#but that ones reserved for Dusknoir and Dusknoir alone

[graminos]

grovyle pmd for the blorbo bingo? :0

I grew on him A LOT. If there was a "hes so cool hes so cool hes so cool" option I would've circled that one multiple times. He is such a badass pokemon, imo, though he definitely needs therapy. (hes still a dumbass lizard in my brain, though. Just that he is a suave dumbass lizard)

[cerulean-dreams-18]

More dadnoir/momnoir headcanon stuff.

Ficlet under the cut! Cw: child neglect, starvation

Dusknoir was foraging in the woods one day many years ago. He was looking for a specific herb to make medicine from. They'd been looking for hours, and they still hadn't found any. Frustrated and at their wits end, they finally decided to head home. But as she turned to leave, she heard the faintest little croaking sound. Indeed, she didn't find any herbs that day, but instead left with something far more precious.

He followed the soft cries, and saw him there in the bushes. One of the most heartbreaking sights he'd ever seen. Something that brought a tear to his eye. There, in the shrubbery, trembling and crying weakly, was the tiniest treecko Dusknoir had ever laid eyes on. She instantly scooped him up off of the cold ground, gently cradling him in her large, warm hands. He was so, so very tiny, the little thing. No larger than their thumb. He couldn't have been more than a few days old, and as Dusknoir examined the hatchling, she doubted he'd had anything to eat in his entire brief life.

The poor thing was terribly malnourished! He had no fat on his tiny belly, and his scales were dull and peeling. His little limbs were bony and weak. His face was gaunt, holding none of the pudgy softness you'd expect from a baby. Even his tails were frighteningly thin, having exhausted all their fat reserves to keep the tiny hatchling alive. It was clear that if this little one's parents were still around, they were in no way fit to be his guardians.

Dusknoir felt himself tremble with rage at the prospect that anyone could leave such a precious, innocent little creature to die out here, cold and alone. How could anyone be so heartless? She stopped short suddenly, hearing a tiny, confused "Aawwk?"

They looked down, to see the miniscule being in their hand staring up at them weakly, with tiny amber orbs that took up nearly his entire face. Dusknoir felt his heart shatter even more, tears now flowing freely from his eye. The little one, this newborn child looked so scared. So downcast. So...broken. like he'd already given up on life. The image only filled Dusknoir with more resolve.

"Little one," She cooed softly through her tears, placing a massive finger ever so gently under the treecko's chin. "You're alright. You're safe. I've got you now."

The treecko relaxed slightly at their words, blinking slowly and leaning into Dusknoir's warmth.

"I've got you now, alright?" He continued, gently stroking the hatchling's head with a single massive finger and cradling him against his soft chest. "I'll take care of you from now on. I'll take you home, and I'll feed you, and I'll raise you as my own."

The gecko Pokemon let out the faintest happy chirp, as though he understood what was being said, snuggling against the ghost-type's massive chest.

"I'll protect you forever and ever. I won't let anything hurt you. Ever. I'll be your guardian. I'll be your parent." Dusknoir purred lovingly down at the miniscule being cradled against his warm chest.

"And you'll be my baby. Always and forever. My little Treecko." Dusknoir began quickly making their way back home while the hatchling drifted off, no doubt feeling warm, safe, and content for the very first time in his short life. Dusknoir began to think of the best possible formula to feed the little one. The treecko began to purr, and Dusknoir purred in turn.

"I'll always love you, Treecko." She whispered to the sleeping, purring form. "I promise."

[sincerely-sofie]

The """"villain""""Twig!AU is making me go insane over what would happen. I haven't hyperfixated on something so much, so quickly in years. I need to give my 2 cents or I just might implode

(Tw: self hatred, suicide implications, Death, Caps lock)

Twig would think of herself as an irredeemable monster for indirectly hurting her friends. she would probably think that, because Darkrai made people have nightmares because of malice, (while not knowing its just a thing he can accidentally do without realizing it.) she would think that on some level that she WANTED to hurt the people closest to her. Her self loathing would get SO much worse. BUT she CAN'T be self destructive because she wouldn't want anyone else to be cursed with this power. She would spiral even further. She wants to die, but she knows she can't from age because of Celebi. She would hate herself even more for even thinking of finding someone to put her out of her misery. She loves her friends to a fault. She wants to be with them, but she thinks that she's inherently evil. It wouldn't help that she would not be able to practice controlling her powers in isolation, give that nightmare aura invariably needs someone else to practice with.

Everyone in her friend group, the Guild, heck, maybe even team skull, would desperately search for her. Combing every place they can think of. Searching every mystery dungeon, forest, mountain, cave, even going under the sea to search. But it's no use. One by one all of them would give up and accept that she is missing. Maybe forever. Except Kip. He would never stop searching for her. He's madly in love with her and knows her better than anyone else. All he wants to do is tell her that he still loves her, and that he would endure any nightmare, no matter how awful, just so he could wake up next to her. And that they would figure out how to control her powers together. But he can't. Maybe he evolves from the constant stress and work put in searching for her. He can't accept that she's gone. He CANNOT live without seeing her one last time. But no matter how much he tries, he can't find her. All of his effort, YEARS of searching with no results. He would either fall into an intense depression, rarely eating or getting out of bed, or die in an accident during an expedition. His thoughts for the last who-knows-how-many-decades have almost entirely been about Twig. And that doesn't change during his last breath.

Grovyle would possibly take it the worst out of all her friend. She was the ONE person he SWORE to protect, and he SCREWED IT UP! HE COULDN'T HAVE DONE ANY WORSE! He would consider himself an utter failure on every conceivable level. It doesn't help that his old savior complex habits resurface worse than ever. He doesn't want anyone to worry about him. He needs to be strong. He always puts on a mask whenever he's around others. He denies everything when someone confronts him about obviously not doing well. Whenever he's alone, he wishes he could just, dissappear. But that would mean someone else would wonder what happened to him. So he can't do that. As a result, he becomes more distant from everyone. His friendships fade because he's never genuine. He runs away whenever he begins to get too emotional. And denies that he is doing such a thing.

Dusknoir would be incredibly distraught by this. He hurt Twig before, who's to say he hadn't done hurt her again? She didn't even say goodbye to anyone, least of all him, why would she even care about him? And now all he wants is to beg her for forgiveness. Completely unaware of the fact that she had already forgiven him for his betrayal a long time ago. He has no idea that she would be appalled that he would want her to forgive him when she would be the one begging for his forgiveness for hurting him and "being evil". Both of them recieve no closure for this. And both of them live without knowing that the other wishes they would ask for forgiveness.

Celebi would become more reserved than ever. She learned that; not only could a legend be killed, but also what happens to the person that kills them. She would consider her powers to see the future and the past a curse. One that only she can bear. She becomes so much less adventurous and adverse to risk. Whenever the other Celebi's ask her why she looks so glum, she quickly changes the subject. She can't have them know. It would destroy them. She would consider all of this her fault as well. If only she knew what would happen, she could have stopped it. If she had been more responsible, she could have had Twig live her life, and all of this would have been avoided. But she can't change it now, because if she were to try and go back in time, another Celebi might come to this timeline and learn what happened. Then they would tell the others, and then they would talk, and she would be solely responsible for ruining the lives of infinite Celebi's. It would all have been her fault. She shoos any celebi that arrives in her timeline out of there. Her relationship with Dialga crumbles as a result of how often she threatens other Celebis to tell him that they are interfering with other timeliness. Eventually, the other Celebi's start avoiding her altogether. "If she's gonna be so mean, then we just wont talk to her" they reason. She's alone, her friendships are ruined, the only people that can relate to her hate her. But they are all safe. That's the only thing that matters now.

Cressalia would take some time, but eventually she finds out what would happen. She would feel responsible for being the one that got Twig cursed with this power, but also she would try to police Twig the same way she tried to control Darkrai. "She must be doing this on purpose". Perhaps Cressalia is the catalyst that made Twig leave in the first place. By trying to help her in Cressalia's own special way, by guilt tripping them while assuming they know what they're doing. It's only after her experience with the Snivy that she realizes what she has done. And now she did EXACTLY what she did to darkrai. To someone who never wanted or asked for this power. She would want to seek forgiveness, but Twig doesn't sleep. She doesn't know where she is. This guilt would eat away at her, leaving her a shell of her former self.

I love a good (fictional) tragedy, because all of this is no-ones fault in particular. Celebi thought legends couldn't be killed and didn't take any precautions in the possibility of that happening, Cresselia thought she was doing the right thing, both before and after Darkrai's death. Twig, Kip, Grovyle and Dusknoir couldn't have known that any of this would happen. It was the perfect storm and set of circumstances that caused this. The most tragic part of all of this, is that by trying to protect everyone, Twig hurts them more than she would have if she had simply stayed. If she didn't have a tendency to put the well-being of others over her own, she could have lead a much happier life, with some pain at the start. Rather than being in pain forever, while unknowingly causing so much more suffering. Ignorance is often bliss, but it is a curse in this.

I dunno how in character all of this is, (Personally, I think my interpretation of Celebi is a bit iffy, she probably would have known that legends can be killed, seen this future, and taken steps to prevent all this from happening) But my brain latched on to the implications of this AU like a steel trap and would not let go until I wrote this down

Thank you for continuing to make art Sophie! I love this suffering more than you probably realize. (Genuine)

Okay so like. When you said you were gathering your thoughts I was so excited. But I would have never DREAMED of this amazing ask.

This is such an interesting continuation of the AU’s premise! It really drives home the irony of Twig’s belief that she makes things worse for those around her, and that her friends would be happier if they never saw her again— Twig is the heart of the main cast. She’s keeping everyone from going off the deep end with just her presence.

I don’t know what to say other than GOOD GLORY do we ever need a tag for this AU because I’m getting attached to it 😭

[i-never-forgot]

Sorry it took so long to respond to this haha, I had to wait until I could procrastinate on homework before my mind could work...I hate my brain ngl

Hold on to that warhead for a couple more minutes, Fujii, I've got more to share *rubbing hands maniacally together like a fly*

Ribbons being so sweet and letting Eliana ramble until Aimilios joins in so she doesn't have to nod awkwardly the whole time lolll XD also them just sitting there with someone a third of their size letting her give lectures and such is just a sweet image. Eliana would be able to tell they're sincere in their interest so she would definitely feel comfortable to open up...though she does feel a little bad about taking so much of their time and for talking for so long once she realizes it haha. But Eliana finding common ground with Ribbons as far as their Dimensional Screams go is so important. Eliana feels so isolated most of the time, and even with Lu there's this lingering feeling of "otherness" that she can never quite seem to shake. She wouldn't feel that with Ribbons even with the age/maturity gap.

Lu would understand Aimilios being concerned for his wellbeing and wouldn't really say anything about it bothering him bc a) it really doesn't and b) he appreciates someone taking the time to help him without being pitying or skeptical of his abilities for once. Aimilios would be one of the few to truly understand that Lu really can take care of himself since I headcanon that most Riolu/Lucario can "see" with their eyes closed to a certain extent bc of their aura sight. Lu just feels so safe around Aimilios (and Ribbons too), plus I feel like their auras would be stronger since they're aware of them, too, and might exude them a little more purposefully to help Lu sense where they're at or where they're going.

While Lu wouldn't really notice it, Eliana would find their reaction a bit puzzling, especially what Aimilios says. By this point it's a no-brainer that Dusknoir cares for them, since he's finally proven himself trustworthy and sincere in her eyes. Still (in this hypothetical case, at least), it would be the first thing she would think of when his betrayal finally did happen. That's why they looked like that. That's why they said that. Eliana would understand better than most that interfering with others' timelines/etc would be no bueno, so she wouldn't hold it against Ribbons/Aimilios at all. (It was her own fault for being gullible to start with, after all. She should have known better.)

But now I'm imagining Eliana and Lu meeting Dadnoir, too. Lu I think would sense the extra dad energy and be a little shy at first, but he'd warm up to him quickly out of curiosity and sensing how kind and gentle he is even if he's a bit more reserved and careful with his words and actions than Dusk. Eliana would be absolutely fascinated with him, asking questions to see how they differed from each other and to see what knowledge Dadnoir might have that Dusk doesn't. She would notice the scars, and his more subdued demeanor, and would wonder what happened to him, but she wouldn't pry since she respects Dusk (and Dadnoir by proxy) enough to leave old wounds like that alone (pun intended). (Perhaps it would have benefited her more if she had pushed Dusk for more information, but alas...)

But I imagine Dadnoir would likely be a little uncomfortable interacting with them at first, since he knows (like Ribbons/Aimilios) what lies in store for them. I feel like he would want to interfere a little more, seeing how sincere Eliana is in her affection and adoration simply describing her Dusknoir, and might feel a little helpless watching yet another duo of bright and innocent people be deceived by his kinsman. Even still, he would try to nurture them while he could. Offer kind words and spoil them a little (Lu especially). I get the vibe that he'd be a bit awkward with it, since they doesn't share the same history as he does with Aimilios/Ribbons, but he worries for them nevertheless.

(Whatever you do don't imagine Dusk running into Dadnoir at this point. Or even Dusk after SP05. I...I don't think my emotions could handle an interaction of that caliber. Wow. Dadnoir might just tear him a new one.)

Thinking about @fujii-draws' eepies with mine again...except WorseTM. I've illustrated them as meeting after Eliana has made amends with Dusknoir (so like post-post-post game in my AU haha), but what if it were reversed?

Little Eevee!Eliana just dazzled by Sylveon!Ribbons and her bubbly nature despite the hardships that she hints she's gone through. Asking for advice in how to maneuver in such a tiny body, especially in dungeons, as well as for how to support and help Lu advance and grow. Feeling a bit silly being older still but able to piggy-back on Ribbons' back (although she does get taller when she evolves lol).

Baby Riolu!Lu still trying to find himself and his place in the world, still working hard to master his aura-sight, feeling so insecure about his limitations and combative abilities to keep Eliana safe since she's usually the one that takes the brunt of the fighting despite him being more suitable for it. Finding comfort in Aimilios' and Ribbons' unconditional encouragement and advice on how to be a better explorer and partner to help Eliana with her amnesia and Scream.

However, the heartache comes into play when Eliana starts telling Aimilios and Ribbons about her good friend the Great Dusknoir. Do they know him in their world? He's very wise and kind and such an excellent conversationalist. She has learned so much just listening to him and he's very patient and gentle with her despite how rude she was to him at first and she just really respects and admires him (and it's so painfully obvious how much she likes him despite her not saying as much).

Ribbons and Aimilios just Look at each other knowing they can't break the "temporal prime directive" but feeling just so much dread and sadness knowing, at least vaguely, what will happen and how it might impact Eliana. Them feeling so conflicted on whether they should at least say something to try to prepare her emotionally but knowing they can't really interfere. God help them if they witness the immediate aftermath.

(And God help Dadnoir if he's anywhere near her afterwards.)

[sizifov]

THE SPIRIT WORLD + PSYCHOPOMPS

Roughly seven-billion humans and four-trillion Pokemon exist on Earth. Like humans, Pokemon are constantly dying and reproducing. So where the hell do they all go upon death!? And what are psychopomps? Well, here’s an answer for all of you!         -- image credit (x)

    Several afterlife places exists in one massive plane of existence that is constantly expanding like the universe itself, making it infinite as more and more souls begin to reside there. This domain is called “the spirit world”, and it is split into various different realms. There are many theories, myths, and beliefs on all of these realms, but we won’t go into that now.

  Each world is connected through the Pokemon world in a way. In realms where spirits reside, the spirits are to go through the astral plane in order to reach these worlds. Some people and Pokemon can astral project (rarely is it done deliberately by humans, forever), which means they can project their souls and travel there while said soul is still connected to the body. They can always do so without getting lost, because the soul is attached to the body through a cord, and as it will remain that way until the body stops functioning completely.

The problem is that spirits often get lost and have no idea where to go. Whether young or old, Pokemon and human, sometimes they’re stuck wandering Earth. This where psychopomps like Dusknoirs and Ira herself come in; older psychopomps guide human souls through the astral plane and into one of the realms (sometimes known as the Underworld) where humans are judged for their sins. A deity known under different names (most common names include Pluto and Hades) rules over the underworld. The legendary Yveltal is said to be an agent of Hades, destroying the souls of those who threatened the safety of the psychopomps and occasionally assisting them with particularly violent souls.

    Younger psychopomps like Ira usually guide the souls of Pokemon instead. Unlike humans, Pokemon souls usually aren’t judged, for most Pokemon are believed to be pure creatures who’s sins are committed out of fear and ignorance, instead of true malice. Exceptions are very few. A psychopomp is not to judge the soul they are guiding; their job is to guide those souls and only guide them. Whatever reservations they had for the soul they’re guiding, they are to guide that soul to their destination and nothing else. Only the judges chooses the eventual fate of the soul. 

     Psychopomps are immortal and cannot physically die; the only thing that can destroy a soul is Yveltal. They can, however, be injured (through any sort of trauma or injuries that would physically harm ghosts) or split into fragments. Obviously, they can still exist while fragmented, but the psychopomp will feel immense pain as if physically hurt, lose it’s ability to change it’s appearance, and will be unable to do their jobs in general. This can also happen to any soul, whether they’re still connected to the body or not. This is why they have associates to protect them if the worst is to come; if something in the physical plane is a major threat to them, they can summon Yveltal to defend themselves.

  Usually, only psychopomps can traverse between the spirit world and the Pokemon world on a regular basis. Psychopomps are relatively human in nature, and because their wisdom is only gained the longer they exist, younger psychopomps tend to wander the Earth for reasons that don’t pertain to their job. Sometimes, they can get in all sorts of mischief, but it’s never done out of malice lest they lose their role and are trapped in a realm where they suffer.

   Keep in mind not all psychopomps are humanoid! A psychopomp can take form of any organism, whether human or Pokemon. Even non-ghost types Pokemon can be psychopomps; spirits of Pokemon can also guide their kin or trainers to the afterlife. Pokemon commonly portrayed as psychopomps in folklore include various ghost types, Espeon, Umbreon, Zoroark, and Litwick who were under the ownership of a now-deceased trainer. They may come in groups or work alone.

[gregnas-the-grouch]

What eats at your soul

No more waiting. The giant raised herself from the ground, albeit with shaky legs as she struggled to stand up. Yemir would be damned if some stupid sickness would keep her from looking for Eudai. It had been nearly a month now since Yemir last saw the small Mismagius near the cabin. While it wasn’t uncommon for Eudai to disappear for weeks on end with little to no communication of his status. This felt sudden, abrupt. Besides, Eudai would always notify the brutish Gallade ahead of time whether he’d remain on extended stay of leave due to company work. There had also been the unexpected mail from the OPP, giving a notice due to unexpected absence on Eudai’s part. A statement which only sent chills through Yemir’s spine.

The ghostly titan didn’t care whether or not she’d violate Eudai’s quarantine procedures, Yemir had to know of Eudai’s whereabouts, one way or another. Wrapping the large blanket that had been her constant companion for the last few weeks, Yemir opened the door with some hesitance, only to feel the frigid blast of old man Winter sap what little warmth she had left. Letting out a low growl, Yemir trudged through the frozen landscape of White Forest, determination plastered on her pallid face as the harsh gales of a blizzard whipped and howled around her.

Taking a few steps through the frigid snow, Yemir faltered as she coughed harshly into her hand. Only to stare at the dark ichor coating the palm with disgust as she wiped it away on a nearby tree. Yemir’s strength was running on reserves, she knew this, even as she struggled to take every step while the cold sapped what little she held close to herself. But that didn’t matter, none of it did. If she were to die, right here, right now. Due to the meddling of some gluttonous Giratina. Then she’d rather it be on her feet than slowly rotting away in a bed. And yet, the more Yemir moved, the more off balance she felt, as if the ground had been shifting under her. The trees contorted into mocking faces, laughing in a cacophony of twisted cruelty as they jabbed at Yemir, pulling and prodding the giant at every turn as they sowed confusion and despair into the giant’s heart.

“Where do you think you’re going?” “Lost like a hapless Mareep.”

“Think you can get away?”

“You’ll end up just like your sister!”

“Eudai will die. His death will be on your hands!”

Such haunting words only fueled Yemir’s anger, her delirium reaching its utmost peak as the very air around her swirled with such rancidness. Even as she gripped her face with one hand, claws digging into her pale skin, Yemir’s eyes widened with insanity as it gnawed away at every sense she had. It took all her willpower just to keep it together. And yet, despite the hallucinations she was experiencing, Yemir was not alone. On top of one of the branches watched an all too familiar face. Whisper, in her decaying glory, eyed Yemir stumble through the woods with a malicious grin and a twinkle in her eyes. “My my, seems like Fenris is having his fun with Yemir.” The ghoul chuckled to herself, amused at the situation. What did Gregnas see in Yemir that Whisper and Eudai did not? It was hard to say, but Whisper had no time to reminisce about times long forgotten. Every fiber of Whisper’s cancerous being called out to punish Yemir. To torment her. How easy it would be. Yet, that is not the purpose of her little visit. Letting out an irritated sigh, Whisper followed her younger sister. Uncertain as to why she had even been considering this little plan in the first place. Either way, it would be quite the spectacle, of that, the Dusknoir had been certain about.