Sorry for the extended absence everyone. I discovered ROTTMNT and had turtle brain for a while, but I've finally found inspiration to come back and work on this again.
Addressing a few guest comments cuz I can't do proper replies to guest on this website:
Guest: sorry about the extended absence, but my brain just wasn't cooperating for a while. If I officially discontinue anything I'll be sure to announce it.
River: I'm glad you gave my fic a chance yeah if there was smut I'd be sure to add a shipping label in the subscription, but I don't care for smut to begin with so this whole fic will remain safe in that sense (just descriptive injury stuff). Oh fic ideas are always fun! Hopefully you were able to figure something out for it
ART OF LOCO AND THE BOYS
CreatureCave_C has such a unique old school Japanese inspired style and I absolutely love their work. They made SOOOO many drawings of Locomotive the Alpha Gyrados and Caboose just going ham on the wild Gyrados from the last chapter. And the lil scarred smirk on Snowflake's face? I know they mainly draw animals but the little animalistic details on their humans look so cool!
EVERYONE FOLLOW THE LINKS THEY DESERVE MORE /creaturecave_c/status/1606257069983531008?s=46t=OHBuGHjNVJ0XZa6rXTqXJg
If anyone feels inspired enough to make artwork/writing based on this story, link it to me so I can gush over how awesome you all are and share it
XxxxxxxxxxxxX
"This better be important."
Melli didn't bother hiding the growl in his voice.
It was way too early in the morning for Irida to just show up in Moonview unannounced. She even made her Glaceon do the dirty work of waking him up!
Who does that?!
All before the Sun even started rising! It was still dark out and she was wandering around with a killer Luxray spirit on the loose.
This woman clearly had a death wish, though she didn't look ill prepared. At the very least she had her Glaceon and a Sneasel for company. For some reason she was holding a walking stick by the looks of it, along with something thick in the crux of her arm. It was still too dark to see in greater detail, though he really couldn't care less at the moment.
"Warden Melli. I apologize for the disturbance, but I fear this shouldn't wait," she bowed, looking around the arena frowning. "Where is your friend? Snowflake, if I recall?"
"Sleeping like a normal person," Melli groaned. "Anything else?"
"Oh, I suppose it is rather… early."
The Warden mumbled a few profanities, attempting to stifle a yawn. He just wanted to sleep until sunrise like a regular human being. Why did the Pearl Clan operate on such oddball logic?
"Again, I apologize for disrupting you like this, but I needed to ask a favor of you."
"You think I want to do any favors for the Clan housing Ingo?" Melli practically scoffed. "You have some nerve after what he did to Snowflake."
"That's partially what I am here about," she dug through her pouch, pulling out a folded sheet of paper. "Ingo is injured and unable to come in person. He wished for me to give you this."
She handed him the paper, Though Melli could barely see it. Groaning, he put his fingers to his mouth and let out a short whistle. Cooper emerged from her spot inside the tent, cantering over and greeting Irida warmly.
"Why hello there! My, you are beautiful." Irida gently stroked her snout while Cooper huffed in affirmation. Melli ignored them in favor of the light produced by the fire type's mane and tale. He could now see his name sloppily written in charcoal. Unfolding the letter he struggled to read through the chicken scratch, spotting some errors in the characters but able to piece together the original meaning after rereading it four times.
Warden Melli,
I apologize for what happened. You are absolutely right in everything said to me, and though harsh, I needed to hear it. I have been a poor excuse of a Warden, and have caused you nothing but trouble. I will leave you and Snowflake alone from now on. I pray you can accept my humblest apologies, as well as the gift bestowed by Lady Sneasler. I recommend wearing it if you travel to freezing areas in the near future. It is always best to stay prepared.
Please continue to watch over and protect Snowflake. He has a tendency to wander in unfamiliar settings.
Warden Ingo
"I ALREADY KNEW THAT!" Melli growled, as if the sheet of paper would relay his frustrations.
If Ingo was going to bother giving him advice, then he should focus on something else, like their secret hand language!
The way it was worded implied Melli hadn't been best friends with Snowflake for months already.
What a prick!
And what did he mean by 'gift?'
He glanced up when Irida presented a folded brown pelt to him. He uncurled it, seeing the head of a Piloswine attached to the rest of its skin and fur.
This whole thing was giving him the sensation of being watched, and not by Irida. He glanced up at the cliff ledge above Moonview, seeing the yellow glint from a familiar set of harsh eyes.
"I CAN SEE YOU UP THERE! YOU'RE NOT SNEAKY IN THE SLIGHTEST!"
"SNEA!" The Nobel cried, though Melli just waved her off.
Stupid rock climbing knife weasel.
"I hope you will accept. It is truly a great honor to receive such a gift."
"Whatever," Melli snatched the thing from her. He didn't know what he'd do with it, but the idea of him being handed a coat pelt like some child that couldn't take care of himself felt insulting!
"And this is a gift to Snowflake from the Lady." She passed him her walking stick, a slip of paper tied to it as well.
"Anything else?" Melli already regretted asking.
"Yes. You see, things at Lady Sneasler's den have been hectic, and her kits need to be separated."
"And why is this my problem?"
"I was hoping you'd be able to take one of the kits for a while, until she is ready to go out on her own-"
"Absolutely not." Irida blinked in surprise at Melli's immediate answer, but he wasn't budging.
"Your assistance in this matter would be-"
"There are far too many Pokémon living in Moonview Arena as is, and I refuse to add to that number."
"… I see," Irida sighed, giving Cooper a final pat on the neck.
"Now if that is all, you can take your Sneasel and- WHERE DID IT GO?!" Melli gawked when he realized the Pokémon had disappeared.
"Oh no!" Irida spun around hoping to see the kit hiding behind her. No such luck. "Glaceon! Did you see where she went?"
The ice type motioned towards Melli's tent, door fabric flapping from recently being moved. Melli growled, storming towards his sleeping quarters cursing under his breath. There was NO WAY he would let that troublesome thing stay. They had too many Pokémon as it was, and after yesterday's incident with Snowflake's new Gyarados, he had no intention of letting her mooch.
Stoker rushed out of the tent past Melli's legs, hiding behind him and hissing, body hunched low with hackles raised.
It was good knowing he wasn't the only one upset with this developing situation.
He pulled the fabric back, seeing that shitty gremlin was already making herself comfortable under Snowflake's blanket, despite having his back to her, the Sneasel flung an arm around Snowflake's neck, licking the hair on the back of his head purring low. He groaned lightly, clumsily patting the dull side of her claws before falling back asleep.
Melli growled. Searching for the best way of navigating this maze of sleeping Pokémon to nab that Sneasel. He was NOT letting Snowflake see her, or he'd never get rid of her!
No more Pokémon in Moonview!
His careful footwork had gone well initially, slowly and quietly inching his way closer to Snowflake's bedroll.
Then a massive paw from his stretching Growlith tripped him, sending Melli tumbling face first with a loud shriek. All the Pokémon bolted awake at once, Snowflake needing a few seconds extra to sit up and look. That damn Sneasel took its chance at stealing Caboose's spot against Snowflake's chest.
"Mmmmm…?" his friend grunted in question, eyes not even open and mouth pulled into a lazy grin.
"…. Ouch…" Melli moaned in pain. That was humiliating. When Snowflake waited for more, the Warden let out a frustrated sigh. "… I'm fine. Go back to sleep or whatever." Melli rubbed the arms that took the impact. Snowflake nodded, pulled that new Sneasel close and falling back to sleep immediately. The little shit stuck her tongue out at Melli celebrating her victory, swatting away Caboose when she tried to get her spot back.
He'd get that little pest soon for this transgression!
Giving up for the time being, Melli stood and shuffled out of the tent, seeing Irida looking inside trying to hide a snicker.
"This is all your fault," Melli's voice was icy. "The Pearl Clan will pay for this."
"Thank you for taking her, Melli." She bowed despite his threats. Did she NOT understand obviously stated words?!
He forced her to leave before she invited more Pokémon in against his will. Why did he lack the fortitude to nab that Sneasel from Snowflake's sleeping arms?
Soon though, he'd strike soon.
Well, the Warden was now completely awake, and he had Skuntank, Stoker and Cooper to keep him company. He might as well start preserving the Magikarp meat from the ones Snowflake caught.
His roommate did a far better job of catching Magikarp than Melli expected, and he was impressed with the speed he managed to nab so many. Plus, given they remained alive inside the balls, the meat wouldn't start decaying right away, giving him far more time to prepare each one.
Perhaps there was more use to these Pokeballs then Melli initially thought.
Copper laid behind him acting as a warm backrest, while Stoker watched, barely containing his excitement. The shuffling back paws and wide focused expression gave his begging away immediately.
With a roll of the eyes, Melli grabbed the heart of a dead fish and tossed it to Stoker, the Sneasel quickly snatching it and running behind a tree for closer inspection.
It was almost cute, not that the Warden would say so out loud.
He'd managed to gut two fish by the time daylight broke, more Pokémon slowly emerging from their tent. Coal carefully made his way over, trying to grab the fish meat all while Melli attempted to hold him back with his foot.
"Bad Coal! Smelli, control your boyfriend!"
His Skuntank rose with a wide yawn, grumbling at the Growlithe until it finally left him in peace. Sadly it wasn't the only Pokémon interested. He'd attracted a large gathering of spectators. Even Skorupi and Zubat decided to pay Moonview a visit, likely smelling the Magikarp meat and wanting a taste.
Sinnoh almighty this was annoying!
"Stop that! No," He swatted Buzz Button away when the Voltorb got too curious. "You can either find your own breakfast, or you can eat with Snowflake and I in a few hours."
None of them seemed to like that option, though he wasn't giving in. He'd already started, and despite being hungry himself there were no plans of stopping for a meal anytime soon.
Thankfully a distraction emerged. Snowflake had finally woken up, Caboose holding one of his arms with her ribbon while that silver Sneasel hung from the other. Buggy was settled in Snowflake's sling currently, head dipping every so often like he was fighting off sleep still.
Snowflake tiredly shuffled to the fire pit, calling over his Rabidash to start up a campfire. The two men worked in silence, Melli focused on stripping more Magikarp meat and cleaning off the liver and intestines. Before passing them to Snowflake for their meal.
It was a morning of comfortable silence, except for the new Sneasel making a mess of everything. Caboose tried to assist her human in cooking, but was constantly bumped sideways by the kit looking for attention. Snowflake tried accepting the help they both offered, but a rivalry between the two was clearly forming.
Melli simply watched, letting the little gargoyle dig her own grave. Nobody screwed with Caboose and got away with it, and now her focus switched from meal preparations to Stoker. The dark colored Sneasel was still examining his raw Magikarp heart, not expecting another Sneasel to try swiping it away. Stoker hissed and bolted around the arena, snarling in warning and attempting a submissive bow to the kit but only getting knocked around for his efforts. She wanted that heart, and Stoker wouldn't give it up easily.
He was protectively huddled over his treasure bag when Snowflake finally stepped between them.
"No," his voice was strained and very quiet, though he gave the new Sneasel a firm glare. Melli expected to hear a lecture, but apparently that was all Snowflake would say. He didn't hold back on his leering though, trying to get his point across with just his eyes and body language, pointing a finger at the two victims.
The new Sneasel looked at her feet shamefully, but Snowflake wasn't done. He cleared his throat and motioned again to a very irritated Caboose and cowering Stoker hiding behind her. It took the new Sneasel a few minutes before slowly approaching, getting lower to the ground in a submissive position and purring. Caboose accepted her display a few seconds after, still giving her the side eye but returned to Snowflake's side without much fanfare. Stoker let out a low grunt before rushing to hide behind Melli, now deeming him good enough to function as a meat shield apparently.
How nice.
Nodding his approval, Snowflake returned to breakfast, holding out a steaming stick to Melli just twenty minutes after the confrontation. Glancing up from his work, he realized there was a heart and liver skewered through the pointed wood with some mushrooms, smelling like salt and herb.
"I've never seen fish organs cooked on a stick. Fish sure, but not just the organs." The Warden commented. Snowflake simply shrugged and took a seat not far away, the Pokémon having been provided with their own assortment of leftover intestines.
Nothing left to waste, and the parts they could preserve would be saved for leaner times.
Magikarp organs didn't preserve well, despite being very nutritious, thus a good immediate meal.
"Snowflake. I am going to say right now I am displeased with this new Sneasel." He looked to his friend trying to gauge his reaction. If the older man had eyebrows he would have quirked one. "There are too many Pokémon around here already."
Snowflake just shrugged.
"That Sneasel will be entirely YOUR responsibility. I'll have nothing to do with that little gremlin."
He nodded in response this time, not giving a verbal answer.
It was one of those days then. Damn. Talking at Snowflake would get him nowhere. Maybe he'd be able to persuade him on a different day when he's more receptive? He doubted it given the guy's track record, but that wouldn't stop him from trying.
Trying when that stupid Sneasel isn't constantly sticking her tongue out at him and acting smug.
Speaking of Sneasels, he nearly forgot.
"Irida left something for you." Melli motion to the purple walking stick leaned up against the stone cliffside. The new Sneasel caught his words, rushing over to hand deliver it herself. She accidentally knocked Melli in the head with the staff in her excitement, offering a meek growl of apology before turning her full attention to Snowflake. He hummed in response, taking the staff in hand and examining it closely.
"Now that I see it in the light," Melli starred, finally able to spot deep purple streaks decorating the carved wood. "I believe it's been stained with Sneaseler venom." The Warden side eyed the top ledge of the arena, no longer spotting Lady Sneasler watching them.
Snowflake made a sound of acknowledgement, opening the paper included with his gift and reading it silently. His grin fell to a tight line.
It took a minute of awkward silence before Melli lost his remaining patience.
"Are you going to share what it says?"
A shake of the head and Snowflake hiding the letter away was his answer, instead standing upright and grabbing a Pokeball. Wordlessly he let his massive Gyarados out to finish any of the leftovers. It swallowed everything in one bite, keeping its mouth shut once finished and looking to Snowflake for instructions. With a wave of his arm the large dragon flew off towards the river.
"… Is it coming back?" Melli was almost hopeful Snowflake had let it go, but his friend simply nodded.
Damn.
Well, there wasn't much point in talking if Snowflake wasn't in the mood, and they'd both finished breakfast. Dusting himself off Melli returned to prepping meat, the other quietly cleaned rubbed salt over the cut sections Melli prepared, hanging them over the flames to dry out. It was a long, tiring process, the two men working in tandem until all of the Magikarp carcases were prepped and ready for smoking.
Melli cleaned up his own mess, gathering the stripped organs they could eat for dinner that evening. The sun would be setting soon, so they needed to get cooking before their primary light source left entirely. He joined Snowflake by the fire pit, quietly watching him work. Their Pokémon slowly converged with their humans as nightfall approached.
The Gyrados even returned, Lord Electrode simply growling in greeting. Caboose rushed over eagerly, presumably to have some sort of conversation. Locomotive was the Gyrados's name if Melli recalled correctly. Another oddball choice that he didn't have the energy to question.
Stoker stayed behind the humans watching intently, while the other Sneasel had no issue rushing up to the giant dragon. Buggy was too busy begging Snowflake for attention too, though his human didn't seem to notice. He just watched his other Pokémon play with each other, hand around his new walking stick wringing it tightly over and over again.
Melli rubbed the back of his neck unsure what to do. He couldn't read Snowflake's mind, but this didn't feel like yesterday after the Gyarados attack. Or when he'd seen his friend fearful of Lady Sneasler.
He seemed eager, yet hesitant? The only thing to snap him out of it was Buggy biting his hand.
With a hum of recognition Snowflake removed his arm from its sling and let Buggy climb inside. The drooling gremlin huffed with satisfaction as he settled, giving his human a distraction from the Pokémon play date.
Melli wrang his fingers, unsure how to broach his current thoughts. He wasn't sure if his friend was rethinking avoiding the Nobles and other large Pokémon of the region. It made him anxious.
There was only one way to find out, and he really didn't want to ask.
With a deep breath, he cleared his throat, getting Snowflake's attention. "Snowflake," Melli began. "Remember when I said you should try meeting the other Noble Pokemon?"
His friend nodded, which he'd take as a good sign.
"Given you now have an… unnecessarily large Gyarados, that has giant fangs and all, it might be a good idea to try greeting the other Nobles? You know, getting used to big scary Pokémon?"
He waited with baited breath, watching his friend ponder the words carefully. Snowflake hummed, his hands stilling around his staff as he finally came to a decision. His grin remained small yet slowly nodding his head.
"I-is that a yes?" The Warden wanted to be absolutely sure. After another nod of agreement, Melli let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. "I'll let Calaba know then."
Melli let out a long held breath, despite still feeling uneasy. That was a weight off of his shoulders. Now he wouldn't have to hear that old woman complain the next time they crossed paths.
He wasn't sure why he still felt so tense. Perhaps he pulled something in his neck while gutting all those Magikarp? Maybe Snowflake's tired energy was rubbing off on him? There didn't seem to be anything odd with the Pokémon, so it must be something between them.
His mind flashed to the note Ingo left him, though he tried to shake the thought away. No! Ingo would not come between them! He wouldn't lose his only friend to some amnesiac Warden hell bent on ruining Melli's life.
He wouldn't let it happen.
XxxxxxxxxxxX
If Ingo were capable of running to his destination, he would have sprinted the entire way. Given the state of his spine and the woman hovering over his shoulder, however, the idea of even trying was quickly shut down.
He'd finally healed enough for Zisu to escort him to Jubilife, even if he had to borrow one of Lady Sneasler's walking sticks to stay up for long periods. He was still considered a "prisoner" until this Galvantula situation was sorted, which really limited his plans. Though his back was still tender and prone to spasms if he moved the wrong way, he didn't have any more time to waste. Galvantula was sick, and he needed to help in any way possible.
Their progress was slow, though Lumier's constant company made the journey a little easier. Even if she kept her presence hidden, her warmth was a nice constant that reminded him of a time long past. He didn't know how he'd managed to travel the tunnels in the Highlands alone all these years. Zisu was nice to have around as well, and she did a good job filling the silent moments with banter or just random conversation. The two helped the time fly a little quicker, until finally the village gates came into view.
Slowly shuffling through the gate was an odd affair, given the absolute chaos. Small yellow fuzz balls were crawling over every house bordering the Pasture, children chasing a small group of them and giggling as the fuzzballs hopped several feet into the air. Some older residents were either rushing away from the creatures or trying to swat them with their sandals. The little things were natural acrobats, leaping away from any potential dangers and crawling up walls if needed be.
Benni tried scaring them from his restaurant, despite the things already munching on the wheat needed for his Mochi. The clothing shop owner was nowhere in sight, a large sign on her door stating her business would remain closed until these vermin were handled. The only one unaffected seemed to be Ginter of the Ginko Guild, who simply sat on his stool staring ahead despite the little critters crawling on his hat and back.
The Security Corps scrambled around the streets, all members with Electric type Pokémon rushing trying to collect as many yellow insects as possible. Being attracted to the sparks emitted by these Pokémon, the Joltiks latched onto them instead of terrorizing the locals.
"Is this a normal sight around here?" Ingo blinked.
"Since the eggs hatched, yes," Zisu answered. "Thanks to your instructions we were able to quell some of their destructive behavior, though they are still causing issues."
The Warden increased his pace at the words, struggling a bit on the stairs but soon entering Galaxy Hall. Cylene was nowhere in sight, which was fine by him. His only focus was the little closest turned prison cell, practically shoving the guards aside and slamming the door open. The large spider was curled up in the corner, not even looking upright at the sudden light filtering in.
His heart stopped, a strange word he'd remembered weeks ago suddenly slammed to the forefront of his mind.
"Butters!" Ingo rushed inside, Chandelure interfered with Psychic to help him to his knees. He didn't even protest, feeling the spider's matted fur for any signs of life. The poor thing wasn't feverish, though it's breathing was very slow. She lifted a pedipal in Ingo's direction, relaxing when a familiar hand took hold on it.
"I am so sorry. So, so sorry. I didn't mean to leave you for so long."
She clicked her mouth parts softly, nuzzling further into his chest. Lumiere floated into the room, chiming gently and offering her warmth. Even his Gliscor voluntarily burst from his Pokeball too, protectively angling himself on top of Butters. It was almost like he was protecting someone precious, like his offspring.
Or a mate…
"… Gliscor," Ingo started, tongue clicking. "Have you and Butters merged into one track?"
A soft growl seemed to confirm his new suspicions. The sly dog, though Ingo had trouble recalling when Gliscor was away from him long enough to actually meet Butters.
Worst yet, he knew what had to be done for Butters' well being, and it wasn't something Ingo could provide, much less his Gliscor.
Only the human that raised her from an egg could help. The same one suffering from injury and amnesia, severe enough to not even recognize Ingo after all this time.
It was the only chance they had.
"Butters. Would you like to see Emmet again?"
The arachnid's eyes sparkled at the name alone, shuffling with a sudden burst of energy Igbo couldn't help but chuckle at.
"I'm sorry he hasn't been able to come in person, but I fear his memories are as absent as mine were, and still are." In fact, if the meeting went well, her introduction alone may spur some of Emmet's missing memories. It worked between Ingo and Chandelure, so the possibility seemed likely.
Still, there was also an equal chance the meeting would go sour, and he knew Butters couldn't handle that level of rejection from her own trainer.
Hell, Ingo barely managed to recover.
It was a gut wrenching decision, and he didn't have long to make it.
"Ingo, your presence is needed." Zisu requested his attention. With a tired sigh, Ingo handed Butters the Pokeball of his Magnazone, the arachnid eagerly twisting it around her pedipalps eating up the excess electricity.
"You two stay with her. I shall return shortly." The Warden used his walking stick to stand up easier, slowly making his way into Laventon's lab with Zisu, where Kamado and the professor himself waited expectantly.
"Very good to see you again, my friend," Laventon smiled, three Joltiks sticking out from his lab coat, one of them being a slightly lighter color then the other two.
'Likewise," He tipped his hat in response. "I see you've become fast friends with the little ones."
"Very much so." The professor gave one of his Joltiks a little pat on the head, letting it climb up on his hat. "I love the Joltiks, and have been gathering as much data as possible, though it would be very helpful to get the outbreak under control. Your advice to using Electric Type Pokémon worked in localizing them to certain areas, though the number of Electric Types in Jubilife are limited to begin with, which has led to plenty of wandering. I fear a more permanent solution may be needed."
Kamado nodded, a Joltik sleeping on top of his head. "I don't think I can get Cylene back until this situation is solved. "
"Where is she?" Ingo questioned.
"She's been staying in that shack on the beach," Laventon explained with an awkward laugh. "Let's just say she made some threats I dare not repeat here."
"I see," He commented, practically able to feel her ire from here. This was something he'd be dodging for the rest of his life. "Thankfully I believe I may have a solution, though I'm not sure if Warden Melli would be on board."
"Warden Melli?" Laventon questioned, his eyes lighting up after a moment of pondering. "That's brilliant Ingo! Of course he's constantly working with the largest number of localized electric types in the whole region. How did I not consider that?"
"You wish to drop them back in the land you brought them from to begin with?" Kamado asked.
"The Joltiks are in constant need of electric energy to feed on, and Voltorbs are known for being easily excitable and naturally generate far more electricity then they can handle themselves. The Jotiks would flourish off the excess electricity, and may assist the Voltorbs with build up issues."
"In theory it could easily work." Laventon nodded, scratching his chin thoughtfully. "I've noticed the Voltorbs in that Pasteur acting far calmer than normal, plus the Joltiks seemingly preferring them over other electric types."
"Then let us move quickly." Kamado stated. "Ingo, you will take the Joltiks to the Cornet Highlands as soon as possible. I expect them moved by this weeks end."
"I will need to ask Warden Melli first, as those Voltorbs are under his care-"
"Warden Ingo. We have been more than accommodating to you and your Pokémon, despite the trouble they've caused many of the locals." Kamado stated. "It is difficult for me to continue justifying their stay when more and more elderly citizens are coming to complain each day. I do not wish to harm them, but I cannot guarantee the people of Jubilife will remain tolerant for much longer."
Ingo knew it was a warning. A hard one to hear, but Kamado had been very accommodating during this whole thing.
The Joltiks had overstayed their welcome.
"I apologize for the inconvenience. Your assistance in this matter is very much appreciated. I will forever be in your debt." Ingo bowed as low as his spine would let him, Zisu giving him a warning look at the gesture.
"If you don't mind, could I keep these three? For further study of course." Laventon added at the last second, gesturing to the Joltiks occupying his hat.
"As long as Kamado has no issue, I don't see why not." Ingo blinked, a little surprised by the request.
"I think Rei has made friends with one too." Zisu added. "Not everyone views them as invasive pests. Right Commander?" She smirked. The man cleared his throat in response, not making eye contact.
"I… wouldn't mind keeping this one for myself." Kamado added, motioning to the Joltik nibbling his hair. "I don't think allowing a small number to stay as owned Pokemon would be an issue, as long as they are kept under control."
"If you do not have issues with the ones staying, I won't protest." Ingo said. "Though I would recommend determining which ones will remain before I take them. Since things haven't been fully settled, in the meantime I still wish to ask Melli if he is alright with their return." Hopefully the man would say yes, but if not, he'd catch some more Electric types and watch the Joltiks himself. Lady Sneasler's den would certainly be too cold, but he may be able to set up a habitat in the cave passageways. At the very least the temperature in those tunnels stayed consistent.
While Kamado, Laventon and Zisu discussed the logistics of their new plan, Ingo's focus began wandering. Primarily to a map of Hisui currently pinned to Laventon's chalkboard. This particular one had five locations circled around various areas in the region.
"What do the circles represent?" Ingo interrupted whatever the conversation was currently about. He should probably be paying attention to what they are talking about, and the glare from Zisu confirmed it.
"Oh, those are the locations of space time distortions. They always seem to repeat in the exact same places without deviations."
Same locations. With Pokémon of the same species seemingly popping into specific locations consistently. It brought up a word he hadn't thought about in a while, though he couldn't help but make the comparison now.
"Terminals…"
"What was that?" Laventon questioned.
"My apologies, I was just thinking," Ingo stroked his beard thoughtfully. "The fact that the same types of Pokémon seem to come and go from certain space time locations without arriving at others. It makes me wonder, if these distortions act more like invisible tracks to a specific location as opposed to randomly teleporting Pokémon."
"That could explain why some Pokémon only appear in specific locations, though there are other Pokémon species that will appear in every distortion regardless of where it's found."
"Hmmm… I suppose you make a good point. My apologies for derailing the conversation." Ingo didn't have much more to add on the topic given Laventon's information. If the distortions did act as pathways, why would some Pokémon show up universally in the rifts, while others only appeared in specific places? Were they the same Pokémon traveling between rift locations? That would explain the repeats between rifts. But what about the rift location exclusive Pokémon? Are there multiple pathways leading to the same destination, with some having more rail access than others? Unless some of the commonly seen Pokémon were actually from different locations to begin with. Maybe the Eevees and Rapidashes that appeared in the Highland's distortion were from a completely different region or time period then the ones appearing in the Fieldlands? It's not like he could explore the rift passageways himself, given when they vanished they'd leave any foreign entities behind and only take the rift born objects and Pokémon.
It was a conundrum that left his head reeling, but this was the first time he'd put real thought into distortions since realizing they wouldn't answer the question of where he came from. He remembered who he was now, and with that knowledge the rifts suddenly became far more interesting.
"Ingo," an assertive feminine voice snapped him from his thoughts with a jolt. Zisu was giving him a look. "Your presence is needed here, and I mean more then just your physical body."
"R-right. My apologies." The Warden pulled his hat over his eyes trying to hide his embarrassment. He'd need to put more thought into the subject later. First was devising a travel plan for the Joltiks and Galvantula.
XxxxxxxxxxxxX
The answer was yes.
Ingo sent word to Melli three days prior asking about the Joltik situation, and he received a shockingly enthusiastic yes to the question. It came right on time too.
Butters wouldn't last much longer. Her willpower was fading faster by the day. The only things keeping her going were Ingo's constant visits and giving her Emmet's hat to hold. Even with his Gliscor and Lumier keeping her company, that wasn't enough to keep her strength up. She needed her human desperately, and Ingo was happy to know there wouldn't be any more delays.
He went over the logistics again with Kamado and Laventon, getting the go ahead to collect the babies and prepare for departure. He finally got Butter's Pokeball back from the Professor.
It really was time to go.
He walked into Butters' prison cell for the final time, leaning to give her reassuring pats before leaving.
"We are departing soon, my friend. I cannot guarantee Emmet will recognize you right away, so please be patient. I know he needs you, even if he doesn't realize."
The large spider clicked sadly, gently passing Emmet's hat back to Ingo for safe keeping. Retreating into her Pokeball, Ingo stood and waited for Chandelure to hide herself from prying eyes.
He really needed to get her a new Pokeball, but felt bad confining her again knowing how she'd been trapped for so long. He'd run the idea by her again some day, but not anytime soon.
Approaching the Pasteur, Ingo brought out his Magnazone and Galvantula, clearing his throat.
"Attention all Joltiks!" Ingo's voice boomed, getting the attention of every human and Pokémon within the village walls. "Please board Magnazone for a journey to your new home! You will have all the electricity you could ever dream of eating, and your mother is coming along too! So if you'd please, ALL ABOARD!"
The Joltiks didn't react right away, only starting to move when their mother made a weak clicking sound. Magnazone intervened by charging a large amount of static, all the babies rushing to him as quickly as possible and hopping on.
"ALL ABOARD!" Ingo continued herding the insects. It didn't take long before the entire village was devoid of yellow fuzz balls, all except a few choosing to leave with the promise of more food.
Ingo spotted Rei watching from his quarters, Raichu by his feet and a happy Joltik planted firmly on his shoulder.
The Warden couldn't help but smile with a small Meowth-like grin only he seemed capable of doing. Rei was still under house arrest, though that wouldn't stop him from waving the boy off.
He set out at last, three of the individuals lost to time finally reunited. Hopefully they could soon add a fourth to that number. It was nerve wracking yet exciting at the same time, both dreading and eagerly anticipating the moment of seeing his brother again. He just prayed when they did meet again, it wouldn't be another trainwreck.
XxxxxxxxxxxxX
Quick Pokémon guide since it's been so long. Just a refresher of who has what Pokémon and what their fic nicknames are. (Hopefully I'm not missing any but correct me if I am lmao)
Snowflake (aka Emmet):
Sylveon - Caboose
Zorua - Buggy
Shiny Rapidash - Cooper
Johto Sneasel - Stoker
Joltik - Kernel
Hisuian Voltorb - Buzz Button
Alpha Gyarados- Locomotive
Hisuian Sneasel - Ash Cat
Melli:
Skuntank - Smelli
Alph Hisuian Growlith - Coal
Scorupi
Zubat
Ingo:
Gliscor - Snickers
Chandelure - Lumier
Tanglegrowth - Tanglejuana
Galvantula - Butters
Next chapter will be out whenever I get to finishing it XP