{}=Pokemon Speaking; []=Telepathic Speaking

Yesterday was a hard fought battle with the loss of an enemy life, but our heroes press on. Decisions must be made on how to proceed as they close in on their enemies,

~x1x~

PoV: Topaz Heart

Location: Lax Falls Campsite - Great Marsh

Time: March - Day 4 - Morning

While the previous day wasn't perfect, it was comforting to have all the local wild pokemon safeguarding us. We all especially needed the rest after everything we went through, waking up a bit later so we'd be ready for whatever other battles we had to fight.

Although, my sleep didn't end up quite as peaceful as I'd hoped. Even though I was tired, it took awhile to fall asleep and I ended up waking up even later than everyone else. Even now I didn't feel quite alright, but I hoped another day of work would help put yesterday's stress behind me.

So we did our daily morning routines, ate breakfast and were currently cleaning up to head out. As we did so everyone was mingling, enjoying each other's company. No longer was everyone sticking close to who they were familiar with, there was a lot more intermingling of groups.

Sylvia was educating Holyn and Zenara on different games they should try playing. Lou, Meliae, Amethyst and Wilona were having a solemn conversation about our enemies. Clarabel, Flax, Gautier and Cenza went on a short stroll to enjoy some time at their own pace. Shizu, Donut and Rheneas were lounging, enjoying each other's silence.

As for the trainers, Violet was informing Mareeta of everyone's names and general relationships with each other. Isadora was making sure that Jade finished his entire breakfast rather than substitute it with snacks. As for Eva, she went over to the nearby river and I felt it prudent to follow so I could ask her something.

I was only a few paces behind, but when I spotted her standing by the river she had her hands pressed to her temples, each of them glowing blue. After a few seconds her body resonated before her shoulders slumped as she exhaled.

"What spell was that?"

"Huh?" She whirled around to see me walking over curiously. "Oh, Topaz, why didn't you say anything?"

"You were focusing, I didn't want to distract you from whatever spell you were casting," I explained simply.

Eva smiled awkwardly like I was mad. "Spell? Whatever do you mean?"

I raised a brow. "You can understand pokemon, you fight better than some pokemon, your pendant seems to resonate with your body and your hands were just glowing. I'm no expert on magic, but it kind of seemed like you were doing it."

She frowned. "What do you know of magic?"

I sighed, exasperated. "One of my rivals is a witch and she had no qualms about showing me. I haven't seen much of it from her, but she always seemed otherworldly. Your magic isn't like that, but it's vaguely similar."

Eva relaxed. "Nothing gets by you, hm?"

"You'd be surprised," I admitted. "I don't mean to pry, but can you tell me a bit about your magic?"

Eva folded her arms in consideration. "Well… usually I'd say no, but… it'd be unfair to not trust you." She pointed a finger at me. "I'm willing to keep this conversation between ourselves, but first I have some questions about you and your friends."

"Sure, what's up?"

"How come you can't understand pokemon one day and then suddenly the next you understand them perfectly well?" She asked.

She finally asked. Bout time.

"The three of us were gifted the ability to understand pokemon on a case by case basis. Once we mutually connect with a pokemon, then we can understand them. All three of us have gained the mutual respect of all the pokemon in our party so we can understand them all," I explained casually. "Everything else pertaining to this is confidential for the gifter's safety, but the League is privy to it. Now you?"

She sized me up and down, considering my response.

"That seems to correlate with what I've noticed… alright then. The spell I was casting allows me to understand all pokemon. I used to recast it daily, but I've gotten so adept now I only need to do so every couple days."

She placed her hands on her hips.

"I can't tell you how I learned magic or who taught me as it's also League confidential. League enemies learning how to harness magic could be unbelievably catastrophic. I can tell you that magic has existed as a method for humans to be on par or more to pokemon longer than history has recorded. Although my own instructor wasn't well versed, so I'm mostly self taught and have purchased tomes to study on the off chance they are of substance."

She opened her palm creating a small blue tornado in her hands.

"The most basic magical skill is strengthening your body, so I can withstand pokemon moves and hurt them right back. I have my translation spell and aptitude with wind magic, as well. Among other abilities, but who's counting?"

I marveled at her tornado, eyeing the mystical sparkle as she closed her palm causing it to dissipate.

"And that pendant you wear?" I asked, pointing to her blue dewdrop necklace.

"Oh this? It's a mana pendant. I suppose the simplest way to explain it is as a leppa berry for magic," she answered, holding it up. "When I wear it grants me a bit more mana energy. It was a gift from my mom and is very cute."

"Ooooh…" I stared in awe processing everything I was learning. If Jubilee had told me all this about magic instead of zany speeches, I'd have been way more interested. "Can Isadora use magic? She can understand Wilona and the others after all… could I use it?"

She rubbed her chin. "You're human so I don't see why not, magic was designed for us. Although, I think technology is more befitting for you. Your grappling hook is a marvel I could never hope to create."

I looked at my grappling hook buckled to my waist with pride as I smiled at it.

And I'm not even finished upgrading it.

"As for my mother…" Eva thought carefully before speaking again. "She can't use magic. Everything she is capable of she attained through years of hard work and surviving Helheim. Understanding Pokespeech is a symptom of the experiments she endured."

Vika and Garland are the same way, so it's safe to assume everyone who survived can understand them… what was Galactic tryna achieve? Create superhumans?

I frowned. "That's more forward than I expected. Is she okay with you telling me this?"

"You're trustworthy, Topaz. Mom respects me and I respect your intelligence. It's obvious we all can understand pokemon to a degree; we don't have to pretend it's some unbelievable skill because clearly it's not anymore. None of us even bothered with the telepathy excuse, come on now," Eva exasperated, clearly over it.

I couldn't help but smile. I'd heard ladies were supposed to be demure and quiet, yet she was bold and forward.

I really appreciate it.

"Fair fair. So we each have our own niche. Magic, technology and my third thing I can't tell you about," I joked. "I hadn't given magic much thought until now, but you actually make it look pretty cool. Are you sure you're not gatekeeping your teacher from me so I don't learn from them?"

Eva smiled back at me. "You're a complete brute."

"It adds to my character," I smirked. "I'm kidding though, while I'd love to learn a new skill, I think I'll figure out ways to make technology work for me. Like a powerless superhero."

"What are you, Crobatman?" Eva questioned.

A lightbulb went off in my head, that was actually a great idea. "Honestly, Spidops-Man was a major inspiration for my grappling hook, but now you've got me thinking that I should be leaning more into Crobatman. Aw man, the ideas are already flowing into me. I need to get to my workshop."

"Lady Shaymin, give me grace," Eva sighed goodnaturedly as she walked towards the campsite. "Anyway, now that we've divulged our deepest secrets we should head back. I still have so much more to accomplish."

"Right behind you, Steenee Girl," I saluted.

Eva whirled around to glare at me. "Why is your suffix a man while I'm only a girl!? And just so you know I am a lady above anything! Topaz, get back here! We're settling this right now!"

~x2x~

PoV: Topaz Heart

Location: Lax Falls Campsite - Great Marsh

Time: March - Day 4 - Morning

Soon after Eva and I returned we all began to converge at the mouth of the cave for today's plan. With Mareeta joining us we had honest insight into the Heterupts' operations and could proceed accordingly.

Isadora pulled out a detailed map of the area, tracing her finger along the path we'd taken until arriving at Lax Falls. She then moved until she was pointing at a large tree, the territory having over a dozen different Pokemon noted as living there. "Given our 'conversation' yesterday morning, I believe this is where the Heterupts intend on claiming as their primary base of operations." She glanced at Mareeta. "Am I right?"

Mareeta looked at the map, then put a hand over her eyes to shield them from the sun as she gazed across the treetops. Then she nodded. {Yeah, that seems about right. Kakuen's been talking about how they're going to claim a big tree, and that looks like what he's talking about.}

Isadora nodded grimly. "I thought so." She looked at us all. "That tree is much more than a particularly large oak. To the local Pokemon, it's the Brava Grandtree. A place of peace, where many Pokemon have ancestral homes and many more use it as a meeting ground, a temporary home, a place of council. The best comparison I can give is if someone were to occupy Lumiose city in Kalos. Completely removing the main crossroads of the region, and a major site for those who live there."

"Well no one can say they aren't ambitious," Jade shrugged.

Wilona looked at Mareeta. {Can you tell us about the plan they have for taking it?}

Mareeta nodded immediately. {Of course. Bloom explained the whole thing to me so I'd be ready. The plan is to take the surrounding areas, isolating the tree, before basically making a big ring around it. Then the strongest of them were going to go to the tree itself, 'forcibly evict' them from it, and claim it as their own. It relies mostly on the strength of the group rather than any major tactics.} She smiled sadly to herself. {Bloom asked me if I thought it could be improved. I told her no, even though I knew it could be. Now I'm glad I did that.}

Wilona hummed. {Indeed it could. Taking the surrounding lands would aggravate the local Pokemon, and they would not sit idly by. Kakuen may believe himself and the Heterupts stronger than any they would face here. He is very much mistaken. Centilo Cedar, a Torterra who has guarded the tree for longer than any of us have been alive, would not sit idly by. She alone would be a formidable opponent for the group, and she would not fight alone. The primary concern would be if the Heterupts intended to raze the area upon determining they cannot take it by force.} She looked at us all. {We now know they are more than willing to use such tactics.}

Amethyst sighed, looking over the map. {So round 'em up and take 'em out before they start shit there. Problem is, we dunno where they'd be retreating to.} She glanced at Mareeta. {Mind showing us?}

She looked at the map, looking up at the treeline around us and back to it several times before nodding. {I'm not used to these, sorry.} She pointed at a place where the forest and bog merged, northeast on what would form a ring around the Grandtree. {That's the first place everyone found and thought it was suitable to wait out the winter. It's become the main base, and they've been expanding from there. They call it Oozaru Bog.}

{Oozaru Bog? Please tell me the name it had before they got here was better,} Donut pleaded.

Wilona glanced at him. {It is labeled Gapejaw Bog, as it is the maw of a river divergence.} She showed how two rivers split, forming what could be taken as an open mouth. {Does that please you more?}

Donut hummed satisfied.

Mareeta traced a ring around the tree, leading to Lax Falls. It was on the far side of the ring, across from the main base. {Ursula was supposed to hold this spot, because it was the furthest from the others. I guess Calleach wasn't informed of that…} she trailed off, making sure she was getting it right before tracing a ring with two fingers in two opposite directions. {Because she's not here anymore, there's a break in the ring. They were still trying to solidify it, but without an anchor here that's definitely become harder. If we could push them back along the ring simultaneously, then we could force them back to the Bog. They wouldn't disperse from there, or they'd be giving up the foothold in this area entirely. Kakuen's too proud for that.}

She looked at us, shoulders slumping. {That… would be the plan, anyway. I don't know if we could effectively do that with our group. Pushing them back that way would require days or weeks if we were to split up, and every day that goes by means another day of people here getting hurt. Not to mention they'd ramp up counter offenses as they held less territory. Fighting harder for what they still did have. Ursula's gonna need time to recover from yesterday, but giving her that time would mean big problems for us.}

{I have a solution,} Lou spoke up, drawing attention to him. {As we learned yesterday, Ursula the Slaking is the strongest amongst our enemies and we've pushed her out. I've estimated the strengths of the other commanders as well as the rest of the pawns we've dealt with. With that, I believe we should begin requesting aid from the local populace and rallying them to our side.} He turned to the mouth of the cave. {As we agreed, Aipom?}

The main Aipom, Lotad and Sliggoo we've been talking to rushed over from their guard spots. {Yeah, I've been talking a lot with Lou and the other residents. Everyone is motivated to fight after everything you all did for us. We aren't the strongest, but we have strong friends. If we pool them all together and tell us where to go, we'll try our best.}

Zenara grinned at them. {I can't wait to see what you can do!}

Eva smiled at them. "A lot more pokemon have come to trust us. Now that so many know us, it'll be easier to reach pokemon from the territories we haven't been to and have them help us fight the Heterupts."

Clarabel frowned though. {Won't it still take some time to get them all together? And we don't know how strong they all are… isn't it a bit risky to be rushing?}

{That is why I've requested my own personal reinforcements. A moment please,} Lou appeased her as he flew out into the open.

He perched onto the ground and began flapping his wings, while making a unique clicking sound. A subtle, sparkly wind with a faint aroma began to emerge from his body. Everyone stepped a bit closer in wonder of this new action, some of them turning towards me for answers.

Donut and I knew what was going on though, but I'd yet to see him do it as a Vikavolt before. Around thirty seconds in, we all began to hear a loud buzzing sound coming from within the trees. Each second the buzz of the swarm grew louder until we could see countless eyes amongst the trees.

Finally, a swarm of various different bug types emerged from the trees from all directions. Several Heracross, Yanma and Ledian flew in from the skies, while Ariados swung in from the trees. They all landed before Lou in formation as finally a Scyther descended from the clouds rapidly before landing perfectly directly in front of Lou.

She saluted, the swarm behind her saluting right with her. {Founder General Lou, Colonel Tanya of the Sky Shredder Battalion reporting for duty sir! It's an honor to be called upon. What vile miscreants are we to dispatch, sir?}

Lou waved one of his legs as a salute. {Greetings Colonel, today our enemies of the simian group known as the Heterupts.} He turned to face us and gestured to the various wild pokemon guarding us. {These are our allies in this war. Did Brook the Masquerain brief you on the situation?}

{Affirmative. The Great Marsh's peace is under threat, and we are to liberate it and return its lands to its rightful inhabitants. We await your instruction, sir!} She looked at Lou, smiling. {It's good to see you again, Founder General.}

Lou buzzed firmly. {I see you've come far, Tanya. A promotion to Colonel and clearly earned considering how you and your soldiers mobilize. I'm proud of you all.}

All the bugs saluted him once again as my smile grew wider.

It's been way too long.

Violet saluted back to all the bugs, back ramrod straight while Amethyst floated down to Zenara. {There's more of them?!} She whispered.

Zenara nodded, grinning wide. {Loulou trained them!}

She breathed a sigh of relief, the world making sense to her once again. Mareeta, meanwhile, continued to look flabbergasted. Though she clearly recognized and felt camaraderie with how well they moved as a unit.

{I'm kind of… lost,} Sylvia meowed, looking towards her mom for answers.

Wilona looked across the battalion of bugs. {I… was aware that many bugs had rallied together to work as a unified force, primarily against avians. The specifics of it never got… this specific,} she noted.

Shizu squinted at them. {Oh them. Yeah, they are not to be fucked with. Their territory quickly became none of my business.}

Jade sighed. "I honestly forgot this was a thing, but I guess they're active again."

Gautier looked incredibly intrigued by what everyone was saying. {I was never made aware of any of this, yet. What is the story here?}

{I dunno all the details, but I think you'd like the tale,} Shizu answered.

As they talked between themselves, Donut and I ran up to greet Tanya. "I expected to see a lot of pokemon on this trip, but not the Sky Shredders. It's been awhile, huh Tanya? Last time we saw each other was back in September, right?"

She smiled back at us. {It has, General Zio. We heard you had some exploits of your own, too. Maybe after this is resolved, we could meet under more peaceful circumstances and swap stories?}

"Totally. It's been a hectic few months," I laughed. "I can understand pokemon now, by the way. It's situational, but you're good."

{It's kind of crazy to think how much has happened, but I ain't complainin',} Donut shrugged. {Glad we can count on your team to help us out at least.}

She grinned wider. {Sounds like we've got one more story to make before we exchange them, eh?}

"So… I take it this is our backup?" Isadora looked at Lou. "I won't lie, this is a new one. Would you mind elaborating?"

Lou buzzed as he took to the air again. {I'll keep it simple. These are all wild pokemon from Route 222, where I am from. More specifically, they are soldiers of the Compound Corps, an army of bug types who have been trained in combat and tactics against the greatest evil of our kind: Avians.}

The entire Sky Shredder battalion spat in disgust at the word. Amethyst once again could not believe this was happening.

{The Sky Shredders are but one of many different battalions we have curated for specific situations, in this case hunting birds. One of the Masquerain I encountered yesterday is a member of the Compound Corps, so I had her request for reinforcements to resolve this situation accordingly. There was some negotiating on the conditions of their aid, but we've come to a suitable agreement between the locals and the Compound Corps. So, as long as those conditions are not breached I expect this situation with the Heterupts to be resolved monumentally faster,} Lou finished.

Isadora raised a brow. "What are the terms?"

Aipom and Lotad looked a bit uncomfortable at the question, while Sliggoo looked totally okay with it. {They're totally fair terms. We all came together to discuss and I'm sure if the Elder was awake he'd consider it too good of a deal.}

Marjorie turned to Lou, now concerned. {Lou?}

Lou buzzed, glancing at Violet and Mareeta quickly, before facing Isadora and Marjorie. {We agreed that any Heterupts defeated by Corps members were to be taken back to our territory to be used as sustenance. Commanders notwithstanding; the local populace wishes to deal with them personally.}

"I see," I hummed, glancing towards Lou.

Mareeta did a double take, sitting with that, while Violet seemed less perturbed by this than I expected. Although several of the others seemed to be rather astonished by the tone shift. Tanya watched neutrally as the others absorbed the info, while Violet nodded slowly. "If that is the decision, I will not oppose it."

"Are you sure you shouldn't even consider it?" Jade asked, with a genuine yet stern expression. "You said you'd help them be better, but it's hard to do that when you condemn their friends to be eaten."

Eva frowned. "I thought you did not care what became of the Heterupts as long as they were defeated and ousted."

Jade crossed his arms, baffled by all of this. "I don't, which is why her acceptance doesn't make sense to me." He turned towards me. "You too, Topaz. Your partner negotiated for pokemon to be eaten and you have barely anything to say? If you both fight for all pokemon shouldn't you want everyone to survive these fights and get another chance?"

Violet looked at Jade. "I said before. My opinion is irrelevant. If the Pokemon of the Marsh feel this is justified, to oppose it would mean imposing human decisions upon them."

Amethyst sighed. {And let's not forget here, after all the shit they put the pokemon like me and the ones here through? Death is a kindness they don't deserve. At least now they'll actually be part of something worth a damn.}

"As for me," I gestured towards Lou. "There's a lot about the Compound Corps I haven't really discussed with any of you. Primarily because it's not my place and I trust Lou and his decision making. This is… a consequence of the type of fight we're in."

Gautier waddled over to Lou. {I personally find this type of agreement quite justified. It's only fair considering what the locals have been through and your group will benefit greatly from this.}

Lou buzzed at us all. {Thank you all for understanding.} He turned to Wilona and Isadora. {I know you two are the Chiefs of this operation and I overstepped, but I believe this path benefits nature the most.}

Isadora and Wilona looked at each other before looking back at Lou. {It's not how we would handle it, no,} Wilona stated, {But we always consult the local populace as to what we do if there's a problem. If this is their decision, then our duty is to uphold it, not fight it. What was it Bloom said? 'You are interfering in Pokemon affairs, and it is not your place to do so'?} A small smirk crossed her face. {I believe that statement is about to come back to bite them.}

{I hope so, good riddance,} Sliggoo agreed. {The other Aipom are spreading the word and some old Kalos friends jumped up at the chance to help when they heard the Heterupts were gonna become bug food.}

{This must be uncomfortable for you,} Flax stated flatly, straight ahead, but he was absolutely talking to Mareeta.

{Yeah, little bit,} Mareeta replied. {I never exactly got close with them, but it's… not what I expected to deal with today,} she noted, still reeling.

{That is why you must stay,} Lou insisted. {The locals have agreed to accompany us and determine which Heterupts can be taken by the Corps and which can be taken by the League. You know them best, so you can help decide where they go, Mareeta.}

She laughed nervously. {Okay, so we're still doing things I didn't expect from today, good to know.}

I frowned as I folded my arms. She likely expected better from us, the fabled Lux and Nyx. Yet now we're sentencing her former comrades to death. It's deserved punishment, they've ruined so many lives and Lou orchestrated this fairly and yet… It leaves a bad taste.

{I'm noticing you're not saying no,} Amethyst brought up. {Is it cuz we're here, or?}

Mareeta sighed, thinking for a moment before looking back at her. {No, it's not that. Tapus know how my immediate reaction was that I should be part of their next dinner, given how I helped Benedetto even if I didn't want to. I don't think this is undeserved at all, and I definitely didn't expect everyone here to go 'oh yeah let's all bring them back to a nice place and hope everything goes well'. They wouldn't go along with it even if we did do that. I just… didn't expect it to be so soon, is all.}

Holyn patted her on the back, comforting her slightly. Flax glanced at her, his gaze softening an iota before he turned away.

Lou gestured towards the Battalion. {There's much ground to cover, so I'll have the Sky Shredders split up and work with different groups of wild pokemon to maximize the amount of Heterupts that are defeated. Tanya can accompany us as a member of the main force.}

He then beckoned Gautier over to him. Surprised, he waddled over, him and Tanya looming over him.

{Colonel Tanya, this Gautier the Dottler of Jade Forrest's companionship. A bug psychic type,} Lou enunciated and immediately Tanya seemed to understand his meaning. {Gautier, do you mind establishing a telepathic link between members of the Battalion so we're constantly updated?}

Gautier seemed shocked, yet blinked enthusiastically by the request. {It would be my honor.}

{We have no bug psychics in our ranks, we're happy to have your aid,} Tanya affirmed.

{Your organization sounds quite fascinating, I'd love to hear more about it.}

{You can't have him,} Flax spoke up, Tanya looking over. {He's with us. Find your own Dottler, they're in the Galar region.}

{Understood, thank you for the intel,} Tanya replied professionally.

Lou turned to Isadora and Wilona. {The Sky Shredders are ready to be fielded at your discretion.} The Sky Shredders all saluted to confirm that.

Isadora nodded, smiling. "Now we've got some numbers to work with." She glanced over. "Mareeta, how strong would the opponents we face today be?"

She paused to consider that. {Stronger than usual. They'd be on guard, especially after yesterday. But because of Ursula, they're likely considering their next move right now. Which means if we could push them all together today, then we wouldn't have to deal with anyone stronger than… Caellach, I'd say.}

{And are there many fire types?} Wilona posed.

Mareeta pointed to areas on the map. Notably, where there was a lot more forest and a lot less marsh. {Only here. They don't like being around bog or muck. And after yesterday, there'd be less in general. They won't take disadvantageous ground.}

Mareeta has an amazing mind for tactics. Did she learn during her time with the poachers or is it natural?

Isadora and Wilona's eyes darted across the map, both clearly thinking of tactics. Wilona glanced at Sliggoo. {How many of your fellows are willing to fight?}

{All of us, even the little ones, but they're staying home. All of us Sliggoo want to show the Heterupts they can't pick on us anymore,} Sliggoo answered. {Dragalge sent someone over today to come talk to us and she's also tuning in whoever she can to join us.}

Wilona nodded, looking at Isadora. {Two squads should finish within the day, yes?}

Isadora nodded in response, looking at us all. "Then we'll blitz through their forces before they have time to prepare." She traced the two halves of the circle Mareeta had earlier. "We've gone from barely any numbers to far more than they can handle. Even if one of us gets tired, two more can take their place. So we should have two main groups. One our group, one the local Pokemon."

She looked at Tanya. "Meanwhile, the Sky Shredders should accompany both groups. Because of your maneuverability, you can keep track of the fringes of the main forces to prevent any of the Heterupts from escaping. Forcing them not to flee out, only in the direction we want them to go. Once you've determined the size of the forces to attribute there, you should split up the rest evenly amongst the two main groups."

Tanya clicked in response. {Search and destroy, then? We're more than adept at that.} She turned and immediately began calling orders, her battalion partitioning themselves without question and in perfect coordination at her command.

Amethyst glanced at the map, chuckling. {The fact our new allies are headed by a Scyther and our groups are gonna end up looking like scythes doesn't escape me.}

Wilona smiled at her. {What better tool to reap what you sow than a scythe?}

{Is that everything?} Donut asked.

Isadora nodded. "Now we act."

~x3x~

PoV: Topaz Heart

Location: Muddy Run - Great Marsh

Time: March - Day 4 - Noon

After everyone was clear on the plan, the two groups set off to take down their prospective opponents. Isadora now led us down a path called… Muddy Run. It was leading up to Oozaru Bog, so once again we were returning to the marsh of the Great Marsh. I of course was upset, but I was far from the worst off.

Clarabel found the journey troublesome as deep bog was far more dangerous for her, but whenever she became stuck Meliae simply nudged her out so they stuck close together. Otherwise, everyone dealt with it in their own ways as we pushed through.

To keep my mind off it, I walked alongside Tanya. Most of her Battalion went off to support the other group, while the rest came with us. I hadn't seen much of the bugs since before the Benedetto incident.

{The others will be pleased to speak with you now that you can understand us,} Tanya informed me. {Usually you seemed to understand our intent, but there's much we wish to ask you personally as a human general.}

"I've learned a lot these last few months, so I actually can offer some insight. But it looks like you've grown up some too over the months. You look way stronger," I noted.

As we bantered Amethyst and Violet joined us.

{I have. So many questions about Lou and his legion of army bugs, but let's start with you. How'd y'all meet?} Amethyst asked us.

{We met Tanya the summer after Lou evolved into Charjabug. We were visiting his comrades in Route 222 because he was holding a training session when they were informed about a Skarmory in the area. Lou and our other friend Clover, went to handle it themselves to find Tanya fighting for her life,} Donut explained.

{I had never considered most birds a threat until that fateful day. I gravely underestimated the dangers of avian opponents,} Tanya admitted.

{Anyway, the details get a bit… messy, but they beat Skarmory and Tanya decided to join their group,} Donut finished.

"I know her well because I helped train her on how to better combat bird pokemon with new moves," I explained. "She was a lot smaller then, but she caught on real quick and clearly has grown into her personality."

When I first met her all those years ago she was smaller than me and now she stood well above me with clear muscle definition and poise. Sometimes I think the years between Donut's evolution and meeting Cenza went by so fast, but it was good to be reminded that so much did happen. I just considered it day to day activities.

{And they've served me and my battalion well throughout all these years,} Tanya affirmed.

Amethyst held her temples, sitting on Violet's shoulder beside Cenza. {Okay. That makes sense. Please tell me that Lou taught all the army speak to them too, because me and Violet have been a lot of places and this is new.}

Tanya chuckled. {He taught us that, along with how to better care for one another. To work as a unit, not simply acting for ourselves. Some, like Clover, are innately better at it than others. But we can all learn.}

With that Amethyst looked at Lou. {Not gonna lie, I never took you as a softie.}

Lou side-eyed her. {None of that was soft; those were all rational decisions forged from years of experience.}

{He says that, but all the little bug pokemon fawn for his attention and he goes out of his way to make sure each one gets it before he has to leave,} Donut retorted.

Amethyst laughed, smiling at Lou. {I never said it was bad. Having compassion is a good thing. I'm glad to know that even though you're a hardass most of the time, there's more people than Zenara or Holyn that get you to chillax.}

{Even when Lou is hardcore he's loads of fun,} Holyn added.

Lou considered her words, buzzing positively. {I wouldn't say the Compound Corps or myself are 'chillax', but we are never without compassion. I believe that's what made all of us stronger and happier.}

{I thought you were so good with the kittens because you're used to training Zenara, but you've been taking care of people for years, huh?} Cenza marveled. {I should've expected that, I always feel safe around you. Even when you're shooting lasers.}

Violet smiled warmly at Cenza and Amethyst, then Lou. "I am glad you kept your connection with your kin." She looked at me. "And that you do not impede that."

I smiled back. "Lou's loyalty to his loved ones is one of his best traits. I could never get in the way of that."

Lou frowned. {Although, I do wish my Melemele relatives were able to rally together more efficiently, but ever since my evolution I've concocted plans to remedy that.}

Mareeta looked over. {I'd meant to ask, how did you get here? You couldn't have made so many friends in the wild if you came here with a human, and I doubt your situation was like mine at all. You've clearly got much more camaraderie than the Heterupts can even imagine.}

{I attacked the largest bird I could find which flew me all the way to Sinnoh. I was then immediately assaulted by a Staravia and realized the avian menace was present in all the world. Thus, I took it upon myself to fend off this region's birds for the sake of the local populace,} Lou replied earnestly.

{It's a tale we all aspire to embody ourselves,} Tanya affirmed. {Aiding our kind against the fowl demons wherever we can, no matter the odds.}

{Weren't you scared since you were so far from home?} Holyn asked.

Lou considered the question. {Now I see why you ask that… but I must say it has never related to me. Was it odd to learn that there are no Grubbin here and that no one knew of Melemele? Yes. But I considered that a sign from Tapu Koko that I was needed here more than anywhere. Also, I didn't have a home and I could be eaten by anything anywhere. It was a slightly more eventful day than usual, but not scary.}

{Yeah… that answer doesn't surprise me. It's very Lou,} Holyn noted, nodding his head.

I've heard this tale before and as crazy as it is, it's totally in character.

{I have a question for you, actually,} Tanya noted to Amethyst.

{Yeah? Go for it.}

{Typically, non-bug psychics tend to be on edge around us, as our energies disrupt yours. And yet you seem no more perturbed than you were when we were discussing our plan of attack. Why?}

Amethyst shrugged. {No big reason, really. You're not my opponents. If Lou was leading a battalion-} she put a paw to her head. {Arceus now you've got me saying it, anyway, if Lou was leading you all in a fight against me? I'd be more concerned. But any fear of bugs I had I got over ages ago. Part because you're just doing your thing, and part because if something does go wrong? Violet's got my back.}

{And me too!} Zenara bleated.

Amethyst smiled. {And you too. But before you, I knew Violet had me covered.}

Even though Violet didn't react all that much, I'd learned enough about her mannerisms by now to know she was near overwhelmed with joy that Amethyst trusted her that much. Tanya clicked, pleased. {I had figured anyone Founder General Lou allied himself with would know the strength of bugs, but I had to be sure.}

Amethyst waved her paw dismissively. {No worries. You've worked hard to get here and wanna make sure you're not underestimated, especially when we're gonna kick some shit in today.}

{On that train of thought,} Meliae spoke up, craning her neck down to bring her head close to me, gazing at me with one of her gargantuan eyes. {The events of yesterday were hectic, and we don't know what will happen today. In light of that, I wanted to give you something that may soothe you. In the event something happens again.}

A vine snaked out from under her helm, reaching into the bushels hanging from her neck and plucking an orange before giving it to me. My eyes widened at the gesture.

"Are you sure?" I asked, hesitantly. "Can't you only grow these like twice a year?"

She blinked. {Pardon?}

"The Pokedex says that Tropius grows special fruit that only appears twice a year," I elaborated. "Or is this a regular one?"

She tilted her head back and forth, debating internally before responding. {There's a range. Regular fruit grows quickly, and you are correct. Special fruit that can revitalize those who eat it grows only twice a year. But there is a range between those two extremes, some that are more than a regular fruit but not extraordinary. This is one that grows only every moon or so, that will help soothe you if you need it.} She smiled. {If you need one of the more potent ones, I will give it when the time comes.}

{Come on, try it,} Rheneas insisted. {You've earned it!}

I wasn't sure I earned it more than anyone else, but it was rude to decline such a heartfelt gift. I gently took the orange and peeled the surface. Meliae thankfully didn't judge me for that. Once I finished I took a large bite.

Oh my fucking gooooood.

It was the most delicious, succulent orange I had ever tasted. Whatever tiredness I had was replaced with a pleasant zing of energy. My mind? Activated. My body? Empowered. My spirit? Zesty. It took me less than a minute to gobble the whole thing down.

"That," I had to take a second to remember words. "Was one of the best things I have ever tasted. Definitely the best orange, by far. Thank you so much."

Intrigued Holyn gobbled up the crust of the orange that I wasn't interested in. {Mmmm, Meliae this is amazing!}

She grinned at us. {I'm glad you enjoyed it. Oranges deserve to be enjoyed by all.}

I nodded earnestly. "When I started this trip I don't think I've ever seen a Tropius in person and now I get to enjoy one of the best fruit I've ever tasted. I know it's not for the best reasons, but I'm so glad we came here."

{Alright, but next time we should see how that orange tastes when turned into a muffin,} Donut suggested.

She chuckled before raising her head once more, gazing over the treeline. {I don't think it would improve much.}

"Now this is a lovely scene," Eva spoke up as herself and Jade walked over to us. "But as a grass type's partner, I must advocate for the mangosteens Marjorie has cultivated in the Gracidea Garden."

"I don't mean to boast… but I think I will. While roses aren't usually edible to humans, if you add the ones Flax grows to your water it makes a wonderful cleanser," Jade boasted.

{Come on now, competition isn't necessary,} Marjorie insisted.

{It is in this instance. Even if they aren't the most tasteful, no other Roselia can compare to the roses I nurture,} Flax proposed.

Tanya chuckled at the sight, glancing at me. {You've definitely made some interesting friends, Zio.}

"I definitely attract the strange ones," I sighed, but all in good fun.

{Actually, I've also had a strange feeling since yesterday,} Marjorie said as she turned towards Mareeta. {I was born in the Lush Jungle… are all the Passimian and Oranguru a part of the Heterupts from there as well?}

Good question. These pokemon come from all over, but how many are from Alola?

Mareeta nodded sadly. {Most of us are, me and Bloom among them. I… miss it.}

Marjorie looked a bit downcast. {I'll admit… I'm a bit ashamed by how many have forsaken the Alolan way, but more so how fiends such as Benedetto accosted so many unseen.} She looked up at Mareeta, kinder now. {But when this is all over, we could arrange to send you back. I'm sure your old troop misses you.}

Mareeta paused for a moment. {I'll… I'll get back to you when this is all over. I need to see this through, first.}

Marjorie looked surprised. {Oh, that's true. Later then.}

Mareeta nodded, rubbing her eyes. {Later.}

Holyn patted her back to ease her, earning a sad smile in thanks.

Passimian don't live on Melemele, but Grandmum told me about them. Their famous levels of camaraderie, their loyalty to their friends, desire for activity and companionship. Technically, Mareeta had all of that, but by siding with us and the natives she's abandoning it all. I can't imagine how difficult this is, even if her former friend has turned evil.

Isadora looked back. "We're almost to the first encampment. We'll sprint in from here, or take a moment to prepare if everyone's not ready. We don't want to give them any more warning than absolutely necessary."

Tanya clicked in anticipation. {The Sky Shredders are ready to go.}

Jade waved a hand. "Yeah, we're set."

Mareeta sighed, reaching into the fur on her back and pulling out a weathered, sturdy stick. {Let's get this done quick.}

"Don't Passimian fight with coconuts and the like?" Eva questioned.

Mareeta grimaced. {When we have a troop, we do. I haven't had that for a long time. I make do.}

{Whatever works, let's pounce,} Shizu cheered, eager for action.

Isadora nodded, motioning forward. "Right. Move out!"

She and Wilona broke into a full sprint, and I heard some startled chittering from the clearing in front of us. Meliae leapt forward, only needing a single flap of her wings to propel her into the center of it. Her landing shook some Mankey out of the trees, which were quickly set upon by Tanya and her battalion. Barely a second passed before they moved on from a webbing cocoon.

A Simisage flanked by a couple Pansage tried to run, but before they could even get to the edge of the clearing Mareeta was on top of them. She swung in with her tail, sliding into three Pansage and knocking them off their feet. Steadying herself, she grabbed one of them out of the air and hurled them at the last Pansage. Before the Simisage could do anything, two loud cracks rung out as she connected with the back of their legs, bringing them to their knees. Mareeta elbowed their head into the dirt, grimacing at the five before she was off like a shot again.

Well hot damn. I can see why none of the other Heterupts dared to mess with her, she's leagues above them in skill and speed.

From the skies, I could see Amethyst and Lou work in tandem as she one shot any monkey that came their way while he bound them and flung them to the web he created. With Isadora and Wilona blitzing through their own group, most of our team group didn't even get a chance to fight. However, Meliae did weaken some Heterupts enough so Rheneas and Cenza could get some knockouts with Psybeam and Play Rough. Best way to get stronger is first hand experience after all.

After around maybe five minutes we rounded up every last enemy pokemon bound in either webbing or vines. Shizu was a bit upset that she didn't get as many opponents as she liked, but considering how joyful she looked in battle I think she got plenty. Once things had settled, I noticed Lou and Tanya were talking before they addressed Wilona.

{That was every enemy in this location. Now before we contact the League we commune with the inhabitants,} Lou explained. Wilona nodded as Lou ascended into the air, aiming his mandibles towards the sky. Rather than a violent beam of energy, he simply released a small green flare above the trees.

Seconds later, several Croagunk, Carnivine, Skorupi, Quagsire and more started making their way into the clearing, hesitantly looking around making sure everything was safe. They appeared cautious of Mareeta, but considering how she was on our side they didn't ask questions. Lou flew over to speak to an older Carnivine before he turned to us.

{The natives will be deciding the fates of the Heterupts in groups of three. Mareeta, if there are any in this group you can vouch for, I suggest you do so now,} he alerted her.

She walked over, looking at the ones we'd taken down. She pointed to a Pansage, then a Mankey. {These ones are only kids. They haven't been around long, and they definitely never chose this life. They just… never had anything else.}

Lou glanced back at the older Carnivine, accompanied by a Kricketune and Bibarel. All three muttered among each other before nodding as Gautier psychically moved the children away from the rest of other Heterupts.

{Hopefully they'll choose to be better after this mercy,} Gautier hoped.

{They just need better influences, like Mama or Isadora,} Sylvia cheered.

With that, the natives and Mareeta continued surveying the mostly unconscious group of Heterupts. Noticeably, the only ones Mareeta spoke for were the children, less than a year old although not all of them. Even she admitted some had already done terrible things to innocent people.

The native pokemon were quite fair, giving their reasonings for each judgment to Lou and Wilona. Neither of them objected to their answers as the Heterupts were gradually sorted out. It was a morbid affair to witness, but I remained silent. My human point of view was unnecessary here; nature was collecting its dues.

Once we were finished we were left with a couple more spared children, but the rest were sentenced away. All the natives looked more than ready to never see them again. Once finished, Tanya surveyed our stack of fallen enemies.

{More than anticipated. This single victory has already benefited the Corps exponentially,} she noted. Tanya then began clicking into the sky. Soon after, several Butterfree and a Heracross arrived, landing before Tanya in formation. She gestured towards the mound. {As per our agreement with the natives, these enemies are to be taken back to base.}

They all buzzed in response as the Butterfree began dusting Sleep Powder over the enemies. They then attached themselves to the webby pile of enemies. With all of them working together, they were able to lift off all the Heterupts into the air with the Heracross' support. Soon after, they were above the trees and heading back to Route 222.

{Aren't you worried they'll be attacked?} Clarabel asked.

{Anyone who dares attack them is who should be concerned,} Tanya assured her. {It's a long flight, but they're experienced soldiers with a duty. The task will be done.}

I noticed Mareeta and Violet both watching them fly off, Amethyst patting Violet's back while Mareeta stowed her stick back in her fur and grimaced. Zenara was watching as well, clearly somewhat overwhelmed but far from willing to stop. Cenza though stared into the sky with visible contempt before looking away.

They'll receive no sympathy from her.

Donut was also somber in his own right. Donut initially rejected Amethyst due to his belief in not ending life and yet here he stood silently by. It seemed he had come to understand what must be done at times.

Jade and his team watched the sky with grim expressions. This was a case of karmic retribution in their eyes and no sympathy was spared for our enemies. Surprisingly, Eva and her crew had a similar neutrality to the event as well. Perhaps because she and Jade grew up so closely with Helheim survivors and they've heard worse stories… or figured out their feelings on these situations well before me.

Am I overthinking the severity of our actions? No… we just all have our own ways about it.

{We won, but I don't feel like much of a hero,} Holyn muttered to me.

I rubbed his neck. "Yeah… turns out being a hero is a lot less black and white than we thought."

Meliae just glanced over, having rested peacefully while the Heterupts' fates were being determined. {It isn't about being a hero. It's about doing what's right, even if it's hard.}

Holyn absorbed her words carefully. {Okay… I'll remember that. For the next fight.}

I looked over to see Isadora just getting off her phone. "A League pick-up crew will be here shortly. The natives will handle the exchange so if everyone's ready, let's move on."

We all confirmed our preparedness as we bid our farewells to the local natives as we continued on our way. This was only the first battle of the day.

~x4x~

PoV: Jade Forrest

Location: Rosary Sanctum - Great Marsh

Time: March - Day 4 - Afternoon

How many damn monkeys do we need to take down?

The second and third battles went similarly to the first. Few Heterupts were spared and the Corps ferried away the rest. Many in our group looked either uncomfortable or unperturbed by the day's actions, but Pokemon eat each other every day. This ain't any different. Anyway, according to Gautier, the other group was making good time, so soon enough we'd have the Heterupts cornered.

As I thought about us nearing the end of all these fights, I looked at Lou and Amethyst talking amongst themselves. Clearly they'd proven themselves plenty strong to Isadora, but had my team earned that respect yet? I looked down at Flax who walked beside me.

We've been working so hard and yet barely have gotten any recognition. Just members of the main crowd. Flax and the others didn't train for months just to barely get compliments. I know it's good to save people, but some damn fanfare would be nice.

I stewed in my thoughts as we were all walking until Meliae straightened her neck, glaring into the distance. {Heterupts.}

{There's not much to see around here. Patrolling or just messing around, I'm guessing,} Mareeta assumed.

Rheneas bounced onto her head for a better look, squinting into the distance. {They're bullying some kids, we gotta move!}

That was all we needed to hear before we all ran over to where Meliae had spotted the conflict. Minutes later we arrived at a lush clearing filled with vivid flowers by a clean creak. Lilies, marigolds, carnations, orchids and more, a spectrum of colors were showcased before us. Large roots and vines littered the ground.

Isadora said there was a small flower garden around here. This must be Rosary Sanctum… it's gorgeous.

Several flowers were the size of trees, blooming above all else. A mystical, peaceful energy akin to fairy terrain coalesced the land. A charming aroma wafted through the air. The small territory didn't extend beyond a few yards, but it was a blot of color among a sea of bog. Flax audibly gasped when he saw the beauty of the land. It was the best sight we'd seen all trip.

I can't believe we nearly walked past this.

Unfortunately, the beautiful scene could not be appreciated as a Simisear accompanied by several Mankey, Pansear and Panpour surrounding a small group of pokemon, defending a tree sized peony.

A bruised and battered Chimchar and Grookey stood back to back in front of several Budew, Spewpa and Flabebe with various flowers. The leading Simisear, sneering, spat a small fireball at a Budew before Chimchar blocked it themself. Flax tensed by my feet, I could see Donut also bristling on Topaz's shoulder.

And the beauty has been tarnished.

[Look, don't blame me. You chose the hard way,] Simisear mocked. [All you had to do was come along.]

[Living with you jerks was the hard way, so no thanks, I like my friends here. Maybe learn what no means and buzz off,] Grookey cried back.

[You only want us cuz we're similar on the surface, but that's the only thing we have in common!] Chimchar declared, readying her fists. [I don't care how many of you jerks takeover, this is our land.]

Looks like Grookey was also an escapee of the poachers unrelated to the Kalosians and she found a place with the Sinnohans. Must be tedious to have to deal with them again.

A Pansear nudged Simisear, drawing their attention towards us. [Hey, nice-]

They were promptly cut off by Donut dashing past the ground and smacking him out the way his tail, sending Simisear crashing into his goons. When they tried to retaliate, Mareeta jumped in hitting them all back with her stick.

[This should be over quickly,] Gautier psychically spoke up.

I figured the same when I noticed the Budew again. It had been awhile since I'd last seen one. They were staring directly at Flax, their eyes a silent plea for help and he returned it with silent conviction. Knowing them, they're more concerned about the Sanctum than their own well-being. Flax knows the feeling all too well.

[But why not ensure it?] I suggested.

[...agreed,] Flax added, his focus centered on the opponents before him as he hid in the brush.

This victory will be definitive.

Chimchar backed up, pointing at Mareeta. [H-hey, who are you!?]

Grookey put a hand on Chimchar's shoulder. [She never did anything bad unless the humans forced her too.] She looked up at Mareeta, smiling softly.

[Hey, it's the Pikachu that saved us! He destroyed our cage,] red flower Flabebe whispered.

[...you're right! It's Donut! He's back like the others said!] Blue Flabebe cheered.

{Yup, sorry about these guys, just tying up loose ends,} Donut appeased them as he faced the Heterupts.

[This again!?] Simisear rubbed his face as he turned to Mareeta. [Ow, you bitch, where was this energy when Ursula got her ass kicked in!? I thought you didn't fight!]

{Not for you,} was all Mareeta said before she shot forward again, cracking her stick against his side before grabbing his face and slamming it into the ground. He didn't even get a chance to react.

The Panpour cronies beset Mareeta from all sides as she readied her stick, only for Donut to blitz through as a yellow blur, slashing through them all and leaving each Panpour a fried mess on the ground..

Some Pansear lifted Simisear up as Donut and Mareeta glared at him.

{Oh, now you I remember,} Donut huffed annoyed. {You're the Simisear that tried to take over Citrus Glades. Finally found pokemon small enough for you to pick on? There's nothing here but flowers, what could you want from them?}

He glared right back. [Well thanks to some people, we need some more meeps to do the menial shit! Grookey and Chimchar need to get with the program!]

[We aren't your slaves, jackass!] Chimchar shouted.

Donut gestured towards her. {You heard her.}

He glanced around at all of us, hearing the buzzing in the forest around us. He frowned, looking at the Pansear. [I can't do anything without some self righteous bastard getting in my way… but if you're not gonna let us go…] All the Pansear among them had devious grins as their hands began to ignite. [Then we'll burn the flowers and use the smoke to get outta here!]

Are you fucking- again!?

Donut and Mareeta leaped into action as Simisear and the other Pansear followed his orders, immediately taking in deep breaths as they aimed towards the flowers, including Grookey and the others whom Chimchar defended. I could hear Violet's breath hitch in shock as she reached into her bag for the fire extinguishers and everyone burst into action.

Except the problem was already resolved.

The vines reacted before we even took a step, curling around every fire types' body as it coiled around their necks, tilting their heads and their flames upwards. Poison tipped thorns followed immediately after, wrapping themselves around their quarry and injecting their toxins.

Simisear's eyes widened as he tried to ignite his hands, yet his flame wouldn't keep as the vines lifted him into the air along with every other fire type among them.

I looked down to see vines laced throughout the ground, throughout the entire flower field. Many were naturally there, but others gave the glow of a pokemon. I titled my head to see Flax walking before a speechless Donut and Mareeta, the Budew and Flabebe stared in awe. The Miracle Seed around his neck glowed an intense verdant green as Flax raised his blue rose, causing the thorns around the Heterupts to tighten.

Determination was strewn across his face as he glared up at the opponents before him, masterfully maneuvering the vines so there was no chance for escape. No one could break his focus, as he intended to do what needed to be done. I scanned our group to see visible surprise at this showcase of dominance, as I casually watched the situation unfold.

They're all about to learn how many thorns are on this rose.

[The hell are you doing, weed?! What'd you do to my fire!] Simisear shouted at him. Him and the other Pansear tried to trigger their fire, but it only made Flax squeeze harder.

Flax waved his blue rose and the vines began to converge all the Heterupts into one point. {When my thorns ensnared you I injected a toxin into your bloodstream disabling your powers for an extended period of time,} he spoke smoothly, yet his voice chilled.

[How the hell do you even know how to do that, you're a weed!]

Flax glared right at him. {It was a skill I acquired in case garbage like you decided to destroy what is fragile. These pokemon ask for only a small sector of the forest to live in peace and yet you seek to take that away from them.} The vines around him lashed the ground in anger. {I hate your kind the most.}

Flax raised his red rose and began draining the energy from all the Simisear with a mass Giga Drain. His coil on them all was far too strong for them to escape and their powers were disabled. The countless thorns needling into their bodies from all angles, absorbing their energy was enough to gradually make them all fall unconscious.

The Heterupts on the ground stared at him with fear, but a lone Panpour ran up to Flax, pulling on his arms to get him to stop. [Let them go, you win! Just let them go!]

Letting you all go is what caused this. Why allow that again?

Panpour could not budge Flax, he was too rooted in place. Yet he did acknowledge Panpour as a thorn emerged from his red rose, quickly slashing across the Panpour's chest, sending them reeling to the ground. At the sight, Wilona grimaced and Donut stepped forward.

{Flax-} Donut began before he dodged a vine lashing out at him. Flax had no interest in anything he had to say. Although, now eyeing the Heterupts' condition and our allies' growing concern, it felt prudent to act. This was enough to prove a point.

"We're done here, Flax," I shouted. Flax immediately turned towards me as I maintained a calming, stoic expression. I side-eyed everyone else. Even if others may look at him with fear, disgust or misunderstanding. They don't know why he needed to do this, but I'll placate them for now. "Let's pack it up and send them all away with the army bugs. There's no need for Rosary Sanctum to be sullied a second longer."

Yet, I noticed Violet and Amethyst had none of those three expressions drawn across their faces. Violet's was tinged with sorrow, of course, but both of them looked understanding. They hadn't stepped in to stop him, either. Isadora and Wilona seemed to share similar thoughts, but seemed very close to asking him to stop.

Topaz and Eva had more stern expressions. They finally understand Lou, Amethyst and Meliae aren't the only ones capable of overwhelming their enemies. Or maybe something else was on their mind? Lou and Tanya eyed the affair closely, observing.

Maybe now they'll stop treating him like a child and appreciate all our efforts. Meanwhile, Lou and Amethyst will finally view him as someone respectable. We're not weak, incompetent or in need of being coddled. We'll attain what we want with our tireless work ethic and ambitions for greatness.

The clarity from my words awoke Flax from his rage as the thorns on the vines receded, wrapping all the monkeys up peacefully. There were some pleas of gratitude, while others had gone completely unconscious. The remaining Heterupts on the ground were quickly wrapped up as well by Lou and Gautier with webbing, along with the Panpour Flax downed.

I jogged over to a tired Flax, extending an ether. "Quite the show, partner. Not a single flower was marred and you saved those Pokemon too. No one can say you can't solve a problem on your own now, huh?"

Flax gazed up at me before quietly accepting the ether, drinking it slowly.

He used up a lot of water and poison to make that toxin.

I pointed over to the creek nearby. "Rehydrate. We'll handle the rest."

Flax nodded as he walked over. Charmingly enough, the Budew followed after him eagerly as he waded in the water.

I stood up, looking at Chimchar, Grookey and the others. "Hey, do you mind if every Heterupt here was fed to bugs?"

Grookey shrugged. [You won't catch me complaining. Or missing them.]

[At least they'll finally go somewhere where they're wanted,] a Flabebe huffed.

[Yes, please and thank you, get rid of them!] Chimchar insisted.

I turned to Tanya. "That's three for three."

She nodded back, clicking approvingly. {The troops will appreciate this.}

On the fringes of the web ball, there was a burst of movement while Tanya called for more of the Compound Corps. A Darumaka had managed to wrench their way out of the webbing and began running, eyes wide in terror.

Amethyst soared around, floating an inch away from them. {Nuh-uh, go on back. No peaceful ending for you.}

They nearly tripped over themselves, turning to get away from her, only to find Tanya looming over them, an Ariados and Heracross on either side of her. {You're not hard to catch, little chump.}

They began looking from side to side frantically, their breathing increasing in rate. Amethyst looked closer, rolling her eyes. {Hey Flax, Cenza, isn't this the same one that tried to take advantage of Violet's mercy?}

{It is! He would've punched her in the face if I hadn't blocked him!} Cenza shouted. Flax looked over, but the Budew seemed to have most of his attention.

Another reunion. Joy.

Holyn looked at the Darumaka's panicking before stepping forward. {I know being a hero sometimes means you have to do bad things, but this is too much. We don't need to bully someone so terrified or we're no better!}

{Ugh!} Shizu groaned, glaring at Holyn. {How many times do ya need to see the same bastard do the same evil shit before you finally put them down? This ain't any different than the previous fights, except they don't know when to quit! They don't get to be comfortable.}

Holyn stood firm though. {Then let's just wrap him up and go, you don't need to hurt or scare him anymore! That isn't right Shizu, we've won already!}

Frankly it's a miracle he's still standing.

{Fine then,} Gautier sighed as he turned to Tanya. {You can wrap him up and eat him.}

The Darumaka's eyes shrank to pinpricks, darting around in all directions in a horrified panic before suddenly collapsing. He curled into a ball, face in the dirt, and even though I couldn't hear anything? Clearly Amethyst could, as there was the muted [Don't eat me, please don't eat me,] repeating over and over.

Amethyst floated down, prodding him. He didn't react. She looked at Tanya. {Actually, this one doesn't need to get eaten.}

Meliae looked down, surprised. {You would show mercy to one who assaulted your sister?}

{He literally can't do anything right now, watch.} She floated directly in front of him. {Tanya and the Compound Corps aren't going to cart you off and eat you.}

There was still no change at all. She looked back at Meliae. {Short answer, he broke. Probably fairly young, but had enough of Benjy's venom in his brain that anything short of…} she gestured back. {Well, that wouldn't get it out.}

She glanced at Gautier. {You can check his brain if you want confirmation, just. Be ready for a mess.}

Gautier's body blinked. {Darumaka is in complete shock. His mind could not accept reality and has shut down as prey would to a predator. I've never scanned someone so… defeated…} He ceased blinking. {Holyn and Amethyst are right, this one can go. While I found that display of thorny punishment quite exhilarating to witness, as a professional we must showcase a level of decorum above our enemies. Darumaka is not a good person nor has he committed good deeds, but he is a survivor and we broke him. Lou once shot me for even probing Topaz's brain, so I believe we should show some restraint here as well.}

{You gettin' soft on me, Gautier?} Shizu questioned. {But whatever, do what ya want.}

Holyn's expression lightened. {I told you guys! Now Darumaka can get help and live a good life!}

Zenara nodded at him. {Yeah! I think?} She looked at me and Violet. {I don't know, what does any of this mean?}

Violet knelt down, rubbing her head gently. "It means the fight is over, and now we deal with the aftermath."

"The more serious the cause, the more difficult decisions we have to make. It's confusing now, but once you grow up you'll start being able to make sense of them a bit more," Topaz advised her.

Zenara nodded. {That makes sense. I can do that.}

{Can we spare the Panpour that tried to stop Flax?} Holyn suggested, earning an eyeroll from Flax. {He helped Simisear, but he was the only one who spoke up for his friends. I haven't really seen any other Heterupt do that.}

{Mmm… I suppose it was selfless. That's good enough for me,} Gautier confirmed.

Lou eyed everyone awaiting further objections. {It's settled then. Darumaka and Panpour will be spared and the Corps will take the rest.}

I looked over to see Topaz standing beside Holyn, with a deeply thoughtful expression as he rubbed his pokemon's neck. He's the one who wanted to get to know my team better and this is who we are. We don't blindly advocate for our enemies unless given sufficient reason. If he can't accept that… then what's the point?

Eva and Isadora's reactions didn't particularly interest me and frankly I didn't feel like getting admonished for my pokemon's actions when Lou can fly off and do whatever the hell he wants. I made my way over to the injured pokemon, Flax, his Budew posse and the rest of my team coming along.

I knelt down before them. "We're gonna be heading out too, so the Sanctum will be clear before long," I explained, taking out some potions. "You don't look too hurt, but I've got some healing items."

Grookey looked up at me, grabbing one. [Don't you drink these to have it work better?]

I sprayed one on Chimchar's arms to prove otherwise. The restorative effects immediately made themselves clear. She looked at her arms, noting how they already felt better. [What do humans put in this stuff?]

"Whatever works I guess," I shrugged.

A yellow Flabebe floated up to me. [You're not Lux or Nyx, right?]

"I'm Jade, and this is Flax," I gestured towards him. He stared at them all, nodding slowly as a greeting.

Grookey smiled at him. [Thanks for demolishing them, if I never see them again it'll be too soon. They deserved every ounce of venom you filled them with, that was great.]

{...you don't think I went too far?} Flax questioned.

Grookey snorted, shaking her head. [As if. After what those monsters put us through, and what they were trying to make me do before Lux and Nyx came and wrecked house? I wouldn't mind if you went and did that again, just to prove a point.] She sighed. [But I guess heroes gotta not go too far.]

[You protected our little sanctuary, even though it's not a major territory. You protected the flowers,] Chimchar insisted.

Flax shook his head. {No. You all nurtured and protected these flowers. I defeated the Heterupts out of respect for this land…} he looked around, smiling softly at them. {It's very beautiful here. I think… I'd like to lay my roots in a place like this one day.}

Grookey smiled back at him. [I hope you get to.]

{We wanna be like you when we grow up!} One of the Budew cheered, noticeably without the psychic inflection of telepathy.

{Your roses are so vivid, we've never seen any so bright before!} Another spoke up.

{You make the Roserade around here look like new buds and you smell so wonderful! Do you have your own garden?} Another questioned.

Flax's face lit up as he gestured towards me. {Yes, yes we do. I tend one with Jade and our mentor taught us how to care for it. It's my favorite place in the world and before we left I planted teal and indigo hybrid roses. Jade, we have spare seeds, right?}

"Always on hand," I said, pulling out some seed packets along with some fertilizer. "Along with a bit extra."

{I wish I could plant roses here all day, but I must fulfill my duty,} Flax stated sadly. {Would you please plant these seeds for me? Jade and I cultivated them together.}

Grookey took the packets from me, holding them gently. [Sure, but on one condition.]

{Hm?}

{You gotta come back and see them when they've grown. Okay?} Grookey stated with a grin.

Flax looked delighted, a rare sight. {We will!}

The Flabebe crowded together. {Your love for flowers brings us great joy. We'd love to visit your garden one day.}

{It's a wondrous garden, the ideal meditation location,} Gautier praised it.

{Make sure you get stronger, so that no one would dare set fire to these flowers,} Shizu advised Chimchar.

Chimchar saluted her. {I swear it, I will!}

Shizu smiled as Donut scampered up to us. He seemed hesitant to interrupt, but continued anyway. {We're all set to leave. You guys good to go?}

I quickly sprayed Grookey with one last dose of potion as I got up. "Yeah, I'm set."

Chimchar turned towards Donut. {You… you're of warrior spirit like me, aren't you?}

Donut looked confused. {Oh you mean I'm a fighter? Technically no, that's my dad. I'm just a plain ole Pikachu.}

Chimchar pounded her chest. {Nah, I feel a kinship with you. I respect you as a Pikachu, but you're an honorary Chimchar to me. Thank you.}

{A pleasure,} he smiled.

{Be safe and win, Flax!} The Budew cheered.

{We're rooting for you!} Another went.

Grookey extended her stick to Flax. {Show them all what you can do… Thorn. Make sure Heterupts feel your sting.}

Flax rejoiced at the sound of his honorary name as he extended his red rose, shaking the stick gently. {Until the last petal falls.}

~x5x~

PoV: Topaz Heart

Location: Oozaru Bog Campsite - Great Marsh

Time: March - Day 4 - Late Afternoon

After liberating Rosary Sanctum, Flax was unusually cheery for the rest of the day, talking to his team about all the new roses he intends to cultivate when he gets back home. Frankly, it was nice to see him openly express his joy rather than stewing silently from a distance. Gautier and Shizu obliged him openly, leaving Jade looking quite satisfied as a trainer.

While it was clear that Isadora and Wilona didn't openly approve of such extreme measures, he didn't go all the way and Meliae had already gone farther earlier. It would've been hypocritical to admonish him and I think they could tell making friends was rare for him. Why sour that happiness when he's been working so hard and everyone was stressed out?

As for me, I knew Flax was strong, he beat Buck's Claydol and that meant something, but I wasn't actually aware of the depth of his abilities. The power neutralizing toxins he can produce were a new one and the fact he could administer so much to so many pokemon was incredible. I asked Jade about what else he could do, but he kept their secrets close.

If I had to wager a guess though, it likely wasn't something he could produce often and something he saved for moments like this. I doubt it'd be ready again in such a large dose for quite some time. Either way, if he was gunning for Lou's respect, he earned it. They didn't exchange words, but the way he looked at him and Jade was… better.

That aside, after a bit more fighting, we were informed by scouting wild pokemon that every Heterupt outside of their base had been captured. Those who heard of our assault retreated to the base to regroup with the leaders, but they weren't evacuating. Kakuen had to know we were coming for them and there was no escape; tomorrow we face them all.

For now, we grouped up with some allied wild pokemon who led us to a secure camping spot for the night, offering to watch over us for the night. This was likely to be our last night before the final fight, so we all took the time to relax and prepare ourselves.

"How is everyone doing after that?" Isadora broke the silence. "The fights individually may have been nominal, but there were a lot. Are you all ready for tomorrow?"

I looked into my bag, frowning. "Mmmm… well I'm actually getting a bit low on potions and ethers," I admitted.

I had bought what I thought was enough in case for emergencies, but since the Heterupts keep hurting the natives I'd used most of them up already. My ethers and elixirs were low too, spent on recouping my team's energy after fights as well.

{We're not doing too bad,} Amethyst noted, taking stock of Violet's bag, {But if we're gonna be fighting fighting tomorrow, and divvying up what we've got to make sure everyone's got a bag of tricks? That's gonna be a tight budget.}

"Unfortunately, the amount of injured pokemon has drained most of my supplies," Eva added.

"I've been able to conserve most of my stock, but having a bit more for the final battle would be nice," Jade shrugged.

"Sounds like you guys could use some supplies. I think we can provide," A familiar voice from in the trees spoke up.

We all looked over to see Lyle and Alkali drop down from the branches, standing back to back and grinning. Wilona chuckled to herself while Isadora waved. "You two always know how to make an entrance, don't you?"

An entrance in the middle of nowhere, like hello?

Jade and his team immediately cringed. "Seriously!? Even in the middle of a swamp they found us?"

Jade knows them?

Alkali laughed while Lyle walked over, giving Isadora and Wilona a two fingered salute. "Good to see this whole mess is something that can be solved." He playfully nudged Eva's shoulder, going to scratch under Sylvia's chin. "You holding up aight, cousin?"

Eva fixed a stray hair. "It's not been the easiest time, but we're all fighting fit, so I suppose I'm holding up well enough."

His grin widened. "Attagirl."

Alkali went to say hello to Wilona and Clarabel, Lyle turning to myself, Violet, Jade and our teams, spreading his arms dramatically. "And lookie here! Pops' and mine protege, my favorite customer and the boy scout. How're you all doing?"

Jade frowned, but Violet couldn't help but smirk a bit, raising a hand in greeting. "Hello, Lyle, Alkali."

{It's been a bit, but you couldn'tve picked a better time to drop outta nowhere,} Amethyst added.

"So it sounds like," he affirmed before looking at me and Holyn. "How's that TM been, bud? Holding up like I said?"

Holyn ran up to him happily, mouth exhaling frost. {It's been super helpful! I mastered it and used it to save a burning forest!}

Lyle grinned, rubbing his head affectionately. "That's awesome. I'm proud of you, little bud."

[It's good to see you making use of it outside of just fights. Dealing with the cold okay?] Alkali asked.

{I mastered the cold thanks to Topaz and Lou's training!} He declared proudly.

I chuckled. "He ate so much snow you'd think he was a Snorunt until he got the move down."

"Why the hell are you both so chill with these two?" Jade turned around asking me and Violet. "And how do you both know them?"

"I was gonna ask how you know them, actually," I explained. "Anyway, I bought an Ice Beam TM from them at the Oreburgh Mining Expo. I met a lot of helpful people there, including Holyn, Mr. Julius and Steven Stone. I'll have to go back next year."

"You never mentioned meeting a champion," Jade accentuated.

"He's very cool, but I live with a gym leader and we've known a champion for ages so…" I shrugged.

Alkali glanced at Amethyst. [You wanna start?]

Amethyst nodded, smiling wide at the rest of us. {So as you all know, me and Violet have been on the road for ages. Lyle and Alkali go around with heaps of stuff in weird, hard to get to places to help. Only makes sense we'd run into each other, especially with Violet needing tech.}

Lyle nodded, crossing his arms, closing his eyes and smiling bright. "Y'all already know I like to make an entrance, especially on first meetings. Some people get it off the bat and run with it, others don't and're more wary." He jabbed a thumb at Jade. "Throwing a balloon at me gets you points, but I can't give out too many. You're a novice at balloon hucking, there's an art to it."

Jade's mood continued to sour as he pointed to me next. "I doubt you really trusted that TM even after getting it for a while, but hey, not everyone is on board. That's chill, and it's kept you and your buddies chilly."

His smile grew wider as he nodded to Violet. "I've had people send their teams after me, or get defensive like Jade over there. This crazy girl went to stab me on reaction. Good times, good times," he said wistfully, looking up at the sky.

"It was deserved," was all Violet said, though she was still smirking.

"Oh it totally was, and that's why she's my favorite customer!"

"I'm quite fond of you Lyle, but your antics are why I cannot fathom you and do my utmost to not," Eva admitted.

Jade folded his arms, considering something illegal most likely. "Stabbing on sight though… I gotta give you props on that one, Violet."

Alkali snorted as it turned into a snicker. [Yup, just like a mini Lyle.]

I looked at Lyle and Jade, comparing them physically. Jade hadn't been smirking as much lately, but as I remembered, Lyle smirked the exact same, devious way.

I knew I wasn't losing it, they do look similar.

Violet just shrugged. "He was approaching me, not Amethyst. It was only right for me to respond rather than her."

Zenara looked up at her. {So… good guys?}

Violet nodded. Zenara lit up, clearly glad to have something simple after the past few days of chaos and hard decisions as she ran up to the two. {You two are really cool! Do you really have tons of stuff, with capsules and stuff?}

Lyle shook his sleeve, producing several capsules held between his fingers like playing cards. "Whatever you need, I can provide it." He glanced back at Isadora and Wilona. "Up to, including, and beyond battle supplies."

Isadora nodded. "I take it this follows your usual payment method?"

"You know it!" He turned to all of us. "Price varies by item, but for a cause like running some rowdy monkeys outta town? Whatever you need is on the house, you just gotta tell me the details when it's over. This promises to be an interesting story."

"On the house, huh?" And immediately Jade's iconic smirk returned.

Eva slapped his back, taking him out of his fantasies. "As if he'd let you rob him of everything he's got. Pick and choose what you need, please."

Alkali waved her off. [Don't worry, we'll keep him honest. If he tries something, it'll be fun out-thieving him.]

They're having the time of their lives, huh? They're still very unhinged, but this kind of weirdness is fun sometimes.

{Unrelated, but do you have donuts?} Donut inquired.

Lyle snickered before breaking out into laughter, pulling out a capsule that poofed into a box of donuts. "What flavor you lookin' for?"

{Every flavor; thank you,} Donut said as he took the box and scampered into a corner of the campsite to feast.

I turned to them as they watched Donut devour them. "He finished his donut rations yesterday."

Lyle put a hand on my shoulder, giving me a thumbs up with the other one along with his huge grin. "Yeah, everyone here's a little on edge. And there's shit tomorrow. But tonight? Tonight's just preparing, hanging around a campfire with friends, and getting your heads in the right space. It's hard, but what isn't when you're starting out? And we're here to lend a helping hand." He stepped back, putting his hands on his hips. "Right, who needs what?"

With that we all took turns restocking on everything we thought we needed for the final battle. Lyle and Alkali's easygoing nature and well stocked stores put a smile on our faces as we took our time to replenish our items. After I finished getting what I needed, I began reorganizing my bag when Tanya hovered over.

{You've made some interesting friends, huh?}

"It's the perks of traveling all over," I smiled. "Meeting new people, helping them or helping me. I never would've made so many close friends if I just stayed in Sunyshore or Route 222 all the time. It's why I taught Lou how important networking and negotiating is."

She clicked in approval. {We've both come a long way from where we started.} She put her blades together in thought. {Shame we didn't find the right spot today, though.}

{You had somewhere in mind, Colonel?} Lou questioned, hovering by me.

Tanya turned to him, her wings humming. {Yes, Founder General, sir. I've been searching for an evolution method for some time. Metal Coats are common among humans, but they're not what I'm looking for. I'm sure you understand the sentiment, sir.}

He buzzed understandingly. {Yes, while all my fellow founders evolved to their pinnacles I remained a Charjabug till the time was right and it has benefitted my current body more than I ever imagined.}

"So you want to become something besides a Scizor?" I questioned. "Is there another Scyther evolution? I know there's Mega Scizor, but otherwise…"

She buzzed in frustration. {There has to be. Becoming a Scizor would weigh me down too much to properly lead the Sky Shredders. If it was my only option, I would make do. But I can feel there's more. The problem is, searching would be so much easier if I knew what I was looking for.}

I looked down in my bag deep in thought, recalling what I know of the Scyther line from the Pokedex and what I studied under Professor Rowan. I know in the wild, Scyther would fly to mountains or caves in search of open metal deposits in order to evolve if the conditions are too harsh for their bodies. That's why Scyther and Scizor are comparably the same strength, a unique trait that no pokemon I know of seems to share. They evolve to tread new ground or survive harsher living conditions, in exchange for the mobility to escape problems.

I looked up at Tanya, frustrated with her circumstances as I looked down at my bag.

Professor Rowan does encourage experimentation.

"Scyther typically search rocks to find metal they need to evolve, right?" I questioned. "It's one of your lesser discussed skills."

She nodded. {We search far and wide for the right deposits.}

I smiled, as I began unloading my mineral capsule before her. "I go into the Underground all the time and find loads of different rocks. I haven't inspected them all completely, but maybe one of them has something only you can discern the true value of?"

{Perhaps… Thank you, General Zio.}

She stayed quiet, eyes following my hands as I sifted through the stones and gems in my collection. Her eyes were focused as I went, until she suddenly perked up and scanned the pile before placing one of her scythes on a specific pile. {In there. It rings differently than the others.}

I spread out the pile more so she could see each stone individually. She scanned it, quickly zeroing in on the black stone I'd found the day before. {That's the one. I've never seen it before today, but that has to be it.}

I picked it up, examining it. "Oh, I found this yesterday on Aurgurite Road. Donut cut it out for me," I said whimsically, admiring the sheen before extending it to Tanya. "If it's the one you need, then take it."

She looked at me, eyes wide. {You're certain?}

I smiled up at her, her fascination charming me. "Tanya, it's cool; I only picked it up cuz I had a good feeling about it. Maybe this is why. So take it for your battalion."

She nodded slowly, gently taking it with her scythes. The stone glistened in the sunset light, its sheen reflected in Tanya's eyes. Mine and Lou's eyes widened as her body began to glow, drawing the attention of the whole campsite.

A reaction already!? Is she evolving?

A white light shone from behind her eyes, dust kicking up as black winds began to spiral around her. The light shone out in thin beams amidst the whirlwind, like what had happened with the Sliggoo from earlier. Small bolts of lightning crackled in the winds, before we saw her eyes gleam brightly through once more.

In a powerful gust of wind, the whirlwind was dispelled. Tanya stood before us, but she was no Scizor. Her body was now covered in tan stone, ebon black spikes forming a ring on her shoulders. Her face was framed almost like a helmet with the same black stone, and her scythes had transformed into razor sharp axes of the same. Two tan triangles of stone rose up and away from her back, two large, transparent wings in the shape of spires of rock buzzing as she took to the air, testing them out before landing once more.

I stood up to regale her full appearance to find she had grown over a foot in height, towering above me. Members of her battalion rushed beside her while Lou buzzed approvingly.

That whirlwind of evolution… I've only ever seen those Goomy undergo that change. Why are their evolutions so unique? And what even is she now, this can't be a variant of Scizor.

{Colonel Tanya,} Lou spoke up, flying up to her. {How does it feel?}

She took a deep breath, exhaling as the black stone on her jaw moved as mandibles before looking at him. {It is everything I had hoped for and more, Founder General Lou.} She looked at me, inclining her head. {Thank you, General Zio. It seems your ability to help our kind with evolution extends beyond the Founder General.}

I looked up at her in awe before I finally found the words to speak. "You look… incredible, Tanya! This is… wow! I'm honored to have helped."

Professor Rowan did say his ancestor had records of evolution methods lost to time. Is this one of them?

Lou gazed around us. {It is only fit if you reintroduce yourself. Let everyone know your true name and title.}

She nodded in affirmation, turning to face everyone and standing at attention. Her battalion all got in formation, saluting in their own ways. I saw Violet doing the same. {Colonel Kleavor Tanya, reporting for duty as the captain of the Sky Shredders. The birds won't know what hit 'em.}

Lou and I saluted her back. "And hit hard, you shall.."

{May you cut down the enemies of the Compound Corps with ebon stone and unyielding might, Colonel Kleavor Tanya,} Lou declared.

Tanya clicked her stone mandibles in fervent excitement. {I relish the coming battle. A test, captaining the Sky Shredders against a coordinated foe before our battle with fowl avians resumes.}

{We must break in that new body,} Lou suggested. {Sky Shredders, with me!}

Lou declared as he flew to another clearing, the Sky Shredders following eagerly behind.

I covered my face as the gusts of wind blew past me as Eva walked next to me. "So these types of events truly do just walk up to you and start happening, huh?"

"Sometimes they invade my dreams and start speaking to me."
"Excuse me!?"

Lyle chose that moment to walk up and clap me on the back. "It's official, you're my second favorite customer! That was awesome!"

"Professor Rowan is going to go crazy when he sees the data you're collecting," Jade sighed.

I pulled out my Pokedex, smirking mischievously. "That's why I haven't sent him my full report yet. There's still so much more to learn."

{After such a trying day, it's good to end it in such high spirits,} Marjorie smiled. {Our morale is as high as the Sky Shredders.}

Violet was grinning, watching Lou lead Tanya and the Sky Shredders through the air. Amethyst had a smirk on her face. {Guess there's someone else who'll be in the flying training, huh? Someone else to help Lou out.}

{Another rock type friend! I hope she lets me teach her Rock Slide,} Holyn cheered.

Gautier looked up at them with envious fervor. {One day… one day I'll join them.}

Zenara sat next to him, smiling brightly up at the swarm. {Both of us will!}

{Not as badass as my evolution, but that's prolly for the best. She rocks the new look,} Shizu noted.

Mareeta looked up silently alongside Meliae and Rheneas, watching the sky battle at peace.

Clarabel looked at ease. {Fighting isn't so bad when everyone has gotten so much stronger.}

{And we've only got one more fight left! Let's make sure we show off like everyone else has, okay? We've got loads of other skills we haven't used yet!} Sylvia cheered on her friend who nodded nervously.

Wilona sidled up next to them both. {I have faith in all of us. The deck continues to stack in our favor.}

Isadora sat next to her, an arm around Eva. "That goes to show everyone blooms given time, right dear?"

Eva leaned closer to her. "And tomorrow will be my team's time, I swear it."

We all looked up into the sky to see Lou and Tanya clash brilliantly, railgun mandible versus obsidian axe arms. Even after everything we were full of life and vigor, and the determination to save lives.

We're coming for you, Kakuen. The last trace of Benedetto's group will be erased tomorrow.

Group

Gym Trainer: Topaz Heart

Brothers in Arms: Lou (Vikavolt), Donut (Pikachu), Holyn (Cranidos).

Deck: Fool, Devil, Strength, Hermit, Fortune, Hierophant.

x

Human Companion: Violet

Pokemon Family: Amethyst (MeowsticF), Zenara (Mareep), Cenza (Dedenne).

x

Blooming Celebrity: Jade Forrest

Co-Stars: Flax (Roselia), Shizu (Houndoom), Gautier (Dottler).

X

Aspiring Lady: Evangeline 'Eva' Morebucks

Ladies of Grace: Marjorie (Steenee), Sylvia (Delcatty), Clarabel (Lairon).

X

Mistresses of Grace: Isadora Morebucks & Wilona the Persian

X

Allies: Meliae (Tropius), Rheneas (Spoink), Mareeta (Passimian), Tanya (Kleavor), Lyle and Alkali the Toxicroak, Great Marsh Natives.