The Golden Smile

by RyleeSheep

Summary:

Two men are torn from time. Each from their sibling whose love ran so deep it scarred the separation; each with memories twisted whether it be from loss or pain.

One struggles to accept this new world without them. From within the empty, lonely black coat he begins to rebuild himself. The other never was himself to begin with. Rather than live in it, he moves to destroy this cursed world God abandoned long ago.

Sequel to: The Black Coat

Notes:

Welcome back to The Black Coat Series! If you are seeing this for the first time, it might be a little confusing; I recommend reading The Black Coat first.

We are in for a ride my friends. I hope you enjoy!

Chapter 1: Identity's Prelude

Hisui. The land of legend across the sea.

Kamado had little interest in legends or anything else. He was a man who firmly believed in looking towards the future. He had no interest in floundering in fantasies grounded in past beliefs. He had people to protect and look after. Families whose children would grow to have children, but only if they lived long enough.

He was a man who was willing to do what must be done in order to protect more than just the people—to protect their futures. To create a life for them that was not tempered by fear and suspicion.

That was why he had partnered with the seemingly crazy Professor Laventon, to make this dream of pokemon and humans working together a reality. As strange as the idea was, the idea of protection was alluring. Though training the body could protect humans from weaker pokemon, it took time. Even trained, it was unreliable. The idea of a pokemon being used to protect from other pokemon was far faster.

To be honest, he questioned the validity of the professor’s claims. But then Laventon had proven that the pokeballs worked. There was a Gingko merchant who actively lived with pokemon. Pokemon that were powerful.

There was no time to dwell. It was time to make a new life. So, his people packed and readied to create for themselves a new life. A life forged in a different space; a life free from the past.

The future was in his hands. His boats had landed on a beach. A Hisuian beach. This was only the start of their future. The prelude to it.

--

It is cold. Verrrry cold.

The man holds his arms to his chest. He was wearing the soft purple Pearl Clan hoodie which held surprisingly more heat than it looked, but he was crossing Avalugg’s legacy. The hoodie was not enough to stop the cutting wind from burning his skin. On top of the hoodie lay the black coat. It gave a little bit more protection, but that was no longer why he wore it.

It was not his. It was his. It was empty. It was alone. And yet, the sight of it made him feel just a little fuller. A reminder of something he could no longer remember.

His face was lowered to avoid the bright white snow, to avoid the wind from cutting his face. It was hard to ignore the black coat among all the white. Not even focusing on the pink sweater was enough. And yet, each time he saw it in the corner of his vision, it felt like his shattered pieces were being pulled together.

He couldn’t look at the whole picture. Put together, the shards were something that were distinctly not him. They were wrong. And yet, he did not remove the black coat.

He was tired of this. He did not want to think about it anymore. So he did not.

Instead, he looked to the other splash of color in endless white. Yellow. Electabuzz swung his arms excitedly in front of the man. Irida had not let him bring Haunter, and Yanma did not like the cold. He was sad Haunter could not come. But he did not argue. He taught Haunter how to listen to the flutes. If the clans were in danger, Haunter and Yanma would be there faster than he would.

As a warden, it was his responsibility to attend gatherings. They were boring. He had not been to one, but he was already pretty sure it could be an email. Not that he knows what an email is. But that is only a small part of why he does not want to go. He is a warden, yes, but to the clans he is someone else.

Warden Gift.

He hates it. No, he does not hate it. He does not want to be called Gift. The name inspires in him a feeling of disconnection, the feeling that he is someone else. But it does not make him sick. It is different from that. If he was called by someone else’s name, then he would be sick. When Irida calls him Gift, she is talking about him, not someone else. But Gift is not his name.

He wants to say his name. But the words do not even rise in his throat before they are automatically pushed down. He does not know his name. That has not changed yet. Why would it change now?

But if he does not know his name, would it be better to have a new name.

He does not know his name. But he was given a name. Gift. Could it become his name? It was wrong, not because it was bad, but because it was not right. Maybe it was just different.

Should he try the phrase? To claim the name as his own? The idea sent excited daggers through him. He was verrry confused. He was verrrry scared. But he was also verrry excited. What if it worked? It would be so easy. He would say it and the phrase would bring sense into the world. All he had to do was put the new name at the end of it.

“I…” He said, his voice but a whisper on the wind. He could not even say the second word. Electabuzz looked back at him, but he was not paying attention. His entire frame shook, but it was not the cold. Not this time.

It was not easy. Putting the name that was not right at the end would not fix anything. It would be a lie. He hated lies. He could not just claim it. It was not his name.

But whether he claimed it or not, he was going to be called Gift. Often. He wanted to guide people. People liked to use names. They were going to call him something.

The first time he had been called Gift was by that girl with a Munchlax friend. Warden Mai, that was what she was called. He still wanted to meet Munchlax. But she called him Gift, before the Pearl Clan did. Who gave him that name? He did not know. But she had not used it cruelly. What had she said?

“You’re Gift, Pearl Clan’s new warden, right?”

“Apparently, you’re the almighty Sinnoh’s gift to the Pearl Clan. Melli said you refused to give him a name, so people have been calling you Gift to spite him.”

She had used it to classify him. He was a new person. She had no way to call him, neither did anyone else. She said it was to spite Melli, but it was drawn from the fact that he was some sort of ‘gift from god.’ He was not sure that was true. And the spite was not directed towards him. It was merely something to call him.

The man had been okay with the title ‘Warden.’ Titles come and go. They are jobs. A title is only a part of a person, and he could get used to that easily. But a name?

A name was different. A name is not a part of a person, a name is a person. No, not quite. A name by itself is nothing without the person behind it. But it is the name that a person is called. It is how a person is perceived. It is more than a definition; it is the word that a definition defines.

When people think of him, they will think ‘Warden Gift.’ He would be thought of as ‘Gift’ until the reason he was ‘Gift’ and not something else was lost. The name is but a placeholder for the idea that is him.

His name is not Gift.

But maybe, he could be Warden Gift. During the avalanche, he had been called Gift. The girl who fell on the ice called him ‘Warden Gift’ with gratitude. The rest of the passengers thanked him with that name as well. They acknowledged the service he gave them. They used it to refer to him, and they used it with respect.

That experience was the closest he had ever felt to ‘home’ in this cruel time. As he waded through the memories he no longer had, that was the only time he had ever felt right. And he had been seen. But the name that he had been seen under was ‘Gift.’

Perhaps that is all the name is. A gift. A sign of a respect. It was given to him when he had nothing else to offer. How can he expect anyone to call him anything else when he cannot even call himself? More than that, how can anyone have a name for the idea that is ‘him’ when that idea is so messy? When that idea is hidden, lost behind memories he cannot reach?

The name Gift was not right. But it was not wrong either. He liked to guide people. And to the passengers, the person who guided him was Warden Gift. It was not someone else.

Maybe that is enough.

Maybe, one day, he can be Gift.

He crossed over the bridge to reach the Pearl Clan. He had made it. Soon, he would meet with Irida and Gaeric to go to the gathering. They would call him Warden Gift. So would everyone there.

But maybe that was okay.

Chapter 2: Meeting Sinnoh’s Blessing

“Are you sure about this?” Adaman asked his older sister quietly.

The thing about Mai was that she had never outgrown the ‘oddities’ that landed her as Warden instead of Clan leader. No, she had only hidden them behind a pleasing demeanor. But not today. Today, as half of the wardens had already arrived for the yearly gathering between clans, she came as herself. She came with Munchlax.

Gone were Mai’s easygoing smile and carefully guarded eyes. Now, her gaze was of steel and her posture ready for battle. “Yes.” She said simply.

This was the first time she and Munchlax had been in public since the pokemon was thrown out of Diamond Clan ten years ago. The elders had threatened to throw her out as well.

Looking at her now, Adaman almost wondered if he was more anxious than she was. His stomach flipped in fear at the sight of Munchlax, as if its presence was enough to inspire hatred from the surrounding people. He was used to pokemon being regarded as monsters.

But times had changed. Adaman himself had three eevees nipping at his heels as they waited for everyone to arrive. A few of the Nobles were present as well, but they had never been considered the same as other pokemon. Besides, these were wardens—the people who spent the most time with pokemon.

It would not do for him to be so anxious before a gathering. He shook his head and took a deep breath, clearing his thoughts.

So far, only the farthest Wardens as well as the Pearl Clan Leader had yet to arrive. Calaba, Arezu, Gaeric, Irida, and Gift. Despite sharing the ice lands with Warden Gaeric, Sana was able to arrive with her apprentice far sooner thanks to Lord Braviary.

Adaman found himself strangely excited for Melli’s arrival. He worked in the Coronet Highlands so he should be arriving with Warden Gift. That said, Adaman was rather used to the disappointment he felt at the sight of Melli, who arrived alone.

“Oi, where’s Gift?” Sana was the one to ask. The chattering died down at the question. Adaman was not the only one looking forward to meeting the man. And those who had already met him were still interested in meeting him again.

He scoffed, “The Great Melli needs no protection.” As if that told anyone anything.

Adaman only rolled his eyes with a sigh. It would be a waste of time to attempt to strangle an answer out of the man.

Tentatively, the Pearl Clan child approached the new warden in training for Lord Braviary. Sabi, that’s what her name was. He pulled a rock out of his pocket to show her.

Adaman hid a smile at the sight. He may have his grievances with the Pearl Clan, but he could not begrudge children in similar circumstances spending time together. It was a great responsibility for the two of them to become wardens, especially so young. He was simply grateful that they were only in training; they were far too young for responsibility to be thrust on them. He would know.

Besides, given the age of their predecessors, they should be well into their late teens before they become official wardens.

Wardens Calaba and Arezu arrived. Adaman rose to greet them, but he did not miss Mai getting to her feet to pace. Warden Calaba sent Munchlax a long look but said nothing. Adaman only barely concealed his sigh of relief.

Until finally, just before noon, the last of the Pearl Clan arrived. Lady Irida strode confidently with wardens Gearic and Gift beside her. He supposed he should have expected the warden to arrive with the leader, it was his first gathering, after all.

The three arrived without any nobles. Ordinarily, the nobles would accompany as a sort of protection, but with the allied pokemon, it seemed that was unnecessary. Instead, there were Irida’s three eevees that Mai had told him about, as well as an Electabuzz that clung to Warden Gift’s leg. Well. He had expected the pokemon to have more of a commanding presence.

Warden Gift. His expression was neutral, but it was intense. He stood at full height, taller than even Warden Gaeric. He wore the pearl clan tunic, but on top of it was a black coat unlike anything Adaman had ever seen before. There was also the strange black hat he wore, only adding to the odd look he had.

“It seems we are on time,” Lady Irida said. She glanced at Warden Gift, but he did not even look at her. Instead, his gaze moved slowly between every person there. He lingered on a few, but Adaman had to respond to the Pearl Clan leader.

“I would certainly hope that you’d arrive on time,” Adaman huffed. “Good to see that you understand the importance of it, for once.”

Irida rolled her eyes. “And yet, had I been late, the meeting still would have been conducted easily thanks to this agreed space. I trust you have been treating it well?”

“I have wasted no time desecrating it, if that is what you mean,” Adaman replied stiffly.

Kleavor’s Warden in training made a beeline for Warden Gift, rushing past the bickering leaders. “Warden Gift! It is good to see you again!” He exclaimed. He looked around, “Is Yanma here?”

Warden Gift knelt by the child. “Lian! Yanma did not come. He has a verrrry important job to watch over Lady Sneasler in my absence. Yup! Instead, here is Electabuzz.” He gestured to the yellow pokemon at his side.

Adaman completely forgot to continue arguing with Lady Irida in his fascination. So the Warden Gift had a unique way of speaking, as well. He had wondered if Melli was exaggerating, but it seemed not. Not that it mattered; what he was interested in was the way he interacted with the Electabuzz.

It continued to clutch the man’s pant leg. Which, Adaman now noted, was a muddied material that looked as though it might have been white in the past. Why in Sinnoh’s name would white pants even exist? They would never stay that way, as was obvious from the current state of them.

“Warden Gift,” Adaman said at last, cutting in. The man’s head swiveled to him sharply. Wow, Mai was not kidding about the intense gaze. “I am Adaman, leader of the Diamond Clan. I believe this is the first time we have met?”

“Yes,” he confirmed, staring the leader down. He said nothing more.

Adaman wanted to squirm under his gaze. Was that really all he was going to say? Adaman had initiated conversation, but he had expected something else. Everyone’s eyes were on them. He had to say something. What could he say?

Ah, that’s right! “I must thank you for finding the eevees,” Adaman said, hoping he did not sound as awkward as he felt. He gestured to the little foxes who only huddled closer to each other. “Living alongside was a reality that never seemed possible in the past. I look forward to seeing how time treats this change.”

Warden Gift’s gaze softened. “I am glad you like them.” Phew. Adaman felt much calmer now that he no longer felt like the man was staring right through him.

A silence followed his words as everyone watched. They had all heard about the new warden; it was no surprise that all conversation had ended to watch him. However, if conversation was to start up again, they may miss noon. And Adaman could hardly have the meeting begin late. “Well then, shall we begin the gathering?”

Irida rolled her eyes. “I suppose we could start early.”

The wardens began to circle up, though Warden Gift stood awkwardly, Sabi glanced up at Sana in confusion, and the Pearl Clan Child, Lian was it? Lian hovered closer to Gift, unsure of what to do. Sana pulled the girl to her with an exasperated sigh (Adaman knew she didn’t mean it) and Gaeric led Lian to Warden Kineza.

Irida motioned for Warden Gift to stand next to her, a soft smile on her face. Hm.

“Almighty Sinnoh, we thank you for watching over the days and the night of Hisui; and for giving us the time to live in your holy world,” Adaman announced.

“Almighty Sinnoh, we thank you for watching over the vast land of Hisui; and for giving us the space to live in your holy world,” Irida said reverently.

He could not even feel annoyed by her prayer. After watching their predecessors fight over opening the gathering for years, Adaman had thought it a waste of time. Irida had been more than happy to drop the issue by compromising that each would say their own prayer and call it good.

The wardens then sat, with the three newcomers sitting slightly later.

“First, the wardens,” Irida said. “For years, Lady Sneasler has been without a warden. But at last, the Almighty Sinnoh has shown their graceful hand and blessed us with Warden Gift. Though he never met his predecessor, his actions are enough to speak of his competence.” She nodded at him, however he seemed to be staring into the distance. Well, it was not unheard of for a Warden not to say anything at their introductions.

At first he was annoyed that Irida had failed to prep her Warden for this, but given the distant look in his eyes, Adaman realized that he probably wouldn’t have listened anyways.

“Additionally, Warden Kineza has taken up an apprentice, the young Ward Lian. We hope that he will mature into a Warden as capable of watching the land as his Master.” Warden Kineza, for his part, was sleeping. He was in fact the warden who was known for not saying anything in his introduction.

Lian only glanced between the warden and his leader nervously. Adaman actually felt for him in that moment, the poor kid had no idea what he was supposed to do.

Adaman cleared his throat to save him. “Diamond Clan has also been blessed with a new warden apprentice,” he declared.

“I can take it from here,” Warden Sana interrupted confidently. He only motioned for her to continue. “Here’s little Sabi. She may have her head in the clouds, but as Ward of the Noble of the skies, that’s exactly where her head should be.” She ruffled the girl’s hair, who giggled. “She’ll make a great warden someday, trust me.”

“Excellent news indeed,” Warden Calaba said. “It is good that every warden position is filled once more; and that we have wards.”

Warden Palina nodded. “It is too often that Wardens are trained not by their predecessors but by necessity. I am happy there are wards as well.”

Several of the wardens were sending glances at Warden Gift, but he said nothing, still looking off with that distant look.

Irida looked around and took a deep breath. “I believe you have all heard of the avalanche by now. I am pleased to report that the Pearl Clan is fully repaired from the event. I would first like to offer my gratitude to Warden Sana,” she nodded to the woman, “for providing guidance from the Diamond Clan in Pearl Clan’s time of need. Your help both kept wild pokemon from our people as well as clearing the snow to allow us to settle back into our home. Thank you.”

Warden Sana nodded, her eyes soft. “Of course.”

Adaman cut in before Irida could continue, having a feeling there would not be a chance to after the next part. “We may be of different clans, but the Almighty Sinnoh watches over all of Sinnoh. I am glad to hear that you have settled safely.”

Irida nodded, her eyes glowing. “I would also like to thank Warden Gaeric and Lord Avalugg both for providing the warning of the avalanche as well as warning of pokemon. Your help was invaluable.” She nodded to the man, who only grinned with a thumbs up.

And finally, the part they were all waiting for. She turned to Warden Gift and opened her mouth to address him.

Chapter 3: Speeches and Smugness

He really should stop picking at the black coat’s seams.

The fabric connecting the cuff to the sleeve was tearing slightly. If he was to continue messing with it, it was bound to fall off. He did not know how to sew. He did not know anyone that knew how to sew. Well, he probably did, but that did not matter. To sew it up would take time. He would be without the coat. He did not want that.

But at the same time, there were a lot of strings. They were long. They wibbled and wobbled and they rubbed against his arm. How was he supposed to not tug at them?

Maybe he should focus on something else.

He glanced to the other wardens. They were all looking at the same warden, who was currently sleeping. Wait. You were allowed to sleep during the meeting? “Additionally, Warden Kineza has taken up an apprentice, the young Ward Lian.”

Oh yeah. He was at the seasonal meeting. That was why he was focused elsewhere. This was verrry boring. And stressful.

Another string rubbed his arm. He began to tug at it again. Wait no he should not do that—

Electabuzz continued to pull at his pant leg. He did that whenever the man was getting in other people’s faces. But he was verrry much not doing that. So why did he still tug?

Well, he was grateful for the distraction at least.

He would verrry much like to sleep during the meeting. But he did not think he would get away with it. He did not pay much attention. But he knew he was being looked at. He clenched his hands, and patted Electabuzz’s head. It would be okay.

Wait. Irida was looking directly at him. She started speaking, “And lastly, I would like to thank Warden Gift. We suffered not a single casualty, and your role in guiding our people from one destination to the next was… astonishing. Though not present, a Haunter and Yanma also took part in keeping the clan safe, under his guidance and foresight. More than that, his presence and confidence held a large role in keeping the people calm.

“I barely have words to express my gratitude. All I can say is that, if there were any doubts of his position as the Almighty Sinnoh’s Gift to Hisui, they may be dispelled now.”

Oh.

Oh, that was. That was verrrry nice. And here he was, not listening the whole time. Was he supposed to say something? He did not know what to say. He looked at the ground instead, well aware of how red his face was.

“Not a single casualty… Incredible,” Another warden with short red hair breathed in awe. Genuine awe. Had she seen casualties before? He did not like the thought of it.

“From this event, Warden Gift and I have actually been discussing something else,” Irida continued. “He has incredible experience and guidance with leading people. Perhaps this skill can be continued. If anyone needs to travel for any reason, he and the pokemon who walk beside him would be more than happy to guide them.”

“Yes,” he said, speaking at last. “I would like to guide passengers once again. They will be verrrry safe. You can trust me,” he added, voice clipped.

Some others said some things. The man’s head was spinning. He—he could focus on Electabuzz. Electabuzz was still there.

He took a deep breath and willed himself back into the present. He was okay. Irida was dusting herself off, “I believe that is everything then? Shall we—”

Another Warden cleared her throat. “If I may.” Wait, he had met her before. This was… this was… where did he meet her again? “I would like to make a suggestion. Thanks to Warden Gift,” she nodded to him, but he only stared back, “We have seen the incredible boons that a partnership between humans and pokemon can bring. Up until this point, the only pokemon that have protected the clans have been the nobles. I believe that this can change.”

The Munchlax that had been hiding behind her waddled up to stand proudly by her side. Wait, Munchlax…? This was Warden Mai! The first person to call him Warden Gift, and the person who he trusted the eevees with. How did he forget?

She glanced to the Diamond leader, who nodded to her. She took a shuddering breath and continued. “Our leaders are already spending time with eevees. I would like to suggest that we make spending time with pokemon a higher priority. Pokemon can protect people. And I believe that change starts from the top. It starts with us.”

She knelt by Munchlax’s side, scratching his head. “I would like to suggest that the wardens have a partner pokemon in addition to their lord that they may call upon to protect the people.”

An uproar started. Calaba was shouting angrily, Gearic and the red-haired warden were not quiet about their displeasure, and even the sleeping warden shouted as he was woken up. Another Pearl Clan warden had her hands to her mouth in shock, and even more were bouncing their glances to each other hastily.

The man stared into the distance, completely frozen. But this time, he was listening. His muscles were tight, and his stance was tense; something about this felt dangerous. He did not interact much with the clans. This was why. This could go verrry poorly.

It was absolute chaos. Voices raised over each other in unheard arguments while the leaders themselves looked about helplessly.

Should he say something? It sounded like he was revered, in some way. Was that true? But what would he—

Suddenly, a voice bellowed over the rest at a volume that shook the man to his core. “Silence! The great Melli is speaking!” The warden had leapt to his feet and on his face was a look of disgust.

That—that volume—it was just like—

He could not think. He could not think. He could not—

So he listened.

--

Dramatically, Melli put his hand on his chest. “At first, it may seem as though we are spitting in the Almighty Sinnoh’s face by working alongside pokemon. Who are we, mere humans, to command the pokemon who we have been blessed to live in the same age as? However,” he paused, swiveling his pose to reach out.

“We say this in the same breath that we revere our nobles! They are, of course, the greatest of pokemon! We serve them as wardens because we revere them. They are no normal pokemon. Why waste time on other pokemon if we could be spending that time with our grand lords? Or for Pearl Clan, why share your space with a random pokemon if you could be spending time with your noble?”

Adaman was lost. He had no idea where Melli was going with this. “Do you see the issue with these two problems?” Melli continued.

“I really don’t,” Adaman cut in. “If you would get to the point?”

Melli sneered at him. “My point, Adaman,” he announced, “Is that we spend time with our lords because we revere them. We claim to stay away from other pokemon out of reverence, but in reality, it is out of fear. We fear the pokemon the Almighty Sinnoh has graced our world with, yes it is true, and it clouds our judgment!

“I believe that we should spend more time with them, as Warden Mai suggests. I have even been spending time with a Stunky recently.”

Adaman’s jaw dropped. He. He had not expected that solution. He had no idea what to say.

After the awed silence, Warden Calaba spoke, “…I had not considered just how much fear we had let into our reverence,” she said. “We share this space with pokemon, after all. Why must we separate ourselves so?”

“I think it is an excellent idea,” Irida added. “I have been working at training the Eevees Warden Gift found for me. Just as I feared them, so did they fear me, and yet still we train together. We work together. I believe that protection or not, perhaps sharing space with pokemon will help us to better understand them.”

Melli sat down, smiling smugly. Wow. This must be the first time Adaman did not want to punch the smug off of his face. “I agree.” He was not nearly as reverent of pokemon as others; however he would take the angle if it served the purpose. He wanted to spend time with the eevees. He wanted their protection, but most of all?

He wanted to see Mai alongside Munchlax again, just like she had been in their youth. But this time, without judgment. With a smile.

He had been made leader instead of her. Nothing could change that. But maybe the future could change, and no one would be shunned for their relationship with pokemon again. “I believe that sharing our time with pokemon is a gesture we should all work towards. All in favor of requiring wardens to have a partner pokemon?”

His, Irida’s, Mai’s, and Melli’s hands immediately raised. Warden Gift closed his eyes for a moment, took a breath, and raised his hand as well. Warden Calaba followed, and slowly, every hand raised. Well, Ward Lian raised his hand for Warden Kineza, who was sleeping again. He hoped the Ward would explain what happened to the man.

“So everyone will raise a pokemon then?” Warden Gift broke the silence before hands had even fallen. “I can help! I already have pokemon. I know how to raise them. Maybe we could batt—”

“Yes, your help would be excellent, haha!” Irida interrupted him. “Perhaps you could travel between wardens to help them train?”

His expression did not shift, but something about him did. Adaman did not know him well enough to define it. “That is a good idea. I will ask Lady Sneasler, but she will not mind.” Irida sent him a look, and his eyes seemed to glitter in response.

“Actually,” Adaman interrupted, “Before we finish this gathering, do you think you could give some general pointers? And then, perhaps afterwards, I would appreciate your wisdom in training the eevees.”

“I can do that,” Gift responded.

Adaman glanced towards Mai, who had a serene expression on her face as she patted Munchlax’s head. That. That had gone extremely well. And now, he was about to learn more.

With two wards, every warden role filled, every noble accounted for, everything was looking good. With the huge change of training pokemon in the coming days, Adaman was grateful that they would have the time to allocate to it. Surely, nothing more groundbreaking could happen for a while, right? He only had time for so much excitement after all.

Chapter 4: History Inaction

Jubilife Village was… Starting to look like a village.

Ress may still be living in a tent, but he was in awe of how quickly the houses could be built when the entire town focused upon it. He couldn't help but notice the changes. The noises. The way the land itself looked.

Ress noticed a lot of things. This is why he was the guard, after all, it was his job to notice if pokemon were going to attack. They had been lucky thus far, but one could never know when an attack would come.

“Good afternoon!” A bright and cheery voice interrupted his musings. Ah, it was the golden-haired merchant. What was his name again…? “I hear I need to check out with you before leaving?”

“Ah! Yes, it is so we know where to look for you if something goes wrong,” Ress explained. Who would do the looking, he did not know.

He laughed. “How would you even know where to look? Have you mapped out the area without my knowledge?” There was a strange gleam in his eye.

“I, well, can you give me a general direction at least…?” Ress floundered for a response. There was that issue too. But hopefully, the merchant here will resolve it.

Said blonde pointed outwards, still smiling with amusement. “I was thinking I would start looking for the locals somewhere along those hills. If I may then?”

Ress nodded. “You are the one person who is defended enough to do so. Stay safe out there.” Were it anyone else, Ress would not have let them leave. But, with everyone crowded on the same boat to Hisui, it was hard to miss the man who was avoided for fear of his pokemon.

Well, not really the fear of his pokemon, he was just intimidating! He was the kind of man who could stand alongside that… blue walking pokemon with a terrifying spike in his chest without so much as a flinch. He would smile all the time.

At least he was friendly.

It was not until he watched the merchant’s figure disappear along the horizon that he realized the village was likely sorely undefended now.

“AHHHH!”

Not to mention the fact that someone was screaming. Well, it was not like the village was completely undefended, there was the commander after all. He would sooner take a pokemon with his bare hands than let it attack his village.

Wait. Someone screamed—”POKEMON!”

Ress jolted. That was his job! He had not expected an attack so soon. He glanced back to where the merchant had gone, but he was, well, gone. Well, Ress prided himself on taking his job seriously. It was time to do just that.

He ran towards the shout encountering a man shuddering in fear as a trio of little brown creatures gnawed away at his stack of lumber. A trio. Oh dragons, there were three of them. Oh dragons, this was terrifying. Ress sure takes his job seriously but maybe he should take a different one. Like farming! Farming sounds nice. It isn’t the farmer’s job to deal with this.

His heart was pounding. He had to draw their attention somehow. And then what? No, don’t think about that. He floundered for something to throw, something, anything—

Oh, the weird ball things, the uh, the pokeballs! He had been given some and expected to use them. He whipped them out of his patch and just started throwing, “Get out of my village!”

“Bidooooof!” The pokemon screeched as the area around them was pelted with pokeballs. They broke into pieces as they struck the lumber. One of them actually hit a pokemon on the head, leaving a bright red mark. But it did not open as the professor said it would. In any case, the pokemon were intimidated, and that was enough for Ress.

The other shattered pieces of the other fifteen he threw served as excellent obstacles to the fleeing trio.

He grappled in his bag for another pokeball, just for good measure, and felt something click as he did so. Ah, it couldn’t matter all that much, right? He threw, and, miraculously, hit one of them. The creature was sucked into the ball with a beam of light.

“What is going on?” Ress straightened at the sound of his commander’s booming voice.

Turning to address him, he reported, “Sir! I am dealing with a pokemon attack!” Said pokemon continued to heave and waddle as best as they could. He let them, and the commander watched them go as well.

Then, the fireworks sounded. The catch was successful.

“...I did it?”

Slowly, Kamado strode up to the singular intact ball to pick it up. “It has a weight to it,” he murmured. “With a stiff about-face, the intimidating man was facing Ress once again. “Excellent work! Not only have you succeeded in protecting the village, but you have made history itself. In this ball is the first pokemon of Jubilife village. With this catch, we will begin a new age; an age of collaboration!”

Ress felt something bubbling in his belly. Maybe it was excitement. Or pride. Awe, even. It could also be regret that there was little chance he could become a farmer instead at this point. With purpose, Kamado placed the ball in his hand. “You are truly an excellent member of the Survey Corps,” he said with great pride.

“Thank you sir!” Ress hoped his voice projected as he tried to make it.

Could he really make history? Ress was just some guy. Some random guy who had a pokemon. A pokemon.

He may not want to believe it, but…. He has a pokemon catch to his name. He can actually protect the village now. Ress is a man who takes his job seriously. From this point on, he swore to himself that he will take on whatever is necessary to protect his people.

--

Volo glanced back at the sound of a scream. He had seen those bidoofs waddle in; so they had been spotted then, hm?

He turned back to the trail. They would be fine.

--

“Pokemon like to have their ears scratched!”

“No they do not! How demeaning; like patting a child’s head! You would not do that to a fully grown adult, you would not do it to a fully grown pokemon!”

“Hm, I think you did not get enough head pats as a child.”

“You insolent” Melli’s cheeks turned bright red as he gaped in horror. Just how far was the Warden Gift willing to go?!

“Fine then. Show my Stunky. Stunky can decide if they like their ears scratched,” Gift huffed. Besides him, Electabuzz nodded in agreement.

Melli scoffed. See if he cared about ear scratching or whatever. But this insolent man! He did whatever he pleased! He just waltzed around as if he were a pokemon himself, reaping the benefits of the Almighty Sinnoh’s time. The amount of time Melli was forced to waste scolding the man was driving him mad; it was a wonder he was civil with the man at all!

“If you insist,” Melli sniffed. “It will be something of a trek. Do not whine to me about wasting your time.”

Gift’s eyebrows furrowed. “Long trek? But we are right next to Lord Electrode’s seat. Is your home far away from it?”

He may as well have two heads given the absurdity of the question he just asked. “Why in Sinnoh’s name would we be going to my home? We are going to see Stunky. He lives in the Crimson Mirelands, though we first met here in the Coronet Highlands.”

“You do not live with your partner pokemon? That is verrry strange,” he commented.

“Wh—no it isn’t! I am respecting Stunky’s time! He does not need to waste a drop in coming to see me when I can go to him instead,” Melli explained.

Gift shook his head. “That does not make sense. If you lived together you would not waste time. Trust goes both ways. I think you care about time too much. This sounds like a space thing. But I do not care. I just want to see Stunky.”

Melli did not even know where to begin with that. He could not even scoff at the man’s favoring of space because he knew that Gift truly could care less about the Almighty Sinnoh. And if he said he did not care, then he really did not care. So, he only responded to the end of it, “Your wish to meet Stunky is the best you have had yet.”

Gift stilled for a moment with glazed eyes. Melli dropped his gaze, he knew that look, and that it would be gone after a moment. Raising his eyes to the heavens in frustration, he crossed his arms, telling himself that the sinking feeling from the sight of Gift like that was impatience.

The look was gone. “Are you ready to go?” Melli said simply.

“Ah. One moment,” He pulled a map from an inner pocket of the strange black coat he insisted that he wear. “We are here, in the Highlands. The Crimson Mirelands are…?”

Melli pointed it out, “This is the path we will take. It should be no longer than an hour or so. Well then?”

Gift beckoned Electabuzz, and they were off.

Melli could not help but notice the…. Incredibly strange way Gift walked. He waved his arms far more than necessary, supposedly for balance, yet he would still trip and stagger like a child unfamiliar with traversing mountainous terrain. Melli had noticed it before, but… this was the first time he was actively traveling with the man.

Not to mention the way his head would jerk away from looking to his right.

It seemed odd that the Almighty Sinnoh would bless a mountainous land with a man who knew little about mountains. Actually wait, no it didn’t. The Pearl Clan really did know nothing; after all, he was a god of time not space.
Obviously, it was not the space that mattered.

Now that Melli was looking in closer detail, he could see that his hands were blistered and red, littered with all kinds of cuts. Not to mention all the scuffs and tears on his coat. To be honest, Melli had assumed he was in better shape if only because of how well the coat held up for being worn at all times. Instead, it seemed as though the material was simply strong enough to take a lot of falls.

Melli did not do very much mountain scaling, but as Sneasler’s warden, he could see why Gift would. Maybe his gait and his blisters spoke of a life without physical hardship, but Melli could not help but… respect him for it.

Gift, after all, respected pokemon like no other Melli had met.

Ugh, he was getting sentimental. “You really should get that coat of yours cleaned up,” he said.

“It is not mine,” Gift immediately snapped. Then froze, closed his eyes, and took a deep breath. “No. I do not want to separate from it.”

Melli… wasn’t sure what to make about that. “Then clean it yourself. Warden Arezu knows a lot about it, and she’s in the Crimson Mirelands with Lady Lilligant. Perhaps The Great Melli could introduce you to her.”

Gift watched him intensely for a moment, and for the love of Sinnoh, Melli still wasn’t used to it. Then, he said, “I would appreciate that.”

They did not make it to Stunky’s den before Gift froze. “That sound… I am being called. To guide.”

Melli stopped. “Are you serious? Right now? You haven’t even met Stunky yet!”

Gift’s expression shifted, if only slightly. “I will meet Stunky. And Warden Arezu. Thank you for your time today, though. Perhaps tomorrow, or later. I will see you.” He pulled his flute out, likely to call Lady Sneasler.

“Tch, I suppose duty calls. You better not get a call next time!” Melli tried to quench his disappointment. That he could not disprove the ear scratches! No other reason.

“I cannot control—” he stopped. “I will try.”

He waited with Gift until Lady Sneasler arrived, then set off on his own to see Stunky. He had gone this far, may as well make the entire trip.

Living together with Stunky did sound nice, though….

Chapter 5: No People Only Sleep

“Warden Kineza! Warden Kineza! Look at this rock I found!”

It was at times like these that Kineza wished that Warden Sana truly had kidnapped the child. Even so, he rolled over, forcing half an eye open. “..a rock?” It was an eggshell.

“Yes! Is it not fascinating? It is so thin yet hard; I have never seen anything quite like it.” Lian ran his finger over the shell. “It is incredibly white on the surface despite having been left in the dirt, and do you see this blue marking? And the other side is creamier.”

Kineza yawned, leaning over to point at it. “..you see how it is curved?”

“Yes,” Lian’s voice became far more serious as his eyes widened in interest.

“..it’s an eggshell not a rock.”

“...Oh.” His voice was suddenly quite disappointed. Shame the kid brought an egg instead of a rock, but at least he knows now. Now, Kineza could go back to sleep.

“Apologies, but I couldn't help but overhear your conversation,” an amused masculine voice interrupted. “That blue marking… Do you have any other parts of the shell?”

So much for going back to sleep. Now he has to sit up and deal with whoever is talking to the kid. Didn’t need him jumping on the backs of random pokemon again. Or people for that matter. Kineza groaned and forced himself to sit up.

There was a man in a blue outfit he had never seen before kneeling in front of the kid. He felt a throb of irritation; why didn’t Kleavor mention that there was someone approaching? Now he has to deal with someone. He did not appear to be from either clan, and Kineza would remember a smile like that. It was friendly enough, but it was off putting. Genuine, but didn’t reach his eyes. Well, whatever. As long as he doesn’t try anything, Kineza couldn't care less.

“Ah, I did have another rock… though I suppose it is the same as this one. I assumed it was different because of the distinct red triangle,” Lian explained, pulling it out of his pocket.

The man laughed. “Yes, those are the same! These appear to be the eggshells of a Togepi. Did you know that Togekiss, their final evolution, are known to appear in lands with peace?”

Lian’s eyes sparkled. “That’s incredible!” Kineza merely watched with drooping eyelids one side of his mouth tipping up. The man didn’t mind the kid’s enthusiasm. Couldn’t be that bad, then. As strange as his smile was, he was kind enough to Lian. Nice to have someone appreciate the kid’s energy. Not that Kineza would.

“..who are you?” he mumbled. The sooner he discovered the smiling man’s reason for showing up, the sooner he’d leave and give Kineza more nap time. Probably.

“Ah! I forgot to introduce myself. I am Volo of the Gingko Guild, though I am also representing the newly settled Jubilife Village. I was hoping to meet some natives of this land for a few reasons: first to establish some peace, and secondly for my own personal interest in legends and myths.” The man extended a hand. Lian glanced between Kineza and Volo. The kid took the hand, to which Volo shook lightly.

Kineza changed his mind. He was glad the kid was there because he never would have figured out what in Sinnoh’s name that gesture was. “..cool. diamond clan is that way. you can go talk to adaman.” Kineza tilted his head towards the clan. He was not about to deal with politics.

“Just one moment,” Lian interrupted, grabbing Kineza’ sleeve. “He is traveling, isn’t he? Shouldn’t we call Warden Gift?”

“..nah.” Kineza rubbed his eyes. Then he would have to wait longer. Deal with people longer. Well, person. He would rather not. Besides, the man had gotten here without being murdered by pokemon, somehow. He would be fine.

Volo laughed. “Thank you for the directions! Is there anything I should look out for? And this ‘Adaman’ would be…?”

“..a bog…a lake…” Kineza couldn’t care to think of anything else. “adaman is the clan leader.”

“Excellent! Might I have your names to assist my introduction? I promise you I will leave after,” he chuckled.

Well. Isn’t he a perceptive one. Kineza sighed, he didn’t have the energy for this. He pulled a note out of his pocket, scribbled on it, and held it out. Volo stared for a moment, and then moved to take it himself. “..tell adaman it’s from warden kineza.”

Volo grinned. “Thank you so much, Warden Kineza. I shall be off then.”

Thank Sinnoh. Kineza rolled over and curled into a nice, sleepy ball. Sleep at last

“Jubilife Village and Gingko Guild…? What are those…?” Lian asked. Sinnoh, not more questions.

Kineza shrugged eyes still closed. “..who cares. hopefully we do not get called to a meeting over this.”

It was strange though… Kineza had heard of Togekiss having such a reputation. But if this was a newly found village, then surely they were from across the sea, or land without Togekiss. How would this merchant have known of it…?

Not that Kineza will do anything about it.

“Uhmmm…” Lian hesitated. “I uh, I have another rock if you would like to look at it…? It’s not one of the Togepi eggshells. Was what he said about Togekiss true? And what is this rock? And how did he know it was Togepi?”

Kineza groaned but could not hide a small smile. It seemed there would be far less nap time today. “c’mere,” he sat up to pull the kid closer, draping an arm over his shoulder. “show me the rock.”

--

this random supposedly a merchant guy claims to be part of a new village. he is perceptive by the way. you’re a leader. you figure it out.

Adaman looked at the message.

He then looked up to the ‘random supposedly a merchant guy.’

Adaman needed to have a serious conversation with Irida about her warden’s behavior because that message told him absolutely nothing.

“So you are a merchant… Of the Gingko Guild… Not here to sell, but to invest in a sort of peace?” He attempted to sum up the man’s speech given him moments before.

“That is correct! In fact, I have even brought a sample of some products the Gingko Guild may provide for you. Free of charge!” He chuckled. “I do admit, I am much more of a myth enthusiast than a merchant, however I am incredibly interested in making a positive relationship with your clan. How would I hear your legends if we were antagonistic?” The man, Volo, gestured emphatically as he made his speech, smiling all the way through.

He did have a keen look in his eye that definitely spoke to motives beyond simple merchantry. However, he claimed to have an interest in myths and legends, which did not seem all that nefarious. And the only thing Warden Kineza briefed him with was calling the man perceptive…?

Adaman took the bait. “And these products would be?”

“I am so glad you asked! First, the Gingko Merchant Guild sells materials we forge on our own time in order for you to save yours by collecting materials.” Adaman was somewhat impressed with his focus on time. It was not impossible that Kineza may have given the merchant a heads-up, but then again. It was Kineza.

The merchant continued, “We also can buy any spare materials off your hands for a reduced price if you do not see yourself using them.” He pulled out a bag of berries and handed them over.

Volo glanced towards the eevees nipping at Adaman’s heels, his eyes soft. “I could not help but notice that you have pokemon by your side. You see, I have traveled a short distance in the wilds to make it here; but even that could be an incredible difficulty if not for the pokemon by my side.” He pulled a small, wooden ball from his pocket, “Lucario.”

Adaman jumped back in shock as the pokemon materialized. “What in Sinnoh’s name--” he gasped.

“Ah, apologies, I should have given you more warning,” Volo waved, his smile remaining plastered on his face. Despite the continuous expression, now it gave Adaman chills. “This is my friend, Lucario.”

“And you--” Adaman tried to process what he had just seen. “And you just carry pokemon like some object?” Behind him, the eevees hissed.

“I assure you; this arrangement is not one that is overly pleasing to me as well,” Volo grimaced. “To be fully transparent, there are many that do not trust pokemon. In the interest of keeping them and myself safe, the pokeball can be an incredible tool.”

“No,” Adaman put his foot down. “I am not interested in--in turning pokemon into tools.”

Volo took a breath, “That is not what I--ah, apologies.” He shook his head, the smile returning. He pocketed the ball. “I assure you I treat Lucario with the utmost care. But that can wait. For the time being, might I plan a gathering with you and perhaps other high ranking guild members with the leadership of Jubilife village?”

Adaman took a moment to breathe as well. He could not believe his eyes. This man turned pokemon into tools. He glanced at the Eevees.

…But that Lucario looked formidable. Perhaps Gift and his strength with pokemon could keep danger at bay, but if the entire village used pokemon…. Then he would rather seek peace over conflict. “I will meet with your leaders. However, Diamond Clan is one of two Clans in the
Hisuian region.”

“Oh?” Volo looked incredibly interested. Adaman could not tell if it was an act or genuine.

“Pearl Clan resides in the Alabaster Icelands. It is some distance from here; however I think it would be best that Irida meet you for herself. As for a meeting time, I believe the half moon will be upon us in a few days. I suggest that Leader Irida and I may go at that time?”

“Excellent!” Volo clapped, his smile shining. “If you would give me directions, I can make my way over there?”

“Not quite,” Adaman chuckled. He pulled out his flute to call Warden Gift. “We have a guide that may take you there. He will arrive soon.”

“Did you call him with a flute?” Volo approached, almost to touch it.

Adaman took a step away. “...Yes?”

“Fascinating,” he breathed. “I would love it if you could explain how that works, however at another time.”

“Perhaps,” Adaman gave him a non-answer.

They waited for Warden Gift’s arrival in relative silence. Adaman found himself sighing. A new village… Merchants… Pokeballs.... So much for things being calm.

Notes:

slightly late. but eh, it is still tuesday, ain't it? kineza sure is a sleepy guy, but he do care....

Chapter 6: Just Like Me

“I am…” The man began. Gift. It was not that hard.

But it was. He had to introduce himself. It sounded right. He wanted-

No, he was being called to the Diamond Clan. Surely, there would be no need to introduce himself. And yet, he still wanted to say something. Not something, he wanted to say ‘I am ----.’ He wanted to use words he had used before. Words that made sense.

“Follow the rules. Safe Driving! Follow the schedule. Everybody smile! Check safety. Everything’s ready! Aim for victory! All aboard!”

He said those words. Those same words, a thousand times, long before he could remember. He used them again, during the avalanche. That was the past. Now is the present. He is going to guide people. Maybe very many times. He did not know.

It would be neat, to have words to say many times. Words like those.

How would he open? He could not introduce himself. If he used the past words, they could be unfamiliar to passengers. Passengers… There he goes again.

Diamond Clan was in sight. He felt a spike of anxiety. Why had he not thought of this earlier? He really should have thought of this earlier. Beside him, Yanma buzzed up to his side. The little bug recognized his trainer’s distress. The man patted the bug’s head fondly.

He arrived.

Standing at the gates were two people, a gaggle of eevees and… a Lucario? Adaman was leaning against the gate, watching out, while the other person was stooped down, petting the eevees.

He was unfamiliar. Wearing yellow and blue, with a logo of sorts that the man had never seen. But he was interacting with pokemon, he could not be too bad. That Lucario was new, too. And Lucarios are verrrry strong.

His unease melted away, replaced by excitement. Maybe they could battle!

“Hello!” The man announced his presence, and the unfamiliar person stood. “I am…” He took a breath. He could say it, he could say-- “I am Lady Sneasler’s Warden Gift, Guide to Hisui.” He torchickened out. It was not a name. But a title. That’s close enough. Right? “I have been called to help. Who are you?”

…It had been going so well till that last question. That was a bad question. Why did he say that?

But the unfamiliar person did not seem to mind. He flashed a wide, practiced smile. “My name is Volo! I represent both the Jubilife settlement and the Gingko guild; both of which arrived on Hisuian shores only yesterday. I have already spoken with my good Adaman here, leader of the Diamond Clan. From what I gathered, you are taking me to the Pearl Clan?” Volo’s eyes flicked to Yanma, who hid away from the attention.

The man glanced up at the sun, for the time. It was already late afternoon. “I believe that will be a verrry long trip. We will need to camp in the middle. But that is okay.”

Adaman cleared his throat. “Thank you for doing this, Gift. Would you take this letter to Irida as well? Have her read it immediately, before conversing with Volo here.”

He nodded. “I will.” He stooped to give the eevees pats. “It is good to see you three. Verrry good.” Their fur was a little dull, but they appeared well fed. “You should brush their fur more.”

Adaman flushed. “Oh. Thanks, I uh, I guess?” The man did not miss Volo’s smile drop, replaced with shock for a moment. Verrry interesting.

“Let us go,” he continued to Volo.

“Lead on!” Volo sounded like he had a customer service voice. There were not really any merchants in Hisui. But Volo was one. Hm.

“Good luck on your journey!” Adaman called after them.

The man did not hesitate to continue. “You have a Lucario. Lucarios are verrry strong. Did you raise him from Riolu?”

Volo laughed, almost incredulously. “I. I uh, well you have me floored, what a question. I mean, it was more as though he raised me than I raised him. In any case, yes, I have known Lucario since he was a Riolu.”

The man felt him glancing at the other in interest. “That is a verrry long time. You are newly settled. You are not from Hisui. Is being raised with pokemon more common elsewhere?” Somehow, he felt it was closer to Mai’s situation. That Volo was the exception rather than the norm. But it could not hurt to ask. Maybe, maybe they could be similar.

Volo opened his mouth to speak, and then closed it again. His wide smile was replaced by a smaller, thoughtful one. “...You’re not like the others, are you? I met the Diamond clan; they still keep their distance from pokemon.”

The man felt his heart rate increase. If that question came from someone else, he would have been insulted. Othered. He hated being othered. But this… this was different. Finding solitude. Volo’s smile was verrry guarded. And he was comfortable around pokemon too. Volo was different.

…Just like him.

In another life, the man may have distrusted him. The smiles, the energy of being off. Odd. But in another life, the man knew his own name. And even then, he felt… he felt as though he had been odd, too. He did not know. He did not remember.

But there was reason to hide. To be odd. Sometimes that reason was as simple as being yourself.

“I am not from Hisui,” the man explained. “I do not know where I am from. One day, I woke up here. Where are you from?” Perhaps, he was too trusting. Too open. Too honest. But then again, he did not have much to hide. He did not even know himself.

Volo’s smile was gone, and he was openly staring at the man. “...Was there any sign of how you got here?”

“No. I appeared one day, in the snow. I was not dressed for the snow.”

Volo remained quiet for a moment. The man did not say anything. This was a matter of trust. They really did just meet. Volo glanced at Lucario, once, twice, and sighed. He made a wry smile, “You really got to the heart of it immediately. I’m not from this place. This world, even. Across the ocean, they’re just as scared of pokemon as Hisuians are. More even.

“But you… You’re not from this world either, are you?”

The man’s breath caught in his throat.

He had just. Just started getting used to Hisui. A rough kind of getting used to. He was learning to adapt, move on. But he loved pokemon. In a way that only children seemed capable, here. He was friends with Irida, but she was so young for leadership. He had. He had different ideas, and he was leaving them alone.

The brim of his black hat caught his attention. It was still not his.

“I can’t say that we are from the same world,” Volo tempered his expectations. “I have never seen clothes like yours. But then again; a world is a big place, hm? I must admit, I was torn from mine as a child, I do not remember much. But I can tell you what I know about mine.”

The man felt himself unable to fight the smile coming to his face. The smile…. “I would verrry much like to know. Did you battle?”

“...battle?” Volo stared sharply at him, smile gone. “I’m going to need you to be more specific.”

“Did you have pokemon battles? Where people on two different sides use the pokemon they raised to see who is more in sync with their pokemon,” the man clarified, smile fading.

Volo softened, and let out a breath. “Not that I know of. Again, I was quite young when…” he took a deep breath. “...When things started going wrong. Perhaps there was? But the battles I witnessed were between trained pokemon and… Monsters.”

“...Monsters?”

Volo shuddered. “That. That can be tackled later.” He pulled up his smile again, verrry clearly forced this time. “What else do you remember, Gift?”

“...That is not my name.”

“Oh, is it not? My apolo-”

“You are fine. I do not know my name.” He sighed. “It would be better to say what is missing in my memory than what I remember. I do not remember much. I am alone. This coat,” he took a shuddering breath. “...It is not mine. I do not remember whose it is. But there is another… he… he…”

Volo put a gentle hand on his shoulder. “...If it’s hard to remember, you don’t have to.”

He shook his head. “I am fine. I know pokemon to be gentle and kind. Pokemon cannot be evil. I know I guided passengers, as I do now. I know that I had things I said. Things like ‘driving’ and ‘all aboard.’”

Volo hummed, hand on his chin. “I may not have lost my memories, but there was a lot I don’t know about my world. I do know that pokemon and humans lived in relative harmony, as you say. There were guides, I think, but I do not recognize those words.”

“I see.”

They continued walking. In thoughtful silence, for the most part. Yanma’s wings were a constant buzz, and he heard the footsteps as well.

“...You have a Yanma, I see,” Volo said at last. “Did you find him here, or was he from your past?”

“I arrived alone. No pokemon,” the man responded. He… “I do not remember my pokemon friends.”

The black coat itched up against his arms. He did not even… He did not even know this much.

“...I’m sorry. I couldn’t imagine…” Volo patted Lucario’s head, who closed his eyes slowly.

“I have three pokemon now. Yanma is verrry close to evolving. There is also Electabuzz and Haunter. I met them here. I am training them. We should battle.”

Volo laughed. “You have been training them to become stronger? That…” He hesitated. “That’s actually a really good idea. They aren’t with you right now?”

He shook his head. “Haunter doesn’t like the day. Electabuzz has trouble with long trips.”

“You know…” A mischievous smile lit Volo’s face. “I could hook you up with this lovely invention called the ‘pokeball.’”

The man came to a dead stop. “Pokeball. You have pokeballs?”

Volo pulled one out. “This is Lucario’s ball.’ It appeared to be hand carved, and the top was painted red. There was a sort of latch system and a knob on the top. The man… knew them to be different. And yet, that. That was familiar. “You recognize them?”

“I am-” He came to a dead stop. He. He defaulted. He… He had not done that for some time. By now, he was usually aware. But this time… He… He would worry about that later. “Yes. No. Mostly. That is wood. Pokeballs are not wood. But they carry pokemon. Verrry nice.”

Volo raised an eyebrow. “Hmmm. Yeah, we are definitely from different places. These things were just invented here, and I was totally unfamiliar to them. But here, you can have the sample I was going to give Diamond Clan. They were not really interested, so.” He pulled out a set of four. “Take them. One extra, if you find another friend.”

The man felt odd, being given the pokeballs. Pokeballs. They… They were real. “What is this latch? And the knob?”

Volo demonstrated how Lucario’s ball worked, as well as the firework feature and a warning not to get sprayed in the face. “I take it you are used to a more advanced version.”

“...I think so? It could become even smaller. And there was no latch, it was automatic.” He introduced Yanma to it right away. “Thank you for explaining. After you visit Irida, we should battle. You have more pokemon?”

Volo laughed. “Alright, alright, I will battle you. And yeah, I’ve got a few more. No spoilers though. They’re pretty strong; you’re going to be quite surprised if your competition is only a couple of eevees.”

The man began walking again, if only to let the built energy be expended. “You have strong pokemon? That is even better. Battling is verrry fun. I like winning more than anything else. But winning is more fun when your opponent is strong.”

“I’ve got some tough fights ahead of me, so… training my pokemon like this will be more than welcome. Besides, I’d like to see what it is you like about it so much. I look forward to our battle.” He smiled a winning smile, giving the man a thrill. They were going to battle! They were going to battle! They were going to-

“That said… if this is a multi-day trip, I may wish to postpone that. I’ll need to get back to the village sooner than later.”

The man pouted. “Fine. But Later. We will battle. For now, let us keep going. All abooooooard!”

Notes:

Hiiiii and welcome back to friendship!

I'm so thrilled to be writing for this series again! Thanks for reading!!

Chapter 7: Ruffled Feathers

The sun was shining, the rufflets were chirping, and the Alabaster Icelands were about as warm as they could get. Well, there really wasn’t much of a difference; but Sana was in a good mood. She was looking forward to a relaxing, brisk day on the back of Lord Braviary today.

Sabi, however, had other ideas.

“Today is an excellent day to find our partner pokemon! That’s what my clairvoyance is telling me.” She had to say it with a winning smile. Or maybe it was smug.

Either way, Sana was groaning. “Sabi, as wonderful as an idea that is, do you not see the skies? They are calling to me.”

Sabi giggled. “The skies are not calling to you, your wanderlust is.”

“...Did you have to call me out like that?” Sana winced. The worst part was that the kid was 100% right, no doubt about it, so there was no arguing with her. They were, after all, required to pick up partner pokemon. And in the end, a bright sunny day would be preferable to a miserable one, Sana supposed.

That did not change the fact that she would really rather do something else.

“Alright, c’mere,” Sana hiked the little girl onto the Lord herself. Sabi had proven she could do it, but Sana was not going to give any children the chance to latch onto random feathers again, NO thank you. “So, where’s your clairvoyance leading us?”

Apparently, right over the arena. Great. “Yeah, uh, I’m not so sure about this spot. Seems a little bit dangerous. Maybe we could go to the Arena’s Approach?”

Sabi snorted. “We haven’t landed yet, silly! But hmm… you may be right! The perfect friend is in the Approach. Bring us there, Braviary!” The Lord cheered in response, and dived down.

Two seconds. It took literally TWO SECONDS from them landing for Sabi to leap onto a pokemon. “SABI! Oh my Sinnoh-- SABI!” Unfortunately, Sana landed face first in a heap of snow in her panic to chase the child.

Sabi, of course, only giggled. “Look Sana, it’s my new friend!” In her arms was an elekid.

“Sinnoh help me child, you’re going to make me go white.” Sana kneeled in front of the wriggling pokemon. “You’re a young one, huh?”

…Her clairvoyance really did know what was up, huh? Not only was the pokemon she found young enough to be safe to take care of, but there were no electabuzz in the area to argue over it. Not to mention, Warden Gift raised one of those. Sana could not help but think that was a factor.

Sabi nodded. “She was abandoned. I had to find her. She will be a verrry good friend.”

Sana snorted, unable to refrain from commenting. “You spend too much time around Warden Gift. Anyways, good job finding her.” Sana… Sana did not really want to comment on the abandoned part. She was afraid it might hit a little too close to Sabi’s home… though, she supposed having a friend like her would help…?

“This is so surreal,” she murmured, watching Sabi help the elekid onto Lord Braviary’s willing back. Just like that. They were working with pokemon. No, they were going to be living with pokemon. She never would have dreamed of such a thing only last year.

In fact, last year, she never would have seen herself taking care of a child, but here she was. Sabi was, most of the time, not putting herself in danger, so that was enough for Sana at this point. “You ready to go home?”

“Nope! It’s time to find your partner pokemon!”

Sana made an exaggerated sigh. “You’ve got to be kidding me. We are both in the warden position, we have found a pokemon, that’s enough for the clans, isn’t it?”

“Hmmm…” Sabi held a finger to her chin. Then she smiled. “Nope! We will find you someone. Let’s go!”

Sana groaned. “Alright! Alright. But this time, I pick the spot.”

…Sana should have let Sabi pick the spot. It took a hell of a lot longer than two seconds for her to find a pokemon. In fact, she still hasn’t found a pokemon, and the sun was already past high noon. She’d had to drag Sabi and the Elekid out of danger multiple times, and nothing was suitable.

“I don’t think this is working,” Sana admitted at last.

“That is correct!” Sabi agreed bluntly, despite the fact that Sana did not really intend to be answered. “I think your partner pokemon is waiting back at home.”

Sana rolled her eyes. “No. No excuses to go home, we said I would be finding a pokemon, so I am going to find one, Sinnoh be damned. Let’s keep looking.”

So they looked.

And looked.

…and looked.

“Is there not a single pokemon that doesn’t want to have our throats in the icelands?! No, you don’t count,” Sana pointed at the squeaking Elekid. She seriously did not appreciate that the sun was starting to set. Soon enough, haunters, glalies, and other nasty ghosts would be showing up.

Sabi, however, was just as bubbly as before. “This is fun! What an exciting adventure!” In her arms, Elekid chirped in agreement.

Sana groaned. “I’m glad my pain brings you amusement. You know what. What’s your clairvoyance telling you?”

“Hmmm? What do you mean~”

“About my partner pokemon,” Sana explained. She really had wanted to find one on her own, but at this point, she just wanted to be done.

Sabi giggled. “Ohhh~ I already told you! Your partner pokemon is at home!”

“You-” Sana could not argue. Sabi had, in fact, said that her partner was waiting at home. Sana had dismissed it like a dumb adult assuming the child was making excuses to want to go home. But Sabi was clearly having a good time out here. Thus, she could not be fibbing.

…Her smile really, really was not smug. But Sana could swear that it was. “...Yeah. You did mention that.” Sana let out a long sigh. “Alright, let’s go home, on you get. You too, yellow furball.” Sabi giggled as Sana put Elekid in her arms.

And, sure enough, waiting at the door of their hut was a Ryhorn. Just like that.

“Oh my Sinnoh… Sabi.”

“Hmmm?”

“Sorry for doubting you and acting on my pride. I should have trusted you,” Sana apologized. “I take it this is my partner?”

“S-sorry? Oh, uhm, yeah-” Sabi stared at Sana wide-eyed.

Sana nodded. “Mhm. I was wrong.” Then, she stooped to the Ryhorn, who stirred. It opened its eyes, and looked directly into Sana’s. They held gazes for a long moment, as Sabi watched quietly.

Ryhorn got to its feet, and nodded slowly. “Nice to meet you, Ryhorn,” Sana said, rubbing its head.

Sabi forgot her quiet and bounced forward. “Hiiii! We are going to be good friends.”

And with that, it was time to prepare dinner and get ready for bed; a long day of pokemon completed. It sure was not the day of flying that Sana expected, but…

As Sana watched Sabi eat, interact with Elekid, and snuggle into her blankets against Ryhorn… She admitted to herself that it was an incredible day. Frustrating, yes, but incredible. Once it looked like Sabi was asleep, Sana inched closer. She stroked a few bangs from the little girl’s face, and kissed her forehead.

“Love you, Sabi. Sleep well.”

--

Irida threw herself onto her bed and screamed.

Instead of coming back with Gift and Gaeric, she returned with Palina. It had been so, so long since they had last spent time together, especially with Irida’s duties as clan leader. But that entire time, it felt like… like Palina was making that weak, assuaging smile. Irida was the one talking most of the time. Telling Lina about what was going on. Lina nodded along. Why didn’t Irida ask Lina about what was happening?

Oh that’s right. She did. She did, and Lina only shook her head, saying that nothing was wrong. “It’s fine.”

Which had to mean one of two things: one, Lina didn’t trust Irida with whatever was wrong. Or two: Irida was what was wrong. Was she annoying? Did Lina not want her there? If so, why did she agree to let her come along? Did Irida accidentally force her hand?

Irida just held onto her pillow, warm in her tent back in Pearl clan, fighting tears. What happened to their friendship? Why was Lina acting like that? What did Irida do wrong? She must have been annoying.

…She needed a second opinion. Maybe she could ask Gift… they’re friends too, aren’t they?

Her three eevees hopped up onto the bed and mewled at her. She pulled the closest one to herself, closing her eyes and stroking the fur. “Eevee baby… am I a bad friend…?” Eevee only barked in response, and she smiled. “Sweet babies…” Irida sat up to stroke them properly. She… She wasn’t sure what went wrong with Palina. But these little cuties did not deserve to be ignored.

“Lady Irida!” She jumped at the voice outside her tent.

“One moment!” She jumped off the bed, tidying it as best as she could, before running a quick brush through her hair. Was she presentable? She certainly hoped she was. “Okay, you can come in!”

A clan member peeked their head in. “Warden Gift has arrived with an unfamiliar traveler. Says he was guiding the guy here and has a message from the Diamond Clan leader.”

Irida’s eyes widened. That has to be important. “I’ll be right there.”

Just as the messenger explained, there Gift was at the gate, with another individual in yellow and blue. He had a blaise smile, and wore insignias she did not recognize.

She smiled at the sight of Gift, but given the other, she opted to be more formal. “Greetings Warden Gift. I see you have brought a, uh…” She hesitated, unsure of how to refer to him. Wait, wasn’t there that word he used? “A new passenger to the Pearl Clan.” She thought it slightly odd that there were no pokemon with them, but perhaps Haunter had taken to the skies? Gift didn’t have to do that, the village was already familiar with his pokemon…

“Correct. Here is a letter. Read immediately,” Gift handed it to her. The cover was certainly Adaman’s handwriting. “This is Volo. He is familiar with pokemon.”

“I can take it from here,” the stranger interrupted with a big smile. Even so, Irida could not help but be wary of him, where did he come from? “My name is indeed Volo. I am first and foremost a man who is interested in the culture steeped into this land; though I am employed as a merchant of Gingko, and representing the new Jubilife Settlement.

“Your Warden was kind enough to guide me from the Diamond Clan to the Pearl Clan, as well as entertain my presence for the long trek!” He laughed. “He is a delight, and I hope that I can get along with your clans nearly as well as I did with him.”

Irida raised an eyebrow at that. Gift tended to be pretty blunt, so if that was not true, he would speak up. But… he nodded. Well. That certainly puts this Volo in a much more trustworthy light. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Volo,” Irida bowed. “Come, have a seat in my tent; it’s cold here in the icelands.”

“Do not forget to read the letter,” Gift piped up, and she nodded as they arrived in her tent.

“Ah, here are the three eevees he mentioned,” Volo smiled as he pulled the tent flap back. “They really are delightful.”

“Yup!” Emmet agreed. “And see, Irida brushes them better. Shinier fur.”

Irida snorted smugly. “So Adaman isn’t taking as good care of his?”

“I wouldn’t go that far--” Volo began.

“Nope! He needs to brush them more.”

Irida laughed. “I see!” she could not help but feel a small burst of pride. “Give me just one moment; I want to read this…”

She opened the letter to find another note slip out, in… Kineza’s handwriting? How odd…

this randomly supposedly a merchant guy claims to be part of a new village. he is perceptive by the way. you’re a leader. you figure it out

She blinked. Context? “What in the…” She moved on to the actual letter.

Irida,

You have already met Volo if you are reading this. The other paper was from your Warden Kineza. It was my only warning for my meeting with him, which was really unacceptable. You will need to have a conversation with him about work ethic because there really wasn’t anything to work with.

Irida rolled her eyes. Knowing Kineza, that letter was good as gold. He did not say much, but to have called Volo perceptive… that’s actually rather telling. Besides, wouldn’t they have just met?

He went on to detail some times and dates, which was fine, but the next part…

Adman truly does not trust this Volo, huh? Though everything was rather choppy given his unwillingness to spend longer than a minute doing what needed to be done (how dare he criticize Kineza), the part about his distrust of this ‘pokeball’ was rather lengthy.

And yet, Gift did not have his pokemon on him at the moment. Hm.

She had to admit, the idea of pokeballs as presented by Adaman did make her uncomfortable. But to be perfectly honest, she trusted Gift a lot more when it came to pokemon. Even now, Gift and Volo were conversing excitedly about eevee care. He had not been joking when he said that Volo was familiar with pokemon.

It was kind of touching, actually, seeing that Gift had made a friend. They were even bouncing off each other.

She… She wanted to trust Gift’s judgment. The way he was treated simply for being a stranger was awful, and she would hate to see a repeat of that. Especially if there was an entire settlement on the line.

Irida folded the letter. “I am ready to talk business.” It was quick, Volo described the settlement, they settled on one of the dates Adaman gave, and he gave her a parcel of supplies as a goodwill gift. She mentally noted that there were no pokeballs inside.

They had a long journey back, and… as much as Irida burned to ask about the pokeballs, she felt as though waiting may be better. She did not want to stir anything up, especially with a tough meeting coming up. Perhaps she could ask Gift later, alone.

Then they were gone.

She took a deep breath. Things could get messy. This could get really messy really fast, especially with Adaman already forming opinions. There were new people in their space, and strangers can be hard to take in. She needed to start laying a foundation of trust, but then again, she had only ever met Volo. And Gift only just met him too.

What if they were wrong?

She had to keep an open mind. Not trusting, not distrusting; at least until they could form communication with Kamado. There was no time to worry about whether or not she was annoying her friend; it was time to get to work as clan leader and prepare for the meeting.

Notes:

sabi n sana sabi n sana sabi n sana-- Ahhhh I love these two, so sweet.... don't worry about chapter 14

Chapter 8: Giving the Past a Voice

“—keep telling Melli that he needs to take care of the voltorbs. He is the warden. But each day, more of my berries go missing. And I find her. The same Voltorb. Eating pecha berries. I need those berries because of the sneaslets. They poison me and my pokemon verrry often. But I cannot yell at Voltorb, she is just hungry. But Melli should feed her!”

Volo and the warden reached the outskirts of the icelands as they spoke. The Warden had been telling Volo stories about his duties—and how they were continuously interrupted—for the duration of the cold trek. Instead of being bored, however, Volo was delighted with the conversation.

He nodded and laughed in response. “From the sound of it, you and Melli have hordes of young pokemon to watch after. Surely, the noble will feed them? Or they would feed themselves? I would think that it is hardly the warden’s responsibility if one goes missing.”

The warden huffed. “That would be true, if the babies were foraging in the wild. Instead of my berries.”

“Hmm…” Volo paused in thought. “Perhaps you could actively find berries better suited to her? She clearly likes Pecha. If she had more options, perhaps some other sweet berries could get her to stay away from your stashes.”

The Warden opened his mouth, then closed it. “That is a verrrry good idea. Voltorb could come even more often. I could teach her things. I could make fun of Melli that I am taking better care of his Lord’s children.” He cackled, which was incredibly off putting given his neutral expression. “Yes, this is a verrry good plan.”

Volo snorted. “You really do everything you can to annoy this Melli, don’t you?” Just before, the Warden was telling Volo all about how he ‘experienced underground transportation.’ Translation: he rode in a huge cat’s basket sprinting through a cave, screaming the entire time.

“I cannot help it. He is verrrry easy to annoy. Verrry funny.”

“Fair,” Volo allowed. He did not know Melli, but he had to admit that he wanted to see the poor man’s face at some of the things the Warden did.

“Hmmm… what berries would be better…” The Warden launched into an analysis of the berries growing in the highlands, where to find them, how sweet they were, and many more details.

Volo was… happy to listen. He… he actually rather enjoyed conversing with the warden. It had been literal days, and still, he did not tire of conversation. Even now, he listened, well aware that anyone else would be bored out of their mind at the many details provided.

It was strange.

Volo was so, so used to falsities. Masks. This world and the last proved to him again and again that humanity is cold. Cruel. Unwilling to entertain even the slightest oddity. No, not just humanity: even the gods. Arceus abandoned the last world Volo was in.

And yet this man… He was not of this world. His skills with pokemon were enough to overcome that ostracization. Volo wanted to know more about him. How could one person truly be so kind? So willing to help others? For Arceus sake, his goal in life was guiding people. Helping others.

Well, that and battling, whatever that meant. But given he had no one to battle, his focus was on guiding.

Really, that only sweetens the deal. Volo learned that the best way to judge a person’s character was by their desires. And the Warden left his heart on his sleeve. It was clear what he wanted, and what he wanted was good. He is a good man.

…How unfortunate that such a person is so rare.

Volo is tired of this world. He hates that they put this man down. He hates that others are not given the chance that he was, to be something in their society. Volo listened closely to the warden’s stories, afraid to tell his own. Afraid he would be betrayed.

It would not be the first time that the person who was supposed to care the most had betrayed him.

…But they had just met. Truly, Volo should not even be worrying about telling him anything at all. Trust should be highly guarded. And yet, Volo felt himself wanting to share. To tell the Warden his ideas, his goals, his wish… A wish to rewrite the world.

And yet… was the world the Warden from as kind as he? Volo recalled a world of kindness, before the gods abandoned it. Could there be another world out there, a world of love?

“Warden,” Volo found his voice, urgency taking over his thoughts.

“—Mago would be best but—hm? What?”

Volo immediately backtracked. “Ah, my apologies, I did not mean to interrupt you.”

“You are okay. I am thinking aloud. What is it?”

Well. Volo really should have thought this out before opening his mouth. The Warden’s full attention was trained on him, and it was intense. Expectant. “I—I, that is, I was wondering if you would be interested in hearing about what brought me to Hisui?” Was he… was he doing this? So much for being ready.

“Yup! I would be verrry interested. I have told many stories. You have not. Please, tell me stories.”

“Well, I would not go as far as to call them ‘stories,’” Volo laughed nervously. “I… I wanted to come to Hisui because I heard there were remnants of Celesticans. My first world; it was called Celestica. I wanted to see if there are any connections.”

The Warden’s eyes widened. “That is verrry interesting. I have heard that word before, I think. About the ruins.”

“You know of ruins?” Volo gasped. “Please, I want to see them!”

“I can take you there. Later, right now you are going back to the settlement.”

Volo only laughed, his mind moving a mile a minute. “Oh, I have only just arrived, and there is so much to do! This is thrilling! What’s more, I heard there may even be a Celestican survivor somewhere…?”

“If there is, I do not know,” the Warden admitted. “I have always assumed that it is just the two clans. But maybe there is someone else. I can ask Irida. If they were regarded as a stranger, they may not have been mentioned.”

“I would greatly appreciate that,” Volo could not keep the splitting smile from his face. “I was afraid I would have to scour the region on my own. Your help is greatly appreciated. Which, on that note… do you require payment for your services?”

The Warden held his chin in thought. “Yes.”

Volo chuckled. Naturally, it would not be free. “Let’s hear it.”

“You will have to battle me before every trip.” The Warden made a small smile. It was the second time Volo saw him smile.

Volo was stunned. “You’re joking.”

“I am not. I would verrry much like to battle you. And it sounds like you will forget.”

Volo stared at him a moment longer, then burst out into laughter. Of course. He had already established the Warden’s desires. Truly, what was he even expecting? “You really are something,” Volo said at last, able to speak through his laughter. “I am interested, I swear. I do wish to become stronger. You see, there are legends of powerful pokemon…”

“Powerful pokemon? Legend… Legendaries?” The Warden seemed to be asking himself instead of Volo. “Legendaries… Dragons…”

Volo did not say anything, waiting with bated breath. Was he remembering something? Volo had heard some of the Unovan descended Jubilife settlers swear to dragons, but beyond that, Volo knew little of dragons. Well, besides Garchomp, but that's another story.

Eventually, he shook his head. “I do not remember. But I feel like there were legendary dragons. Where I came from. Not here.”

Volo nodded emphatically. “That sounds incredible! If you ever remember anything more, I would be more than willing to listen!”

“Thank you,” he took a deep breath. “I am not familiar with many legends in Hisui. But that is because I do not really go to the village much. Calaba knows the most. But she does not like me much.”

“Ah, if it is uncomfortable for you, I am more than willing to initiate conversation myself,” Volo said. “Where might I meet this Calaba?” It was only after he spoke that he realized he may have stepped on the Warden’s poor experience. Surely, he should have shown some sympathy? Or at least acknowledged the issue?

But the warden was already speaking. “She is Warden of Lord Ursaluna, in the Crimson Mirelands. It can be added to the list. We have verrry many places to go.”

Volo forgot his concern in his excitement. “I think I need to start writing things down. Figure out where to go first, as well… My priority would be meeting the Celestican, but without leads..?” He tapped his chin in thought. Ruins, legends, Celestica. “Do you know if the ruins have any text or writing in stone?”

“I do not know. Maybe. Maybe not.”

“Ah, that is fine. I would likely be interested in meeting Calaba first, then.” As fascinating as the ruins were, socializing would be harder. If anything went sour, he would be the first to desert the village, but it would be better that he build relationships first. The ruins could wait.

“Verrry good. I will bring my pokemon next time. Can you bring me two more pokeballs?”

Volo shook his head goodnaturedly. “Increasing the price on me? Hm, and here I thought you were not the type to barter.”

“I want to catch more pokemon. Make more friends. I think six is a good number.” Volo almost appreciated how the Warden completely blew off his jab. He was unphased. He just wanted to battle. Admirable, honestly.

“Perhaps I should do the same..” Volo wondered aloud. He was ready to walk in relative silence again, but the Warden was already speaking.

“Tell me more about the legends. And the ruins. You have heard things, yes? I am interested.”

“O-oh? You are?” Volo scrambled his mind. “That is, I mean, of course I would be more than glad to tell you! Let me see… Perhaps I could speak of the gods first? Ah, the clans revere a singular ‘Sinnoh,’ if I am correct?”

“Yes. But they are wrong. They think the other clan’s god is not real. I think both are real. But ‘god’ is a strong word. I think they are pokemon.”

Volo nodded along as the other spoke. “I admit, your assertion that they are not gods baffles me. But your certainty is correct! There are in fact, two. More, actually; there is a third and a fourth that are stronger than both! First, have you heard of Arceus?”

The warden hesitated. “I have. Not here. But I know that name.”

“Back in your first world?” Volo urged. The Warden nodded. “Well! How fascinating! I know Arceus to be the creator of the universe, in mine.” A betrayer, unwilling to protect the beings they created. “The legends I read here never mentioned the god by name; but the duties and origin legends are so similar that it is impossible to ignore. I wonder, was the name lost to time, as Palkia and Dialga were? Oh, if only I could speak with the Celestican! Oh right, Warden, you know Arceus to be the creator, yes?”

“Maybe,” he said. “That does not sound wrong. But I do not have strong feelings.”

“Fair enough,” the Warden had already shown that he was not the religious type. Nor did he seem to be particularly concerned with the past, but that may be an after-effect of his amnesia. Volo continued telling him of the legends he knew from this world and his own. Legends of spirits of the lake, of molten lava given life, nightmares given form, and more. He had learned them as a child.

But there was only one he had seen with his own eyes. “Earlier, I mentioned a fourth being, alongside Arceus and the two Sinnoh,” Volo continued, remembering red skies and unholy screams. “The fourth, a creature formed of shadows with claws of gold. I never knew its name…”

Notes:

bruh i legit forgot to update this has been written for two weeks my bad anyways uhhhh FRIENDSHIP FRIENDSHIP FRIENDSHIP

Chapter 9: Things Left Unsaid

“How much longer, Cyllene?”

“The arrival time will be in 54 minutes sir. One minute less than the last time you asked, sir,” Cyllene replied stiffly, not bothering to check the exact seconds anymore. As precise as she preferred to be, there was a limit to her patience, and Kamado was beginning to reach it. “Again, the clans are without clocks or watches, so the likelihood of an exact arrival time is unlikely.”

The pair of them sat in the uncompleted galaxy office, surrounded by raised beams and unfinished dreams. Construction began the moment the meeting was set, given that villagers still had tents they could use. It was not perfect, it would take time to build houses either way. Making a good impression on the clans was of utmost importance.

It was gracious of the Gingko merchant to have set up the meeting, though he would not be taking any part in direct politics. He claimed to be ‘building relationships’ all on his own. As much as Cyllene doubted that he would be of any help in that regard, the Gingko merchants were specifically separate from the Galaxy team. Yes, they were all settlers of Jubilife, but she knew better than to expect anything from him. It was not her business.

What was her business, right now, was putting the planning in order. Construction was high on priorities, but so was the organization of the Galaxy team. Nothing official had been done, besides Commander Kamado and Ress, the village guard. So far, there had been minimal trouble, however that could change in an instant. Cyllene was under the opinion that the team needed to be formed urgently such that pokemon may be dealt with more efficiently. Now, in that moment of peace, is the best time to prepare.

However, the locals were and would always be the number one priority. Peace was preferred, however Commander Kamado made it clear that he wanted Hisui to be their home no matter the trials they faced. Cyllene, on her part, is more than capable of battling, but that does not change the fact that she would really rather not. Right now, the Galaxy team is all potential and little concrete. They had little to offer.

Little, however, is not nothing; and Cyllene had already coached Kamado on what they could offer, outside the Gingko Merchants, of course. For now, all that was left was to attend the meeting and take note of everything that was being said.

Cyllene was no less impatient than Kamado, who asked the time four more times in the following 48 minutes, but at least she had the tact to keep her impatience to herself.

The first leader arrives precisely 5 minutes early. To the second, even, surprising Cyllene. A young adult clad in elaborate robes and stylized hair, he certainly took the time to make an impression. Beside him was a shorter woman with black hair, however she held herself with just as much confidence as her senior. That is not to mention the pokemon; an eevee and a Munchlax.

“I am Adaman, Leader of the Diamond Clan,” he bowed with a casual smirk. “This is Warden Mai, stationed here in the Obsidian Fieldlands. She watches over Lord Wyrdeer.” He glanced around, then nodded to the distance. “It appears Irida is almost here.”

True to his word, the second leader arrived, though her entourage was slightly different. There was a man with drooping eyelids, holding the hand of a child with poofy hair. Their pale purple hoodies mirrored Mai’s. However, there was only one Eevee accompanying them.

Cyllene was somewhat off put by the ages of the leaders. For them to be so young, surely the clans had faced hardship to have lost the elders. Was it to the land? Or to each other? They seemed friendly enough, but a second generation experienced with war would prefer a shaky peace. Or was there a system of leadership unfamiliar to Cyllene that favored younger leaders?

“Greetings,” Leader Irida introduced herself. “I am Leader Irida. My companions are Warden Kineza and his ward, Lian. They too are stationed here in the Obsidian Fieldlands, watching over Lord Kleavor’s domain.”

Cyllene took note as her leader began, “It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Commander Kamado, founder of the Jubilife village you stand in today. This is Cyllene…” he hesitated.

Ah, that’s right. The Galaxy team was not official.

She had not intended on speaking, but alas, it was necessary. “I am the captain of the Galaxy Corps,” she stated plainly. “The Galaxy corps will be in charge of security, survey, and medical duties in the settlement,” she defined the term.

Kamado nodded gratefully to her and continued, “It is my pleasure to welcome you all to the Jubilife Settlement.” His voice was gruff, as usual, but there was an edge to it. “Hisui is your home. I freely admit that we came without warning to make it our home as well. However, I believe that our relationship will be beneficial. For one, we can offer our technologies to you.”

As he gestured, Cyllene continued to take notes. She was pleased he opened with technology as she requested, however she prayed that he was thinking this through and not simply speaking. Volo had already warned them of a distaste towards pokeballs, and it would not do for him to sour the relationship so quickly.

“We have architecture. Clocks. Cameras. The merchants have even more.” Cyllene nodded along. Good. “I propose that we may have an exchange of information. Hisuian lands are as dangerous as they are bountiful, and I promise that our might is only going to grow.”

Cyllene did not let her unease show. Military power. An offer of help behind a thinly veiled threat. She was not sorry that she was the one taking notes at the moment.

“Hisui truly is bountiful,” Leader Irida agreed. “So long as you treat the space and the pokemon within the respect they deserve, I believe that our relationship may be one of peace.”

Leader Adaman tilted his head, only half agreeing. “Our lives last only so long. There is little reason to settle if you do not intend to stay; especially when one wrong encounter can snuff it out. I am more than interested in sharing knowledge, so long as it is to the benefit of that time.”

“As Commander, my top priority is keeping my people safe. As you say Leader Adaman, putting resources towards preserving that time together is my utmost goal. And Leader Irida, as I understand it, respect is necessary towards survival. If one mistreats the land, the land will respond in kind. I assure you that we of the Jubilife village will conduct ourselves properly towards the space we have arrived in,” Kamado navigated the conversation. “I am pleased that we can come to an agreement. Perhaps we can begin discussing what that respect may look like? What an exchange may be?”

--

So much was left unsaid. Too much.

Irida felt ill at ease. They discussed the land, the time as Adaman wished, and of the nobles. In exchange, it seemed Irida was going to be roped into getting a clock. But all the same, little was said on the raising of pokemon. On pokeballs. Kamado mentioned his might, but she had not seen a single tamed pokemon. Did they not have any? Or were they in pokeballs?

Was Volo and his comfort with powerful pokemon the norm? Or the exception?

…With Adaman there, she did not feel comfortable asking.

She could tell he was not satisfied either. No doubt he was waiting for pokeballs to be brought up, and with Irida’s concern about respect, he would likely want her on his side as well. But she could not trust his narrative with pokeballs. Not with how Gift interacted with Volo.

And yet, by not saying anything, Kamado did not make pokeballs look any better. It made it seem as though he was hiding something. If they were truly good, why would there be anything to hide?

…Irida really wished she could have gotten a conversation in with Gift. But apparently, he had been running across the region. He wanted to meet Warden Arezu for something? She had no idea. Meanwhile, Kineza told her that the Merchant Volo was working overtime on foraging. He was on the move, hungry for something. Even if she did find him, would he entertain a conversation with her?

She found herself sighing. Despite being there at the first meeting between the clans and the village, she felt so out of the loop. Why did the village feel the need to hide things? What did that have to say about the situation?

…What if Adaman was right? What if pokeballs were disrespectful at best; cruel at worst? Would she have to confront Gift about it?

She hated the idea. She had no reason to argue with him thus far, oddities aside. Besides, he has it hard enough. He is among the few people she truly feels comfortable speaking to, a friend. He is her friend.

…Maybe she’s overthinking things again. Like with Palina. Even so, the politics of it could not help but make her worry. There was no way for her to find clear answers.

But for now, the meeting was over. She and Adaman had already parted, and soon, she would be parting with Kineza and Lian.

Actually, wait… “Hey Kineza,” Irida began. He hadn’t said a word in the meeting, but his presence as another authority figure was necessary. “You mentioned Volo was foraging, and you met him for the first time awhile ago. What did you think of him?”

“..hm.” Kineza had this habit of staring at the ground while walking, and now was no exception. He did not even look up as he answered, “he is as much a stranger to jubilife as gift is to pearl.”

Irida found herself slowing at the information, “Truly?” to think that he would immediately draw a connection with Gift.

“mm,” Kineza acknowledged. Her slowed pace worked out, as he came to a dead stop before hitting a tree he had not seen because he was staring at the ground. Lian tugged his sleeve and, slowly, he made his way around.

She waited for him to say something more, but he did not. After they picked up the pace again, she urged, “What makes you think that?”

He yawned. “..the village isn’t familiar with pokemon. at all. they looked at the eevee with fear.”

“Wh- did they really?” Irida… Irida had not noticed. She assumed the odd looks were born from them being strangers. The tense feeling… well, given her thoughts, she assumed it was all in her head. She had not realized any of it was external.

Lian tipped his hat. “Yes Ma’am. If I may add, Volo is quite knowledgeable. Not as much as Gift; but he knew about Togepis. He found an egg a few days ago and showed me.”

“...Huh.” So he was the outlier then. And about pokemon… Kamado was not avoiding the topic out of false respect. He was avoiding the topic because he had no experience at all. He did not yet possess the ‘might’ he claimed to have. “Thank you both. That is quite telling.”

…Not to mention, Volo is an outsider. It’s not surprising how quickly he and Gift clicked.

“We have arrived at Kleavor’s seat,” Lian declared. “Thank you for entertaining my request to join the meeting. As we are going to be in close proximity with the settlement, knowledge of the situation will be vital going forward.”

Irida smiled. “Of course.” If they were to stay, Lian would certainly need the knowledge, young or not. Obviously, tragedy can strike at any moment, but…

…No, she can hardly think like that. The more pressing reason was that Kineza could easily fall asleep and miss what was said during the meeting. She needed Lian there such that she knew someone would be listening.

“..take care.”

And with that, it was time for Irida to make the long trek home… alone. Well, not quite, at least she had eevee. She ruffled the little one’s fur, and took a breath. “Let’s go.”

Notes:

its publishing at the correct time for once -_-
anyways hello friends! its tension time!

Chapter 10: The Mending Coat

Maintaining clothes should be a lot easier than it is.

Not that he should know, given his lack of memories. But he was certain that it should be easier. He had to use needles and threads and weird berries to clean. Warden Arezu said his coat no longer looked like a beat up shuppet cloak. But even after repairs, it was not shiny. It was not even completely black anymore. It had started to fade.

He thought cleaning it up would make it like it was used to. But it was only more different.

It was still not his.

Even faded, it was still black. It was still faceless. Empty. But it was not… It was… He was not sure. He had learned to ignore it, before. To push that feeling of wrong away. To leave it forgotten along with the rest of his memories. But then he met Volo, and the past seemed to whisper at him every day. He was no longer ignoring it.

But he was mending it. The coat was not perfect, but it was better. Not as it was before, when he first arrived. Now, it was patched. The cuffs were no longer tearing off. There were no more stray strings. The ends were… still kind of frayed, but he did the best he could.

The coat is not his.

But the thread that pulled it together was. The soap he used to clean it was. The care was his own. Whose coat is it? Whose emptiness is he trying to fill?

He saw a puddle today. In the reflection was a scruffy man he did not recognize. But he was able to look. Stare, even. It was not him, but it could be. No, not quite. He would make it him. He took a knife to his sideburns, sharpening them. He removed whatever was happening on his chin. He took off the hat, and chopped off most of the hair.

It was not perfect. His sideburns were not sharp. His haircut was not crisp. But there was no smile. No frown. The black coat and hat were upon his body. They just were. That was how it was.

He felt like he could breathe, if only for a moment.

But the next moment brought a new breed of unease. Because he had lost something. Something he could not remember.

He could not… he could not simply accept it. There was a man in the reflection. Warden Gift, his title. But what was his name? He could not let go. He could not. He felt… No, he wanted the truth. He did not want to sit still anymore. He did his best to fit into this life, but it is not his.

Right now, he was making his way to the gates of Jubilife. There, he would see Volo again. Volo, who reminded him that this was not his world. Who reminded him that there was something more. He was reminded of the past, yes, but it did not make him panic. He did not know who he was, but he was not afraid. Because he was going to find out.

They were going to battle, too. A single battle. Volo only has two pokemon that can battle, and four is best. There are only three pokeballs on the warden’s belt, anyways. And then after, they will begin their journey. They will meet Calaba. Then, maybe ruins. Sneasler did not need help now. Volo did foraging for the merchants so that they would not complain about his absence. They had lots to explore. To learn.

They would find answers, one destination at a time. The final terminal was a long ways off, but they were finally on the tracks. Filled with anticipation, the man in the black coat moved forward.

“Greetings, ah, Warden Gift?” the guardsman acknowledged him. “Volo mentioned you would be arriving soon.”

“That is my title. Yup!” He nodded.

Volo was there in moments. “Excellent to see you again, my friend! I am ready to leave immediately,” He greeted with a wide smile. The man was opening his mouth to speak, but Volo was already interrupting. “Ah ah ah; I know what you’re going to ask. I have not forgotten, I assure you. We should get going, first.”

Volo moved closer to whisper, “I don’t feel comfortable with an audience.”

The man nodded. “Understood! Let us be off.”

They ventured wordlessly into the Obsidian Fieldlands. It was not till the village was out of sight that Volo came to a stop. “Here should work just fine. Well then?”

It was a clear, grassy plain. The two moved to stand across from each other. There were no pokemon at their sides; no, they were in pokeballs. Volo held one each hand, uncertain, waiting for the Warden’s move. It would not be a double battle, but a single. They would use two pokemon each.

The man took a breath. “I am… I am… I am ready. I…” He felt words, some of them were empty, but some of them were filled. He did not want to trip over himself. But he wanted to ride these rails. “I like winning more than anything else. I am going to be serious. Really serious.”

He found himself standing up straight. He smiled. His body and arms moved fluidly in a motion that he took for the first time. A motion that he had taken thousands of times before. “Because if a battle is not serious, it is not fun.” He released the freshly evolved Yanmega, then gripped his hat.

Volo looked a little out of his depth, but he released his pokemon. “Spiritomb!”

The man gasped as the ghost came into play. He did not know what to expect, but Spiritomb are verrry rare. Ghost dark. Resistant to bug, but Ancient Power was much weaker than Silver Wind. Given Yanmega’s typing, the resistance would not be enough to solidify the rock type as a better choice. Air slash would deal the most damage, but Silver Wind would raise Yanmega’s stats.

The only question was this: How strong is Spiritomb?

He made a decision. “Yanmega, Silver Wind!” The Spiritomb faltered, but had more than enough energy remaining. Yanmega moved just a bit faster, all of its stats having been raised. The bug’s speed was astonishing given the training it had received, but it waited for command.

He did not say anything, waiting for Volo to give his next command, “Spiritomb, Dark Pulse, strong style!” The Spiritomb drew intense levels of power into its move, releasing a huge blast. The man was stunned to watch it tear through the poor bug. Even with the stat increases, Yanmega could not take the hit.

Well. If that was not thrilling!! “Electabuzz!” Hardly a moment passed as the heavier pokemon got to its feet was the man already giving commands. “Thunder Punch!”

The Spiritomb hardly moved in response, seeming to be recoiling from the exertion of the move it used before. It took the brunt of the move, and the keystone fell to the ground with a hollow thud. Electabuzz may be far more powerful than Yanmega, but he had been certain the bug’s speed would allow it to be a better opening. But having seen Spiritomb’s power, he was not going to risk Haunter.

Volo recalled the ghost, shouting, “Lucario!” The pokemon landed and let out a roar. “Bullet Punch!”

Poor choice, electric resists steel. Especially with mach punch as an option. Electabuzz barely flinched, but the warden was not prepared for Volo to push immediately, “Aura Sphere, strong style!”

Electabuzz reeled from the hit, but remained standing. What was this strong style? The warden did not have time to contemplate. “Thunder Punch!” The Lucario staggered, but was still panting from the power of its strong style move. The man did not hesitate to call out another move, seeing his chance. “Once more! Finish him!”

The Lucario could not take the second hit.

The man relaxed his stance, recalling Electabuzz. “I won against you. But this is not the end. I am sure we will fight again. I will wait for it and win against you again.”

Volo snorted. “I see how it is.”

He could not help the wide smile that spread across his face. “I like winning more than anything else. But you were verrry strong. What were those moves? Strong style? I have never heard of them. I did not expect Yanma to go down like that. Verrry fast.” On that note, he pulled out the bug to feed it some berries. It needed to get some health back.

“Strong style? Oh yeah, I had been expecting you to pull it out with Yanmega, especially with the fast Silver Wind. I had been wondering why you did not take advantage of that, but I had not realized you were unfamiliar. Are you more used to battles that go one move after the other then?” Volo asked. He healed his own pokemon. “It seemed natural to me, I don’t remember where I learned it.”

Verrry interesting. So Yanmega could have used his speed to move again. Or strong style, to keep up with the slower pokemon.”

“There is also agile style! I would be more than happy to tell you as we keep moving,” Volo offered. “Still, you certainly were not kidding about being strong. And here I really thought I had a chance…”

“You did have a chance. I think I got lucky.”

Volo rolled his eyes. “No you did not. You don’t have to pretend.”

The man laughed. “I do not know why, but that felt right to say. But I will not pretend. You will get stronger. The battle was still verrry good. I cannot wait to battle again. Tell me about the styles!”

--

A woman in a cottage with hair pale as snow rested beneath her parasol, sipping tea. She had grown more than used to the solitude, after so many years.

And yet, things were changing. Only a year ago, she felt the cogs of history shift. The sky opened up, if only for a moment. Was that the one she was waiting for? Or were they but a prelude? Prophecy and divination could only tell her so much.

The winds of change never did still, but something was different. She felt as though she was soon to meet some important players, chosen one be damned.

History itself was in motion, but first, a storm brewed on the horizon…

Notes:

Here is an awesome art Raynavan made for this fic! Bc yaaaay friendship :D :D And we just had battle!!!

Chapter 11: The Passage of Time

If nothing else, if absolutely nothing else, living alone in the Cobalt Coastlands is simple.

One day at a time, Paline takes care of Lord Arcanine. His egg is due to hatch soon, and in the meantime, she did everything in her power to keep him comfortable. She forages, tidies the den, and… not much else, really. Simple, yes.

But it was not peaceful. There was an edge to each action she took, every moment whispering with danger. The days were filled with deadly pokemon she learned to avoid, paths of alphas to watch out for, and in the night her very soul was in danger when the ghosts woke.

That edge almost took away the loneliness. Almost.

There was another warden in the area, Warden Iscan. But she never interacted with the man. Unlike her, he spent all of his time in his hut, away from his lord, away from the world. Though he would occasionally go out to forage or fish, he would become skittish at the sight of her. At the sight of pokemon. At the sight of everything.

Part of Palina felt a sense of companionship. He too must have clearly been sequestered to the Cobalt Coastlands without say, stuck with a job he clearly did not want.

And yet, all she felt was disdain. Wasn’t Diamond Clan and their false god supposed to be reverent of time? And yet, he spent not a moment of it with his Lord, from what she could see. He wasted all of it away in that hut of his, afraid of the world outside. She’d seen him run from Starlies. Starlies!

She was perfectly happy that she never had a chance to speak with him.

….Palina never wanted to be a warden. She was much older than Irida, and had at some points taken over some of the clan duties in her earliest days of leadership. Back when Irida was a child still recovering from the loss of her mother.

And yet, Palina received no thanks. No, she was assigned more duty, more responsibility; she became a warden. Which left the young Irida to fare for herself. It had been years, and the child was still just that- a child. A teenager, perhaps, but still with far too much on her shoulders. Years or no, Palina still burned that Irida alone had been chosen, unable to receive any more help.

…Palina refused to make the girl shoulder any of her worries. She would keep it to herself, and support the leader as best as she could, from the distance she had been very clearly told to take.

All the same, not an ounce of the blame rested on Lord Arcanine. She served him, yes, but not out of some false sense of duty. The Almighty Sinnoh saw fit that she see challenges in her life, but his presence was never one of them. No, she served him because she cared. He treated her like family. He is her family.

And now, here she was. Alone, on the beach. She watched the evening sunset. It was beautiful, truly, but not even her Lord was present to bask in it with her. She knew that he was aware of her, and if trouble came, she could call for him. But he attended to his egg.

Brilliant orange reflected off the rippling waves, dispelling tension and unease. She took a breath in, only to sigh at the thought. She had a moment of peace, yes, but from what? Nothing ever happened here.

She closed her eyes, attempting to take back that peace. The waves… the sound…

At long last, she was startled to attention at the roar of her Lord. She spun to see Lord Arcanine Barrelling towards her, and she immediately knew to jump on his back. They raced back to the den, and sure enough, she slid off to see a shaking egg.

It shook and rattled as Palina gasped in delight. She knelt before it, watching as a crack appeared in the shell. And another, and another.

Her heart swelled as the little pup emerged, eyes covered by bangs, still waiting to see the world. It seemed things could be moving a little faster in the Cobalt Coastlands, for once… She had to see that the little prince had a friend. Growlithes do est in pairs after all, and there was the matter of the partner pokemon she had been putting off as well… Perhaps a second pokemon, of the wild, would count?

She gave the little pup a kind stroke. “Welcome to the world.”

--

Days passed. Weeks. Travel was going verrry well.

Calaba was surprisingly more than willing to tell stories. “It is a pleasant surprise to hear that you are interested in our heritage,” she said. “I am more than willing to oblige. History is incredibly important, and it will serve you well not to forget that.” Volo had agreed.

But unfortunately, said stories were little to go off of. The legends were hard to understand. They seemed more like ghosts of stories that Volo had already told. Even more, Pearl’s tale of the Almighty Sinnoh was completely different than that of Volo’s, the first being a god of space and the latter of the world itself. That is not even to mention Diamond’s tale, which they had not yet sought out.

They visited the ruins. The man watched as Volo touched the stones, his face completely void of emotion. But it was a trained kind of void. A void that came with practice and trauma, a look that was certain to have graced his face for a long time in the past. And sometimes, he would smile. That bright, practiced, fake smile.

The man did not comment. Volo recognized these ruins. But Volo never said as much, and that was okay. His recognition must not be informative, so the man would not push.

They kept battling. Volo got a budew. The warden caught the naughty Voltorb, who was thrilled to be a part of the team (and eat more pecha berries without scolding). Volo hatched an egg, and a baby Togepi traveled with them too. The togepi did not fight, though.

Always, they trained. They made sure their pokemon were as strong as they could be, and kept pushing them further. Maybe it would be more important to keep traveling, keep learning, keep searching; but the man wanted to live, too. Besides, Volo said they could have verrry scary battles ahead. Battles with legendaries. They would need to be ready.

Weeks became months. The man was only rarely called for duty elsewhere, and he hardly noticed his duties as warden. Sneasler often accompanied him and Volo, and seemed happy to do so. He had not seen Melli and Irida much, but they would be okay. The man continued to learn more about legends than he ever thought he would. They did not capture his attention the same way that battles and tunnels did, but he knew they were important. Those legends were going to bring him back to his past. So he focused.

….And yet, while Volo was left with bated breath at the sight of ruins, memories so clearly troubling him…. The man found nothing.

He felt impatient. When was he going to find his answers? But it had only been a few months. It was probably okay. He could wait longer. They had not even met any legendaries. They were making progress.

And today, they were about to make more.

“This is-” Volo gasped as he stooped to the ground. Curious, the man kneeled next to him. It was a basket, filled with leaves. Soft, young budded leaves.

“What are those?” Then he realized. “This was done on purpose. Nobody lives in this area.”

“Precisely,” Volo glanced up at him, a hopeful grin rising to his eyes. “These leaves… they’re perfect for tea.”

The man hesitated, almost afraid to ask in case he was wrong. “...Celestican?”

“Well, it seems I have been discovered,” A woman spoke from behind them. She wore a pristine black dress, untouched from wear or use. She stooped to pick up the basket, an impressive feat given that she did not get a speck of dirt on her dress as she did so. “Speaking of tea, would you two care to join me in my retreat for a cup?”

--

Lian was feeling antsy.

It has now been several months since the meeting, and Kineza has not so much as suggested they go and find a partner pokemon. It was kind of required.

He had already decided exactly what pokemon he wanted. If Kineza was not going to find one, then Lian was! He was old enough. Strong enough. He did not need the elder’s help. Though, he would need to know how to find them.

“Warden Kineza!” He alerted the man, jolting him awake from his midday nap. “Do you know where to find goomies?”

“..ah… not now. goomy like rain. live in the swamps.” Kineza rolled over.

Lian nodded. Satisfied. Perfect. Well, all that was left was to wait for a storm, yes?

Notes:

Guess who forgot what time was. Today is Friday, not Thursday, oops. Fitting, for a chapter titled 'The Passage of time.'
thank for the many reminders blue
Aaaanyways, we have a bitter lil Palina, and some bois antsy for answers. But will they find the answers they seek? who knows, maybe me dont ask if i know them i do just not off the top of my head this is why i have notes

...All that's left is to wait for the storm, yes?

Chapter 12: The Cogs of History

“I am Cogita, and this is my home, the Ancient Retreat.”

There was something deathly familiar about her. Something that Volo could not quite grasp, something about her face. He had never seen it before, and yet…

Behind a bubbling stream and stack of hills was a little cove, well kept and secluded from the outside world. It was just outside the Obsidian Fieldlands, and astonishingly easy to miss due to the cover of trees and hills. The tent in the back resembled that of the clans’, however the delicate table and chair were of a style unlike that seen in Pearl or Diamond.

…Volo could not help but feel an ounce of disappointment, that the place did not resemble a ruin of sorts. For being ‘Ancient,’ it was much the same as things in current time.

Elegantly, Lady Cogita took a seat at the table, her posture intrigued and watching. Volo and the Warden remained standing as she began to speak, “Hmm… I feel as though the two of you are different. But are either the one I am waiting for…? I cannot say.”

Volo did not care for ambiguous wondering. “Is it true that you are the last remaining Celestican?” He asked, hungry for answers.

She made something of a disdained expression, “That may be true.” Her face cleared. “But if I may, young man, first would I hear about the two of you?”

Volo opened his mouth to speak, but then closed it. In his eagerness, he completely forgot that his story was all but unbelievable. Besides, he had no idea whether or not he could actually trust her. Celestican or not, it made no difference. How could she trust him? How could she trust the Warden either, for that matter?

Fortunately, he friend picked up the conversation, “I do not know who I am. I do not have memories of the past. All I know is that I arrived here with this black coat, this black cap, alone. Here, I have been given the title of Warden Gift. I guide passengers, but it is not as I remember. Or, what I think I remember. I am here,” his eyes looked over the clearing, “because I want to know who I am.”

“Hmm…” Cogita frowned slightly. “A wretch, lost in time… change is coming, yes, and yet, where is the urgency…?” she shook her head, then nodded to Volo. “Do not mind my musings. And you?”

Volo took a deep breath, and smiled. “My name is Volo. In these lands, I am known as a merchant, however history and legends are my true calling.” He hesitated, unwilling to say more.

“And yet, you know of Celesticans?” She looked him up and down. Given the familiarity of her face, he immediately realized that she would instantly call his bluff.

“Yes. Because I…” He took a deep breath. “I am Celestican as well.” There. He said it.

Slowly, she took a sip of her tea. “You do not seem like one who simply took the Celestican name. I admit, you do have the look of a Celestican. Perhaps you truly are of our people.” Cogita leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table with folded hands. “One of you, a wretch lost in time. The other…” she stared at Volo eerily.

He stilled, but the Warden nodded. “Yes. Can you help us?”

She let out a long sigh. “You have been here almost two years, yes Warden? I have a duty to serve, and yet I cannot tell whether or not you are the chosen one I have been waiting for. Time has not yet caught up to us. If you are, then you are early. If you are not, then there is still one to wait for.”

Volo hid his frustration behind a smile. “What does that mean? What are you waiting for?”

A distant, melancholic look entered her eyes. “The same as I have for a millenia. For the cogs of history to turn, until they still. To help the chosen one to restore balance. Now, the cogs still turn. I believe the time is rapidly approaching, but…” she shook her head.

“That is verrry confusing,” the Warden said bluntly. Volo could not agree more.

“Perhaps so,” she laughed mournfully. “But divination and prophecies can only get a woman so far. If it is legends and tales you seek, then I may provide; but I am afraid there is little else I can do for you at the moment.”

“Please, we would be more than willing to hear whatever it is you have to say,” Volo urged. “Even if you cannot directly help us, I am certain your knowledge will be unlike anything we heard before.”

The Warden, however, was looking into the sky with a distant look. “‘Wretch lost in time’....”

Volo put his hand on his friend’s shoulder. “We will find answers. I promise. We just need to keep looking.”

“It’s been months.” the other said in frustration. “I realize time is hard. But I just wish I knew what was happening. I did not question that I would never know my past again. But then I met you. It seemed possible. Is that wrong? Is it not possible?”

Volo wanted to say something more. He wanted to assure his friend, because really, they had to find something! He was farther than he had ever been before; he even met another Celestican!

…And yet, wasn’t that just the issue? Volo was farther than he had ever been before. The Warden had learned close to nothing, outside some battle poses and phrases. Everything was for Volo’s quest, for Volo’s wishes, for Volo’s hopes.

“Perhaps it is too early to despair,” Cogita chimed in. “You may not be who I am waiting for, however I do believe that the time is coming soon. Be it days, months, or years, I do not know… but I believe that time itself will begin to unravel. Then, you may receive answers.”

“And what of before then?” Volo asked, urgent to help. “What are we to do while waiting?”

She sighed. “I am afraid you will have to learn to be patient.”

Volo was just about ready to strangle her right then, but the Warden spoke up, “We can keep training our pokemon.” His voice no longer sounded down. Yet, Volo could not help but wonder if it was a mask… “We will be strong, so that we can face even legendaries.”

Volo took a deep, calming breath. “Yeah. Yeah…” He looked to the skies for a moment, then back to his friend with a smile. “I will keep looking into legends. I am certain there are things Cogita knows that will help us.”

The warden nodded. “I have duties. I have been kind of shirking them. I can go see Irida and Melli again. As long as we keep battling, we will be fine.”

“In the immediate meantime,” Cogita interrupted, “The pair of you should stay for a few days. You have a long journey ahead of you, the sun is setting, and… there is a storm on the horizon. I would rather see you two survive it.”

“We would be more than happy to stay,” Volo flashed his best smile. “Pray, tell us what you know.”

--

Sana, Elekid, and Rhyhorn are all sleeping right now.

But not Sabi.

She stood outside, with Lord Braviary. It was kind of cold, and she really should be sleeping. If Sana knew, she would probably scold the girl.

But Sabi could not help it. Something was pressuring her clairvoyance, like a dull ache. Something was coming. “Do you feel it too, Braviary?” She whispered, huddling closer to the bird. The Lord crowed in response, and nudged her head. “You do, don’t you.”

She could not sleep. She wanted to know what that feeling was. What her clairvoyance was telling her. But she could not tell, not when everything was so murky and dark.

Something bad was coming.

Notes:

what's that, thursday? i update on fridays now~
i have a great memory

Chapter 13: The Calm Before the Storm

This is it!

Lian was thrilled, watching the skies in the distance. Dark clouds were rolling in, and the wind was soon to pick up. That means it was going to rain!

He glanced back at Kineza. The man was dozing off. He also glanced at Kleavor, sharpening his own blades on a rock. Well, Kineza is the true warden at the moment; they should be more than fine without Lian for a day.

He snuck away, making a break for the Crimson Mirelands. It would be a bit of a journey from here in the fieldlands, so if he wanted to make it in time for the storm, he would have to move quickly.

The grin on his face only widened as the wind picked up. He was going to meet Goomy soon!

--

For the first time in… Perhaps ever, Palina felt a keen sense of purpose. Purpose, yes; something she could wake up to and know that her day would be well spent before it even began.

The young Prince was growing older, and it was her responsibility to raise him well alongside his father. Today, she took him and his father out to the beach so that he could train. Perhaps play a little bit in the sand, experience a little bit more of the world. His eyes were hidden behind those long bangs, but Palina only needed to see his wagging tail to know that he was a happy pup.

The skies were a little dark, but she paid them no mind. The little pup had a lot to learn today, and she was hardly afraid of a little rain. Besides, if anything went wrong, she was more than confident that the Lord Arcanine would take care of them.

“Alright, Growlithe,” Palina smiled. “Can you show me your best rock moves?”

They continued to train. She only gave more commands as the wind picked up. It was harder to aim, she told herself, this was a good lesson. She smiled fiercely, taking the day into her own hands. Things had been going so, so well recently, and Paline refused to let go of that. It was barely midmorning, and today was going to be a productive day whether the weather liked it or not.

Not a single pokemon challenged them, leaving the entire beach open to him. The three continued to shout and move, kicking up sand from beneath their heels.

--

Sabi only felt worse at the sight of clouds in the distance.

Sana seemed to agree. “Hmm… skies look a little rough today. Let’s stay inside, alrigh- woah!” Sana stumbled slightly as Sabi barrelled into Sana’s leg, her little fingers digging into Sana’s pants. “What’s going on, kid? You good?”

Sabi took a shuddering breath, and smiled. “Yup! The storm is scary, but everything will be okay as long as we wait it out inside! That’s… That’s what my clairvoyance is telling me.”

That wasn’t true. Her clairvoyance was screaming, the dull ache moving to a full on migraine. There was danger. True danger, and Sabi saw it clawing at Sana. But only, only if she went flying in the storm. They would be fine, perfectly fine and safe, but only if they remained inside. “Yes, let’s stay inside… all day today….” Sabi whispered, doing her very best not to cry.

She was scared. She was exhausted, she hadn’t slept last night. Her head hurt.

But she did not let go of Sana, who only ruffled her hair with an exasperated sigh. “You know it, kid. Going out in this weather is one of the worst decisions someone could make, I don’t need clairvoyance to tell me that,” she laughed.

Sabi felt just a little bit comforted. But only a little.

Because her clairvoyance had not quieted. And it was never wrong.

But Sana would stay inside. She would be okay. She had to be, right?

--

Kineza jolted awake.

He grumbled, his bones creaking. Literally. He hardly needed to open his eyes to know there was a mass of clouds in the distance. He felt the storm in his bones, and groaned. This one was going to be a rough one…

Well, he had weathered worse. It would be fine. He yawned and turned over. Storms were best for sleeping. “..hey kid…”

Silence.

“...kid?”

Kleavor stopped sharpening his blades to glance up. Kineza looked the Lord in the eye, “where’s the kid?” His voice, though quiet, was intense. Kleavor, as he cannot speak, did not answer.

Kineza got to his feet, made a few rounds, and found nothing. The wind picked up, thrusting already unkept hair into his unwilling eyes. He brushed it out, squinting for one last look.

Then he remembered what the kid said the other day. Goomies. Storms.

He remembered what he had told the boy. That Goomies love storms. Goodras do too, the alpha kind, they love storms just like these.

“Sinnoh damn it all,” he breathed in horror, realizing that the kid was gone. This could be bad. This could be very bad. He should have realized that Lian would do something just like this. “Sorry Kleavor, but I need to move,” he declared.

Kineza forgot his exhaustion as he ran out into the blustering wind alone. Much as he would like to have some strength to come with him, the Lord’s blades were far too heavy to move in this weather. Maybe he should have found something of a lightweight pokemon partner.

But now was not the time for regret or questioning himself. Now, he needed to act. He had to find the kid, and if that meant running out alone in the storm, then so be it.

He would make it in time. He must, therefore he will.

--

In Jubilife Village, Ress watches the skies nervously. That’s a storm on the horizon if he’s ever seen one.

Many houses had been completed in the short months since their arrival, but many were still in construction. That storm looked like a bad one. He had since caught a Starly, and the bird refused to exit its pokeball all morning. It had to do with the storm, of that he was certain.

He left his post, making sure that everyone was indoors. They would likely hole up in the completed houses, the structure designed to take some damage without falling. And yet, that feeling of worry always remains when the wind picks up.

Everyone was already in a building long before the first drop fell.

Notes:

If you've noticed that this and the last few chapters are a liiiiitle short, then well, you'd be correct! But fun fact, next chapter picks up the slack and is like, as long as the last three combined. That's just kind of how things worked out. But. Uhm. I think you can guess why.

In other news, it's getting verrrry intense. I hope you're all ready for a great and wonderful time :D :D I will do my verrrry best to post it Thursday! See, am posting late so that you don't have to wait so long between chapters, yeah, ofc ehehe

Chapter 14: I Love You

The wind disappeared for a moment.

For one, quiet moment, the entire world was still.

Then, the rain hit all at once in a suffocating wall, knocking Lian over at the force of it. He coughed and spat as he landed in the mud, already having arrived in the Mirelands.

“That’s some heavy weather,” he muttered informatively, unwilling to complain. If he had still been in the fieldlands, he would not be sure that he would be able to finish the trip. The heavy rain and bogged ground made moving forward quite difficult.

But Lian would not be deterred. Look how far he had come! He was going to find a goomy, yes he was.

--

The first heavy drop fell.

Palina brushed it away, it was only some rain.

She had barely finished her thought when the sheets began to fall. She could barely even see, only able to make out fuzzy shapes in the haze.

She staggered, falling to her knees as the world roared. The ocean rendered her deaf, the haze left her blinded, and the relentless pelting on her back almost hurt. Moments before, she had been dry, sending out commands and standing tall, determined she was strong enough to make this day just as good as the last.

Palina should have known better than to test the Almighty.

Because even, even through the sound, the haze, the roar: she heard that scream. Growlithe’s scream.

“Growlithe!” she gasped at first, unable to hear her own voice. He had been on the shore. She heard the sound from her left. The ocean. “GROWLITHE! LORD ARCANINE, PLEASE, CAN YOU HEAR ME?!”

Nothing, nothing, nothing.

The winds must have eaten her words. Was she truly so helpless?

No. No, no no, she would not be helpless, not now. Not ever. She had one tool, her, her flute. Fumbling for it, she began blowing before it even reached her lips, emergency, emergency, to the lord, to her clan, to the world, “Anyone, please, anyone, Sinnoh answer my call-” she prayed, and again, emergency, emergency—

Then she heard it. A tiny voice on the wind; a yelp, a bark. FEAR.

“GROWLITHE!” She wasn’t sure if she was sobbing or if she couldn’t breathe through the rain. “GROWLITHE—” She staggered to her feet, determined to leap into the water if it meant finding the young pup.

--

Kineza was running.

He had not made it to the mirelands yet as the sheets struck his body, staggering as they hit. But Lian had. Lian was in danger. He was not certain that he would make it in time.

Below the storm, he heard a small tone that could mean only one thing. Emergency. It came from the Coastlands.

“I should do the same,” he realized, pulling his own flute to his lips.

--

Sana jolted at the sound of the emergency tone.

The pouring rain had only just started. And yet, someone is in danger. From the Coastlands. Warden Palina.

Sabi was sleeping fitfully in her lap. The poor girl seemed exhausted, something on her mind all day. But Sana barely had time to worry about that right now. She needed to move. She needed to move, because as the Warden of Lord Braviary, she is the only one who can answer calls across the land at a moment’s notice.

Gently, she lifted Sabi onto the bed beside her.

She heard a second emergency tone. This time, it was from Wardan Kineza. But… he was in the Mirelands…? Oh no…

Braviary stared at her, slowly, contemplating, as she approached. “We have to move now,” she told the lord. “Someone is in danger.” Several. The Coastlands, and the Mirelands. But which should she go to?

Braviary continued to stare, his psychic ability seeing something Sana could not. Then, he only stooped his neck, making no effort to dissuade her. She hopped on.

The two stepped out into the storm. It was heavy. Bad. This would not be a safe flight.

Sana took one last look at Sabi, still sleeping, fortunately. She made a fond smile, and whispered, “I love you.”

Sana and Braviary took off.

--

Iscan huddled as the relentless noise attacked his tent. The fabric itself rustled and rattled and shook; he was certain that it would not stand.

“I don’t wanna be a ghost, I don’t wanna be a ghost, I don’t wanna be a—”

A tentpost collapsed.

 

“AHHHHHH!” He screamed, tears jumping to his eyes. He, he couldn’t stay here, he was going to blow away, he was going to—

Was that the sound of an emergency tone? From the beach.

He did not need telling twice, or maybe he did, because by the time he stood, the emergency had sounded three more times. Though, one was from a lot farther away. He dashed into the rain. At the very least, he wouldn’t be crushed and suffocated by his tent this way.

“GROWLITHE!” He heard Palina’s voice. Faint, yes, but he was far closer as she screamed again, “GROWLITHE—”

He arrived just in time to grab her shoulder before she leapt in the water?!?! “Palina!” he gasped, unable to say anything else as he heaved.

“What—Warden Iscan?! What—let go of me! I- I have to go into the water, Growlithe is there, I have to—”

“Y-you cannot swim in this weather!” Iscan cut her off. He pulled out his flute to call for Lord Basculegion. “You-you w-would d-d-d—”

Unlikely as he was to finish the word, he was still cut off as a rush of wind pushed past him. Wait. Oh, oh no, that was Lord Arcanine.

The Lord was howling, traversing the waves in search of his son. No, no, no, why was everyone here determined to become a ghost???

…But if he did not, would the pup be lost? Basculegion is only so fast, and, and drowning… drowning is so quick…. Iscan squinted into the rain, but he saw nothing.

Palina, on the other hand, shot an arm out, pointing. The pup was in Arcanine’s jaws.

“Oh-” Palina sobbed, falling to her knees.

Iscan knew it was too early to celebrate. “Lord Basculegion…” he whispered, “Please hurry…”

Lord Arcanine continued to paddle, the sopping bundle of fur in his jaws, but he was slowed. He was unable to fight the pulsing waves, being carried further and further out of sight.

“NO-” Palina screamed, but Iscan held her back.

“Y-you still c-c-cannot swim!” Iscan urged, his voice trembling so hard he was amazed he said anything at all. “Lord B-Basculegion is, is- is coming! I p-promise!”

Well aware that his own voice would be of no solace, he continued to hold her, knuckles white and battered by relentless wind. The moment he let go, he was certain she would leap into her death. Please, please, please, please hurry—

--

Kineza was in the Mirelands.

He did not stop his pace. A little rain would hardly be enough to slow him at this point.

He did not know how he knew where to find the kid. Half-forgotten memories of mapping the lands, knowledge of pokemon routes he had been certain he’d forgotten, and paths he took as a child…

He kept running. He knew where to go.

“You better be alright, Lian…”

--

Sana squinted against the rain, her body plastered to Braviary’s back.

So far, she’d only had a couple of scares, the occasional lightning strike, nothing serious.

…Okay, that’s a lie, she had more than a couple scares. She was somewhat terrified for her life. As she had right to be, given that she had almost fallen off. Thrice.

It was fine. It would be fine, it would be—

Oh Sinnoh.

--

Oh! A goomy!

Lian laughed, brushing as much rain as he could from his eyes. It really did not do him much good, to be honest. He was nothing short of miserable in this weather, but he did it! He found a goomy!

Most pokemon were hiding from the weather, but just as Kineza said, the goomies were basking in it.

He approached a little pile of dragon, who noticed him in a moment. He had berries prepared in his bag, and he hoped they were still okay after the pouring rain. Goomy gratefully ate one, and wibbled back and forth in delight.

To Lian’s surprise, more goomies slugged up to him, chomping on the berries. He laughed. “I can only take one of you home,” he told them. He rubbed on of their heads, grinning.

One perked up just a little bit more than the others, and he caught its gaze. Oh. Yeah. This is the one.

“Well, partner,” he tipped his hat, “It has been a pleasure to meet you. Would you like to come home with me?”

The goomy rubbed his leg affectionately. “I’ll take that as a yes!” Lian and the Goomy turned their backs to the rest, ready to make the long journey home.

Neither noticed the burning red eyes watching them leave.

--

Sabi jolted awake.

What…. Wasn’t she sleeping on Sana? Where did Sana go? Where—

No, no. Don’t panic. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and forced a smile. Her clairvoyance had at last quieted. That was a good sign, right? That usually meant the prophecy was over. And if it was over, then it was okay. It passed.

She looked around the room, Elekid trailing behind her. Ryhorn only opened one sleepy eye to watch. “Sana…?” she whispered.

Nothing.

“....Braviary?” The nest was empty.

“Sana, you…” She gulped, still smiling, still fighting tears. “You promised me we were going to stay inside today. You promised!” She tried to keep her voice light. Sweet. Carefree. She tried her very best not to let her fear show.

“Sana?” She took a slow step outside, immediately pushed back by the rain. She fought through it, moving slowly to Braviary’s favorite perch. Surely, surely they would be there! Chatting, watching, enjoying the pelting rain….

Sabi was finding it hard to breathe as she took each slow step. The rain blistered against her face, icy drops reminding her of the foolishness that it was to venture outside.

She made it the perch.

It was empty.

Thoughtlessly, she returned to the room. Elekid hurried to her side, murmuring softly. Rhyhorn stood to nudge her gently.

“Why…” Sabi whispered. Her smile faltered. “Sana…” she sank to her knees, smile wobbling as a few stray tears ran hot tracks down her already wet face. “You promised… You promised you… You would stay. Today. You promised—”

Sabi’s voice broke, and she wrapped her arms around Ryhorn. “You promised.” Any semblance of a smile vanished. “You were… You were…”

She could barely speak anymore, sobs shaking her whole, 8 year old body. “You… you can’t be gone… I love you… Mama…”

But her clairvoyance had never been wrong.

Sabi’s stillness broke, and she wailed.

--

Lord Arcanine was being pulled farther and farther away in the currents.

Palina was screaming, sobbing, helpless. She hated Iscan, in that moment, for holding her back. She had to DO something because THE LORD AND THE PRINCE WERE GOING TO DIE.

“I have to—” she gasped for air, “I have—”

Iscan refused to let go.

A dark beast submerged from the rolling waves, coiling around the larger dog. Palina screamed, but barely a sound left her strained throat as the two became steal. She watched with bated breath as the creature slowly pulled Arcanine….

….Towards the shore.

“Lord Basculegion?” she breathed.

A huge wave crashed over them, and everything was gone.

Basculegion surfaced, only Basculegion. The Lord sped to the shore, holding Palina’s gaze. She let out a sob, unable speak, but then the lord opened his mouth—

To reveal a tiny, sopping wet puppy.

Palina tore from Iscan’s arms to grab the Prince. “Please, please, please—” he was still breathing. He was still breathing.

Basculegion nodded to Iscan, and disappeared beneath the waves.

“W-w-we have to- to go,” Iscan urged. “We—we need to get him,” he stared at the pitiful pup, “to safety.”

“But Lord Arca—”

“NO!” Iscan shouted, but in fear, his voice cracking. “Lord Basculegion will—is—looking. He’s looking.”

Palina no longer had the strength to fight back.

She let him drag her away, unaware of where they were going. She only cradled the little, barely breathing puppy. She was in a tent all a sudden, getting the water out of the dog’s lungs. She was being given berries, a warm blanket for the pup and herself, but still, she watched the pup.

--

“LIAN!”

Just as Kineza feared, the boy was collapsed in the muck, Goomy in hand, across from an alpha Goodra.

Despite having just ran across two regions, there was not a hint of exhaustion in Kineza as he leapt between the beast and the boy. “GET AWAY FROM HIM!” He shouted to the alpha.

The rain slammed against the muck, the wind howled as Kineza stood, with no pokemon partner to defend him, between certain death and a child. Lian huddled in terror, his small hands sinking into the goomy he held. “Kid, get out of here!”

“K-Kineza?” Lian’s voice was all but stolen by the storm. “What are you—”

“RUN!” He barked. The Goodra roared in response.

Lian did not need to be told twice. He scrambled to his feet, but tripped over the bog, landing on his face again with a cry.

Goodra leapt for him, but Kineza body blocked the hit. He landed heavily in the muck, spitting blood. He felt no pain as he saw the rain run red over his body. Strange, how emergencies strip the body of limits.

“KINEZA!” Lian screamed.

“GO!” he repeated, staggering to his feet. “I’ll be fine, get out of here!”

At that moment, an enormous bird swept in from the skies with a battle cry. The Goodra was pushed back as Lord Braviary descended upon it, and Lin found his break. The kid finally started running, the goomy shuddering in his arms.

“Heh, guess Sana heard the call.” Kineza coughed. “Wait…”

Braviary continued to attack, unhindered by a rider.

“...Lord Braviary would not have come alone…” Kineza realized. He hacked up more blood. He seriously needs medical attention. And yet, if he left….

Lord Braviary is powerful, yes, but Alpha Goodra may be more than enough as a match. If Kineza left now, Braviary would be forced to continue fighting to buy him and Lian the time to get away. “Damn it all,” he muttered.

The two continued their bitter fight, but Braviary was clearly losing. Rain pounded Kineza’s head as he lingered, a dull ache making itself known to him. Any longer, and he may actually begin to feel pain… From the hit, and the impossible run.

That’s when he realized.

He took a breath. “Lord Braviary!” He shouted. “Go find Lian, make sure he gets home safe!” he called, struggling to find his footing.

The bird disengaged from combat for a moment, staring at him. The flares of psychic energy shifted in color, the only light in this godforsaken storm, and Kineza knew the Lord was more than aware of what the Warden was thinking. Braviary knew he was losing. That he had already lost.

Sana was already gone.

But there were still the kids.

“...tell lian i love him,” Kineza murmured, inaudible over the storm. Yet, Lord Braviary nodded. He screeched and took to the skies, speeding in the direction Lian had run.

Good.

Kineza felt a strange sort of… peace, as Goodra stared him down. Sound itself dulled, the rain into a quiet whisper, the scream of the alpha sounded as though it were miles away. Kineza’s pain slipped away. He was just…. Tired. Exhausted. No…. sleepy.

Kineza was sleepy. Really, really sleepy….

Little by little, things became quiet. Still. Soft.

And then, Kineza fell asleep.

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 2 of The Black Coat