Hybrid: Aurora Edition

by SairaCrystaline

A story in the Pokemon world with a trans protagonist who lives through some of the worst life has to offer, but refuses to back down and always does their best to do the right thing. Lots of hurt/comfort, comedy will be in places, don't expect much hetero stuff to happen. And plenty of filled in holes the canon of the games leaves.

10. Chapter 10: Escape Plans

It never fails to amaze me how blind humans seem to be. The ones consumed by pride always fall short, while those filled with humility regularly underestimate themselves. Of course both are important, but moderation is key. Spinel seems to have never even heard of the concept. And as such, she has fallen to where she is more effective. This leaves the position she once held open for one much more lenient with Galactic's captives. As we've seen, any blatant attempts to escape are swiftly dealt with with brutal efficiency. But I do believe we've reached the point where plans are beginning to be put into motion. So let us watch how those deprived of sunlight begin to mount an offense right beneath their captors' noses.

~~Iron Island, Year 8520, Taflinal, Erishi 1st~~

Everyone was still processing what'd happened yesterday. How a dozen people just got slaughtered by Silas, and how Cyrus had made it into something the humans were cheering for. At least when Spinel did it, it seemed like people didn't like it. This… this was different.

I was spending that day with Mama. There were of course more battles going on that were on the screen, but they didn't look like they were gonna die today. It was never assured, but there were signs. So I was looking around the room, processing everything around me.

Even though Mama told me it'd been around two months… there were a lot of people I didn't know. I recognized them, sure, but either I was recovering, or I was too sad or, sometimes, Mama would tell me not to go talk with them. She didn't mind me watching them, but it was… weird.

There was a lot of stuff I was still trying to wrap my head around. There was still a huge tank of water with some Hybrids and Pokemon in it. It was always there, taking up a huge part of one of the walls. They'd sometimes be called to battle, and the arena would turn into this big watery box thing for them to be in.

I'd talked with them a little, but not all the time. Mama said lots of water wasn't good for us because we were of fire. I did remember Woo's water being more painful than some other stuff, like Shine's leaves, but I didn't know it was about the water.

There were these two really nice Hybrids and their partner who I'd talked with sometimes. One was a singer and the other a dancer, and they kept themselves occupied by doing those things underwater when they could. Ninian was the dancer and Nils was the singer, while Ninian's partner was Tethys, a Primarina from what Mama told me.

They were a lot like Eclipse, Koko and Yuna, but they didn't really get called in to fight. Because they had fin thingies instead of legs, it made it harder for them to get to the arena than me and Mama or someone else. Which part of me was kinda glad about; if anyone had to fight, I was glad it was me instead of the people who clearly didn't do fighting. Like them, and Hazel and Vivian.

There were lotsa people who didn't have much to do, though. I didn't really know what other things to do were, but I did know that if you wanted to do something that wasn't be miserable and wait for your death? Galactic didn't like that very much.

Some people spent time talking. To other people, or themselves. When I asked Mama about it, she told me that sometimes people say stuff out loud instead of it just being in their head. And that some people talk just to feel like something familiar is happening. When I overheard them, it wasn't usually anything scary. Just talking about something they did often, or like they had a story they were remembering, or like they had a Rhea of their own to talk to. Except they weren't in their dreams only and just in their head. I didn't think much about it though. If I had Rhea, then lots of other people had to have stuff like that too. Right?

Other people were always up and about, cleaning or helping out or anything at all. They just needed to move around. So they did; sometimes running in circles, sometimes taking stuff to people who needed it, anything that got them moving. At least until they wore themselves out, anyway.

There were a couple of them who were more aggressive, though. They were quicker to yell at people, or wanna start a fight or something. They would train amongst themselves, especially hard after someone died. Usually they got better after they went to fight someone in the arena, but it didn't last forever. Benny or Paris would calm them down more often than not, even though it didn't always mean they had to fight them down. They were just better at fighting, just in case.

And then some people slept all the time, or not at all. But somehow they were both super tired? Some people slept until they needed to eat, or were called to fight or something, and they always looked exhausted. And then there were people who I'd hear awake even in the middle of the night, only sometimes flopping down on their bed and passing out for a couple hours before they got up again. Neither one felt like it was really good for them. Eclipse was the latter.

While she was here, anyway.

While I was doing my people watching though, I saw a little more about why Mama didn't want me getting too close to some people. They were eating some fresh muffins Rhodo had made.

"At least there's some more good food to go around," muttered someone named Klaus while he bit into a muffin.

His partner Sawsbuck gave him an odd look, just like I did.

I mean. I like muffins, sure, but I wouldn't want anyone to die so I could get more. Maybe he's trying to look on the bright side…? He doesn't feel like he's trying to be mean, but still…

Someone close by, Gerard, an Emboar Hybrid who I'd sometimes seen with Keaton looked over, his eyes narrowing. "I'm glad a dozen people dying was able to satisfy your sweet tooth."

I retreated a bit into Mama's tails. She'd noticed what was happening as well, and kept them curled around me protectively. Them being mad makes sense, but they feel REALLY mad… I hope nothing bad happens…

Klaus turned around glaring. "I'm not happy about it, but it's also not like they were subtle about their plan. A deaf Burmy could've worked out what they were doing, forget about the cameras everywhere. Plus, I know you hoped it'd work too. That's why you didn't stop Keaton from going, right? You were too scared to help."

Gerard spiked with anger as he got into Klaus' face. "Maybe you should've been the one to go. You don't wanna leave? Don't mind being used as some psycho bitch's fucking science experiment as long as you get some free fucking food!?"

Klaus grabbed the collar of Gerard's shirt. "Just ask me if you wanna get your ass beat, Gerard. Ya don't haveta piss me off for me to do it, knocking your ass into a coma will make my nights way easier. No more of you bitching about Keaton in your sleep and waking me up!"

I don't like where this is going…

I clearly wasn't the only one, as Riri walked up to them, Pa, Papa and Tou-san (I finally figured out a good way to call Haley dad) right behind them. Pa roughly shoved the two away from each other while Riri looked to each of the two in turn. "Let's not fight each other. We've enough problems as is without in-fighting."

Riri looked at Klaus. "I know gruel isn't appetizing, but try not to make light of what happened. Not to mention how we shouldn't remember them because they failed, but because they tried at all." Their face hardened into a more dangerous look than I'd seen from them before. "And don't mock those mourning the fallen. It takes strength to keep going, and that strength should be praised."

He looked like he was about to retort, but Pa glared him down until he deflated, sagging back onto his bed. "Yeah… yeah. Sorry…"

Then they looked at Gerard, who was still fuming, with the softer expression they usually wore. "I know it's hard. Believe me, I do. But we have to try and move forwards, not just for us but for them. They gave us some valuable information. It'd be disrespectful to not use the information they got us to help everyone get out. This won't last forever."

Gerard paused, glanced sidelong down at the floor, huffed and laid back on his bed without saying anything. I could feel some relief from Riri, Pa, Papa and Tou-san as the situation defused, and they walked away. Not too far though, I noticed, just in case.

Leanne sighed, patting my back gently. "You good there Rora?"

I nodded slowly, shivering a little. "{W-why did they do that, Okan…?}"

She started rubbing my back while Yvonne hummed her wings softly. "Everyone's just on edge. It'll be okay."

I hope so…

~~Iron Island, Year 8520, Taflinal, Erishi 3rd~~

When the door hissed open again and Jean and Indra were there, everyone was dreading her calling out names again. Then we realized they were happier than usual, which meant it definitely wasn't that. She wasn't holding anything in particular this time though, so we didn't really know what it was.

"May I have your attention please!"

Everyone who wasn't already looking now definitely was. Some people were being shaken awake, just in case, while me and Mama looked at each other.

What's going on? She doesn't feel upset or worried, so I don't think it's bad. Unless she's suddenly become evil or something, but she doesn't feel like that either…?

"Due to several factors that I'll be more than happy to explain to anyone who wants to listen in a few minutes, I'll be showing you a new area you're free to be within at your leisure." She was smiling and felt pretty calm while she was saying all that.

Okan gave her a wary look. "That sounds… not fucked. What's the catch?"

Jean looked at her. "Well you can't sleep there for one, and just like the console destroying it means you can't go there so please don't do that, but past that? Nothing, really."

She walked briskly towards about midway on the rightmost wall. There were a couple people who were ready to jump her if something awful happened, but for the most part everyone was waiting to see what happened.

She pulled out the same card she used to open Rhodo's office and a panel on the wall opened to a short, dimly lit hallway with another panel at the other side. Several people took a step backwards in surprise.

"Was… that there before?"

She shook her head. "Something I'll explain soon, but trust me. You'll want to see this."

Loads of folk looked at each other, wary of what the new hallway might lead to. Their caution went down a lot when Jean walked casually down the hallway.

I hopped off the bed, Mama looking at me curiously. {My child?}

I gave her a Rhodo smile. "{She doesn't feel bad, and this's prob'ly a good thing. I wanna see it.}"

She gave me a soft smile before hopping off the bed as well. {Then let us investigate.} She still felt cautious, but I was glad she was coming.

We're not gonna find out what it is if everyone just stands around forever.

As I started walking down the hallway, I noticed Hazel and Vivian, Guinevere and Chestnut, Ron and Rush and a buncha other people following. Jean, however, felt particularly happy.

When I got close, she smiled and crouched down to meet my gaze. "I think you'll enjoy this especially, Aurora."

Before I could ask what she meant, she swiped her card casually in front of an area on the panel.

As it opened, bright light shone through and I had to cover my eyes. It was nearly a sensory overload; tons of new smells, sounds and even new feeling air rushed past and around me. I also heard someone breathing inside? Someone small, but I couldn't recognize the pattern.

After I blinked a couple times, my eyes went wide with wonder.

In front of us was a huge room. Around the same size as the room we were in before, but it was like it was from another dimension with how different it was. Instead of metal everywhere and some beds, there was dirt and grass coating the floor. The only places where it was broken up were where a half dozen sturdy trunked trees stood proudly, their boughs full of verdant leaves and casting dappled shade on the ground.

Off to the side there was the gentle burbling of a river that looked fairly deep, but crystal clear. There was gravel on the bottom, and the sides were packed, wet dirt. When I looked up things felt a little more familiar; I could still hear the faint electric hum of lights, and there were several scattered across the roof. Between them, it looked like there were a bunch of blue screens with images of clouds floating across. They weren't flush with each other, so you could see the metal ceiling overhead, but it was still a lot nicer to look at than a bunch of boring metal panels everywhere.

I was dumbstruck. I didn't know what to say.

"Welcome to the arboretum," Jean said warmly.

Before I could even register what was all around me, I saw a small shape dart out from behind a tree. I immediately tensed, ready for a fight, before I was even more blown away.

Running towards me and Mama was a Vulpix. He looked like the opposite of me and Mama though; instead of red fur with some white, he had mostly fluffy, white fur. His one tail was fluffy at the base and totally white, while his ears had red tips and the curls of fluff on his head sharpened into reddish furry points at the ends. His paws were reddish too, but his eyes were the same as me and Mama's. One of each color.

{Hi,} the new Vulpix yipped. He was tiny and his voice was squeaky. His legs were shaking hard just from standing, but he didn't feel like he was in pain or anything. Just really curious.

I really had no idea how to respond, I was so overwhelmed. So I went into autopilot.

"{H-hi, do you want hugs?}"

Vulpix clumsily walked over to me and began sniffing my leg. He looked even smaller up close. Once he finished he got on his hindlegs and placed his paws on my leg. {Hug! Up!}

I picked him up gently and hugged him close. My chest was filled with warmth as I did, and Mama sat right next to me. {Hello, young one. What is your name?}

Vulpix didn't answer, instead immediately leaning over to sniff Mama. She licked him affectionately, causing him to giggle. {Mama! Hi!}

He's like me. Not a Hybrid, but like me and Mama. And he calls her Mama too.

I looked at Mama with wide eyes, and she smiled, wordlessly nodding. I hugged him even closer before grinning at him. "{You need a name. Family means names.}"

He placed a paw on my nose, his singular tail waving happily behind him.

{Fa-mi-ly,} He sounded out slowly.

I nodded. He's like Woo and Spiri. He needs a shorter name. What would work…? He's little and lovable and fluffy and cuddly and like me… And he likes Mama too.

"{Do you like Li?}" I asked softly.

{Li! Li! Fa-ma-Li!} He sounded out again before he began licking my face happily.

There was a small rumbling in my chest as I sat with Mama and held him close, laughing a little. "{I'm glad!}"

I've got a new little brother!

"Who's that?"

Hazel walked over with Vivian, who began sniffing Li curiously while Ron and Rush ran over as well. Mama smiled at them. {This is Li. He's been brought into the family.}

Li shimmied out of my arms to go sniff Vivian and Rush properly, before he got into a playful stance and began rolling around. Vivian immediately understood what he was doing and started playfully batting him, while Rush jumped around him. My heart skipped a beat for a moment, but Mama just nuzzled me.

{It is alright, my child. Playing like this is nothing to be worried about.}

I nodded slowly, and saw that Hazel and Ron had huge eyes like I probably did. "{He's my new little brother!}"

"He's adorable!" Ron felt like he was about to explode from just seeing him, while Hazel looked so ready to hug him like I had.

Li started racing around before he clumsily bumped into Hazel's leg. She knelt down to bring him back on his feet, stroking his back gently as he nuzzled her leg before jumping on Ron. {Play!}

Ron laughed jubilantly. "Sure! We'd love to!"

He ruffled Li's fur a little before running a little, Li following happily. When he was about to trip, Vivian gently nudged him back onto his feet.

I felt a small push from behind, as Mama was nudging me towards him. {Go play, my child.}

"{B-but he's so small… I don't wanna hurt him.}"

She shook her head. {I cannot imagine you would. Enjoy yourself. You more than deserve it.}

There was so much going through my head. How happy I was Li was… here, how much I wished that Spiri and Razin and Urie and everyone could've been here to meet him, how I missed Eclipse, Yuna and Koko and wanted them to be here too, how amazed I was of everything new around me, how I could overhear Jean and Indra talking to everyone else about more serious stuff…

And how much I really, really just wanted to go play with my family.

So I got up, brushed a bit of dirt off my legs, and did. All the painful things would still be there. This… who knows. But I knew I didn't wanna let it go away.

We played until my lungs started bothering me. They'd been bothering me less and less, and Riri said that I was getting better really fast. So that was good. We ran around and explored the new area, and even though it wasn't outside? It felt so much better to be in. I could see Garland and Dijon soaking in the light, and they already seemed to be feeling a bit better because of it. Dijon even had his feet buried in the dirt.

While staying on the ground was nice, I really liked sitting up in the trees. Li did too, and we hid there a bunch when we were playing hide and seek. There weren't too many places to hide, but we did our best anyway. And now that we were resting, it was great to just be able to sit in the branches and look at lots of things.

Even though there was so much new stuff though… I couldn't help but notice, especially with the view I had right now. There were a lot fewer people now.

"Thinking about everyone?"

I glanced at Hazel, before looking back out and nodding. "{There's so many who… a-aren't here anymore…}"

She hugged me gently from behind. "Have any more memories of the outside come back?"

I shook my head. In the first couple weeks, we thought maybe they'd come back here and there. But they'd stopped before we even really knew who Spinel was. Hazel would ask sometimes if I'd remembered anything, just to check. She was nice like that.

Vivian nudged me gently. {You seem sad about… things, but different from everyone else. Do you wanna talk about it?"

I… don't even know if I CAN, honestly.

"{I dunno if there's words for it…}"

Hazel and Vivian sat next to me. {We'll wait.}

And they did. While I thought about how to make the feelings in my heart into words.

"{I can feel people, but also when they leave, but…}" My ears drooped as I hugged my knees. "{It's hard…}"

"It's okay, you can keep going," Hazel encouraged softly.

"{... I can hear people breathing, sometimes their heartbeats, their footsteps, an' feel their hearts… So 's not just less people t' see, things are quieter. It feels emptier. N-not that it doesn't for you too!}"

"No, it's okay," she said gently, "You need to talk about your feelings too. Is being in the tree helping?"

I nodded again. "{I know 's inside, but the water an' leaves sound nice… an' they feel way better than metal. It feels safer here. I jus'... wish everyone was still here to see it.}"

I looked down at where Mama and Li were. Li had gotten tired out from running around, and was napping. And even though Mama was down there while I was up here? I could tell by her ear and the way she was positioned she was keeping an eye on me. She was just also making sure nothing bad happened in the new area.

"{Koko would love Li…}" I whispered, my eyes getting wet.

"And she will!" Ron said assuredly from another branch. "She's gonna be okay. Eclipse and Yuna too. Rhodo said so! He might not be able to tell us everything he wants to, but he hasn't lied to us at all. They'll come back and see you and Li and be happy. And besides, we're not gonna just escape without them!"

{He's right you know,} Rush added, scampering up the branch and onto Ron's shoulder. {The adults are gonna have a way to get us out sooner or later. And we're not just gonna leave people behind.}

Hazel smiled before looking back at me. "Remember what you said? Dialga doesn't let horrible things happen for too long. It's already been a while, so we're getting closer to when this ends. Maybe we don't know when, but we know it will. Right?"

The sad knot in my stomach slowly burned away as their words sank in. We are gonna be okay. It's gonna be hard. And… who knows who'll be there with us when we do get out. But we NEED to get out. For everyone. And I'm not gonna be the one who holds us back from getting out somehow.

My ears flicked over, Guinevere and Chestnut's footsteps letting me know they were coming. She beckoned us down gently. "It's getting close to bedtime, you should all get to sleep before the lights turn off. Jean told us this would be open to us tomorrow, so you can keep playing then."

Hazel, Ron and Rush started climbing down while me and Vivian just jumped down. Li's ears flicked and he looked up quickly as we landed, worry spiking until he saw who it was and relaxed again.

{What happen…?} He asked sleepily.

{It is time for everyone to go to sleep, my kit. Everyone's getting ready,} She explained gently before looking back at me. {And my child?}

I tilted my head curiously as she curled a couple tails around me, pressing her forehead to my own gently. {You are one of the strongest of will I have ever met, let alone one so young. But no matter who we are, we cannot face the world alone. Do not be afraid to give yourself the same kindness and gentleness you give others.}

I could feel my tails curl in a little, and Mama gave me a soft smile. {It can be hard, I know. That is why I am here for you. To remind you how much you matter.}

As she got up, nuding Li up, I hugged her. "{Thanks, Mama…}"

She kept her tails around me. {Of course, my child. What is family for if not loving one another?}

A small smile crossed my face as we walked back, Li teetering a bit right alongside us. Right… family loves each other. We're all together.

~~Iron Island, Year 8520, Taflinal, Erishi 5th

A couple days after we'd gotten to go into the nature room the first time, Okan and Yvonne came over to me, Mama and Li. Okan had a smile on, but it felt slightly wary.

Is this more escape stuff?

"Kid, Ivane? There's some people who've just come back who have something to say to you."

I tilted my head curiously, until I felt Mango and Arvis come close enough. My eyes lit up, while Mama continued to watch warily. Li looked between us both and stayed close to Mama, just in case.

They're okay! It's been a while, but they're okay!

"Hey guys, good to be back. Well... it's good to be alive at least," Arvis waved slowly as he hobbled over to us. He looked skinnier and paler than last time, but he was walking as best he could anyway. When he moved, everything shook like he'd fall apart at any moment. Right beside him was Mango, who looked slightly better, but most of his cotton was still regrowing.

Anxiety was lurking in both their hearts, but before either of them could say anything else I bolted over and hugged them both. A weight on my shoulders fell off as I ran, and my heart dropped back from my throat into my chest.

They're alive...

Mama's calm footsteps followed after, until she stopped a couple feet away from them. After a long moment I let go, beaming up at them both and wiping my eyes. "{You're alive…}"

"Never considered myself to be a sturdy fellow, but apparently I can take quite the beating eh? Still a bit wobbly, but it's been awhile since I felt anything besides that super healing gel they've got in those machines, so I'm glad to be up and at'em," Arvis reasoned. "Good to see you all are still here. Warms mine and Mango's hearts to come back to happy faces." I noticed his eyes drift over Li, but it felt like something was on his mind besides my new little brother.

I stepped back a little, my ears tilting down as I thought about how me exploding hurt them both. "{Sorry… 's my fault you were gone so long…}"

"Huh? Oh that? No need to worry about all that. I didn't even feel a thing. Like I said, I'm a sturdy fellow. Plus, we were all under a lot of stress, things happen and nobody died. That's the best outcome you can have in a place like this," Arvis shrugged before patting me on the shoulder.

Yvonne then nudged Mango forwards with her tail. He'd been notably quiet the whole time. He waddled forward, looking down solemnly.

{I'm sorry about what I said the other day… it wasn't your fault, I was just… really upset,} he muttered shamefully. {You didn't deserve to be yelled at after you got hurt too…}

"{But 's kinda my fault…?}" I trailed off before continuing. "{Nini's dad ain't the one who blew up…}"

"Yet Scolipede is absolutely the one who instigated that whole mess, psycho centipede," Arvis muttered ruefully.

{Yeah, I was pinning blame on the wrong person. Arvis understands it was an accident and he's not mad, so I won't be mad either. It's not right to be mad at each other over accidents. We were all fighting for each other's lives in that arena,} Mango spoke with a bit more confidence now. He met my eyes more.

Mama brushed a tail gently across my back, Li nuzzling against my leg. {You are not to be blamed for having emotions, my child. You do not blame Mango for his outburst, so why do you blame yourself?}

I nodded slowly, even though my heart still hurt. She's right, but I still feel awful about it…

She nudged me gently, giving me a look to let me know she understood. Arvis looked around a bit before turning back to us in confusion.

"Are Eclipse, Koko or Yuna around…" He spoke tentatively, while Mango gasped in concerned realization. We all knew what it meant when we didn't see people in their usual spots after we came back from the medical bay.

"{I… don' think they're dead.}"

Okan put a hand on his shoulder. "C'mon. There's more we gotta catch you up on."

Arvis and Mango both nodded solemnly, but Okan looked back before she walked away.

"You feelin' any better, kid?"

My heart felt lighter than it had before, so I nodded. She smiled. "Glad to hear it."

Yvonne hovered over and gave me a gentle hug, which I returned. Then she flew off after Okan.

I felt little paws press up on my leg, and I looked down to see Li getting my attention. {Who that?}

I picked him up gently, hugging him close as we walked back to the tree we were at before. "{They're family too.}"

~~Iron Island, Year 8520, Taflinal, Erishi 9th~~

"Aurora, can you come here? Rhodo has something nice for you."

My ears flicked a bit as I looked over to where Jean and Indra were standing in the doorway. I'd heard it open of course, but it was only sometimes I got called out to fight. Or be beat up. It depended on the day, really.

Mama looked at her, then me. I wonder what it is? He's nice, so it's actually a nice thing. And Jean would let me know if it was something bad. Maybe it's new muffins or something?

I also noticed Mama felt kinda happy as well. {Come on my child, we do not want to keep Rhodo waiting.}

This is weird. What's going on? It's not a bad thing but what kinda thing is even happening? Did all of Galactic secretly blow up or something?

As Jean walked with us over to Rhodo's office, she smiled down at me. "It's been hard, I know, but hopefully this will make it a little easier."

By this point I was just utterly confused, so I nodded and walked with her, Indra and Mama until we got to Rhodo's office.

"Happy birthday!" Rhodo cheered as he threw a bunch of colorful paper scraps into the air as soon as the door opened.

What?

Mama gave me a warm smile as we walked inside. {I realized a while ago that your birthday would be coming up soon. And I informed Rhodo of this, so that you could get something nice despite all the… everything. It is only your human birthday, but I do not believe you would want to celebrate the other one.}

Yeah… I don't wanna celebrate the big machine thingy. It's evil.

Li scampered up to my feet and placed his paws on my shins.

{Burfday!} He cheered as he kept reaching for me to pick him up.

I picked him up and hugged him close while Mama sat next to me, smiling at us both.

"I know your memory is a bit fuzzy, but today you're six years old! You're a summer baby, but I don't think that matters much in Snowpoint besides slightly less snow," Rhodo rubbed his chin in thought before he shook his head back into focus. "Anyway, I was able to scrounge up a few birthday gifts for you."

I tilted my head curiously. "{Did you make more muffins and malasalads?}"

"Malasadas," He enunciated. "And I have along with strawberry shortcake. A classic favorite beloved by all who enjoy turning their healthy fruit into an indulgent treat. Perfect for celebration!"

My face broadened into a smile. "{Can I see it?}"

"Well we didn't bring you all the way here to tell you about it, come hither kiddo!" Rhodo smiled.

He was putting in a bit more gusto than usual to make everything a bit livelier. It was nice to see him happy, but the aches in his heart were ever present. At the moment I could only imagine that maybe doing this allowed him to forget they were there. It was helping him feel a bit better though, so I was glad about that.

Rhodo led me over to the table where a pretty white cake with strawberries decorated the perimeter. He'd put them in pancakes before and I really liked them, but I hadn't had a chance to eat them much besides that. I thought they were funny because they were called berries, but apparently also weren't 'berries'. The top of the cake read 'Happy Birthday Aurora' and there was a number 6 candle lit on top of it. Around the cake were a bunch of malasadas, muffins and various other baked goods Rhodo had made.

My eyes went wide as the cake as I looked at everything. There was so much food there. It wasn't close to feeding everyone or anything, but there was like half of me worth of food in front of me.

Before I could say anything, Mama nudged me gently. {We know you will want to give a sizable portion to others, but if there is a day to indulge yourself, it is today. Take what you wish, my child.}

There was a small part of me (I'm pretty sure it was my stomach) that just wanted to eat all the things. But, knowing that I could take a bunch to everyone and maybe have some with them, I first totally ignored the food and did my best to hug Rhodo while also holding Li.

Rhodo chuckled lightly and hugged me back tight. "Today is your day Aurora, and you should enjoy it. When I was a kid I loved my birthday, especially blowing out the candles. Wanna give it a whirl?"

I nodded, my ears flicking happily as I walked over to the cake. It was a bit too high, so I hopped onto a stool Rhodo brought over to reach it. Everyone surrounded me with bright smiles.

"Okay, now the birthday ritual is not complete without the eccentric happy birthday song, blowing of the candles and raucous cheers." Rhodo glanced at everyone. "On a one, on a two, on a… happy birthday to you!"

Everyone started singing a little song for me, wishing me a happy birthday. They kept asking me how old I was, which was weird, but I told them anyway each time they asked. I had never heard Mama sing, but she had a really pretty voice and Indra's voice sounded like it was coming from all sides, but it was nice. Li was doing his best to follow along, and I loved it the whole time. When they finally finished Rhodo turned back to me.

"Now Aurora, this part is super important. You gotta blow out the candles and make a wish," He warned me.

I nodded, looking at the flickering embers on the candles. Wish for something huh… I definitely want everyone to get outta here. And I want everyone to be happy. And I want Galactic to go away forever. And I wanna see the sky. Is that too many things to wish for? He said a wish, not four… If only one can happen? I want everyone to be able to get outta here.

I took a deep breath and blew. A gout of flame came out when I did, and the top of the cake baked to golden-brown because of it. The flames on the candles went out as soon as the fire from my breath went away, and I looked at everyone with a smile. "{I did it!}"

Rhodo, Jean and Indra felt kinda surprised, but Li and Mama just felt happy. {Happy birthday, my child,} she said softly. {I hope you experience many more, and in more positive circumstances than this.}

{Happy!} Li began reaching for the cake, but Rhodo picked him and placed him on the floor.

"Come on Li, you've gotta wait your turn. Aurora, you wanna cut the cake or do you want me?" Rhodo asked. "Then we can get to your presents!"

I looked at the cake, then at Rhodo. "{Do I make an ice thingy to cut it?}"

Rhodo looked at me and then the cake. "Ya know what, I'll cut it up for everyone, it's okay."

Rhodo got a weird triangle knife that was apparently for cake, and began slicing it into pieces for everyone to eat. Li got a small slice and he kept asking for more, but after he finished his piece he was too full and just curled up into Mama's tails to rest. When I took a bite, my face lit up. It was dense and soft and melted in my mouth and tasted amazing. I couldn't wait to share it with everyone else.

After a little bit, Rhodo came up to me with a small box. "Now it's time to open your presents. The little girls where I come from love gifts exactly like this and I think you'll like it even more for a very special reason."

I looked at him curiously. What do little girls like? Koko likes games and adventure, and Hazel likes flowers and nice things… I like things Galactic doesn't, but I don't feel like that's something that lots of little girls like specifically.

"{Is it… flower… hugs…?}"

He shook his head. "Open it and find out."

I gently took off the red bow ribbon thingy on top, and then opened it. Inside was… definitely not me or Li, but also like me and Li? It was a fluffy ice Vulpix, but not alive at all. I took it out and squished it gently. It was soft and springy and white like the snow Mama would make, and the ends of my tails. It had a smile made of thread and fabric eyes.

And I hugged it close with a smile.

"{Thank you!}" I trilled happily.

He smiled back at me. "You're quite welcome, glad you like it. Soft ain't it? Pokemon plushies are the best, but back in Alola, little girls especially love Vulpix plushies. I would've gotten one that looked a little bit more like you, but… we make do with what we've got, eh?"

"{I like it lots!}" I kept holding it close, tilting my head a little curiously. "{Is it cuz we're fluffy?}"

"Huh? Oooh… yeah their tails are super fluffy and they're awesome to cuddle with when it's hot out."

Hugging the plushie helped me feel… calmer, somehow. I just sat there with Mama and Li. Rhodo, Jean and Indra with us while I hugged it and enjoyed the moment.

After a little bit of us just being together, Jean pulled out another box. "There's one last thing we have for you. Well. Really it's a lot of somethings, but it's all one thing and-" She shook her head and held it out to me. "It's from Rhodo, Indra and I. I helped with what I thought you might like."

I opened the box she gave me, and inside were a whole bunch of clothes. New clothes. Ones that hadn't been torn apart in battles or anything.

My smile got big again as I hopped over to hug her too. "{Thank you!}"

She felt slightly awkward, but gently rubbed my back. "Of course. You deserve way more, but for now? Happy birthday, Aurora."

Rhodo nodded towards Jean before turning back to me. "Aurora…" His heart was heavy for a moment before he gave me a more lax expression. "Happy birthday and I wish you many more."

I put the box down and held out my arms to hug him too. "{I hope you're at those ones too!}"

He returned my hug with a good natured laugh. "Heh, me too kiddo. Me too…"

There was sadness in his tone, but also hope. I didn't know what was gonna happen next and neither did he, but hopefully by the time my next birthday rolls around we're both free from Team Galactic and all the other meanies.

"You prolly wanna celebrate with the rest of your friends, right? I'll pack everything up and send you on your way when you're ready, okay?"

I nodded, but hugged him tighter as best I could. "{I don't wanna leave you yet though.}"

He returned the hug before pushing me away so we could look eye to eye. "I know kiddo, but… I'll be okay. Your friends are waiting for you. You should be with them to enjoy your birthday. You don't have to worry about me, we dads are tough-"

A grimace of pain flashed across his face and he gripped his chest. He swallowed it down and gave me an injured grin. "Heh heh, she did not like that, but you see? Resilient. Trust me, go to them. I'm sure Ron and Rush can practically sense you're eating cake right now."

I wouldn't be surprised if they can actually sense that.

I looked right back at him. "{You're family too.}"

Rhodo shook his head, but his expression was filled with mournful nostalgia. "Hmmm… you remind me so much of a little boy I used to know… thank you Aurora, for being you."

Rhodo silently got up, rubbing his chest and began packing up the pastries. The way he spoke… how he was feeling. I didn't know what happened exactly, but he felt a lot like how Okan felt sometimes.

I quickly ran over and stood between him and the pastries, looking up at him. "{We gotta be happy an' live for them! They wouldn't want us sad, right? So we gotta be happy, and live life for them! Everyone else says that, an' it's true.}" I hugged his leg. "{You're gonna get out too.}"

He closed his eyes and hummed soothingly. "A little bundle of hope aren'tcha? If you say so, then I believe you. I'll live for them."

It didn't feel totally better, and I wasn't expecting it to. But his heart felt a little lighter after that.

"{Mama?}"

She looked at me curiously. {Yes, my child?}

"{Why is everyone else so… celebrating my birthday?}"

She raised an eyebrow. {What do you mean?}

I looked out at everyone. Ron had, of course, sensed we had cake and wanted some. We split up the cake as best we could, along with the tons of other pastries Rhodo had given us. Everyone was congratulating me on my birthday, and people felt a weird mix of happy and sad, and it was just… weird. I was resting with Mama for a second before going back to everyone.

She waited patiently while I figured out how to respond. "{It's just… I gotta buncha stuff, an' I like good food things, but… is everythin' right now somethin' to celebrate?}"

She thought a moment before responding herself. {Typically, birthdays are celebrated as another year of one being in the world. But you are correct, ultimately it is a day and circumstances may not make that reasoning as relevant.} She gave me a soft smile. {But why does that mean we cannot give a new reason to today?}

I was still confused, so she elaborated. {Our current situation is not something to celebrate, no. But today is special because of the value we give to it. And if that is the case, why not give it another reason to be special? Perhaps we celebrate the fact that you are still you, still alive, despite Galactic. Or we celebrate the things Rhodo has given you and everyone. Or simply that you exist, for there is only one of you. And you are very special, my child.}

She cuddled me close, rubbing her forehead against mine. {You are my daughter, and one of the brightest lights in this abyssal place. I believe the fact you continue to shine so bright is more than enough reason to celebrate today.}

I giggled a little, nodding and hugging Mama. "{That makes more sense. T'day's important cuz we make it, right? Just like Galactic's gonna lose cuz we won't let 'em win?}"

She nodded. {Precisely, my child.}

~~Iron Island, Year 8520, Taflinal, Erishi 11th

While Riri was checking me over to make sure I was still healing good and not backsliding at all, I noticed Paris, Legolas, Hugo, Baltasar, Naoko, Shio and two other people sitting together. The Hybrid was a lady who had darker skin like Riri and Pa, and most of her hair was wrapped in a simple headdress. She was built more similar to Okan than Paris, and while her clothes were super messed up by this point? They looked like they were probably really nice at one point. She also had a pendant thingy hanging loosely from her neck.

Right with her was a Persian with tan fur and a red gem in her forehead. She was sitting calmly, but she felt just as tense as everyone else there.

One of my ears flicked a little. Why do they feel so tense? Is something about to happen?

Paris took out a small box. "Naoko, deal."

Naoko nodded, taking the box and taking out a bunch of little pieces of paper. I noticed the bottom one had a picture of someone in silly clothing that read 'Joker'. She started shuffling them super fast before quickly dealing out all the cards to everyone. I could only see Paris' hand, but they were all these little red hearts with numbers or people. She shuffled them around in her hand until most were in a stack, but the others were still able to be seen.

"Ah, cards," Riri mumbled to themself.

"{Cards…?}" I asked, curious. Is that what those paper things are?

They looked at me and smiled softly, though I could feel they were still tense. "That's a deck of cards. There's lots of different kinds of games you can play with them."

Oh, that makes sense. Everyone needs to be able to keep themselves sane, and they don't seem like they enjoy playing on the console thingy as much. So whatever the card games are, they probably like those better.

"{Can I play too sometime?}"

Riri looked unsure of how to answer until Mama nudged me gently, and I looked at her. {I am not familiar with the game they are playing, my child. It is likely better we leave them to it,} she said gently. But I could feel the urgency behind it.

Wait, but Mama knows everything. Unless it's a game they made up- wait. Everyone feels super tense. When they're doing that, it usually has to do with escape things. And Mama said the walls can hear you… even if we do sign language stuff. So if they figured out a way to talk with cards that Galactic doesn't know about…

I nodded slowly. "{Are there card games on the console?}"

Both Mama and Riri felt much calmer after I said that, and Riri ruffled my hair between my ears before scratching them a little. "I dunno, but I'm sure we can ask Jean about it."

Out of the corner of my eye, I kept watch of the card game conversation they were having. Even though I didn't know what anything they were saying or doing meant, I could feel their hearts. And they felt a little more positive than usual.

I wonder if we're gonna use cards to cut through doors or something...

~~Iron Island, Year 8520, Taflinal, Erishi 12th

We were playing some more together in the nature room when mine, Mama's, Li's and Vivian's ears all swiveled towards a new sound. It wasn't footsteps like we knew, or a door or something. It was a faint hum, kinda like the lights, but… not, somehow.

Li didn't like the noise, scurrying away from where he was playing and diving headfirst into Mama's tails.

{Scawy,} He said in a muffled tone underneath all her fur. All I could see were his eyes looking around.

I looked at Mama, then back towards the sound. The fur on my tails was on end, but I shook myself. I've faced giant meanie toxic centipede dads that'd eat his kids. This doesn't sound anywhere NEAR that big. Or like it'd be fast like Silas.

I cautiously moved towards it, slinking around the few trees just in case. I was ready for a lot… but not what I found. I stopped and looked curiously at what looked like a Kricketot, brown shell, round nose and all. But the antennae weren't black, they were shiny silver. And the whole thing was shiny in a way bug shells weren't.

There was also the minor fact that I couldn't feel a heart from them. No feelings, no maybe Aura, nothing. Just the quiet hum of electricity.

When it looked at me, it just confirmed what I'd felt; the eyes looked more like camera lenses than actual eyes. Whatever this was, someone had built it.

But why would Galactic put a mechanical Kricketot here? Given all the other shit they do, I'm pretty sure if it was gonna explode they'd put us in a different room.

"Aurora? What…?" Hazel came running up behind with Vivian, the grass flattening softly beneath her footsteps as they came to a stop. "A Kricketot… robot, I think?"

I nodded. "{But why…?}"

{Perhaps it is here to monitor us, but that feels inefficient. Why not use a camera?} Mama questioned as she walked up, Li right next to her. He stepped forward cautiously as though he had to make sure he was ready to bolt at any second. I wasn't totally sure if he could tell if it was alive or not, but he did try pawing at it a little.

{Bug?} He asked before turning to Mama.

She shook her head. {A lookalike, but not one itself. My child?}

I nodded, sitting with Li while she inspected it from all angles. It didn't do much but rotate its head to look at her sometimes.

And then it started playing some kinda music. It sounded almost like a Kricketot's music, but I could hear the faint muffling of speakers inside. Mama finished inspecting it and sat down with us, Vivian having come close as well.

{It does not appear dangerous, save for potentially playing hazardous sounds. I do not believe it is intended for combat in any capacity, however.}

Li curled in my lap, watching it while I looked at it and thought. This isn't at all like stuff Spinel or Cyrus or anyone would make. They make big evil machines and death pits and stuff. It doesn't make any sense for them to make this at all. But if it was made by someone else, who and why?

The song it was playing switched from a Kricketot song to a Kricketune one. Li crawled more into Mama's tails, and Vivian looked a bit put off. Me, Mama and Hazel just gave it a weird look though.

That was all that happened for a while. It stood there, changing what noises it made sometimes. From Kricketot and Kricketune to Starly and Snover, then music like what you'd hear coming from the game console thingy.

It did play a Sneasel cry at one point though, and I nearly had a heart attack.

Mama quickly curled me into her tails along with Li, and glared at the robot. {A cruel machination, I see…} she muttered to herself. I could feel her weighing whether or not destroying it would cause more harm than good.

Eventually she decided against it and simply dug a small hole in the ground, dropping it in once it was too deep for the Krickebot to climb out of. {I believe that is the end of that,} she stated before beckoning me and Li with her tails.

{Who even does that?!} Vivian cried as we walked away.

"{Galactic does,}" I replied softly.

~~Iron Island, Year 8520, Taflinal, Erishi 15th

"{Y-you're sure 'bout this?}"

Clive and Elpis looked back at me and smiled confidently, standing protectively in front of me and Mama. "Of course. You've fought more than you should've had to already. If we can get them to leave you alone, all the better."

But what if I'd rather I get hurt than you…?

We were in the arena again, and while Spinel and Gothitelle were there? Something was very different. They were back in the viewing area thingy above us, instead of closer, and Cyrus and Silas were with them. Spinel also felt… annoyed?

Something to do with not being allowed to go full bitch, I guess.

Gothitelle levitated a tablet towards his face, nodding thoughtfully. [It seems today's battle will be a chilling endeavor. Bronco, send out the frozen spectre.]

"As you say, Gothitelle," Bronco replied, removing a blue pokeball from his belt, but Gothitelle raised a hand in disapproval.

[Actually, I do not go by my species' name anymore. My name is now Castor. You may now call me Professor Castor or whatever other epithet you would give Spinel. Do remember I am leagues above you in all qualities.]

Spinel raised an eyebrow. "This is a new development. Why did you not mention this earlier?"

Castor gave her a side-eye. [Now seems as good a time as any. Everyone is already here.]

"I'm surprised you didn't consult with me first," Spinel said slowly.

[You've never shown interest in naming me when I was a Gothita, why bother now? I make paramount decisions in this facility for Team Galactic everyday; I can handle naming myself without your input.] He answered tersely, turning back to face us. [I am perfectly capable of changing others' perceptions in my own way.]

He's… jealous? No, that's not it. Upset about something, definitely. Spinel did say she wanted him to be some other Pokemon. Maybe he's not used to being treated like shit from her? You'd think you'd expect that, but I guess he's not as smart as he thinks he is.

[Enough small talk. Send out their opponent, Bronco. Today we test #001 and #134 against a more technical opponent for once.]

{You never cease to amaze in exactly how pathetic you are,} Elpis sneered coldly at Castor. {Going on about how others must treat you equally and refer to you by name one moment, and then dismiss our existence to mere numbers the next? Either you do not know the definition of hypocrisy, or you're utterly devoid of self-awareness.}

Castor squinted down at Elpis with contempt. [We are not of the same station. That is why I have a name and you have an identification number. It's not hypocrisy if I do not consider you to be on the level deserving of a name.]

"So you're a classist scumbag. That's what you're telling us? We already worked that out, thanks," Clive glared at Castor. "Tell us something we don't know."

[My my, what droll faces you two are making. Call yourselves whatever you like, you're all just test subjects to us,] He chuckled.

My fur bristled while Elpis rolled her eyes. {You are perfectly correct in that we do not stand on the same ground. Any one of us could simply refer to you as Gothitelle and ignore your self-important trite, but no. Unlike you, we have respect and dignity, Castor. Can the same be said of you, or will you show yourself as one who will only be called by name to their face, all the while others simply refer to you as Gothitelle behind your back? I needn't sense emotions to tell that your 'equal partner' isn't the fondest of you choosing your own name.}

Castor cast the quickest side-eye to Spinel who conveniently stopped looking at him right at that moment. He sighed deeply before stepping forward. [Nothing is free in life whether it's amongst pokemon, humans or… what's in-between. Fine then. I shall dirty my tongue with your name, Elpis. Be glad I have bothered to retain it to memory, and that this is a transaction I am willing to make.]

"Classist and capitalist, are you?" Clive shot back. "And here I thought society had moved on. Seems some people are still clinging to outdated ideologies." He shrugged. "Though I suppose when you scrape the bottom of the barrel, all you'll find is scum."

Castor scrunched up his face obviously thinking of a rebuttal. He didn't get that chance.

"Bronco." Cyrus simply glanced at him, before side-eyeing Castor. He stepped back almost instantly, as Bronco nodded anxiously quickly.

So this is why he's here. Make sure they can't go full bitch, since they can't help themselves.

"Y-yes Master Cyrus," he stuttered before opening the Pokeball. The light shot out, but coalesced slightly above the ground instead of on it. Most of it stayed white, while the rest began shifting to other colors- red, blue and purple mostly. She floated in front of us, a purple body with a white cloak and icy helmet. Her blue eyes stared at us calmly, glowing softly in cut-outs in the helmet with a diamond cut-out on her forehead. And her helmet also became her sleeves? Her cloak had a red ribbon tied around her midsection, with little icicles on top of her head in the same kinda area my ears were.

A shudder went down my spine; even though her heart was calm, kind even, she felt cold in a way the Dusknoir did. I huddled closer to Mama, my heart beginning to race.

She held a hand to her mouth. {Interesting…}

Before Clive or Elpis could say anything, Mama stepped forwards, her tails bristling. {Interesting in what regard, chill spectre?}

She inclined her head slightly, closing her eyes. {I meant no disrespect, elder vixen. It's simply rare to see one of your kind, rarer still with a kit, and horrifically unfortunate you've found yourself held within this place. I presume Silas had something to do with that?}

Mama's tails lowered slightly. {And if that name means something to me?}

She chuckled slightly. {Word travels quickly, despite…} She glanced towards where the humans were. {Attempts, it's difficult to hide word of more noteworthy figures. Such as the shadow with claws, or the vixen and her kit who attempt to make this desolate place just slightly brighter.}

Mama sat down, but kept staring intensely at Froslass. {It seems some words have been better than others. I shan't lie, I am surprised that word of any sort can travel at all given current circumstances. How does that occur?}

Froslass hummed. {The humans of this hovel enjoy placing their shackles on as much as they can, but they do not have the means to monitor what we pokemon say to one another. Even the more unsavory ones need conversation from beyond their human, although the truly sick ones are best left alone.} She enunciated the last word hard.

{Our words traverse this expanse relatively unencumbered. We are primarily limited by the more watchful ones such as the one who believes himself equal to his human, and how much time we are permitted outside of our pokeballs. As you can imagine, we have scant opportunities, so we make do.}

Mama nodded slightly, a small smile forming. {Conversing with walls will wear on anyone. Current self important company aside, it is nice to simply speak with another who I assume is familiar with the snowy plains outside. Plains I cannot wait for my child to see and feel for herself.}

Mama doesn't feel like she's worried about them anymore… maybe they're safe? She wouldn't be talking like this if she wasn't…

The fear from Dusknoir and her mist still clutched at my heart, but I wasn't as scared as before. At the same time, Mama's words pulled me away from feeling how hard Castor was seething, and I waved at Froslass. "{Hello, uh…}" I paused. "{W-what's your name?}"

She smiled whimsically at me. {Ah yes, you are quite popular amongst the youngsters. The 'Name Rater' as they call you and there are many others who wish to receive a name from you, specifically. To answer your question, I am the same as those children; I have no name to offer you.}

Uh. I thought that since she was an adult she'd definitely have a name. And everyone should have a name! But she's like Mama, kinda, but definitely not my Mama. She needs something cool, an adult-y thing. But I don't know adult names, I'm not an adult. I dunno if I'll ever get to be one with how evil this place is, but right now she needs a name. She's not like Castor wanting one at all, either. She feels… nicer.

I scrunched up my face and thought really hard before looking at her. "{D-do you wanna be Yukitsu…?}" I asked tentatively. I hope she likes it…

Cool air flowed from her body, releasing a pleased whistle. {That's a divine name, are you familiar with Hisui mythology? Is it a reference to yuki and kunitsukami?}

Mama felt actually surprised, but my head just buzzed. I feel like I know what a mythology is, but I can't remember… or was it someone else? It feels familiar…

"{I…I dunno? It just felt right,}" I told her honestly.

Mama looked back at her. {Certain events have left her memories fuzzy at best, save some major memories. It's been quite a while since I've heard anyone speak the name Hisui, though.}

Yukitsu nodded. {Most who know that name are either long since passed or have become a recluse. Frankly, considering our circumstances, I now understand why,} She remarked bitterly. {Time flows on regardless, Hisui, Sinnoh or whatever may come next. I shall remember all their names.}

Clive and Elpis were listening intently, while Mama's eyes darkened. {Indeed it does, and I had hoped that humans had bettered themselves since last I ventured from my corner of the world. Clearly, I was mistaken.} Her tails whipped angrily as she glared up towards where the evil people were standing. {A mistake I will not make again.}

"You're not translating as much as usual, Castor. I highly doubt they aren't saying anything of interest. I've never seen Froslass so animated," Spinel queried.

Castor simply scoffed. {Do not pretend the conversations of pokemon are of interest to you. It's our abilities and physiology that captures your attention.}

Spinel's eyes flashed with rage. Castor continued. {You speak my name with venom and I shall return the favor. I'm sure your brand new Elygem will be much more compliant… for a time.}

Spinel closed her eyes and took a deep breath before glancing at Cyrus. "If you have grievances, do not announce them psychically for all to hear. We shall discuss this later."

I looked at Mama. "{They're being 'petty bitches' again aren't they, Mama?}"

Mama smiled wider. {Petty is perhaps not the word. Egotistical imbeciles butting heads, certainly.}

"{But definitely bitches, right?}"

{As always, my child.}

Elpis and Clive snickered while Yukitsu laughed hauntingly, yet warm at the same time. Castor eyed us all hatefully, but that made it even better.

Once Yukitsu finished laughing her eyes glowed a ghastly black a moment before her dress began to seep a mysterious gray fog, the flaps billowing as it flowed outwards. My heart nearly stopped at the memory of Dusknoir doing the same thing, but this time was different. It didn't drag at my limbs, or invade my lungs. It simply floated around us, billowing into a large dome that obscured our view towards evil people but not each other. {Castor's psychic awareness cannot discern my fog easily. We may speak more freely in bursts before they catch on. Whatever information you crave, I shall deliver.}

{According to the Grepa vine, Spinel has ineed commissioned Saturn to acquire an Elygem to train personally, as she did with Castor when he was a Gothita. He is her second in command and this fissure will affect the relationship between the rest of her pokemon, as it now means they could be favored over him. They all would kill for his spot beside her,} She whispered in a rushed tone.

"Does the same fragility hold true for Galactic's command structure as a whole?" Clive asked quickly.

{Cyrus Akagi has lost faith in Spinel's judgement which is why her leash has been tightened. As of right now he favors Mars and Saturn, which means many grunts are cozying up to them. His presence keeps them solidly unified despite their differences, something that speaks to his danger as a leader. Although the weaker willed and kinder grunts have warmed to Rhodo and Jean, garnering them some possible allies in the worst case events. Dojima the Riolu is one of said allies.}

Clive nodded while Mama looked at her seriously. {Does Galactic have a backup location if this one is compromised, and if so, do you know how equipped it is to restrain as many people as they have here?}

{I recall being transferred below a building with a large storage unit at some point. According to my fellows, many regular citizens and grunts traversed the upper floors, so I may surmise it is a sizable location accessible to the public,} Yukitsu answered. {I am not privy to the name, unfortunately.}

I had a question of my own to ask, but I hesitated. Mama noticed and nudged me gently. {I am sure it is worth asking, my child.}

{Speak swiftly, before the fog lifts,} Yukitsu ushered.

I nodded and looked at her hopefully. "{There's lotsa other Pokemon, right? If we were tryin' to break out an' we freed them, would they help?}"

This question caused Yukitsu to pause in thought before she hastily whispered a reply. {There are some creatures within the ranks of this organization who deserve to never see the world beyond a coffin, snow fox. But just know your kindness has touched even the most broken individuals. You may find invaluable allies in the most despicable enemies if you just give them hope beyond serving Team Galactic's vague at best goals. And I know many who would die fighting for lesser causes.}

So there's a chance.

Mama beckoned as the mist began to clear, wisping into little dark curls and leaving gaps in the dome. {Let us 'continue battle', no?}

Elpis chuckled. {Of course.}

We all got into battle stances, and I had a fireball burn to life in one of my hands as the mist fell away. To make it look like we hadn't just been talking about how to dismantle Galactic.

Yukitsu backed up, her hands glowing with a cold mist.

{It is to my understanding they wish to test the capabilities of your powers, snow fox. Or would you prefer fire fox?} Yukitsu questioned

I blinked. "{I dunno, I'm just me.}

She smiled, shaking her head slightly. {So be it, for this battle I would like to aid in your manipulation of frost. I'll have to get a bit rough, as we have a deplorable audience.}

Castor folded his arms, but remained silent at that pointed statement before Yukitsu turned to Mama. {Can she handle it?}

Mama just glanced at me with a smile, sitting down as a smile spread across my face. It'd been a while, but I did recognize this feeling in my heart. Excitement. At having a teacher, a new friend and someone to help us beat up Galactic.

"{I handled the smoky bitch up there when she tried to break me, I'll be okay! Especially if we can keep telling them how stupid they are!"}

Mama glanced back at Yukitsu. {Is that a satisfactory answer?}

She smiled. {Quite.}

"This fucking child…" Spinel muttered.

I looked up at where she was and blew a raspberry at her, just like last time.

"You know if you keep making such disgraceful expressions your face will grow stuck. Although it would be an improvement-"

Cyrus struck his palm flat onto the balcony in front of him. His eyes were as unfeeling and cold as ever, and I didn't feel any change from him. What I did feel was all the Galactic people jumping and standing like boards, anxiety sparking in their hearts. Spinel turned to him aghast, but she was silenced. Silas snickered a bit before he went back to cleaning his claws.

When it became clear he wasn't about to do a big evil speech thing and just did it to shut Spinel up, I looked back at Yukitsu. "{She hates razzberries.}"

Yukitsu tilted her head in shock. {Does she? I haven't had them in quite some time, but I've always found them delicious.}

Ivane smiled. {The gesture she just did is also referred to as a razzberry, but given how anything remotely positive likely makes her burn in agony I would not be surprised. But please, continue before she loses ire in favor of someone else.}

Yukitsu touched her mouth and attempted blowing a raspberry too before she shook her head and rose slightly. {I must try this more later, the muses of youth can be quite entertaining. For now, we spar.}

Yukitsu clapped her hands and tossed a gray cloudy ball into the air that expanded into cold, dark clouds. The temperature dropped suddenly in a wave around them as water congealed and froze into small ice chunks hailing from above. They seemed to bother Elpis and Clive slightly, but to me they felt pretty nice. I caught one of the ice chunks and gnawed on it curiously. It was definitely ice. Slightly different than the cubes in Rhodo's freezer though.

{I've found it's easier to teach Snorunts how to use ice when it's especially snowy,} Yukitsu laughed. {Now then, show me what you can do with your ice.}

I nodded, swallowing the ice before I thought quickly. I don't really need to attack or anything, just make it look like I am. And I should show her as much as I can do, too.

I leapt forwards, ice pillars rocketing up from the ground as I hopped from one to the next. When I got closer and above her, I jumped down towards her. She floated back casually, watching everything I did. Meanwhile, I made a slightly bumpy slide below me so I could slide around and go back up at her. She dodged again, and this time I let myself fall to the ground, though not without making a slanted ice platform so I could slide to a stop now and jump off it later.

"{How was that,}" I asked curiously.

She nodded a couple times. {You're certainly used to using it to move about and making solid objects, but that's not the only way frost can be utilized. It can just as easily be used to blind or unbalance, and in much less cohesive form. Observe.}

Her eyes glowed blue as wind suddenly blew in, carrying with it snow and little ice chunks. The only thing that showed where she was was the glow of her eyes, and her silhouette against the snow.

She darted to the side, the wind around me picking up as she did. I instinctively put an arm up to protect my eyes a little, standing firm against the ice platform I'd made. My ears flicked, but there was too much whistling of the wind to hear anything from her flying. I looked around, but there was too much snow for me to really see her. So instead, I focused on where her emotions were.

Curious, hopeful, determined, over there!

I let the wind carry me up into the air, up my platform. Now that I had an idea of where she was, it was a little easier to pick out her silhouette when she pivoted to come towards me.

Mama made Rhyperior's attack her own, so maybe I can do the same?

I focused hard, and the snowy gale listened. Instead of carrying me around, it blew towards the edge of the arena. I caught myself on the wall before sliding down it, noticing Yukitsu had slowed and was waiting to see what I did next.

So I waved my hand in front of me, a bunch of really big snowflakes floating together from the ice chunks around me. I was about to throw them at her, until a better idea came to mind.

I'm not making the wind, just channeling it kinda, and I can make ice move around. Maybe together…

The snowflakes in front of me floated together in a big platform thing, and I hopped on before willing them all to move towards where I felt Yukitsu. She felt surprised, but then amused as the wind going the other way suddenly picked up.

I yelped, grabbing onto one of the snowflakes that were now tumbling around and using it to swing back onto solid ground. Maybe trying to out-fly the flying person was a bad idea.

{I'm surprised, snow fox,} she said as the wind died down a little so I could see her better. {You grasped in minutes what takes some days.}

I shook my head. "{I wasn't makin' my own wind, just movin' yours around. I'm sure plenty of other people do it like that too.}"

{Perhaps, but not nearly so quickly. You seem reluctant to use it outside of utility, however.}

"{Well, I think you can see through it, an' you can fly an' make it blow way better than me, so it's not gonna do as much.}"

{Perhaps, but I would like to see you apply it in your own way besides utility exclusively.}

So offense or defense, right? I think I can do that.

I made another hollow ice sphere and filled it with fire, like I had against Rhyperior. This time though, I just made one. I focused hard to make a spinning circle of wind, and waited until I could see the snow swirling around at a breakneck pace. Then I put the sphere into it, let it build up speed and let it go.

It shot towards Yukitsu, but above her and to the side so she wouldn't get hurt while Galactic would think I just missed. Once it was in position, I focused on the fire.

There was a faint hissing before a huge fireball erupted in the air with a roar, followed by the ice and snow around it melting instantly. The clouds around it were forced away in a sphere, creating a hole in the clouds where a ball of fire shone brightly before it faded. Yukitsu shielded her eyes and shook her head slightly before she looked at Mama, who nodded.

{Your creativity is boundless. I had never thought of battling in such a way and yet you came up with this so quickly. You make a good student,} Yukitsu praised.

{Does she not?} Mama beamed.

I chuckled awkwardly, rubbing the back of my neck. "{I jus' do my best, it's nothing special…}" I mumbled a bit shyly.

Cyrus glanced over. "I have seen enough. Bronco, when the hail subsides, recall."

"Yes, sir."

My heart dropped as I bolted over to hug Yukitsu. I didn't know how much time was left, but I knew I didn't want to say goodbye without a hug.

{Oh! A hug? Hm, I quite like this, thank you.}

I shook my head, tears in my eyes again. "{Mm-mm, thank you for teaching me…}"

She smiled softly. {It was my pleasure, you were an excellent student. I am sure the skills you've learned today will service you in the future.}

Mama walked up behind me and inclined her head. {Until we next meet, frost spectre Yukitsu.}

Yukitsu dipped her head in turn. {May your snow path be pristine and white, mother fox Ivane. I wish for both of your continued survival.}

Mama gazed at her, determined. {We need not wish for what we can bring about ourselves, no? More than us two will survive these human plans.}

{Please ensure it, they deserve no quarter. I do not know who your future opponents shall be, but whomever I speak to shall only know good tidings about you two,} Yukitsu promised.

She didn't elaborate any further on that since her weird fog wasn't around, but we knew she was gonna try and find new friends for us.

Galactic thinks we're just things to be used, and they're wrong. We're gonna teach them just how wrong they are, together.

I hugged her tighter and she gently stroked my hair, until her body turned into red light and she disappeared.

We're gonna get outta here. Together. And Galactic can't stop us.

"Bronco."

Cyrus' voice tore me out of my thoughts.

"Yes, sir?"

"Release Bouffalant."

"Yes, sir."

What?

"A Bouffalant? Not a choice I expected from you. Care to enlighten us on your reasoning?" Spinel questioned, with a tinge of annoyance.

"We have seen #001's adaptability and ingenuity. We have not seen proper battle application, nor the contributions of #134. I would see how they fare with a less spirited opponent, and how it intends to deal with raw power."

My heart burned hotter at being called 'it' by a human again, but I didn't have time to focus on that. The loud thud in front of us demanded attention.

Before us stood a Pokemon that stood easily above me, but below Elpis. I could barely see his head though for the fluffy, gargantuan fur/hair ball that covered it. His yellow eyes glared at us, two huge horns protruding on either side. He stood on four hoofed legs, pawing the ground impatiently while staring at us over his snout.

"It seems we'll have to step in after all, huh?" Clive muttered to Elpis, brushing some snow out of his hair.

{Indeed. Let's see how they approach us.}

He huffed, annoyed. {Sending me out against a pack of worn down Patrat? I suppose someone needs to be…}

Everyone else seemed just about ready to fight, but I was hesitant. Maybe… maybe he's just mad or something? There's a lot to be mad about here.

"{Hello! Uh, are you okay…?}"

He turned his attention to me and snorted, steam venting out his nostrils. {Be quiet, runt.}

Mama growled dangerously. {Either you've no self preservation, or you're that self absorbed. Either way, a fool's response.}

He glared from beneath his fur ball. {As if I care what you have to say. I could crush you beneath my hooves without a thought.}

{Better Pokemon have tried and failed, weanling. Come then, fall like those you put pride in.}

He mooed angrily before charging straight towards Mama. I got ready to put up a Protect, until I noticed she was just sitting there calmly. A small smirk across her face. My ear flicked when I realized, and I watched as Elpis slammed into him, the ground shaking slightly from the impact.

He skidded across the ground before thudding against the glass, glaring at Elpis as she lowered her head dangerously. {They're not your only opponents. Or is your skull too thick to even remember that?}

Clive walked up, rolling his shoulders and cracking his knuckles. "Can't say I've wrestled with a Bouffalant before, but first time for everything I suppose."

He got into a ready stance as Bouffalant charged right towards him. Clive waited before darting to the left, his hands shooting out. Bouffalant tried to gouge him with his horns, but that just let Clive grab hold of them and plant his feet, slowing them both to a standstill as both their muscles tightened.

The two locked eyes, both straining against the other, while Mama gathered soft pink beams of light into an orb held within her tails. The faintly humming orb then whizzed towards Bouffalant, blasting against his side and knocking him enough off balance for Clive to wrestle him to the floor.

I bolted over, grabbing Clive's shaky hands and pulling him away before Bouffalant regained enough composure to try and gouge his intestines out again. He gave a labored breath and smiled, nodding at me while I turned around and sent a gust of ice and cold rushing towards Bouffalant. It hit the ground and spread, crackling as it left a sheet of lightly frosted ice beneath him.

He couldn't get any footing with his hooves quickly enough to stop Elpis, whose talons had no trouble on the ice. She simply put a talon on his back to keep him in place and glared. {What was that about crushing anyone without a thought?}

Before he could respond, a harsh light shone from Elpis' closed mouth. Stray beams glared out, increasing in intensity before a searing beam of energy shot out. The whine of energy filled the air, blowing out in a large cone that engulfed his head. The excess rushed out like fire against the floor, dissipating into motes of light.

After several seconds of bathing his face in energy, she let up and walked back over to Clive. Bouffalant wasn't trying to get up anymore, and was just breathing heavily. I ran over.

"{S-so uh… good fight?}"

His eyes turned to me. Where before he'd felt angry, uncaring and self-important, now he felt… thoughtful. And humbled. I guess Elpis and Mama beat the stupid outta him.

{...mmm. I have things to think on, runt.}

Mama smacked his face with a tail with a whiplike crack. I winced a bit.

"{My name's Aurora. What's yours…?}"

He just shook his head. So I asked him what I'd thought of.

"{Do you like the name Rampan?}"

He paused a moment, then closed his eyes in acknowledgement. {I accept that moniker, Name Rater.}

Cyrus spoke up again. "We are done here, for now."

Bronco nodded. "Yes, sir."

I waved slightly while Bronco took out the Pokeball. "{Bye, Rampan… good luck…}" I whispered softly.

He didn't respond, but he didn't feel as angry as he had before. I hope that's a good thing…

While his form turned to red light, Mama nudged me gently. {Are you alright, my child?}

I wiped my eyes and hugged her. "{Mmhmm. I hope Rampan and Yukitsu get to sleep okay…}"

She smiled warmly. {Because of you? I'm certain they will.}

~~Iron Island, Year 8520, Taflinal, Erishi 16th

My ears flicked as the doors hissed open, Paris and Legolas walking in with Jean and Indra. I noticed Jean was holding a little oval thingy. It looked kinda like a pill that Rhodo would have in his office, but the size of a finger. Definitely not a finger though, even though I'm sure Galactic has a buncha severed ones lying around.

"Thank you for bringing us these," Paris said calmly to Jean.

She smiled in response. "No problem. I'd give you the capsule too, but… well. You know."
Paris nodded as Jean clicked a nub on one end of it, and a bunch of smoke poofed out of it. Within the smoke I could make out a bunch of… pillows and blankets?

Jean and Indra waved before leaving, the door shutting behind them. Meanwhile, Guinevere, Chestnut, Riri, Pa and Papa handed out blankets and pillows to people while Tou-san made sure they were feeling okay. Paris and Legolas walked towards a duo I'd seen before, when they were doing stuff with cards.

She had very curly dark hair with blue highlights mixed in, but they were relatively faded. Her skin was darker than mine, but lighter than Papa and Riri's. On her head she wore a headband rather than the headdress from before with her hair flowing free.

She was wearing one of the stock outfits that Galactic had given us after Rhodo's convincing; leggings and a tank top, but over the tank top she wore a very nice blazer. It looked a bit worse than when I first saw her in it, but Rhodo convinced Spinel to let us wash all of the clothes we came here with if we wanted. She had a locket around her neck with some other bracelets on her wrists, but like most everyone here, extra accessories were discarded or given to one of us kids.

She also had a red gem in her forehead, like the Persian next to her. She was sitting calmly, tail curled and ears swiveling about every so often, and it felt like she was smiling just looking at everyone getting blankets and stuff.

"It seems your guess was quite accurate, Isadora," Paris said.

It feels like there's more stuff there, though. Did Isadora get some kinda Galactic calendar or something?

"You've kept me busy, Paris. Which is good, I needed a distraction and this was well worth it," Isadora replied.

"I do my best to keep us from having nothing to do," Paris replied while picking up a blanket and pillow. "Now, let's deliver these, shall we?"

Isadora nodded and the Persian with her hopped off the bed, the four of them walking towards us. Mama raised her head and looked at them, raising a brow at the new duo.

Paris set down the pillow and blanket on our bed, gesturing towards the other two. "Aurora, Ivane, this is Isadora and Wilona. Wilona and Isadora, Aurora and Ivane."

Mama gazed at the both of them, and said nothing past inclining her head. I waved. "{Hi! Your jacket is pretty.}"

Isadora looked down at her jacket and chuckled warmly. "Why thank you, it's actually a favorite of mine. It's seen better days, but it's still holding together. As for you, I must say your hair is lovely, sweetheart. You must take really good care of it."

I broke into a wide smile, while Mama and Paris started talking about stuff and putting the pillow and blanket on the bed. "{Mama showed me how! She says it's important to make sure I know how to take care of my hair and tails and stuff.}"

Isadora nodded in agreement. "I tell my daughter the same thing. She loves getting her hair brushed and trying all sorts of new styles. When you look good, you feel a bit better. This isn't my best look, but I feel a lot better with my jacket refreshed."

I nodded, holding up Ki, the Vulpix plushie Rhodo had gotten me. "{I take care of her too, an' having her around makes me feel better. Is that what your jacket does?}"

"In a way, yes. It reminds me of better times. There's not a lot we've got to work with here, but everyday I like to start out with planning a new look or I help one of the others with their own. Right now I'm considering braiding my hair again."

I tilted my head, one of my ears tilting to the side as I pointed at her wrists. "{Why d'you have mini collars on your wrists? Are those things you decided t' wear too, or…?}"

She looked down at her wrists. "Oh these? They're like Arvis' watch, but… more useless quite frankly. I had some other jewelry when I got here, but I gave them to some of your friends so they could play dress-up. I've been keeping these since my daughter picked them out for me for my birthday and I just can't seem to part with them…"

Keeping something from family makes sense, but… I don't like them. Even if they don't electrocute you, they just look like mini collars.

"You see, before I came here I used to live lavishly. In excess, frankly. The people I had to associate were about as stuffy as that grunt who can never seem to clear his nose. You know the one. Really I was considering taking my daughter and just moving somewhere nice and quaint like Twinleaf Town or even Pastoria City… but after spending all this time here, I can absolutely say no matter where I'm going I am hiring a professional chef to make every single one of my meals. If there is one thing I will never take for granted again, it will have to be endless 5 star meals."

My ears tilted back as I looked at her confused. "{You ate five stars all the time? Aren't they in the sky?}"

{They certainly taste heavenly enough for that to be true, but a five star meal is essentially a high class meal. The exact opposite of the slop Galactic serves us,} Wilona answered for the first time. {When we leave this place you simply must try it at least once. You'll taste the difference.}

Isadora clasped her hands together. "By Shaymin's grace." Wilona dipped her head in turn.

"{Shaymin?}"

{Ah you are from the north, yes? Shaymin tend to avoid the cold, so I understand why you may not have heard of them. Isadora?} Wilona turned to Isadora.

"Shaymin is the mythical pokemon of gratitude and my family's patron legendary. They are a grass type who can absorb toxins and spread good tidings. They are considered a symbol of gratitude and thankfulness in Sinnoh. My hometown worships them primarily, but my husband's family personally safeguards one of their sacred gardens. Because of that their lineage has been blessed throughout the decades with much to be thankful for."

Isadora sighed deeply. "Although, I am ashamed to say that I have made a bevy of rude prayers to Shaymin during my time here, but even I understand the legendaries cannot prevent all hardship in the world. Not even for their wards. All I can be grateful for is mine and Wilona's continued safety and that my family takes care."

A lotta people sound like they care a lot about legendaries. Either because they're close with them, or they've heard stories, or they're important to the world, or lotsa things. I wonder why… I wanna learn more about them, when we're not all just trying to not die.

I noticed her start fiddling with the thing around her neck as she said that. "{Is that from your daughter too?}"

She smiled, glad to be asked. "This was a gift from her father, come look."

She pressed the locket and it opened, revealing a picture of a little girl who looked around my age. She was a human, which felt weird to me. It'd been a while, sure, but Isadora was a Hybrid. Shouldn't her daughter be one too?

She looked a lot like Isadora except her skin was a bit darker and she had her hair wavy and long. She was in a fancy blue dress with a little berry pokemon in her lap. They were both sitting in a colorful flower patch, lush greenery surrounding them. It seemed like they were talking with bright big smiles I hadn't seen anyone make… outside of a couple memories, really. I couldn't feel their hearts, like how I couldn't feel people on the screen, but this was just one picture instead of them moving. Still a little weird though.

I hope everyone'll be able to smile that big soon. Maybe I'll even get to feel what it's like when someone smiles so much…

"This is my daughter Evangeline and that's her best friend, Marjorie. She's a Bounsweet. Evangeline gets lonely pretty easily, so I introduced her to Marjorie. They've been inseparable ever since. Marjorie is supposed to keep her company whenever I have to work, so I know as long as they're together Evangeline won't be lonely. Even if she misses me…" Isadora gave a solemn smile at the end, reliving fond memories as her voice trailed off.

I kept looking at the picture silently, then looked back up at Isadora. "{Is that what outside looks like?}"

"Not always, sweetie. Some places are green filled forests, vast blue oceans, golden sandy deserts or pristine miles of snow. The outside is filled with a myriad of colors and appearances," She explained vibrantly. "I don't have any more pictures, but we could ask for some if you'd like. Just describing them won't do them justice."

Even though part of me wanted to keep thinking about what the outside could look like, I tried my best to remember all the names I'd heard. It took me a second, but the name Evangeline didn't come to mind. And there wasn't really anybody else that was my age as much as the picture of her.

"{Eva's on the outside, right?}"

"Eva? She'd certainly have words about that nickname," Isadora chuckled. "But from what I last recall she's safe on the outside. My only hope is that she remains that way."

I hugged her. "{It'll be okay, we're gonna get out. And then you can make sure she's okay yourself.}" I looked up at her. "{Right?}"

"Exactly right. I'm glad you understand too," Isadora nodded in agreement.

I wonder if there's anyone out there looking for me and Mama. There has to be, right?

~~Iron Island, Year 8520, Taflinal, Erishi 18th

After we ate our grueling breakfast, we headed to the nature room. What I hadn't expected to see was a whole bunch of people laying or sitting on the ground, patting on it. Including Okan and Yvonne.

What're they doing? Is it a music thing maybe?

Okan noticed us, smiled and waved us over. Mama walked beside me as we both sat down next to them and Li ran over to us happily, her ruffling my hair a bit.

"Hey kid, what's up?"

I looked at her curiously. "{Why's everyone patting the ground a bunch?}"

Even though she gave me a warm smile, I could feel the same kinda seriousness that happened when people were planning the escape. "It's just something we're doing to be together, y'know? Helps ground us all."

I rested against Mama, fiddling with a blade of grass a little as I thought and Li nuzzled under my arm. So it definitely has to do with escaping somehow… How though? No one's really saying anything, and if they were, it'd be hard to say stuff without Galactic finding out because of cameras and stupid stuff.

My thoughts quieted as Mama nudged me gently. {Would you like to see something that we can do as well, my child?}

I nodded curiously, Li's ears perking up as she breathed out a small bit of fire. The few embers slowly congregated into orbs, dancing around a little. A smile came to my face as I watched Li start trying to bat at them, until Mama started moving them in specific patterns. Some got brighter while others dimmed.

Something stirred in me as I watched. The flames weren't just pretty, they meant something. Something Mama had never told me, but I got anyway? I focused on them more.

Signal… help? Ground… communication. Group… masking. Oh. Oooooooh.

Mama smiled at the glint in my eyes as I understood, smiling back at Okan as she let Li pounce on one of the orbs while the others dissipated. "{Can you show us?}"

She ruffled my hair and nodded, Yvonne buzzing her wings a bit. "Sure, watch me an' Yvonne."

They both showed us the rhythm everyone else was patting the ground to, and Mama watched me while I did it. Li joined in too, even if he didn't get the rhythm right. He was just having fun batting the ground like everyone else. Even if I knew it wasn't me doing something, I was helping make sure Galactic didn't get that all the ground and rock Pokemon were sending signals for help to other Pokemon through the ground.

The humans might know a lot of ways to make us miserable, but they can't stop us from making our own way out. And new friends helping out will definitely surprise them!

~~Iron Island, Year 8520, Taflinal, Erishi 19th

I was playing on the console (Jet Set Radio, since I didn't wanna play things where I had to beat people up, playing Sonic without Koko made me sad and the cops were the bad guys, which Lucia told me was how it worked outside too) when I heard Hugo, Balta (Baltasar was a hard name to say), Noemi and Danica's footsteps coming closer. While they sounded a little off, I didn't think too much about it. Until they got closer, and I could feel their anxiety.

What's going on?

Mama looked up at them as I paused the game, and Noemi sat with me with Danica on her shoulder. Both of them looked calm, but they definitely didn't feel it.

"How are you doing, Aurora?"

I tilted my head. "{'m okay, you?}"

She ruffled my hair a little, but kept her hand on my head and tilted my ears just a little towards her. "Fine," she whispered, "But we think we know who needs to fight tomorrow."

It's me, isn't it? At least it's not someone else.

She noticed the look in my eyes and while she felt pained for a moment, her expression didn't change. "We also think the opponent will be Silas."

My blood ran cold, the fur on my tails bristling as my heart skipped a beat.

Wha- Why?!

"{Why?}" I whispered back shakily, Mama clearly wanting to know the same.

"You haven't fought in a couple days," she explained. "Usually, if they want someone to be better in a future fight, they'll have them face a weaker opponent. Last time, you barely had to fight at all. Silas is Cyrus' Pokemon, and Cyrus is overseeing some of the fights now. They probably want to know if anything's changed since a couple months ago."

{I cannot say I'm surprised,} Mama growled. {Anything else you can determine?}

Hugo barely shook his head. "Just that it's highly unlikely anything… really bad will happen. Cyrus seems to have a much tighter hold on everyone than Spinel ever did, so it probably won't spiral like it would with her."

{What a wonderful caveat,} Mama said drily, rolling her eyes.

Noemi hugged me. "Be strong. We know you can come out okay."

I nodded slowly, even though my heart was beating a mile a minute. Right. Be strong. Against the evil shadow who's murdered people, can beat Mama and loves doing it. Who definitely wants to eat me. I can fight that. Sure.

Mama noticed quickly, gently pushing away the four with a couple tails. They waved, looking back worried as Mama covered me in her tails. {My child…}

"{H-he's gonna eat me…}" I whispered, shaking.

She nudged me closer to her body. {No he will not.}

"{B-but…}"

She shook her head. {It will be alright. I will be there with you, and they are right. Jean or Rhodo will stop it before it goes too far, if it does. Like Jean did with Koko. And you can defend yourself better than you once could, correct?}

I nodded slowly again, my heart slowing down slightly. {It will be alright, my child. I promise.}

I hope so...

~~Iron Island, Year 8520, Taflinal, Erishi 20th

My fur had been shooting up whenever the door opened, and Riri was checking on my heart from how much it was jumping. So when Jean finally called mine and Mama's names with dread in her heart, I was at least glad I knew when it was gonna happen.
It just would've been nice if it wasn't right now. Or ever, really.

Hazel and Vivian hugged me tight. "Come back safe, okay?"

"{I-I'll try…}"

She nodded and hugged me again before I got up with Mama. Okan and Kano- I finally figured out a mom word for Yvonne, I just hoped I'd get to use it more than once- gave me smiles even though I could feel how worried they were.

"Kick his ass!"

That brought a tiny smile to my face as Mama curled a tail around me.

{Are you ready, my child?}

I shook my head. "{N-no, but I don't think I'm gonna be.}"

She nudged me gently. {I will be with you, remember that.}

I nodded and walked shakily over to Jean. She took my hand gently and started walking with us towards the arena. I could feel she was trying to figure out something to say, and a couple of times her mouth opened and closed without her saying anything, before she just gave my hand a light squeeze. "Good luck," she whispered.

I don't think I have any of that, though.

Our footsteps echoed in my ears as we walked. I was having trouble even registering the Grunts around us, even the ones who'd look at me and feel a pit of dread in their hearts. Mama would brush a tail against my face every so often, just to remind me she was there.

I don't know if I could've kept walking if she hadn't.

It felt like every step took an eternity, and at the same time each pair happened quicker than my heart was beating. In no time at all- and far too much time- we stood at the arena. Hidden mechanisms whirred to life as the door hissed open, a cold mist flowing softly past our ankles.

I dunno if I'm walking out of here again, but I'm not gonna go down without a fight.

Jean and Indra gave us both a solemn nod, and I could feel two things from them both. Fear, at what was about to happen. And determination, that it wouldn't go too far no matter what.

Usually when we walked in, the lights above were almost too bright. Now? They were unnervingly dim. They'd even flicker occasionally, plunging the arena into pitch black darkness. It was only me and Mama not being human that let us make out what was around us despite that; a couple rocks haphazardly placed, casting their own shadows around the area. The frigid mist, now without an opening, began to rise ever so slowly. Thick enough to where I could barely see my feet, and thin enough so the shadows me, Mama and the rocks had were hazy and indistinct.

That's definitely what we needed. I hope Mama doesn't die here…

I held my hands close to my chest, one balled into a fist and the other open. Just to try to defend myself, at least a little bit while still standing right next to Mama. Mama's tails were splayed out, her eyes darting about and ears swiveling just like mine with her fur on end.

For a long, tense moment, there was near silence. Only the faint rushes of the mist

And then came the screeching scraping of claws on glass, and the laughter.

{You know, it's so nice to be able to hunt someone I've already taken down,} an all too familiar voice chuckled from the shadows, echoing. {Usually nobody knows what's coming for them until they're split open like a nanab berry. And dead toys aren't fun at all. But now, well…}

The laughter grew.

{Now you know exactly what's coming.}

There was the lightest tap on the floor, and then the wall behind us. Me and Mama only barely leapt to the side in time to dodge Silas' slash, the ivory crescent leaving a deep gash on the floor. When I glanced back, I could only see his feather, the trailing glow of his scarlet eyes, the glint off his claws and sadistic smile before he seemed to melt right back into the shadows.

Me and Mama darted back together as his chuckling continued. The echoing made it hard to pinpoint, and it being only just slightly louder than the mist even moreso.

{It's a real treat, lemme tell ya. Those two with the swords? They could take a hit or two. And it's fun to watch someone slowly crumple to the floor, realizing just how inescapable their death is.}

Golden flames flared to life around my fist as my heart burned, whirling around to try and punch his stupid face. The mist hissed away in a wave as the light from my flames illuminated the dark room in a golden glow.

I only got the rushing of air in my ears, but I did feel cold fur on my arm. I looked up to see Silas standing on it, grinning down at me with claws extended.

{But you'd be ribbons in seconds, wouldn'tcha?}

I screamed as he leapt away, Mama's flames scorching where he was to force him away from me while I jumped back to her side. This time, the chuckles were full on laughter.

{Not running away this time, huh? Good! It's much more fun when there's hope.}

My heart was thumping, my blood colder than the mist around us as my eyes darted about. Searching for any tells. He was just having fun right now, and we all knew it.

There's gotta be something to slow him down! He doesn't slip on ice, he can jump around, we can't hit him directly at all-

My ear twitched as I dove to my right, dodging another slash. This time though, instead of just darting away, he pivoted and rushed right at me in a streak of darkness.

Without thinking, I threw up my hand. Ice crackled upwards, barely stopping the twin scarlet streaks and ivory claws from tearing me apart. Blasts of orange-blue flame howled out on either side of my shield from Mama, while I heaved it around to weather his barrage.

I saw a hairline thin cut go right up the middle of the wall before it fell neatly either side and shattered on the ground, a laugh echoing after the retreating shadow.

{Thank you for lasting longer than that bunch of meatsacks, it's almost boring when they die that easy. Their blood's as tasty as anyone's though!}

What if he's still a shadow in light?

My body surged with fire, fear and fury as I dashed back to Mama, skidding to a stop next to her.

"{Fire dome?!}" I asked, panic wracking my voice and body.

She didn't ask and just nodded, swirling out a dome of fire that sent the mist rushing away. I scanned all around us, focusing really hard on dark spots through the flame.

I can't see shapes or anything, but he doesn't seem to want to just jump in fire, and if he's really shadows…

I saw a dark silhouette dart from the wall, then perch on something for a moment before it shot towards us.

There!

I threw out my hands, Mama reacting to my motion and joining me in scorching everything in front of us with a roaring blaze. I barely saw a slit open on the side of the tunnel of fire as Silas shot out of it, leaping up to the ceiling before streaking right down at us.

I wanna protect us both, but I can't just make a bubble! He'll keep attacking it until I can't keep it up anymore, there's gotta be something else!

I threw up my hands, desperation kicking in to make something in the way of us to protect me and Mama. More than ice, but not around us.

The same green light that'd saved me before rushed around us both, halting in midair and expanding into a large orb between us and Silas. It even seemed to catch him a little off guard, as he had to flip in midair and slide around it with his claws like a hook to jump at us again.

Before he could, Mama let out another blast of fire at him. He swung back up on top of it, even as I tried to make it fade. He just leapt away again. The laughing returned.

{You're a whole grab bag of surprises, huh? I like that! Let's see how long it keeps your insides on the inside!}

I'll pull out whatever it takes to make you pay!

Flames howled wildly around me as I tried to aim at him, even though I was shaking.

Don't waste energy! We can't keep this up forever!

But he can't just keep talking about everyone like they're just playthings, we gotta break his stupid fucking face!

That won't happen if we're just shooting randomly at nothing!

What's the other option, keep missing?!

{My child!}

Mama's words snapped me back to the fight, as I saw her standing in front of me. Blood was soaking the side of her torso, only a sheet of ice hastily blown on keeping more from rushing out the gash across her. My heart plummeted.

I couldn't keep my head together and it got Mama hurt…

The floor around me started to freeze, crackling up in spikes as Silas cackled. {It's so fun to mess with you! I almost regret my next meal!}

My head began to pound. Trying to not explode, continuing to fight, ignoring Silas, breaking his face, not wanting to break him like Galactic breaks people clashed furiously in my mind. In the instant Mama gave me a worried glance, Silas gouged her across the chest before lunging for me. I barely had time to register Mama was going to bleed out before he was on me, cleaving through my flesh and my leg screaming out in pain. He pinned me to the wall, one claw on either side of my neck while his other hand was arched back, ready to strike. What faint light there was shone off it, and the blood dripping from it.

{But only almost. Bon appetite.}

His jagged, shining teeth opened wide, and I screamed. The sounds of roaring and crackling surrounded me, light flaring up as my vision went dark.

My head was still pounding when I woke up, and I pressed the bottoms of my palms against my eyes.

Why does waking up gotta hurt so much sometimes… and everything else too. My leg especially…

"Hm? Oh Aurora, you're awake already?" Spoke the familiar voice. My blurry vision slowly came into focus, 'till I realized I was in Rhodo's infirmary with Mama right next to me. He had already begun setting up his usual doctory stuff; the pole with water bags on it that he'd sometimes put 'pain killers' in, a table with bandages and needles, some techy stuff too. He got everything set up a lot faster than when we first started.

Too much practice.

From the other room I could already smell the oven as on. Judging by the smell, it was chocolate pumpkin muffins.

They'll definitely taste better than I feel right now.

"How are you feeling?" He asked.

"{Ow…}" The memory of Silas about to bite my head off came back, a chill running down my spine as my throat tightened. I held onto Mama tighter.

{I'm here, my child,} she spoke softly, like she was just waking up too.

"Silas is a terrifying opponent, but you both were brave in there. I'm sorry that you two got hurt like that, but Cyrus isn't so easily convinced as Spinel. I couldn't persuade him to have you fight anyone else." Rhodo shook his head in resentment.

Mama looked at him, one of her eyes still closed in pain. The cuts she got were now bandaged up, even if it meant most of her body was covered in gauze. {I was under the impression he was less fond of wanton violence than Spinel.}

Rhodo definitely didn't get what she said, so I tried. "{Mama an' I thought he didn't like people gettin' hurt f'r no reas'n as much 's Spinel does…?}"

Rhodo nodded in acknowledgment after a moment. "You're right, he doesn't. Which is why he gave me a list of his calculated reasoning as to why Silas should've been your opponent. I even tried to talk him down to any other Sneasel, but he said it had to have been Silas."

I gave him a very confused look, but Mama just sighed. {I cannot say I'm surprised.} She nudged me gently. {How are you faring, my child?}

Despite how sore I was, I rubbed my leg softly. Not pulling at the bandage or anything, just feeling the area. I winced a little and Mama nodded, keeping me close. We all knew how my heart felt.

Rhodo looked down at my leg solemnly. "After you went unconscious and Cyrus reigned in Silas, Jean and Indra flew right into the arena so they could bring you two in. They had a Chansey on standby to give you immediate first aid, so we could handle the rest afterwards. So your leg will be sore for a while and you might limp a bit, but we expect a full recovery. It might leave a scar though…"

Like a couple of the things Mama has…

"{Do they ever go away?}"

"Scars fade over time, but they're always with us in some way… but medicine is getting better, so… I believe one day you and your Mama could be scar free," He proclaimed hesitantly.

I blinked a bit. So they can go away, but they're always with you, but they're also not? What does any of that mean?

I looked at Mama, and she curled her tails around me gently. {Scars are as memories. They may fade, and some may disappear completely, but most will leave some mark on you throughout the whole of your life. Whether or not you can see them anymore.}

I nodded slowly, while Rhodo nodded along cluelessly. "I'm getting the feeling your Mama said something a lot more insightful than me and you should definitely listen to her."

Mama smiled at him, bemused, before looking back at me. I was still thinking. Rhodo definitely doesn't seem to like them, and I don't think Mama does either. But Mama doesn't hate them either. They're like memories… I guess, for now, it'll be a memory of how Silas didn't kill me and Mama. But how many more of those memories will I have? How many can I have…?

She nudged my head into her fur gently. {And just as with memories, we need not bear their burden alone.}

I cuddled with her while Rhodo stroked my back gently.

I hope we don't gotta bear too many more…

Entry Log:

-The subjects have no end to their complaints, ire and backtalk. Turns out when you step on a problem, it just splatters everywhere and creates an even larger mess. Personally I do not care, but it seems Cyrus was feeling generous as he placated the fusions with some trees and dirt to play with. While they are all perpetually dismal, it seems mentally, this has been good for them to some extent.

-Professor Mecharis constructed a Kricketot automaton to play certain tracks we can test on the fusions to evaluate their reactions. Why we did not use a radio I shall never know, but he was insistent we use one of his contraptions because of 'the atmosphere' and 'mimicking natural conditions' despite the fact it is a robot. Fortunately, I am used to working with strange eccentrics.

It seems #001, despite having Vulpix DNA and many of their traits, does not possess a predatory instinct whatsoever as she did not react to any of the sounds of her natural prey. Meanwhile, she does show fear towards the sounds of Sneasel, who are predators towards Alolan Vulpix. Curious, but helpful.

-The data collected from #001, #033, #132 and#158 has been integral to the project. It seems the age of the subject truly does have a major effect on the fusion process. Even though #134 is a fusion with Type: Full, who are naturally adaptable, and #033 is a fusion with Eevee, #001 is still the most thorough fusion. Meanwhile #033 is, at best, marginally better than others of similar age. Now that I know this, it has become increasingly more apparent how disposable the less functional adults are. Quite frankly, it is for the best that we be rid of them. Resource management is more difficult to uphold here discreetly even with our means. Cyrus has given me approval to begin manipulating #001's DNA directly to see what I can perfect. After I finish with her, I move onto the others.

-The outside world doesn't particularly interest me when I have so much work to do here, but one of my subordinates brought to my attention the League Championship tournament's progress. It seems taking all of these subjects has given Sinnoh reason to mobilize an organized Pokemon League more fervently and now they are attempting to see who is strong enough to lead. No doubt some brainless child who can order pokemon at an above average level will take the throne and accomplish nothing.

Although, there is one trainer… Cynthia Valkyrie. I believe she gives even Cyrus cause for concern. He actually went on his own to deal with her himself and FAILED. It doesn't appear that he lost directly, but his pokemon were left in no position to win. Even I find that daunting. Silas managed to blind the girl's Riolu at the very least, but limbs or lives were lost throughout the entire bout. Something all but unheard of for him. Fortunately, Cyrus hid his identity so he can still go out in public, but if he hadn't...

According to her records, she defeated the Sunyshore Gym's best pokemon after two months of traveling… Valkyrie… it seems Valkyries torment my success inside and outside of this place, but I should thank her. This incident has reminded me time is of the essence. I've reorganized protocol and staff to optimize efficiency and speed. There is so much I wish to do and if I do not finish this project now… I will remain incomplete for the rest of my life.

-It seems I am destined to be disappointed by men, whether they are human or not. Gothitelle- no, excuse me, Castor has decided to enter his skipped rebellious phase now of all times. He has picked out a name for himself and has decided to be difficult when translating pokemon. Now I have to take time out of my day to appease him so we may get back to work. What a bother...

-The data gathered from today's battles have proven fruitful. The fusions have begun growing into their preferred fighting styles and their new strengths. #001, after a quick demonstration from Froslass, was able to learn Powder Snow despite only having interest in solid ice attacks until then. While it was educational to actually witness Froslass teach her, something was off with their conversation. Unfortunately, even Castor cannot make anything of it, but no matter.

-I was curious as to why Cyrus had the group spar with Bouffalant without adding it to the docket, but I suppose that quick deviance proved more than fruitful. Silvally's power is truly as oppressive as it should be, even a pokemon such as Bouffalant is nothing to them. I may have to look into recreating a helmet for them if their power goes unchecked. Even in the harsh conditions we put them through, Silvally are tough, adaptable and have grown accustomed to suffering. They are still exceedingly dangerous.

Enough of such grim thought. The coordination between the fusions and the pokemon has me jumping like a schoolgirl! If these motley prototypes could manage such a flawless takedown in their sorry state, I can only imagine once we begin mass producing trained soldiers at our beck and call. Ahhh, the glorious future.

I suppose I should thank Cyrus for this. I wish he had asked me first, but it seems he can do his job well enough so I can gather my data. I have no complaints.

-Small oddities I've noticed amongst the fusions is that they tap their feet. Frequently. I asked Mars to look into it, but she deemed it unnecessary. In a much more crass vernacular. Whatever they appear to be doing will prove moot though. Their numbers have dwindled and even if they showcase skilled battle prowess together, we do not provide them the resources to ever be at full strength. Insurrection would be pointless. They can get as strong as they want; Galactic is still by far stronger with Silas and my Juliet alone.

-The steel, rock and ground types on the island have also become more restless, but that Mars has handled, so it is unexpected they'll get too close to our settlement.

-After reviewing countless hours of battle footage, I must say I am legitimately amazed. Either we have accosted a bevy of battle savvy children or is it perhaps fusions have a knack for combat. Even against Silas, #001 seemed to quickly analyze the situation as best she could before going down. She even formed a Protect centered around a point other than herself, which I have seen no records of anywhere else in all my research. The Rockruff and Lycanroc fusions were the same, but are unfortunately still out of commission. A pittance.

-I have been asking around and I believe I have found a ghost channeler amongst us to teach me how to properly handle ghost types and their powers. Apparently he's quite close to Cyrus. I've seen him in passing and he appears to be close to Cyrus in a different way than how the other grunts fawn over him. Regardless, I've been warned by Saturn of all people to be wary of this individual. Goodness, if I have the commanders worrying for my well being, what in Giratina's name is this man?

-Final note, a grunt brought me a razz berry smoothie today. For some reason I was filled with unbridled rage before I crushed it and dropped it on the ground. Needless to say, since coming here I've lost my tolerance for razz berries and I fear I shall never regain it.

#001 Fused Kalolan Vulpix (Aurora) & Kalolan Ninetales (Ivane) Status: Recovering

#006 Fused Pyroar & Pyroar Status: Nominal

#011 Fused Magcargo & Slugma Status: Deceased (Failed Fused)

#019 Fused Carnivine & Carnivine Status: Deceased (Failed Fused)

#020 Fused Furret (Guinevere) & Furret (Chestnut) Status: Nominal

#27 Fused Toxapex (Ibya) & Toxapex (Shoal) Status: Deceased (Pitiful Escape Attempt)

#033 Fused Eevee (Hazel) & Eevee (Vivian) Status: Recovering

#043 Fused Hydreigon (Paul) & Hydreigon (Tobias) Status: Deceased (Unstable, reverted to feral instincts, used for dissection)

#048 Fused Whimsicott (Arvis) and Whimsicott (Mango) Status: Recovering

#053 Fused Flygon (Leanne) & Flygon (Yvonne) Status: Nominal

#068 Fused Decidueye (Paris) & Decidueye (Legolas) Status: Nominal

#072 Fused Swampert (Zacharias) & Swampert (Elvis) Status: Nominal

#078 Fused Phantump (Razin) & Phantump (Urie) Status: Deceased (Failed Fused)

#079 Fused Glalie & Glalie Status: Deceased (Failed Fused)

#085 Fused Blissey (Mabel) & Blissey (Haley) Status: Nominal

#086 Fused Bewear (Benny) & Bewear (Bors) Status: Nominal

#090 Fused Krookodile (Corporal) & Krookodile (Sargeant) Status: Deceased (Pitiful Escape Attempt)

#095 Fused Greninja (Naoko) & Greninja (Shio) Status: Nominal

#102 Fused Bibarel (Hugo) & Bibarel (Baltasar) Status: Nominal

#111 Fused Stantler (Dusk) & Stantler (Comet) Status: Deceased (Pitiful Escape Attempt)

#123 Fused Female Gallade (Lucia) & Gallade (Arden) Status: Nominal

#132 Fused Pachirisu (Ron) & Pachirisu (Rush) Status: Nominal

#134 Fused Silvally (Clive) & Silvally (Elpis) Status: Nominal

#143 Fused Electrode & Electrode Status: Deceased (Failed Fused)

#147 Fused Sunflora (Garland) & Sunflora (Dijon) Status: Drained (lack of sunlight)

#158 Fused Rockruff (Koko) Status: Nominal

#159 Fused Dusk Lycanroc (Eclipse) & Dusk Lycanroc (Yuna) Status: Nominal

#163 Fused Spiritomb & Spiritomb Status: Deceased (Failed Fused)

#171 Fused Emolga (Noemi) & Emolga (Danica) Status: Nominal

#180 Fused Samurott (Owain) & Samurott (Sue) Status: Deceased (Finally)

#188 Fused Typhlosion (Noah) & Typhlosion (Charcoal) Status: Deceased (Pitiful Escape Attempt)

#193 Fused Noctowl (Keaton) & Noctowl (Twili) Status: Deceased (Pitiful Escape Attempt)

#199 Fused Breloom (Lola) & Breloom (Etter) Status: Deceased (Pitiful Escape Attempt)

Author's Note:Yeah uh, this took a lot longer than I wanted it to. But it's out now! Depressive spirals are a pain. But I'm in a much better place than I was, and with any luck things will be going even better soon.

On the chapter itself, things are a changin', huh? You didn't think the past nine chapters were gonna be indicative of everything happening here, didja? There's a few more surprises in store before it's over. So stay tuned for next time, where I can promise you that shit gets real. Toodles!

-On a brighter note, LuxBeacon here! It's nearly Christmas 2021! I hope everyone reading has a wonderful holiday season. At least marginally better than everything Aurora and company are experiencing right now!