Note: If you're curious about how this version of Sinnoh looks exactly check out u/MiscellaneaMaps on Reddit. They've made a Sinnoh map including game and anime locations scaled to a sensible distance. This fic uses it as a guide, not a de-facto measure.

~x0x~

Before we begin the next act in this story, I first must commend our heroes on aiding the Pokemon that had been accosted and defeating the wicked Benedetto along with his entourage. Well done indeed.

Alas, every light casts a shadow as the Kalos Pokemon now roam the region, confused, hurt and afraid. The infamous Hunter J knows the names of our heroes and there is still much to be learned.

A two day conflict resolved by two children and five Pokemon has sent ripples all over the world and will impact the future forever. Now we must witness how the League addresses it and how Topaz copes with the life he now leads. He is still but a Fool and thus he does not yet realize the path he has chosen is raked with so much more pain.

There are many in Sinnoh searching for the place where they belong, but there is a niche for everyone in this world. We must simply open ourselves to new possibilities in order to see them.

It is thanks to meeting others we can begin to grow and change into our better selves. The bonds we share have shaped our world for the better. Those who surround themselves with those they love and love them back are oft the happiest despite all odds.

Bound by strings of fate welcome to Arc 3: Invisible Ties. Diversity is a blessing; embrace new companions. Else your isolation shall be your undoing.

PoV: Volkner Beacon

Location: Sinnoh League meeting hall. One week post Benedetto's arrest.

There was a bit more talking, making sure we all agreed on what report we'd relay to the council and to ensure our decision was clear. In the end it was agreed that Cynthia and I will decide what exactly will happen to Topaz and Violet, which was perfect as we know them best. Lucian would relay the report to the council so they can go put that in the record or whatever they do.

Before Cynthia was in charge, the government was primarily run by the council. Technically it still is as she hasn't finished her Champion schooling, but once she has she'll have even more freedom and power in the region. All of us will actually. It's not necessary for a region to have a Champion to function, but it's definitely a lot more fun.

The council's job is essentially to do all the boring, bureaucracy that we trainers can't or don't want to do. They really help keep the gears turning for a region and best of all, they don't meddle in our affairs. Pokemon problems are our primary expertise and we each have an understanding of our roles for the region. When you live in a world filled to the brim with Pokemon in every facet of society, then suddenly most of the problems become Pokemon related. They've actually aided the League's growth quite a bit over the years, but I won't lie. I'm a bit excited for even more independence.

In the corner stood Cynthia and Heimdall waiting for me. They seemed to be speaking, but they stopped when Froberge and I approached. Froberge greeted Heimdall in Pokespeak as I looked towards Cynthia.

"Ready?" I asked.

She nodded, smiling. "Absolutely. Let's go."

We all began to make our way out. I waved farewell to Flint as he was chatting Lucian's ear off about something or other.

The four of us made our way through the extravagant castle that is the Sinnoh League. It's been modernized for practical use, but Cynthia wanted to ensure the history was still present by maintaining the overall regal theme. Medieval times isn't really my style, but I can see why she's fond of it.

"Thanks for having my back in there. You know Topaz and we know enough about Violet. Even if we punished them for their own safety, I don't think that would be the right call for them or their teams," I said to her.

"Neither do I," she said with a calm smile. "They're all still learning. Punishing them worse than just keeping an eye on them wouldn't actually do anything but upset them all and drive them away from the League. They just need some time and space to grow." She chuckled. "And I seem to have reached the point where my research on Dialga and Palkia has entered casual speech."

I rolled my eyes, but grinned all the same. "Just wait till you start making electric puns every time someone mentions solar panels. You'll be in for a sho-"

My attempt at humor forced Froberge to cough loudly as if he was choking on a hairball. Heimdall somehow gave me a judging look despite his eyes being covered by an Expert Belt. Cynthia meanwhile laughed. "Oh Arceus, Volkner, do us all a favor and don't finish that sentence."

I sighed deeply. "Humor was never my strong suit. Flint would've tackled me at the first word. Speaking of Flint," I quickly turned around just to make sure he wasn't close (he tends to appear spontaneously and unwarranted). "Him and Lucian?"

She nodded knowingly. "They seem to be getting a fair bit closer recently. Not quite a pairing I expected, but at this point I think Lucian's just putting on airs." She shook her head, rolling her eyes. "Of course, he denies everything if I even try to bring it up."

"Not surprising. Flint has been talking about him a lot more lately. Now I understand why. So lemme guess, they are both totally oblivious to this right?"

She chuckled. "Oh absolutely. They could trip and fall into a school of Luvdisc swimming in a heart and think it was just pure coincidence."

"No doubt. Ya know the other day Flint told me that we're a popular pairing in fanfiction or something? Ignitionshipping they call us. I dunno where they got that idea because he's going in a totally different direction," I shrugged.

"Just another myth I have to uncover." She put her hand on the doorknob to her office. "Speaking of, just… try and find an empty space."

When she opened the door, her office was as it usually was. A wonderfully crafted dark oak desk, shelves and bookcases everywhere to hold all the things she'd found, a large window overlooking the city below, a Noctowl clock, her black chair and several others for whoever was coming in to talk.

And absolutely all of it was covered in papers.

Leaflets, printouts, notes and sheets were littered everywhere. Every single one had notes in the margins and you could almost convince someone there was a method to the madness. Almost. And then you'd notice the Dialga paper in the Noctowl's beak and question why you thought that in the first place.

"I thought Caitlin brought Darach here to clean all of this up? Jeez, I'm surprised Lucian can even walk in here without having an anxiety attack," I said, as I began gingerly walking through her jungle of parchment and tomes. Froberge began scanning the room for places to squeeze into. Despite his size I knew he'd find a way. Cats always do.

"He did," she said while doing a ballet of her own to not step on anything, "just last week. This just kinda… happens." She sat down, sighing a bit. "I think he's still drowning his sorrows in tea over how she's been accepted into the Unova league."

Heimdall groaned. [If I had not known her for years, I would say she did this as an excuse to get her over more frequently.]

Cynthia put a hand to her chest in mock affront. "Why, Heimdall! How could you, it's only somewhat why I do it. Most of it is I simply get distracted, but you know. I can't just ask her to come over for no reason."

He put a palm to his face. [A distinctly more manufactured reason.]

"Hey, it's a reason!" She huffed before looking at me. "If you or Froberge need more space, just give me some papers. I'll figure out…" she looked around the room, trailing off. "Somewhere else for them."

I turned to Froberge to find him squished in a cubby with his head poking out. He said something to Heimdall who spoke to us. [He has found a spot.]

Do felines have bones? They should be in the Amorphous egg group. All of them.

I handed Cynthia some papers and found a seat. "If I organized my work space like this something would blow up. Or short circuit. Sometimes both. Also I think it's a valid reason to get her to come over. Soon Caitlin will be heading off to Unova and you'll be able to see her even less. Enjoy the time you've got now."

Her face grew more solemn for a moment. "I've certainly learned that lesson." She shook herself slightly before putting the books and papers off to her right, on another cabinet that threatened to mutiny under the growing pile. "But more to the matter at hand. How's Topaz been holding up this past week?"

"Sleeping. Lots of sleeping. He was sleeping when I left and he'll prolly be sleeping when I get back. I've been a bit busy so I haven't been paying as much attention as I should, but Roland is home. As well as my parents, but Roland gets him better."

Her brow furrowed with concern. "I really should ask Lucian to look at him… Given what he went through, all that psychic energy can't have been good. I know Amethyst was gentler on purpose, she mentioned how she felt he was more sensitive, but still. A huge, unstable psychic explosion? No way that helped."

I rubbed my chin. "It might be time to take him to see a neurologist too. His brain damage hasn't acted up in ages, but just to make sure."

"That'd be good," she said, almost far away before she sat back up. "I was meaning to ask, could you be the one who looks after Violet and Amethyst?"

I had expected this so I simply hummed in response. "The logical choice. Topaz is my nephew and he's the only human they trust. We all share the same interests in technology, an affinity for electric types and an avid love for Pokemon as well. I'd choose the same person if I were you."

She nodded. "Really the only other person I could think of who she might maybe grow up right with is Lucian, but Uxie knows he's got enough on his plate already. I don't want to ask this when you, Topaz, Roland, Froberge, all of you are so similar to her." She sighed. "Someone needs to help her develop that mind of hers in the right direction, I didn't have a clue what those diagrams meant."

"But that's enough of a sign to showcase their worth. I know you're not an Alter, but you've got a gift for scouting out talent and skill. You're right though, they'll be best with us; me and my team have gotten pretty good with moody kids over the years. Hell I'm still moody," I said, Froberge meowing in agreement. "It's also best she hone that talent for the League rather than against it. Child or not, who knows what she could do if she figures out even more on her own."

She nodded. "It's absolutely wild. If I hadn't seen it firsthand, I'm not sure I'd believe it myself. I'm certain she's already thought of so many ways things could go when we go to talk to her, and in a far more focused way than a mind's anxious ramblings." She gave a small smile. "That, and it's good that Topaz made a new human friend. He seems a bit wary about them both of course, but if he gets along with Jade? I can see him enjoying their company as well."

The mention of Jade nearly made me fall out of my chair. "Dialga save me, Jade and Violet are going to make my life hell. I'm dying for Topaz to make some non-problematic friends," I face palmed. "Speaking of friends, how's your sister doing with her partner? It's been about a year they've been together right? That's a good sign."

Her face brightened. "It has! Things were rough at first, but they both have a lot to learn from each other. They certainly haven't gotten as close as quickly as humans and Pokemon typically do, but they're getting there. They're still trying to fight us, and Heimdall is helping hone their skills."

Heimdall gave a small smile while she continued. "He's taken a shine to the two. I'm glad they're getting along, Rowan was getting worried about that Piplup."

Rowan worried? Well he is a Pokemon Professor, if there's anything he cares about it's a Pokemon's well-being.

"They're still getting used to each other, huh? Can't say I blame them. It's hard even for untraumatized kids to suddenly be entrusted with the well-being of their first partner Pokemon for the rest of their lives. But to hear they are still going at it shows they really want to make it work. Good for them," I nodded affirmingly. "Donut was a bit distant with Topaz, but they warmed up to each other. Zenara apparently warmed up to Violet really quick. I guess the first partner Pokemon is always the hardest."

Froberge purred, likely thinking about how he used to watch Roland and I squabble when he was a little sh- I mean an Elekid. He meowed something at Heimdall that made him smile. Heimdall elected to not share that tidbit with the group.

Cynthia shook her head fondly. "I know Reginleif would be quite happy to be in here as well if it wasn't… in here. I really should clean up." She then looked back to me. "So you'll look after them, then? I can imagine Zenara will enjoy endlessly challenging Roland for the foreseeable future."

I nodded. "Yeah, I can and Zenara will love the easy access to the strongest fighters in the city. I don't think it'd be too much trouble. Topaz is pretty independent as is and Violet's been roaming the wilderness nonstop for years. I'm sure she can take care of herself well enough. I might need to make some changes though…" My voice trailed off as an idea came to mind. "Course she has to consent to all of this, but with Zenara and Cenza to look after now. It's the best choice."

She smiled warmly. "I'm fairly confident she will. She's not the kind of person who wouldn't have considered this outcome and her answer already. And we really can't just let her go on her own. I'm more worried about how she'll feel about it. Zenara and, of course, Amethyst are going to have to help on that front."

"Yup. Cenza too, according to Nurse Joy she seems to be healing slower than the rest. She thinks it's a side effect of her electric traits not being up to the standard her body needs. She's been sleeping more than Donut so I don't think we can send her back to Kalos in good conscience," I muttered crossing my arms. "I'll have to register her to my name, so she can get stable healthcare."

After a moment of silence, Cynthia stood up. "I believe we've reached the point where they should be involved in this conversation, unless there's something else on your mind?" While she waited for my response, she went over to shuffle some papers in some probably-but-maybe-not-actually meaningful way.

Froberge meowed at Heimdall who barked at him back for a bit until Heimdall turned to us. [Froberge is concerned about their safety. Questioning if Topaz' team as well as Violet and Amethyst have drawn ire that puts them all in danger.]

Cynthia's face hardened. "In that case? Sunyshore is one of the safest places they can be, sans somewhere like Snowpoint being so out of the way. And it just means we're right about making sure the both of them have room to grow in the right way."

I turned to Froberge. "We'll protect them and the city as always. As long as they stay close we can help them do what they did several times over again and again. We just got to be up to training them."

Froberge nodded satisfied as he removed himself from the cubby and landed perfectly by the door, ready to go. I got up as well and followed after him.

"Let's go then."

~Sometime later at the Beacon Household~

I sat in the darkness under the covers watching TV with Donut and Lou. I'd been relentlessly tired all week, but luckily thanks to saving countless lives while risking my own I got ample time off from school to rejoice in and many shows to marathon. As of right it was the entire Dragoniteball series.

Lou got a bit too hype during fights, but that's alright. It's a hype show. Even Donut is interested. Meanwhile I'm analyzing moves trying to see which ones they can copy on their own. Before you all ask, neither of them have mastered the Kamehameha (yet) unfortunately. On the bright side, I think the Battery Volt might be better.

Needless to say, we are invested, so when Volkner opened the door to my room and flicked on the lights we all simultaneously hissed.

"Huh, you're awake. And you've all been inside for too long," He said, as he walked in with Froberge. "Topaz, I've got some good news for you."

"Is it really more important than me watching Broly cave Frieza's face in?" I genuinely asked, not removing my eyes from the movie.

Volkner began looking at the TV, evaluated the scene and shook his head. "Honestly no, but it's a close second."

I paused the movie and groaned. Lou whirred as though he was about to mutiny. "So, what's the good news?"

Volkner handed me a real estate brochure. "Put on your shoes, the League has decided your fate. I'm buying my own place and you're moving in with me. You're a loose cannon, so we just decided to point you in the right direction. Welcome to the Sinnoh League."

"Oh…" I looked at Donut and Lou who were equally shook by this sudden declaration. "I think you might be underselling that information. Just a wee bit."

~Chapter 20 Fin~

Question: What are your thoughts on the kids' 'punishment'? What did you think about all the new details from this meeting? Who do you want to see more of in the story among the canon and OC characters? The story will get a bit more open ended for a bit and I'm open to new ideas.

~x~

Trainer: Topaz Heart

Age: 12

Class: Youngster

Funds: ¥6,000.

Gear: Pokedex, Poketch, 10 Luxury Balls, 5 Super Potions, Escape Rope, Cellphone, Several Berries, Baton, Explorer Kit, laptop, 2 Ethers, 6 Full Heals, First Aid gear.

Deck: Fool, Devil, Strength.

Team: Donut (Pikachu), Lou (Charjabug).

x

Donut (Pikachu/M)

Equip: Eviolite.

Moves: Thunderbolt, Thunder, Iron Tail, Brick Break, Quick Attack, Rollout, Tickle, Charge, Thunder Wave, Flash.

Ability: Static Chance to paralyze opponent upon physical contact.

Likes: Pastries, sweets, naps, relaxing, quiet, Topaz's bag.

Dislikes: Bitter food, stress, stupid decisions.

Tactics: Maneuver (Creates a thunder wave barrier to sense attacks+Tickle), Enhanced Tickle (Enhances his tickles with electricity to hit the nerves of sturdier opponents), Spin Dash (Rollout+Iron Tail), Battery Bolt (Combo: Lou's Battery + Donut's Thunderbolt), Thundercloud (Creates thunderclouds to summon lightning independently).

x

Lou (Charjabug/M)

Moves: X-scissor, Wild Charge, Acrobatics, Mud Shot, Iron Defense, Screech, Dig, String Shot, Spiderweb, Thunderbolt.

Ability: Battery Boosts allies' special attack moves.

Likes: Bugs, war, battling, General Topaz, usurping oppressors.

Dislikes: Birds, criminals, condescension, threats to his unit.

Tactics: Mud Pit (Digs a hole underneath the opponent and traps them in a pit of mud), Mud Spin (Digs into the ground and begins throwing mud all over around himself), Grapple Bug (Uses string shot to reel in himself or the opponent), Web Sling (String Shot+Acrobatics), Battery Bolt (Working alongside fellow electrics to launch the ultimate electric move).