Hybrid: Aurora Edition

by SairaCrystaline

A story in the Pokemon world with a trans protagonist who lives through some of the worst life has to offer, but refuses to back down and always does their best to do the right thing. Lots of hurt/comfort, comedy will be in places, don't expect much hetero stuff to happen. And plenty of filled in holes the canon of the games leaves.

16. Chapter 16: A Broken Dam

It must happen. I know this, and I rejoice for her reaching this point, yet still it saddens me that Aurora must go through this. Even if it is on the path to healing, it does not make that path any harder to walk. Her anger has sustained her through the worst period of her life, suffused her with the strength to refuse to bend when others would break. But now… now the objects of her anger are gone, for now. She is away from them. Safe, and amongst those who love her. And when the source of rage fades away, the only thing that can happen is the cascade of vulnerability and despair. Once held at bay for her own safety, it comes crashing down when among those who can help. Perhaps you anticipated this. Perhaps not. But either way, let us observe Aurora's first steps after Galactic's torment. The first on her path to healing, difficult as they may be to take.

~~?~~

As the shockwave rushed over me, my vision went blurry again. Mama said something that I couldn't decipher. The nurse Cherrim- three of them?- ran, coming back with Cynthia. Other people I couldn't recognize. Maybe I knew them, maybe I didn't. I couldn't tell. Faces were no longer solid, colors blending between one another. The sense of falling, even though I thought I was on solid ground.

I felt myself being lifted gently into the air, the muddled footfalls of whoever was carrying me. A green and white figure close by glowed purple-pink, and the same glow wrapped around us all.

My vision blurred further, barely focusing again once the glow was gone. We were in a slightly different place; muffled noises of some large number of people floated into my ears. The greens were different, from what I could tell, but the blue above wasn't. Nothing had form.

After that, everything went dark as unconsciousness claimed me.

~~Cadenza Town, Year 8520, Krituki, Radinam 20th~~

When my senses began to focus again, it was with less pain than I expected. I'd long grown used to the pounding headaches and leadlike limbs that accompanied waking up after being knocked out. But this time wasn't like that. There was a faint, dull pain in my head, but primarily? What still burdened me was exhaustion.

Despite that, my eyes slowly cracked open. I was in a room, on a bed, with the smell of plants wafting through the air, but it was… different. I focused through my bleary eyes. The walls weren't metal, they were a cool brown wood. Dozens of small dark lines, each as thick as a fingernail, ran swirling throughout each plank. The bed was larger, softer, like I was laying against Mama. The lights above were still on, but they hummed more gently than what we were used to.

Medical equipment- some of which I'd seen in Rhodo's office, but a lot I'd never seen at all- wasn't jammed together like it'd been in Helheim. There was room enough for it all, and far more besides. Before my heart had the chance to race, from fear of being enclosed again, I saw to my left a huge, glass window. Loose curtains were drawn to either side, the sky outside much darker than it was before. Instead of the bright blue it was, the clouds pure white, it was now a deep, soft blue. Almost black, with countless glimmering white dots scattered across it. The clouds from before were a deep gray, but floating as calmly across the sky as they had before.

Instead of the few potted plants dotting the room, the strong smell of foliage was coming from outside. From the fields of emerald grass, swaying gently in the midnight wind. From the trees that stood strong, their leaves rustling softly. From plants I didn't recognize- leaves of muted orange, red, blue, yellow, pink, all the colors of the rainbow. Each with different berries hanging from their branches.

All of this seemed less… defined, than it usually was. The soft cloth wrapped against my face making itself known, I registered one of my eyes was covered by it. It didn't feel painful to open, but I couldn't see anything from it besides blurry strips of gauze.

One of my arms was curled around Ki, still as soft and plush as she was before. When Rhodo gave her to me for my birthday. On my chest, legs, and other arm, the others lay resting. Maya nestled securely between me and a wrinkle in the blanket, Shine nuzzled between Ki, my arm and my torso. Cookie lay curled up on my stomach, Li right next to him and stretching onto my chest. Mama's tails curled around us all, and I could feel her fur interspersed with bandages behind me. She didn't feel like she was asleep, but she was resting. More at ease than she'd been in a long, long time.

A sudden shift drew my gaze, looking over to a group of people closer to the window. Taking a moment to parse them all apart, their emotions all so similar and intertwined, the one who'd moved most caught my eye.

A human, with the same brilliant blonde hair that Cynthia had. Her eyes were bright orange, her heart filled with worry, relief, hope, and so many other things. Unlike Cynthia though, her hair only went to about her shoulders. Each lock came together in curved bunches, like if Stripe's fur curved and was more intentionally kept. Even still, stray hairs stuck out here and there, matching the somewhat worn clothes she had on. A blue denim vest, slightly frayed at the edges and with well worn pockets, was over her red and faded blue flannel. Her darker blue fleece pants and brown snow shoes were just as worn, along with the large red satchel next to where she just sat.

Ma?

Beside her, just as worried but still sitting down for the moment, was another human lady. She had cool white hair, like mine and Mama's fur in places, tied back into a braided ponytail. Her eyes were gray, like Cynthia's. She wore a black, long sleeved shirt with the occasional colored stain, paint that wouldn't come out no matter how many times it was washed. She had a black woolen cap with white roses patterned onto one side, goggles with black lenses hung around her neck. Her dark gray vest had two black teardrop stones on either side, like Cynthia's, and her pants were similarly black with fur lined boots.

Mom?

My eyes glazed over, vaguely registering everyone else in the room. What was important was who I could feel. Cynthia, my sis, and her partners were with her. My Mom and Ma were here. So were the Pokemon always with them, my family from Snowpoint.

I could feel Eclipse, Koko and Yuna nearby, but only that they were here. Likely still asleep. So were Hazel and Vivian, and some humans and Pokemon they felt comfortable with.

I didn't feel anyone hostile. There weren't any metal walls around. No grunts walking just outside the door, not locked away from the world outside. No loudspeakers or big screens, not underground anymore. No buzzing lights and faint cacophony of Grunt footsteps.

We were free. We were safe.

It's okay now.

The wall I'd built up, one that had to keep being built higher and higher, began to crumble.

I don't have to hide anymore. It won't get me killed.

Cracks across the wall in my mind splintered across its whole face, jets of water shooting out as I felt my eyes begin to water.

Ma held open her arms gently, waiting for me to say it was okay. "Aurora? We're here now, it's okay."

I'm home again.

The dam shattered.

Images flashed through my mind- seeing Owain and Sue being assaulted by Silas, Owain dying while we were powerless to help. Spiri being ripped from my arms while I leapt up after him, only for me to be stopped, too weak to save him. Koko's arm being torn to shreds and her wails of agony. Charon electrocuting me until I could barely breathe. Mango crying over a suddenly passed Arvis. Dusknoir's death wreathed hands crushing my skull. The overwhelming tide of misery and despair everyone fought back every second of every minute of every day. So many dying in the machine they stuck us all in, turned to goop and ash, crying out in pain for people who couldn't stop it. Spinel, Silas, Mars all enjoying our pain. How many humans were there who could've helped, if they stuck together like we had, but they didn't. How Silas tore open my flesh, time after time after time and nearly ripped me in two. How Rhyperior crushed Mama, like she meant nothing. The nightmares, the pain, the death, everything.

I wailed.

Tears streamed down my face as I cried out, sobbing uncontrollably. Ma, Mom and Sis all ran over to hug me tight. The Pokemon did the same, coming close, comforting me in their own ways. Li, Shine, Maya, Cookie all woke up, sorrow filling their hearts as they heard my wails. Mama curled her tails around me softly.

My mind was void of words. Details were blurred out. From the tears drowning my eyes or my own broken state, I didn't know. All I knew is that the anger that'd taken focus above the misery was quiet now. The deep, stabbing sorrow in my heart cried out in pain.

I leaned into my family's embrace, the bed below me quickly stained wet with tears. They all held me close, my cries drowning out the wind and trees outside. Their arms and wings shrouded me from the moonlight. My heart ached worse than anything else had, even during the fight.

I don't know how long we were there like that. I just knew, sobbing into my Mom's shoulder, that eventually my wails grew quieter, my grip looser as exhaustion took me again.

They never left my side.

~~Cadenza Town, Hospital, Year 8520, Krituki, Umbrum 21st~~

I held Mama tight, her and Himari both keeping me close. I was too exhausted from using fire all the time to heat myself up well enough, so they were keeping me warm. Mama called it burnout. Even though I was only 'burnt out' I couldn't use ice either. Mama said that was another side effect of burnout, meaning nothing worked.

Shouldn't it be called iceout?

Himari was letting me cuddle her fluffy blonde tail. Her soft orange fur matched my hair more than Mama's fur, but her ears were different from either of ours. Instead they were elongated diamonds with black in the middle, like Vivian and Hazel's. Her coat was a little thicker than other Flareon, but it didn't need to be much. It made her much softer to hug, though.

{Don't worry about a thing,} she said gently, giving me a sad smile. {We're here now. We're here for you.}

I nuzzled closer to her, safely between her and Mama. Thank you…

The sun was rising now, tiny icicles on the top frame of the window melting from its light. I'd slept through the night, and even though I was used to everyone waking up slowly? My family was already up, keeping me safe. I hadn't seen any Hybrids around yet, but the Pokemon seemed nice and the Humans weren't everywhere or anything. There were a lot more Pokemon around than them.

I started when there was a knock on the door, diving further between Himari and Mama as best I could. Mama curled a couple more tails around me while Himari stroked my head with a paw.

{It's okay, it's just the doctors,} she said softly.

Peeking out as the door opened, I saw two Pokemon come in. One of them I recognized right away. A bird with bright red feathers coating her body, while snowy white plumage puffed forwards from her chest and built upwards. Framing her face was a kind of white feathered mask, one with spiky white frills cresting over her eyes like horns. On her head she wore a nurse cap. She walked forwards, holding the white bag tail that all Delibird had.

The other one though was totally new. She was as tall as the Delibird beside her, but more humanoid like Dojima or me. She had primarily white fur, with dark purple fur on her arms, lower body and her head like Sonic's head. Her fur poofed out like she had a very circular dress on too. Two curly horns curved from the top of her head down and forwards, framing her kind brown eyes. She wore a white apron along with a doctor hat.

I looked to Mama for info, but she felt as curious as I was. Still wary, but much less than she was of new people than in Helheim. She looked back at me. {They are new to me, my child. But she feels safe.}

She doesn't know them? That's new… but she doesn't feel afraid at all. So maybe it is safe…

I nodded. Especially considering how Ma and Mom felt more at ease seeing the two. Like they knew who they were, and they were good people. The two pokemon quickly greeted my moms before addressing me and Mama.

{Hello hello, my name is Mercedes and this is my good friend, Nelly,} She gestured towards the Delibird who smiled at us. {She will be one of your nurses and I'm your lead caretaker. Your family told me you two have been through a lot, but no worries, we'll make sure you're both right as rain. Do you mind if we begin your check-up?}

Her voice was gentle and light, yet very knowledgeable. The contrast between her and Eir's bedside manner was stark. She definitely wasn't older than Mama, but she was definitely an adult.

She also feels like she's a lot happier than Eir.

Mama turned to me before looking back and nodding. Mercedes started checking the bandages on my face and the coat rack with water bags on it next to us. The bags were attached to small tubes feeding into needles in both me and Mama. Mama also had some hard shell thing that felt like rough paper on her hurt leg, which she checked as well. I watched her quietly the entire time, still waking up.

She feels nice… Like Rhodo…

My heart ached thinking of him. I didn't know where he was, if he'd gotten out, if he was still alive. I clutched Mama tighter as Mom came over to rub my back gently. Mercedes seemed to notice, patting my hand softly. Suddenly the love and positivity of my family began to drown out the anxiety; I could feel it before, but it felt stronger now. I felt more attuned to it.

She can feel emotions too? And make it easier to feel them…?

After Mercedes finished, she turned to Mama. {Your leg is healing well from the cast. I can tell your situation was rough, but also you've taken great precaution to not anger the injury since it was inflicted. If you continue to take it easy you can begin physical therapy and expect a full recovery in leg movement. In other words, your very long future's looking bright!}

Mama nodded, smiling. {Good to know there won't be any lasting injury. I've had quite enough of nursing it, knowing I needn't do that for the next few centuries is easing news.}

She took a step back to address all of us. Mom turned her attention to her while still rubbing my back, Ma fidgeting in anticipation. {Now, Aurora here is a bit more complex. Her specific anatomy is new to me, but I've treated countless humans and many Vulpix in my time as a nurse practitioner. I've seen nothing so far that can stop us from giving her the best treatment, so we can celebrate that.} She turned to me. {I told your parents earlier, but let's recap for you too.}

I nodded slowly. Rhodo and the others explaining treatment and how I could get better always made me feel better. It helped make it clear it was gonna get better.

Like a lot of things right now.

{So right now you're recovering from imprisonment, the injuries you sustained in battle, exhaustion and complete elemental burnout. You're not as nourished as we like, but it looks like you've been eating a bit better lately. Don't worry, the food here is top notch.} She paused to make sure I absorbed everything. Himari, Mama and Mom all being with me was making it easier to stay calm, and I was used to hearing way worse.

Satisfied, she continued. {Anyway, elemental burnout is when a person exhausts all of the elemental energies in their body. Once it's gone, they become super vulnerable to everything, lose the increased capabilities they typically have and can't use any of their powers. Pokemon tend to have a very high threshold before they burn out and even humans can burn out elementally. From what I've seen Hybrids have around half the capacity of their pokemon counterparts, so most of them are experiencing complete burnout. With lots of rest you'll all gradually recover. In your case, I suspect in around two days you'll be able to regulate your own body temperature, so make sure you snuggle up with your family until then, okay? It'll help the process!}

I nodded. I wanted to snuggle them anyway, so that's good. They're warm…

{Does anyone have any questions?} Nelly asked. {If you don't right now you can ask us later. As long as you know that you'll feel better really soon.}

"Yes actually," Ma piped up, worry in her heart. "Will Aurora be alright? The… more major injury won't cause chronic pain or anything?"

{If all goes well it shouldn't cause any long term physical pain, we worked very hard on finishing what was started in the field.} Mercedes clasped her hands and turned to me. {But if you ever feel like the cut on your face is hurting, just let us know. We'll do everything we can to make it go away.}

Ma breathed a sigh of relief, sitting next to me and smiling. "Hear that? You'll be just fine. So don't worry too much, okay?"

I held her hand gently, and she squeezed mine before looking back at the two doctors. "And some good food will help speed that right along, right?"

Nelly nodded as she waddled over to us. Mercedes set up a tray for me and Mama as Nelly pulled out all kinds of food from within her tail pouch. Setting up berry and fruit salads, pancakes with strawberries and syrup, bagels with cheese and berry spreads, fruit juice and water and… a whole plate of muffins.

My eyes began to water. My mind racing back to Rhodo, how he always gave us muffins with a smile, despite everything. Making sure we got what we could. How they were the first actual food I'd had, because gruel wasn't food. It just kept you alive. How much everyone always looked forward to them, and how many people couldn't have them ever again now.

Ma and Mom both hugged me, Mama keeping her tails around me while Himari nuzzled me and looked at Mercedes. {If there's anything she'd like more of, you can get it, right?}

She nodded. {Absolutely.}

Mama gestured with a tail to one of the muffins, and Nelly handed it to me. I just held it close to my chest, tears streaming down my face. Held by my family, and with as many muffins as I wanted.

If only everyone could've had the same.

As the sun rose in the sky outside, Mama began explaining things for me. I was still too sore, too exhausted to properly use my hands for sign language. And I definitely didn't feel good enough to speak. So Mama helped.

She knew what it was I wanted and needed, and would ask the others for it. Once we all had food, she began recounting parts of Helheim that didn't hurt as much. The ones where we'd won. Where things weren't as bad.

As the hours ticked by (the first time I knew why the others said that, from the clock on the wall ticking), Hazel's grandparents filtered into the room and sat with her. She was quiet for the most part, just hugging them, crying and resting like I was. Her and Vivian's injuries weren't as bad as ours and neither were completely burnt out. Mama made sure I knew that. If they were as badly hurt as us or worse, because of us…

I saw Koko, Eclipse and Yuna wake up a couple times. Each time Koko would look around for if Adrestia and Nasir had come yet, and they hadn't. She'd look at where her arm used to be, with the artificial arm gone now too. Then nibble some food reluctantly and turn over, sleeping beside Eclipse and Yuna. Sometimes I'd see her slipping glances when I was with my family. I could sense a spot of envy from her at times before a surge of guilt and grief resurfaced. I wanted to comfort her, but there was nothing I could think of that would make those feelings go away. Even if I could get up and hug her.

Neither Eclipse nor Yuna said very much, but mostly because if they opened their mouths, they started coughing and put this mask over their faces. So they only did it long enough to drink and eat, then passed out again, keeping Koko safely between them.

I didn't know all the details, but Skuntank's gas screwed their sense of smell for a while. They'd been treated, but sometimes Yuna had to lay on the cold floor or else she'd throw up. Eclipse would rub her back until she felt okay again.

Nothing Mama could recount was ever completely happy. It was Helheim, nothing was. But she told them the nicer parts. Owain's plays. Rhodo, how he took care of us and his muffins making him the Muffin Man. How we helped Linea and Stripe get back together, and how many Pokemon who needed a name that I helped them find. Like Shine, Cookie and Maya, who all ate breakfast themselves and stayed close to us the whole time. When Li came to us, and how quickly he became part of the family. He still hadn't yet grown in his second tail, but he was happier. Happy that we could see the sun, that he was one of the brightest spots in all of Helheim.

Happy we were free, happy we could rest.

The whole time, Mercedes and Nelly were with us. They had some input sometimes, but mostly let Mama speak. Mercedes was using her psychic abilities to translate Mama's words, so Ma and Mom could understand her. Whenever Mama skirted around one of the darker moments, the ones that made my heart skip a beat even thinking about, Mercedes' horns glowed ever so slightly. Then she'd offer me a light snack or ask a question, to keep the tone less depressing.

Ma wiped her eyes with her sleeve as Mama finished telling everyone more about Rhodo. When he gave us muffins made from the little berry trees he was able to grow, and taught me how to make malasadas. "I'm glad he could be there for you. Did you enjoy having a dad?"

I nodded as Mama smiled softly. {She always enjoyed his presence. He did quite a lot to give us all brief reprieve.} I nudged Mama gently, and she looked at me with a smile. {And she wishes everyone to know that she is just as glad I am her Mama.}

I nodded again as Mom breathed out, holding back shakiness before putting a hand gently on Mama's back. "I'm just as sorry you had to go through everything, as I am glad you were there for her through it all."

Mama glanced back at her, nodding and settling in. {Despite everything, I am glad I was able to be there for her. She is a privilege to have as a daughter.}

Ma chuckled, her eyes still wet. "She really is, isn't she?" She hugged me tight. "I might need to go get my sunglasses, you're so bright."

A small smile came to my face, one that turned to confusion when I saw that me and Mama were lit up more orange than everyone else. I looked up to see Koharu floating above us, her usual gray form now red and orange, brimming with heat. In the center her head was a red ball, with a thick yellow infinity symbol framing her eyes. Around her head was an orb of orange translucent energy, pulsating softly like the rays around the sun. Her cloudy body was bright white, and she beamed down at us.

{See? You're both so radiant that I'm a sun now!} She said cheerily. I could feel she was hoping it'd make us both happier. Like Owain would do.

My heart eased, her warmth reminding me of how it was outside. Castform were like the weather had come in to say hello.

Her bluish-gray body swirling around her, she laughed as she flew just outside my reach. Mom shook her head with a smile, Sis grabbing the papers Koharu'd sent flying while Ma laughed.

"Don't give her the cold shoulder, she's tryin'a give you love!" Ma chuckled.

Koharu slowed down so I could hug her. Even though her body was cold, it still made me happy to hold her all the same. Like the snowstorms outside, but safer and happily flying around.

I stared up at Koharu, a memory pulling itself up from the recesses of my mind. I held my arms out weakly and she quickly flew down, cuddling against my chest while I held her close.

All of my family felt more at ease from that.

"Some things never change, huh?" Ma said warmly.

"And all the better for it," Mom replied, her heart calmer as serene memories came back to the both of them. Like they had for me.

I shot upright, breathing heavily. My whole body was shaking.

It was night now. I'd gone back to sleep while everyone kept me close, and the sun was gone again. Instead, outside were glimmering stars, the moon shining down.

{Aurora?}

My ears swiveled back as I looked beside me, seeing… not Dusknoir. Not Silas. Not the things my nightmares told me were real. Perched there was Miu, not needing to swivel her head at all. She was watching over me, her brown feathers illuminated only by the moonlight, slightly fluttering in the wind. Her eyes, normally as large as possible to see, were focused squarely on me, concerned. She shifted her talons slightly, extending her wings for balance before folding them back against her body. Noctowl were usually up at night, but she'd been awake earlier to be with us while I was up.

Has she been up this whole time?

{One moment, let me rouse the others,} she cooed softly.

Li opened his eyes groggily. {Did something happen?}

When she noticed me fidgeting in response, she simply nudged me gently with her head. {You needn't worry about waking them prematurely. We promised you we'd be here for you. It doesn't matter what time of day we're needed. Right, Ivane?}

{Indeed,} Mama said gently. {What is family for but to be there for each other when needed, my child?}

My muscles slowly unclenched as Miu woke a lot of my family, leaving Koko, Yuna, Eclipse, Hazel, Vivian and her grandparents asleep. They all were happy to be woken up to help me. They weren't happy I was hurting, but they were glad they could finally be there for me. Finally be together again, sleeping in a big pile like we had before.

"The heater'll be on again soon, right Ma?" I asked worriedly.

She nodded slightly, crouched down with wrench in hand, Himari right beside her. Her fur glowed softly orange as she breathed flames where Ma pointed. "It's just frozen up for a sec, no big problems." She glanced back at Miu, smiling. "Thanks to you, anyway."

Miu cooed gently, inclining her head slightly. She hopped over and wrapped her wings around me, her large feathers helping keep me warm while Ma and Himari fixed the heater.

The memories of my family being there for me always, even knowing they were out there helping me through Helheim, brought me ease. Sis and her partners were here. They'd beaten Galactic. And combined with everyone else? We were safe.

I didn't have to worry if I'd still be there with them when I woke up again.

~~Cadenza Town, Year 8520, Krituki, Noxal 22nd~~

The next time I woke up, the sun was shining outside again. I quietly gazed out the window; watching the sunbeams glimmer on morning dew, filter through leaves and grass to illuminate the world. The pale blue of the sky growing deeper as the sun rose higher in the sky, and the gentle whispers of the breeze outside.

Mercedes and Nelly had brought us more food to eat while they performed their check-ups, like they'd done throughout the day yesterday. And it wasn't the same stuff as before; omelets, waffles, apple and berry salads, it was just as much as last time and it was all new. Before, either we were forced into having gruel, or the same food over and over. Better than gruel, almost anything was, but there wasn't any choice. Now, we were spoiled with it.

If only everyone could've had this much again… They could've used it more than I ever can…

Koko, Eclipse and Yuna had woken up, seeming better than they were yesterday. Physically, anyway; Koko looked just as sad when she searched the room and didn't see Adrestia and Nasir anywhere. Eclipse and Yuna just kept her close as she poked at her eggs.

Gina was helping me move my arms again; her soft tan fur contrasting against the dark gray of her hands and hair. Her metal horns were two huge jaws, like all Mawile, but they conveyed her feelings like someone's tail would. Right now they were pursed in concern as she gently helped me extend my arms, stretch my fingers.

We all looked over when there was a knock on the window. I huddled in Mama's tails, and my family took stances in front of us. Cynthia, Reginleif and Heimdall all stood at the ready, Aphrodite and Athena guarding us.

And then instead of a horde of Murkrow led by Honchkrow, or Silas' manic cackling, we saw a Dewott standing on the windowsill. Vines around his torso, trying to open the window from the outside.

{It's locked! Do I gotta smash this thing open?} He half whispered, half yelled to someone below him as he kept trying to pull it up.

{Even if we wouldn't get attacked for that, I doubt any of them would appreciate a spray of glass falling on top of them,} an exasperated voice from below called up. {Is there anyone inside?}

He turned his head forward to find everyone in the room staring at him. His demeanor turned meek as he began to try and hide behind the parts of the window that were covered by the blinds, but Gina just spread them open. Not to mention the vines pulling him back where he was.
{That's a yes,} the voice from below called again, slightly amused. {Use your words.}

{C-can we switch… places…} His voice trailed off. I followed his line of sight to find him staring directly at Yuna, who was standing protectively in front of Eclipse and Koko's bed. Their eyes met proper and she laxed in surprise. {Y-yuna? Is that you?}

Yuna's feelings went into flux. She was in absolute shock, as if she were in another world. Eclipse poked out from behind Sis' team who were blocking her view. "How do they know your na-" Her words died in her throat too upon spying the Dewott. Once she came into view, I could sense a whirlwind of complex feelings emerge from Dewott himself, confusion, but mostly excitement. Pure, unbridled excitement. He grabbed the bottom of the window sill once again and enshrouded himself in a bright orange. With a great heave, he foisted the window open, breaking the interior latch and jumped straight into the room, ignoring all the apprehension around him.

{What did I just say about breaking-} the voice from before cried, a Cherrim getting pulled up abruptly as her vines retracted. She stopped, her eyes going wide as she landed on the windowsill. {Captain? Chief? Koko?}

From behind Eclipse I could hear someone scramble out of their bed. Koko, barely holding herself by the bedframe, using all of her strength, looked forward.

"Nasir…" She turned to the Cherrim. "Adrestia?" She took a step, only to stumble forwards. Eclipse caught her before she fell, along with the Cherrim holding her up with vines. The sparkle of life finally returned to her eyes as they began to well with tears of disbelief and joy. They all knew. They'd found each other.

Eclipse and Adrestia, the Cherrim, helped Koko back into bed as Nasir, the Dewott, ran forward. Holding back the urge to jump into their arms, tears streaming down his face. Eclipse held up Koko with one arm so they could each take him into their embrace, both wailing at finally reuniting while Eclipse's eyes grew wet. Adrestia walked over and leapt up with Yuna as everyone else began to relax, Adrestia hugging the group with her vines.

{We found you…} She said softly as everyone pulled her in.

Koko held her family close, finally allowing her dam to break. All the pain she had kept muted was released at full strength. This was her time to be vulnerable, to heal with her family like Hazel and I had the chance. She shared her relief with Nasir, equal measure of passionate crying and hugging. Their emotions began to blend together and mix, finally in a positive way.

Yuna nuzzled her reunited pokemon family with a free playfulness reminiscent of Li. Her tail was wagging faster than I had ever seen a tail move. Eclipse was silently holding them all close. Her tears didn't fall as freely as the others', but the lack of tension in her shoulders along with the strength she held them all belied how important this was to her. They were finally together again. Alive. Finally.

No one had had to say goodbye.

Sis and her team were all too happy to have not had to fight, and tension in the room plummeted as we all registered we weren't under attack. Nasir, after a while, tried to apologize for breaking the window but Mercedes wouldn't have it. She told him it was more important that he got back to his family quickly, and he'd done exactly that. She had repair people come in and fix it quickly; a couple Timburr that patched it up in a minute or two.

I quietly watched Nasir and Adrestia interact with Koko, Yuna and Eclipse. They weren't yet all that comfortable around a lot of new faces. I was still trying to recall my own refound family and properly meet Sis's team. Adrestia was a lot like Eclipse; I could feel she was unbelievably happy to be reunited, but she wasn't as outwardly showy as Koko was. And when they all began to eat together? Koko was finally feeling well enough to start eating more than a couple nibbles.

The two were skinnier than Mercedes liked and had the occasional scar or nick, but far fewer than Koko, Yuna and Eclipse did. She and Nelly admitted them into the hospital to get some care and be cleaned up, but they got to stay with us. Each side felt like they had so many questions to ask, but they mostly enjoyed each other's company.

Koko explained a little bit about how we became Hybrids and what that meant, but not much else. Nasir had a couple questions, but he was mostly glad they could understand them now. Right now, they were just happy to be together again. As the sun rose higher, I watched them, while close by Sis and Reginleif were talking to each other with Heimdall translating using Aura.

I'm glad she can talk with her family too… not being able to talk with people you love sucks.

Shine, Maya and Cookie had taken up exploring around the hospital as little adventures. They'd come back after awhile and tell us how the other Hybrids and their pokemon were doing and what cool stuff they saw while they were out.

Mom showed me some of the things she'd worked on with other families to find us, Nivia hanging on the wall above my head and making snow swirl around gently. Her white, fluffy fur around her neck like a poofy scarf crowning her soft white body coated with snow white scales. Her light gray wings, usually curled around her, were spread out to allow a few loose scales drifting gently downwards. Her antennae were as light and poofy as other Frosmoth, like long clouds. Li was pawing at some stray scales.

Ma right beside us, Himari purring that I could keep myself warm better today than yesterday. Mercedes checking up on Koko and Nelly getting Adrestia and Nasir some food.

Everyone's got people like them back finally…

My gaze turned outwards, looking across the fields of berry trees and Pokemon outside. Humans walking through the fields, harvesting berries or tending to Pokemon. Walking down streets or coming in and out of other buildings. Pokemon flying overhead, scurrying across fences, perched on roofs and exploring all about.

I hadn't seen a single Hybrid I didn't know. None working the fields or talking with Pokemon. None laughing in front of a building where humans gathered for drinks, none sat beside Pokemon on buildings to watch the clouds pass by. No Hybrid nurses coming to check on us, no Hybrid fighters who'd come to save us from Galactic. None from the outside world.

I could feel tears begin to form in my eyes. I'd hoped I'd been wrong- no one had known what to call us, but maybe they just couldn't think of it. Galactic acted like they made us, but they were assholes and couldn't be trusted. Pokemon didn't know what we were, but maybe they'd just not been around us. Maybe Humans becoming Hybrids was new, and people like me who'd been born as them was just part of the world above.

It wasn't.

Splintered memories didn't compare to what the others had. Lives they remembered living, places they knew they had to build from.

I could only just remember my family, and a little of where I lived before I was born as a Hybrid, woke up with Mama. I couldn't speak Human easily like everyone else. Things came naturally to me in ways they didn't to the others.

There weren't any other Hybrids like me. I was alone.

Tears began to fall as Mom hugged me gently, holding me close. "What's wrong…?"

Shine, Maya and Cookie all huddled around me. Maya sang soothingly in attempt to ease me.

Mama gave me a long look, searching for the reason. She was quiet. I knew she'd found it when her heart dropped. She curled closer to me, glancing at Mercedes who stood ready to translate.

{Knowing more about those such as Silvally and Mewtwo would help significantly,} Mama said softly.

My tears slowed at her words, the shock on Mercedes' face faint compared to Mom and Gina wiping my eyes and the hope in my heart. I forgot, Mewtwo's like me! They were born in an evil human place and escaped and aren't totally human or Pokemon and everything! And Elpis has been with me through everything too. They're not Hybrids, but they get it! Maybe there's more like them too…

Mercedes considered it before smiling. {Hmmm, well when I first came to Sinnoh I never expected to meet people like you Aurora, but here you are. So maybe there's more like you in other regions.}

She quickly translated for Mom and Ma, who were both clearly surprised. But that quickly faded as it turned to a cautious calm. Not cautious of me, but of what, I couldn't tell.

I heard Mewtwo fought a lot, is that it…?

Mom gently held my hand. "Mewtwo is important to you now, right?"

I nodded, and she held me close, Mama watching intently. Mom was pondering what to say, taking a minute before she responded. I could feel Ma was reminiscing about something, a lot like when Mama would think back on more serious stuff that'd happened.

"Mewtwo was a surprise to everyone," Mom began slowly. "When they arrived, no one knew what to do. Who they considered friend or foe. The first thing Mewtwo did was tell everyone around to stop the fighting, or they'd stop it themselves. And when Kanto and Johto didn't stop fighting, they made good on their word."

She looked at Mama and me. How scarred we both were, how poor a shape we were in after everything Galactic had done. I felt a dip in her heart as she realized she didn't have to be covert with me. "Everyone focuses so much on those they killed. And they did kill a lot of good people. But… we can't know what they went through before we ever saw them. Do you think it was similar to what you went through?"

I nodded without hesitation. The humans put them through their own Helheim. No way they didn't. Whenever it came up, I could feel Paris and Legolas' familiarity with all of this from what happened with Mewtwo. Even if it was faint, it was there. And if Spinel did that too, if they're anything like the humans I know? They went through it all. Elpis talked about how similar Helheim was, just less tailored to her specifically. They ran her through the same tests, the same lack of respect for her as even a person. I can't blame anyone for wanting to tear humans apart after that.

Mom stroked my hair gently, rubbing the base of my ears softly with her thumb. "I think so too. And after Kanto and Johto stopped fighting, they left. Nobody knows where they are, but they're out there somewhere. Keeping to themselves."

And they probably didn't come to end Helheim early because they didn't know it was happening. They're strong enough to stop a war, but not everywhere at once.

"It was intense, being around 'em," Ma said, sitting next to us. She had her arms crossed and had been looking out the window, but she looked over with a smile. "But they only did anything bad after other people did something bad first. They didn't go around destroying everything. They arrived at battles, stopped them, and then left to who knows where. I dunno what they were thinking- nobody does- but I think that's gotta count for something."

Her smile widened as she ruffled my hair. "There's way worse people to look up to than someone who ended a war and tried to do it without needless violence."

A tiny Rhodo smile crept onto my face. So they're probably a good guy, who just needed to do some bad stuff to stop people who wouldn't listen… That makes sense. We just did that but to bad people. And they weren't so lucky. That's all.

~~Cadenza Town, Hospital, Year 8520, Krituki, Tenebrice 23rd~~

The rest of the day was spent like that. Telling stories to one another, things that'd happened since we parted and things we never knew. Ma telling me about how she was in Johto during a big war, and what she and Sis had been doing looking for us. How they'd beaten the shit outta a lot of Galactic assholes, and how they even managed to fight back Cyrus at one point. Reginleif talking about how she'd torn apart the ground itself to give her an advantage, Himari about how she'd sent up flares. Alerting everyone around them what was happening before bathing Galactic in fire like Mama would.

It was… oddly comforting, in a way. To hear about everyone's victories now that we were away from Galactic. Hearing how we'd beaten them, how we'd survived. Now that it was over.

And yet, the more I listened, the more my heart winced away from something. It took me a moment to understand what it even was, with how much else there was to think about it. But once I did, my eyes began to tear up.

Mama gave me a worried nudge. {What is it, my child?}

A cold chill ran down my spine as I looked at Koko, my ears tilted back. When she gave me a confused look, I clenched my hands in the same position I had when taking the stone spike from her. Confusion riddled her face until realization dawned on her. How I'd nearly killed Spinel, while Koko had tried to take out Jupiter.

That's not something I can just take back…

"You didn't see everything we did, right?" Koko asked Mama. "What we had to do."

She shook her head solemnly. {I did my best to track the both of you, but I had to keep my focus on readying the blast.}

She had to keep focused on saving us all… And we were doing our best to make sure she had the time to do what she needed to. But still…

Koko glanced back at me. She didn't really wanna talk about it, but I couldn't. Even though I wanted to. And we had to tell them.

It wouldn't feel right if they thought I wasn't almost a murderer. Like Galactic…

She began to fumble with her bed sheets. "I know everyone has to do what they have to to survive, and I don't blame anyone on our side for how they fought… we just never thought we'd have to fight the same way. Hurt people so badly that… they may not get up again."

Eclipse rubbed Koko's back before looking at everyone. "We-" She coughed suddenly. Yuna and Adrestia immediately sat up, only settling back into an uneasy calm as she shook her head a bit and pounded her chest before continuing. Mercedes quietly went over to help, not interrupting. "We were fightin' Jupiter, and they came to keep us alive. Koko nearly managed to take the bitch out for good, but didn't get it." She looked at me. "I'd say the same thing happened with you later, yeah?"

I nodded slowly, signing [Spinel] as best I could before laying back. Mama nodded and kept me close, glancing at Mom and Ma. {She was likely attempting to prevent our allies and family from being injured by incapacitating Spinel and drawing ire.} She looked back at me. {If I am correct, you employed lethal force and came close to ending her life, yes?}

I nodded again, my eyes wet. Koko raised her hand quickly, looking at Mom and Ma. "She didn't mean to! We just needed to distract Rhyperior… only I meant to…"

Mom shook her head. "It's alright." We both looked at her. "You were trying to stay alive. Things happen when it's do or die." She looked at Eclipse. "Do you think Jupiter deserved it?"
"Oh hell yes," Eclipse responded without hesitation. "She deserves her head on a pike."

Not arguing with that. Not even a little bit.

"Then you don't have to blame yourself. We have no idea what you've been through." She looked at Koko. "Would you think it was wrong if someone else tried to kill Jupiter?"

She turned to Eclipse, her mind traveling to dark times before turning back to Mom. "No… I don't. I wish I could never think about her ever again. It doesn't have to be me… I… I already made her hurt, even if it could never match how she hurt us. She deserves the worst and I hope one day she gets it."

Yuna put a paw on her chest. {You wanting to move on shows how much stronger than her you are. Leave her to me and Eclipse.}

{And us,} Adrestia reminded them. {We're with you. No matter what. She will pay for what she's done.}

{She hurt everyone we loved. We won't let her do it again,} Nasir promised.

Koko stared at the two with faint surprise, their determination steely. Reminiscent of the other Hybrids and pokemon. "You two… thanks." It looked like she wanted to say more, but for now that was enough. They were just happy to be together again, able to stand as one.

Maybe it's been a while, maybe they're different from before somehow. Either way, she knows they're there for her. That's what's important.

Ma, meanwhile, gently held my hand between hers. "It's okay to feel bad. You're a gentle girl. You don't wanna hurt anyone, right?"

I shook my head quickly, and she squeezed my hand with a sad smile. "And you shouldn't have ever had to. But you did it to protect the people you love, and that's not a bad thing. Even if it feels bad. Because you know what's important to you, who's important to you, and you did what you had to to keep them safe. Even if it doesn't feel like it, that's something to be proud of."

She hugged me, rubbing Mama's back as well. "Sometimes, people do the wrong things for the right reasons. Hurting someone like that to stop them isn't a bad thing. And your reasons were good." She pointed outside, making sure I followed where she was pointing. "See?"

The sun was low in the sky, the bright blue having turned to a blazing orange melting into a deep blue. The feathery cloud streaks overhead looked like wisps of flame frozen in time, drifting across the sky. Burning light filtered through the shades, the leaves of the trees, between the berry trees outside. Glistening beams danced across the ground, intertwining as the leaves rustled softly in the wind. Light and shadow chased each other across the ground, stars winking to life as the sun set. Mount Coronet stood tall, a vibrant orange brown in the sunset embrace.

"There's a whole world out there, one they tried to keep you from. One they wanted to make worse. You helped stop them. You showed them that this is a world worth fighting for. The right thing isn't always easy. It's okay to hurt. Because we're here for you to help you heal. It's over now."

She reached into her bag and pulled out something that felt familiar. A toy steam engine made of wood, the black and red paint chipping away from wear. It looked well loved, and my heart felt easier just seeing it.

Ma smiled, curling my fingers around it gently. "You always loved this train. And I'm sure it'll be a great reminder that you're on track to better things."

Mom rolled her eyes with a slightly exasperated smile as Mama chuckled. Each of them, along with Miu, Himari and Gina held me close, kept me in the warm pile of my family. I laid in their embrace, watching the fiery light outside.

I hadn't meant to try to murder Spinel. I hadn't want to hurt so many in the fights we were forced into. It hurt. So much. And I could never take it back.

It's over now. We don't have to fight anymore.

~~Cadenza Town, Hospital, Year 8520, Krituki, Lurina 24th~~

{Take it easy,} Mercedes said gently. {We're moving at your pace, so whatever you're comfortable with.}

{Just take it step by step!} Shine cheered me on, bouncing beside me.

Cookie gave her a peculiar look. {How would you know? You don't have feet… or legs…}

Maya pouted. {Hush Cookie, she takes steps like all of us in her own unexplained way.}

I nodded, Ma holding my hand while Mama watched. I took a few uneasy steps away from my bed. When breakfast came, I remembered how Mercedes had mentioned that I should start walking today. So I wanted to go and sit at the table to eat, which everyone was only too happy to help me do.

It was a huge table, with a ton of raised seats for Pokemon to sit at. They also worked really well for me, since the backs of human chairs weren't comfy for my tails. And I was short.

As we sat at the table, the door opened slowly. Heimdall walked in, and my ears shot up with my heart to see Dojima walking in beside him. He was mostly bandaged up, patches of fur missing with a bevy of new scars, likely from Rhyperior's burning mud and sharp rocks.

Alive. Not half broken and almost dead.

Heimdall turned to me, a Rhodo smile coming to his face. {My brother has told me much of what happened. How you were one of the sparks of hope in a dismal land. And for being there for him when I could not be, I thank you.}

I shook my head, signing quickly. [I just did my best, he's the one who was strong.]

For a brief moment, I kicked myself internally. Heimdall couldn't see. Signing wouldn't help talk with him at all. Then he smiled wider and shook his head. {Your Aura pervades your every movement. Do not worry.}

{In other words, he understands your sentiment. As do I,} Dojima elaborated. {When we first met Aurora, I was the one who won. Yet when it mattered most I believe you contributed more. You may not think so, but do not fret. I'll just outdo you next time.}

[We only had the chance to win because you gave us an opening,] I signed back. [I'm just glad you're gonna be okay. That's what matters.]

{Mmm, and I am back with my family… although he's much sharper than I remember,} He poked Heimdall's hand spike jokingly. While I could sense his aching body, his heart was lighter than I had ever felt before.

He wanted to see the sun again as much as anyone. And now he can.

Heimdall put a hand on Dojima's back. {We both had our trials. We both overcame them.} I felt amusement well up inside him. {And it seems they both led us to ally with a Valkyrie.}

{The Legends must find this amusing,} Dojima shrugged before eyeing the rest of my family. {Heimdall filled me in that his human partner is your elder sister. That means we're family too. I'll be looking forward to getting to know you outside of life threatening situations.}

We weren't already?

{As am I,} Mama said calmly. {And an apt way to begin would be to come eat with us all, no?}

I scooched over a little in my seat. Just in case he didn't know where to sit, but wanted to be close to someone. He quickly sat down beside me, grateful to be close to someone he knew. Heimdall sat beside us, formally introducing him to everyone else as we all began to eat.

As we sat together, and later simply stayed together for company, it was easy to tell Dojima was healing in more ways than one. Unless it was me, Mama or Heimdall, he darted away the moment someone tried to touch him. Even if it was Koharu coming over to say hello, or Mercedes wanting to tend to him. Heimdall was with him every step of the way, by his side every single time.

Every so often, I'd catch Dojima glancing up at the cloth belt around Heimdall's head, covering his eyes. His heart would clench every time, and it wasn't hard to know why. But every time, Heimdall simply assured him that the loss of his light sight isn't something he'll be held back by. That he'll be alright, and he'll be there to protect him as he always has. And Dojima's heart would ease again.

I dunno how they got separated. Maybe it was like what happened with me. But whatever the reason is, they're not letting it happen again. Heimdall being able to punt Silas into next week has gotta help Dojima feel safer just like it helps me.

When the door opened again later, I had a vague sense of deja vu. This is kinda like when everyone was coming back as Hybrids, and I was fucked up then too. Except this time we can see the sky. And we're healing, not getting worse. And people are calling us by name, not numbers.

A section of hurt in my heart began to melt as Isadora walked in, Wilona striding right beside her. Both were injured, but didn't seem too badly off. Compared to the state we were all in anyway, I'm sure by other people's standards we were half dead people walking.

Beside them was a little human, like me in size. She had a dress on, blue as the morning sky with poofy shoulders that flared out towards the bottom. It looked like it was made out of the same kinda thing Isadora had on when we first saw her. Matching sky blue hair clips kept her curly dark brown hair out of her face, a single lock of which was dyed the same pinkish red as the Pokemon in her arms.

Sky blue polka dot socks matched, the only darker blue thing she was wearing being open shoes with a strap across the top. Her skin was a lighter brown than her hair, like Isadora's and her eyes were a lighter red shade of the color Isadora and Wilona's were.

The Pokemon in her arms was a lot like a big Oran berry, except with big green leaves and the pinkish red of the human girl's hair strand. She had a white, cloudlike bottom and two little red legs. Her eyes were bright yellow and filled with surprise and worry, her mouth curved upwards as she looked for what the little human's reaction would be.

"You sure made a lot of friends despite everything, huh?" Ma said, ruffling my hair as she looked at the arrivals with a smile. "Come in, but be careful; she's still resting."

The human girl looked up towards Isadora for guidance. She didn't seem mean, just unsure. Cautious of strangers.

So she's smart. That's good.

Isadora put a hand on her shoulder, so as to not disturb the berry Pokemon in her arms, and pointed at me and Mama. "That's Aurora and Ivane, who I told you about. The nice people with them are their family."

She then pointed to Eclipse's group. "That's Eclipse, Yuna and Koko and their family-" She tracked her finger towards Hazel. "And that's Hazel, Vivian and her grandparents."

She looked at them all, still uninclined to speak, so Isadora gestured closer to me as the others were occupied with their own stuff.

"Aurora, Ivane, I'd like to introduce to you my daughter, Evangeline and Marjorie the Bounsweet. Say hello you two," Isadora encouraged them gently.

Evangeline bent her knees in a formal, practiced way while slightly dipping her head. "Nice to meet you," was all she said, her voice high, but gentle. "I'm Evangeline, I like tea parties and playing with dolls."

I don't know what either of those things are.

{Nice to meet you,} Marjorie emulated, giving me a small smile. {I like those too.}

I thought for a moment, looking at Mama before signing back. [I'm Aurora. I like my bones being intact and not being forced to fight for my life.]

Ma's eyes nearly bugged out, and Mama seemed only slightly caught off guard. Evangeline and Marjorie looked unphased, probably unable to understand sign language. Isadora wasn't quite the same, but she recovered quickly. "Since Aurora hasn't had a tea party before, why not we show her what one's like?"

The two girls' moods swapped immediately for the better. "Can we bring our dolls too?"

"Of course, we can set everything up right here," Isadora offered. "Do you want to tell her what they're all about while I get everything ready with Mercedes?"

Evangeline nodded, easing Isadora as she got up quickly to help Mercedes get everything they needed for this tea party. Wilona stayed with Evangeline and Marjorie in the meanwhile.

Evangeline turned back to me with a bit more pep to her. "Tea parties are get-togethers where we sit at a fancy table to eat snacks and drink fancy tea with our friends. If you don't have any friends, you can put dolls in the extra seats and tell them how you're feeling. Marjorie is my only real friend, but I dunno what she says most of the time… and she doesn't have arms so she can't hold cups. I help her out with that though."

{Evangeline knows everything fancy, so I'm learning from her so I can become a proper lady,} Marjorie seconded.

Not having a bunch of human friends makes sense. Humans suck. So if you're a nice one, you won't have a lot of humans to actually be friends with.

I looked at Mama for a moment. I could sign to her, but then Eva still wouldn't know what she was saying even if Mari could. Mom can though!

I tugged gently on Mom's shirt, and she turned her gaze to me. [Can you tell them I don't know what fancy stuff is, and what dolls are?]

Mom nodded, stroking my hair gently. "Of course." She then looked at Eva and Mari. "We're not a very fancy family, and Aurora hasn't been able to do a lot of things for a long time. Dolls and tea parties are unfamiliar to her, so be patient, okay?"

Mama curled one of her tails around me, giving me a small smile. {You needn't worry. Between your human and pokemon family, we will make sure you are understood.}

Eva nodded at Mom. {Dolls are toys, like plushies and action figures. Fancy is… fancy is my mommy. I dunno how to explain.}

My ears perked up, and Mom chuckled. "She knows action figures."

I tilted my head, thinking about Isadora. She wears pretty things, but then why not just call it being pretty? She hasn't had a lot of stuff though, just like everyone else. Arvis said he'd look fancy sometimes, but we didn't see that. Rhodo wasn't really fancy, and Galactic humans only ever looked like bitch. So I dunno.

"It's alright to not know how to describe it," Mom said gently. "Just do what comes naturally. The word we use for it is less important than us being comfortable with what we're doing."

She nodded once again. "I guess… a tea party is just sitting, talking and eating in nice clothes in a nice place." Evangeline scanned the room quickly and then me. "Hmmm… try this on."

She reached into her pocket and pulled out a red ribbon. I tensed, waiting for her to try and tie it around my neck or something. Instead, it was tied in pretty loops with stripes and she fastened it to my hair. "Now you're wearing nice clothes. Mommy will make sure it's a nice place."

I flicked my ears against the bow, Mom gently unfastening the bow and refastening it to the hair on the side of my head. "Better?" I nodded and she smiled softly. "I'm glad."

Mama looked at Mari. {Do you have a bow as well?}

I thought bows were what Paris and Legolas used?

Nodding enthusiastically, she chirped up at Eva who seemed to get her message as she fastened a blue bow ribbon to her stem.

{I would also like a bow!} Maya requested, so Eva handed her a red one she wore on her head happily. She rocked from side to side, a bright smile on her face.

{I want one!} Li jumped up, so Eva pulled out another. This one orange. And he immediately began to chew on it. Before Eva could protest, Maya swiped it from him and plopped it on his head, scolding him about how to wear ribbon bows.

Do fancy humans have ribbons everywhere?

{We're ready!} Mercedes called from a neatly made table. It had a pretty blue tablecloth, a teapot with several plates and cups for everyone along with fruits and snacks. At one of the chairs sat Ki. Mom and Mama helped me sit at the table, with Li, Cookie, Maya and Shine all hopping up onto chairs too. Mama sat next to me, her heart warm while she kept Li from pawing at the snacks too much.

I poked at the teapot curiously. It was filled with something; the wind stopped much more quickly inside it than it should for how big it was. Tea, probably. A tea pot for a tea party. But it's a human thing, so maybe it's filled with plastic or something. To make as little sense as humans do.

All of a sudden, Eva leaned forward. Staring intensely into my eyes with an inquisitive look. "You're judging the tea party. It's fun, I promise."

I looked at Mom. [Can you tell her it's because it's human stuff?]

Mom nodded and waved her hand slightly to catch Eva's attention. "She's just been through a lot, with lots of humans being very mean to her. So she's wary of human things she doesn't know much about."

Eva hummed again before turning back to me. "Mommy taught me to pay attention to others' feelings, so don't worry. It's just snacktime."

She stood up, clearing her throat. "Welcome to the hospital tea party. I'll be your host, Evangeline. May we enjoy tea, snacks and fun conversation."

I thought that's what we were gonna do? Why'd she just say everything she'd said before but again?

After her extra explanation she did the curtsy again along with Marjorie. As if on queue Isadora began pouring the tea for everyone. Meanwhile, Eva began helping the pokemon get their own snacks, all while making small talk. I spotted Cookie sneak over to the cookie bowl, swiping several for him and Li to share. I watched the steam rising off of the tea Isadora was pouring as it curled, making beautiful little swirls in the air.

"Tea is very hot, so be careful. Only-"

I picked up the cup she'd filled and took a cautious sip. It was minty and fresh, somehow cooling my breath yet simultaneously clearly hot. It was fun. I drank more, being careful to not have it all at once. Even if there was more, I didn't wanna take from everyone else.

Isadora just laughed lightly and shook her head, while Eva looked at me oddly. "You didn't burn your tongue?"

I shook my head. I was about to sign something, but decided against it. Showing I can do fire stuff would make it make more sense.

I took a breath, readying myself. Even though my inner flame was okay now, I didn't wanna do anything big. Mama made sure I knew that I had to rest before anything like that. So instead, I cupped my hands together. Small embers of flame winked to life, their orange glow flickering as they danced in my hands before swirling into a small, burning orb. I made it hover above the table and dance. Spiraling and making pretty tendrils of flame before it slowly faded.

A smile crossed my face, my heart easing. I can just do that. No collar, no fighting, no tests or anything. I can just make pretty things. It doesn't have to hurt.

{Well done, my child,} Mama said gently. {But remember to be careful, alright?}

I nodded, hugging her around the neck before signing. [I will!]

"Wooow," Evangeline marveled. "That was a delightful display. So you have fire powers?"

I nodded. [I'm a Hybrid, and cuz Mama can do it, I can too.]

Mom stroked my hair gently. "Like she says. She's a Hybrid, and because Ivane is her mother alongside Solari and myself, she can use the abilities of a Vulpix."

Now Marjorie looked confused. {Vulpix can use fire?}

Me and Li looked at each other. I guess not everyone knows about what we can do?

{Can't all vulpix do that?} Li asked.

Mama looked at each of them. {Different members of our kind have learned to use fire and ice, most only capable of one or the other. I am one who can use both, and as such, so can my children.}

{Neat! I can use grass and I can fly! Do ya wanna see?} She chirped happily before her leaves began to spin, raising her up over the table.

I watched in awe as she hovered around, my smile growing wider. Is this the stuff that happens out here?

I could sense Evangeline's pride from her seat as she watched her friend land back in her seat to munch on a cookie. It felt a lot like how I did with Li. How he'd made it through everything with us.

As Shine and Marjorie bonded over being buds, Mama gently nudged Li away from the snack plate again, Mom stroked my hair gently, my family stayed around me? The sounds of conversation faded to muted gibberish, my mind wandering away from the comfort of the table. The smells of food and clinks of cups of tea became reminders of the life Arvis once led. The smiling faces of everyone brought forth memories of Rhodo, and how hard he tried for all of us. The seat Ki sat in drew my mind back to Razin and Urie, and how they should be sitting here with us. Even the soft rustle of leaves outside reminded me of how perpetually still the leaves of the trees in Helheim were.

They should've made it out. Why was I the one to get out when they couldn't? Why did Rampan have to die in the escape protecting us? Maybe if I hadn't said anything, he'd be alive and I'd be dead. Maybe if I'd pissed Spinel off more, Owain would be here with Sue. If I'd fought harder, Spiri could've been alive, Arvis wouldn't have been so stressed. Why am I here when they can't be? Are their ghosts stuck in Helheim until someone goes to bring them home? Why couldn't I have gone through more so they'd be okay? Why-

{My child…}

Mama's words, her gentle paw against my chest, brought me out of my thoughts. Tears were streaming down my face, Mom's arms were around me. Crystals of ice encrusted the table closest to me, frost covering me. The tea in front of me was frozen solid.

I could've exploded. I could've killed everyone.

Mama pressed her forehead against mine. {You deserve to see the sun once more, my child. The deaths in Helheim are not your fault. They are that of Galactic, of the humans. Of Silas and his allies. You deserve to be alive.}

Heimdall walked next to me and knelt. His head level with my own. {You would not have hurt anyone, even had you lost control. Remember, we are here. We will keep you safe. That includes from the guilt of accidentally injuring those you love. Such a thing will not come to pass while we stand beside you.}

My heart rate began to slow, the frost thawing. I held Mama, Heimdall and Mom's arms tight. Marjorie seemed to take notice, but she wasn't scared. She was concerned, yet understanding. She gets it.

Cuz she's a Pokemon. She's nice.

{Evangeline has moments like you too,} Marjorie mentioned, glancing over to Eva who was listening to Maya sing. {She doesn't have powers, but when she got really sad she stared off into space since she missed her mommy. So I helped pull her out of her funks and then we'd go play in the garden. I recommend it, playing in a garden I mean… when you're feeling better, of course. We saw a lovely flower patch on the way here.}

Mama nodded at her. {I hope you and your human companion will join my child when she is ready.}

{That would be delightful, wouldn't it?} She mused.

Mom kissed my head gently. "We're here, sweetheart. Try to relax, okay? It's going to be alright."

{We're safe and together now. Let's enjoy that,} Shine comforted me while Li hopped over to nuzzle me.

Heimdall grabbed a muffin off of the snack tray and held it for me to take. I did, holding it close.

I can't really be happy that I'm okay when Rhodo isn't, but… I hope he's happy I'm okay. Like he wanted.

"Oh Aurora," Eva called me to attention. I looked up to find her holding a slim book with lots of pretty flowers on it. "Mommy told me you like berries quite a bit, yes? I have a whole book on berries, fruits and vegetables. We can look at them together, if you'd like. It even teaches you how to make certain teas, so maybe…" She considered her words. "...just maybe we can find your favorite type."

I looked at the muffin in my hands, then at Mom, then Heimdall, then Mama. I gently put down the muffin and took the teacup in my hands, small embers licking at the sides. Soon, the tea was warm again. I drank it, picked up the muffin, and nodded at Eva.

I wanna look at berries and plants and stuff. I want things to be okay… I'll try my best. Even if I don't deserve it.

~~Cadenza Town, Hospital, Year 8520, Krituki, Luxem 25th~~

I was gently running the train Ma had brought for me on my arm back and forth, watching the wheels turn. Feeling the gentle push of wooden wheels, listening to the quiet scuffing as they rotated. Haven, Mom's Azumarill partner, tapped me gently to get my attention before nodding towards Sis. I looked at her as she walked up with Reginleif, and we hugged each other.

A sad smile crossed Sis's face. "How're you doing, Aurora?"

I stuck out my tongue and she nodded, hugging me tighter. "I know. There's something I need to tell you, okay?"

My heart rate spiked, and Mama gave her a look. Cynthia stroked my hair gently. "Easy, easy, I'm not going anywhere." The fur on my tails and ears lowered slowly, and she waited for another look from Mama to continue. "There's going to be some people coming in to help make Koko a new arm. One that isn't awful and she's comfortable with. A couple of those people are humans. But they're good humans. Friends of mine, and one of them helped get you out of Helheim. But even so, they won't hurt you while I'm here, okay?"

I shuddered. Why does it have to be more humans? Why can't we have more Mercedes around? But… I'm not gonna be the one to get in the way of Koko being more comfy and having two arms again.

Mom came and sat with me, Nivia perched on the wall while I burrowed into Mama's tails, Li coming with me with Shine, Maya and Cookie to keep me company. She kept them curled around me so you could barely see me, but Mom's hand was on my back. I nodded a little at Sis and she smiled back, putting her hand on my head gently before she turned around. Athena was perched on the bed as well, and Heimdall and Dojima sat together close by. Reginleif stood by the door.

We're safe.

"Are you ready, Koko?" Sis asked gently.

Koko eyed everyone with visible concern. "Uh… should I be more scared?"

Ma shook her head. "Nah, it's just good manners to make sure everyone's ready. Sometimes folk need a second to prepare, and all of you've been through more than enough without having the time for that. We're just checking to make sure everyone's good to go."

"Alright… I'm ready then," Koko answered. I could hear the hesitation in her voice over everything else. She didn't feel totally ready, but living without one of your arms had to suck. She hadn't moved all that much the last few days, but when she did it was challenging.

Eclipse gave her a small squeeze on the shoulder, while Yuna plopped herself down over Koko's lap and licked her face. A vine stretched forth from Adrestia, close to Koko's hand if she needed something to hold.

Sis walked to the door and opened it. I watched as three people entered the room. They lead with the human teenager and Electivire that teleported in front of Houndoom's attack, saving us. They each had similarly dour expressions, but they seemed to be neutral.

Volkner and Roland, right? Well they saved us, so they can't be that bad. I wonder why they look so upset though. Maybe they're like Eclipse and that's just their face.

After them was an unfamiliar human, much older than anyone I could remember besides Charon. He wore a blue vest and pants over a dress shirt, and at his side was a brown briefcase. He was tall and imposing with white hair and a large beard that covered his entire mouth. While his expression made me instinctively quail, from what I could sense the scary face was probably also just his face.

Why does he look like one of Galactic's scientists?! Natalie was one and was nice, but… and Rhodo had to wear their stuff too… Still, they had to wear it, why is he choosing to? He can't be part of Galactic, he would've run with the rest of them. And he's apparently someone Sis likes, but still… maybe the fact he looks so upset means he's good? The nice humans are sad and the cruel ones are a crazed happy, so that's good? I think?

They didn't pay my area of the hospital room much mind, instead walking over to Koko's bed along with Sis. Eclipse watched them warily the whole time. She gestured to the boy with yellow hair first. "Koko, this is Volkner. He's one of the best electricians we've got in the region, and quite good at making tech that works better than anyone thought it could."

She squinted at him. "You're gonna help me get a new arm?" She looked him up and down. "I thought you'd be older and more… like him." She pointed to the older man.

Volkner sighed deeply. "I'm grown enough to make you an arm. I'm from a long line of engineer Alters with my own set of skills, so you don't need to worry about your arm."

Engineer what nows?

"Alters… oh yeah, like Paris right? They're engineer ones too?" Koko questioned, looking between Cynthia and Volkner for elaboration.

"To make a long story short for the sake of everyone's time," Cynthia responded, "Alters are humans born a bit different from other humans. We don't know the specifics, but there's a lot of different sorts. Sometimes helpful, sometimes not. For Volkner and his family, it helps them get even better at making gadgets."

"A bit simplified of what we can do, but that's enough for now," Volkner pouted slightly before turning to Roland. "This is my partner, Roland. You might remember him from the battle."

Cookie and Maya tilted their heads all the way back to look at him completely.

{I know everyone is a giant compared to us, but he's like an actual titan! Are all pokemon in the outside world this huge?} Cookie questioned, eyeing Reginleif as well.

I looked over at Reginleif, Aphrodite and Athena. Maybe. Maybe the sun helps you grow big and strong even if you're not a plant.

Koko gazed up at the sheer size of him. "I remember! Thank you for saving us."

{It was a team effort, but you're welcome,} He answered gruffly.

Cynthia smiled at them both, the smile persisting as she gestured her hand to the other human. "And this is Professor Rowan, our region's Pokemon Professor. He's dedicated his life to understanding as much about Pokemon as we can, and there's been a fair few inputs he's made on prosthetics for them. So he's certain to be able to help here."

"Thank you for agreeing to meet with us, Koko," he began calmly. "I assure you, you're in the best of hands. If at any time you are uncomfortable, please relay it to me and we shall make the appropriate adjustments," Rowan stated with his incredibly deep voice.

Well at least he doesn't sound like he gargles pebbles like Charon does.

"O-okay," Koko answered. Eclipse continued staring at them all, eyeing them on her own accord. Yuna was looking them up and down warily, but still staying comfortably where she was.

With that, Volkner set a laptop on the desk and began typing away at something.

"So Mercedes recorded everything negative you said about your old prosthetic and relayed it back to me. I also managed to salvage the data on your previous prosthetic and generally how it worked, so I have a pretty clear idea of how much it needs to handle while remaining comfortable," He noted as Rowan placed his own suitcase down. "It was clearly a prototype, so I'll be finishing and reworking what they started. We won't stop till we find the right arm for you. Got it?"

Koko's nerves were assuaged ever so slightly. She never spoke much about what happened after she lost her arm. All I knew is that Spinel and her scientists poked and prodded her all day to make the arm for her, which she obviously hated. Everything else… none of them ever talked about it. Whenever anyone asked Koko would clam up and Eclipse or Yuna would snarl at them. Neither Jean nor Indra had any details either.

And it's not right to press them about it. If they're not comfortable telling us, then they shouldn't have to tell us. It makes sense wanting as little brought up about what happened as possible.

Mercedes got Koko ready to begin trying on the new arm. I didn't know all the details, but at some point soon after we'd gotten here Koko had to have surgery to prep her for the new arm. Mercedes told me there's a thingy in her arm stump that lets her connect to new robot arms. The surgery was to replace the one Galactic made with a better, more comfortable one.

Their stuff is shit, who would've guessed.

Once they were ready, Rowan opened up the suitcase and removed a new robot arm. Except this time, it looked like an actual person's arm. Not just that, it looked nearly identical to Koko's other arm down to the skin tone. The only obvious difference was at the end, there was some latch thingy to connect to Koko's stump.

"This is not the final product, mind you," Rowan warned. "We are going to perform testing to assure your comfortability. The current settings should be approximate to the arm the terrorists made for you. Please tell us how we may adjust them to more humane standards."

I don't know what a terrorist is, but it's got terror in it. So it fits Galactic.

Koko nodded, just the appearance of the new robot arm helping calm her heart, and the three got to work. I made sure to keep track of her emotions, just to make sure if she got uncomfy and didn't feel safe enough to say anything, we could punch the humans. From what I could tell, Eclipse was doing the same thing. But neither of us needed to. Koko wasn't super comfy, sure, but it was the amount of uncomfy you'd expect from having people you dunno much about working out a replacement for an arm you'd had crushed. And having been through that once with a crazy person.

Roland was nice, but we kinda expected him to be. He's a big Electivire that helped save us. Volkner and Rowan… it was nice to see that they weren't assholes. They actually gave Koko space when she needed it, were gentle with questions, didn't push her too hard on things she didn't wanna say, they cared. I could feel the pain from both of them that Koko needed this to happen at all.

I stayed in Mama's tails, watching them the whole time. The tech thing is definitely made with humans in mind. Roland's fingers probably couldn't press a single key without smushing a bunch of others. But maybe because he's got electricity, it wouldn't matter to him? Maybe it'd be easier for Koko if she had electricity, to make a robot arm easier to use… My ears flattened sideways. But that's not how it is…

Why can't they help her grow a new arm? I know Mama said big stuff is harder, but if they can have things that can unmake and remake Pokemon and Hybrids, why can't they have stuff that makes arms or legs or something? I was silent, my heart clenching at the answer I didn't want to be true. It's because it didn't help with making people forced to listen to someone else, isn't it. Because they view us as things that can just be thrown away.

I don't wanna live in a world like that. I wanna live in a world where everyone's equal, everyone can live their lives however they want, be free as the wind and so many people don't have to hurt. I looked at Sis. Maybe… maybe we can make the world a place like that. A nicer place.

Tears came to my eyes as I hugged Cookie and Maya. A place where people like us don't have to be afraid.

I was pulled out of my thoughts from Li pawing my face. {Hehe, Rora you make a silly face when you think too hard.}

A Rhodo smile came to my face as I cuddled him. If it's a world Li can be in though, it's not so bad.

As the hours passed by, Rowan, Volkner and Roland tweaked the arm until she felt better with it. When it didn't hurt her to have it on anymore, and did what she wanted like throwing a ball, writing, gripping etc. She twiddled her fingers and flexed her new arm for the umpteenth time, comparing it to how it felt on her old arm. Usually she'd comment on what was wrong, but this time she looked pleased.

"I-it feels like an actual arm!" Her voice stammered in excitement as unexpected happiness surged within her.

My ears perked up. It does? It doesn't make her miserable? They made it actually good?

Rowan turned to the laptop. "Hmmm, so these are the acceptable parameters… we can base the final product off of this."

Volkner nodded, turning to Koko. "You can keep this arm on for a while. It'll gather data based on how you use it and how your body reacts to it. Once we've gathered enough, we can deliver the completed product. It should basically look the same," Volkner explained.

"Thank you so much!" She opened her arms inviting Volkner for a hug. His hesitance was immediately clear to me, until Roland just so happened to push him into it with a smirk. "Thank you all so, so much!"

A small smile crossed Eclipse's face, a similar one forming on Yuna. Seeing Koko's joy, her finally having a second arm again.

It was a quick hug, much to Volkner's relief, but his heart seemed a bit lighter now. Or maybe he was satisfied with his work? I dunno yet, he feels like he tries not to feel too much.

Professor Rowan nodded from behind, equally satisfied, his expression unchanging.

"Ahem, you're welcome," Volkner said, fixing his jacket. "There's some maintenance stuff you'll have to look into, but the arm more or less should be self-sufficient. Could even work within an EMP."

"EMP?" Koko questioned.

Emp? Like Empoleon? Or is Emp another pokemon?

"Oh yeah, not every family grows up reading solar panel manuals. Uhhh…"

Ma waved him off. "Big electric field that messes with electronics. Important stuff is made to better resist it, and this is pretty important. Special too, so you pretty much don't gotta worry about it." She looked at Volkner. "Yeah?"

"Yes, exactly." He looked grateful he didn't have to make an explanation himself.

"Mercedes will assist you and your sister in learning how to properly manage the arm in a variety of situations. She will also be providing you a manual in case either of you forget, but it is in everyone's best interest you heed her words. Understood?" Rowan continued for him.

Mercedes patted Koko's hand. {It's a big manual, but I'll trim it down for you two. Just call me Miss Mercedes!} She flexed her petite muscles, earning a laugh from Koko, Nasir and Yuna.

Volkner turned to Cynthia. "If there's anything else, you know how to get me."

Cynthia nodded, breathing a sigh of relief. "Yeah. Thanks for helping with this as soon as you could."

He waved a hand. "Working with the magnanimous Professor Rowan for a good cause was worth the time."

Magnawhat now? Does he just use big words for fun?

A quick glance at Li's furrowed brow told me I wasn't the only one who didn't know what he said.

{I bet smart people use big words to remind everyone how smart they are,} Li noted for future reference.

Can you just make up big words to sound smart?

"I am grateful to be of service. Now, there are other Hybrids and pokemon you wished for me to see, yes?" Rowan asked.

Cynthia nodded, opening the door and pointing to our left. "Room 201, where the larger patients reside. I don't know who could better help with a Silvally's recovery than you."

Even knowing Clive and Elpis were still hurt, my heart was a bit more at ease. At least they're alive and getting better. They went through a helluva lot. And maybe the not-Galactic scientist human can actually help.

"A Silvally, hmmm," His voice was grave, his eyes told a story of their own. "I have experience with them, I shall do my utmost."

Sis thanked him as Rowan gathered his goods, packing away everything neatly. Before he left he scanned the room. "Good evening to you all."

And with that he took his leave.

{I like him. He's intense,} Roland noted.

"We should get going too," Volkner said in turn, Cynthia smiling back at him. "Go as wild as you want with that arm, Koko. It's tough stuff."

{When Volkner builds conservatively his results always exceed,} Roland affirmed.

Koko hummed in response. "I believe you both, thanks."

Her, Nasir and Yuna said their farewells to them as they left the room, Roland gave Heimdall a solid fist bump before following his partner.

They know each other? And are close? That's a good sign. And he doesn't feel upset with the human, like a lot of Pokemon in Helheim did.

Mama's tails unfurled from around me as Sis closed the door, and she gave Koko a relieved smile. {It feels good, then?}

"Mmm! It feels and looks way better than Spinel's arm. And they were way nicer than her and the other scientists. Their faces were kinda scary, like Cyrus, but I think that was better. There were…" She paused, shivering at a memory. "They didn't… they didn't treat it like a game."

Eclipse turned and hugged Koko tight. "Right. I'm glad it… fits…?" She trailed off awkwardly, not exactly knowing what to say.

I'm glad the robot arm that replaces the shitty robot arm replacement for your fleshy arm that got crushed by a tortured Pokemon is a lot to say. I get it.

And it felt like Koko did too, returning the hug. Meanwhile, I caught Ma giving Mercedes a glance. Mercedes was lost in her own world, humming and smiling at Koko's joy along with Eclipse and Yuna especially. This was a big moment for healing their hearts and she felt so grateful for being able to see it. Her horns were even glowing pink for some reason.

Ma just smiled, letting her bask in it for a minute before clearing her throat. "Now's a good time for that surprise we worked out, right Mercedes?"

It took her a second to realize someone was talking to her, but when she did her horns stopped glowing as she straightened her posture. {Oh yes, I nearly forgot! Oh Nelly!}

Mercedes clapped her hands, and only a minute or so later Nelly came walking in with a meal cart. {Dinner delivery!} She declared.

Incredible smells wafted over from all the food on it, something Li was also very clearly noticing. Nelly and Mercedes began passing food out to all of us, with Ma, Mom and Hazel's grandparents helping. Hazel's family picked up the food for Hazel and Vivian; steaming mushroom pot pies, mashed potatoes with butter on the side and salad made of berries, veggies and with a jar of dressing. Meanwhile, Mom and Ma brought us fresh bread, rigatoni with mushrooms and shrimp, and mussels in marinara.

"We figured it'd be good for everyone to have some comfort food from home," Ma said with a smile. "A literal taste of what things are gonna be like, y'know?"

{As for you three,} Mercedes set aside a tray for Koko, Eclipse and Yuna, revealing a large plate of tortillas with a large bowl of paella to complement it. {A little cherry blossom and otter told us that you were fond of Spanish food.}

Nasir twiddled with his hands. {I wasn't sure about the names, it was Adrestia who could pronounce them right.}

Koko smiled gratefully at him and Adrestia. "It definitely smells right, let's dig in everyone!"

Eclipse gave the two a nod, some tension in her shoulders melting away. "Thanks, you two."

Adrestia waved her off. {It was the least we could do.}

I looked around at everyone getting hot, steaming piles of food. The mixing smells were mind boggling, so many things that all smelled so very good. I closed my eyes, my mind drifting towards calmer times. Eating with everyone as the moon shone overhead through the occasional break in cloud cover, snow falling gently and dusting the windows. Warm orange flickers of flame, the smiles of my family around me.

The snow wasn't here, but the moon was. The room didn't have a fireplace, but the warmth of everyone being together more than made up for it.

Everything's… getting better, isn't it? It's really over?

Mom's hand on my back brought me out of my thoughts, Mama giving me a content smile. {It is nice, is it not?}

I nodded, wiping tears away from my eyes. Different tears. Happier tears.

It's amazing.

~~Cadenza Town, Hospital, Year 8520, Krituki, Clalta 26th~~

Ma held my hand, walking at my pace as Mama walked beside me. The cast was still on her leg, but she'd gotten pretty good at walking on three legs during Helheim. The world teetered from side to side sometimes, but when it did, I slowed down and Ma and Mama made sure I didn't fall. Li walked right with me and Mama, while Shine rode on Mama's back. Cookie walked with us while Maya bounced, humming softly. Mercedes and Nelly were our guides, keeping an eye out for all of us.

We walked down the hallways, and with every door we passed my heart eased. Groups of people were behind all of them, and my family, everyone who'd survived Helheim, was okay. Hurt, like me, but awake and okay. I'd hear laughs and feel joy from everyone's hearts. There was a lot of pain there too, but it wasn't all that was there anymore. We were all healing.

As we rounded corners, my heart rate spiked. Then fell again as soon as I saw a window. Just in case.

We walked along the side of the building, not going towards the front entrance. Instead, Mercedes led us to a side door.

{This is the way to the hospital garden. It's where patients and us staff go to chill and relax. It gets so stuffy in there sometimes, ya know? I may be a lady of medicine, but often a good walk to stretch the legs is what an old girl needs,} She nodded affirmingly to Nelly who nodded back.

Mama raised an eyebrow as we walked to the doors. {Oh you're old, are you? I suppose I'm a fossil then,} she joked.

Mercedes shook her head. {A fossil with luscious fur, mind you.}

Mama chuckled as Mercedes opened the doors. The sudden rush of fresh air was much nicer when I wasn't crashing through doors to get to it. I felt the wind through my hair for a moment before stepping forwards.

Outside was a large fenced area. The fences were barely as high as I was tall, and made out of a darker wood. It wasn't perfectly square either, there were little waves where the trees began to grow denser. We could barely see a river off in the distance, the faint rush of water melding with the rustle of leaves in the wind. Berry plants and flowers grew in well kept areas, and the paths were cobblestone laid together. There was plenty of space for anyone to run around, and I could see Ron, Rush, Linea and her kits running around happily.

Over by the river I could see Koko and Nasir running around, splashing each other where it was shallow. Koko and I weren't the biggest fans of getting super wet, but the water was so pristine and even just splashing around looked too fun to resist. Nasir was noticeably gentle too, since Koko was still recovering.

Adrestia, in full bloom, was swimming peacefully in the river soaking in the sun and water. Meanwhile, Yuna had roped Eclipse into playing a game of catch with a ball. Eclipse still couldn't throw it too hard and Yuna couldn't run too fast, but they were having fun. Eclipse's heart felt much more peaceful than it had in a long, long time.

Hazel was sitting on a wooden bench, with intricate spirals looping into armrests. She held Vivian close to her chest, who was nuzzling into the crook of her neck. Her grandparents were sitting with her, hugging her, gently talking about the kinds of flowers that were there, and asking her to name different kinds. From the tears in their eyes, it was clear it was bringing back memories of her parents. Happier ones. When things were better. And, hopefully, memories that'd be joined by more happy ones.

In the distance there were some other patients enjoying the garden for themselves. I noted some hospital staff sitting by a table eating lunch, Lyle and Alkali napping in the sun, Minerva and Enrqiue stretching their wings and more general patients that I'd never met before.

This is like when Jean and Indra showed us the nature room. But SO much better. We don't have to go back to misery this time.

Ma whistled in admiration gazing across the garden. "Didn't know you had such a nice spot back here." She looked at me with a smile. "Do you wanna sit in the grass?"

I nodded, and she and Mama helped me to a nice spot by a bush. A tree was close by, sunlight filtering through the leaves. A couple oran berries hung heavy from the bush's branches, with a couple bunches being smaller, greener. Flowers bloomed on the branches out close to the sun amidst the leaves.

My eyes filled with wonder, Mama let me take it all in for a minute before waving a tail at Mercedes. She was sitting beside Nelly, talking together before looking at us. {I may be your elder, but you yet have wisdom to share with myself and my child if you so wish to. I'm sorry to say that I am unfamiliar with your kind, if you would like to enlighten us?}

Oh yeah, I never had the chance to ask.

{No apologies necessary, I've gotten used to the question. I've met some pokemon that like to be coy about their species, but that just causes more problems,} Mercedes waved a hand away. {I'm an Indeedee, officially the lady kind, but that's another story. As far as I know we're not seen much at all in the eastern regions.}

{Nonetheless, it would be rude to expect the burden of knowledge to always be upon you,} Mama responded. {And I take it the migration is more onerous for you than it would be for a Chansey.}

She rubbed her chin. {Not in my book. When I first moved to Sinnoh, so many humans and pokemon wanted to learn all about me. It was good fun answering all their questions. I hadn't known so many people would take notice of a little Indeedee like me, but I find it nice. I've made plenty of good mates here, including Nelly!}

{I work with you everyday and I still find myself learning new stuff about you, Mercedes,} Nelly chimed in. {And now I'm learning about Hybrids. I've got to keep all this new knowledge in my head.}

{Everyone's world expands at their own rate,} Mama said with a smile, looking at me fondly. {And I daresay my children's has expanded quite far this day.}

Seconds later, Koko and Nasir came running over to us, drenched but exhilarated. {Oh you guys finally got here! Isn't it the best? The grass is so… green and the water is cold, but in the best way!} Koko cheered before sneezing into her arm. Mercedes psychically grabbed a towel and began manually drying Koko off.

{I think someone forgot she's not got waterproof fur,} Mercedes mused. Nasir simply shook himself off, appreciative of his waterproof fur. I looked at the towel, now damp, and tapped Mama gently. She looked at me, followed my gaze, and smiled.

{Would you like a hot towel, Koko?} She asked warmly.

"It would help, yeah."

Mama gestured for Mercedes to give her the towel, and she did after drying off Koko a bit more. Me and Mama held it together, warming ourselves up until the towel began to steam. Then we gave it back, smiling. {I hope this will help, then.}

Koko wrapped herself around it immediately and her face glowed as she snuggled the warmth. "Way better, thanks!"

A warmth spread from my heart, different from my inner flame. I used my abilities to help someone. Nobody got hurt. It just made things a little better.

Her and Nasir sat down beside us while Mercedes handed them sandwiches cut into triangles. {I'm sure you're hungry after all that playing so I prepared some egg & cress sandwiches!}

They each gratefully took one, munching on them eagerly. "So Mercedes, you're from the west right? Your accent is way different than all the Hybrids and pokemon from the west. It's so… posh and pretty!}

{Why thank you! Now to answer, I'm from the Galar region. From what I know there was no one else with you that was from there. It's a far region that doesn't communicate much with the eastern regions yet. It's so different from Sinnoh, I don't even know where to begin.}

{I have heard vague stories from secondhand sources over the years,} Mama said, her mind wandering. {Of a land where creatures as big as the Land and Sea Titans walk the earth, and humans occupy nearly all the continent in some form or another.}

{Oh so you've heard! Oh Dynamax, it's quite a thrill. I've only done it a couple times myself, just for a new perspective,} Mercedes giggled. We all exchanged looks at the word 'Dynamax' but stayed quiet. {But yes, it's a rather small, narrow region with two small territories. Compared to Sinnoh, the cities cover quite a lot. I've worked in several large cities myself and it's not for the faint of heart.}

So Sinnoh doesn't have a bunch of big cities? That's good. Galar sounds… scary. I dunno what a Dynamax is, but it sounds like something Owain or Ron would come up with.

{How was your life in Galar?} Nasir asked. {Did you leave cuz you didn't like it?}

Mercedes rubbed her chin thoughtfully. {Not exactly… I worked in Pokemon Centers sponsored by the League, so during tourney season we'd always be swamped with upcoming trainers and pokemon working to the bone to make names for themselves. I'd been doing it my whole life and it just got… exhausting. It's way different than the Eastern Leagues.}

{My supervisor was contacted by Sinnoh officials for an exchange program to foster relations between our nations. I did some research on Sinnoh and I found out innocents were being kidnapped all over the region, including children.} She spoke solemnly. {Then I got the urge. I didn't want to treat another overzealous pokemon who pushed themselves for fame. I wanted to be here to make you all smile. So I volunteered myself and was sent here, to Cadenza Hospital. I'm still getting my bearings, so sorry if I make any cultural missteps.}

Mama's smile widened. {I'd say you've done extraordinarily,} she praised while gesturing to me.

I nodded, smiling at Mercedes. When I opened my arms a little, she came in for a hug. My heart felt warm. Li leapt in as well, Maya bouncing happily. Cookie just laid back, a serene smile on his face as Shine rocked side to side blissfully.

"I'm glad you came all the way here, Mercedes. Everything would be way harder without you and Nelly helping us," Koko thanked her.

{Thank you for taking care of my family, Mercedes!} Nasir chimed in enthusiastically.

{Awww, I'm just glad I could help.} Mercedes hugged them both, her horns resonating from all our positive emotions again.

There's so much I don't know, and even some stuff Mama doesn't know. And we're gonna get to see it together. Nobody's gonna stop us.

~~Cadenza Town, Hospital, Year 8520, Krituki, Clalta 26th~~

We watched Aurora, smiling just that little bit more than she had since we'd rescued her. Ivane right beside her, and the new family she'd made. Hybrid and Pokemon alike, bringing people together through just being herself. Never giving up on anyone.

If only that was the end of it.

I looked at Reginleif. My companion from the day we set out, the only one of my team who knew Aurora before Galactic stole her away. She gazed at me, calm but worried. Athena flew down next to my head and cooed softly, hovering beside.

"I'm alright," I reassured them. "I just wish there was less to do to make Sinnoh safe again. Can you two stay with her? I need to go talk with Professor Rowan and Volkner, and unlike her I won't know what Roland's saying if Heimdall doesn't come with me."

The two nodded, and me and Reginleif bumped arms together before we parted. Aphrodite was already in the river watching everyone, while Idun meditated amongst the flowers. I knew she was keeping an eye on everyone, even if it didn't look it. Keeping watch of anything untoward from the ground, just in case.

Meanwhile, Heimdall matched my stride with ease, despite my inability to protect his sight.

[The fledgling shadow did not take my life, only one of my eyes,] he reminded me. [Perhaps I cannot see shadows now, but my soul's eye reveals more to me than beams of light ever could.]

I sighed. "Still, it's pain you shouldn't have had to go through."

[I made my choice when I decided to accompany you in my search for Dojima. I do not regret it. We saved our family. My light sight is a small price to pay for that. And I know you would have done the same for me, had our positions been swapped.]

Of course. And that kind of bond is exactly what we need to ensure any trainer in Sinnoh has with their team.

Heimdall nodded in agreement as we kept walking. I'd sent Professor Rowan and Volkner a message that I'd need to meet with them, and a place where they could do the inspection they needed. The hospital had a maintenance room, perfect for what they needed to do. Though, it was a nightmare convincing them that they wouldn't come back to Volkner tinkering with every loose sprocket. But we managed, and we had a room to speak in relative privacy.

Now let's hope he actually hasn't tried to make a solar powered toothbrush out of spare wires or something.

As I opened the door, Professor Rowan was, of course, sitting with his perpetual scowl and perusing documents. If we didn't have someone with his expertise to help figure out treatments for the Hybrids, I shudder to think of what state they'd be in. They'd been through enough, they didn't need even more issues with the learning curve of their treatment.

Usually, he'd be irritated to be disrupted from his work. But fortunately, we'd worked together enough for him to know I wasn't just wasting his time. He'd suggested I journey with Reginleif, kept me updated all throughout my journey, helped make sure Heimdall recovered properly.

I know Aurora's scared of him. But she seemed less scared after he helped Koko with her arm. I'm sure she'll come to realize how kind of a man he really is. She's never been someone to judge a book by its cover, and that doesn't seem to have changed a bit.

Volkner gazed listlessly at his laptop as he typed away at whatever new project he was working on. The Professor told me that as a champion I needed to have trustworthy and capable cohorts, so I was grateful Volkner was able to lend us his aid as our region's new 8th gym leader. His father stepped down soon after I'd gotten the Sunyshore gym badge, and while I understand he was still conveying important info? Volkner had taken over the bulk of it already.

Roland meanwhile was sitting in the corner, eyes closed. Meditating it seemed. Less outwardly energetic than we met only a short time ago as an Electabuzz, but if his life the past few months was anything like mine? It made too much sense why. We'd all needed to grow up, and fast. His eyes opened upon our entry, standing up.

Heimdall I nodded to the three of them respectfully. He knew them all from our time on the road. Whether it was sparring with Roland before he lost his light sight, or watching as I called the Professor. He was always watching, always listening. Something reflected in his name, one given to him by his parents. I was proud to call him by it, make certain others knew his name was just as valid as one given by a human.

Or a Hybrid, considering how many stories Ivane had of Aurora naming Pokemon who needed one. She shines so bright… Just saying I'm glad she's back with us doesn't begin to describe the relief.

I bowed to each of the three. "Professor, Volkner, Roland."

"Greetings champions," The Professor started, addressing us both before turning to me. "How fares your sister and Ivane? I did not have the chance to directly speak with them yesterday."

"Ivane's taken the whole ordeal quite well, all told. Aurora…" I sighed deeply, sitting at the table and holding my head up. "She barely remembers her life before Galactic took her. The most important things she knows, and I was hoping after we learned how hard it'd hit her that seeing us would bring back memories. It did, but, well…"

[She is still unfamiliar with many things, even that which she previously knew intimately,] Heimdall continued. He had an easier time telling them than I did. [Quite a number of Pokemon now utterly terrify her when none did before, such as Hel. And that's to say nothing of her view on humans, as she no longer counts herself among them.]

[Much has changed with all the survivors, according to their loved ones recollections,] Roland stated. [There's still much we must hear about what transpired over the last five months on the island, but in due time.]

Roland, Heimdall and others had been interviewing the surviving pokemon a number of questions to try and learn what happened, separate from our official human reports. If the survivor was able and willing, that is. Their perspective has been enlightening to say the least.

The accounts of the Grunts who defected are invaluable, yes. As are the ones from the Hybrids and their partners, what they can tell us. But the Pokemon who worked under Galactic directly have a different view of things, and that can't be overlooked.

"For now try and be optimistic, Cynthia," Volkner interjected, his face still dour. "You said your sister remembers what's important, and she seems right at home with all of you. I'm not an expert on family dynamics, but for now that looks like enough."

A smile crossed my face. "It is. And seeing her look so bright at being outside again gives me hope." I looked up at them both, righting myself. "I asked you three here to make sure something we found in the Galactic HQ in Veilstone doesn't snowball into something that'd hurt her, the other Hybrids and who knows how many more in Sinnoh."

They waited patiently as I reached into my bag, pulling out two Pokeballs. One that I'd crafted myself, made of smooth stone and carved wood. The recipe passed down from generations long passed in the Pearl clan. The firework mechanism wasn't explicitly necessary nowadays, but we kept it in out of tradition and as a mechanical backup. Volkner's eyes immediately zeroed in on it, flooding with engineering curiosity. The other was a typical modern Pokeball, one made by Silph Co.

I wasn't aware traditional Pokeballs were a novel to anyone, but I suppose someone raised in the technological advancement hub of the region wouldn't exactly go looking for traditional stuff.

"I'm still learning as much as I can about the world outside Sinnoh and Snowpoint, and I've a lot to absorb if I'll be a good leader anytime soon. In Snowpoint, we knew that the rest of the world uses more modern incarnations of the Pokeball. However, making the journey is hard enough, let alone with a shipment of equipment that's not strictly necessary. We still know how to make Pokeballs the traditional way, after all. But apparently there's more difference between the two than one being metal and plastic, and the other wood and stone."

I looked at the three of them. "I've heard from many of the Hybrids that a sizable number of Pokemon held by Galactic were forced to fight against their will. Only stopping once their lives were in danger. Ivane was quite vocal and specific about how modern Pokeballs have several… let's say unsavory functions that're part of why she lives in Snowpoint. Do you know anything about them? The ones from Snowpoint can only serve as a miniature housing for a Pokemon and evacuate them from danger in a worst case scenario."

Professor Rowan stroked his beard, picking up the modern pokeball, before removing one from his own belt and comparing them together. On the surface they appeared the same, red tops, white bottoms and a black strip. Although, the Professor's pokeball was a tad brighter. Whether it was better kept or a different paint job, I didn't know.

"This is a Silph Company pokeball, I presume?" He asked me. I nodded in response. Roland and Heimdall exchanged cursory glances at each other, wondering how he noticed.

It makes sense the Professor would know the difference between Pokeballs, even if they look the same to me. Who knows how many he's had to inspect.

"Then I may have an answer," He declared, clearing his throat.

"Sinnoh has less factories and corporations, so we supplement pokeball shipments via importing them from other nations. Namely Kanto, due to their excess in industry. From what I've deduced, the pokeballs in Kanto are made differently than the ones made in Sinnoh, but are mostly indistinguishable on the surface. I've found the coding is more malleable than I consider secure. Team Rocket had a hand deep within Silph Company till they were driven out a few months ago by the new Kanto Champion, so I suspect that may be a factor."

A shiver went down my spine.

I've never been happier that our culture prevents any industry from being too centralized. The damage Galactic could've done if they had the reach Rocket did… who knows if any of us would be here.

"Considering who Cyrus Akagi is, I theorize he specifically purchased pokeballs from Silph or even Rocket directly. Then he had them given to his staff and to sell in pokemarts all over Sinnoh. In layman's terms, they are compromised."

Volkner picked up the handmade pokeball, his eyes analyzing the wooden polish with an intense fascination.

"My pokeball expertise can't compare to the Professor, but if Cyrus is half as intelligent as we think he is? He could manipulate the code to subliminally assuage pokemon to his prerogative while they're in their pokeballs. The pokemon are just stuck in their balls most of the time, so they're subjected to it often. It could trend pokemon to whatever agenda he needs just by manipulating their cyber environment," Volkner elaborated.

[By that logic I assume he lowered their standards in partners,] Roland folded his arms, unamused. [Most of the filth we squashed I wouldn't leave alone with an Elekid for five minutes without them being tainted by their foul influence.]

The memory of the sudden rift in reality Cyrus called forth, with a device no one knew about, flashed through my mind. As if the cosmos itself, tinged with purple, had swallowed him and everything around him whole. If my opinion that it wasn't teleportation was enough, Lucian's certainty that it wasn't made it undeniable.

The only thing it even vaguely reminds me of is the section about Palkia in the book Grandmother lent me. I'll need to look into that more, but if what I think is true…

I clenched my hands. "For the sake of discussion, let's assume Cyrus is exactly as smart as we fear he is. So he requested a shipment of compromised pokeballs, and altered them in ways we don't even know yet. Definitely for the worse. How many of those pokeballs do you think are in circulation right now? Galactic had their own special brand of awful, that much is obvious. But even without access to every shop in the region, there have to be at least a few dozen that he can track. Maybe recall remotely."

The Professor shook his head. "He would need access to the Sinnoh Pokeball servers and my personnel have scoured it for any weakness already, several times over. I believe even he knows he cannot break those defenses. Either way, the technology to remotely recall pokeballs en masse is not many have access to. Perhaps if he associated with Macro Cosmos…" He considered something before shaking his head. "No, I do not believe so."

Less sure than I would like, but if the Professor believes it's not as pressing as I fear? Then there's time to act, even in the worst case.

Volkner eyed him before turning back to me. "What the Professor is trying to say is that even if he did want the tech for that, I doubt he could afford it or make it from scratch at this point. Even Galactic and Cyrus' funds aren't endless, the whole Helheim project ate a bunch up. Not to say he won't try in the future, but I think the best course is to rework the national pokeball code for all pokeballs, foreign or not."

The Professor nodded affirmingly at his answer. Like myself, we were both growing into our roles. Some tension left my body.

"Aptly put, Volkner. Understanding our enemy's position is key inside and outside of battle," the Professor complimented.

I looked at the Professor. "I was going to ask if that was possible, sooner rather than later. As a precautionary measure that's never needed, at worst. But I doubt it won't be."

Professor Rowan huffed. "We'll also need to update our legal policy on pokeballs and reconsider Sinnoh's associations with Silph Company, but I shall speak to Foreign Affairs about this. I will compile all our evidence and make a case for them as soon as possible."

"I'll let Lucian know to keep the hold on Pokeball imports for now, then," I noted in my Pokedex before looking up again. "We're working on a lot of laws to protect Pokemon more officially across the region, and in the process of rewording existing laws to protect Hybrids as well. Better done now than when it becomes a problem."

A thought crossed my mind. "Actually, I've got one last thing for you three to look into, when you have time? It's pressing, but not as pressing as the entire population of Sinnoh's Pokemon potentially being at risk."

"What's up?" Volkner asked.

"I've heard from Ivane and some of the others that pokeballs… well, work is a strong word here. Function on Hybrids. But apparently the process of being both turned into energy and then back is exceptionally painful for them, probably because it's not designed for them. I know the development of the Pokeball took quite some time, and I haven't the foggiest idea how long something that doesn't harm them would be made. But at the very least, could you look into excluding Hybrids from the functional range of pokeballs somehow?"

"Miss Paris Morimoto informed me of this earlier. I shall devise a solution," Professor Rowan answered. "With the young Volkner's assistance, of course."

I breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you. The last thing any of them need is being suddenly sent into a PTSD attack from a stray pokeball knocking them on the head."

"Sounds like a complex fix… but I'm eager to learn. You sure know how to pile the work on, Cynthia. We've got the prosthetics project too," Volkner gave a cheeky grin. "A series of technical challenges is the next best thing to a good fight though, so I'm not complaining."

"Don't worry about me lumping everything onto everyone else," I chuckled. "I still need to work with Bertha and Lucian on a new curriculum for the region when I'm not even fully out of school myself, and then see if I can follow the one hazy lead I've got to work out what in the nine hells Cyrus pulled out of nowhere to escape."

Something clicked in Volkner's head. "Oh yeah… I took a video of that. I wasn't sure what was going on, but it didn't look natural. Not sure how much we can figure out from a clip, but I'll send it to you."

"Honestly, part of my worry is that it's too natural, but I won't cloud your mind with hypotheticals. At least not until I've got something more solid to bring up," I noted.

The Professor nodded towards me. "Astute observations, Cynthia. You've grown accustomed to identifying problems and delegating appropriate teams to find the solutions."

I smiled. "My journey taught me quite a bit about what it means to lead and be a leader. As well as how sometimes, the answer is to take care of it myself. Especially if it involves diving into a lake of ancient records."

[Take care not to suffocate yourself beneath the mountain of tomes you'll soon find yourself within,] Heimdall smirked.

"I've got a book snorkel, don't you worry," I responded in kind.

He nodded before looking at Roland. [I hope you look forward to a proper rematch as much as I do. Some nice exercise to keep us prepared.]

Roland snickered akin to how he did as an Electabuzz. He'd certainly matured since we'd first met him, but even he had some growing up still. [As soon as possible, preferably. I actually meant to commend you on growing a few inches, but looks like I gained a few feet in turn.]

[I'd say the height difference is about where it was before. So we still stand on even ground.]

[And yet our power has ascended into the skies.] They gave each other a powerful fist bump, sending a blue and yellow pulse coursing through all our bodies. It recharged me, sharpening my senses. I could only imagine it did the same for everyone else.

Professor Rowan got up, fixing his collar and collecting his goods. "For now, we should speak to our own teams about our plans ahead. Come along now, Volkner, Roland."

Volkner sighed deeply, picking up his own goods to keep pace with the impatient professor. "Yes sir. See ya guys, back to the grind."

I, meanwhile, smiled at him. "I wish you luck, Professor. And thank you once again for all your insight on my journey. I hope you'll be willing to continue giving it into the future."

The Professor stopped before the door to look at me. "Since the day I introduced you to Reginleif, I made a commitment to be a guiding force for you, Cynthia. I shall see you through for as long as my body and mind wills it."

And with that, he exited the room with Volkner and Roland trailing behind with all of their gear, giving us each a farewell nod.

[He is wise. I'm glad that I have the opportunity to learn from him as you do,] Heimdall said solemnly. [I cannot help but imagine the wonders that would be brought to the world if he and the elder vixen Ivane were to join forces.]

"I hope we get to see that soon," I responded, standing up and smiling at him. "It'd help bridge a gap that's far too wide. But for now, we've got family waiting for us."

A small smile crept onto his face. [Your Aura burns with more determination than before.]

I nodded. "That talk let me know a couple more problems won't be problems much longer. There's a lot to do, but talking with everyone… It keeps me grounded. Reminds me every step we take is one that shortens the gap to a brighter future."

[Just as we, as a family, will help our wounded kin recover. Make certain they venture into a world that holds a home for them, regardless of the hardships that may try to block that path.]

We smiled at each other for a moment more before walking out. One of the hospital technicians rushed in, and breathed a sigh of relief when they saw everything was how they'd left it. I couldn't help but chuckle.

We can do this.

Author's Note: So uh

Took a bit longer than I expected.

Ah well, summer sucks and shenanigans happen. We're back again, and on the first steps of actually not being in Helheim anymore! First chapter on Aurora's side that's been written that doesn't involve new trauma. Just PTSD. I hope y'all are looking forwards to seeing more from her under the sun, cuz that's where she shines. Now let's hope that Scarlet and Violet aren't 'oh yeah here's the secret underworld of Sinnoh' or something we need to deal with.

-Yay another chapter! Now we enter the aftermath phase of Helheim which I've been dying to get to since now we've got a whole world to work with and not an underground bunker. Some new characters, that won't die in a couple chapters, are joining the fray. Now they all need to heal and find their new norm… side note, Hybrid: Topaz Edition got a new chapter so you all should check that out!