Act 2

Changing Tides

Chapter 26:

Reminder

~~Rainbow (Eevee) - Forest Path - Western Province ~~

The trees had started to turn color from their usual lustrous greens to more fiery reds and hued oranges. A chill swept through the forest. Leaves rustled in the breeze. Feral flying Pokémon scattered from the sudden disturbance. A certain small and furry Pokémon shivered.

Knowing the temperature was only going to get colder, Rainbow shifted to Flareon to better keep his warmth. With most of his nights spent in a carriage the past few weeks, he had never really noticed just how cold it was getting. He regretted his reckless plan even more. He noticed the Mudsdale next to him stagger in the midst of their stride.

"How are you holding up, Troum?" He asked the Mudsdale.

Troum shook his head to try and ward off the tiredness creeping in. "Just need some rest, that's all. How far are we along, do you think?" he questioned Kricketune, who was leading their small pack.

"We kept a good pace until a few minutes ago," Kricketune responded. "It should not be too long now, sir Mudsdale."

"Still no signs of that escaped bounty hunter?" Polelto spoke up.

"I have not seen the Spinda, sir." Kricketune eyed the treeline. "I presume they have halted their chase for now to recuperate."

"Or stayed back to free the filth we had already cleaned up."

"Why did we just leave them there like that anyway?" Rainbow asked. He remembered Polelto saying they were 'Going to take care of them', but he had no idea exactly what that meant.

"We had already used the Beacon Orb. We cannot do much else."

Rainbow was still confused. "A what?"

Polelto rolled his eyes. "Explain it to the peasant, butler. I do not have the energy for it." He then veered away, clearly uninterested in the conversation that was about to happen.

Rainbow watched as Kricketune pulled out an orb from his pouch. "Have you seen one of these before, Sir Eevee - or Flareon, rather?" At Rainbow's unclear expression, he continued. "This is a beacon orb. It is what lets us contact the proper authorities in case of a criminal encounter."

"I see. That's what you brought out before, with those bounty hunters, right?"

Kricketune nodded. "Correct. This sends a psychic message out that is tuned to a specific frequency. The nearest town with a different orb, called the master orb, picks up on that signal. Then a squad of whatever local guard force is dispatched to the signal location."

"Uh huh," Rainbow grunted in understanding. This orb was also made by a psychic type, he realized. Just like the illusion band Azaelia had been wearing as a disguise. "There seem to be a lot of useful gadgets made by psychic types."

Polelto rejoined the conversation. "There is much about psychic forces that we do not yet understand, making useful tools the least of them."

"But wait, where is even the nearest 'master orb' from here?" Rainbow brought up.

Kricketune thought for a moment. "Master orbs are fairly expensive to acquire. Really only major cities have them. Judging by where we are heading, I would say Glass City."

Rainbow cringed at some bad memories, but the answer took him by surprise. "Glass City? Isn't that still pretty far away?"

"About a few weeks by carriage," Troum answered for Kricketune, who nodded in agreement.

"So they're just left out in the wilds for a few weeks? They're tied up! They can't even defend themselves if some ferals attack!" Rainbow exclaimed.

"So what?" Polelto replied in a snooty voice. "Why should we care about their wellbeing? They attacked us. They would deserve anything that may happen to them." Rainbow was about to oppose Polelto's statements but the Milotic sighed first. "But unfortunately a flying transport was probably arranged."

Kricketune explained. "Guard Forces usually send flying transports to recover criminals, especially with signals from nobility like Sir Gracia. At most, it will only take them half a day to reach those bounty hunters."

Rainbow whistled, impressed. "That fast, huh?"

Polelto yawned. "A shame I could not arrange to have a flying transport back to Prismarine City."

"Why's that?"

"If you recall," Polelto's eye twitched, "we were a little short on time the night we left."

Rainbow looked down to avoid his gaze. "Oh, right."

The conversation died as the four trekked on through the autumn forest. The light of the sun dimmed ever so slightly. The chilly air only grew colder. Troum swayed on his hooves a couple of times. Rainbow tried to steady him as much as he could whenever this happened.

Rainbow couldn't understand how the Pokémon could stay on his feet after everything. Hopefully, the mining town they were headed to had a good stable for Troum to rest in.

As the afternoon started to give way to dusk, the quartet could finally see the first sign of civilization. A small, wooden gate stood open along the path. The group could see buildings past the entrance and even some Pokémon as well.

Rainbow breathed a sigh of relief. They had made it.

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Befitting what one would expect a mining town to look like, the townhouses were made of loosely cobbled stone and thatched roofs. The roads were fairly well paved, probably to help support the many carts coming to and from the mineshaft the town was built around.

As the quartet traveled through the town in search of a cart to buy, Rainbow noticed something odd. Before they had entered the town, the streets were fairly well populated with many Pokémon conversing and trading. Pokémon who seemed to have just closed their shift in the mine were happily returning home after a long day's work.

All was quiet now. In fact, the Pokémon that were once fraternizing with each other were eyeing the newcomers suspiciously. Frowns adorned their faces and shadows loomed over their eyes. Some even shied away from their attention and escaped into nearby houses. They almost seemed… afraid. Of them.

"Is that a Flareon?" Rainbow heard one whisper.

"...you don't think…?" Another whisper, one filled with fearful suspicion.

"No way, why would someone like that come here?"

"But look who he's with!"

"A royal." The last word was said with a certain disdain.

"Hush!" Came a low retort. "Don't you know what would happen if they heard you? Just smile and act nice and we'll get through this."

Rainbow kept a straight face through everything he heard. These words in a small village like this were much different from those in the cities. At first, he thought they were being wary of him. He was a wanted criminal, after all. But upon further inspection, Rainbow noticed their scrutiny was only on one of their party, and surprisingly it wasn't him.

"If I could have your attention please!" Kricketune suddenly announced, stopping in the middle of the road.

Rainbow stopped just behind Polelto, almost running into him. The Milotic stood his head up proudly and looked down upon the citizens of the village. Kricketune bowed and presented Polelto.

"You are in the presence of the lord Polelto Gracia! He has come with a humble request from you all!"

Whispers and hushed voices filled the street, too quiet and too many in number to make out what any of them were saying. With the looks many of them were giving Polelto though, Rainbow doubted they were saying anything nice.

"What are you doing?" Rainbow asked in a hushed whisper. Polelto only side-eyed him and didn't bother to respond.

"Greetings, townspeople!" Polelto greeted out loud. "I have humbly come to your small town in need of some aid! Is there anyone here that can speak for you all?"

Polelto swept his gaze over the now-crowding townspeople. Every Pokémon he looked at only shrunk away in response or avoided eye contact completely. No one spoke up.

Rainbow furrowed his brow with concern. Something just didn't seem right about this. The townspeople, who were so energetic before, were now sedated by their mere presence.

'No, not our presence,' he thought. 'Polelto's presence.'

The Milotic that was the subject of everyone's attention grew annoyed at the silence. "I'll say again, will anyone speak on behalf of the town?"

This time a Primeape stepped out from the crowd. He looked unsure of himself and watched Polelto nervously. "I will, sir."

As the Primeape slowly made his way to position himself in front of Polelto he glanced at his fellow citizens. They looked back with eyes filled with anxiety and apprehension, but overall relief that they had not been the ones to step up.

Primeape finally stood in front of Polelto. He shakily laid a bow. "Good afternoon, sir. What brings someone with such esteem like yourself to our humble little town." His small voice was wavering with nervousness.

Polelto sneered at the speaker but kept his tone neutral. "My party has unfortunately hit a snag in our travels and we now require a cart for transport. Is it possible for one to be supplied to us?"

Primeape looked almost relieved to hear the request, but he tried not to show it. "Of course, sir. We can arrange that quite easily. Is… that all?" He asked hopefully.

"Not so." Polelto shot his hopefulness down. He motioned his tail to present Troum. "My cart-puller needs adequate rest, so I ask that he be escorted to your best stable and fed exceptionally."

"We will treat master Mudsdale to the best of our ability." Primeape shot a quick look at somebody in the crowd. He waved them over with a fast motion.

A small Nuzleaf hurried over to the Primeape. He made a quick bow to Polelto before making his way to Troum. He pulled on Troum's leg to get the Mudsdale to follow.

"Right this way, sir. My father is the best stablemaster in town. You'll be treated great!"

Troum nodded with a serene respect. "My thanks, young Nuzleaf. I look forward to the company."

Nuzleaf smiled, pleasantly surprised by Troum's tone, and then walked away to guide the Mudsdale.

Before following him, Troum addressed Rainbow. "This is where we will part ways for now, my friend. I will see you in the morning."

Rainbow smiled. "Right. You get a good rest, okay?"

"I will make sure of it." Troum nodded to Polelto and Kricketune before following Nuzleaf away from the crowd, leaving the three of them. Rainbow stood awkwardly as he let Polelto conduct business. It felt weird doing things this way, but he guessed this was just how royalty got things done.

"Now," Polelto continued. "My compatriots and I require a place of rest for the night."

Primeape winced. "I am truly sorry, sir, but this village has no inns or hotels for visitors."

Polelto tiredly sighed. It was almost dusk. "You all have homes, do you not? Then we will make do with that."

Primeape looked shocked at the response. He quickly looked around the quiet crowd once more, desperate to find someone. He then spotted a lone Nidoqueen amongst them.

"Preem!" Primeape called out. Nidoqueen looked absolutely mortified to be the one chosen. "You have some spare room, correct?"

Preem the Nidoqueen looked like she wanted to reject, but one glance at Polelto reminded her of who she was dealing with. She hesitantly nodded her head. "Y-yes, I do…"

Primeape looked extremely relieved. "Fantastic!" Preem made her way in front of Polelto and bowed. "This is Preem," Primeape introduced them. "She will be taking care of you tonight."

"It is a… pleasure, my lord," Preem muttered forcefully, most surely thinking of using other words than 'pleasure'.

Polelto frowned, but before he could say anything Rainbow decided to butt in. Polelto looked angry that Rainbow had cut in front of him, but Rainbow just gave a quick glare before addressing the Nidoqueen. "Thank you so much for your patronage, miss. We would be really grateful if you could host us for tonight if that's okay?"

Preem still did not seem fully into the idea, but she did not let it show too much. "Of course. Just follow me." She more or less said this through her gritted teeth. Rainbow nodded and signaled for her to lead the way.

Without much fanfare, the crowd dispersed all by itself. The Primeape took refuge by the buildings, thankful it was finally over with. Polelto and Kricketune followed along. The road to Preem's house was not long, only a few short minutes. It helped that every citizen seemed to want to stay completely out of their way.

They came to a stop in front of a small, ramshackled building. It was one floor, and barely looked suitable to house any more than two or three Pokémon at most. Rainbow could smell a nice, distinct aroma wafting from nearby. Preem walked up to the door and held it open, inviting her three impromptu guests inside.

"Here we are, sirs." She tried to be as polite as possible. "Please make yourselves at home."

"Thank you, madame." Kricketune said obligatorily before entering first.

Polelto ignored their host and ungraciously yet gracefully followed his butler.

Rainbow tried to give his nicest smile as best he could. "Thank you, Preem. It really means a lot that you could do this for us, even if the other two don't say it."

They entered a small living space with a few rocks that were carved to form various pieces of common furniture like tables and chairs. A soft rug was placed in the middle of the room for some comfort. A hallway off to the right side led to more rooms.

Before Rainbow could go and relieve his aching paws, Preem pulled him aside. She frowned. "You're not a royal, are you?"

Rainbow quirked an eyebrow. "What gave it away?"

"You're fur, firstoff."

Rainbow was surprised at the unexpected answer, if not a little offended. "What's wrong with my fur?"

Preem bent down and whispered into his ear. "Look at Sir Gracia. His scales practically shine in the light."

Rainbow took her lead and observed Polelto, who was trying remarkably hard to find a nice spot to rest in the small abode. She was right, Rainbow admitted to himself, those scales were shining.

"Your fur, on the other hand…" She then examined the cream-colored fur around the Flareon's chest. "Frankly, it's dirty, unkempt, and looks like it hasn't been groomed for weeks."

Rainbow was going to argue, but instead relented to her very true point. "Well, you're pretty spot on with that one. What else?"

Preem smiled lightly. "You also seem to actually care for us low-class 'mons.."

"You think so?"

She nodded. "For sure. The prince looked a lot more than just disappointed when Primeape chose me. I was sure he was going to say something, but you held him back."

Rainbow sighed. "I just didn't want to keep causing a scene. It may be normal for them to receive a huge welcome like that, but it was just really awkward for me. It didn't feel right, forcing you guys to help us."

Preem crossed her arms. "Don't feel bad about it. On the rare occasion a royal decides to visit a backwater village like this one, that always happens. They always act so damn important, like common folk Pokémon like us have to bend to their every whim." She slumped her shoulders in defeat. "And of course, I would always be the one chosen to host them. This time is no different."

Rainbow couldn't help but feel a little shameful. "Oh, is that so? I'm really sorry, then."

"Don't be. It's just how things are. It's not like Pokémon such as us can change things. We just need to grit our teeth and bear it."

They were interrupted when Kricketune suddenly walked past them to the door. Before he left he addressed Rainbow.

"I will be going to collect supplies. Do not let Sir Gracia be harmed." He cautiously looked at Preem. "You cannot trust anyone in a town such as this."

Rainbow hesitantly nodded, feeling a sense of distaste coming from the Nidoqueen beside him. "Alright. I'll see you later, I guess."

Kricketune quickly nodded before disappearing outside and into the dusk.

"Hostess?" Polelto called from the other side of the room, now bringing the duo's attention to him. "When can we expect supper to be served?"

Rainbow could practically see the moment Preem donned her polite mask, hiding any feelings from the encounter before. "I already have some porridge ready on the stove outside. But may I ask you to wait until my husband gets home? We always eat as a family, you see."

Polelto narrowed his eyes. "Where is this husband of yours?"

"He works late shifts in the mine, sir. He should only be an hour or two at most."

Polelto rolled his eyes. "I am quite sure he will be fine with the leftovers. I must gain my strength back for the rest of my journey. Surely that is more pertinent, no?"

Preem hid her hand behind her back. Rainbow noticed how tight of a fist it made. "If you wish, sir. I will be back in a minute." She exited the building.

Rainbow glared at his fellow champion. "Do you really have to do that?"

Polelto yawned. "Do what, exactly?"

"These are Pokémon, Polelto. Just like you and me. At least show some gratitude before you start ordering them around."

Polelto rolled his eyes. "One of those 'equality' types, are you? Hmph, please." He rested his slithering head on part of his coiled-up body.

Rainbow felt something burning in his chest. "We all eat, we all sleep, and we all just try to live the best we can. You are no better than any other Pokémon."

"Might I remind you that there are plenty of things that separate me from Pokémon like these townspeople." Polelto retorted. "Wealth, prestige, power. I will one day control all of the Eastern Province once my father retires. I cannot be compared to low-class miners like Nidoqueen's husband. Those things make me much more important than those below me. They understand their place. This is the natural way."

Rainbow clenched his teeth. "Her name is Preem. Not 'hostess' or 'Nidoqueen'. At least say her name."

Polelto examined a dirt spot on his tail, cringing in disgust. "Do kings bother to learn the names of every single Pokémon they rule over? Do hunters need to ask prey their names before they slaughter them? No, they do not." He scraped the dirt off on the carpet. "Because it is pointless."

"What are you trying to say?"

"I am saying that I do not need to feel grateful for Nidoqueen doing what is already expected of her. If she was not chosen to host us, someone else would have been. So do not tell me how I should act to Pokémon so far under me, Shifter."

"You-!"

"Um, excuse me?" A small voice came suddenly.

Rainbow cut off his next sentence in surprise. The two champions took notice of the small male Nidoran that stood at the hallway's entrance. He looked spooked.

"Who are you? And where's mommy?" He asked more politely than Rainbow had expected.

Polelto scoffed. "She has offspring. Great."

Rainbow shot the Milotic a dirty glance before approaching the child. "Hello, there. My name's Rainbow, what's yours?"

The little Nidoran backed away from the larger Pokémon. Noticing the apprehension, Rainbow shifted to Eevee. Hopefully his smaller size was much more approachable than as a Flareon.

His plan seemed to work as the little kid grew stars in his eyes. "Whoa mister! How did you do that?"

Rainbow chuckled at his enthusiasm. "It's just something I can do. So, what's your name?"

Nidoran looked down and scratched his paw against the floor. "Mommy says I shouldn't talk to Pokémon I don't know…"

"I've raised you well, Brent." Preem suddenly reentered the house with a large steaming pot in her hands. She carefully placed it down on the stone table. "These two gentlemen will be staying with us for tonight, so get comfortable." She produced a small bowl from one of the stone counters in the room. "My apologies for taking so long, Lord Gracia."

Polelto only grunted before being handed a bowl of steaming-hot porridge. He set it down in front of him and used his tail to hold a spoon. Rainbow and Brent were also given bowls of their own, both needing to directly eat from the bowl given how they could not hold any form of utensil.

"Oh, wow!" Rainbow exclaimed, licking his lips. "This is really good, Preem."

Brent the Nidoran jumped in joy. "So tasty! Mom's cooking is the best!"

Preem rubbed the back of her neck and blushed. "Thank you very much. I put my heart into this, after all."

Rainbow swallowed another mouthful. "I'll say! It tastes so… comforting."

Even Polelto hummed in contentment when he took his own portion. "Hmm, it is adequate."

Preem smiled. "This means a lot coming from guests of such high importance like yourselves. I really am flattered." She took a seat on one of the stone chairs and wiped the sweat from her brow.

Rainbow noticed how she did not grab a bowl for herself. "Aren't you going to have some?"

Preem waved her hands dismissively. "Oh, no. I would like to wait for my husband if that's alright." She gave a glance to Polelto, who seemed to not even be paying attention.

Brent finished slurping up his porridge. "When will daddy come home? I haven't seen him in forever!"

"Hopefully soon, sweetheart," Preem reassured her child. "He has never been out this late before. I hope nothing's happened."

"What kind of Pokémon is he?" Rainbow asked, slurping down the rest of his porridge.

"My daddy is awesome!" Brent answered enthusiastically. "He's super strong, super funny, and super cool! He's the best dad in the world!"

Preem smiled endearingly at her child's excitement. "Don't tell him that, though. He might just up and die from embarrassment."

"Not true!" Brent shouted indignantly. "Daddy's way too strong to die! He could just punch death away!"

"I'm sure he could. Now if only he would just come home already." Preem huffed.

"I'm sure he's fine. After all, if I were in his position I wouldn't miss this cooking for the world." Rainbow attempted to ease the Nidoqueen's nerves.

She looked endeared. "That really is sweet of you, Rainbow. Although, he's got another thing coming if he makes me wait any longer!" She swung her fist in a mock punch.

Rainbow laughed. "I'm sure he does." Preem laughed along with him. Brent looked confused, not really getting it, and Polelto just wished they would quiet down already. Suddenly, though, Preem stopped.

"Wait, were you always an Eevee?"

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~~? - Village Mine - Western Province~~

Clink!

Clink!

Clink!

The sound of hardened claw striking stone resonated throughout the narrowed portion of the cave. Most of the day this sound would repeat until the ore would crumble away from the wall. Then the miner would go off to find another treasure to dig up.

The Rhydon wiped some sweat off of his hardened face. His claws ached from the constant abuse, but it would all be worth it in the end. Especially if he could manage to extract this beauty from the cave.

"Hey, Grey?" He heard his friend and colleague Seb call out to him.

"Over here!" he returned. Soon a Geodude found his way over to Greyson. He smiled.

"Still trying to get that thing out of there?"

Greyson the Rhydon cockily smiled back. "'Course I am. Do you know how much money I'll make if I do manage to extract it? My family and I'd be set for life!"

Seb leaned against the wall. "Is it really worth working this much unpaid overtime for? I mean come on, it's already night! Go home! I'm sure that son of yours really misses his dad."

Grey clicked his tongue. "Brent'll be fine. Now listen, I've been working on this one for weeks now and I'm so close to getting it out. I just need another hour or two." He struck the rock once more with vigor.

Seb eyed his colleague's dedication. After a moment he gave up. "Fine. I'll tell the boss to give you just one more hour." He turned to leave. "But after that, you are going to go home. You can always just come back tomorrow."

"Thanks, Seb." Grey gave his appreciation to his friend before turning back to his prize on the wall. He smirked at its beautiful coloring and sheen. It didn't look like any other rock or elemental stone he had seen before. If it was what he thought it was, then he, Brent, and Preem wouldn't have to worry about money ever again. They could move out of this dusty town and live a good life in Prismarine, or maybe even Prism!

He chuckled at the optimistic thought. "Just a few more good strikes and you are mine."

Clink!

He could see it now. Endless wealth and comfort for the rest of their lives. They could finally relax and go on vacations and eat fancy foods…

Clink!

Brent could even get proper schooling. Maybe they could open up a store? Whatever it was, they would have it good.

Chunk!

The stone fell out. Grey smiled. He reached for it…

A crack split the wall in two. The cave groaned and rumbled. Gey fell to one knee and looked up. He gasped when he saw a large stone drop from the ceiling…

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The night started to draw on the village.

No nightlife existed in this particular area, so the streets grew quiet and the stores closed. Many were finally going to sleep to prepare for the next day.

Troum, who was treated greatly by the stablemaster, found himself in a deep slumber.

Polelto gave up trying to be comfortable in a house like Preem's, so he just relented to coiling up on the carpet.

Kricketune had still not returned, but Polelto did not seem too concerned.

Rainbow was given Preem's bed. He initially denied the offer, but she assured him she would be fine on one of the chairs. Her husband had yet to return, so she would continue to wait for him.

It looked to be another peace-filled night in the mining town.

"Trouble!"

Rainbow flinched at the sudden noise, awakening from his for-once dreamless slumber. He rubbed his eyes in confusion. "Wha…?"

"We have trouble at the mine! We need help!"

Rainbow slid off of the bed and brought himself to a window. Peeking outside, he saw multiple Pokémon collected in the middle of the street. They panicked and pointed in a specific direction. Other residents started to come out of their houses to see what the commotion was about.

Rainbow then saw Preem run out of the house and to the group. She gripped a Diggersby by the shoulders and shook him silly. Diggersby shouted something at her and then pointed in that one specific direction again. She ran away, following his point.

Trouble? At the mine? Rainbow thought to himself. Is that what they said? But why is Preem going? And why did she look so distressed?

'He works shifts in the mine.'

'He has never been out this late before. I hope nothing's happened.'

Oh no.

Rainbow bolted out of the room and down the hall, startling Polelto awake in the process.

"Shifter, what are you doing?" He asked groggily. Rainbow did not reply and instead continued on his way through the living area and out the door.

He shifted to Umbreon so he could see clearer in the dark as well as have longer strides than an Eevee. Using his nose, he promptly followed Preem's scent. Although he really did not need to, seeing as how multiple others were heading to the same destination as him already.

About a dozen Pokémon greeted his eyes as he came upon the entrance to the mine just outside of the town. The maw of the cave was not too large and it had a singular track for minecarts going into it. Many townspeople situated themselves around the entrance of the cave, murmuring to themselves.

Some Pokémon lay on the ground sparsely around the cave entrance. They were in the process of being bandaged and treated. Rainbow could see pretty harsh bruises adorning their skin and hides.

A slight rumbling of the ground caused the group to jostle. They anxiously watched some rocks break off the entrance of the mine and fall to the ground. Crashing sounds were heard coming from inside the dark maw.

"Greyson! Has anyone seen Greyson!"

Rainbow heard Preem call out from within the throng of the townsfolk. She moved from person to person in distress. She looked like she was looking for somebody, and Rainbow could guess who.

"Preem!" He shouted, getting her attention. He jogged up to her. "What's going on?"

Preem's eyes shook with panic. Her voice wavered on the border of hysteria. "The mine, something happened! I can't find-"

"Seb!" They turned to the interjecting voice and found someone running to an injured Geodude hovering out of the cave entrance. Preem seemed to recognize the injured Pokémon and also went to help him. They set him down to give him some rest.

"Seb?" Preem asked Geodude. "What happened?"

Seb coughed. "We found something… We thought we could get it out safely-" he winced when a sudden pain struck him.

Preem waved over a medical worker. "Don't worry Seb, we'll get you some help." She flinched when Seb abruptly grabbed her arm.

"Shifter!" Polelto had unknowingly interrupted the exchange. "What in Arceus' name is going on here!"

"Mommy?" Came Brent's voice following Polelto's.

"Polelto, Brent, shush!" He quieted the newcomers, seeing Seb trying to say something.

Seb strained to get out his next words as Preem leaned in. "Preem… Grey… I'm sorry…"

Preem sucked in a harsh breath. Rainbow could see her body go rigid. Her eyes gained a hazy complexion. She stood as a medical worker arrived to treat Seb. Rainbow slowly approached her.

"Preem? Are you alright?"

She clenched her trembling jaw. Without much sound, she bent down in front of Brent. The Nidoran looked confused by his mother's action. "Mommy? Where's daddy?"

Preem only hugged the small Pokémon tightly. Tears threatened to fall from her clenched eyes. She rubbed her child's back.

"It's okay…It's going to be okay. Mommy's here."

Rainbow could see Brent start to understand. He buried himself in his mother's arms. Rainbow turned away before witnessing anymore. His heart could not take it. It reminded him too much of…

"Shifter?" Polelto asked for Rainbow's attention in a hushed tone so as to not disturb the weeping mother and son. Though he could care less about these Pokémon, he could still respect a grieving family. "We should leave."

"Leave?" Rainbow echoed. He looked around at all of the injured Pokémon along the grounds."These Pokémon need help. We should assist in any way we can."

"We will get in the way." Polelto gave a straightforward answer. "This is Miss Veraloe's area of expertise. There will be no more rest for the town tonight, which means no more rest for us, either. We should make good time and leave right away."

"Do you not think about anything else?" Rainbow grumbled to his fellow champion. "Pokémon around us are suffering, and you think we should just take advantage of it?"

"I am stating a fact." Polelto gained a small edge to his voice. "We have no service to offer these people that is not already being supplied to them." He huffed in annoyance. "If they even deserve our help, that is."

"This again?" Rainbow now growled at his companion. "The whole 'I am better than them' act? What the hell is wrong with wanting to help people?"

"They are simply not worth our time." Polelto turned away. "These problems are theirs alone, not ours. We have a much more important task to carry out. Besides," he discreetly eyed some of the Pokémon around them, noticing some distasteful gazes thrown his way. "I do not believe we would be very welcome. Now, if you understand, we need to leave."

Rainbow was going to retort but instead felt himself deflate. His usually perked-up Umbreon ears flopped down in sadness and frustration. As much as he hated to admit it, Polelto was right about one thing: he was useless here. He didn't know the first thing about taking care of injured Pokémon. He would only be a hindrance.

He turned and slowly started to follow Polelto. He hated what he was doing. He was the Champion of Arceus! He was supposed to be helping people! That is what he decided to do with his power all those months ago. So why couldn't he do anything when Pokémon needed help right in front of him?

He grew sullen as he passed the grieving mother and son. He could hear the pain-filled cries and sputtering weeps. Another family was being torn apart. He was here now, with the power he wanted to use so that never happened again. So why couldn't he do anything at all?

"He's still… in there…"

Rainbow paused his retreat when he heard a faint voice. He looked to see Seb the Geodude talking with a medical worker, weakly pointing to the mine entrance.

…

Polelto stopped when he could no longer hear Rainbow walking behind him. He turned around to see the Umbreon standing still, looking at the injured Geodude. Polelto could see gears turning in Rainbow's head. He noticed the Geodude painting towards the mine.

"Still trapped… in there…"

Rainbow widened his eyes. His eyes cycled between looking at the Geodude, to the mine entrance, to Preem and Brent. His heart started beating faster and faster. Adrenaline pumped throughout his body. His sullen demeanor turned into one of cautious hope.

Polelto realized what Rainbow was thinking. "Shifter…" he drew out as a warning. "If you even think about-"

Before Polelto could even get in another word Rainbow raced off to the crumbling mine entrance with the speed of a Jolteon. He ignored the warnings he received from other Pokémon and dashed straight in without a second thought, leaving a positively steaming Milotic hanging outside.

}=[][][][]=[]=[][][][]={

Rainbow pumped his legs as fast as they could take him. He glowed his yellow rings to the brightest amount he could muster. His eyes worked overtime scanning the labyrinth-like tunnels of the mine. His ears caught each and every small sound. His nose tried to narrow down smells.

He assumed most of the working Pokémon had already evacuated the mine, judging by how the tunnels were devoid of all life. Mining equipment was left abandoned throughout the space. A sparse lighting system Rainbow assumed was powered by electricity lined the walls, guiding his way.

He came to a fork in the tunnels. He clicked his tongue at the sudden choice. He closed his eyes and concentrated on his sense of smell most of all. There was moss, berries, sweat, and many other things that invaded his nostrils. But one familiar aroma piqued his interest. A faint, but familiar, smell of home-cooked porridge. He took off down the right tunnel.

'Daddy's way too strong to die!'

Following the specific smell he came to a large opening, He was suddenly in a pocket cavern filled with shining gemstones and a small underground river. He could see the lights continue down a certain path at the other end of the room. He quickly crossed the room and hopped over the river, making sure not to touch the ice-cold water. He passed through and into the exit tunnel, following the lights.

'Now if only he would just come home already.'

Rainbow slipped on some mud. His leg bent at a somewhat awkward angle under him and he tumbled to the cold and wet ground. His leg had a dull pain from the fall but he tried to ignore it. He swiftly got back up and continued forward in his search.

'He's got another thing coming if he makes me wait any longer!'

The cave rumbled and groaned, threatening a total collapse. Rainbow did his best to avoid any falling rocks dropping from the crumbling ceiling. To his dismay, one particular stone dislodged and smashed into the lighting chain, subsequently breaking the line and leaving the cave in complete darkness.

'He's the best dad in the world!'

Before his eyes could adjust to the dimmer lighting, Rainbow felt falling debris strike his back. He yelped at the sudden pain. It brought him down to the ground. His lower back exploded in throbbing pain. He bit his lip to try and distract himself from the pain.

'Merrida! Protect him!'

Rainbow cried out in discomfort, a sudden memory popping up in his mind.

'Stop looking at it, Rainbow. Look at me instead.'

Tears welled up in his eyes. He tried to stand but the rock from before weighed down on his back.

"Dammit! Get up, Rainbow!" He yelled to himself in a panicked frenzy, hating how he had so easily gotten himself trapped. "I can't be laying around here! Another family is going to be torn apart! I need to get up!"

He tried once more to lift himself, but the weight of the rock combined with the strain on his back made the task seem impossible.

'I will follow close behind, all right? I'll find you and we can live happily again. For your father.'

Rainbow slumped to the floor after another unsuccessful attempt. He punched the unforgiving ground with a fist. He screamed out.

"Let me do something! I can't let this happen to someone else! Not again!" He tried and tried to lift himself up, and each attempt gave way to more failures. He scratched his claws against the stone in desperation.

Each and every time he would try to raise himself ended the same way; down on the ground and back where he started. After the same thing a few times over, he became slower with each try. After only a few minutes he had stopped completely.

"I haven't changed at all…" He placed his trembling paw on his forehead. "I'm damn useless…"

His fur lights dimmed. The cave was slowly darkening around him. The rumbling and groaning were all he could hear now.

Another innocent kid was going to lose a parent. Another kid was going to ask himself why it had happened, and that kid will never get a good enough answer. They would live their lives asking themselves why someone didn't come to their rescue and make everything okay?

More rocks fell from the ceiling, banging into the ground around him. He could almost make out the debris falling at a rhythmic pulse. It had a certain unchanging pattern. No matter how many rocks fell at different intervals, he could still feel that rhythmic beat.

Bump…bump…bump…

Bump…bump…

Bump…

…

'Things are bad now, Rainbow, but they will be better.'

…bump…

'Bad times always give way to happier times.'

…bump…bump…

Rainbow sharply inhaled. He wasn't imagining things. That beat he felt was real. He could really feel it…coming from his chest?

'Never give up. There is always a way.'

Rainbow brought himself up as far as he could. He saw it. A pinkish glow. It was originating from an object that vibrated around his chest. It was as if it was communicating to him, trying to get his attention. And he was an idiot for not noticing it sooner.

"That's right. Things are different now. Why couldn't I have just thought straight?" His eyebrows furrowed and a fire erupted in his eyes. "I'm not who I was five years ago." He felt the familiar energy overtake his being, encasing him in white light. "I can change things now. Because…"

'You are no longer Rainbow, the orphan of Quartz.'

The pulsating Psychic energy spread through him like wildfire. It felt like it had caught his determination in spades. He shifted to Espeon.

'You are Rainbow, Champion of Arceus.'

"I accepted this power to help the Pokémon who needed it the most." He turned his focus onto the stone that currently trapped him. "I want to make sure no little kid ever becomes like me again." He flared his Psychic, easily pushing the stone off and onto the ground next to him. He shakily stood, still feeling the throbbing pain in his lower back.

"Arceus gave me this power because he saw something in me. The least I could do is actually use it." He felt the other plates start to dimly pulse as if to comfort him. He brought his paw to them. "Thank you for reminding me, Arceus. I promise not to forget that again."

He glared down the crumbling path ahead with a new resolution blazing in his core. The plates pulsed with a mesmerizing brightness that lit the path forwards. His spirit was stronger than ever.

"Now," he continued forth with a reinforced resolution. "I need to go find a missing father."