Swarm Night

Synopsis: Famous for their rapid growth, overwhelming populations, and often being in newbie or detestable hands, the infamous Bug types find a home in Unova with the Bid Family. They return the favor since this overlooked type had once safeguarded humanity, accidental or not. Their latest heir had just been born in hopefully the most peaceful period for the regions.

Note: Obviously, I don't own Pokemon. The Family genre is probably temporary unless I forget to change it in later arcs.


"...Rayol Bid" whispered a masculine voice beside a hospital bed. Its owner was an average man with some round, youthful features but built enough to do his job with dealing with wild Pokemon. His golden eyes stared unblinking to his newborn son, resting in his girlfriend's arms.

Similar to him and smiling down to her first baby with such ease that wasn't normal for the strait-laced woman, Saori shook her head in disbelief. Her long, sweat-matted hair bounced to her movements as she failed to hold back tears that she barely held back throughout the whole labor process. No longer could the black-haired woman hold back at the sight of her clean and covered son, a very much wanted accident.

Finally, her baby boy finally calmed in her sapped arms.

Despite that, she couldn't stop her excited whispers from flooding through, as she pulled him closer and over her bosom, "I love the name. I love this, Roger." For a moment, her attention slid back to her handsome rock of a boyfriend with her wide chocolatey eyes, "I love you." The woman heaved a shaky breath, turning back to her spawn, "I love him s–s-so much!" She struggled under the strain of postpartum and clutched her newborn, careful of her own strength, her growing weakness, and volatile emotions, "T-This really... really shouldn't be happening, but I love all of it."

"Me too." The man, hiding both an almost blue hand behind him and a grin at seeing his normally stoic and graceful girlfriend be openly emotive, leaned down to the tired woman's side and brushed her sweaty bangs from her forehead. He then kissed her glistening forehead and reassured her of the reality, his presence, and their future, "I'll be here, I promise, Saori."

An unsteady hand of his girlf—no, his future wife, he vowed internally, rose to grasp at one of his slightly curly black hair strands, confirming it for herself by twirling it around a finger. It was a familiar act for them. She loved the almost feeble curve to his bangs, but they never felt real in her dreams. Not like this did...

She gasped inaudibly in realization as the stress of everything settled in and her overwhelming hormones that staved off the pain mostly left her body by this point. This wasn't one of those realistic dreams her dear Orbeetle pranked her with!

And despite her growing weakness, she murmured, "You swear?"

"Like an Escavalier."

That was a Roger answer, alright, she decided. Just barely nodding inwardly to herself, Saori allowed herself to relax, settling her son—Rayol, she'd try her best to remember that as soon as possible—onto her chest with the help of her probably future husband.

She just had to duel his bitc—rag of a mother first, probably. That seemed like something the hag would pull. Saori bit back a hmph, more so she wouldn't wake her son by accident (even if unlikely) than to upkeep her image.

In the back of her head, she was a little miffed by how quick she was to act on her feelings. Most times thankfully, she'd be able to shove it back, if just barely...

Either way, she would beat Roger's mother at her own game. It would be easy, even without stronger teammates. Her own bugs wouldn't lose to the likes of someone who doesn't even bother to train anymore!

As if sensing the growing storm, Roger patted her head, whispering, "Psst! Hey, you're supposed to be relaxing like a Kakuna off a branch." Regardless of or perhaps, in spite of the growing weight on his shoulders, he laughed in a low tone at his own joke. The sound helped immensely to sooth her.

Oh, how she loved him.

Her son twitched.

—Maybe as much as her son. The joke was pretty poor. And by Victini, she already loved her son so, and all the miniature human did was kick her and cry, acting as if all that hurt him more than it did her. The memories of the months leading up to this point came to her. She was so careful, so scared, so overcome with joy. But now, Saori couldn't imagine life without the little rascal. And, he had only just spawned!

"Ray..." The soon-to-be permanent nickname slipped from her mouth as she finally drifted off.

It was Roger's turn to shake his head before he rose, stretching. "Damn," hands waved rapidly even though only one was in pain, "she's got a grip."

The door opened, and Roger snapped to it with a cold sweat.

"Sir?" It was just a nurse. "This is your jacket, right?" As she pulled the jacket forward, he launched himself into action so the ringing noise wouldn't disturb his girlfriend and son.

"Yes!" he hissed, fishing for his phone, muting it the moment he did. "Ah-" the door slid close behind him, "sorry about that, my future wife and my newborn are resting."

The nurse went from slightly offended to releasing a slight gasp and blush. "Oh!" She peered into the room through the door window, and gushed into a whisper, "they're beautiful!"

"More than any Beautifly or Butterfree, for sure..."

The woman blinked, finally registering who he was with that statement. "Congratulations, Mr. Bid!" Internally, she was beating herself up for not noticing. To be fair, he seemed like any first-time husband, heightened with tension, and trying their best to nurse a hand. "Sorry to interrupt you, but your phone rang a few times already, disturbing some other patients, so..."

He nodded, finally drawing up the confidence to check on who was calling him. "Thanks. Keep up the good fight, Nurse Yui."

"You too, Mr. Bid!"

As she walked off, Roger froze at the sight of the missed caller id. It was his mother. There was little hope she wouldn't find out about the pregnancy. But at the very least, he was sure he hid the date from her! Saori even stayed in a different town to dodge his mother's sharp gaze.

Although, that was more because she stayed elsewhere, but that was beside the point—

The man snapped out of his stupor when his phone started vibrating. Only to slip into a new daydream for a couple more moments in a debate of whether he should hold off on the confrontation or face the music sooner rather than later.

He ended up missing the call again. A sigh escaped him. He wasn't being fair to his mother, but she never approved of Saori...

Gingerly gripping his phone, he redialed her number and waited for her answer.

She picked up immediately.

"Mom—"

"Have I done something so wrong you can't even bother telling me at least?" There was an edge to her voice he had only once heard before. "If so," a bit of shuffling filled the mic, "I'm sorry, Son." His indomitable frost titan of a mother was trying her best to hide her sniffle.

"I-," he had seen his mother cry. It only happened once before: the day Dad after was buried. "You haven't." He meant it. She had never said anything totally incorrigible. Once, and only once had she stepped on a loaded mine, drawing a rightfully deserved outburst from him. Then, never again.

Quickly he forced the memories away and shifted his focus back, "Look, I didn't want to stress, Saori, okay, Mom? This was a lot for her."

"That's childbirth in general, yeah?" His mother was never the reserved type. But sometimes, the sudden mood shift was sudden. Done here probably in an effort to stave off or hide her negativity, he could only guess. It never really worked, but he'd usually let it slip...

He beat back his frustration, maybe not completely, before chiming in with a response, "No, I mean-" Roger glanced into the peaceful room behind him, "she was never supposed to give birth, y'know? You never liked me making any mention of her, so I didn't. But excuse me this once. 'Cuz of her work, she got hurt bad, real bad, Ma. This was before she met me, and it basically ruined her reproductive organs."

"I see."

The recently turned father could tell there was more she wanted to say but not why she wasn't speaking her mind. He ignored it for now, and continued, "When it came back that she was pregnant, out came a flood of bodily stuffs she wasn't used to on a biological level. A lot of hormones overwhelmed her. A couple times, fuck, she's passed out and put our baby at risk." Remembering his powerlessness during those times made him clench and rotate his jaw. "It got pretty bad a couple times, Mom."

"...Right, I kept tabs on her." The notion was unsurprising, unlike her next words. "I thought she cheated on you, and you thought it was yours."

"No!" He leaned into the phone, "Zekrom, no Ma!"

"What about all the secretive meetings—"

"She works with the back end of the league!"

The man couldn't quite say she worked in the secret service in the middle of the hallway of one of the busiest hospitals. That would be telling, to say the least.

"Oh."

He could practically smell the cogs turning in her head, searching for something to pick at. "I'm not here to argue about my future wife, Ma. I'm sorry I didn't tell you, but you always do this," he stressed.

A swallow came through the other side, "can't help it, Son."

"I'm not a baby anymore. I haven't been for a long time. I took up the business after Dad's death and got a degree- thinking about another one- and now, I'm following in your footsteps." He sighed, deflating, "I appreciate the concern—I always have. I love you for it."

"But you really love her, huh?"

"Like a mating Butterfree." In other words, till death do them apart and then some. Ghost Pokemon existed, after all.

There was an almost comfortable silence until his mother confessed, "...I have to confess, you know, I don't do too well with change.".

"I've realized, Ma. I realized long ago."

"Oh."

The same silence returned.

"...I've always pictured myself being at your firstborn's delivery. Your king or queen—it's a boy right?"

"Yes."

With a sneeze, the aging woman mumbled something incoherently and readjusted the phone. Then she continued, "I hadn't realized the divide between us had—"

"It hasn't!" Roger whispered, confidently. "I'm just that serious when it comes to her health. I'm not sure how much more clear I could make it, Ma."

His mother was a strong believer that the strong should thrive, and the weak should, well... try to be strong as best as they can with what was left, to put it very gently. So, if her next words were tainted with her prejudice. It would be unsurprising and practically expected.

"You're not really making this easier, Roger."

In an effort to ignore his growing frustration, he balled up a tight, throbbing fist. It wasn't working, and he ended up chewing out, "don't you dare insinuate Saori is weak!"

"...I wasn't." She seemed taken aback, "I- you know how, how I have trouble understanding things, y'know?" The shuffle returned to try and hide another sound, "Please don't get mad at me, Roger. I just don't know how a, an old and invisible wound could have such lasting effects such as that if you got her pregnant? I- Didn't I teach you better?"

By Ho-Oh, he felt like a total asshole.

For once, his mother was asking about his longtime girlfriend, if just indirectly.

"Sorry, Ma." Using his previous fist, he gripped his thigh, "I'm still.. emotional over my firstborn, I guess." He gathered himself with a shake of head.

"She couldn't get proper treatment in time and had to ask some of her Pokemon to perform a quick surgery. They've never done something like that, so she had to direct them during the whole procedure. One of them accidentally applied too much toxin agent in an effort to numb her and..." He let his mom guess the rest.

"I see."

The deflated man couldn't help himself and tacked on, "it just so happened to be the day I met her apparently." His following laugh was filled with mirth. "I just thought she was a strange woman when she came by in a hurry for treatment of her Bug Pokemon. When she suddenly passed out on our doorstep, it reopened her wound, so obviously I tried to help.

"I made it worse. The antitoxins and the stuffs I tried to use in a hurry didn't mesh well, you could say."

"You know it's not your fault?" was her attempt of comfort.

A most-grievous wound and the events following it had ruined Saori's reproductive organs and a lot of her hormonal responses. It turned her a bit into a robot of a woman, her co-workers would express repeatedly and her to him despondently. She could still clearly remember when her body flipped a switch, and she was suddenly someone else in her own body.

All throughout her pregnancy she leaked as such, and so much more than his quiet girlfriend would ever do so normally. It gave him much insight into her mind and how she wasn't what she feared shed became as a result.

It took her longer to recover psychologically than she'd want to admit. Roger had helped immensely. He took some small bit of solace in it. Looking back on it, she still can't believe he had found her attractive in the slightest. After all, what was so attractive about a machine with (admittedly) "above decent" flesh? In the more recent months especially, she continued to question him. Each time, he rebuffed her with his goofy replies, seemingly taking extra care to exploit her revived hormones.

The normally goofy man glared into the floor, "it doesn't matter now."

"Right."

Silence took the reins.

"Are," he started hesitantly, "are you okay?"

As always, she gave a "yes." One softer than normal. It usually served to end the call, but she didn't hang up this time. "Can I get a picture of my grandson?"

"Yeah, no problem." he hung up the call, and with ease, crept into the room.

Saori promptly cracked an eye and then a smile at the sight of him. She mouthed, 'was that your mom?' Roger nodded. It didn't come as a surprise that she overheard him. However, when her small smile widened in response, he would question why in his head.

He would learn why later.

Flipping the phone to show, the screen showed her the camera app. With that she understood and shifted slightly.

Triple checking he had turned off the flash, Roger took a bunch of pictures from a bunch of different angles. A couple were upside down. He made sure to get his girlfriend's good side (every angle), and that went double for his resting son.

He pulled up a chair to show her some of the pictures. Only the bad ones. His lips cracked upwards, exposing his intent. Saori only sent him a mildly annoyed glare. She was too used to his antics. However, her aquamarine eyes kept fluttering closed. And it wasn't long before she lost the war. "I'll still be here when you wake, don't worry," that and a kiss to her forehead hammered the final nail in the coffin.

Incoherent visions of their family coming together filled her happy rush of dreams.


An absolute monster of a Butterfree made its slow descent.

Normally, these Pokemon were around 3'7" (~1.09m) from the top to the bottom tips of their wings. Their wingspan tended to sit around two-thirds that or upwards to a little over their length.

This Butterfree, however, was triple the size (the world record holder baby!), casting quite the shadow on the green forest below. 'It' was a female as shown by the two black ovals in the lower portion of the wings. On her back sat three occupants: Roger, Saori, and their son, Rayol. The latter was covered in silk from a String Shot and attached to his mom. In the same vein, she relished in the warm and comforting embrace of her lover.

There was no need to be afraid of falling. Roger specifically bred the oversized Pokemon for human or small cargo transport. Her arms were longer and physically stronger. The normally poisonous wings were more durable, rougher, stronger, and much less likely to shed unintentionally. She was also trained to use her scales as a shield instead of a status attack for sensitive human transport, which fit in the bill this time around. It blocked most stray attacks from those that thought she was an easy buffer.

A physical-oriented Butterfree was often eaten quickly in the wild since they wouldn't be able to contest the physical might of their predators. Their kind also didn't naturally learn too many physical attacks to take advantage of their side-grade. Thankfully, this one was born and raised within the Bid family's Bug Sanctuary, otherwise, their current destination.

Despite finding relief in his hold and the silence, Saori broke them, tuning towards her infamous seriousness, "What about your mother?"

"She and I came to an understanding." She gave him a doubtful look. "I'm very serious about you, Sai." His lover averted her gaze, and successfully fought back her blush, even despite her heightened hormones. But he knew better.

"...I still want to be accepted," she murmured, sadly.

"And you will be." One of his arms released her to dig into his pocket. "I didn't want to reveal this yet but," he pulled out a small luxury box with a wink, "I do want to be with you forever." He opened it in one smooth move and asked, "Takao Saori, would you fulfill my meager Caterpie dreams and marry me?"

Within his one-armed hold, she stilled, eyes wide and heart thumping. As usual, she needed some time to process her more intense emotions. Roger could wait for her. He always had and would continue to do so.

She finally shifted, propping her head back onto his shoulder and whispered, "yes." Shifting away from him, her lips puckered slightly. And with practiced ease, he leaned down to steal the rest of her breath since she hadn't taken a single inhale during her stupor. She was too busy keeping all her emotions down, lest she wake their baby.

His hands throughout the kiss worked to slip the ring onto her quivering left hand. When they finished, he massaged her hands with his bigger pair. She was the handsy type, through and through. He hoped it would help sooth because he could practically feel her vibrate as she forced herself to remain calm.

As they parted, a furious blush sat plastered across her face. "I-I'm trying to remain calm, R-Roger."

Said man failed to bite back his smile, enjoying all of her all too much. "Sorry, I couldn't help it." Despite his words, he tugged her closer but shifted the attention to their son, who had awoken in the middle of all that. "The lil bugger is awake."

Surprisingly, Rayol did all that with eyes that weren't squinting or a mouth that wasn't crying. Former was, thankfully, due to the scale shield surrounding then also kept most of the sunlight out. It now doubled to prevent their son from being overwhelmed with brightness. The roughness of the scales also served to muffle the wind. Roger barely bit back a smirk. His Pokemon was so smart, and his ability to breed was impeccable!

Like a switch being flipped, Saori cooed at her son's blank stare, utilizing everything she could learn about babying. Her baby boy was either slowly getting used to vision or instinctively analyzing her face and soon, voice. "You were so quiet and so good that I didn't realize it!" she cheered with a smile.

Thankfully, she wasn't quite using the normal baby tone. Some research said not to. Honestly, Roger didn't believe childcare could be so complicated, but his fiancée thought otherwise. She was ever the perfectionist. Either way, he watched on with blossoming joy. Never had he seen his wife so eager to smile. Their lil bugger would do her a lot of good.

"Freee—!"

With a pat to the Pokemon's back, Roger cut her off early and as an indirect thanks. His Butterfree was ever the understanding girl. Hopefully her cry wouldn't cause his son to start either.

It didn't so he butt into Saori's not-quite baby talk, "Just about there, Saori."

"—You hear that, Ray? We'll be home soon."

His home would be fuller than it's been for a long time, huh?

"Our—" Saori blinked down to their son, catching herself, reddening slightly, but stood (sat) her ground, "our home." Roger simply held her hands that held their son. It stayed like that up until Butterfree landed.

Meeting them on the ground was his mother, Esmeralda. A head of pale blue, hinting at her age with streaks of comparatively dim gray, shone like a halo in the late morning sun. Complimenting that sat her narrow sapphire-like eyes, surrounded by her sharp face. She stood tall in heels, dressed in an almost military white uniform from head to toe, awaiting them. Even decades in retirement, she was ever the vigilant titan.

"Welcome home, son. G'morning, Takao, and this must be my grandson?"

Saori answered her alongside a cold stare of her own, "Rayol."

Despite her projected image, Esmeralda gasped; a shaking hand to her mouth, her wide eyes watering and turned to her son, who didn't expect this reaction. Nevertheless, he was always good at going with the flow.

"Yeah, Ma. Based on Dad." He nodded to his future wife and moved to hug his mom. "I know how you missed him lots, and you couldn't be there at this lil guy's birth so y'know, here's my 'apology,' if you will."

The aging woman couldn't bring herself to say anymore, hiding into and wetting his windbreaker. Roger patted her back and said nothing else. Though, with a half-mused crick of his lips, this situation briefly brought him back to his childhood days when the roles were reversed.

A glance to his to-be wife saw her propping up their son so he could watch. Although, Rayol seemed more than ready to sleep. Lucky him. Roger knew fondly how comfortable but tough String Shot could be. Saori knew as well, being the only reason why she allowed it over all the other research.

"S-Sorry," his mother stuttered for what seemed like the first time and hiccupped, parting from him. "I wasn't expecting this. Elroy would've loved him..."

"Yeah, I'll bet." he smirked, "kept it a surprise so, surprise."

"I must be getting old," she half-joked under her breath before turning towards Saori. "Tha.." Esmeralda visibly struggled for a split second, staring at her grandson, "thank you for giving birth to such a healthy child for my son."

The couple knew that was probably the best they'd get out of her. They wouldn't look the horse in the mouth. Nonetheless, the black-haired woman felt the urge to roll her eyes for the gazillionth time since her pregnancy. Instead, she closed them and gave a slight nod. "Of course."

Esmeralda crept closer. Her misty blue eyes never left Rayol. "May I?" she asked gingerly.

Saori glanced at her fiancée—she fought back a blush at the reminder—who sent her a thumbs up. And so, she moved to remove the attached silk around her.

Only for 'Elda' to shoot forward, ice growing from the tips of her fingers, slicing the string from Saori in one smooth move. A flex of fingers saw the ice shatter in the next instance before the freshly turned grandmother caught Rayol.

It all happened before Saori's specifically trained reflexes could flare up. Even if weakened or a little out of practice in the later stages of her pregnancy, the woman was confident in her ability to react. But she couldn't.

"What?"

Roger slipped behind his lover amidst her confusion with a laugh, "I wouldn't question it. I just think of it like I do with your psychic bond to your Orbeetle, and somehow that extends to the rest of your team in a lesser manner? Hers is just a lot more physical."

A-Ah right...

In her line of work, humans with the ability to act like Pokemon weren't as rare as they actually were in life since it was literally her job to track them down. Not always to apprehend or kill, thankfully.

But Roger's mom, the once infamous 'Esdeath' renowned for her moth monsters, had never shown powers such as these. Saori would know—she had done the research before cozying up with her fiancée.

Perhaps it was hidden or scrubbed from the League database, but that was unlikely... They hated that.

She, herself, had been a fusion of primary Bug typing with a lesser Psychic type tacked onto it. The latter had been instrumental to the quick growth and bonds of her Pokemon while the former saw her slowly growing an obvious preference and manner of life. The current research had surmised these things only appear if it had happened before in one's ancestry but awoke after constant exposure to one's typing(s).

Esmeralda 'Elda' Bid, formerly Blight-Observer (a rough translation of ancient Unovian text, which, now that she thought about it, was probably more of a title), did come from a long line of Crypt Keepers. It really shouldn't have been a surprise.

Those powers meant that the duel she was confident about might not be as easy as she thought.

"—Is everything okay?" came Roger's concern. "Do you need to sit down?"

"No- no, I'm good. Just thinking."

Her lover only hummed, turning to his mother, who prodded the revived baby, checking him over for herself. Elda only stopped when he yawned, seeming to sense something, and approaching the couple.

"He's getting hungry" was all she said before returning their son. With that, the woman entered the home.

"How..?"

"Ma always had a knack for these things." He paused. "It scared away some of the nearby folks. I'm not sure why I'm an only child though." Shaking his head, he pulled her along, "you heard her. Come're."

The patient Butterfree behind them gave a low trill, pointing an antenna at Rayol and another fanned towards their surroundings.

"Yeah, go ahead and tell the rest of the team. I'm sure some of them, probably Pat and Mari, know I'm back. We got another 'King' on our hands," he laughed boisterously. "Thanks again, Butterfree!" The Bug type passed a thumbs up with her four fingered hand (as opposed to the species' normal three), which he returned, before fluttering off.

"Oh yeah, before I forget again," the man dug into his pockets from his jeans to his jacket until he finally fished out a silver and blue wristwatch, "here's your watch!"


"I do owe you some kind of apology."

Saori remained silent at the other end of the dinner table. Instead, she continued to observe their surroundings. Around them, chatting, chittering, tapping, and trills filled the void. Some of the nocturnal bugs were watching through the windows, others flew about searching for a mate or a meal. The moon was in full force, glaring down, piercing through one side of windows.

"I thought you cheated on him."

Now, that was pretty unexpected. The two had mutual respect for one another even if they disliked one another. And, this was quite the accusation.

"I would never—!"

Esmeralda held up a pale hand, "I have no doubts about it after seeing him, so I'm sorry about the admittedly quick assumption. My son has told me you work 'the back end of the league.' You must be pretty good if you can dodge my scouts so easily." She tightly shut her eyes, clenching two fists onto the table. "A part of me prefers you had cheated on him. I could stomach a brainless League official, but I always had a feeling you were something more," she confessed with a sigh. After it, she relaxed and deflated slightly. "I've done everything I can to leave and part this sanctuary from the league after my—" she swallowed, "late husband's... sacrifice," she spat vehemently.

It would explain why the private information on family after Elroy Bid's last stand came to a trickle.

The tension remained high for a little longer as neither spoke.

"...I'm not against the League." Esmeralda scoffed, "Unova's slow but tame in comparison to the others. I simply... can't forgive them for stopping me from being at my beloved's—" her face twisted in disdain, "final stand. I could've..."

Ah, that'd do it.

The room quickly grew noticeably colder. Eventually, the windowpanes started to fog. And with her still weakened body from giving birth, Saori couldn't prevent herself from breaking out into shivers.

"Sorry."

The cold died with a snap.

The infamous Esdeath returned to form before Saori. Her hands folded into one another as she leaned forward. If she had her cap and glare, it would be a recreation of the profile in her trainer license.

"You will leave the league. I will accept you into the family and the business without any issues. I will help you with my grandson and teach you along with my son on how to run this sanctuary. I can guarantee you, everything within this domain will be safer than remaining with the League."

Esdeath paused then softened, "Roger, and later, Rayol won't have to worry. You won't have to worry about bringing back anything unsavory."

Saori raked her mind for a correct path. The sudden pregnancy had changed everything, throwing all she thought into question. The birth of her son confirmed something though. There was more to life than the mission. But... "I can demote to an Ace Trainer eventually," she started, hands gripping her Leavanny-silk pajamas. "I can't drop everything as is. My pregnancy ruined a lot of my plans since I head projects and the major hunts within my group. T-There's still much to do.

"I planned for my death but not my resignation. I hope you can understand..."

The woman opposite her muttered under breath, "I hate how similar we are." Standing then approaching Saori, Esmeralda put a hand to her shoulder, "Good enough for now. Come now." She helped her future daughter-in-law stand, "My gr—your son is about to wake."

"How can you tell these things?"

"Because I love him." At Saori's increased and almost offended confusion, the bluettee gave an uncharacteristic laugh. "I have eyes everywhere," she explained, half-heartedly, "and you'll have to get used to your offspring waking in the middle of the night."

"If you say so, Mrs. Bid." They both knew it wasn't sarcasm but instead, the younger woman's earnest and soft-spoken agreement, albeit dull. Honestly, the blackout League official never believed Esmeralda would ever come around to like her. With this showing, it might not be a delusion anymore.

Perhaps, her boyfriend was onto something.

Saori was cut from her thoughts as a cry echoed through the oddly silent house. Elda's timing was too perfect...

"Hurry along, Tak-"

"Saoriii," The younger woman corrected reflectively, drawing out the last syllable as she realized what she let loose and regretting it. These Reshiram-damned hormones would be the death of her!

Esmeralda hummed neutrally without missing a step, "I'll wait for the marriage ceremony, Takao-chan."

At least the older woman didn't reject her outright. Saori would take what she could get. Hopefully, their relationship would smooth over, if just for the two boys of the house. By then, surely she would return to her "normal" self.


"Are you sure you're up for this?" asked Roger with his son attached to his body this time. Over him was a net to keep harsh rays from bothering their baby.

"I have you, don't I?" Saori smiled back at Roger by tilting her head back at her. It was a small one but all the more special for it. She was famously against battling in Roger's eyes and faced them with a frown. This battle must've been something she wanted to do for a long time.

He never could understand why they didn't get along despite being very similar...

Across the dirt field stood Esmeralda; this time, her Navy cap atop head, three Pokeballs on her white and blue belt, and a sharp glare glued on her.

"I can handle her." A pat to Saori's own stealth belt saw her own three pokeballs. Countering the glare was Saori's confident expression.

"If you say so..."

With that, he moved to the edge of center field. His gaze drifted over the Pokemon that came to watch, many were his, Esmeralda's personal Pokemon or the Kings and Queens of various nests and hives alongside their numerous offspring. A peek to his son saw him taking slow looks around.

The man pulled out a high-end, miniature camera and began recording.

More for the Pokemon and son than the two battlers, Roger raised a hand, "An informal 3v3, no items until all Pokemon are unable to battle!" He flagged his arm to the left, "To my left is my darling Takao Saori!" Then in the opposite direction, "Annnd on the right, Overlordess Esmeralda finally retakes her cap~!"

For the first time since she took her place, his mother moved. She glanced away, almost shyly. It was an odd sight.

"Yeah, Ma! It still looks good on ya!" He shot a pair of thumbs up and his boyish smirk.

"Shut it you," she muttered to no one.

"3, 2, 1, Start!"

In a flash, two winged Bug types took the field.

"Or, Orbeetle!" came Saori's side.
"VenoMOTH!" barked the Bug-Poison type across it in defiance.

Elda took first move without hesitation, "Acid Ray into Quiver Dance." Her Pokemon moved into action as soon as 'Acid' left her lips. Acid Ray was a combination move of Acid Spray and Confusion Ray, dual-casting two status moves.

Orbeetle, however, moved without any verbal command from Saori. With a soft cry, its body shimmered. It seemed more than happy to take the hit, preparing other moves in the meantime.

The combo move bounced off Orbeetle. Neither contender reacted. Venomoth simply raised its abdomen, where the hair rose at its activated ability, Wonder Skin. The redirected move slid off into the ground behind it as Venomoth continued its dance.

FWOM

Psychic energy erupted from Orbeetle, drenching the field in pink.

Taking that as an opening, Elda commanded, "Forward with Aerobatics. Set Toxic Spikes." Spying the Orbeetle through narrowed eyes, she added, "be prepared to U-turn."

Venomoth answered with a shrill cry, launching forward with incredible speed, flickering forward. As it went, it spread shards and pieces of its poisonous scales. They struck the ground or sat in the air, going invisible if looked at a certain angle

As the Flying move was about to land, the bluette glared at the humanoid pink beetle, "U-turn." And with incredible speed, Venomoth switched gears from Flying to Bug energy, seemingly teleporting in front of Esmeralda.

"Oh?" Saori finally spoke up. The confident grin on her face finally shifted. "I knew those eyes wouldn't be conned, even though I got your Venomoth."

"V-Ven?" It buzzed around confused.

"Don't worry about it, Venomoth. Use Air Slash, Bug Buzz, Energy Ball." Her narrowed eyes snapped to her son and the crowd. "Watch out for the bystanders." there was no psionic shield after all. Her Pokemon weren't exactly used to limiting their attacks without a strict reminder. And, they hadn't gotten a reminder in ages after withdrawing from the frontline.

It proudly cried, "Moth!" Then all hell broke loose as it became a maelstrom of attacks

"Three types at the same time?!"

The multitude of attacks caused a shimmer to overlay the field before fading, revealing the original target to be a dummy substitute. Saori's Orbeetle was nowhere to be seen, just as Elda suspected.

"Hmph." It wasn't a new trick. "Keep at it a little longer, you know what to do." Venomoth opted to machinegun fire miniature Sludge Bombs and explosive shells of Stun Spores instead of three separate attacks.

"The stamina of that thing is something else," Saori found herself muttering. Amidst the onslaught and under the effects of a continuous fusion of Mirror Coat and Magic Coat, she mentally commanded her Pokemon to reinforce itself. It did so with Calm Mind. Normally, she'd tack on Iron Defense or Agility, but Orbeetle could barely triple cast Psychic energy fluid enough as is.

The third move was held back patiently, hidden and out of sight. No need to jeopardize the setup when this much would suffice for now. It flipped between two different moves, abusing the pink field as a smokescreen of sorts.

With the psionic substitute gone, it was only a matter of seconds before the "Seven Spot" Pokemon was found.

The explosive shells of spores deflected at one point of the field, where Orbeetle must be, her opponent surmised shortly.

"There," pierced the bombardment was Esmeralda's calm and collected voice. Her Pokemon seemed to catch on. "Air Slash into Venoshock."

With the realization, Saori all but shouted through their bond to drop the coats, use Agility, and move. In her rush, the younger woman forgot about the toxic scales littered across the field, so did Orbeetle. It nicked one, causing her to flinch.

It was almost enough for Venomoth's attack to reach. The splash radius sent the beetle reeling though and its damage, as meager as it was, grew to double at the attack latching onto the toxin flowing through the Pokemon.

Esmeralda saw the opening.

"Giga Drain: leech, then Solar Beam."

The blazing afternoon Sun would be sufficient to quickly power a Solar Beam. But if helped by this alternative Giga Drain, the effects were devastating.

'Reflect then Protect!' If Orbeetle could just tank this, then its attack could finish the (hopefully) drained Pokemon in one go.

The Giga Drain, if it could be called that, completely whiffed Orbeetle, sucking the life and power from Reflect, the grass and flowers around the field. Thankfully for Saori, it couldn't completely pierce the walls of Reflect.

An augmented Solar Beam on the other hand...

"Veno—MOTH!"

A laser cannon twice the size of the 'Poison Moth' Pokemon slammed into the double fortified Protect, ignoring the psionic walls of Reflect. At some point, the defensive move lost its stationary attribute. The blast then proceeded to force the flashing shield across and into the ground.

"Focus and magnify. We will pierce the shield before she pulls a fast one." With a sharp cry, Venomoth concentrated deeply, summoning hexagons similar to Orbeetle's spherical Protect. They closed in on the corrosive Solar Beam, slowly 'tightened' it into a laser, and vaporized the air around it, growing more and more blinding.

To use smaller but multiple casts of absolute defense while a SOLAR BEAM of all things, this Venomoth was nothing short of a Master-level Pokemon. Potentially, Champion-level. Saori's Orbeetle could win almost any match up if given the time. She knew that. Orbeetle knew it. They would have to make time.

To knock Esmeralda a peg, they would win.

...Dear Mew, these hormones were affecting her.

For the first time, Saori spoke directly to her Pokemon, "Hold, Orbeetle!" The verbal encouragement awoke latent energy within the bug. It raised its arms, forcing more power into its own shield as Psychic energies rose from the saturated ground, swallowing Venomoth.

"Drop the shields and force the Psychic back with your own." Esmeralda found herself struggling to fight back a bloodthirsty grin.

Venomoth's cry came through the energies muffled, beating its wings quickly.

To tank the ongoing attack still, this 'Orbeetle' must be quite the Pokemon... It would be a worthy species to add to the sanctuary. It looked relatively young from little she knew of its species.

The doors to the most recent league of Galar had opened about a decade ago, but as per her agreement with the Unova League and the alliance between the Leagues, she couldn't leave the country just yet. She glanced at her grandson. At least now, she had another reason to stay.

—The glare of Solar Beam vanished, snapping Esmeralda from her thoughts. That was bad. Psychic types needed to be pinned down or all Reverse would break loose. However, Venomoth's experience barely fought back the raw talent of Orbeetle's Psychic, allowing the purple bug to regain its standing.

It came at the cost of Solar Beam.

The series of moves left Venomoth drained, noticeably dipping in the air, and retreating slightly. Orbeetle escaped with a couple scratches but nothing substantial.

'Psionic web!'

"Beeetle!" It zipped forward with a buzz then launched a pink web.

"Counter it with Air Slash."

"Ven!" The aging moth followed orders, easily. And with surprising ease, it tore through. "Moth?" The wind blades then met a wall in the form of a new Reflect or Mirror Coat once that broke.

Elda's eyes widened as the web reformed and latched onto her Venomoth.

"Now!" demanded Saori.

"OOOORB!"

Like a haze being lifted, the Psychic Terrain faded. With it gone, various spatial-locked blades of Psycho Cut and bolts of Psyshock seemed to materialize onto the arena, pointed straight at Venomoth.

The white uniformed and retired trainer might be confident in the Poison-Bug Pokemon's natural defenses and ability to dodge or counter, but even this would be too much. And, as the attacks rocketed towards the tiring moth, Elda called out, "Endure and Giga Drain: leech, again!"

The purple Pokemon glowed brilliantly, giving a piercing shriek as soon as it heard 'Endure.' Using Aerobatics under its own volition, it tried dodging some of the attacks. A continuous sparkling radiated from the bug, drawing upon the oncoming Psychic projectiles, weakening them slightly. However, Endure slowed the Poison type drastically; they both knew it was only time before it would get overwhelmed.

"—Ven!" One bolt struck with a boom, causing Venomoth to stumble into another attack. "Nom!" Then another and another...

The attacks kicked up a cloud of dirt and dust, which would detonate with a flash of bright pink every split second. Venomoth's cries were weak in comparison to the rapid attacks.

"Etle!" Orbeetle eventually sagged to the ground, drained from expending so much energy all at once after holding it back and withstanding the poison throbbing through it.

'During a Future Sight, use Recover.'

The pink beetle Pokemon gaze stayed train on the raised dirt. Filled with adrenaline, it hadn't 'heard' its master's order. So, Saori reiterated verbally, "Orbeetle, use Recover and prepare for their counterattack!"

"Be, Beetle!"

"—MOTH!" A gale of wind tore off the dust cloud, revealing Venomoth with tears in its wings and marks all over its body. It charged forward, noticeably slower and prepared to call upon various energies at the drop off a hat. Overcome with a swirl of energies, the Poison-Bug type charged another attack.

"That's enough, Venomoth," said Esmeralda.

"V-Venom?"

She lifted her hat, and pulled it over her chest, "it's been too long, subordinate."

"Ven veno.. moth?"

"That's enough for now. You did well."

The battle was mostly to show Saori and herself were on friendly terms to Roger, after all. There was no need to strain so much for so little. It was partly why the battle was down to three instead of a full tan of six. A weakened woman like Saori shouldn't be battling with one Pokemon, much less three. She was strong to be standing despite the Pokeballs draining some energy from her, Esmeralda would give her that much.

She should take solace in making her son's fiancée sweat so much. But she couldn't, not when she knew she could be that much better.

Her lavender Pokemon drifted just before her. Esmeralda promised, "You'll have more battles in the future with her." She tapped her hat in Roger's direction, hinting at the reason. With that, she raised the Pokeball. "Now back to the ball to be treated later."

Venomoth fluttered forward, stopping once to look at Orbeetle and Saori, and tapped an antenna onto the button. A zap of red later, and it was gone. She released a small sigh and palmed her next Pokeball.

"I'll return Orbeetle too."

Esmeralda hid the shake off her head behind the act of fixing her cap. As a modern trainer, it was common to swap out as a sign of respect. But it set a bad precedent for field work in her opinion. As a trainer during the final warring times, the switch offended the infamous 'Esdeath,' but she pushed it away. She gave that up. The title, the thirst for battle, and the right to complain about incompetence, she gave it all up.

She bit back a scoff at her hypocrisy.

Whatever the excuse was, ultimately, she had become weak. Her hand tightened on her next Pokeball. She really had if this second-generation Venomoth had barely done anything. Saori may be some kind of hot shot, but 'Esdeath' was once second-in-command of the Unovan Forces, no matter how temporary the position was.

Sadly, it came at the cost of her beloved, her biggest regret.

A muted flash caught her eyes. They really were telling the truth about Saori's job then. Only they could wield Pokeballs with that function.

"Thank you as always, Orbeetle," Saori muttered into her second Pokemon's Pokeball.

"Release your next Pokemon!" shouted Roger, theatrically.

"Frosmoth, serve me well."
"Scizor, prepare ice maneuvers!"

"Frosssmoth~!"
"ZOR!"

Esmeralda opened her mouth to call for snow and hail. A reminder of her grandson in the form of a quick glance saw that she didn't. Humans may have grown with Pokemon to adapt and survive the various climates and even some Pokemon attacks, but certainly not at the same rate that they grew and evolved. Children were the only exception to her "strength makes right" dogma. Nevertheless, there was a baby around with no one to mitigate the damage and temperature. Better safe than sorry.

"Sci—Zor!"

Seeing the hesitation, Scizor zipped forward with one claw, charging Steel energy for a Bullet Punch. Without even a mental prompting from its master, the opening attack move served to test the reaction speed or defense of its opponent.

"Shard Shield then Snow Quiver Dance."

Saori furrowed her brows at the unusual moves. They must be even more combo moves. Esmeralda was famous for optimizing moves and perfecting their versatility to devastating effects. Perhaps, infamous would be the better word, based on the hushed whispers that lingered in the Unovan Ace troops into the present day. Although, the latter move was new. Perhaps she wasn't as retired as Saori thought her to be...

However, she trusted in Scizor's own defenses and senses.

"Frosss~" With a flare of Frosmoth's heart-shaped wings and a white flash, a serrated Protect made of ice surrounded the fur-covered moth. It glowed brightly, growing thicker and gaining jagged spikes.

Quickly. Saori surmised the Protect must act like a counterattack with some kind of Ice move. Esmeralda was neither the pure defensive type nor one to focus on one aspect of moves.

All the while, Frosmoth fluttered within, creating an isolated snowstorm and prepared its body for further combat.

"Scizor!" The Pokemon leaped forward with Bullet Punch again.

DOOM!

An enhanced claw from Scizor collided against the shield, stopping dead in its tracks. It dodged the automatic counterattack with a surprised "Cizor?!" A hurl of Icy Wind initially glanced off the Steel-Bug Pokemon. Up until Frosmoth fixed the aim. It seemed to gain extra power under the moth's grasp, throwing the mantis/wasp-like Pokemon across the field.

As it tried to weather the freezing wind, ice formed around its red body, making it harder for Scizor to regain its footing.

Because of its Steel frame on top of being a Bug type, using a psychic connection would be too much work and buffer any messages. Saori couldn't afford any delay against Esdeath's second strongest Pokemon and starter, assuming it was still the original Frosmoth.

"Get out with Tailwind!"

The red Pokemon outstretched the one claw that wasn't yet encrusted with ice and flared its miniature wings. An eruption of pressurized air forced Scizor to the side—

"Aurora Blizzard."

The intensifying snowstorm that was held back by Frosmoth's shield burst from the white Pokemon, now gaining flashes of every color. Quickly, the rainbow sparks coalesced into multiple lasers. Some bounced and reflected throughout the roaring blizzard, others curved forward. They all headed in the same direction: Scizor.

"Protect!"

The intense cold chilled and slowed the red Pincer Pokemon to the point that even its energy manipulation was troubled. The Pokemon bore the attack for a second before it could erect a hexagonal spherical shield.

"Keep it up, Frosmoth," commanded Elda. Just barely over the raging but focused Blizzard, her Pokemon's shrill cry in response could be heard.

Soon, there was an especially audible crack resounding from Scizor's Protect.

"—when you find an opening, we'll go with the rocket technique!"

Even though the black-haired woman could barely see through, nevermind hear over Esmeralda's attack, she knew Scizor heard the directions.

For a couple more moments, only the barrage of the Blizzard could be heard. A shatter of the Protect broke through the rush of ice as Scizor gave another cry. However, a quick "ding!" disrupted the continuous storm not long after. Promptly and uncontrollably, Scizor shot out from leftover icy haze with a shout and a psionic wall blocking the attack behind it.

"Zoor!"

Saori knew that particular tone. Her Pokemon began hyping itself up as it rightened itself. She shook her head and added, "Don't forget to use Focus Energy with that Agility and Swords Dance!" With gusto, the red Pokemon worked to buff itself, seeing Frosmoth content staying within its barrier.

"Sciiii," It taunted

It was 'ineffective.' The opposing Pokemon made no sound, swirling in place, intensifying the isolated blizzard.

"Aurora Veil."

"Mooooth-" Lights shot from the active snow globe, lasering through the air even despite the sun. Its brightness overwhelmed the senses of Scizor and Saori. Then, with a cold snap, it disappeared, and Frosmoth was nowhere to be seen, revealing the battle scars in the field. Every sense of its presence vanished.

In the time it took for anyone to react excluding Esmeralda and Scizor, the temperature of the surroundings went back to normal. The latter narrowed its eyes, lifting its claws and readied itself for surprised attacks

Saori broke character in disbelief again, "T-That's not Aurora Veil."

"But it is." This time, Elda couldn't stop the smirk. "What else could it be, hm?"

She didn't dignify the question with a response. "Double Team, Scizor."

"Scizor Scizor."

The claws with eye-like designs glowed as the red Pokemon began waving them in a hypnotic dance, making it seem like it had three heads instead of one.

Then, her one Scizor split into three metaphysical copies.

"Scizor."
"Scizor!"
"Scizor Scizor!"

And those split into three each a moment not long after. Eventually, the field was littered with copies. Some stood with arms crossed, jumped back and forth eagerly, or held raised arms that would punch at air, seemingly to find the Frosmoth.

"Such Psychic talent!" Saori's opponent gushed. "Your Pokemon would be a great addition to the sanctuary." First the Light Screen to summon a wall to protect from the Icy counterattack and now these three main separate and physical copies that looked to be the same under her ever-vigilant eyes.

The newfound mother narrowed her eyes. That wasn't part of the agreement. Although, she wasn't exactly against the idea. Her Pokemon would probably like mating and settling down, now that she got to think about it... But, to bring it up during the battle, as if Elda was going to win against her? How cocky could this retired trainer be!

"—use Hurricane into Blizzard, Frosmoth." Esmeralda had the gall to look Saori in the eye, "We'll finish this."

A crackle of forming ice blinked into existence far into the sky. Above it, the moth generated an isolated, swirling storm cloud and sat within the eye of the storm. Quickly, it dimmed the immediate area and probably got the attention of some Pokemon Rangers. With a thundering flap, lightning, ice, and wind all rushed below to the Scizor's.

Saori's first reaction was to look at her future husband's direction. He was gone! A quick look around saw him huddled with the other Pokemon. He sent a thumbs up and sheepish smile before pointing a finger back at the oncoming attack.

He must've known his mother wouldn't hold back wide attacks anymore!

Unbeknownst to her, Esmeralda raised a brow and gave the younger woman credit for worrying about her lover and child first. With a flick of her finger, she slowed her own Pokemon's attack. It was just enough for Saori to keep pace and for her to be none the wiser. Because, again, it was simply a good showing for Roger.

She would keep this fact to herself.

Her son, on the other hand, noticed the stutter to Frosmoth's attack. The black-haired man felt his heart, which originally was beating out of excitement from the sidelines, now blossom. His mom wouldn't do this if she didn't approve! The last time he's seen her pull punches in this manner was almost a lifetime ago: his childhood.

The day she would call Saori her own, that might be the death of him as sure as it was soon!

"—Scizor, Hyper Cannon!"

A simple combination move between Hyper Beam and Flash Cannon pulled off in a unique manner. The many Scizors converged into three. Each Scizor then raised both open claws; one charged devastating Normal energy for what some would call the ultimate attack, and the other refined Steel energy into a corrosive and steaming power. Each pair of wings fluttered rapidly to stave off the dimming temperature and released heat that built from within their thin bodies.

fsssOOOOM

The two attacks shot as a beam, spiraled into one another, and engorged to be nearly four times in size as it launched Frosmoth's way. The force of the blast crated the earth below Scizors but they were used to the recoil and held strong.

Seeing the three combo moves soar Frosmoth's way, Elda closed her eyes. Her fists trembled at her sides, and her nails dug into her frosted, pale palm. The end result of the clash was a forgone result as her starter was sorely out of practice. She could tell and didn't fault the Pokemon. They were simply the instrument that the Master should keep clean, refined, and practiced. It was the Master's fault. Hers. She did none of that over the last couple decades.

The Hurricane took much too long to be effective. The winds didn't coalesce into a roaring tornado, and the current attack as it stood now wouldn't have a chance over the heavy Steel energy. The Blizzard wasn't as substantial and ferocious as it used to be. The days Frosmoth bury the world in white was long gone.

The sun rays may have helped to explain that, but she grew up in a desert! They overcame that issue decades ago. Almost in the same amount of time, the few Pokemon she kept from her trainer days laid in wait, unwilling to leave the trainer, who withered even more than they could have ever imagined. They stayed out of a misguided sense of loyalty and despite herself, she couldn't find it in herself to push them away.

Of course, it didn't help that she slowed the attack earlier.

An icy sigh left her. It would be disrespectful to everything her first Pokemon ever worked for if she didn't watch the exchange. The First of her team deserved this and so much more.

For a moment, it was a stalemate.

Frosmoth desperately tried to upkeep the current power of its attack. But if her second-generation Venomoth was rusty, Frosmoth was old and lounged around in retirement, patiently waiting by her side. Honestly, Esmeralda wasn't sure how it kept alive, but she wasn't complaining.

"—Fros!" her Pokemon cried out in pain.

She bit into her cheek, preventing a wince. Ever since Elroy perished, she couldn't get used to the people she cared about in pain. The excuse she had with Roger was it would make him stronger. Even then, he seemed to raise himself, bless Victini...

Frosmoth had no such excuse. The Bug-Ice type's body was giving out. It led to one of the wings getting hammered under the continuous gale then bent unnaturally. With it, its attack lost nearly half of its power and almost immediately got overwhelmed by Scizor's.

The Scizors blinked. Despite its battle lust, it didn't want that to happen. It hadn't realized this opponent was so frail, so old. Seeing as it was currently winning the beam struggle, the main Scizor turned to its owner with a visible question.

And before they could stop their attacks, the Hyper Cannons engulfed Frosmoth.

Saori tried to stand firm. Her knees buckled in her skin as she fought back shivers. Her hands trembled as she held Scizor's Pokeball, her gaze was starting to fail against the fierce winds. She couldn't even make out the opponent or its cry over the attacks.

It had only been a day since childbirth.

She had also been so busy failing to stand firm that she didn't notice one of her Pokeballs in Roger's grasp released itself to make it back to her side until it was almost right up against her.

"Ty," it cooed softly, despite its monstrous size, noticing his master's current state. It neither faulted her nor found her weak for it. Childbirth was always an amazing thing.

"T-Tyranitar?"

It moved to stand behind her. Rapidly, the oversized rock lizard's presence heated the immediate area and gave her something to lean against. The vents in its body also helped counteract the oncoming gust where possible.

She patted one of its legs fondly, "Thank you, Tyranitar." It simply nodded and pointed back at the battle.

Oh- right!

KRRRSHIISKINK

Scizor's attack almost landed if Frosmoth hadn't pulled up a simple Protect at the last second. However, now her opponent's Pokemon was drained of all its energy for that absolute shield. Soon it plummeted to the devastated ground with another crash, kicking up a dust cloud.

The dirt around it faded away after a couple moments.

"Frosmoth..." it warbled weakly, willing to keep going. The arms it usually hid crossed away now struggled to even carry itself back up. Two broken wings sat mangled on its back and bits of frost all over the ice type; something that shouldn't happen to any ice Pokemon without their consent. It gave another cry, one of frigid frustration. "Moth!" Continuing on to repeat the cry as if it would generate the strength to carry on. "Fros! Moth! M-Moth!" it always had strength.

A glance to its master saw her visibly anxious but unable to bring herself to do anything. So, her son did.

"Frosmoth is also unable to battle. This fight goes to Scizor!" He tried to jog over to the downed Pokemon, but Scizor beat him to the punch before the man could pass his son to one of his Pokemon.

It gathered Frosmoth onto its arms and carried it quickly before Esmeralda with a small, "scizor."

The once infamous Esdeath reacted in delay, widening her eyes upon noticing her Pokemon. Gingerly, she brushed her fingers through the 'Frost Moth' Pokemon's tuff, calming it down from struggling more in Scizor's grasp. "That's enough, comrade." Seeing her Pokemon still, her gaze drifted up. "And thank you, Scizor."

"Scizor," it shook its head, holding out Frosmoth.

"It's okay. We have the facilities to help her in the sanctuary." Esmeralda pressed a Pokeball to the deflated Bug-Ice type's forehead, where a burning jewel lay. "Thank you for staying by my side," she whispered into the Pokeball. It shook once in her hand, and despite how she felt not too long ago, a hint of a smile graced her lips.

Scizor nodded and shot over to his owner's side. Once there, it clanged a claw against its chest, feeling victorious and thankful for the battle.

It was inspiring to see a Pokemon try so hard for someone. Saori couldn't help but be floored by it every time. Each time her job demanded she fight down and separate the Pokemon from 'Activated' humans, it never got easier to see their bonds, trust and devotion lay wasted because of her. She just never understood what pushed them to the dark side...

Saori pushed the mental image of the downed moth away. Instead, she focused on her Pokemon, "Good job as always, Scizor."

"Zor!" His eyes flickered up to Tyranitar in challenge and pointed a claw the rock titan's way. "Sci scizor!"

She gave a small smile and pressed on his Pokeball before he got their strongest teammate started. It absorbed him in a flash. Unbeknownst to Saori, her 'simple' watch glowed, and that detail failed to hide from Esmeralda, whose slim brow rose at the sight and filed it away calmly.

"Release your last Pokemon, my Overlordess," Roger winked and bowed, holding up Rayol so as to not disorient him. It just so happened to look like he was holding his son out as an offering.

Esmeralda pressed her last Pokeball, mired with marks and scratches, to her lips before whispering in the long forgotten and forsakened language of her ancestors, "[it's time to Awaken.]" She pointed the ball towards her opponent and pressed the clawed button.

"Rise forth from the ashes, Volcarona!"

As fire blazed to life, clear ice erupted around the field under Esmeralda's will, protecting the surrounding wildlife and people.

At it, Tyranitar thundered out in protest and in threat, "TYRAN!" It erected rock and earth to protect its master with but a twitch of its claw, leaving a pane of solid ice as a window. Despite feeling the blood in her veins boiling at the challenge, she allowed the Rock-Dark type to do as it pleased as long it didn't aid in the battle.

The Living Flame, however, snapped at the 'Armor' Pokemon. The temperature spiked, sizzling the air around with countless sparks. It found an opponent.

"—Stop."

It snapped in Esmeralda's way and began to take shape. First, ten plumes of white-hot plasma turned to ash and rematerialized into five pairs of wings as the ashes fell. The 'main' flame became a flicker of all the possible colors before settling on a blinding white, flashing the world around.

"VOL~CAR~ONA!"

The world rippled, and ethereal warmth ignited in every direction. This was Esdeath's Ace. The 'Sun' Pokemon handed down from generation to generation and only got stronger with time. It was a Pokemon that exceeded every boundary their kind could be, that most Pokemon could reach.

Volcarona's were rare Pokemon that took upwards to a human life span to erupt from their first stages and cocoons. Normally, their light blue bodies were just below the height of the average adult human with the upper half covered in white fur. On their backs would be six orange, petal-like wings, dotted with black spots.

The Heirloom to the Blight-Observers, however, nearly doubled the average height. Its ten wings were white, the body black, two pairs of horn-like structures cradled the head. The sectioned eyes were nothing more than an azure ball of flame, crossed by white, staring down its master, [The One Who Held The Sun].

This Esmeralda had been the only one to turn it [Cold]. It had been centuries since it last been touched, nevermind cold.

With a slight hunch, it lowered itself before Elda. Crackles of leftover spitfires died off as its overwhelming Aura lowered drastically.

"...Volcarona," It growled out neutrally.

"You'd rather have one opponent than three?" she shook her head softly, knowing full and well the Pokemon wouldn't. Seeing as her Pokemon chilled, the prideful woman turned to her opponent, "it's your turn."

Saori narrowed her eyes. That bug, if it could be called that, felt scarily similar to her encounter with a Legendary. Adrenaline pumped through her at the memory and the latest feeling. She could do this. Her team had prepared for the scenario ever since then. They could do this.

Even still, she couldn't shake off a bad feeling.

"Armaldo, get ready the anti-fire measures!"

A spark of red energy revealed a prehistoric Pokemon, covered in thick grayish-blue armor accented by yellow and black. It almost rivaled Tyranitar in height and bulk. Topped with wide eyes on the edges of its head, and within them sat pinpricks for pupils. Four sets of white bladed appendages framed its neck, fluttering like proto feathers. The tips were covered in seemed like bloodstains and glinted dangerously in the light. Two segmented claws extended out as the once fossil Pokemon bellowed a challenge, having sensed everything thus far in its Pokeball.

"ARMA—ALDOOOO!"

A clattering of its armor and wing-like features nearly reached the volume of its roar, shaking the field.

As if a bulb lit up, Saori shot a look at her son. She had totally forgotten! She should've told her Pokemon to cool it! Only to be greeted by the, admittedly, very cute sight of her son wearing cotton mufflers around his ears as he stared around blankly. He blinked rapidly at the bug Pokemon around him.

Holding him, Roger winked and mouthed, "just worry about the battle!"

Thankfully her opponent was patient and passed a nod when their eyes met, effectively giving her the first move.

She fought back an unconscious glance towards her lover, trusting him with their child's safety. She shot out a mental command, 'Muddy Rain!' Behind her, Tyranitar murmured uncomfortably in distaste before forming a roof over the two, having sensed the energies pooling within its teammate.

"DOOO!"

Armaldo, on the other hand, crouched on all fours, and launched an orb of light brown energy into the air. It reacted high into the clouds and dispersed out, blackening the ground below and the sky above as rain clouds formed. At the same time, gaps between its armor plates cracked wider while it stomped in place that immediately pulverized almost half the field beneath it. With that, dirt and dust entered the air as rain pierced the growing sandstorm.

Unlike Scizor, the few metal alloys that made up Armaldo's coating didn't lag her psychic messages. For this reason, the lack of visibility and the sound of the raging dual storm were fairly mitigated within enough margin to allow this move to only disrupt her opponents.

Volcarona only watched on, meandering just outside the most intense area. Any droplets evaporated before they can't close to the Pokemon. Sand particles blackened into dust; it was all too used to the biome of its birthplace.

It tested a plume of orange fire Armaldo's way with a small chitter, "Volcarona."

Armaldo flickered, dodging the attack with surprising speed despite its bulk, and took a step closer.

Esmeralda could only crack a grin. Her opponent didn't disappoint! Volcarona felt the same way. Its immense heat could melt rock easily but to see it dodge in such a manner? That gave it hope for a decent battle.

Soon, the storm grew stronger. The rain was now murky and brown. The field below darkened and softened with the Rock-Bug Pokemon's energy helping along the process.

'Rock Polish and Stealth Rock.'

It twitched once before lurching forward, backed by mud shoving it forward. "Arma!" Its armor shone and then dulled, hardening. Hidden beneath the muddy downpour, rocks rose from the mud, and some solidified rain sat in the air. They stayed pointed at the moth Pokemon like miniature spears at the ready. Each grew as rain impacted them.

Those still immature in Volcarona's way crumbled away without so much of a thought. That was fine. There were tens, if not hundreds, left waiting, and that number only grew.

And yet, the Fire-Bug type only continued to watch. It wasn't bored but rather, content to allow Armaldo to do its thing.

'Liquidation, then Stomping Tantrum on impact.' The false feathers shivered as the fossil Pokemon chittered excitedly at the command.

Mud surged the Pokemon forward. Its arms gelled over with brown water from the storm as it slid forward seamlessly. Volcarona threw some more Flamethrowers its way but with each one dodged, Armaldo seemed to grow faster.

By the time it reached close to the moth, it was but a blurred streak. Combining the technique behind X-Scissors, both watery blades crossed to increase impact as it charged ground energy for Stomping Tantrum.

As it took one more step closer, the blades evaporated, and flames burst from Armaldo. It grunted, pulling up mud to replace the once-watery blades, which were now more earth than water.

Esmeralda finally spoke a command, "Retreat with Fiery Dance and Air Slash." A twinge of its horns and a great beat of its ten wings, Volcarona summoned chakram blades of air and orbs of white fire.

It shot one orb when the "Plate" Pokemon took another step, who only took another as it batted the orb away into the ice around. The mud on his skewer for a claw hardened and crumpled. The deflected attack cracked a section of clear ice surrounding the field on impact.

The storm surged stronger still as the armored Pokemon roared, "ARMALDO!" It charged another attack towards the fire moth, drawing in a wave of mud.

With that, all hell broke loose. Every blade or orb fired, two more took their place by Volcarona. Each one was blocked, dodged, or tanked out right by the ancient mantis Pokemon. It couldn't gain an opening or a single inch. If anything, each blow Armaldo took pushed it deeper into the mud.

Soon, it was waist deep, throwing up capes of mud to help further block the attacks.

'Keep it up! Fire the rocks with Stone Edge!'

The Stealth Rocks reappeared, sharpened under the intense rain and now each half as thick as his claws. They rocketed at Volcarona, gaining a watery coating, a secondary protective measure against whatever surrounded the moth.

"Psychic and Aerobatics those you can't stop in time."

Saori fought back a jaw drop, watching the "Sun" Pokemon seemingly flick on Psychic energy, freezing most of the jagged rock lances with a gale of same energy. It was quadruple casting three types!

Blinking in and out of vision, Volcarona dodged or batted the attacks away begrudgingly, letting his Master know that fact with a shrill, "Volll!" It had actually wanted to test its defenses against the rocks, water, and earth blades. It's been far too long since it had substantial battle with those outside the sanctuary.

[The One Who Held The Sun] had the highest authority to the Heirloom Pokemon and as such, their order were absolute. More so, one of the only few who awoken a [Cold] so strong, she could very well freeze the old Pokemon solid with ease, even with Ice's weakness to Fire.

Despite her stagnation in the recent decades (a decent nap for the Volcarona), she was still among the highest echelon of humans and wasn't just another human that would die before it woke. So, when her next command came in, Volcarona followed through, but reserved its disappointment at letting all that hype and build up fall short.

"Finish this, non-lethal." The melted ice exploded as newly formed ice replaced it under Elda's direction. The extra caution might be necessary given how Volcarona felt about defenses of Armaldo.

"VOLLLLCARONA!"

A greater beat of its many wings saw it send massive blades of air and fire, using Hurricane and Heat Wave. Despite Rock typing resistance to Flying energy, they cut deeply into the reinforced and mud-caked armor of Armaldo and into the field. Soon the attack tightened and became no different from an active blender. At the center, the Rock-Bug Pokemon roared, trying to counter the onslaught by using its exceptional dexterity, and continuing to sink in the mud.

After what felt like forever, Volcarona stopped its attack, holding back a wave of fire and wind blades if Armaldo was still up.

Saori couldn't be disappointed with her Pokemon, who tried its best to catch a reprieve under the earth. Her jaw clenched tightly as she tapped a hand on Tyranitar. "Ty," it grunted, forcing Armaldo up and out of the ground with a grossly oversized bit of fresh earth that served to also reset the field.

Splayed on the new ground, unable to hold itself up, Armaldo cried weakly in surprise, "Arm..?"

"That's enough," she bore into the fossil Pokemon with her brown eyes. Unconsciously, she counted every cut, every burnt mark and cracked armor plate, fighting a wince. Her Pokemon was worse for wear to say the least, a state she hadn't ever gotten used to witnessing. "You've done enough for now, Armaldo." It was in a similar state as Venomoth.

The stubborn revived Pokemon shook its head with a chirp, "Arma!" It failed to rise up despite its will.

Seeing that, Tyranitar begrudgingly left Saori's back to growl in its face. "Tarrr!" It picked up the bleeding teammate and half dragged him their master's way.

"Thanks, Tyranitar." She tightly palmed a Pokeball as she crouched in Armaldo's direction. "and to you too." He only looked away, angrier with his poor showing and not her. The black-haired woman knew it and smiled gently. "we'll get better." A pat and rub to his head, she gave one last line, "It's my fault for letting you sit around while I was pregnant, no?"

Before her Pokemon could argue, she sucked him back into his Pokeball that shook vehemently. She stood up tall and considered her options. For an informal battle, she could use the Pokemon she had switched out, but to do so against this monster of a Pokemon in strength? Scizor would be fried alive. Orbeetle wouldn't fare much better despite all its many defenses.

It would be awesome data for the two though. Scizor would love the losing battle and try to overcome its single weakness with haste. Orbeetle would try to weather the storm for as long as it could, not unlike Armaldo. They would lose but in the process, gain a lot of battle knowledge, especially that of an overwhelming opponent, which was rare at her level.

Elite Four Pokemon were a challenge but were surmountable for the young woman. Champion-ranked Pokemon didn't come by too often as they filled much less than 1% of the total trainers in the world. Their owners either were busy – usually running half a league – sought seclusion or grew old while their Pokemon often grew stronger.

Esmeralda 'Elda' Bid, formerly of the Blight-Observer, fell into the middle section of lonely Champion-level trainers. Saori didn't blame her. Seeing the sanctuary around and knowing the small bits of private information of what the older woman has accomplished rather than battling was inspiriting. Esmeralda tasked herself with protecting her region of Unova, using a network of Bugs to do just that. Her sanctuary doubled as a central home and hub for it. The league allowed it since they couldn't get her to stay in their grasp. It was the most the icy woman would allow herself in order to work cordially with them.

However, seeing the once infamous trainer reduced to this made her bite back a frown. Accursed hormones made it harder than it should've been!

It was obvious to see that Elda missed the thrill of battling. Every move that landed meant more and more hints of a smile until the icy woman couldn't hold it back. Her smile was wide, bright, and no longer held the sadistic side rumors whispered stories about. It was no less apparent even with the many storms at play. Throughout it all, Esdeath stood a valiant figure, untouched and at the ready. Despite that and on top of that, her infamous dogma, she didn't blame her Pokemon. The combo moves were there. The plans too. Powering it all, their will and strength glowed brilliantly.

So why had she given it all up?

Family wasn't—perhaps, family was the last thing she should mention, given her sore lack of experience on the matter. Her breath hitched in her dry throat as her gaze glided over to her son. She swallowed dumbly, refraining from smacking herself. There was nothing she wouldn't do for her son. To a small degree, she could only imagine she was able to relate, even if just barely.

The last part of her mind reminded her the recoil of fainted Pokemon bonds might end her. Luckily, her Pokemon had managed to win the first two battles and Armaldo's will that he hadn't faint.

Saori so desperately wanted to pretend the feelings she garnered were only due to temporary hormones. That it was only due to the pregnancy, which shouldn't be possible in the first place, that those ruined and vestigial receptors became active, that these alien biochemical reactions were a mistake. And just like the pregnancy, they would be over and gone just like they have been for almost a decade.

"...I forfeit," Saori conceded. It was just a friendly match after all. Scizor- the rest of her team in fact- would get a chance later, she was sure.

She had been away from her newborn long enough. With all the research done, the newfound mom was more than a little surprised Rayol didn't have a single episode throughout the whole battle. She couldn't expect more from him but nevertheless took solace in it. He would be a good boy. She would make sure of it.

It was time to return to her new life's mission.

Tyranitar stood vigilant behind her all the while. She was a little miffed about being sidelined for the battle but understood it was a pride thing. There was little need to tear up the forest for a battle with little stakes and needless showboating in Tyranitar's opinion. And if her Master finally settled here with this monster of a Pokemon, the "Armor" Pokemon had no complaints.

Esmeralda schooled her face and nodded. She seemed to understand but turned to her family's heirloom before Saori could tell, "Back to sleep." Volcarona nodded and allowed his Master to recapture him. It withheld its displeasure for not being able to fight more to sleep more.

The two women shared the same brain cell and practically jumped Roger, who could only sputter a failed conclusion to the battle.

Around them, his personal Pokemon ushered the gathered sanctuary Pokemon back to their domains with various scents, chitters, clicks, and flickers.

With that, the five made their way back to the house.

"...those 'studies' can only teach you so much about motherhood, Takao-san."

"I-" Saori bowed her head slightly. Those words hit harder than her defeat from the battle. She had gotten so caught up in her excitement she nearly forgot everything she learned. It wasn't like she had a motherly figure to draw inspiration... She bit back a head shake. There was no room for excuses, hormones or not. Stay or not, Saori would figure it out. She always had. Her boyfriend rubbed the shoulder furthest from him. And just like the last few years, it wouldn't be alone. His mother would be in the picture as well. Hopefully, for the better.

"Don't worry. If nothing more than for the sake of my grandson, you'll be a great mother by my guidance."

The couple shared a look before following after her.


Aes: Not bad for a first try at a completely OC story?

Don't expect a battle of this thoroughness for a long time. Hopefully it wasn't completely boring! This story has been something I've let dry-age for about a decade now and a taste of where I want to go after all this time daydreaming.

Though, I never expected to focus on Bug Pokemon, to remake Esdeath of all character in Pokemon, and so forth. That was a happy accident btw; she was originally going to be tanned, have white hair, and a bit of a weirdo, etc, but I decided to commit after I realized all the similarities. Pairings? Hm. Ask me in ten chapters. Next chapter probably will be the short marriage ceremony, birth of a sibling and some childhood shenanigans.

Want some updates on my other stories or chat with other authors/fans of other ffns? Do join this discord with the code: V54pcwA

Words: [13,987]

Edits: none atm


Happy Winter Days and here's to a new year. Be well.