Episode 34: Aseria's Last Crisis

"What is this? What just what happened to you, Naivie?" Esther gasped and staggered back alongside everyone. Naivie's colossal form leaned over them and laughed. "Did you evolve?"

"Evolve? No. I was supposed to have regained my original form, but it appears that isn't fully possible right now. But it doesn't matter. Like this, I'm strong enough to crush you all if you decline my master's demands," Naivie said. Her voice was low and a little distorted.

"Your master's wishes?" Lute said.

"Let's save ourselves some time and exposition and cut straight to the chase, shall we? Let the lady speak for you," Naivie said, baring her claws. Her form toppled a little, forcing her to put them down again to keep balanced. All eyes turned to Sophitia, who was going pale. "So go on! Our conquest begins now. We're going to reclaim what was once ours."

"I-I don't know what you're talking about, though," Sophitia looked down. Her voice was so quiet and uncertain.

"Don't waste our time, champion. We've been waiting generations for this!" Naivie raised her voice and leaned forward.

"No, no, no, I really don't know! I promise, I mean it," she pleaded and bowed. Naivie's eyes narrowed, and she leaned back.

She's so afraid. This isn't like Sophitia at all, Lute realised.

"Nothing? You mean to say that amnesia excuse is actually real? That you don't remember anything prior to meeting Lute in that cave?" Naivie questioned. Sophitia didn't answer. "You don't remember me or my original appearance? You don't remember Artemis, Diancie, or our accursed home, Balunercc?"

There was silence besides Sophitia's whimpers and the choir of the altar. That brought Naivie to go half lidded, and she growled. "To think that I spent all this time playing along with your asinine little game. Do you know how pathetic I felt? How foolish I looked? How long I waited for you get your act together?"

"Whatever's going on, this was your plan all along, wasn't it? You're using the V-Waves from the temples to power yourself up," Esther readied her baton.

"Quiet, peasants. You fools have nothing to do with this," Naivie replied.

"To hell with that. We have everything to do with this, bitch! You can't tell me we went through all of this just for you to—" Esther shouted, getting cut off by Naivie's attempt to smash her. She hopped back to avoid it, but stumbled and fell on her backside.

"Esther!" Infia cried. The others were all ready for battle, now.

"You got one thing right, and that was that I deceived you," Naivie said. "Heroes? Chosen ones? All a load of nothing. None of you are anything special in the slightest. Ordinary Pokémon, the lot of you. Except Sophitia."

"That can't be true. The temples reacted to us. W-we could go to Moand Dia," Lute argued.

"The temples reacted to me and Sophitia, fool! Once Artemis' champion, but now a lowly Sylveon, head over heels in a petty teenage romance. It's a shameful waste, but whatever. You're useless to us, now. I have the go ahead to get rid of you all, and I'm going to enjoy it." Naivie clenched her claws. "That is, unless of course, you pledge your alliance to me. I'm sure we ancients could find some use for you, still."

"None of us have any idea what the hell you're talking about, but it doesn't look the slightest bit good," Kuri said. "I spent my entire life avoiding sucking up to Lassic after he committed genocide. What makes you think I'd succumb to a new leader?"

"The fact that you don't have a choice in the matter. Bow down to me, or die," Naivie threatened.

"Naivie, just- stop. What's going on? What's Balunercc? What's the planet in the sky? And why did you change into this?" Lute asked.

"Nothing I'm going to answer. You don't need to know!" She leaned forward.

Lute gritted his fangs. "Then we're going to assume it's evil, and we're going to stop you."

"You know, in my noble position, it is only right to ensure that you aren't going to do anything that you're going to regret. Is that your absolute, final answer?" Naivie said.

There was a pause, but everyone's answer was to pose for battle. Electricity sparked, flames puffed up, and energy visibly flowed through the group. Sophitia was last, readying her sword and shield.

"So you've chosen death. Inevitable for ordinary Pokémon. But Sophitia, I expected better," Naivie sighed.

The giant Carbink monster stood tall and stretched her arms up, and then brought both claws down. Even though the group jumped away from the attack, the sheer force of her palms shook everything around and brought the group to the floor. Naivie was unaffected by that, and cried out loud as she flew straight into a follow-up attack. A bright set of sparkling wings flashed on her back for a moment to propel her forward, where her claws collided directly with Sophitia's shield.

"A perfect parry. Just what I expect from Artemis' champion. It's almost like you're lying to me," Naivie said. The two of them were stuck against a wall in the corner of the room, Sophitia half buried in an indent in the ground.

"Why don't you believe me- that I don't remember?" Sophitia growled. She held her shield with both paws and two feelers. Just as Naivie brought her other claw forward to push against the shield, she brushed both claws off and slipped away to the side, avoiding continued strikes from Naivie. As the giant Carbink continuously smashed the ground, the Sylveon darted around Naivie, and eventually kicked off her head to get back to the centre of the room.

"Because you can do things like that. No normal Pokémon could put up this much of a fight," Naivie glared at the Sylveon. A Moonblast was charged between her claws, prompting Sophitia to charge the same attack. Both of their moves collided, creating a massive explosion of dust and smoke. A powerful shockwave came with it, keeping everyone else back.

Sophitia didn't have time to rest, though. Before the smoke cleared, she knew to raise her shield and stand strong. Naivie came right through and crashed into her, claws bared and grinding against her shield.

"You mean to tell me that you've never once thought about it, considered what you could really be? All the battles you've been in, knowing you've had the power to end them in an instant?" Naivie said. "I could see you were holding back. Hesitating, not out of fear of death, but because you didn't want to give yourself away. I watched you do it with Project Dragonlord, and Lassic!"

Sophitia was tried to respond, but couldn't do so on top of her struggled parries. She guarded against Naivie's claws, but the sheer size and force behind each attack knocked her whole body haywire. The best she could do was step backward and jump whenever the ground shook, constantly looking back to make sure she wasn't backed into a wall.

With all the heavy impacts to the ground however, the temple quickly transformed into a ruin that threatened to come apart. Massive ditches were left whenever Naivie moved, while huge indents caused rocks and dust to erupt sporadically. Before long, the whole group were in a crumbling cavern and had to shield themselves from a rain of boulders and rocks.

"Everyone, are you there?" Lute cried out on top of all the destruction. Just then, part of the ceiling came right down on top of him, but he was saved by Esthia diving through him. "Esther?"

"It's Esthia, get it right already!" cried the fusion. They landed on top of more rubble than he was expecting to see. She continued to run and hop across it all, to which he followed.

In the middle of all the dust and destruction, Sophitia cried out as she freed herself. She coughed and panted, forced back into focus by Naivie landing beside her. She moaned a bit, but staggered as she pointed her sword forward.

"I-I don't know what you're talking about at all. Who is Artemis?" Sophitia asked. She was smacked aside by a backhand, winded as she hit the ball hard.

"It doesn't matter anymore, does it? You know full well who he is. You know full well who you are, and it's annoying me to no end that you're continuing to feign ignorance," Naivie said, jumping closer again. She pointed a nail at Sophitia as she struggled to stand. "I really don't want to lose you, you know. Artemis might despise you, but I see something different. You continued to work hard and become as strong as you did, and not in the name of vengeance. You were the perfect champion, truly dedicated to servitude."

"So I- ah, so I should know who he is, huh?" she huffed as she held her sword up again. She had one eye shut and was barely stood up on wobbling legs.

"So why? Why forsake everything you worked towards and become… this? I mean, look at you!" Naivie said. She moved frighteningly fast to scoop up Sophitia in a flash. The fairy struggled in her grip, forced to stare into her face. "You could've had it all. The greatest honours of the Ancients, the respect to be crowned a queen… infinite life. But you would really forfeit it all just so that you could live alongside peasants like these? They're not even your species!"

Just then, Naivie was struck hard by Kuri. He was glowing with his Overgrow boost, and turned his attack into Frenzy Plant without delay. Gigantic vines burst from his arm and enveloped Naivie's head, exploding so hard that she toppled aside and dropped Sophitia with a wince of pain.

"I've got you," Phoenix said as he caught and carried the Sylveon to safety. Sophitia could barely whimper a response.

"Now's our chance, Lute. Let's hit 'em hard," Esthia cheered, raising a fist. With a twirl and a twist of her palms, she revealed two glowsticks and lit them both up with a tap on her cheeks. They turned into crackling pompoms. "We're not lettin' you escape, Naivie!"

To their surprise, Naivie recovered from Kuri's attack without so much as a scratch, and glared at the duo angrily. Kuri landed beside them and seemed equally as surprised, refraining from jumping after her. Esthia ignored it though, firing her electric pompoms with a thrust of her palms.

"Esthia, don't!" Kuri shouted and stuck an arm out. Lute attempted to give chase, but was pulled back by his tail. "Not you too, you idiot! If Overgrow doesn't do any damage, what chance does V-Wave power?"

"But Esthia!" he said. Kuri growled and glared at the fight.

Naivie didn't even move, letting the fusion pelt her with electrical blasts and other fancy moves. The hits were making her flinch, shut her eyes, and grunt, but anything resembling real damage didn't wasn't happening. Esthia eventually stopped and landed on a mountain of rubble.

"Holy sugar, what's this thing made of? I knew Carbink were defensive, but this is something else," Esthia cried. Naivie slowly turned to face her, eyes squinted and claws bared again. "Eeep!"

"Do you understand, now? The vast difference between us?" Naivie bragged. "You are mortals of a modern generation. Weak, useless, inferior, reliant on the group effort of slaves or machines. The likes of you could never hope to even scratch my hide."

"And you are?" Sophitia said, still standing. Phoenix was stood over her protectively, but she still took centre stage with her sword out. "Just because you're turning into some kinda heartless monster, that doesn't make you better!"

"But you know exactly what I am. After all, you have that same power for yourself. If only you weren't trying so desperately to throw it all away," Naivie said. She aimed a palm at them. Pink particles began to gather before it, which soon formed into a giant Moonblast. Even when they expected it to be fired however, she held it, adding more and more energy until it was an unstable bomb that stormed with energy.

"Don't just stand there, burst that thing!" Esthia shouted. The group combined their efforts: Flamethrower, Thunderbolt, Energy Ball, and Swift all coming together in a wild volley. The attacks hit their target, but dissolved harmlessly.

"It can't be," Kuri whispered, while the others were speechless.

Lute stared, and finally began to whimper. He couldn't believe what he was part of right now. Not just the fact that Naivie had betrayed them like this, but the fact that he and his group turned out to be completely helpless. He truly didn't know what to say or do, and stared down this awful attack that tore apart the world before him. All the rock and earth around Naivie floated up and disintegrated in the awe of her Moonblast, and soon enough, he couldn't even see her behind its storming surface. It almost looked like if she unleashed it, the attack might swallow the whole world.

"Farewell, Pokémon," Naivie said, springing his mind into fright. He had to get out of here, and now.

But it was too late. All went silent once she let the attack go. The noise of it ripping through the ground made him deaf, and the light of its core lit up his friend's desperate faces. All he could do was turn around and make a useless lunge for safety.

The last thing her saw upon turning around was Sophitia leaping in the opposite direction, directly into this world-destroying Moonblast. Now he knew what it was like for time to freeze around him. Total fear, confusion, and desperation took over his whole being, bringing a million questions and cries with them, all in an instant. He knew he couldn't do anything to stop whatever she was doing, and that was what brought the pain first.

He was made deaf again, this time in both reality and in his body's senses. A catastrophic blast of wind struck him harder than a truck, while electrical streams surged through him, feeling like it burnt every fibre of his being to nothing. Before it was all over, a heavy impact to his back jolted his fragile form so hard it stole his breath. He landed on a surface that was so cold it burnt, completely drained of all strength and awareness. Whatever was left of his conscious was a blurry daze that viewed the world sideways, and a head-splitting bleep that rang without cease.

Cohesive thought had but a moment left, and with it, he witnessed what looked like Sophitia standing strong. She had an enormous, circular shield of light in front of her, but it was flickering out of view. And then everything faded into blurry darkness, all noise and feeling disappearing from him.

As for Sophitia, she had protected her friends. She didn't know how, but she had mitigated a massive fraction of the Moonblast with that giant shield she brought up. It drained what little strength she had left, and she fell on her side, breathing hoarsely through her mouth.

"Unbelievable!" Naivie cried. "That would have killed them and destroyed this entire island with ease. You managed to weaken it that much?"

There was no response for a while, and then Sophitia attempted to stand. She took in a breath, ground her fangs hard, and gradually began to shift her way up, keeping a furious glare on Naivie. Naivie could only stare back in surprise as well. In fact, she shifted back with a sound of concern. But when it looked like the Sylveon might take a step, her eyes went dead, and she fell forward lifelessly. Her breath ceased, her twitches stopped, and complete silence fell.

"All this effort to protect your friends, even though they're just weak, pathetic Pokémon of the modern era. And for what, to buy them a few more seconds of life?" Naivie said, and raised her claw. "And to think that you had me worried for a moment."

She brought her claw down to crush Sophitia, but halted very suddenly, grunting from the effort to resist. "Master?"

Silence.

"I don't see what purpose leaving them alive will do, but if it is your wish, then so be it. What would you have me do now, my lord?" she said, looking up.

Silence for another moment.

"Thank you. You have no idea how much I've missed being by your side. I will return to Balunercc with utmost haste."

Lute awoke very suddenly, but mentally, first. Some impatient thoughts surfaced, and he forced himself to open his eyes and sit up. Big mistake. He sat up to a searing ache that tore through him. He silently wailed and wrenched back over to his side, eventually able to let out a choke and a gasp. His whole body hurt like it was on fire.

Dang it. I don't have time for this, he cried in his head. Okay Lute. You've been through this. One step at a time.

First thing was first, to check whether he was actually alive or not. He certainly felt like he was alive. He slowly opened his eyes and blinked away tears of pain. He was on a mattress in a warm room of wood and stone walls. Beside him were a few makeshift beds made of cushions and things. Some had patches of dried blood on them.

As his view focused, he felt familiarity, and then recognition. He was at home, his new home remodelled to not use technology. The extra beds clearly accounted for his friends, but they were all empty.

"I must," he whispered, finding his mouth dry and horrible tasting. His body still hurt, but it wasn't enough to paralyse him down like it did earlier. With heavy breaths, he wobbled to the floor and just about stood up. Thumps could be heard from the other room coming right towards him.

"Lute!" Marina cried as she burst in. He let down his guard the moment he saw it was her. She didn't hesitate to run over and cradle him, but with obvious awareness that he was in pain. "Thank goodness you're alive. Oh thank gods!"

"Mum," he muttered.

"He's awake?" other familiar voices called out from behind.

He had to look over her, finding Pokémon he wasn't expecting to find. His school friends, Raiju and Cinder, fought to get into the room first. The Jolteon came out on top, but stopped behind Marina instead of body slamming him like he usually did. Esther and Infia were right behind them, and stopped in the doorway.

"You guys," Lute muttered.

"You should get back into bed. You're in no condition to be up," Marina suggested. "Here, some water."

"Wait what? Weren't we," Lute muttered and turned away. The moment he got offered the water bowl, he dove in and took several gulps. Just that made him feel a lot better. His memories came back to him in a flash, and he cringed. "Naivie. All that stuff with Naivie, what happened?"

"We heard from Phoenix and the others already. Please, rest," Marina replied. She gestured to carry him back onto the mattress. He took her offer and settled down, but he was focused on them.

"Honestly, dude. I dunno what to say. It's been ages, and all this happened?" Raiju remarked. "I can't believe you're the same kid."

"I really wanna give you a talking to, but now really doesn't seem like the time," Cinder added, looking away. "But… it really does hurt to see you like this."

"Cinder?" Lute said.

"I mean it, dude. I dunno what you think of us, but when I learnt that you left on a whole other journey without us, I kept telling myself it was okay. But I couldn't stop thinking about it. I thought that if something like that ever happened, we'd all be on it together," Cinder said with a growl. "And now you're here, badly hurt with all this stuff going on, and all I have is sympathy to show for it."

"What he's really trying to say is let us take over from here," Raiju said cheerfully. "That big brute who beat you up, let us help you out and take care of it. We'll make mince pie of it!"

"Guys," Lute mumbled. He shook his head. "You can't do that. You know you can't."

"Hey don't underestimate us. Remember, we're—"

"No Raiju!" Lute leaned forward. "How much did you learn? Not just about what happened here, but the whole journey altogether?"

There was quiet.

"We know about the V Pocket stuff," Cinder sighed. "Sorry. I just… can't stand sitting on the side. Especially when things are getting so- you don't have to worry about it."

"I don't have time to sit here and not worry, though. Where's everyone else?" Lute stood up again.

"Lute—"

"Mum, I'm fine. This is serious, though! What happened, why am I at home?" he said. Her face churned, and he growled. "Mum!"

"I know. I know, Lute. I can't stop you. I think it's better you see things for yourself," she said, trying not to look at him. She led the way out after that, prompting Esther and Infia to wait ahead. He rose an eyebrow, but Cinder and Raiju didn't offer anything besides concerned looks, either.

He could see it right as he exited the house. On a distant island, more than likely the central continent of Pokétopia, there was a sinister swirl of dark colours. Most of the clouds in the sky were gone besides that one area, where they had swirled around the planet that he had seen when the Ancient Flowers activated.

It looked like plant roots were had come from the planet and gripped the ground, tethering Aseria and the dark planet together. Light blue fog surrounded the whole formation in a flat, rigid shape, like a cocoon of crystal was growing around it all. A complete contrast to the sunny skies of the surrounding world.

"What is that?" Lute whispered, his eyes wavering in disbelief.

"It happened soon after the clouds parted. When the light from the Shaymin filled the sky, that planet appeared above Pokétopia. Soon afterwards, all that crystal started raining from the sky, which soon grew into that cage," Marina explained. "We were able to determine that the planet is heading towards Aseria. With its mass and size, if it gets any closer, it'll affect our climate. Or worse, collide with Aseria and destroy it completely."

"Didn't you say it was like some kinda alien invasion, too?" Raiju said.

"Aliens?" Lute gasped.

"Not nearly. Just unusual, extra-terrestrial Pokémon started showing up immediately afterwards. Species rarely seen, like Starmie or Clefable. They appeared to be cultivating the crystals that were coming from the planet, rooting it down," Marina clarified. She turned back to Lute and company. "That was all we really got to see during our evacuation. One team went to Reis Island, where they found your group. Everyone except Sophitia."

"Except Sophitia?" Lute cried this time. His heart felt like it was going to drop out of him. To make matters worse, everyone went totally silent at that point. "Wait, what happened to Sophitia? Someone say something!"

"They didn't find her. You really have to wonder why?" Kuri said, bringing attention to himself. Phoenix was beside him.

"No, I don't know. All I know is—" Lute said, having another memory flash in his mind. Her giant shield. The only reason they survived the Moonblast. And the things Naivie was saying to her.

"Her and Naivie were in on it, dude. This whole mess," Kuri stated.

"In on what?" Lute raised his voice.

"Beating us aside, what else? Naivie wanted those temples so that she could power up into whatever the hell that thing we fought was. And now she's obviously off to her 'master', who looks like they're gonna destroy the whole of Aseria," Kuri explained.

"You don't even know what you're talking about. Sophitia wouldn't betray us, she's got no reason to!" Lute shouted.

"You don't know her reason to. You don't even know anything about her, none of us do!" Kuri raised his voice. "I should've seen this coming, but I was too damn focused on Angard and the missing weather."

"She's our friend, isn't she?" Lute said.

"You said you were helping her get her memory back, right?" Kuri asked. Lute opened his mouth to respond, but couldn't. "But you never did, did you? And every time you brought it up, she changed the subject. Said it was fine, something she didn't care about. But obviously, it was."

"You're just jumping to conclusions. For all we know, the worst could've happened. Naivie could've taken her. Maybe she did something that saved us, but drew Naivie away. What if the rescue team just didn't find her body?" Lute cried.

"Have you been dreaming this whole journey? Our lives haven't nearly been as convenient," Kuri said. "She played us, kid. Get over it."

"No! I don't believe it!" he cried and scrunched up his face.

"Yeah, bored. I mean I get it, Aseria's a happier place now. There's no fighting, the Pokémon are all working together, everyone's constantly got stuff to do. But I'm a fighter, y'know? All that stuff I did before when we were travelling, I literally live for it. I thought you did too, so I thought we were getting closer. Close enough to maybe… I dunno, do something special."

"Ehee hee, oh Lute, I'm just teasing. I don't mind, really. But we're gonna check those islands out soon, right?"

"I just wanted to know if you wanted to. We'll cross that bridge when we get there. Just, this is my idea of a day out with you."

"She wouldn't have said and done all that stuff. I just can't see it," Lute huffed and faced the floor.

"Stop it already!" Infia came between them. "Kuri, you're just being really mean."

"You?" Kuri raised an eyebrow.

"I have to agree. There is no point in provoking each other right now. What we really need to be doing is deciding what to do next," Phoenix said. Kuri spat and folded his arms. "I have been collecting reports from the agents and the rescue team that found us to get as much information as possible. Sadly, what Marina says is true. They searched the ruins of the temple up and down, and found not a single hint of Sophitia."

"What we need to do is find her, right? She might know the most about what's going on. If any of her memories could come back," Lute said.

"That would be convenient, but without any hints, that is a wild Ducklett chase. Arceus help her if she has gone to Pokétopia," Phoenix stated. There was quiet for a long moment.

"I think," Esther said, pushing everyone aside to bring attention to herself. "I think we should go back to Obire."

"Obire? The western continent? Why there?" Kuri asked.

"Remember that old granny? Azu, I think her name was. She knew loads about the legend of Aseria and all that. If anybody knows about what that planet is or what Naivie turned into, it'll be her," she said. "I think if we find out exactly what's going on in terms of the flowers, we can get to the bottom of all this. Clearly, there's more to it then bringing V-Waves back to the world."

"Why would they withhold information from us?" Kuri asked.

"You tell me. Genesis is connected to the old world, yet she doesn't have a thing to say on this, does she?" Esther said with half lidded smirk. Kuri gawked at her.

"You little son of a bitch," he replied.

"Just doin' my thing," Esther said smugly. "Lute, I know you're worried about Sophitia, but if you really believe in her, then you know that she'll show up sooner or later. She probably just remembered something and went to go and sort it out."

"It's worrying that she would go without telling any of us, though. I hope we find her soon," Infia said. "How do we get to the island?"

Esther raised a fist and then realised. "Oh right. There's no gondolas to it other than from Pokétopia. And no way we're going near there, now"

"You can use the Deposit Box to warp. When Silver and that lot went to get you that time, they put one down near the gondola station. Unless the villagers really hate the boxes, it should still be there," Marina explained. "Better question is, are you in the condition to go?"

"We don't have a choice. That planet isn't going to wait for us," Lute said. He nodded to his friends.

"Wait, really? That's it?" Raiju whined. Lute hesitated with an awkward smile. "Aw geez, you really have grown up super lots. Now I feel like a super spoilt kid. There really no way you can convince us to come with ya?"

"Oh right. Lute, you didn't tell me ya had school buddies you left behind. You gonna tell us about it or what?" Esther commented.

"Now really isn't the time for that," he sighed and palmed his face.

"You will introduce us properly though, won't you?" she said, half-lidded.

"Yeah Lute, you've got lots of introducin' to do. You as well, Infia. It's you gonna be giving us story time lots and it's gonna be really cool and interestin', ain't ya?" Raiju said.

"Admitting that he's grown up, but still talking over him. Better request is, when are you going to grow up?" Cinder said with a sigh. "I want to come with you. But if you'd feel more confident without, then I won't argue. Just…"

Lute made a sound and got nervous when Cinder approached him. He only got a friendly punch and a smile. "You guys better all come back, and when you do, you better have good news to tell us. None of that finding you out cold in the middle of nowhere scare."

"Yeah yeah! And actually have some presents from all the places, too. Can't believe you guys have been all over Aseria and gotten nothing. Like, no fancy food or toys or even a funny little way to talk. You're not living, Lute. You're turnin' into a zombie!" Raiju cried.

"Tsk, it's not been a holiday, you know. Don't be annoying about this," Kuri said.

"You know what? Fine, I will. But you guys have to keep a promise to me, too," Lute said, surprising everyone. "Promise me that if something happens here, you guys will take charge and help to protect everyone in Everend. And listen to Marina or any agents, okay?"

Raiju and Cinder exchanged glances, and nodded.

"Erm, I'm coming with you, you know," Marina replied. There was a pause.

"Wait, what?" Lute shouted.

"We left behind all our computers and data and things in Pokétopia. If I have any hope of getting access to it, I'll stick with you guys. But regardless, there's basically nothing I could accomplish if I stayed here," Marina explained.

"It makes sense. Your knowledge may be compatible with Azu's," Phoenix agreed.

"Sophie said your cooking's real good, so no objections here!" Esther pumped a fist.

"Wait but… ah, it's just," Lute said, swaying his head. Marina giggled at him.

"Really, Lute? Even after everything, you're still nervous about going somewhere with Mum?" she said. "I won't embarrass you unless you do something you're not supposed to do."

"Hrrg. Let's just go already," he sighed with a slump.

He was surprised to emerge from a deposit box he had never used before, as well as that the area hadn't changed much. The beach on the western continent was as quiet and colourful as ever, helped greatly by the natural sunlight brightening the place. He landed on the white sand with a curious stance, and had to shield his eyes from the light and wind.

It was quiet here. Quiet and soothing. Something about this natural beach entranced him last time, and now that he was back here, he felt no different about it. The sea washed over the sand and slinked back in a loud rhythm that gave his fur a relaxed chill. It was serene.

None of it would distract from the situation at Pokétopia, though. That giant crystal cocoon was in full view even from here, and being at a different angle, it looked all the more like a four-sided diamond. It was an ugly downer in area he wanted to feel relaxed in.

"You're going to have to lead the way, I'm afraid. I can't remember the last time I was here," Marina said.

"What, you couldn't figure it out on your own?" Kuri said.

"It's more like, I imagine we scientist types aren't really that welcome here," she said, following Esther. Lute had to catch up with them.

Getting to the village was the same as before, at least. The forest remained a mystery dungeon, so none of the trees or paths felt the same besides their familiar types and the flying Pokémon that confronted them. The group took it in turns to throw attacks and keep the feral Pokémon at bay, keeping a compass out to ensure they kept in a straight direction. They did it all in silence, too – no one even instructed this strategy, it was just something they instinctively followed.

It gave Lute a chance to think, though. To think and realise just how different this little mission was without Sophitia. Whenever a fight or a predicament started, he always knew what to do because she always knew what to do. If she turned out to be wrong, someone was right behind her with a better solution. And now, thanks to her leadership, they were able to get along wordlessly like this. She did more for him than he ever realised.

He sped up a bit as he neared the village, and had to squirm his way through a few bushes and things to get there. Very few Pokémon were out, and they looked like they were only gathering a few bits and pieces to call it a day. The instant he came into sight though, all eyes were on him and his friends.

He gulped, and his face became hot. To him, it was best to stay focused. Everyone watched him like he was doing something wrong, so he chose to try and ignore them and headed straight for Azu's house. Even so, he couldn't help but stop to look over at all those wary villagers and his friends. He got a series of concerned and disgusted looks, but a silly range from his friends.

"You know those villagers are afraid of outsiders. Especially considering we basically ditched them when Spirle and the Agents came here, it's only natural they have it out for us," Kuri commented, arms folded and eyes closed.

"Oh yeah. Right," Lute mumbled. He hung his head at the thought. He promised himself he would make it up to these Pokémon later, and knocked on the door. Minutes passed before thumps could be heard on the other side.

"Oh, well look who it is. I knew you would show up before long. Come in, please come in," the aged Azumarill said. She rushed ahead into the home to shift around her furniture, it looked like. "I wish you weren't so quick. I barely got to clean up after my last guest."

"It's fine. With everything going on, we likely won't be staying long. Apologies for the inconvenience, either way," Marina said with a bow.

"Oh nonsense, nonsense. That big storm might be there, but it's not like it's flipping houses upside-down or anything. Anyone over here panicking about it is as silly as a potato," Azu replied. She wiped her forehead as she settled down at the table. "So then. I ask what brings you here, but I assume it involves the storm?"

"Partially. We actually wanted to see if you know more about Aseria's legends and history. Anything you haven't told us yet that could help us out," Lute asked. "We know you've told us a lot already."

"But you need an update on everything going on to figure out what to do next. I assume that's why the scientist is here, too," Azu said. She tapped her staff habitually, and everyone began to settle down.

"I hope I'm not being a burden, here," Marina said.

"No. Not at all. I just hope you're prepared to listen to an old bunny ramble a story," Azu joked. "I would like to ask you something before I begin, too. Just for confirmation."

"Go on. What is it?" Lute said.

"Naivie isn't with you anymore, is she?" Azu began.

There was a pause, and Lute's face tightened. "No. She turned into a monster when the weather returned, and then attacked us. That's when the planet showed up, too."

"Oh! Hasty as she is. Did she mention a thing called Balunercc?" Azu asked.

"Sounds like you know a lot more than you originally let on. You knew who Gen was back then, too," Kuri became concerned.

"There's no need to get worked up over little old me now, is there? Come now, don't look so scary, I can't bite you," Azu said. She laid her staff on her belly. "I just didn't think the Ancients would take this opportunity. It seems so desperate, even for them."

"The Ancients? Are we talking about the same ones that lived in Angard or something?" Esther wondered.

"The Ancients are simply what we call Pokémon that lived before the meteors rained down and nearly destroyed Aseria. But you guys already proved that that was Lassic, or something like that," Azu said. She sighed and stood up to pace around the table. "They lived all over Aseria, you know. Including the sixth continent."

"There was a sixth continent?" Marina's eyes widened.

"Yes. And it disappeared long before any of this ever happened. Had a kingdom and everything, and it was ruled by Carbink," Azu came to a stop. She began to roll up one of her rugs to reveal a floor door. "I think it's better if I just show you."

"This is relevant, right? We really need to find Sophitia and what we can do about the planet plummeting toward us," Lute said. Azu went half lidded.

"Oh but of course. She was only here earlier," Azu said. Everyone's eyes widened. "She was just as impatient and restless, too. Barely in the condition to make a trip, but she insisted. And she seemed to know exactly what was here."

"She really came here?" Lute gasped. He warily followed Azu down into her basement.

The area was wider than it looked and had to be lit by a glow from her staff. Sat a little ways ahead of them was a Teleportal, but it was caked in dust from lack of use. There were pawprints on it, however.

"Seemed to me like she had some kind of breakthrough and was a little too excited to wait. I was really hoping she'd stay for a snack. You would think someone her size would jump at the chance," Azu joked.

"She must've got her memories back," Lute whispered.