An: just stabbed myself in the foot with a 4-centimetre shard of glass. my stupid ass cant walk now. FFs
"Anyway, everyone, let's calm down and take a deep breath," Rex said motioning his hands repeatedly in a downwards fashion.
All his Pokémon glared at both of them angrily for a moment before taking deep breaths.
Rex then turned to his accomplice, "Marshadow-" but as soon as he said that name the latter shook his head.
[I'm no longer called Marshadow…] he began to speak about the events in the shadow world and about his perspective on the whole Arceus conflict.
Along the way, they had descended back to the ground and sat in a circle. Most of his Pokémon had melancholic expressions as they listened. And some even began to cry as they heard the tragic fate of his brother. Rex had a solemn look as a murderous glint flashed through his eyes momentarily.
[That is why I have decided to adopt my late brother's name. Mordred. And it will be this name that Arceus hears before I kill him.] he said with incredible seriousness.
[ I don't expect any of you to agree with my goal, and if you are against it, I am more than willing to leave and journey this road alone-]
But before he could finish, the rest of the Pokémon and even Rex began to laugh. Mordred was baffled and frowned slightly.
[ I don't think this is funny…] he said with a deep voice.
Rex shook his head.
"It is mate! We are family! Family doesn't leave when the road gets tough. If you have this goal, then we'll help you accomplish it. simple as that." He said with a casual shrug. Mordred was stunned for a moment before turning to Machamp and Arcanine.
It was obvious why he was looking at them. As Pokémon that had inherited the memories of the past, they should have a deep hatred for him.
{*Scoff* you're probably thinking that we should be hating your for what you did right?} Machamp asked.
Mordred nodded slightly.
{Well that isn't the case. The weak die under the strong. Only with strength can you stop being an ant that can be stomped on by the strong. You were almighty. Yes, you decimated my people, and yes you did the same to millions of others. But I don't blame you. If I was in your position, I would have done the same. Because you had a family to protect.
And now, everyone around me is that family. I would destroy this world if it meant defending the lives of everyone present. And I think Arcanine and everyone else here can agree with me here. Even Scizor, don't you dare disagree you brooding little emo!} Machamp said seriously. Scizor raised his head sharply and glared at Machamp angrily before turning to Marsha- Mordred and nodding seriously. Although begrudgingly.
Mordred was stunned as he looked around. He then felt a tap on his shoulder, but when he looked over, the phantom that was his brother overlapped with the image of Rex who was standing there behind him.
He almost crumbled at the moment. It was like his brother had been a part of Rex this whole time. as if they were one and the same. The same peaceful feeling flowed into him calming his raging heart.
A tear slid down his eye as he stared at Rex.
"What are you crying about? I will always be here for you. Whenever you need someone to lean on, even if the whole world turns its back against you, I-we will be here for you." He spoke. But Mordred's eyes widened completely as an incredulous expression surfaced on his face. tears streamed down his even harder than before.
'Brother… you really have been with me all this time.' he thought emotionally before feeling more hands on his shoulders. When he turned around he found all of his family grabbing him with warm expressions on their faces.
An inexplicable sense of peace overflowed within him.
'This is my family.' He thought.
"FUCK! If only Steelix was here. He's missing a massive moment," Rex grimaced instantly.
Everyone else frowned as well when a small snake appeared out of nowhere.
It looked identical to Steelix but smaller. It jumped on top of Mordred's head and looked at everyone.
(Hey guys! The voice in my head said I was missing something important and asked me if I wanted to try something. I was up for it and here I am. Don't worry, I agree with everything Big brother Machamp said and with what Big brother Rex said. Marshad- Mordred, don't worry, we are family, now and forever.)
Everyone instantly smiled happily at the sight of their impenetrable shield.
'System, what's going on?' he asked.
[I took it upon myself to construct a small body for Steelix. Since he is now a machine, he can transfer his consciousness to other bodies. So I thought it was worth giving it a try after some small calculations. Something as important as this demanded such an action. I hope the host is not mad.] It said cautiously.
Rex was stunned before bursting into a massive radiant smile.
'No system, I think I should be the one thanking you instead. You have been an integral part of my life in this world. Almost none of this would be possible without your help. You are as much a part of this family as I am. Thank you for everything, from the bottom of my heart.' Rex said seriously and emotionally.
[I am honoured to be regarded in such high esteem. It is only fitting of my status] it said arrogantly.
Rex was stunned, 'wow your ego is big,' he commented.
[am I wrong?] it asked confidently.
Rex was tongue-tied. And grumbled slightly.
'This is the last time I compliment you,' he pouted silently.
There was a small silence before the mechanical voice sounded out again. But there were strong traces of emotion in its tone.
[It is my pleasure to accompany you through this journey, Rex. Thank you for everything.] it said seriously.
There was a silence as Rex smiled happily at this moment. There would be trials ahead, many of them. One harder than the last. But he had this family with him. to support each other through the hardships of life. He had a beautiful and lovely girlfriend and an amazing system. But one last thing needed to be changed.
'System, I think it's time you had your own name. you are no longer just a, well, system. you have sentience. And I cannot objectify you or degrade you. Do you have a name you would like?' he asked warmly.
There was a silence.
[I-I-I don't know. I didn't expect this question, Rex. Could you give me one?] it asked back. Rex was astounded to hear the system be so flustered. He thought about it for a moment.
'How about Gaia?' he asked with a smile.
[after the Greek goddess of Earth? Why?] it asked.
Rex smiled slightly, 'because, in a way, you have given life to monstrous creations. Steelix, a synthetic legacy tier Pokémon. You have altered the fate of my Pokémon, and my own. And I know you will continue to do so. I think it is very fitting.'
[I… like it. very well, Gaia it is. Thank you] it responded.
'It is my pleasure... Gaia.'