Rainbow: Espeon

The sun had finally risen over the city of glass. The Glass City Guard Force was still working tirelessly to return the city to peace. The feral pokemon from the forest were driven out or otherwise taken care of, and the gate was fully repaired and closed.

The residents of Glass City were persuaded out of their houses and given the chance to help with the reconstruction of their city. Medical tents were set up in the various plazas and open areas to treat the wounded that could not fit within the medical centers.

While everyone was getting used to the peace once more, there was still a general feeling of unease within the air. Questions burned through the minds of the pokemon. They wondered how the gates were damaged to begin with, and if it may happen again.

Most of all, they wondered where the Baron of the city was. Should he not be leading the charge in easing their suffering? Shouldn't he be reassuring them of his efforts in helping the situation? And yet, no such appearances were made.

The rebuilding and efforts were headed by Captain Bartholo, the new Captain of the Glass City Guard Force after the unfortunate and unforeseen demise of Captain Woods. Bartholo was suddenly thrown into this position on the spot. Sure he was second in command and was expected to be Captain someday, but this was too sudden.

Among the medical staff and crowds of injured was Vera. After their miraculous escape from Baron Arteno's manor, she and Joltier carried the other two back to her room at the Glass City Inn. Vera healed their wounds, and the four rested together throughout the night.

Vera was the first to wake up in the morning. She didn't feel like waiting for the rest, so she decided to help heal the citizens of Syn's attack.

"Wow, miss! Just how do you do that?"

Vera turned to address the speaker after she healed the large scratch on a Petilil. The one who asked her was an Azumarill wearing a white armband with a red cross, the universal symbol of a Glass City medical worker.

Vera wiped her brow of sweat. "It's a special talent of mine. I've always had an unnaturally strong Heal Pulse."

Azumarill finished bandaging her patient, a Piplup. "I sure wish I could do something like that. All I really have are standard medical practices."

"I'm not too sure. It's pretty tiring to be using it on repeat."

"I'll say! You look like you've just run a marathon!"

"Do I now?"

Azumarill handed Vera a dry towel. "Here, I think you need a short rest."

Vera graciously accepted the towel, using it to wipe the sweat off of her face. It was true, she felt like she had just gone through a rigorous workout. Yet all she has been doing is using her power. She really needs to practice with it more.

"Have you heard the rumors?" Vera was brought from her thoughts at the Azumarill's question.

"What rumors would you be referring to?"

Azumarill leaned closer, as to not let other pokemon hear. "There is a rumor going around that the Baron was, well, assassinated." She finished in almost a whisper.

"Who would do such a thing?" Vera feigned ignorance.

Azumarill shook her head. "I don't know… Baron Arteno isn't a great leader, but he isn't the worst, either." She sighed. "Though, I guess announcing to the world that you own a Lost Plate of Arceus isn't really a smart thing to do."

"The riches that may come from those plates make pokemon do many things. Killing is unfortunately one of them." Vera sadly responded.

"I just don't get it. How can you kill someone just for money? Such a stupid reason to end a life." Azumarill returned to her duties, now working on an injured Deino. "Anyway, people are saying that the gate being damaged is part of it. Like a big conspiracy."

"I wouldn't put my money on that bet. I think it's just a very unfortunate coincidence." Vera tried to ease the medic.

"Unfortunate alright. Something like this has never happened to Glass City since its founding. This is just, well, insane!"

"I'm just glad it's over." Vera leaned back and took a breath. "Situations like this aren't good for the heart."

"I'll say."

Vera stayed at the medical tents to help wherever she could, whether that meant using her power or not. She left her volunteer position as it approached midday, as she decided to check on Rainbow and the others.

She bid the Azumarill farewell and went to buy some sandwiches at a small shop that was miraculously open. She purchased four sandwiches and headed back to the Glass City Inn, hoping the others were finally awake.

As she entered the room she took notice of the two pokemon that were now awake, that being Joltier and Lia. Rainbow still seemed to be passed out on his bed, sleeping peacefully. The two awake pokemon seemed to have been discussing something as Vera entered. Joltier's face was stern and unrelenting towards the Ninetails, whose face was ashamedly looking at the floor.

"I hope I'm not interrupting anything?" Vera made her presence known to the other two. Joltier acknowledged her with a glance before sighing in relent.

"Don't worry, you weren't." Joltier gave Lia one final glance then went to Rainbow's beside his bed.

Vera handed Lia a sandwich, which she graciously accepted. Vera joined Joltier, also handing her one of the sandwiches.

Joltier grabbed the sandwich. "Thanks." Vera nodded and smiled in response. She took notice of the Pikachu's concerned gaze over the now Espeon.

A moment of silence passed inside the room as the trio of girls ate their meals. Lia sulked near the wall, though not far enough away as to seem lonely or antisocial. Joltier and Vera were seated together on Rainbow's bedside, waiting for him to stir.

"Rainbow has mentioned you before." Joltier looked to Vera with a mix of caution and curiosity. "You're his sister, if I remember correctly."

The Pikachu took another bite out of her sandwich. "Yep, that's right. Rainbow was adopted into my family… When was it? Five years ago, now."

"It must have been a shock, then. To see him after all this time."

"Ha!" Joltier laughed. "I'll say! To be honest, I didn't think I would be seeing my family again for another few years. And I never expected him to leave home."

Vera crossed her legs. "Life takes unexpected turns, both good and bad."

"Yeah, well, I wonder which it was that caused him to leave." She shook her head. "Anyway, I don't want to sound rude, especially after those sandwiches, but who exactly are you?"

Vera chuskled into her hand. "I believe it's only fair if I tell you. I am Veraloe of Twinstick Village. People around those parts call me the Miracle Healer."

Vera turned to see and hear Lia mumbling to herself. "Twinstick Village… eastward of Glass City and in the dead center of the southern great feral forest... "

"I'm sorry, what was that?" Vera asked her.

Lia shot up, seemingly surprised at the address. "Uh, it's nothing, sorry..." The Ninetails blushed in embarrassment.

Vera looked at Joltier in confusion, who just casually shrugged. "Don't worry about her, she's just weird." Lia hid her huff of annoyance. "Twinstick is pretty far out, though. Just what are you doing in Glass City with my brother?"

"I'll wait to answer that until Rainbow awakens. I believe he will want to tell you some things."

"He better wake up soon, then."

The room fell silent once again. The three finished their meals and listened to the bustling streets outside, each lost in their own thoughts.

The silence then broke with Rainbow's groan. The Espeon sat up, yawned, and rubbed his eyes before acknowledging the pokemon that now sat before him.

"Ugh," he grunted, massaging his still aching head. "How long was I out?"

Very offered him the remaining sandwich, which he accepted. "It is only midday, you've just slept a little longer than usual."

Rainbow took a bite. "And Giratina's Champion?"

Vera lowered her eyes. "Escaped, unfortunately."

Rainbow sighed. "Well, at least we got what we came for…" He rubbed the Mind Plate that was now joined to the band. It fell next to the Dread Plate, on the opposite side of the Bond Plate. "But at what cost?"

"Ahem."

Rainbow was pulled out of his somber mood by someone clearing their throat. He looked at the Pikachu who now crossed her arms and was looking at him expectantly.

"Jolt!" He exclaimed, leaping out of bed and hugging his sister. "It's been too long!"

Said Pikachu cracked a smile and returned the hug. After a short moment, they broke, followed by Joltier ruffling the fur on Rainbow's head. "You idiot. What have you gotten yourself into now?"

Rainbow looked unsure of himself, twiddling his paws. "Well, you see..."

"The lost Plates of Arceus," Lia joined in on the group, taking her side next to Joltier. "You're collecting them."

Joltier went wide-eyed at the prospect. "You're what?" She just now took notice of the band Rainbow was wearing, the three plates fully in view.

"Um," Rainbow shared an uneasy glance with Vera. A silent conversation passed between the two champions.

"You are the impromptu leader of our band," Vera stated to the Espeon. "I will follow whatever decision you make."

Rainbow closed his eyes. "Alright..." He met the eyes of their two new companions. "How much do you two know about legends?"

"The capital?!"

The exasperated words belonged to our old friend, Zeb the Zebstrika. Following the attack on Glass City the night prior, he thought he could now return to work as an able-bodied wagon carting pokemon.

"Yeah, that's what I'm sayin'." This other pokemon conversing with Zeb was a Primape. "But the client is very adamant about this one. Plus, he's paying a fortune for it!"

Zeb leaned over his boss's shoulder to glance at the contract. Outlined in the terms, he was to carry one letter and a covered crate to a fellow in Prism City. What was in the crate was not mentioned, but the client was willing to pay…

"500P upfront?!" Zeb almost fainted at the amount. He was starting to feel as if he was having a lucky streak recently, bar the attack last night. First, that mysterious Ninetails handed him 100P as a thank you, now this?

"That's not even half of it. Look how much for a completed job." Zeb followed his boss's suggestion and read past the upfront payment. Once again, he was shaken to the core.

"1… 1250… Oh wow..."

"Right?" Primeape rolled up the contract and tucked it away. "This money could have our company set for a while!"

"But sir! That much money for a letter and one crate is absurd! What exactly are they making us haul?"

"That's the thing, unfortunately... " Primape gestured over to the crate they would be hauling. It was about a medium-sized wooden crate with the top and all sides completely sealed off. "As per the contract, the package must be completely sealed at all times. If signs of the crate show it being opened at all, the delivery fee will be null and void."

Zeb was getting hesitant. "Sir, this has 'dangerous' written all over it. With the terms set out, how do we know that this thing is completely safe?"

Primape sighed, patting Zeb on the back. "Listen, Zeb. You've been the best carting service pokemon that Primo's Carting Service has ever had. I wouldn't be asking you to do this if I knew you couldn't handle it." Primeape, now revealed to be Primo, looked Zeb in the eye.

"Flattery won't really change my mind, sir."

"Listen, the shop took a real beating last night." Primo gestured to the building next to them. It was crumbling, the glass was broken, and the doors were smashed. "Those feral pokemon were no joke. The company needs the money for repairs, we're standing on our last legs as is."

"I'm still not certain, sir... "

Primo scratched his head for a moment, then smiled. "Alrighty then, how 'bout this? I'll give you a bonus."

That sparked a reaction. "A bonus…?"

Primo smirked. I got him. "A bonus, alright. What say you to 25% cut?"

"25%! That would be..." Zeb tried to calculate the number in his head.

Primo beat him to it. "About 478P. Not a bad deal now, eh?"

"Certainly not, no! But if I'm going to do this, I need one more condition."

Primo raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Not enough? Alright then, shoot."

"I'm quitting afterward."

"Quitting?!" Primo screamed in shock, alerting some of the other pokemon around them. He waved them off in embarrassment before turning back to his best employee. "But why?"

"Boss, I'm getting old." He shook one of his hooves. "These legs don't carry me as far anymore, my hooves don't travel as fast anymore. I'm not the pokemon I used to be." He looked to the side with tired eyes. "Plus, I got a kid I have to be home for. I can't be handing him over to a family friend every time I have to leave on business. I have wanted to be there as a father, ever since… well… ever since a few months ago."

Primo met Zeb with sympathetic eyes. "I understand, Zeb. No one could have predicted that, it was a real tragedy." He sighed. "I guess I'll accept the resignation, then. You have your reasons, who am I to deny them."

"Thanks, boss." Zeb bowed in respect. "It was an honor to work with you for so long."

Primo chuckled. "Don't go bowing to me now, you still have a job to do. Save that for when you come home, yeah?"

"Right." Zeb nodded to his boss. "I'll make sure the job is swiftly and efficiently completed."

"That's what I like to hear! I expect you back sometime soon, you hear me?"

"Perfectly, sir."

"You've really been getting into trouble, huh?" Joltier lightly bonked Rainbow in the head.

"Well, it kind of just happened. I didn't really have a say in it."

"True, but you still accepted these powers of yours. It sounded like Arceus was giving you a choice."

Lia got in close with stars in her eyes. "You really met Arceus! The Arceus!" She turned her attention to Vera, who threw her hands up in defense as Lia got close to her. "And Xerneas is your mother!"

"Well, I consider her that, anyway."

"That's… amazing."

Joltier glared at the floor. "Yeah. Out of context, it does seem unbelievable. But this situation is pretty serious." She pointed to the three plates around Rainbow's neck. "I mean, the world seems to be screwed if those fall into the wrong hands." She rubbed her forehead. "And here I thought those plates were just stupid gemstones." She grumbled.

"Rainbow, would you mind showing off that power of yours? I want to see it with my own eyes." Lia asked Rainbow, who was now sitting upright on his hind legs.

He nodded. "Sure thing." He focused his mind on the Bond Plate. Soon the Psychic energy within him shrank and made way for a small amount of every type of energy. This bathed him in a brief flash of light. When the flash ended, an Eevee was sitting where the Espeon once was.

Joltier recognized the same Eevee who she grew up with. "Now that's the Bow I'm used to."

"That's incredible!" Lia examined Rainbow, trying to notice anything off about him. "It's not an illusion or anything, you really did de-evolve."

Rainbow nodded. "Yeah, and then I can just-" He then let Dark energy take over, turning him into an Umbreon. "-do this as well."

"The power that can effectively change one's typing." Vera summarized. "It is pretty amazing and versatile in any battle situation."

"You said it." Joltier joined. "If you were to collect every plate, you could have the advantage in any battle."

Rainbow frowned. "That's not why I'm gathering them, though." He switched back into an Espeon, wanting to get used to the form.

"True enough, but Vera's power is also extremely powerful in its own right." Vera was a bit taken aback by the Pikachu's praise. "To be able to heal any and all wounds is a table turner in any situation, combat or not. These legendaries don't joke around."

"Why, thank you." Vera blushed.

"What have you been up to anyway, Jolt?" Rainbow asked, referring to his sister. "Did you get that job at Prism City?"

Joltier smirked in accomplishment. "Who do you think I am, Bow?" She showed off her armband, which represented her place in the Prism City Guard Force.

"Awesome! You did it!" He high-fived her, happy that she accomplished her goal.

"But if you are a part of the Prism City Guard Force, what are you doing all the way out here?" Vera asked, a little confused.

"That would be because of me." They turned to Lia, who had spoken out. "I… hired her to be a bodyguard."

"Right. Hired." Joltier said, a little forced. "I'm protecting my lady from any forces that wish to harm her on this trip."

Lia resumed. "I wanted to see Glass City. But my… parents… wanted me to be cautious and hire a bodyguard."

"That's right, you did mention you were from Prism City," Rainbow remembered that point coming up yesterday.

"Unfortunately, our meeting needs to be cut short." Joltier crossed her arms and frowned. "As cool as it is to see you again, Bow, I need to get my lady home before mid-autumn."

Vera thought. "Prism City is a fairly long way away from here. It would take weeks of travel to arrive there."

Joltier nodded and rubbed the back of her neck. "Yeah, which is why we have to leave as soon as possible. I was planning on leaving this morning, but certain complications came up, as you know."

Rainbow looked at his sister sadly. "I understand. It was always your dream to be a Prism City Guard. I wouldn't want you to lose that dream because of me."

"But Joltier," Lia pouted. "I don't want to leave just yet. I've finally made these new friends, I don't want to leave them now after everything we've been through!"

Joltier's eye twitched in slight annoyance. "I'm sorry, my lady, but I have a job to do. And I'm not inclined to relent to your pleading after where it got you last night."

Lia looked down in shame. "Right… " She hadn't forgotten. It was her decision to join Rainbow to check on the Baron. She had just felt so scared then, and she was relying on him for comfort. All she accomplished was slowing the two champions down, especially after she had fallen unconscious. She was a complete and total liability. "I'm sorry for that."

Rainbow was a bit solemn. He had just met his sister after a long time, but they had to leave one another again?

"Actually," Vera said, smiling. "This lines up perfectly with our goal as well."

"Wait… " Rainbow thought for a moment before gasping. "That's right!"

"What?" Joltier questioned.

"You see Joltier," Vera started. "Our mission is indeed to collect the Lost Plates of Arceus. Seeing as we've collected the Mind Plate from here, we need a new target."

"Where are you going with this?" Joltier asked as Lia gaped as well, realizing their point prematurely.

"There's only one other plate right now whose location is public knowledge."

"Hmm… " Joltier racked her brain for what little knowledge she had about the plates. Two plates were known to have been acquired, the Mind Plate and the Flame Plate. Baron Arteno of Glass City held the Mind Plate while the Flame Plate…

"That's right! King Fiero!"

Vera nodded. "King Fiero always showcases the Flame Plate at his daughter's birthday celebration during the annual Autumn Festival. It's pretty common knowledge."

"Right," Rainbow continued. "And since it's common knowledge, that probably means that Giratina's Champion is aiming for it next." He tightened his paw. "Which means it's also Vera and I's next target as well."

"So then, you'll be going to Prism City, too?" Lia asked, hopeful.

Rainbow held his paw out to Lia and Joltier. "We have the same destination, let's go together!"

Rainbow: Umbreon

Zeb stretched his legs a bit, stiff from waiting in line for the past hour. The Glass City Guard Force was taking no risks. They were questioning anyone who left or entered the city. He couldn't blame them, either.

Earlier, the new Captain made the unfortunate announcement of the deaths of Baron Arteno and Captain Woods. The city was in mourning about the news. Zeb took the news of Woods the worst, seeing as he was on friendly terms with the Bibarel.

He didn't want to dwell on it too long, though. He had a job to do. After that, he could finally spend some quality time with his son, something he hasn't done in a long time.

Anyway, the GCGF was making sure no suspicious person left or entered the city. They were eager to catch the culprit and put the case to rest, avenging the Baron, Captain Woods, and the rest of the pokemon who died in the attack. Something like this was going to be remembered for a long time, it seemed.

"Hey, old man!"

Zeb was brought out of his thoughts and was given a surprising sight. Four pokemon he knew from nights previous, all together in one group. But of course, that loud Pikachu was with them.

"Ah, hello!" He greeted them, only being able to turn slightly from the cart he was attached to. Said cart held the one sealed crate he was assigned to carry and a crate filled with provisions for the journey. "Are you all friends? It's a surprise to see you four together."

"Wait, you know Bow and Vera?" Joltier asked him.

"I do. Actually, I ferried them through the same situation as you and the Ninetails only one night prior."

"Talk about a coincidence," Rainbow responded.

"Indeed." He agreed, then turned to Lia. "Miss, I must thank you for your generous offering. It will really help me out in the future."

"Oh, it's not that big of a deal!" She tried to wave off the attention.

"You are truly generous. If there is any way to repay you, just tell me. " He addressed her before referring to the whole group. "If you four are friends, does that mean the Zoroark I ferried was as well?"

Zeb noticed the four's mood immediately darkened at the mention of the illusionary fox. "Not at all, sorry," Rainbow answered.

"Where might you be heading, Zeb?" Vera asked the old Zebstrika, trying to lighten the mood once more.

"I'm going out on a job, actually." He gestured to the crate in his wagon. "I'm actually taking this here crate all the way to Prism City."

The four shared a surprised look. "Prism City, eh?" Joltier exclaimed.

"Actually," Vera continued. "We're on our way to Prism City as well."

"Are you now?" Zeb questioned. The coincidences really just keep piling up in his mind.

"Vera and I actually have some business there," Rainbow said to him.

"My lady and I are returning there from our trip as well," Joltier added.

"Already? It's only been a few days."

"Yeah, well, we're kind of on a deadline. We're trying to return by mid-autumn."

Zeb whistled. "It'll take you a few weeks on foot. I'm not sure if you could make it by then. I assume, then, that you want to make it in time for the Autumn Festival? That's a tight schedule."

"It'll be a lot of walking, but I bet we can make it." She reassured him.

"With the right attitude, I guess."

Lia tapped her paws together. "Zeb, you know how you just asked me how you can repay me?"

"Of course," he nodded. "Anything in my power."

"Well, would you mind ferrying us to Prism City?" She asked, a little hesitant.

Zeb stared at her blankly and thought about the offer. They were heading the same way, anyway. Plus, it's always best to settle your debts early.

"If that's all, I would be glad to. A good deal to make up that 100P, I'll say."

Rainbow's eyes widened. "100P?" He turned to Lia. "Overspending at the restaurant and just giving that much away? Are you made of money?"

Lia hid her face behind her paw. "It's not that much, is it?"

Vera, Rainbow, and Zeb stared at the shy Ninetails in disbelief. Joltier just sighed. "Good grief."

Zeb shook out of his stupor. "Anyway, I'd be glad to ferry you four to Prism City. My pleasure, if you ask me."

Lia quickly boarded the wagon. "Thanks a bunch, Zeb."

"Heh. Just get on, the rest of you." He turned to see it was almost his turn to pass the gate as the other three boarded. The wagon grew slightly heavier, but nothing he couldn't handle. "It's going to be a long ride."

"Alright," Rainbow sighed, looking ahead. "To Prism City, as well as the Flame Plate."

Lia's smile faltered a bit. Home… Mother and Father… I'm really not looking forward to returning. She looked over the side of the wagon, passing trees as it was now on an open road. At least I can see Blaze again. Now, what would she say in a situation like this? That's right:

"A ray of sunlight."