We have seen Aurora's life hang by just a thread, ever so close to falling and being lost forever. The same humans who would push her that far refuse to let her die in a cruel, heartless display of dispassion. I doubt it will come as any surprise to you, but many have broken before these humans. Which is why Aurora is all the more special; no particular entity gave her what allows her to persevere. No one gave her her undying will to survive, to overcome, to triumph. That is simply part of who she is. And no one, no matter how hard they try, can tear that away from her. I look forward to this self-absorbed group known as Galactic understanding this fact, and wallowing in their own ineptitude.

~~Iron Island, Year 8520, ?, ?~~

For a long time, I didn't know what was going on. My eyes wouldn't open. I couldn't move. The pain from before was fading slowly, but I don't know how much time it took.

It felt like I was… floating. Not really in water, since Mama said that hurts us. The sound of bubbles forming, then bursting against the surface of whatever liquid I was in was most of what I could hear. That, and the soft hum of machinery.

I could feel Mama close by. She didn't feel like she was in as much pain as she was before. Just knowing that whatever was happening, it was helping me and Mama feel better? Put me at ease.

The world faded in and out, but never quite crystalized like it usually would. Instead of ever really waking up, it was more like… I was more aware of what was happening some times than others. My thoughts were muddled. I couldn't really form words in my head.

But on the rare occasion… I'd hear something.

The first time I was more aware, my head was still pounding. My lungs burned and everything ached. But that wasn't what caught my attention.
It was the voices.

{I do not agree with Ninetales' continued survival. She is not a fusion and thus unnecessary, we'd be better off without her.} I recognized that as Gothitelle's voice.

Spinel sighed deeply, her exasperation clear. "And without her #001 would be even more unstable than she already is. She needs a teacher and paternal figure to keep her at ease."

Gothitelle felt apprehensive. {Deferring to Cyrus' demands does not befit you, Spinel. You've come too far for this.}

She clicked her tongue. "Unfortunately, it's because of Cyrus that I have any of this. Regrettably, there is a reason why he's in charge. His leadership skills and control of his subordinates are well above par. Even Sneasel halts when he speaks."

{I still do not agree with the survival of Ninetales and her whelp. Their defiance irks me. I find it difficult to believe either will change their attitude,} Gothitelle noted.

"They may attempt to defy us all they want, but the pain is just beginning." Spinel walked closer to something close to me and placed a hand on it. "I have discarded the weak Spinel of yesterday and have awakened anew. Once they have been revived we may proceed with tests. I assure you they will not get under my skin a second time. Test subjects have no right. Remember; your place is above it all. Do not lose yourself to petty struggles."

She was silent for a moment before I could feel haunted energy emanate from her. "And next time utilize the psychic ability I painstakingly honed to uncover deception. Ninetales' survival was due to your blindness. Rid yourself of your complacency and be better."

I could sense Gothitelle stiffen before slowly replying. {Of course, Spinel. As you ask.}

Later, when the pain had faded to a dull throbbing, I heard different voices.

A human, a few feet in front of where I was from what I could feel, began speaking.

"Hey, so… I'm not the only one who thinks a little girl floating in healing liquid is… weird, right?"

Another human responded from further away. "Just don't think about it. They don't pay us to think about it. Make sure it doesn't die, keep an eye out for if anything suddenly upsets it and it's about to blow, that's what we're paid to do."

"True… but it's still weird. Mr. Akagi has made it clear that the actions now are to better the future, but… I dunno."

There was a momentary pause. "Of course you don't. Guy's smarter than all the rest of us put together, and then some. And even if you didn't believe it was for the best anymore. What'd you even do?"

"...Nothing, I guess. Not much we can do, huh?"

"Exactly. So quit your yapping and monitor."

There was a longer pause this time.

"I'm glad Charon isn't allowed down here."

I could almost hear a shudder from the other human. "Honestly. He creeps me out. The more places I can work that're away from that guy? The better."

"Why is he even kept around, anyway? He's not as good at tech as Leader Cyrus, he's not as good at bioengineering as Executive Spinel, and he's a real creep with kids. Even Saturn thinks it's a bit much."

"From what I've heard? He was the plan B if Spinel didn't join. Now he's just around to do more complex work than we know what to do with, and to be used at other people's expense."

"I'd almost feel bad for the guy if he wasn't such a creepy motherfucker."

"Better him than us. Hell, better him than plenty of people."

After that, it was silent again.

This time, while I still couldn't open my eyes? I felt… more aware of what was going on. I vaguely heard a door hissing open, and some part of me registered a cool light filling the room before being snuffed out.

"Leader Cyrus Akagi." There was a chorus of that as purposeful footsteps made their way closer. Flanking them were much more erratic, lighter, scratchier footsteps.

When they got close… I almost shivered. The human felt almost devoid of feeling. Not like Eclipse, or even how Hazel was when she was in shock. They still had feelings, they were just pushed down. This human… it felt like he'd systematically sought out and crushed every emotion within himself. Leaving only a drive for… something.

The Pokemon with him was almost the total opposite. Instead of emotionless, he was full of emotion. But… like Spinel was. Not when she was composed, though. It felt more like the brief moments where she lost it had become a person all themselves in the form of this Pokemon. Sadistic glee, masochistic curiosity, and more that I didn't have the words to describe. He felt like nightmares given flesh, stitched together into the cruel entity hopping much too close for my liking.

The new human's deep voice rang out. I recognized it. Some part of my mind connected it with the voice I'd heard from the man in the forest. The man who brought me and Mama here. "Report."
"Sir. #001 and the Ninetales are stable. No permanent injuries, but unless they stay within the healing chambers for more time, they will be temporarily handicapped."

"Elaborate."

"The gases produced by Executive Spinel's Dusknoir severely damaged #001's lungs. Due to how it pushed itself, the damage was compounded. If it was released right now, it would have more difficulty breathing after considerable exertion. To reiterate, this is only a temporary issue at this point. The question is only how long it will last."
"And the Ninetales?"

"Rhyperior's attacks have damaged their internal organs, thus its capability to produce elemental attacks is hampered. Combined with how it would almost certainly be limping on the leg that was broken for some time, its battle capabilities are heavily lowered for the time being."

"And what of its cognitive abilities?"

"Nothing abnormal, sir."

"How long would it take for them to fully recover?"

There was a short pause. "I would estimate around ten to fourteen days. Just shy of two weeks' time."

"Acknowledged. Take your team for your break; I would have time alone with the specimens. Prepare for their release tomorrow, the handicaps are within acceptable parameters."

"Sir." There were the sounds of several pairs of footsteps, the door hissing open once again before shutting once more.

There was a brief moment of silence, only punctuated by the bubbles bursting on the surface and the perpetual hum.

Then a quick scrabbling as the psychotic Pokemon leapt directly on… glass? Ice? Something between us. Several sharp, piercing scraping sounds echoed throughout where I was.

I flinched.

{Ooooh, it wriggles! You seem like a fun toy.}

"Down, Sneasel." The pokemon leapt back to the ground, while the human didn't move. "Fascinating… the readings point to it still being unconscious, but it still responds to outside stimulus. Even the sharpest Vulpix could never do that."

The human moved closer, stopping a few feet away. "My intuition was correct. #001 has proven to be the most valuable among all the fusions. The closest one to a perfect being."

There was a slight pause. I nearly shuddered again. "Spinel is a fine associate, but much too shortsighted. Of course there are contingencies if #001 is lost, but none are nearly as efficient as it being alive. #001… I do not know if you can hear me. But in the event you can, know this."

"This world is dying. The ceaseless fighting between Humans and Pokemon has damaged the world beyond repair. The superfluous aspect of both known as spirit is the cause for this. Left to them, the world would crumble to ash. Arceus was a fool to take such a distant stance with it. A fool to create such a thing as the spirit that causes it to fall. The only way to save this world is to make it anew."

"A world with no spirit. A world without strife. A world without Humans or Pokemon to battle and destroy it. Only inhabited by perfect beings. Both, and yet neither. Beings like yourself, #001. Your defiance is simply a result of no such entity being allowed in this reality. In the world I create? You will not be chained by such meaningless emotions. There will be eternal peace. Tranquility across space, time, all worlds."

"You may suffer now. But your sacrifice will not only further my goals far beyond what I could do alone. It will save this world. It will give life to a new, perfect reality."

Something within me burned in defiance. I twitched.

There was a short pause. "Even in the event I fall. No one can stand against such perfect beings. The Mewtwo project was never ambitious enough. But you… if you stand against me, you will still create a world where Fusions, the superior beings, are looked to. Where the planet can heal. Where those who would hurt it are executed. Even if I fall, I succeed."

He then turned and walked away. Even though I was fading back to unconsciousness? Something within me still burned in defiance. Defying that this is the way it has to be. That evil humans get to decide what's right and wrong.

That the world can't be helped.

~~Iron Island, Year 8520, ?, ?~~

The next time I was aware, things were different. I couldn't hear the bubbles anymore. I wasn't floating. I felt a familiar, soft mattress beneath me. The faint smell of berries and dirt, along with an oscillating fan off in the corner of the room. And all around me… soft, warm fur.

"{Mama…?}"

She shook her head slowly, before seeing me and relief flooding through her as she warmed up more. She nudged me closer to her. {My child… are you well?}"

I nodded slowly. "{My chest hurts a little… but I'm okay. Are you…?}"

She paused a moment. {I am well enough. Nothing that will prevent me from staying with you, dear daughter.}

A small smile crossed my face as I hugged her. "{What happened…? Where'd you go after you dug…?}"

{I simply waited,} She said softly. {Until the humans in charge had left. I… would not have been able to make it to Rhodo's office myself. And yet… the human who brought us here had sent grunts for me to be healed.} She growled slightly. {Clearly I am lacking in proficiency if a human can discern my Substitute…}

I shook my head and looked at her, worried. "{No, I think… I don't think he's normal…}"

When she looked at me for elaboration, I told her about what I'd felt when recovering. And what he'd said.

When I was done, she just groaned. {Same story, different actors. Humans are no strangers to this.} Worry spiked in her heart. {However… my child, I know you had departed once I surfaced, but it sounds as though you were recovering as well. What hurt you so badly?} There was a tinge of threat at the end, to whoever it was.

I then told her about what'd happened.

At the mention of the Pokeballs, her eyes went wide with shock and horror. The more she heard, the more it gave way to a seething, vengeful fury.

Once I was done, she kept me enclosed in her tails. {I have failed you, my child.}
My eyes went wide. "{Wh-no! No you didn't!}"

She nuzzled into my chest. {Alas if only I hadn't. Were I stronger… we would not be in this position.}

I shook my head. "{You said it's the humans that do this. Not us. Right?}"

She paused, then nodded with a Rhodo smile. {...yes. That is correct, my child. Thank you.}

One of my ears flopped. "{For what?}"

{For being my hope, my child.}

I smiled, hugging her more. I couldn't hear Rhodo, so we just stayed there together for a while. It wasn't long though before we started asking each other more questions.

"{How come the evil bitch-}"

{My child…}

"{But she is!}"

{Yes, undoubtedly, but…} She sighed. {To be honest, my child… many reasons that are given for children not cursing do not apply here. You know of several meanings behind the words. There are some you are simply not old enough to know, but… typically children are not in such intense situations. I will not stop you from using them, but please keep in mind. You are only a child once. Curse words are a very adult lexicon. I ask you not use them in the hopes that when we get out, you have time to appreciate your childhood.}

I paused, then nodded slowly. "{I can try… but I need ways to call her evil!}"

She smiled. {That, I can help with. What were you going to say, my child?}

I'd nearly forgotten. "{How come Spinel knew what we were saying? And talking with Gothitelle but they didn't say anything?}"

{Gothitelle are known for being powerful psychics, my child. Without a doubt they were conversing telepathically.}

I blinked. "{Telepacking?}"

She chuckled. {It means they were communicating with their thoughts. Similarly, he could translate our words for the humans he is so fond of.}

"{So she couldn't understand us?}"

Mama shook her head. {Not in the slightest.}

I nuzzled into her as she looked at me curiously. {May I ask you something, my child?} When I nodded, she continued. {You said the Pokeballs… hurt you. As though you were burning. Correct?}

I shuddered, and she curled her tails around me. {Easy, my child. You are safe.} And yet, she grimaced. {That is… worrying.}

"{Why?}"

"{Pokeballs are horrific things, but… they are not meant to cause pain. If they do, it is a failing on the part of the humans. But they discovered the issues that caused pain a long time ago. That it hurt you and yet still functioned is… concerning.} She shook her head and nestled me closer. {But that is not something we need worry about at this moment, my child.}

I nodded again, hugging close to her. I was still kinda tired, but my heart swelled at being with Mama again. Being safe.

A few seconds later, I heard Rhodo walk in holding a clipboard. When he saw us, he gave a big smile. Not as big as some I'd seen on Ron or Koko, but a lot bigger than any he'd smiled before.

"You're both awake! That's fantastic, how do you two feel?" Rhodo set down his clipboard and picked up some medical tools that were on a desk. He then began looking us over, being careful to not disturb us too much.

I looked at Mama before looking back at him. "{My chest hurts a little… and Mama doesn't feel totally okay.}" My mind went back to what was happening before. "{But I'm not suffocating and burning anymore.}"

He frowned slightly before looking over the clipboard again. "The suffocating and burning yes, I had heard… here, let me help with your breathing. And then I'll help your Mama, okay?"

Rhodo got a machine connected to a tube with a plastic face covering on it. "Okay, put this over your face and breathe it in. It'll help with your chest." He helped me put it on as he went over to examine Mama properly. The tube had air that was… cooler? It felt a bit nicer, but it also didn't smell like berries.

"Hmmm…" I was too happy to be with Mama again before to have noticed, but… she didn't look okay. Her stomach fur seemed a lot thinner than it was normally, and I could faintly see darker lines in her skin where the holes had been before. She was also keeping the leg that got bent all wrong much more still than usual. And she still feels tired...

"Your wounds are healing well enough, but… your abilities and movements will be strained for awhile. It's important to do some stretching every once in a while so your body can readjust, but otherwise all you can do is take it easy…" He paused before shaking his head. "As easy as you can manage in your situation."

Mama just nodded, while I hugged her. "{Y-you're gonna be okay… right?}"

She smiled. {I told you before, my child. I will be with you through this all. Do not worry.}

I still worried. "{Can you do anything to help…?}" I asked Rhodo softly.

"Help? Hmmm…" Rhodo looked over some of the stuff he had and shook his head. "The best I can give her… is some medicine to help reduce some of the pain, but… that's really all I can do in this situation. Sorry, not much of a doctor am I?"

My ears drooped. "{But… but can't you or me or someone help Mama…?}" Then I remembered what I'd heard before. They can help Mama… they just don't want to.

I cuddled more into Mama, my heart sinking as she kept me close. Rhodo grit his teeth. "They put you in a healing chamber so you could both recover from your injuries at maximum speed, but Cyrus ordered that you both be removed early. The most we can do here is just deal with the remaining damage. Keep breathing in that air though, your lungs need to be purified still."

I shuddered. "{He's the one with the Sneasel…}"

Mama's eyes narrowed slightly as she kept me close. {You will not face him alone, my child.}"

"Cyrus Akagi, he's the leader of Team Galactic. Which means he's even the boss of Spinel." Rhodo crossed his arms and frowned again. "Sneasel is his 'partner' pokemon and the most wicked little bas- I mean, he's… well… you both already know."

We nodded. Some part of me knew to be even more wary of Sneasel than usual. Like I needed to run as soon as I saw him.

It took a second, but as I was still getting my bearings something rushed to mind. "{What happened to Jean and Indra?}"

Rhodo seemed to relax at this question. "Spinel wasn't too happy about what they did, but all things considering they got off pretty well. No permanent damage. They've been working just fine these past few days."

Me and Mama both gave him a look at that. Past few DAYS? What the heck happened?

"Oh uh, well…" He looked awkwardly between us. "You two were in pretty bad shape. Ivane… your body was ravaged by Rhyperior's attacks and the substitute brought you even closer to the brink."

{I remember. I was there.} I didn't feel any animosity from Mama when she said that, though. More like… she was processing what'd happened in the best way she could. Not like her sassing Gothitelle or Spinel at all...

"They had to do intensive surgery before you were placed inside the healing tank. It was… pretty touch and go."

She grimaced at that while he turned to me.

"Aurora, not only had you sustained heavy external damage, but it also looks like you inhaled a dangerous amount of spectral fog for someone your size. This tank," Rhodo gestured towards the metal container with the tube. "Is filled with purified air to counteract the ghost energy in your system. Most of it should be gone, so right now the air is mostly healing your inner systems."

I nodded slowly, then furrowed my brow. "{Wait, why didn't Spinel get messed up by it? How was she that strong? How come the room was a big hazy evil thing? How was she teleporting? Why-}" I started coughing. Rhodo placed the mask back over my mouth.

"Easy there kiddo, don't talk too much," He spoke soothingly. "Spinel has… a dangerous partner pokemon. She can do a lot with them by her side."

Rhodo sighed and grimaced. "Her dusknoir… Even I dunno what she's truly capable of, and the rest of us have no clue what happened to you after she took you out of the arena. All Spinel told me was that you had inhaled an excessive amount of spectral fog and to keep an eye on it."

Rhodo looked like he wanted to say more, but he started rubbing his neck uncomfortably.

Is this all he can say? He'd probably like to know how I told Spinel to go away.

I smiled a bit, looking up at him. "{That and the face slamming, but she kept trying to say evil speeches. I told her no. She got really mad when I blew a raspberry at her.}"

"Face slamming!?" Rhodo got up fast, heated. His face was filled with rage a moment before he realized what he was doing and sat down quickly, simmering down. "Sorry… glad you got your own licks in anyway you could."

He gazed absentmindedly at the ground with a forlorn and bitter expression.

"{I also punched her hard, so that was fun.}"

"Mm. She deserves a good punch." My ears drooped a bit at the lack of any positive feelings from him, but he seemed to notice since he perked up again. "Frankly, I'm not a violent guy, but I think if I had the time I'd give everyone in Team Galactic a mean right hook! Everyone who deserves it anyway, so not Jean or Indra."

My eyes brightened a little when I remembered. "{And she got annoyed by a big… sphere… thingy I made!}" Maybe letting him know more things I did that made her mad will help?

He raised an eyebrow in question. I held out my hands to show how big it was. "{It was big and green and she couldn't break it for a long time even though she was really trying.}"

"Big green sphere? That sounds like Protect," Rhodo guessed. "Vulpix usually don't learn that naturally. That's really cool, Aurora. Spinel hates when she can't get what she wants, must've made her livid."

{That vile woman deserves every single setback she receives. Aurora was skilled enough to know the very same,} Mama said gently before nuzzling me. I chuckled a little and hugged her again.

I told him more about what'd happened, and how Spinel kept being super angry when I didn't just let her do whatever she wanted. He looked a bit surprised at the moments when I mentioned Spinel appearing all over the place and when she transformed, but he stayed quiet.

"Sounds like you've been through a lot Aurora, but it sounds like you stayed strong till the bitter end. Good on you," Rhodo praised me, but I could sense a lot was still on his mind. "I'm sorry… about everything. I tried to save you, but they wouldn't let me interfere. But I knew from the second I saw Spinel's face that despite everything she had done, she didn't get what she wanted. And that was your obedience. And that is a victory in my book."

I smiled at him and hugged him. I could feel the guilt and sadness the closer I got to him. An older pain underneath all his current feelings. "{She might be evil but she can't make us evil!}"

He patted me on the head. "Never."

Me and Mama were both still really tired, so we kept resting together. Rhodo had other stuff to do, but we could hear him in the other room just fine. There was the faint ticking of a clock, the smell of the berry plants… It's not a lot, but it's nicer than lots of other places here…

Eventually, my ears perked up at the sound of footsteps. "Rhodo? I've brought them." Jean's voice came through a speaker, rather than the door itself. I could faintly hear her voice through it, but it was really muffled. How thick are the doors here anyway?

I could hear Rhodo move to open the door. "Leanne, Yvonne, please come in."

I heard Leanne crick her neck. "Thanks. Helluva lot nicer to see your face than little miss bitch up there. How're you holding up?"

"No no Leanne, a more appropriate name would be evil spawn from hell or the queen of all jezebels. I'm partial to Lady Satan, mistress of unhappiness. Nicknames aside I actually feel pretty good for once. Aurora and Ivane woke up earlier."

There was a sudden spike in excitement and relief. "Oh shit, really?! Where are they, everyone's been worried sick. Literally, in Hazel's case as you know." I could feel a small bit of sadness. "'Course, I'm part of everyone."

I could sense Rhodo trying to exude a comforting aura. "They're sleeping in the cots. They aren't all better, so I left them to rest up a bit in peace. Cyrus will likely request they return to the compound tomorrow though…"

There was a slight paf that sounded like someone lightly punching someone's arm. "Well whatever he wants, I know everyone'll be happy to see her safe and sound. And they'll be coming back heroes in their own way."

"Just let me know when you're ready to go back, alright?" Jean said over by the doorway.

"Sure thing."

"Absolutely. Aurora is much better off than I had expected after spending more than five minutes alone with Spinel. She's told me a bit already and it was a doozy, but she pulled through stronger than before. But we ought to start your check-up while I blather, haha," Rhodo laughed, but I could tell it was forced. He's trying… for everyone's sakes.

I was still tired, so I nestled in Mama's tails until Leanne and Yvonne were done. They talked some more, but it was mostly them trying to cheer each other up. Eventually though, the two started walking towards us.

Leanne rapped her knuckles on the doorframe gently. "Aurora? Are you awake?"

"{Mmhmm,}" I replied tiredly. Mama raised her head to look at her and Yvonne coming into the room, smiling.

{It is good to see you both again. I would hope that your lives the past few days have been less eventful than ours?}
Leanne grimaced. "Not the word I'd use, unfortunately. But that's for later, are you both alright?" She looked at me. "I hear you pissed off Spinel something fierce."

I smiled. "{She kept tryin' to be evil and I wouldn't let her!}"

"Good on you kid. Good on you," she said proudly while ruffling my hair. I chuckled a little as she continued. "Save the story for when we're back with everyone though, I'm sure they'll wanna hear it too."

Yvonne hummed quietly, but felt a bit happier as she sat close to us. I looked at Leanne. "{Is Yvonne like Benny?}"

She raised an eyebrow. "Like… oh, you mean if she doesn't speak. Well…" She glanced worriedly at Yvonne, who simply inclined her head. "She's… never much been one for talking. Even at the best of times. 'Course, that's not a problem or anything, but this past month… it's been rough on all of us."

I nodded, hugging them both. Mama looked up at Yvonne. {We stand together in this, desert siren. Keep heart.}

Yvonne hummed her wings a bit, feeling a little better as Leanne hugged us all. "What she said. We're all in this together. And…" She leaned in. "You sure you're doing okay, Aurora, Ivane? I know nobody's peachy about now, but it's been rough on you both. I dunno what we could do, but if you need help just say the word," she whispered to us both.

Mama responded first. {I am… alright. There will be some lasting injuries from our encounter before, but nothing that will not heal in time as of now. I was more concerned for my child. Who I am here for, which is what matters.}
Both Leanne and Yvonne nodded before I spoke up. "{Things suck right now… but I gotta be strong. I…}"

I thought back to everything that'd happened.
How humans kept calling me it and by a number over and over. How much they only seemed to care about themselves and using all of us for some stupid plan. How many people had died. How they'd hurt everyone who hadn't died.
How I was thinking about how they hadn't died yet.

And yet…

Even in the face of all of that, I couldn't let them win. Everyone kept talking about how we'd get out. How it'd be okay.

"{It… hurts. A lot, right now. But I won't let them win. I can be sad later. Right now… I gotta be strong.}"

Everyone held me tight at that. "Kid… you're already one of the strongest people I know." Leanne held my shoulders gently and looked me in the eyes. "I get it. I do. But when we're outta here… let me be there for you. Okay? It's not good to bottle up your feelings."

I nodded. And after that… we all stayed together a while. Even though some part of me felt like it'd only been a few hours, I couldn't shake the feeling of being in that tube. And all the humans around. It was… lonely.

After a while though, Leanne got up. "Rest up, kid. We'll be waiting."

Yvonne nodded, but… I don't wanna be away from everyone. I shook my head. "{I wanna come with you.}"

Her concern spiked. "Are you sure? Do you feel well enough…? Hold on, I'll get Rhodo."

Rhodo came in a few seconds later and began looking me over. "I heard you want to leave. Aurora… you're not well yet. Neither is Ivane. Are you sure you want to go back today? You'll mostly be sleeping anyway."

I nodded. "{I wanna see everyone. I wanna tell them I pissed off Spinel. I… I miss them.}"

Rhodo turned to Mama, his heart asking a question that his eyes were trying to convey. Mama simply gazed back at him. Rhodo sighed before standing up.

"I'll let Jean know you two are ready. You make sure you let everyone know you pis- screwed her over!" Rhodo mumbled a bit more trying to figure out if 'screwed over' was okay to say in front of kids while Mama nuzzled me gently.

{We will be with the others soon, my child.}

I nodded and hugged her while Leanne smiled, worry still coursing through her. "Well… at least we'll know where you are, right?"

After a couple minutes, Jean and Indra came back. Rhodo walked up to me and handed me more muffins.

"Everyone has been stressed out lately, so I think they need a bit of an energy boost. These muffins are mixed with lum and sitrus berries, that'll make recovery a tad bit smoother. It's no medicine, but it tastes way better. Hope everyone likes them," Rhodo smiled before he handed me a canteen similar to the one he had me give Hazel the other day. "This is a special smoothie made with strawberries, kiwi, diced kasib and chilan berries. It'll weaken the spectral fog in your system and purify your system. You and Ivane can share it along with the muffins. I call it… the ghost begone mix!"

I could barely see through the pile of stuff in my arms, but that was fine. I had everyone else to help me out.

{I will guide you, my child.} Mama curled a tail around me gently, the open bit being where I needed to walk.

"{Thanks Rhodo!}" I flicked my ears at him as Jean and Indra led us all out.

"You need any help with that kid?" Leanne asked as she nudged one of the muffin boxes that was threatening to fall over back upright. Meanwhile, Yvonne was glaring at any grunts who passed by us. Making sure we got a wide berth.

I shook my head. "{I got it, thanks!}"

She smiled, and Jean glanced back from making us a pathway. "I'm glad to see you're both… okay? You're still here, and you seem to still be going strong."

I nodded. "{We're not gonna lose to the evil humans!}"

She chuckled. "I'm glad you won't. We all need more of that in our lives."

Jean moved her face in front of a thingy that made a whole bunch of lights sweep over her eye, and then the door opened. Several people inside looked over, and quite a few faces lit up when they saw… Me and Mama? They really missed us that much…?

I could hear footsteps racing towards me, only just stopping before slamming into me.

"Aurora, Ivane, welcome back!" Koko shouted, hugging me tighter than I was prepared for. While I was very happy for the hug…

"{S-stuff's gonna fall!}" I said quickly, trying to not escape from the hug while also making sure the tower of muffins in my arms didn't tip over. Leanne though just plucked off a couple and smiled, ruffling my hair.

"Easy kid, our heroes've come back bearing gifts. Don't want those to go splat do ya?"

Koko immediately let go and quickly made sure nothing else would fall. "Haha, my bad. But it's still great to see you two up and walking again!"

We walked over to a nearby bed, depositing our cargo of baked goods there before I turned around and gave Koko a hug. "{I'm glad to see everyone again… I missed you all.}"

Koko hugged me back firmly. I felt… safe. "We missed you too. I know things didn't go totally okay, but you both rocked it when you fought that linoone and rhyperior! If Spinel hadn't said anything you two would've won! I know it!"

"Daaaaaa-" Eclipse was walking over and stopped mid sentence, glancing at Guinevere. "Uhhhh yeah, you definitely would've kicked their asses!"

Guinevere put her face in her hand. Koko turned to Eclipse and pouted, wagging a finger.

"Eclipse you cursed anyway! You even looked at Miss Guinevere before doing it!"

Even though I was used to seeing her look pretty steadfast… she actually showed how sheepish she felt, awkwardly holding the back of her head. "Sorry! It slipped out. I'm working on it."

Koko went on to chastise Eclipse some more, and I could see Ron and Rush sprinting over at the sight of muffins. Paris was off to the side, but she gave a smile and small wave with Legolas when she noticed I was looking. Owain was putting on a show for some folk with Sue, and Zachirias was with Elvis telling stories. A soothing flame warmed my heart. It's… really nice. To see everyone doing their best to be happy, despite everything.

Mama nuzzled me gently. {Quite warmer than our previous welcomings.}

I chuckled a little, tears welling up. Eclipse, Koko, Yuna, Leanne, Yvonne, all of them immediately looked worried. "Kid, you okay?"

I nodded, hugging them all as best I could. My arms weren't long enough, but I tried anyway. "{I missed you all lots… I love all of you…}"

Koko hugged me back immediately. "We love you too! We're one big goofy family!"

I wasn't totally sure what the feeling I had was. Like I belonged with everyone else, and we were all a part of one big group. Not the kinda group that the humans tried to place us in either. But… the word family feels right for it.

Leanne, Yvonne, Eclipse,Yuna and Mama all joined in on the hug. We would've stayed like that a while longer, but after a few seconds Leanne piped up. "So I don't wanna interrupt this, but Ron? Rush? Wait for everyone else before digging in, aight?"

"We were gonna!" Yuna chuckled as we turned to see Ron cracking open the boxes of muffins, and while he didn't feel like he was about to devour them all? He definitely felt like he was gonna try with the air. Rush shook his head, but was smiling the whole time.

I smiled, but looked around to see where Hazel and Vivian were. They were a few beds down, with Mabel, Haley, Benny and Bors right by their side. Mama followed my gaze and nodded. {Let us convene with the group with young Hazel and Vivian before eating.}

Koko clapped her hands with a pleased expression. "They've missed you so much! Those two have been a mess the last couple of days, so they'll be psyched to see you guys up and at'em."

I hope they're okay… they got hit a lot during the Rhyperior fight…

We all grabbed some muffin boxes and went over. Bors noticed us first and tapped Benny on the shoulder. He glanced over and waved, Mabel smiling when they saw us with the muffins.

"Thank Arceus you're alright, we were all worried." They put a hand on Hazel's shoulder. "See? They're here. They're okay."

Hazel… didn't look or feel okay. She had dark bags under her eyes and her hair was frazzled, and she felt… not unlike how I did when I first woke up. Except this time, there was a lot of fear and sorrow in her heart as well. Vivian was much the same, curled up with just her head peeking out from under the covers.

"Mmmh…" She doesn't believe Mabel. She… she thinks we died like her parents…

I walked over to the bed, climbing up and hugging Hazel and Vivian tight. Mama hopped up and nuzzled the two gently. "{We're here… It's okay…}"

At the sound of my voice, Hazel's eyes went wide as she looked up at us. Vivian crawled a little out of the blankets, looking around. {What's…!}

The two nearly tackled us off the bed with how hard they hugged us, barely noticing that I coughed out a couple embers from how tight it was. "Y-you're really… alive…?"

I nodded, hugging them back. "{We're alive.}"

"You're alive…" Mabel started rubbing Hazel's back gently, running their hand over so they could do the same for Vivian in one smooth motion. The dam that was Hazel's emotions overflowed as she began silently crying into my chest.

Leanne sat on the bed as well, while I hugged Hazel tighter. "{We wouldn't die to somethin' like that. We even messed them up! Right Mama?}"

She smiled, her tails waving slowly as she curled around us all. {Absolutely, my child. Perhaps now would be an opportune time to tell everyone about your exploits?}

And so, I did.

We all distributed muffins, and then I got to tell everyone what happened. I'd start coughing if I talked for too long, but I would drink from the canteen Rhodo gave us whenever that happened. Every time I did I could feel my chest begin to feel way better for a bit. Owain and Sue came over at one point to listen in, the hype flowing from them both. Zacharias and Elvis were nodding sagely for quite a bit of it, and I could feel nostalgia from them both. Elpis and Clive, Arden and Lucia, when I had finished telling them what happened there was a whole crowd around me. And everyone really does wanna hear what happened...

At the end… everyone was quiet. There was quite a bit of horror coming from everyone. They liked me being defiant, sure, but… The part at the end freaked them out as bad as it did me, I guess…

"If it's alright with you, may I ask about that… final part?" Paris said calmly, walking forwards from the wall she'd been leaning against. Legolas simply pivoted and strode alongside her.

I nodded. "{Things were really hazy, but… I know I saw the gold eyes, a red one and a big void… mouth… thingy.}"

Mabel and Benny exchanged worried glances while Paris nodded. "That helps immensely, thank you."

Ron looked up at her, his face pale. "Knowing that Spinel is secretly a Pokemon helps?"

Paris then shook her head. "No. She is not a Pokemon. But we do now know which Pokemon was assisting her, and is likely the strongest one with her. Dusknoir."

Mabel nodded. "I saw it much more with gengar, mismagius and banette during the war, but…" They looked at everyone. "Certain ghost types and their trainers are able to share the same space. Some the shadows, some assume the false form of an object, others… reside inside their trainers."

My mind raced back to the fog, the deathly cold, the soul that'd flown through me before… I shuddered instinctively. People LIVE with that always inside them? HOW?! That's…

"Insane?" I nodded, cuddling more into Mama's tails and looking at Paris. "There's a reason it's not widely known about. Most don't dare try it, and for good reason. The effects even if it succeeds are intense. If it doesn't…" She sighed. "You already know."

Even without her saying anything… we all did.

"I guess we've got that to blame for her being such a psychotic bit-" Leanne barely caught herself. "-bitter woman. Seriously, who even does that to a kid?" After a short pause, she muttered more to herself. "If she actually had a child, no way would she think that's okay."

No, she's an evil human. She could have a hundred kids and she'd be just as evil.

{No, we do not.} All eyes turned to Legolas. {I am incapable of such techniques, and to be honest? I'm quite glad about that. But it's impossible to begin with unless trainer and pokemon share… similar Auras, as it were. Even if they have no knowledge of this fact, they must be similar to their very core to even begin an attempt. We simply now know both parties are abhorrent monsters.}

"{...I kinda felt that.}" He looked to me inquisitively. "{I was having a lotta trouble making anything out, but I knew I felt two people where she was.}"

He inclined his head towards me. {A skill few possess. Treasure it, as it is an invaluable one.}

"Well we gotta welcome you back for reals!" Ron had stood up, smiling as he looked to Owain. "Let's go get the thingies for her!"

Owain leapt to his feet, putting a hand to his chest. "Of course! After such harrowing encounters, our heroines deserve nothing but the best welcome to their people! Come, let us make haste!"

The two sprinted off, Sue and Rush exchanging exasperated but loving looks before they ran right after them. While they did though… something occurred to me. I tapped Mabel on the arm, and they looked at me curiously. "What is it?"

"{You… mentioned a war. What's a war?}"

Mabel's heart dropped, and so did Guinevere's. "It's… er… well…"

Paris put a hand on their shoulder. "It's alright." They looked at her concerned, then nodded and sat with Benny. Paris, however, continued. "You know the fight you had with Rhyperior?"

I nodded, nuzzling closer to Mama. "War is like that. But with thousands and thousands of humans and pokemon. Instead of established arenas, like the battle you fought? Anything goes. Wars though have no defined end point. They're a culmination of violence, one that persists until those participating decide to stop. Such things could be solved amicably, but the instigators often aren't willing to wait that long."

It took me a moment to even wrap my head around the concept. Of so many people dying for reasons they can resolve without any death at all, but people refuse to. "{Why… but… what…?}"

She sat down next to me, Mama glancing at her warily but allowing it. "The war Mabel, Haley, Benny, Bors, I and Legolas were a part of was between Johto and Kanto, named the Tohjo War. Johto has notably had better long term resource management than Kanto. Kanto decided they wanted that. Johto refused, and disputes quickly escalated. The two have never truly seen eye to eye, so it was inevitable. It… was a very gruesome affair."

She crossed her arms. "However… it is highly unlikely that it simply escalated there with no provocation. From what I found, I believe Rocket to have caused conflict and started the war on purpose. I have little concrete evidence to back that up, but considering their actions at the time? It's far from unlikely."

My mind went to what happened with Mama. I shuddered. I didn't think it'd be that bad, it's something that happens outside, but… Rocket sounds like Galactic… And they started a war that killed loads and loads of people for some stupid reason, I bet... I looked up at her, holding close to Mama. "{What stopped it…?}"

"That… would be who." Mabel spoke up, Haley holding their hand. "Rocket wanted to create a Pokemon to win the war. Fortunately, that isn't how things played out. Unfortunately… that Pokemon was Mewtwo. Who gave an ultimatum. Either cease fighting, or they'd cease it for them. We were there when they first appeared." They squeezed Haley's hand, and their heart was pounding. Whatever it was that had happened, it wasn't pretty.

"{But… but they ended the war, right?}"

They slowly nodded. "They made certain it couldn't continue. Anyone who tried to initiate a fight was given one warning before being… well. Taken out is the nice way to put it."

They don't wanna say that it was killing lots of people…

Paris glanced at me. "However, horrible as it was, it was the first event of its kind to happen in a very long time. And measured against previous incidents, it was much shorter and less destructive."

But it still messed up a lotta stuff, didn't it...

Guinevere came over, gently hugging both me and Hazel who had looked away from the conversation. "I think that's answered Aurora's question."

Mabel nodded quickly, their heart filling with sorrow quickly. "Yes, yes of course. My apologies, it's…"

"Been a lot, that's quite alright. Just please keep present company in mind." She rubbed Hazel's back gently while looking at me. "Aurora, if you have more questions, please ask me in the future, alright? Mabel and their family have been through a lot," she said soothingly.

All the same, my heart sank as I looked at Mabel quickly. "{D-did I make things worse? I'm sorry!}"

They quickly shook their head. "Nono, it's alright, you had no idea. Please, don't worry yourself over it."

But I am worried…

"So uhhhh, bad timing?" Owain was holding a box of… something.

Mabel quickly waved him off. "Not at all, wonderful timing actually." They smiled at me, even though their heart still held pangs of how they were feeling before. "We've been saving something for when you got back. We figured you'd enjoy it is all."

I could faintly smell muffins from the box. That makes sense though, it's one of the boxes Rhodo gave us with muffins. When I opened it up though, there were several different kinds of muffins waiting inside. "We didn't want you to miss out," Ron said with a big smile. "You deserve to have muffins with the rest of us!"

My eyes widened. "{Y-you're sure I should have these…?}"

"Of course!"

Hazel gave a small smile. "If it makes you feel better, we've had some ourselves. You're not taking muffins away from us or anything."

I nodded slowly, even though my heart was still in my stomach. I made Mabel feel bad…

"Aurora?" I looked over at them. "It's alright, really. Please don't beat yourself up about it. You still want to learn what Benny's saying in sign language, right?"

I nodded. "{Y-you're sure it's okay for you to teach me…?}"

They nodded with a small smile, their heart much calmer than before. "Absolutely. We'd love to."

For the next little while, I ate muffins while Benny made symbols with his hands and Mabel and Haley explained them. Haley couldn't make the symbols herself, but she could read them. I still felt awful about having brought up something that hurt them, but they assured me it was okay. The muffins also helped.

Apparently I was really good at learning what sign language was. Whenever Benny made a symbol, so long as Mabel told me what it meant? I remembered it really quickly. Guinevere mentioned something about it probably being part of why I could remember everyone's name just fine. It seemed to make Mabel, Haley, Benny and Bors very happy though so I was glad about that.

Eventually, my eyelids got heavier and I began to yawn. Mama glanced at everyone. {My child has been through quite a lot. I would ask for peace, that we may both rest.}

Mabel smiled. "Of course. We'll be right next to you, so say the word if either of you need help." Mama nodded, and everyone started dispersing.

Hazel though felt concerned. Scared. "Do you have to go…?"

I shook my head, my eyelids heavy. "{Only going to sleep… why?}"

"Can… you stay here? For tonight. If that's alright…"

I shook my head again. "{If Mama says it's okay, I'm happy to.}"

Mama simply smiled and curled around us all. Vivian hadn't said much the whole time, but when she was safe in Mama's tails with the rest of us… she stopped shaking. {Thank you…}

Mama simply shook her head slightly. {Do not worry, young ones. I am here, as is my child. We all need the rest.}

I drank a bit more of the canteen, leaving some for tomorrow before holding my arms out to Mama. She shifted slightly, padding around so I could hug her. As I went to sleep, the muffled sounds of everyone else in the room dampened by the softness of Mama's fur and the heartbeats of Hazel and Vivian next to us?

I smiled.

~~Iron Island, Year 8520, Taflinal, Monday 1st~~

"-charge of the rear, okay?"

My ears flicked a little, a couple voices pulling me from my sleep. I glanced up to see the lights weren't on yet, nor was the faint buzzing from them. That means it's sleeping time, right…? Why aren't they asleep?

"Got it," a woman said. "You fine with that, Nelle?"

{No problems here.}

"Great," The first, male voice said in a hushed voice. "Keaton gave us a much better idea of the layout of this place."

"I'm just sorry I couldn't do more…" Said another one.

"You did the best you could," said the first one. "We seem pretty far back, but at least we know which way's up. Corporal and Cadet, you should be best with navigation. Right?"

"It's underground, so once we get outta this place we're just about scott free."

"Perfect. Let's get to sleep, we don't want Galactic catching on. Ibya, Dusk, keep an eye out if anyone seems like they're keeping watch of us. We'll find a way outta this."

After that, there was some rustling before they probably went back to their beds.

{What do you think, my child?}

I looked at Mama sleepily. "{Wha…?}"

{Of their intentions. They plan to make an escape attempt. What are your thoughts?}

It took me a moment to respond through the grogginess. "{I wanna get out…}" I paused, thinking about how many humans were between us and getting out. And the Pokemon being forced to follow them. Or maybe doing it willingly, from what Legolas said. I shuddered.

"{But I don't have a good feeling about their plan…}"

Mama shook her head. {Neither do I, my child. I promise you we will escape, but… we need more time to develop a plan. I do not see theirs ending well.}

I held her tighter. "{Can't we tell them…?}"

{I do not believe they would listen even if we did. They do not seem the sort to wait.}

It was harder to get to sleep, now that I knew that was happening. I wanna see the sky… the trees and snow and pokemon and the stuff Clive and Elpis have talked about, like the ocean and plains and stuff… I wanna go home with everyone... Mama soon noticed and nuzzled me. {Are you feeling alright, my child?}

I cuddled closer, tears welling up. "{I just… wanna go home…}"

She nodded. {I understand. Would you like me to help?}

When I nodded, she started softly humming. Even though I wasn't sure why, it… stirred something in me. Words that I had no descriptions for began popping into my head. Wind rustling through the grass, a faint whistling, the feeling of sunshine against my face, the calm flowing of a nearby river, the smell of earth and fresh air…

I don't know where those thoughts came from. I didn't even know what they meant.

I just know that it felt nice, and soothed my heart to sleep.

~~Dream World, Year 8520, Taflinal, Monday 1st~~

The next time I woke up, I felt an unfamiliar bed below me. Slowly rubbing the sleep out of my eyes, I looked around to find myself in a very open room. A large window showing a familiar pink sky and pine trees was to my right, a large cross intersecting the different panes of glass. A small, dark brown wooden windowsill held a flowerpot of light blue, sharp petaled flowers.

The walls were a brighter shade of brown, with some orange tinges here and there. An ornately carved door sat close to a corner off to my left, while the rest of the room was furnished with a matching dresser, bedside table, bookshelf, and of course the bed below me.

The ornate carvings all depicted plants of some sort, as well as the covers on top of me having a similar design to the flowers on the windowsill. They were also there on a rug covering most of the floor, and a couple paintings of landscapes on the walls.

Of course, I didn't have names for any of those things. I was just looking around wondering what all the wooden boxes with little rounded bits of wood on front were.

What… is this place? This is the Dream World, right? Is this the house Rhea made?

To my left, there was a small cushioned box where Spiri lay. I slowly swung my legs around, getting off the bed. As I did, his eyes sleepily opened before he straightened.

{Aurora back!} he trilled happily, leaping over to me. I caught him, hugging him close and smiling.

"Hey Spiri… How're you?"

"Doing fine. You?"

There was a sudden flash of thunder outside. I yelped, leaping under the covers with Spiri. He nuzzled closer to me. {What that…?}

"I… dunno…"

Quick footsteps were coming closer, until the door creaked open. "Aurora? Are you alright?"

I peeked out to see Rhea, concern and relief flowing from her. She held a small tray with little cylinders, steam rising from them. Her wings were fluttering anxiously.

I was about to respond when another thunderous rumble rolled across the land. I went back to hiding, but Rhea… seemed to understand something? She slowly came over, putting the tray on the little table next to me. The cylinders smelled… amazing. I don't know what that is, and it's not muffins, but it smells great.

Rhea gently pulled back the covers, rubbing my back gently. "It's alright. You're safe here. I promise."

I nodded, and the clouds I hadn't realized had been gathering outside started to thin. "What's… going on…?"

She sat next to me, Spiri wriggling to get a better look while she held us both gently. "This is your dream world. If you're happy, it's happy. If you're sad, it's sad. If something awful is happening to you…" She trailed off.

A sharp feeling hit my heart. "W-wait, does that hurt-"

"No, no! Not at all, we're fine." she said quickly.

Spiri nodded. "Warm, safe. Get to see Aurora friend."

They both felt caring and warm, but-

"Please don't."

I blinked in confusion, looking up to see a melancholy expression on Rhea's face. "You don't need to blame yourself for everything. Remember what Ivane, your mama said? It's… it's not you doing all of this."

My tails curled a bit tighter as my ears drooped. "But… but what about Mabel, and Benny, and this place…"

She held me tighter. "Aurora, this place is you. It's hurting because you're hurting." She turned me to face her a bit more. "I'm so proud of you for being as strong as you have been. It's incredible you're handling it as well as you are, but it still hurts."

I looked at her confused. "I… I know it hurts, though… what d'you mean?"

She glanced outside for a moment. It still looked like it had before. "It means… you know how Hazel is hurting really bad right now?"

I nodded.

"You're hurting badly, too. You're just able to postpone it, sort of." She sighed. "I'm sorry, it's hard to explain."

I thought for a moment. Hazel's hurt and is hurting even worse because she's hurting right now… and the collars shock me if I get really upset. I can still feel the hurt, but… it's not safe yet.

I looked up at Rhea. "Because it's not safe to be super hurt right now, right?"

She nodded slowly. "Yes, that. You're not dealing with it right now because… it'd turn out badly. When you're safe… when you're out of this place? Then you can start to heal."

I wasn't entirely certain what she meant, but somehow… I had an idea. Spiri nudged his head into me, looking up at me with his huge eyes. {Aurora be okay?}

A light began to shine through the window as I held him tighter. "Yeah… I'll be okay."

Entry Log

-#001 and Ninetales have awoken… I have not seen them in person yet, but I noticed they left Rhodo's office a day earlier than needed. I had thought his office would be a sort of sanctuary compared to the languish atmosphere in the compound, but where they sleep makes little difference in the end.

-As I've had time to reflect on past outbursts I believe I've become better at reigning myself in. Such petulant creatures will not stir my emotions so violently again.

-Juliet's power has become harder to manage within me as of late. It seems releasing my inhibitions has given her more power to feed off of. An interesting study, but I've taken time to vent my frustrations with physical exercise of my own. Barbaric, but effective.

-What I have gleaned is that it seems the fusions receive greater benefits from berries than humans do, but must consume more than a pokemon to achieve the same level of effect. An even middle ground from between them both.

-Unfortunately, besides more flavor text there is not much else of personal interest to take note of. I am working and reviewing data for future tests and experiments as Cyrus will be overseer of battles for some time. Soon I will return to work, but not tomorrow.

#001 Fused Kalolan Vulpix (Aurora) & Kalolan Ninetales (Ivane) Status: Recovering

#006 Fused Pyroar & Pyroar Status: Recovering

#011 Fused Magcargo & Slugma Status: Deceased (Failed Fused)

#019 Fused Carnivine & Carnivine Status: Deceased (Failed Fused)

#020 Fused Furret (Guinevere) & Furret (Chestnut) Status: Nominal

#033 Fused Eevee (Hazel) & Eevee (Vivian) Status: Recovering

#043 Fused Hydreigon (Paul) & Hydreigon (Tobias) Status: Deceased (Unstable, reverted to feral instincts, used for dissection)

#053 Fused Flygon (Leanne) & Flygon (Yvonne) Status: Nominal

#068 Fused Decidueye (Paris) & Decidueye (Legolas) Status: Nominal

#072 Fused Swampert (Zacharias) & Swampert (Elvis) Status: Nominal

#078 Fused Phantump (Razin) & Phantump (Urie) Status: Deceased (Failed Fused)

#079 Fused Glalie & Glalie Status: Deceased (Failed Fused)

#085 Fused Blissey (Mabel) & Blissey (Haley) Status: Nominal

#086 Fused Bewear (Benny) & Bewear (Bors) Status: Nominal

#123 Fused Female Gallade (Lucia) & Gallade (Arden) Status: Recovering

#132 Fused Pachirisu (Ron) & Pachirisu (Rush) Status: Nominal

#134 Fused Silvally (Clive) & Silvally (Elpis) Status: Nominal

#143 Fused Electrode & Electrode Status: Deceased (Failed Fused)

#147 Fused Sunflora (Garland) & Sunflora (Dijon) Status: Drained (lack of sunlight)

#158 Fused Rockruff (Koko) Status: Nominal

#159 Fused Dusk Lycanroc (Eclipse) & Dusk Lycanroc (Yuna) Status: Nominal

#163 Fused Spiritomb & Spiritomb Status: Deceased (Failed Fused)

#180 Fused Samurott (Owain) & Samurott (Sue) Status: Recovering, Annoyingly Well

Author's Note: A little bit of a shorter chapter, but I think there's still plenty to process here. I hope it's not too short for your liking! Or maybe that's a good thing in Helheim, I dunno. Anyway, I do wanna confirm. Aurora's handling things okay for now. You don't just look at all this crazy shiz and come out alright, and that's gonna be addressed. Don't worry.

-Fun Tidbits! For Cyrus' last name we'll be using his Japanese name, Akagi. Meanwhile, Spinel's last name is an homage to the manga only Galactic admin Srid. Spinel is not the same character, more like an honorary replacement. Just to clear things up!-