"Alright! Let's do our best today!" I cheered to my group.

"Uhhhhh, what are we doing?" Plantora asked.

I smiled as I said, "Were taking the day off!"

"Finally," Burner said, "I haven't had a proper day off since I went to training. Glad the higher ups finally decided to give us some time to ourselves."

"He he, yeah," Stupid! I was too focused on training. I never thought they might want some time to relax. Just glad they don't know that I'm in charge of their schedule.

"This will be fun!" Bolt rushed, "there's all sorts of things I want to try now that were in a new kingdom and I have time. I'll go through the markets, the restaurants, the…" she paused, "huh, what else is there?"

We all giggled.

"What about the rest of you," I asked, "what are you planning?" They all turned to me and I felt the weight of their stares, "Just need to know in case I have to get you…for you know…an emergency." I shrank back.

"I'm going to be meeting up with some of my family and friends," Current said, "a section of the Seasearcher division is in port today and I want to catch up before they go back to the sea."

"My mom suggested a few places to me," Eon said, "I think I'll head to a psychic training seminar, then to a theater. She said that I just had to see at least one performance in my life."

"Oooh, Theater," Bolt piped up enthusiastically, "Can I join?!"

"You wouldn't like it. It's not much of a play and more of storytelling. At least that's what my mom said."

"Might not be that bad," Bolt said, "Storytelling can be fun too."

I looked at Dim.

He looked at me.

I smiled at him, trying to ask him what he was doing.

He just shook his head and pointed to me.

I don't quite get it, but if you want to follow me then okay. I nodded back at him.

Plantora spoke next, "I'll be in the forests. It's fall and I would like to see the beauty of nature before winter comes. After that, I think I'll meet up with some military buddies of mine. Some have been stationed here since the Illusio invasion."

I looked to Burner, "and what do you plan on doing?"

"I was…planning on heading to a hot spot. Wherever that may be."

"My mom said there is a hot spring in the mountains," Eon said, happy to assist. "It's very popular, but I can probably get you in."

Burner smiled. She smiled the first genuine smile I've seen from her, "Yes please. If you could."

Eon smiled back, "it will only take a second."

"What about you Shine," Bolt asked, "what do you plan on doing?"

"Uhhhhh…" I hesitated for far too long, "I haven't decided yet, but you should all have fun. Don't worry about me."

They all smiled and walked out of the room. Eagerly talking with each other about their plans. All expect Dim and I who still sat in the round table room.

"Alright," I said, "I have the day off to do whatever I want."

We sat at the table.

"Whatever I want…"

Dim watched me.

"Whatever…" I sighed and sprawled out over the table, "I don't know what to do."

Dim came over and comforted me by patting my back.

I could train. But that would negate the whole idea of having a day off. I could go shopping. There's not anything I want to buy. I could… My mind ran through the possibilities, I could follow my friends. Spend some quality time with them.

I sprang up and alerted Dim, "That's it, I'll follow one of my friends. I'm sure I will find some kind of enjoyment by being with them. Now, who to follow …"

Plantora seemed excited I wanted to tag along and bounced down the path with unbridled enthusiasm as she guided me through the thick forest. I drew a deep breath, enjoying the fresh clean air, and smiled indulgently at Plantora's bliss. Dim followed closely behind me, like a silent shadow. I noticed some wild Pokémon shuffling in the grass as we passed.

"Were coming up on my favorite spot," Plantora chirped.

We walked through the thicket until we reached a huge tree dripping with moss. Its branches shaded the small clearing. Streaks of light filtered through its Autumn leaves and dappled the ground. Small mossy rocks littered the area.

Plantora came up to the base of the tree and sat down.

Dim and I followed suit.

We sat in silence. I watched the trees, the brush, the lights streaking through the canopy, the moss…the rocks? I'm bored.

"Hey Plantora…"

"SHH," She hushed, "The forest is best enjoyed in silence." She closed her eyes and leaned her head back.

I sat and listened to…to… the wind. It rustled the trees for a few seconds and then died. I listened to the birds that flew overhead. I heard a Kricketot chime, but it was gone before I could enjoy it.

I shifted and stared at the ground. I used my little ice appendage to carve the dirt. I examined the dirt in my appendage and a Joltik rested on my paw. It zapped me and I quickly brushed away the dirt.

I looked out at the field, and watched the one rock in my vision. I examined the rock, trying to follow the moss's curve along its surface. A Durant came and took the rock away. Hey, I was using that rock.

I looked at Dim. He was just sitting with his eyes closed.

I sat, bored out of my mind, "Well it's been fun but I think I need to start heading back."

Plantora nodded, "Just try not to make too much noise on your way back."

I smiled and left.

I sighed as I walked into town with Dim in tow. I had just come back from seeing Current. I was hoping I could spend the day with him, but he was playing some water games with his friends and family. I couldn't swim.

I hope that theater Eon was talking about is good.

As I walked, I started to notice many Pokémon and Warriors staring.

What? I don't have something on me, do I?

A little ralts walked up to me with its head down, "Uhm…uh, Ms. Shine…" his timid voice reminded me of myself, "Can…can I have your autograph."

He held up a piece of paper and an ink pen.

My autograph? I slowly, shyly, reached for the pen with my mouth as I tried to process that she was asking for my autograph. Mine?!

I stared at the paper before it hit me, she's asking for my autograph because I'm a Glaceon! No…she said ME! I'm famous?! I felt a mix of emotions swell inside me, I'm…I'm famous! When did I get famous?! Who gave out my name?! I can't believe Pokémon are asking for my autograph. My autograph! How am I supposed to act? Just…just write on the paper Shine.

Flustered, I wrote "Shine" on the cover.

"Hey everyone," a warrior yelled from the crowd, "it's Shine from Shine's Forces!"

A mass of Pokémon and Warriors rushed the two of us. I lost sight of the ralts. The crowd pressed in on me and I could barely move. I need to get out of here, I thought.

I jumped as high as I could and landed on someone's head. I Leapt off his head and managed to find solid ground away from the crowd. I started to run as the army of fans rushed after me.

For a moment, I was reminded of my time on the battlefield of Cragspur and I let my temperature drop. The ground froze behind me. The mob slipped and slid, trying to get their footing.

"Sorry!" I yelled back at them.

I ran, literally, right into Bolt and Eon. We fell end over end until we were nothing more than a tangled heap.

"Shine?!" Eon said in shock, "What are you doing?!"

"Right now, trying to get away from the crowd," I said, untangling myself.

"Crowd?" Bolt asked, "what crowd…"

A mass of people thundered towards us."

I closed my eyes and prepared for the worst.

After a moment of silence, I opened my eyes to see them all frozen in Eon's telekinesis.

"Is that any way to act," Eon addressed the crowd, clearly disgusted, before she teleported them away. She turned to me, "Anyways, do you want to come with us to the theater?"

I smiled gleefully, "Yeah sure." Now I don't have to ask.

We stepped into the building and picked out a spot in the middle. We all sat on comfortable pillows.

Pokémon and people were shuffling into the room. I'd never been to a play before. The stage easily caught my eye. It was slightly raised off the ground with a roof shaped like an inverted V. Four poles rested at each corner of the stage, acting as supports for the roof. On the left, a long bridge stretched to the wall with a door leading backstage.

"Ooohh," Bolt said barely able to sit still, "I'm so excited, I can't wait any longer. It's supposed to be about us, right?" She asked Eon.

"Not us specifically but the whole Terrara battle," Eon responded.

Dim popped out from the shadows and landed next to Bolt.

"Wha? Where'd you come from?"

"Hush now, it's starting," Eon said.

Several Pokémon and humans walked in carrying a variety of instruments. Two Ninetales started walking along the bridge. One had a coat that shined pure gold. A Warrior walked behind them, more as an accessory than a master of the two beasts.

Music started to play from the instruments. The flute sounded particularly beautiful, soaring above the rest.

The two Ninetales sat center stage. The golden one made eye contact with me.

I shuffled uncomfortably under its gaze.

Its eyes moved on as it spoke, "This is a story from not too long ago,"

"A truthful story," the other Ninetales said, "where the Auroran army conquered Terrara."

The two played off one another with a neutral tone as if they were just retelling events, "This is the first time this story has been spoken in public,"

"May you enjoy the story we are about to tell."

"Those Ninetale's are cool," Bolt marveled.

The play went on to explain the plan and how others prepared for it.

I zoned in and out. I'm not sure I like watching a reenactment of what I've already done.

I focused back in when it got to the juicy bits: the battles.

"The first major assault was carried out by the main army," The gold one said.

"They were sent to attack Nobunaga's main forces to the south of the kingdom." And they left out the part about how they were actually an attack force for Pugilis.

"The fierce battle raged between Pokémon and Warriors," the gold one said while the other moved, danced and shot fire balls as if it was in battle.

Is that supposed to represent battle? It doesn't even come close to the real thing.

"Meanwhile, the ESF2, or as you all know them,"

"Shine's forces!" The regular Ninetales said with excitement.

The crowd cheered.

Shine? We had a public name? The public name is my name? When did this happen?!

When the crowd once again grew silent, the golden one returned to the story. Although I felt a few eyes glancing towards me at this part, "Shine's forces engaged an enemy force behind the Terrara castle."

"They defeated all of the enemy single handedly!" The other said barely able to contain her excitement.

That wasn't true!

This received a dirty look from the golden Ninetales. The other quickly shrank back.

"The castle was targeted by the great Castle Busting team," the golden Ninetales continued without skipping a beat. "For those of you who don't know, the Castle Busting team is made up of all the old Warlords of previously captured kingdoms."

"They are some of the strongest fighters in the army," the other Ninetales returned with her neutral tone. "Thanks to the previous two attacks, the castle was left open, allowing the Castle Busting team to strike."

"The Castle Busting team had to take three flags in order to seize victory."

"And to make matters worse, these flags were placed atop the largest pillars in the nation of Ransei. So tall, that not even birds can fly to the top."

"The group did massive damage to the defending forces and managed to take the flags within the time limit."

"Thus, the castle of Terrara was captured and the kingdom secured in less than a day."

The two Ninetales spoke in unison and bowed their heads, "Thank you."

The music stopped and the crowd clapped.

Everyone started shuffling out. There were so many people and Pokémon crowding the halls that we stayed in our seats.

"That was um…something…" Bolt mused.

That was inaccurate and boring. I don't think I like the theater.

"I'll admit that it wasn't as good as it could be…" Eon tried to find some sort of silver lining.

A Warrior walked up to us. I recognized him as the one who played the flute on stage. He bowed and spoke, "The Ninetales wish to speak to you ESF2."

Bolt and Eon looked at me. "Uh, sure." We got up and followed the performer.

In the backroom, the two Ninetales waited for us. The Golden Ninetales towered over all of us but she had a gentle smile that put all worries at ease. The other Ninetales was half the golden ones height and seemed to be ready to jump in glee.

"It's nice to meet you miss Shine, miss Espeon and miss Jolteon." We all nodded respectfully, "How did you like the play?"

"It was fine…" Eon said with hesitation.

"It was inaccurate," Bolt blurted out.

"Bolt!" Eon protested.

The golden Ninetales gave an amused chuckle, "it's quite alright. It's one of the reasons I asked you back here." We all stood up straight as she talked, "I am Luster, a story teller. Being a story teller, I wish to be as accurate as possible in my stories. So, I would like to know what happened if that's okay with you." Her sweet voice made it impossible to say no.

"I bet you were the one who destroyed the main force all by yourself!" The smaller Ninetales broke in and started moving closer to me with every question, "would you mind telling me all about you. Your life, your beginnings, how you became the most inspirational Pokémon in…"

Luster pushed the little Ninetales aside, "I have to apologize for my daughter, Lucent's, behavior. She is just such a big fan of yours." Luster looked at me with such genuine warmth that my discomfort vanished, "would you mind entertaining her questions? I'm sure she would love it."

"Uhm, yeah sure," I said lamely.

"Oh, this is great!" Lucent popped out from behind me and dragged me to the side. "We can talk about all sorts of things. Tell me everything!"

All four of us trotted down the street.

"That was exhausting," I breathed, "I can't believe someone wants to know about my life."

"At least now we know why you're famous," Eon responded.

"Yeah, I still don't get that. Why is she famous and not us?" Bolt questioned.

"Didn't you hear Luster?" Eon asked, "Shine was a nobody who rose to the top overnight. That inspires hope for others to be able to do the same."

Bolt just rolled her eyes and kept walking.

I blushed and shook my head, "I still can't believe it."

"Well," Eon chuckled wryly, "you can believe you just told your entire life to a story teller who lives a thousand years. Everyone will be hearing about you for a very long time!"

I stopped in my tracks and my mind froze as I was struck with the realization, "Y…Years…Thousands…"

They glanced at each other and broke out laughing.

It was the afternoon, but a good portion of the day was left.

"So, what do you want to do now?" Eon asked.

"Well, I still haven't gone through all the shops. Want to join?" Bolt asked.

We all agreed, and we probably shouldn't have.

Bolt dragged all of us to a shop and before we could really do any looking, she dragged us to the next.

By the time we reached the thirteenth shop, Bolt finally started to slow down.

We were in a musical instrument shop.

I gaped at all the string instruments that littered the wall. How can you have so many variations of the same string and wood?

Eon and Bolt were inspecting the drums on the other side of the room. Dim followed me.

I slowly made my way over to the pipe-like instruments that hung on the wall. I picked one up with my appendages. This is easy to hold.

"Do you have any questions, Ms. Glaceon?" the shop owner greeted me,

I put the instrument back and spoke to him, "I'm wondering if you have something that's easy to use and travels well."

The shop owner moved over to another section of the wall, "I'm not sure this is easy, but it sure is portable." He grabbed a horizontal pipe and handed it to me, "this is a Shinobue flute."

I held it in my appendages.

He grabbed a similar model and started playing it. A smooth slow melody filled the shop as he played a peaceful simple piece. I fell in love with the sweet sound. When he stopped, Eon and Bolt stomped the ground in applause.

Eager to hear the music again, I tried to use the instrument in my appendages. The sound that came out was like nails scraping on a chalkboard, hitting notes way too high to be considered safe for the ear.

Thankfully, the owner stopped me mid-way through my embarrassing, ear bleeding performance. "Perhaps you should have a few lessons before you start performing on you own."

"I shouldn't have picked it up," I drooped.

"Don't say that," the shop owner tried to reassure me, "everybody is bad the first time they pick up an instrument. You have to practice to get better. If you want, I could give you a beginner's lesson?"

I looked up at him, a smile slowly creeping onto my face.

"Bolt!" Eon said from the doorway, "Shine, Bolt just bolted to the next store, are you coming?"

"No," I yelled back, "I'm going to stay here for a while."

I rushed through the entrance to the Illusio castle, Dim in tow. I didn't much care about how my new flute was bouncing around in my bags. When I made it to the foyer, I saw the Master directing some Warriors.

"Master!" I said in a panic as I halted in front of him.

"Good, you're here," he said paying more attention to his soldiers, "Other than Plantora, you were the last to arrive. Nobunaga will be here within the hour. Get your group prepared."

I nodded and ran to our meeting room.

I've never actually met Nobunaga. From what I hear he is a ruthless, evil man. I hope he isn't too scary.

I put a paw on the door and felt my paw shake. I tried to take a deep breath to calm myself. It didn't help. When I came through the doors, I could feel the tense atmosphere.

"Shine," Eon quickly asked, "Do you know what's going on?"

I told her all I knew, "Nobunaga is coming."

"Ha, we'll beat him back," Burner said.

"No," I tried to correct though my fumbling nerves, "He's visiting."

"Visiting?!" Half the room cried.

"Yeah, visiting. So, no one is to attack him unless he attacks first."

"That would explain why moms back," Eon whispered to herself.

"Is ESF1 back from the battles in Viperia?" I asked, hearing Eon's whisper.

"Yeah," Bolt said, "They arrived with the Master. A little before you did."

Current, seemingly unconcerned, looked at my bags, "You buy something?"

I flushed, "Well, yes I did."

"What did you buy?" Current pushed.

I carefully pulled out the well-crafted piece of bamboo. "I bought a Shinobue flute."

"I didn't know you could play," Current said, "can you play something now?"

"Is this really the best time?" I questioned.

"Aw come on, there's nothing like a good song. Play something."

But I just got it and just started taking lessons. That was what I wanted to say, but all of them looked at me eager to hear what I could do.

I sighed and put my lips to the end. Let's see how much of my lessons stuck.

I blew into the pipe and released one singular high pitched note. It wasn't ear grating, it was quite soothing.

I changed notes to a slightly lower tone. Alright, just like practice, I thought, sweat dripping.

I shifted my appendages up the shaft to hit a low note. I used my appendages to cover the various holes in the Bamboo to make the sounds I wanted.

I moved back up to a high note to finish off.

My voice was frail, "That's all I know. I'm sorry it's not a song."

"What are you saying," Bolt said, "that was great!"

"It may not have been a song but it still sounded beautiful," Eon commented.

No one ever told me that I was good at something. I felt a little smile grow on my face.

The tense atmosphere that had once permeated the room was gone. Even I was calmed by the simple notes.

That was quickly cut short as a Kirlia slammed opened the door. "Nobunaga's here, the Master has called everyone to the foyer."

I got out of my seat, calm and focused, "Alright everyone, let's go."

My group and I stood at attention to the Master's left. Eev's group stood to the right.

I focused forward as the double doors swung open. A man wearing black armor and a velvet cape lead the way. He walked with such purpose it almost seemed as if he had conquered the castle. Two guards flanked him. One wore a white top that had blue sleeves. He also had a pendant dangling from his neck with two spheres on it, one brown and the other silver. He had a Lucario following closely behind him. The other guard was Mitsuhide with his Lapras. Nobunaga was far scarier in person than I thought. He had a certain glare that gave me the impression he looked down on everyone.

The group stopped short at the Master.

Nobunaga spoke with a smooth voice, "Thank you for taking this selfish request. I'm just a little tired and wish to get away from the action for a bit."

The Master responded in an equally polite tone, "Why of course. If a warlord needs rest, we'd be happy to accommodate."

"Thank you," Nobunaga bowed his head.

"Tomonobu and Gardevoir will take you to your room," The Master gestured to the pair. I noticed they stopped shaking as he gestured.

"This way to your rooms," the two guided Nobunaga's group down the hall.

I noticed the Lucario shot a smile at Espy.

We all stayed in formation until he was out of earshot.

"What do you think he wants?" The Master asked.

"Don't know and that's what troubles me." Eev responded, "Why not Cragspur or some other more strategic kingdom?"

"Does Nobunaga usually come out like this?" I asked.

"No," Eev instantly responded, "In fact, he never does things like this. To him, it's just wasting time and he hates to waste anything that doesn't achieve his ambition. He's here for a reason and I need to find out what that is." Eev's group left the room.

The master came over to us, "Until we figure out what he's after, I want all of you to stay in the castle."

I nodded, "We will Master."

I sat alone in the music room, practicing my Shinobue flute. I was still terrible at it.

I'm glad this room is soundproof. That way no one has to listen to my screaming flute.

I blew a squeaking note.

Urgh, this is so hard!

Nobunaga burst through the doors.

I nearly inhaled my flute, "Nobunaga!"

"Are you Shiny Snow?" He asked.

"Y…yes," Oh no, if he's after me then this might be trouble. There's no windows and one entrance. Wait, if we make a ruckus then…why did I choose to stay in a soundproof room! "Can I help you?" Stars glittered around me as I tried to contain my panic.

Nobunaga grabbed a chair and sat facing me, "What do you think about the war?"

"The…the war?" Where did this come from?! I thought as I tried to hide the fact that I was shaking in fear. He looked so intimidating, I'm not sure if it's the way his face looks or he is actually looking down on me. "I…uh," I have to be careful of what I say, I don't want to offend him, "I don't understand the question." Good Shine, redirect the question.

"Allow me to rephrase, why are you fighting in this war?"

Why do I fight? I fight for Eev because…I respect her, Eev's awesome and helped make me who I am. "I fight for Eev."

"Is that it? Do you only fight because Eev commands it?" He said in a judging tone.

No, no that's not it. I fight because…my friends flashed before me, "I fight for my friends."

"And what would happen if your friends were consumed by this war?"

"Con…consumed?!"

"If they were hurt badly, or all they cared about was war," his tone deepened with every word.

I gulped. I could feel his presence pressing down on me, waiting for an answer. I couldn't bear a single minute of it, "I…I would help them."

Nobunaga sat with no expression.

"I would help them, no matter what they need. I would try to bring back the person I became friends with."

"War leads to bloodshed, pain and suffering." Nobunaga's eyes filled with unwavering resolve, "I will stop this war, I will stop all wars from ever happening again, no matter the cost." His features softened as he smiled and patted me on the head, "Don't fight for Eev, your so much better than Eev."

He got up and walked to the door, "You don't have to worry for your friends for too long. Soon this war will end, one way or another."