In the alleys of the Hoshidan streets, any signs of cars honking or animals roaming was anything but an anomaly at this point. There was hardly a trace of technology anywhere, and this was where a certain someone was looming around, cropped up to a corner with a very large black sheet that he used to conceal himself within the shadows.

Sitting on a wooden stool, a man heard the sounds of the little fire roaming in front of him. Thankfully he knew how to make one, but he had to keep it small so no one would notice him. Thankfully the black sheet acted like a shield that absorbed the light.

"Man." He smacked his lips again. "Foo', don't tell me this ain't cooking well enough." He was holding onto a very long stick, which had a skewered piece of beef on the end. It was small, but it's what he could manage for the time being. He turned the side over, seeing that it was still red. He sighed. "Man, screw all this! I don't need this! How the hell did I end up being on the streets again?"

"(Brings us back to dem ole days, huh?)" His Scraggy shrugged, sitting right beside him.

The hoodlum disregarded his Pokémon talking and pouted. "At least in Team Skull, we had somebody to be fetchin' dem groceries. Who the hell knows how to use a microwave around here? No one. It's like d'ey all just gotten delirious with a fat layer of dem stoops all over their nogz." He smacked his lips again. "Well, beats being out there in the fields. But man, I gotta get out of here. My capture streaks on my game's probably expire if I don't reach the next update next week, foo'."

Behind him, he was hearing a faint cheer from afar. The cheer was low, but from the sound it seemed something the hoodlum couldn't ignore.

"Whatz all the noise?" He looked down at his Scraggy, who shrugged. "Oh sure you don't know." He looked back at the beef still on the stick. He turned back towards his partner. "I-It'll be done by when we get back. Let's go, foo'."

Scraggy shrugged. "(Whatever you say.)"

The two walked away from their hideaway and scooted towards the streets. They walked towards the back of the crowd of people gathered in a single-file line to make way for someone, or something. He didn't know, but people were looking humble.

"Looks like a parade bandwagon out here." He looked over towards a nearby man. "Uh, 'xcuse me. Foo'?"

The man turned towards him at the strange dialect given. "Hm? Is there something wrong?"

"Nah, man. Just, what's be all dem commotions about? Somebody rioting or sickz?"

The man blinked at the manner in which he was talking. He was about to answer when cheers filed through the crowd as people were coming through. Both turned towards the front and saw some strange-looking people heading down the avenue.

"They're here!" the man rushed over, where he bowed towards the crowd.

"Who's here? And why's everybody hunching over like they be puking?" The hoodlum turned and saw what looked like several individuals who were walking past hm.

He saw someone who looked like a samurai with a katana on his side that carried the way as a teen with white hair filed right behind. Behind him, a red-haired woman and an orange-haired girl with a pink fluffy creature hugging her arm as she walked awkwardly carried on. Behind them was a tribal woman with a green-schemed ninja beside her. The last people in line were people who were dressed familiarly to him. They had shirts and coats and everything. And strangely, the one had bagpipes around her thick waist, whereas the other had a beanie on his head.

"It's Lord Ryoma! He's returned!"

"He's made it back with his sisters! It's a miracle!"

"Lord Roohoo now?" The hoodlum was hearing the public appraisal, but it didn't click. He just watched as they moved along down towards the palace. He smacked his lips. "Man, all deez people are crazy as hell. Well, whatever is going on, I guess I can roll with it." He turned his head away as a thought came to mind. "But those two in the back doe…why'z they seem different from dem?"

Scraggy tugged at his leg. "(Hey, dude! Damon!)"

"Yeah, what's going on, little man?" He saw the Scraggy's hand pointing back towards the camp. He saw noticing a furry shadow prancing along towards their tent. He gasped. "Oh no, foo'! Hey, little man, follow me!"

Scraggy wasted no time as he and the hoodlum raced over towards their little hideaway. There, right over the small flames, there was a small dog with orange fur and black stripes that seemed similar to a tiger. It had cream-colored tuffs of fur on the head and underside. It sniffed around the beef on the end of a stick, not minding the small flames tickling its chin.

Damon and Scraggy pried the sheet back, seeing the dog with their own eyes. "What the-?! A Growlithe, foo'?!"

Growlithe looked at Damon cautiously and gasped. "(Uh, hello.)" He quipped.

"Heyhey, man! Get away from that! Scraggy get in there, foo'! Knock him up!" He nudged his Pokémon to attack.

"(Alright, dude. This can go the easy way. Or…y'know. So get over here!)" Scraggy jumped for the Growlithe, only for the puppy to grab the beef in a quick swipe with the mouth and took off. Scraggy in return, fell onto the small fire they had going, immediately flaring him up and having him scream. "(AAAAH! FOO'! FOO'! IT BURNS IT BURNS! AAAAHHH!)"

"Hey, come back here, foo'! Hey!" He went chasing after the Growlithe, but by the time he did, it already turned the corner. He sighed in defeated and smacked his leg. "Ooooooh! Man, now that's just cheatingz! Oh! That was dirty!" His lips smacked again. "You know it ain't right to steal something that'z already been stolen, why I stole that fair and square man…" He sighed. "Guess I better get to finishing up my little project then…"

The cries of Scraggy rolling around and screeching got his attention. He stood there, seeing his pal with a burn. "O-Oh yeah. We better fix that, too…" He walked over, ready to tend to the wound.

Once Scraggy's little fire was put out, he and Damon were both standing over a small table in the shadows. There were many pieces that had to go into it still, but it looked to be almost ready. Scraggy's baggy skin had soot marks, and he was more than angry with what happened.

"Hehe, this may be illegal in Alola. But, uh, last I checked, I don't think we're there anymore. Now, where's this part again…?"

"(Hey. Damon. The next time that pup is around, make him into puppy chow!)" Scraggy growled.

Damon scoffed. "Alrightz. Well, you can have a try later, after you go and fetch me some ammunitions. We gotta fix it so it fits the chambers." Scraggy waddled away, leaving Damon to look over his contraption. "Now, where was I…?"


Arriving once again at the palace, Mikoto was at the foot of her throne talking to her fellow Hoshido soldiers. Whatever it was seemed to be important given the few scrapes their armor had. It was only with Ryoma and everyone else returning that she gave her attention towards them instead.

"You've come back. Thank goodness." Mikoto sighed relieved. She saw that not only Corrin made it back, but also Sakura and Hinoka followed as well.

"Mother!" Sakura hurried over and raced to hug her dear mother's waist. She held on in relief, feeling her warmth through her robes.

Mikoto looked down and returned the hug in kind. "Dear Sakura. Hinoka. You both had me so worried."

Hinoka walked up, smiling courageously. "We're sorry for troubling you this whole time, Mother. There was an attack along the mountain village that had to be attended to." She smirked. "But Sakura was safe because I was there."

Mikoto smiled contently. "I see. Thank you." She noticed the Audino that was walking up to her and Sakura. "And who might this be?"

The Audino waddled up and joined in with the small family hug. Mikoto was caught surprised by the sudden touch, but she didn't fight it. In fact, Audino was surprisingly soft.

"Oh, you're a very…affectionate creature, aren't you?" Her answer came in the form of Audino hugging her and Sakura closer. Her feelers tickled their faces enough to make Mikoto tingly along her cheeks.

"She's a hugger, Mother. She's harmless. Right?" Sakura glanced at Audino, who smiled proudly in the embrace. She giggled.

Ryoma stepped forward, moving the matter forward. "Mother. There is a matter that we need to talk about."

"What's the trouble we're seeing?" Mikoto managed to get away from Audino's hug, which she attempted to turn onto her fellow Hoshido guards, only to be blocked by bisento and kunai. Sakura grabbed her hand and pulled her back towards the group. "Was it the Faceless again?"

Ryoma nodded. "Yes. They've been attacking our borders more often now. I fear that our patrols will have to expand further to keep the villagers safe."

"I see." She adverted attention drawn towards the Audino, who was now hugging Evan and Freya, despite their leniency to do so. "Does this have to do with the Nohrians as well?"

"My queen." Kaze stepped forward, kneeling for her plea. "We have found the answers to the attacks and the appearances of these creatures that have come out of nowhere. The information we have is something that should be attended to."

Mikoto understood and nodded. "Very well then."

Rinkah nudged Evan and Freya forward, who were removed from Audino's embrace at last. They looked at each other and swallowed lumps. Taking a gander, Evan volunteered and stepped forward. "Your Highness…" He sighed. "There's…something we need to tell you about. These creatures. We know what they are."

Mikoto frowned at Evan with the talking. "You do, you say? You're Corrin's friend, the one who Kaze vouched for, right?"

"Yeah, that's me. I'm Evan." He turned around. "And right here is Freya."

"Greetings to you." Freya meekly bowed to keep a politeness going.

Evan took another sharp breath and sighed. "And…about these creatures. There's something going on, and it has to do with us being here."

"Very well then, tell." Mikoto relaxed herself as she went up to her throne. Once she sat down, she looked at Evan and Freya. "Start from the beginning."

"Well you see…"

For the next fifteen minutes, Evan explained whatever he could so that the queen could understand their situation. He relapsed the concept of Pokémon towards everyone in the room, using Audino and Poke Balls as needed. They even went as far as showing what a Pokémon is when unleashed from the capsules. This surprised a majority of the people no less, but Evan powered through towards the end about compatibility and relaying what his teachings were back in school with the Trainer classes he took. He made sure to leave nothing out as he explained the theory of how the Pokémon came to this world and how he and Freya ended up here in the first place. By the time he was at the end, there was a collective awe and silence amongst the peers gathered.

"And that's everything we know, your highness." Evan concluded, standing firm and collective. "So, uh…does everything check out?"

Mikoto took a moment to process everything. She had a frown and closed eyes as the air around them was settling down like a low tide washing away. "…I believe that I understand now." She opened her eyes. "So you're from another world, who has these creatures, also known as Pokémon, that you befriend."

"Yup."

"And in doing so, you battle enemies and live amongst each other in daily lives…" She looked over at Audino, who was hugging Sakura again. This time she didn't fight it.

"I know it's hard to believe, but that's the sum of it."

Ryoma stepped forward towards his side. "I can condone what he is saying is the truth."

Freya looked shocked. "Ryoma…?"

"I have seen these two use these creatures in battle to help us in our time of need. I do admit, there is an air of uncertainty with the danger this can create…but Mother, I believe that there can be a resolution to all this. These outsiders declared and shown us these Pokémon can in fact be tamed. For the sake of Hoshido, we must make this knowledge more profound."

Mikoto lowered her head to consider what her son was saying. She closed her eyes and seemed more or less on the quiet side to all this. But, she had to admit that while the dangers that her soldiers have been facing by Nohr and their Faceless alone is taxing, they had to remain morally secure. There were innocent people at risk. The least she, as their Queen, could do, was to ensure their safety.

"…yes, I believe that you make a valid point, Ryoma." She stood up from her throne. "There have been sightings and reports of these creatures even within the city. Our sentries have been taken back by the larger ones establishing territories. Some sustained serious wounds, too. And you're saying this is all self-defense?"

"It might be. These Pokémon were taken away from their homes on our world. Maybe some of them belong to other Trainers. Maybe they're scared too, I mean, I was. And, well, I still kina am." Evan admitted.

"Evan…" Corrin murmured.

Mikoto's face grew to one of sympathy. "I see…then perhaps since you know well of what humans and Pokémon could do, for the time being, will you be willing to lend us your knowledge?"

Evan furrowed his brow. "I-I'm not sure…"

"I understand. You want to find a way home. And because of what you've done to help my family, I am willing to lend my support to the cause. I, too, worry about everyone's safety. Not just my children, but also for my people. Please, consider everyone else for one moment."

Evan turned around to look at everyone else in the room. He could see how expectant they were on him and Freya, especially him. He knew a lot more than the latter, plus since he's gotten to know more about his peers, he started to feel attached. Not in an emotional sense, but to a sense of security. He locked eyes with Corrin especially, someone whom he made a personal appeal towards. The two locked eyes as they thought back to the recent few days of gruesome and arduous tasks that lead towards life-threatening moments.

In a new world with people actually bent on killing each other, Evan didn't stand up to that quota. He had little monsters who did the fighting for him, and there would be continual struggles and fights that they could get hurt from. But the events with the Faceless as well as the bronze blade he still held onto for his own protection made him realize what a bother it was to have all this violence. He truly did empathize with Corrin's more peaceful matters, and Mikoto's point could save lives, and nit just their own. He had to consider the big picture.

He took one more look at Freya, seeing her nod meekly at him. He looked back at Mikoto with a serious face. "…okay, you win. What do you want us to do?"

Mikoto turned towards Ryoma with an order ready. "Ryoma. I know you just got back, but can you establish for as many of our people to meet in the center of town in three hours? Tell them that there is an answer to this crisis that we are having, and we have help to show us the way."

Ryoma nodded. "Understood. I'll be back." He looked back at Evan and Freya. "We expect great things to come out of this."

Evan and Freya fell silent. They could hear underlying his tone, it was a hint of warning. They had a bad feeling of what would happen if they gave the wrong impression.

A hand put itself on Evan's shoulder. He turned to see Corrin looking at him with a positive outlook. "Don't worry. I'm here for you."

Evan smiled contently. "Thanks man." He turned back towards the queen. "And us?"

Mikoto looked at Evan and Freya. "In three hours, I would like for you both to be present for the presentation. You have explained that you battle alongside these creatures, do you not? Until there is a way that these Pokémon are able to be returned back to your world, we must make peace at once."

"Okay, I guess we can do that." He glanced at his peer. "Right, Freya?"

Freya nodded. "Yeah. We can help with that."

Mikoto nodded. "I'm grateful. The city is yours to look around until the presentation begins." She smiled softly. "Please be safe, all of you."


They all exited the palace grounds and stood outside the entrance to the domain. Evan looked back at the structure and towers surrounding it before he chose to come to his own conclusion with a sigh.

"Well, guess that can't be helped now. At least we still have a few hours before we have to do anything." He turned towards Corrin. "What are you gonna do, Corrin?"

Corrin glanced down at the ground with uncertainty. "I…don't really know."

"Oh." Evan could hear the bleariness in his tone. He sounded lost, much more so than himself. He couldn't necessarily blame him though, he's been through enough as it is. Add on top of being taken from his family at a young age, isolated, and now learning of another world full of monsters and having traveled with someone who kept this secret from you would definitely leave a normal person with a lot to consider. He had to respect that much space.

An awkward silence fell amongst them before Evan cleared his throat. "Well, uh…y-you can always just walk around I guess. I mean, it's not a bad idea."

"Then how about we arrange this then." Freya got the attention of her peers. "Evan, why don't you hang out with Corrin and Kaze. And I'll be around the girls."

"So like guy/girl time?" he questioned.

"Yeah, that okay with you?"

"Uh…" He looked at Corrin and Kaze, who didn't seem to be against the idea of having other guys to talk to. He gave Freya a nod. "Yeah, guess that can work. You cool with that?"

Freya looked back at Hinoka, Sakura, and Rinkah, the three females all attempting at being hugged by Audino. Rinkah was on the verge of drawing her club when Audino wouldn't let go, making Sakura and Hinoka work together to pry her off.

"…uh, forget I ask." Evan turned. "Alright, guess we'll see ya in town's square in a few."

Freya smiled. "It's a date then."

Evan eyerolled. "I'll try to remember flowers." With that, he took off with Corrin and Kaze.

As they took off, Freya sighed to herself. Rinkah went up to her side and smirked. "Were we missing something?"

Freya tossed her long hair behind her shoulder. "Nothing important. So what do you guys do around here for fun?"

Sakura turned her head as Audino was hugging her solemnly now. "Oh! Hinoka and I know a place where you can get these really great sweets! Let's go there!"

Freya chuckled. "Alright."


Further within Hoshido's main capital, it wasn't too busy, but there were still people everywhere. They all seemed to be going around to other areas, or otherwise were rushing for dinner supplies. To any extent, Evan was walking along with Kaze and Corrin as he idled around the avenue where shops and stands were.

'Man, talk about bustling. It's almost as big as Celadon City.' He stared at the city limits in awe over what he was seeing. In fact, now that he looked at it, it had to be even bigger than Celadon City. He heard about places like Lumiose City, which was within the Kalos Region, and another city located in Unova. But he hasn't gotten too keen on those yet since he's never been to those places. 'I wonder what kinds of food these guys have? Wait, don't I need money still for that?'

"So, Evan…" Kaze started.

Evan snapped out of his thoughts and faced the ninja. "Uh, yeah Kaze?"

"So about your world, I'm curious. You all appear to have a different sense of moderation compared to us. It must be more advanced than here, I suppose?"

Evan whisked his head away. "Well…it's not like I'm gonna lie and say it doesn't have perks." He hurried for a rebuttal. "But you know, this place is still good."

"In what way?"

"Well, I mean there's literal magic. We don't have that. Or at least, humans can't do that kind of stuff. It's just cheap illusions like pulling Buneary or Lopunny out of hats or sawing people in half. That kind of stuff."

Kaze furrowed his brow. "So you all bisect victims and call that magic?"

"What…?" Oh, right. Forgot you aren't familiar with magic tricks." He paused. "Well, bottom line is, you guys have cool powers, and while we have technology and stuff, it's still a cool feature. Plus, I actually know a ninja in person."

"So then…there's ninjas in your world I take it?"

"Not a lot of actual ninjas like you. But in my region, we have a gym that has a ninja for a Gym Leader. I think it was Koga? Or…no, that was years ago. I think his student took over? Maybe?"

As Corrin and Kaze were seen talking, Corrin was lost in his own little world. He was astoundingly quiet for someone who was normally outgoing. Even with the townspeople ogling them, he would've tried to engage in some form of conversation, but something was blocking him from doing so. He was just…lost. With what happened earlier with figuring out he was taken away from his real family, and then stockpiled with news about this new world and the lightning storm a few days back, everything was just going around in a haze for him.

Evan looked over at Corrin's straight face, then exchanged worried looks with Kaze. The former chose to be the active mediator between the three in the crowd.

"Uh, Corrin…? Hey, dude? Buddy?"

Getting out of his funk, he turned towards Evan. "Huh? Oh, sorry Evan. Were you saying something?"

Evan shook his head. "N-nothing…" He paused again. "I know, this may not be the best time to say this but…are you okay?"

Corrin wasn't a liar, but he also wasn't too good with words either. "It's…kinda hard to explain. There's so much happening right now."

"Well, you're not wrong." Evan looked down at the ground as they walked a little slower. They moved off to the side as two kids ran past them, laughing as they chased each other up the avenue. "I mean, it's just so weird, like it's all supposed to be this big wild dream. I have these crazy dreams when I sleep, but my friends always told me those wouldn't come true…guess karma decided to one-up me for once."

Corrin looked at Evan, a look of inquiry on his face. "Evan."

"Yeah?"

"How does it feel? Being away from the place that you grew up in?"

"How's it feel?" He had think about it for a moment. It wasn't necessarily an easy question to answer. If anything, this was one of those questions that had a hard-pressed answer around it. If he was honest with himself, he couldn't tell at all how he should feel. He was still wrapped up on how to take it like Corrin was. He was just better at focusing on what was in front of him. "Well…I'll be honest. You said that you couldn't wait to leave that fortress, right?"

"Yes?"

"Well, it was kinda like that for me. I was excited to get my first Pokémon and get on with my journey. I thought that I was really ready to see more of what the world had to offer me." He thought back to the flashing blaze that swallowed him upon the moment he set foot in the tall grass. "After that, it all felt likesome twisted nightmare."

Corrin lowered his head. "I'm so sorry."

"Thanks." He glanced at him in return. "But I guess it's part of life. I mean, I wanted to go on an adventure…I just didn't know how it would turn out. I guess what I'm trying to say is, that it's not what you wish for, it's how you get it…and I guess that brought us here."

Corrin's fallen face slowly perked to a weak grin. He seemed elated somewhat to hear such wisdom from Evan. "You're a lot smarter than I thought, aren't you?"

"Not really. That's just my head working on its own." He saw something up ahead that was furry and wagging its tail between two stands. "Huh?"

"What is it?" Kaze questioned. He turned and saw a small-sized dog that was standing out between stands. His eyes narrowed. "What might that be?"

"I don't know, let's go see." Evan led the way as they embarked closer towards the stands.

With one stand, there was what looked like fried meat over a slow roasting fire. With the small meat on display, hot and ready, the Growlithe sniffed the meat and felt the need to take it.

The vendor caught wind and approached the dog, holding onto a ladle in threat. "Hey, what are you doing? Get back!"

The Growlithe flinched at the weapon and his ears dropped. He cowered away as he knew it would be wrong against that.

"Yeah, that's what I thought." With a snort, the vendor returned to his shopkeeping and saw customers approaching his stand. "Would you like to try some fresh cooked meat, ma'am?"

The Growlithe pouted and pushed out his lower lip. He was still hungry, even after taking the beef earlier. He just looked down at his stomach, which was still deprived of nutrition. It was hard to get by now with all this lackluster in food.

Evan came up to the side of the stand, looking down at the hungry puppy. Immediately, he recognized it as a familiar Pokémon. He gasped. "No way…"

"What is it?" Corrin looked from Evan towards the Growlithe, seeing the dog backpedaling from their shadows.

"Is that a Pokémon, I presume?" Kaze inquired.

"Yeah, give me a sec. Gotta be sure." Evan pulled out his PokeDex, analyzing what Growlithe really was.

"Growlithe, the Puppy Pokémon. Extremely loyal, it will fearlessly bark at any opponent to protect its own Trainer from harm."

"So it really is a Growlithe." Evan put his PokeDex away and looked down at the dog that was giving pleading eyes. "Must be one of the Pokémon sent here like we were."

"Does it also have a Trainer?" Corrin questioned.

"(No.)" The Growlithe meekly barked. "(I don't have anybody to feed me…)"

Evan gave Corrin a concerned look. "Doesn't look like it. If it was, maybe its Trainer would be someplace else." He looked down at the ground in contemplation. "But we can't leave this guy here either."

"Yes, good point. If it's a Pokémon as your device said, then it should be treated promptly." Kaze insisted.

Evan crossed his arms, tapping his foot to think. He didn't want to battle it right now, because it would draw up the wrong idea to the crowd too soon. He had to think better and play it safe. When he saw the cooked meat stand Growlithe was eyeballing, he sprouted an idea.

"Hey, Corrin, Kaze. Do either of you guys have change on you?"

"Huh?"

Kaze blinked. "Yes, I believe that I have some, but why?"

"I think I have an idea." He turned back towards the Growlithe, watching his tail wag at him, almost beggingly. He tried his best to put on a soft smile. "Hey, pal. Are you hungry?"

Almost immediately, Growlithe perked up and wagged his tail vigorously. "(Yesyesyesyesyes! I'm so~ hungry!)"

"I'll take that as a yes. Wait here." He turned towards the vendor and moved towards the front, where the vendor had finished serving someone. Evan went up and plopped the change on the counter, where it was barely enough for one. The vendor received the payment and gave Evan a cooked strip of met drenched in sauce on a stick. He came back and kneeled in front of the Growlithe with the tasty treat. "Here boy, wanna snack?"

"(Do I?!)" His glow returned to his eyes and he pounced for the meat. He vigorously slobbered all over the sauce and the meat. Letting it soak up as it was devoured in almost an instant.

Evan recoiled at how fast it went down. He looked absolutely surprised to say the least. "…okay, apparently someone was hungry." He looked back at Kaze and Corrin to see what they would think, but they followed along. "So, you wanna tag along?"

Growlithe licked his lips and quivered in satisfaction. He looked up at Evan and ran up to him to lick his cheek.

"Okay, okay…!" He pulled away at Growlithe's affection. "Just keep up, okay? Let's go." He got up and left the area, with Growlithe frolicking on his toes as he followed again merrily.


In another area around the avenue, Hinoka and Sakura came back to Freya and Rinkah with what looked like fried sweet potatoes. They had creamy butter in each of them, though the servings were still small.

"Here you go, on the house." Hinoka offered the two ladies the pleasure of some potatoes, which were still steaming hot.

"Heh, nice one." Rinkah accepted her potato with a smile.

"Thank you." Freya was polite as Sakura handed her the potato. Just the smell alone was eccentric and exotic towards her. "Smells good."

Sakura smiled cheerfully. "I know, right?" She turned towards Audino with half of her share. "Here, Audino, do you wanna try some?"

"(I'd be delighted. Thank you so very much.)" Audino was handed the sweet treat and held it up to her face. Her nose immediately picked up on the sugar and she was awash with bliss. She had a bite of the potato piece – a small one – and when her cheeks sucked in, she could taste the sweetness in the potato's innards and butter. Out of joy, she went and hugged the last of her potato that remained.

The gurls watched awkwardly as she chose to savor the treat in her unique way. Freya shifted her eyes between Sakura and the potato-hugging Audino. "Um…okay?"

Rinkah sat down and sighed to herself. "I swear, these days get stranger by the second. By now I should've been dead in Nohrian territory or something."

"You don't have to say that." Sakura protested. "It's a good thing you're still here with us. Everyone would be sad if you and Kaze didn't come back."

Rinkah's lips shifted to a scoff. "No need to get worked up. I was just pointing out a fact is all." She picked up the whole potato and, in an instant, shoved half of it, including the fried skin, into her mouth. She ate like a barbarian, and she didn't mind the slightly disgusted looks her peers gave her. "What?"

The girls went ahead to shift their focus on each other. Hinoka shot a look at Freya to engage in conversation with her. "So, Freya, was it? How old are you?"

The bagpipe woman turned towards her in wonder. "Why do you ask?"

Hinoka shrugged. "I was just asking. Between you and that other guy…you just seem a little older, ya know? You've known each other long?"

Freya seemed taken back by this, but she was quick to throw a rebuttal. "Oh, no. Haven't met the guy before till a few days ago. Honestly, he's the one who's been dragging me around."

"Really…?" She crossed her arms. She heard that Evan was a good Trainer, and she saw proof of it earlier. Still, there was a lot about Pokémon she didn't know just yet, and yet these two seemed to know more than them. Ideally, looking at Freya, she figured with her age, she'd know more about Pokémon.

"So, are Evan and Corrin good friends then?" Sakura's sudden question interrupted their contemplation.

"Pardon?"

"Corrin and Evan, are they friends?"

"Friends?" Freya shifted her position to think about that. "Huh…yeah, I guess Evan trusts Corrin enough. I mean, I feel secure around them…even if one of them could cut me with a sword at any moment."

Hinoka softly smiled. "That's what I hope for. I always hoped that Corrin could be friendly someday…" She sniffled as she turned away. "Sorry, it's just…to think he actually made friends when we tried so hard to bring him back is…"

Having finished her potato, Audino came over and looked down at Hinoka. She bent over and gave the sniffling warrior a cuddly hug, one that she didn't fight.

Sakura chuckled at the sight. "How sweet." She looked at Freya and softly smiled. "Anyways, we should get ready. I'm sure this will be big news. We'll have to mentally prepare ourselves."

Freya didn't disagree with what her newfound friend said. She had to admit that it had merit, plus, she had to account for the fact she may have to battle Evan again. She was warned by Ryoma to make a good impression, but really it was more of Evan and Corrin's thing. Plus, Keith was elsewhere doing detective work and finding more people as needed.

Looking back at her experience, she thought to recent findings as well. She pulled out the TM she got earlier, along with the Poke Ball containing her new Snom. She was getting an inkling of what she could do for now, but she had to be smart.

"…okay Evan. You're smart…hope you don't mind if I borrow some of that."


Mikoto looked down at her balcony from the huge palace as she overlooked the area. In the center plaza not too far from them, just beyond trees and blossoms that bloomed, she could see the city and its people that were gathering around via the message that has been thrown around.

As she watched from the high point, a Gossifleur was carried along through the breeze, drifting in front of her and chirping brightly. Mikoto gave it a small smile as she progressed towards the announcement.

The city's plaza was a large, round base, much like the opening to a cul-de-sac without the medium, only far grander and had eccentric stone carvings in the pavement. There were people who were lined up and talking amongst themselves idly as they wondered what this was about. There were numerous people of different ages about, and many showed devotion no less upon knowing that within the center of the plaza, there, standing with the noble siblings at hand. What took them by surprise was how there was a ninja, s well as a muscular princess, and two other teens who seemed to have a very strange sense in fashion.

However, that wasn't the worst of it. Out of everything they were seeing, what had to be the biggest shock of them all, it had to be none other than the furry pink and cream-colored figure that stood over Sakura. It was hovering over idly, her feelers picking up curious emotion and wonder all around her.

And beside Evan, there was a stripped orange dog who wagged his tail loyally. He was awaiting for anything that might come to attack them, so he could chase them away.

Ryoma turned towards Evan and Freya, seeing if they were all set. "Okay. This is what the order was able to amass. Are you both ready?"

"There's a lot of people around." Freya ogled the many folks that were staring them down. A lot of them looked at her and her bagpipes. "Evan?"

Evan took a sharp breath in, and then out. "Okay…" He looked at Ryoma with a nod.

Understanding, Ryoma gave Evan one last look; one that gave him a warning than of acceptance. He walked up and stood amongst the many peers gathered around. He raised his head and cleared his throat as a silence washed over everyone.

"People of Hoshido! For those who are within the sound of my voice, I have come bearings news to all who inhabit these lands! As you all are aware, there have been attacks not just by the creatures that come from the lands of Nohr, but with recent activities following the past few days, there is but another problem. One that can surely be resolved!"

"What's he talking about?" one of the folks questioned quietly.

"I think he means about those animals that we've seen on our crops this morning." Another bystander responded.

"You mean those gray rabbits that shoveled into the ground? Ugh! I knew they were trouble!"

Ryoma waited for everyone to quiet down before he resumed. "I understand that a few days ago, there was a calm within our borders. But with witness reports of the lightning storm that appeared all across the sky that dreadful morning, it brought down to us creatures – animals. These bizarre creatures, up until now, we have not been able to confirm what they were, or what they were capable of. However, as evident from the way they act, their behaviors are deemed sporadic." He turned around to face Freya and Evan. "Standing right before us, we have two people, who have come bearing us knowledge about these creatures. What we have seen so far, is that by their descriptions, they come bearing names, and species." He paused as he looked back at the audience. "They are known by the name of 'Pokémon'."

The audience turned their heads towards each other in confusion.

"What is a Pokémon you ask? Well, from what our intel has gathered, they are a special species that comes from another land. How and why they have traveled to here remains unknown at this time. However…we have reason to believe that this is beyond what the Nohrians are capable of. In other words, they are not meant to deliberately harm us."

A local man raised his hand. "Excuse me, Lord Ryoma. I have no means to sound rude, but if these creatures have no ill-intent as you say, then why when they were attacking my crop, was that not hostile? Nearly half my crop was taken from me in just a day because of them."

Ryoma closed his eyes and beamed. "Yes, you do have a point, sir. There can be many factors to all this. Perhaps maybe since they were removed from their territories, they require some other substance to provide themselves until the problem is fixed."

The man frowned. "Okay…so then how is it going to get fixed then?"

Hinoka stepped forward. "The problem we are dealing with currently has to do with how they got here in the first place. Until we can fully discover how that happened, we can use that method and help everyone with disbanding whatever creatures that dare to lay harm to our current society."

"However." Ryoma interrupted everyone with him regaining the floor. "Until we are able to follow a lead on what could be the root of this, we believe that these creatures are able to be treated with respect, and can be handled with proper care." He gestured towards Evan and Freya. "These two people are labeled by the term as 'Pokémon Trainers'. They, along with their Pokémon, work alongside one another, and, in presumptuous cases, help each other to win battle."

Sakura nodded. "Yes, it's true. This creature known as Audino, when I was wounded in the mountains she helped heal me. Not all Pokémon are as hostile as they seem."

"(Awww, come here.)" Out of joy, Audino waddled up and gave Sakura a cuddly hug. The healer softly smiled at the affection yet again.

"And…she likes hugs, too."

"Indeed…" Ryoma turned back forward to give his audience his voice. "I understand that you all may be reserved to this, as am I. However, as Hishido's finest examples, we should be open to the future, and what is possible if we out aside our angst for such mistreatment. The Nohrians waged themselves on us long ago, but, if we turn a blind eye now, there will be no future if we turn away what could turn out to be valued friends who may aid us in our struggles. My fellow Hoshidans, bear with me!"

The plaza was astounded in silence. There was a lot of commotion a minute ago, but due to Ryoma's voice and influence amongst the people, they were listening towards the conversation.

Ryoma looked towards Evan and Freya. "Evan. Freya. Can you please step forward?"

Evan and Freya looked at each other, then back at Ryoma. Together they stepped forward and filed along and turned towards each other, but within a greater space within the plaza.

"These two Pokémon Trainers shall now demonstrate what an example is that a human and this species should act and communicate. According to what these two have spoken of, when two Trainers make eye contact, they undergo a test, a battle, as they would say. It's a show of respect to two humans and their Pokémon who engage and undergo this connection. Now then, if everyone is prepared…"

He stepped back, allowing everyone to bear witness to Evan and Freya making eye contact. Both lifted their Poke Balls and awaited for the order.

"Hmph, this should be good." Rinkah scoffed.

Kaze crossed his arms and glared ahead with an expectant stare.

'So this is a Pokémon Battle. And…the creatures are actually accustomed to fighting?' Corrin observed with a scrutinizing glare. He didn't like violence, but even he has to resort to it. Still, the way it seemed, it was like making these animals attack for them. But he was well adverse enough to know Evan wouldn't do that. He's seen him do it a few times now. 'I hope this doesn't get bad.'

Ryoma shot a looked at the people around, who waited in awe like the supporters were behind. He saw Evan set, and Freya. He stepped back and crossed his arms. "Alright…I expect a clean fight from both of you! You may begin!"

Evan took the initiative and smirked. "Alright Freya, you ready to lose?"

Freya returned the scoff. "We'll see about that, Mr. High & Mighty."

"Well don't forget…I. Took. Classes!" Sliding his front heel ahead, he threw the Poke Ball into the sky. "Squirtle, go!"

The Poke Ball shot into the air, sending out Squirtle in midair. The tiny turtle landed on his two feet and glared forward. "(Alright, I'm ready this time, Evan.)"

The audience looked on in a state of shock and surprise. They couldn't believe what they just witnessed. From capsules that they didn't recognize, a bipedal turtle stood and glared ahead.

"Woah, did you just see that?"

"Yeah, I did. How's that even possible?"

"Did that boy use magic to summon that turtle?"

"Why was it even in that ball? How could he not let it stay out? Isn't it cramped?"

Ryoma was hearing the inquiry of his fellow citizens, but he had to retain from interfering. Corrin and everyone else behind had to reserve themselves as well, but the surprise they had on their faces was clear as day.

"(Go, Evan! Go! Go!)" The wild Growlithe barked next to Kaze. It was clear whose side he was on.

Freya looked at Squirtle with a certainty. She remembered what the creature was capable of. She's battled against it before. "Squirtle, huh? In that case…" She threw her Poke Ball this time. "Sobble, come out!"

The Poke Ball popped open, sending energy down to create Sobble in front of everyone. Once again, everyone had mumbled questions and shock the same way they reacted to Squirtle.

"(You again. Guess it was bound to happen.)" Squirtle spread his legs. "(Well just so you know, I'm not gonna lose nearly as badly as I did last time.)"

Sobble quivered in place, cowering as she saw so many people staring at them. "(T-There's so many…so many…such a big…eep!)" She tucked her head and tried hard not to allow tears to fall. But it was so hard to do so.

Squirtle saw his opponent's quivering shape and still knew better than to lose his guard on her. He had to be more alert this time so he wouldn't fall for tricks as easily. He looked at Evan and nodded to signal he was ready.

Understanding, Evan reached out. "Squirtle, use Tail Whip!" Squirtle turned around and wagged his tail at Sobble. The cute display merely emitted a blue aura around her, sending her Defense stat down a single stage.

"Sobble, go for the attack! Use Water Gun!" Freya countered.

"(O-Okay!)" Uncovering herself, Sobble decided to jump into the air, where she aimed for Squirtle and released a forceful jet of water.

Out of instinct, Squirtle backpedaled from the jet of water. He shifted off to the side as the water trail zipped on down the straight line until it dissipated in front of Evan. With the opponent still in midair, Evan took his training from schooling and pointed at the freefall Sobble.

"Tackle!"

Squirtle tucked in his head and shot off the ground right into Sobble. His impact was directly into her chest, sending her yelping into the ground. She doubled over onto her stomach, whereas Squirtle landed on his two feet.

"Oh!" Sakura gasped at the attack unleashed. She had to admit that looked like it hurt. "Poor thing…"

Corrin gasped at the attack; not just for the pain it caused deliberately, but how it was done. 'He waited for the opening to make his attack. Whatever Evan did, it made that Sobble take damage. So that's the understanding of a battle?'

Ryoma crossed his arms and looked on passively as he watched the battle continue.

"(Owwwie…)" Sobble lethargically stood back up, her body rocking from that recent blow.

"Bubble!" Squirtle heard his Trainer's command and unleashed a straight shot of clear, blue bubbles that bolted at Sobble.

Freya reached out at the lasts second. "Water Gun!"

Sobble inhaled again and released an intense jet of water once more. The attack bolted at a high rate, as much as the bubbles. They quickly closed the gap in the middle, resulting in a misty explosion that covered the battlefield. It quickly spread, though it left the pavement drenched and humid between them.

"Not bad." Evan commented. Squirtle spread his legs in readiness for the next move.

Sobble looked back at Freya. "(Um, F-Freya…?)"

The young woman nodded in understanding. "Don't worry, Sobble. We'll show them." She looked back at Evan and Squirtle with a confident smile. "I think we should show them some of our new tricks."

Evan and Squirtle braced themselves. They didn't know what she meant, but it must mean business.

"Now Sobble…Whirlpool!" Sobble stood perfectly still and closed her eyes. She yelled up to the air and lifted her arms to summon a thin current of water, which slowly spun into a cylinder that rapidly gained momentum. It continued to rise until it became a large whirlpool of water at her command.

Evan, as well as the audience around, was at a loss for words. Nobody reacted fast enough when Sobble threw the whirlpool directly into Squirtle, who took the attack with it being too large. He covered up as he was soaked in a spiraling steam of water, trapping him in the center and restraining his movements.

"Whirlpool?!" Evan stepped back from his own surprise. 'I didn't think that a Water-type other than a Clamperl could use Whirlpool at this low of a level. How did it learn that?'

With Squirtle surrounded by water, it left Sobble with a clear opening. She looked back at Freya with her dorsal fin shimmering.

"Now, use Water Pulse!" Sobble opened her maw wide and she summoned energy to manifest a sphere of clear blue water condensed to hit hard. Once it was set, she rotated her head around and unleashed the hemisphere at Squirtle.

Squirtle attempted to move, but he looked around and saw no clear way out of the Whirlpool. "(I'm trapped! Where do I go?)" He looked in all directions, but he didn't realize the hemisphere of water breaking through at the last second. He screamed when the water erupted in his face, sending sprays and mist over the whirlpool's top that drizzled down around the audience.

"Such force…" Kaze awed.

"Yeah, you can say that again." Rinkah stood by his side, seeing the swirling water impede any way for Squirtle to get out. "The girl's got her opponent pinned down with that attack. I'd sure hate to be that guy."

Evan balled his fists in angst. He had no idea Freya had a trap like this waiting. Either it was by pure luck, or it was a clever strategy she was waiting for. 'She used Whirlpool first to trap Squirtle so he couldn't move around as quickly. So now she can open fire on him with little resistance. And Water Pulse is stronger than any of our other attacks…' He had to think of something, and quick. That's when an idea sprung inside his noggin. 'Wait a minute…maybe we can lure them in!'

On the other side of the whirlpool, Freya glared ahead. She knew even though Water-type attacks wouldn't work, she had to keep siphoning off Squirtle. 'I know Squirtle has high Special Defense, so my attacks won't be that powerful. But keeping him trapped and unleashing attacks like this is what we did at that fortress. Sorry Evan, nothing personal.' She reached out for her next attack. "Now, Water Pulse!"

Sobble hiccupped as she obeyed. Her maw opened and she unleashed a hemisphere of water once again that bolted into the whirlpool.

'I was hoping to save this for later…but this should minimize the damage we take.' Evan reached his arm out. "Squirtle, dead ahead! Use Bite!"

Freya's eyes widened. 'Wait. A new move?'

Squirtle's brown eyes kept locked onto the oncoming hemisphere. Once it tore through the water as per the direction Evan foretold, Squirtle opened his maw, with energy-like jaws manifesting in front of his non-existent teeth. He clamped down on the water sphere, causing it to combust upon impact. The eruption of mist was evident again as it blew skywards, but unlike before, Squirtle didn't take as much damage.

"(Sorry…but we aren't falling for that again.)" The Tiny Turtle Pokémon remained mild as he remained firm within the Whirlpool. Its wake made him nudge, taking some more health away. '(I don't know if I can last any longer if this keeps up!)'

Freya came up with a new strategy. "Then…we'll go for a sneak attack!" She reached out. "Bind!"

"(Okay!)" Sobble raced up and pounced with energy into the swirling water. Immediately, her body camouflaged into its wake.

Evan looked on in surprise. 'I forgot that Sobble can camouflage in the water.' He eyed the swirling water with careful vision. '…but at least it's going to plan.'

Squirtle remained perfectly still as the water flowed around him. Unable to see where his opponent would come up, he heard a small splash and turned around. "(Sobble?!)" He looked at the water, but saw nothing. His brow furrowed as he turned around, only for something like a tail to lace around his face, squeezing rather harshly. He fell onto his back, yelping as Sobble's wet and invisible skin was squeezing him, further accumulating damage.

"(S-Sorry about this!)" Sobble's watery body was still invisible, thanks to the never-ending rush of the Whirlpool. She squeezed harder on Squirtle, just as the whirlpool tightened with the tail.

Squirtle's body lurched with the throbbing sensation he was getting. It emanated a bright blue aura, immediately giving his eyes a bright blue gleam that meant one thing: His Torrent was active.

"(Well I'm sorry…for this!)" he muffled. "(Evan!)"

Hearing Squirtle's cry, Evan reached out in front. "Squirtle, use Bite!"

Squirtle opened his maw wide and clamped down as hard as he could into the wrapped tail around his face. Sobble unleashed a pained, shrilled cry at her tail getting nipped hard by the attack, so much that her tears were showing as streamed through the now-quivering water vortex.

"Sobble!" Freya gasped.

Squirtle picked himself up and pivoted. He gathered momentum as he swirled Sobble in the same direction as the water and drew up enough force to whip around and let go. The impact was hefty enough to send her flying through her own current, whirled around until she was spat out at the top. She screamed as she fell down with a thud in front of a stunned Freya.

The Whirlpool dissipated, leaving drenched, wet ground for Squirtle to splash on. Ahead, Sobble had spirals for eyes.

"And that's it for Sobble." Evan smiled. "Nice job, Squirtle. That was a great show."

Squirtle looked back, giving Evan a thumbs up. "(Don't mention it.)"

Freya rushed up and picked up Sobble in her arms. "Sobble? Are you hurt?" she yelped in her rush. "It's okay, speak to me!"

Sobble was a dizzy wreck. She weakly opened her eyes, her consciousness regained as she slowly turned towards her Trainer. "(Mmmm…Freya…?)" she mumbled. "(I'm so dizzy…and my tail stings…)" She started tearing up again.

"Sssshhhh. It's okay. You did a great job there Sobble." She held up her Poke Ball, returning the creature to her Poke Ball. "Get some rest, you've earned it."

Everyone watched in silence as Sobble was recalled back towards the capsule that kept her safe to begin with. There were some inquiries about this still by their peers, but Corrin was sure to hold out as he watched the battle progress.

"I was certain there that would catch you off guard." Freya complimented. "Should've known you'd wait for Sobble to get close."

Evan smirked. "Well I'm surprised your Sobble learned Whirlpool and Water Pulse. That's a good combination right there. You wanna go on?"

Freya nodded. "Sure thing." She reached into her pocket for her next Poke Ball. 'Okay, so Sobble weakened Squirtle, but I can't attack it head on. Rolycoly will just get knocked out by one Bubble. So that means…' She pulled out her new Poke Ball and threw it into the air, albeit higher than before.

"Go, Snom!"

The Poke Ball popped open, revealing not Rolycoly, but a completely new Pokémon that took Evan and Squirtle by surprise again. They looked down, seeing a small larva that had icicles on its back with soft mandibles and beady black eyes.

Immediately seeing it, Sakura gasped at its appearance. "Oh dear…Hinoka, it's so cute!"

"Yes, sister. I can see that." The elder redhead crossed her arms and watched carefully. 'But…it really does look adorable. Is she really gonna have it fight?'

The Snom looked at its new surroundings. She looked up at Squirtle, blinking once and assessed the situation. "(Hello! I guess you're my opponent then!)"

Squirtle raised a brow at the tint worm's bold tone. "(Yeah, same here…)"

Evan was surprised by this new changeup. He expected the quiet rock, but he was one-uped by yet another revelation. 'When did she get that thing?' He shook his head to focus again, before reaching for his PokeDex, analyzing what it could be.

"Snom, the Worm Pokémon. It spits out thread imbued with a frigid sort of energy and uses it to tie its body to branches, disguising itself as an icicle while it sleeps."

"An Ice-type…?" Evan looked ahead to evaluate the battle. He had to consider the options he had while Squirtle had Torrent active. But he also couldn't overlook what was being an unknown opponent. 'I have to do what I can while Torrent is active. Guess I should hurry before Squirtle losses anymore health on him.'

Taking a step ahead, Evan reached out in front. "Squirtle, use Bubble!" Squirtle inhaled a sharp breath and unleashed another jet of bubbles. However, unlike before, the bubbles that shot ahead were not only grander in scale, but also had bigger bubbles that jettisoned towards Snom.

Corrin watched the Bubble attack with slightly widened eyes. 'That looks stronger than before!'

The harsh jet closed in, but Freya knew she had to be quick about this. "Snom, shield yourself with Struggle Bug!"

Snom's body emitted a bright green aura that was much like what Bug-types would have. She waited until the jets were close enough to finally unleash green comets with fluttering wakes in them and sailed in spontaneous directions. They intercepted each individual bubble, popping and creating a large wall of sparkles of blue and bright green that dazzled the audience watching.

As the smoke cleared, there was, however, a strong wake that brushed Snom away. She grunted as she still received some of the impact, but it was thankfully reduced. But it looked like it wouldn't happen again anytime soon.

'If that happens again, Snom's finished. I need the initiative!' Freya reached out. "Powder Snow!"

Snom's mandibles nudged around and a blue glow emanated from between. The air around her rapidly lowered until she unleashed a bright blue wind with snow and ice that washed over Squirtle. Once the rush was over, the snow and ice that layered the field had led up towards Squirtle being stuck in ice.

Evan's shock was evident by this. 'You've gotta be kidding me! Frozen?!' He thought back towards that smoke and shield combo she used before. 'So she used an attack immediately after shielding. I get it.'

Freya reached out yet again. "Struggle Bug!"

"(Take this, tough guy!)" With as small raise of her head, Snom generated a bright aura around her body that flourished to the point of generating green comets. They sailed at the now-frozen Squirtle, who was unable to make his counterattack and was engulfed in the spontaneous barrages of the comets. Green fireworks went off in a small area that broke the ice apart, leaving the mist to break away to revel the results.

Staggering somewhat, Squirtle ultimately felt hazy as his aura faded. "(That's…cold…)" He slouched backwards fell onto his shell. The impact left him with swirling eyes.

Freya tossed her hair back, albeit sassily. "That's more like it."

Evan looked down at Squirtle's defeated form and sighed. He knew he should've returned Squirtle at that instant. Now he knew better because of that. "Thanks Squirtle, take a rest." He recalled him back towards his Poke Ball. He looked back at Freya with a half-grin showing. "Looks like you've surprised me there. Didn't think Squirtle would freeze like that."

Freya showed a smirk. "Yes. Now, you wanna go on?"

"Yeah, we're good." He reached back for his next Poke Ball. "Okay Metapod, it's your turn pal! Go!" He tossed the capsule into the air, sending out a green cocoon that took place for battle.

Sakura gasped in surprise. "Woah, look guys! Is that a cocoon?"

"It appears so." Hinoka noted, her tone hinting indifference.

Metapod blinked before he eyed Snom. The little worm seemed to be elated for another battle, though Metapod looked like a tough nut to crack. She didn't back down. "(You look tough.)" She chirped matter-of-factly.

"(Well…I usually am after Harden.)" Metapod admitted. 'I hope I can last long though, I don't know what she can do.)'

Evan took a quick breath in and out, and he came to a conclusion. "Okay Metapod, use Electroweb!" Metapod remained stationed in his spot and spat out a thick sleeve of electricity embedded into silk. The silk exploded into a web that drew towards Snom.

"Powder Snow!" Freya shouted.

"(Okay!)" Taking a quick breath of her own, Snom forcefully exhaled a harsh breath of cold winds and snow. The attack blew into the electrified thread, freezing it up and discharging the lightning in midair. The eruption cascaded everywhere around Metapod and Snom, but ultimately it dissipated, leaving yellow and blue sparks to flutter down between them.

Evan reached out again. "String Shot!" Metapod found the quick-shot opening needed and fired a long, silky thread from his body that flew and laced around Snom. The white larva was surrounded in silk that clung to her body, sharply reducing her Speed.

Freya reached out in front again. "Snom, are you okay?"

Snom wriggled around for a short while, but the threads weren't too bad on her. "(Yeah, I'm good. This isn't anything compared to what I can silk.)"

Metapod flinched at the comment. "(…oh…)"

Freya gave Evan a serious look before choosing to attack. "Struggle Bug!" Snom's body unleashed a bright green flare again, sending small comets that spiraled and fluttered at Metapod. The attack was much slower compared to the first time it was launched, which allowed for Evan to find the chance to attack.

"Electroweb!"

Metapod aimed for the comets heading his way and spewed another electrified web. It expanded outwards and caught onto the comets that tried bombarding him. The web closed shut around the comets, trapping them in a small rupture.

"Now, Tackle!" Metapod reared himself back and forth, gathering momentum he needed and rocked ahead into a lunge. He struck Snom, although the little white larva hardly budged because of the lack in power.

"(Gotta say, for someone so tough outside, I thought you'd pack a bigger punch.)"

Freya reached out again. "Struggle Bug!"

Evan's eyes widened. With Metapod near contact, it was too late to provide a counter or harden when Snom unleashed bright green comets everywhere. They erupted in Metapod's face, sending him careening backwards and doubling over his own hard shell.

"Metapod!" Evan watched his Pokémon straighten himself, though his aura had a blue mark, showing his Special Attack lowering.

Freya pointed dead ahead. "Keep the pressure on, Snom. Struggle Bug!" Snom did the same move again, unleashing dashing green comets that bolted after Metapod.

'We've gotta block that!' Evan gritted his teeth and reached out. "Metapod, Electroweb!"

Metapod fastened himself and spat out the same electrified silk. The webbing was a lot weaker thanks to that attack, which made the comets get trapped though, yet they tore through it and sharpened their trajectory onto Metapod. They exploded in his face again, making him fall over another time, a blue aura signaling his Special Attack dropping yet again.

Evan looked down in the growing angst. "Aw, damnit…!" He watched Metapod struggle beneath him, but he knew he shouldn't push his luck. "Metapod, are you sure you can continue like this?"

Metapod wobbled with a hazy look. "(I'm fine, Evan…really.)"

Evan looked at Freya and Snom again, his mind an alarming rate. "We've gotta break through them somehow…that Snom's Powder Snow can freeze, and that Struggle Bug is weakening our Electroweb…crap." He looked down at Metapod again. He wasn't too terribly injured. But he was well aware that he didn't have the stamina needed to take another two or three blows like that. "Metapod, stay focused…."

Metapod arose once more, fully standing against Snom. He looked intently at her with his glare hardened. "(I know, Evan…this time…I'm ready.)"

Out of the blue, an energy shift in the air occurred. A blue light engulfed Metapod that illuminated the plaza. Everyone there, including the royal siblings, looked on with shock at the sudden burst of light.

"What's going on?!" a patron screamed.

"It's glowing!"

"What does that mean?!"

Kaze observed with a squinted gaze of his own. "What is this?"

Corrin gasped. He looked at Evan to see if he was aware of the odd phenomenon that surrounded Metapod. He was completely oblivious to what was the potential transformation.

Freya looked just as shocked as Evan. "Evan…your Metapod. He's…!"

Evan looked down and took a step back as he witnessed Metapod undergoing his chances. "Metapod…you're evolving!"

Snom looked on with curiosity as she watched the cocoon that was Metapod wriggling around. It slowly levitated into the air, where a pair of elegant butterfly wings took to beating. The cocoon's shape changed to show antennae and large compound eyes.

The light soon exploded, making a quick flash for everyone to cover up from. When they all looked back, Metapod was instead a butterfly-like creature that had skin that was colored like blueberries. It had red eyes and a light blue mouth with two very small teeth. The same blue shade was on the long feet and stubby hands. The most interesting part about the butterfly revolved around the white wings with eloquent black lining that showed his beauty.

"Metapod…just evolved! He's Butterfree now!" Evan gasped.

Corrin blinked. "Wait? Evolve?"

Up in the air, Butterfree fluttered around and took notice of his surroundings. He looked down at his feet and kicked them up. He noticed his antennae as well and hopped up and down to watch them move. "(I…I can fly…I can fly!)" Butterfree fluttered his wings and chimed as he went around in circles over everyone's head. "(Evan! I evolved! This is so great!)"

"(Woooah…)" Growlithe watched from below with awe at the sight. He couldn't believe what he was seeing, but he knew it had to be awesome. He adverted towards Evan, Butterfree's Trainer that made it all possible. If he wasn't impressed before with him, he was most certainly now. "(Awesome…)"

Evan pulled out his PokeDex and began analyzing the Butterfree that was doing laps over his head. Butterfree's icon showed on the screen as the device spoke up.

"Butterfree, the Butterfly Pokémon. In battle, it flaps its wings at great speed to release highly toxic dust into the air."

Observing the Butterfree that fluttered high in the air out of joy, Freya was caught winded by the sight. "Did his Metapod really evolve that quickly…?" Even she was surprised. If she recalled, it literally evolved just not even a few days ago. "Wow, that was fast."

Regaining his composure, Butterfree glared down with a resolution to continue. "(Right! Let's go, Evan!)"

Getting back on track, Evan knew he had to finish what was started. "Okay Butterfree, let's try a different move this time!" He pointed directly at Snom. "Use Gust!" Butterfree brought his wings back and chirped loudly. He flapped his large wings repeatedly, unleashing strong gales that blew down at Snom. Even with the Special Attack decrease, the Flying-type attack was still looking sharp enough to cause problems.

In a last-ditch effort, Freya tried to use another move. "Quick! Powder Snow!"

Snom opened her mouth to release the snow and frost, but she was far too slow due to the effects of String Shot and Electroweb. The result of the attack rendered her completely open as harsh winds sent her flying across the battlefield into Freya's arms. The gale let up, but it left the woman's hair in a small mess with locks everywhere. In her grip, Snom was unconscious and, quite literally, had the wind knocked out of her.

Ryoma's gaze shifted. 'Just one blow?'

Evan realized Snom was defeated and looked up at Butterfree. "That was awesome, Butterfree! Up top!"

Butterfree chimed happily as she used his very tiny hand to high-five Evan for the praise. "(It wasn't that strong…but thanks anyways man!)"

Freya smiled softly at her defeated Snom. She was grateful for the bold work she's put into the battle. "You did a good job, Snom. I'm proud of you." She retrieved her Poke Ball and recalled her to rest. With it shrinking, she withdrew towards Evan. "Looks like you had me there. Good for you."

"Thanks. Your Snom was pretty effective, too." He replied calmly. "Alright, you wanna go again?"

Freya nodded. "Sure."

The rest of the audience looked on, completely flabbergasted by what they were seeing.

"Are they serious? They're gonna battle again?"

"Just how many more do these guys have?"

"I can't believe that butterfly could bring up a windstorm, that was awesome!"

Ryoma was hearing everyone's comments as the battle was to continue. From Evan and Freya's faces, they weren't of contempt, but they seemed morally enthused by the raging battle.

"So…this is what a Pokémon Battle is like?" Corrin blinked. He looked down at the Growlithe that ogled and barked happily for that win Evan received.

Freya took a pause and reached for the next Pokémon in her arsenal. When she was ready, she tossed the Poke Ball skywards, bringing out Rolycoly. The unicycle coal dropped to the ground to face off Butterfree.

"Okay Evan, we're ready." She confirmed.

Evan nodded in understanding. "You got it." He reached out ahead, with Butterfree beside him. "Butterfree, use Electroweb!"

The butterfly flapped his wings and took off at his behest. He ascended into the air, where his tiny mouth spat out a large mass of electrified thread that turned into a net. It clamped down on Rolycoly, electrocuting him harshly as a blue aura signaled his Speed dropping.

"Use Rapid Spin!" Freya commanded the attack swiftly and promptly. She was seemingly more into the battle than ever now, something that Evan nor Corrin overlooked. They watched as her Rolycoly spun like a top in place, shredding up the webbing that bound him. It dissipated to allow free reign, which also brought his Speed back up to normal.

Evan knew he mustn't let up. He was well aware his attacks other than Electroweb would mean little. But he had to get a good shot somewhere. "Butterfree, Electroweb!" Once again, Butterfree chimed as he unleashed another round of static-filled webbing that expanded into a net.

"Rapid Spin!" Rolycoly spun like a top even faster, charging at Butterfree's attack with little effort. Thanks to Snom's attack lowering Butterfree's Special Attack, his overall strength was great enough to break through the boundaries of the web and barrel right at Butterfree.

Evan had to think fast. "Quick, Harden!"

Using quick thinking, Butterfree's body hardened, with everything, even his wings, stiffening to a thick layer to increase his Defense. Rolycoly's attack made impact, sending Butterfree back towards the ground. However, the damage was less than anticipated to enable him to regain himself before crashing.

"Not bad, Evan." Freya complimented. "I should've expected that from you. You're a good thinker."

"Like I said, I took classes." He teased. "But I'm flattered though."

Freya hummed as she reached out ahead. "We can think, too! Smokescreen!" Rolycoly leaned forward, expelling a large sum of black smoke that rushed out of the eye for Butterfree.

Evan balled his fists and looked up at Butterfree. "Gust!" Butterfree brought his wings and back and hummed loudly. He unleashed a powerful windstorm that easily blew away the smoke just before it could reach him. It blew it to thin air and continued towards Rolycoly. However, the attack did no more than budge him, like a harsh breeze.

"Hang in there, Rolycoly!" Freya called out to her Pokémon, her arm used to help bunker the blow.

"(…)" Rolycoly remained in place as he eyed Butterfree carefully. With a sharp eye on him, he started concentrating as he gathered his energy in front of him. Slowly, a bright orange core in the form of an energy granite materialized in front of him.

Evan's eyes widened at the attack. He never saw Rolycoly use that attack before. 'Wait, that move…!'

With nothing holding him back, Rolycoly aimed through the weak windstorm and unleashed the hemisphere. With it being a mineral, it blasted across the atmosphere and closed in on Butterfree. The butterfly in action was too late to act when his attack wasn't doing anything to impede Rolycoly's trajectory and was smashed by the mineral.

"Butterfree!" Evan yelled. He watched as his fully evolved insect crash into the ground, making a dust cloud cover him.

Upon the dust dissipating, it revealed the Butterfree was lying on his back, swirls in his eyes.

Evan was at a loss for what to say. He looked at Butterfree, then towards Rolycoly. 'Did it seriously learn that Smack Down move? I heard it was a powerful Rock-type move against Pokémon who fly, but that….' He looked down and kneeled before his fallen ally. "Hey, Butterfree…you good?"

Very weakly, Butterfree was barely conscious as he shifted along the ground. "(Ooohh…sorry Evan…guess he got me that time…)" He dozed back towards unconsciousness.

Evan softly smiled as he held up his Poke Ball. "You did a good job Butterfree, now get some rest." He returned Butterfree back to his capsule, putting a sad frown on his face. He looked at Freya passively. "Oh, wait a go Freya. You just had to ruin Butterfree's big moment."

Freya shrugged. "So sorry, Evan. It wasn't planned."

He knew that fact was indeed true. He looked at Rolycoly as the latter was blinking passively like nothing happened. Whatever the case was with this guy, Evan was sure about one thing, he very much messed up this time underestimating Freya's Pokémon. And that cost him a lot.

Despite the earlier gesture, Freya held a calm disposition. "That was your only other Pokémon right? Does that mean it's over?"

Evan lowered his head and sighed. "Yeah, guess that's it for us." He suddenly heard loud barking heading his way, nearly tripping him up as he adverted towards the sound. "What the?"

Everyone watched the barking Growlithe from before running up and pounced in front of Evan. He stood on his four legs and lowered his head with a wagging, furry, bushy tail. Freya was caught off guard by this intrusion out of nowhere.

"Growlithe?" Evan gasped.

Growlithe looked over his back, barking at Evan. "(Yeah, me! Let me battle! Please?! Please, Master!)"

Corrin was taken back by the Pokémon's willingness to battle by Evan's side. 'But I thought that Growlithe was a wild Pokémon? Does he say these things can fight for the people they choose willingly?' He looked at Evan, seeing the amount of shock rivaling his own. 'These creatures…they really are intelligent like they said.'

Growlithe barked repeatedly against Rolycoly, as if a declaration for battle. Seeing this as a stroke of luck, Evan couldn't say no like that. "Well, okay then?" He looked at Freya with readiness. "Guess we can still go on!"

Freya's shock turned to a smile. "Okay then."

"Alright Growlithe, show them what you can do!"

"(Right, boss!)" Growlithe spread his heels and snarled at Rolycoly. He looked on angrily at the lump of coal as a blue aura lowered the Attack power.

'Right, so this Growlithe's Ability is Intimidate. That's good.' Evan went ahead and looked at his PokeDex to see what moves the Growlithe could use. All he needed was a sharp glance before it all clicked with him. "Okay then, use Leer!"

Growlithe hunched forward and barked, his eyes glowing briefly as the stare lowered Rolycoly's Defense by one stage. However, with Rolycoly's silent disposition, he wasn't vocal with his dread. Though his unicycle was trembling some.

While not a Trainer at heart at the moment, Freya reached out ahead. "Rolycoly, Smack Down!" The lump of coal gathered energy for a bright orange mineral that materialized in front of him. He brought his head up and lurched forward, unleashing the energy stone at the dog.

"Dodge it!" Evan commanded. With expert reflexes, Growlithe pounced off towards the side, sliding across the ground to a grinding halt as the energy mineral shattered to pieces in the spot where he stood originally. 'This guy sure knows how to move. Let's see how fast he can take it.' He reached out for an opening. "Now, use Bite!"

Growlithe pawed the ground and opened his mouth. He lunged at Rolycoly with energy jaws manifesting and jumped down onto him.

Freya extended forward. "Rapid Spin!"

Rolycoly energetically spun in place and barreled back at Growlithe. The coal and dog met in the middle, where bright sparks surged between. Everyone blinked and covered up from the force of the attack making the air grind on the jaws and rotating lump. However, ultimately, the bright flash erupted, causing both Pokémon to slide away from each other. Growlithe regained footing, but Rolycoly wasn't as steady and hit the back of his body on the ground, grimacing. Although, a red aura flared around his body, increasing his Speed.

Freya gasped at how much recoil Rolycoly suffered compared to her opponent. 'That Intimidate lowered our Attack, and our Defense was weakened before.' Her Rolycoly slowly rocked back upright. 'We need to outspeed it then.'

'If I remember, Rolycoly's Ability was that Steam Engine.' Evan thought crystal clearly. 'So using a Water-type attack or Growlithe's Ember wouldn't do good. We'll have to close the gap further.'

Freya took the initiative to attack. "Rolycoly, Smack Down!" Rolycoly summoned material to manifest the mineral in front and fired it at Growlithe again.

"Bite!" Growlithe opened his jaws wide and created energy jaws that opened like a beartrap. Once Rokycoly's attack drew close, he snapped down on it with little effort. It exploded in his face, though thanks to the weakened state of Rolycoly's Attack, it was less lethal than intended.

"(Bleck! Ew! Dirt!)" Growlithe spat out the few crumbs to the attack that lingered on his face.

Freya bit her lower lip. Rolycoly's eye twitched as well. It was evident both were annoyed.

"Now, Howl!" Growlithe raised his head and puckered his lips as he unleashed a very loud howl that ran through the area. As it echoed through the area, his body was emitted in a red aura to amplify his Attack.

Freya reached out. "Smokescreen!" Rolycoly unleashed yet another cloud of black smoke that surrounded the nearby atmosphere. The blanket of smoke surrounded Growlithe, obscuring him.

Inside the smoke, Growlithe was coughing and had his eyes shut. His body had a blur aura that had accuracy loss involved.

"Hang in there, Growlithe! He's right in front of you!" Evan warned.

'Now.' Freya reached forward towards the smoke cloud. "Rolycoly, Smack Down!" Once again, Rolycoly unleashed another blast of the orange mineral, which went through the smoke and barreled into Growlithe. The impact created a large burst that sent the puppy on his back, but otherwise he was still able-bodied.

"Growlithe!" Evan shouted. At his name, Growlithe bravely got up again, though his vision was hazy from the accuracy depletion. 'We've gotta finish this.' He reached out again. "Charge in, Bite!" Growlithe barreled ahead with his jaws wide open, creating a stronger, denser energy jawline than before.

"Stop them with Smack Down!" Freya countered.

Rolycoly churned in place and conjured another mineral sphere. This time he made sure to pack as much force in it as he possibly could. He unleashed the sphere dead ahead at the oncoming puppy. Growlithe could still see the attack, and he made no effort in biting down on it, this time completely ripping it into pieces as the explosions fizzled around him. Rolycoly and Freya were at a loss.

"Okay…hit it!"

Growlithe pounced once more with full force for Rolycoly. He wasn't going to back down, no matter what and finish the task at hand.

"ENOUGH!"

The loud shout interrupted Evan and Freya. Growlithe dropped to the ground and dissipated his attack and looked over at Ryoma. The noble man stood between both Trainers, his arms crossed with a serious face.

"Ryoma?" Evan gasped.

The slightly energetic crowd grew silent as the prince walked forward. He stood between the Growlithe and the Rolycoly, both seemingly distraught and tired; Rolycoly more so. In truth, he really wanted to see this battle finish, but even he had his limitations. There wasn't any need to continue.

He gave Evan one more look, one that showed a slightly softer stare and a nod. Both faced the people again and calmed down.

"I believe that is more than enough of an explanation and example for what everyone here has to see. Both of you Trainers, thank you."

"…yeah, sure." Evan trailed off awkwardly. He and Freya exchanged looks of wonder, and to some case, slight disappointment. They really wanted to continue though.

Ryoma continued. "To everyone here, thank you for your patience. Your witnessing is very much appreciated. I hope now that we have all learned from this experience." He turned towards Evan and Freya. "Everyone, please give a round of applause for them as well as the Pokémon who fought alongside them at their behest."

The people of Hoshido did just that and clapped for Evan and Freya. Some of them were bland claps; others were more invigorated. The two took the comments they were hearing and were astounded.

"Yeah! That was awesome!" a child shouted.

"That butterfly thing was cool! The way it blasted lightning thread was great!"

"I really hope we see more! Those Pokémon and people commanding them were so good!"

"I like turtles!"

They took the comments to hearts and just stared at each other, processing it. Evan managed to break out a meek smile. "I guess we'll call it a draw for now." He teased.

Freya managed to smile back. The two Trainer looked straight ahead and shook the other's hand. The audience clapped louder than before.

Ryoma came between the two, putting a hand on both their shoulders. "Well done, both of you. I admit, I was a little skeptical of the way you had commanded these creatures to o your bidding…but it seems that I have misjudged you." He looked down at the Growlithe, who looked up at Evan with bright eyes. "It is as you say, there is a connection after all. I apologize for any inconvenience."

"Don't mention it." Evan kneeled and rubbed the Growlithe's head. "I just hope we got the point across. You promise you'll try to get accustomed to this?"

Ryoma nodded. "With your example of a relationship, sure. You have our word." He turned towards his fellow Hoshidans. "Fellow Hoshidans! Here me! As you have witnessed, these creatures did not fight against their own will! They voluntarily chose to beside these humans who engaged them in battles. In doing so, they have clashed and gained the upmost respects for one another. I believe now, we can create a respect and symbolic relation with our fellow new natives now. Let us take their example, and for the time being, approach these creatures with open hands…for the future of Hoshido!"

Once again, the citizens cheered loudly for this glorious cause. They all seemed very much into it. It was so lively that some even had confetti pop out of nowhere.

Evan smiled and adjusted his beanie when he heard footsteps behind. He looked over, seeing the others looking approvingly. "Hey, you guys."

Sakura meekly blushed. "Um…y-you, uh…y-you both did really great out there. Thank you so much." She smiled.

"You weren't half-bad out there." Hinoka smiled. "So that's what a battle against these kinds of people is like."

"Thanks to you both for all your support." Freya chimed.

Evan turned towards Corrin. "So, Corrin, what did you think?"

The young prince looked at Evan, frowning first. Then, out of the blue, it bloomed into a soft smile. "That was something I never thought I'd see. If I'm honest, I was a little confused at first. How could you guys let your creatures fight like that?"

Evan paused, but he knew Corrin wasn't finished.

"But, I realized, these guys are actually good at fighting, and they actually really do respect you. As long as you respect them in return." He looked down at the Growlithe that barked at Evan's feet. "Even if you show them some kindness, they'll be nice back…thanks for showing me."

Evan smiled. "Glad." He felt his knees being licked and looked down at Growlithe. "Okay, okay." He kneeled in front of the Growlithe, whose tail wagged vigorously. "So Growlithe…you wanna be my Pokémon then?"

Growlithe hung his tongue out as he panted. "(Yes! Yes! Oh pleasohpleasohpleaseohplease! I won't fail you boss, promise!)"

Taking his barking as a yes, Evan stood back up and pulled out an empty Poke Ball. "Alright then." He enlarged it and tossed it up, where it fell onto Growlithe's head. The capsule opened up, allowing the puppy to be drawn inside.

The ball shuddered back and forth, rocking uncontrollably for all to see for themselves. They watched it rattle several times, until at last it clicked.

Evan bent over and picked up the Poke Ball containing his new Growlithe. "Alright, got myself a Growlithe guys."

"Congratulations, Evan." Freya smiled.

"Thanks." He was suddenly met with Audino weaseling herself into Evan's waist. Her embrace was soft and fuzzy, but it still caught him by surprise. "Oh! Uh-uh, okay…?"

Sakura meekly laughed at Audino. "Guess she likes celebratory hugs, too."

As Evan was trying to pry the clingy Audino off, with Rinkah assisting with it only to get hugged back, Corrin watched the scene. He was genuinely satisfied with how everything turned out with everyone looking forward to making compatible relations with these creatures. His face showed happiness, but deep down, something wasn't feeling right. He looked at Evan as he remembered something that bugged him before.

'Mother…'


With the presentation finally dismissed, the time for sunset drew near. Everyone was exhausted, especially for the case of Evan and Freya. Both stood at Mikoto's carpet, looking up at the queen.

"It seems that you've done an admirable job. Thank you sincerely." She softly smiled.

Evan nodded. "Yeah, sure. No problem." He chose to change to another subject. "So, not to sound rude or anything, but…"

Mikoto tilted her head. "Yes?"

"Do you…have sleeping arrangements for us? Freya and I were walking around all day, and we're uh, just not used to all of…this. So, are we allowed to stay someplace? Do you know anyone who can provide that?"

Mikoto chuckled. "It's alright. We'll allow you to use the open rooms. We'll have arrangements fixed and everything in a short while. In the meantime, you're free to roam around the palace gardens. It's the least we can do with your example."

"Alright, sure." Evan smiled.

"That sounds good. Thank you." Freya thanked.

Hinoka smiled softly at the two. "How about I show you guys around? I'm sure you'll be delighted to see what we're served around here. We try not to disappoint."

"Yeah, we can eat." The answer came out faster than what Evan had originally anticipated. He held back to keep from the commentary, though to be frank, it was unwarranted to say. He was acting on pure hunger at this point. One could tell he was tired from the small circles under his eyes. His stomach was borderline empty at this point. 'Should've asked Kaze for more change back then. I feel like I can eat a Rapidash.'

"This way." Hinoka allowed them to follow her, leaving the siblings to go off with them. The only exception was Corrin, who, with related issues, looked towards his mother. He and Mikoto locked calm and composed gazes that made it seem unjustified to break the tension.

"Mother, I…sorry, should I really be calling you…?"

Despite his stuttering, Mikoto stood up and walked away from her throne towards another part of the castle. "Dear Corrin, there's something I need to show you."

Unsure of what to do, Corrin looked back at Evan, then faced Mikoto. "Uh, sure." Swallowing a lump, he followed her towards the direction.


Corrin walked into a room, which had dim lighting, only enough to barely see to the walls and around. He came to a stop in the center and looked around. He noticed there was a large red toy dragon with a seat on top, indicating it was some kind of saddleback to ride on. There were a few knickknacks that laid around, but otherwise the room had standard embroidery that personified its bland.

He wasn't sure what to make of it. Even as he looked left and right, the room wasn't recognizable to him. "What is this place…?" He heard footsteps behind and sharply turned around to find his mother walking up patiently towards him. "Mother…?"

Mikoto meekly chuckled at his reaction. "I see you've found your old room, Corrin."

"My old room…?" He shot a look around the area again. Even with everything that's been going on, he didn't see any semblance towards it. He noticed something in the corner though. He walked over and saw that it was a very old and aged tapestry. It was a scroll, and on it was a smeared painting. Though it was very much crude. "What's this…?"

"That? That was a picture you drew when you were just a small child. See? There's your father. And that's me…and that's you."

Corrin squinted really hard to make sense of the art. Now that he got a reference, he could kinda see where his tiny form was compared to the man, with the woman on the other side with big smiles on their faces.

Mikoto sighed, a frown forming on her flawless face. "We couldn't bear to touch a thing in this room after your father was killed, and you were taken away from us." Her eyes started misting. "If we put everything away, it'd be like we gave up. You've gotten very grown up. No wonder you're so handsome now."

The pity in Corrin's stomach only grew. He turned around as he faced Mikoto with a serious and disappointed look. "I'm sorry…I really am. But I still can't remember a thing."

"Oh?"

"I know that you might very well be my mother, I very much wanna believe that. And my siblings, they're all good people too. It's just…I just don't know how to respond to any of this. Everything is just moving so fast for me that I can't really take it all in."

Mikoto sighed. She figured this would be the case. She truly did wish for the best for them to be reunited, but she had to sympathize with the circumstances that followed. This wasn't about her. "You're right. I understand. You were raised in Nohr your whole childhood, surrounded by completely different people."

Corrin frowned at the ground. "I'm sorry."

"No, don't be. But no matter what happens, you'll always be my sweet Corrin. Don't forget that. Someday, I'm sure we can all be family again."

Corrin fell silent at her words. The guilt in his heart weighed further down, enough to make him almost wanna pass out.

"Please, you're free to roam around as you wish. I'm sure you'll enjoy what we have here to offer. Your friends should be enjoying themselves as well, you should go find them."

"Sure…" He watched his mother exited the room. Once was gone, he turned around and returned to the picture that laid on the floor. The longer he stared at it, the more he felt his head hurt. In short, he needed more than just fresh air for something like this.

"…"


Along the palace gardens, fresh air was tranquil. Snom was upside down laced in her cold silk to camouflage as an icicle as she slept. Butterfree chimed merrily as he fluttered around the same branch. Along the ground, Squirtle popped his head out of a nearby pond. When he looked around in confusion, a gentle gush of water burst out of nowhere. He looked around, unable to find the waterlogged Sobble.

Rolycoly just watched all of them with a blank look. Growlithe gave him a look of inquiry before Rolycoly slowly turned towards him, but refused to say much.

"(You don't talk much, do you?)"

"(…)"

"(…okay!)" Without a moment's hesitation, he barked and ran back towards his Trainer.

Evan was slouched over along the wooden patio opening to the inner palace gardens. Surrounded by the rest of the palace interior, it was safeguarded and held a very peaceful place amongst the Hoshidan family. Deep within the fields, he watched as Hoppip floated up and down, along with Budew that remained far out of sight.

Hearing the floor creak beside him, he looked over and saw Freya gently setting herself down with her bagpipes in arms. She sighed loudly.

"Well today was…investing." Evan noted dryly.

Freya meekly scoffed. "If being taken to territory that's in war counts, and then saved an entire village and return, only to battle in front of an audience, then sure."

"(Oh! Boss! Boss!)" Growlithe ran up to Evan. He lifted himself onto the patio and licked Evan's cheek, much to his chagrin.

"Hey, boy. Hey." He meekly grinned as Growlithe was showing his affection for his new Trainer. "Okay, okay. I get it…thank you." Growlithe settled down and stood by his side. He gently stroke his head with the tips of his fingers. "What a day."

Freya turned towards Evan. "Were you able to get anything to eat?"

"Yeah, sure. Their food was pretty good." He glanced away. "I mean, most of it was fried rice…but it was still better than nothing I guess. You got the same thing too, right?"

Freya eyerolled. "Well yeah, though I think you had more than I did."

He sharply turned his head towards her. "Are you implying that I am fat?"

"Nope." She shook her head and waved her hand up dismissively.

Evan sighed heavily, this time with a lot more wear in it. He looked up at the sky, seeing that it was painted with a radiant sunset orange. "Still no solid answers today. But at least I think we're getting somewhere. We aren't the only ones here apparently."

Freya ran her fingers through her hair and tossed a lock back. She shifted back and just stared out at the sunset sky over their heads.

"You think Keith's okay?"

"I don't know. He's a member of the International Police. Pretty sure he's more capable than you."

Evan eyerolled this time. "Ouch. Okay, what's with all these low blows? What did I ever do to you?"

Freya meekly snickered and rolled her head at him. "Lighten up. You worry so much, you know that?"

He stopped to give a rebuttal, but he fell short of what to say. When he thought about what she said and the conversation they had back in the Astral Plains, he closed his eyes and fell on his back against the wood. He chose to say nothing as he allowed a silence to fill the air.

"Are you worried about what's going to happen next?" Freya softly questioned.

"Mmmm." Evan lowly mumbled. "Too tired to say. I think I just need to lie down. We'll think of something tomorrow." He took a long breath through his nose, and out through his mouth. "I'm still worried about what Corrin might do though."

"Why's that?"

"I don't know. He just felt…quiet today. I mean, I don't blame him. If I were him, I'd probably need an ibuprofen and melatonin. Because for all this to happen in just a day feels…weird." He looked at his arm again, recalling the events of drawing up that bronze sword. It left his hands shaking. He dropped one over his forehead as his strength was gone. "I can't believe I lifted a sword and stabbed someone today. I must be going psycho or something."

"Well I can't believe that I evacuated a village today." Freya chimed.

"Gold star for you, girl. Too bad all we get is a pat on the shoulders…" He sighed exasperatedly. "But hey, we get to live another day."

Freya brought up her bagpipes and took in a long, deep breath. Once she was set, she unleashed the melody of a melodic sunset through the pipes. They echoed loudly through the palace gardens, each note holding to give the sunset a more calming vibe.

As the melodies swept through the gardens, Evan gazed up at the sky, watching the clouds turn purple in the vast distance. Despite how much he needed to lie down, his brain ached at this feeling inside his chest. 'I wonder where Corrin is?'


Not too far from the palace grounds, Corrin chose to make his serene route more open. He stood at the foot of a pond, where he saw a Magikarp flop out of the water. The scenery itself was nice, anyone would kill for something as majestic as this.

He stared at his own reflection in the rippling water, completely vague of the Barboach that swam around like a worm. His mind was completely melted away at his own thoughts. In the reflection, the rippling water shifted towards the face of his siblings.

'Xander…Camilla…Leo…Elise…'

The ripples in the water shifted. They showed the other faces of the Hoshidans he's befriended. Ryoma was there, as well as Hinoka and Sakura. When the ripples settled, they've shown the faces of Evan and Freya as well. He's made so many friends since Pokémon came down from the sky, and now everything is going in disarray. At this point, he didn't know what to think anymore.

"You are the ocean's great wave~"

The hint of a melodic tune echoed loudly for Corrin to hear. It was so soothing that his head's aching had simmered a bit for him to comprehend. 'What's that beautiful sound…' He turned his head left and right to get a sense of where it could be coming from. On his right, just beyond some trees. He picked up on something along the dock.

'Who's that?'

He walked closer beyond the trees. He made sure to keep quiet until he was close enough to be within sight of something that moved elegantly, yet quietly at the same time. Upon the sunset's rays hitting the figment's face, Corrin's eyes widened at the sight of this.

The figure walking towards the water's edge was someone who seemed around his age, maybe exactly as such. She was a slim yet elegant female adorned in a white gown, with a bandana that sat along her head. She had very long, light blue hair that flowed down well close to her feet. Blue and gold embroidery endowed her white dress that fit her frame leading towards the gold necklace with a water pendant inside of it.

As the sunset's shine on her glistened her pale skin and yellow eyes, she looked straight ahead as she cleared her throat.

"Yet the waters ever change, flowing like time~

The path is yours to climb~"

Her angelic melody casted a ripple that spread across the water. Any small ripples that were bubbling came still and flattened to show a clear visual of dark blue. Her pendant on her chest floated with her melodic input.

She heard creaking from the wood behind, breaking her angelic mood and turned around. To her surprise, she came face-to-face with a young man that seemed as young as she was. Yellow eyes met red as the sunset radiated her back.

With nothing more than birds and Fletchling chirping in the trees, a silence fell across the atmosphere as the two figures were fixated in serene awe at each other.


Party Data:

Evan

-Squirtle (Male)

Lv: 13

Item: None

Nature: Mild

Ability: Torrent

Moves: Tackle, Tail Whip, Bubble, Bite

-Butterfree (Male)

Lv: 10

Item: None

Nature: Modest

Ability: Compound Eyes

Moves: Tackle, Gust, Electroweb, Harden

-Growlithe (Male)

Lv: 11

Item: None

Nature: Bashful

Ability: Intimidate

Moves: Ember, Leer, Howl, Bite

Freya

-Sobble (Female)

Lv: 12

Item: None

Nature: Timid

Ability: Torrent

Moves: Water Pulse, Whirlpool, Water Gun, Bind

-Rolycoly (Male)

Lv: 10

Item: None

Nature: Quiet

Ability: Steam Engine

Moves: Tackle, Smokescreen, Rapid Spin, Smack Down

-Snom (Female)

Lv: 11

Item: Snowball

Nature: Bold

Ability: Shield Dust

Moves: Powder Snow, Struggle Bug

Keith

-Ditto

Lv: 20

Item: Quick Powder

Nature: Quirky

Ability: Limber

Moves: Transform

-Zorua (Female)

Lv: 18

Item: Wise Glasses

Nature: Sassy

Ability: Illusion

Moves: Fake Tears, Extrasensory, Feint Attack, Pursuit

-Mightyena (Female)

Lv: 19

Item: Black Glasses

Nature: Rash

Ability: Quick Feet

Moves: Snarl, Fire Fang, Ice Fang, Thunder Fang


Here's the newest release to the story guys, hope this chapter was good enough for you. This was a lot longer than what I had anticipated, so it took me an extra day to flush it out. But luckily, I was still on schedule, because with the other stories I'm working on, I need to keep up the pace as quickly, and as fast as I possibly can if I'm going to stay on top of things.

There wasn't any Keith sadly, but I did bring back Damon and Scraggy. Don't worry, they'll all get around to being in a single unit soon, it'll just take some time to do so. But on the bright side, points for Evan this time! His Metapod evolved into Butterfree, plus he got himself a Fire-type!

And on that note, I did look at the Pokemon HOME and all the things that can be transferred over to Sword/Shield, and yet, for some reason, one thing makes no sense…why is BUBBLE not amongst the moves that can be transferred over?! Who's idea was it, huh?! Who in their right mind would get rid of a move that we've known since Gen 1, and was profound through the anime, especially through Ash's Froakie in Gen 6? I mean, it specifically says that in Squirtle's PokeDex entry that it uses foam bubbles to attack, yet it can't use Bubble in Sword/Shield? Where's the logic in that? Bubble, the one move that many relied on the help in the Pewter Gym when they chose Squirtle, is not in Gen 8…R.I.P Bubble. We will miss your blue bubbly sparkles and your bubbliness for all them Water-types out there. So that is more than enough of a reason for Evan's Squirtle to have Bubble for just a little bit longer, since this fanfic and he got Squirtle before the movesets of Squirtle and Gen 8 Pokémon were released.

okay, now that I got that out of my system, I can close out of this chapter saying I hope you enjoyed it, and hope to hear good things from you guys soon!