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-The Cavern-

March 24th, 2040. Evening. Mt. Coronet, Sinnoh.

The faint sound of a blast echoed in the distance as Skye ushered her two younger siblings into a small rocky cavern. It wasn't much, but it would at least protect them and their Pokemon from the eyeline of any roaming Rocket grunts.

Typhlosion sniffed the air, making sure there were no unwanted persons nearby. He turned his head to Skye, nodding with a grunt.

Skye let out a breath of relief, giving him a thankful pat on the head before turning to the twins. "You're safe now," she assured, putting a hand on each of their shoulders and furrowing her brows. "Just stay here and hang tight for a bit."

Reid looked at her ludicrously. "This is so stupid," he spat. "Why won't you let us fight with you?"

"We can handle ourselves, Skye!" Calla clutched her chest, frowning. "Let us go, too. We can—"

"No," Skye snapped, her tone a little harsher than she intended. Recollecting herself, she sighed, frowning. "Think about your Pokemon and the condition they're in for a sec. You can't push them beyond their limits," she reasoned, shifting her gaze to Typhlosion.

Skye lifted her hand, running her fingertips gently over the scar that marked his face. He closed his eyes, leaning into her touch. A pang of guilt ran through Skye's chest and her voice went softer, "I'm not… gonna let you make that mistake."

Neither twin spoke a word. Reid pursed his lips, averting gaze with his fists clenched at his sides. Calla rubbed her arm, glancing down at the exhausted Bulbasaur panting at her feet.

Skye exhaled, turning her attention back onto her siblings. "Look, once things calm down out there and you see an opening, get outta here. Go find Mom and Dad. They'll know what to do next."

But before either twin got the chance to respond, a loud explosion rang a little too close for comfort. Typhlosion's head perked up, looking to the source of the sound, a growl rumbling in his throat.

Skye furrowed her brows, exchanging a knowing look with her Pokemon. She focused on her siblings once more. "I've gotta go. Are you guys good?"

Calla and Reid looked at each, both hesitating for a moment. Finally, Reid sighed, throwing his arms behind his head. "Yeah. I guess so." He waved a hand dismissively. "Go save the world or whatever. We'll be fine."

A small smile tugged at the corners of Skye's mouth and she nodded. She turned on her heel to make an exit, but before she could leave, Calla spoke up. "Skye?"

Skye blinked, stopping in her tracks and looking back at her sister curiously. Calla's typical bright and cheery disposition had been replaced with something more fearful. Her eyes wavered just the slightest as she took a step forward, managing a, "Be careful."

Though he was trying hard not to show it, Skye could make out a similar look in Reid's eyes as well. They were worried, and she couldn't really blame them. Skye inwardly cursed herself for letting them get involved in this at all.

Typhlosion grunted, pulling at the bottom of his trainer's shirt, beckoning her forward. Skye knew there was no time to dwell, so she shook her head and did the only thing she could think of to give her siblings the smallest bit of reassurance.

Flashing them her signature grin and a thumbs up she said, "Always am!"

...And so it continues!