Episode 21: Sunrise
Kayla and company made their way to the woods outside of the academy, the abandoned woods opposite the side where Twinight was, in order to ensure there was no one who could spot Kari or the team. Once there, Kayla went to sleep again, forming the Dream Pool just as easily as she had in their dorm. Even though they had seen it a couple times now, there was still awe and hesitation long after Kayla woke up.
"And you're sure this'll make Kari go back to normal?" Pola asked. The Furret was still a giant, fattened pear.
"Aww, it's cute that you're so worried about her. You two really are friends, y'know?" Kayla swayed.
"You- ugh, cut that shit out," Pola rolled her eyes, making her snicker. "We're not going anywhere fishy either, are we? Like, some kinda weird dream filled with… more food or some shit?"
"We're warping, so I tried to keep it simple this time. But it is the Dream World, so you never know," Kayla replied, and then hopped in.
"I sure hope this works," Kari said nervously, and then crawled in. She managed to get stuck somehow, but wiggled her way in with a loud pop.
Just like last time, there was a flight through a dark sky with streaks of smoky colour cutting across the world around them. The light came much quicker this time, and they landed on a small platform that didn't seem to be any different to the night sky they had just flown through.
"Eeek!" Kari shrieked, making Kayla spin around. She was back to normal, but glowing yellow slightly. "I-I-I'm thin again? But how? A-actually I'm still a little squidgy… or am I always this squishy?"
"Oh hey, it worked. And yeah, you are a little fluffy. But that's just Furret things, isn't it?" Kayla snickered.
"Oh yeah. I guess they are!"
"What did you do?" Shannon gasped.
"I just dreamt Kari was back to normal. I guess if I picture you girls as something else, you become that?" she cocked her head. "Er… Jirachi, you would know more, right?"
"Do you see the glow?" Jirachi began, popping out of Kayla's ponytail. "Kayla's imagination is affecting you. I believe it is this very power that causes disturbances to reality, the very ones you are tasked with stopping."
The group flinched.
"A minor one such as this is of very little consequence. When I explained your limitations before, I stated that you could not simply dream of Mathildaath's defeat. To be precise that is not exactly true," Jirachi continued. Arms were folded and poses became casual. "If you imagine yourself or others in specific ways, then the Dream World will attempt to create that, same as everything else you imagine. Because other Pokémon such as your friends are real however, this will determine what effect the Dream World will have on them. There is little consequence now because I believe the effect you want is what Kari herself desires."
"So if I tried to turn Pola into a giant Plusle…" Kayla said.
"Hey- wait, don't you dare fuck with me!"
"If your wills and imaginations are not synchronized, then you would severely damage the stability of your dream. The real Pola would exist, while one you imagine would try to take her place in this dream… the real Pola would disappear once outside of the pool residue," Jirachi warned. "Depending on the severity of the alterations, I may be able to stabilise these disturbances. I highly recommend not abusing this power often."
"Don't need to tell me twice. Basically, this only worked because both me and Kari wanted her to be normal sized again," Kayla was still leaned back nervously.
"Precisely," Jirachi nodded. "I hope you have realised now the implications of this power."
Kayla became tense. "This is exactly what Mathildaath's doing. She's dreaming of a reality she wants, and warping the real world into her own realm. Because what she's doing is so strenuous to you…"
"… It threatens reality, yes. Right now, power is being siphoned from the Millenium Comet in order to keep reality stable. But once that power is exhausted, Mathildaath's dream realm will stop being stabilised," Jirachi explained. "My power would be exhausted, and I will die. Wishes would never be granted ever again. And with the laws of nature and reality being warped by the Dreamer's power, the world would be thrown into complete chaos."
Silence fell. Everyone's faces said it all. Concern, angst, nervousness. Despite all of this, Kayla failed to read May and Ashe, who kept small smiles on their faces.
"You should never use this power unless absolutely necessary, Kayla," Jirachi stated.
"Shall we move on? The less time we're here, the better," May suggested.
"Last thing on that! Could I like, do this on the fly? Say I wanted Kari to turn fat again just to do one attack while we're here?" Kayla asked.
There was a lengthy pause, and Jirachi showed no signs of pondering it, floating there with a blank expression.
"I… take that as a no?" Kayla stepped back.
"Your goal is to stop the disturbances, not cause them. Every time you attempt to alter the states of others, you disturb reality," Jirachi sounded the slightest bit aggressive this time. "The bigger the alteration, the bigger the disturbance. These alterations will also damage the stability of your Dream World, turning it into a nightmare you cannot control with your imagination or will. I will not be able to save you from that."
Kayla gulped. "Point definitely taken."
"You hear that, Kari? If you see food here, think twice before gorging on it," Shannon sighed.
"Or next time, just lemme pay the price," she giggled, half-lidded again. Shannon rolled his eyes.
"Anyway, warping," Kayla got to work. She managed to sleep on her feet this time, and in less than half a minute, the Dream Pool appeared in front of her.
"You are scarily convenient at this already," Shannon commented.
"Eh, I've done it before. And it's not exactly hard to go to sleep and dream, is it?" She giggled. For some reason, his face became intense. "I take it you're not a good sleeper?"
"We've been through this," he grumbled.
"Eesh, don't take your edge out on her. I don't blame her for trying to enjoy something outta this," Pola shrugged.
"Don't fight, you two," Kayla sighed, and then jumped into the pool.
Their flight was a lot shorter than Kayla anticipated given where they were going, but she still managed to land perfectly fine. They exited to an urban back alley, the kind one would find behind big blocks of fancy tourist traps: rows of smelly, overflowing trash containers, poorly maintained fences and walls stained with mess, and a discomforting shadow cast by the giant buildings overhead. Kayla was right on the money at least, as no one was around to spot their portal before it vanished, not even in the building they were behind.
"Is this… some kinda city?" Pola quickly wandered around. "They're so big! And square. These are skyscrapers, right?"
"Indeed they are. Uncomfortably familiar ones, at that," May admitted. Kayla took no notice and led the group around to the front.
Here it was. Home. City roads paved with stone and haphazardly cleaned tarmac, lined with row upon row of towering, square-angled buildings. Constant chatter as crowds of Pokémon bustled in and out about their business. The rumble in the air as shaky trolley cars zoomed past, crowded with tourists. It was like a toned-down morning rush of RSE, except instead of students fighting each other for a good breakfast, it was families of Pokémon bickering over shopping, or nine-to-fivers bantering on their morning commute. Most species were evolved and so avoided the group without paying them any mind, a much easier task as the roads between the pavements were mostly empty. The roads were occupied by flying Pokémon and transport trolleys, a quick glance at which revealed were controlled by Magneton or Magnezone.
"Phew. Place hasn't changed a bit," Kayla remarked with a great smile. She shut an eye and turned her gaze upward, trying to dull out the wicked glare from the desert sunlight. The city's major landmark was still there and strong as ever: the bridge that ran across the gorge the city was built in.
"Hammock…" May said quietly.
"You picked… here…" Ashe added just as worriedly.
"It's a city. A real live city!" Kari remarked, dancing on her toes.
"I probably shouldn't ask, but where the heck are we?" Pola asked. "What're we meant to find in a city?"
"Not just any city, the biggest city in all of Isnomia," Kayla bragged. "C'mon, follow me. I've got a place where we can talk."
"I… wish you hadn't picked here," Ashe commented, suddenly shoving her way to the centre of the group. She whipped her ponytail to her front, where it semi-resembled the coil of fur a normal Jigglypuff had. With the red tip and the general roughness of her fur however, not to mention Ashe's face markings around her eyes, her effort likely wouldn't amount to much. Thankfully the other Pokémon still didn't pay the group any mind, too busy with their own destinations.
Kayla took note but didn't pay it much heed, either. She was too nostalgic right now. An odd feeling since she didn't feel she'd been gone for very long. The city still smelt of dry musk, and she had gotten used to not having to hear all these conversations constantly. The little delights in the kids parks they passed, Kari's wonder and giddiness at the trolleys, it kept a smile on her face that she would be able to boast for once. The world of Hammock, Isnomia's biggest city, was the same as she remembered.
"Maybe if we're lucky, we'll get to ride one someday," Kayla grinned at the Furret, who was enamoured with another trolley.
"Oooh, can we, can we?" her tail wagged.
"This place is pretty big so if we need to get around, why not?"
"Yeee haw!" Kari squealed.
"Eesh, could we can it with the attention?" Pola complained.
Kayla turned around to crack a joke, only to hesitate at her friends faces. Kari was the only one oblivious. Everyone else was either miserable or focused, even May, who had remained a blank slate until now. She caught sight of a few onlookers thanks to Kari's outburst, but it was only a family of Obstagoon and a Meowstic that looked at them funny. Feeling the heat rise to her cheeks, she decided to offer a cheeky giggle instead, and sped up toward their destination.
The others were at least surprised when she made the turn into a wide building spaced between a couple of common ones. Of the businesses on this street, anyone could tell the class difference from a mere glance. Common shops occupied the lower storeys of rectangular family homes, but for this lengthier, carefully constructed mansion, you had a front garden, a pool, glass windows, the whole millionaire package. Right beside it was a hotel that had a very similar make and colour choices, which stretched up almost as tall as the bridge going over the gorge.
"Okay seriously Kayla, where are we?" Pola stopped her before she could knock on the mansion door. "And no bullshitting me like you live here or some crap."
Kayla swayed playfully. "But I do."
"You were about to knock when there's a doorbell. Respectfully, I would like to avoid any and all attention we could draw to ourselves," May added.
"Because I have a personal knock," Kayla replied as she twisted out of Pola's grip. She hit the door with both ears, one after the other, and then kicked it with both feet, again one after the other, and all to a tune. The others stepped back, but it became awkward when the silence lingered. Kayla kept it cool with a grumble, but the weight in her stomach was growing. "Really? No one home?"
"Just tell us already. This can't be that big a deal," Pola complained.
"Just thought you'd wanna sit down for this properly," Kayla started tapping her foot. The door finally opened slightly, and the Pokémon within peeked out, and then threw the door open wide.
"Kayla!" Mum gasped. "I… it's actually you?"
"In the flesh!" she smiled sheepishly.
"But whatever are you doing here? And why now of all times?" the Hatterene huffed, covering her mouth. "No, never mind. Excuse me. I heard the knock and just didn't think it could be you."
"Am I ever predictable?" Kayla went half-lidded.
"No. You're not. You're right. Come in, don't loiter out there," Mum stepped aside to let them in. The others were still nervous, including Kari this time, who played with her paws.
"Err, quick intro. I've got a team now, Team Daybreak. Team Daybreak, Mum. Adoption and all that stuff," Kayla bowed her head.
"Beaurette. Call me Beaurette," Mum bowed back. "And Kari, good to see you again. You needn't look so nervous in here. A friend of Kayla's is a part of the family. That goes for the rest of you, too."
"Ehehe, th-thankies. I'm not used to being in a uh, y'know, fancy home," Kari was still jittery.
"A pleasure to make your acquaintance," May bowed as well.
"You're in the middle of a main academy semester, so I'm surprised you're here. It can't be for leisure reasons, can it?" Beaurette wondered.
"It's work. Important work," Kayla nodded. "The academy is planning to mount a raid on Mathildaath."
"Kayla!" Ashe gasped, but May put an arm out to stop her.
"Put short, we need all the info we can get on her. Hammock Library's gotta have something, right?" Kayla asked.
"Hammock Library… hmm…" Beaurette put a nail to her chin, and then slumped. "Wait a minute. Mathildaath? The one and only archfiend? They're putting you of all Pokémon up to this?"
"It's a joint effort. We had a breakthrough mission in Husk Tunnel that kinda put us in the spotlight," Kayla clarified.
There was a long pause this time. Mum clearly wasn't buying it, but thanks to those stars of hers turning blue, Kayla could tell it was out of worry. "I'm sorry. I won't embarrass you in front of your team. You're just growing up too fast for me. It really wasn't that long ago that I left you at RSE, you know."
"All the more proof that you don't need to worry," Kayla shut her eyes.
"Excuse me? They're getting you involved in a battle against Isnomia's biggest threat. I have every right to be worried. If they knew their right paw from their left, they should be getting me involved, not you! I'm half-tempted to give them a slice of my Psycho Cut to get them off whatever they're on!" Beaurette cried. "My little hero, off to fight a territorial archfiend, one that's reigned for a decade! They're out of their minds. Why get children involved in that?"
"I don't think I qualify as a child anymore," Kayla started sweating.
"But you're my little muffin! How am I meant to sleep knowing you're going near that thing?" she cried.
"So much for not embarrassing me," Kayla turned away and blushed. "We sorta don't have a choice. The authorities aren't doing anything. So c'mon Mum, we need that advice!"
"… Yes, I suppose… Telling you not to be rebellious at this stage is fruitless, isn't it? You've been to Husk Tunnel, and despite the reports of Netherworld's activity around RSE, here you are, in front of me, safe and sound," Beaurette panted, and then shook herself. "My little muffin's making a name for herself. And I have to let her."
Darn right you do, Kayla started tapping her foot.
"You were on the right track, but I'm afraid you won't find much material on Mathildaath around here. Hammock Library is big, but it specializes in… well, let's just say it's owned by Sunrise," Beaurette explained.
"Where have I heard that name before?" Shannon spoke up. "It rings a bell for some reason. But I don't know."
"Yes. It is curious that you know them," May commented.
"A lot of this city is under Sunrise's influence. Information on extraordinary Pokémon is scarce, while fearmongering is high. If I weren't an aristocrat, I would probably have been booted out by now," Beaurette informed. "This includes information on the RSE region. As far as they're concerned, Mathildaath doesn't exist, and is purely you guys' problem."
"Assholes," Pola spat.
"I can help you a different way, however. There was something I was going to give you soon," the Hatterene finally smirked.
"Me?" Kayla was surprised. "This is either something super useful or something completely useless. There's no in-between with you."
"Wha? Kayla!" Beaurette covered her mouth. "You're still my little muffin. That means don't get too brave in front of your friends. There's no shame in having me around."
Kayla grumbled and turned away.
"Just give me a little while to get it. Make yourselves at home, will you?" Beaurette waved at them, and then slid off to somewhere in the back. She peeked her head from behind the wall after a second. "We were so hasty that I didn't even offer you all anything. It must have been a long trip to get here. May I get you some water? Snacks?"
"Snacks?" Kari piped up.
"Just water!" Pola and Shannon snapped.
"But—"
"J-just water will do. We're good!" Pola practically screeched, and then snuck a vicious glare at Kari, growling between her teeth. "We ate before we got here."
Kayla took the group to the main room, where they settled around a glass table. Besides Kari, who began to slink around to brush her tail on everything. The decorative fireplace, the cushioned sofas, even climbing up a shelf, but she stopped before she touched any of the fancy pots or framed paintings. The big window had a clear view of the street, which was calm compared to the way here.
"I can't believe you live here," Pola hissed. "Why didn't you ever say anything?"
"Is it important?" Kayla cocked her head.
"You always acted like some sorta country bumpkin. Really you're like, the richest extraordinary Pokémon I know? The fuck man?" Pola cried. "Why're we slaving away on missions when you could just borrow the money for everything?"
"So I'm either a country bumpkin or a lazy rich kid?" Kayla slumped. "Kari… try not to break anything, okay?"
"At least it explains the belly. This is probably the most exercise you've ever gotten, huh?" Pola teased. Kayla sighed tiredly.
"I must admit, I'm impressed as well. This could prove problematic if Beaurette ever inquires how we got between here and RSE so quickly, however," May said. "As you've probably already guessed, this isn't the friendliest place for extraordinary Pokémon. Where do you intend to warp back?"
"Eh, I'll find a spot. We have all day, as far as the academy's involved," Kayla replied. "Sorry about this being a dead chase, though. I really thought they'd have something on Mathildaath. That library's huge, and Mum knows a lot about local legends and stuff. She always looks into that sort of thing when we travel."
"She's a really nice Pokémon, too! I wanna be friends with her!" Sprite bounced up.
"Sprite," Pola growled.
"Hee hee, you're already friends with her, Sprite," Kayla smiled.
"What's the plan now? We aren't going to find anything about Mathildaath here anymore," Ashe asked.
"If… I know it's not my place to ask, but I can't stop thinking about that mention of Sunrise," Shannon spoke up. "A city that erases information on Extraordinary Pokémon can't be a good thing."
"It does seem like something we'll run into if we continue to operate around here. Not sure if I want to right now, however," May replied. "Sunrise are very much anti-extraordinary Pokémon activists. They operate in normalising the Pokémon populace."
"Normalising?" Shannon's brow furrowed.
"It's as detestable as it sounds. Pokémon with unusual powers, birth defects, dysfunctions, Sunrise attempt to rehabilitate those Pokémon or phase them out of normal society," May explained. "The public wasn't in full support of their methods until recent years. Cases like Kayla and Beaurette are exceedingly lucky."
"Why would I know them?" Shannon asked himself.
"We're best off not dealing with them as much as we can. We want information on Mathildaath, not to cause trouble elsewhere," Ashe stated.
"Should we just head back? A wild goose chase is probably better off back at the academy than here, judging by how no one's got any ideas," Kayla sighed. "Sorry about this, everyone."
"At least take this before you go!" Beaurette's cry came from outside the room. She hurriedly slid in, carrying a bag and a rolled-up bundle of clothes with her psychic. "I was originally going to just give things to Kayla, but since you're a team and all, I scrounged up some goodies for the rest of you, too."
Oh no, Kayla hung her head.
"Take a good look. I hope these are more useful to you than they would've been for me," Beaurette handed Kari the bag.
"Oooh, there are Gummis inside! Some of these are really rare, where did you get these?" Kari bounced giddily.
"And as for you," Beaurette turned to Kayla, and then paused for some reason. The Buneary grumbled, looking at the bundled-up cloth. "Want some privacy?"
"Urk- you're just trying to embarrass me anyway, aren't you?" Kayla growled.
"Well I only ask because I know you're—"
"I get enough of this stuff from Pola already, I don't need you pointing it out every time too!" Kayla snapped. "Kari, can you help me?"
"Yes Kayla!" Kari chirped up without hesitation. She unrolled the cloth to reveal a blue shirt. "Putting it on? This'll be easy."
Kayla nodded and then shut her eyes, signalling the Furret to go ahead. She was surprised that as jittery as Kari was earlier, she was careful here. It was a familiar careful, the same she'd felt earlier when they had their talk this morning. All Kari did was slip the shirt on from above, guiding Kayla's arms through the sleeves for her, and then tugged it down to ensure it was on right. Yet, Kayla felt a sense of dignity from it rather than embarrassment. There was no hesitation or inaccuracy anywhere, nor was there any attempt to touch Kayla inappropriately. Not that she expected Kari to touch her that way, but it was more surprising to see the Furret put her money where her mouth was, and make something so difficult for her seem so easy.
Skipping over to a mirror, Kayla had to pause. There was no way this wasn't an elaborate scheme, just like she predicted. The shirt didn't look like it was intended to be, yet acted like a crop top, covering only her chest while appearing tight on her. Her eyes were immediately drawn to her belly, which stretched the material a little. The back of the shirt had a cape which hovered just above her feet. The only other notable thing was the light blue triangle in the centre.
"I… I had it fitted to you… did you gain weight?" Beaurette had a look of embarrassment.
You know what? Screw you. I am NOT sharing that embarrassment. I'ma rock this look whether you like it or not, Kayla thought, having to blink away her disgruntled look. She twirled on one leg, letting the cape flow with her speed. "You kidding? Y'know blue's my favourite colour! What do you girls think?"
There was silence. No doubt they could all see the problem. Yet still, Kari had both paws by her face, and mouthed a few words quietly enough that she couldn't hear them. Seeing that, Kayla snickered and twirled again, showing off the cape. "Not all heroes wear capes, but this one totally will."
"Muffin, it doesn't fit!" Beaurette cried. "I'm sorry. I didn't think that you would… um, you know, grow bigger during your time away. I'll have them refit it for you. B-but it might take a while to get it back to you… u-unless you lost the weight."
"Nah uh. I love it. Just. The way. It is," Kayla announced, half-lidded.
"But it… it's… you know…" Beaurette shuddered.
"It's blue, and it's got a cool cape. It's totally my thing," she spun again, showing it off.
"You get so huffy when I poke fun at you, then you go and pull somethin' like this," Pola cocked her head with a smirk. "Heh, so what, you're not thinkin' you look a lil' sexy, are ya?"
Kayla slowed down. "That's observant of you. You seeing something you like?"
"Yuck. Miss me with that," Pola turned away.
"You're the one who keeps commenting," she came right up to Pola's ears. "You sure someone's not in denial?"
"C-cut it out! What's gotten into you? I thought you hated that stuff?" Pola brushed her off.
"I may not wanna be a Lopunny, but that doesn't mean I can't look good," Kayla spun once more, and snickered. "It's so light and feathery, too! Totally accents my body, yet it doesn't feel the slightest bit tight or anything!"
"Really?" May asked.
"I'm being serious," Kayla did a little dance. "Actually feels like I'm wearing nothing at all. I just like, feel faster."
"Muffin…" Beaurette was slumped. "You don't have to… you know… I'll just refit it, okay?"
"No seriously! I like it, and I'm keeping it!" Kayla shouted.
"Kayla. I'm not having you walking around to show yourself off like that. We have an image to retain."
"If that's how you felt then why try to trick me in the first place?" Kayla shouted even louder. "But I'm two-hundred percent serious. I'm keeping it just the way it is!"
"No you aren't!"
"Make me!"
"Kayla!" Beaurette snapped, and thrust her claw at the Buneary. Kayla dashed away, and then darted back and forth, seemingly dodging the Hatterene's attempts to catch her with psychic. The others were just as surprised and stumbled aside as the room fell into a scuffle, with Kayla bouncing up and down from the fireplace, furniture, and sofas, all of which Beaurette had no trouble with throwing aside. Kayla moved so fast she was a blur of blue, but was eventually caught and held up in that psychic hold. "Look, I'm sorry it doesn't fit, okay? But if you're insistent on not losing weight, I'll have to refit it. You are not running around like that, young lady!"
"Put me down! I don't wanna!" Kayla pouted, flailing as hard as she could.
"Why are you so determined not to get fit?"
"Why are you so determined to make me your perfect little puppy?"
Beaurette growled, and her stars turned bright red. Before she could act, Kayla shot Ice Beam at her, the suddenness making her crouch and drop her Psychic hold. "Kayla! How dare you!"
"Enough!" Kari screeched, throwing herself between the duo. Beaurette moved to thrust her claw, but Kari responded in kind, stretching herself taller and wider, as if to threaten the Hatterene. Kayla couldn't see Kari's face from here, but however she looked, it stalled the conflict.
"… Kari," Beaurette said.
"Miss Beaurette, Kayla said she likes it. Isn't that what's most important?" Kari cried. "And, and, I-I think she looks fine in it."
"What?" Beaurette gasped.
"Yeah! If it's really comfy and we both like it, then what's the problem?" Kari cried. She returned to normal size, but went on all fours and raised her tail. "You shouldn't take away what makes her happy!"
Wait… I was doing this to get back at Mum's petty ploy to jab at my body. But does Kari actually think I look good in this thing? Kayla's eyes widened.
"I'm intrigued as well," May came forward. "This is a stunningly well put together piece of gear."
"Gear? Wait, it's gear?" Pola was surprised.
"There are purple Emera shards weaved into the material. If you're aware of how those work, they improve movement ability when affected by the mysteriosity waves of mystery dungeons. Ergo, Kayla will be faster wearing that in a mystery dungeon," May explained. "Considering how soon we'll need it and how long it may take to refit to Kayla's needs, I second Kayla keeping it. She herself says that it's a good fit, so there's no real problem."
Kayla glanced at the Pichu, jaw-dropped. She was able to tell that it had Emeras at first glance. Either she's putting function over form, or she really is on my side too, for some reason.
"Miss Beaurette, you dislike Sunrise too, don't you? For the fact that they don't accept Pokémon for who they are and forcibly try to change them," Ashe came forward. "Trying to embarrass Kayla for her appearance is a horrible thing to do. What you're doing isn't much different to Sunrise, don't you think? Forgive my harshness, but can't you accept your daughter for who she is?"
"Mrrgk! You—" Beaurette leaned away. "You're… No… y-you're right. You are completely right. I really shouldn't have done that."
Ashe as well? These girls… Kayla could feel her chest loosen.
"I… I'm sorry, Kayla," Beaurette struggled to say. "E-even so, you don't have to pretend. If you want me to refit it, it's no trouble at all. I-I can get them to hurry it up so that you'll have it back before you confront Mathildaath, if you want it urgently."
"It's like she's not listening," Pola palmed her face.
Kayla looked down at herself, then slyly gave everyone else a glance. I… thought I had a read on everyone, but I guess there's more than meets the eye here. Or the ear, in my case. And then there's Kari… Was she serious about liking the look of this thing? It's not like I hate it, either. It really is so comfortable it's like I'm not wearing anything…
"D-don't look at me," Shannon backed off.
"Oh no, don't tell me you like it too," Pola groaned.
"No comment. It's not my place!" he cried.
"You're all outta your minds," Pola fell to the floor.
"I think that settles it. If just to tick you off," Kayla snickered.
"Fuck off! You're a slut for showing Pokémon up, aren't you!" she cried, going bright red.
"Nah, just you. The one with the best reactions these days," Kayla was smug.
"Rgg… fu… fuck you," she growled.
"I'm sorry I wasn't able to help you with Mathildaath, either. But I'm afraid the most I know is probably less than what you know," Beaurette finally stood up straight. "May is right in that the shirt will boost you in mystery dungeons, so it's not like this was a wasted trip, but I still feel disappointed in myself."
"It's not a wasted trip at all. We got gummis outta it!" Kari cheered.
"You're not eating those, just so you know," Kayla warned.
"But there's rainbow gummis!" she whined.
"We'll share them out later, okay?"
"Okay…" Kari slumped.
"It's a long way back to the academy, however you got here… if you want haste, you had best get moving now…" Beaurette trailed off, and then stood straight. "Wait, actually, hold on. I'm getting something."
That sparked the same reaction from Kayla, standing straight and concerned. "What is it?"
"There's some sort of commotion… it sounds like the authorities are there," Beaurette informed. Her face became intense. "I take back what I said. You girls should stay here until it dies down. Netherworld are likely to be involved."
"Ugh, we don't have time for that. If Netherworld are involved, let's kick their asses and get going," Kayla grinned.
"Kayla, no. This isn't like the squabble we just had," Beaurette was fierce this time.
"And as you're still not getting, I'm not the same little muffin I was a while ago," Kayla argued.
"Netherworld aren't to be underestimated. They're terrorists! They're not like the petty outlaws you take down on mystery dungeon missions. These are serious Pokémon who commit atrocities in the name of a great cause," Beaurette warned. "These Pokémon will kill hundreds without thinking twice. Don't throw your life away that meaninglessly."
"So I should sit around and let others die that meaninglessly instead? You just make me wanna go more!" Kayla became serious. "Girls, let's go!"
"Hey, hey, hey, hold the fuck up. You mum's right here, y'know," Pola yanked Kayla by her shirt. "We might've gotten through Zude that one time, but if it's—"
"Excuse me? Did I just hear that right?" Beaurette gasped, a claw over her mouth. Kayla sighed and swayed in annoyance. "Did you girls really run into Zude before?"
"… We did. And we're still standing. And we're way stronger now than we were back then," Kayla gave everyone a look. "Pola, you can even use your Visionary Magic this time. If anyone can do anything, it's us."
"Well- I mean, I can, but," the Plusle grumbled.
"So c'mon! It could even not be Netherworld. Let's do our job already!"
"Um, pardon me but…" Ashe spoke up. She looked worried. "The less I am seen, the better. Is it alright if I stay here?"
She doesn't have a team badge yet, so her singing moves would be a bit tough to make use of, Kayla ran it through her head, then nodded. "We'll come back for you. Sprite, will you stay with her, please?"
"Yes boss!" Sprite bounced over to the Jigglypuff.
"Thank you," Ashe bowed.
Kayla rolled her eyes. "Again with calling me boss…"
"If it really is a Netherworld attack, I'm begging you not to underestimate them, and return to me in one piece," Beaurette said. Kayla gave her a nod too, and then was off.
The instant they stepped outside, Kayla got exactly what her mother was talking about. There were shouts of panic and sirens going off, further evidenced by a Forretress and Bisharp bolting down the road toward the centre of the city. A group of Klinklang were close behind, each of them so fast they kicked up wind as they passed. Otherwise, curious Pokémon were approaching the scene, while others were fleeing.
Kayla jogged after the action, following the crowds and commotion back into town, only to slow as she reached the core of the problem. "Wait a minute… don't tell me…"
"Isn't that where we?" Kari cringed as the others realised.
Police Forretress attempted to barricade the scene with their bodies while their Bisharp partners fought against whoever was back there. All Kayla could see above the crowds were Pokémon attacks going off, knocking Arcanine, Houndoom, and Klinklang up into the air. Behind all of that was a Dream Pool, large and active, obscuring a great portion of the skyscraper it was in front of.
It's not the same Dream Pool I used, but it's very close to where we warped in. Why is one here? I made sure it was closed before we left, Kayla tensed. She shifted back as the crowd cried out and another attack went off, this one strong enough to brush the group with a shock wave.
"Everybody, please evacuate immediately! This is a dangerous situation," the many Forretress made similar orders as the crowd dispersed into panic. The police Pokémon themselves were fleeing, making room for Kayla and company to see what was going on. The police Pokémon had lost against a small group of Dolliv, who were standing guard over the portal.
"Against just those things? There's only five of them!" Kayla remarked, posing ready for battle.
"But they're powerful," A low, slightly gritty voice warned, directly beside her. It was a Maushold that spoke, the 'father' of the family, who was the only one with a strange piece of armour equipped on its right arm. The rest of the mice hid behind him closely. "Are you a team?"
"A pretty strong one," Kayla grinned, keeping her attention on the enemies.
"Then help us stall for time until the public escapes. There's money in it for you," Maushold ordered.
"I'll do ya one better," Kayla unrolled both ears to focus.
Two of the Dolliv cupped their hands to charge Energy Ball attacks between them, putting Kayla right into her world of battle. Urban environments faded into grey stars on an orange, desert-themed pattern. She couldn't even see the road anymore, not that it was being used with this commotion going on.
The moment those Energy Balls were thrown, Kayla sprung into Quick Attack to dodge, doing as Moby taught her. She darted side to side during her approach, putting all her energy into her feet until she was about to hit, where the energy then covered her body as normal. The one Dolliv she crashed into was sent flying far further than she anticipated however, or further than she thought realistic – the grass type was knocked into the one behind it, and the two of them hit something in the background that blew up into dust and trash.
Kayla couldn't help but freeze. I just did that? she gasped in her head, and then locked eyes with the other Dolliv. She flinched, realising that these Dolliv didn't have faces. Their heads were blank, cream coloured, and totally featureless. Regardless, they 'faced' her direction, the remaining three focused on her after her feat.
"Uh, yo? What the heck was that?" Pola cried.
"I'll explain later. Just focus!" Kayla said.
Two of the Dolliv came forward spraying Seed Bomb from the olives on their heads, while the last one charged up another Energy Ball attack. The team had to split up to avoid the small blasts from the seeds, these little pellets arching through the air before popping into green bursts of energy as they showered the ground. The Dolliv spun to release the seeds all over as well, making it difficult for anyone to approach directly.
Kayla was surprised, however. For enemies that were strong enough to put the police in trouble, a collection of fire and steel types no less, these Dolliv seemed awfully slow. Even without Quick Attack, she could weave between the waves of Seed Bomb without breaking a sweat. Once up close, she hopped off the ground and struck each enemy with Jump Kick, once again sending them flying. Kari had snuck up on the one charging Energy Ball, and struck it from behind with her Fury Swipes. The grass attack fizzled out, and the Dolliv fell to the floor in defeat.
"Well that was easy," Kayla commented, surprised at herself. Moby's training… we only worked on my speed, but I guess that gave me some sort of crazy leverage that made me way stronger.
"Now we just have to deal with… that thing," Shannon said, turning up to the Dream Pool.
"There you guys are. You slow today? Leaving me to do all the work?" Kayla bragged with a pose.
"No… um…" Kari replied, playing with her paws. She came closer. "It's sorta hard… to fight… with the public watching…"
"I might not hit you guys with Visionary Magic anymore, but the Pokémon watching?" Pola added, whispering. "And you heard that stuff about Sunrise. What would the public think?"
Kayla scanned the area again. There were still many Pokémon watching, only from a safe distance and barricaded off by Klinklang and now some police tape. But there were possibly hundreds of Pokémon staring with all manner of emotions. Her heart became heavy at the thought, so she forced herself to crack a grin. "All the more reason to put on a show."
"Do you listen at all?" Pola slumped.
"I thought it strange that my dreamt-up underlings could fall so easily," a familiar smooth, low and posh woman's voice took their attention. From behind the skyscraper came an extremely tall Arboliva, the Netherworld member they all expected to see after all. "News spreads fast in cities, so I shouldn't be surprised to see the leader of Sunrise himself. That makes this a bit of a hassle."
"He's the least of your worries. Long time no see, Zude!" Kayla posed to battle again.
The Arboliva had her eyes on the Maushold as she spoke, but turned ever so slightly at Kayla's shout. Kayla stared with a cocky smirk, but Zude didn't seem to react. They glared back, but eventually cocked their head. "Should I know you?"
Kayla fell over. "C-C'mon, seriously? It wasn't that long ag—"
"Don't answer, actually. I don't care about inferior beings. If we've had a run-in before, then you should know to count yourself lucky that you are still standing," Zude returned to normal. "But you, Treasure… I'm going to have to get rid of you if I hope to take my time with my experiment."
"You're welcome to try, witch!" the head of the Maushold replied, stretching both arms out. His family posed similarly beside him, and with their movements, the armour on his arm crackled with energy.
"It's you… wait a minute, I thought I recognised you," Pola snapped. "You're the bastard that drugged me at the club!"
"Ack, it is!" Shannon flinched.
"So it would seem. That would leave your team as a group of Extraordinary Visionaries. A negative formula for this equation," Treasure replied.
Kayla looked between her party and Zude, and then the crowd. May was the only one rubbing her chin. "Hold on, girls. Treasure, you're the head of Sunrise; you oughta realise this is a bit of a messy threesome. If we all try to kill each other, it isn't going to end well."
"You're suggesting we calculate the biggest threat," Treasure responded, calming down slightly.
"We only need to be here for this. Once we win, we're outta your fur," Kayla stated.
"Really? This guy fucking drugged me, and you're asking for a truce?" Pola snapped.
"I know what it looks like," Kayla frowned. If this does turn into some sort of all-out brawl, even I don't know what'll happen…
"Very well then. I leave the terrorist to you and your team," Treasure stated, crackling his armour again. "In exchange, you leave when we win."
"I am not happy about this, you know," Pola spat.
"Neither am I. But if they're a threat to Zude too, that gives us the best chance," Kayla posed with him. May nodded with her thoughts and joined them.
"I seem to have a knack for running into kids who argue in my presence…" Zude tilted her head, bored of what she was watching.
"So you do remember our last battle!" Kayla cried.
"I recall… some sort of annoyance," she said, and sighed. "Regardless, you're fools for challenging me this way. This is your last chance to escape, children."
Kayla glanced at her team, who were all poised to attack. Nodding with her thoughts, she entered her world of battle, once again seeing the grey stars amongst the desert patterns. This time however, the Dream Pool remained behind Zude. "When we're through with you, you won't be so cocky!"
Kayla was about to dart off, but hesitated upon Zude pulling a machine from behind her. As absurd as it was, she had a large computer half her height, a literal block of wires, circuit boards, and other machinery inside a console. She quickly tapped several things on it, hitting the buttons with leafy swings in rhythm. The result was the Dream Pool rumbling, and electricity sparked from its centre. A moment later, more faceless Dolliv emerged from it, six this time, falling lifelessly to the floor.
"Kayla!" Jirachi's voice came into her head. "That machine seems to be connected to the Dream World. It is a disturbance!"
A machine that can control a Dream Pool? How? Kayla stared with widened eyes as the Dolliv got up and surrounded the party. It doesn't matter. That just means we have to destroy it. If we break that machine, the Dream Pool should close, just like it did back in the Twinight Woods.
"We will subtract the Dolliv and anything else that comes out of that portal. This division should increase your percentages of winning," Treasure instructed.
"You heard the mice. Let's do this!" Kayla shouted, darting off at last.
The faceless Dolliv very quickly stood up, forming a wall in Kayla's way. She skidded to a stop, only for Treasure and his family to leap over her, mouths wide and incisors bared. She lost concentration briefly there, as it looked like more than four of the mice attacked, even though there was only four until now. On top of that, their bite attacks looked like they tore through the ground like paper, kicking up dust, chipped rocks, and huge blasts of wind as they took on the faceless Dolliv. The grass types vanished into a cloud of battle dust, well out of Kayla and the team's way.
Meanwhile, Zude didn't so much as flinch from when she had called her underlings. She did exactly as she did when Kayla and company first confronted her: no reaction at all. She observed the battle while completely still, stiller than a statue, so still that her emotion couldn't be read. The first time Kayla had seen this, she assumed it was because Zude was underestimating her. Knowing the Arboliva's reaction speed this time, she knew better than to test. However, she also had a newfound speed and power, which Zude so far hadn't acknowledged.
So she charged her feet with Quick Attack and took off as fast as she could, this time intending to put full force into her move. She crashed into Zude's side, and this time hit so hard that she felt herself sink into the skin of the grass type. There was a snort and a yell, and then Zude skidded across the ground, remaining upright but covering where she was hit with a leafy arm. Her eyes went straight to Kayla, and they were fierce.
I actually hit this time. And it looks like they get the picture, too, Kayla remained focused, glaring back with just as much venom.
"So you're not just a big-headed team of youngsters," Zude remarked, and stood back up straight with her arms curled upward. "Very well, then. Try me."
Kayla took that offer with another full force Quick Attack, this time darting in a zigzag to try and throw off the Arboliva's aim. She smashed into their side hard enough to make them skid again, but this time, she recoiled as if she had hit a wall rather than a grass Pokémon. Zude herself was stiff as a statue too, and reacted only when Kayla bounced off into the air, where she aimed a leafy arm at her. Razor Leaf was coming.
Kayla gasped lightly and pushed herself to the ground with a kick motion. Zude still released her Razor Leaf, firing a wave of sharp, knife-like crescents with such ferocity it sounded like a storming wind. Even odder then, was Kayla's response to it – last time she had seen this Razor Leaf, she couldn't have hoped to avoid it. This time however, the leaves seemed significantly slower. Slow enough for her to recognise each leaf and where it was headed, where her ears could do their work and be her eyes for her.
That didn't mean that Zude's power and accuracy were anything to underestimate. The end result was Kayla shooting off into a sprint to avoid this storm of leaves, keeping just out of reach as she circled her way back over to Zude, where she leapt into another Quick Attack. She hit directly again, and this time bounced up Zude's body up to her head, spinning into a Jump Kick attack. The direct hit earnt a stifled curse and harsh yelp as Zude was knocked over this time. Her towering form crashed against the building beside her, but she held it to avoid falling over completely.
"Phew… I can actually do this," Kayla whispered, posing as she landed again. She flinched and gasped. "Pola, c'mon! Where the heck is your magic?"
The rest of the team were stood back and posed for battle, but their faces said otherwise. They were equal parts surprised and scared. Kayla only had to look to the observing public to know exactly why they refused to join in. There was aggression. Disgust. Genuine fear. These Pokémon were looking at them like they weren't even Pokémon. The sound of crumbling debris drew Kayla's attention back to the fight as Zude returned to her feet.
"I don't know where you got this much power from, for a measly Buneary. But if you think it's going to win you the day, think again," Zude warned, twisting to her console.
Right, the machine! This won't end unless I bust that thing up! she gasped. Before she could move however, the machine itself began to crackle, surprising even Zude. "What? What did you do?"
"I called upon my old pet. An experiment of mine that's coming along well," Zude answered, turning to Kayla. The Dream Pool began to crackle and rumble too, just like when it spewed out the faceless. "I didn't intend to do this here, but if opponents like you are going to force my hand, then I suppose there is no better time. Why there was even remnants of a Dream Pool here of all places…"
Remnants of a Dream Pool… Kayla shifted a foot back. Am I partly at fault for this whole thing?
She was taken off-balance as the ground began to shake. The crowd flew into panic as the shaking quickly intensified, alongside the Dream Pool shaking more violently. The air rumbled with a horrible sound, while electricity and energy began to sputter all over.
"That doesn't look right. Jirachi, what's happening?" Kayla cried.
"The disturbance is out of control. You need to destroy that machine, now!" Jirachi appeared beside her.
"Can't move!" Kayla growled.
"Leave this to me!" May shouted and thrust an arm.
Zude grunted as her console began to implode, squeezing into itself until it burst into flames, and then was knocked back as it broke apart in several small blasts. This didn't stop the portal or the quaking, however. An awful roar came from within, soon followed by a pair of brown claws ripping their way through the portal. The grabbed the edges of the Dream Pool, making room for another pair of claws which began to pull the main body through. The team were greeted to a monster with a Furret's colour scheme, complete with stripes all the way down its long, eely body. This monster was taller than Zude however, even with its stance snaked and coiled as it stood up. Several pairs of clawed feet ran along its body, while its mouth was perfectly circular and lined with row upon row of huge fangs. With its low, earth-shaking roar, the Dream Pool closed, while everything nearby was blown away.
"It's that thing!" Kayla cried on top of the screams and cries of the surrounding Pokémon. "Why… W-why does it look like Kari?"
"Me?" Kari squealed. The monster stood tall and loomed over the group, glaring down at them even though it lacked eyes. "I-I dunno! I've never seen this thing before in my life!"
"Yes you have, it was the thing that destroyed the Twinight Woods," Kayla said anxiously, stepping back. "It's now or never, girls. Really need your powers right now!"
"Go my pet! Reduce these fools to mulch!" Zude commanded with an energetic point.
"The Dream Pool and the machine are gone. So why is it still here?" Kayla gasped, still stumbling back. "Girls, spread out, don't let it take us all out at once!"
The monster roared into the air this time, and then arched into the air to try and dive onto Kayla. Its movements caused its tail to whip across the side of nearby skyscrapers, and further whacked Zude hard enough that she was taken off her feet. For Kayla, she anxiously dashed away with Quick Attack, but didn't dare try to hit the thing. Just one of its nails was taller than the Buneary, so she couldn't imagine even stinging it with an attack. Even worse, it hit the ground so hard that the resulting quake launched her off her feet, and she slammed front-first onto the concrete.
"Watch it!" Zude hissed as she got back up. The monster continued to pay no heed to her however, or even Kayla's team, now that they were all watching. It thrashed about like it was throwing a tantrum, swinging its huge claws and body through buildings, smashing all of it like it was paper. It eventually swung its tail around at Zude again, and this time it was hard enough to send the Arboliva flying.
"Zude!" Kayla gasped. "Damn it, I've got to do something!"
She dashed in with Quick Attack and launched herself at the monster's side, putting full effort into her attack. Just as she anticipated, she bounced off seemingly harmlessly, but she shot Ice beam with all the strength she could. Ice spread across where she hit, but it shattered instantly. Kayla was about to curse, but Pola's Hidden Power flew in a moment later, several huge balls of fire scattering across the monster's body and exploding in a range of blasts. To their surprise, the monster let out a wail as it toppled to its side.
Kari was next, stretched to around the monster's size. She tackled it as hard as she could, clasping her paws in its frontmost claws in an effort to keep it down. Seeing that, May rushed forward and began a series of vigorous, heavy arm movements. With each swing and thrust, huge chunks of metal from the destroyed buildings were brought to her side. Sheets, beams, poles, she brought everything she could and bent it around the monster. After a series of shouts and grunts from both girls, the monster was pinned and tied up beneath a mountain of debris, where all it could do was wail, roar, and thrash.
"Wow…" Shannon remarked, mouth agape. "How did you do that?"
May was on one hand, but quickly stood up and shook herself off. "My extraordinary power is magnetism. I've mastered it to the degree that I can freely manipulate metals."
"Stuff that massive too… this is the first time I'm seeing your powers in action. You're really something else," Kayla praised.
"This isn't over. This monster destroyed those buildings in the first place," May warned, tucking her arms behind her. "Until we find a way to finish it off, it will eventually break free."
"The only one who hurt it was Pola… I'll try and send it back to the Dream World," Kayla tilted her head. "Jirachi, would that work?"
"No… you are not the one who dreamt it into reality. A creature like this should not even be able to exist," Jirachi admitted.
The sharp sound of metal denting and groaning put the team on edge. Surely enough, May's makeshift cage was beginning to come undone, with the monster growling with increasing triumph. Everyone spread out and shielded themselves the moment it burst free, sending the debris all over. It gave yet another roar into the sky, this one loud enough to shake the very air and stun the team to the spot. Kayla had to roll both her ears down, and still they rung with noise at the excessive volume.
Her breath was heavy and her heart was racing. They were getting heavier, in fact. Her world of battle was gone, as was a number of sounds she should have been hearing. Her eyes darted side to side. The portion of the city they were in had been reduced to ruins. Collapsed skyscrapers, broken drains, loose sparking wires, ditches and holes in the ground, all accented by screaming Pokémon and moans of the injured. And at the heart of it all was this seemingly invincible monstrosity of a Pokémon.
We can't defeat it? Kayla shook her head slowly. The words repeated over and over as the monster reared its way over her. If her friends were saying something, she couldn't understand them. She couldn't hear them over her thoughts. We can't defeat it. We can't defeat it.
We can't defeat it.
A newfound feeling rinsed through Kayla's form. She felt like a puddle that was barely held together. Her breaths grew quicker and shorter, but also like she was suffocating despite. Everything besides that monster was turning white. It loomed over her, its maw wide enough to engulf her fully and it probably wouldn't even notice. Tiny. Insignificant. Useless. Worthless. Amounting to nothing. After everything. It all meant nothing.
The monster lunged, and all Kayla could do was suck in a breath, tense so hard it hurt, and shift back. She shut her eyes and braced for it to all be over. But it wasn't. Another hard impact winded her, and she dared to peek, only to open her eyes fully.
Kari was in the most awkward position possible, yet was somehow managing to hold the beast back. She was growling with tremendous might, and the glow her body normally took on when she stretched was intense. The monster was pushing against her so hard that with every scrape of her feet, she visibly sunk into the ground, yet she held strong. Meanwhile, the monster growled and groaned in what could only be described as frustration, its volume growing with each push against its nemesis.
Kayla gasped again, this time drawn to the other end of the monster, its tail. Lights were beginning to swarm all around it, almost like particles were eating the monster from within. Those little lights spread fast, and seconds later the monster's entire form was evaporating into thin air. It continued to push against Kari right up until there was nothing left, uttering feral growls and gurgles as sickly as ever.
"It… it's… gone…" Kayla whispered. She could finally feel herself, and she didn't like it. Her legs were weaker than jelly, and her ears were so uncomfortably rolled she felt they might be twisted.
Kari's exhausted groan brought her attention back to her surroundings. The Furret returned to normal size but flopped to the ground, appearing more tired than she had ever seen her. She couldn't bring herself to move until Pokémon she didn't recognise began to show up, police Klinklang and Bisharp included.
None of them were happy. As she locked eyes with their aggressive and disgusted glares, a newfound lump of guilt formed in her stomach. But this wasn't her fault, and she knew it. The scene would have been much worse if she didn't get involved. She knew that, too. And yet, a narrative formed in her mind, one told through the points, shouts, and vicious stares of those other Pokémon.
"Girls… we need to go, now," Kayla breathed out, glancing at her team. They were just as distraught.
"Where? We can't warp with—" Pola replied.
"Just, follow me. Someone get Kari, and follow me!" Kayla ordered, turning tail to run.