{}=Pokemon Speaking; []=Telepathic Speaking

After a grand trial it is only fitting to celebrate one's achievements, especially alongside those who accomplished them alongside you. Uniting and growing under conflict can spark bonds that should truly be cherished. Now after so many fights our heroes finally gain permanent new bonds… and new family.

~x1x~

PoV: Topaz Heart

Location: Great Marsh

Time: Noon - Late March

Life continued on after we celebrated Zenara's evolution. Most of us took it pretty easy except Lou and Zenara who made sure to burn off some of her energy with productive training. Mareeta continued to remain distant, never really leaving the house property and spending most of her time staring out at sea.

I was beginning to grow concerned until the day the messenger Mothim returned to inform us that the next day Great Marsh natives were hosting a proper celebration tomorrow. Also that we could bring family and friends along.

I invited Rogelio, but he said he'd come and watch from afar. When he left my mind I expected him to be a bit more present, but it turns out he was serious about us leading our own individual lives.

So instead I invited Volkner, Roland and River. I didn't bother trying to find Lyle since I figured he'd show up anyway.

Jade was inviting Garland and Dijon. After checking with Volkner to make sure they weren't busy, I decided to invite Cynthia, Reginleif and Heimdall too. She was going to meet us there with Eva's group, so the rest of us packed some celebration food and took the train back to Pastoria City.

The messenger told us that the celebration would be held at Citrus Glades, thankfully. It wasn't deep into the marshlands and it wasn't muddy at all. It did feel a bit strange to be back in the Great Marsh for peace rather than conflict, but it was pleasant to walk alongside everyone in a much chipper mood. Jade wasn't particularly able bodied yet, so at Garland's demand, he carried him most of the way through.

We already knew the path so we followed it all the way to the Citrus Glades territory when we finally encountered Eva, her team, Isadora, Wilona, Cynthia, Reginleif and Heimdall waiting for us. The only new face I saw was a Glameow perched on Clarabel's back.

I wonder if Lyle and Alkali are already deeper in the territory. Either that or…

"Did we keep ya waiting?" Volkner asked.

"Nah, you made good time," Lyle responded, dropping out of a tree with Alkali. "Sup everybody?"

They're already here.

{I already know you must, but must you?} Wilona groaned.

Lyle just smiled, putting a hand to his chest. "It's part of my charm."

Eva smiled at everyone as she and Marjorie stepped forward. "You're all looking well. I'm glad you could all make it." She looked over at Garland and Dijon, clapping her hands in delight. "Oh, I didn't know you two were coming! This is fantastic, it's been some time hasn't it?"

"It has," Garland replied with a grin while Dijon warbled a hello. "I'm chaperoning my protege, as it were, but I'm glad to see you all as well."

Dijon walked over to Marjorie and started talking with her while Isadora looked at Jade. "Are you feeling any better? I hear your mother had some… choice words."

Jade's usual automatic response is to say he's fine, but that wouldn't work on her so he took a second to think.

He shrugged solemnly. "Well… I figured I'd be better by now… the aching is… harder to deal with than I thought."

He told me he'd been having trouble even sleeping when the pain got especially bad. Usually he could push through it, but he was actually suffering.

A vine from Dijon pulled out the capsule that held Jade's temporary wheelchair. He didn't actually pull out the wheelchair just yet, but he did hold onto it. Garland, meanwhile, just gave a gentle smile to Jade. "You're not used to being in the field. The first injuries of a given level are the hardest to take, take it from us. There's no shame in needing to heal. Especially when you can still move around on your own with some help, if you choose to."

"It's only for today, Jade. If anyone gives you a hard time we'll give that person a harder time," I promised. "I don't think anyone will though. You're a hero just like the rest of us."

{Everyone you'll see today either already knows you well, or their last time they saw you was literally in the remnants of a tree. Being a human who's even up and about already is worthy of some respect, and besides. You helped loads of people not die not two weeks ago, no one's gonna blame you for still licking some wounds,} Amethyst brought up.

"...well if even Amethyst is tryna encourage me, then I… I guess it's alright," he sighed.

Dijon pulled out the wheelchair immediately, Garland gently setting him down in it. Even once he did though, he stood right by Jade and ruffled his hair a little. "Being vulnerable is scary. Good on you."

Jade simply turned away embarrassed as Flax perched himself right in Jade's lap to be a comforting force for him. I was simply glad he was letting down a few more of his many barriers.

{Before we go, who's the Glameow?} Donut asked.

{My son, Sylvester,} Wilona said proudly. {He and Sylvia are siblings.}

Sylvester meowed a greeting at us as Sylvia hopped atop Clarabel to nuzzle him. {He's not a fighter like me or Mom, but I really wanted him to meet all of you!}

So they're half-siblings. A diverse feline family. Very cute.

Donut smiled. As the son of an Infernape he found mixed pokemon families comforting. {The more the merrier then.}

As the others got to properly meet Sylvester Lou and I headed over to Cynthia and her crew. "I'm glad you all could make it. I'm sure the natives will appreciate the champions of the region attending their celebration."

"Of course! I'm honored to be invited," she said with a smile. "This time after a sudden excursion defeating traffickers I get to actually meet the people you helped."

"Speaking of meeting people… I meant to ask if your sister would like this sort of thing? I'm not sure exactly what the natives have planned, but it's a nice day. The Citrus Glades aren't too swampy, even for my standards. It could be fun," I suggested.

Her eyebrows raised for a moment before she settled into a warm smile. "I'll let her know you're thinking of her, but now isn't a good time for her to be somewhere she's not used to around people she doesn't know. Usually she'd love to be here, it's just not a good time for her. She and Spiri would love this especially though."

{Is Spiri her partner pokemon?} Lou asked.

"One of them," Cynthia replied. "She's the third to join Aurora's team, after Azure and Shiva. Chronologically speaking. They met in Alola when I took Aurora and her team there, and helped her fend off some Pikipek harassing the other Cutiefly. As soon as they saw each other, they were inseparable."

{Oh? That's similar to how I met Topaz and Donut, but with Starly in Sinnoh,} Lou remarked. {No matter the region, the birds are a menace.}

That aside, I think that's the most Cynthia has ever talked about her sister. Never considered she'd have a team too, but it makes sense.

Cynthia chuckled. "I'm not sure you'd feel the same about the Piplup or Swablu line, but I knew you'd appreciate that part of their meeting. I'm sure you'd get along phenomenally."

"Well then, maybe we can all hang out together some other time," I suggested. "Knowing our luck we'll prolly have another victory celebration soon enough."

"Hopefully a celebration of less dire circumstances ending next time," she added. "But yes, when you're all available, we can set up a meeting."

"I would argue the high tension is what makes the celebration even better, but yeah, whenever we're both free," I chuckled.

As we chuckled amongst ourselves Holyn with Donut on top his head ran up to us.

{Sylvester is chill. I like him,} Donut informed us.

{Everyone's ready to go,} Holyn added as he looked between us. {Whatcha talkin' about?}

"Future encounters," I said, rubbing his neck as we followed behind everyone else.

Aurora, huh? That might be the first time I've heard her name… and yet for some reason. I feel like we'd get along just fine.

~x2x~

PoV: Topaz Heart

Location: Citrus Glades - Great Marsh

Time: Afternoon - Late March

"Well you see one of my mentors, Vika, taught me how to turn the minerals I find in the Underground into battle gear. They have similar properties to pokemon attacks so depending on how much material I use for each grenade determines how much blast power I have," I explained to some curious native pokemon, showing some of them off, earning a myriad of oohs and ahs.

The celebration was much more festive than I had expected. Chatot, Kricketune, Loudred, Grookey and more natives were playing some excellent live music for everyone to enjoy. The celebration was held in a large clearing filled with aesthetically pleasing flowers hanging from the trees and wooden jugs of water for the guests.

The Tropius provided a bounty of fresh fruit from their orchards and the other natives brought their own selection of food (no meat of course, this was a safe space).

Now that it was peacetime the natives actually had a lot of questions on how we managed to fight so effectively. Most of them had never really seen trainers and pokemon fight, so all our gear and tactics were new to them. Even the former trainer pokemon hadn't seen trainers like us.

Lou and I of course were more than eager to explain the nuances of our team's dynamics.

{The grappling hook device's string that my General uses is based off the web I produce,} Lou proudly proclaimed. {So even when I am not around I can keep him safe and secure.}

{So do you have to keep filling it back up?} A Kecleon asked.

"No, that would be too messy and it's not compatible with the hook. The string is synthetically created in a lab so it's ideal for the hook," I explained.

{So that hook is how you dodged all those Vigoroth chasing you? What would you have done if you hadn't had it?} A Quagsire asked.

I laughed awkwardly. "I definitely would not have gotten into that sort of situation if I didn't have the right tool for it. Thinking about it now, that was pretty reckless, but a lot of people helped make this grappling hook so I could survive situations like that. And it kept me safe through every fight so I think it's working out well so far."

{A good general doesn't charge into battle alongside his soldiers unprepared. There are many preparations to be taken before stepping into war,} Lou continued, lecturing those who were invested in warfare.

{And you had that fire extinguisher!} An Aipom noted cheerily to Violet. {I had no idea blowing air at a fire would stop it.}

"It is a specific gas that douses flames with extreme effectiveness," Violet replied. "I considered utilizing water, but it is heavier, would potentially cause other problems, and is thoroughly ineffectual against oil based fires."

{And the worst it does to anyone in the way is force 'em to catch their breath,} Amethyst noted. {Instead of water, which could actually hurt some folk at the pressure you'd need. Injuring those of stone and soil is the last thing we wanna do when we're trying to save them and their homes.}

A bunch of Pokemon nodded at that, while a Wooper walked up to Zenara. {You were really brave, fighting them even though you weren't big like them at all. Was it scary?}

Zenara thought for a second before shrugging. {Not really. I knew they were stronger, sure, but that wasn't gonna stop me. You needed help and I have a great family watching my back, I was sure we were gonna be fine. And we were!}

{Speaking of backs,} a Teddiursa I recognized spoke up, looking at Violet. {Is yours okay?}

Violet nodded readily, smiling warmly at them. "Very much so. It is an honor that you worry about me, though I assure you that such encounters will not take me. There is much yet to do, falling prematurely would be negligent."

{While it was brave of you to help out, you should be more wary of your surroundings when on the battlefield,} Flax reminded her.

{Complaining again? Come on Flax, she's just a kid. I heard the others say she did well for her first time,} Donut defended her from atop Holyn's head.

Flax frowned. {And you could stand to take a fight more seriously faster.}

Shizu leaned her head down to the Teddiursa's level. {Hey kid, you got a name?}

{M-my mama named me Goldmary,} She stuttered, looking at Shizu with wide eyes.

{Goldmary, huh. Well, you've got guts. You'll go far if you keep at it,} Shizu praised her.

"By the way, I got the berry you delivered. Tasted delicious. Was just what I needed, so… thanks Goldmary," Jade added sincerely.

She smiled at him, a couple tears welling up. {I'm happy it helped you!}

Goldmary was much more relaxed now that she was truly okay. Violet sought her out before anyone else, pushing Jade's wheelchair all the way, to ease her worries as soon as possible.

{Speaking of brave folks, you're a tough human child,} a Swalot noted towards Jade. {I saw what that brute did to you. I'm glad it wasn't anything worse than that. Will you be able to walk again soon?}

"Thanks and I can sorta walk now… just not very well and it's not really recommended," Jade admitted.

{We could get one of our healers if the pain is too much. We don't have human medicine, but we know a lot of natural remedies,} a Tangrowth insisted.

Jade waved a hand. "No, it's alright. My mentor has been looking out for me and has given me plenty of medicine. I'm just taking it easy for now."

"As you should be," Garland reminded. "Your first real mission and you go and face off against a horde of colonizer simians, and they couldn't take you down? You did a damn good job. You've earned your rest and then some."

"Well, they did take Shizu and I in the end…" Jade admitted somberly.

{And yet you're both alive and well, and they're dead and being used as fertilizer to grow the trees we must now replace,} a white bouquet Florges stated, floating up to him and Flax. Several Flabebe hid within her floral hair and under her sunflower hat, peeking out shyly to look at them.

Oh, she's new.

{You seem to hold very high expectations for yourself, child of emerald. Ambition is important, but after enduring so much we must be grateful for the wellbeing of ourselves and those we love.}

She bowed gracefully before them before raising her head. {My children told me how you protected the Rosary Sanctum in my absence. I can sense in both your hearts you hold value in flora and treat the earth with kindness. I humbly thank you both from the bottom of my heart and wish to repay this debt to you.}

"O-oh…" Jade was frankly stunned, it was unusual. His usual quick thinking was dulled by the aching pain, but I think he was generally unused to so much praise from strangers. "Well… it was mostly Flax. I just treated some-"

She raised her hand. {No more undermining your kindness. I will hear none of it.}

Jade nodded slowly. He inhaled deeply, regaining some of his usual vigor. "Alrighty then. It was our pleasure to help. Honestly, the sanctum was the only blot of color in that ugly swamp, so it was only natural we gave our all to save it."

Should we really be calling their swamp ugly, Jade?

Rather than be offended, Florges was pleased. {It is quite droll, is it not? I hope to spread the territory alongside the local Roserade's aid. Some of my sisters flew further west sensing the largest flower field known, but I'm not one for sharing. The sanctum will do, it just needs special care.}

So there's likely a bunch of new fairies in Floaroma Town now. Must've been a hard journey, they'd have to pass through Coronet to get there. Too hard to pass up I imagine.

{Roserade, hmmm…} Flax hummed, as he looked past Florges to see several Rosary Sanctum natives standing behind her. Among them were Roserade, Flabebe, Floette, Budew and Chimchar. {I have critiques.}

{You're quite a powerful Roselia, even we can't compete with what you've accomplished. We were hoping you could give us some advice,} one of the Roserade spoke up.

I noticed they all carried themselves with a graceful, light stance that Flax never did. He was always quite different from my perspective of Roselia, but that's what made him unique. I suppose this is more the species usual standard.

{...only if you give me some of the seeds for some interesting hybrid flowers you've made,} Flax stated boldly.

{Anything for a fellow Roselia,} the Roserade smiled.

{Could you help with the explanation? I'm not good at this,} Flax asked Dijon softly.

{Of course!} He warbled gladly, walking over right alongside Flax. {I'm happy to help with whatever you need.}

Before Jade and Garland followed after them, I patted Jade on the shoulder. "So how do ya feel now?"

He looked at his lap momentarily before looking up at me. "Better. Much better."

I smiled at him as I let Garland push him over to speak with the other Rosary Sanctum folk.

You deserve to be appreciated, Jade. Glad you can finally see that.

Looking around, I noticed Mareeta sitting with the couple of Aipom we saved before, the Noctowl and Sliggoo. She didn't look… happy, exactly, but she was smiling at all, which was better than it had been with her. They were away from the main celebration, but for now they seemed okay with keeping Mareeta company. Meliae was also going to speak with her herd.

Coincidentally, I saw both Holyn and Marjorie close in on Mareetathem, so I decided to follow suit.

{Hello everyone. Glad to see you all well,} Marjorie greeted them.

{You're looking good, Aipom. I didn't get to see you after the battle so I was worried,} Holyn noted.

{Yeah… not looking forward to ever stepping on a battlefield again after that, but at least I'm able to say I helped,} Aipom admitted.

"How about you, Sliggoo? How's evolution?" I asked.

{It's fantastic!} Sliggoo warbled in glee. {Oh yes, while you were all gone I asked Meliae if she could name me. I've grown so much since helping stop the fire and I wanted a name to signify that. Call me Wynn!}

{Nice to meet ya Wynn! I'm Holyn!}

Wynn giggled. {We all know that, but nice to meet ya, Holyn!}

Goldmary the Teddiursa and Wynn the Sliggoo. More names to remember.

Marjorie smiled at the nice sight before addressing Mareeta. {I'm pleased to see you're enjoying the festivities at your own pace. I don't mean to rush you, but have you come to a decision of what to do next?}

{I've been thinking on it,} Mareeta replied, giving me and Lou a curious look. {Though Topaz and Lou said that they had their own proposition of some kind? Which I'm curious to hear, if nothing else.}

"Finally, my secret plan can be revealed," I chuckled with fake evil laughter. I cleared my throat before becoming a bit more serious. "First things first, do you have any personally foul experiences with Benedetto's Meowstic? Like more foul than the usual standard?"

She groaned, her face falling. {That one doormat who just listened to Benedetto's every whim? He usually didn't do much unless his 'owner' was attacked, so not really. Still though, not a fan of enablers.}

"Neither am I, but unlike Pangoro I believed he could be redeemed," I explained, pulling out my phone and showing it to her. "There's a rehab facility on Poni Island called Comfy Respite, established for aiding traumatized, damaged pokemon. Before you ask, it's totally unaffiliated with the Aether Foundation so no cause for concern there."

{What's the Aether Foundation?} Holyn asked.

{An organization with a giant blot of foreign technology in the center of the Alolan Sea spouting nonsense for the betterment of pokemon kind, yet were exposed for creating god clones,} Lou explained simply.

{Oh…} Holyn said quietly.

{The elders told me about them and I'd seen them around before. I was never sure about them and I guess that's why,} Mareeta muttered.

"I've been keeping slight tabs on Meowstic for the last couple of months and he's genuinely working towards freeing himself of Benedetto's abuse and to being a better person. They say the tropical climate and Alolan rehabilitation practices work wonders on the psyche and seeing as you're Alolan and it's fairly close to home, you could try it out," I suggested.

{I personally marred Meowstic's face and would've done worse if given the chance, but even I could see how broken of a person he was. Perhaps if he was liberated from such a beast of a leader, he could amass some good in the world,} Lou admitted, staring stoically at Mareeta. {The General and I see a wealth of potential in you, Mareeta. You did not flow with the toxic river of the Heterupts, you were the sturdy rock that stood against the tide. In doing so you sacrificed your closest friend for the betterment of all.}

I sensed Mareeta's apprehension, so I decided to ease what was likely her main concern.

"Of course, you should go see your family first and live with them. We're just saying after like a couple years maybe you feel like getting some therapy or decide you want a new uhhh… hobby?"

{So this was your offer, hm. Auntie Wilona and Isadora also know about this facility and they've verified its legitimacy if you're concerned about that,} Marjorie added. {I think therapy down the line would be good. Although, Topaz and Lou, I don't think you need to recruit every strong fighter you meet to join another cause. What if she just wants… to be?}

I faced Marjorie. "It's another option, Marjorie. She deserves to have it."

Mareeta was silent for a minute, looking at the ground. She didn't look up when she started speaking. {I don't feel much like a sturdy rock. I just didn't want to become the same as the people who upended mine and Bloom's lives. The whole time, I was just trying to get through the days, because I had to hope someday it would end. That me and Bloom could go back home together. It would never be the same, but it could've been something similar.} She was quiet for another moment. {We know how that ended up.}

Holyn gave her a whimper as we all waited for to collect herself.

She still didn't look up, but I saw a few tears fall to the ground. {I'm not strong because I wanted to be. I'm strong because I was forced to be, and then I had to be. I don't want to fight anymore. I don't even know if my troop will take me back. It's been so long, and I had to do monstrous things, even though I didn't want to do any of it. I couldn't stop it. But… it's all that's kept me going. If they don't take me back, then sure, you can take me to the rehab place. Because then there won't be anywhere in the world for me.}

{You're wrong,} Holyn spoke up, bringing Mareeta's attention to him. He looked on the verge of tears, but he refused to let them fall. {Because as long as we're around, you'll always have a place with us.}

He took one of her fingers with his tiny hands and held it. {I'm not really experienced and I still don't know how bad life was for people like you, Cenza or Amethyst, but I'm learning as I go. I don't want you to fight again if you don't want to, but… I'd feel safer if you fought with us. So we can stop the Kakuens before they turn anyone else evil.}

She was silent for another moment before she sighed, tilting her head ever so slightly towards him. {You're a good kid. But I couldn't live with you. There's too many humans. It's…} she gave an involuntary shudder before going silent again.

Marjorie watched as Holyn slumped his shoulders, saddened by her statement. Feeling sympathetic she sighed deeply before speaking.

{Well Mareeta… even if worse comes to pass and your troop rejects you, that's not the end of your story. It would not be easy to move past, but you're not alone anymore. We're not your old troop, but we'll vouch and assist you every step of the way till you find your place. I don't personally know them, but if you care so much to be back with them, I can only assume they want you back just as much. Bloom broke your trust, yes, but that doesn't mean everyone will. As long as you're still alive you can still salvage happiness.}

Mareeta stopped shaking, rubbing her eyes before giving a despondent smile to Marjorie. {Thanks…}

"The offer remains open," I spoke up one last time. "There's a pokemon center close to the Lush Jungle. Ask one of the Nurse Comfey you want Professor Kukui to send you to Comfy Respite. Tell them Topaz Heart of Sunyshore sent you to him."

{Whatever you decide to do, we respect. Just know… there's a lot more to you than you believe,} Lou stated.

With that we took our leave, letting her have a moment of her time. Meanwhile, I was considering what we should've done differently.

"Do you think we pushed her too hard?" I asked Lou. "Maybe we should've looped in Amethyst and Violet? We never told them about Meowstic either… although they prolly know where all of Benedetto's pokemon are by now."

{Have faith in our decision making, General. I know we don't want to make anyone uncomfortable, but sometimes we must take bold actions to move forward. We've given all she's willing to take. The rest is up to her,} he assured me.

I nodded solemnly. "...okay, thanks. I needed that."

We continued on when I spotted Cenza and Heimdall sharing some strawberries. Too small for most Tropius, so I assumed Cherubi and Cherrim were responsible for providing those.

Either way, Cenza appeared quite animated speaking to him.

{I've never felt so good in my life, Heimdall. When we defeated Kakuen, I thought this feeling would go away eventually, but it's been growing ever since. I feel like a whole new person. I've been a part of Benedetto and Kakuen's ends, I helped inspire all of my fellow Kalosians and I helped the four Espurr kittens heal from their trauma,} she devoured her strawberry before continuing.

{Before I came here, I was just awaiting the day a predator would snatch me up. Even through these last few months I thought I wouldn't amount to much of anything because of my disability and species, but I am really accomplishing great things.}

She picked up another strawberry to nibble. {Now that I'm completely free, I've been thinking about setting new goals. My ultimate one is being strong enough that Volkner would have me when facing his strongest challengers. But for right now, Lou finally thinks I'm ready for his training. I've been working with Zenara, Holyn and him so I can reach a more stable level. It's difficult, but I'm just… I'm so happy now!}

Heimdall smiled softly at her, gently patting her. {I'm proud of you. I knew your soul burned too bright to be dimmed so easily. Perhaps you may not walk the path of other Dedenne, but you do not need to. You walk your own path, and that is the most important one. I look forward to what you do in the future, young Cenza. I am proud to call you a friend.}

Cenza nuzzled him delightfully, overflowing with glee you could practically smell it in the air. I smiled to myself and moved on, leaving them to their fruit.

We mingled for a bit longer when Volkner waved us over. Him and Cynthia were munching on some of the fruit provided alongside their pokemon while speaking with Meliae and Rheneas. Isadora, Wilona and Eva seemed to be enjoying some fruit as well.

"We've been speaking with a bunch of the natives and they have a lot of great things to say about you and your friends. Isadora's report said as much, but it's good to hear it from so many sources," Volkner praised us.

I'm assuming Destiny read the report and gave him the abridged version.

{I didn't think we'd see each other any time soon, Rheneas. Especially fighting alongside Zenara and the others,} River added, munching on a peach.

She sighed, looking up at her friend. {I wouldn't have without Meliae and them, I just helped a little. But I'm glad to see you again. I missed you.}

{I missed you too! I've been so busy I haven't had time to think about anything besides training. While you guys were out fighting those monkeys, Volkner had me train with this bulky human leader and these crazy strong water types! They made me run so many drills I thought I was gonna die! But then I evolved and suddenly everything became way easier! I really wish I could've joined the final fight and shown off my new strength,} River said, shadow boxing the air.

So that's why Volkner came with us to Pastoria. He went to Crasher Wake to train River.

{I'm sure you'll have plenty of chances to fight more bad guys,} Rheneas noted, grinning up at her friend. {What's your trainer like, anyway?}

{He's a really important human, so apparently he goes on dangerous missions to protect the region… of course all he does is make me train, so I wouldn't know, but one day,} River admitted.

{If I were to rate your combat ability you're on some of the lowest rungs,} Roland reminded her. {But… Your potential and work ethic is commendable. You completed those grueling drills, so we can make something of you yet.}

{Wow.} Rheneas looked up at Roland. {You're a jerk, huh?}

Roland frowned, as River raised a fin. {He totally is, but he cares. He's Donut's dad, so he's always on everyone's case, but he does help out.}

{I'm not his father,} Roland reminded everyone. River looked skeptical.

{No but you are a middle aged dude with a mortgage!} Amethyst yelled over.

Roland groaned as Volkner chuckled. Cynthia just watched the interaction with a small smile, looking at Volkner. "It seems like she's fitting right in. You enjoying having a new person around?"

"Been awhile since I've trained anyone new, especially another water type. A nice change of pace, honestly," Volkner admitted. "You planning on adding anyone new to your roster?"

She gave a sly smile at that. "Well, considering I'm already training up someone new, I think it'll be a while before they settle in and we think about bringing in someone else."

Volkner folded his arms with an eager grin. "Can't wait for their debut."

"Neither can they," Cynthia laughed, "But they want to prove themselves in something that'd be a challenge, so we'll see how soon that happens."

From what I know Cynthia hasn't changed her team much since the year she became champion. Wonder what she's got in store.

{River, I had a question for you,} Meliae spoke, lowering her neck to be more on level with the rest of us. {How has life amidst humans been treating you? Beyond apparently training to near death.}

{Oh? Well, it's a lot more fun than I thought it'd be!} River answered eagerly. {I missed the marsh for a while and all the buildings were kind of intimidating, but everyone was really welcoming. Even Roland!}

Roland grumbled as River continued. {There's this place called a pokemon gym where a bunch of electric types train. Everyone there was really supportive with helping me train even though I'm not an electric type. Where I'm staying is really nice too, but it's a bit too clean. Electric types get so mad if there's even a lil bit of mud.}

{You would be too if a bit of mud messed with your whole mojo,} Donut retorted, scampering onto my shoulder.

{I know, I know, but I'm being honest,} River continued, thinking some more. {Uh, what else do ya wanna know?}

{How the humans have been treating you.} She thought for a moment before continuing. {In the past, things were far more chaotic. And as we have seen with our Kalosian kin, in many places they still are. But it seems the humans native to this land are more sensible, and I am curious if your experience holds true to this.}

I noticed Amethyst and Violet begin paying more attention at that.

That's unlike Meliae. She hasn't shown any prejudice towards humans, but maybe she's cautious after all the horror stories of Benedetto.

River started thinking hard.

{I… don't really have any complaints. I mostly talk to Volkner, Topaz, Violet and Jade, all who are cool. Uhhh, all the gym trainers are nice. If I ask for a snack or water, they'll get me some. They even played with me, but that's too embarrassing now that I'm a Marshtomp,} River admitted sheepishly.

{Challengers are okay, but I never really talk to them. Walking around the city… human kids like running up to me and calling me cute which is kind of annoying… but it's also true, so I can't blame them. I've kind of forgotten humans aren't just weird pokemon. I used to think they were special, but you get used to them quickly.}

Well that's fair, a city would desensitize you quickly.

{Why d'you ask?} Amethyst piped up, floating over with Violet and Zenara right with her.

Meliae turned to them. {Because I had been considering joining your entourage, and I wished to know more about where you reside from someone originating from my home.}

Oh wow, this works out perfectly! I was hoping someone would join our group, but I figured it'd be impolite to ask. Looks like I don't have to!

That gave Violet and Amethyst pause. Even Volkner and Cynthia looked surprised. Zenara, meanwhile, got starry eyes and ran up to her. {You coming with us would be so cool!}

{I cannot say I predicted this,} Lou stated simply.

"Neither had I," Violet responded, looking at Meliae. "What influenced this decision?"

{I had been feeling… without much purpose, being here recently,} she began. {Assisting in defending the herd is important, but there is only so much one can do while traveling with them. And yet I did not want to set out alone, not least because I would not know where to start. When the Heterupts arrived, I was awaiting an opportunity to deal with them myself. You all were that opportunity. But more than that, you ventured from afar to solve a problem before it got out of hand. You did not wait for it to come to you, instead you went to it.}

She looked between me and Violet. {I understand you came as a group, but of the two of you, Nyx seems more…} She considered her words. {Decisive and probing, regarding problems. Assisting with that is closer to what I would prefer to do in the world.}

Does that mean I'm indecisive and… the opposite of probing?

{And she's not alone,} Rheneas piped up, bouncing up next to Meliae's head. {I'd been missing River for a while, and then people who know her just show up and help us all? And they're nice? That was a surprise. I was thinking about going after River so we could still spend time together, but I didn't wanna leave without Meliae. So I brought it up, 'cuz I knew she'd been wanting to do something else for a while, and turns out we were both thinking of heading to the same place. My reasons aren't as grand as hers, but with River and Meliae there, and people like Donut and Cenza around making things better, who knows? Maybe I'll be able to do more than just trip people up in the future.}

{And the surprises keep coming!} Cenza marveled, Donut nodded alongside her.

{The best type of surprises!} River cheered as she held Rheneas' hands. {I'm gonna show you so many new places, we're gonna train together and I'm gonna introduce you to all my new friends at the gym!}

Rheneas smiled brightly back at her while Meliae looked at Violet, Amethyst and Zenara. {You three also seem less prone to living amidst humans exclusively, which means I would not be attempting to walk amidst buildings all the time. But if you feel I would burden you all, you need not say yes for my sake.}

"No," Violet immediately replied, "You desire to make change in the world. That is precisely what I aim to do. If I may help you find fulfillment, there is no burden whatsoever in ensuring your comfort and health while we search for the next issue to solve."

{You'd definitely be among friends,} Amethyst added with a smirk. {We're pretty new to the whole 'living around humans' thing ourselves. We've spent most of our time out and about, so you don't gotta worry about us being unused to that sorta thing.}

{And you're so strong!} Zenara exclaimed happily, slamming into one of her legs in what was probably supposed to be a hug. {We can beat up baddies and get stronger together! And you're smart like Violet and Amethyst, so the stuff they say will make sense to you quicker than me!}

{You're learning,} Amethyst chuckled, {And you just evolved. Besides,} she looked over at Meliae. {I'm pretty sure your brain is bigger than my entire body, so I'm sure you can figure out what we talk about.}

{Yes, I believe so,} Meliae rumbled a laugh in response.

"I hope you two like combo attacks because I'm already formulating all the new ones we'll have access to once you join," I cheered.

{I hadn't known we had made such an impression, but I welcome you both to our ranks,} Lou added.

{The others will be thrilled to hear the news. Holyn is gonna go wild,} Donut noted.

{A Tropius and Spoink joining our household,} Roland muttered. {Not a duo I ever anticipated, but if the others are so fond of you I see no reason for dispute.}

"Yeah…" Volkner said, noticeably unsure.

"Something wrong, uncle?"

"No, not exactly, I'm just…" He tilted his head up to gaze at Meliae towering above everyone. "Thinking."

Cynthia smiled. "Remember how Jade said how difficult it'd be for Violet to raise a Wailord? I believe Volkner is having similar thoughts."

Volkner frowned. "I've been waiting for Violet to find another partner, I'm just not ready for one so large."

He took out his phone showcasing a picture of the backyard. Meliae and Rheneas leaned in to get a better look. It was around two acres and flat, but there wasn't much beyond grass and trees.

"This is the land we have available at our house. Rogelio has been giving me grief about all the space in the backyard we aren't using. I don't really have the time to be delving into that as a project, but I did have some ideas. Sadly, I'm not the right person for the job."

{It's large, but… barren. I see the issue,} Meliae grimaced.

{The giant lake next to it seems nice,} Rheneas considered.

He put away his phone. "When Meliae said she wanted to join her team my immediate thought was how she was gonna fly right back to the marsh as soon as she saw our empty backyard. Now I dunno if she'd actually do that, but what I do know everyone pokemon deserves some privacy. So, I was thinking we should build a proper pokemon barn in the back to fit the pokemon more around her size. Maybe plant a few more trees, add a pond…" He considered, shaking his head. "Just some thoughts."

"There's so much space, may as well think big," Cynthia supported.

Volkner frowned. "I dunno much about landscaping, so I was gonna ask Garland and Vika if they knew people."

Cynthia only had to think for a moment before nodding. "Yeah, there's someone we know who does carpentry and the like. I'm sure as soon as Garland or Vika asked, they'd be preparing in a moment."

{Is their price right?} Roland asked.

{That mortgage on your mind, big guy?} Amethyst jabbed.

{Damn Roland, how much was the house?} Donut questioned.

{It is not wrong to ask for a price before we purchase. Unless you'd prefer we be scammed?} Roland retorted. {Do you have any idea how much upkeep there is involving a human home?}

Amethyst tried to hold back a laugh. It didn't work. {Oh you have no idea.}

I was gonna note how Cynthia wouldn't recommend us to a scam artist when I noticed Violet was working at a blinding pace on her tablet. The type of speed she reserved for emergencies or pokemon requests. I leaned over to already see the schematics of a sizable pokemon barn, alongside places for orange trees, a pond and a greenhouse.

"Well… at least the architect will have something to work with," I noted.

{If we are making requests, I request absolutely no bird baths on the premises,} Lou demanded. {I can't allow them to think they are welcome at our home.}

"Mmm." Violet glanced at him. "The pond will attract some looking for fresh water after traversing the ocean."

Lou cringed at the mention and Violet immediately turned to face him. "I will minimize the wild birds that enter your territory while providing them a place to drink."

{Thank you, Violet,} Lou buzzed, appeased.

{Oooh, so we can all make requests?} Donut asked.

"Within reason," Volkner reminded him. "If it's too expensive we can consider it League business given what Violet does and use its budget."

{Meliae, Rheneas, thank you so much,} Donut praised them. {We're gonna get so much new stuff.}

Rheneas snorted in amusement, smiling at him. {You're welcome. I think.}

Meliae looked at Volkner. {We are capable of growing trees rapidly, to ensure the land can sustain us. It takes energy, but if we intend to make that place a haven, then the required rest is simply going to be utilizing that space.}

Rogelio can help expedite that.

"Oh and we can help too," Jade said eagerly, being pushed in by Garland. "With a friends and family discount, Garland's shop can provide tree saplings, fruit seeds, berries, vegetables, flowers and more. And if you purchase the spring bundle-"

"Easy Jade," Garland chuckled, looking at Volkner. "He's right though, most anything plant wise you could want? Me and Dijon can bring it over no problem."

"We'll even throw in complimentary catnip if you buy the new roses Flax and I cultivated," Jade added, glancing at Amethyst.

Amethyst nearly fell out of the air in laughter. {I see how it is, the way you intend to enjoy having me around is to have me get fucking baked!}

{It's only business,} Flax stated sincerely. {You grow and cultivate my beautiful roses and turn that empty yard of yours into something beautiful. And you get to be high while planting each seed. It's a fair trade.}

Violet caught Amethyst who was now howling with laughter. Zenara looked at me curiously. {What's catnip?}

"It's a herb that makes felines really… mellow," I explained, thinking about how the Luxio and Luxray of the gym get some when they do well. "Humans have something like it too, but Volkner won't tell me what it is."

{Don't worry, I'm sure Zenara can find you guys some grass!} Amethyst got out before continuing to howl in laughter.

Humans can't eat grass though. What's she talking about?

Zenara looked equally perplexed, but I saw even Cynthia was chuckling. She looked at me after a moment. "This is one of those 'when you're older' things. Moreso because it's a distinct health risk when you're still developing."

"Moving on," Volkner finished as he turned to Garland. "If you can contact your carpenter friend that'd be great. The sooner the better actually. I imagine Meliae doesn't want to sleep in a barren field for very long."

{I would prefer not to, yes,} She affirmed.

Garland just nodded. "I'll let 'em know in a bit."

River gasped. {I nearly forgot to mention! The ocean! Sunyshore City is right next to the ocean and it's just… so much water! Not the kind we like, but there's just endless water and islands way off in the distance. And we get to live right next to it and a beach. Ooooh, I'm so excited!} She began running in place with eagerness.

Meliae hummed. {Perhaps I could swim as you do in the ocean, then. Less gracefully, I would imagine, but still. It may be nice.}

{I'ma just ride one of you two,} Rheneas shrugged. {That'll be more fun than the spinny paddle I gotta do when I'm in water.}

"Alright, sounds like we've got a plan then. There's some formalities we'll have to take care of later, but for now we can just enjoy the party," Volkner finished.

{And later we will see how well that hovercraft of yours flies,} Meliae noted.

~x3x~

PoV: Topaz Heart

Location: Citrus Glades - Great Marsh

Time: Dusk - Late March

"Everything seems to be winding down," Eva noted, as we watched wild pokemon say their goodbyes before they returned to the forest.

I looked over to see Meliae saying her farewells to her herd as my own group appeared ready to leave. "Guess we're almost set too."

Eva turned to face me with a cheery expression. "When I first started this mission, I thought it wouldn't be so… dramatic. Yet here we are celebrating the end of a war with new friends."

"Despite the hard times and new trauma, I did end up having fun. I feel more accomplished," I added.

"I'd actually love to do this again sometime," Eva offered. "I wasn't too sure about your group at first, but I have to say I'm a fan now. My usual group of friends are more openly emotional, so your group is quite the contrast. I think I can learn a lot from both."

"Adding me to your network, I see. Spoken like a true ambassador," I chuckled. "Well, if you ever wanna escape Highshire and hang out, just let us know."

"Oh yes, I actually don't live in Highshire."

"Huh?"

"My father and Gracidea Garden are in Highshire. Mom has a house in Hearthome City where we typically stay. All I ever experienced in Highshire was isolation and bullying, so Hearthome is much more welcome," She added. "We visit my father and the garden often enough. They're not separated, though! Just very independent."

Judging by how quickly she added the last bit she got that question a lot.

"Huh… makes sense," I said slowly. "Don't think I've been to Hearthome much."

"And I've barely been to Sunyshore City. You can all show me around next time I visit," Eva insisted. "The mercantile capital of the region must sell the most diverse array of fashion after all."

I laughed awkwardly. "I've always been more interested in the gear I could buy for utility, but I'll keep some shops in mind for when you visit." I then considered something else. "Oh yeah, Meliae and Rheneas are joining us, but is anyone coming to your side?"

Eva gave a proud smirk. "Why of course. Tanya said our skills made an impression upon some of her soldiers and they'd like to assist in guarding the Gracidea Garden. It's only natural they would be inspired; my team performed most spectacularly."

I waved a finger. "I will concede victory to you and your team this time, but the next mission we will outperform you. But as my rival you should already know that."

Eva huffed satisfied. "It's a deal then. We'll continue our endless competition next time." She began to walk away when she suddenly stopped. "One last bit of advice."

She turned to face me. "Hold on to that drive you have. I know you're the type to follow your whims, but after seeing you and your group in action, I know you can all make it to the top." She turned her head back, using wind magic to cause her hair to billow. "Until then, may your path be graced."

With her dramatic final words, Eva made her exit meeting up with the rest of her team. I watched in silence as Donut hopped onto my shoulder.

Fine… she can get the last word in.

{She reminds me of you,} Donut teased.

{And you're nothing like Marjorie,} I teased back, earning a smug laugh from Donut. As we did the wind began to blow stronger, sending several leaves off the ground. I squinted among them to see a card flow among them. I raised my hand and as though with purpose it flew right into it.

I looked it over to see Eva in the center with her hands outstretched as she channeled wind magic in between them, her eyes glowing an intense blue.

Within the wind were several items including mangosteens, gracidea flowers and a blue ribbon. By her side stood Marjorie holding a tome of negotiations, wearing a sagely expression.

The border of the card was decorated with luscious vines with blue and magenta berries. At the bottom it was labeled The Magician I.

{I was wondering when we were gonna get her card. What's this one mean?} Donut asked.

"The Magician arcana, designated number one in the Tarot deck," I began to explain.

{I thought we were- I mean The Fool was the first,} Donut questioned.

"The Fool is the baseline, where anything can be born from it. Thus it's designated zero. The Magician is…" I considered my answer. "The closest derivative step to The Fool."

I looked at the card again. "It symbolizes initiative, willpower, resourcefulness and manifesting your goals. I suppose they take The Fool's potential and use it for something useful and are generally driven. Eva and her group are tireless with their goals even if they aren't the strongest; which might be why their team managed so well compared to the rest of us. They take what they can get and make it work."

{Or it represents the fact Eva is a mage,} Donut surmised.

"If we're going for the most obvious answer, then yeah, that works too," I groaned, as I put the card with the others. "But now that we have this card, maybe I should take more inspiration from how Eva operates. Clearly it's been working."

"She does work to be an inspiration, so I'll let her know she's succeeding," Isadora noted, walking up with Wilona beside her. "You seem in much better spirits now."

"Oh, uh yeah. I've had some time to sleep in and not fight for my life, so it's really been good for the… everything," I shrugged.

{And you, Donut?} Wilona asked, looking at him. {No lasting complications?}

{Physically, I'm better than ever,} Donut answered cautiously. {Mentally… I'm not really keen on any type of fighting for a while.}

Both Isadora and Wilona nodded at that. {We know the feeling. Take the time you need to recover. Be glad that the most you have pushing you to battle tomorrow is Lou's rhetoric. I doubt you need me to tell you to rest, but in case he's persistent, let him know I told you to rest.}

{Don't worry, he's all too happy devoting all his attention on Zenara and Cenza's training. Did you know he even got me some donuts the other day? I dunno from where, but they were delicious,} Donut replied, fond of the memory.

Wilona smiled at him as Isadora put a hand on my shoulder. "Topaz… you seem to be getting along alright. But if you ever need a change of scenery, or to talk about something you don't know who to go to? You're welcome to come to Hearthome." She paused a moment before chuckling to herself. "And probably let me know you'll be coming, otherwise you may well travel all that way to find I'm off in the middle of nowhere."

"Haha, I'll keep that in mind, thanks Isadora. And you too, Wilona," I replied. "This mission was intense, but you two really made it lot easier to handle."

Isadora sighed. "Not easy enough, given how rough it was on all of you. But that's for me and Wilona to improve upon, not for you or your friends to blame yourselves over. As adults, mothers and guardians of Shaymin; we should've done more to protect you all."

Isadora's gaze went elsewhere for a second till I realized she was looking at Jade confined to a wheelchair, albeit temporarily. She absolutely had a lot on her mind right now.

Even experienced adults have to keep improving.

Her focus returned to her as she addressed me again. "I also made sure to impress on Volkner how important being clear is with Violet and Amethyst, so with any luck the next time you all accompany me on a mission Amethyst feels less conflicted about blasting Kakuens."

{And hopefully no one else decides to choose me as their archnemesis. That was way too dramatic…} Donut joked. He laughed a bit, but it turned to exasperation.

"It bears repeating; we're both sorry we put you in such danger. We should have been there sooner," Isadora sighed, while Wilona inclined her head. "I hope you'll forgive the both of us."

"Apology accepted, though I prolly should've asked for help sooner. I honestly don't know why I didn't call Lou. I figured with Amethyst and everyone else we'd have won sooner," I said, ashamed. "And I ended up giving the poor orders too, so maybe my decision making wasn't the best then and there."

"According to Violet, you did, but with good intentions. Some advice, I would urge you to be more cautious in the future though. Going for a shot intended to end the fight immediately is best saved for when you know beyond a shadow of a doubt you can pull it off, or if you have no other option." She gave me a sad smile. "Sometimes, as much as you want to end things as soon as you can, the best course of action is patience."

I folded my arms. "I wanted to be cautious, but… it was getting intense. Donut and Shizu nearly died because we played it slowly. I really thought that'd be enough…"

She patted me on the shoulder as she knelt down to be more eye level with me. "Fights for fun versus fights for your life are different beasts. As you gather more experience you'll see how much both you and your enemy can take. Then you'll be able to make more informed decisions."

{Yeah, you're smart, but even I know you don't know everything. You're good, Zio,} Donut comforted me.

I scratched his head, appeased by his faith in me. Wilona smiled at the both of us. {You're both young and still learning. Make use of the time you have as junior trainer and partner to get experience and expertise before going into the world on your own. Cynthia and her team had to fight hard for you to get that privilege, after all.}

We nodded cheerfully as we tilted our heads to see Clarabel carrying her team and Eva on her back. Mareeta walked beside them along with some of the new friends they had made, all ready to go.

Isadora patted me on the shoulder before turning to leave, Wilona giving us a yowl before following. "Stay safe, Topaz, Donut. And come see us in Hearthome sometime."

"As long as you visit Sunyshore," I retorted.

{With pastries,} Donut added.

{Not sure how many pastries we'll find when we come out of the forest, but we'll see,} Wilona chuckled. {May your paths be graced.}

May your paths be graced… must be a Shaymin phrase.

The two walked away, back towards their family. Right after a Meowth, Skitty and Glameow ran past us. Something slipped from behind the Meowth's koban, catching Donut's eye as he caught it. We gazed upon another card.

This one showed Isadora sitting on a rock in the forest with Wilona, her paws on Isadora's lap. A crystal clear river flowed to their right, a half-drawn map and cartography tools in Isadora's hands. Gracidea crowns adorned both their heads. At the bottom read The Empress III.

{Two in one day. It's a streak,} Donut chuckled. {Explanation please.}

"As always," I answered. "The Empress card is number three in the deck. So, close to Fool and Magician. It's the card that symbolizes femininity and womanhood. Generally people associated with this card are nurturing, creative and understanding. They're the feminine counterpart of The Emperor. Both firm leaders with different methods. They're essentially the epitome of a great mom."

{Oh so that means those two are super moms basically. Wilona and Isadora were always pretty firm, but whenever we needed comforting they gave it to us,} Donut figured. {Can men be Empresses?}

"Oh uh, well… considering nothing in the definition says you have to be a woman, then yes. If those qualities best define you, then you're an Empress," I answered honestly, placing the card with the rest of the deck. "Ya know, I had a feeling we'd get both their cards. We can learn a lot from what their arcana represents."

{I don't think I'm very motherly, Zio,} Donut admitted.

"But you are understanding! You've got this Donut," I cheered him on as we reunited with the rest of the group preparing to leave.

Meliae had said her goodbyes to the troop and we had had our fill of fruit for a long while. It was time to close this chapter and start anew tomorrow… with a lot of construction.

Group

Gym Trainer: Topaz Heart

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

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

Family: Cenza (Dedenne), Rogelio (Calyrex), Rheneas (Spoink).

x

Human Companion: Violet the Human

Pokemon Family: Amethyst (MeowsticF), Zenara (Flaaffy), Meliae (Tropius).

x

Blooming Celebrity: Jade Forrest

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

X

Aspiring Lady: Evangeline 'Eva' Morebucks

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

X

Mistresses of Grace: Isadora Morebucks & Wilona the Persian

X

Great Marsh Allies: Mareeta (Passimian), Tanya (Kleavor), Lyle and Alkali the Toxicroak, Wynn (Hisuian Sliggoo), Goldmary (Teddiursa).