POV – TRIXIE

Perched on a branch, trusty apple in hand, Trixie surveyed the camp at the edge of the Forest of Focus. This place, her former home was situated somewhere within the forest, now served as a temporary settlement for the group. The forest, with its dense and looming trees, marked a contrast to the sparser woodland that made up the soothing wetlands they had just traversed.

The gentle rain had now faded to a light, intermittent spitting. It left the air fresh and the ground damp, yet the campsite, which had been wisely situated near the dense canopy of the forest, was reasonably sheltered. This thoughtful placement meant that, while the earth was moist, it wasn't uncomfortably soggy, allowing them to set up their tents without much trouble.

The students moved about their tasks with a quieter energy than usual, the day's events with the Bisharp casting a sombre shadow, particularly over Siobhan and Jake. Trixie tilted her head, puzzled by this. To her, the natural world's ways, with Pokémon claiming and defending their territory, were just a part of life. She recalled her family's own battles back at her grove – defending their home against pesky Skwovet, Hoothoot and the like.

But now, as she munched on her apple, Trixie pondered a new thought. "Maybe those Pokémon weren't as strong as I thought they were," she mused. After all, since teaming up with Jake, she had seen and experienced battles of a different scale. The world seemed bigger, more complex, and the opponents more formidable.

Her thoughts briefly drifted back to that battle with Mustard's Mienfoo. The defeat had been a real shock, a jolt to her confidence. She remembered feeling crestfallen, the sting of letting Jake down weighing heavily on her. But Jake had been so understanding and supportive. He and Mustard had spent extra time with her, practicing the more complex aspects of flying. It had made her stronger, more agile, and more confident than ever.

As far as she knew, her parents had not faced any opponents like that. It would be interesting to see them again, to see how far she had grown, flying being the obvious win since joining Jake.

The camp, nestled at the forest's edge, provided a sense of security and a barrier against the elements. The trees' thick foliage offered a comforting embrace, shielding them from the full brunt of the rain.

Trixie knew she was an essential overseer of the camp setup, a role she took seriously. She buzzed from one student to another, inspecting their work with a critical eye. She made sure to keep everything in order, ensuring their efforts met her high standards, for her and Jake's comfort.

In between her 'supervisory' duties, Trixie found time for play of course– swooping down to snatch an apple here, playfully buzzing around a head there. These were just ways of contributing to the camp's atmosphere, keeping morale high. "They'd be lost without me," she mused.

As the campfire began to crackle and sparkle, its warm glow bathed the campsite, touching both the trainers and their Pokémon companions. Around the fire, a circle had formed. The trainers were trying to unwind through light-hearted conversation, laughter occasionally breaking through the stillness of the evening.

Siobhan, whom Trixie had grown particularly fond of, was busily preparing a meal that sent inviting aromas wafting through the air. Herbie, her Bulbasaur, sat beside her, watching her movements with an almost identical curiosity.

Not far from them, Ciara sat with Kaida, the Pokémon's eyes reflecting the flickering flames. Ciara's newly captured Pawniard was still in its Pokéball, resting and healing from the recent battle's aftermath. Ciara's expression seemed thoughtful, but she was quiet as always.

Jab and Bab were engaged in an animated discussion, no doubt about today's events. Jab's Squirtle sat beside him, not doing all that much, really. Bab's Mienfoo, was quite literally laid on its back, seemingly napping, a complete contrast to the poised Mienfoo Trixie had battled earlier. 'What lazy Pokemon,' she scoffed to herself, lying back on her branch.

Siobhan, noticing her, offered a welcome distraction. "Hey, Trixie, want to try some real Pokémon food?" she asked.

Trixie's eyes lit up, and with an excited emol, she quickly swooped down to taste the offering. The flavours were new and exciting, a delightful change from her usual diet. "Wow, this is amazing!" she thought.

Trixie's mouth began to water as she prepared to dive into the bowl of Pokémon food. However, before she could indulge, she felt a light bop on the head.

"Hey there, Little Miss Trixie," Jake teased with a wry smile, "I swear all you've all you've done today is eat... well, not much help with setting up the camp, huh?"

"Hey! I've been super helpful, you know!" she protested, cheeks puffed out.

Jake chuckled. "Oh really, with what exactly? Well, maybe you're just the best mascot we could ask for, Trix," he replied with a grin.

"I am not a mascot! Look at how adorable and indispensable I am!" Trixie responded, widening her eyes, tilting her head, amping up the charm.

Despite her best efforts at being irresistibly cute, Jake only smiled more, clearly not swayed by her performance. "Sure, sure, our adorable little mascot," he teased, scratching her ears. Ah, the bliss! No, she would not be distracted! Jakey would know her wrath! What was it that Jekyll said to her sometimes?... "I will not stand for this insolence!" she emoled, not that convincingly.

Jake just smirked, scooping her up. Her usual charm offensive really wasn't holding up against Jake so much anymore. "Hmm, I need to up my game! Can't let him think he's got me figured out!"

"You really get on well with Trixie, don't you?" Siobhan grinning at them.

"What? With this little rascal?" Jake grinned. "More like I'm not sure what she would do without me."

Trixie puffed up her cheeks again. "That's my line!" she buzzed at Jake, poking his cheek.

Siobhan's Bulbasaur, Herbie, commented "She does keep things interesting, doesn't she?"

"Hey, I'm not interesting, I'm very important!" Trixie chirped back.

Jake laughed and pulled her into a hug. "You're definitely an important part of the team, even if you're a bit of a handful at times," he said affectionately. "But let's not get sidetracked. We've got an important job to do."

Siobhan nodded warmly, "You've got to introduce your new team member, huh, no worries we'll save some food for you both."

Trixie, upon hearing Siobhan's words, swooped down from Jake to give Siobhan a grateful hug. "You're the best, Siobhan!"

"How spoiled you are, Trixie." Jake commented, wryly. He turned to Siobhan, "Thanks for the assist, we'll be back soon."

With Trixie back on his shoulder, Jake walked a short distance from the camp, heading towards the river's edge. The soft murmur of the water and the rustling of leaves created serene scenery for their stroll.

Jake spoke softly to Trixie. "Time to welcome our new brother, and well, sort of reintroduce Jekyll to the whole situation," he explained, his tone suggesting anticipation and a hint of uncertainty.

Trixie dropped to the ground as Jake gently released Jekyll from his Pokéball, and the Mimikyu appeared with a flourish. He seemed genuinely pleased to see Jake, hopping up to him, still seeming a little uncertain, cautiously nuzzling at his trainer, who responded with a gentle pat on his costume's ears.

When Jekyll's gaze shifted to Trixie, the holes in his disguise seemed to narrow, an odd sensation emanating from him. 'Perhaps he's just showing affection for his adorable big sister?' Trixie thought.

"Ah, my esteemed trainer, it is a pleasure to see you once again," Jekyll said in a tone that was almost reverent. "However, I cannot say the same for this... fluttering nuisance," he added, casting a disdainful look at Trixie.

Trixie chirped back playfully, "Hey Jekyll! Missed me, huh?" She fluttered around him.

Jekyll, trying to maintain his composure, replied, "Of course, how could I not miss the constant annoyance of your presence? You should consider gracing the farthest tree with your absence."

Trixie laughed. "Oh, Jekyll, you're always such a kidder! Such a little brother!" she emoled, nudging him gently with her paw.

Jekyll bristled at the comparison, his cloak rustling slightly in indignation. "Little brother? I am a being of shadow and mystery, not some... sibling to be trifled with," he retorted, trying to sound imposing.

But Trixie just giggled "You're just too cute!"

Jekyll's demeanour shifted subtly, shadowy form beginning to gather energy as he muttered, "I must punish you for your insolence!"

Before the situation could escalate, Jake scooped both Pokémon onto his lap in a hug. Jekyll, who had been on the verge of a more menacing response, was taken completely off balance. "W-What?" he stammered; poise replaced by confusion and uncertainty. He froze, momentarily lost in the still unfamiliar warmth of a hug.

Trixie, nestled comfortably in Jake's embrace, giggled again at Jekyll's reaction, having witnessed similar moments before.

"Now, now," Jake interjected, tone gentle but firm. "I know you two are getting along in your own way, but I have something important to share." He continued to pet Jekyll, who seemed to be melting into a rare state of bliss.

Jake explained the situation regarding the capture of Venipede, recounting how it had come to be part of their team. As he spoke, he exuded a growing confidence, clearly becoming more comfortable in his role as a Pokémon trainer.

Jekyll seemed still to be in a daze from Jake's affection and paid little attention to the story.

Jake finished his explanation with a decisive note. "Time to introduce your new brother," he said, keeping his hand on Jekyll, releasing Venipede from his Pokéball.

Venipede emerged from the Pokéball, segmented body a vivid blend of deep red and black, with sharp, protruding spikes that added to its menacing appearance. Its eyes, small and beady, scanned the new environment, particularly Jake, with a calculating gaze.

"It is as I suspected. I have been captured. This is acceptable," he said in a detached manner, feelers twitching.

Jake stepped forward; his expression empathetic. "Venipede, I'm truly sorry about what happened to your mother," he began delicately. "I can't imagine how tough this must be for you."

He paused, searching for the right words. "We found you at the edge of the battlefield. I know this is an unexpected change for you, but I want you to know, if you agree, you can come with us, and we will be with you every step of the way." Jake continued, his voice warm and welcoming.

"The strong survive. My mother often spoke of her triumph over the Drapion that once ruled these lands," Venipede stated firmly. "Now, it's my turn to grow stronger."

He paused briefly "Tales were heard of the warm-blood two-legs. Mother once said, 'In the wild, even in turmoil, lies the chance to evolve.' Joining you is an opportunity for growth."

At this, Trixie's imagination conjured an image of a group of small Venipede gazing up in admiration at their towering mother. The thought brought a smile to her face. "That sounds really cute," she mused.

Venipede continued. "I accept joining your hive."

Jake, who might not have fully grasped the depth of Venipede's words, nonetheless understood his acceptance. He reached out with a warm smile, extending a gesture of welcome. "Welcome to the family," he said, his voice filled with genuine warmth and sincerity.

As Jake patted him, Venipede paused, seemingly unsure how to react to this new sensation. After a moment, he stated flatly, "This is pleasant," his tone almost robotic.

Trixie, still hovering nearby, giggled at Venipede's reaction, finding his serious demeanour amusing and slightly endearing.

Trixie buzzed closer to Venipede. "Veni, it's great to see you again!" she chirped, remembering their previous encounters and the adventure to find Jake.

Venipede, however, seemed less enthused. With a flat, unchanging tone, he sighed, "So, my fate is to join this hive with you. And I am called Venipede."

Interrupting the exchange, Jake spoke up, "I can't just call you Venipede forever, and 'Veni' doesn't quite fit, does it?" Trixie's expression faltered, thinking she had come up with a great nickname.

Venipede looked cautiously at Jake, awaiting what would come next. Jake continued, "I've been thinking about it and have settled on a great name for you if you'll accept it."

Venipede's response was straightforward. "I await your decision."

"I think Arthrox will be a good name for you," Jake declared. "Back in my homeland, there's an ancient legend of a hero who rose to conquer against all odds. Your name will carry that mantle, with a bit of venom added to it. What do you think?"

"Name accepted," Arthrox responded, his tone still flat yet sounded satisfied, a bit prideful, somehow.

Jake was delighted and reached out to pet Arthrox again. "This is pleasant." Arthrox remarked.

Arthrox then straightened up, antennae high in the air, posture serious and focused. "I swear my allegiance to you, my trainer. Under your guidance, I, Arthrox shall become a mighty Scolipede and overcome any adversary."

Trixie, unable to resist, chimed in cheerfully, "Welcome to the team, Artie!"

Arthrox let out a resigned sigh at the nickname but then seemed to harden his resolve and with a finality that seemed to resonate to his very core, he declared, "Death will come to all Bisharp."

POV – JAKE

Jake gently ran his hand along the Venipede's segmented body, who seemed to vibrate at his touch. It was a unique, yet, oddly satisfying feeling. A hard, chitinous exoskeleton that was a contrast to the softer fur of Trixie or the warm cloth-like texture of Jekyll's disguise. He noted how Arthrox's body was a mix of deep reds and green, with subtle pointed spines that were surprisingly firm to the touch.

He considered Arthrox's somewhat cold demeanour towards the loss of his mother, and separation from his family. "Maybe it's a trait of Bug Pokémon," Jake thought, it may be that they are just more analytical. Trixie also had a relatively quick recovery from the Bisharp incident, wondering if, like many creatures in the wild, Pokémon possessed an instinctual ability to accept such events as natural parts of life.

"This isn't so different," Jake reasoned. "Pokémon, like Earth's animals, seem to have a natural instinct for survival, and they adapt to their circumstances, however harsh they may be." He thought about the idea that Pokémon, while capable of experiencing a wide range of emotions, might also possess an intrinsic ability to accept the realities of their world – where the rules of nature often played out in raw and direct ways.

He knew that Pokémon could feel sadness – he had seen it in both Trixie and Jekyll as proof of that – but the incident told Jake that this world would demand a certain level of resilience. Perhaps this was another lesson Mustard intended to teach with this trial. "It's not about getting used to it," Jake thought, "but about acknowledging that these situations happen, and the only way to prevent or change them is through strength and training."

Jake smiled at Arthrox, feeling a sense of happiness at welcoming a new member to their team. However, he acknowledged the challenge ahead. Unlike Trixie or even Jekyll, understanding Arthrox's emotions and reactions would be different, given the Venipede's lack of facial expressions and visible signs of emotion, he was not familiar with antennae and what they might indicate.

"This will be a new kind of challenge," Jake thought, each member of his team would require a unique approach. He was determined to understand and connect with Arthrox, just as he had with his other Pokémon.

Jake glanced over at Jekyll, who hadn't reacted or said anything since Arthrox's introduction. He had been apprehensive about how Jekyll would respond, knowing his history. Cautiously, Jake tried to peer at Jekyll, expecting some sort of response, but found him unusually quiet.

Picking up Jekyll to face him directly, Jake noticed that Jekyll seemed to be lost in a kind of blissful daze. "Didn't expect this reaction," Jake thought, a bead of sweat forming on his forehead. Gently shaking Jekyll, he tried to bring him back to the moment. Jekyll suddenly came to, appearing to almost blush, if that were possible, as he awkwardly stuttered, "K-kyu," which Jake interpreted as a plea to be put down. Complying, Jake set Jekyll down carefully.

He then turned to re-introduce Arthrox to Trixie, who chirped happily, "Emol, emol" which probably meant something like. "Hey Artie, good to have you with us!" Arthrox simply responded with a flat "Veni."

Turning to Jekyll, Jake introduced Arthrox cautiously. To his surprise, Arthrox didn't show any sign of recognising Jekyll, again simply nodding in acknowledgment. Perhaps, Arthrox thought Jekyll was indeed a Pikachu, Jake was not ready to disabuse him of that notion right now. Jekyll, for his part, seemed rather indifferent, turning his attention back to Jake without much reaction.

Jake sighed, both relieved and bemused by the lack of drama. "Well, that went better than expected," he thought. Jekyll at this moment seemed entirely obsessed with Jake and seemed to pay little attention to anything else. This could not continue, Jekyll needed more positive connections. Trixie was playing her role as an anchor of distraction well, though she could sometimes get carried away. However, he couldn't help but feel that Jekyll could benefit from making a friend, though he wasn't quite sure what kind of Pokémon would be a good match for him.

"Alright, let's head back to camp," Jake announced. He picked up Arthrox, who observed everything with a curious, almost analytical gaze. Trixie and Jekyll settled back onto his shoulders, and they made their way back to the campsite.

As they walked, Trixie tried to engage Arthrox in conversation. "Emol, emol?" she nattered on. "So, Veni, ready for some adventures with us?"

Arthrox replied in his usual flat tone, "Veni, Veni" possibly saying. "As long as it contributes to my growth."

Jekyll, still a bit distant, muttered a soft "Mimi, Kyu" which was probably. "Just don't get in my way."

Trixie giggled, "Emol, mol!" seeming to say. "Looks like we're going to have lots of fun together!" No doubt already plotting playful antics they could get up to together.

Jake just sighed; he had a real mix on his hands now. An Emolga; Trixie was adorable, and he loved her, but she really was quite the handful, a real mischievous one with a naïve side that he had to watch out for. A Mimikyu; Not easy to manage by any stretch of the imagination, despite this Jekyll could really be quite cute when he was around Jake, just sadly not in front of anyone else. And now there was Arthrox, a Venipede, who seemed to bring a more reliable and disciplined energy to the group, though Jake found it challenging to decipher what was going through his mind.

As Jake walked back towards the camp, his mind wandered to the concept of type specialisation among trainers. Perhaps it was because the more different types you owned the more complex it was to have a deeper understanding and connection across the various Pokémon. Focusing on one type would, perhaps, bring a sort of shared mindset that made training and bonding more intuitive.

Jake reflected on his own approach. At the rate he was going, he was shaping up to be more of a generalist. This had always been his strategy in the games, selecting a diverse team of Pokémon to balance out weaknesses and strengths. However, reality was proving to be more complex. Dealing with the different personalities, ensuring they get along with each other as well as all the individual needs, and abilities of a varied team was a challenge he hadn't fully anticipated.

He would have to talk with Master Mustard when he returned to Applinby. Maybe he could offer some insight "Am I on the right track with this approach, or is there something more I should consider?" Jake wondered.

Jake was soon sat by the campfire outside his tent, the rain having given way to a tranquil evening. A light breeze carried the faint, comforting scents of wet earth and wood smoke, mingling in the cool air. He looked around, taking in the peaceful scene. The flickering flames cast a warm glow, illuminating the faces of his fellow trainers who were gathered around a picnic cloth spread on the ground.

The setting reminded Jake of camping trips with his friends back home, and it struck him that these classmates of his were becoming friends in their own right to a certain extent. All except perhaps Ciara, who still maintained a certain distance.

Trixie was in her element, playing with the other Pokémon. She seemed to be involved in some kind of game with Bulbasaur, Squirtle, and Mienfoo, though it was very hard to tell what it was. They seemed to be having a good time, however, given the playful sounds and occasional bursts of laughter.

Jake, upon noticing Arthrox at his side, cautiously offered a bowl of what Siobhan had described as sweet nectar mix – a type of Pokémon food with a syrup-like consistency, allegedly irresistible to bug types. His expectation for a gentle acceptance quickly dissolved as Arthrox, contrary to Jake's assumption, lunged at the food with startling aggression.

Jake jerked back, a jolt of shock coursing through him. The thing could've bitten his hand off! Arthrox started gnawing on the food in an almost frenzied fashion. Not gentle at all. Perhaps a characteristic of his species' natural hunting behaviour.

Siobhan, seated not far from him, chuckled softly at his alarmed expression.

"It can take a while for some species to get used to interacting with humans," Siobhan said, amusement still in her voice. "Especially for a Venipede. They're known for their aggressive nature."

She glanced affectionately at Arthrox, adding, "Looks like Artie here might need some time to adjust to the gentler side of things."

Jake nodded. "Yeah, I guess we'll need to work on that," he replied, smiling sheepishly.

Jekyll was as always, perched quietly on Jake's shoulder, observing with an air of detachment, yet seemingly content to simply be in Jake's presence.

Siobhan fidgeted slightly, her green eyes glinting softly in the firelight. Pushing a strand of her orange hair behind her ear, she spoke up with a tentative voice, "Um, Jake," she started, "I was wondering... how did you end up here on Armor?" She paused, adding a bit shyly, "You mentioned something about it over lunch the other day, but could you tell us more?"

Jab and Bab paused their banter, turning their attention to Jake, while even Ciara seemed to lean in slightly from her spot beside Kaida.

Jake felt a twinge of tension at the question. His story was not a typical one, and he was still grappling with the reality of it himself. "Honestly, I'm not entirely sure," he admitted, trying to sound casual. "My last clear memory was sitting in my math class back home. Then, suddenly, I was here."

The others exchanged surprised glances. "Were you at a trainers' school?" Jab asked, a hint of curiosity in his voice.

Jake shrugged slightly, "I don't think it was anything like that."

Ciara, who had been quietly listening, chimed in. "For someone with no formal training, you almost seem to know what you're doing."

Jake playfully rolled his eyes, "Thanks, Ciara. I try my best." earning a small 'hmph' from as she turned away.

Siobhan, emboldened by the conversation, ventured further. "What about your family?"

Jake paused, a faint sense of sadness crossing his face. "My memory's a bit hazy, but my mum's a child psychologist," he shared. The group looked impressed at that; Ciara's interest noticeably piqued again.

"And my dad... he talks a lot about finance and risk. Sounds boring to me, but he seems to like it." Jake added with a light chuckle. "I also have a little sister. She... I think she'd miss me a lot."

The mood around the fire shifted as Jake's tone grew sombre. Siobhan's expression softened, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to..."

Jake waved off her concern. "It's okay, really. It's still just... strange, being here."

Bab piped up. "So, Jake, you mean to tell us you were teleported here during math class? What if you're some kind of wizard, and you didn't even know it?".

Jake couldn't help but crack a smile, funnily enough he had actually contemplated that idea. "Yeah, if only my grades were as magical as that theory," he said back, drawing a chuckle from Siobhan and even a slight smile from Ciara.

The conversation shifted to their plans for the next day, Ciara, with a glint in her amber eyes, suggested, "We should split up. The goal is for one of us to find the best Max Mushroom, so it makes no sense to work together." She cast a dismissive glance at Jab and Bab, who seemed undeterred. Jake knew they would not listen and end up teaming up anyway.

Siobhan nodded in agreement, her thoughtful green eyes reflecting the firelight. "That's true, there can only be one winner." she smiled then, looking confident.

Ah, the nutrition specialist might be uniquely qualified to win this one. Jake wouldn't let her win that easily. He added playfully, "I'm on board with that, though don't think I'll make it easy for you, Siobhan."

"Oh, I wouldn't expect anything less, Jake," Siobhan's grin widened at him.

"But what if two of us find the same shroom?" Bab asked.

Without missing a beat, Ciara responded with a small smirk, "Then we settle it with a Pokémon battle. May the best trainer win."

Catching Jab and Bab's knowing looks, Jake sighed inwardly. They probably intended to trail close to Siobhan, hoping for an easy find, they would likely only find a beatdown.

He glanced at Trixie, who was still playing, and then at Arthrox, who was continuing to eat furiously. "With Trixie's sharp senses and Arthrox's natural instincts, we stand a pretty good chance at finishing strong in this trial." he mused internally. His gaze then shifted to Jekyll, who was, as ever, observing him with a curious tilt of his costumed head, the cut outs giving off an almost endearing feeling. 'Kyuu?'

Sadly, Jekyll, despite his unique abilities, might not be particularly helpful in the search for mushrooms, but he was a powerful Pokemon, and his presence was reassuring. Smiling, Jake reached out and gently hugged the Mimikyu, who seemed to melt into the affectionate gesture, a soft 'K-Kyuu' escaping. Jekyll needed a lot of reassurance, and Jake by now was more than happy to give it.

The night deepened; the trainers began to settle down. Jake decided to keep his Pokémon out for the night. They returned to his tent together, creating a cozy little family huddle. Arthrox found a comfortable spot on the ground to burrow into, and Jake hoped he'd still be there in the morning. Trixie, ever the snuggler, curled up close to Jake, earning a slightly resentful stare from Jekyll. Unfazed, Jekyll seemed to take up a watchful position, eyes fixed on the tent entrance.

"Thanks for watching over us, Jekyll," Jake whispered, feeling a sense of security and warmth in the company of his Pokémon. As he drifted off to sleep, he thought about the day ahead, the adventures it would bring, and the strength of the bonds he was forming with his Pokémon team. The sounds of the night forest, the gentle breathing of his Pokémon, and the distant calls of wild Pokémon lulled him into a peaceful slumber in yet another night in the wilds of a familiar but fantastical land.

POV - JEKYLL

Jekyll watched. Jekyll considered. The new one, 'Arthrox', familiar yet distant. Jekyll remembered the capture, a moment in the past, fleeting and insignificant. The bug mattered not.

Confusion swirled in Jekyll's mind, a maelstrom of unfamiliar emotions. Happiness? A foreign concept, yet there, lingering at the edges of its consciousness. The small, bright one, 'Trixie', still a source of annoyance, now seemed... trivial. Petty plans of removing the fluttering nuisance felt less urgent, almost foolish.

Family. The word echoed in Jekyll's thoughts, a concept so alien it might as well have been from another world. Jekyll knew loneliness, envy, longing. But family? Beyond the costume, beyond the mimicry. Jekyll had spent his existence in solitude, imitating in a vain attempt to belong. But belonging had never come.

Jekyll felt. Jekyll sensed. The fear from the ponytailed one, the indifference from the others. But from Jake, something else. Something warm, something accepting. A feeling Jekyll could not name but now realised had been his deepest craving. Nourishment for a starved soul.

In the darkness of the tent, Jekyll watched over Jake, Trixie, and now Arthrox. A family, a unit, a concept still so new. Jekyll, once a shadow, an imitation, part of something real. The longing, the envy, the hate – they were still there, but dimmer, overshadowed by this new, strange feeling.

Jekyll did not understand it fully. The complexities of these emotions were... perplexing. But one thing was clear – Jekyll had something it had never had before. Something precious.

Jekyll decided. Jekyll resolved. This feeling. He would not let it slip away. For the first time, Jekyll had something to lose, something to hold onto. And it would do everything in its power to ensure it never faded.