For the first time in a long time, Adaman and his Leafeon entered the gates of Jubilife Village.
He knew he was neglecting his duties of negotiations with Kamado and Irida, but things in the Crimson Mirelands had been very… rough, to put it lightly.
The rainy season came early, and all the water from higher elevations of the region alway found its way to the marsh. He assumed his ancestors had been well aware of that when they chose to build the Diamond Settlement there. Though, if they had known, he didn't know WHY they chose that particular location to begin with.
When too much water accumulated, even the settlement, at its higher elevation, was at risk of flooding. There was so much prep work involved in just scrambling to move emergency supplies to higher ground.
Plus the recent reports of some clan members encountering a strange electrical creature in the Highlands. Supposedly it came right for them, so they attacked with swords. It vanished after that, and now there was an investigation into whatever the heck his brothers saw. Adaman had assigned Melli and Akari to look into it, so now it was a matter of waiting for news from those two.
This was all on top of that stupid Man Eater situation. Too many false reports and some they couldn't verify. Everyone was still on high alert, and people were starting to act like Man Eater was some sort of mythical beast like the Baneful Fox. It was frustrating, and very time consuming.
Why did all the weird stuff happen in the Highlands anyway?
But now wasn't the time to think about the shit show at home! He finally made time to come visit Jubilife! Sinnoh almighty he was exhausted, but the duties of a Clan Leader were many, and he had a responsibility to his people.
Even if it left him half dead most of the time.
He had to meet with Kamado and Irida, and hopefully beg for their forgiveness from his prolonged absence. Kamado said he understood when he first announced the situations he had to deal with, though the young leader was sure the Commander would still view him in a lesser light for all this.
Irida would have a field day over the whole thing.
Afterwards a visit with Snowflake was required.
He felt terrible. Apparently Caboose had evolved since the last time he visited, and the guy was out of bed now.
How long has it been? A month? Maybe more? He had trouble telling the days apart anymore, and he knew the almighty Sinnoh would be very upset with his poor tracking of time's passage.
If only things would settle down, he could actually think straight for once.
A large photo outside the clothing shop demanded his attention. It was an Eevee using Baby Doll Eyes, wearing an intricately dyed scarf. There was only one Eevee he knew with that level of mastery over Baby Doll Eyes, and from what he understood she was no longer an Eevee.
"Huh? Custom clothing dye line…" He hummed reading the writing underneath the image. So this was an advertisement? He had to admit, it got him curious.
Did that mean Caboose was sporting clothing now? Well, not clothing per se. Accessories?
"Hey, Adaman!" Arezu called from her seat outside of the hair dressers, waving him over.
"Hello Arezu. I take it business is going well?" He grinned and shuffled over, Arezu not returning the smile.
"You look horrible."
Ouch.
"Please, I know I'm good looking, but there is no reason to be jealous." He said it through a stifled yawn.
"No, I mean you look exhausted." She huffed. "When was the last time you slept?"
"Whenever the last time there wasn't a constant emergency happening at home."
She paused, unable to come up with a decent response. It's not like she could do much to help.
"Fair enough. Still, you should try to get a little rest."
"I'll let you know when that becomes possible." Adaman rubbed his eyes, trying to wake up a bit more. Being this groggy in the Galaxy Hall meeting would only lead to slip ups on his part.
"Oh! I know how you can get some energy back! Frostbite will be battling Captain Zisu pretty soon. You should come with me to watch."
"Frostbite?" Adaman just stared at her waiting for an explanation. "You mean a Froslass?"
"No, I mean our Skyfallen. You know, Snowflake? Though the villagers here have been calling him Frostbite recently." Arezu chuckled. "He's become quite the battler since he started leaving the medical ward. I've watched a few, and he is brutal."
"Is that so?" Adaman was trying to hide his growing excitement. He suspected Snowflake would have a strong connection with Pokémon like Ingo and Akari before him.
He was glad to be proven right.
"So will you join? I know Kamado is coming down to watch. Irida too," she leaned in and whispered. "I've heard Zisu and Kamado both have their eyes on him. They want him to join the Galaxy Team."
"They do?" The clan leader could understand why if he was as good as Arezu made him sound. However, he'd never let Snowflake fall into Galaxy Team hands permanently.
He was found by the Diamond Clan first. Besides, after the strings Adaman needed to pull just for the Galaxy Team to treat his injuries, they had no right to first dibs!
Wait, he shouldn't be thinking about a human being like that. The proper thing to do is work very hard at persuading Snowflake to come back.
"Alright. I'll take you up on-"
"Great! Let's grab some snacks first!" The redhead dragged him over to the Wallflower, ordering a dozen potato mochi for them to share. Adaman had to admit, the delicious food helped rouse his senses a bit more, enough to realize a crowd of Security Corps members were gathering around the training grounds. Not inside the fence, but along the outside. Shorter individuals were on their stomachs looking under the fence, with taller people peeking overtop.
"Is he really that popular?"
"He's the talk of the town currently. Somehow he's beaten every Security Corps member in the village. Apparently some didn't want to battle him, but the guy is very… persistent. This battle with Zisu has been all the security guards talked about for days, not to mention his stylish new haircut, courtesy of yours truly," She leaned in again and whispered. "He's really shy about being stared at. The battle was supposed to happen yesterday, but he didn't take the crowd of spectators well. They've been banished from the training grounds. Well, the interior of the grounds anyway."
Adaman hummed. He supposed, given how nervous Snowflake was when he first came here, his discomfort made sense. Maybe that social anxiety would work to Adaman's advantage-
No! Stop thinking like that!
Now was not the time for recruitment.
As they approached the front gate, he realized Kamado, Laventon and Irida were standing near the Security Corps building. The Pearl leader waved them over, Adaman approaching with Arezu carrying the food behind him.
"It's been a while, Adaman." Irida greeted. "Your timing is impeccable."
"I heard there was going to be a Pokémon battle. Figured I'd watch." He smirked. Irida rolled her eyes.
"This seems a bit out of proportion to me, but I guess his skills may rival Akari's if not exceed hers. Kamado really wanted to make time for this." The man in question nodded, arms crossed and looking stoic as ever.
Adaman knew exactly what this was about now, and he wouldn't let him take Snowflake!
Arezu just listened and munched on her mochi.
"I've heard he has a special way with Pokémon. I thought this would be a good chance to see for myself." Laventon pulled out a pen and notebook, eyes glued to the arena.
Just in time, too. It looked like things were finally getting started.
Adaman watched quietly, seeing Snowflake approach the battlegrounds. He was using a cane, right arm still in a sling hidden under an oddly colored pink and white jacket with deep red splotches along the upper portion. His bandages were greatly reduced. Only the right eye and cheek were covered, leaving sections of scars still visible around his jaw, lips and neck.
Arezu wasn't kidding about his hair cut either. From what he could see around the bandage, his hair was now shaved down to a medium stubble length with a slightly fuller goatee on his chin, nearly merging the remnants of his sideburns into a fully connected beard. The symmetry was a lot less funny to look at, though Adaman had to admit he seemed like a regular guy now instead of some crazy person.
Next to his leg stood a small Sylveon with a scarf matching her human's jacket. The same scarf he saw in that photo earlier. Caboose had become a Sylveon of all things, and given her excessive use of Baby Doll Eyes to get what she wanted, Adaman really wasn't surprised.
Zisu stood on the opposite side, slamming a Pokeball into her palm.
"I'm not going easy on you."
"You say that like I'm at a disadvantage." Snowflake smiled. A lopsided smile with no hesitation that Adaman hadn't seen before. He had to admit, it looked a bit creepy, though that was likely something the guy couldn't help.
"This is a one on one match. We play it clean."
"You can use your other Pokemon too. Caboose can handle it."
Damn, Adaman didn't realize Snowflake was the cocky type. He wasn't that way about anything else.
As far as he knew anyway.
"One on One," Zisu's order was final. She tossed her Pokeball into the ring. "Go, Zoroark!" A white Zoroark with wild flowing fur took form, roaring and ready to go. Adaman immediately became more guarded in its presence, and even Irida flinched.
Zoroarks were dangerous, even if a human did befriend one. They were not Pokemon to be trusted.
"Caboose! Let's start this on schedule!" Snowflake called his Sylveon, the small thing leaping into the ring, so graceful she appeared to be floating in her descent. She landed with her front legs close together, flipping her head to show off the long flowing ribbons.
"I like this unexpected choice. Let's see what combinations you can make." Snowflake moved his arm to his head, stopping midway, confused by the motion.
Adaman was confused too. Was he reaching for something? Maybe he was checking his face covering?
Zisu didn't waste any time. "Zoroark! Bitter Malice!"
Zoroark roared, a horrible dark energy radiating from its body. It surrounded Caboose, no chance for her to escape.
"Baby Doll Eyes."
Caboose did as instructed, the most masterfully done sad face aimed directly at Zoroark, eyes large and watering surrounded by pink and blue sparkles. She looked completely helpless.
The Zoroark's expression faltered, weakening his hit at the last moment.
Caboose shook off the light damage easily.
"Magical Leaf." Snowflake ordered. Spinning leaves swiveled in the air aimed straight at her opponent. Zoroark brought his arms up to block, the leaves slicing into flesh. He snarled and rushed forward, teeth bared.
"Swift, Zoroark!"
Stars spun in the air, colliding with the remaining leaves Caboose threw, nullifying the attack.
Snowflake grinned wide. He tapped his cane loudly in the dirt, Caboose changing her posture. Her ribbons spun in a wide flashy pattern, body swiveling and ducking around the stars her opponent kept throwing. She masterfully dodged every single attack, rushing in close and pushing Zoroark onto his back.
Her smile was big enough to match Snowflake's.
"Play Rough!"
Caboose wrapped her ribbons around Zoroark's arms and neck to reduce his movements. The two tussled and rolled around the arena, snapping, biting and pulling at each other's ears. Zoroark let out a pained yelp, Caboose finally dismounted. She barely missed a sharp claw aimed right for her throat.
"Dark Pulse!"
Zoroark let out a black field of energy before Caboose landed, knocking her to the ground. She scrambled to her feet, only met with more Swift stars.
They were aimed right for her, blocking all of her escape routes.
Snowflakes grin grew to an ear splitting smile, pointing his cane at the enemy.
"Now! Use Wish!"
Caboose closed her eyes at the command, a glint of light flashing above her head right as another volley of Swift stars knocked her backwards. Breathing heavily, the little Sylveon stood on shaky legs.
Zisu laughed. "Looks like your "move" didn't work! Finish it off with Swift!"
Zoroark howled and let loose a massive volley, all aimed at the little Sylveon. Caboose's eyes remained closed, spinning stars encroaching closer and closer. As soon as they hit, the match would be done.
The light above Caboose's head reappeared and arced across the arena, her body glowing in green light and health replenishing, right as the stars made contact. Dust kicked up from the stray attacks hitting the dirt, shrouding half of the field in a cloud of dirt.
Zoroark watched and waited for another command, Zisu holding her breath waiting to see the result.
Motion.
Caboose leapt out of the dust cloud, hovering in the air just enough to throw another volley of Magical Leaves. Zoroark attempted to dodge, but Caboose didn't let up, she put everything she had into the last attack, completely covering the arena with projectiles.
A pained cry, and the match was over.
Zoroark fell back unconscious, the Sylveon slowly landing on her feet only looking a little worse for wear.
"I think that's what is called a win!" Snowflake announced. "Verrrry good match. Far closer than with Ress. Why are his Bidoofs not evolved yet anyway? I still don't understand."
"It's because I like them as Bidoofs, okay?!" Ress screamed from his vantage point behind the fence, ducking down as soon as Snowflake turned to look. All of the observers retreated out of sight. Snowflake shrugged and went back to congratulating Caboose.
Adaman stood stock still, unsure how to process what he just saw. The only person he knew that could direct a Pokémon with that much skill was Akari, but Snowflake had his own spin on it. The two were so in sync with each other, Snowflake trusting Caboose enough to make her own calls in the battle, or even communicate non verbally with the cane taps.
And what the heck was that last thing Caboose did?
'Wish?'
What the heck was that?
Did it protect against the damage from that last attack? Maybe deflected it? There was such an odd visual effect, and that last attack from Zoroark should have finished the match.
That was something else.
"I-I don't believe it…" Zisu held her hands together like she was praying, an ear splitting grin forming. "I can't believe you did it!"
"I told you I would teach her- WOAH!" Snowflake wasn't given time to finish, pulled into a bear hug by Zisu. Caboose pranced around the woman's legs instead, still celebrating the win.
"That was amazing! How did you teach her that?! What even WAS that?!"
Laventon was stunned silent for a few seconds, staring slack jawed at Snowflake squirming helplessly against Zisu's hold.
"Keep your mouth shut, Professor. It's rude to gawk." Kamado smirked ever so slightly. Most people wouldn't have noticed due to his massive mustache blocking it, but Adaman could.
"That was incredible!" Laventon regained his composure and rushed towards the two, Snowfake starting to squeal in pain.
"Arm! Arm! Arm!"
"I'm so sorry!" The large lady dropped him immediately with a loud gasp. "I got so excited! I hadn't, realized I was-"
"Snowflake, my good lad!" Laventon cut in between them, writing utensil hovering over his notebook. "Tell me! What type of move was that? I've never seen it before! You called it 'Wish' yes?" Snowflake ignored him in favor of checking his bad arm, pulling back when the professor got within a few inches of his face. "Where did you first see this move performed? I'll need to ask Akari to do some research on Sylveon move leveling-"
"You are getting verrrrrry close, Professor." Snowflake gritted out through a tight smile, shoving Laventon until he was an arms length away.
"That was a fine show, young man." Kamado already approached. "I see why those in the Galaxy Team are calling you Frostbite. It's a fitting nickname."
"I am Snowflake. Not Frostbite," The man shook his head. "Melli gave me that name."
"Wait, that's why you're called Snowflake?" Zisu couldn't hold back a snort. Snowflake immediately became guarded, taking a step back. His grin never faltered though, true feelings hidden behind his permanent smile.
"Now now. Regardless of what you are called, I am very impressed with the battle prowess you showed today," Kamado took control of the conversation once more. "It is very rare for individuals to have such a connection with Pokémon. Even Akari cannot tutor her Pokémon in new movesets, and she is one of our finest."
"Akari is very nice, yes."
"Indeed, a fine young lady." The Commander continued. He cut straight to the point. "How would you like to join the Galaxy Team? We have room in the Survey Corps for another field researcher. Zisu could always use more help in the Security Corps too."
"You should join us, Snowflake!" The Redhead stood tall, hands on hips. "I'm very impressed with how well you've done so far with just Caboose. I can't image what amazing things you'll do once you're part of the security team!"
"Can I live with the Diamond Clan if I'm part of the Security Corps?" Snowflake questioned.
"Well, no. You'll be living in Jubilife," Zisu's smile faltered. "But you'll be able to battle all sorts of challengers! Even Ingo and Akari. You can work side by side with her. Wouldn't that be nice?"
Snowflake turned to Adaman. "Am I allowed to come back to the Diamond Settlement?"
Adaman was taken off guard by the question. He hadn't expected Snowflake to just ASK.
"Y-yes! You are always welcome there!"
"Oh good," Snowflake's crooked smile increased in size. He turned back to Kamado and Zisu. "It would be nice to work with Akari, but I must decline. Thank you for the kind offer though."
"Are you sure about this?" Kamado scratched his chin. "Jubilife Village has done a lot to aid in your recovery. It took many resources-"
"You say that, after all the work I had to do to get you guys to help?" Adaman slipped past the Commander and placed an arm over Snowflake's shoulder. He would not allow Kamado to play that game. "The Diamond Clan and Akari both paid back his debt. You can't use that as guilt leverage."
"Guilt leverage?" Snowflake blinked. Zisu gave her Commander a disapproving glare. Even Caboose was staring up at him with an angered expression, growling low.
Kamado wilted under the glares. "My apologies. It was rude to bring that up, but do remember. We will always have room among our ranks for a strong Pokémon trainer."
"Thank you so much for putting up with me. I hope I can battle you one day as well!"
"I would like that." The Commander smirked. "Get more Pokémon, and perhaps I'll make time for a proper match." Kamado bowed, Snowflake stiffly trying to mimic the motion unsure how else to respond.
"Come on Snowflake. We can talk about living arrangements over mochi. Arezu, you still have plenty left, right?"
"Uhhhhh…" the woman blushed, trying to hide the empty plate behind her back.
Adaman only had the chance to eat one…
"We can take a walk instead. Let's go." He led Snowflake towards the bridge over the river, away from the Survey Corps members still hidden behind the fence.
"Let's see… Melli lives in a tent on his own. Maybe he's willing to share with you? We usually have up to four people living together. Mostly direct family members, but we are all brothers and sisters."
"I would like that." Snowflake nodded along. His Sylveon trilled in agreement, falling back to walk alongside Adaman's Leafeon. The two seemed to have their own conversation.
"By the way, when will you be well enough to leave? Any idea when they can fix your arm?" It would probably be a while if it was still in a sling.
"Oh, my arm…" Snowflake sighed, glancing down at it. "They said the bones were healed a few weeks ago, but everything they've tried to return it to working order has been… unsuccessful," He twitched the fingers poking out of the sling, having more movement in his thumb and index finger. The rest barely moved. He managed to lift the arm up by the shoulder the smallest amount too, wincing and stopping after a few inches. "That's the best I can do…"
Adaman's heart sank. He didn't mean to make the guy feel uncomfortable. "Oh… I'm sorry to hear that."
"W-will that be a problem? Passelle said if I work it enough I might gain more function! S-she wasn't positive though…" His voice got desperate for a moment. "Am I still allowed back in Diamond Clan?"
"Of course! And I know Melli will be glad to see you more often."
"Really?"
"I have a feeling. He's been stopping by to visit, right?"
Snowflake nodded. "He has helped me so much. A verrrry good friend. I hope I can make it up to him someday."
"That's great to hear. I'm sure he'll be happy to have you as a tent mate too." Adaman genuinely was glad to hear it. Melli didn't care for Jubilife Village. The young leader was well aware.
Still, the fact he was making an effort to visit and help Snowflake was a pleasant surprise. He half expected Melli was off in the Highlands hiding out while Adaman was too busy over the last month to stop by Jubilife.
"I'll be sure to get the arrangements figured out with Passelle after my meeting with Kamado. It should hopefully only take a few days."
"Caboose and I look forward to it."
"Breee!" Caboose rubbed against Adaman's leg gratefully, prancing back to her human ready for their next activity.
Likely more training, Adaman guessed.
He left for his meeting, practically skipping with joy after all of the good news. Snowflake wanted to come back to Diamond Clan, AND Melli was actually visiting Snowflake on his own.
It was nice to hear his Warden was making such an effort.
He couldn't wait to see Melli's reaction when he heard the good news.
XxxxxxxxxxxxX
"Can we stop already? We're already on Ingo's side of the Highlands. If anything he's the one that should be tracking that thing." Melli huffed, honestly very uncomfortable with this whole thing.
He had a new person to work with today, and he already wished for the other one back.
Sure, he had a hard time working with Rei. The kid would call out Melli's weird behaviors and often they'd have small spats as to what they should do next.
Akari, though.
Akari was on a whole new level!
She didn't think twice about walking into these dangerous places. Sure, she had a strong team of Pokémon, but what good would that do once they all fainted? Or if she fell and became trapped somewhere not even her Pokémon could reach?
"But I spotted it! We have to be close!" Akari was jogging well ahead of Melli and Skuntank, the Warden having given up on keeping pace long ago.
"… why do I get stuck with the impossible ones?"
"Groar." Skuntank answered his whining. It was like his best friend was mocking him for daring to complain.
It's not Melli's fault everyone was impossible to work with!
"Grooooar." Skuntank already answered the next volley of complaints Melli hadn't even started yet.
How dare he!
"Melli! You need to see this!" And now Akari was calling him over.
What in Sinnoh's name did she find now?
"I swear if you want to charge another Alpha, I'm leaving." He growled, only for his words to die when they stepped into something out of a nightmare. This entire area was covered in sticky white silk.
Trees. Grass. Bushes.
Nothing was spared.
"W-what in Sinnoh's great glory?!" Melli gawked. This was supposed to be the Wayward Woods! Not a portal to hell itself!
Akari squatted down to get a better look, finger hovering close to the weird substance.
"What is all this-"
"DON'T TOUCH IT." Melli snatched her hand away from the webbing.
"Huh? Why not?"
"What do you mean 'why not?' We have no idea what it is!"
"It looks like silk from a bug Pokémon."
Melli's eye twitched. Okay, he would admit this stuff reminded him of Burmy silk. Still, he's never seen a Burmy lay it out in this sort of pattern.
"SNEEEE!" A Pokemon's panicked cry got the argument to stop. The two cautiously followed the noise, finding a Sneasel stuck in the silk. It tried to cut its foot loose with a massive claw, crying in pain when a jolt of electricity rocked its frame.
"See? What did I say about touching it? A horrible idea!" Melli felt very vindicated, even if Akari didn't care.
"If cutting it won't work, then maybe burning it will?" Akari grabbed a Pokeball and released her Typhlosion. "Ripley, we need to torch the webbing."
Her Pokémon growled, spitting a small ember from her mouth scorching away the webbing. The Sneasel didn't get up right away, twitching from a clear paralysis effect.
"Hold on, I got something for that." The girl fished through her pouch for a Cheri berry, holding it up to the Sneasel's mouth for him to eat.
Melli just looked around, seeing clusters of tiny balls everywhere. He counted at least forty, and that was just what he could spot with the naked eye. There were also larger objects wrapped in thick webbing, not moving or making noises.
He had a guess as to what they were, but he really hoped he was wrong.
"A-Akari… I think we're inside a nest… or food storage area:"
The girl stood up after the Sneasel took off, eyes going wide. "Woah. What type of eggs are these? They are so small!"
"Y-yeah…. Small eggs."
"What's wrong, Melli?"
"It's this feeling I'm getting. Like when a Voltorb is on the verge of discharging stored up energy…" The air had gotten very lively. He could feel electricity causing his hair to lift in the air, and seeing Akari's pony tail standing up.
A shadow appeared over them, one darker than those cast by the tree canopy.
Spinning around, the two were faced with the one responsible.
It was big.
Well, big for a bug Pokémon, if that's what it even was.
Yellow and blue colorations with a furry segmented body and many massive legs. Four? Six? He wasn't sure if the ones near its potential mouth counted.
It's six eyes looked down at them angrily, electricity sparking from its abdomen.
It even sported a recent gash wound across the top of its abdomen, though Melli couldn't tell if it was from a human weapon or Pokémon.
Not that it mattered, given the loud angry cry the creature directed at them.
Skuntank's fur stood on end, snarling at the beast refusing to back down.
This was straight out of a nightmare.
"W-w-what is that thing?!" Melli screamed.
Akari took a step back. She looked calm, as if she was used to this already, preparing an empty Pokeball and pointing at the creature.
"Ripley! Flame Wheel-"
"DON'T DO THAT!" Melli screeched." "HOW DO YOU PLAN TO PUT THE FIRE OUT AFTER?! YOU'LL BURN THE FOREST DOWN!"
"Oh… right. I don't have any water types on me…" she gulped, finally seeming to take this more seriously. "It's easy to forget how close together all the trees are around here."
"Or how flammable wood is- AYYYE!" Melli barely dodged a strike of lightning. The creature screeched, letting all its electricity out in a large shock wave that knocked the entire group back.
"Shadow Ball!" Typhlosion did as instructed, the Pokémon taking the hit despite having time to dodge.
Melli blinked, looking around in confusion. There was a cluster of tiny eggs directly behind it. The humans were in the middle of her nest, and this thing was a mother defending her babies.
"Akari, we need to leave!"
"We can't leave now! I need to capture it!"
"Akari, the eggs!"
"What about the eggs?!"
Melli growled. Did she not see the issue here?!
The teen tried to throw her Pokeball, Melli grabbing her arm before it left her hand.
"HEY!"
Her Typhlosion turned its attention from the angry Pokemon to the quarreling pair, flames picking up in intensity at seeing Melli holding Akari.
"WOULD YOU LISTEN TO ME!" Melli screamed.
"WE NEED TO CAPTURE IT BEFORE IT HURTS ANYONE ELSE!"
"THEN WHO'S GOING TO PROTECT HER EGGS?!"
Akari managed to free her arm when Typhlosion took a swipe at Melli. The teen stumbled back into a bush of webs. She screamed, a strong electric current jolting through her body.
"AKARI!"
Her Typhlosion jumped in, pulling the young trainer free of the webbing, getting a good shock herself. Placing the girl gently on the ground, the ghost type cried worriedly. Akari's body twitched from the paralysis effect.
It was a familiar sight to the Warden by this point.
Prone.
Defenseless.
Dying-
NO. Akari wasn't dead!
"GRAAAAAAAR!" The strange Pokemon charged more electricity in its fur, clearly done with the warnings.
They needed to go now.
"Sorry Akari! I don't have many options!" Melli grabbed the girl and threw her over his shoulder like a sack of Sootfoot roots, running right back out the way they came. Skuntank roared at her Typhlosion to follow, the Pokémon reluctantly trailing behind with one final enraged snarl.
The strange Pokémon screeched one final time declaring its victory, though Melli didn't care currently.
The Galaxy Team couldn't handle this properly. Akari was proof enough of that. She hadn't even considered the ramifications of leaving those eggs undefended, and though he feared more of those things infesting the forest, he couldn't bring himself to harm a mother and her children.
Not without consulting the Pearl Warden and clan leaders to explore all other options first.
His current destination was the nearest Galaxy Camp to drop off Akari, before tracking down Ingo.
Hopefully that idiot was actually in the Highlands doing his job.
XxxxxxxxxxxxX
Akari was not happy.
First, Melli ruined her chance to stop a dangerous Pokémon, and now she was being forced to spend the night in the medical ward at Galaxy Hall.
Sure, they knew nothing about this Pokémon and if it might have additional status effects they didn't know about, but that didn't mean she had to be happy about it.
At least she would have Snowflake to keep her company.
By the time they reached the ward and got her into a cot, she realized something was absent.
Snowflake's bed was empty, recently made and with none of his things on the nightstand.
"What happened to Snowflake?" Akari turned her attention to Passelle. The woman looked up from her notes before she could even start her exam.
"He left with Adaman earlier."
"Wait. He left already?"
"Moved in with Diamond Clan as far as I understand."
So he was gone? He'd been in Jubilife for nearly two months, and he chooses now to leave?
Akari moaned in disappointment. She kind of wanted him to join the Security Corps so they could hang out more often.
If he was happier with Diamond Clan, she wouldn't force him to stay in Jubilife. It was his choice after all. Unfortunately that also meant she was stuck here all by herself.
This was going to be a very boring stay.
XxxxxxxxxxxX
So I have discovered that still does not let you add links to your chapter post. Veeery annoying, since there is art related to this fic I would like to share with everyone! If anyone knows a way to bypass this let me know. If not, I recommend checking the story out on AO3 as there are actual working links to all the art I have done along with what some very talented readers have made.