"Hurry, guys! This way!" Evan raced in front of the small group, just a hair length behind Corrin. The others following their lead were doing their best to keep up with the pace, some better than others.

"Can we...slow down...? I'm dying back here..." DK wheezed as he was following in the back, running short on breath. "God...cardio was always my weakness..."

"(You need to work out. Maybe a better body will make your cooking better.)" Farfetch'd quacked.

"Shut up, stupid duck! You can fly, that's totally cheating!"

'Gee, some dynamic they have.' Nathan squinted his right eye with signs of dismay. As cumbersome as it was that he had to put up with this kind of behavior, he'd rather focus on running for his life. Fortunately, both he and Bagon were in much better shape compared to a lot of them.

"How much further?" Freya asked, lugging her bagpipes in her left arm. She was careful to hop over a root sticking out of the ground. Unfortunately, her back heel was caught and started falling forward. Luckily, she was caught by Evan at the last second.

"You okay?"

Freya looked up, quickly brushing a lock back. "Yeah, thank you Evan."

He helped her up, making sure that she was able-bodied to move with them still. "Watch your step. We're not out of the woods yet, okay?" He patted her shoulder before the two tailed behind the fleeing Corrin and friends.

Arceus knows how long they were running for. As far as DK was concerned, it felt like forever. His wheezing and the urge to throw up was an indication of the lengths they were going. As tempting as it was for them to look back to see they were followed, they knew better than to do such a thing.

Finally, once enough of a proximity was breached, Corrin slowed to a halt, with everyone else finally having a chance to catch their breath. The entire group found themselves in the middle of a clearing, with white mountains northward and the sky turning pink from the setting sun.

"...I think we've managed to escape from them. But I'm sure they'll be on our trail." Azura said, her breathing barely stable.

DK sunk to his knees before flopping onto his stomach. "Uuuugh...god! I thought I was gonna die back there! Why did this have to happen? Please, for the love of God, just tell me why?"

"Well, if you have enough energy to complain, you must be fine." Keith teased.

"Shut up, okay? It's been a long day..." DK moaned into the grass, feeling its comfort after running ragged all day.

"I know that feeling." Nathan mumbled with an eyeroll.

Felicia looked back, seeing that everyone was exhausted, if not out of breath. "It looks like everyone is alright, thank goodness."

Corrin looked down at Riolu. "Riolu, are you alright?"

"(Don't worry, I'm feeling a lot better thanks to that human healing me.)" Riolu barked, beaming with pride. "(More importantly...)" His little aura feelers sensed the aura within the vicinity. Aside from the surrounding presence of the other humans and their Pokémon, he found everything else vacant. "(Yes, the blue-haired human is right as well. I don't sense any oncoming negative presence. We should be safe for a while.)"

"Well...at least we're away from danger right now, that's the important part." Evan said, before taking a long exhale outwards. He turned towards Corrin, visibly frowning. "So Corrin...what now?"

Corrin stood still, his head craning down towards the grass blowing in the ongoing breeze. Even though his body was at a standstill, his mind was pacing like it was going through a marathon. Exactly what was their next move supposed to be? He had more than enough common sense to believe that going back would be suicide; nobody would listen to him, and even if he somehow breached a compromise, what proof would he have to back up his claims that there could be a more peaceful resolution to this crisis?

Sensing his doubts, Riolu looked up towards him. "(Human...are you unsure?)"

"I..." Before Corrin could persist that he was fine, Azura stepped up.

"Evan is right, Corrin. We can't leave things as they are now. We'll be branded as traitors by both kingdoms. Do you believe that we can run from this matter?"

"Well running is what got us this far..." DK dryly mumbled from the ground. Everyone looked at him and gave despondent stares at his lack of empathy towards the topic at hand.

Azura stepped closer. "Corrin, listen to me. You'll lose everything if you don't choose a side. It's either Hoshido or Nohr."

"I kinda prefer Hoshido, at least they seem like nicer people..." DK miffed.

"Can somebody shut him up before I do it myself?" Nathan grunted angrily.

"Oh, I gotcha, fo'." Damon chimed. His Glock cocked into DK's face, immediately making him freeze in place. "Aitz, fo', shut de hell up. We be having a long days, we's be hungry and tired. Everybody is, fo'. So how's about you shut dat mouth of yo's before I shuts you up for good. Okay?"

"C-C-C-Crystal..." He quipped...but DK put the Glock straight at his forehead.

"Fo', what did I just says? Not. Another. Word. Period." He turned towards Corrin. "Alright, go ahead, fo'."

"Um...thank you...but you don't have to shoot him, Damon." Corrin insisted, his tone crossing between worry and discern. He turned towards Azura, getting serious once more. "Azura, no. There's a third option we can all follow. We don't have to support either side if we choose not to."

Azura's breath hitched. "I'm...not sure that I understand?"

Corrin turned away, looking at the ground as he continued. "I have a family in Hoshido. And I also have one in Nohr as well. Even if I end up being despised in the end. Even if I end up losing everything because of this decision..." He shook his head to dismiss any sense of doubt left. "...I've made up my mind. It's just like Evan said, this is a battle that I'll be fighting my way."

"(Hmph...well said, human.)" Riolu nodded in approval.

Azura stood puzzled by this decision, but it didn't take long for her to realize that this was what Corrin wanted to do from the bottom of his heart. There was no sense of going back now. And even if he did, he had to consider the numerous people that stood behind them, too. As fixated as she was, a soft smile crept onto her face.

"...I see now. You'd have to be willing to risk a lot for such a goal to achieve. I suppose you have a good point..." She paused before continuing. "My own mother was willing to lose her life to defend Nohr. But I don't believe that she regretted her choice...she died protecting her loved ones. And yet I was raised in Hoshido, and the people took me in as their own..."

"So then...I guess we're all in agreement. Right?" Evan looked around, seeing the many expectant faces everyone made.

Azura nodded. "Yes. I shall follow the path that you all shall take, too. I'm sure that we shall find a reasonable solution to end this scuffle."

"Azura...everyone...thank you. I mean it." Corrin looked at them all, smiling sincerely.

"Well, that's good that we're in agreement." Freya chimed in. "So then...now what?"

"Pffft, girl, beats me." Damon shrugged. He turned towards Nathan and Keith. "So, uh, what's the story with you two?"

Nathan put a hand up, shrugging his shoulders. "Same as everyone else. Woke up in a bad place, had to run from a bunch of half-deaf bastards until I ended up in a gorge."

Damon protruded his bottom lip and hummed. "Ouch." He turned towards Keith. "So what's with you?"

Keith turned towards Damon – his Ditto assisting as a cane to project himself towards the fellow otherworlder. "Me? My name is Keith Harris, International Police." If it wasn't for him being blind for the most part, he would have seen Damon visibly flinch. "I've been trying to keep tabs on everything so we can-"

"Ayayayaye...hold up, fo'. Did I hear that right...? You say dat you'z be with dem Internationist'z Popo?"

Keith raised a skeptic brow. "Um, yes?"

"Oh, hell no, fo'! Aiz knew dat I smelled bacon once yo ass showed up!" Damon defensively pulled up his Glock into Keith's face, much to the shock of everyone around him. "You ain't catching'z me, fo'! Not even in dis world!"

"Excuse me?!" Keith gasped.

Reflexes kicking in, Nathan moved and pushed the Glock away from Keith's surprised face. "Hey dude, chill out for a sec!"

"Yeah, dog! Chillax, would ya?! No need to shoot everything that pisses you off right away!" DK pleaded.

Damon glanced over at him. "Fo', what did I just says? Scraggy, knock him down, would ya'z?"

"Wait...what?!" Before DK could react, Damon's Scraggy met his forehead with a Headbutt instantly flooring him. "OUCH!" He thud onto his back, his forehead red and aching like it was on fire. "Ooooh-ho-hoooo...why again...?"

"(Aye! The dude said to shuts up!)" Scraggy backlashed, kicking DK in his side.

"Ow! Okay, okay, I get it! Just stop hitting me already! Owww..."

Damon Turned back towards Nathan, backpedaling to free himself and his Glock from his hold. He pointed it at Nathan, with the inside having a clicking sound. "Alright, listen up now, because I ain't afraid'z to shoot any man nor thing. Get out of de way if you don't wants a bullet in yo head."

Despite the threat, Nathan looked despondently at Damon like it was obvious. "Well, before you go and commit murder, I don't suppose you want to hear the logic behind this whole mess we're in?" He continued, with Damon furrowing his brow back at him. "Even if you committed crimes here, they don't apply to back on PokeEarth. And even if this guy behind is an International Police officer, what's he gonna do? Besides, he's blind." He turned around to look at Keith. "No offense."

Keith waved an arm at him. "You're fine...but I agree. Look, just put the Glock down, and we can all get along, alright? Even if I were to arrest you, I don't have any backup or proof of what you did here or on PokeEarth. We're both not in the best position to be pointing fingers at each other, if you haven't noticed."

"Yeah, Damon. He's an ally. Lighten up." Evan insisted.

Damon scoffed as he looked away. He smacked his lips again as he turned his head in small motions, like he was mentally debating himself.

"Damon...?" Evan inquired.

"Is he really thinking that hard?" Freya worriedly asked.

Finally, after what felt like a minute of self-deliberation and thought processing, Damon finally put down his Glock. "...aitz. I-I guess dat you have'z a point. I guess dat I won't be shooting no bacon."

"Thank you for understanding." Keith grinned.

"-But! You didn't let me finish, fo'." Damon paused. "But, I'll be keeps'n eye on you, okay? I don't wants no Pignites stinking up ma biz with d'ere bacon."

"I think that I can live with that." Keith chimed back. 'Though I'm not sure that I can live with his half-educated lingo.'

Felicia put a hand over her heart, exhaling in relief. "Well, I'm glad we dodged that little dilemma. Hehe..."

While everyone seemed to be getting along, albeit at their own paces, matters were pressed elsewhere. There was something flopping in their direction, though nobody paid any mind to it. It was a blue, mammalian creature that resembled a sea lion. It had a ball-like pink nose, as well as large floppy arms that helped carried it across the plains far from the riverbanks that it crawled out of.

Though this creature had no actual feet, she was able to propel herself forward using her large flippers afront. With each flop, she lobbed her curious self closer towards the gathered group of humans.

Freya turned towards Evan. "So where do we go from here?"

Evan opened his mouth to answer, but before even a syllable could usher its escape, a sudden blue flash behind him made him pivot and jump back in shock. "Woah!"

"What's going on now?" Keith inquired.

"(Don't worry, I'll protect you!)" His Mightyena stepped up, rearing on her paws with her fangs bared at the light.

The light gradually faded, revealing Lilith in her tiny dragon form that clutched onto her turquoise orb. Unlike the others, she was hardly fazed by the sudden transport.

Corrin turned to her, offering a warm smile. "Oh, Lilith! Great timing!"

"Wait..." Felicia blinked before swiveling back and forth between Corrin and the little dragon. "Hold on...you mean that's our Lilith?!" She shakily pointed her finger to emphasize her point.

Corrin calmly nodded. "Yes, Felicia, she is."

Felicia looked back and forth between Corrin and Lilith, trying to come up with words. However, nothing was coming to mind. Judging from the look on her face, it was bordering between the likelihood of shock and affection at the adorable creature with large yellow eyes looking right back at her.

"Er-hem! I, uh...think that we gotta explain this to everyone later." Evan motioned with his eyes back towards the onlookers, who looked just as perplexed.

"Fo', please tell me dat be a new Pookymans er someth'n. Because of day be a little dragon holding onto a bigass ball...den dis is a big tripp'n." Damon quipped.

Corrin turned towards the other with a half-smile. "Right, I'll explain later, promise. But for now, we need to show you something. Ready, Lilith?"

Lilith gave a humble nod. "Of course."

"Wait, what's going on?!" Felicia started panicking. Just as she was about to step off to the side, the ground beneath everyone started to glow bright green.

"Oh god, what's happening?!" DK cried out.

"I'm feelin' all kinds of weird up here!" Damon snapped. "Yo, Scrags! Get over here, fo'!" With haste, he watched as Scraggy moved a little closer to him as he pointed his Glock towards the light beneath.

"Everybody, hold on!" Corrin shouted, moments before the green light exploded outwards, engulfing them all.


In another green flash, everyone found themselves on solid ground. The sudden shift in space was enough to make a few of them feel disoriented for a second. DK was no exception.

"W-w-where are we now?!" DK snapped, turning his head to and fro. He hastily scanned their new surroundings, comprised of a very expansive courtyard with a serenity pink sky reflecting a sunset of its own.

"Oh! That was a rush." Keith said, keeping a calmer disposition. "So then...where are we now?"

Evan and Freya looked around, the surroundings more than a little familiar to them. They recognized where they ended up being the only possible place that could give them a little distance from any potential enemies.

"Welcome, everyone. This is the ancestral Astral Plane. Please, feel free to accommodate yourselves here if you choose to do so." Lilith greeted.

Nathan furrowed his already skeptical brow. "Um...sure. I'll think about that maybe after you maybe explain everything." He spoke with an underlying annoyance in his tone, a sure sign of wear he was suffering. Not that anyone blamed him.

Lilith nodded. "Indeed. Well, allow me to explain..."

For five minutes, everyone stood there, listening to and processing everything that Lilith was saying. She entailed towards everyone about the arduous task that Corrin had taken upon himself to try and bring some sense of unity within this world, as well as find a resolve for all the Pokémon that were stripped of their homes from another world. Suffice to say that everyone was left rather speechless.

"Yes, that does sum about everything up." Keith nodded. "That and what we discussed the other day are essentially the same thing."

"My word..." Felicia put a hand over her heart, visibly shocked with the development.

Freya gravely sighed. "It's the truth. I had a hard time believing it myself at first..." She glanced over at Evan. "But somehow we managed to get by without losing our sanity completely."

Evan shook his head. "Yeah, back then. We had no idea what was going on...but at least now we have some clarity. So at least we won't be running around aimlessly having to look over our shoulders the entire time."

"That makes two of us." Nathan added.

"I guess that makes three." DK meekly raised his hand.

Corrin smiled as he turned towards Lilith. "Thank you once again for all your help, Lilith."

She chuckled. "It's no trouble. I have been watching you, so I know what you are attempting to do. That path shall be yours to choose. I promise that I will do everything that is within my power to help you on your journey. As such, please feel free to use this astral plane to rest yourselves before you go out."

He nodded in understanding. "We understand. Thank you again. Your kindness and hospitality are very much appreciated."

"(So, this world has another one within it then?)" Riolu scanned his surroundings, marveling at the calm atmosphere the domain possessed. "(No negativity. This is a nice change of pa-aaace?!)" His eyes went wide-open as he slid away in shock of what he saw.

"Hm, what's the matter, Riolu?" Corrin inquired.

Azura turned around, her eyes only slightly widening. "Corrin, look!"

Everyone turned to what startled Riolu a few moments ago. Standing on her paws, they saw a small, blue, sea lion that looked curiously around at the many sets of eyes catching her fancy. Unlike all of them, she didn't seem nearly as scared.

"What the hell?! Who invited the little blue dog to this place?!" DK quipped.

"(That's a sea lion, dumbass.)" Farfetch'd eyerolled at his trainer's lack of sense.

"Where did it come from?!" Evan gasped.

"I don't know!" Freya nervously threw another lock of her hair back.

Azura looked down at the curious creature, visibly wondrous about it. "Is this...is this supposedly another Pokémon?"

The sea lion looked around, until her attention was drawn onto Azura. "(Um...hi!)" She barked.

"What is it?" Corrin questioned.

"Hang on, everyone just calm down." Evan stepped up, holding up his PokeDex. "I got this. Lemme use my PokeDex."

The screen on his device lit up, scanning the sea lion as she tilted her head at Azura.

"Popplio, the Sea Lion Pokémon. If Popplio want to create big, powerful balloons, they must be persistent. It takes daily practice for these Pokémon to develop their skills."

"Balloons?" Freya parroted, her tone hinting disbelief.

"(Hey, hey! Everyone! Watch this!)" Popplio raised her head, taking in a deep breath. To everyone's astonishment, they watched as a liquid bubble gradually inflated from her nose. The bubble gradually gained mass until it was large enough to dislodge from her nose. It rose up by a few feet, before it popped.

"(How do you like that? I've been practicing that one for a while now!)" Popplio smiled, clapping her flippers together.

"(That's really...interesting of you to share with us.)" Riolu gave his response with an uneased look. His aura feelers weren't that strong, but he wasn't getting any kind of negativity from this creature. '(I guess she must be curious if I was only detecting negative aura. I'll have to work harder on telling the difference between various auras than just negativity.)'

'Huh...looks like that device Evan has was right. It really can make balloon bubbles.' Corrin pondered.

"How did it get here even? It couldn't have been here before us, right?" Evan inquired aloud.

Azura hummed as she inspected the smiling sea lion. "It must have been close by when Lilith transported us. It doesn't seem harmful at least, so we should be fine."

Popplio barked happily at Azura. "(Thank you, thank you! Say, you have blue hair! That's so cool! I wish my fur was that shade.)" She raised her tailfin and leaped into the air, performing an acrobatic flip. She landed on her tailfin, beaming with pride. "(Tada~! How's that for impression?!)"

Freya half-grinned. "Well somebody likes to show off." She flashed Evan a smirk. "Unlike a certain someone, it actually tries to impress."

Evan raised a brow at her. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Freya playfully shook head. "Oh, don't worry about it."

"Uh...sure..." He blinked in suspicion, but he was quick to dismiss just like she wanted. Instead, he adverted towards his surroundings, recognizing the large treehouses occupying the one aspect of the courtyard. "It looks like nothing's really changed since last we've been here. The housing hasn't been touched at least."

"Yes, that's true." Corrin nodded, followed by a short, awkward pause. "But as things stand now...I don't think that it can accompany this many people."

Lilith wagged her tails. "Then you'll be happy to know that we can accommodate that. Lord Corrin, do you know that the Astral Planes are filled with Dragon Veins?"

"Wait, really?"

She nodded. "Of course! So that means that you are free to accommodate by creating new buildings. Allow me to show you." She turned towards an area close by the twin housing. Her eyes closed as her orb shined bright blue. The earth briefly shuddered beneath everyone's feet, causing many of them to grow alarmed.

"What's this? Another tremor?!" Keith questioned.

"No, she's making something. We've seen this before." Evan explained.

Lilith's eyes widened as energy ignited her pupils. A very large incantation erupted on the side of the massive wall, becoming a medium-sized complex that had shrubs bordering the perimeter. It looked to be made of fine drywall, with rectangular doors and windows with curtains. In total, there seemed to be three of these structures lined up together.

"Woah! Did dat just happen?!" Damon quipped. "Fo', now I knows aiz gotta be tripp'n."

"My god! You mean actual housing?! I-it grew like weeds!" DK hiccupped. "Oh, I gotta see this!"

Lilith politely chuckled. "This should accommodate you for the time being. I trust that you all won't mind sharing these quarters for the time being."

DK paced over towards the lounging area, getting a better look at the details of these areas. "My god..." He gasped. "Look at this!" He turned the doorknob, seeing a large studio-sized bedroom. "Actual beds! I mean it's a little creepy we all be sharing, but who cares?! Now I don't have to sleep in shabby shacks and on the streets anymore! Thank you, sweet Arceus!"

Nathan lazily passed him to go for the next house over. "I'll take this one. I don't care who I bunk with, just stay on your side and I stay on mine."

"Well, I ain't sleepin' under no rood with de Popo, so...I guess count me in, fo'." Damon obliged with following Nathan into the lodging, with Scraggy in tow.

Keith chuckled as he rubbed the back of his head. "Well that's a heartbreaker. But it's fine." He turned towards DK's general direction. "Hope that you don't mind sharing space with me."

"Sure, as long as nothing else weird goes on." DK went further inside, with Keith following behind with his Ditto guiding him as a cane. Mightyena guarded his rear until he was safely inside. She stood outside, sitting upright like some guard dog.

Azura turned towards Felicia with a sincere smile. "Well then, I suppose that settles us. I'll try not to be a burden to you."

"O-oh! No! I should be saying that to you!" Felicia nervously countered. "I'll do my absolute best to make sure we get along!" She moved towards the last dorm available, opening the door for her. "Come in!"

Azura nodded politely before proceeding inside. Felicia closed the door, but just before she was able to do that, Popplio flopped her way in. "Huh?! Oh, i-it's you! You wanna come inside, too?"

"(Oh sure! That human with blue hair seems nice! You, too!)" Popplio barked, wagging her tailfin before jumping inside.

Corrin chuckled to himself. "Well now, looks like everyone's finally getting settled."

"It's been a long day...a really long one, in fact." Evan emphasized. "Honestly...I just wanna lie down."

"That's true. It's been quite the journey...suppose rest comes first."

Corrin didn't waste any time with following through with his statement. He climbed the ladder to his private quarters, with Riolu following behind. Evan and Freya looked at each other before they tiredly sauntered towards their lower-leveled quarters. Evan was up first, to which he turned back and reached down to help Freya up. With nothing much other than a word of thanks, the two found their respective beds same as before and fell into them.

Finally, after an extremely long day, everyone could finally rest.


Night had fallen onto the Astral Plane, blanketing the dimension with a beautiful array of midnight blue and cosmic starlight high above the atmosphere. With the events that have transpired, much of the group had fallen under sleep's evident spell.

DK was lightly snoring in his bed, sprawled messily with his Farfetch'd leaning against the bedside legs. Keith had managed to fall asleep despite the snoring, his Zorua and Ditto making do with sleeping near his blanketed legs.

The complex next door was a little less noisy, if not tense. Damon and Scraggy were sound asleep, sprawled like the chef next door. Nathan, however, didn't seem nearly as comfortable as everyone else as he tried sleeping on his side. Judging from his posture, he would be ready to roll out of bed at a moment's notice.

Everyone else settled into their beds just fine. However, in Evan and Freya's private quarters that they've been sharing, matters were a little different. The former laid in his bed, his gaze half-open. He's been drifting in and out of sleep for what felt like...hours. In reality, it was barely even past an hour. He was so tired, so drained. He didn't even know how his body wasn't able to shut down like his roommate. He glanced over, checking t see if she was sound asleep. When he saw that her ample chest and abdomen were rising and falling smoothly, he got his answer.

Unable to find the resolve to sleep, he sat up and swiveled himself upright. He got on his shoes before adjusting his beanie. He made way out the door, making sure to stay as quiet as possible when closing it so as not to awaken Freya. Outside, he looked around to see if anybody else was awake. The silence looming around was his only answer.

He took in a deep breath through his nose, getting the fresh whiff of nightly air. A very drastic change from the typical smoke and stained metal of enemy soldiers fighting. He was lucky enough to even manage to survive up till now...but then again, luck doesn't last forever. If these circumstantial coincidences keep happening, he could possibly make it back home in one piece. But if his training and education ever taught him anything, is that luck alone can only get you so far.

He sauntered around the castle, inspecting its walls and surroundings. He recognized the medium-sized pond that he and Freya used to wash themselves in the last time they were here. Now that they had a lot more people around, communing was another issue.

'You'd think that Lilith could use her Dragon Veins to create a porta potty at least...'

As he was musing himself with such needs to accommodate for the morning, he found himself entranced by something in the distance. He narrowed his eyes to notice that it was but a small flame at the base of the castle. 'What's that?' He moved a little closer to see what was happening around the fire. His eyes widened a little when he recognized the two human figures around the fire.

Around a very small pit of fire, there was a longing silence that hung around Corrin. He sat on a small stool that he took from his private quarters and stared into the flames, seemingly dazzled by them. The embers licked the air as they ascended into the sky. His gaze briefly followed it skywards as they faded into thin air.

Even for someone like him, he was lost in everything. And yet at the same time, nothing. So much had happened in one day that even he couldn't fully bring himself to slumber. First he lost his mother, now his two brothers and the rest of both families were looking at him like he was some kind of traitor. In this case, he was.

"Corrin, listen to me. You'll lose everything if you don't choose a side. It's either Hoshido or Nohr."

He looked up towards the sky, his eyes keeping their red gleam within the flames' burning warmth. There had to another way. If there wasn't a choice that he didn't feel was right, why not make one?

"Trouble sleeping, too?"

Corrin nearly jumped out of his seat when he heard a voice from behind. He looked back, seeing Evan with hands in his pockets. "Huh?! Oh...Evan, it's just you. Sorry, I didn't see you there." He turned away, staring into the rolling fire. "Yeah, something like that."

Evan walked up to Corrin's side, staring into the flames. The two remained silent for what had to be a couple minutes at the very least. A very awkward tension fell in the midst of the crackling ambers and wood. The fire snapped with the sounds of bark popping. With enough time it sounded like fireworks to Evan.

"So...how are you holding up?"

"I'm fine right now, thanks." Corrin turned towards him. "What about you? Are you okay?"

Evan closed his eyes, sighing out his nostrils. If he was honest, his head felt hot from the exhaustion he was going through. His shins down to his feet felt a little cold. And he really wasn't in the best of moods either. But he'd rather tell Corrin on the count of the troubles he's gone through today. Besides, complaining won't solve any immediate problems.

"I'm hanging in there, to say the least." He glanced over at him, then back at the fire. "You, uh...still thinking about today?"

"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't."

"Yeah, guess I don't blame you. Just this morning, Freya and I were sleeping in beds in a huge palace. Next thing you know, we're on the lamb from two nations."

"'On the lamb'?" Corrin parroted.

"Hm? Oh, right. It means to be astray; being wanted by the authorities...pretty sure that's what Damon was doing, I don't know."

"Oh, I see..." He smiled. "I hope this doesn't sound offensive, Evan...but your world is a whole other level of bizarre."

He passed him a glance. "In a good way, or a bad way?"

Corrin's stare softened as he stared at the base of the fire. "I just find it interesting is all. You humans can actually coexist with one another with these Pokémon."

"Well I mean it's not like it's all peaches and cream for us, too. For us, it took hundreds of years for humans and Pokémon to get to where we are now. Thousands, maybe. And even so, we still have problems today with underground organizations. They would be willing to sell off Pokémon for a quick buck if push came to shove." He sighed tiredly and lowered his chin. "I've heard stories of these organizations such as Team Rocket, and Team Plasma, and Team Galactic in school...but I think what we're fighting now has to be worse than all those put together."

Corrin frowned. "Yes, it is. I've seen you and your Pokémon in enough to understand that your actions are genuine. You truly trust one another. I think that we can all learn from your example, Evan."

Evan meekly chuckled. "Thanks Corrin, but I'm no hero. You're the one with the Yato, remember?"

Corrin looked down at the blade that sat on his belt. The golden sheath had a bright sheen within the flame's lighting. This made Corrin smile wider. "Yes, that's true. The Yato did choose me. If I'm supposed to bring this world to peace, then I will surely do so. But Evan..." He turned back towards him. "I can't do this alone. If your kind can find a way to resolve themselves with Pokémon, then I'm certain that you and everyone are the key to us forging this new path."

Evan blinked, taken back by his choice of words. "Y-you really think so...?"

Corrin nodded. "I'm absolutely positive about that. So, Evan..." He stood up, looking at his friend in the eye. "I ask you, lend me your strength. Will you please teach me the ways of Pokémon so that we can find a solution to this problem?"

If Evan wasn't fully awake before, he most certainly was now. He knew he wasn't in the greatest shape to think at the moment, but he was aware enough to know what Corrin asked was a huge deal. Teach him the ways of Pokémon? That wasn't very specific to him, but he had an idea of what Corrin was meaning.

"Um...could you, uh, probably clarify that a little more?"

"Evan, you're one of most skilled Pokémon Trainers that I've known. You were able to tell the strengths and weaknesses of these creatures better than I could. If I am going down this path, I should be able to understand the basics of Pokémon. Maybe that will help us."

Evan rubbed the back of his head as he tried to think of something to say. There was no way he could turn down anything that Corrin insisted – ne pleaded – from him. If he needed his help, he knew it was important. After the experiences they've shared up till now, it only felt natural to help a friend in need.

Evan smiled once more. "Sure, Corrin. If it'll solve both our problems, guess it's worth a shot."

"Thank you, Evan. I mean it."

"(Count me in as well!)" Evan and Corrin's eyes widened when they turned towards the small cry. They saw a familiar figment walking up towards Corrin.

"Riolu, it's you..."

Riolu looked Corrin in the eye. "(Huma...Corrin, I shall follow you on this path that you claim to be the answer. But to do that, I need to get stronger as well. If you wish to learn from your friend here, then so shall I.)" He turned towards Evan with a serious disposition in his eyes. "(Please, make me stronger!)"

"It sounds like someone wants to follow the lead, too." Another voice chimed from afar. Evan and Corrin turned again to find Azura walking up to them, with Popplio in tow. "I see that you're both still up."

"Azura, you too?" Corrin blinked, mildly surprised.

Azura smiled. "Yes. I had troubles as well, then I overheard what you both were discussing." She stepped forward. "I believe that Corrin has a point, Evan. If Hoshido and Nohr are abusing the powers of Pokémon, in order for them to listen to us, we must set an example."

"(Ooh! That sounds exciting! I want in!)" Popplio clapped her flippers in excitement.

"(Are you sure? You mean more curious than serious about the gravity of the situation we're in.)" Riolu replied, raising a brow.

Popplio craned her nose up. "(I know what I'm doing! Besides, unlike those mean men that tried to attack you, you all actually seem nice...plus, I'm here anyway! So why not?)"

Riolu blinked. He wanted to say something, but the sure look on Popplio's face deterred him from giving her a piece of his mind. He sighed. "(Well, welcome aboard then. Just...don't get in the way of what we're about to do.)"

"(You got it!)" She saluted.

Azura chuckled. "It seems that this curious one wants to help out as well." She turned to Evan. "As Corrin said, I am willing to learn as well. So please, Evan, show us what we must do."

Evan sighed tiredly again as he craned away. "Wel...so much for sleep I guess..." He turned back towards them, a more serious look in his gaze. "Alright, guess sooner is always better."


At the foot of the castle, Corrin and Azura stood opposite of Evan. Riolu and Popplio were a fair distance apart from one another as they were ready for battle.

"So, what do we from here?" Azura inquired.

"Well, since it's two trainers against one, the usual standing is that I use two Pokémon while each of you use one." Evan said, pulling out two Poke Balls. "Alright, guys! Here we go!"

He threw the two Poke Balls, summoning both Squirtle and Growlithe beside one another.

"(Alright, looks like it's just two opponents this time...and no humans.)" Squirtle sighed in relief. The last thing he needed right now was another lightning strike from another soldier.

"(Huh?! Oh, is it battle time again?! Oh boy, I'm so ready, Master!)" Growlithe eagerly wagged his tail, snarling at Riolu and Popplio. A blue aura encompassed both enemy Pokémon, an action that surprised both Corrin and Azura.

"What was that aura just now?" Azura questioned.

"Yeah, I've seen that a few times...does it have to do with a Pokémon's powers?" Corrin followed.

"Something like that. What you saw was Growlithe's Ability in action. It's called Intimidate." Evan explained. "When Growlithe enters battle, his Ability activates, which lowers all opponents' physical prowess."

"Alright, I think I follow." Corrin nodded before getting into a battle stance. "I remember when I saw you and Freya battle. Your Pokémon used attacks, right? How will we know what kinds that Riolu and Popplio can use?"

"Hang on, I got it." Evan pulled out his PokeDex, scanning both Riolu and Popplio.

"It's that device again..." Azura observed, staring at the PokeDex with wonder.

"Make sure you guys can hear this from over there!" Evan held up his PokeDex as it voiced the moves for Corrin and Azura to listen to.

"Riolu's known moves are: Endure, Feint, Metal Claw, and Counter."

"So four attacks...got it!" Corrin nodded.

"Popplio's known moves are: Water Gun, Disarming Voice, Aqua Jet, and Baby-Doll Eyes."

"I understand. Disarming Voice, huh...?" Azura repeated.

Evan put his device away. "Okay, both of you ready?" Both Corrin and Azura nodded. "Alright, then we'll start off! Squirtle, Growlithe, let's show him how to start off!"

"(Right, Evan!)" Squirtle spread his legs, ready to take command. Growlithe spread his forepaws and snarled at Riolu and Popplio.

"Here they come! Get ready!" Corrin warned. Riolu put his hands up as a guard for whatever would come their way.

Evan swept his arm across with a serious look. "Squirtle, use Tail Whip! Growlithe, use Howl!" Squirtle started off the chain of commands by turning around, wagging his tail cutely at both Riolu and Popplio. Another blue aura engulfed them, lowering yet another one of their stats. Growlithe, though, raised his head and howled. A red aura engulfed both him and Squirtle, increasing their Attack stats.

"Evan didn't attack, but it looks like he's trying to weaken us by lowering more of our stats." Corrin said.

"Yes, and it looks like his Pokémon have gotten stronger as a result." Azura added. "Which means that we must assault back in kind."

"Right, then I'll go first!" Corrin reached out. "Riolu, use Counter!"

"(Alright!)" Riolu crossed his arms and waited for an attack to come his way...but nothing happened. "(Um, perhaps we should have waited a little longer?)"

Corrin blinked in surprise. "Huh? What happened?"

"Corrin, hold on. Counter is a move that only works when Riolu takes physical damage. If he doesn't take that, then the move does nothing at all." Evan explained.

Corrin furrowed his brow in disappointment, but at least knew what Evan was talking about. "Right, I'll try better next time..."

Azura cleared her voice before reaching out. "Then perhaps this should work? Popplio, use Water Gun on Squirtle!"

"(Oh boy! Water fight!)" Popplio happily flipped onto her tailfin, balancing herself upright. She inhaled before expelling a fresh blast of water into Squirtle, abdomen. Though much to Azura's dismay, the attack did little more than buffer Squirtle a little.

"(Well...that was wet.)" he quipped.

"That didn't seem very effective..." Azura murmured.

Evan crossed his arms. "Right, right...I forgot to tell you guys. Every Pokémon has a different type to them."

"A type?" Corrin repeated.

"Yeah. For example, both my Squirtle and your Popplio, Azura, are Water-types. And Water-type moves aren't very effective on the other. Some types have strengths and weaknesses over another. So for example, Growlithe is a Fire-type, so he's weak to Water-type attacks, while his Fire-type attacks aren't very effective against Water-types."

Corrin's eyes brightened. "Oh, I think I follow. So what type is Riolu?"

"Last I checked, he's a Fighting-type, so his Fighting-type attacks have neither strengths nor weaknesses against Growlithe and Squirtle. This is probably good as time as any to tell you that even your attacks have types of their own."

"I understand. Then let's give it another shot, shall we?" Corrin brought his arm forward. "Riolu, use Metal Claw on Squirtle!"

"(Here we go!)" Riolu crossed his arms again, this time generating metallic energy-like claws with a strong sheen to them. He darted across the field, taking a high leap above Squirtle and flipped while coming down. "(Try this!)" He passed Squirtle, crossing his arms in an X-formation. The metallic energy created a strong burst that engulfed Squirtle.

The energy gradually dissipated, revealing Squirtle barely fazed by the Steel-type move. "(You're fast.)" he complimented.

Riolu looked backed, surprised. "(That didn't do much either?)"

"It looks like that attack doesn't have much effect on Water-types either." Corrin deduced.

Rather than give them anymore hints, Evan took the initiative again. "Squirtle, Tail Whip!" Squirtle turned his tail, wagging it cutely at Riolu and Popplio again. Another blue aura engrossed their bodies as their Defense stats depleted once more.

"If he says Water-types are effective against Fire-types, then we should attack Growlithe." Azura raised her staff at both Growlithe and Squirtle. "Popplio, use your Disarming Voice!"

"(Okay, time to sing~!)" Popplio inhaled, before letting out a harmonic chime. Blue hearts expelled from her breath that expanded into Squirtle and Growlithe. Once the hearts got close enough, they were strong enough to send Squirtle sliding on his heels a few feet away, whereas Growlithe yelped and carried onto his side.

"Growlithe, are you okay?!" Evan shouted. 'That was weird. Disarming Voice is a Fairy-type move, but that looked like...it was a Water-type move?'

Growlithe whimpered as he stammered up. He shook his head before baring his small canines at the opponents. "(I'm alright, Master! Just leave it to me, I'll take them down!)"

"I see, so that was indeed effective." Azura seemed relieved with the results. "In that case, shall we try this?" She reached out he arm. "Use Aqua Jet!"

"(Here I come!)" Popplio cloaked herself in a surrounding body of water before lunging through the air at high speed towards Growlithe. This time, Growlithe spread his forepaws and readied to counter...but the speed was too great to keep up with. He ended up taking a headbutt of water that pushed him back on his heels as Popplio kept going.

"Growlithe, use a new move you've learned! Use Flame Wheel!"

Growlithe snarled as his entire body erupted into flames. While Aqua Jet wasn't as powerful thanks to Popplio's lowered Attack strength, Growlithe's entire body rotated in a high-spinning wheel of flames like a tire. With his elevated Attack and Popplio's sharply lowered Defense, the difference in power compensated the typing and dissipated the water. Popplio was sent flying, screaming in pain as her body ached uncontrollably.

"Oh dear...Popplio!" Azura gasped.

Popplio yelped as she hit the battlefield, sliding backwards to a halt. She stammered upright, slouching with support from her flippers. "(Ouch...I'm gonna be feeling that in the morning...)" she whimpered.

Corrin stepped back. "Evan said Fire-type attacks aren't very effective, but...that looked it did a lot of damage regardless." His eyes widened. "Was it because of those other moves he used...?"

Riolu looked back at him. "(Corrin, what's our next move?)"

'Looks like I'll have to do the best I can to work around it.' He braced himself. "Right, then if that doesn't work...Riolu, Feint on Growlithe!"

Riolu raced across the ground, his paw glowing white. Once he was close enough, he bobbed and weaved in a motion to deter Growlithe. The canine looked startled, allowing Riolu to close in and sucker punch him across the face. He grunted as he slid backwards, staggering a little from accumulated damage.

'Growlithe is taking too much damage. It looks like they're finally catching onto battling.' Evan theorized. He looked ahead, bracing himself. "Alright, good job guys. You've shown me that you're getting the gist of battling. Now we'll show you that it's more than just an exchange of attacks. Ready?"

"(Yeah!)" Squirtle and Growlithe spread their legs, readying for their counter.

Azura reached out. "Popplio, try using your Baby-Doll Eyes!"

"(Okay!)" Popplio closed her eyes, before slowly opening them with her pupils and a cute look. "(Please don't hurt me anymore~.)"A blue aura engulfed Squirtle and Growlithe, lowering both their Attack.

'So that attack lowers my opponent's offensive stats. I see...' Azura braced as Evan called the next move.

'Alright, looks like she realized that Growlithe's Attack needed to be lowered. Good.' Evan proceeded with his next attack. "Squirtle, Bubble!"

Squirtle inhaled, before he fired jets of blue bubbles that expanded towards Riolu and Popplio. The bubble barrage was strong enough to create a powerful burst of dust and mist upon impact with both Pokémon.

"(Gngh!)" Riolu grunted in pain as he slid back. Popplio, on the other hand, looked worse for wear as she was shaking on her flippers.

"Popplio..." Azura gasped.

Growlithe grunted as he shook a little. He furrowed his brow and steeled his resolve to get through this battle, for his beloved master's reputation! He bared his canines once more, as to where Popplio braced herself.

"Popplio, use Aqua Jet on Growlithe!"

"Growlithe, use Bite!"

Popplio engulfed herself in water and jettisoned across the ground after Growlithe, who raced after her with his maw open wide with a larger energy jaw encompassing his muzzle. He pounced at the last second directly into Popplio, with jawline meeting the torpedo in midair. An explosion engulfed the middle of the field, spreading mist and smoke across the vicinity. The three humans looked on with shocked looks on their faces as they waited to see what the results were.

As the dust mixture dissipated, Growlithe and Popplio were both directly in front of each other, looking the other down steadily. Their eyes were focused on each other...until they lost their focus and collapsed with thuds.

"Are they alright?!" Corrin gasped.

Evan hurried over, inspecting the damage done. He saw the swirls in both his Growlithe and in Popplio's eyes, indicating they were both just unconscious. "Yeah, they're both fine. But they can't continue."

"I see. How unfortunate." Azura frowned. She walked over towards Popplio, picking her up in her arms and walked back. "You can relax, little one. Thank you for your efforts." She turned towards Corrin. "Corrin, I fear that I wasn't experienced enough to be of much assistance."

"No, don't say that. Besides..." He turned towards Evan, who recalled Growlithe back to his Poke Ball. "I think that I got an understanding now. Now it's our turn to show we're serious, Riolu!"

Riolu brought his paws up. "(Right with you!)"

"Alright, Squirtle, it's on us now. Get ready." Evan insisted.

Squirtle leaned forward to brace himself. "(I hear you, Evan. Let's show them that we mean business!)"

Corrin reached his arm out. "Riolu, use Feint!" Riolu rushed across the ground, once again moving side-to-side as he closed in on Squirtle.

"Squirtle, Bubble!"

Squirtle's brown eyes lit up. He was well adept at dealing with such speedy battles ever since he fought that Bunnelby from a while back, as well as Freya's Rolycoly. "(Got you!)" He lurched forward, timing just a second before Riolu appeared in front of him. Jets of bubbles bombarded his frame, overpowering him with a loud yelp.

"Riolu, are you alright?!" Corrin exclaimed. He watched in relief as Riolu stammered back up, giving him a confirmative nod. "That's good."

'Riolu hasn't taken much damage aside from those earlier Bubble attacks. I should stick with Bubble to avoid Counter.' Evan's eyes narrowed. 'But Tail Whip lowered his Defense...and he needs to get experience otherwise...guess there's only one way to know for sure.' He reached outwards. "Bite!"

Squirtle opened his maw and lunged for Riolu, fang-like energy appearing over him, similar to Growlithe. Riolu spread his heels as he waited for Corrin's command.

"Now let's try it! Use Counter!"

"(Come here!)" Riolu braced himself for Squirtle, who lunged at him with his jaws exposed. He snapped down on Riolu's arms, causing a bright burst that buffered him. "(Gnah?!)" The pain from that attack was extreme, enough to make him stammer way with a sudden cringe.

Corrin gasped. "Riolu? What happened to the Counter?"

Riolu flinched, cringing at the lack of a proper response. "(That...hurt...!)"

"That was an additional effect of Bite." Evan explained. "Sometime when Bite is successful, it can cause an opponent to flinch. Which means they can't attack."

Corrin balled his fists, looking down at Riolu. "I see...so even these attacks have their own powers than just damage...there's so much that I don't understand..."

Riolu stammered, shaking his head to rid of the shock. "(As do I, but as they say, learn from your mistakes.)" He straightened up s a red aura enveloped his body. "(Corrin, let's go!)"

'His body was just enveloped in a red aura. Did one of his stats just rise all of a sudden?' He furrowed his brow. There was only one way to find out. "Right, the Riolu! Metal Claw!"

Riolu spread his arms and raked the air with metallic energy claws. In a surprising burst of speed, he raced across the courtyard faster than before. It was enough to leave Evan slightly taken back.

'Wait...is its Ability Steadfast?!'

Squirtle was taken back when Riolu bridged the gap quicker than he could read. "(HRAH!)" With a mighty battle cry, the claws raked Squirtle again, sliding him across the courtyard onto his back with a thud.

"(Ow! That one hurt...wait.)" He bobbed side-to-side, feeling weight shift on his shell instead of his feet. "(Oh man! I hate being on my back! Somebody...push me up!)" He waved his limbs frantically, trying to adjust his balance to get upright. "(Why must I have a big shell?)"

Riolu grinned. "(Looks like we're making progress. You say that you have experience, but what does that count in exactly?)"

"(Shut...watch me!)" Squirtle rocked back and forth, until finally enough momentum was gained to where he rolled onto his front. He stood upright and turned around to face Riolu. "(We're not done just yet!)" A blue aura enveloped his body, causing an alarm within Riolu and Corrin.

"What's that?" Corrin questioned.

Evan's shock turned to surprise. "That would be Squirtle's Ability, Torrent. When his stamina is near a dangerously low level, his Water-type moves get stronger." He looked up at Corrin. "Like this! Squirtle, use Bubble!"

"(How about we try something new for a change?)" Squirtle spread his legs, opening his maw wide as he generated moisture into a singular point. The hemisphere liquefied into water that grew into gigantic proportions. The water ball increased in size until it was almost half as big as Squirtle himself. He fired the hemisphere of blue water across the ground, darting right for a stunned Riolu.

Corrin's eyes widened at the oncoming attack. 'No, that looks too powerful! We can't defend against that...unless...' He swiped his arm across. "Riolu, quick! Try your Endure!"

Riolu brought his arms up once more. His entire body was swelled in thick, red-violet aura streams that ascended around his body. He stood in place and braced as the intense water bomb struck him. A large-scale explosion of water and mist engulfed the vicinity, causing the earth beneath to vibrate. Corrin stepped back and guarded himself from the shockwaves of the intensified attack.

Evan looked on, a stunned look on his face as he watched the mist pillar disperse towards his feet. 'Hold on, that wasn't Bubble...that was Water Pulse!'

The mist wave dissipated, revealing Riolu, who stammered to and fro. He was covered in bruises and was barely standing. And yet, despite being soaked, he glared at Squirtle with a glare that could send shivers down an Ice-type's frozen spine.

'He can't take anymore. This next one decides it.' Corrin balled his fists, steeling himself for the final attack. "Riolu...!"

Evan gritted his teeth. "Squirtle...!"

Both exhausted Pokémon leaned forward, prepared to attack on command.

"Metal Claw!"

"Water Pulse!"

Riolu cried out as he lunged after Squirtle with metallic energy claws sweeping from either side. The turtle opened his maw and channeled intensified Torrent energy into a large hemisphere of water. Riolu closed the gap with a ferocious battle cry, slashing into the sphere of water with all his might. A metallic, liquid explosion imploded around Squirtle and Riolu before the shockwaves expelled outwards. A large gush of water splashed everywhere, raining down a soft drizzle onto all three combatants.

"Squirtle!"

"Riolu!"

The explosion dialed down, with Azura, Evan, and Corrin all gasping in shock as Squirtle and Riolu were standing several inches from each other. Their bodies were bruised and aching, but they didn't seem fazed...

"(You're...a most worthy adversary. I'm pleased...to have you as an acquaintance...)" Riolu murmured with a weak grin.

"(Yeah...same here.)" Squirtle muttered...before both their eyes rolled backwards. Their heads slowly bent back until their bodies fell with them onto their backs with thuds into the dampened stone lining.

Azura gasped in horror. "They're...both knocked down!"

"Riolu!" Corrin hurried over to Riolu, propping him up in his hold. He looked intensely worried at him. "Hey, are you alright? Can you hear me, Riolu?"

Riolu's eyes winced as he stirred. He weakly opened them, catching a glimpse of Corrin's shadow. "(Corrin...? Is that you...?)"

"I'm sorry...please, forgive me." He hung his head in regret...only to feel a gentle paw on his cheek. He looked at Riolu again to see him smile.

"(No...it's fine. But I'm glad to have you...as my...partner...)" He trailed off, his eyes closing as he fell back into an unconscious state.

Azura walked towards Corrin, still holding Popplio closely. "It'll be alright, Corrin. Trust me."

Corrin picked up Riolu, holding him in his arms. "Yeah, you're right. We should wake Felicia and see if she can heal them. I'm sure she wouldn't mind staying awake for just a few minutes to help with that." He turned back towards Evan. "Evan, you should come, too. I'm sure Growlithe and Squirtle deserve the rest."

Evan picked up Squirtle, who looked awfully relaxed while unconscious. "Yeah, I know."

Before Corrin started moving, he looked back at Evan with a sincere look. "...Evan...so that's what it feels like, huh...?"

"What?"

"To have an actual Pokémon Battle. It felt...different than actual fighting. But at the same time...I'm nit sure what to describe it."

Evan got the message. He didn't have to say anymore. "...yeah, I get what you mean." He grinned as he walked past them. "Come on...I'm actually feeling tired after that, too."

Corrin and Azura looked at each other, exchanging soft smiles before looking down at Riolu and Popplio in their arms. They knew they deserved the rest. It was their first time, but they were certain that they would get a better grasp of the deeper concepts of Pokémon. But for now, their focus was a well-earned rest.


The Astral Plane's skies lit up with a bright pink horizon, bringing a warmth back onto the partially furnished domain that everyone slept in. Morning had come at last.

Freya walked over towards Evan's bedside, seeing him sleep on his side facing away from her. "Evan." She whispered softly. "Evan~?"

Evan didn't budge. His chest inflated and delated with every breath he took while he slept like a baby.

Freya sighed. She knew Evan was tired from everything that was happening. Honestly, she felt a little bad for having to wake him...but time waits for nobody. "Evan, if you don't get up, I'm gonna play my bagpipes..."

"Mmnngh..." Evan mulled as he curled up a little, his head pressed further into the pillow.

With another sigh, Freya brought up her bagpipes. "Sorry about this..." She licked her lips before taking in a deep breath. She exhaled into the pipe, creating a loud, untuned note that sounded like a foghorn throughout their shared quarters.

"GAH!" Evan's eyes snapped wide open as he jerked upright. "Shit! My ears! Ow!" He covered his ears, hunching over in pain.

"Rise and shine. Sorry."

Evan turned around, his anxiety turning into partial surprise. "F-Freya?" He groaned in irritation, his hand finding his aching head. "What the hell was that for?!"

"Sorry, but you wouldn't wake up." She defended.

"You didn't think to just, like...nudge my shoulder or something?" He groaned, but complaining about it wasn't going to solve the deafening habit...or the small ringing in his ears. But despite the potential case of tinnitus, he figured out why he was awoken. "Is...is it morning already?"

"Yes. Everyone else is getting up, too. You should hurry before breakfast gets cold." She turned back towards the door, proceeding out of it to let Evan be.

He sighed for the umpteenth time in what had to be in less than a minute. 'So much for decent sleep...'

It didn't take long for him to get himself situated and venture towards the center of the courtyard. There, everyone was gathered where DK was stirring up some kind of concoction. Inside of a medium-sized pot over a fire. The chef merrily hummed as the brown broth made a current that followed his ladle. He seemed to be in a rather jolly mood to serve this many starving people at once.

"Food is almost ready, guys! Just a few more minutes!" He called out. "Alright..." He dipped his head close to the concoction and sniffed it. "Oh! Phew! God! Well, let's just add a little bit it this~..." He poured what looked like a bag of dried-up beans into the broth. "Oh yeah, that'll give it texture."

Farfetch'd shook his head. "(I keep warning you that beans aren't a breakfast foo...meh, forget it. You weren't a good listener anyways, so why bother now?)"

"Oh, hey, Farfetch'd. Could you pass me the pepper? Gonna make it hit it where it counts on the tongue." DK smirked, chuckling with excitement.

Farfetch'd eyerolled as he used his leek to shove the pepper spice into DK's reach. The chef unscrewed the cap and sprinkled what looked like half of the entire spice container into the concoction. As the smell of pepper overcame the aroma of the pot, the others were situated on stools or sitting on the ground.

Around them, their Pokémon were out to get a little fresh air. They were gathered around the vicinity and decided to mingle amongst the others.

"(T-there's so many of us around...)" Sobble looked around, looking extremely wary of all the new faces she's never met. Just looking at Mightyena alone was enough to make her shrivel in fear.

"(Oh, girl. Please, for de love of Arceus, do not cry again, okay? It is much too early for all dis crybaby shit.)" Scraggy exasperated.

"(I-I'm sorry, I...I just...)"

"(Hey, knock it off, would ya.)" Bagon said, coming to Sobble's defense. "(Just leave her alone.)"

Scraggy gave him a look. "(And what you gonna do about it, fo'?)"

Bagon frowned. Rather than tell him off, he instead stood in front of Sobble and glared him down. Dragonfire broiled in his maw as a sheer warning for him to back off. Luckily for him, Scraggy looked off guard by his choice of intended violence.

"(A-Aye now...let's not do anything hasty, fo'...)"

"(Then back off.)" Bagon's tone was calm, but there was a threatening undertone within it.

"(O-Okay...)" Scraggy turned away, his eyes wide with slight shock.

Bagon sighed. "(Geez, people and Pokémon...)" He turned towards Sobble, her blue eyes shaken with sparkling awe. "(You alright?)"

"(Huh...? Y-yes, t-thank you, Mr. Dragon...)" Sobble hiccupped, tapping her tiny hands together.

Bagon waved her off dismissively. "(It's not a big deal. You should talk to Wimpod, sure he can give you pointers.)"

Sobble tilted her head. "(Wimpod? What's a Wimpod?)"

"(Hi.)" Behind her, Wimpod scuttled up.

"(Ah!)" Sobble jumped in fear.

"(AH!)" Wimpod panicked, scurrying around her to hide behind Bagon in a shivering heap.

"(Or...you know...maybe not.)" Bagon shrugged.

Squirtle stretched his arms up, feeling the strain from last night's battle. "(Excuse me.)" He recognized a voice that fell beside him. He looked over, seeing the familiar sight of Riolu.

"(Hm? Oh, it's you. How are you feeling?)"

Riolu nodded with a grunt. "(Much better now that I'm recovered, thanks to that maid with healing abilities. I trust that you are well, too?)"

Squirtle rubbed the back of his head. "(Yeah, I'm just fine...though I can't lie when I say that I still feel a little pulled. But nothing serious.)"

"(I see...listen, I wanted to thank you for what you did yesterday. You and Growlithe have put me through my paces. It's clear now that in order to make progress, we will have to work harder than we did before. So...I look forward to battling alongside, and against you.)" He reached a paw out for a handshake.

Squirtle blinked and gave the paw a conspicuous look. He looked back at Riolu to see of this was some kind of feinted gesture, but the serious look in his eyes proved him wrong. Shrugging, he offered a grin and a hand to shake with in return.

"(Pleasure's all mine, friend.)"

"(Well, that's sweet, right?)" Butterfree chimed, turning towards Snom.

"(Sure thing.)" She quipped.

"(Oh, that's so sweet! I bet we'll be the best of friends!)" Popplio cheered, clapping her flippers together. "(I can work hard, too! Watch, I'll start right now!)" She raised her nose, gradually blowing another blue bubble into the air. It detached and floated skywards, ascending like a slow-moving balloon until it popped.

Zorua eyerolled. "(I think I'm with the Scraggy on this one. It's too early with all this damn noise...)" She put her paws over her large ears and turned away with an annoyed huff.

"Yo, cheffy man, de food done yet?" Damon asked DK.

DK raised his head at his acquaintance's voice. "What? Oh, yeah, yeah. It's just about done. Um, everyone hold out your bowls! It's time for you to have a taste of my famous Chef DK Breakfast Stew!"

"Stew for breakfast, heh? That's certainly something you don't taste every day." Keith chimed.

DK hummed as he held up his ladle. He poured out a bowl for Azura first. "There you go, miss." He poured another one, this time for Felicia. "Another one for the lady." He scooped out some more for Freya's bowl. "And~ one for you." He sang in a flirty tone. "Alright fellas, your turn! Get it while it's hot!"

"Oh, I hate to be a bother, but can someone perhaps, um...?" Keith fiddled his fingers in front of his face, gesturing to his eyes.

Nathan got up, sighing out loud. "Stay right there. I'll get it."

"Thank you."

DK proceeded to pouring bowls of the brothy mixture for all of them. They all received their individual bowls, with small spoons included.

"Thank you, Chef DK. I really appreciate..." Corrin picked up his spoon and readied himself to eat...only for his appetite to almost immediate go south.

"Uh..." Evan trailed off, looking just as stunned as his friend. He was at a loss for the gray-brown broth that had what looked like white beans, along with white rice, what looked like torn up berry scraps, a few chopped up leaves from a nearby tree, and a lot of pepper flakes. Was this even considered edible food at this point?

"Uh...fo'...what de hell is dis?" Damen asked DK, holding up his bowl.

"Oh, that? Well, let me see. Hmmm..." DK tapped his chin. "I think I used some dried-up soybeans that I found lying on the ground from Hoshido...some leaves from a nearby tree for fiber...and I think an Oran Berry that I scrunched up and skinned to put in there for that extra sweet sauce." He chuckled. "Oh yeah, and I used some rice, and tons of pepper, you know, to balance it all out."

Everyone had the same thought: Seriously? That was cooking?! Even someone who wouldn't have basic cooking skills would know better than to make something like this. Just looking at it was bad enough. The smell, on the other hand, was overloaded with spice from the pepper; it was enough to make Azura sneeze.

But still, some were desperate, and some like Evan haven't eaten in almost a whole day. He would kill for something edible if possible. Swallowing a lump, Evan fiddled with his spoon and scooped out a small portion of his share.

"Evan, are you really going to...?" Freya worried.

"Hoho, I hope you enjoy! I bet it'll knock your socks off!" DK merrily rejoiced.

Evan gave the stew another look. The more he discerned about it, the more unsettled his stomach got. He exhaled through his mouth softly and steeled himself to be the daredevil of this bizarre choice of a meal. He put the spoon in his mouth to ingest his first meal in what felt like forever...

"So...how is it?" Corrin asked.

As soon as Evan pulled the spoon out of his mouth, his expression said it all. His taste buds told everything wrong about that dish in a matter of a few sloshes around his mouth. For one thing, the soybeans were too dry and firm still. The rice was way overcooked, making it seem like mesh that tingled his tongue. The shredded leaves left a bitter aftertaste, which was followed by pepper that covered his tongue. It took everything in him not to spit it out...and even more so to actually attempt to swallow.

"Um..." He held back a gag. "Let's just say...it's an acquired taste..." He trailed off as he coughed to the side. Freya leaned over and put a hand on his back in case he needed it.

DK nodded. "Oh, I gotcha, too much pepper then?" DK asked, painfully oblivious to the message.

Evan stuck out his tongue to air out his gag reflex. "Uh...yeah. Yeah, at least that's what I taste..." He hunched forward in disgust. "I...I-I think I lost my appetite..."

Nathan scrutinized the dish before trying it himself. Food was food and all...but this made his face sour up like poor Evan. He swallowed the mesh of rice and beans that tasted like bile. 'God, this is food? I'd settle over wild berries over this...'

"Uh...thank you...DK." Corrin said. Even he looked down at the unappealing concoction, very unnerved.

"No problem, guys! And remember, I made plenty to go around~!" DK chimed as he walked away. "Now, to take care of these dishes in that pond..." He took the few utensils away to clean them, much to everyone's chagrin.

"We had to wash in that pond, I hope he realized that." Freya said.

"Oh, hell nah, I ain't doing dis." Damon shook his head. "Lemme fix dat up here..." He turned away while DK was preoccupied. He poured the contents behind him onto the ground, making them splatter.

"I was just thinking the same thing." Nathan said, dumping his bowl's contents behind him.

Everyone looked to one another, having the same idea. Even though he was blind, Keith's nose told him that whatever this was, it wasn't healthy. He handed it to Ditto, who gladly took it and tilted it for him into the ground. Everyone followed the motion while the opportunity presented itself.

"Um, Sobble?" Freya whispered, nudging towards the spilled contents. "Use your Water Gun."

"(Huh?)" Sobble blinked in confusion. "(Um, okay...?)" She hesitated for a split second, before expelling a blast of water at the "spilled" soup. Very quickly, it was washed away, leaving only shredded, drenched leaves that blended into the pavement.

"He's coming back!" Nathan exasperated the return of DK. Everyone straightened up and held their empty bowls like nothing was wrong.

"Hm-hm-hmmm~!" DK hummed as he returned with his utensils drenched, choosing to air dry them. "Huh? Oh, finished already, guys? Wow, you must have been hungry little Munchlax, hehe."

"Uh, y-yeah...we were..." Evan muttered.

"Oh...well is anyone good for seconds-?!"

"No, no!" The answer came out more forced than necessary. "We're all good, right guys?"

Everyone nodded in silent agreement.

DK blinked, getting odd vibes that left him uneased. "...okay then? So, uh, I guess that if everyone's full, we should be going now, right?"

"Right." Corrin stood up, turning towards the others. "We should return to our world now. If everyone's ready, let's go."

"Right." Azura stood up, ready to go along with him.

"(Hold on! We're coming, too!)" Riolu declared, raising a paw.

"(Yeah, I wanna come, too!)" Popplio cheered for Azura. "(It's much more fun to perform when others are around!)"

Corrin looked down at Riolu and Popplio. "Huh? What is it? You guys want to come, too?"

Riolu steeled himself. "(Yes!)"

Keith smirked. "Well, well, well, from the sounds of it, it seems like we have some very persistent Pokémon to deal with. But fortunately for all of us, it seems they want to tag along. So how about this..." He reached into his pockets, pulling out two Poke Balls for both Corrin and Azura. "Use these. They will help carry for Pokémon around easier."

Corrin and Azura took the capsules, both giving them conspicuous looks. The former spoke up. "What exactly are these? I've seen you guys use them, but how exactly do you use it?"

"Oh, those are called Poke Balls. They're used to catch Pokémon." Evan explained. "Sometimes it doesn't work, but what you do is that it makes contact with a wild Pokémon and draws them inside."

Azura blinked. "I...don't know what you mean."

"Just tap those two with the capsules, and then they'll do the rest." Nathan bluntly explained.

Corrin and Azura shared worried looks of their own, but chose to go along with it. "Okay...here goes." Corrin faced Riolu, holding out the Poke Ball. Azura did the same, but only towards Popplio/

Riolu and Popplio gave the capsules short glances before looking at each other. Smiles crept not their faces as they knew what they wanted. Together, they extended a paw and a flipper that touched the buttons on each device. The capsules opened, and both Pokémon converted inti red energy that streamed into the capsules and clamped shut.

The capsules rattled in their holds. They shook once, then twice...and then stopped after three times. A click sound was made to signal that the deed was done.

Corrin gasped in surprise. "So then...that's how you capture a Pokémon?"

"I mean, that's one way. But now that just means that Riolu and Popplio are yours now." Evan said. He suddenly put his hand over his mouth as his stomach wasn't feeling so easy to deal with. "Oh god..."

"I see..." Corrin held up his Poke Ball, looking at it directly with a curious expression turning serious. A soft smile crept onto his face. "Let's work together from now on...Riolu."

"Congratulations, both of you!" Felicia praised.

"Thank you very much. Though we'll try our best to keep up." Azura smiled.

Corrin nodded in agreement. "Yes. Now, I think it's time. Everyone...please bear with me a little more. Lilith...we're ready!"

Lilith appeared before Corrin and his friends, nodding in understanding. "Alright!"

Evan and everyone else stood and recalled the rest of their Pokémon. As Evan fought the urge to gag, a bright light emanated from Lilith that shined underneath everyone else. They all vanished in a bright light, leaving the Astral Planes vacant once more.


Party Data:

Evan

-Squirtle (Male)

Lv: 15

Item: None

Nature: Mild

Ability: Torrent

Moves: Tackle, Tail Whip, Water Pulse, Bite

-Butterfree (Male)

Lv: 13

Item: None

Nature: Modest

Ability: Compound Eyes

Moves: Poison Powder, Gust, Electroweb, Sleep Powder

-Growlithe (Male)

Lv: 12

Item: None

Nature: Bashful

Ability: Intimidate

Moves: Ember, Flame Wheel, Howl, Bite

Freya

-Sobble (Female)

Lv: 15

Item: None

Nature: Timid

Ability: Torrent

Moves: Water Pulse, Whirlpool, Water Gun, Bind

-Rolycoly (Male)

Lv: 12

Item: None

Nature: Quiet

Ability: Steam Engine

Moves: Tackle, Smokescreen, Rapid Spin, Smack Down

-Snom (Female)

Lv: 12

Item: Snowball

Nature: Bold

Ability: Shield Dust

Moves: Powder Snow, Struggle Bug

Nathan

-Bagon (Male)

Lv: 26

Item: Dragon Fang

Nature: Calm

Ability: Rock Head

Moves: Headbutt, Hydro Pump, Crunch, Dragon Breath

-Wimpod (Male)

Lv: 21

Item: None

Nature: Bashful

Ability: Wimp Out

Moves: Struggle Bug, Sand Arrack, Defense Curl, Screech

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: 20

Item: Black Glasses

Nature: Rash

Ability: Quick Feet

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

Damon

-Scraggy (Male)

Lv: 15

Item: None

Nature: Naughty

Ability: Moxie

Moves: Headbutt, Sand Attack, Low Kick, Payback

Chef DK

-Farfetch'd (Male)

Lv: 16

Item: Leek

Nature: Hardy

Ability: Keen Eye

Moves: Fury Cutter, Cut, Sand Attack, Peck

Corrin

-Riolu (Male)

Lv: 15

Item: None

Nature: Serious

Ability: Steadfast

Moves: Endure, Feint, Metal Claw, Counter

Azura

-Popplio (Female)

Lv: 14

Item: None

Nature: Naïve

Ability: Liquid Voice

Moves: Water Gun, Disarming Voice, Aqua Jet, Baby-Doll Eyes


Hope you guys enjoyed the chapter! So I know that this chapter wasn't necessarily very forward in terms of the Fire Emblem plot. In all actuality, the plot barely moved in this chapter, and I used it instead as a means to allow things to simmer, to let the characters take a deep breath and catch up, sort of speak. This, as well as a means for Corrin and Azura to learn how to use Pokémon for the basis of battles. Now we're about to dive into the deeper parts of the story...literally! XD

Until next time, let me know what you think. Leave a review to let me know what your thoughts were about the chapter! :)