A/N We interrupt my Kimetsu no Yaiba fixation, to bring you another Pokémon fic.

Because I'm back on my bullshit, and I waited a whole fucking year to write this fic. This idea has been sitting on the backburner since Pokémon Legends: Arceus got announced, and I had to be convinced TWICE not to start writing before the game came out.

Well, it's out.

NOW WITNESS ME.

Disclaimer for the whole story: I don't own the Pokémon franchise or anything related to it.

Enjoy!


All he's ever known is snow.

So cold, and colorless…

It's even worse when it begins to storm, the way the bitter cold hits his face. How it chills him down to the bone… It's fine though.

Because his mother is there, to share her warmth with him and his siblings. His father keeps his distance, always on alert for any danger. Nothing will stop his father from keeping his family safe from the dangers that surround their home.

Often, he's warned not to stray too far from home. His mother worries excessively at times, but she is not without reason—not after the family she's lost over the years, during her time as a child. It's always the young ones.

Young ones who are too far out of reach to help.

Young ones like him, who grow far too curious about the others that live around him. He supposes it's his own fault, for chasing after the purple creature he often sees flying high up in the air. He also supposes that he had gotten too eager to prove his own strength, being both the youngest and the smallest of his siblings.

He might be strong…but strong doesn't mean invincible.

All it takes is one small misstep, and the snow-covered ground beneath him gives way. It happens so suddenly, that before he even has a chance to recover, he's falling.

Falling, falling, and falling—he regrets how high he had climbed up. How far he had strayed, that his own family doesn't know where he is. He can't even call out for help, throughout the yelps that leave his mouth as he crashes and rolls against the slippery slope.

Thud!

The snow softens his landing—just enough that he isn't seriously injured. But he's still hurt, the way the pain makes his stomach churn. His head is spinning, and his vision is blurring from the tears that flood his eyes. He tries to stand up, a loud yelp leaving his mouth at the throbbing pain that shoots through his body the instant he tried putting weight on his left leg. His right leg isn't doing any better, and it honestly hurts too much to even move.

The whimpers leave his mouth, a threatening growl soon following when a purple creature with a strange tail approaches him. It's an Aipom, and it looks at him with an unchanging smile on its face, its head tilting to the side in question. It ignores his growls, moving closer and closer, until…

"Ai!" Its tail gives him a light nudge, eliciting a pained whimper from his mouth. The sound is loud enough to startle the Aipom that it backs away. Its smile has turned into a frown, its gaze far more anxious than curious. "Pom?"

Another of its kind shows up, joining its side as they observe him from a distance. Time passes and soon, another one shows up. By the time the sun has started to set, there is a group of them surrounding him. They've left out a few berries for him to eat, chattering away with each other, despite his threatening growls.

Night falls, and despite his attempts to bite them, the Aipom move in closer, until their bodies are pressing closely against him. They keep him warm throughout the night, taking care not to put any pressure on his legs. And when morning comes…well, he isn't awake to notice the tan-skinned human with dark hair and silver eyes that a couple of the Aipom have been leading toward him.

It isn't until a pair of hands carefully lift him off the ground that he finally wakes. He barks loudly, not at all pleased with how sudden (and rude) his awakening was. He tries to struggle, letting out another pained yelp when his leg accidentally kicks against the human.

"Shh, shh—I got you." Under better circumstances, he would have put up a greater fight. Instead, he closes his eyes and leans into the human's comforting touch.

He knows not of what to expect from a human, having always been told to avoid them. But given his current situation, it's better to be cooperative than take his chances. Humans are unpredictable creatures. Distant…yet, somehow still willing to reach out towards others.

It baffles him when he wakes, in a warm bed made out of soft cloth. His legs have been splinted, and there's a bitter taste in his mouth that makes him want to gag. It tastes like the medicinal herbs that his mother forces down his mouth, whenever he isn't feeling too well. Except the bitter taste is even more intense.

"Are you okay, little Riolu?" A different human speaks to him—this one has steel blue hair instead of black, with gold eyes and pale skin. She smiles at him, even when he starts growling. "I'll take that as a yes."

She has such a friendly disposition, and now that the pain clouding his sense of reason is gone…he can sense that she means no harm. It makes it all the easier, when she feeds him. The food is warm and has such a different taste from the berries and mushrooms he would collect with his mother. It's so delicious and comforting, that he doesn't notice the tears in his eyes until the human wipes them away.

He sleeps a lot easier after that, no longer so wary of the human that had tended to his injuries and kept him warm. His stomach is full, and his heart is surprisingly at peace, even though it's been hours since he's last seen his own family. He'll have a lot to say when he finally returns home. Though…isn't it better this way?

To be alive instead of dead?

He certainly thinks it's better, having seen one too many bodies buried deep in the snow. The icy climate is harsh towards those who are too young and too weak to live on their own. How lucky he was, to have been helped, when he could have likely ended up as yet another lifeless body to be found within the snow…

Now that the danger has passed, he decides to observe the humans who have helped him. There isn't much else he can do, while his injuries heal. More than that, it's hard not to stare, when he sees them all day.

He recognizes the clothes that the tan-skinned human wears—it's the same, white-and-lilac-colored fabric as the humans that he sees in the area from time to time. They always keep their distance, preferring to avoid all conflict as possible. They have enough conflict already, whenever the humans that wear darker-colored clothes visit the area.

Or so he's been told by his father, who had seen his share of sights and heard stories of the past from his own father, and so on. Somehow, it doesn't match up with the relationship that the tan-skinned human has with the other human that wears such darkly-colored clothing. They're close…too close, even.

The way the tan-skinned human brings back food for the other human to cook. She always smiles at him, moving in close to embrace him. The sight reminds him of his parents—the way his father showed his affection towards his mother, despite the distance between them. Sometimes, on nights that were extremely chilly, he joined their side in their den, his massive size keeping them safe and warm.

The humans aren't any different, though there isn't much need for them to worry about the cold, when their home shields them from the snow and wind. There is a fire that keeps them warm. Soft blankets that bring them together during the night…

Even though it's just the two of them, they're somehow not lonely for a pair of humans that are so far away from the company of others.

Time passes, and his injuries heal. He still isn't strong enough to leave just yet, but at least he can walk again. He sticks to the human's side, whenever she sits over by that strange contraption that helps her weave silky thread into cloth. She always shows a playful side to her, whenever she notices his observant gaze. He isn't as dexterous as her, with her long, willowy fingers.

That still doesn't stop her from trying to teach him the basics of her contraption. By the time he figures something out, the other human is back with food. The human greets them with a smile on his face. He's always affectionate—but not just with her. He kneels down, his hand reaching out to pat his head.

"Did you have fun?" Always so eager to include him in the conversation, he can't help but bark out a response. "Is that so, is that so?"

He doesn't understand what it is that he says, being a Riolu…but that doesn't stop the human from pretending. It might not mean much to anyone else, but to him…

Ba-dump!

It makes him feel so happy, that his tail won't stop wagging. Gone is the fear that he had when he first met them. In place, is this deep sense of gratitude that continues to grow more and more each day. It takes his mind off the thoughts he has about his family.

They probably think he's dead. He honestly wouldn't blame them—but that won't stop him from seeking them out, when the day comes that he's able to return home.

That day comes a lot sooner than expected, the way the tan-skinned human looks him over, paying particularly close attention towards his legs. Nothing hurts when the human applies pressure. Nothing stings when his legs are stretched…

He feels absolutely fine.

And yet…

And yet…

And yet…

That doesn't stop the ache in his chest, when he's given an encouraging nudge to leave, now that he no longer has anything holding him back. He runs, and runs, and runs, for the first time in weeks. He doesn't look back—doesn't want to stay longer than he needs to.

He still has family that are likely starting to forget about him. Family that might not even recognize him at first. He no longer smells the same, now that his scent has been overwritten with that of those humans.

It catches his father by surprise, forcing him to take an offensive stance when he enters the vicinity. His aura flares up for an attack, the only thing stopping him from continuing is the sudden recognition of his aura signature. He looks so shocked, so…angry

But also, so very, very relieved, the way he runs up to him, and lifts him off the ground.

The den is full of chatter that night, his own mother refusing to leave him alone until she's certain his scent matches the rest of them. His stomach is practically bulging with the berries he's been fed. A couple of his siblings no longer look the same, having since evolved during his absence. But their personalities remain unchanged, the way they crowd around him as though they were still Riolu and not Lucario.

He welcomes the attention, though he still thinks of those humans in the back of his head.

He thinks.

And thinks.

And thinks.

Until he decides to go look for them, when he's finally allowed to go out on his own. He's given the same warnings as usual, but his father seems to have an idea of what to expect from his youngest son…

So he just tells him to come back safe.

And that's that.

Surprisingly enough, it isn't that difficult to track down the humans. He's been around them so long, that he can spot them from such a long distance away. It helps that the human male has such a distinct aura to him. So bright and lively…

It stands out amongst the group of Swinub he quietly follows after, while they're searching for mushrooms under the snow. They're wary of him, but his gentle nature puts them at ease, allowing him to collect as few mushrooms as possible from each of them, until it all adds up.

It's on his way back to his home that the two cross paths again. And just like that, his tail is wagging again when the human pats his head.

It isn't the first time he visits…nor is it the last. He is persistent, always spending more and more time with the humans instead of his family.

He is getting older, though he is still a child in the eyes of his parents and siblings. He still isn't strong enough to leave them for good just yet…but that doesn't matter to him. It's not about how old or how strong he is…

It's about what he can do, for the humans that kept him safe when he was at his most vulnerable. He can't ignore their kindness—his heart won't let him. And even if he could, he wouldn't ever want to.

Because he wants to see them again.

Wants to help them thrive, even though they're already doing fine without him. The humans have their own skills, after all.

But so does he.

If it's berries that they need, then he can gather them all night long. His stamina is endless compared to theirs, and his fur keeps him warm… Though, that doesn't stop him from climbing under the blankets with them, when he's had enough for one night.

Always, his sudden presence surprises them…but then they smile and welcome him.

There's a place for him to eat, whenever he visits. He doesn't even have to bring anything to be fed…but he still does so anyways, as means of expressing his gratitude.

Time passes, and the seasons begin to change. The climate is still as cold as ever, but the calmer weather makes life more manageable.

It's safe enough for his older siblings to venture out of their own. They're strong enough to make a den of their own, no longer having to rely on their mother for warmth. Those that stay behind…well, it's only a matter of time before they, too, will leave the den.

Smaller, and smaller, the den grows as more and more of his siblings evolve. Soon, it's just him and his mother…and his father, who continues to keep watch. Not all of his siblings leave for good, with the promise of visiting them again someday—some choose to remain close and interact with the other Lucario in the area.

His oldest sister makes her return, just days before he decides to head off and visit the humans again. She doesn't understand his thought process, but she tells him to take care anyways. Because if anything bad were to happen to him, then she'd find him herself.

When one life ends, another begins. Soon, he won't be the youngest anymore. Soon, that den won't be as empty, because his mother is expecting. Times are changing, and one day, he won't be coming back—because this won't be home anymore.

Obviously, he'll still visit…but under different circumstances. It's not that he never wants to see his parents again. It's more that his life belongs elsewhere.

Like at the side of those humans.

The same humans who continue to welcome him, each time he shows up unannounced. He cares so, sooo much for them—that one day, while his tail is wagging so fast from the happiness he feels from the human male's hand on his head, something changes.

The weather is at its warmest during this time of the year. The environment is still harsh…but it's bearable, within the company of others. And it's within their presence, that this tiny Riolu becomes a Lucario.

By now, he had finally picked up on the names that the humans used to refer to each other.

The human male is Akamatsu.

The human female is Hiiragi.

What had made him so happy, was the fact that they've started calling him by a name.

"Tetsuya!"

He never had a name before… Never had something so unique. Something…that was so personal.

He knows that this will be the last time he sees his family for a long, long time. His younger siblings don't understand why he won't be back, but their parents do. And so does his oldest sister, who makes him promise to stay safe.

And so Tetsuya begins to live with Akamatsu and Hiiragi. How strange it feels, not having any reason to leave anymore. How fulfilling it is, to have a bed made especially for him…

The days go by, and he continues assisting the humans. He leaves with Akamatsu, whenever he heads out to gather food and materials. A few times, he sees other humans…humans that wear the same clothing as Akamatsu.

He trades with them, always smiling as he talks more and more. They're catching up—it's been a while since they last saw each other.

"Are you sure you don't want to stick around?"

"I'm sure. There's just…too much sadness here for me to stay."

Tetsuya doesn't know why Akamatsu feels so sad. Doesn't know why it makes him feel just as sad…

Maybe one day, he'll know. For now, he chooses to leave, so that he can find Akamatsu a gift that might make him smile.

He brings back mushrooms and berries. And also, a few pretty stones that he's discovered along the way. Hiiragi praises him, bringing Akamatsu's attention towards the pretty stones. It surprises him at first, but then he smiles so brightly, that it makes Tetsuya's heart skip a beat.

Tetsuya doesn't know the value that some stones have. Whatever it is that he's found, it's enough for Akamatsu to trade for better crafting tools. He even brings more silk and textiles for Hiiragi, who gets to work making something for Tetsuya.

It takes time—Hiiragi wants it to be a surprise for Tetsuya. More than that, she wants to give it to him when the time is right. In the meantime, Akamatsu asks for him to collect more and more wood for him.

He carves and crafts in his spare time, turning the wood into useful items for him and Hiiragi to use. He makes a box for Hiiragi to store her embroidery supplies, and then another to store their silk and textiles. It takes time and effort to finish both, in the same way it takes Hiiragi time to finish the cloth that she weaves.

Soon, the weather grows cold again. The days grow shorter, and the nights grow longer. Those bitter cold winds return with a vengeance, as does the snow that makes it all the more difficult to traverse through the terrain.

It's nothing that Tetsuya worries about. There's enough food to go around for them all, and if not—then he always ensures that they have something to last them through the day before he and Akamatsu go out to forage.

There's a darkly-colored cloth wrapped around his neck now. It's meant to keep his nose warm during any snowstorm he gets caught in. Sometimes, he uses it to carry more, and more berries and mushrooms than usual. It always catches Akamatsu by surprise, when he sees just how much that he's managed to carry back home.

"Good boy." He's a lot taller now, so Akamatsu no longer has to kneel down to pat his head.

Times are changing. Tetsuya doesn't know when it appeared, but one day, he notices a change in Hiiragi's aura. It's a lot livelier than usual, and with it, comes an increase of appetite and occasional bouts of sickness.

He figures out why, once the season changes again and the temperature starts to warm, when Hiiragi's stomach begins to swell. And honestly, he can only wonder why he hadn't noticed earlier. It's only natural for the humans to have a child of their own.

Such a curious development… Hiiragi often catches him staring.

"Is something wrong?" He doesn't respond, and instead, leaves for a period of time. When he returns, he is carrying an armload of berries and mushrooms. There's a dead Basculin in his mouth that he caught specifically for her.

She's shocked at first, but then she smiles and accepts his gifts. Later on, Akamatsu takes him to the very waters that he caught the Basculin. He shows him the bones that have been picked clean, and throws them in the water, where other Basculin calmly swim.

"Pick clean the bones of Pokémon caught in the sea or stream," he begins, as though he's repeating something he's heard so many times. "Thank them for the meals they provide, and pick their bones clean. When the bones are as clean as can be, set them free in the water from which they came. The Pokémon will return, fully fleshed, and it begins anew."

Tetsuya tilts his head in question, not at all understanding…until the third time it happens. By then, he grows to understand the practice. It shows respect towards those eaten as meals. It's similar to how Tetsuya had thanked the Basculin for the sustenance its body will provide before swiftly ending its life.

Humans and Pokémon…are they really that different from each other?

Tetsuya knows that there are differences…but there are also similarities. How it brings them together, helping them further understand each other.

How it strengthens the bond that they've formed.

The child is born in the middle of spring. It's so tiny and loud, with a crown of steel blue hair and tan skin that's the same shade as her father's. It cries and cries and cries, calming only once Hiiragi holds it close to her chest.

"Sorry I couldn't bring a midwife." Akamatsu hangs his head low.

"That's fine—we knew what we were getting ourselves into, when we started seeing each other." Despite how exhausted she is from giving birth, Hiiragi still smiles. "Hey—Tetsuya…do you want to see her?"

Tetsuya doesn't know what to make of the child. Apart from her small and weak appearance, there's something off about her. Something about the way her aura feels so…distinctive. It's so strange, that he hesitates to get any closer.

"Go on." Akamatsu gives him a light nudge. "She won't bite."

Of course she won't—this child doesn't have any teeth. No claws to protect herself. No fur to keep her warm… Such a helpless existence can't be what all humans are born as…can it?

Tetsuya knows so little about humans, that it makes him feel anxious to be around one that is so young. The child is not even a few minutes old, and yet Hiiragi and Akamatsu still encourage him to get closer. They have so much trust in him, after all the time that they've spent together.

They don't fear him, even though he feels that they should. Bit by bit, his curiosity starts to stir and slowly, he starts to move closer. Carefully, he nudges the child's cheek with his forepaw. She reacts almost instantly towards his touch, silver-colored eyes widening almost in awe as she finally notices him.

He can sense a wide array of emotions coming from her. Shock, confusion, fear…and somehow, happiness. So, so much happiness.

Th-Thump!

Th-Thump!

He stays close after that, unable to look away from the child that feels such positive emotions towards his presence.

Tetsuya sticks close after that, never straying too far from the newborn's side. He doesn't have the same concerns that his mother had, just a few days after his birth. Unlike him, this baby can only eat, sleep, and soil itself. She can't even stand on her own legs… So there's no need to worry about her wandering off.

No need to do anything, until she cries for attention. And even then, Hiiragi has it handled. Though, that doesn't stop her from teaching Tetsuya a few things—like how to hold the baby. She takes care to work around the spike protruding from his chest, making him even more aware of it than usual.

It's awkward at first, but Tetsuya doesn't mind. He's just so happy to be included. Eventually, he gets the hang of it. By then, the child has gone back to sleep. And that's where she stays, until it's time for Hiiragi to feed her.

Akamatsu finds his behavior endearing, always patting his head whenever he caught him staring for too long. He no longer waits for Tetsuya, whenever he heads outside to forage. Decides that it wouldn't be fair to separate the two.

Often, when he returns home, he finds Tetsuya sleeping next to the child. There are layers of soft cloth wrapped around his chest to mitigate the issues that his chest spike could cause in his sleep.

As time passes, the only thing that changes is how close the child gets to Tetsuya, her tiny hands clinging tighter and tighter to his soft fur as she buries her face in his stomach. She can now play with his tail, always surprising him when she suddenly latches on.

She's getting better and better at moving about, though Hiiragi always stops her whenever she ventures too far from her cradle. Sometimes, Akamatsu steps in, though most of the time, the child remains well-behaved.

How fast time passes, how quickly the seasons come and go. The child has grown a lot since her birth, though she's still rather small. She sleeps a lot, though she's always quick to wake, whenever Tetsuya is right by. She enjoys the presence of her parents, enjoying Tetsuya's even more.

She can't stop staring at him, whenever she gets the chance. She is just so in awe with him, and Tetsuya cannot figure out why. Maybe…that's just how human infants are. So easily entertained, so quick to tire out…

Such a strange life he lives, and yet…he wouldn't have it any other way. He prefers this calm, to the risks he faces out there. Where one wrong move could be his very last…

How he almost met an untimely end, were it not for the kindness of Akamatsu and Hiiragi. How he would have never been able to return home…

The thought makes him feel nostalgic, as he wonders how his family are doing without him. It's been long enough since he'd last seen them, so…maybe he should visit them?

The child might miss him, as will Akamatsu and Hiiragi, but…they know he'll return. He always does. And he always will.

Because aren't they friends?

Aren't they…family?

Yeah—they are, aren't they? Why else would they have made a bed for him? Or feed him, without ever expecting anything in return?

He helps them with daily tasks, like watching their young… It's similar to how he and his oldest sister were watching over their recently born younger siblings.

Family is allowed to visit other family. So long as he returns, safe and sound…then everything will be fine. Even if he can't communicate with them, the same way he has with the rest of his family, then that's fine. All he'll have to do is find a way to get the message across.

That way, they'll welcome him back home. Just as he often sees Hiiragi do with Akamatsu.

Tetsuya begins to gather more and more firewood, so that Akamatsu doesn't have to do it himself. It's easier for him to do it, when his encounters with other Pokémon will rarely ever be his last. He's strong enough.

Strong enough to knock out a territorial Abomasnow that had suddenly charged at him. He heaves out a sigh, feeling somewhat guilty when a small group of Snover apologize on behalf of their mother. She's been rather defensive as of lately, after getting attacked by a female Zoroark.

Hostile Zoroark aren't anything new. It just so happened that this one had recently lost her mate, leaving her Zorua without a father. As a result, she is far more aggressive than usual, willing to attack anyone and anything that so much as caught her eye. She rarely even sleeps, far too busy trying to raise her young as safely as possible.

It's difficult, now that it was starting to snow more and more. And it'll only get even worse, when the temperature gets even colder. How unfortunate must one be to lose someone so important, during a time when they are needed the most…

Even though he was warned so many times to always be wary of the Zoroark and the Zorua, Tetsuya can't help but pity her and hope that things get better for her.

Hopefully, while he's not anywhere near her. Just because he feels sorry for her, doesn't mean he wants anything to do with her. It's why he takes a more cautious stance when he gathers more and more firewood, taking a small detour to collect berries, mushrooms, and wild vegetables. He's picked up the habit, ever since Hiiragi had weaved a basket out of tree bark.

That's when he runs into a curious Zorua kit, its tail swishing from left to right. It's too young to know any better, too young to properly make use of its resentment to power its illusions. That's why he can see it so clearly, just staring up curiously at him with golden-colored eyes.

It barks at him, its eyes focused on the berries in the basket he carries under one arm. It moves even closer, forcing Tetsuya to take a step back.

And then takes another step closer, making him realize that he won't be able to shake off the kit so easily. So he decides to sacrifice a few of the berries, setting them aside in a small pile in front of the Zorua. And that's all it takes for the Zorua to stop following him, as it quickly makes work of the plump sitrus berry that's almost as large as its body.

He turns his back to the Zorua, his fur suddenly bristling at the ominous energy he senses within the area. It's bad…so he breaks into a sprint, deciding that he's stayed out long enough for one day.

He is very fortunate. Though, not fortunate enough to avoid running into the same Zorua kit. This time, it's not alone—it's accompanied by two more kits. And just like before, the kits will follow after him until he manages to set aside a pile of berries for them.

They're rather intelligent, already aware of the danger that their presence means towards anyone who gets too close. How quickly they must have learned, through their mother's overprotective nature. How deep must past grudges linger within their blood…

Still, they keep their distance after that, only ever showing their faces when they find him collecting wood. Even if he doesn't have the basket with him to collect berries, they still follow him around until he manages to give them what he wants. He narrowly avoids their mother, who is always close by. Always watching, always exuding such a threatening aura…

Not seeing her is somehow scarier than seeing her at all. He is grateful that the two have not yet clashed. He prefers to keep it that way, as he gathers the last of the firewood. With this, it should be enough to last Akamatsu and Hiiragi while he's gone.

That way, Akamatsu doesn't need to leave. That way…Akamatsu will stay safe, with Hiiragi and their child.

Tetsuya doesn't know when it began, but at some point, he started becoming more and more anxious at the thought that Akamatsu wouldn't come home one day. Sometimes, he doesn't return immediately.

Other times, he's gone for days.

He's been home as of recently, likely due to the change in season. He likely won't go out as often, which is why Tetsuya works hard to ensure that he doesn't go anywhere during his absence. It should be fine, because there's enough food and firewood for them. There's no need to leave the warmth and safety of their home…

So why does Tetsuya still feel so awful, when he strays farther than his usual route? When he doesn't return home, when the sun begins to set?

It's early in the morning when he comes across his father. Unlike before, his father has been expecting him. He recognizes his scent this time—likely because he's memorized the scents of Akamatsu and Hiiragi through him. He pauses for a moment, likely curious about the new scent, though he doesn't linger on it for too long.

Instead, he takes Tetsuya to a new den. While he was gone, they had decided to make a new den. There, he sees his oldest sister, caring for the Riolu pups that scuffle over the smallest of things. The sight reminds Tetsuya of his days as a Riolu.

How time flies. How much he's managed to grow in his absence… How he almost doesn't notice, were it not for his mother pointing it out.

Tetsuya had been the runt of his litter. Born last, with a body that was smaller than the rest of his siblings. No one expected him to survive, but somehow, he managed…and now, he's managed to outgrow his oldest sister. He's even taller than his own mother, who had always been taller than most Lucario.

Of course, none of it compares to the massive size of his father… Still, it makes Tetsuya think, as he sits down to play with his younger siblings. The way the smallest of this litter refuses to let go of his tail. He can feel the little one's teeth sinking into his fur, barely grazing the skin.

How weak she currently is, with teeth that aren't yet sharp and strong enough. How nostalgic she makes him feel…

Life can be quite unpredictable. Maybe this little one will outgrow him one day. Maybe she'll even be more massive than their father. Whatever happens, Tetsuya hopes that she'll grow just as healthy as he had.

Deep down, he also hopes the same for Akamatsu and Hiiragi's child. Why he thinks of her so suddenly, he doesn't know. He had probably gotten so used to being by her side, especially as he lays down to sleep with the Riolu. The way they curl up against him reminds him of the child. It's similar…but not the same.

He has a hard time going to sleep. Has a hard time ignoring thinking about anything else, as the days go by. He considers staying for a while longer, but he decides against it after seeing just how much snow had fallen during the night, while it was storming.

The walk back is so quiet.

So…off.

It happens all too fast. The way the ground rumbles, the noise he hears that grows louder and louder… It's hard to process it all, even though he knows what it is. Denial has a way of obscuring the harsh reality that he doesn't want to acknowledge.

The fact that the source of the noise is coming from the same direction he's heading towards.

He runs and runs and runs. At this pace, he'll be home in no time. Except…

Where is home?

Home should be here…but all Tetsuya sees is snow. So, so much snow…

It hits him all at once, his blood running cold at the realization of what this means. Even more horrifying is what he can sense beneath it—the faint traces of life that are slowly being snuffed out.

He starts digging almost at once. The cold doesn't bother him at all. Deep, deep, deep, he makes quick work of the snow. So close, yet so far…he keeps at it and at it. He almost doesn't notice the group of Aipom that start helping him.

They're helpful like that. They've always been like that, whenever they weren't being so mischievous…

The sudden strain and effort forces one to evolve, which makes it all the easier for them all to make a dent in the snow. Then…then…then…!

He sees it.

He sees them.

Feels how cold they are.

Feels how lifeless they are.

"Ai?" An Aipom uses its tail to nudge one of them.

No response.

"Aaaaiii…?" It tries again…and again…and again.

It stops only because the Ambipom places its hand on its shoulder. That's when the tears start coming. That's when it finally sets in for Tetsuya. And so he cries and cries with the Aipom and Ambipom. Cries over the loss of their two human companions…

Two…

Two…!

Tetsuya forces himself to act. He can't let his tears get in the way. Can't let them stop him from seeing what's right in front of him…

Maybe it's denial.

Maybe it's hope.

Whatever it is, it's fueling his determination to keep digging through the snow. That's when he finds the small, wooden box that Akamatsu and Hiiragi had shielded with their bodies. That's when he notices that same, distinctive aura…

So bright…

So…alive.

The hardest part about retrieving the box from Akamatsu and Hiiragi is having to separate them. They had held on so tightly, with the hope that their child would survive. Even at the cost of their own lives…

How reckless of them to think they would ever be so lucky.

How selfless of them to take the chance anyways.

The child sleeps inside the box, swaddled in layers and layers of soft cloth. Completely undisturbed.

Completely uninjured.

Tetsuya is careful when he removes the child from the box. Still warm…but not warm enough to his liking. He removes the darkly-colored cloth around his neck, and wraps it around the child. It comes all too naturally to him, when he holds the child close to his chest. He's still just as conscious of the spike that's protruding from his chest…

And also, of the ache that comes from within.

Hiiragi should be the one holding her child. If not her, then Akamatsu…

Not him.

Not like this.

Unfortunately, there isn't anything he can do about it. There are no second chances, once death has taken its claim. This isn't any different from the bodies of Pokémon he would discover in the snow…

Though, it hurts a lot more now, because he knows Akamatsu and Hiiragi…

Well, he knew them.

"Amm?" Tetsuya looks towards the Ambipom that touches his shoulder.

Curious Aipom gather around him, wanting to get a closer look at the child in his arms. Such curious little things…but they know better then to pry too much. Especially once Tetsuya starts growling.

It happens instinctively, startling him just as much as it startled the others. He apologizes for his behavior, though the Ambipom only laughs. Soon, the Aipom join along. They're all too easily entertained, though it could be their way of coping with the loss of their human companions.

What now?

The question remains unasked, but Tetsuya knows that it's what's on his and everyone else's mind. It's hard to come up with a conclusive answer. All that Tetsuya knows is that he can't stick around.

Soon, the sun will begin to set. The sky will darken, and the temperature will drop…

While he can withstand the cold temperature, this child cannot. He needs to find her a place for the night. A place that can shield her from the elements. He looks towards the forest where he collected firewood. It's within walking distance…

It wouldn't be that difficult for him to find what he needs there. However, the forest is still home to that hostile Zoroark and her kits. She may have tolerated him, but what of the helpless child in his arms?

Tetsuya doesn't know, and he'd prefer not to take any risks. But there aren't many options for him to consider, when his old home follows a path that is dangerous for him to take while the child rests in his arms. The humans that Akamatsu would often visit are too far a distance away for him to arrive before nightfall. More than that…

More than that…

There had to be a reason why Hiiragi and Akamatsu had lived so far away from them. The way only Akamatsu interacted with them…

Those other humans know nothing of the child that they had. And while he is accepting of her, what of them?

Just what will they do?

Tetsuya doesn't know…and he'd rather not find out. So after bidding the Aipom and Ambipom farewell, he makes his way towards the forest. It's just for the night…

Just one, single night…

He'll leave as soon as the sun rises, so that he doesn't risk an encounter with that Zoroark and her Zorua. He's done it before…and he can do it again.

It really is just his luck that he ran into her, just minutes after entering the forest.

She sits on a boulder, so out in the open. She is just as ominous and threatening as ever, though…now he can actually see her. And it seems she had noticed his presence. Almost at once, does the malice rise from her body. So dark, and full of resentment…ready to strike at any given second.

Bark!

Bark!

But then a Zorua pops its head out from its mother's mane. The kit barks a few times, another head soon popping out to join it. There are only two Zorua kits that Tetsuya sees, one of which chooses to hop out. It lands on the ground, taking a moment to shake its body before trotting its way over to him.

The Zorua barks again, staring up expectantly at Tetsuya. No doubt, it was expecting him to collect berries again. How childishly selfish of it…but it's thanks to that selfishness that the Zoroark ceases her hostility.

For the moment.

She's still just as threatening, though…something is off about her. Something about the way that he only sees two of the three Zorua kits.

Ah.

Now he understands. No wonder the Zoroark had been sitting out in the open… She had been mourning the loss of one of her kits. Now it's just her and these two kits.

"Zo…" The Zoroark turns her attention away from him, and towards the child in his arms. "Zooo…"

She is far too curious for his liking. Far too interested to care at all about his distress. She calls him over, telling him to come closer. And so he does, because he doesn't want to anger her.

The curious Zorua kits are doing a decent enough job at keeping their mother's anger at bay. Though, not enough that they completely mitigate the danger that their mother poses to him and the child.

He looks nervously at her as she holds out her arms. He swallows hard, and carefully hands the child over to her. She cradles the infant in her arms, somehow managing without any of his assistance.

The Zorua in her mane stares down curiously at the child, while the other moves closer towards its mother. It's their first time seeing a human, especially once that is so young. How strange it must be, to see something so weak and helpless…

And yet, something within the Zoroark stirs. She stands up without saying a word, soon turning her back towards Tetsuya. She ignores him when he starts calling out to her, choosing to instead walk further into the forest. She stops only for her Zorua kit, who hops back into her mane to join its sibling.

Tetsuya follows after her, but she doesn't stop him. Doesn't bother setting up an illusion to shake him off… Doesn't need too, because she knows he needs her help, just as she needs his. Last night's snowstorm had convinced her in such a terrible way, when her youngest had fallen out of her mane in his sleep.

If only she hadn't fallen asleep, then maybe she wouldn't have woken up to the sight of his cold, lifeless body. He would have been in her mane right now, with the rest of his siblings. If only her mate not fallen ill and passed away, then she wouldn't have been struggling to this extent.

She no longer cares for the resentment that fuels her hostility towards those not of her kind. She's willing to make an exception for a Lucario, given her unfortunate circumstances. At least this way, she can guarantee the safety of her kits during such a vulnerable stage of their life. As they are now, they cannot survive the night outside of her mane.

The child in her arms isn't any different. So weak and helpless as her Zorua had been, when they were first born…

Maybe this is why she feels such a strange attachment towards this child. Or maybe she's just thinking too much. Regardless, she isn't going to return the child to the Lucario anytime soon.

Once he gets a clue about the role he'll have to play, then maybe she'll consider.

Maybe.


A/N Y'all thought you've seen everything in Also-Ran, with fae wild child, Brie of the Glimwood Tangle.

I'm here to tell you all that you are wrong, because the floodgates have been opened, and a brand-new world has opened up for me, especially since it's set in the very region I started with first—Sinnoh. Of course, Hisui is not yet Sinnoh, so…oop.

Still, this place is my fucking turf like Unova, so I'm invested in everything this place has to offer, while also introducing you to the concept of Punch Baby Akari. The name will eventually make sense as our SI OC gets older, and yes, in case you haven't picked up on it yet, it's another SI OC fic!

A lot has happened since I last worked on Also-Ran—mainly the fact that Pokémon: Secrets of the Jungle came the FUCK out. I literally bought the blu-ray as it came out in Japan, and then waited months for a translation. I regret nothing, though all I have to say…is that this idea of mine still came out, months before I was even able to watch the film.

Fun Fact: I started writing Also-Ran, literally a month before that movie was even announced (and before the pandemic changed everything). And a lot of the ideas I had set aside for this fic ended up getting vindicated in some fucking way, when I started playing Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

It's honestly eerie, and my friends keep joking that I need to stop getting possessed by the game devs. I don't think that's happening anytime soon, though. So oop, guess you'll have to deal with my bullshit and see what else comes out of my brain.

By the by, my worldbuilding from Also-Ran still applies here. That is something I've had forming in my head for nearly a decade now, and I'm not about to go back on it, even if it doesn't match up with game mechanics. My city now. :P

Side note, for anyone confused about Akamatsu and Hiiragi—Akamatsu is from the Pearl Clan and Hiiragi is from the Diamond Clan. They're not supposed to be together, but that didn't stop them from getting together and having a child.

Unfortunately, their family life was cut short by an avalanche, leaving our Lucario, Tetsuya, to care for the child who was left behind. Assisting him is a very hostile Mama Hisuian Zoroark, who will eventually get a name….just give it time.

Anyways, nothing is funnier than going from Bayonetta, who is far more hostile and intense than the average Hatterene, and Dante, the Grimmsnarl who is absolutely smitten with her and adores each and every one of their children… To whatever the fuck Tetsuya has going on with Mama Hisuian Zoroark. The contrast is just so funny, that I'm honestly excited to write more about them.

This is all I have for now, so let me know what you think in a review! If you see any mistakes, do tell me. And if you have any questions, feel free to ask them. I'll do my best to answer them.

Feel free to spam my inbox on tumblr at klonoadreams, where you'll find the link to my public discord server. Join us if you'd like—just make sure to introduce yourself so that one of the mods can give you a role that'll let you access to the rest of the server.

Until next time! Stay safe!