Rainbow: Eevee

Rainbow was curled up on the straw bed, pretending to sleep. He was tired from yet another long day of berry harvesting in the feral forest. His parents had told him to go to sleep, but he just couldn't yet. He wanted to stay up longer, and they couldn't stop him.

"We can't make another jump already!" Rainbow heard his father exclaim in a hushed whisper.

"Dutch, honey, it's not safe here." He heard his mother, Merrida, retort.

"It's not good for our health. We can't haphazardly do this every few months. At some point, we have to stay and settle."

"We're not at the correct point yet!" Merrida sighed, trying to calm down. "We have to keep going, it shouldn't take much longer."

"You've said that the last few times."

"I'm sure of it now."

"What makes you say that?"

"It's taking longer and longer each time. Things are being forgotten. I think by the next one, we'll be safe and out of the public eye for good."

A moment of silence passed between the two. Dutch released a breath in relent. "Fine, one more time. But this has to be the last." Rainbow felt his father come closer to him. He steadied his breathing and tried his best to act unconscious. "It's not healthy for us to be doing this so much, let alone a child go through it as well."

"I know. Which is why this is the last time." Rainbow felt himself be picked up and plopped onto his father's back. "I promise, no more jumping after this." He felt Merrida's warm paw brush his head. "We'll finally stop running and live a happy, normal life."

"As normal as our lives can get, I guess. How many this time?"

"Another hundred, just to be sure."

Dutch tensed at the number. "We're going to have to start over again. How will we ever explain this?"

"I'm sure we'll think of something. We always do."

Rainbow flinched as a sudden blue light shone beyond his closed eyes. It was so bright, he felt as if he wasn't even closing his eyes at all. A resounding and rhythmic booming invaded his ears. A ticking sound that sped up over time.

'This time, everything will be forgotten.' He heard Dutch reassure himself. "This time, everything will become lost to legend."

Rainbow: Umbreon

Rainbow felt a chilling wind throughout his body. With a shiver, he opened his eyes.

He was standing on a balcony overlooking a large body of water. This balcony was connected to a resort home stationed on the beach. It was night. Rainbow was staring at the moon, its large body being reflected onto the ocean's waves.

He should be freaking out. This wasn't the path to Prism City. Hell, the climate was completely different from before.

And yet, he felt completely calm, like he was meant to be here.

"Couldn't sleep, either?"

Rainbow jumped in surprise. He turned to his right. A Raichu walked up to him and joined him on the balcony to his right. The Raichu leaned on the railing and stared out into the sea. "Uh…"

The Raichu raised an eyebrow at him. "Are you that nervous for tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow?"

"Yeah, tomorrow. What's gotten into you, dude?" The pokemon's eyes were now showing concern. "You hit your head or something?"

"I'm not sure how to say this," he started. "But who are you? And what is this place?"

The Raichu took a second to analyze the Umbreon. Rainbow was looked over with a critical eye before realization struck the mouse. "You're not ours."

"What?"

The Raichu groaned into their paws, obviously discontent with this reveal. "Ugh, not this again." She placed a paw on his shoulder and looked him in the eye. "Listen to me. Stay right here, I'll get someone to help."

The Raichu walked back into the house, keeping an eye on him as she did so. She disappeared behind the doors. Rainbow took a moment to reflect. Looking down, he recognized his own body. Overturning one of his paws revealed the burn scar, so he was himself.

Was this a dream? It seemed likely. A situation like this happened before in the Hidden Grotto. Voices and places he didn't recognize yet he felt so familiar to.

The door opened once more, and a new pokemon stepped through. An Espeon. One Rainbow had never met, but one he recognized. "...Mom?" He asked, breathless.

Indeed, this Espeon was the spitting image of Rainbow's mother, Merrida. She looked uncannily similar, too similar for mere coincidence.

The Espeon gave Rainbow a look of sympathy. "You really aren't here. Not mine, anyway." Her voice sounded similar to Merrida's, but it lacked a certain softness his mother had. "Even dead, they still torture us."

"I don't understand. Who are you?" He demanded.

The Espeon sighed. "It's not time yet, Rainbow." She approached Rainbow quickly. He tried backing away from her but was suddenly halted. It's like he was suspended in animation by a Psychic. But he was an Umbreon currently, so that shouldn't be possible.

"What did you do to me?"

She gave him a sad smile, placing a paw on his forehead. "Listen, Rainbow. Things are not as simple as they used to be. You'll learn things that will change your whole world. Be ready for it." Her eyes flashed a pale blue.

"Wha-?" He couldn't finish because a massive pressure was put onto his mind, drowning out all cohesive thoughts. It built until he couldn't take it anymore.

Rainbow jolted awake. He was sweating, and the pressure on his mind was still leaving a phantom pain. Quickly, he looked around.

He was precisely where he remembered being. He was on the side of the road. Vera, Jolt, Zeb, and he were all in a circle around a fire long faded. The night sky was still out and the moon was still high. It must still be the middle of the night.

A dream, then.

He relaxed his muscles, feeling calm. He didn't know what those dreams were about or why he had them. Back at the Hidden Grotto, he thought they were just horrid visions his brain made up as nightmares. But now, he wasn't so sure.

Wait, was he off? He looked around the circle once more. Vera was laying on her side, Jolt was curled up next to her, and Zeb was snoozing. Where was Lia?

They had long made it out of the Southern Great feral forest, according to Lia. They were traveling through hilly plains at the current moment as they went northwards to Prism City. This made finding the wayward Ninetails easy. He saw her sitting a short walk away from the group. Curious, he got up and went over to her.

"It's a bit late to still be up." He said to her as he approached.

Lia jumped at the surprise visitor. "Oh!" She visibly relaxed when she recognized the Umbreon's rings. "Rainbow, it's just you."

"What, disappointed?" He joked, sitting next to her.

"Hardly, I like talking to you."

"I'm honored." He turned to look up at the stars in the clear sky. "So what are you doing, anyway?"

She joined in his stargazing. "I couldn't sleep too well, so I decided to look at the stars."

He raised an eyebrow. "All the way out here?"

"It's a lot quieter without you people snoring."

Rainbow looked mildly offended. "I don't snore."

Lia smiled. "If that's what you want to believe." They both chuckled. "Um, I don't want to be rude, but could you tone down the rings? It's kind of hurting my eyes."

Rainbow glanced at his body, noticing that his rings were pretty bright. "Sure thing. Actually, I could do you one better." Rainbow receded the dark energy and replaced it with psychic, changing to an Espeon. "There we go." He stretched in his new form, feeling it out. "Haven't been able to be an Espeon since Glass City."

"Zeb's only seen you as an Umbreon?" Lia asked.

"Yeah. We're trying to keep this whole champion thing a secret. As far as Zeb knows, I'm an Umbreon. I kind of have to keep it that way."

"What does it feel like?" Rainbow turned back to Lia. "Changing bodies like that?"

Rainbow scratched his chin. "It's a bit weird."

"How so?"

"Well, most pokemon instinctively know how to move when they evolve, right?"

"Right. I didn't really need to learn when I evolved, it just naturally came to me."

"It's like that. I just know everything about my new body, but I can also feel the differences. Like how an Espeon is more lithe and flexible than an Umbreon."

Lia furrowed her brow. "That's pretty weird. Then again, what other pokemon can change their evolution on command?"

"Yeah, that's true."

The two looked back to the stars. A chill wind brushed over him. It had already been a week or two since they departed from Glass City. It had been a relatively boring journey, with only an attack from a feral pokemon happening on the rare occasion. Although those attacks had long since stopped when they left the Southern Great feral forest.

Which reminded Rainbow. He didn't really know the geography of Arkant too much. He had known the path to Glass City because Lela had helped him out. Other than that, he had no idea where they were going. Luckily, Zeb and Lia seemed to know the routes by heart.

Zeb, he could understand. He had mentioned he was something of a delivery pokemon for hire. In fact, they were only traveling together because the old Zebstrika had a delivery in Priam City. A real stroke of luck on their part, as the journey was going significantly faster than if they traveled on foot.

But Lia? Thinking back on their time together in Glass City, she seemed like she didn't get out much. She didn't take up much on social standards, especially concerning money. And she was also outright terrified when the city was attacked. It was almost as if she was never in any kind of dangerous situation before. That could also raise another question. She said she knew Baron Arteno, or at least was on some level of familiarity with the late Hariyama.

"Hey Lia," he got her attention. "Where are you from?"

"I mentioned that already, remember?" She answered, a bit dismissively.

"I mean, I know you're from Prism City. But what about your family?"

He noticed her tense her body defensively. "What do you want to know?"

"What are they like?" Lia looked a bit nervous. Rainbow raised his paws in reassurance. "You don't have to answer if you don't want to, I was just curious."

Lia shook her head. "No, it's fine. Don't worry about it." She took a deep breath. "Do you remember back in Glass City when I mentioned I hired Joltier to be my bodyguard?" He nodded. "Well, she wasn't exactly hired by me. Actually, it was my father who did it." At the mention of her father, Lia clenched her paws.

Rainbow noticed her tense nature. "Is he that bad?"

Lia released a tense sigh. "Maybe not, but it's complicated for me."

"How so?"

She shook her head. "I'm sorry, I can't really say. But he's so protective. I can barely do anything on my own without him lording over me at every turn. And not to mention my mother! She tried to control each and every little thing I do! I can't so much as use the restroom without her saying so!" She huffed in annoyance, trying to quiet down.

Rainbow tried to sympathize. "I'm sorry you feel that way. But they seem to just really want to protect you. Though, I can't really give much input on parents... "

"I'm sorry," she apologized. "I just really needed to vent. I haven't really had anyone to talk to besides Joltier for the past while. And I'm sorry, but you know I don't really connect with your sister."

It was true. Ever since they all joined together, Lia and Joltier had barely said a word to each other. They were part of some group conversations, but nothing more. "Do you dislike her that much?"

"I don't really want to get philosophical here, but I don't really dislike her as a person. In fact, she's pretty fun to be around when she's not overbearingly 'protecting' me. I guess, I just really wanted to go on this trip alone. Or at least come with someone I chose to come with."

"You don't like that you were pretty much forced to have Joltier tag along?" He guessed.

She nodded. "Yeah. This was finally my chance to leave the city and see the world, if only a small portion of it. I wanted to make the most of it and do it my way. But my parents didn't see it that way."

"I mean," Rainbow rubbed the back of his neck. "It was still pretty smart to have her along. Some protection through the wilds is definitely needed."

"I know, it's just the matter that it wasn't my decision to make. I could've hired my own bodyguards with my own money. As long as I did it myself."

Rainbow was starting to see where she was coming from. She seemed to want to be independent of her family. She wanted to do things on her own terms and to make her own decisions.

Rainbow tried to move away from the subject of her parents. "Do you have anyone else?"

Lia smiled as she stared wistfully into the sky. "My older sister. She's the part of my family that I love. She's always bright and optimistic. She takes everything in stride and takes charge of her life in a way I never could."

"Woah, what a 180."

Lia blushed in embarrassment. "Sorry, but she's pretty cool. She doesn't let our parents tell her what to do. She always does whatever she sets her mind to. She's just… awesome."

Rainbow smiled in endearment. "You really admire her, huh. Why didn't you have her tag along?"

"Oh, my father would never let that happen. But I'm afraid it wasn't even possible to begin with."

"Not possible?" He echoed.

Lia nodded solemnly. "She was different before I left. She was always so carefree, but recently she's seemed almost… spiteful. It was as if she wasn't doing things because she wanted to, but just to anger my parents." She breathed in and out. "It was kind of scary, to be honest. To see someone change so suddenly and drastically like that… I didn't know what to do."

Rainbow narrowed his eyes. "So you ran away? Is that also why you left?"

Lia lowered her head in shame, eyes tearing up. "I couldn't bear to be home anymore. My parents being like they are... my sister becoming like a whole different person… I felt like I had to get away."

Lia started shuddering. She hid her face behind one of her tails to not show her friend her tears. She could remember the arguments before she left. Yelling matches between her sister and her parents. While she disliked her parents' actions, she could never hate them. But her sister felt so angry, so hateful. It shook her to see the pokemon she looked up to all her life turn like that.

Rainbow went to place his paw on her back but hesitated. He couldn't really understand what Lia's situation was like. His parents died when he was still young, and he was extremely lucky to have a good family life with Lela, Pena, and Joltier. Lia seemed like she was seeing her family decay and fall apart, and she couldn't do anything about it.

He decided that comforting her is the best thing that a friend could do right now. No matter the situation, he had to try his best to cheer her up.

Lia felt a paw on her back. She relaxed into its gentle touch. She felt like her decision was selfish. She should have at least tried to help her family out, not run away like a coward. The same happened at Glass City. She was so terrified that she slowed down the others and got them hurt.

She felt like such a screw-up.

The next morning, the five pokemon were once again on the road. Zeb was pulling the cart as the other four chatted in the back. Joltier was sitting on top of the sealed crate and the rest were spread apart. Both Lia and Rainbow yawned.

"Goodness, what happened to you two?" Vera asked the two night-owls. Lia and Rainbow, who was back in his Umbreon form, were a bit wobbly and had bags over their eyes. They didn't fall asleep until much later. By then, the sun was already about to rise. "Late night, I imagine?"

Rainbow stifled a yawn. "Yeah, I couldn't really sleep last night."

Joltier raised an eyebrow. "Oho? Both of you?" She smirked. "How coincidental."

Vera gasped and covered her mouth with her hands. "Oh, my!"

Rainbow glared at his sister. "Just what are you implying?" Lia squeaked and covered her face with a tail.

Joltier chuckled. "I'm not implying anything." She laughed to herself as she laid on top of the sealed crate.

"Dang it, Jolt! Get your mind out of the gutter!" Joltier only laughed harder.

Zeb turned back to look at them. "Will you kids keep it down back there!" He turned back and grumbled to himself. "So early in the morning as well..."

"Mr. Zeb." Zeb turned back to see Vera addressing him. "How much longer until we reach Prism City."

"Hmmm," he hummed in thought. "It should be a few more days, I think."

Lia composed herself. "It should be about two days at our current pace. Just before the Autumn Festival."

"What is the Autumn Festival, anyway?" Rainbow wondered.

Lia answered him. "It's an annual celebration for the successful harvest season and growth of the nation. It's also when the king celebrates the birthday of his firstborn."

Joltier jumped up to her feet. "Oh, Bow, you're gonna love it! There are so many parties and games and stores. It's like a week-long party!"

Vera smiled. "It sounds extremely entertaining."

"They also hold special events throughout the week. It's different every year." Lia informed them. "This year the main event will be an auction for a supposed one-of-a-kind item."

"What is it?" Rainbow asked.

Joltier shook her head. "That's the thing. It's a complete and total secret. Though we do know one thing."

"And that is?"

The Pikachu rubbed her paws together. "It's sponsored by Megnias Archaeology."

Rainbow tilted his head. "Uh, who?" Vera also seemed confused.

Lia answered. "Megnias Archaeology is the biggest archaeology corporation in Arkant. They own the Prism City Tower and have a hand in digging up the most valuable treasures from ages past."

Vera hummed. "The prize must be a big one if the auction is headed by them."

Lia nodded. "That's not all. Megnias is huge into history, and pretty much anything to do with Arceus and the old legends. The Prism City Tower itself is a museum dedicated to the remembrance of Arceus. Which led to the most popular theory of the prize. Supposedly, people are thinking it's a Lost Plate of Arceus."

Rainbow and Vera widened their eyes and exchanged a look. They couldn't say much, as Zeb was in earshot, but they knew. If this theory was true, and another Plate was going to be in Prism City, their job just got a bit more complicated.

It was already a tall enough order to get the Flame Plate from King Fiero, but another one at the same time? On top of that, they also had to expect the other champions to be there as well. It looks like their visit to the capital is going to be more eventful than they could have imagined.

"A Lost Plate of Arceus? How interesting."

Syn sat atop a jutting boulder in the ground. He was taking a break from his daily excursions and wanted to relax in the sun.

"This is why I wanted to get to Prism City as soon as possible." His partner leaned against the stone as well, basking in a brief respite as well. "We need to be prepared. Especially considering Team Rainbow will be there."

Syn laughed. "I appreciate you using that moniker. It's like you actually listen to me."

The Ninetails sighed. "In any case, we need to hurry. The Autumn Festival is only in a few days. We're running out of time."

"Don't sweat it. We needed to take this detour anyway."

"If you actually think recruiting that brute will benefit us, you are losing it."

Syn pouted. He jumped down next to the shiny Ninetails and put his hands on his hips. "C'mon, Blaze. Hector is a valuable new team member and you know it."

Blaze grunted. "He could at least stand to talk to us more."

"Ah, that's what makes him so great! He never complains about my plans! Unlike a certain Ninetails I know." Syn very obviously indicated her.

Blaze rolled her eyes and pretended to pray towards the sky. "Oh, Giratina help me."

Syn shrugged. "But, I guess it would be smart to get a move on." He walked around to the other side of the boulder and poked it. "C'mon, Hector. Break time's over. We got to get a move on."

The boulder suddenly rumbled. It seemed to rise out of the ground and groan. A smaller boulder appeared and acknowledged the Zoroark. "Of course." Came a loud, booming voice. You would realize that Syn and Blaze were not sitting on a boulder at all, but a Hippowdon.

"Let's go, you big lug," Blaze commanded, gracefully leaping up and situating herself on Hector's back. "We need to be in Prism City by sundown tomorrow." Syn leaped up and sat cross-legged next to her.

"Understood." Hector simply responded.

Syn proudly pointed forward, like a ship's captain. "Let's go, team! To adventure!"

"Aye, aye." Came Blaze's half-hearted reply. Hector said nothing as he started trudging along towards Prism City.