After a lot of action-heavy chapters, it's time we calm things down a bit, starting with this update. Enjoy!

Chapter 60: Serious Attitude Adjustments

~Cosmic Cavern~

A pillar of golden light surrounded the center of the village, depositing the entire group in front of the entrance to the Cavernous Depths. Espeon brushed the dusty remains of her used Escape Orb off her foreleg and quickly dispensed healing items around to the Pokémon that needed them.

Everyone else's attentions remained fixed on Shane, who held the Subterranean Shard in his mouth. He dropped it to the ground. "What? What's everyone staring at me for?" He swiveled his face around for everyone in the group to see. "Do I have rock in my teeth?" He paused when he noticed Tessa and Silvally staring back at him in disbelief.

"Uh, Shane, you do realize you're a Ninetales now, right?" Tessa spoke up.

"Well, yeah, but it's not like a Ninetales is some sort of super-incredible sight or anything," he dismissed. "Even if I've never seen one with white fur." His brow furrowed. "Or, I guess I'm kind of blue now? Must be channeling my inner popsicle." Shane did a quick turnaround to inspect his fur. "So, seriously, what's with the staring? I'm getting a little worried."

"It's just… y'know… you evolved," Silvally said. "How are you feeling? Happy? Upset? Invigorated? Some bizarre combination of all three?"

Shane sat down, tilting his head in confusion. "I, uh, don't actually know, honestly." He scratched at his right ear with his right hind leg. "Maybe my brain hasn't fully processed that this has happened yet? I mean, Tessa didn't pick up on her evolution right away." He winced, realizing he might've said something to upset her. "Err, sorry, I didn't mean to bring that up."

"It's fine," Tessa insisted.

Espeon cleared her throat. "Hey, guys? Hate to interrupt, but the rest of the group's broken apart."

Tessa's aura feelers tensed. "Wait, what?" She turned around, scanning the area for any signs of her brother. All she saw was a Golett, Golurk, and a pair of Graveler staring down at her from the second level. She looked away from them, rubbing the back of her neck nervously. "Where did Gallian go? I need to talk to him."

Espeon pointed a forepaw toward an outcropping of rock near the village's entrance. "Zoroark limped off into that den and Gallian followed after him." She craned her head upward. "Totem Decidueye took Dusk and Team Paradox up there. I'm assuming they're all going to his home to recuperate. Houndoom and Dusk were in pretty rough shape. I think Houndoom even lost her helmet. She might have a concussion that needs tending to. From what I could see, Dusk looked like a bloody mess, too."

"Then… I have to go," Tessa said. She clasped her paws against her chest and walked toward Zoroark's home. Tessa paused, turning back to Shane with a frown. "Um… sorry I'm walking out. We can talk later or something. I just…" She rubbed her shoulder. "I've got some words for Gallian. Like… a lot of them."

Silvally was at her side before she could move any farther. "Tessa, are you sure that's a good idea right now? Maybe we should go with you?"

"No, I have to do this myself," Tessa said. "He's my brother. It's time I set things straight with him."

"I understand," Silvally said. Still, he blocked her path. "But if you're going to go in there by yourself, I need you to promise me you'll keep a level head."

Tessa blinked in surprise. "What's gotten into you? Why would you think I'd fly off the handle at him?"

Silvally frowned. "Tessa… we saw what happened when you were battling Gallian. You've had quite a few of those outbursts ever since we got back from Tapu Bulu's temple." Tessa's brow furrowed. Silvally stepped toward her, nudging her muzzle with his beak. "I just don't want you to lose control. You rescued your brother, yeah, but getting him to warm back up to you is another story entirely."

"I know," Tessa sighed, shoulders slumping. "Still, I'm going to try. I deserve to say my piece after he walked out on me." She put a paw up onto his shoulder. "I appreciate the concern, but I'm fine. Really."

"Okay," Silvally said, stepping to the side. "Good luck."

Tessa nodded and continued forward, entering Zoroark's house. Silvally turned back around, only to find that Shane had walked away, taking the Subterranean Shard with him. Only Espeon still remained in the area, eyes closed and head bowed in silent thought. "Hey, where did Shane go?" Silvally asked. He channeled his psychic memories and did a scan of the area. It didn't take him long to sense Shane's life force a few dozen yards away.

"He walked off in that direction," Espeon replied, pointing her tail toward a staircase that had been carved into the rocks. A sign indicated they led to natural hot springs. "No idea why he'd slink off over there, but I wasn't gonna ask."

"Ah. I see," Silvally muttered. He stood in front of Espeon, poking a pebble with one of his talons. Silvally kept looking up at her, wanting to say something, but unable to gather his thoughts properly. Finally, after a minute of silence, he said, "Espeon, are you alright?"

Espeon's ears stuck up. "Huh?"

Silvally walked up and sat down next to her. Espeon flinched and tried to scoot away, but Silvally craned his neck down so he was at eye level with her. "I'm serious. How are you holding up?"

"I'm fine. What does it matter, anyway?" Espeon said, turning her head away. Silvally got up and stepped in her field of vision. She shrank back defensively. "Hey, mind backing up? You're creeping me out, here."

"I just want to know that you're doing okay," Silvally whispered. "With everything that's happened today between Tessa and Gallian… I couldn't help but think about you."

Espeon frowned. "I don't need your pity. We've barely spoken to one another."

"I know. I'm sorry about that," Silvally said. "But you're part of the team. Shane and Tessa really care about you and I do, too." He sat down again. "You've got something on your mind, don't you?"

"Are you reading my mind?" Espeon growled, taking up a defensive dance.

"No, of course not!" Silvally insisted. "I just… I figured that seeing Tessa and Gallian fight… might've made you think about Umbreon." Silvally immediately knew he hit the nail on the head, because Espeon looked away from him, eyes glazing over and tail falling between her legs.

"That's… not something I want to talk about," she whispered. "You wouldn't understand."

"Try me," Silvally said. "Plenty of my spirits had siblings. And many of them had shaky relationships. I think I would understand pretty well." He scooted back, giving Espeon a bit more breathing room. "Just because I'm not your closest friend doesn't mean I'm not willing to hear you out."

"Okay, fine!" Espeon relented. "Yes, I admit it. Everything that's happened today is upsetting. Very upsetting! I look at Gallian and… and… I see myself." She bowed her head guiltily. "I see him making the same mistake that I did: acting out toward the people trying to help him. Worst of all, he's pushing Tessa away. Just like…" She sniffled and rubbed her head against her shoulder. "Just like I did to Umbry."

Espeon dropped to her stomach, burying her head in her paws. "So, yes, I'm upset. And I'm jealous. Gallian… he has a doting sister, a mate that was willing to fight through some nasty injuries for him even after he walked out of the guy's life, and biggest of all… he has a chance to fix his life. To set everything right with the people who love him." Espeon took in a shuddering breath. "And that's a chance… I'm never going to have."

She fixed her watery eyes on Silvally. "There, I talked about it. Happy now?"

Silvally laid down in front of Espeon. "I'm so sorry. I couldn't have imagined that's what you thought."

"Ha! Oh please, do you think I buy that garbage?" Espeon sneered. "You're a psychic-type… in a manner of speaking. You probably knew about this all along. You just wanted to hear me say it." Her eyes narrowed at Silvally. "You honestly think that you can help everyone around you, don't you? It doesn't work that way. People help each other… because they expect to get something in return. Guilds take job requests to earn a living. It's not about warm, fuzzy feelings, it's about getting by in life, plain and simple."

"I don't really believe that," Silvally said. "I think anyone who willingly chooses the path of an explorer does so because they care about the Pokémon around them."

Espeon laughed at him. "You're so naïve. Tell me something, then. What are you getting out of this?"

Silvally shrugged. "The satisfaction that comes with seeing my friends happy."

Her gaze fiercened. "Yeah, right. I don't buy it. I heard what Necrozma said to you the other day. No matter how much 'good' you do, it's not going to change the fact that you'll outlive everyone you claim to care about. We'll just be more memories to add to your massive collection." Her tail drifted to her side, as if it was a second head joining her in staring Silvally down. "It's guilt, then, isn't it? I mean, you're pretty much Legendary in my eyes. The way I see it, you're trying to pick up the slack for the gods. That way you don't have to think about the fact that the only reason you exist is because they all suck at their jobs."

Silvally sighed. "Well, yeah, I admit that I'm a bit stuck on what's going to happen to you guys… and to me." He blinked slowly. "But that's far into the future and not worth worrying about. Right now, I'm focused on helping you guys because I think we can make this world a better place, together. It all starts by beating the Prism Virus."

"You can keep saying that as much you want. It's not going to change how I feel about all of this… and about you," Espeon countered. "Not everyone's going to want to be your friend. And not everyone's going to be grateful to have you around. Sooner or later, you'll realize that, despite your best efforts, you can't do it all. My advice? Start picking and choosing your battles." She turned her head away from Silvally. "Or you're just going to end up getting burned."

"No wonder Zero persuaded you to join her," Silvally whispered, frowning.

Espeon's ears stuck up. "What did you just say to me?" She turned back around, only to tense up as Silvally stared her down, a hardened look in his eyes.

"I thought that Tessa had gotten through to you back at the Observatory, but I guess I was wrong," Silvally said. "You're not just cynical… you're bitter and spiteful." His pink eyes glowed. Espeon shuffled back, narrowing her eyes at Silvally. "There's a part of you that wants things to completely break down between Tessa and Gallian, isn't there? I can't believe that, after Tessa tried to help you when you needed it most, you'd think like that. It's disgusting."

"Of course a part of me wants to see it!" Espeon yelled, jumped up to her feet. "Because I screwed up with Umbry! And if Gallian torches his relationship with Tessa, then I don't have to feel like the only 'mon on the planet who ruined her sibling's life!" She couldn't hold her tears back any longer and collapsed back on the ground, crying.

Silvally's expression relaxed. He scooted over toward her, offering up his shoulder. Espeon leaned against it, shuddering with each sob she made. "Shhhh… it's okay. Just let it out," Silvally coaxed. "I understand… really."

"No… no you don't," Espeon blubbered. "The human– I mean Shane… he said Umbry sacrificed himself for my sake, but the more I think about… the less it makes sense. I was… I treated him so badly. I was a mess… no, I am a mess. Hoarding spiked berry juice… finding stardust to sniff up… stomping around Post Town, cursing everyone out. I said Umbry and I had friends on the Mist Continent… but really, I burned those bridges. Burned them to ashes."

"That stumbling around you did yesterday… you were hungover, weren't you?" Silvally growled. Espeon lifted her head off his shoulder, a guilty look on her face. Silvally frowned disapprovingly. "And you were acting pretty nasty this morning, too," Silvally accused. "Were you drinking again?"

"No. You were all asleep last night. I had some stardust from Mount Supernova, so I went outside Totem Salazzle's house and used it," Espeon said, to Silvally's displeasure. "What? Don't give me that look. You wouldn't understand. I need that stuff. It… it keeps them away."

"Keeps who away?"

"The Void Shadows!" Espeon said, looking around nervously. "They've been following me ever since Dark Matter attacked. I can't always see them, but I can hear them. Taunting me. Ridiculing me for all my failures." She curled up against Silvally again. "They told me it's my fault Umbry's gone. I was so pushy and callous toward him, that I broke his spirit." Her ears folded against her head. "I made him so miserable, that he would rather suffer at Necrozma's hands than spend another moment with me."

"That's not true. He really cared about you," Silvally said.

"Because he didn't have a choice," Espeon countered. "I… we…" She scrunched her face up. "We were mates."

Silvally stiffened. "Oh. I… uh…" His brow furrowed. "Not gonna lie to ya, I kind of figured that was the case."

Espeon's tail crinkled up. "Y… you knew? But… but that's not…" Her voice trailed off and she reached up to rub the gem on her forehead. "Of course," she hissed, "thanks to that stupid cave-in, I can't mask my life energy all that well." She shook her head. "Great! Wonderful! I'll bet Tessa can sense Umbry on me, too. What isn't going wrong in my life, huh?" Espeon rolled onto her back, kicking at the air in frustration. "I tried so hard… so damn hard to keep that under wraps. I figured when I convinced Shane that nothing was happening, my work was done."

"The problem there is that Shane is rather… dense. But that's straying off topic," Silvally said. "I don't understand. Why were you trying so hard to keep that hidden?"

"Because it was a stupid mistake," Espeon fired back. "Neither of us were thinking straight. The world was crumbling around us. It was just so cold. We started to huddle together and one thing led to another and… well… I think you get the idea." She rolled over to her side, angling herself so she faced away from Silvally. "You know how it works. Once you have a mate, you're bound for life. Even if we both wanted to break it off, we'd have been looked down on by everyone."

"But what would have been so bad about folks finding out?" Silvally wondered. "You're not the only relatives to end up as mates, you know."

"That wasn't the problem," Espeon growled. "The problem was that if people found out, they'd want details. I wasn't about to stand there and tell my friends about that stuff. How, instead of offering support against the Bittercold, we mated to forget about everything that was falling apart." Espeon rolled back into a sitting position, a defeated look on her face. "Only, when all the dust settled, Umbry bounced back and returned to his usual self and I… just didn't."

Silvally bowed his head solemnly. "I guess you're right. I can't imagine what was going through your head back then." He flinched. "Well, I guess I could see it for myself. But even if I read your mind, I don't think I'd have the full picture." He stood up and walked over toward her.

"Don't–" Espeon started, only for Silvally to lay down next to her. "Ugh, when will you just give it a rest? Haven't I said enough, already?"

"Espeon, look at me," Silvally said. When she turned away from him, Silvally poked her between the shoulder blades with his beak. Espeon gasped and turned around, an angry look on her face. "I wasn't finished talking to you," he said, drawing a scowl from Espeon. "Look… will you just hear me out for a few minutes? If you really don't like what I have to say, then I'll walk away and we don't have to talk to each other like this ever again. Sound good?"

Espeon curled her tail around her legs. "I'm listening."

"It's easy to let your mind drift to the worst-case scenario… and convince yourself that it has to be true. Especially when your life's not on solid footing," Silvally said. "I get it. Really, I do. So many of these spirits inside me died angry and upset because they felt like they weren't in control of their own lives. When the mask was on… that's exactly how I felt, too." He inched closer to Espeon. This time she didn't shrink back. "Still, I want you to take a good, hard look at your life with Umbreon. I get the taboo behind leaving your mate, but don't you think that, if he really, truly thought you were making him miserable like you're claiming he did, he would have walked out years ago?"

"N… no… the stigma, it's…"

"It hasn't stopped other Pokémon," Silvally cut in. "You remember Sylveon, from Sunrise Village?" Espeon's winced, sending a pang of guild through Silvally's chest. Silvally focused on his breathing to steady himself. "Tessa told me her mate walked out on her. Didn't even say why. She thinks he ran off to Solstice Summit with a Glaceon." Silvally's words irritated Espeon. He coughed nervously. "A-Anyway… the point I'm trying to make is that you've let your negative thoughts take hold of your life and drive all your actions. I think that's why these 'Void Shadows' are driving you mad."

Espeon blinked slowly. "I… uh…" Her jaw hung open.

Silvally opted to continue. "You need to start pushing back. Umbreon stuck by you through all the rough days, arguments with friends, and questionable choices." He grasped the tip of Espeon's muzzle with a talon and lifted it up. "And, from what I can gather, you two kept up some degree of intimacy. Otherwise that gossip article would've never existed, right?"

"Th… that was just a mistake," Espeon said, sniffling. "I… I told him mating would make me feel better. He believed me."

"You're letting those negative thoughts win again," Silvally said, his gaze sharpening. "For all you know, he did it because he genuinely, truly loves you." He let go of Espeon's muzzle and stepped back. "I know it's hard for you to hear this, but what you're doing right now… it's not working. It'll never work. You can get as much stardust and berry juice as you want, but it won't drive the Void Shadows in your head away. It's a temporary solution, at best." Silvally lowered his head. "Like shaking your head around… or bashing your helmeted skull against whatever wall you can find."

Espeon's looked straight at Silvally, eyes widening.

"I know this is hurting you, but the only way to make the pain stop is to make a change," Silvally continued. "In your case, you have to challenge those negative thoughts."

"I already tried that. It didn't work," Espeon muttered.

"Then, you need friends by your side to support you," Silvally said.

"I don't have any friends left. Even if they were willing to forgive me, Necrozma made sure that'll never happen."

"Yes, you do," Silvally said. "You have me, Tessa, and Shane." Espeon frowned and looked away again. "Hey." Silvally hopped to the side, reentering Espeon's field of view. "I used to be like you. Convinced that nobody could possibly help me… and no one would understand what I'm going through. But then I met Tessa… and everything changed."

Espeon didn't respond, instead fixating on her satchel. Silvally sighed. "Okay, I get the message. You're done with me." He turned away from her. "I guess I'll just… I dunno… go check on Tessa."

"… don't go."

Silvally froze mid-step. He craned his neck back to see Espeon staring down at her bag, into one glistening side of the Sizzle Shard. "Please," she whispered. "Stay with me. You're right… I don't want to be alone. I want," she choked back tears, "to feel like I fit in somewhere again." Espeon looked up at Silvally. "What… what do you think I need to do… to make all these bad thoughts go away?"

Before Silvally could respond, he and Espeon heard footsteps. They both looked back toward the village and watched Gallian walk out of Zoroark's house with a neutral expression on his face. He glanced at the two of them and then took off for the tunnel leading outside Cosmic Cavern. Seconds later, Totem Decidueye glided down from the upper levels and walked into Zoroark's den.

"I think going after Gallian might be a good place to start," Silvally said. "You said you saw some of yourself in him, right? Well, now's your chance to make sure he doesn't make the same mistake you did."

Espeon's ears drooped. "But I don't even know the guy. What if he lashes out at me?"

"I'll go with you," Silvally offered. "I'm not going to let anything happen to you. You're a teammate… and a friend." He extended his foreleg to Espeon. "What do you say? Are you willing to give it a try?"

"Yeah, I guess so."

Gallian entered Zoroark's house. His former mate lay on a straw bed, rubbing his scarred abdomen and leg and groaning loudly. "You shouldn't have followed me," Gallian said. "This wouldn't have happened if you'd just stayed back here." Gallian shook his head. "You tailed me all the way to the Volcanic Wastes, didn't you? What were you thinking?"

"I don't… really want to talk about that… right now," Zoroark replied.

"Well, I'm not just gonna drop the issue," Gallian said. "You can answer me now… or later."

Zoroark laughed bitterly. "Seriously? After everything that's happened today… you're gonna try and throw it all on me?"

Gallian shrank back at this. "I–"

"Gallian."

Tessa appeared in the doorway. Gallian jumped up, yipping in surprise, and scrambled toward the far corner of the room. He whirled around to face Tessa, adopting a guarded stance. "What's your problem? I want some privacy. Go away!"

Anger momentarily flashed through Tessa's eyes. Zoroark sat up, muzzle stiffened, while Gallian crouched lower to the ground. In doing so, however, pain shot through his legs and he collapsed on his stomach. "Gallian, I don't want to fight with you anymore," Tessa said. "Stop trying to push me away. I'm your sister and I just want to talk."

"I… I don't have anything to say to you," Gallian whimpered.

Tessa stomped a foot on the ground, making Gallian's fur stand on end. "Yes, you do," she said. "You're just… you're just… beyond stubborn." Tessa shook her head in disbelief. "Like… I just don't understand it. How could you go from the warm, caring brother I spent nights on the beach with to… to… this angry guy spouting off nonsense about impending disaster?" Tessa got down on her knees so she was at eye level with Gallian. "Please, help me see what happened. Because you're nothing like the guy I remember. You're not the brother I love anymore."

Claws scraped against rock and Tessa's ears twitched. "I already told you," Gallian said, voice cracking, "Mom tried to kill me."

"You said that back in the dungeon, too," Tessa said. "But that would've happened after you left the guild. I'm talking about earlier than that… when you stormed up to Sylveon's house, locked eyes with me, and, with the scariest-sounding voice I'd ever heard from someone other than Mom, told me, 'Don't you ever let me catch you setting foot in that guild. If you do, I won't hesitate to strike you down!'"

Gallian flinched. "I had to keep you safe."

"By threatening me with violence?" Tessa countered, a glare spreading across her face. Gallian recognized the look in her eyes and gulped.

"My disaster sense," Gallian whispered, his defiant attitude from earlier having completely vanished.

"That's not a good enough answer, Gallian," Tessa said. She nearly slapped the floor with her paw but managed to stop herself and instead rest it on her thigh. "I want to know why. What was going through your head that you thought you needed to frighten me? Mom had made me feel awful enough in the months after Dad died. When you showed up, I thought you were there to lift my spirits." Her ears folded against her head. "And then you yelled at me. You scared me. And I… I felt so miserable after that."

Gallian scooted back on the floor. "I… I didn't have a choice. It was the only way… the only thing I could think of that didn't set off my disaster sense. I needed to stay away from you… and the guild," he insisted. "It's all because of Metagross. I found out that he killed Dad. Mom ran out on us because of him."

"Why didn't you just tell me that?" Tessa asked, a hurt look in her eyes. "If you said that, don't you think I would've heeded your advice and stayed as far away from there as possible?" Tessa leaned back, resting against her heels. "I looked up to you back then. You were my role model. I wanted to be just like you: confident, caring, and brave." Her eyes glazed over. "Hearing you say that stuff… tore a hole through my heart. One that's only just started to heal."

Tessa scooched backwards, giving Gallian some more breathing room. "I panicked," Gallian admitted. "I just… the disaster sense was so strong. I wasn't sure who to trust or what to do. I thought if I told you what had happened, that you'd try to investigate yourself." Gallian's brow furrowed and he looked away. "I was trying…" He took a shuddering breath. "I wanted to keep you away from a potential disaster. But in doing that… I just brought disaster on you, didn't I?"

He slowly shut his eyes and hug his head. "How bad was it?" he asked. "You still had Eevee and Sylveon, right?"

"That wasn't enough," Tessa said. "Besides… they're gone now, thanks to Mom."

Gallian winced. "I see," he whispered.

Tessa put a paw up to her rainbow scarf. "It was bad, Gallian," she said. "I kept sinking lower and lower… and then I met Shane. Things spiraled out of control after that."

"What do you mean?"

"I was–" Tessa cut herself off. She could feel Zoroark studying her from his bed. A part of her wanted to ask him to leave, but this was his home. He was her spirit-brother. It didn't seem like the right thing to do. So, Tessa took a deep breath and said, "I was going to let myself starve."

Gallian finally met Tessa's gaze, a shocked look on his face. "Tessa," he said. "No. You… you shouldn't stay stuff like that! You–"

"It's true, Gallian," Tessa whispered. "Shane and Silvally… they stopped me from going through with it."

Tessa's ears twitched at the sound of footsteps. Zoroark's arm slung across her shoulder. She involuntarily tensed. "Are you okay, now?" Zoroark asked.

"Well, things aren't spectacular," Tessa said. "But I'm hanging in there. Besides, I made a promise to my friends… that I wouldn't go to such a dark place again."

Gallian had scooched closer to the wall, still looking completely baffled at Tessa's confession. "This doesn't make any sense," he muttered. "You're a Lucario now. Riolus evolve when they're happy. How–?"

Tessa held her left arm up, showing off her Naturia Looplet. "The Z-Power from my looplet jump-started my aura abilities… and made me evolve prematurely." She paused. "Or, I guess, I kind of evolved pretty late into life, but it's still premature because I wasn't mentally ready." Tessa rubbed her head. "Espeon explained it a lot better."

Zoroark nodded. "I'm just glad to hear you're okay. That's… nobody should have to experience that kind of sadness." He looked over at Gallian. "Isn't that right?"

Gallian's eyes darted back and forth between the two of them. "I, uh, yeah."

"I knew it," Zoroark said, brow furrowing, "you're still putting up barriers."

Gallian bit his lower lip and looked away. "Gallian, nobody's trying to hurt you," Tessa said.

"It's… this is all my fault," Gallian croaked, shutting his eyes. "Mom was right. I'm a failure. I'm the worst kind of Absol you can be: one that brings disaster onto everyone who comes across him."

Zoroark frowned. "What happened to some things being more important than your disaster sense?" he asked. "That's what you said to me. I know you still feel that way… somewhere deep down. Why can't you pull those thoughts back up again?"

Gallian's eyes flashed pink. Zoroark and Tessa tensed. "Weren't you the one who told me, 'You really expect me to welcome you back with open arms after what you did?'" Gallian said, directing a glare at Zoroark.

"I said that because you hurt me, Gallian," Zoroark said. "I laid my life on the line for you… and you ran away… because you were scared. Your disaster sense told you bad things were happening. So, you listened to it… instead of me." Zoroark's ear drooped. "That's how I interpreted what happened. You lied to me… after we'd bared our souls to each other. That pain… it cut deep. Deeper than what your Mom did, as cliché as it sounds." He sat down next to Tessa, crossing his arms and legs. "I deserve an explanation… and a sincere apology."

Gallian's response consisted of him brushing his scythe against the wall. "It was because you were infected, right?" Tessa said. "That's what drove you away. It had to be." She glanced at Zoroark. "I'll bet you were just worried that you might attack him or something." Tessa leaned over but stopped when Gallian shrank back toward the corner. "Go on, Gallian. You don't have to keep it a secret anymore."

She reached her paw out toward Gallian. He sat up, looking intently at the wall. "I had to follow those two. They said it was the only way they could monitor the harness… and keep me from going totally crazy," Gallian whispered. "I didn't want to do it. Zoroark… I meant what I said. Really." He turned and buried his head in his shoulder, trying to muffle his sniffles. "But hearing what those aliens had to say just… it terrified me. I ran off with them. I thought… I thought if I told you that I was leaving…"

"… there would be disaster?" Zoroark said, raising an eyebrow. Gallian bowed his head and nodded it slowly. "Seriously? I just…" Zoroark rubbed his forehead. "Okay. It's clear there's been a lot of miscommunication. I'm… not sure where we can really go from here, to be honest."

Gallian tensed. "What do you mean by that?"

"Gallian… I want to forgive you," Zoroark said. "Now that you're back… I'm starting to imagine a life with you again. Only…" He rubbed his shoulder. "I'm worried you'll run out on me as soon as something bothers you." He swished his mane in front of him and fiddled with locks of his hair. "I can't go through that again, Gallian."

"So, what, do you want me to promise I'll always stay by you or something?" Gallian grunted. "I can do that… I guess. If it'll make you feel better."

"That's not good enough," Zoroark said. "I need to see it for myself. Prove that you're willing to stand by me. I…" Zoroark gripped his mane tightly. "You have to earn my trust back. It's the only way we can go forward as mates."

A spark of green energy raced across Gallian's scythe. Tessa got on one knee, ready to intervene if things got bad. "What exactly did you have in mind, then?" Gallian asked, unable to meet Zoroark's gaze.

Zoroark released his mane and gently traced his scars with his claws. "I want to go with your sister."

Gallian turned around, a defiant look in his eyes. "What, are you crazy? You've seen what she's dealing with! That's a recipe for–"

"–disaster. Yes, I'm aware," Zoroark said. "I'm certainly not in top battling shape, that's for sure. But now that I know what's going on, I can't just sit by and do nothing." He frowned. "How could the two of us even have a future together if these Ultra Beasts are allowed to run wild? They'll bring the world to ruin, won't they?"

"Maybe," Gallian muttered. "But there's not much we can do against them. I might've had a shot if I was still infected, but I lost all my special powers."

"I could contact Latias and see if we could get you a Naturia Looplet of your own," Tessa offered.

Gallian's eyes widened. "You met Latias?" He shook his head. "I've really missed a lot, haven't I? This is just too much to take in."

"You asked me what you needed to do to win my trust back and I gave you my answer," Zoroark said. "So, are you willing to join me or not?"

"I… I…" Gallian looked between Tessa and Zoroark. He shuddered, fur prickling along the back of his neck. Gallian suddenly got to his feet. "I need to step out. F-For some air…"

"Gallian, wait!" Tessa called. But her brother walked right past her, staring off into space. He silently departed the house. Gallian walked up toward the village's entrance and disappeared into the nearby tunnel. Tessa hung her head, aura feelers drooping. "Great. Well, so much for that."

"I'm sorry," Zoroark said. "I thought for sure we had gotten through to him. Guess I was wrong."

A shadow appeared outside the doorway. Tessa got to her feet, but she immediately relaxed upon seeing Totem Decidueye landing in front of her. He knocked on the side of the doorway with his wing. "May I come in?" he asked.

Zoroark staggered to his feet. "Of course, Totem," he said. "Can I get you something? A berry or a cup of water, perhaps?"

"I'm quite alright," Totem Decidueye said. "I just wanted to come check on you, that's all. Things got rough in the Cavernous Depths."

"Ah. Well, I'm about as good as I can get," Zoroark said, limping over to a chair and sitting down in it.

"How is Team Paradox doing?" Tessa asked.

"Hmm? Oh, you must mean the alien and the blue Houndoom," Totem Decidueye said. "They're alright. I did have to tear off Houndoom's outfit to better tend to her wounds. She's a bit shaken up, for sure, but she'll be fine. Dusk is also doing okay. I got her the proper berries in time to close her wounds."

"That's a relief," Zoroark said, leaning over to rest his head against his arm. "She looked especially worse for wear. That Nihilego thing really roughed her up."

Totem Decidueye nodded. "You know Dusk, though. She's too proud to admit when something's wrong. I get the feeling we'll need to have a conversation about all of this, eventually. But for right now, she's just sleeping." He walked farther into the house. "And how about you, Lucario? I understand you're Gallian's sister."

"Yes," Tessa said, nodding. "Please, c-call me Tessa. It's, um, an old Lucario custom."

"If that's what you wish," Totem Decidueye said, bobbing his head. Tessa looked over his shoulder and spotted Espeon and Silvally walking toward the tunnel exiting the village. Silvally briefly locked eyes with her and gave her a reassuring nod. He and Espeon then trotted into the tunnel.

'I guess they saw Gallian head there. They must have something in mind for him,' she thought.

"Now that the dust has settled, I was hoping that maybe you could fill me in on exactly what happened with Gallian… and what brought your team here," Totem Decidueye asked. "I have a number of questions, but I wouldn't want to make you uncomfortable."

Tessa sighed. "I guess I could try," she said. Tessa explained the circumstances surrounding the Dawn Shards and then discussed the events that happened to her family. Totem Decidueye nodded along slowly while Zoroark sat up in his chair.

"Gods, you've really had it rough, haven't you?" Zoroark said, shaking his head. "I'm so sorry, Tessa. Gallian barely ever brought you up. If I'd known how bad things were, I'd have tried to come and find you right away. Honest!"

"It's quite alright, Zoroark," Tessa assured him. "You don't have to apologize for anything. I appreciate all your help today."

"Well, I'm still going to try and make it up for it," Zoroark said. "I know I'm not the first Pokémon anyone would turn to when they need help, but–"

Tessa shook her head. "I don't care about your species' reputation. I'm sure my teammates don't, either. We're really not in a position to turn down outside help."

"I guess not," Zoroark said. "I just hope Gallian can see it the same way. I don't want to lose him again, but this isn't something I can turn my back on."

Totem Decidueye tapped a foot on the ground. "From what I can gather, Gallian is conflicted," he said. "He can't reconcile his feelings for you and Lucario with the abject fear he has about this whole situation." Totem Decidueye closed his eyes in thought. "Even just hearing what you had to say has left me quite stunned. To think that we've actually lost two of the Land Spirits to these Ultra Beasts."

"That's why we have to gather the other two Dawn Shards as quickly as we can," Tessa said. "Every day that passes is a day where the Prism Virus could be getting closer to achieving its goal." She sat down on the arm of Zoroark's chair. "I wish Gallian could come around. I think he's stronger than he gives himself credit for... even without his extra powers. It's just…" Her voice trailed off and she sighed. "I don't think he can come to the terms with the fact that our mom is causing a lot of this destruction."

"Have you?" Totem Decidueye asked, looking right at Tessa.

Tessa shut her eyes and shook her head. "No… I don't think I have," she whispered. "I've been clinging to the idea that Necrozma did something to corrupt Mom... and that I don't have to fight her, I just have to stop Necrozma. That will free her… and make her the kind, loving Lucario that I sort of remember." She sighed heavily and slumped back. "The problem is that, the more I think about, the less plausible that idea sounds."

"About your mom getting corrupted?" Zoroark asked.

"No… that she loved me," Tessa whispered. "I want to believe she does. After all, she made the choice to have my egg. It's just… more and more unpleasant memories keep popping up surrounding her. It's at a point where I feel like the only times she was actually loving to me and Gallian were when Dad was around."

Totem Decidueye shuffled in place. "I think you may have hit on the issue," he said.

Tessa's head titled to the side. "Huh?"

"The mental block your brother's facing… is you," Totem Decidueye said, a grim look in his eyes. "Before today, your brother only knew you as Riolu, yes?" Tessa nodded slowly. "Therein lies the problem. As it stands right now, Gallian can't separate you, his sister, from the only Lucario he's previously known: your mother."

Tessa recalled the accusations Gallian had made toward their mother, along with the frightful look he had given Tessa when she freed him from the Prism Virus. She held up her right paw and stared at the marking on it. "But… but I can't do anything about that," she whimpered. "Is it hopeless, then? Will Gallian just be afraid of me his whole life?" She lowered her paws, looking at Zoroark. "I don't… I want my brother in my life. He's family… and I love him."

Zoroark's ear drooped. "Totem, isn't there anything we can do?"

"Give it time," Totem Decidueye said. He turned back toward the doorway. "Your friends, they went after Gallian, yes?"

"I think so," Tessa replied.

"Then it's best to put your faith in them for the moment," Totem Decidueye said. "Sometimes it takes an outsider's perspective to get a Pokémon to change how they view a certain situation. I know both of your hearts were in the right place, but Gallian couldn't look past the unpleasant memories he had associated with each of you. But your friends… he doesn't have any real connections to them. If they can make him see how important it is that you're both a part of his life, perhaps he will come around."

Tessa fidgeted with her paws. "I… I guess so," she whispered. "Silvally's my best friend. I trust him to help. But Espeon… can be a bit problematic."

"It won't do you any good to continue fretting over this," Totem Decidueye said. "Especially not when you should be recovering." Tessa frowned at him. Totem Decidueye raised his wings up innocently. "I'm not saying drop the issue entirely. Just… wait and see what happens. If your friends can't get through to Gallian, I'll have some words with him." He walked toward them. "In the meantime, how about some drinks to take the edge off? I can have some tea ready in seconds."

Tessa and Zoroark exchanged unimpressed looks. "Err, sorry, Totem. I'm not really in the mood for tea," Zoroark said.

"What about some tapu cocoa, then?" Totem Decidueye offered.

Tessa's ears stuck up. "Um, do you have marshmallows?" she asked.

"Ha! What kind of stick in the mud wouldn't have marshmallows sitting around for making tapu cocoa?" Totem Decidueye said, chuckling.

A small smile appeared on Tessa's muzzle. "In that case, I think I'd really like some. Um, but could I perhaps ask a favor?"

"Oh? What did you have in mind?"

"Could you make a fourth cup? There's someone I'd like to go see," Tessa said, looking out into the village.

Totem Decidueye nodded and walked off into the kitchen.

Ending off with review replies.

Another guest: all of the gods are dicks. Why do you think this world's nearly been destroyed several times? For your other question, it's been about two and a half months since Shane arrived in the Pokémon world.

Anon Omega: Floral Healing is an actual move that Comfey gets exclusively. You're thinking the right thoughts about Shane, but I'm not about to have him bust out the lyrics to Unknown from ME. I have something... else in mind. And it's a long way off.

Just a reader: it's partially that and partially due to the Subterranean Shard. Shane would've evolved if he had gotten a paw on the Sizzle Shard, but Gallian stopped that from happening.

SuperOmegaGuest: what can I say? I'm full of surprises.

Veralix: as you can see, things are calming down for a little while. I promise, you'll get your Zeraora within the next few chapters.

Next time: even more heart-to-hearts! ... wait, seriously? Who's writing this drivel? And when did they turn it into a Xenoblade fanfiction?!