Welcome! This is certainly the unexpected story, no? Well, maybe not that unexpected. If you know me from the rest of the Ancienverse, you may have anticipated this, in which case I hope you enjoy it.

If, however, you found this because you were searching for fics based on Legends Arceus, fear not! You've still come to the right place! As a prequel to the Ancienverse, this can be seen as almost entirely standalone. Some call-forwards will be present, but none of them are required to understand this story, and you can enjoy this as is. I hope you do! Just know it's set in the anime universe, rather than the games. That's about it.

So, that out of the way, this story is a prequel to the Ancienverse. Book 0, if you will. It's also a loose take on Legends Arceus. No isekai, for example. It's also a bit of a darker take. That said, I hope it's enjoyable. And given I've wasted enough of your time, let's just jump right into it!

Author: Epicocity

Rating: T for violence and language

Pairing: Adaman/Irida

Cover art done by XDiamondX90! Please read his work Maverick's Sinnoh Adventure and review it when you have the chance!

DISCLAIMER: Nope. Don't own.

Love in the Time of Trepidation

Book Zero of the Ancienverse

Chapter 1

A Nightmare

It was the end of the world. They just didn't know it yet.

Lightning flashed, golden, yet white-hot. It burned into the ground, scorching wood and dirt. Flames licked the houses, a plume of smoke rising towards the night sky. The moon and starlight were obscured, its very visage stained with bloodlike flecks dancing amidst the embers.

And the shadow, set against the backdrop of flames seared itself into her mind.

"Oshasha…" The doleful cry of the Pokémon, wounded from the flames, brought her gaze away from the stars, to the burning village around them. She held him in her hands, his tiny form weak.

"Look out! It's collapsing!" Every voice was muddled, as if lost in the fog and shadow. Her head hurt, and her eyes were nothing but the same fire that was burning itself into her retinae. There was another shout, but it might as well have been lost with all the rest. A form tackled her, a large bird that brought her out just before the wood collapsed into cinders and splinters.

"…okay? Are you okay?!"

She said nothing. Her eyes hurt, widening at the ravaged village before her. Houses were gone. Lightning was striking. And the faces of the dead stared up at her. From where she had been pulled, two of them had reached out for her, pushing her away. They looked like her.

She could speak nothing, and as she turned, the deep shadow lashed out with a guttural cry, as if seeping through a crack it wanted to rend.

"Akari!"

A gasp exuded from her lips, and Akari flung upwards. Her dark gray hair was propelled with the movement, every breath like one trying to come up for air. It drooped in front of her face once it settled, covering the curtain of her gray eyes, a situation made worse when a blast of water hit her face. Akari blinked.

"I was up, Oshawott…" she muttered, hearing the prideful pattering of her partner. She swept her hair aside, shaking her head as she did so. It caused water to drip into her lap, and onto the partner near her lap. Cyndaquil shivered, and shook his body, his little flames flaring for an instant. With the sight, Akari frowned.

It felt so real. Too real. Like she could actually feel the fire. For a moment, she wondered if it had been Cyndaquil, next to her in the night, keeping her overly-warm. As if hoping to confirm, her fingers stretched out to pet her other partner.

A knock interceded. "Akari! You up?"

Akari's hand halted, turning in the direction of the door. Before she could push up from her futon, the knock resounded once again, more insistent than before. Knowing her predictable lethargy, Oshawott closed the gap, reaching the door and jamming his scalchop in its gap to open the door wide. Hoping to at least feel presentable before anyone entered, Akari managed to remove herself from her bedding and tie her hair back. "You could've waited, Oshawott."

"Osha." Oshawott shook his head in disbelief, but smiled once he felt a hand on his head, petting him.

"You did good," said the male voice, belonging to the lodging's new entrant. Akari turned in his direction, and smiled softly, herself. "Someone has to get this lazy one on her feet."

"I already said I was up, Rei," Akari shot back. Now that she was on her feet, her body began to stretch of its own accord, bending this way and that. At her feet, Cyndaquil was attempting to mimic her, only to fall over and roll into the nearby pot. The clang caused Rei to flinch, and her brother grimaced a second before reaching down to pick the Fire type up and set him back on his feet. Akari paused in her stretching, watching the tenderness with which he helped Cyndaquil. It was so like him. Her smile widened a bit, at least until she realized his attire. "You off on another mission today, then?"

Rei stopped his playing with Cyndaquil and straightened. Seeing him dressed in the blue garb of what had been deemed the Galaxy Expedition Team, complete with the insignia, red cap and a scarf for warmth, she didn't need his answer. This was proven even moreso by the large red and brown bird at the entrance to her lodgings, playing with Oshawott as he practiced flipping on his large figure. Rei said nothing, adjusting the satchel on his waist, and playing with the necklace on his chest. The sight of that, most of all, caused Akari to turn away for her own daily garb. "Cynda?"

"Yeah, that's right, Cyndaquil. I'm heading out to the Fieldlands today for more research. Commander's orders," Rei said. Akari flicked her gaze to him as she disappeared behind a partition to dress, though he turned away. His own gray eyes roved her living space, lingering on her futon as she quickly dressed. "Didn't sleep?"

"Commander's orders, huh?" Akari said, finishing the fixing of her hair and stepping back out. Cyndaquil leapt into her arms, and she held him there. "Look at you, Rei, moving up in the world. When we got here you were considered…what was it, again? A No-Star."

"Captain Cyllene only used that for motivation. Don't dodge the question, Akari."

"All right, all right," Akari said, blowing out but not moving even a wisp of hair. "But seriously, Rei, that's good. If the commander is trusting you with big things to order you, himself, it must mean it's important."

"Mm, a shakeup in the Fieldlands last night, apparently. Professor Laventon wants to know more. He's supposed to be here soon, but you know how absentminded he can be." Rei chuckled, and Akari couldn't help but join him. Even without the professor near, he wasn't one that was difficult to remember, his purple hat standing as a contrast to his darker skin and perpetually unshaven face. It was only brought to more prominence by how giddy he was; a complete dissonance between him and the rest of Jubilife Village around him. "So, what's on your mind? Your sheets are disheveled, and you look exhausted."

"It's nothing…" Akari said, turning away. She went to grab her own pack, alongside any other tools she would need for work. Not that it stopped Rei's eyes from following her back. Cyndaquil dropped down, joining Oshawott in playing with the Decidueye at the door. Like his partner, Decidueye's gaze tracked her. She stopped with her hand on a knife, sliding down its wooden hilt. "Just dreams."

"The same one?" A small creak indicated that Rei was leaning against a wall, listening. She knew his eyes would be closed, though; it was how he took everything in. She couldn't get anything past him.

"Mm. The fire and lightning. Night mom and dad…" Akari's hand finished sliding down the knife, and she refused to take it from its place. She'd have to use the one at work. That was fine. "Still can't remember it all."

"Wouldn't be surprised if you never did. Even my memory is spotty of that night." He didn't need to tell her that it was the night that had ultimately brought them here. To Jubilife, nestled inside Hisui. "But it's just a memory, and just a dream. You know dreams can distort these things, so don't worry about it too much."

She wanted to believe him, but when she turned to look at him, seeing him bobbing his head with closed eyes, it just brought the image of him in the dream to mind. She reached out for him, towards the locket he had managed to rescue from their home, but dropped it.

"Rei! Rei, are you here?!" The accented shout drew Rei's attention, finally causing him to open his eyes. Both siblings turned in the direction of the door to see the older man come skidding to a stop right outside it. He nearly fell over, the fluffy ball on his hat wobbling, but Decidueye was quick to intervene in supporting him. "Thanks much, chap!"

"Koo."

"We ready to go, Professor?" Rei said, dusting his clothes off as if to give him something to do. Or maybe it was to remind himself of the discipline needed in heading to the dangerous Fieldlands. Either way, Akari knew he was prepared for his mission.

"Everything's ready, and the Security Corps are waiting! Captain Zisu even put a few extras on!" Laventon appeared more excited than usual, stepping back to allow Rei to exit in front of Akari. Oshawott and Cyndaquil joined back up with her, and she closed the door behind her to step into the sun-paved streets of Jubilife Village. The sounds came to her of a day already begun, and her eyes traveled down the street, past the general store, haircutters, and all the way to The Wallflower, her place of employment. Leaving a sigh behind, Akari looked up, seeing Laventon clutching a sketchbook and practically bouncing up and down. "We have a new phenomenon to study! Who knows what this can do for how we perceive Pokémon?!"

"We don't know. That's the point," Rei admitted, chuckling further. He threw a glance back and Akari had to stifle her giggles. It was comforting to know that Laventon was always the same. "But as members of the Survey Corps, we'll figure it out. That's our job!"

"Indubitably! Now, let's go! Decidueye, can you lead the advance?" It didn't seem like Decidueye had much of a choice. The professor marched ahead, unable to decide if he should calmly walk or run like the eager researcher he was. Decidueye cried out and flapped after the professor, worried of him falling. Rei, however, lingered.

"Guess this'll be an all-day affair if he's that excited," Rei said. He looked upwards, his eyes drawn to the towering mountain that split the region, and he breathed out. His breath almost looked like it frosted, and Akari knew she wouldn't be surprised; somedays, it was getting colder than others. She stepped up to her brother's side, the two of them staring at the grand mountain.

Visible from anywhere in Hisui, it was the one sight that drew all to gaze at its lofty peaks. No matter where one went, or where one was going to, it was the one binding factor, and the one constant that existed in such a turbulent and dangerous land. To Rei, there was no doubt it was the kind of thing that kept him steady, that guided him home.

To Akari, it was a looming mass, lording over all the land.

She gave another exhale. There was no time to dwell on such things, especially when the siblings saw Laventon waving frantically for Rei at the village exit. There was no doubt his sketchbook flapping about was annoying the guard, but it made Rei move no faster. "Well, good luck on your mission. Hope you find something."

"I'll look for some ingredients for you," Rei said, grinning back with the confidence that insisted he'd be home in time for her to make something. Celebration or otherwise, it was always nice to eat with her brother. Rei sucked in his own breath, turning steely. He stepped closer to Akari, and lifted his hand to pat her cheek before pulling her close. "Keep safe, sis."

"Mm. You, too." She returned the hug, keeping it brief. Then, Rei pulled away with a single pat to the head and ran for Laventon. Akari watched him go, Oshawott and Cyndaquil jumping on her shoulders. The sight of her with the two partners caused some walking down Floaro Main Street to avoid her, whispering under their breath. She ignored them, waiting until her brother had disappeared beyond the village gate. He was doing his part and, she supposed, it was time for her to do hers. Akari spun on her heel, her Pokémon clinging to her clothing, and raced down the street for the small, but populated restaurant at the corner.

Her steps slowed as she neared it, that very near center of the village, but her eyes were torn more towards the giant building that stood as both centerpiece and guardian for the village. The Galaxy Team Headquarters.

It towered over the village, even as the mountain towered over it, made of brick and mortar compared to the wooden lodgings and buildings that comprised every other part. Emblazoned with the mark of the Team, Akari's eyes traveled up it, even as her footsteps continued to carry her to her destination. There were statues of Magikarp and a Pokémon that Laventon had once called a Weezing, each watching over the village like sentries in all different directions. Akari scoffed at the fact; she'd known enough from her brother that while the Galaxy Team was not averse to partnering with Pokémon, they were hard-pressed to be willing enough to let them protect the village.

"Akari, there you are. A hand, if you will." Akari finally blinked, turning away fully from the building and facing the older man calling to her from inside the building of The Wallflower. He was a bent man, his spine curved in ways that suggested a form of servitude to the people around him, but she knew enough of Beni, her boss, to believe that to be far from the case. He was simply unassuming, constantly evidenced by his harsh demeanor that hid the kinder nature.

Not that it ever fully reached his eyes.

"Cynd!" Cyndaquil hopped off Akari's shoulder, guiding the way over the counter and into the kitchen. Beni spun with grace, allowing Cyndaquil over to the stove and Oshawott to his own station. Hoping to skip the door, Akari launched herself over the counter and into the kitchen, greeted with the interior portion of the establishment.

"I see the captain is already here."

"And forty bowls of potato mochi ordered already. Sometimes I wonder if she knows I make other things…" Beni said. His gruff voice and subsequent clearing of his throat brought Akari's attention to said potatoes, and the knife waiting for her. Oshawott was already there, his scalchop out and ready to help. Rolling up her sleeves, Akari tied her hair tighter and approached as a sound from outside indicated a different customer with voluminous red hair. Preparing to work, Akari still shot back a retort.

"You make different things, Beni? Here I thought you'd never change!"

"Very funny. It's my traditional cuisine that keeps this village running. Get chopping. What can I get you, Captain Zisu?" The boisterous woman's laughter faded almost as soon as it had begun, with Akari's full focus being put on the potatoes in front of her. Knife in hand, she moved deftly, ignoring whatever Beni was doing, or the scraping of the bowl from Cyllene clearing yet another dish. With every swipe between her and Oshawott, the two would clack their knife and scalchop before sending them to Cyndaquil to cook them up. Once in a while, Beni would step in with a new order for some ramen, or something even lighter, but for the most part, she was left to her devices, until, as the sun had long crested over the sky, Akari slid the last dish of potato mochi to the captain at the table, who almost dipped her pen into the dish.

"Careful, captain, or you'll be eating ink instead of mochi," Akari said with a small chuckle. Beni was busy, frying up some vegetables for the village tailor and craftsman who had come by for an early dinner. Glancing outside, Akari had to wonder if Rei was to come back soon, but given the captain's lack of urgency, she figured that wouldn't be the case. At her question, Captain Cyllene looked up, her sharp, narrow eyes widening as she finally noticed the teenaged girl standing there.

"Oh, Akari, my apologies. Have I been taking up too much space?" Cyllene reached over to take the bowl, pushing some of her voluminous papers aside to eat with rapidity. Now having the chance to breathe, Akari noticed that the whole table was practically papered up.

"Did you bring your whole office with you, Captain?"

"Oh, no. Just some light work while I ate." She neglected to mention that she had been here the whole day, leading Akari to sigh. Sometimes the woman was a hopeless case, but she supposed that, like her brother, that serious, stoic demeanor, emphasized by her short blue hair and sharp state of dress, was needed to combat the overeager Laventon. It made her a well-respected woman, at least, and one to which Akari was content to leave to her own devices. She began to turn away back to the kitchen, her eyes roving briefly over the papers.

"You sent Rei towards the Grandtree?" she asked, picking up the used bowls and hauling them over to the sink. "That's pretty deep in the Fieldlands, isn't it?"

"Rei's been to numerous locations, so it should be little work for him. I'm more worried about what's at the Grandtree than him getting there," Cyllene said, jerking a little when Akari dumped the dishes in the sink. Beni's eyes narrowed, but he was more focused on serving up the stir-fried vegetables. "Reports of glowing Pokémon, particularly violent ones, at that, after that storm last night."

"A storm, huh? Must've slept through it," Akari said, trying to find humor in what Cyllene was painting as a rather dire situation. Even if it was a lie, anyway.

"You can sleep through anything. You need Oshawott to wake you up," Beni said, finishing his work. Cyndaquil offered to help, but Beni waved him off, serving the plates. Akari huffed.

"Even if I do, he's a good partner. I'm more surprised you don't have a partner of your own to manage this place, Beni. I can't work here forever, you know?" She sent a wink Beni's way, but he didn't return it. He instead went back to the stove as she and her partner began to wash the dishes down. "Actually, how come you don't use a Pokémon? Other than the whole, 'everyone's scared of the outside'."

"Stop being inquisitive and clean."

"Must be because he's afraid they'll break something. Like you do, Akari." Beni's non-answer was instantly forgotten. The latest dish tumbled into the sink at the new, and very familiar, voice. A smile stretched on Akari's face, one that not even Oshawott's scolding could stop as she skipped over to the counter. Another seat had been occupied, this time by a friendly man with golden hair and a large pack set to the side. The other two at the counter put a seat between them and the man, but Akari had no problems getting that little bit closer.

"Volo! I didn't expect to see you! I thought you said you were out by the Coastlands," Akari said, closing the gap and leaning over the counter. Cyndaquil joined her, and so did Oshawott, much to Beni's liberal sighs. They were instantly greeted by another Pokémon floating up and greeting them with a "Toge!". Akari's hands nearly took Volo's, grinning at him as though they hadn't seen each other in months, though it was likely weeks was the truer approximation. "What are you doing here?"
"Ginter has some stuff to sell, and I'm here to gather any juicy rumors. Togekiss can only get me so far." Togekiss pouted, turning away from her partner, only for Volo to pat her on the head. "Aw, relax, pal. Now, how about some soy sauce and ramen!"

"Weird as ever, Volo," Akari said. Her laughter helped lighten the darkening sky, still no sign of her brother. As she turned to prepare the food, the door to The Wallflower opened, Zisu striding in with boisterous steps that served to yank Cyllene away from the table. Now having no one from the Survey Corps here, it reminded her of their absence, one which appeared to catch Volo's attention.

"What's got you down, Akari? You look tired." Beni frowned, but took over the dishwashing, himself, while Akari prepared the merchant's food.

"Nothing. Just some dreams lately. Well…nightmares…" Next to her, Oshawott cut some vegetables and tossed them to Cyndaquil, who fried them.

"Well, you know what they say. Dreams can often be premonitions of portents to come."

"Sounds like something out of a story," Akari said, shaking her head and beginning to stir the broth. It came to a boil under Cyndaquil's quick ministrations, and allowed her a moment. She didn't care to hear it, but Volo may have had a point, as he often did. It didn't help that the sun was sinking low and there was no word of the Survey Corps returning. That, or she was making it all up in her mind. Wiping away any perspiration from the steam, Akari filled Volo's bowl. "Speaking of, any story to share, yourself? You always have such good ones."

Volo didn't answer right away, he and Togekiss content to snarf the food down, broth and all. Some of the soy sauce dripped to the countertop, and Akari was quick to wipe it away, waiting for the answer. After a light belch, Volo leaned back, showing off a toothy grin. "Not today, I'm afraid!"

"Oh…shame," Akari said, swiping the bowl and tossing it to Beni without thinking. He caught it, but not without leveling a glare at her. "I was hoping you had more stories about the Celestica Ruins or even the old Sinnoh tribe."

"Hey, that's all bedtime story speculation. Any of the clans would tell you that. You're the only person interested, anyway," Volo said. Some of his golden hair drooped in front of his eyes and he brushed it aside. It fell right back to where it had been, and he gave up his futile struggle. "Haven't learned anymore, though. For now, I'd say I'm just waiting for the next story to begin."

"Yeah, and what story is that?" Akari said, leaning on the counter. From where she stood, she could see all of the main street. Past Volo to the Headquarters and various other stands, all the way to the village exit. There was no commotion there, and she sighed. Waiting was always the hardest part. It made her feel so small. So…out of control. At least out of her own control.

"Maybe I'm waiting for your story, huh?" Volo said, grinning and pointing her way. Next to him, the other customers finally finished eating and made to leave. Once they had, and Akari had processed what Volo was saying, she waved his finger off.

"Cut it out. There is no 'my story' here."

"Never know! We each have our own story. Our own destinies, yeah? Like, you've heard about the Orange Archipelago, right? They have this whole Chosen One legend. Bunch of malarkey, of course. Pretty sure someone just misinterpreted it, but it goes to show that anywhere, anytime…well, anyone has a story. Can't allow yourself to be held down!" Volo's words sounded nice enough, but Akari couldn't find the merit in them. She did offer a laugh, though, feeling a little better about his misplaced beliefs.

"It's a nice thought, but…I just don't see that chance coming."

"Then make it." Volo leaned back, his cap nearly slipping from his head as the emblem of the prominent Ginkgo Merchant Guild stretched across his torso. "I go out every day and make my own chances happen. That's the key to being a good merchant. You'll find yours, yeah."

"If you make your own chances, Volo, how come you sell so little?"

"Ack, boss!" Volo recoiled, nearly falling off his chair were it not for Togekiss propping him up. A different man, gray-haired and bedecked in the same uniform as Volo approached, his pack held tight as a woman with similar attire ran some kind of calculations behind him. "Wasn't aware you were done making the rounds?"

"Out of stock, actually," Ginter said, grabbing Volo's bag from the floor and throwing it to him. "You're the only one with stuff left, so get to the Fieldlands. Any of the Corps might need medical supplies. I hear there's something nasty out there."

Volo scowled at the order, but eventually sighed alongside Togekiss. Her wings even drooped, drawing a laugh from Akari. "Guess there's nothing for it. To the next chapter!"

"Toge toge!"

"Take care, Akari. I'll try to bring more interesting stories next time." Volo whipped his pack around, slinging it on his shoulders before trying remove a wisp of hanging hair. He paused, even as his merchant companions were already moving on. "Your brother's in the Fieldlands, right? Hope he's not caught up in all that danger."

"I'm sure he'll be back soon. Bye, Volo." Her hand lazily lifted to wave him away, though he was paying no further mind. His words came to hers, though, as well as all the other rumors.

"Osha?" Oshawott's touch was felt on Akari's face and she turned to smile at him. He took it kindly, especially when she rubbed across the top of his head.

"Oh, nothing. Volo just got me thinking. I hope Rei's okay." Oshawott said nothing, and she knew he didn't need to. Rei would make it home and they'd have a big meal. She had to trust that.

It was just a nightmare, after all.

Whether it was that, or a premonition, or just Volo trying to make something grand out of something small, it didn't matter. Soon as the merchants of the Ginkgo Guild had departed, a number of villagers arrived, eager for that day's meals. Holding in whatever worries she might have had, she turned to the task of serving the villagers alongside Beni.

That kept her busy until night had fallen, and The Wallflower was closed for the day, she and Beni heading in opposite directions. The town fell silent, nothing but what sounded like the chirping of a far-off Starly, perhaps somewhere in the Obsidian Fieldlands. All stilled but the river that ran through town and out into the wilds beyond. It gave Akari pause.

"Nightmares and premonitions…" she muttered, glancing to the river and her reflection therein as she approached. In it she saw herself frown, and the starlight and peak of the mountain, dancing with celestial energy. Scoffing, she kicked at the dirt, sending tiny pebbles to disturb the reflection before Cyndaquil could get a good look at himself. With the turn of her feet, she faced her lodgings, her gaze traveling up the spire that split Hisui. If she squinted, she could swear to seeing something there, like a small crack in the sky. "I'm just exhausted… Hopefully I can get some sleep tonight and stop seeing delusions."

"Cynda!"

"Wott!" With the agreement of her partners, she bent low and scooped them in her arms, prepared to sleep for the night.

Rei never came home.

That night was another fitful night, full of flashing flames and peals of lightning that threatened to tear into her. At some point, Cyndaquil had drawn close, trying to calm her shakes, for all the good it did. Akari was almost certain no one slept that night, not with how loud it was inside her head.

When morning came, she felt no better rested, but plastered a smile on her face, hoping to not alarm the Pokémon that had cared for her during the night. Standing at the full-length mirror, she attempted to raise her lips, but found the circles under her eyes made that impossible. To that, she slapped her cheeks. "No moping, Akari. No one wants food from a frown."

Another slap later and she dressed herself, ready to take on the newest day. Part of her hoped they had heard from the Survey Corps, and when she was set to leave, she almost thought that wasn't even needed. The noise of people outside, akin to murmurs, was loud enough that she believed they had returned. That made it a little bit easier to smile and step outside the door.

And in that instant, she almost wished she didn't.

Akari placed but a single foot down when she knew something was wrong. The murmurs and whispers didn't convey what it was, nor did the contingent of Security Corps members running pell-mell towards either the Headquarters or the village gate. None of them were needed to know that something in the air had gone wrong. That was plain from Oshawott and Cyndaquil's fur bristling, their aggravated shudders felt through her spine when they leapt upon her. All Akari needed was to know what was causing it…

…something that a single turn later told her.

Akari's eyes widened, staring to the towering mountain. It was just as tall as ever, just as majestic as ever. Yet it was no longer alone. Sitting atop its crown was a crack in the sky, rending the air in two. Lightning crackled around it, like tiny beats of thunder that roamed through the land, shaking the air of the village. People were staring up at the horrific sight, and Akari couldn't help but join them.

"What is that…?" she breathed, knowing she was far from alone.

"Someone call the Commander!" a voice yelled, though whether citizen or Security Corps, Akari did not know.

"What do we do?" called another. Akari had no answers. No comfort for people or herself.

Instead, staring at the crack in the sky, she felt her heart fill with dread.

Oshawott attempted to help her, his big eyes staring at her as he nuzzled her cheek, but Akari could not stop the clenching in her chest. Her hand reached up, as if clasping the nonexistent necklace that belonged to Rei. Her eyes took in the horrible rift, each little squeal and spark in the sky like a reminder of her nightmares. Of that night.

"Rei…"

"Somebody! Anybody! Get Captain Cyllene! Call the Medical Corps to the front gate!" Everyone knew that voice, most of all Akari. The accent made it unmistakable. She turned, her entire body seizing at the thought of what such a panicked voice meant. The citizens turned with her, and there was a sudden crash and a scream from near the village gate.

That scream opened the floodgates, many more expressing their fear over the sky. A loud boom echoed, sounding like the doors to the Headquarters flung open, but it became little more than buzzing inside Akari's head. Her feet were moving, willing her to where the voice was coming from. Her periphery swam, muddled and empty. She could feel someone brushing past her, but other than the shock of pink hair, she knew not who it was. Any wonder ceased the second she finally located the source of the voice.

It was Laventon, bruised and scuffed along his skin and coat. His papers, the ones he so jealously guarded and protected, were nearly torn out of their bindings, barely held together by string while he pulled behind him a stretcher made of leaves.

Nor was he the only one carrying them, other Security Corps members holding fast to other stretchers with the wounded. Akari didn't care about any of them, not when she saw the one Laventon was holding, and the one pulled up next to him.

"REI!" Akari's shout brought sound rushing back, both to herself and citizens alike. She rushed forward, pushing them aside, Oshawott faster than even herself until they fell into the dirt, and their hearts fell.

Rei and Decidueye were on stretchers, gashes torn across their bodies, and unconscious, signs of a battle badly fought. She reached out, grasping for his hands and finding only that Rei's fists were clenched tight around something, refusing to let go.

His hands were cold.

Author's Note: An ominous start, no? For the record, Rei isn't dead. Close to it, for sure, but not dead. I just wanted a very dramatic opening. Of course, as per standard, it's our female protagonist, Akari, who will be taking the lead, something we've had a picture painted of a little. Where her journey goes is something you'll have to continue reading to find out. It's a bit different from usual for me, but I think it might make her one of my most interesting and engaging protagonists yet at the end!

But for now, we conclude the first chapter, with the next to come on Sunday. As usual, this will follow a Tuesday/Thursday/Sunday release cycle. However, do note, my responses to reviews will be largely delayed from the norm, since I have a much busier schedule than I did before. However, I will still respond to all the reviews that I can within 24 hours!

So, until then, please leave a Review and, of course,

Dare to Be Silly.