Subquest 002-Broken First Step


*Trigger warning: earthquake, claustrophobia(?), injuries derived from said incident and partial treatment to said injuries*


This… was more annoying than a real problem. Above all since the whole situation was familiar.

Minna, are you okay? ‒ Ash tilted his head back slightly (as much as he could anyway since he was stuck between the walls of a freaking hole) to try and catch a glimpse of anyone. The Orchestra pieces were all scrambled: each theme was either blurry or jarred so much that the Emanation Pokémon couldn't tell the single emotions yet.

‒ …I think that one of my toes got dislocated… or broken. ‒ Rush's voice shuddered like she was repressing a sob somewhere behind him. ‒ I can't… really tell. I'm stuck. I can't… Dig us out. ‒ Her voice broke at the name of the move, making unease pool at Ash's stomach and he instantly regretted feeling annoyed.

‒ It wouldn't be the smartest idea anyway. ‒ Fang trailed as she coughed because of the dust somewhere under the Riolu, fueling his increased dread. ‒ I'm the lowest of us and I can see at least one limb for each of you in Lizard's light. If either you or Ash tries to use Dig, we'll get buried by the creek loose gravel. ‒ The Totodile took a ragged breath and Ash concentrated briefly on her piano to feel if she was hiding something else: she was more terrified than in pain, so at least there were two of them (himself included) mostly uninjured.

‒ Pikachu, Lizard, Poccha? ‒ Ash tried to call, but the only response he got was a whimper and a grump, which were matched by a panicked piccolo and a disgruntled violin. The cello was somewhat muted, almost like when the Charmander was sleeping, but with a pattern of notes that suggested pain. He had probably got knocked out by the fall. ‒ What do you see Fang?

‒ Lizard's KO. He's kind of draped over a ledge a little above me, but too far for me to reach. I've tried to move, but I'm stuck in the crack at the bottom. ‒ The female Water Type laid down the situation, forcing the piano into a strained composed melody. ‒ Rush, if you try to shift your weight on the left leg (yes, I know that's the one injured, trust me for a bit), you'll be able to free the right leg an hoist yourself up that ledge above you.

‒ O-okay, I-I'll try. ‒ The Torchic inhaled sharply. ‒ Distract me in the meanwhile.

‒ Yes, that I can do. ‒ The Big Jaw Pokémon gulped as she focused… but soon after confusion too over her melody. ‒ Okay Poccha, how in Groudon's name you got stuck in that way? And Pikachu, you're the mouse-of-many-plans, how could you end in the same way? ‒ There was a muffled grumble and the violin protested indignantly. ‒ You can drop him, you know? His Drill Peck has him stuck well enough that he won't fall.

At those words the Piplup whimpered slightly, followed by a rumble of encouragement then an inquiring noise. There was the sound of a careful shuffle of feathers and fur, then at last the male Water Type made an agreeing whine. Something moved after that, probably Poccha judging by the piccolo's thrills of terror, but both it, the violin and the piano settled in relief. As if taking advantage of the distraction, at the same time Rush did probably as instructed, throwing a fit of drumbeats and curses in Darkrai's name.

They all waited until the time-traveler had taken a respite before Pikachu decided to intervene.

‒ In my defense, it did work halfway. At least we're not stuck at the bottom. ‒ The Electric Type remarked.

‒ Touché. Are you fine at least? ‒ She conceded.

‒ I've got just a few scrapes thanks to my Iron tail. Poccha's doing a fin-up, so I guess he's mostly uninjured too. ‒ His aibou answered and the piccolo's notes of agreement echoed him.

‒ Do you think you can climb up? ‒ Ash hoped. They needed to treat Lizard and Rush fast.

‒ …I could try, but then? I can't exactly pull you all out. ‒ Pikachu replied a bit bitterly. Probably he too was upset because they had fallen (once again) in a hole this easily.

‒ Do you think you can reach both me and Fang? Because if you unstuck her and then retrieve the rope from my backpack, you all could climb up that way while I Dig myself out. ‒ Ash explained. Pikachu hummed pensive, then sighed.

‒ Worth a try. ‒ Some gravel shifted as the Electric Type moved, dislodging his tail. He climbed down, stopping after a bit. ‒ Fang, do you think you could grab my tail so I'll pull you up?

The piano hesitated, then the melody shifted to awkward. ‒ …Only if I bite it. Maybe you could shift it to Iron again, because even while I won't activate the move, I'll have to exert a lot of force for you to free me.

‒ Sure! …Here. ‒ The pause in his speech had been filled by a metallic "shhwink", followed by a chomping sound. There were noises of shifted and cracked rocks plus grunts of effort from both parties, but after few seconds something gave. ‒ …Okay, brace yourself, I'm gonna fling you up. You'll have to grab the ledge! ‒ The answer was an affirmative grunt, so a second later the air violently shifted and Ash felt the piano thrill to the top of the creek, then stomp a panicked note… just to settle in relief.

‒ I made it! Rush, how are you doing? Are you up to being dragged up or should we hoist Lizard up and shove a Revive Seed down his throat so he can help too? ‒ Fang called down.

The Torchic's rhythm drummed pensive before she answered. ‒ Pick Poccha up before, he's lighter and he can help you lift Lizard and me.

‒ Okay, I'll pick the rope then. ‒ Pikachu climbed up purposefully towards Ash and quickly unzipped the backpack, rummaging a bit before succeeding in his quest. ‒ Here's the rope, Poccha, I'll tie you, keep the Drill Peck going just a little bit more.

The piccolo trilled in assent, even if it was beginning to strain. The sound of the rope being tied filled the creek, but few seconds later the yellow rodent climbed up, joining Fang.

‒ Heave ho! ‒ The duo chanted, dragging up the Penguin Pokémon that, with a crumble of rocks, unstuck his beak from the wall. The ascent went without a hitch and someone unfurled Poccha from his restrains, probably Fang, because Ash heard Pikachu climb down.

‒ Pikachu. ‒ The trainer murmured low, sure that his partner would pick it up. As a matter of fact, the other paused, then descended near him with an inquiring noise. ‒ Even if Lizard is KO, he's more stable than Rush. The three of you are enough to save her. ‒ He looked up, meeting his partner's eyes, which narrowed into a determinate frown. A short nod later, Pikachu was out of sight again and his violin moved near the drum.

‒ Rush, can I check your foot? I'll be gentle, promise. ‒ The Electric Type asked as gently, through given the nervous but trusting vibes the ex-human was emitting, she let him touch her foot. Both of them hissed at a certain point, one in sympathy, the other in pain. ‒ I'm sorry, it's a broken. ‒ Ash could feel Pikachu grimace. ‒ At least is only that toe and not the ankle. That one doesn't heal as well as a normal bone. Let's get you up there, so Fang can look at you better and start treating you.

‒ What about… Lizard? ‒ The Torchic tried to protest.

‒ You're in a worse shape than him, I can tell Rush. Please, go first. ‒ Ash metaphorically pushed her to agree.

‒ …Okay. ‒ She gave in, just as the sound of the rope dropping down reached their ears.

‒ Guys, change of plans, Rush goes first! Fang, you triage her once she's up! ‒ Pikachu called up.

‒ Okay, tie her! ‒ Said Totodile answered, popping over from the ledge.

Pikachu obeyed and in less than five minutes, the female Fire Type was on safe ground.

‒ Almost there, Ash. Lizard is next. ‒ The Mouse Pokémon reassured his partner as he tied the orange reptile.

‒ I'm not worried for me, you know. ‒ The Riolu idly kicked his legs, dangling them into the void.

‒ I know, it's just… ‒ The other paused, knotting the rope.

Another stupid hole. ‒ They concluded together.

‒ Yeah, but this time someone got seriously hurt. ‒ The Electric Type sighed.

‒ We got lucky then. Or they were professionally made. This one was just an accident. ‒ Ash suggested, looking at the jagged rocks that made the walls of the creek, making it both more dangerous but also more climb-able.

‒ Maybe. We'll give you the okay once Lizard is over the ledge. ‒ Pikachu somewhat agreed and climbed up.

The rescue attempt of the last Fire Type took longer, since he was heavier than both Poccha and Rush, but the trio managed it and gave the trainer the go.

Building aura in his paws, Ash directed it towards the opposite side where the others were triaging Rush and Lizard, so not to disturb them or risk another cave in. As soon as the ground was soft enough, the Riolu kicked the opposite wall to get a jumpstart and dive inside the dirt. Holding his breath, Ash kept digging a bit forward then upwards, making way towards the surface.

This was why he couldn't warn anyone when a sudden xylophone dropped out of nowhere and swooped away the still unconscious cello.

Terror shook their Orchestra, prompting Ash to desperately Dig faster, above all since his aibou's violin was screeching distressed and frustrated notes, while the kidnapper was getting further away with Lizard.

The trainer got ready to charge an Aura Sphere as soon as he was going to pop up the ground (since it was said to never miss) to shot down the unknown assailant… but a synthesized voice chanting gibberish stopped him, baffling him enough for something to act faster than him.

~OwO~

Some time before…

‒ Hiyori, I'm hungryyyyy… ‒ An Absol whined pathetically, ready to drop down and sulk like a little child that he was not.

‒ And whose fault is it?! ‒ An Espeon rounded up on him, ruffling her fur to appear taller and bigger than him even if she was a head shorter. ‒ You had to antagonize those Sunflora again, and now we're banned from their berry orchard! Permanently! Thanks to you we're back at scavenging and this forest doesn't have enough trees that grow fruit! How am I supposed to feed you or Yukine-kun? ‒ The Sun Pokémon hissed, making the Dark Type cower.

Not far from them, a curled up Glaceon watched them quarrel apathetically. Really, that child needed to cheer up a bit, in Absol's opinion.

‒ We could offer our services to the people in the village! After all I'm fast, affordable and reliable! Delivery Knight Yato! Everyone will form a queue to ask for our help! ‒ The Disaster Pokémon bright cyan eyes shined at the mental image as he cackled.

‒ Pity that if Lady Veena's lackeys catch wind of you near their dungeon, we're doomed for. ‒ Yukine, the Ice Type, reminded matter-of-factly, freezing the other two, then making them sulk. ‒ And you're not even a Knight, stop introducing you as one. ‒ He added.

‒ I am a Knight! I'm immortal and I even have an Embleteora, see?! ‒ Yato jumped up and shoved under the younger Eevolution muzzle the sparkling gem on the base of his horn.

‒ No, that's an Absolite and I still don't know how you managed to get that one beside stealing it! You're like a walking fur-suit wearing Trubbish! ‒ Yukine slapped him off with a paw, making Yato tumble away in a heap.

‒ I earned it! It fell from the heavens for me! ‒ The Absol leaped up, shaking off the dirt from his (absolutely not shaggy) white fur. ‒ And if anything, it's Kofuku that's a disguised Trubbish! Under all that fake silver, she's the one that brings misfortune!

‒ Leave Kofuku-san out of this! If the maelstrom wasn't blocking the way to her dungeon, we'd be there to resupply! She's the only one that tolerates you! ‒ The Espeon swatted the Dark Type with both her tails. She then hung her head, depressed. ‒ If it wasn't for the maelstrom, Yukine-kun would already be home.

The following moping silence was disrupted by Yato's long sigh, as he sat down. ‒ It wouldn't do us any good to lament about our misfortune, we have just to wait for it to pass. They don't last very long usually. In the meantime, Hiyori do you smell anything nearby?

The Psychic Type made a sigh of her own, but complied, closing her eyes and taking a deep sniff. She turned her muzzle in various directions, but at last she shook her head. ‒ There's no smell of food or Pokémon nearby, sorry. Maybe if we try near the main road, we could meet someone who needs help for something. ‒ She proposed.

‒ Still better than waiting here and dying of starvation. ‒ Yukine stood and looked at Hiyori for guidance. She glanced up for the direction of the sun then made way across the trees, forcing a moping self-proclaimed Knight to follow the Eevolutions.

The trio had been walking for at least ten minutes, when Yato's danger sense made his fur stand up. Following his instincts, the Absol leaped forward, shouting a warning, knocking over his companions and covering them with his body. Not a second too soon, an earthquake shook the forest and its violence broke a large branch that fell right where they would have walked if Yato hadn't stopped them.

A minute passed before the quakes subsided and Yato let the two up from under him. Around them other branches had fallen, but overall there wasn't much damage.

‒ Thank you Yato. I thought we were nearly done for. ‒ Hiyori shook her fur to relieve herself from the leftover adrenaline.

‒ …Do you think that there were others not as lucky as us? ‒ Yukine warily asked, looking up at the Disaster Pokémon.

‒ Maybe. Let's hurry to the main path, I have a bad feeling. ‒ "Bad" as in "potentially catastrophic with a chance of apocalypse"¹*, but better not traumatize (more than he already was) his youngest charge.

Sensing the urgent edge in his voice, the Espeon nodded, ghostly tail lashing agitatedly behind her as they started hurrying towards their goal.

It was around the twenty minutes cap that the "bad" feeling spiked, prompting the Absol to sprint forward in a Quick Attack, alarming the Eevolutions.

Yato charged a Night Slash up his horn when he sensed his target up ahead and bounded on some branches to get a jumpstart. Leaping out the foliage, he slashed with all his might at a cackling Mandibuzz and neatly pirouetted out of the way of a stray bolt of electricity and a Water Pulse. With barely a thought, the "Knight" also pawed away from the Dark-Flying Type's grasp a limp Charmander and twisted it to let it land on his back once they reached the ground. (And if at the same time he had "liberated" a satchel from the bird… It was just an added bonus.)

The vulture frantically flapped her wings to stay in the air and fled, since she had probably noticed her disadvantage, not even pausing to curse them or her misfortune for the reverse robbery.

Only when Yato was certain that the danger had passed and the Mandibuzz had really left, he dropped the satchel from his mouth to turn around and address the owners of the strays attacks he had dodged.

A Pikachu was the first to reach them, only to stop just out of horn reach. His cheeks were still sparkling, but probably it was more for leftover adrenaline than for real intimidation tactic.

‒ Yo! ‒ The dark Type winked playfully, anticipating whatever the Electric Type was about to say. ‒ Delivery Knight Yato at your service! Is this Charmander a friend of yours? ‒ That surprised the sparks out of the rodent, making him look baffled.

‒ Knight? But I thought that only Legendaries could have that title…? ‒ The Pikachu tilted his head as a Totodile joined them. Further away a Piplup was standing protectively beside a Torchic, both still near a creek in the middle of the road where, given how all of them were covered by dirt, they had fallen after the earthquake.

‒ Only the chosen ones can reach the Knightly Rank and I'm one of them! ‒ Yato stuck a pose. ‒ Glad to be at your service!

‒ How's Lizard? ‒ The Totodile was having none of Yato's antics as she ignored his (potentially) threatening presence to reach the Fire Type on his back and gently un-hoist it to the ground. The Absol lowered himself accordingly to facilitate her, then he gave her space to check on her friend.

Yato was about to answer her when a brief warning blared in his mind just as a head popped out from the ground beside the Pikachu, its eyes shining with aura and looking at him. The next moment, blue had given way to amber and a Riolu looked up at Yato with an open mouth. Before anyone could comment on the sudden apparition of a probably extinct species, said Pokémon blurted out: ‒ Oh! So you're the digital voice!

Baffled, the Disaster Pokémon watched as the Riolu fully emerged from the hole and shook his fur from the dust, completely relaxed.

‒ You felt him? ‒ The Pikachu asked, still looking warily at Yato, who was beginning to realize that these 'mons knew the Fighting Type.

‒ Yeah, I tried to Dig myself out faster when a xylophone abducted Lizard, but then his "voice" saved him. Who was it and what did it want by the way? ‒ The Riolu asked his companions.

‒ Who knows? It was a Mandibuzz, by the way. ‒ The Totodile answered, having finished the check up, just before shoving an entire Reviver Seed down the throat of the other reptile. The Charmander woke up chocking on a gasp, then proceeded to cough up a lung for the following minute, while the Water Type patted his back. ‒ Maybe she wanted to get a ransom.

‒ That or eat him. In Times like these unfortunately cannibalism could be a possibility. ‒ Yato mumbled with a dejected sigh. It had been centuries since anyone had been that desperate, so he hoped to be wrong.

WHAT?! ‒ The four shrieked, alarming the duo in the back, who called for them in worry.

‒ Don't worry, it's been a while since it last happened, it was just a possibility! ‒ Yato cowed.

Once again interrupting the course of actions, the Riolu tensed, shifting his focus and stance to prepare himself for something coming from the forest. In a heartbeat, the Electric Type copied him, lowering on all fours.

If something was coming, it didn't trigger his Danger Sense, so it was probably Hiyori and Yukine.

‒ Wait, You're feeling something with your aura, right? ‒ The Dark Type hurriedly asked, getting an ear twitch in his direction. ‒ It's probably my subordinates, I anticipated them to reach you in time!

‒ "Subordinates"? And in time for what? ‒ The Totodile demanded, suspicious but not hostile at least.

‒ I felt that something bad was about to happen. It comes with my supernatural shtick. ‒ Yato shrugged. ‒ I'm travelling with an Espeon and a Glaceon at the moment. ‒ He waved off with a front paw.

‒ Yato! ‒ As if summoned, the Eevolutions bursted out the bushes, only to stop like Deerling in a Flash-light at the unexpected audience.

‒ What did you do? ‒ Yukine accused, half in deadpan and half in irritation.

‒ I just saved that Charmander! ‒ The Absol pointed to the orange reptile in demonstration. ‒ A Mandibuzz was taking him away!

‒ Is it true? ‒ Hiyori (ever mistrustful about his antics) asked the Totodile, who nodded. The Psychic Type sighed, massaging her forehead gem with a front paw. ‒ Okay. But Yato, you could have warned us! You just sprinted ahead without a word! I managed to track you only because I'm so proficient at it! ‒ She scolded him.

‒ Everything worked out somehow, didn't it? ‒ Yato dismissed, but, since his Danger Sense either liked Hiyori more than him or it thought that Yato deserved it, it didn't warn him of a forehead-gem-powered mini-Dazzling Gleam. He yelped at the super-effective move backlash and hopped around to attenuate the burn.

‒ Please ignore him. I'm Hiyori and this is Yukine-kun. I'm accompanying Yato during his mission since he's the leader of his Rescue Team. ‒ The Psychic Type stressed the role.

‒ Hiyoriiiiiiii, I'm a Knight! And even Knights accept missions from their followers! ‒ Yato whined, receiving another Dazzling "Laser" (dodged this time) for his troubles.

‒ …Okay, I'm Fang and you saved my partner Lizard, so I want to thank you as a fellow Rescue co-Leader. ‒ The Totodile formally bowed her head, introducing herself. ‒ Team Bitefire owes you.

‒ Ahh, there's no need to be this form-… ‒ Hiyori began to say, but Yato nearly bowled her in his eagerness.

‒ Then we'll accept as much food as you can give us! ‒ He unleashed his best Lillipup eyes.

‒ Stop sounding so desperate! ‒ Yukine clamped his teeth on Yato's scythe-like tail and pulled, as if trying to get him away from the situation. However his attempt was cut short by the Wailord mating call that his stomach made. Blushing up to his ears, the Ice Type let go and attempted to hide his face under his paws in a corner of the road.

The Riolu threw a glance at the Pikachu, who nodded without a second thought, so the former took off his backpack and after opening it, he rummaged in search of something. In the meanwhile the others had kept talking.

‒ Lady Hekla had mentioned a rationing of the sources, I hadn't idea the situation was so severe. ‒ Fang commented, throwing a glance at her companion. The Charmander seemed less disoriented as he looked at Yato's mismatched Team, before smiling.

‒ Food seems a reasonable request, I don't see why we shouldn't reward them. ‒ Lizard stood, dusting his scales off. ‒ We should have some apples left. If we're lucky Lady Veena and her cohort would probably let us restock when we reach Scogliera Calcedonio.

Hearing that Raikou's name made Yato and the other two freeze, alarming the Riolu, who looked up sharply. Curse that species sensivity, they had been caught!

‒ You know… Veena-sama? ‒ Hiyori gulped warily.

‒ Not personally, but we were sent by her siblings for a mission in her dungeon. Why? Do you need an escort? ‒ Fang didn't look up, but smiled bitterly from where she was searching for the apples. ‒ Given, you have probably more knowledge on the area than us… And you are in better health too. ‒ The Totodile frowned, grimacing. ‒ No, we're not much of an escort right now, after all. We'd be more a burden than help.

‒ Don't worry Fang, it's the force of habit as a Rescue Team member. ‒ The Charmander consoled, patting her shoulder.

‒ Here. Teide-san gave us this as a treat²*, but you need it more than us. ‒ The Riolu crouched beside the Glaceon and offered him two Nanab Berries, side-eyeing Yato, who wouldn't have noticed if he hadn't been experienced in being suspected. Was the food poisoned?! …No, his Danger Sense wasn't warning him, so they weren't in immediate danger. ‒ Are you alright? Has anything happened with Veena-san? You were scared when Lizard said his name. ‒ Or maybe not.

‒ Centuries ago we had a disagreement. She's still holding a grudge about it, so we're trying to steer clear of anything related to her. ‒ The Absol hurried to explain as truthfully and dismissive as he could. That way even if she or her cohort talked badly of them, at least they couldn't claim that Yato had lied. ‒ On this matter, can you avoid mentioning us to any of them? It would put us in danger. Veena is the most unreasonable of the three siblings.

‒ More than sir Aparctias? ‒ The Charmander paled.

‒ Yeah, Hekla is the sanest one. ‒ Yato sighed, scratching the fur behind the horn.

‒ You could go to her Inn then. She's not tied to her dungeon anymore. ‒ The Pikachu suggested, watching them interested. Hiyori and Yukine let their surprise show, while Yato managed to keep his poker face.

He had seen two days before the Aurora Pokémon's beacon and the night before the Volcano's one, so if their word about a "mission" was true, then they had been "liberating" the Embleteore and Veena's was the next. This was going to be a problem. It that Knight was going to be free to roam around in the near-future, she was certainly going to hunt them down… Or at least, she would if anyone mentioned Yato's presence in the area. If Kazuma was to be trusted, he would run interference until the whirlpool blocking their way to Hiyori and Yukine's island was still active. However, given their mismatched temporary Team's luck, they weren't going to make it before the six took Veena's Embleteora.

‒ Yeah, that would have been ideal, if we weren't waiting for a stupid whirlpool to calm down. I'm on a mission to bring Yukine home, but the only way is through the sea. ‒ He answered dejected, as on the corner of his eyes the Fighting Type had finally coaxed the Ice Type to eat the berries.

‒ To Isola Eevoluzione, you mean? ‒ A strained surprised almost all of them, making them whirl around and come to face the Piplup supporting the Torchic.

‒ Rush! What in Arceus's name are you doing?! ‒ Fang dropped hear search and went to fret over the feathered Fire Type. ‒ Sit down before you do more damage!

‒ Well… Yes, it's my home too, but I was tasked to search for Yukine-kun's Egg before the First Wave, so I'm stranded as well. ‒ Hiyori ventured cautiously, before approaching the other girls. ‒ What happened?

‒ She broke a toe when we fell into that creek. Why did you move? ‒ Pikachu frowned, both confused and reproaching.

‒ You were having a party without us! And you can bet your tail that I'm not staying alone injured while sending Poccha here to see what was happening. ‒ The Chick Pokémon said from where she had sat down.

‒ Okay, legit. ‒ Fang huffed. ‒ But I haven't bandaged your foot yet, so keep still! ‒ She put down the bag and shoved into "Poccha's" wings a couple of apples. ‒ These are for Yato and his team, give them their reward while I patch your reckless partner. ‒ She all but growled at the other Water Type who hastily scrambled away to comply.

‒ Thank you. ‒ Yato mumbled, as soon as he bit into his fruit. Girls like the Big Jaw Pokémon intimidated him, so better not mess with her.

While the three of them were eating, the Torchic's attention focused away from her foot to the oddity of Hiyori twin tails, probably to distract herself from the pain. ‒ Can I ask how are you doing that trick? ‒ She nodded at the ghost limb, then grimaced at her own question when Hiyori startled. ‒ Sorry, I need a distraction, you don't have to answer.

‒ Oh, nono, don't worry, I was just surprised! ‒ The Espeon waved it off. ‒ Are you familiar with the Pokémon Gourgeist? ‒ They nodded. ‒ While we were searching for Yukine-kun's egg we missed the First Wave, but after we found him and were coming back here, we ended in the middle of a Raid. We managed to escape, but a Shadow Gourgeist tagged me with a Trick-or-Treat. It still hasn't worn off, so I'm a Psychic-Ghost Type for the time being. Hence the second ghostly tail. ‒ She waved it independently from the flesh one, letting it brush against a raised yellow wing. The Torchic shivered, but smiled in wonder.

‒ Have you tried anything but to wait? ‒ Lizard folded his arms curiously.

‒ Yeah, for now getting Yukine-kun home it's the priority, but Yato accepted my mission, so I'm not worried. ‒ The Sun Pokémon smiled like her namesake, prompting the Absol to turn his head to hide a slight blush. What was with him and her (indirect) praises?!

Ne, since you're a Knight, can't you get provisions and aid from Byakko-san? ‒ The Riolu asked curiously, saving him from the embarrassment. Was he trying to lure Yato into a trap?

‒ Apparently since I never had a Dungeon of my own, I don't fit the canons for getting them. ‒ The Dark Type huffed and shrugged, as if the reminder wasn't stinging him. Guilt seemed to enter in the other's amber eyes and didn't press the matter further, though he seemed to relax his stance. Had Yato gained his trust? Already? All the other Lucario and Riolu he had met always took ages to warm up to him, Dark Type and harbinger of destruction and all. Was this one a pup or just ignorant? Maybe both, he could be an egg that had survived the first Wave. ‒ By the way, I didn't know that there were any Riolu still around. How did you survive?

The Fighting Type blinked while the Eevolutions scolded Yato by shouting his name. Both went ignored as the Emanation Pokémon responded. ‒ Oh, Pikachu and I are foreign. An accident teleported us in this region few days ago and Amaryllis-san told us the story of the missing Riolus. ‒ He scratched the back of his head, starting to look mareepish. ‒ Anyway, I'm Ash, Pikachu's my aibou.

‒ I'm Poccha and the Torchic is Rush, we're Team Purplewing. ‒ The Piplup completed the presentations. ‒ The six of us are a bit stranded ourselves, so we know the feeling.

‒ Stranded? ‒ Hiyori tilted her head in confusion.

‒ Kidnapped and dropped in with a feral Suicune, with no direction on what they actually wanted from us, actually. So yeah, let's go with stranded. ‒ Wow, that Totodile was snarky too! Yato would have asked what was that all about, but someone else interfered.

‒ Sir Aparctias told us to reach your island to try and get info on either ways to go back home or directions to where to find the Creation Trio. ‒ The Charmander ignored his partner's tone, since he was certainly used to that. ‒ Hey, maybe if the whirlpool hasn't calmed yet by the time we finish our mission, we could try to find ways to cross the sea channel together! ‒ Lizard proposed, sincerity shining in his eyes. Yato hoped that it would keep on going even after crashing against Veena's propaganda.

‒ Let's hope not, it would mean that we'd already manage to pass. ‒ The Absol grinned, winking.

‒ I wouldn't be against it, though. ‒ The Espeon intervened from where she was still observing Fang's technique in splinting an avian foot.

‒ Me too! ‒ The kid piped up from where he had finished the offered Nanab Berries and apple.

‒ Fine, fine, but let's not jinx ourselves. ‒ Yato huffed in mock-exasperation.

‒ Oh, now that you said it, it's too late buddy. We can tell from experience. ‒ Rush grimaced at the pressure of the bandages.

‒ We'll see then. Are you guys good? ‒ The Disaster Pokémon scanned around, prodding his Danger Sense which kept quiet. The other Rescue Teams were on a patch of the road well covered from the sky at the moment and Yato's teammates had finished eating their reward. ‒ We need to check the whirlpool: before the anomaly, this was around the time it stopped. ‒ The sun was almost at the zenith and the currents seemed to calm down with that astronomical event.

The six exchanged glances, then Fang spoke up when an impasse was reached. ‒ It's not too long before Scogliera Calcedonio, is it?

‒ No, it's not. Barely half an hour by walking at Slugma's pace. ‒ Hiyori confirmed.

‒ It won't be a problem then. I can piggyback Rush all the way there. ‒ Ash's offer shifted the hesitant mood to one more certain and secured.

‒ Very well! If you all finish what you have to do, we'll be the ones to find you on the shores! ‒ Yato retrieved the "liberated" satchel and saluted. ‒ Don't forget your Delivery Knight Yato's services!

After that, the Absol sprinted down the road, barely hearing the shouted protests of the Eevolutions, as he was praying Kyogre for calm seas and getting as much distance between him and the psycho Raikou. They didn't need another confrontation with her like his last one.

It would be counterproductive in this time of crisis to kill a fellow Knight or cohort, after all.


Do you wanna save the game?

►YES

NO

...φ

SAVED.


¹* Yeah, it was a bit melodramatic, but given that Lizard is one of the main protagonist and without him the plot goes to the Distortion World, well… Apocalypse it is. xD

²* It happened off-screen, as they were the leftovers of the banquet.


A/N. Disclaimer: the noun and the facts depicted in this chapter and forward are (not entirely) casual, so please don't kill me.

SO! Here's the real reason this fic is called "Mega Mix"! …No, in all seriousness, it all started normally as in: I intended to fill the story plot with OC inspired by real world legends (like "Aparctias", which is one of the names for the North Wind), but as I was planning the arcs and the Legendaries in those, I was struck upside down by a plot-bunny that decided to take control of the fic and ran out of my reach.

I hope this revelation won't be a deal breaker for you since I'm gonna use some characters from other fandoms in the future too, but let's be clear: they are NOT people who turned Pokémon and got transported in this dimension. I'm just exploiting their events and characters because I thought they fitted.

Seeing as our six heroes are going to get involved and change things, I'm not even considering this as a multi-fandom crossover, so you can liberally ignore that they come from elsewhere and it won't influence the experience. My intent was to make you look at what I write and say "Oh shish, this comes from X!" with a smile or a laugh, so I hope you enjoy.

(SO, to clarify this isn't an April Fools, I just wanted to publish the chapter on the date the show first aired since I regretfully missed the Pokémon Day on 27/2.)

By the way, did you see the Direct (and the Concert)?

Kyaaaa! I'm so excited for the game that will probably be released next year, it was about time something like that would be developed, it has so much potential! O(≧▽≦)O

I won't ignore the other more recent release, I just hope they won't ruin the shiny hunt chances like they did in SwSh (DLC aside) with the more or less unintentional glitch in the system.

That said, I have an announcement: I'm posting at long last the first two chapters of this story along with 3700-years Evolution on Ao3, it seemed a good date for both of them to make a debut on that platform, wish me good luck!

Thank you for all your Favs, Follows, Views and Reviews, I hope you still like this fic and I'll try to update as soon as I can, so type ya soon!

[ptl: Ash totally could! Unfortunately he has more urgent matters, but he could still leave tips to any new friends he makes during the search for home, so we'll see. xD

Aki Utsukushi: Thank you! Hope you'll keep enjoying it!]