{}=Pokemon Speaking; []=Telepathic Speaking
It seems a simple map making mission has unveiled old enemies. Benedetto's former grunt pokemon are on the loose and causing mayhem amongst the local populace. Our intrepid heroes begin the second day with purpose and conviction to take down all poachers, whether human or otherwise.
~x1x~
PoV: Topaz Heart
Location: Citrus Glades - Great Marsh
Time: March - Day 2 - Early Morning
The rest of the night passed along nicely. I didn't get a chance to learn what Lou and the others had found during their survey mission as I fell asleep early. Sleeping in the same tent as Jade's crew was a little cramped, but very cozy. Flax hated it though, to the point where he just slept alone outside. Otherwise, I think I got a bit closer to Shizu and Gautier, while Jade managed to be a bit nicer to my team.
Once again we had an early morning to make the most of daylight. My team was finishing up their breakfast. Violet's group were already up and had eaten. Jade was on his phone, his team ready for the day. Isadora was sitting in front of her tent with Wilona, looking over her maps to confirm our plans. Eva was chatting to her team casually.
The Tropius from last night had lingered close by, currently standing in a clearing with their wings splayed out to soak in more sun.
Those wings are extra large, huh. If I recall correctly, Tropius with the largest wings have Solar Power as their ability. Harvest have the largest bodies and Chlorophyll have the lightest bodies.
Isadora gestured to us all, pointing at her map. The area she was focusing on was further north, becoming more clifflike the further you went before leveling off into a plateau.
"The Tropius saw hostiles in this area. Given its height and location, it's a good place to start for the day. Even if there's nothing there, it gives us a good vantage point to see other problems and reach them quickly."
"Looks like we're going hiking," Jade mused, putting his phone away.
"We're playing a lot of this by ear, so be ready if something happens suddenly," Isadora reminded us all. Wilona meanwhile looked at Lou and said something.
{I'll be sure to shoot down any enemy birds I come across as I soar above the trees,} Lou promised her.
She raised an eyebrow and replied.
Better we address his quirk now than later.
{I'm sure they wouldn't be this much of a problem if it were only primate pokemon. I'm sure the birds would align themselves with such villains,} Lou retorted.
{She asked him to be the aerial lookout since he can fly and shoot from afar and Lou thinks she wants him to shoot every bird in sight,} Holyn whispered to me.
Thank Arceus for Holyn's translations.
Wilona sighed, saying something once again, paused, then added something else.
{She's telling him how good monkeys are in forest areas, which is why everyone is having trouble with them,} Holyn explained again. {And to not shoot any birds unless he's sure they're with the monkeys.}
This time Flax spoke up, drawing Wilona's attention to him. Lou frowned, turning to Wilona.
{Apologies, I got distracted. I'll be vigilant,} Lou promised.
Wilona looked pointedly at him, meowing again. {Yes, ma'am. Vigilant and responsible,} he sighed, defeated. Sylvia giggled at the exchange only to be silenced by a simple glance from her mom.
This was a very strange sight for me. I could only understand half the conversation, but it seemed like Lou was being mothered. Mothered thoroughly.
Wilona nodded, satisfied, before standing up alongside Isadora. As everyone began getting up and prepared, the Tropius that'd stayed close by strode over, their steps shaking the earth. They stopped in front of Amethyst, craning their neck down and saying something.
{Yeah, no problem. What's up?} After a slightly longer rumble, she nodded and looked at all of us. {Okay, so a couple things. First, she wants to come with us. She's had enough of sitting around while the monkey group does whatever they're doing, and just needed a group to travel with that wasn't the herd. They can't afford to leave the kids, we can. Second, her name's Meliae. Third, she asked if I could translate for her, since I'm a psychic. And I'm down.} She looked at Isadora and Wilona. {Don't mean to step on your toes or anything, but whatever's best, y'know?}
Isadora shook her head, smiling. "Don't worry about it. We weren't going to put that burden on you, but if you're willing, we won't tell you no. Neither of us can fly just by willing it, let alone speak to one another psychically."
Violet nodded, walking up to Meliae and bowing. "I will do my utmost to bring peace to your land once more, and ensure your time with us is not wasted."
"Hope you don't mind our zany bunch. Let's do our best, alright?" I added, eager to get to know a Tropius.
"Can't wait to see ya in action," Jade mused.
Eva smiled up at Meliae. "Marjorie and I would love to continue our conversation from last night since you'll be traveling with us."
Meliae nodded, smiling slightly and rumbling to Eva. "Splendid. So you said you wanted to try plantains? Raw or fried?"
Eva understands pokemon just as well as Isadora. Granted we must look the same to her and she hasn't said anything yet. Maybe they have their own methods? Humanity has come a long way in finding ways to understand pokemon.
Meliae considered her question for a moment before responding.
"We can do both for lunch then. Most humans aren't fond of raw plantains, but I'm sure you'll be able to savor it."
She chuckled, responding with a sly grin as she stood up again. Eva genuinely gasped. "Eating oranges with the peel!? You're right, we wouldn't dare!"
{I have to agree,} Donut added.
{Maybe it adds extra zest?} Holyn suggested.
"Wanna try it with me later, Holyn?" I asked.
{Nope. We're not doing this again, stop it. You will not lead another astray out of curiosity,} Donut admonished me, earning a chuckle from several of our group.
"So we're good to go, Miss Isadora?" Jade asked as he picked up Gautier.
She nodded, beckoning after her. "Indeed we are. Let's not waste daylight."
And so we set off once again, this time up the rocky hills of the marshlands. According to Isadora it'd be less muddy, but the incline up would be steeper which would be cause for concern so we ought to be even more cautious. Once again all the girls seemed to be moving easily with Isadora and Wilona taking the lead, with Eva, Violet and their teams closeby.
Meliae marched behind them electing not to fly, but if needed be she'd simply leap over a problem and be on her way. Behind her was myself and my team, although I made sure Jade was alright. I was honestly impressed by how well he was handling himself considering he spent most of his childhood indoors. Even so he wasn't as agile as the rest of us, especially while carrying Gautier, but he refused to show weakness.
As we walked I heard some rocks shuffle behind me oddly. I turned around to see Jade had tripped on some unsteady ground, but he managed to stop himself before dropping Gautier. His bug ally muttered something to him in concern, but Jade just pushed himself up and kept walking. When we made eye contact he just huffed and kept going.
Stubborn, ain't he?
We continued upwards for a while, most of us silent although Eva, Marjorie and Meliae were enjoying an animated conversation. Cenza was relaxing on Violet's shoulder pointing to whatever looked pretty, earning many smiles from Violet.
Flax elected to walk on his own today which was concerning as he was around a foot tall and kept wandering out of sight, but he always ended up next to Jade.
{These lands are so beautiful. I know we're busy, but I'd love to just stop and appreciate it all for a bit,} Cenza cheered as she watched some Yanma fly overhead, clicking something polite.
"Perhaps we may once this is resolved," Violet spoke softly.
{Speaking of resolving things, shouldn't we have found baddies by now?} Zenara asked, leaping up alongside Isadora and Wilona.
{Good question, soldier,} Lou concurred beside me. {All the wild pokemon I've seen seem quite content.}
Wilona meowed in affirmation, looking at Isadora. She paused a moment before nodding, checking her map. "Well we're where we were trying to go, at least. We should likely check another area then."
Meliae peered over to look at the map when something seemed to catch her periphery. She turned her head to the thicket, squinting at something out of our sight.
{Hold on,} Amethyst noted, looking at Meliae. {What's up?}
Meliae rumbled to Amethyst before walking over the cliffs to our right.
{Meliae thinks she spotted one of her buds bouncing in a panic. Her friend might've run into the problem,} Amethyst translated.
Seconds later we could all hear a spring sound get closer and closer, until a rotund gray mammal with a coiled springtail and a pink pearl on top of their head bounded up the cliff face.
Spoink? Uncommon, but makes sense for marshlands.
Once Spoink had finally cleared the cliff face, they fell before Meliae in exhaustion, breathing heavily. I walked closer to see a slash mark on their left flank with slight bleeding. Isadora immediately ran over, tending to the Spoink as they oinked hurriedly at Meliae. Amethyst floated closeby absorbing each word, her and Meliae's expressions growing more grim by the second.
{Good news, we're kinda close. Bad news, there's a bunch of Pokemon Rheneas,} she nodded quickly at the Spoink, {Doesn't recognize that're attacking a large pond. And they don't seem to care about the Pokemon already living there.} Amethyst looked back at Meliae. {Which way is it?}
Meliae turned around and began speed walking downhill, slow enough that we could keep up at a full sprint. Violet and Zenara didn't need to be told twice, leaping over and sliding down the cliff face while Isadora beckoned to the rest of us as she placed a bandage on Rheneas' wound. "Let's get moving, before something happens we can't stop." And with that the two of them followed right after Meliae, leaping down with ease, Isadora cradling Rheneas on the way down.
Jade sighed deeply as he watched Eva and her team follow suit as though they hadn't spent all morning climbing a mountain.
No time to waste.
I pulled out my baton and extended it into a staff, holding one end over to Jade. "Gautier, Donut, ride on Holyn's back. Jade, hold on tight. Lou, you know what to do."
Gautier and Donut hopped on Holyn as he charged after everyone else with Shizu right beside them. Jade grabbed the end of the staff curiously as I did the same, holding it up in the air as Lou swooped in, picked it up and began flying right after everyone.
"Woooah, we could've been doing this the whole time!?" Jade exclaimed as the sudden rush of flight shook him.
"You needed the exercise," I joked as we flew down the hills before returning once again to a swampland. Fortunately, Lou was fast enough that we didn't miss anything as Lou dropped us gently before the pond.
Violet, Isadora, Eva, Marjorie and Wilona all dropped down from the branches above us, while Amethyst and Zenara floated beside us. Zenara floating was an odd sight, but it seemed she had put on the levitation brace that Violet had made for her on preparation day. After them came Clarabel with Sylvia on top of her and an exhausted Rheneas in Isadora's arms, hopping out with us.
Brave Spoink.
Meliae had flown over into the center of the pond and began firing Razor Leaves at the Panpour turning the pond into ice. A bunch of wild Marill, Wooper and Azurill swam behind her in fear as the leaves crashed into the ice sheet. They were all either injured or exhausted, but definitely scared. Meliae made sure not to hit them, but kept cutting the ice apart until very little was left intact anywhere but the shoreline.
Right with them were a couple Skrelp, with a Dragalge hovering above the surface of the lake with Meliae. The Dragalge was breathing heavily with frost beginning to settle on their body from enduring multiple ice attacks.
The Panpour, deterred by Meliae's attack, skated across the ice eyeing the pokemon in the lake. On the beach of the pond, supporting the Panpour were several Mankey, Simisage and Pansage chasing off Tangela, Ekans, Shroomish and other land pokemon away.
Kalosians… new home, same enemies.
Amidst the crowd of monkeys stood an unusually large Simipour. All the other monkeys were centered around them and they seemed to be the one directing the majority of their allies. They squinted at Meliae, then us before shouting at their monkeys rallying them into a raucous fury that echoed across the land.
This time Flax stepped forward raising his arms, ready to fire as he glanced at Jade muttering something.
"I don't think I need to tell anyone else that negotiations are off the table," Jade stated seriously.
Isadora narrowed her eyes at the group of simians.
"Jade, Topaz, focus on establishing a triage area. Clarabel, Donut, Holyn, Shizu, and Gautier will safeguard you. Violet, you'll come with me to retake more areas alongside Amethyst, Cenza, Zenara, Lou and Wilona. Eva, Marjorie, Sylvia, Flax, I need you to prioritize treating all injured pokemon."
Jade and Flax turned to Isadora confused. "Wait, Flax can go on the offensive with you, he's got a better advantage than anyone else here."
She shook her head. "Garland informed me Flax is trained in healing and powerful in his own right. He's needed with you."
As if on cue, Wilona pivoted and fired a Hyper Beam right into the canopy. There was a cry of surprise and pain before a Simisage fell out of the tree, but still looked ready for a fight. She yowled, running along the edge of the lake.
Isadora nodded, looking back at us. "Don't argue. Now's not the time."
And with that, she sprinted off. Violet ran after, taking care to direct any Pokemon that'd listen to go behind Meliae. Amethyst threw Mankey and Pansage off the land Pokemon, forcibly swapping their places with the Panpour while Zenara zapped any she could get a clear shot at. More Panpour were sent careening every which way as Meliae shot huge Bullet Seeds at the ice they'd created, shattering the layer further and sending them tumbling. Wilona and Lou began blasting more, assaulting Simisage and Mankey back, forcing them away from the Tangela and other land Pokemon.
As they were in the fray, Eva grabbed Jade and began pulling him over to a clearing on the opposite side of the lake.
"The enemy pokemon won't be able to as easily ambush us in a wide open space, and they'd have to work to run all the way over to the other side of the pond," she explained as the rest of us followed her. She turned to Jade as she pulled him along. "Ask your questions later, you don't have the experience to question orders."
He pulled himself out of her grip, the two glaring at each other before we all ran over to the opposite end of the pond.
Jade, Eva and I began setting up our first aid kits as our pokemon stood around us in a full circle. Our supporters stood by us. Holyn was clearly tense, the sudden shift from yesterday and today was stark. Clarabel shook so fiercely she rattled, but some soothing words from Eva stabilized her. I turned around to see Rheneas had accompanied us well, a notable distance from Shizu though.
"Flax, can you treat Rheneas quickly?" I beckoned him as I turned to Rheneas. "I dunno what you can do, but let's watch each others' backs, alright?"
Rheneas oinked firmly as brilliant water emerged from Flax's petals before he doused Rheneas' wound with it. She closed her eyes to feel a sting, but her expression softened as the cool water coalesced her body. Once Flax finished she oinked at him pleasantly causing him to look away bashfully.
Awww, he's appreciated.
Lou and Amethyst flew in moments later carrying an injured Ekans, two Tangela and a few Azurill in their hold before being placed gently on the ground. Once finished they each flew right back into the fray.
"I'll treat the Azurill," I jumped as I ushered them over to me. They were more startled than anything, but had been hit by a few stray scratches and ice attacks. I began cleaning wounds and applying potions as I appeased them.
"I know poison types, I'll handle Ekans," Jade said as he picked up the snake and began examining them for injuries.
"Then I've got- look out!" Eva shouted as she tried to pull the two Tangela closer to her.
The two dazed pokemon looked up at her in confusion only to turn around to see a Simisage accompanied by several Mankey and Pansage run up towards us.
Flax ran up first firing Poison Stings into the crowd, the slower to react ones getting shot and slowed. Simisage managed to side-step only to be met by Shizu's flaming maw as she clenched down on their arm and threw them back into their peers.
The monkeys still recovering from the Poison Stings swiped them away, only for Marjorie and Flax to swing in and begin lashing them all with Vine Whips up close. Simisage tried to get back up again to support them only to be slammed right back into the ground, Holyn leaping into the air and smashing their head into the dirt with a mighty axe kick.
Gautier carried all the downed monkeys with a psychic pull and spit a giant web all over them, binding them securely.
"Keep an eye on any that try to attack us," Jade warned Gautier as he continued treating Ekans.
Holyn ran over to me still breathing heavy, not from exhaustion, but anxiety still rushing through him. He watched the real battle rage on from afar. I couldn't take my hands off Azurill, but I could ease him.
"You're doing great, Holyn, just keep going," I assured him.
{There's a lot happening,} he stated, looking down at the Azurill before me.
"Lou and the others will end it," I promised as I finished treating the last Azurill. "Okay, all of you stay with us and we'll keep you safe, okay?"
One of them squeaked in protest as they tried to hop back into the battle. Rheneas pulled them back by their tail as she pointed off in the distance. An Azumarill was struggling against several Pansage as they pushed her against a rock wall, all of them darting around her faster than she could react.
I pressed my temple, trying to reconnect my telepathic link with Amethyst. After a brief moment, I felt her touch my mind again. [Problems?]
[Mother Azumarill is being targeted by three speedy Pansage over by the cliff face,] I answered.
[Got it,] she answered.
In the distance, I saw her suddenly swoop to the side while Violet engaged the Mankey she'd been dealing with. Violet was managing to deflect their attacks long enough for Zenara to come in and slam them into the dirt, while Amethyst rocketed over to the Azumarill.
Three green blurs suddenly stopped, each of the Pansage looking around in confusion before Amethyst crushed them all together, then shoved them into the ground below her. She kept them right below her as she bolted towards the lake, dragging them through the earth before letting them skip along the surface of the water and launching a Panpour up at the same time.
"Donut, can you lead Azumarill over?" I asked him and without fail he dashed over to come get her. Once he arrived she seemed a bit dazed, but appreciative as he fought off any incoming enemies.
Lou and Amethyst continued bringing us injured pokemon for us to treat. Us humans used all the first aid training we had to treat whatever pokemon they came to us. Flax's Life Dew came in clutch, easing the worse injuries. The others didn't slack off though as Sylvia's Heal Bell dispelled any frost and Marjorie's Acupressure released tension.
Our defensive pokemon continued holding the line. Gautier would psychically control webbing to disrupt the monkeys formation so Shizu, Donut and Holyn could go on the offensive. Whenever an enemy snuck past, Clarabel shot with Rock Blast and Rheneas with Psybeam.
Meliae let out another volley of seeds, one burst slamming the Panpour into the newly dug trench while half a dozen others bombarded the ground where Mankey, Pansage and Simisage were standing. Each one impacted the earth with a thud, before glowing bright and erupting into a dome of green light.
Meanwhile, Isadora was dodging a Simisage's assault before tripping them up. They braced themself for an attack, only to look up in confusion. Isadora had moved on, but Lou was staring them down with a blast already charged point blank. I heard them yell as a rainbow beam blasted into their face.
The Panpour that'd been skating on the lake before were now trying to avoid the hail of seeds, easy targets for Zenara to barrel into and send slamming into trees. A few Mankey tried to get in her way, but all she had to do was speed up ever so slightly and slam them back into the dirt.
I heard a Simipour cry out, and everyone looked over at them. They held a small Kecleon by the tail, their other arm covered in a blade of ice. The Kecleon tried to wriggle away before the blade of ice was at their neck, and they stayed deathly still.
Shit! Maybe Amethyst could psychically hold Simipour's arm while-
I heard Meliae growl in hatred, glaring at them but not able to do much. Isadora and Wilona stood stock still, still in battle stances but not daring to keep going. Zenara skidded to a halt, and Lou hovered, seething but not charging another blast.
Mankey, Panpour, Pansage and Simisage all around the lake slowly began to pick themselves up and regroup. Simipour began chittering something, commands, demands, I didn't know.
But I saw two eyes glowing in the darkness of the trees behind them. It was faint, but there was a presence that skirted around the monkeys returning to Simipour. I checked to see where Amethyst was and she was hiding behind a rock, her ears extended and her eyes glowing in absolute focus.
She's shrouding someone. The Mankey weren't attuned to it before and they still aren't.
The shadows rippled, Violet bolting out from right behind with Cenza. Cenza covered herself in a pale green glow, slamming into Simipour's back and throwing them off balance. Just enough for Violet to dart in, grab the Kecleon and roll out of the way. A couple Mankey tried to attack the three, but Zenara and Lou bolted over and slammed them aside.
Simipour was enveloped in a deep purple glow, shooting up into the sky. They looked around, shock and confusion evident, before they found themselves face to face with Meliae.
I wasn't that attuned to Tropius expressions yet. But you didn't need to know she was livid.
All four of her wings glowed blindingly bright, glaring energy gathering in her mouth as she roared. A thick beam of sunlight screamed through the sky, a soft whine piercing the air. The clap of a shockwave rustled the trees around us, shaking the ground, sending up waves in the lake. I had to steady myself, Holyn staying close beside me.
For a split second, I recalled what I'd seen of the Helheim escape. A similar beam of light, screaming through the air and vaporizing all in its path.
And just like that one, this one slowly faded. Though not before Meliae aimed the fading beam at the ground, a sickening thump echoing out. We could only see a charred, unmoving, humanoid form laying still in the dirt.
Simipour… There's almost nothing left.
There was a moment of stillness before Meliae roared, splitting the air. What few Mankey and Pansage with a single Simisage who could still run booked it. She dove, wind whistling behind her before she landed squarely on the unmoving Simipour. A resounding thud shook the ground, before silence.
Meliae whipped her neck around, glaring at the monkeys still left with a furious rumble. Daring them to try and retaliate. They didn't. Wilona, Isadora, Amethyst and Lou began rounding them up, then restraining them in a huge web.
Amethyst picked that up and planted it off to the side, breathing out before returning to Violet's shoulder. And they all began walking back towards us.
Amethyst seemed a little winded, but beyond that not too bothered. A scowl lay on Violet's face, but it didn't seem directed at anyone. Just mournful as she held the Kecleon close.
I've never seen her so… sad before. She saved Kecleon, but another Pokemon died. A Pokemon dying will never qualify as a victory for her.
Zenara would glance back every so often, clearly upset but more worried about Violet than herself. Lou flew down next to them with his typical scowl, unphased and unhurt physically or emotionally.
Isadora and Wilona grimaced, but didn't seem surprised. Or even particularly angry about this turn of events. Just upset that it had to happen, yet understanding why it did. Cenza meanwhile was consoling Kecleon, asking them questions about their parents and such.
I looked up to see Eva run over to Violet with a sympathetic expression. "You three saved Kecleon. You did what you had to to save an innocent life. Anything else wasn't your fault."
Violet glanced at her, and I saw a flash in her eyes. Of what, I wasn't sure. But she simply nodded, walking forward. She only paused before turning around, seeing a larger Kecleon running towards her. The Kecleon in her arms squirmed and she set them down immediately, the two hugging and holding each other close.
The smaller clung onto the back of the former, who nodded at Violet before they both turned invisible. All the traces they left were small footprints in the soft dirt, before those too vanished amidst the undergrowth.
"They'll remember your kindness forever," Eva added, looking at Violet's back. "Please remember it whenever the fight turns ugly."
Violet didn't say anything, didn't turn to face her. She just stared at the trail of footprints before looking back at the crater where Simipour once was. Amethyst tapped Eva on the shoulder, shaking her head slightly. Eva nodded, turning quiet as we allowed her a moment of silence to mourn.
I glanced at Jade to find he looked tired, but definitely did not hold the same sorrow as Violet. His body language displayed exhaustion, but his expression read 'good riddance'. He'd wanted to see what Meliae could do and I was sure he approved.
As for myself… I'm sure Volkner and his team have had to do similar things in the field. Whether or not we'd have to… I couldn't say. All I knew was that caused the fighting to stop and now we could recuperate.
"How are the injured ones," Isadora asked softly. "Is everyone alright?"
"We treated everyone who came to us and recommended they stay with us until every enemy was cleared out," Jade explained, as he turned to Azumarill holding her babies among the other pokemon we treated, all still in shock.
Isadora sighed, Meliae landing nearby at the shore, but not coming closer for now. Though I saw Dragalge and the Skrelp with them swim over to speak with her.
"We never treated the Skrelp or any of the other aquatic pokemon," I noted before looking around.
"I know." She looked at Wilona. "Handle the ground, I handle the lake?" Wilona nodded, running off into the trees as Isadora looked at us. "I'm going to check for anyone who needs help. Eva, Topaz, one of you should check up on Meliae and Rheneas. Whoever you feel the Pokemon here would feel most comfortable even without."
She then turned and dove into the lake, searching for any Pokemon that might need help. Eva quickly turned to me. "I'll go tend to Meliae. We already have a rapport."
I nodded as she and Marjorie ran over to Meliae. I sighed deeply as Lou flew over.
{Any injuries?} he asked.
"None. Your side?"
{Just a bit of exhaustion and stress,} Lou informed as I glanced back to Cenza, Amethyst and Violet. They were all triggered and could afford a break. {I'm going to assist Wilona.}
I nodded as Lou flew away while Holyn ran over next to me. {I'm gonna help too.}
I nodded again as he ran off to find anyone else, Shizu surprisingly following swiftly behind.
Jade looked at Amethyst and the others as he got up from his station and walked over to Amethyst, holding up an ether.
"You're drained."
She glanced at him, nodded, and took it before popping off the top and drinking it in silence. He looked at Cenza, then Violet's back before returning to his area and unloading more potions.
"Let's get to work, Topaz," he reminded me as I followed suit. I was witnessing a bevy of surprising interactions and I was still trying to process them all. Either way, our friends brought back more pokemon and we treated them all with minimal speaking.
~x2x~
PoV: Topaz Heart
Location: Clearpool Pond - Great Marsh
Time: March - Day 2 - Noon
It took a few hours, but we managed to escort as many pokemon we could find to our triage area and managed to treat them all. Some needed more convincing than others to know we weren't a threat, but word of mouth spread and our reputation increased. We were here to help.
Violet went to work as soon as we started bringing in pokemon, insisting on helping immediately. Soon enough all of us kids were at it, while our Pokemon traveled all over to find other pokemon. At some point I called Destiny to give her an update on the situation and how we captured a bunch of wild monkeys. She told me that she'd send some League folk to remove them from the ecosystem.
For now, we all sat together trying to eat lunch and restore some of our stamina after such a stressful bout. Everyone was really quiet, while Meliae had gone off somewhere with some other wild pokemon, but I assumed she'd be back soon.
"Ugh," Jade groaned, rubbing his head. "All of that damn screaming gave me a headache."
"It could also be stress. I assume you're not accustomed to these types of fights yet," Eva replied, biting into her sandwich.
Jade eyed her. "And you are?"
"I know enough to not question who's clearly in command," she answered sharply.
"All I wanted to know was why a valuable asset was being positioned away from the frontlines and you're giving me shit for it?" Jade questioned.
"It couldn't have waited? Are you going to pester Mom with questions every time you don't like her orders?" Eva shot back.
"What the fuck's your problem, eh? Did I offend you in some way or do we have some beef I'm not aware of?" Jade demanded.
I heard Amethyst groan loudly before looking over. {It's a helluva lot easier to worry about yourself than it is protecting people. Flax could go on the front lines, sure. But he can also make sure the people we're trying to save are okay in ways not everyone can. He can be an assurance to everyone who's hurt that they'll be okay, someone who can make sure their kid won't die. It might not be the spotlight, but it's a damn important role.}
Flax turned to Amethyst, surprised by her sudden advocacy of him. He likely believed she held a low opinion of him and maybe she did last month. Perhaps now it changed as he proved the best at healing.
"At least now she knows she can count on your team," I offered a bit more lightly. "No one can say otherwise that you weren't amazing out there."
This time Jade frowned at me. "I'm not a baby, you don't have to coddle me."
"If you weren't so argumentative then maybe he wouldn't," Eva said, sipping her tea.
"Alright, fine. I'll stop coddling people," I said, turning to Eva. "Kindly remove the stick up your ass and try not to instigate the most irritable person here, please? We all worked perfectly well for hours and I'd like to continue that outside of life and death situations. Plus, I am also quite tired of the screaming and violence."
Eva looked a bit stunned as she placed her tea down ashamed. Clarabel gently knelt beside her. "That's… fair… I apologize. I'm not as used to this as you might think. It typically never gets this bad, so I'm more uneasy than I realized. I was expecting to be the one comforting you all, but it seems I'm the one most unsettled. I just… I expect a lot from myself and that extends to my peers."
Makes sense. Her dad guards a legendary shrine, her mom is a badass. I'd have self-esteem issues too.
Jade exhaled deeply. He was anything but easy on himself. "That's… understandable. I'm sorry too. We can leave it at that." Eva nodded in agreement as they each continued eating.
{Look at you, a pokemon and human trainer. Multitalented,} Donut joked as he nibbled on his donut.
{Being a general requires managing a multitude of personalities and species. Of course General Topaz would excel in this, he rises above every standard,} Lou explained as though it were obvious.
Donut whirled around to Lou. {Do you have to correct or clarify everything I say? Just say I'm right and move on.}
Lou's eyes widened in realization. {Oh… I'm sorry. I was clarifying for the others as you already know General best, but I'll refrain from undermining your statements. You are right.}
Donut patted Lou on the mandible happily as he continued munching on his food.
"I'm glad you're all able to work this sort of thing out," Isadora noted. She'd gone to dry off after going swimming. Wilona was with her, and sat beside her as Isadora leaned against a tree for a moment of rest. "Eva, I know you mean well. But it doesn't fall to you to direct everyone, even if I appreciate you pointing everyone in the right direction. You'll be in situations where I'm not around in the future, but that's not here yet. It's alright, dear."
Eva preened under her mother's words. I'd come to realize Eva held Isadora to the highest standard. Everything she said and did, she tried to emulate as best she could. She was her everything besides Marjorie.
Isadora then looked at Jade. "Jade, I understand the want to question things. That's not a bad instinct in the slightest, and it's good that you're ready and willing to question my directions. But at the same time, you need to learn when to question directions. Right now, or before something's happening? Feel free. In situations like that though, where we have moments to act? You need to listen or else people could get seriously hurt or worse. If what I tell you to do seems strange, I promise there's a reason for it. So at least give me that trust, like I trust you to be able to do what I ask, okay?"
Jade weighed her words deeply as he nodded in thought. "I can do that."
"Thank you." Then she looked at me.
"Oh um, I'm sorry I told Eva to uh well… won't happen again!" I promised.
"Mmmm doubt," Eva squinted. "He might seem polite, Mom, but he's a ruffian."
Isadora snorted in amusement. "Topaz, you and I both know that's a load of bull. You would find ways to make Uno feel like it's life and death between you two. Same goes to you, dear," she said with a grin at Eva before continuing. "I'm glad you're able to mediate when I'm not around, but like it's not Eva's job to direct everyone, it's not your job to defuse arguments. Don't place that burden on yourself when you don't have to. Your stress might look different, but it's still there."
As she said that Holyn hugged my arm, bringing a smile to my face. "I'll try."
"That's all I ask." She smiled, Wilona having similar talks with all of our team. Violet, Amethyst and Zenara were still with themselves, but as Violet seemed less dismal than earlier? Whatever they were doing was working, and we didn't want to interrupt that.
"Now, I believe we promised Meliae plantains for lunch? We could all use it, and I'm sure everyone who got hurt wouldn't mind some food," She said while bringing out some cooking supplies.
From there we got to making some more food, chatting with a bit more pep in our steps than before. As I helped Eva prepare the fried plantains among other food, I tried to listen in on the multiple conversations.
"Thank you for defending the injured," Violet said softly to Shizu, Flax and Gautier. "It may not have been the role you desired, but you were invaluable for preventing the loss of innocent lives. There are no words to express my gratitude for that."
There was immense weight to her words as she meant every ounce and Jade's team could sense it. Gautier actually looked quite pleased with her thanks, blinking away.
{Oh I didn't end up doing all that much. All I've done is be carried around and shoot some web,} Gautier replied verbally. My eyes widened at the sound as I tried not to lose focus on frying some bacon.
I can understand him? Did we come to trust each other through the fight?
Violet seemed to have a similar experience, her eyes widening slightly before she shook her head. "Your web restrained the assailants before they caused further harm to others or themselves. That holds great importance, regardless of the ease of the action itself."
Gautier seemed to note too that something was different with their connection. Regardless he looked even more pleased at that. {I'll try to do that and more in the next fight.}
While Gautier seemed to covet the adoration, Shizu looked downright overwhelmed by it. I could sense a tinge of guilt from her for some reason which was quite unlike her. Violet noticed it as well, thinking for a moment before turning to her and waiting for Shizu to look at her.
"I do not know the whole of your life. But I know that here, now, you fought without hesitation to protect those unable to protect themselves. Whatever prior actions you have taken, this has as much weight. You chose to defend and assist those in need by repelling their assailants, and that is something to be proud of. The choices you make determine who you were, are, and will be. Today you chose to be a bastion to those in need. That speaks to who you are."
Shizu wagged her tail, turning her head from Violet. {You know how to lay it on thick… I'm not so nice and clean as to deserve it, but it's a work in progress.}
Violet smiled ever so slightly at her. "I say nothing more or less than the truth. That is something we all deserve, do we not?"
{Hmmm… we do, don't we? Alright, you've impressed me. I'm willing to play nice from now on,} Shizu barked as she laid down, eyeing Zenara. {You ain't so bad either. My old crew wouldn't be able to handle you at all.}
I don't want clarification on what she means.
Zenara looked up at her, thinking for a moment before giving her a determined smirk. {If they wanted a fight, I'd take 'em all on!}
Shizu laughed, but didn't object. It seemed her prejudice against prey pokemon might be changing. Flax on the other hand kept it simple as he seemed to give her a simple thank you and left it at that.
Seems like we still can't understand him. Does he not trust us yet? Why is he so distant?
Violet simply nodded, not pushing him to become closer before he was ready.
Noting that conversation to be over I shifted my focus back to cooking. That is until I noticed Donut hop over to Cenza who was nibbling on some berries.
{I saw you out in the fray. You've really gotten the hang of fighting,} Donut complimented her.
Cenza dropped her berry in sheer elation as she gave Donut her full attention. {You really think so!?}
{Well yeah. Whenever anyone got too close to Violet you'd smack them so she could escape and you pushed Simipour so he'd drop the baby Kecleon. I didn't see any mistakes, all in all no complaints. Only compliments,} he stated a matter of factly.
Unexpectedly, Cenza started to shake as tears began to well up in her eyes. Donut's lax attitude switched quickly as he tried to figure out if he upset her somehow. {Uhhh, did something happen?}
Cenza shook her head. {No no, it's just… I never thought I'd be useful enough for you to compliment me like this.}
{Oh uh, I can compliment you more often if it'd make you feel better?}
{No it's not that either,} Cenza insisted as she calmed herself down. {Ever since we met you've been an inspiration for me. Someone to aspire towards.}
{Me? I thought you were aiming for Heimdall.}
{I don't think I'll ever be able to turn my disability into utility like he has, but before we met I figured I'd never amount to much with the abilities I did have,} Cenza admitted.
She sighed sadly as she glanced at him. {I never told you about my life in the wild, haven't I? Or why I was so eager to stay with everyone when everyone else fled to the wild.}
{I figured it's because we all became such good friends,} Donut presumed.
{That's part of it, but really my life in Kalos… I was so painfully alone…} she smiled whimsically into the sky. {And I deserved it.}
Donut's expression soured. {Why?}
She turned to him. {As you know I was born with defective electric sacs, my parents noticed that early. I had a lot of siblings. I was always the slowest to gain energy and needed more time to catch up with everyone. My parents were very patient with me when I was a baby and worked extra hard to make sure we were all fed.}
She sighed deeply, turning to the sky again. {But as we got older, that much work got harder. We turned from craving milk to solid food and my parents had to forage so much more to keep me alive. It was dangerous when Fletchinder and Litleo were everywhere and they had a lot more kids to take care of. So they decided to stop.}
{You mean…?}
{They cut me off,} she stated bluntly, not an ounce of malice in her voice. {They told me they couldn't take care of me anymore, but maybe a nice trainer might and that I should find one. They then took all my siblings and left the forest. I tried following them, but I knew I didn't have the energy for it. So I stayed behind and made a life for myself.}
{I wasn't sure who'd want me if my parents didn't, but I figured they wouldn't have told me to try if they didn't care so I did. I found food, I saved energy, I made nice with any pokemon that could spare a berry. I wasn't sure how long I'd last, but I was living…} she grimaced. {Until Primeape found me.}
{Oh…} Donut knew the rest.
{He had a bunch of Mankey with him, but none of them attacked me. I was scared, but they asked me if I wanted to be friends and join their trainer. I was so happy that I hopped into his arms. I didn't even judge them for their foul stench, ungroomed fur, burned arms or the twisted way they looked at me. I just…} she closed her eyes before looking back at Donut. {I thought I'd die in those cages. I thought those monkeys would chase us down and rip us apart. I thought Pangoro and Meowstic would destroy us for ever defying them and yet they didn't.}
{That was a team effort,} Donut admitted.
{No. You and I, Dedenne and Pikachu. We're so small and frail, so everyone thinks we're weak and can take advantage of us. I always had to be afraid, but I've never ever seen you scared. I never thought anyone my size could fight Pangoro and win, but you did. And you still keep fighting, I just… you're so incredible. I wanna try and be like you, in my own way,} Cenza insisted. {I'm sorry that was a lot… I just felt you should know by now.}
Donut looked absolutely stunned. Frankly, so was I. Everything about her life made so much more sense after learning her story. Why she always tried so hard in training. She's been overcompensating all her life.
Now she can just be herself.
{I never considered myself as someone people look up to. My dad or mom, sure, but no one's ever really expected that much from me… I kind of just… go with the flow. Honestly, I always figured maybe I'm too chill to be scared of fights,} Donut laughed.
Cenza shook her head adamantly. {No Donut, you know exactly how much each fight matters and you fight each one appropriately. That's because you're brave. Even after only doing a little, I'm still shaking and you never did. I still have so far to go to get like you, so please keep watching. Okay?}
Donut stared at her a few seconds before nodding solemnly. {I'll keep a lookout then.}
She gave him a quick hug before returning to eating her berry. Donut wasn't sure what else to say, so he resumed eating his own berries. I smiled to myself as I continued cooking, thinking about their conversation.
You're so much more than what you think. Both of you.
The ground shook slightly, announcing Meliae's approach as she sat at the edge of the clearing. A few of the wild Pokemon looked a bit concerned, especially as she began to lower her head to our level.
Meliae meanwhile looked at me and Eva, rumbling something which Amethyst translated. {She'd like food for herself and Rheneas, if it's ready.}
Eva nodded immediately as she picked up several raw plantains, whilst I placed the fried ones in a bowl. "We prepared plenty of raw and fried plantains as promised," Eva assured her.
"Hope you enjoy it. They're a staple food in the tropics," I added.
Meliae softly rumbled her thanks, two vines extending from underneath her head armor to wrap around the bowls. Before she ate anything, she curled her neck and set them in front of Rheneas.
Rheneas sniffed both bowls before pointing at the raw ones. Meliae sent out a single leaf, neatly slicing a raw plantain in two and giving both halves to her friend.
She began nibbling at it while Meliae ate half the bowl of raw plantains in one bite. She raised her neck, considering them before swallowing and taking half of the fried bowl. Apparently they passed the test, because she then ate the rest just as quickly as she'd sampled them.
She has great taste.
Amethyst listened to her for a moment before looking back with a small grin. {She says they're nice, but she still prefers oranges. But she appreciates the food all the same and would like to grow some in Citrus Glades.}
I hummed. "Makes sense, we can spare a bunch. I heard no other pokemon loves fruit more than Tropius, but nothing beats their absolute favorite. I read that once they decide to grow a specific fruit, they never change it."
Meliae nodded, rumbling again. {She says it's happened, but the herd stays around a bunch of fruit trees for a reason. Baby Tropius get to try all kinds to find their favorites, and then it's easier to figure out who needs what when there's not an abundance.}
"And by doing so each Tropius has their own niche so no one fruit is overeaten, yet all fruits are nurtured," I added, keeping in mind what I had read.
"So now you're the expert on Tropius?" Jade joked.
I huffed as I pulled out my dex. "I've been refreshing my knowledge on the local population whenever I can."
Clicking over by the lake drew our attention. The Skrelp and Dragalge from earlier had followed, the Skrelp looking interested in the food we were having. Dragalge stayed in the water but spoke all the same. {Do you have some food to spare, Lux?}
Lux!? And I can understand them? So they trust us like the kittens did.
I was thrown for a loop, but I hurried getting more food to not look dumb. "Uh yes, we actually prepared quite a lot just in case. We actually have some dried seaweed and sardines if you're interested. I can also cook up some shrimp since I read that's your preferred diet, right?"
The Skrelp began clicking excitedly, while the Dragalge nodded. {That would be much appreciated, thank you.}
I breathed a sigh of relief. "Awesome, I'll get to it then! Holyn, you mind helping out?"
{Roger!} he said as he pulled out more food and bowls from Isadora's bag.
She had a lot prepared for these instances and said we should all make use of it. Eva gave me a peculiar look as I began preparing the shrimp, but ended up helping anyway.
Maybe we're all too casual with Rogelio's blessing, but it's not like we're around enemies. Plus, she talks to more pokemon than us.
Some Azurill started whispering, gesturing to me and Violet curiously. Dragalge glanced at them, a pleased look in her eyes. {These two are Lux and Nyx, yes.}
The Azurill, along with the Marill and Wooper with them, all lit up and ran over to Violet excitedly.
Within moments Violet was pulling berries and veggies out of her bag, gladly handing them out. Meanwhile, the Tangela, Ekans and Shroomish looked more at ease with their friends becoming more comfortable. They came up to me and Eva, looking at us both curiously and expectantly.
{I and my children have told stories of Lux and Nyx, the humans of light and shadow who came to us when all seemed lost, with Pokemon liberators beside them. They became something of a favorite among the locals,} Dragalge elaborated with mirth in her eyes.
{So we're kinda celebrities now?} Zenara questioned.
Lou shook his head. {Nothing so trite. When stories among wild pokemon are told like this they mean so much more.} Lou turned to Jade. {Apologies Jade, I understand your career is important to you. Although, I now believe fieldwork would be more apt use of your skills. The battlefield could use medics such as yourself.}
"Well at least you apologized," Jade shrugged.
So Jade can understand Lou… well that tracks. Lou saw Jade in action and that's all he needed to respect him.
"A few weeks ago we met up with the four Espurr siblings that escaped with all of you and they called us the same," I told Dragalge.
She nodded in understanding. {That makes sense. Before we scattered, we checked to see who, if any, had been left behind or taken. It came as a shock that the number was zero. Some began to question if you had been sent by the Grove of Vibrance and Shroud of Nocturne, and you needed names besides. So we arrived on Lux and Nyx. I do not know if the two sent you themselves, or if it was mere happenstance. But whatever the case, we count it as a blessing.}
I wonder if going to the rebirth shrine brought us all together like this?
"Trust me, I can't figure out legends and their grand plans either, but I am glad we made it in time again before Simipour finished their raid. I'm surprised you all didn't head towards the ocean, but it seems like you've found a new home worth defending in the swamp," I stated, lightly before frowning. "Sorry Simipour and the others found you guys again. I hadn't considered grunt pokemon would escape too."
{I've been thinking the same,} Lou added. {How odd it is that so many Pokemon peons managed to escape and yet every human was arrested. We prioritized rescuing captured pokemon and defeating the head, but I imagined the League would've handled this more efficiently.}
{Did you just figure every enemy you steamroll wouldn't try something outta sight?} Shizu added, drawing attention. {Or that maybe there were some pokemon you never got to and took advantage of your blind eye?}
{Weird to agree with Shizu, but we were a small team on a time limit. This might be the fallout of our blind spots,} Donut noted.
{And yet you saved our lives,} Dragalge reminded. {Even if some of our captors managed to escape, you prioritized our safety. And we thank you for that. As for why myself and my children ventured here rather than the ocean, we spent some time there. It is an easy way to find rivers that lead to potential homes. But we never live in the ocean; it's far too open and clear. We prefer the murk and gloom of swampland.}
Makes sense. Horsea's line are more suited for the ocean.
{Seems you've adapted well with the native denizens. Excuse me for saying this, but you're quite different from the Dragalge we fought before. They were quite… savage,} Lou added cautiously. {I figured that was an anomaly, but I never met another after.}
Benedetto's Dragalge. According to Donut neither them or Trevenant ever said anything intelligible.
Dragalge just nodded in understanding. {It can happen to all with the soul of dragons. We Dragalge are less susceptible to it, but without reason to ignore its call to war, some find themselves tangled in its hold. I may have been in an abysmal place, but I had something to fight for, to stay to protect,} she said as she curled around her Skrelp. {I would not let it take me.}
I smiled at the sight, warming my heart as Lou began processing. {The difference is stark, even in those monkeys. When we raided the poachers, many of the monkeys were feral. Now I'm seeing the same ones coherent. I've never quite come across something like this… well, I suppose many Pokémon are just simple, but not mindlessly savage.}
{As Dragalge said, dragons are prone to it, but it can happen to anyone. Sounds like those monkeys got some sense once they were freed,} Shizu snarled. {And see what they do with it. Never met anyone decent that'd sink that low for territory.}
{I believe what they learned from the slavers has stuck with them, regardless of whether or not they still follow their commands. That is not to say that it could not be their nature, but I doubt it.}
Violet sighed, drawing our attention. "Their minds have rotted in the presence of humans. They saw what may be gained through greed, had their hearts taken from them. In body, they are free, but they remain shackled to the roles humans forced them into. I doubt they know anything else."
We all nodded in agreement. They didn't fight like regular wild Pokémon. Their motives and actions, they were too… trained.
{I'm beginning to get them a bit better now,} Donut muttered as he turned to Dragalge. {Can you tell us anything that'd help us take them all down?}
She thought for a moment before looking at him. {The slavers' remnants usually come from all angles, but the groups always come from that direction,} she gestured with a fin back the way we'd came. {I do not know if that is their den or not, but perhaps something could be found?}
{So we were going in the right direction?} Holyn asked.
{A bit off from the intended destination, but seems so,} Gautier buzzed.
"Either way they came up there for a reason. We're making progress," I affirmed, turning to the wild Pokémon. "And new friends."
Isadora grinned before gesturing back up the hill. "Let's finish eating, clean up and then get going."
As we all got set to leave, Eva sauntered up to me. "It seems you and your friends have become quite popular with the locals. Chatting like old friends."
"Well as Jade would say, networking is everything," I laughed awkwardly.
She smiled deviously. "Seems so. Marjorie and I will have to redouble our efforts then. Come along now."
After a few minutes of clean up we were rested and ready for our next step. Before we left I turned back to Dragalge and the other wild Pokémon to say my goodbyes.
"Thanks for the information. If you need any more help, just send for us."
They all waved, Dragalge inclining her head. {We will, but I hope we don't need further saving. Some peace and quiet would be nice, after all.}
True. They may like us, but it'd be nice to just live a regular life.
I smiled as I turned to follow the group when I noticed Rheneas seemed to be sticking with Meliae.
"Are you coming too, Rheneas?" I asked her.
She nodded, hopping onto Meliae's head and staying with her as Meliae smiled.
"Is that safe?" I asked Isadora. She helped, but she clearly wasn't trained for battle.
She smiled warmly at me. "As long as she stays close to Meliae, I'm sure she'll be fine. She's mature and I respect her decision to come with us."
Flax smiled at Isadora's answer while Rheneas seemed quite pleased with the vote of confidence as we continued north, back up the hills we had already spent quite a sufficient time climbing.
~x3x~
PoV: Topaz Heart
Location: Cragged Path - Great Marsh
Time: March - Day 2 - Afternoon
Once again we continued our arduous walk up the hills. We were all pretty quiet as we made our way up the trail. Violet was noticeably somber, not having the same joy she had before when Cenza pointed out pretty flowers.
Meanwhile, to alleviate Jade's arms, Gautier elected to ride on Zenara's wool who was more than eager to assist. As time went on the sun began to set and it became more difficult for many of us to see the path ahead.
Isadora crested another cliff, looking ahead before looking down at us. "The cliffs plateau over here, and it's large enough for us to safely make camp. We should rest for the day, who knows what tomorrow will bring."
"I wouldn't want to meet our foes at night," Eva sighed as we all followed Isadora to the designated camping spot.
As she said it was sizable and no one else seemed to be around. I could see why she was gunning for us to make it before it got dark.
As I got my camping supplies together I turned to Jade. "This time you're helping, alright?"
"Yeah yeah sure," he said absentmindedly as he stared at Violet. She was slowly setting up her stuff alongside Amethyst, the same sullen expression she's had since the battle ended. Judging by Jade's furrowed brow and lack of focus, this clearly bothered him. "Gimme one second."
Please no arguments.
I let him go as I made sure to stay within intervention range. I noted Isadora and Wilona while setting up their own tent seemed to be paying close attention as well.
So we're all prepared, huh?
"Yo," Jade alerted Violet as he jogged over there. "I need to ask a question, but I doubt you'll like it, but since we made a truce you can refuse to hear it. Will you hear me out?"
She glanced at him, raising an eyebrow and waiting. "Excellent," he said matter of factly, his expression neutral. "Has Simipour's death negatively affected your abilities in the field to the point where you believe you'll be a detriment?"
Eva whirled around on him, dumbstruck. "She is grieving. What kind of brutish question is that?"
Jade turned to her simply. "I'm not trying to start something. She just looks really bothered by this and usually she never flinches. I just wanna know she won't start spacing out in a fight."
"Yes Jade, people dying is bothersome so we process it, not judge them," Eva accentuated. Jade seemed confused by her response.
He's not judging her for caring. He doesn't get it, but at this point he knows she'd care about any pokemon, even enemies.
Violet looked directly at Jade. There was no malice in her eyes, though. "I will not falter. This is not the first time I have seen a Pokemon die, and I doubt it will be the last. I mourn their passing, but cannot allow myself to be consumed by the past. I must act, for the future."
"I see…" Jade said, nodding his head in thought.
"Perhaps next time you could stand to be a bit more sensitive, Jade," Eva admonished him. "You agree, right Topaz?"
I hummed, rubbing my chin. I know Jade and I know Violet. How do I explain it in a way that makes sense to Eva?
"You're right, he could've been a bit more sensitive, but I think Jade and I both know Violet didn't need it right there. I also agree Violet will be fine because she still has a job to do, but also because she has a support system in Amethyst and the others. Jade likes clear affirmations when working with others which is why I think he asked when he already knew her answer."
Yeah that makes sense.
"I know it's probably different than what you're used to, but I think it's good the question was asked and an answer was verbally given." I turned to Jade and Violet. "Sometimes you just need to say it out loud to remind yourself, right?"
Jade shrugged, looking away. "If you say so."
Violet nodded, as Cenza patted her cheek.
Eva looked around at all of us. "You're a turbulent bunch… but it seems to be working. I'll leave you to it then."
{Work with whatcha got, y'know?} Amethyst spoke up, smiling a bit at her. Isadora seemed less concerned than Eva, continuing to set up the tent. I could tell she was still keeping an eye on us though. Jade returned to the tent to help me set-up as promised though, so it seemed he said his fill tonight.
Meliae craned her neck down, rumbling something to Violet. Whatever it was, it made her eyes widen. "No, I hold no ire. Why would I?"
They either understand each other or Amethyst is just translating it for her alone right now.
Meliae blinked in confusion before asking something else. Violet just shook her head, thinking for a moment before responding. "I mourn their passing. You took an action you deemed apt. You acted to protect your home. My silence is for the life they did not, do not, have. For what I hope their future is. It is not my place to judge your decisions."
Meliae tilted her head, Rheneas coming up and asking something. Violet simply gave a small sigh before smiling ever so slightly. "All Pokemon deserve a chance at peace and joy. Simipour had that chance robbed from them long ago. Humans abducted them, trained them as a tool. Their future may have held joy, but this life was tainted. Their next may not be. It is important to mourn for what they deserved, but never had."
{And hopefully as something less hideous,} Shizu interjected, all eyes turning to her. {What? Was no one else thinking it? Personally, if I were a Panpour I'd never even look at a water stone.}
{Unova,} Amethyst responded without skipping a beat. {Human places can really fuck up some Pokemon. Usually happens in the more colonized places. Or where the colonizers come from. Either or. Dragonite's another example.}
Meliae spoke again, Violet's eyes widening again before she responded. "Yes, I hope so too. Perhaps as a native of the land, living in harmony."
Amethyst seemed thrown off for a moment before grinning, sitting on Violet's shoulder. {Well, it's good you two bonded. And you both know the other's not upset with you.}
Meliae raised an eyebrow, but Amethyst waved her off. {I'll tell you later.}
Violet, after bowing to Meliae and Rheneas, turned and walked up to Eva who was helping Marjorie take out sleeping bags. "Evangeline."
"Oh, do you need me?" Eva asked.
"I intend to make clear my misconceptions and conclusions going forward," she said simply.
"Oh?" Eva glanced at me and Marjorie confused before turning back to Violet. "I'm glad you've vowed that…?"
"I am unfamiliar with Topaz' human friends. Upon learning your origin, I presumed you a spoiled, conceited, avaricious ingrate who knew nothing of hardship. Your actions show otherwise," she stated flatly.
"You were correct in assuming the worst," Eva answered honestly, now understanding Violet's intent. "Highshire Town was built around the Gracidea Garden because they covet My Grace's essence. They believe moving there will bring them fortune, but since everyone who moves there is already wealthy, it's a self-fulfilling prophecy."
She smiled at Violet. "I'm still trying to get to know you all as well, so I'll try not to make any rash judgements without thinking them through first. It's something I've been working on, but Marjorie has always been the real socialite between us."
Marjorie shook her head, adamantly telling Eva it wasn't the case, but Eva refused to hear it. "We are both budding young ladies, but there are too many troglodytes in my life that demand reprimand for me to stay my tongue."
{Even when you're mad you speak so gracefully. It's really cute,} Cenza cheered.
Marjorie chuckled, while Eva seemed astonished, but amused. "Even when upset my enemies will know my eloquence."
Cenza whispered something in Violet's ear, Violet nodding and whispering something back in kind before looking back at Eva. "It is commendable that you denied the trappings of humanity thus far. Continue to do so."
"I shall endeavor to do so," she said simply.
I think trappings of humanity caught her off guard a bit, but it seemed like she didn't judge Violet at all for her misanthropy. Judging by the way Isadora and her talk about Highshire, it sounds like they welcome it.
I hope Isadora does manage to scour out all the greedy jackasses one day.
After many pleasant conversations between us all getting to know each other, we all retired to bed. A lot kept happening with each passing day, but I could rest easy knowing I was making a difference… but also because sleeping in a sleeping bag was so comfortable.
Group
Gym Trainer: Topaz Heart
Brothers in Arms: Lou (Vikavolt), Donut (Pikachu), Holyn (Cranidos).
Deck: Fool, Devil, Strength, Hermit, Fortune, Hierophant.
x
Human Companion: Violet
Pokemon Family: Amethyst (MeowsticF), Zenara (Mareep), Cenza (Dedenne).
x
Blooming Celebrity: Jade Forrest
Co-Stars: Flax (Roselia), Shizu (Houndoom), Gautier (Dottler).
X
Aspiring Socialite: Evangeline 'Eva' Morebucks
Ladies of Grace: Marjorie (Steenee), Sylvia (Delcatty), Clarabel (Lairon).
X
Mistresses of Grace: Isadora Morebucks & Wilona the Persian
X
Allies: Meliae (Tropius), Rheneas (Spoink).