Chapter 27

Fracture

The sun had moved from high noon. As Avery trekked through the woods and returned to the shade of the valley, walking down the paths of the village district...he could see the city sprawled before him. Columns of smoke from chimneys dotted the expanse of white and red roofs that filled the bottom of the Arceali valley.

In a twisted way...it had its own beauty, blemishes and all.

As he reached the farming district, passing wood houses and rolling fields of crops the sun had transitioned to midday. The day was still fairly young. No doubt Sarfallinus, Estaloni, Loshjno and Kipuuna were finished shopping. Vizon was...wherever he was. Same with Ganisus and Lahnae, no doubt. Perhaps, Kellixaw was at the bank, or even at her other job. Perhaps Sekura was at the book store. Jolvia with Rikzyod doing something or another. Nivanee resting soundly in her bed.

Amid the sounds of voices and the rumble of the presence of others...the peace may have been missed but it certainly wasn't lonely.

Avery tried to keep to his own thoughts, thinking of how else he could spend this day off. So far...it hadn't been very relaxing at all.

Maybe...buying a book from Sekura and checking up on her could be nice. Out of everyone he'd really come to know so far, Kellixae and Sekura were probably...the least agenda-heavy. Plus, Avery wanted to check up on her after the disaster. He knew that Olistia said she was going to get a new home built for her...he just hoped that was something she wanted.

So...first stop - the bookstore.

At last, Avery crossed the North gate, back to the city proper. He passed by those grey buildings again, seeing windmills turning on some of them, many gruff Poke'mon returning inside, some others stomping out, looking furious or miserable. Massive carts carrying brick and metal, pulled by Tauros and Stantlers, crossed Avery's path every few moments.

For a moment, he lingered by the grey buildings, just...people-watching. Avery wondered why they seemed so sad. Was it just because of work? He had a sort of idea that generally a lot of Poke'mon didn't enjoy work. So maybe it was that. But maybe it was something deeper-

'No. No thinking about that. No digging deeper. Every time I do it just ends up horrible for me and everyone around me. Keep things light. Airy. Surface-level.'

The stretch of industry is brief, before leading to an archway where the cobblestone became messy smooth stone, gradually becoming cleaner and cleaner as he walked further into the pristine white marble world of the Market District.

It really was like a whole other world.

He was down in a lower square. High above he could see the towering One Truth statue peeking over a sheer cliff of pure white stone and brick. To the right was a steep ramp with stairs on the side, which he followed to get up higher in the district.

Even here in the glamour of the Market District, even now, there was a sense of something going on here below the surface that Avery couldn't shake. Seeing everything so nice and clean...it left a sour taste in his mouth, no matter how much he tried to banish it.

But there, after a few more bends, just down the road from a beautiful fountain, was a familiar looking stand nestled in the side of a building not a stone's throw from the One Truth Square. Briefly, just barley, Avery could see the head of a Mawile peeking out, leaning on the counter, eying the Poke'mon on the street.

Seeing Sekura here, set up in her shop, that gave Avery a thought that...maybe everything wasn't so bad. She was able to make it after all.

After only a moment's hesitation, Avery finally stepped forward towards the shop, looking up at the Mawile.

Sekura looked...

Happy...

Happy...!

She turned her head to Avery, perking up as she saw him approach. Behind the Mawile, her parents worked sorting books and taking inventory.

"Good afternoon, Sekura," Avery said, jumping and pulling himself up to look over the counter. "How, uh...how are you doing?"

"Oh my goodness, Averry! Hello once again!" She called excitedly, almost bouncing. She looked back behind her. "Nenne! Qeqe! Haesfe djo i wipavu e vsuwesdo!"

Sekura excitedly stepped aside, the Simisear and Mega Mawile looking over merrily to see Avery.

"Raimme i Averini? Om putvsu isui fimme homfe?" The Mega Mawile woman mused, leaning on the counter by Sekura with a wry smile on her face. The Simisear laughed, equally happy to see the Plusle.

"Aha, Afterrnon, Avery!" He spoke in a joyous tone, taking his place on Sekura's other side. "How good it is to finally come face to face with the Hero of that drreadful night. I did not even get the chance to shake your hand! Kiss yourr cheek!"

"Oop, now, Qeqe, there's no need..." Sekura giggled, nudging him. He waved his hand dismissively, shaking his head. The Mawile turned back to Avery, smiling wide. "How have you been? I have scarcely seen you since last we saw each other in the Illamini District...though Kellixae tells me you had visited her whilst gallivanting to another daring quest~!"

She shook with excitement.

"Eeeee, how very...cool!"

As soon as she spoke up, Avery's shoulders relaxed a little.

Hearing this...it was nice. Almost a break from all the thinking he'd had to do.

"I can't believe I haven't been here since one of my first few days in the city when a friend owns the shop," Avery said with a slightly guilty smile. "I hope you guys are doing well...! I just...wanted to pick up a bit on culture and such, so...I thought I'd stop by to get a book or brochure or something...!"

Avery turned to...'Qeqe'. Was that his name or some Illaminian word...?

"I'm just glad that I was able to bring the people that did that to justice." The Plusle sighed. "And...I did speak to the Conduit this morning - if it's agreeable with you three, she's said that she'd be happy to commission another house for you in the Lower Market District, without debt."

Like a jolt being shot through them, Sekura and the Simisear went dead silent. Wide-eyed.

The silence cut through the conversation like a sword.

"H...house?" The Simisear stammered.

"Dji dute? Dute je fivvu?" The Megamawile asked the Simisear, curiously.

"Ape dete! Je fivvu dji om Dupfuvvu op qistupe fitofise dutvsaosdo ape dete!" The Simisear replied, shaking in disbelief. "Tipbe ficovo! Muxis Nesliv Fotvsodv!"

The Megamawile's mouth hung open...her brow furrowing almost as though she we in disbelief.

"Pittap ficovu?" The Megamawile repeated, higher pitched. "Raitvu pup qau ittisi wisu. Do fiwi ittisi ap tidupfu gopi."

The Simisear pushed Sekura aside, the Mawile yelping, looking Avery in the eye.

"What is the catch? Is there a catch?" He asked, a spark of hope in his eye. "Tell me this is no sick joke. Please let me hear the sweet music of those words that this is not a joke."

"Qeqe..!" Sekura shoved back, half annoyed, half amused. "Do not badger the one fixing our problems."

"No debt...no debt!" The Simisear ran his fingers through his hair, staring up in disbelief. "Impossible...impossible...no debt!"

"I do believe...he just may accept, Avery." Sekura laughed, stepping back as the Simisear babbled incoherently in joyous disbelief. "And I imagine my mother would as well...!"

Sekura looked back at the Mega Mawile, a hopeful look in her eye. The older woman looked between Avery and Sekura...then folded her arms with a sigh.

"Djo tupu ou qis sogoavesi ap sihemu fem Dupfuvvu?" The Older woman said, a smile spreading across her face. It looked almost...cocky. "Ti waumi Ommenopo pim tau Muxis Nesliv Fotvsodv, emmuse mo ewse!"

"Oh, Nene..." Sekura sighed, shaking her head with a small laugh.

"H...hah..." Avery laughed a little, in deep relief that this went as well as it did. He was worried they'd have a grudge against Olistia or something, but...

"She said that your debt was rescinded, and...that she could work with someone to build you a new house. He said it'd happen in the next few days." Avery explained.

The Simisear LEAPT up, laying over the counter, GRABBING Avery's cheeks kissing each over and over!

"Oh, my hero! Hero hero hero!" He shouted, Sekura laughing heartily as passerby stared curiously at the shouting Illaminian man kissing the Plusle's cheeks. "First you avenge us and now save us!"

Avery let out a surprised squeak, taken very aback by the show of affection - his face went a little red from it, but he didn't struggle.

Avery knew that he was happy. That all three of them were.

And that felt...really nice.

"Thank goodness for this...I'd not wish to make Kellixae's home any more cramped than it is, poor woman..." Sekura shook her head, smiling.

"Bless my brethren, they've been taking care of us..." The Simisear sighed, pushing back up. "But...! We need to have a family meeting! Tonight! Tvetise opdupvsu fo genohmoe! Fuwi wuhmoenu dete putvse!"

The Megamawile nodded softly, a thoughtful look in her eye. She did, if nothing else, seem to bask in her husband's happiness.

"The Lower Market district...what a spot for...our new home, Arceus..." The Simisear sighed. Sekura pat him on the shoulder, looking back to Avery.

"After all of what you've done...Avery surely there's something we can do for you? Do not make moochers of us!" She laughed.

"I-I can't ask for much...! This has to be close to the bare minimum that I could have asked to be done for you after losing your home. But..." Avery thought about it. That last thing Sekura had said made him pause in his 'it's nothing' speech - he didn't want them to feel like they were taking advantage of him.

"...I've been looking to learn Illaminian...?"

"Oh?"

Sekura smiled, leaning forward with a curious look on her face. The Simisear laughed hearing that.

"Nothing easier!" The Simisear shouted, throwing his arms up. "You stay right there! I will get you some books! Children books, ah, dictionary...oh, and...!"

As he rambled to himself, shuffling through his supply, Sekura flashed you a warm smile.

"If that is all you wish, I'd be happy to be your tutor in Illamini, Avery." She offered softly, hands folded together.

"I don't really know when I'd have time, with...the way the guild is working me," Avery said with a sad laugh. "But...I think I'd really like that."

"Well, let's find some time together..." Sekura suggested. "I am sure you are only available at night, yes? If ever you have time you may visit me at Kellixae's home. I'm sure she would be most pleased to see you as well."

Sekura gave a soft and mirth giggle. Behind her, her parents both rummaged through their supply with all gusto.

"...Oh! But, that wasn't the reason I came here today-" Avery continued, going into his bag. "I wanted to ask if you had any book recommendations. I'm...not from Arceali, see, so...I don't really know if there are any 'must-reads' that I've been missing out on."

She hummed looking back as the Simisear set down some books...a dictionary in Illaminian...and a stack of children books.

"Here! To start you off! If you study with Sekura I am sure she shan't steer you wrong!"

Sekura giggled, pushing the stack towards Avery.

"All free of charge. But, now, as for recommendations..." She mused, glancing back. "That all depends on what you are looking for. Some reference? Periodicals are quite popular, though they are only bi-monthly. The...brochures, of course. And, of course...fiction~!"

"Maybe something fictional," Avery said, another wry chuckle escaping him. "I've...had my fill of non-fiction for now."

"Ooo...a fiction lover, hm hm?" Sekura cooed merrily. "Well, then, I just have to know your fancy...high adventure? Cunning mystery? Oh...romance~?"

She giggled.

"I admit...I am a fan of stories with adventure...and romance.:" Sekura explained. "Gushy romance. Snuggly stuff!"

Avery just gave a shrug.

"I'm open to anything." He said. "Though having something I could talk about with people could be nice. Is there a book that a lot of people have read? Or at least know the story to...?"

"Ohhh, something a lot of people have read, hm?" Sekura clicked her tongue, looking back at the books on the back shelf. "What of...'Team Moonlight'? Surely you've heard of that one, it's an international bestseller...thought I think it a little hokey. But it seems everyone has read it at least once..."

The Mawile produced a thick book, titled "TEAM MOONLIGHT, PART 1"

"It comes in small parts, so you need not spend thousands of coins upfront for the full story. Just see if it is to your interest..."

Avery nodded, taking the book and leafing through it, his eyes tracing through the foreword. A foreword...

Forward from the translator, Junadai Vonzi

You hold in your hand the third edition of part one of TEAM MOONLIGHT, the best selling international story of swashbuckling high adventure, loving romance, friendship and mystery. It's the tale that has dazzled and amazed readers across Tulaan. If this is your first time leafing through the pages of this tale, then I quite welcome you to the world of Ceralyn and wish you a wild ride.

When I first worked with Nocadux on this story, on the original translation, I was unsure as to whether or not this story would be a success or if it would simply be a forgotten tale left to rot in the bowels of obscurity. When the first reviews came in, we were crushed. But then the fan letters flooded in, burying the scathing criticism. The public spoke their true want, and I'm honored to have been a part of this journey.

Please turn the next page and let yourself slip somewhere else, into another world far away from this one. Let your worries wash away, and delve into the world of TEAM MOONLIGHT

~The Translator and Editor, Junadai Vonzi

'Dang. It must be a classic if it had one of those.'

"I'll take it...!"

Sekura giggled lightly, setting a scale upon the counter and humming.

"Alright, very good. What say you to..." She hummed, setting some coins upon the scale, along with a block on the other end. She set another, smaller block on top of the larger block, and balanced the scales by adding more coins. "...120 coins...and for a part one it's reduced to...70 coins, how's that?"

Avery tilted his head in curiosity, looking at the scale.

"...What's, uh... What's the scale there...?" He asked as he went into his bag to give the money over. "...And does this shop accept tips, or is 70 a flat rate?"

"We barter books by availability...they are not so easy to come by as crops, you understand?" Sekura chuckled, putting the scale away. "You may barter, of course, but I think the price rather fair, lower than most others in truth. But would you really wish to barter for a higher price?"

She laughed again, shaking her head.

Avery shrugged, putting some coins on the table.

"I can pay seventy if you want...! I don't want to insult you or anything, hah."

"Hah, no insult. You've merely done enough for me, you silly Plusle~" Sekura chuckled, sliding the book over to him and setting the Illaminian learning books atop it. "Odd to see you so late in the day. Are you not on a mission, Avery? Or is it a guild's day off today, hm? What have you been up to all day?"

"Hah, we did get a day off today," Avery laughed, scratching the back of his head. "First day off I've had since I joined, actually...!"

"Oh, is that true? How rigorous...high adventure and action fighting endlessly, day after day...!" She shuddered with a laugh. "I could never imagine fighting like that for so many days straight, when even just staying here in the city working stand jobs feels so difficult!"

She looked to the side thoughtfully as a group approached, her mother coming to greet them as though she recognized them. Sekura scooched over to the other end of the stand to talk to Avery while the other group of customers spoke the the Megamawile.

"Well, then, what will you be doing with your day off? Reading and studying?" She giggled. "I imagine not...I'd think it'd be some fun with the fantastic members of the guild. Ah, but to be amid their company...I am already quite living the dream being friends with an all-star guild member, am I not?"

"Oh, well, I-"

Avery paused.

'I'm...not allowed to say Nivanee is in the hospital. Right. Because of that public veneer thing.'

"I just went on a walk by myself, up towards Windscorch Mountain, actually. I'm going to be spending some time with the guild later tonight, but...having some time to myself was nice." Avery said, beaming. "I would like to go have dinner with some friends at the fire bar sometime soon, though...!"

"Time to yourself? Oh but that sounds so lovely! Everyone else too busy, I suppose?" Sekura asked curiously, though stopped herself. "Ah, but, I should not pry so much, yes? I am so very curious about many things going on in that famous guild, who wouldn't?"

She laughed heartily, nodding to herself.

"I am sure Kellixae would love to take us to the fire grill again..." At once, the Mawile perked up. "Oh! Would you want to bring any of your guild friends, perhaps?"

She certainly...trusted the guild a lot more than her Illamini brethren. From the way Poke'mon acted that night, it was easy to imagine any Illamini Op Arceali balking at the idea for bringing Arceali guild to a secluded bar like that.

Avery's mind went to Lahnae. Kellixae had already met her.

'If I'd be comfortable bringing anyone to the fire bar, it'd be Lahnae. Maybe some of the others, but...

...Not Azure. Nobody from Azure. Vizon and Nivanee...neither of them could go.'

"Lahnae would love to, I think," Avery said. "I'd have to bring it up with Kellixae, but if everything works out I'd love to show her the place."

"Oh LAHNAE!" Sekura squealed, delighted. "She always seemed such a friendly soul...is she? I hope I am not getting the wrong impression of her. Oh, you know what they say about meeting your heroes...though Kellixae may have mentioned something about meeting 'a friend of Avery's' over our evening tea...was that you and Lahnae?!"

She looked positively ecstatic at the prospect of meeting another guild member. All the while, however, the megamawile and the group of men on the other side of the stand talked in hushed voices.

"...Qesvoenu tvetise. Do tveo...?"

"To, fe fuwi opoboe?"

"Nesdoenu wistu maggodou onnohseboupi, vsetgisipfudo emme dete fimme homfe NAMini."

One of the men tapped the other in the arm, glancing over in Avery's direction.

"Shsh...Dusquseboupi Arceali..."

"Ngg...Guvvono..."

Avery looked over to the other pair of Poke'mon standing at the stall, shifting a bit.

'Are they talking about me...? They said 'Arceali', I know that generally means me, but...'

Sekura huffed a sigh, rolling her eyes, leaning over. Her voice immediately snapped Avery's attention away from the whispering Poke'mon.

"I do hope you enjoy your book...and do introduce me to Lahnae sometime. I'd love to have her over for tea at least~!" She cooed merrily. "And let us find time for tutoring soon, yes?"

The two nodded to the Megamawile, making haste at once away from the stand. The Megamawile only looked off to the side, humming. Avery glanced over in time to see the Poke'mon vanish before looking back to Sekura.

"Oh...yes, that was Lahnae," Avery said, feeling odd. "I think she'd love to meet you...! And she'd be all over the food, too. Hopefully we can do that soon...!"

Sekura glanced down the road, watching the two leave for a while before bringing her attention back to you with a sunny smile.

Avery sighed quietly, taking the books. Maybe he could just...put that little odd encounter out of his mind.

"...Hopefully we can do tutoring soon, though, I'd love to learn." Avery said. "Where can I find you before the house is built...? "

"Well, if not here, then Kellixae's home! My parents are being housed with other Illamini Op Arceali...everyone there has taken such good care of us." Sekura sighed softly. "They always have, ever since we first came here...how long ago was that...?"

The Simisear smiled, perking up as he carried a crate in the back.

"Six years and counting!" He called out merrily.

"Thank you, Qeqe!" She called. "Ah, but, I perhaps shouldn't keep you any longer, yes? Go on, go on! Even with a day off you've sure to have many adventures in the guild!"

Avery nodded, smiling softly.

"...Thanks, Sekura," He said. "It really means a lot to have a friend like you around. I've..."

'No. No. No sharing. Don't make things more complicated. Don't drive her away, too.'

"Just...thank you so much." Avery put the books into his bag. "I'll see you later...! And I really hope that everything with the construction goes well...!"

"Of course, Avery...and...ahhhh, thank you so much...!" She squealed again, holding Avery's cheeks and kissing them as her father had, bouncing excitedly. "I will see you soon!"

With a hearty wave, the family at the bookstore bid the Plusle farewell. His satchel sagged with the new acquisitions, merrily swaying to the Plusle's step.

One. One good thing today. Nothing gone wrong. Nothing awkward. Something nice.

The sun was moving along, moving further towards the west. The sky was slowly transitioning into a yellowish blue hue, the air so much more warm than from this morning. Yet nighttime was still a ways off.

...Avery let out another sigh.

He knew he'd have to do this at some point.

'So I might as well get it done now.'

It was time for the visit with Janus and Jolvia.

Avery looked down at his bag, the books packed into it. He was almost tempted to just read Team Moonlight. But... It'd be best to get his obligation over with now.

He began to look for Jolvia. Same place as last time, just as she had said.

He made his way across the Market District, much of the work winding down for many Poke'mon, crowds now in their rush to finish the last of their errands or simply weave their way home.

Even now, though he tried to ignore it surely, Avery saw Poke'mon trading coin on the street. Noble looking Poke'mon whispering to Poke'mon with matted fur and strong bodies.

Then, as he passed a row of trees growing in a small median in the stone path, the road turned to cobblestone, that familiar feeling.

There was shouting here and there, the rumble of voices. Avery had to stop to let by iron carriages pulled by powerful looking Poke'mon. The open doors of a warehouse on the other side of a spiked fence showed the skeleton of another iron carriage. And another.

Guards stood on every street corner here, eying the large seized buildings being expanded upon.

Avery stepped in a NAM flyer, discarded on the ground and submerged in a puddle.

And all the while, he could smell the sharp scent of rain in the air. The cloud from the west loomed ever closer to Arceliaze.

Same place as before, same street...turn the corner and there it was. That familiar street stood before him, a pocket of what the Lower Market district must have been a long time ago. A small, local Eksai bar by some pretty fixtures, like a mini Market District. Jolvia was surely inside.

Here Avery could see some Poke'mon, talking to one another, looking over a 'Brighter Arceliaze Weekly' brochure together. A stand stood, proclaiming them free to all, a small tip jar to the local chapter of The Nationalist Arcean's movement sitting beside the free pamphlets.

'Just... Ignore them. Don't involve yourself. You don't have to involve yourself please just keep your head down and don't say a word. Meet with Jolvia, meet with Janus, and that's it, that's all you have to do today. No NAM, no Poke'mon conflict, no guild flaws, no horrors beyond comprehension.'

Avery was digging his head in the sand, he knew that. But it was all just so much. Too much. Way too much.

'Head down. Don't engage. Go into the bar. No eye contact.'

Avery pulled his bag a little closer to his chest, almost like it was an item of comfort.

He opened the door and saw her immediately.

Standing amid the crowd, once again.

The Nidorina stood with her back to him. There were far less people in the bar this time, only a handful milling about on the center floor, watching a similar auction from the night before, only with different Poke'mon presenting.

She seemed to only be half paying attention, her ears swiveled toward the door.

Avery saw her turn her head, glancing back towards him, her crimson eye locking with his own.

"... Hey," Avery said, waving a bit from the door. He approached her slowly, feeling a sort of apprehension that wasn't there from this morning when they'd first talked. "... You ready?"

Jolvia smiled at first at the sight of Avery..a smile that immediately fell as she eyed him over. Her gaze traced over the Plusle's features and it was easy to feel as though he was being thoroughly examined.

She was silent in that way she always was, carefully considering him.

Then, without a word, she beckoned Avery follow, stepping around him. She took a long drink of the glass in her hand, setting it upon a table by the door as she walked out.

...Avery couldn't help but feel as if he had disappointed her as he followed.

'There it was... That funny feeling. Her smile disappearing, her expression solidifying, studying me. There it was, that heavy subject matter once again ripping at a relationship.'

Avery looked up and could see that Jolvia turned...away from the direction they both needed to go...as she exited the bar.

Avery's brow furrowed at the direction.

"The, uh... The prison is the other direction," Avery said, though he was pretty sure Jolvia knew that well enough.

She still said nothing, only moving to the bar patio, sitting upon one of the wood seats at a corner table overlooking a small canal. The Nidorina waved Avery over silently, glancing up at the sun briefly, watching as the yellowish sky began to take its first orange hues.

"Sit down." She said. It was a command...though there was a softer inflection.

'... Why do I feel like I'm in trouble? I'm supposed to be her superior.

But she and I both know that isn't the case. At best we're coworkers.'

Avery grunted and took a seat, taking a lot of willpower not to look down at his lap like a scolded schoolchild.

Another modicum of willpower spent not to apologize without cause.

"...It's been a long day."

Jolvia scooted away, trying to not crowd the Plusle. A sympathetic look crossed her crimson eyes, a deep sigh huffed.

"What's wrong, Avery...?" She asked plainly. "You look...miserable."

She had seen right through him. That worry she had this morning had ballooned now into...well, this. But after everything that happened today...

"...I had a fight with Vizon today, after visiting Nivanee," Avery said, slumping. "Just...Kind of came to a realization of how little I actually understand I guess. And..."

His paw fell onto the surface of the table, drumming it idly. Jolvia looked at Avery expectantly, absorbing every word he said. She spoke much, sure, but listened just as much. With no interruptiuon, Avery continued.

"... I think I hate that I can't talk about anything else. I don't know pop culture. I can't do small talk. And I think it's...it's driving Vizon and I apart." He said at last.

Jolvia looked...almost sad hearing that. She leaned on the table, just listening and nodding.

"I understand, somewhat...it's annoying. It seems to be all that's talked about sometimes..." Jolvia sighed, reaching over and tracing a claw on a clay ashtray. "I imagine with the position you are in you're always embroiled in the middle of this conflict and that conflict, both on a global and a personal scale, hm...?"

She sighed, shaking her head softly.

"It's not fair, huh? I doubt you ever asked to be the center of so much. I'm sure nobody informed you beforehand of what you were getting into. You were...just a lost poke'mon looking for someone to help...maybe some friends...a lost little..."

She paused.

"Human...a lost boy dumped in a world, scared and confused but with everyone insisting they're the most important person in the world, everyone converging, everyone wanting you on their side, whether for political or personal reasons..."

She was quiet again, only scratching at the ash in the tray.

"...none of it was fair." She muttered. "Seeing you fight with your best friend breaks my heart...you were both so close when we first met. You both seemed so close when we worked together...but I suppose I only know what I see."

It was hard for Avery to keep his composure with someone echoing his worries back at him. The Plusle's idle drumming turned to a paw clenching the side of the table - but otherwise his outward mannerisms didn't change. He tried to stay stoic. Or... As stoic as he could.

"We were close," Avery said. "... Back when he was the only person I had. He treated some people differently than others, for reasons I still don't really get or like, but... It's gotten to the point where I'm nervous to work with him now. And it's not like I haven't pushed him away, too. Hiding things. Keeping quiet. And when I do speak it's scolding him. How is he supposed to be friends with someone like that?

Avery's head came to rest on the table.

"...It was kind of naïve of me, I think. To believe I knew more than him. To think I knew more than anyone, just because... What, I talked to a few people from the other side? Because I have Kellixae as a friend? I-"

'...

...

Fuck, Avery, you're doing it again.

Stop it. Stop sharing. Stop talking about this. You're either going to drive her away or let her know more than she needs. Just stop.'

"... We... We should get you to Janus. I agreed to do that this morning, I wouldn't want to fail to deliver."

"Avery..."

Jolvia stopped him, shaking her head. She scooted a little closer, holding a claw to his hand.

"Don't run off. Janus will still be there, of that I'm sure..." She said, a worried frown on her face. "Let's just talk for now, ok? I know that we're perhaps not the closest right now, but..."

She paused.

"I'll admit to you now: I'm taking a leap of faith with you." She said, something under her voice. "Talking to you, I've come trust you a lot, in many aspects. It's hard. It's frightening to me. I stood at this bar deep in worry if I should be trusting you, if I'm being foolish or naive, myself. Wondering if I've been duped or had or betrayed but..."

She took a deep breath.

"I trust in you, Avery. I will reveal everything to you. As much as I am allowed. May I ask you trust in me, too?"

She smiled softly.

"Tell me what's eating you...spare no details." Jolvia insisted. "I'm here for you. I promise very little in my life because my line of work requires me to go back on my word often...but this? This I will promise. I am here for you."

"... Spare no details," Avery mumbled, a wry smile on his face.

'That's a bit rich, coming from you. I've known since the day I met you that you haven't been telling me much about yourself.

And I had been fine with that. I didn't need to know. I was... Relatively sure that she wouldn't hurt us. I still am. Because here Jolvia is, trying to support me.

Most likely, that's what she's doing, anyway.'

"... You already know the details, Jolvia," Avery said, not looking up. "You just said every single one to me. You've got me all figured out. I think everyone does. Once you know my biggest secret, there...there really isn't much to me. I'm not... I'm not from here. But I'm not from where I'm from, either. I've got nothing."

Jolvia sighed and nodded, tapping on the table...

Then...she did something surprising.

She leaned forward...and hugged Avery. Arms wrapped around him snugly and warmly, head rested upon his shoulder. Avery froze up from her embrace. He was still trying his absolute best to remain stoic, but... But...

He melted in her grip, sinking into her. His face screwed up...But he wouldn't cry. He couldn't. He wasn't going to.

She held him for a while, silent, clearly deep in thought...and squeezed Avery as though he were a security plush.

"Is there anything I can do to help?" She asked, her voice warm. No mysteries or lies behind it. Just genuine warmth.

Avery could have asked Jolvia anything. 'Who do you work for?' 'Why did you join this team?' 'What's your line of work?' 'Why haven't you told me?'

... But those weren't even on his mind.

He didn't care. He never cared. If Jolvia wanted to tell him she'd tell him. As long as she wasn't hurting anyone...Avery didn't need to know.

'...So what can she do to help?'

"I just...I-I want to have conversations with people where nothing is at stake. Where I don't... I-I don't have to worry about their team's reputation, or how they feel about certain Poke'mon or rulers, I don't have to question their upbringing, or feel for the millionth time that I have no idea what they're talking about..."

Avery squirmed...and held Jolvia a little tighter.

"I'm tired of feeling like an outsider. I'm tired of having my only anchor points be world-scale conflicts and prophecies, I just..."

His breath hitched. But he wouldn't cry.

"...I want to talk about food and music and trashy romance novels that are so infamous that everyone at least knows about them, I-I want to talk about hobbies and what people do for fun, I want to be able to invite my friends to a restaurant and not have it be some f-fucking issue about one country or another-"

He wouldn't cry. He wouldn't cry.

"...But everything is so complicated. And everyone's grown up in it. T-they all know...know what's up, and I don't, so the surface level digging just...Leads to all these conflicts, and...and I just push everyone away. I push everyone away."

"Avery..." Jolvia's voice soothed.

He felt it, her claws gently stroking his head as she squeezed him. She could hear it in his voice, no doubt, the cracks.

"You don't need to be strong right now..." she assured. "you're not my co-worker or my boss or anything right now...you're just my friend. A boy named Avery that needs a friend."

She squeezed Avery softly, sighing.

"I'm your friend for now. Just your friend."

No words to sway him somewhere. No statement. No work.

At last, at last...

It was just

warmth.

Avery squeezed his eyes shut.

He wouldn't cry. He couldn't. He wouldn't.

"...l...let's not kid ourselves," Avery struggled to get out of the hug which she released, sad laughter shaking his little body. "...I've never been your boss, Jolvia."

A soft laugh was his reply.

"Perhaps not..." Jolvia whispered with a sigh. "Yet you inspired me all the same. I've told my lies, but this is truth...you filled me with hope. When I met you, you filled me with hope."

Her fists clenched...but she gave him a warm smile.

"I needed hope so much." The Nidorina whispered. "Now, I give my friendship. A warm place to go for tongight."

She huffed another breath...sounding both soothing...and scared at the same time.

"I'll be that for you...because I trust you. I truly trust you."

That... Almost irked him.

'Trust me...? I give her hope? What have I done to do that? When I met her I was this naïve kid with this other naïve kid trying to take down a kingdom. We were basically led by the nose the whole way...!

... I'd been led by the nose this entire time.'

"... Can... I ask why...?" Avery said, distilling his thoughts into a less confrontational-sounding phrase. He didn't hate her. On the contrary. He just...didn't understand.

He was used to that feeling, at least.

Jolvia chuckled, patting Avery's back, leaning back with her hands in her lap.

"Because you were strong. You were brave. I watched you take part in a rise against Emperor and Empress. You were scared, confused, but only focused upon one thing: helping Taeriana...and more importantly? Helping the Nidos who themselves were victims under the Nido Empire."

She smiled.

"Isn't that amazing? Were they not evil? Criminals one and all? Nooo, not to Avery they weren't. You were the boy that gave an attacking army aid and food where anyone else would fight to their last and perish on their moral high ground."

She was silent again, a thumb tracing over her hand...her eyes sparkled with...something.

"You did that as guild. You did that as a 'Hero of Arceus' deployed by the Conduit. You did that as...an outsider knowing nothing of the world." Jolvia sighed softly as she spoke. "When you see so much of Arcea...of Quayoff...of Illaminamo...you begin to wonder if being so base and horrible is the true nature of all living creatures..."

Her smiled widened. The sparkle Avery saw in her eye...he realized now it was...tears. Just barely formed.

"...then...you meet someone like Avery. A clean slate. And he shows you how good and brave and loving others are at their core and it just..." She paused. "...gives you hope for everyone else, too."

Avery was silent...thinking to himself.

'... And then you see him beaten down by this town and the people in it. Stressed, so much on his shoulders. Given weight that he can't carry.'

...And the way Jolvia had been treating him began to make a lot more sense.

"...I wanted to learn Illaminian today," Avery said quietly. Jolvia nodded with a warm smile as he talked about learning Illaminian. Her expression seemed...very approving, actually. "I went to a bookstore to pick some up, but..."

He paused a moemnt and pulled out Team Moonlight.

"... Sekura warned me that the book was kind of schmultzy, but...She told me it was pretty common knowledge. I picked it up just... So that I'd have something to talk about. It..." Avery laughed, looking at the cover. "It has 'team' in the title so it seems like the sort of thing Vizon might like. Have...You read it?"

Jolvia's expression shifted the moment Avery pulled out the larger book.

All at once, as he told her the title, everything about her shifted. The change was so utterly drastic that she...didn't even see like the same woman.

"OooooAAAAWWWW! I love Team Moonlight!" She practically screamed.

"You-"

Avery was... Very taken aback. He'd never seen her react so strongly to...anything.

"...you do?"

"Yes?!" Jolvia desperately tried to contain herself but was like a popping grease fire gone mad. "The world of Ceralyn has been with me since I was a little nido! It comforts me even today. I love everything about it! The lore, I love Rexi so much, he's such a sweet guy, one of my oldest crushes..."

She stopped herself, coughing into her fist, face flushing.

"Er...well...I mean, I admit, I was even reading this just last night and the night before. It always helps when I feel so stressed. For a long time I stopped reading it because I felt too...I guess...jaded? Grown up? But then I just slipped back into it a year ago and just..."

A wide smile crossed Jolvia's lips as she traced a hand over the cover.

"...it's just a comfort story to me. Seeing Ruxi and Vexa together just..."

She paused, making a face as though her heart were melting at something cute.

"It's just so heartwarming..."

"I admit I've... Only read the foreword so far," Avery said, looking down at the book. "I haven't even read the back of the book yet, so...I'm going to be going into it blind. But... If you enjoy it it should be good...!"

"Well! We could always read a little bit together! The prologue is pretty short and..." Jolvia glanced up at the sky, seeing the slowly deepening orange. "...we've got time. Let's do something...anything else besides talk of conflicts and conspiracy and such. Let's just...be friends."

She smiled softly, perking up as she put her hand on the edge of the book's cover.

'...Could we? Would that be alright...? I have something with the guild soon, we might not have time to visit Janus...'

"...I'd like that."

With that, he opened the book.

Jolvia let out a gasp that was laced in joy as Avery turned the page, the woman scooching closer to look down, eyes sparkling.

"Oh, hey..." Jolvia said as she leaned in. "When I read this this a...close friend of mine a while back, she and I did voices for each of the characters. Do you want to do that? You might make a good Rexi I think!"

She chuckled, looking down at the page.

"Why don't you start us off, Avery? Shouldn't take too long..."

"...Hah, I could try," Avery said, wiping at his own eyes. There was still a frog in his throat from earlier, but...maybe this would be nice.

Upon starting the reading, Avery quickly realized that 'Rexi' was the narrator, which meant...he was doing a lot of reading. But that was fine.

...It felt nice just to do something like this.

Prologue

Vexa was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen.

Here she stood before me. A strong and proud Ninetales whom I had adventured with and fought beside since she was a Vulpix. Here I stood as a Raichu. I was her husband and she was my wife, as of today.

We stood next to one another on the beach, the waves of the beautiful blue ocean lapping around our legs. The wedding crowns upon our heads sat light on our heads, my Dusch Jyahguud glowing a bright yellow that mixed with the red of Vexa's. She was the passionate fire, the unstoppable flame. I was the spontaneous bolt, full of life.

Together, I would light the passion of my beloved. She would be the warmth to keep me going.

"Awwhh, Rexi..." Jolvia cooed, holding a hand to her heart. Sekura wasn't kidding when she said it was, perhaps, a bit hokey. Starting off with a wedding of all things. "...Quayoffi weddings are so pretty...so much poetry to them..."

"What are they like...?" Avery asked, looking up at Jolvia. "I don't really know how much of this is the wedding and how much is prose..."

"Oh it's quite beautiful...imagine this: a grand and ornate building. Two lovers kept together at all times, their families intermingled and split to make a path for them both, decorating the path with a combination of the two elements they represent...oh and the wedding headpieces, these flowing vine-like marble pieces that go over the ears and hang down with the Dusch Jyahguud inserted at the tips..."

"What are the... Uh... Dusch Jyahguud...?"

Jolvia coughed, smiling.

"Sorry, that means 'spirit berries'. They're inedible berries that you can infused with an element...like electricity or fire or psychic...and it glows beautifully when you do so. They're common in Quayoff. The scholar that weds the couple always comes up with...just the most beautiful speeches regarding the couple's elements and how it ties to their personality..."

She sighed wistfully, resting her head in her hand.

"Hm...'Find peace and prosperity in unity, forever and always, until the passing breath'...that's how they always cap it off." Jolvia mused, drumming her fingers on her cheek.

She glanced back down at the page.

It's as it always was.

It made me think of her. Us. All we'd been through.

I thought of when we first met, as children. When my parents, my siblings were taken in a storm. She found me and housed me, all alone herself, in a village in which she was an outcast. I thought of when I fought off her debt collectors, when we joined the guild to make money. When we found a family amongst our comrades. When we became loved, and she was accepted back into the village.

I thought of the hurt and betrayal from friends. The patches of rough emotional turmoil. The times I'd thought I'd never see her again. The night we fell in love.

The day we saved the world from a demon of fire, together.

In the aftermath of all of this, we now stood together, in love. I loved her so much, so deeply.

Vexa was my beloved. And I was hers. And I wouldn't trade my life for anything.

It was...very sappy. But Jolvia seemed positively enraptured by it, even as she tried to keep her composure. She was clearly trying to not let loose another outburst like before. Though she couldn't help but quietly coo at the words on the page.

"Bless, Rexi..." She muttered.

"... So the passionate flame and spontaneous bolt really are part of the wedding," Avery murmured, looking back at the book. A small smile crossed his face.

'It's schmaltzy, yeah, but... It's kinda nice.'

"It really sounds like...this is the end of the story, though," Avery said, tapping the bit about the demon of fire. "This part here, you'd really think this was what the story was about...Is this like, the end, and we get a flashback to the start?"

Jolvia's smile spread wide. Wider and wider as she nestled in close.

"Well...you are right...this is the end of the story..." Jolvia said, a giddy twinge to her words, as though she were bursting at the seams to say more. "But a story never really ends...you know? But yes, they defeated the fire demon and saved the day...! But what of after?"

She...giggled. Giggled? Jolvia? She giggled and turned the page, putting a claw to the words.

When the wedding was over, the years rolled on. I became guild master for a time before we retired and lived together on the high cliffs far inland, in the same village that had so long ago ostracized Vexa.

As the years went on and on…I had to eventually say goodbye to Vexa.

I felt no sadness the day I found her in our bed, passed on. Only happy we were together when it happened, that it had been painless. I only thought of the adventures, the lives we had led. She had led a full life. She always told me how much fun she had, how she'd not do a thing different. Neither would I.

Now I sat in this quiet house. I don't feel lonely. I feel as though I'll meet her soon. I sit in this chair and think of Vexa, that beautiful ninetails. My wedding feels as thought it were happening before my eyes.

My memories are scrambled these days.

But these moments I relive these events of my life are nothing but pure bliss. And I sit here, in this chair, eyes closed…

…and I see her face again.

Jolvia sighed deeply, holding a hand to her mouth, as though trying to hide the ever growing smile on her face, despite the words on the page.

The main character was so sentimental, clearly. And it really seemed like the story was just...over before the first chapter.

Avery was glad Jolvia was enjoying herself, but...As he read Rexi's words, he was left confused.

"...I...Don't understand, quite...Where does the story go from here...?"

The Nidorina was practically vibrating in her chair as Avery turned the page.

"You'll seeee~!

Chapter 1

I awoke from my nap with a start, jolted by some manner of bad dream or another. I couldn't remember what it was I had been dreaming but it gave me such a start…but not a fright. I felt happy, even though my lungs burned like I hadn't taken a breath in years.

But my happiness subsided at once, it was only confusion now.

I wasn't in my home anymore. It was nighttime and I was outside. All at once I felt a rush of distant familiarity, the vague feeling of having no immediate memories of something but knowing that I remembered it.

There was nothing around me but grass and one large cherry tree. The clouds above hung low, rolling, with the far-off rumble of thunder vibrating the ground. It was now I found my fur wet as I lie in the mud.

What a coincidence it would start in such a...familiar manner. Maybe this was why some Poke'mon took to the idea of Avery falling from the sky so quickly? Because they read it in a book?

Perhaps Jolvia saw a little Rexi in him.

A waiter came by, stopping at their table.

"Would you both like anything to drink?" She asked in a quiet voice.

"Oh I'll just take a glass of something sweet. Like Grepa Eksai." Jolvia replied in an equally quiet voice, glancing at Avery. "Would you like anything, Avery? My treat."

Avery's narration had slowed down when he'd read words familiar to him. Brow furrowing. But he was snapped out of it by the waiter.

"Oh, er... Sure, I'll have what she's having-" Avery said quickly, looking back at the book. And then again up, to Jolvia. "Oh, uh... Thank you-"

Jolvia smiled. He could see the knowing look but she mostly looked...happy to be sharing this with him. Perhaps, Avery thought, there was a little therapy in seeing himself in Rexi.

I was terrified. Someone had dragged me outside, surely. This had to be some sick joke by the village children, having a laugh on the old widower ex-guild master. They were always so sweet to me, it seemed strange they would suddenly be so horrid.

I had to mind my weak legs and my bad back. I was vulnerable as I could not stand up easily if at all. A Raichu my age was lucky just to walk, let alone move around like the glory days of my youth. Slowly, fearfully, trying to brace for the aches and sharp pains, I lifted my head.

I found it light and easy to move. No pain came.

I let out a sharp breath, eyes widening. I slid my arms down to lift myself. My joints did not creak or send waves of pain through me. I felt almost dizzy at how bizarre I felt…how strong I felt. My breathing came easy, my movements were fluid and snappy. I rolled over, finding it easy. The feeling of unhindered movement disoriented me, but I managed to get myself to my feet, even as I swayed and stumbled, all the pains and aches I expected just…gone.

I was able to straighten my back, stand tall. My hands were free of any wood staff to balance myself, my own two feet were enough.

I was so confused, looking down upon my old Riachu body.

Yet what I found was no body of a Raichu…but the yellow and glistening fur of a young Pikachu.

I gasped in shock, stumbling back, catching my footing easily. Not a day ago such a stumble would have sent me to the ground, killed me. Now I caught myself easily, on instinct, by reflex.

I could feel the swish of my tail, the grass upon my young fur.

I realized where I was. I was at the old crossroads near Culpa village, a place I'd not seen in years. But it was so much more barren. Where was Qixi's smoothie shop? Where was a little garment store set up beside the sign post? For that matter, where was the brick paths and square? Why was it all dirt roads again?

Again…

I found myself thinking of a far-flung memory. The ruins of my parent's home miles behind me, standing at a crossroads in a place I'd never seen before, a sign I couldn't read. Picking a random direction.

But that couldn't be…

The narration might have been described as...overwrought, perhaps? Avery was certainly having to put in legwork narrating with all of Rexi's pontificating. Jolvia, for her part, simply sat, enraptured by the story, the knowing smile directed only toward the book.

She knew this story front to back.

But even so...Avery found it nice to just...put himself somewhere else.

Somewhere better. Warmer. More simple.

And to share it with someone else who only wanted him to have fun with it.

Avery kept reading. He got a little more into it, no small thanks to Jolvia's unexpected burst of enthusiasm. He was thinking, of course, but... It was about the story. About what happened to Rexi, how it happened, what it might mean. Low stakes.

It was nice.

They both turned the page together, the Nidorina nestling in closer...

I looked up at the sign now and could read it clear as day: WEST TO CULPA VILLAGE, then SOUTH TO THE ADVENTURE GUILD, then EAST TO KINDIN VILLAGE and finally…

…NORTH TO LOOKOUT POINT.

I felt a pang in my heart. Lookout point, the place where she had lived, hidden away from Culpa village. I'd not seen it in years and years. I could never bring myself to go back. It was always so tempting to wallow, and even as I tried to avoid it I still indulged in it so often even as I knew she would never want me to.

Even as I knew she wanted me to move on to new adventures, I simply couldn't help it. Those long nights just sat alone in a quiet house, thinking. Thinking long about her.

Was any of this even real? Was I so lost in a fantasy of old that I now wallowed in every detail of the past?

I shook my head. My thoughts were rambling. I had to get home to Culpa village. I didn't want to be lost any further in my thoughts for her. I wanted the peace that I had made to be the final word, not to relapse into a hurt heart that pined for a woman who was no more.

My legs, strong and young, carried me down the long path to Culpa village. I needed help, to find out how this happened or what was going on.

"He's such a sad character. This part always breaks my heart, especially re-reading it..." Jolvia shook her head. "Just knowing how much he loves Vexa. How much he loves everyone. He has so much room in his heart for the world. Why else would he save it?"

"...It's funny," Avery said, finger tracing on the page. "...The book opens with how he wasn't sad to see her passed on. But seeing this, the way he's acting now...It's almost like he'd been lying to himself. But...Was he like, given a younger body, or something? Or sent back in time?"

Avery cringed.

"... Oh no, if he was sent back in time..."

"What's that you're saying?" Jolvia smirked cheekily, hearing the Plusle's commentary. He'd never seen the Nidorina so happy...or open with him. For the first time it felt as though all her cards really were on the table. "But, yeah...he learned to be strong...when inside he's so weak. But that's ok, to be weak. To be warm and loving at your core. That's what a good person is."

She turned the page.

As I walked, I saw more and more missing. There were no torches. There were no homes. It all really looked like that night so very long ago. Even the thick forest I once had been so scared of as a child was here, looming branches and bark looking like faces in the pale moonlight. Of course, I remembered every nook of the forest this time. I even saw the hole in the oak where I used to stash money before it was stolen.

But that oak had been cut down decades ago. Why was I hallucinating so much?

Between the trees I could see the glow of lights, Culpa village. There, surely, someone could help explain what was happening. Was everyone else here and decades younger as well? Were they stumbling around, confused as I was? As I reached those old gates of the village entrance…I was perplexed by my answer.

Everyone was walking about, business as usual. But, again, so many of the buildings were smaller. The food storage shop didn't have its second story anymore. The item store was back to just being a small stand. The treasure opening shop…simply wasn't there anymore.

I walked the streets, taking careful steps, looking in awe, as though I were taking in a vivid dream. The Poke'mon I passed, many I didn't even recognize somehow, eyed me curiously as I walked slow down the dirt pathways.

No…I recognized these Poke'mon! But so many of them had left Culpa village! So many had…passed on. I shook my head, seeing Tuvux the old Typhlosion walking about as though there was nothing to it. My jaw dropped as Ruxli passed me by, still alive and well from the fire demon attack, not a care in the world.

I felt overwhelmed, watching friends and rivals, gone and passed, simply walking…and not even batting an eye towards me.

"Oi, you lost, pipsqueak?"

"Oh! I can read this guy's lines!" Jolvia said, clearing her throat to get ready. She puffed up her chest, speaking in a low, manly voice. "Oi, you lost, pipsqueak?"

It was a little funny to hear.

The waiter approached again, a tray in hand with two tall glasses of bright orange drinks, Jolvia quietly thanking her as she passed Avery's Eksai over to him, taking a sip from her own.

Avery looked at the drinks for a few moments - he thought something with 'grepa' in it would be purple, but...he nodded his thanks and took a sip, laughing a bit at Jolvia's deep delivery of the line.

"Gosh, if he really is back in time...Didn't he mention Vexa was 'finally accepted' after a while? Wouldn't that mean she was ostracized before...?" Avery sucked in a breath. "...Plus with him being so desperate to see her again... If she doesn't remember him..."

"I love hearing you talk about this, Avery." Jolvia laughed. "But one moment, someone else is about to enter the picture..."

That voice…

I turned, my eyes wide, looking up at a Garchomp. There was his red bandanna, the scar on his arm, that totter smirk on his face as he leaned against the wall of the bar down at me.

It was Oluz, the man who taught me to fight, to be brave. My confidant, my bastion of safety, my wall to make me strong when the going got tough.

He was the first man I ever had to say goodbye to after losing my parents.

"Oi, pipsqueak, what're you blubbering for…?" Jolvia spoke in a deep voice again. "His voice rumbled. I didn't even realize I was crying. 'Do you need something? Where's your parents…?'"

Jolvia's voicework was...earnest at least. She sipped her drink again as Avery continued.

I could only stammer, hands over my mouth, staring at him.

"Oluz…" my voice rasped. The Garchomp looked shocked.

"Woah woah, how do you know my name, Pipsqueak? Have we met?" Jolvia voiced.

"Have we met?" I choked, standing up straight, trying to not look so pathetic in front of my mentor. "You don't remember me? Rexi! It's…it's been years, how…how are you alive?!"

"What…do you mean by 'alive'?" Jolvia continued. "The Garchomp asked in disbelief. 'Kid, you're saying some weird stuff. What are you doing out here?'"

"I…should ask the same of you!" I stammered. This wasn't real. It was my fatigued and old brain playing tricks on me. More visions. I only hoped I was talking to this phantom in the comfort of my home, not in the middle of Culpa village, with onlookers watching the old and senile Raichu rambling and crying to nothing.

"It's my time off, kid, and you're bothering me." Jolvia said very gruffly, pausing to take another sip of her drink. "Oluz huffed. 'More like freaking me out. Ai, I'm no good with kids…'"

"Oh, now, Oluz, I've not been a 'kid' in a long, long time. I've not been 'young' in a long time, frankly!" I chuckled through my tears, sniffing. The Garchomp huffed, leaning over.

"Ohh, think you're mature for your age, ey?" Jolvia added a laugh to her line. She had a very clear voice in her head for this character. "He snickered. I couldn't even care that he talked down to me. Just talking to him at all was a miracle."

"Nevermind, Oluz…I just…" I paused, looking behind myself at the strange world around me, the world of days long gone. Then I looked back to Oluz, my mentor, my confidant.

I stepped beside him, leaning on the wall, side-by-side, just as we used to.

"Just tell me…I need you to be straight with me…"

"Er…ok, kid." Jolvia drawled, clearly getting into this.

Avery was getting more into the reading, himself. He didn't even waste any time - another sip of the drink to wet his whistle, and he turned the page to continue.

I took a deep breath. Thoughts began swirling in my head. Thoughts that I knew we dangerous. Yet I didn't care. More and more, I began to home beyond hopes this was real, that none of this was a dream or an illusion.

I shouted.

"If anyone can hear me!" I yelled, making Oluz jump. "Hit me and knock me out of this dream! Don't let me be tormented by visions disappearing just…get it over with! Someone hit me! I'm having visions!"

"Oi, kid, what are you-?!" Jolvia stammered, holding a hand to her chest, acting the part.

Poke'mon on the street stared at Oluz and I, bewildered. The Garchomp stood from the wall, looking panicked.

"I'm waiting! Someone hit me! Shake me awake! I'm dreaming!"

"Look, everyone, I-!" Jolvia huffed, looking play-distressed. "The Garchomp recoiled, looking from me then to the gathering crowd. 'He just came up to me! I don't know this brat at all!'"

"Come on! Someone! Anyone! I just need one potshot!" I shouted. The crowd looked over at Oluz as though he were going to do it. I could see the color drain from his face.

"Look, I'd never!" Jolvia was gesticulating now. "Oluz insisted, trying to raise his voice over mine. 'He-'"

"Now!" I shouted! The crowd was grow incredulous.

"Will you get your kid under control?!" One of the villagers shouted.

"Oi, he's not-" Jolvia cut herself off.

"Oluz! I din' know you were a pa!"

"I'm ruddy well not!" Jolvia near shouted.

Nobody was hitting me. None of this could have been real. Even as a saw a rock hurtling towards me, I was sure I would feel no pain from the phantom images.

Until I did.

"Ha! Beaned him!"

I yelped, stumbling back, hitting against the wall. There was a shout, Oluz yelling out at whoever threw that rock at me. I held my face in my hand.

There was blood on my paw.

"What kind of-?! Where do you get off throwing rocks at kids?!" Jolvia raised her voice as she read, putting her hands on her hips. "Oluz shouted, stomping forward towards the crowd, many of them backing off."

"Oluz, he was literally asking for it…"

"'You gunna hit me with one next?!' Oluz shouted."

"Are you askin' for it?"

The commotion continued as I held my hand on my face, feeling dizzy. I could feel the warm, wet liquid on my hand, trickling down my face. It was too specific. I was too aware and cognizant to be in a dream. My face hurt, stung, burned. But the pain in my joints was gone.

It was real.

It was all real.

Jolvia took another excited sip of her drink, her grin wide and ecstatic.

"Ooohhh here we go...!" She cooed.

Keep going. Avery didn't even stop to comment.

He knew what was coming next.

"...Oh, no, Vexa..." Avery huffed, wide-eyed.

Jolvia's fingers were drumming excitedly on the table as she flipped the page again.

Here I stood, in the Culpa village of old, talking to Oluz, seeing old friends and rivals as though I were a child again. I was a child again. Years in the past. No vision. No illusion.

I was simply here.

As I held my bleeding face, my breath caught in my throat. I felt suffocated. My heart stopped.

She was there. She had to be still there.

"Hey, where's the kid going?!"

"What do you mean?!" Jolvia called out, taking another sip of her drink. "Oluz's voice shouted. 'Hey, wait, kid! Where are you hobbling off to?!'"

The shouting voices became more faint as I bolted off, towards the village entrance, drops of blood falling from my face. I could hear Oluz behind me but I paid him no mind as I stumbled forward. Back through the forest, back to the crossroads.

The crossroads. I was such a fool. An idiot. She was there. All along she was there, waiting, and I'd kept her waiting. My beloved.

I shambled down the North dirt path, to the lookout point. I could smell it, the salty air of the sea. The cliff overlooked the crashing waves, right at the point where the Wingulls would cross the dusk sun.

I could see it, there! Peeking over the treeline. A smile spread over my face, even as more blood trickled down my cheek. The rising sharp bluff of lookout point. My feet pounded the dirt. I burst through a bush that I swear wasn't there before.

There, on the cliff face…a door. Red painted wood serving as the entrance to a dugout on the cliff. A hermit's home far away from the rest of the village.

It's where she lived.

"Vexa!" I shouted at the top of my lungs. I waited, looking at the dark windows of the Cliffside hermitage.

I gasped, seeing a light come to life on the other side of the windows. My breaths were heavy, ragged. I stumbled forward, towards that door, pounding upon it.

"Vexa!" I shouted again. Desperation laced my voice. I wanted this to be real. I wanted it all to be real. My heart was filled with terror that I might find a stranger or find the home empty again, that my joy would be ripped from me at the last possible moment. But I kept hope. I kept that hope Oluz taught me so long again and pounded the door again, wishing for her bright and shining face, wishing for it to greet me and tell me she loved me and we would be together again.

I heard it.

The creak of the door as it opened slightly.

My eyes stung, blood mixing with tears as I saw it.

A vulpix's face slowly emerged from behind the door. Radiant and beautiful, glimmering with an otherworldly sheen upon her perfect coat. Those deep, warm eyes peeked and looked out to me. The curls upon her head swayed in the ocean breeze, her coat softly rippling.

She was gorgeous. Just as when I first met her.

My heart stopped. Time had frozen in that moment. After so long, I was looking upon her again, and she looked upon me.

"Vexa…" A whispered, choking back a sob.

She said nothing.

"Vexa!" I shouted in rapturous joy. "I finally found you, my love!"

The vulpix yelped in horror, an arrow going through my heart as she vanished behind the door, slamming it shut. I heard the click of a lock. Another. Another.

My breath stopped. My joy crashed to the ground.

"No…no no no!" I shouted, pounding on the door again, blood smearing on the surface.

"Go away!" Jolvia shouted in a girly voice, taking the role of Vexa. "A shout came from within."

"No! Vexa! Vexa come out! Don't leave me out here!" I shouted in utter desperation.

A scream came from inside. I could hear the clatter of objects knocked over. No, this was all wrong. She had taken me in! I remembered! She nursed me when I was tired, comforted me in that warm way she always had. Fed me and gave me water! We explored the village together incognito! Searched for berries together! Joined the guild together!

What happened? What was happening to us?

Jolvia sighed, shaking her head. Another sip.

"...Ah jeez," Avery whispered. "Poor guy...Poor Vexa, ostracized girl having some crazed Pikachu screaming your name, huff..."

He turned the page, brow furrowed.

"...rough stuff." He muttered.

"It's such a conundrum, isn't it? To be so in love with someone when they don't even know your name...like..." Jolvia paused to mused to herself. "...reverse amnesia, where the whole world has forgotten you and only you remember. Vexa is no doubt the hardest on him, but it's a wholly alienating feeling, no doubt..."

She took a sip, scooching closer again as the page turned.

I pounded on the door. I missed her. I missed her so much.

"'Stop! Go away!' The voice inside shouted." Jolvia squealed in her girly voice.

What was happening to me?

My fist pressed against the door, bloodied tears streaking down my face. I backed off, feeling haggard. Here I was, pounding upon the door of my beloved like a man possessed, exhausted and bloody.

What was wrong with me?

I was so…desperate.

I stumbled back, watching as the lights cut off from the bedroom. My keen ears could hear her whimpering in fear upstairs, no doubt with the covers over her head. It's what she always did when she was stressed.

I had…stressed her. Terrified her.

I only stared at those dark windows, hearing footsteps thump behind me slowly.

"Kid, what are you doing running off to a place like this?" Jolvia returned to her gruff voice.

My ears perked up, hearing Oluz's voice. I turned to face the Garchomp, the man staring down at me…then looking up at the Cliffside.

"Guh, we need to get you away from here. You've got no idea who lives here, do you?" Jolvia huffed in Oluz's voice, leaning on the table.

"It's…Vexa…"

"'Oh so you do know, ey?' Oluz leaned over, eyebrows raised." Jolvia laughed in his voice. "So what're you doing hanging around the cursed girl, then?"

The cursed girl…I remembered that. The one destined by the stars to have a cursed fate for herself, the world, and all who were close to her. On top of being a vulpix, one day a ninetales, an omen of misfourtune.

I remembered how angry it made me that everyone treated her so badly. How long it took for everyone to accept her. To see that reversed…

I furrowed my brow, looking up at the Garchomp.

"Woah, kid, it's alright, no need for the stink eye, now…" Jolvia leaned back, making a calming motion with her hands, pantomiming the garchomp's actions.

"Don't…talk about Vexa like that…please…" I muttered. Oluz shook his head, putting a heavy hand on my shoulder, just as he used to.

"'Nevermind, kid, enough of that.' He sighed, leading me from the lookout point." Jolvia mimiced his sigh. "You're lost, confused and nary a parent in sight…against me better judgement, I suppose that makes you my responsibility, ey?"

"But…Oluz…" I said, struggling slightly. "I'm not…"

"'Oh I'm sure, I'm sure you're mature for yer age, now.' Oluz said, guiding me away." Jolvia read.

I looked over my shoulder longingly as the visage of the lookout point slowly slipped away from me, vanishing behind the line of trees.

I could feel another wave of tears escaping me.

"'Let ol' Oluz take you home and we'll tend to that cut of yours…' The garchomp's voice soothed as Vexa disappeared again. 'I'm worried it's going to scar…'"

END OF PART 1

The end of the book reached. A heavy cliffhanger, in which Rexi had already changed the story that had happened long ago, driven it off course. Where his desperation to make Vexa love him again only drove her away.

...

Slowly, Jolvia closed the book with a deep sigh and a smile on her face.

"... That's the end of that-?" Avery gaped, staring at the back cover of the book. "That's... That's the shortest book I've ever seen- Sekura wasn't kidding when she said it was in parts, hah...!"

"That's right. It came out monthly in these short little parts, always ending on a cliffhanger to entice you toward the next chapter." Jolvia said, tapping the book. "It first came out when that format was new, years before I was born. Gosh I must have first had a...second edition. This says it's a third?"

Avery huffed.

"What was all that about-?" The Plusle asked. "Time travel? That's... Okay, well...I need Part Two now-"

Jolvia chuckled, shaking her head.

"Now you get it..! He's traveled back in time in his young body. But I wonder...what is he going to do with that?" The Nidorina snickered, clearly knowing the answer...but not telling. "Will he win Vexa's heart again? Relive the days of old? Or is everything doomed to be thrown off course...? I really love the message of the story...at the very end..."

Jolvia leaned back, hands folded across her stomach.

"...that life...with all of its quirks, all of its troubles and drama and terror and anger...mixed with its love and triumph and adventure and excitement...is as much paradise as any floating rock in the sky."

She smiled...to herself, staring down at the book. Her face looked deep in thought as she sat silently for a long moment, staring at the book, grinning from ear to ear.

"...He was staring the end of his life in the face, and then... He was just brought back to where it really started." Avery looked back at it, and slid it into my bag. "If it's a romance I can't imagine he won't end up with Vexa in the end, but...I have a feeling it's going to be a very different journey getting there the second time around."

Avery smiled a bit, finishing off his drink.

"... It was fun reading it like that though...!" Avery said. "Maybe we could do that again, for the second book? If you aren't opposed. "

"Oh please, let's, Avery." Jolvia laughed, finishing hers as well and dropping a handfull of Poke' into the payment tray. "If you're getting into Team Moonlight for your very first time I absolutely must be there to see!"

She was quiet for a bit, smiling at him.

"You know...this was fun..." She said. "I never realized I was craving this, myself. Less work, less scramble, less worry...just a night to be friendly. Do something...innocuous. Meaningless...but so meaningful."

Her smile widened.

"Thanks, Avery...I appreciate this...funny what comforting you turned into, huh?"

She glanced up at the sky. The orange had begun to darken, the hue of the sky turning a more dark blue as nighttime approached.

"Oh boy, I had only said we'd read the prologue, didn't I?" Jolvia laughed, shaking her head. "We went a bit overboard, hm?"

"Ah, I've got that gathering with the guild to get to-" Avery said, quickly standing up. "...Do you still want to see Janus tonight...? If you do, we should probably do that sooner rather than later so I don't stand the others up-"

Jolvia was quiet a moment, as though she didn't want to let this moment go. But, at last, she dropped from the chair, onto the wood of the patio, looking back at the Plusle.

"Of course, Avery." She said, her demeanor slowly resetting. "This shouldn't take long...I just..."

She took a breath.

"...I'm scared, I admit."

It was said with a chuckle, but it was laced with genuine fear. She turned, walking down the road, back through the Lower Market District, to make her way toward the castle.

"...Scared?" Avery said, slowly running up to follow her. "...We don't have to do it now, if you don't want to. Like you said, she...she isn't going anywhere."

'Why is she scared? Why is-

...I don't need to think about that.'

"We could just...go to the bookstore, pick up the second part, leave it at that tonight, if you want...?" Avery looked up at the sky. "I...maybe I can even miss the outing with the guild, we don't have to leave right just now...right?"

He didn't even notice the desperation creeping into his voice.

Jolvia looked back, smiling a sad smile.

"Secrets are comforting to keep. There's a safety in obscurity. You know that a little bit yourself, don't you, human?"

She laughed softly, looking apologetic.

"I'm sorry...I know this is the last thing you want to return back to...and I admit, I'd love to go to the bookstore, grab Team Moonlight part 2 and just wile the night away reading with my friend...but..."

She bit her lip.

"It wouldn't feel right. Not right now. Not until we do this."

Her pace slowed and the Nidorina began to hang back...clearly letting Avery take the lead on the route to the castle.

The Plusle's ears drooped. Just a bit.

That sentence...with that sentence, they were back in the real world.

"...Alright."

He turned, and began walking to the castle. His expression fell now that he was in front and unable to see her face.

'I know that a little bit myself...? About keeping secrets?

It's only because of everyone else that I'm even keeping this secret. I'd been told not to tell everyone. By Vizon, by Olistia...because they'd assume I was some warmongering monster, or eldritch abomination, shoved into the body of a Plusle. I didn't want to keep it secret. It'd be so much easier if everyone knew.

But if people like the NAM knew that I was even more of an outsider than Illaminian folk...I'd probably have a hit on me every other day.

She was the one keeping secrets. She was the one who'd said she'd be open with me, tell me whatever she could, and then proceeded to say nothing.

Not like I'd asked.

Not that I cared.'

Though Avery couldn't see her as she walked behind he could feel Jolvia's gaze on him. He glanced over his shoulder, looking into her crimson gasze.

Jolvia looked as though she wanted to say something.

Anything. Pull them both back into the world of fantasy. No more harshness tonight.

But she held her tongue. She only took a deep breath and followed Avery toward the castle.

'...She's just doing her job. Maybe she's even in cahoots with Janus and the Thieves' Guild. Going to say some code words or something. Not that it matters. I'm not going to listen. I'm not going to think about it.'

They both crossed the bridge, passing the dark guild hall. The torches were lit as the last remaining bit of sunlight vanished from the world.

A cold wind blew again. The smell of rain was more intense than ever. Avery swore he heard a distant, rumbling thunder. Multiple far-off rumbles. Avery's ears twitched. That storm front he'd seen from the mountain...seemed they weren't going to be lucky enough to skirt past it after all.

The pair came upon the front guard.

"Hello hello again, Master Avery." He yawned, popping his neck. "Y'caught me just before me shift ended. Who's the lass?"

"I'm here to visit a prisoner, Janus." Avery said. "This is a member of Team Azure, Jolvia. She's coming with me...if that's alright."

The guard glanced over, eying Jolvia up and down, humming in thought.

"...aye, fine. That'll do." the Escavalier said, the Nidorina letting out a breath as they both were waved forward. Jolvia kept her own stoic look now, standing straight, eyes half-lidded, a frown on her face. She walked at Avery's side as they both passed under the portcullis and into the hall.

There, on the side, was the door down to the dungeon. Jolvia let Avery go ahead to open the door, the old wood creaking, revealing the stairs down once again.

Jolvia sighed. It wasn't a scared sigh, it was a gruff one. A reserved, strong one.

"Let's go."

"...Mm."

Down the stairs. One at a time. Slowly. Back in duty. Back as the captain of Team Azure, meeting another criminal in the Prison Arceali.

Back to talk with Janus. Back to shine more horrid truths upon the Arceliaze Guild. To drive a wedge further into Avery.

'...It's funny. Janus didn't even seem to have much affiliation with the Thieves' Guild when I had first asked. Just that it was where she had ended up. But here she is, in prison, turning down a pardon from her own sister.

I'm thinking again. I'm thinking and disguising it as sour reflection. I have to stop. Don't think about it. Don't think about anything. Leave it.'

"...Do I get to ask why you want to talk to her?" Avery said, his voice slower. Quieter.

"You do." Jolvia said, as they passed the on-duty guard sleeping at the front. "And you'll have your answer."

She was being quiet, up here at the front of the dungeon, stepping forward, keeping stoic, saying little.

After tonight, it seemed less of who she was and more like...a defense.

There, they could see it, just ahead. The familiar cell Avery had been to before to see her.

Within...Janus of Duskwalker.

Jolvia seemed to steel herself. They both moved forward, stepping before the bars. The inside was barely lit by the torchlight of the hall.

Inside, Avery saw her. Sitting on the floor, her eyes closed, a half-eaten bowl of porridge beside her. Her feet were together, hands upon her knees.

Once again...Janus.

'...Shoot, I was going to bring her something. I'd forgotten...'

"Uh...hey, Janus," Avery said, hanging away from the door. Not to crowd. "...It's Avery again."

He didn't want to ask how she was doing. He was pretty sure he knew the answer anyhow.

He could hear the Pikachu take a sharp breath, the quiet disturbed. She cracked open an eye, the black pool glistening in the orange torchlight.

"Avery...hey." She said, closing the eye again, taking a deep breath. "Caught me in the middle of my breathing exercise. Can't be having panic attacks in my indefinite internment, yeah?"

Still so distant. She sat not a few feet away but felt a mile off.

She held her breath in a moment...then slowly let it out, frowning.

"So..." She spoke. "...what brings you here again? More interrogation?"

A sigh.

"...Not me, no. Makes me feel like I should visit just to visit. But I'm not sure if you really want much to do with me." Avery shrugged a bit, looking back towards the entrance. "...Though, uh...I met Starly and Snivy on our last outing, if you know them. They were...Starly's poetry was really good."

There it was. That feeling in his heart.

The sinking, everything feeling heavier, worse.

Like he was doing something wrong, always doing something wrong. Avery hadn't expected it to come on as fast as it did, but everyone who was involved with a conflict like this seemed to always make him feel this way.

A tired sigh escaped Avery.

"...There's someone else who wanted to see you. But she couldn't get in without me. Janus, this, uh...this is Jolvia. Jolvia...Janus."

He stepped back. He was, of course, wondering what Jolvia even wanted with all this. He had an idea. But he wouldn't know for sure until the two started talking.

Or not talking.

Janus's eyes opened at the name, her brow furrowed, staring out of the cell.

Jolvia put her hands behind her back, looking down at Janus. Her eyes weren't those of sadness or an adoring fan, though Avery...expected that. It was only laced with disappointment.

Janus said nothing, only looking from Jolvia, to Avery then back to Jolvia.

"Janus..." Jolvia said slowly. The Pikachu still said nothing, but slowly rose to her feet, walking over to the bars.

"...I vaguely remember a Nidorina when I was arrested...was that?"

"The same."

Janus snorted, shaking her head, looking back at Avery with a furrowed brow.

"So what? You brought me some subordinate of yours?" Janus asked the Plusle with a shrug. "Can't say I know her."

Jolvia narrowed her eyes, stepping over closer to Avery...and heaving a sigh.

"Avery...you realize that Janus gets this cozy cell and naught to do with the guards but occasional porridge...because she's ex-guild...correct?" Jolvia asked. Avery could see her mouth wavering. "Others caught for the same crimes face much...much worse punishments until they're begging for the hangman's noose."

Janus's eyebrows furrowed as Jolvia continued.

"So...here is my leap of faith in you, Avery."

Jolvia looked over to Janus, a deep breath huffing.

"Janus is lying." Jolvia said at last. "She knows me quite well."

"Wh-what?!" Janus stammered, throwing her hands on the bar. "W-wait, no I don't-!"

Avery's head went right into his hands. He taken aback.

"...Of course you do."

Taken aback...but not surprised.

He'd had guesses. Just in the back of his mind. But the moment Janus reacted to the name, he was sure. And then she reacted.

Olisti'a voice range in his head.

"So they were there. The map was accurate...once. But it was as though...they knew we were coming. I wonder...how does that happen...? I don't know the answer...but perhaps-"

'...No. Stop thinking. Stop it. Stop it. You promised yourself you wouldn't think. Just stop. No more. Please, stop it.'

He was tired. Emotionally exhausted. Given that brief stint of relief with Team Moonlight before being sent crashing back down into reality. He looked between the two of them, lowering his paws down to his sides.

"...Do you want me to be here for this?" Avery asked. He didn't know who the question was directed at.

Maybe at Janus, since she didn't trust him.

Maybe at Jolvia, because she did.

...Maybe even just...at himself. To check whether he wanted to involve himself further into something like this.

"I do." Jolvia said, keeping her composure, looking back at him. "Avery, I am Jolvia, Bloc 8 intelligence officer for the Santurini Guild."

She nodded to Janus, the Pikachu looking shocked. Horrified as she spoke.

"Janus...was essentially my subordinate." Jolvia continued.

Janus gripped the bars, looking away, screwing her eyes shut. Her breathing was speeding up, sweat forming on her forehead.

"No...no no no no..." Janus muttered, shaking. "Why...don't...don't out yourself, what are you doing...?!"

Jolvia was quiet a moment, taking a deep breath. She was clearly trying to calm herself, as well.

"...I trust Avery." Jolvia said, firmly. "And I don't think you need to be so stand-offish with him anymore."

Janus's eyes cracked open, lifting her head up. No longer did she look the part of the all-knowing mentor from the outside. Now she looked scared, frightened. Jolvia had to stand tall and be strong for her.

"If you can't trust him yet, trust in me for now." Jolvia said. Janus groaned, wiping a paw down her face.

...And there it was.

Avery pressed himself up against the wall, and slid down, putting his paw against his head.

He knew she didn't work for him. He knew that they seriously couldn't have called themselves 'The Thieves' Guild'.

But Jolvia being...being a spy...

And him knowing that?

It just made everything so much more complicated.

Jolvia, his friend, who had echoed his concerns, his thoughts about everyone pulling him in their own directions, trying to push him to their side, pull him to their morality...Jolvia, his friend, who had been unaligned. Someone who obviously wasn't with Arcea. Someone who wasn't actually part of his own team. Someone who was maybe as unaligned as he was...

...she had shared her side. Jolvia had shared her secret. And there wasn't any going back from that.

Immediately thoughts flooded into his head, thoughts he began trying to quash and crush with a vindictive anger.

He'd gone so long today trying not to think about anything, to lose himself, lose who he was, lose what he was avoiding...but it came back. Right at the end, it came back.

...He hadn't asked. He hadn't cared. Those were...kind of true.

"...Nice to meet you, Jolvia."

But the truest way to put it...was that he just didn't want to know.

Chapter 27

Fracture