Ch.76: Fearing What Cannot Be Seen! Secrets Forced Behind the Barriers!

They've been anticipating this trek for several days now. A journey through the Snow Zone was bound to be a mighty voyage for this group of six. Now that they were facing it up close, they soon saw just what they got themselves into.

When they first came up to the borders between the Storm and Snow Zone, there was a stark contrast of vast white next to the stormy lands. They could feel the light cool breeze flowing through the invisible barriers. It was when they stepped through that they had to commit or quit.

Team Ravenfield walked through the blustering winds of the Snow Zone for hours, decked out in their gear. Wes sported a thick red jacket, black snow pants, gloves for his paws, a white scarf, and red lensed goggles. Flint walked beside him with a similar attire, except with a blue jacket.

Ella wore the appropriate snow gear, along with a purple jacket that matched the boys'. Gwyn was in her fluffy orange coat with snow pants and boots as well. Tony's gear was a little lighter, as his fur naturally kept his warm in the cold waters. Mostly blue clothing.

Griffin was the…odd one of their group. His insistence (or, as Ella describes it, stubbornness) on keeping to his normal clothes left him exposed to the harsh elements. The only bit of snow wear he had on was a white scarf and black boots (because Ella wouldn't stop smacking him until he put them on).

Ella glanced over her shoulder, looking quite smug. "I have an extra thick jacket in one of the bags. If you can't take the cold, you should put it on."

Griffin rolled his eyes. "I've bared the cold winds of this zone before. They have never slowed me down."

Ella narrowed her eyes. "I get the impression you're leaving certain details out."

"Insist if you must, but I will be fine. Now, eyes ahead or you'll lose your way."

She rolled her eyes and whispered aside to Gwyn, "Ten bits says he catches a cold."

"I'll raise your ten and make it twenty!" Tony suddenly joined in with a mischievous smirk.

"I like your style, Sparks!" Ella exclaimed, high-fiving him.

Gwyn wasn't quite on the same boat as them. "So…does that mean you want Griffin to get sick?"

Ella sighed and patted her shoulder. "Sweetie, it's not like I want him to get sick, but…he's really asking for it." She smirked to herself. "Might be good for him and that pride of his."

"If…you say so."

Tony chuckled. "Leave the betting to the experts, my dear."

Ella pushed her ahead. "Why don't you talk to Wes and Flint?" she suggested teasingly. Tony snickered alongside her. As expected from these two, secrets could not be kept when it came to playing matchmaker with the Flareon and Mew.

Gwyn looked forward blankly at the Flareon as he chattered with Wes. The discussion of her feelings towards Flint have left her openly confused. Perhaps it was excited jitters or Ella's teasing that made her so flustered that night, but it left the door open for questions. She didn't want Ella's influence to truly decide her feelings, but…

Did she have a crush on Flint? For reals?

"Hmm…okay!" Regardless, the question of her feelings didn't impede how she acted around her fluffy bookworm. She popped up by his side and grinned. "Hey, Flinty!"

Flint smiled at her. "Hey Gwyn. Need something?"

She shook her head. "Just to talk!"

Wes grinned and joined in saying, "We were just discussing the best course of action for the keys. The Key of Metal or the Key of Power."

"The Key of Power appears to be closer," Flint explained, "but it's also the key that has been moving around periodically. I suggested we should get to that one before it goes on the move again."

"Personally," Wes said, "I think the Key of Metal would be the better option. After all, we have NO idea when the Power Key will move again. We could be just at our destination and 'POOF!' Leaving the harder stuff for later makes things simpler on us."

Flint glanced at Gwyn. "Got any suggestions?"

"Um…" She tapped her chin, tongue sticking out, then just shrugged. "No, not really."

Wes sighed and tilted his head to the side. "Can't blame you. Either way, we're walking in the snow for a while."

"At least let's try and see if the Key of Power is obtainable," Flint requested. "As you said, it could jump away at any time. It's not like it'll throw us too off course of our destination."

"Hmmm…" Wes rubbed his head and sighed. "I'll give it some thought. We still got snow to trek through."

"Are we sleeping outside?" Gwyn asked.

"If it comes to it. We have the appropriate gear to handle the snow, but it'd be better to find a lodge or something. With most of Snow Zone being barren lands of ice and snow, we're not going to find a whole lot of people out in the open."

Flint groaned. "I rather not have to sleep in the snow."

"Why? You stay warm pretty easily."

"Snow melts against my body. Do you want me walking around with wet fur?"

"Fair point." Wes looked up for a moment, then stopped.

"Something wrong, Wes?" Flint asked.

"Nothing, but…perhaps we should give Madame Ava and Morgan a call," he proposed. "They'll probably want to know how we're doing so far." He smirked. "Plus…might as well fill them in on how Willow's doing, right?"

Flint blinked, then smiled. "Heh…yeah, you're right."

Wes cupped his paws around his mouth. "Hey! Griffin! Toss me your crystal ball!"

Griffin picked through his jacket and lobbed it over to him. "Heads up."

Wes caught it, then rubbed some of the snowflakes that was covering it. "Alright…call Madame Ava." The crystal hummed quietly, searching for the Medicham in question.

Morgan sat in his room, laying on the floor with his flask in hand. He felt the bumping of the road as the troupe carts traveled to their next destination. They had another show planned. It still surprised him Ava of all people wanted to take up life in the circus. You think you know some people…

The Hypno drank from his flask, then sighed. 'Maybe I should give it a shot. Cheri seems to be enjoying herself.' He smirked to himself. 'Nah. I'm no performer. I have the moves, but not the spunk.'

He went for another sip of his flask when his left arm started twitched. Specifically, in the upper arm. He groaned and gripped the arm tightly, sitting up against the wall. There was an uncomfortable strain pulsating in him, like his muscles were contracting.

'That's new…when was the last time my arm did that?' His eyes widened. 'Wait…' He immediately shook his head. 'Keep your nerves together, you old bastard. You're fine.' He stood up, pocketed his flask away, and walked up to his mirror. 'Yeah…keep telling yourself that. Maybe one day, I won't be lying to myself.'

He glared at himself in the mirror. He leaned forward and stretched his left eye open, checking his pupil. Black as ever. He checked the right eye. Same thing. He closed his eyes and breathed softly.

'I shouldn't be afraid right now…if anyone sees me panicking, they'll freak out.' He sighed and rubbed his eyes. 'If the shadows do come after us…I can't freeze up the same way I did when…' He gritted his teeth. 'I could've saved Alex…I could've saved Garret…I should've been there for Willow…I should've done something to save Clara…'

He pressed his hands down on the desk and grunted at himself. 'Don't let your emotions fly out the window…I'm fine, they're fine, we're all fine. I just can't worry about the what ifs.' He gripped his throbbing arm. "And I won't let this scare me either…"

His arm throbbed for a moment more, then it calmed. Morgan sighed and stepped away from the mirror.

"No more…" he muttered. He reached into his pocket and pulled his flask out. "Now I really wish I was drunk…" He placed it to his lips when a knock sounded off his door. He could feel the magic aura behind the door. "What is it, Ava?"

The Medicham opened the door, holding a crystal ball in her hand. "Looks like we're getting a call from Team Ravenfield."

Morgan stayed silent for a moment, then capped his flask. "Well, can't wait to hear how progress is going for them."

Ava titled her head. "Morgan…you seem quieter than usual."

He waved it off. "Ah, just tired, that's all."

"But you don't sleep."

"There are other ways to exhaust oneself." He snatched the ball from her hand. "Now, what did they want?"

Ava smiled. "They apparently have a lot to say."

"Well, I'll be damned! You're finally in the Snow Zone!" Morgan exclaimed.

Tony, having possessed of their crystal ball, smirked at the Hypno. "Oh yeah! I think I might do some snowboarding out here! Too bad I don't have a board, though." He smirked deviously and looked to his side. "Hey Hothead, how slick do you think your shield is?"

"The Pride of Leones is NOT a toy, Spark Plug."

"Yeesh, I think the snow is making your heart colder." He grinned back at the orb. "But yeah, we're doing fine out here. It'll be a while before we find the next key."

Wes poked his head into view. "It'll be a while before we even find somewhere suitable to stay." He pointed over his shoulder. "I think Ella's giving me the stink eye. She really doesn't want to sleep out in the snow."

"And for good reason!"

"You heard me?!"

"You're not whispering!"

"I can hardly tell over the snow!"

Tony sighed with a tired grin. "Same ol' antics as usual."

Morgan smirked. "Heh…you all remind me a lot of the old team. I'd say we were worse, though."

Ava nudged him. "We did track down bandits and start fights with them. Almost makes us out as the unlawful ones."

"Hey, at least we gave back what they stole…" Morgan scratched his cheek. "Err…most of it, at least." Ava punched his arm. "Oh, don't be like that! You weren't any better off!"

Ava smirked to herself. "True, I suppose." She smiled at Team Ravenfield. "That reminds me. You mentioned something of a…certain Absol."

Tony opened his mouth to speak, but Gwyn took the crystal ball and jumped gleefully. "Yeah! We met Willow and her adorable cinnamon bun, Courtney! Oh my gosh, she was SSSSOOOO cute!" Her eyes sparkled madly. "Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my-!" Her eyes watered before bursting into tears. "I miss her so muuuuuuuuuch!"

Flint took the orb and lightly pushed her away, laughing awkwardly. "C-Can someone calm her down…please?" He smiled at the two. "Yeah, we ran into Willow. May have completely missed her if Ella didn't get pointed in her direction."

Ella chimed in, "Really hope I can thank that Saffiro fellow sometime. Willow really helped me out."

"Oh?" Ava sounded in intrigue. "Does that mean she…?"

Ella nodded. "Oh yeah. She gave me the whole run down on basic fighting. And I got this baby to prove it!" She whipped out her Daybreak and spun it in her paw. "And she helped me get my energy up and running again. I feel stronger every day."

Ava smiled fondly. "Well…this is certainly a surprise."

"Never thought Willow would actually go back to fighting after what happened," Morgan added. "Poor girl was messed up after what happened."

Ella frowned. "Yeah…she told us." She looked down. "I can't imagine what it must have felt like to be killed by your lover, revived by your now dead father, and losing so many people afterwards…just saying it is an emotional train wreck."

Ava nodded. "It was a hard week for all of us. Willow lost a lot and had to cope. I'm just glad to hear she's doing fine with her daughter."

Morgan clenched his fist up, then relaxed. "For the record…we're happy someone finally got her out of her shell. We didn't think she would fight again. Guess I was right in sending you all to the Storm Zone next."

Tony poked into view, smirking. "Oh, so this was another one of your planned tricks?"

"Perhaps," he said slyly, stroking his chin. "I'll never tell."

Flint pushed Tony away to look at them. "Listen, we're still kind of debating about whether or not we should head to the Key of Power or Metal next. Maybe you can give us some tips?"

Morgan held his hip. "Well, it hardly seems fair…but, who am I about playing fair?"

Ava rolled her eyes and chuckled. "Look, I don't think Master Cielo would like us giving you unfair advantages, even if times are desperate. However, it all depends on timing if you want the Key of Power."

"Huh?" all six sounded, squishing into view of the orb.

Morgan waved his hand around. "That's all we can really say. Frankly, we don't know what good ol' Benedict is up to right now, otherwise we would be trying to help you kids. All I can say is that…you'll sort of have more competition for the key than just the shadows, the Anguis Organization, or those pirates."

Flint raised his brow. "Awfully suspicious…"

Griffin pushed everyone away. "Gunnar of the Storm Temple mentioned something of the Metal Mage being new."

"We hardly know her," Ava admitted. "She took up the role from a family member, I believe. Though, despite being new, she's quite strong from what I've heard. And the key is heavily protected."

"I would suggest at least trying for the Key of Power, just so you can get an idea of what I'm talking about," Morgan advised. "And remember, do not take Benedict lightly."

Ella shook her head. "We won't, but we don't have much to worry about. We're getting stronger and more awesome each day."

Tony high-fived her. "You said it, sister!"

Ava rolled her eyes and chuckled. "You all definitely take after the old team. Hopefully not completely."

Morgan narrowed his eyes. "By the way…" He gripped his arm a bit. "…How have things been…with the shadows?"

Wes took over the orb. "For the most part, we've been handling them. The shadows are pretty easy to take out, though they keep sending some pretty strong guys after us."

"Nothing we can't handle, though!" Ella boasted.

Morgan glared seriously. "You must understand that the shadow army is meant to overwhelm with sheer numbers. And there is a chance their boss hasn't regained his full strength, either. And once more…there is still the matter of the heralds."

Ava glared. "The four representatives of the Shadow King himself…"

Morgan gritted his teeth. "Have you encountered them at all?"

Wes shrugged. "Not really. If they're anything like Professor Geno said, we probably wouldn't be standing here."

"You must understand that avoiding them is a must. You cannot comprehend how powerful they are." He glared at the ground. "It is true some time has passed between the Grand Imperium Age and now, so there is no telling how their power then with stack up to now. However, that doesn't mean they should be taken lightly. I cannot stress this enough, but you can't engage them in a fight."

Tony held his hip. "Pops, we get it, but give us some credibility."

"It's only a matter of time before they decided to deal with you personally," Morgan warned. "They're only sending shadows and these possessed Pokémon now because they don't see you as a major threat yet. Once they do, you must exercise the utmost caution. And if they do succeed in bringing the Shadow King back to the world, do not engage for ANY reason!"

Ava quickly held his shoulder. "Whoa, Morgan, calm down…"

He sighed. "I'm sorry, but after what happened, I don't want to see them follow the same fates as the others…"

"Dr. Morgan," Gwyn poked in, taking the orb. "We promise we'll be fine. We know our limits."

Morgan sighed again and let go of his arm, pinching between his eyes. "I…I know…" Ava narrowed her eyes curiously. "Just know, I'm saying this out of concern for you six…the shadows may repeat the dark ages in their favor this time. I don't want you risking your lives in vain."

Wes swiped the orb. "We got everything under control. We promise…nothing bad will happen."

"…Right. I guess we'll leave you six on your way."

Tony pushed Wes' face out of the way. "Tell my mom and Cheri I said hi!"

"I will, I will…take care, Team Ravenfield." He waved his hand over the orb and ended the call. He sighed and handed the orb back to Ava. "Things are shaping up to a grim road…"

Ava stared at her reflection in the orb with pensive eyes. "…Morgan? Are you sure you're feeling alright?"

"I'm fine, really." He rubbed his arm. "Just got a lot on my mind…"

"I haven't seen you act that bitter in years. I knew the shadows affected you just as much as me, but…never heard that much hate coming from your voice."

"You have a lot of time on your hands when you don't sleep." He held a hand in his pocket. "…Ava, I feel horrible for what happened to Willow, Garret, and Alex. Lost two friends and nearly lost the other. And with Clara gone…" He pressed two fingers to his eyes and rubbed them. "Right now, it's just the two of us."

Ava stashed the orb away in her sleeve. "Morgan, is there anything you want to talk about? You sound stressed."

Morgan gripped tighter on his arm, laughing quietly. "A quick drink we'll take the burden off."

Ava shook her head. "Drinking your problems away won't be the end of them." She sighed. "Honestly Morgan, it feels like you're not telling me something."

"…I mean it…what happened five years ago was a disaster. I wanted nothing more than to take back what happened and…do something. I should've jumped in and rescued Alex…I should've helped him…now we have no idea where he is and he's probably not himself. That damned monster took him away from us and buried his consciousness deep into the darkness." He clenched his teeth. "I wish I could take everything back…"

He felt the Medicham's arms wrap around him from behind. He let his arms go limp. "Morgan…please, just take a breath."

He obliged, breathing silently through his nostrils. He sighed with exhaustion, then patted the Medicham's hands. "…Sorry…"

"I worry about them, too. They're very capable, but it's hard not seeing them still as children." Ava pulled away. "Even so, we have to remain strong. When the time comes, when they need it the most, we will be there to join their side. We can't bring more trouble than it's worth."

"…Right." Morgan scratched at his arm gently. "I shouldn't be letting my emotions get the better of me."

"Perhaps you deserve a break." She grabbed his wrist and pulled him along. "You can join Vince and me for a late lunch."

Morgan stared at the ground for a moment, then pulled out his flask. He rubbed his thumb against the worn-out metal. Looking at it with finer detail, the flask was red with some minor rust spots along the top. There were two worn out letters engraved into the front. The only legible one was the second letter, 'V.'

He sighed, then smiled at her. "Maybe some food will help."

Ava grinned. "That's the spirit."

Fernando and his ragtag team of misfits were making quick work transporting Jonathan to the borders of the Snow Zone. They managed some free rides by considerable folks riding about the Storm Zone. They were about a day away from reach the closest town to the border.

"A bit of a detour on our part, but at least we'll be back on track soon," he muttered.

Mack walked close to his side, swinging around his three-section staff. "So, what are the chances we get to beat more people up?"

"Mack, for the umpteenth time, I doubt we'll have to fight anyone at the tomb."

The Sudowoodo groaned. "You are a barrel of disappointment." He swung the staff and caught all three sections in one hand. "Holly, you with me?!"

Holly rolled her eyes. "Mack, not everything we do is a killing festival."

"Now, that's the biggest disappointment of my life. Just think, a festival to attract the scummiest scumbags of the whole region. Can you imagine the bounties we would rack up? It's like shooting Goldeen in a barrel!"

"I feel sorry for every fish Pokémon who has to bare that expression."

Fernando rolled his eyes, then looked over his shoulder. "Geno, how are you holding up?"

The fire monkey had another reason to appreciate the rides they've been getting this far out: Jonathan wasn't exactly in the best of spirits this week. The Scrafty professor lagged behind the trio considerably, shuffling his feet forward with each step. They would have to make stops just for the professor to keep up, even closely match his own pace, much to their annoyance.

Jonathan also was stuck looking at the ground with a permanent, wide-eyed expression. Bloodshot eyes, darker bags under them, and sluggish demeanor. His mind was numb, playing a single sentence on repeat for hours:

"Professor…it might be possible…your whole life, the memories you claim to be yours, and everything about you…never happened."

It was absolute hell.

Fernando sighed, then glared at Mack. "You just had to freak him out, didn't you?"

"Oh, don't go shifting the blame onto me! You were all thinking it just as much as me!" Mack accused.

Holly groaned. "He's not wrong, but…still, are we sticking with this story?"

Fernando narrowed his eyes. "From where it stands, Jonathan Geno isn't real. From his visions alone, it should make sense, but…"

"It just doesn't add up. We can see him for ourselves. He's definitely real," Holly stated, pointing at the stunned professor. "But…now we're under the assumption he isn't?"

"Could be some pretty freaky amnesia," Mack suggested.

Fernando shook his head. "Freaky or not, how could he have constructed an entire timeline for his past with just faulty memories?"

"He never gave us specifics of his childhood or young adult years," Mack reminded. "Everything seems like a paint by numbers image of a childhood. You know, like those little school assignments with a kid who's just smiling with some people who are probably his family."

Fernando tapped his chin. "Memory altering spells are a thing."

"True, but that just brings up another slew of questions," Holly brought up. "Who altered his memories and why? Furthermore, why even give him a background? Certainly nothing extensive, but it fills in gaps just to pass off as a standard life."

Fernando glanced back at Jonathan once more, who still hasn't come out of his existential trance. "It'll take some time for him to wrap his mind around things." He looked forward, then closed his eyes. "We shouldn't be sending him off on his own like this."

Mack waved it off. "Look, whatever happened to him or whatever IS happening to him, he looks like he's getting some memories back. Maybe he really was a kick-butt martial artist in his life. Maybe he really is connecting to a previous life. Who's to say for certain?"

Holly crossed her arms. "Regardless, we should really try and help him through this. I don't think he's going to survive the night like this."

"So…is it too soon to call dibs on his stuff?" Holly punched Mack in the face, knocking him over. "I'll take that as a 'maybe!'"

With night settling, the group got camp set up. Well, Fernando and the bounty hunters were setting up. Jonathan would normally join, but…yeah. They didn't mind, though, and just chose to give him his space until it was time to really confront him about it.

Jonathan was left to his own thoughts. His confusing, tempestuous thoughts. It felt like Hell.

What did he expect to happen on this journey of his? He anticipated the long trek and the tiring process it would bring onto his legs. He more or less expected encountering a group of rogues that might have caused him trouble. He knew by time he would learn to take action and fend for himself in a dire crisis.

What didn't he expect? Unusual imagery flying through his mind. Suddenly learning a martial art he never practiced or heard of. Running into Fernando was definitely high up there, though not quite the same level as the other two. Hmm, what else could he add?

Oh yeah, being told your entire life might not even be REAL!

Jonathan wanted an explanation for his unexplainable memories, but being called out as an anomaly wasn't what he wanted. They had to be wrong. There was simply no way any of that was true. He remembers birthdays, vacations, earning his teaching degree, and fun times with his parents.

…When was the last time he called his parents, actually? He couldn't even recall where they were now. They just…inexplicably moved away after he took off on his own. Never…actually telling him where they were now. It was almost like his mind was telling him that so…he couldn't look for something that wasn't real-

'No, no, no!' Jonathan gripped his head and shook violently. 'Lies, all lies! I know I'm real! R-Remember something! There had to be something in your life truly worth remembering! A boat race you won as a kid! A-A-A long time crush or girlfriend! I'll even take being humiliated in public! Just give me something that isn't normal! Give me something real!'

No matter how hard he wanted it, there was just nothing specific in his memories he could recall in great clarity. He has met elderly who could recall minor events in their life from a long time ago. He shouldn't be having this much trouble to remember something significant.

Everything felt…standard. He just remembers doing typical kid stuff, doing typical school things, getting above average grades, etc. They were standard memories. They were the memories you would give to an extra in a book or something. A character of no great significance.

Jonathan couldn't even recall times he has gotten injured, or at least times when he didn't live in Quartz Plain Village. He found it hard to believe there wasn't a single memory he could recall where he wasn't hurt. Kids get hurt all the time. Falling off a bike and scraping your knee, tripping over your own feet and landing on your face, or something as minor as stubbing your toe. Not even a memory of random nose bleeds or being ill in bed. That's even more unlikely.

Nothing remotely distinct in his life to truly grasp.

Was that all he was, then? Was he truly some anomaly that shouldn't exist? He clearly does exist, but the rough details in his memory say otherwise. Cut and paste history…

…There was that mentioning of muscle memory from Mack. The body can be trained to react on certain impulses. From where it stands, his body obviously was trained to react to certain kinds of danger. Evidence points to his vague memories that he shouldn't have skills like this. It wasn't something you could just learn on the fly, like a spell or basic cooking.

Too much evidence stacked against his mind. He wasn't Jonathan Geno. So…who was he?

Evidence suggests amnesia, but that theory of debunked a while ago. Despite his vague memories, he had a history he could recall, for as plain and barebones as it was. Sketchy, but nothing he could've made up, right. Plus, he doesn't remember experiencing some type of head trauma. He wasn't even sure where the point between his 'amnesia' and new life collide.

Memory altering spells are a thing. Any spell that delves in hijacking the mind and rewriting or manipulating it requires extensive training, as he could imagine. One wrong move could do more harm than intended. He heard they were useful spells for those interested in studying the mind or helping those with repressed memories.

It seemed likely, but, as explained, that only brought another layer of questions, like who would cast the spell and why. And again, he couldn't recall an odd gap in his mind from his possibly manufactured 'past.' Someone would've had to orchestrate an elaborate set-up just to convince him he wasn't…whoever he was.

Could witches be involved? They've certainly become a recent trouble for Team Ravenfield. The more well-known witches of the present would be despicable enough to do something so heinous. Witches of good nature were hardly seen these days, with their craft supposedly being tainted by the much darker witches of now. There wasn't much on what the original witches were like, though their presence before the Grand Imperium Age was fairly limited. After all, magic wasn't a common presence before then.

'Every time I think of something, that darn age always comes back to mind.' Jonathan sighed to himself.

He had such an odd fascination with the Grand Imperium Age. He couldn't explain it. Perhaps that, too, was another fabricated memory.

Regardless, like the memory altering thing, it felt too elaborate for a witch ploy. Besides, something told him an evil witch's primary goal is to just alter some poor sap's memory for their own amusement.

Jonathan sighed and held his face. He was running out of explanations, though he was beginning to accept something was terribly wrong with him. He might not be the regular ol' professor he imagined his life would go. Despite that person being himself, he felt bad for whoever he originally was. He couldn't imagine having his memories erased…or was he experiencing the sensation now?

He leaned back and fell onto his back, groaning at the sky. 'Who am I? Who was I? Was I really someone else before? H-How long have I been like this?' He gritted his teeth, feeling those memories bubbling to the surface again. 'Who are all these people in my life?'

Perhaps one more sparring match for the date, then we can decide on where to have that date.

Hey bud, I was wondering if you could help me with a little something! Ever gone spelunking into a cave?

Seriously, you should get that checked out. I'm no doctor, but I'm pretty sure arms don't bend like that.

Jonathan flinched. So…from what he could gather from these vague images, he…had a lover, apparently. He…had some very odd company, from the sound of it. And…he was apparently stubborn and reckless.

…That summed up only a fraction of the questions he had.

Why did this life sound so much more exciting than his own? Mack must be right, he was cooler before.

The Scrafty closed his eyes and sighed. He heard footsteps by his side. He looked up and saw the sickle of Holly over his face. "Get up." Jonathan blinked, then allowed her to pull him to his feet. "Look, maybe it's time we talked about this. We can't know for certain you have amnesia or something of the sort."

Jonathan looked at the ground with a sad smile. "I…appreciate the concern, but there's no point in denying it." He rubbed his eyes. "From where it stands, I am not the man I think I am. I'm someone entirely different, someone who must've lost so much if he's cooped up in some village as a history professor."

Holly held her hips. "Now, that's just the grief talking."

Mack jumped in. "Though, I'll admit, I'm surprised you skipped stage two of your grief. Think you immediately went to stage four after the denial." Holly punched him in the arm. "Ow! You know, that area's starting to bruise!"

Fernando walked up and pushed Jonathan into a seat: another log chair. "Look, professor, I get you're going through some stuff right now. These are all just theories we came up with on the fly."

"And they all feel so real," the Scrafty muttered. He closed his eyes. "Your concern is appreciated, but I simply can't deny the facts laid out in front of me. Too much of my life has been omitted from what is real and fantasy." He lifted his hand and clenched his fingers. "What hell was I dragged into to deserve this fate? I don't even remember having a terrible life. These…memories of mine, the ones I have as me, were never bad. Nothing…bad. Like they were placeholders."

Holly closed her eyes. "We can't know for certain what was the cause of your apparent amnesia. Maybe it's best you didn't continue with this mission of yours."

Jonathan narrowed his eyes. "…Even if my memories aren't what they are…my actions are me." He gripped his pants. "I trekked too far to give up. I've survived bandits and shadow pawns and I'm still standing. Besides, even if my life as a professor was fabricated…was it all that bad?"

Mack raised his brow. "Professor?"

Jonathan looked at his hand. "The name Jonathan Geno has been the name I've gone by since a baby. Now…I see that they may have just been manufactured memories. It…hurts. It hurts a lot. So easy just to forget memories…to have your entire life written over in an instant." He rested his arms in his lap. "It hurts a lot…

"…I may have had a life far greater than anything I've ever done. It makes me feel like everything I've supposedly achieved was meaningless. I worked hard to become a professor for Quartz Plain Village. Who knows how much of my teaching profession wasn't just an implanted memory? Hell…if all that's true, then my teaching degree is just another fake trinket.

"I've been living a lie and I didn't know it. There's a part of myself that was taken away and I don't know why. Who…am I?" He gripped tightly on his arm. "It's a burning question that drives me insane at night…"

Fernando sat down in front of him. "You're upset that this is what your life has devolved to?"

"I should be, but…something else came out of it." Jonathan smiled at the ground. "Maybe my personality has been altered, too, but…I wouldn't say I hated teaching. There was a joy to teaching budding minds about our world's history. So much to learn from the age that changed Mysto into the state it is today. There was a lot I could teach those students.

"I had some of the brightest students. Flint and Ella truly stand out. Their grades are phenomenal. They have bright futures ahead of them, I'm certain." Jonathan sighed. "Wes, however, was an odd one. He wasn't the best student…at all. Riding on his brother's coattail was what saved him from immediate failure.

"I have talked to his other professors about him and they've noted their dislike of Wes' abrasive and unfocused behavior. He had no reason to come to school if he was just going to goof off and go on adventures. I agreed he should be focusing on classes, but…I looked at things differently.

"Wes has a strong fascination with magic. I don't think he realizes it himself just how deep that fascination lies. There's genuine intrigue in his craft. I dare say…a part of him does want to become smarter so he can succeed in classes…and his education.

"So…I helped him. I helped him study and I helped him find his footing. A slow process to be sure and this matter with the shadows has put a large gap in our progress." Jonathan smiled. "But…I don't think Wes sees the future I see for him. Not as a treasure hunter, per say, but…something he should take into consideration."

Mack sat down. "What's that?"

Jonathan waved it off. "For his ear's only, should I ever see him sometime." Jonathan narrowed his eyes. "…Maybe there's something else to gain from this library. Perhaps…finding myself will give the answers…"

Fernando narrowed his eyes. "But you said records of the living can't be accessed."

The professor sighed. "Sadly, this is true. I'm no Legendary. I wouldn't be able to access important documents on living creatures." He shook his head. "That's wishful thinking, right there."

Holly reached out and held his shoulder. "Professor, if I can offer my two bits…don't let this revelation stop you. Right now, you seem to be regaining some memories. Maybe soon, they'll come back."

"But then Jonathan Geno would be no more…"

Fernando shook his head. "Not…exactly. True, I'd imagine having two sets of memories in your head will be…strenuous. However, only the purest memories can thrive. Frankly…your old life and your new life as a professor are you in some aspects. Regardless of how things turn out, maybe you'll find your peace after all."

Jonathan sighed, but smiled a little. "Peace would be nice…"

Mack crossed his arms. "Only advice I can give you, old timer: don't make a big deal about it now. You're only going to hurt your head in the wrong run. Look at me! I don't think about anything and I turned out great!" He grinned brightly.

Holly rolled her eyes. "'Great' being a…relative term." Mack shot a deadpan glare at her. "But I see your point. This may be something you have to decide and work through yourself. We can't help you any further other than positive encouragement."

Jonathan sighed. "I really appreciate all of your support." He frowned at the ground. "It'll…take me some time to adjust…and maybe even fully accept what has been shown to me. I may not like what I see…but I have to stick to my mission." He closed his eyes. "The shadows have to be stopped. They cannot be allowed to thrive or everything will die."

Mack pounded his chest. "We've got respect for you, Professor! Mad respect! Fight the good fight! Wrestle a tree if you have to! Show the world you're tough…and crazy! No one wants to fight a crazy guy!"

Holly nodded. "It's true…"

Jonathan smiled a little. "Thank you…" Fernando patted his shoulder.

"You sure you're alright?"

"Truly, I'm not…" Jonathan sighed. "There's so many questions left unanswered. My concern now is finding them." He glared. "But eliminating the shadows comes first."

Fernando blinked, then he closed his eyes and smirked. "Heh. Even with the existential doubt, you're committed to your task. You've got guts, Geno. Foolish, but guts."

"I appreciate your kind words, Fernando." Jonathan sighed and held his head. "I need some rest." A bottle of liquor was dangled in front of his face, with Mack smirked at him.

"It'll take the edge off~!"

Holly groaned and held her face. "Don't turn him into an alcoholic…"

Regardless, it brought a smile to the Scrafty's face.

The next day had arrived, with the group reaching town and dropping Jonathan off at a store. Fernando handed him some money. "This should cover for snow gear."

Jonathan raised his hands. "I couldn't…"

Fernando pulled his hand out and dropped the bit pouch into his hand. "Well, I can. Just focus on getting yourself food and other necessities."

"Um…" Jonathan clutched the bag lightly, then sighed. "You're not taking 'no' for an answer, I presume. Very well. Thank you."

Mack grinned cheekily. "And, if you need some spare liquor for the road-!" Holly bonked him on the head. "My head is not a coconut!"

Jonathan smiled. "Our time together was short, but I appreciate all you three done for me. You've certainly cut my time to get here significantly."

Holly bowed to him. "We hope you remain safe on your travels." She narrowed her eyes in concern. "Are you sure you will be fine? You were still rather restless last night."

Jonathan looked down sadly. "Still…hard to accept what I'm going through. I just want to know who I really am." He sighed and stashed the bit pouch away. "But I can't hold you three up for any longer. You've got a tomb to find. I will be fine in the mountains, do not fret."

Holly sighed. "Alright…" She backed away.

Mack lightly punched Jonathan in the shoulder. "Stay strong out there, Professor. You got some spunk that I'd hate to see wasted. Don't get yourself killed out there."

Jonathan sweat-dropped with a nervous laugh. "You have a way with words, Mr. Crowgaze."

Mack held his hand up. "Mr. Crowgaze wasmy father. You will refer to me as 'Supreme Bounty Hunter of All of Mysto!'"

"Mack…" Holly groaned.

"I also reply to 'Mack!'" The Sudowoodo stepped away.

Fernando held his hand out to the professor. "Stay out of trouble, alright?"

Jonathan sighed with a tired smile, then shook back. "That's…the plan."

Fernando nodded, then turned away. "We've got ground to cover. Let's get moving, you two." The bounty hunters nodded and followed the hitman out of the town, giving one last wave to Jonathan.

The Scrafty waved them goodbye. Once they were out of sight, he sighed and slumped forward a bit, still feeling a bit dejected. Should he really be heading out on his own in the state he was in? The library's location was still a bitter mystery to him. Finding it out in the Snow Zone was a hopeless task for one man.

Maybe it was that inner stubbornness he was starting to develop. Something inside him clearly defied the idea of quitting. Perhaps there was an old him that sought victory above all else. A trait he could admire, admittedly.

He looked up at the store, hands tucked into his pockets. He narrowed his eyes softly, then nodded. "I'm not turning back…I won't let this stop me." He breathed out his anguish, then marched into the store.