entire distinction between alchemy and medicine was still lost on him in this world.

As he spoke, he found himelf glancing around the store, trying to figure out what kind of scent Odette would go for. Something similar to ones she already had? Or maybe something to remind her of home...

"And who exactly are they anyway?"

 

[MintyMimix]

"Ah, yeah, they told me 'bout that," Ghaspius replied, wiping the tears from his eyes as the perfume lingered in the air for a bit longer than he would've liked, "Apparently, the Aromatisse that they had been sponsoring last time was one of the ones that got raided by those, ah..."

He leaned closer to Koa as he voiced dropped to a whisper. "Terrorists."

He lifted his head back up and spoke normally once more, "So they're tryin' to keep a lid on things and not get targeted again. Miractus Practical Solutions probably figured that a Wayfarer could handle himself a bit better and were willin' to take a risk on me. Ain't that somethin'?"

A well-informed reader would recognize the name as an investment firm. While their main trade is in the stock market, they have aided in propping up several smaller businesses around Novelux, such as Remi D.'s Elixirs and Dwight Dry Delights.

When they make these partnerships, they often act as the middlemon between their investment and Fermlein Steel to secure paperwork, materials, and most significantly, a bit of marketing commitment. A miracle company: both in how difficult it is to be chosen by one of their angel investors, and how they practically guarantee a business's short-term success.

Koa would find no shortage of variety in scents: from the Pecha-scented First Love's Kiss to the leafy richness of Grand Harvest to even the oddly charred Soul's Linger. If Koa had been looking for something specific, it would not be too difficult to find — especially with the Ambipom beginning to hover closely as he silently pointed out a few to try.

 

[Tetra]

At the word 'terrorists' his ears perked up slightly. How did they tie into everything? And why would some supposed terrorist group be interested in perfumes and potions? Unless he supposed, something dangerous could be brewed?

Koa idled as he sniffed the pecha one and then the Soul's Linger. Both seemed like scents Odette would probably like... It was hard to decide between the two. Or maybe... he could just get both. Though given the atmosphere of the store he didn't know if that actually feasible.

Maybe he could pick something flowery instead. As tough as she was, it felt like a scent that she'd enjoy. The one Ghaspius had used wasn't bad...

His gaze slid to the Ambipom and he gave a polite nod before wandering a little futher away. No need for accidental eavesdropping.

"Wait...Why would t- groups be so interested in perfumes and potions?" he asked, catching himself before he said anything that would draw too much attention. He paused, and frowned. "You're not... in danger right?" If Ghaspius was alone running errands for his job it'd be easy to try and attack him, strong as they were.

 

[MintyMimix]

Flowers appeared to have been the most prominent form of scent within the store. Whether it was the Roselia-gained rose-scented Roseliessence, the honey-tinged Puffadore harvested by trained Ribombee, or even the lovely floral mix Fleurs à dix pétales, it seemed there more than enough products and imports to find a lovely gift.

Ghaspius shook her his head as he gently floated along. "Perfumes are the practice, Koa. The real research is in medicine," he replied in a low voice. A proud grin quietly slid onto his features. "My predecessor, Remi Dwight — folks know 'em as 'Remi D' — he made all sorts of health-boosting elixirs and strength-promoting tonics. We passed by one of his old posters during our trolley ride."

He spritzed another sample, coughing to prevent the Ambipom from hovering too closely. The merchant in question had been content to keep his distance, only occasionally jotting something on a notepad he picked up from the counter.

In between his coughing, he hissed a whisper, "My guess is the you-know-whats didn't want whatever Remi had cookin' out in public. 'Progress' haters and all that." He sharply inhaled, shutting his eyes as he spoke as quickly as he could. "I'll be more than fine. They know how stop 'em now. And we're strong too!" He exhaled, waving away the rest of the mist.

"Anyways, that's what's gonna be my new job," the Mismagius finished with as he gemstones shimmered in delight. "I'm gonna be helpin' the fine folks of Forlas one cure at a time. But unlike my time in my world, I'm not on my own. Ain't that somethin'?"

 

[Tetra]

All the scents were almost enough to make Koa's eyes water by the time he'd taken a whiff of them all, but it was worth it. Everything smelled good to him, but he wanted to find one that felt right. When he saw the name 'Fleurs à dix pétales', it felt... right. That was the one. He selected a bottle to take to the register, admiring he fancy box.

A frown creased Koa's muzzle as he listened to Ghaspius explanation. "Don't see why they'd hate medicine so much," he murmured. It sounded like a good thing that would help people. Still, Ghaspius seemed confident and excited. He probably knw what he was doing, and it sounded like his employers were at least... prepared.

"That does sound pretty sick!" he admitted, grinning. "So that's what you did back home? Making potions and cures?" If his fuzzy memory was right, Ghaspius world was more like Forlas, which meant no Pokemon Centers.

 

[MintyMimix]

Ghaspius's smile faltered momentarily at Koa's questions, but he nodded as he trailed behind. "Somethin' like that. I've always been interested in all the ways alchemy could help a 'mon. Whether it's cures, or helpin' 'em make their outside more like their inside, or aidin' where they ain't so strong in, all of it."

He cleared his throat as the Ambipom rang up Koa's order. He chipped in a bit to help with the steep price. "Much as I'd like to just give it away though, I learned the hard way that you need money to do the things you love." His gaze turned forlorn as he stared at the shiny countertop. "Just didn't want to prove them right, though..." He mumbled beneath his breath.

The Mismagius lifted his hat a smidgen and looked back at Koa. "More importantly though, I was on a mission. My sis had this disease, y'see. Kept sleepin' without warning and without wantin' too." His gemstones pulsed. "And I wanted to... Make the cure." An unusual pause for the normally confident ghost. Perhaps he was biting his tongue on a different word?

 

[Tetra]

Koa murmured a thanks to Ghaspius for contributing. Ho-Oh's feathers, talk about a price tag. Bicycles were cheaper, he was pretty sure. He'd have to let Odette know about Ghaspius' generosity. Money... Alchemy... Both ways to help others. Different and yet...

"Them-?" Koa caught himself and trailed off, instinctively trying to avoid prying. He didn't want to make Ghaspius feel uncomfortable.

He tried to pivot and change the subject. "I'm sorry about your sister," he said genuinely. Even seeing his own team hurt always stung, he couldn't begin to imagine how much worse it would be if he couldn't do anything for a sibling. "I'm glad she has someone like you trying to help her," he said earnestly. "At least she's not alone." Even if it sounded like he hadn't managed to reach his goal yet...

Ghaspius seemed troubled by it though. "Are you close to succeeding?"

 

[MintyMimix]

Ghaspius waved off Koa with a tassel. "Family matters. Ya know how it can be with parents," he said, brushing the rim of his hat a bit as his upper lip roamed over his lower one, as though debating with himself whether or not to elaborate.

His expression relaxed as Koa's comforting words washed over like dew in the morning. "Thank you," he replied with a nod, "Hopin' I can figure out some way to help her while I can. Even if we ain't gonna retain our memories after all this, I don't want anyone else here to go through what she or many other sufferin' folk do."

He hastily fumbled around his scarf at Koa's last question. "A-A bit of a shame we can't take home whatever we find here, huh?" He replied, dodging the question. But the familiar affirmative ping of his gemstones never lied.

 

[Tetra]

At Ghaspius's mention of parents, Koa's ears drooped every so slightly as his gaze shifted. With a cynical snort of amusement, he briefly wondered if Betel had some kind predisposition to picking people with bad parents...

Settling for a nod of acknowledgement, he decided not to push the matter more.

"Hopin' I can figure out some way to help her while I can. Even if we ain't gonna retain our memories after all this, I don't want anyone else here to go through what she or many other sufferin' folk do."

[...]

"A-A bit of a shame we can't take home whatever we find here, huh?"

Koa paused, a tiny pit opening in his chest. It wasn't the first time the thought had crossed his mind, but every day it hurt a little more to think about. He'd been glad of the idea early on. A chance to be.... better. A hero. Save a world, then go home. Forget mistakes. But not everything here was a mistake.

"Yeah," he murmured quietly. Even though he never would, he got why others might stay here, especially if they left nothing behind... "But maybe we won't exactly forget everything. Could some of it could stick somehow?" It felt like a weak, pointless wish. Grasping at some make-believe hope.

"Or if you manage to invent something like that here though, maybe it means you will back home." That at least felt more true.

 

[MintyMimix]

A hint of his jovial smile sprung back onto his lips at Koa's words. "Long as there's a ghost of a chance, right?" Ghaspius remarked with a hopeful tone touched with a dash of mirth from his pun.

"Still, sounds like the blues are all over ya, and not just your fur." With a quick adjustment of his hat, he brushed passed Koa and offered a tassel. "I got time, if y'all wanna walk and talk."

 

[Tetra]

Koa chuckled lightly at the joke. "That's the spirit," he said, supressing a grin.

At Ghaspius next question, Koa frowned in thought as he followed after the ghost. A month or two ago, he would have answered different. But after his talk with Odette...

"...Just thinking again about what it'll be like to leave," he admitted. "I guess I wasn't expecting to be here so long. Now I'm getting used to it. But I miss home too..."

He turned to look up at Ghaspius. "Are you looking forward to going home?"

 

[MintyMimix]

The Mismagius's usual grin returned at Koa's own jest before falling back into a softer look as he continued. "That's a bridge we'll cross when we get there," he said, giving a meek look with a noncommittal answer, "I know whichever folks ya got at home would miss you, too, timey-wimey stuff notwithstanding."

His eyes moved toward the top of his hat, not paying much mind to the path in front of him as he chewed on his answer. "Well, I'd miss all of you, for one, and I'd miss the lab and job I got..." His cheeks puffed into a contemplative pout. "But I miss my sis even more, and I won't lie, dungeons, shadow curse, and selfish folk aside, home ain't so bad."

Ghaspius's gaze locked onto Koa. "What about you?"

 

[Tetra]

Koa let out a soft sigh as he considered honestly. His thoughts turned briefly to the many lonely nights without the presence of Echo by his side. "I really miss my team. Not having them around for so long is hard...Lonely. I can't wait to see them again." He wasn't sure if it made sense to Ghapius. His world was like this one, not one with humans. Hopefully he didn't find the idea of trainers as troubling as some did.

One of Ghapius comments caught his attention. "Wait, you have a shadow problem back home too?"