As we continue on, the forest definitely becomes more 'frosty.' A fine powder of snow is scattered along the ground, with more falling gently overhead. I'm grateful for the fur, especially the thick scarf around my neck. As we continue along, I steal a glimpse at Serperior, who's not looking too well.

Skitty notices too, "Hang on in there grass-type, look, there's some cabins just ahead." Sure enough, a few start coming into view. I don't see any lights on inside, but Skitty decides to run ahead and check if they're empty for herself. She comes back to inform us there's no sign of life. It's perfect.

"There's some more secluded ones further in, what do you think, can we make it?" She asks. Noibat and I are fine, and Serperior nods in response, but as we proceed, he starts looking worse for wear. "If it's too cold…I could always put you in your pokeball, just until we get there," I assure him. He shakes his head vigorously "N-n-no…no I'll be alright," he affirms unconvincingly. Even here…so stubborn, I think with a small smile.

As we leave the first cabins behind, a few more appear on the horizon. Skitty goes ahead again, scouting, and again, nothing. "This one looks in good condition, c'mon!" She calls from across a clearing. As we approach, I see the small, wooden cabin would be charming if it wasn't so run-down. 'Good condition' might be a bit of a stretch, but she's right, it at least looks in better shape compared to the others. I wonder when was the last time someone stayed there? I guess Skitty was right—attempting the mountain isn't most pokemon's idea of a fun day out.

Crossing the threshold, I'm almost convinced it's colder inside.

"Look, a fireplace!" Noibat notices, "and some matches!" As he struggles to start a fire, tossing matches aside when they fail to light, I consider the interior. Other than the brick fireplace, most of the cabin appears to be made of wood. Ratty furniture is scattered throughout, each adorned with a throw or blanket. Doorways lead out of the main room; I go find a kitchen/dining area and a couple of bedrooms. Mercifully, no one is hidden in there either.

When I come back the three of them are huddled together under a blanket.

"C'mon Gwen, I think we can make some room," Skitty beckons, shifting to the side. Despite the crackling fire, it's still quite cold. I wedge myself between Skitty and Noibat, feeling a little warmer already.

"So…how are we going to do this? Rotom and Dragalge, I mean," Noibat eventually asks, breaking the silence. "…I'm thinking if they see Skitty and I again…well…let's just say they won't be too happy," I say. I don't think I'd be happy to see us either, if I were them. "Maybe…maybe if I release them and bring them up to speed?" Serperior suggests. That…could work. The only problem I have is if they're still in attack mode, what would happen if, in their panic, they attack him and flee?

I suppose we'll be close by in case things get ugly. And we'll still have their pokeballs if all else fails.

"Ok," I nod, "sounds like a plan, and when they're feeling calm and relaxed…when they know who's who…then we'll come see them." I'm nervous just thinking about it. I know they're my team, but…I don't know. Serperior claims I'm 'still 100% Gwen,' but will the others see it that way? Will they be disappointed by what I've lost?

…I know I am.

But it won't help to dwell on that for now; what I do have right now are a handful of old memories, three excellent teammates, and, assuming all goes well, two more joining our party tomorrow.

We sit in silence. I assume everyone's lost in their own thoughts—I wonder what about? About tomorrow? Or dealing with Dr. Laurel? I wonder how Dragalge and Rotom will feel about our plan…will they agree that saving this world is worth sacrificing our ability to go home? The fire's finally starting to warm the cabin, and Serperior's no longer cold to the touch. As we sit there, bundled in the blanket, I feel my eyelids grow heavy and my thoughts blur into one another.

I don't remember falling asleep, but I must have at some point, because as my eyes flutter open, I see daylight.

Today's the day. Meeting the rest of my old team.

I feel like I'm going to throw up.

I was nervous enough meeting Serperior on the suspicion that our pasts were related, but knowing Rotom and Dragalge were my team, and that I betrayed their trust in their capture, even if they didn't know it was me…and I didn't know who they were…

Well, it's making my head spin.

The others start shifting beside me and slowly wake up. In the light, I can see the cabin is dingier than I realized, but at least it's warmer with the shining sun.

I collect my bag as the others get ready to go outside. There's a clearing by the cabin, where Serperior is to release the others while Skitty, Noibat and I watch from the distance, hidden amongst the trees.

The three of us get in position, Skitty and I behind a tree, Noibat in the branches overhead. I indicate to Serperior that we're ready. He nods, then, holding one ball out in front of him in each hand, presses the central buttons to release Dragalge and Rotom.

So that's how you get them out when they're not being incredibly, mind-bendingly stubborn.

Their forms materialize in the clearing, then a lot of things happen at once. They're both yelling, charge in the direction of their pokeballs, stopping suddenly when they see who released them. They charge forward again, this time to embrace. Serperior is knocked to the ground as they're laughing and crying. It's touching…seeing this team—my team—finally reunited. I long to go over there, but I know they'd still see me as an enemy.

I hear them frantically telling him about a skitty and zorua who caught them, the disbelief that they'd both been caught by the same party, one that had Gwen's pokeballs at that, asking if he'd seen Gwen, where they were, and what the heck is going on. They're talking over each other as Serperior tries to answer, with little success. I'm listening intently, but only catching snippets of the conversation; I lean forward to hear better.

A twig snaps underfoot.

Quick as a flash, Dragalge and Rotom are here, glaring down at Skitty and I.

"You!" Rotom yells, "Serperior! This is them! Get over here!" "Wait!" "Stop!" Skitty and I cry at the same time as they wind up to attack.

Until the wind is knocked out of them by a Leaf Blade. They turn to Serperior, furious. "Why are you protecting them?" Dragalge spits, "they stole from Gwen! Probably hurt her!" "I was trying to tell you! This-" he points at me, "is Gwen!"

They exchange a glance, expressions softening, then look back to him. "Oh dear…" Dragalge says, considering him closely, "I think you must have hit your head…you seem a little…confused, yes?" "No! I thought it was just a random zorua, especially when she captured me," "She got you too!? How did you escape?" Rotom interrupts, "-but it is Gwen, truly! She was transformed…and lost most of her memories!" Serperior finishes. Rotom jolts forward, "so she claims to be Gwen but has no way to prove it? How convenient! Don't believe this…this…imposter's lies! She's tricking you!" she says, zipping back to Serperior.

Ah, right, he had wanted proof, something to verify it was really me, I should've figured the others wouldn't be happy just taking my—or his—word for it.

Trouble is, so far I haven't had any memories with them.

Come on Gwen, think, think!

They're arguing in the background, itching to attack. Serperior's physically restraining them now, but they're fighting hard to escape.

The only thing I can remember about them are the few random facts about their attack patterns that came to me during our past encounters, but I get the feeling it won't be good enough. There must be something valuable, anything! Come on…

~it was a relief they got on so well~

Oh thank goodness

~Snivy was such a proper little pokemon—he always liked to be clean, was very particular about his surroundings, and at times I suspected he could be quite judgmental. Rotom, on the other hand, was a scoundrel. She loved playing pranks; always getting herself (and me!) into trouble. But there was no one she enjoyed messing with as much as Snivy. After the first 'prank,' which involved possessing a fan and chasing him around the room, I held my breath, fearing there would be a huge fight. But…Snivy actually seemed to have fun! When Rotom left the fan, he picked it up and chased her across the room, before they collapsed in laughter~

Oh…yes, I remember; Rotom was the first addition to my team after Snivy. I'd been so worried about how he would take having a teammate, but was pleasantly surprised that they became so close so fast. Plus, I think Rotom's carefree spirit helped him loosen up a little.

"Hey, hey! Stop that!" I call out. The three of them stop struggling for a moment, they're all in a tangle, breathing heavily. I tell them about the memory.

Rotom's eyes go wide, fury forgotten. "Gwen? GWEEEEN!" she says, escaping from Serperior's grip and crashing into me. My fur stands on end from her static as she presses her face in it and holds me tight.

Dragalge drifts over, looking hopeful, "Gwen? Is it really…? Do you…remember…me too?" They ask.

I wrack my brain, trying to feel the edge of any memories about Dragalge, but I'm drawing a blank. There's nothing.

"I…I'm sorry, right now nothing's coming…" I say, feeling incredibly guilty. "But she's remembering more everyday!" Skitty chimes in.

"Hmm, I certainly remember you…you pronounced me under arrest," Dragalge says, expression unreadable. I take my cue to introduce everyone, "Dragalge, Rotom, this is Skitty, leader of the exploration team I joined," "and major pain in my side," Serperior mutters with a smile. "The one and only, pleasure to meet you on better terms," she beams with her award-winning grin. I can tell that they're fighting the urge to become totally smitten.

She has that effect on people.

"She's…taken very good care of Gwen during all this," Serperior says, looking at Skitty, "I-I'll always be grateful that your paths crossed." Dragalge and Rotom turn to her again, thanking her profusely.

Just then Noibat flutters in. I feel bad for a moment, having forgotten he was even up there—but I do appreciate him giving us our moment. Rotom and Dragalge go on the offensive again. "Ah! You!? What's he doing here?" "We…have some catching up to do," I say, thinking about everything that's happened since I woke up here. It's…so much.

We lead them inside, away from possible prying eyes. I tell them everything, from waking up in the forest, to joining the Center, all the way to now, and our plans to protect this word. It hasn't been long, but, in hindsight, I'm shocked at how much has happened. The only detail I leave out is Skitty's vile parents.

They're very patient, listening intently. Once I'm finished, Dragalge is the first to speak, "so…once we stop Dr. Laurel…how do we get home?"

"That's…the part I still haven't figured out…" I admit. "If we do manage to destroy the wormhole…and prevent Dr. Laurel from rebuilding another, it means we'll be stuck here too. Even if I somehow figured out how to make one…letting him get control? Right now it's a chance we can't take."

Silence spreads across the room as they take it all in. Of course it's easy for me to say we'll just live here forever, no problemo; I only have scraps of my past life, and really my only memories are about those who are already around me. But the others? They remember everything, know who and what we left behind; for them, it's a much bigger thing to ask.

"All this world has given me is fear and isolation," Rotom starts, "but, knowing Dr. Laurel, anything he has planned for it…can't be good. And if Gwen thinks it's worth saving…" she looks my way, "…then I trust her." Dragalge slowly nods in agreement.

My eyes are watering slightly. To put their faith in me, despite my current…condition. To trust me with their futures like this?

"Well, that settles it!" Skitty says, "we'll rest up, then head to Dr. Laurel's base! Save the world!" I can feel her forced enthusiasm. It must have been weird enough having one of my former team members around, but all three? I can only imagine.

But we'll get through this, all of us, together.