Episode 30: Isnomia's Heroes

"Kayla! Kayla, wake up!"

Similar cries became clearer and louder until the Buneary couldn't ignore it. A groan and a squirm later and she was up, meeting the anxious glares of her friends. All of them, even May and Ashe, let out relief in seeing her awake. Kari looked like she'd been crying too, and stood back with her paws pressed together.

"Uh, hi girls," Kayla giggled awkwardly.

"You're okay," quietly whimpered the Furret.

"Seriously, you're gonna have to stop givin' us heart attacks like this," Pola complained, tugging at her fur. "You're with us, right? Feeling okay?"

Kayla took a moment to grasp where she was. As far as she could tell, they were back in the throne room of Mathildaath's shrine, complete with the blue moon shining its light through the windows. A small Swoobat lay in an uncomfortable heap not far from them. Otherwise, the room was untouched. Even the damage from Pola's magic wasn't there.

"Oh no, don't tell me that whole encounter was a dream," Kayla shuddered and hopped to her feet.

"No, it wasn't," May replied.

Kayla glanced over at the Swoobat. "Then that's her?"

"… Yes. The original form of the Pokémon that turned herself into an archfiend," May answered solemnly. "More importantly, how are you feeling?"

"Fine, actually. Especially if you're worried about me," Kayla grinned.

"You're okay!" Kari squealed, throwing herself onto Kayla.

"Whoa hey, K-Kari!" Kayla giggled as she fell over, and then gasped. Kari was genuinely in tears, giving her a little lump of guilt in her stomach. "Kari… it's okay, really. I'm fine, I promise."

"She made me exhaust myself trying to heal you. You took a really bad hit back there," Shannon informed.

"Especially considering it was Mathildaath's dream, any normal Pokémon wouldn't have had a hope of surviving that," Ashe added.

"But we're not normal Pokémon," Kayla bragged as she stood up, smiling coolly. "And we won. So now's a time for celebration, right?"

"You're right… I-I know you're right, but," Kari whimpered, still wrapped around her. "I really thought you'd… de…de…"

"It'll take more than that to off me," Kayla posed. Kari looked miserable, making that guilt lump grow bigger. "Uh, okay I don't actually know what happened. But I promise, I'm fine. This is the real me, and we won."

"I know… I know, I-I'll stop. Sorry," Kari shuddered as she unwrapped.

"Hey no, it's cool!" Kayla hopped into her, making her yelp. "I just don't wanna worry you!"

"Kayla…" she blushed. She couldn't stop her tears and wails, and nuzzled into the Buneary. Kayla returned the favour with a laugh and a nuzzle.

"Oh brother. She's full sappy mode," Pola groaned and stepped back. "No stopping her. Just give 'er some room."

"I have so many questions, but if everything's truly alright, then I guess they can wait," Shannon turned to the Swoobat. "Er, I'm little lost on what this is."

"Yeah, seriously. Who is that? They've got three eyes like Mathildaath, but everything else is normal," Pola added.

"It's what I said. She's the original form that became Mathildaath. An ordinary Swoobat, as far as your eyes can see," May explained. "And she just got defeated in a realm of her greatest imagination. She's no longer an archfiend. Reduced to a mortal Pokémon, just like you and me."

There was a moment of silence. Swoobat looked like she wasn't even alive, which was a little worrying. Ignoring that, May came forward, tapped a few things on her PET, and then hovered it over the Swoobat, where a light came out and engulfed them. In a flash, the Swoobat was gone.

"Whoa that was a rescue light- you just sent her to HAPPI?" Pola gasped. "Can we do that? Can they deal with that?"

May cleared her throat. "Our work here is done. It's time to leave."

"Yeesh, okay… I mean you're right, but… can't even let the moment soak in, huh?" Pola replied. May ignored her and made for the exit, arms tucked behind her back as usual. "Man, I hate you."

Ashe stifled a giggle. "Poor Pola… Let's go. Everyone's waiting for us."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever," she scratched her head.

"Don't worry, we're here!" Kari squeaked. She looked like she hadn't even been crying.

"We get to go and rub our victory in Gema's face. Aren't you excited?" Kayla joked.

"Urk, right. knowing that guy, we're probably still in trouble somehow," Pola grumbled.

"Even though we saved the whole of Isnomia?" Kari squeaked even louder. "Ohmygosh, we just saved all of Isnomia? The whole world! We did it, we really did it!"

"Oh no," Pola slumped as Kari went off into a squeaking fit. The others giggled at her as they made their way out.

The shrine remained cold even when they got outside, where they stopped at the exit. Gema and everyone else who had come with them were still there, but were awake. "Kayla!" they all called out upon noticing them.

"You guys are all okay too. What happened?" Kayla asked.

"It was crazy! One minute we were trying not to fall asleep from the moon, the next we were underwater, then there was this giant beast, and then—"

"Azelf!" Gema stopped her. He had tears in his eyes and he grit his teeth. "C-compose yourself. We have to ble the adults h-here."

"But it was awesome!" the blue legendary flew up and threw their arms wide. "And we can clearly see they're okay. You guys did it, right? You won, didn't ya?"

"Nooo… We are now the servants of the mighty archfiend, oooooh!" Kari waved her arms about.

"That would've worked if Kayla had played along with the bit first," Mesprit covered her mouth to laugh.

"Aww pickles."

"You're all okay? Nblot hwurt? You, yblew, BLAHAHA!" Gema fell over into tears.

"O-kay, getting' kinda weirded out by everyone crying over me," Kayla started sweating, and turned away. "I'm alright guys, all of me's here, I promise."

"You should be apologising, young miss!" Uxie pouted at them. "All of you should be ashamed of yourselves. Gema was so worried about you! And you disobeyed him again."

"Miss Uxie, we defeated Mathildaath. We just saved all of Isnomia," Shannon leaned back in surprise. "Surely there's some kind of compromise here?"

"And besides, May and Ashe came with us. It was teacher approved!" Pola joined in.

"What does it matter if you all put yourselves in danger? I'm so disappointed in all of you," Uxie put her hands on her hips.

"Wait Uxie! Look!" Mesprit called out.

"I can't look," Uxie replied, turning around anyway.

Kayla was confused until she peered out across the orchard, spotting a dull gleam in the distance. A warm yellow light like a sunrise began to flow across the sky, and with it, shimmering particles and crystal glitter filled the air. These lights flowed across the orchard from the sky to the water, brushing across the whole world with a swift, sparkling stroke. Even though it sounded like the accursed triangles that came with the crystal dens, she couldn't help but be mesmerised by it.

Unlike the crystal dens, she had an idea of what this was and why it was happening. It was proof of her triumph and the result of her and everyone's efforts to save Isnomia. Surely enough, as the crystal lights flowed closer to them, it could be seen that the world they had passed was returning to normal. Sunset filled the sky, the water was vanishing, and as the lights passed over them, wind and warmth returned. Soon enough, the archfiend's moon vanished from sight, leaving a natural sky filled with stars and Isnomia's two moons.

"It's so beautiful," Kari whispered as everyone slowly stumbled about in awe.

"Kayla, do you know what this is?" Jirachi's voice came into her head, making her stop. "All of that is residue from Mathildaath's realm. And now, it is returning to my comet. This disturbance has been resolved."

Kayla smiled at that. "Everything's turning back to normal. There's still no fruit and stuff, but think the orchard'll come back to life, too?"

"It should do, assuming those Pokémon who were turned to stone are returned to life as well," May answered, tucking her paws behind her as always.

"Oh right, those guys. If they really do live here, they'll do their thing. Uh, should we look for 'em?" Pola replied.

"Ahem. No. You all have done enough already," Gema cleared his throat. He was stood up tall as if he hadn't been crying at all, and had his arms tucked behind his back. "Kayla, Team Daybreak… I am truly disappointed in your refusal to follow orders to this extent. You put yourselves and this operation into jeopardy, risking a great deal, including your very lives, for a measly chance of success."

"Urgh, here it comes," Pola rolled her eyes.

"However… this opportunity paid off, and you have proven my decision to include you in this operation as founded, beyond a shadow of doubt," he continued, and faced them. "You all should be proud of yourselves. Thank you."

"Yeah, thanks! You totally saved our butts!" Mesprit waved.

"Way to show us up. Who's really the legendary Pokémon here? Doesn't feel like us right now," Azelf added with a cocky smirk.

"Aww, hehe, stop it. You're gonna make me blush, now," Kayla snickered. "I dunno about you guys, but it's sunset, and I'm beat."

"Me too! My stomach's eating itself!" Kari agreed.

"Wait really? It hasn't been that long since we ate, has it?" Kayla asked.

"I dunno. But a couple of fruits and stuff don't last me that long, you know that!" she giggled.

"Hmpf. Point taken," Gema smiled. He took Uxie's hand delicately and guided her to his side. "Let's go home. Back to RSE!"

…

"For twenty years, the northern regions of Isnomia have been under the constant threat and reign of an otherworldly being that even we Pokémon refer to as a monster. As of this day, the accursed beast, the archfiend known as Mathildaath, is no more," Gema announced, stood up high on a stage. An audience cheered at his words. "Mathildaath has been defeated and is in our custody. Her accursed moon no longer shines its blight upon the land. The flood that kept life at bay has all but dried up, returning the earth to its fertile origins. Our operation was a complete success, though it would not be if not for the courageous triumph of a certain team in our midst."

"Is this gonna go on much longer? I'm so hungry," Kari whined. The team were hidden behind a curtain out of sight.

"Shh, bear it. You know he likes to ramble," Kayla whispered back.

"They have been with us for such a short time, and yet have grown in skill and ability at a remarkable pace. And now, with this triumph? They are heroes. Heroes who walk amongst us as students. Team Daybreak! Come forth. I want this celebration to be held in your honour," Gema announced, stepping aside.

Kayla and the group came through the curtain behind him, finding themselves stood before an enormous crowd of Pokémon. Kayla assumed it would be every Pokémon in the academy, but she still underestimated that number. There must have been over a thousand Pokémon right here, all gathered in the fields outside the academy. Yeesh, talk about unnerving… one embarrassing move and we'll be the laughing stock of the whole region.

"These gallant heroes stood up to Mathildaath and ended her reign, showcasing remarkable teamwork, passion, and stubbornness in the face of evil. They saw everything wrong with our region and stood up to correct it, showing no fear at the mountainous challenge before them. For this momentous achievement, Kayla, Team Daybreak, it would be my honour if you accepted this badge of honour," Gema nodded at his surrounding legendaries, who presented the team with a regal cushion. Six modified team badges rested on it, each adorned with royal symbol engraved upon their shiny, jewelled surface.

Wait, this is, Kayla shuddered the moment she realised. The badges had a coat of arms engraved on them. An altered version of Isnomia's Coat of Arms with the eighteen Pokémon type symbols on it. RSE's logo acted as the crest.

"These are Heroes Marks. They are symbols of your great achievement, and will grant you access to certain admin areas within HAPPI buildings. They also grant speaking rights to the higher ups in important political discussions," Mesprit explained as the group accepted theirs. Kayla stared at hers though, grimacing. "You're probably the youngest Pokémon to ever receive such honours."

"But don't get swell heads! This doesn't mean you get to stick your nose where it doesn't belong," Azelf warned. "All it really means is that you guys're heroes who Pokémon will ask for your opinion on when certain things happen from now on."

"Yes! You are still students, and your rank has not increased," Gema clarified. "I hope that you will continue to train, be educated by us, and enjoy life at RSE Academy. It is an honour for both of us!"

"Do we get anything useful?" Kayla asked.

"Of course! Payments have been made to your PETs, so please check them later. You should also have a digital version of these Heroes Marks, so there is no need to wear them all the time," Gema answered. "Try not to spend it all in one place. It's technically illegal to be giving a pokemon your age this much money but we trust you'll use it well…"

He mumbled that last part, making Kayla worry a bit. Either way, she was uncomfortable looking at that Heroes Mark. She didn't outright know why, but she would rather the drama of declining it in front of this crowd than to be seen supporting its questionable imagery.

"Mesprit, she can't wear it, take it away already," Gema hissed. Mesprit flinched as she realised, and stealthily hid the cushion from the audience.

"That goes for the rest of you, my fellow students. Team Daybreak are still students here all the same as you. Treat them with respect, as heroes, but also make sure they remain comfortable with life here. They are heroes, not celebrities!" Gema announced. "Tonight is a celebration in their honour. To Team Daybreak, and freedom from the reign of Mathildaath. Let a new age of prosperity and peace within Isnomia begin!"

The crowd cheered at that, and some even fired attacks into the air. It was enough to make Kayla roll her ears down and cringe. Thankfully, Azelf realised and ushered the team behind the curtain again. A short walk down a hallway and they were back in Gema's office, where the noise of outside was muffled.

"Phew. You guys did well. Thanks for putting up with that," Azelf smiled sheepishly.

"All we did was take the medals," Shannon cocked his head. "It took all evening, too. I'm ready to conk out."

"And you did it without raising a fuss or anything. Gema loves his formal parties," Azelf snickered. No one replied. "Ah, I bet you're all feeling like that, huh? Cafeteria's been turned into a proper party if you wanna take a load off."

"Food?" Kari perked up.

"More than you eat for sure."

"I humbly accept that challenge."

"Oh boy. Not that I disagree. That went on forever. I could eat my arm right now," Pola sighed.

"If you don't mind me asking, while I have you guys alone… are you okay?" Azelf calmed down.

"Is something the matter?" May replied.

"You've been kinda quiet, May. Ashe as well. Kayla, you didn't look too happy out there," Azelf clarified.

Dang, it was that obvious? I could do without the drama here, too, Kayla turned away, trying to hide her thoughts.

"… You really didn't think for a moment, did you?" May sighed. "At no point did it cross your minds that we would want to rest after our big battle? But instead you plan and act out the celebration on the very evening of the operation's success. Of course we're all exhausted and bothered, Azelf."

"Urk! Point taken. I can get that. It's sorta hard to say no to the Headmaster once his mind's set, y'know?" Azelf flinched. There was a pause. "U-uh, I won't get in your way and stuff. If you go now, you'll get first dibs on food, so go knock yourselves out!"

"I badly want to sleep," Ashe admitted as everyone began to leave. Kari was first to bolt out, and then suddenly darted back in, nearly bumping into Kayla through the beads.

"Hey, you're comin' with, right? You want food, too?" she asked.

"Of course! Wait uh, what're you plotting?" Kayla leaned back.

"Noooooothing," Kari swayed with the cheekiest smile ever, tail wagging and all.

"Heh. A surprise from you, at least I'll have something to look forward to this evening," Kayla smirked, and led the way behind Kari.

Down in the cafeteria, the chefs outdid themselves on the celebration despite the short notice. A colourful, towering cake was the centrepiece of the hall, surrounded by an endless sea of platters of every food Kayla could think of. All she cared about was that when parties like this were on, she could get her paws on the elusive Jaboca dishes, which were plentiful this time. On top of that she spotted dark chocolate cupcakes, herbed potatoes with sour cream dip, even vegetable stir fry, and more. With free access to all of this, it didn't matter what was embarrassing or what the other Pokémon thought of her. She planned to eat herself silly even if she felt full. Any repercussions would be future Kayla's problem to worry about.

"Here, here!" Kari bolted up to her before she could get started. "Here, they actually have it!"

"Is that carrot ice cream? That's a thing?" Kayla remarked, surprised at the bowl of orange ice cream. She didn't need to be instructed here, she just hopped up and chomped on the scoop Kari offered her.

"You're starting with the ice cream?" Pola remarked. Kayla cringed hard at the chilly food, and almost spat it out. "Ahahaha, I could've told ya that was gonna happen!"

"I know the clue's in the name, but this is what everyone's so hyped about? It's so icky and cold!" Kayla cried.

"To be fair, carrot flavour must be an acquired taste, even for bunnies," Ashe said.

"You've got that right!" Kayla declined the rest. "I'll settle for the cake, thank you very much!"

"I dunno, acquired tastes have a place somewhere," Shannon added, showing up with his own cone.

"Is that fucking pistachio?" Pola gave him a leer.

"More nuts than you'd ever see on a night out," he replied. The others covered their mouths, and she went bright red. "So don't knock it 'till you try it."

"You- I- fucking- I'm gonna remember this!" she growled.

"Kari," a familiar voice called above the chatter in the background. Other Pokémon were starting to show up in the hall, including Paris, who nervously headed toward them.

"Oh, it's you," Kayla smiled at him. She glanced back and forth between him and Kari, and then stepped back.

"Oh," Kari calmed down as well, and posed shyly.

"I… Kari…" he muttered, struggling to look at her. Quiet fell with the couple exchanging brief, awkward smiles, until the Raboot steeled himself with clenched fists. "Allow me to apologise."

"Aww put a sock in it!" Kari squealed all of a sudden.

"Eh? But I—" he tried to reply, only to have his mouth stuffed with a scoop of ice cream, clearly more than he could handle.

"What is with you bunnies and wanting to talk about stuff at a bad time? Tonight's a party, silly!" she giggled as she stuffed more into his mouth before he could finish the previous. Paris helplessly flailed his arms at her until he was on the floor, cheeks stuffed with ice cream. "Oops. Maybe I should've just gone with strawberry."

"Or give 'em a chance to breathe," Kayla giggled.

Kayla's mood was lifted thanks to everything. The festivities were a welcome relief after everything they had been through. Despite the gargantuan crowd of Pokémon at the ceremony earlier, the cafeteria felt only a little more packed than usual once things got going, and most of the Pokémon Kayla recognised as regulars. More cheers were given for her and Team Daybreak, but on a much more homely level. Other teams congratulated and thanked her personally, while others offered her snacks and sweets as a sign of friendship.

Hours later, it didn't feel like the celebrations would end. Food turned to chill dancing and games. Kari had eaten herself into a giant pear again, while Pola had found herself a Leafeon partner to dance with, one dressed in a black shawl and jade earrings. Kayla had seen Shannon earlier getting his fill of the delicacies, so she assumed he went off to do his own thing. With her own belly full, she felt like doing the same, and slipped out while a new group took to the stage to start singing.

"Phew, thought I'd never get away," she sighed to herself. It took a moment to see she was at the academy's main entrance. Hmm… probably better if I get to the dorm through the window. If I go back in, I'm probably gonna get caught up again.

She still waited for a moment, taking in the calmness of outside. A chilly wind relieved her of sweat, making her realise how hot it was indoors. Now that she was in cosy familiars and not the orchard, she could appreciate the clear, starry sky. A yawn caught her by surprise, so she shook herself and was about to make her way. "Is that… Moby?"

The Audino turned at her name, surprised. "What're you doing out here, O great hero?"

"Was that a challenge?" Kayla shut her eyes. There was a pause.

"Sorry. You're right. Uncalled for," Moby calmed down. "Congrats though. Seriously."

"Aww, where're you off to? That's a pretty big bag," Kayla asked.

"Was kinda hoping you wouldn't see me. It's no big secret, though. I'm off on that journey I said I wanted to do," Moby turned to the scenery.

"In the middle of the night? Don't you want to wait until morning?" Kayla was surprised. "Actually, why now in general? Doesn't seem like you to skip on a celebration."

"I've grown lax over the years of not having worthy challenges. This whole experience taught me that," she replied, facing the floor. "I was so sure I could defeat you, but then I went and got wiped the floor with by Mathildaath. Then you show up, and you win. We didn't battle, but you're officially better than me."

"Er, I wouldn't put it that way. There's, uh, factors at play here," Kayla sweated a little.

"Still, I feel unaccomplished. I want the power to overcome any challenge, no matter what. That's why I made myself so strong, so that I could defeat any opponent. I grew to be one of the strongest Pokémon at RSE, even greater than those legendaries Gema surrounds himself with. Now a student I trained is surpassing me in achievement," she rambled. "And it's not even like it's all pride. This was a matter of saving Isnomia. If I can't help other Pokémon in a moment of crisis, then why am I here, why do I have this power? I have to go on a journey to find myself again. And I have to do it with the strict, rigorous training that made me this strong in the first place. That's the only way I'm gonna rekindle that love of fighting that I'm losing… wanna come with?"

"I'm a bit tied up for that," Kayla smirked.

"Ya sure? It would get you away from it all," she smiled at last. "Well, I'm not gonna force you. But when we meet again – and we will meet again – we're gonna collide fists full force. No gettin' outta that friendly battle, ya'hear?"

"Hey, you're on! I wouldn't run away for the world!" Kayla remarked. "If we weren't so busy, I'd have taken you up on that battle sooner."

"Heh, would you now? Maybe you are getting a swell head. You can't even punch!" Moby motioned a one-two punch. "But I like that confidence. You better hold onto it, keep growing stronger, and gimme what you're made of when we meet up."

"Hey uh, all this reminds me… have you ever met a Pokémon called Haru?" Kayla asked.

"Haru?" Moby calmed down and smiled. "What species? I don't think there's a species named Haru."

"No, no, he's uh, geez, I dunno what I'd even label them as. They were like, part Oshawott, part Cinccino, part Azumarill…"

"Ah, my old student. One of a kind, they were. Did someone tell you a story? I haven't heard their name in a while," Moby remarked.

"I met them while in Mathildaath's shrine. Just like you, they wanted to fight me when I was stronger. If they were one of your students, then I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree," Kayla said. There was a pause, worrying her a little. Moby didn't look upset however. In fact they smiled, if a little melancholic.

"They were there, at the shrine?" Moby eventually asked.

"They were under Mathildaath's control, but broke free pretty quickly," Kayla recalled.

"Unbelievable. I can't believe you met them," Moby said. Her face looked like it was growing more distant by the second. "I guess there's the goal of my journey. I'll find Haru again."

"They a big deal to you?"

"Kayla. There are so few Pokémon that have defeated me at full power. One of those Pokémon is Gema. Mathildaath is one, too. And the last one is Haru," Moby turned to her. She was still smiling, but Kayla could read that sense of bitterness in her tone. "Of those Pokémon, Haru was completely different to anyone I've ever fought. Yes, they seek strength and thrills like I do. But they felt almost… delusional. In their pursuit of power, there was no purpose. It would take only a bad string of fate for them to be using their power for evil. If they did, I don't know if any of us could stop them… and I'm the one who trained them, taught them Move Theory."

Kayla was quiet. She could only imagine how something like this felt. She knew the fears weren't unfounded either, recalling how she felt when she encountered Haru. They clearly held back against her, yet the fear of potential death was there. Were it not a friendly battle… she didn't want to think about that. Not now.

"You're a good teacher. If you find them, you can definitely put them back on track," Kayla nodded.

"Aww, thank you," Moby gave her a little hug. "I should get going before more Pokémon try and stop me. The night's young, too."

"You really are leaving?" Kayla was surprised. Moby nodded, and her smile was no longer distant. "Am I the only one who knows, too?"

"It's not a big secret. Feel free to tell the others," Moby turned to leave, giving her a tip off with her fingers. Kayla was still surprised. The Audino didn't turn around as they headed towards the Twinight Woods, where they vanished into the night.

Wow. There goes a real hero, I guess, Kayla sighed solemnly. She glanced at her feet, and lightly kicked the soil. If not for her, I wouldn't be where I am. Shoot, I really should've thanked her properly, and told her not to be so hard on herself.

A yawn caught her off-guard again, so with a lazy stretch and a cheerful grin, she made her way back to the dorm. She wasn't the only one outside it seemed, but as if those other Pokémon knew she wanted some fresh air and alone time, they offered little more than a wave. She couldn't wave back, but it gave her a smile all the same.

The way she felt now, it was hard to believe it was all over. When she left, the smiles and scenes of everyday, hard-working Pokémon were just as casual as ever. Now the archfiend was defeated and Isnomia was at peace, and their smiles were all the same, just like she predicted they would be. Nocturnal Pokémon woke up and went about their business, rescue teams set off on late night missions, and casual groups of friends chilled in the fields. She could even spot some Pokémon cleaning up the remains of the ceremony earlier, which left snack wrappers and other messes all over the floor.

I guess it wasn't a party for everyone, Kayla realised as she neared her dorm. Thankfully, the window was open and the light was on. And even for us, life moves on.

A quick check that Pola wasn't on or near the window, and she hopped in, landing on top of the treasure chest in their dorm. There, her heart skipped a beat. Only two Pokémon were here: May, and the three-eyed Swoobat they found after their battle, both sat across from each other. Both Pokémon were surprised to see her, and paused their conversation.

"I uh, I have several questions," Kayla mouthed.

"Well, most Pokémon use their front doors," the Pichu replied.

"And most Pokémon don't hang out in each other's rooms," Kayla became smug.

"It's true. I'll give you that one."

"So… What is this?" Kayla cocked her head. There was another pause, mostly as May clearly pondered her next words. Swoobat never looked up.

"Please excuse me. I must admit, I'm nervous," May eventually confessed. "But I want you here. You need to hear this."

You? Nervous? Sure doesn't sound like it, Kayla hopped onto her bed.

"Mog. You're a Pokémon again," May began calmly. The Swoobat blinked, but still didn't so much as move. "It's been twenty years. A tremendous amount has changed, and I'm certain you have more questions than we do."

Swoobat still didn't answer.

"Hmm… do you know who I am?" May continued, this time with a sly smile. "You have the right to speak, you know. It's me, May Curtiss."

At last, Swoobat let out a light gasp, and stared at the Pichu. They locked eyes for a moment, where it almost looked like Swoobat was holding back tears.

"Kayla. Up until now, I had you promise to grant me my wish without telling you what it is. I did that for two reasons. One, to ensure your commitment to the role. But two, because that wish has already been granted," May continued. She spoke more solemnly than usual. Her voice was soft, and she spoke slower and quieter. "Mog. When I realised what had happened to you, I couldn't help but feel at fault. The levels of loneliness, distrust, and hopelessness you must have felt, that all led to you becoming Mathildaath… so I watched you. I watched you however I could, and waited for a chance that I might be able to free you from that pain. Initially I was going to kill you, but then Kayla came along, and presented me with a chance like no other. A chance to repay you for the kindness you showed me back then."

"But I," Mog whispered ever so softly. Her eyes were welling up.

"When I had lost everything, you assured me that against all odds that life was worth living, that I could rise up to become something I could be proud of, and live a life worth living. When I learnt that Kayla was a dreamer, I knew my odds were slim, but that I would have a chance to do the same thing for you. I couldn't do it alone, and that was why I had Kayla promise to grant this wish of mine," May explained. "Kayla. The way things aligned, I was able to let you naturally desire to defeat Mathildaath. I felt that was the best way, instead of instilling any potential mistrust by giving away that I was involved with her. Thanks to you, I've rescued an old friend from the depths of a broken heart. Truly, from the bottom of my heart: thank you."

"Err, you're welcome, but I'm just, uh, wow. I wasn't expecting this," Kayla struggled to look at them.

"Why didn't you tell me in the first place? I would've focused on rescuing her."

"It was best to leave it to nature. Even with all the information on the Dream World and its mechanics that I learnt, I had no idea how this was going to go down. If in the event that we needed to kill Mathildaath, I needed you to do it without restraint," May explained. "I also needed you to trust me. I had to hide any and all relation I had with Mathildaath so that you would give it your all, or not think that I could double-cross you at any point."

"There's a lot more going on here than I realise, isn't there?"

May nodded. "Twenty years plus of history will do that to you."

"Okay… let's take it from the top, then. Intro me," Kayla nodded. May cleared her throat.

"Kayla, this is Mog. She's a solo rescuer from the early days of RSE. Long story short, she's saved my life on more than one occasion, and in a way that cannot be overstated. In my darkest hours contemplating an ill fate, it was Mog who gave me the hope to keep on living," May introduced her.

"You give me too much credit. What I've done, I can't make up for. I don't deserve any sort of kindness," Mog shuddered, eyes narrowed at the floor. Her centre eye remained closed the whole time she spoke.

"Hey, none of that depression. We don't do that, here," Kayla replied, and hopped off the bed to walk over. "True, you were the archfiend for twenty years, and sewed all sorts of awful stuff to Pokémon all over Isnomia. But May saved you, and she's giving you a second chance."

Mog was silent.

"You'll never be able to make it up to every last Pokémon. There's just no realistic way," Kayla stated. "So, I think you shouldn't live with that guilt."

"Don't. You can't say that. I deserve to be punished! Just being alive is…"

"Ah, I'm not the best at wording stuff like this. What I'm trying to suggest is… oh hey, that's a good idea. Why don't you join Team Daybreak?"

"What?" May's eyes widened.

"Team Daybreak?" Mog looked up unsurely.

"It's my team, the team May's part of. I'm thinking about all sorts here, and I think it's your safest course," Kayla reasoned, pacing around the room. "All kinds of Pokémon are gonna have opinions on you. But if you're part of the team, and they see you doing good work, what can they say?"

"I did this world wrong, though. I don't deserve any kindness," Mog argued.

"You didn't do wrong onto the world. The world did wrong onto you. You just retaliated in a way that most wouldn't understand. As long as things are the way they are right now, what does it all matter?" Kayla replied casually.

"What do you know about me that lets you say something like that?" Mog raised her voice and her wings.

Kayla leaned back in surprise. It's true. I don't know anything about the real her. Yet still I feel like I resonate? I was so comfortable suggesting this I did it without thinking. But why? The only thing I know about her is in my nightmares.

"You know, it really does hurt to hear you talk about yourself like that," May admitted, eyes closed and arms tucked behind her back. "You're a precious friend, Mog. And Kayla is hitting the nail on the head. It's unfair to place the blame solely on yourself."

"N-no! Why are you being so kind to me? I tried to kill you. I brought you so much suffering! I don't understand," Mog cried, face in her wings.

"I underestimated you again, Kayla," May continued. "It's actually a pretty sound idea. You're protected from most forms of discrimination by being a member, while others could see it as a form of community service."

"Plus, it pays to have veterans on the team. Even if that is kinda cheating," Kayla admitted cheekily.

"If you're working with us, then you'll be paying your dues in giving back to Isnomia," May explained. "But don't see it as paying for your crimes. See it as deciding what to do with your life now that you've been given an opportunity."

"But it's not… right…" Mog shuddered.

"You can wallow in depression all you want. What's really important is deciding what you do with your life from here on. You taught me that, Mog. If you wish to learn by your own words, then decide what you're going to do, here and now," May stated. "I think you should do what you were doing. Making the world a better place the way only one Pokémon can. Simply spend the rest of your life making other Pokémon happy."

"Yeah, that's it! Can't move forward if you keep looking back. Just keep living and doing the stuff you think is right," Kayla nodded happily.

"I…" Mog whispered. She calmed down a bit, but still shook with her thoughts. "I think I need time on this. If I can ask for that much, please, give me some time to think about this."

"Make way make way make way!" Kari burst into the room, squealing and flailing her arms about. "Code reeeeeeed!"

"K-Kari!" Kayla gasped as the Furret bolted straight into the bathroom. There was silence for a moment, and then she bounced back out.

"Wait oh my gosh, is that Mathildaath? The normal one? It is, it is, is it! What's happening here?" Kari squeaked, squirming and dancing on her toes.

"Uhh… Kari?" Kayla leaned away this time.

"Eep! Be right back," she squeaked, disappearing into the bathroom again. There was another pause, and all Kayla could do was sigh.

"I think that's my cue to leave. I was never good with things like this," May shrugged.

"Sorry. She's a riot, but sometimes," Kayla snickered awkwardly.

"You needn't apologise. This is your dormitory, after all. You're free to use it as you please," May replied, arms tucked behind her. "Mog, please come with me, and I hope you'll consider the offer. It's late as well, so I assume Kayla, you originally came in here to retire for the night?"

"Yeah, I did… uh, yeah. I guess it's better to talk about this in the morning with everyone present," Kayla proposed.

"It's a plan," May gestured helping Mog stand up. "Sleep well, Kayla."

"You as well," she said blankly as the duo left.

Complete silence fell. She half expected Pola to pop through the door, or Kari to come back in, oblivious to everything she'd be just been given to think about. Moments passed by with nothing, so she slipped into bed, rolling her ears down to relax.

"Sorry, I totally interrupted something important there, I didn't mean to—" Kari eventually came out, much more calmly this time. "Aww, they're gone."

Kayla was already asleep, much to her surprise. It put a warm smile on her face, so she dimmed the lights and pulled up the covers for her. "Good idea. Goodnight, Kayla."

…

It didn't feel like much time had passed, but Kayla felt refreshed, still. Wherever she was, it was warm, cosy, soft on her back, with something lightly brushing her with the calm breeze. A woman was singing a soothing tune as well, humming just loudly enough that she could appreciate the nostalgic tones and still sleep.

Wait, she realised, and opened her eyes.

Clear skies above, sunflowers beside her. The song stopped the moment she opened her eyes. She sat up to find the human sat not far ahead of her, keeping their back to her, of course. After a blank moment to collect her thoughts, she got up and sat back to back with the human. They acknowledged she was here with a twitch, but said nothing.

"So… that's it? No aggressive mocking or vague comments?" Kayla began. She heard a sigh.

"Thank you. For not giving up," the human replied solemnly.

"I was right. That was your voice I heard back there. That let me turn into that thing," she smiled. "Thanks to you, too. You really saved my hide."

"Hmpf. You're not all talk after all. But don't get the wrong idea. I still hate you with all of my being… I just acknowledge we need each other right now," the human replied.

"You gonna tell me what that's about or are you gonna keep being vague?" Kayla raised an eyebrow.

"Can't. Not while he's watching," the human said.

Kayla was even more confused, and looked around. She eventually spotted Jirachi floating high up, looking down at them. He was silent and had his usual emotionless face, yet she couldn't help feel a little intimidated. Why is he here?

"Can you at least tell me what happened back there? In the battle against Mathildaath. Not just that gold form, but earlier, when I couldn't do any moves," Kayla asked.

"I told you to stop holding back, but you kept holding back anyway. And then you left your own world," the human sighed.

"I don't understand. Give it to me in Kari terms. You know what I mean there, don't you?"

There was a pause, followed by a sigh from the human. "Just stop holding back. You're a Dreamer who can dream anything they want and bring it to reality. Make that happen, and you'll never suffer like that again."

"Frustratingly, it seems I need you both alive if we are to stop the disturbances. But do not listen to her, Kayla. She is trying to lead you ashtray," Jirachi suddenly came down.

"Wait a second, what're you talking about? It's over, isn't it?" Kayla asked. "We defeated Mathildaath. How is there still disturbances to the Dream World? Uh, real world?"

"I have not stuttered once during my explanations," Jirachi answered.

"Right. You've been saying disturbancES… plural. More than one. Please don't tell me they're all as big as Mathildaath, too?"

"I do not know. Regardless, they must be stopped. And you must do it without creating more disturbances of your own," Jirachi stated.

"Seriously, don't listen to that thing. You're your own person. You've seen what happens when you don't. Abuse your powers and be a Dreamer! That's the only way we're going to survive," the human argued.

"Great. Team Daybreak's destiny is just getting started," Kayla rolled her eyes.