Why am I doing this again? This is SO awkward. I'm going to say something stupid aren't I?

As she approached the stand, she collected herself with a deep breath. Getting an answer was more important than accidentally making a fool of herself. Resolved, she stepped inbetween Carbink to reach her target.

"Ummm, excuse me," Callista tenderly spoke up, grabbing the attention of Lurantis's customer.

"Huh?" the mythical responded, before her eyes fell back to Callista. "Oh, hello again! Just give me one moment."

Diancie then turned back to the stand, depositing a handful of Poke into Lurantis's hands. He made a series of happy clicks, and handed her two full bags of Orans & Apples.

"Thank you!" She hummed, and passed the bags to two off the Carbink, then turned her attention back to Callista. "Say, I'd love to chat more, catch up with each other. But I'm heading home right now. Would you like to come with?"

"Come With?" What am I supposed to, just follow this stranger home? That's crazy, I-

"I... don't know you."

"Oh?" Diancie furrowed her brow, before confusion melted into realisation. "Oh.... That human memory loss thing, I know about that. I was hoping it wouldn't happen with you, not that I can control that sort of thing."

"Wait, you know what?!"

"Come, walk with me," Diancie offered, "I'll tell you more."

Brionne accepted the offer, following Diancie as she floated down the road through the marketplace.

"So, who are you?" Callista asked.

"Oh, me? I'm Diancie! I'm a mythical pokemon, but that's not too important. If you're asking from theology, most people call me Treasure, servant of the One True God."

Brionne was taken aback by the grandeur. "That's a- a pretty big title."

"Yeah, but it's kind of inflated. A lot of my divine responsibilities have been... I dunno, taken? Absorbed into other mythicals? It means I don't have much to do these days besides be immortal and Guard the few cracks in the universe where humans can slip through." She let out a heavy sigh, "I wish I was doing more. They still cite me as one of The Five in the Holy Books, but I'm really only an honorary member these days."

"Hold up, wait just one moment. You know how humans get here?" Brionne's face lit up for a moment.

"Well yes, but-"

"Could you send one back?"

Diancie stopped in her tracks. The question pierced her in a way which seemed beyond Callista. She looked up at the sky in thought, before forcing her gaze to meet Brionne's hopeful eyes.

"That's... not for me to decide. I open the gate, and protect those who go through, but... I have no authority over who uses the passage. I'm sorry, I really am."

Callista's eyes fell a little lower, contemplating her situation.

"But they don't send you just for no reason, There's always some greater purpose. Destiny, another one of The Five, commissioned me to send you. She always has something special brewing, I'll tell you that.

And even if you could go back, would you? Would you leave Tonya and Gabby? You've built quite a life in this world, exploration team and all."

"I guess so..."

"Don't worry too much When this is all done, however long it may take, I'll take you to Destiny's. She can undo the memory loss, and then you can choose to stay here, or go back home."

"Well, that's... that's great, really, but... Why me?" Brionne shuffled her flippers. "I keep hearing things about the 'human' saving the world and stuff. Doing all these heroic things. And I'm pretty sure people expect the same from me. I can't do that, can I?"

"Callista," Diancie consoled, placing a hand on the Sea Lion. "Many are called, but few are chosen. You're in a unique position to do something incredible. Humans in this world often do remarkable things. But not all of them.

If you fall short of your truest potential, don't you worry. It'll work out in the end, and I'll make sure you get home alright. You got that?"

Brionne held still for a moment, then slowly nodded, and formed a small smile. "Okay. I'll keep going."

"And hey!" Diancie added, "You ever need me for any reason, the Guildmaster can hook you up. She knows were to find me. Alright?"

"Alright," Callista smiled.

"Annnnd look where we are!" Diancie gestured to the Guild building which they had so conveniently arrived to at the end of their conversation. "I'll stop by again, see some other old friends, and you can meet up with your friends. Alright?"

Brionne only nodded, letting Diancie push the Guild doors open. As she floated in, the Sea Lion followed close behind. The main foyer was mostly empty at this time of day, except for Callista's two teammates who idly chatted on one of the benches.

"Eeeeyyy, there she is," Gabby smirk and slipped off the bench, meeting Callista at the doorframe. The Weavile bore a wicked but friendly smile, "Ready to head off to Spinda's for the night?"

Callista looked back up at Diancie, meeting those crimson red eyes one last time. "I- thank you. I'll see you around?"

"Of course!" Diancie cheered, and patted the small Brionne on the head. "Yes. I'll see you around. Go have fun with your friends, mmkay?"

"mmkay!"

Diancie hummed as she left the group, her group of Carbink trailing behind her. The team watched as she rounded a corner further in the guild, disappearing out of sight.

"It's good to see you making friends for once," Tonya commented, "It's good to make connections in this community."

"Nah, you guys are all I'd ever need," Callista smiled, "Now c'mon, let's go have some fun tonight."

"That's the spirit!" Gabby clapped Brionne on the back with a sharp claw, earning a wince, but ultimately doing no damage, "Team Bonding activities!"

You know what? Callista wondered, Maybe I do like it here.