""= Human Speech; {}=Pokemon Speech; []=Telepathic Speaking

I am unbelievably pleased to see Lou reach the peak of his physical condition. He's asserted himself well as Topaz's closest confidant, and assuredly will now ascent beyond into the skies above. Now that everyone has reunited, I wonder how dynamics will change and shift. They've all grown so much in their time apart, after all.

~x1x~

PoV: Topaz Heart

Location: Sandgem Pokemon Lab - Dining Hall

Time: Noon

It was a pleasant, satisfactory lunch. We all gathered around the table with Professor Rowan taking his seat at the end (at Rogelio's insistence), eating while chatting amongst ourselves. The professor was kind enough to order us all a large meal from a local restaurant, whilst providing the pokemon their preferred food. Most of them had their own section in the dining room, but the more bipedal pokemon elected to sit at the table with us humans.

Much to Donut's delight he had a sufficient amount of donuts for him alongside proper food. Lou was feasting on this bug food that didn't look appetizing to me at all, but I had never seen him so eager to consume a meal.

Everyone else seemed content with their own meals, nary a complaint. Although, when I looked over to Rogelio he seemed to be delicately picking at his small berry salad.

"You still getting used to eating?" I asked.

He looked up in confusion before turning to me. {Hm, what? I know how to chew, Sir Topaz.}

I laughed at his defensive scoff as he floated several more berries into his mouth, chewing and swallowing them as though to showcase his eating skill.

{See?} He gestured to his empty mouth.

"Yes, yes, close your mouth. Don't you know that's impolite?" I joked.

{Hush,} He huffed. {Anyway, I wasn't tentatively eating due to ineptitude, I was considering the last piece of my idea. Remember yesterday when I mentioned I'd like to create more stable communicative ties between humans and pokemon?}

"Yeah, but I figured it'd take longer than a day," I answered.

He laughed arrogantly. {Ho ho ho, I work fast, my intelligent friend.}

Amethyst glanced over. [Didn't take you for the techy type. Had thoughts on a translator?]

{Non mon ami. I do not believe I am fit for such, but I am well versed in artes of the mind. I'd like our human companions to retain their connection to us even after we've been recalled to a pokeball or incapacitated,} He explained.

Violet winced slightly at the last part. I recalled when Amethyst had fainted after we beat Benedetto. That was likely the first time in a long time they'd lost connection, and it was clearly uncomfortable for them both.

"I would like to activate the sectors of your human brains that would allow you to understand pokemon speech," Rogelio explained. "With your consent, of course."

All us humans looked around each other, surprised by the sudden offer and the fact it was even possible. I suppose it being impossible would've been weird, but I didn't expect him to start off like this.

He's already flexing the power of a legendary, huh.

"Forgive me if I am being presumptuous," Violet started, "But would there not be limitations to this? If this had been an option in prior centuries, would the language barrier not have been shattered?"

"The limit is the skill required to accomplish it," He explained. "I am a pokemon who is given strength by bonds and belief. I am also a pokemon born from a human's mind, so I understand it better than even other psychic legends. I would like to form ties between all pokemon and humans, but realistically my power would only allow a small number."

"Meaning?" Jade asked while Violet began contemplating that.

"In layman's terms, I surmise I could potentially activate around… four to five human brains, possibly. That's being optimistic though, this is much more complicated than telepathy. It seems more possible with those I know best," He explained further before gesturing to me, Volkner, Jade and Violet. "I feel a kinship with you all, even if a bit one-sided. In turn you all at least recognize my existence, which helps."

"So are you saying we could understand all pokemon?" Volkner asked.

Rogelio then shook his head, slightly perturbed. "Not quite… you'd be able to understand pokemon you share close bonds with, but strangers would still elude you until you get to know them. In that case I would be more than willing to create a traditional telepathic link, but this would be more convenient for day to day living."

"Would it be strenuous upon you?" Professor Rowan asked. "We do not wish to burden you."

"No no. I have set aside power just for these sorts of techniques. As long as I stay within my determined limit I will not feel any strain. Plus, adolescent minds are easier to work with. Volkner is the only adult of the bunch, so I am well within my parameters," Rogelio stated adamantly. "Sadly Professor, you are a bit too developed for me."

"So basically you'd install a pokemon auto-translator for us? So we'd understand our partners all the time and you can't eavesdrop randomly?" I asked.

"Exactly. That's a very apt explanation, Sir Topaz," Rogelio exclaimed. "Now I understand you all desire privacy, so consider my ability a tool for you to use, not for me to abuse. Your conversations are your own."

[Oh that sounds right up my alley,] Shizu exclaimed, turning to Amethyst. [No offense, but I was never too keen on letting psychics in my head. Even supposed friendlies.]

Amethyst shrugged. [Some people like their thoughts to be silent, I get it.]

[I like your telepathy, Amethyst. It helps us understand each other better,] Cenza consoled her. Amethyst returned a heartfelt smile.

"That's all well and good, but is this safe? You're not going to just turn off our ability to speak are you?" Jade asked.

Rogelio shook his head. "Your caution is amicable, Sir Jade. You keep your friends safe at every turn."

Jade just gave him a look so Rogelio continued awkwardly. "It's equally as safe as the telepathy you've been using all this time, except it will not shut off unless you will it so. If you do not trust me, I only wish to earn that trust some day."

"I see…" Jade then turned to me. "You have a peculiar record with psychic types screwing with your head. You gonna keep it going?"

I nodded quickly. "Rogelio is a dear friend of mine and he's offered us a legendary gift. Literally. I want to take him up on the offer." I then turned to Violet. "Will you?"

She shook her head. Amethyst and Zenara didn't seem surprised by this at all, but I needed more than that.

"It is a gift of no small significance," she said while looking at Rogelio, "And I am honored to be offered it. But Amethyst and I have had our minds linked for many years. It would not feel right to either of us to dissolve that link. Even ignoring the fact that there must be others more deserving of such a gift."

"You are- nevermind, later," He sighed at her self-deprecation. "You misunderstand, I have no interest in treading upon that. My ability does not interfere with other telepathic links."

Violet and Amethyst shared a look, pausing a moment before Violet looked back at Rogelio and nodded. "Then I am honored, Lord Rogelio."

"This ability sounds like quite the blessing, milord. I'd truly appreciate it," Volkner stated. He then glanced towards Jade. "Jade, I don't want to pressure you… but I just want to give my two cents. I think you'd benefit from being able to understand pokemon consistently, especially your partners."

"Uhhh," Jade looked a bit stunned. Volkner rarely interceded too deep into Jade's life. Or anyone's really.

"I just think it'd be nice for you to get into things with more than just your own vocal opinion. It's a lifetime opportunity and you might learn something," He continued. "Besides, Shizu seems over sharing minds."

[Pleeeeease,] Shizu begged him. Flax remained silent, just side-eyeing the whole conversation indifferently. Amethyst couldn't help but roll her eyes.

"Sure fine, if everyone else is doing it," he huffed.

"Good," Volkner affirmed. "Understanding pokemon I'm close to, even sometimes, would make my job a lot easier. So please Rogelio, let's do it."

I could sense Rogelio's delight from here. "Then I shall at once… a moment please."

He closed his eyes as a blue aura enveloped his body. Seconds later I turn to see Violet, Jade and Volkner's eyes are all glowing with the same blue aura. I held up my hands to my face to note the same light peering from my eyes.

Right after that acknowledgement I felt, for lack of better terms, the psychic equivalent of knocking on the door, politely and eloquently. I closed my eyes to focus more on what he was doing.

It's strange how I can differentiate his psychic mannerisms with Amethyst. It's as though I'm looking right at him.

I opened the proverbially psychic door to let him do his thing. I could feel him avoiding making even the slightest mess in my mental space until he got to his destination. His movements were gentle and kind, the same as his blue light. I wasn't sure what he was doing, but my brain did not oppose it. Instead something… clicked into place, like a gear in a machine. After that I could sense his presence leave as it entered.

"Done," Rogelio answered. "I thank you all for your compliance."

{Right, now that the magic man has done his work, who am I removing from the mental group chat?} Amethyst asked. Vocally.

Just like Rogelio promised, I heard her with my ears instead of my brain. {Jade, Flax and Shizu I already booted out, I know they're not interested in it. Topaz, Donut, Lou, Holyn?}

"Unless my ears are lying to me… it sounds like you can boot us out just fine," I laughed, vaguely giddy. "I understood every single word."

"As did I," noted Volkner. "I enjoyed it, but I think this suits us all nicely."

Jade furrowed his brow at us. "You can understand her? She just spoke pokespeech to me…"

Amethyst smirked, wagging her finger at him with her eyes closed. {I figured that'd be the case. Gotta say hi sometimes and not just be bitch.}

Donut stifled a laugh. {Do you know how long it took for me to get a consistent hello from him? Him and Flax decided to rake me through thorns before that happened.}

"Okay so I understand Donut recounting slightly traumatic memories," I noted.

"Oh yeah the battle from the Little Cup… that was rough," Volkner cringed.

{I'm sure they'd do the same with me if they could,} Amethyst chuckled with a smirk.

Jade still looked confused. "What about the Little Cup?"

This time I was just upset. "You seriously can't understand Donut? You've known him for three years!"

Amethyst floated over, patting me on the shoulder. {Topaz, I didn't need to know him for three days before I knew you're the only one he cares about.}

Rogelio gave a thoughtful look. "Hmmm, a shame. I suppose from what I recall you rarely interacted with Donut or Lou directly, so it makes sense. You are long term acquaintances."

Flax muttered something to Rogelio with Shizu chiming in and all of a sudden I couldn't understand them verbally either. The usual intention I understood, but just the usual pokemon speech was what I heard. Volkner not understanding them made more sense, but me? Violet seemed to take note of my lack of knowing.

As a response, she simply walked over to Donut and scratched behind his ears gently, earning a pleased squeak. "If you desire any caretaking to alleviate such memories, I would be more than happy to provide." She glanced over. "And you, Lou? Is there anything you would like?"

Lou buzzed. {That was the day I evolved for the first time. Unlike Donut, I have fond memories of that day. But otherwise… I am well for now. I am just appreciative of Rogelio's ability, although I believe I can already surmise who can understand who. Jade and his comrades have distanced themselves from us in ways that you and Amethyst have not. So I believe I'd like us to continue strengthening our allyship.}

She nodded. "I would have it no other way."

{Oooh, can you understand me?} Holyn piped up. {I don't want to be distant. I want to get to know everyone, like how Donut and Lou know all of you.}

{That's kind of unlikely since they all just met you,} Donut rationalized.

Violet just smiled, rubbing Holyn's head softly. "I can, but that is no reason we cannot become further friends. I look forward to our time together, Holyn."

Holyn nuzzled in delight, pleased by her reciprocity. Rogelio looked delighted by the exchange. "It seems when both pokemon and human are open from the start an immediate connection can form. Even stable groundwork can be enough to establish connection. Astounding!"

Amethyst grinned at Rogelio and Donut. {If Violet couldn't auto understand Pokemon? I'd be more worried that the auto-translate messed up.}

"It's not an exact science, but I am using the power of divinity to operate it independently. Even I do not know the depths of its accuracy, which makes this quite educational. I am pleased, Young Holyn."

"And this is why I said being able to speak with pokemon would be a humbling experience for Jade," Volkner added.

"You neglected to say humbling at all," Jade corrected deadpan.

{Oh we all knew it was there,} Amethyst countered. {C'mon now.}

{How about me? We've known each other for quite some time,} Froberge interjected.

Jade's face lit up. "Okay now Froberge, I can understand! He's significantly less obnoxious-" He enunciated, side-eyeing Amethyst, "than a certain other feline."

{Methinks someone's pride is whining from the dirt,} Amethyst shot back with a chuckle.

{Um, ignoring them, does it feel better to manage less telepathy links now?} Cenza asked.

Amethyst sighed, nodding. {Definitely. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy to make sure we can all understand each other. But deer divinity taking some of the load off helps a lot.}

"Deer divinity?" Rogelio questioned.

She just chuckled. {I'm gonna keep trying to think of fun names, so I hope you're cool with that.}

Rogelio clapped his paws together in joy. "Oh a nickname! Delightful! Yes please, I am quite 'cool' with that!"

"I am unable to experience this phenomena directly, but I can see all the joy across your faces. It was an honor to even witness this," Professor Rowan exclaimed.

"Thanks for facilitating this, Professor. Also for feeding us," I added. He huffed positively towards me.

Meanwhile Volkner took out his phone. "This was pretty entertaining, not gonna lie, but I want to loop in the League sooner than later. Namely Cynthia, she'd love to hear this… indirectly, I guess."

{Mm yes, the champions should know they have another worthy asset amongst their ranks,} Lou affirmed. {I want them to know I am ready for the frontlines.}

"Not exactly what I meant, but yes they can congratulate you too, Lou," Volkner added.

{I can't wait to see Reginleif's reaction,} Froberge pondered.

Roland shrugged. {Considering her daily life this phenomena isn't astonishing for her. A legendary meeting though, that's a special affair.}

{All this is special!} Zenara bleated happily. {Loulou evolves, Roro makes it so our family understands us, Roro exists, all this is so cool!}

{Hmmm, I stand corrected. You're right Zenara, all too right,} Roland smiled slightly.

I listened to all my pokemon friends talk amongst themselves with all of us able to converse verbally. We've all been able to understand each other for a long time thanks to telepathy, but for some reason this felt like a new barrier that had been lifted. Or perhaps it was confirmation of our bonds of friendship.

Of family.

But in the corner of my eye I couldn't ignore watching a demure Jade eating silently at his seat. He could understand Volkner's team due to years of closely knowing them, but they are more like older family than close friends. He had expected more than this.

It seemed Flax noticed too as he hopped onto Jade's lap and began speaking to him, a rarity for Flax to ever initiate conversation, but Jade was the only human here that understood him. A small smile appeared on Jade's face as he conversed with his partner. Shizu at his feet putting in her own two cents.

While it wasn't universal, they had found joy in Rogelio's gift in their own way. Yet I had to ask… were they truly happy so isolated? Would I ever be able to reach them as I did Amethyst and the others? Would they ever be able to reach us? It hurt that I didn't know. It hurt that I wasn't sure.

~x2x~

PoV: Topaz Heart

Location: Sandgem Pokemon Lab - Pasture

Time: Noon

After we finished lunch everyone more or less scattered to chill out. It was a relatively warm day, so it was comfortable enough to go enjoy the outdoors.

I noticed Zenara led Holyn away to go play along with Cenza. Donut found a nice burrow in the pasture to curl up and sleep the meal off. Shizu had run off somewhere to sniff something.

Meanwhile, Volkner's team sought out various denizens of the pasture to catch up. Professor Rowan had to go back inside for work and Rogelio was sitting on the grass talking to Kirlia psychically.

That left me, Jade and Violet sitting at a table on the outside patio in silence awaiting Cynthia to arrive. Volkner was sitting at another table tinkering in peace, leaving us kids be.

Lou, Amethyst and Flax sat at the table as well although they seemed content to not talk either, though I was sure Violet and Amethyst were exchanging thoughts as they always did. I eyed Jade who was on his phone watching art videos. Versus Violet who was on her tablet likely doing some sort of task. Without looking up, she began speaking.

"I recommend you fashion some variety of shrine to carry with you," she said simply. "It would assist you in conversing with Rogelio when distance is a problematic factor."

"How does that work?" I asked.

She considered the question before responding. "Typically, it involves the prior existence of a sanctuary. Barring that, items and visages that are important to you both would suffice." She paused a moment more. "I do not know whether the cards representing your bonds would be better suited at a sanctuary or as part of a small shrine. But if they are specific to you, then they should be a centerpiece of said shrine."

I rubbed my chin. "Hmmm, I'll have to think of something when we get home. I wonder what Rogelio would like to see in a shrine."

She glanced at Jade. "Do you have any pertinent knowledge?"

I almost gasped when she asked him that question. Even Jade looked shocked, but he didn't immediately shoot her down. Amethyst though hadn't stirred at all, still relaxing peacefully.

"I remember in the story Calyrex's right hand could make fields turn verdant green and the left hand could make fruits heavy and ripe," He explained slowly, carefully recalling the details. "But apparently they had a penchant for making strangely colored carrots for their steed. So maybe some carrots? He's also the king pokemon, perhaps a crown?"

She hummed before looking at me. "If he takes to this suggestion, perhaps a sort of ring of vines and fruit to hold your current and future cards, and a crest atop it? Fashioned after his own, of course."

"I like the sound of that, it incorporates a lot of his legend and the cards," I noted. "He's always talking about how he wants everyone to get along so I think he'd love that."

Lou turned to Violet. {I'm surprised you bothered to ask Jade. I'm even more surprised he didn't question your knowledge on shrines and answered without a fuss.}

"Your shock mirrors my own, but as for my question, it is simply practical," she explained. "Calyrex originate from Galar, as does Jade. I am not omniscient, there may have been cultural information I would not be privy to unlike him that would assist Rogelio's growth. Given the eradication of his kind, any and all information is valuable to helping him."

{She's practical, not petty,} Amethyst chuckled.

I then turned to Jade. "So how much exactly do you remember of Calyrex and other Galar legends?"

He waved casually. "Everything I know is mostly from fables, so it's iffy. Galarians treat legendaries way differently than Sinnohans. Never even heard of having a shrine to a pokemon until I moved here, but I was still just a kid so maybe there's some over there. It's just… I don't think legends have the same level of presence in Galar as Sinnoh. There's so many tales of Sinnoh legends, it's amazing only a few people ever see them nowadays. The only super famous ones I think are the heroes of Galar."

"That has more to do with the lack of record keeping in Galar than the abundance of legendaries in Sinnoh," Violet said with a shrug. "Kanto is similar in that regard."

{That's the messy region that tried to create a legendary, yes?} Lou inquired.

Violet's look turned stormy. "In vaguer terms. More accurately, they attempted to clone and modify the progenitor Pokemon in an effort to force a deity to become their weapon. Even disregarding the war, countless lives were lost in that effort. The kinder fate would be death, than the alternative."

{I see… was the war just?} Lou asked.

Violet grimaced at the question. "In no world was it. It was born from humans destroying the land they occupy, and for lack of resources seeking to steal from those who hadn't annihilated their home. Sects of humans struggled for power and dominance, blind to the countless lives they ended. Yet more they uprooted and tore apart just as easily. Pokemon were endlessly caught in the crossfire, and it was not until Mewtwo delivered their ultimatum of 'stand down or be annihilated' and enforced it when humans wouldn't listen that the war ended."

The topic inspired a new thought in my mind.

"Lou, I know you speak about generals, soldiers and war, but Sinnoh personally hasn't experienced anything to that grand a scale. The closest have been the feuds of the Diamond and Pearl clan, that we know of anyway," I explained.

"The intention is to never have to wage war, especially on Sinnoh's lands. It's why the League prefers to handle dangerous operations as efficiently and isolated as possible to avoid disturbing the peace, while keeping the community informed."

Lou absorbed every word. {I see… versus the Tohjo War when it was a large scale battle that displaced many.}

"Exactly. You may be a lieutenant, a soldier, but we should always strive to avoid war. So much wanton pain, lost lives. Cynthia and everyone else worked tirelessly for months to save the Helheim survivors from Team Galactic, but even after saving them they were still suffering. She still suffered. Winning a war…" I shook my head. "No one truly wins a war."

Lou stared at me anew, his more developed brain carefully processing my every word. {Thank you for informing me. I regret to say I had not given that point of view such deep thought. I wish to be of service, but being a tool of devastation isn't right.}

"Well… you can cause some devastation when we need to deal with assholes terrorizing people, but you're no weapon. You're Lou," I said simply.

{I'll endeavor to keep that in mind in case I ever lose sight of my goal, General,} He affirmed.

"When did you get so insightful?" Jade asked me jokingly.

I chuckled slightly. "Lots of introspection on myself and the world."

{Though for the record? When it comes to Galactic, devastate them with all the power you can muster. They deserve it,} spoke a deep yet feminine voice I was unfamiliar with.

We all looked over to see Reginleif towering above us, with Cynthia right by her side. It took me longer than I would like to admit to register that it was Reginleif speaking, but she sounded… pretty damn fitting.

"Oh good, you're both here," Volkner noted, getting up from his seat.

Jade looked up at Reginleif quizzically. "Your voice… hmmm."

Flax had a small smile on his face as he spoke to Jade. He nodded at his flowery partner slowly. "I suppose it does…" Jade whispered.

So he can understand Reginleif too? That makes sense, he's respected Cynthia's team since we were kids.

Reginleif raised an eyebrow while Cynthia looked at him briefly, then me before shaking her head with a smile. "I leave you alone for a week or two and you go and meet a legendary who can break the language barrier? Who knows what'll happen when you head out on your journey."

"Honestly, these things just keep happening to me and I just can't stop myself from indulging my every whim," I laughed. "A Fool's forte."

{Do not sell yourself short General, your instincts are superb and have yet to lead you onto the wrong track,} Lou supported. {Although I will say luck has been a major factor.}

"Not to mention the new form you've helped your partner take," she continued while looking at Lou. "I hear that localized thunderstorm was a part of you evolving. I can see it, honestly. And I'm glad to see you come out of your shell finally."

Lou buzzed affirmingly. {I may be teal and untested, but I am finally ready to serve my region. Please call upon myself and the General whenever you need our assistance.}

Reginleif gave a low, rumbling chuckle. {I don't think we need to worry about you showing up for a fight. If anything, it's more a worry you'll show up in a fight you're not yet ready for.}

{As long as I am able to save even one innocent life, then I will always be ready,} Lou declared.

{Just be sure to not discount your own. You can't save anyone if you're taken out of a fight.}

{Of course, Champion! I will rely on my allies as they can rely on me!}

Reginleif nodded, satisfied, before nodding slightly to Cynthia.

The way Cynthia interacted with her team as if she could understand every word they were saying, but I absolutely knew she couldn't. Only Heimdall could speak with her regularly using aura. Otherwise she… just understood them better than even the best trainers could.

At this point I feel like words would hold them back. They speak beyond them.

She gazed across all of us. "Would you all mind introducing me to Rogelio? I've got a friend of mine who'll be coming soon, and it'd be better for you to meet her and her team." She chuckled to herself before looking at Jade. "And I need to pester you for if you'll let me scan any books you've got relating to Calyrex so I can look through them later."

"Always a pleasure," Jade answered. "Mum considered selling them, but she got nostalgic so they're still all up in the attic. She said she got most of them during her journey and couldn't spare to part with the memories."

She gave a sigh of relief. "Uxie's grace, that'll be much easier to root through than trying to track them down or pry a couple from Chairman Rose."

Jade raised some eyebrows at the namedrop, meanwhile the name only sounded vaguely familiar to me.

Isn't he another foreign billionaire? I can't care to remember.

That aside, we led Cynthia and Reginleif a bit deeper into the pasture. Rogelio seemed to have finished his conversation with Kirlia and had wandered off to a nearby pond, caressing some flowers. We watched as his right hand glided over them, revitalizing them as they sprung up anew.

"Ha…" He sighed, watching them listlessly.

"Pardon the interruption," Cynthia spoke, a note of formality entering her voice. "Rogelio the Calyrex?"

"Hm?" He turned around, scanning all of us before him until his eyes fell upon Cynthia and Reginleif. "Oh my word! Excuse my lack of manners!"

He floated up to each of them as he bowed gracefully. "It is an honor to meet you both like this. It is I, Rogelio the Calyrex. Thank you for the audience, Champion Cynthia Valkyrie, Champion Reginleif the Garchomp."

Both of them grinned, Reginleif extending a claw. {The pleasure's ours. Don't worry about formalities though, we don't seek them out. Like I hope you don't mind us foregoing particularly stuffy speak.}

"Well um… if that is what you're comfortable with," He replied, shaking her claw with his tiny paw. Being informal was definitely his weakness.

"Don't get us wrong, if you're more comfortable with formalities, we're happy to oblige. But frankly, if either party should be careful with their words it's us before you," Cynthia added on.

"Don't worry about how you speak with him," I assured them. "Donut and Holyn speak to him like they do anyone else and he's survived."

"Yes as you can see I am well acquainted with Sir Topaz's band and their brand of… quirks…" He answered carefully.

Cynthia nodded with a grin before her look turned more solemn. "If you don't mind my asking, is something bothering you? You seemed less enthused than I'd expect from someone who recently got physical form."

"If there is anything at all you need, just say the word," Violet immediately followed up.

"I am quite well thank you… I was just practicing my abilities, but even with a body I feel… weaker than I expected," He answered honestly.

{Would you like to spar to gauge your strength?} Lou questioned.

Rogelio immediately shook his head. "Absolutely not! The thought alone of facing you in battle!" He shivered. Lou just tilted his head.

Some tension eased from Cynthia's shoulders as she gave him a sympathetic grin. "Now that is something we can help with. I hear Violet and Amethyst suggested a sanctuary already?"

"I gave them the low down before they arrived. You see when you summon the champion it helps that they have all the details before they arrive," Volkner explained.

I believe that was a pointed statement towards me and my surprises. Which was fair.

"We actually had some ideas about a sanctuary thanks to Violet and Jade," I explained. "We can try building it up back in Sunyshore."

"Ooooh that's delightful!" Rogelio cheered before turning to Cynthia. "Oh yes, while I do not believe myself to be the most capable legendary, I would hope to be of service to you in the future. I would love to foster bonds with the champions that brought about a new era."

Reginleif smiled. {Just make sure not to do too much too quickly. You're already able to do leagues more than most can even imagine within forty eight hours of being born. There's some important things to take care of before you worry about anyone else, notably a place to rest and recover.}

"That aside, you said there was someone else coming that should be informed about Rogelio. Is it someone we know?" Jade inquired.

Cynthia nodded. "Whether or not you know her is another story, but I'm sure you all at the very least know of her. Do you remember the one who filled the fourth Elite Four position before Aaron?"

"That was ages ago, we were little kids back then. I barely even knew my teacher's name much less League officials," Jade admitted, meanwhile I was still thinking.

"I believe her name was Summer, right?" I asked. I only really remembered seeing her on TV when she fought Cynthia for the champion title and some news reports. Not much after.

She grinned. "That's her." She looked at Violet. "And you?"

She crossed her arms. "I have done appropriate research. Though it revealed less than expected."

"And that's intentional," Cynthia continued. "She may have bowed out of the Elite Four, but she wasn't about to just up and leave. Just took on a more 'need to know' kind of role."

Is she some kind of spy? Sunyshore Gym doesn't have any spies… unless that's what Volkner wants me to think.

Both Rogelio and Amethyst suddenly turned to face the same direction, slightly away from us. I was only just able to catch the fading purple-pink energy of a Teleport framing the two new arrivals.

The woman was around the same height as Cynthia, with deep blue eyes and nearly black blue hair reaching down just past her neck. Two yellow beads held locks to the side, not unlike more traditional wear along with a flat, dark red beret. She had a similarly colored snow jacket, with grayish fur lining the edges and deep blue pants. Her boots were a lighter brown with the same kind of fur, and a necklace with a singly Gyarados scale hung from her neck.

The Gardevoir beside her though looked like she'd been to hell and back. About the only undamaged part on her was her red crest from her chest. Otherwise, her skirt was torn and tapered down to a point behind her, and there wasn't enough of the green hair fur stuff to cover one of her eyes. Instead, both were visible with the rest tied back in a kind of spiky ponytail. She was littered with scars, and yet her expression and eyes depicted someone at rest.

I could feel Violet's heart rate spike, her and Amethyst both looking about ready to assault everyone there depending on the explanation. Gardevoir just looked in their direction though, and after a long moment, Violet and Amethyst relaxed.

"Everyone, this is Summer and Sakura. Summer and Sakura, this is everyone I called you here to meet," Cynthia said while gesturing to the two of them.

Summer raised a hand and waved. "Not every day we're called to help safeguard a legendary."

[But that's another feather in our cap, isn't it?] Sakura said with a small chuckle.

They were definitely older, but I started to recognize them a bit better. "Oh yeah, I definitely remember your fights on TV. Only Cynthia's team was comparable during the championship tournament."

Cynthia smiled. "And they've not been slacking since then either, trust me."

Summer looked over, a familiar, content respect on her face. "Someone's gotta keep you on your toes. Might as well be us."

"And we wouldn't have it any other way."

Flax whispered something to Jade, he eyed Sakura before shaking his head. "Rather forward, ain't it?"

Sakura waved her hand dismissively. [Don't worry, it's a common question. Have you heard of Galactic?]

It was sarcasm.

{You carry yourself like a true warrior and your appearance doesn't seem to hinder your abilities. It may not seem perfect to others, but I see you as one who is more capable than any who judge on a surface level,} Lou stated after his examination. {Your partner as well. What's your role in the League?}

Sakura grinned. [Well, everyone that everyone's familiar with is kinda busy. There's a lot that goes into making sure Sinnoh's peaceful and the people in it are happy. But there's also some people who'd get targeted more than most, and need someone to keep an eye on them. Someone who can keep up with even the strongest champions, when they're busy doing important champion things. That's where we come in. Make sure anyone who'd disturb those who got out of Helheim, or new legendaries, well.] She cracked her knuckles. [Don't.]

Summer nodded, looking at us. "In short? We're here to make sure Rogelio's safe, make sure you're all safe as well, and let you know who to call if something happens."

"My team is plenty strong, but their team are expert trackers. Their response time is excellent and their results? Can't say I've ever found the need to complain," Volkner explained. "I actually might need your services soon Summer, depending on if those rumors die down or not."

"Rumors?" I questioned.

{People saying there's undiscovered Pokemon running around more frequently,} Amethyst explained. {Me and Violet have looked into it some, cuz duh, and it does seem like there's more going on than typically does.}

"Are we sure someone didn't see a Hawlucha fly overhead and think they were a new species or something?" I questioned.

Summer just smiled. "And if I told you we've met Pokemon you don't know where you wouldn't think they'd be?"

"Well I definitely met Lou in an unorthodox place," I noted. "So these rumors really have substance?"

[They're not unfounded, at least,] Sakura shrugged. [We're not gonna go more in depth, but just know we're making sure info stays known by the right people, and we firmly tell the wrong people to fuck off.]

I noticed her and Amethyst lock eyes for a moment, sharing a conversation none of us could hear. After only a couple seconds, Amethyst smiled and glanced back at us. {They're definitely cool. And I've got a mentor now.}

"Oh! Didn't see that coming… right after meeting her, but I'm glad for you," I smiled.

"Anyone whose job it is to ruin slaver lives is a good person," Violet said simply. Though her gaze towards Summer was with a respect I'd only ever seen before for Nurse Joys.

"I want to help again if I'm allowed. I want to work with everyone this time if it does turn out to be serious," I insisted.

Volkner hummed. "Good, we're already on the same page then."

Flax whispered something to Jade again and this time he gave it a bit more thought. "Could we help too?"

Volkner gave them a skeptical look. "Now I dunno about that… plus aren't you busy with acting?"

This time Flax spoke up in defense, a stern expression on his face. Amethyst looked over at him. {Far be it from me to tell you to not kick slaver ass, but there's a big difference between self defense, official fights and real fights. I dunno what training you had, but it doesn't sound like they were expecting you to run at danger.}

Flax turned to face her proper, his eyes dead serious as he replied to her. Judging by Jade's expression he seemed mixed on the statement. Lou on the other hand buzzed dangerously.

[Alright, that's enough.] Sakura looked at Flax. [First off? That kinda attitude is right away a sign you're not ready to help out with this sort of thing.]

Flax looked aghast by the notion. He was about to argue, but Reginleif shook her head slightly. And so he listened.

Sakura looked at him and Jade together. [Second, I'm not saying never go help. But I am saying you'll need more appropriate training to actually keep up. Speaking as someone who was in the kinds of situations you're asking to be involved in with similar levels of experience? That shit sucks. I'm sure your friends already know how tense it can get. Especially when the goal isn't just to win.]

{Your hubris would be your downfall, Flax,} Lou scoffed. {What are you trying to prove?}

{This ain't personal, but yeah. We'd wipe the floor with you, and I'm not saying that to get under your skin. It'd be like me waltzing up to Froberge and telling him he's the follower cat of the two of us.}

Flax seemingly denied the statement, but with less energy than before. Us humans were a bit lost, so Lou translated.

{He believes to prove himself by taking us both on,} Lou elaborated. {I've never intended to intimidate you, Flax, but for your own safety I will do it to deter you from poor decisions.}

Flax didn't respond, instead he stood stiff looking down at the ground in quiet rage. Embarrassment, humiliation it was clear he felt foolish for even speaking up. He rarely ever did, preferring to be a bystander to conversations. Perhaps it's because he never felt comfortable? Can I make him comfortable? Is it worse to coddle him right now?

I looked down at my feet, wallowing in my own disgust. I would like to be better friends with Flax, but how do I even talk to him? Console him? What am I supposed to say?

"We'll take your advice into account so we won't press the issue further for now," Jade spoke up, calm and collected. Whatever insecurity he may have felt was hidden immaculately. By all appearances, he was perfectly, politely neutral. "Thank you for your insight."

I looked over at him, but his stare was looking far beyond anyone else. He was thinking, but for now he found the most peaceful way to cut the conversation away from Flax's view.

Violet, meanwhile, had walked up to Flax. He stood his ground, not backing away in order to not show weakness towards the others, but he did not seem keen on looking up. Jade instead leaned forward, shifting his leg subtly to shield Flax.

"Is there something you'd like to say," He asked coolly "Violet?"

She proceeded to thoroughly ignore him and instead devote her attention to Flax. "There is no shame in not knowing how to handle a life and death situation. No one knows how they handle it until it is upon them. You stand up for those you love without hesitation, and that is to be commended. All that is being said is to help you accept change to your mindset, change that inevitably happens to us all in such situations. To understand that no preparation will ever be enough. You have nothing to be ashamed of."

Flax remained silently behind Jade, giving no indication of whether he understood her meaning or not. I believed him too shy to speak up for quite some time. Jade's expression changed to clear disdain before shifting back to normal as he turned to Rogelio.

"Wallowing amongst the flowers bemoaning your weakness isn't befitting of a king, you know. If your advisors were still around they'd tell you offering guests tea would do wonders when having a long conversation," He explained off the top of his head, moving the conversation to the intended course. "Fostering good relations and what not is all a part of the job, innit?"

Rogelio's expression perked up. He had looked quite uncomfortable during all the arguing so he seized the chance.

"Yes yes, you are right, Sir Jade." He turned to the adults. "Professor Rowan has an excellent selection of tea. I'd like to get to know you all better while sharing a cup. Would you join me?"

Cynthia smiled at him warmly. "We'd be glad to."

As she walked past, neither Summer nor Sakura giving another look to Jade, Reginleif crouched to the same level as Flax. {Give her words a thought. She's got a good head on her shoulders,} she spoke softly.

Surprisingly, he nodded towards her. Meanwhile Violet looked about ready to burst from getting praise from Reginleif. Volkner eyed us all neutrally before following Cynthia and the others.

Jade watched them go before he turned around to head deeper into the pasture, Flax following behind. He was in a right mood, I could tell. It felt wrong to bother him so soon, he needed some time.

Lou seemed to pick on my discomfort. {You seem… quite upset, General.}

"I am… it's fine," I muttered. "We should be thinking about what's going on in the Great Marsh. The Kalos pokemon might be suffering still and yet we haven't done enough to rectify that."

{Is that truly your current ire?} He asked quizzically.

I faced him. "An awkward conversation isn't going to kill me, Lou. We ought to consider what comes once we get home."

Amethyst floated up to me, giving me a forlorn grin. {You might wanna take a minute. Make some plans, figure some stuff out. Get your thoughts in order, y'know? No use in rushing it when we're gonna be here a while, right?}

"I wasn't the one berated in front of the champion," I retorted. She just shrugged in response.

{When is our intended exit?} Lou asked.

I folded my arms. "Rogelio is an enigma, so the Professor wants to study him as much as he can right now. It may take a few days to well over a week." I looked out into the distance. "Although, I'd love to be home right now."

Lou turned to Amethyst. {Are you all heading back with Volkner by the end of the day?}

She shrugged. {If he's about to tell us we need to book it to help some Pokemon? Sure. If not? There's one right here who could use some help, and it's not like we're unused to sudden movement.}
{I get to explore a new place!} Zenara bleated gleefully.

Violet looked at us. "We have no current location-sensitive plans besides the one here in front of us."

{Then it is likely Jade and his crew will be staying as well. I do not see him leaving either after a single 'awkward' conversation,} Lou added.

Amethyst rolled her eyes. {If he left after one of those, he'd be several regions over by this point.}

"I suppose so…" I sighed. "Well for now he needs to cool off. Could you guys tell us about what's going on in the Great Marsh area? Any upsets with the Kalos pokemon?"

Amethyst smiled. {We can spill the beans, but there's a fair amount to talk about. You wanna head somewhere comfier? I'm sure Donut at the least would appreciate that.}

{Of course, I shall summon him immediately,} Lou concurred as he buzzed off to retrieve him. I smiled in return as we headed off.

~x3x~

PoV: Topaz Heart

Location: Sandgem Pokemon Lab - Pasture

Time: Afternoon

After finding Donut we all had an informative conversation on what was going on over in Sinnoh during the time we had been gone. They didn't have much concrete information to go off of since they had only managed to find time to accompany Volkner on a couple patrols, but otherwise everything seemed fine. They let me know there was some stuff they couldn't tell me, but that was fine. I didn't want to encroach on anyone's privacy.

The Kalos pokemon still remain a rare sight in the Great Marsh, most hidden deep within the territory far from humans. It was still winter and the season would be harsh on those that were unable to adapt quickly, but rangers tried to help whenever they came across them. Amethyst was also keeping a psychic ear out for any that came close to Sunyshore requesting help. If they needed it, they'd be there.

After the debriefing they went off to speak with Summer and Sakura further about psychic training. Donut headed off to find somewhere new to sleep. So once again it was just me and Lou.

{Perhaps we should speak with Jade again?} Lou inquired.

"You think he's chilled out already?" I asked.

{Considering his track record, doubtless not completely, but he has likely mellowed out to some degree,} Lou presumed. {Besides, we can shift the topic to the new pokeball hanging around his belt.}

"Huh… well, that's a valid reason, let's go."

Now, finding him wasn't exactly simple for me. The lab's pasture was massive and I was still not familiar with the area. Lou flew on ahead to search while I walked one of the many paths looking on the ground level. Although, it didn't take long for Lou to scout him out and lead me to him.

Him being able to fly is already a huge boon for us.

We found ourselves in the flora forest zone of the pasture. According to the Professor, grass, bug and especially fairy types had a great fondness for the area. It only made sense Jade and Flax would end up here.

Nestled underneath a tree we saw Jade, sketchbook in hand, drawing a content Flax tending to the many flowers that grew in the area. His heart was free of the humiliation he had faced earlier. Not to disturb his peace Lou and I walked over to Jade first, sitting down next to him without speaking. He registered our appearance at least, but he was content to be silent.

It's only fair if I make the first move.

"I'm sorry about everything that went down earlier. No one meant to make you and Flax feel uncomfortable," I comforted him.

He continued drawing in silence.

"I'd personally love to have you both along with us when we go help out Volkner. I'm sure you can both handle it," I assured him.

He didn't verbally respond, but I could see him roll his eyes.

Not a positive reaction.

"I should've said something earlier. Come to both you and Flax's defense. I didn't want add anymore undue pressure, but I feel-"

"Such patronizing comments are unbecoming of you and disgraceful towards me," He replied dully. I cut my sentence off there at his scathing retort as he continued drawing. "I'm accustomed to reprimands, our teachers have been screaming at me for years. Garland's mentorship isn't particularly lax either and I am most certainly not lenient with myself or my team. Yes, Flax got a bit embarrassed, but he spoke his mind. It happens."

He shrugged it off, although I recalled when Flax had spoken up he was not pleased with the words that had left his mouth.

"Although," He muttered. "If you believe us incapable, just say so."

"I've never implied you were incapable though," I answered honestly.

He eyed Lou lazily. "Isn't that what he believes? That you've outgrown us."

I turned to Lou in surprise. He didn't avert his gaze from Jade.

{I believe Jade is a competent trainer, but I do not believe he and his lot have what it takes for true combat,} Lou answered honestly. {Jade is your invaluable friend, he makes you happy and that is important for a growing child such as yourself, General Topaz. Whether he can fight or not is important and I believe you could have worse friends. I just believe Amethyst and Violet make better comrades.}

Lou glanced my way. {So no, I do not believe you've outgrown him as a friend. I just do not believe he's grown enough to save lives. Him, Flax and Shizu have yet to exhibit that ability to me.}

"While I cannot understand your language, I can sense condescension," Jade scoffed. "So I suppose I know you well enough to tell you that at least. But please, do translate for me, Topaz."

"Lou doesn't have faith in you because you've never proven yourself, in summation. He's not sure your team is responsible enough to save lives."

"Of course he doesn't," Jade scoffed.

"Jade, if you think I'm going to stop hanging out with you because you're not risking your life in battle alongside me, you're insane. The thought never even occurred to me. You've got your own plans with acting and I've got mine as a gym trainer."

He rolled his eyes unamused. "I am more than an actor, Topaz!" He exclaimed as he stood up, alarming me with the sudden burst of anger. Flax looked up from his flowers on high alert.

"I'm not a pokemon savant like the Sinnoh elites. I have no unique Alter characteristics that make me advanced like your family or Violet. My family is so dysfunctional they've placed their financial security on my back! And yet despite all of that I've earned the attention of Chairman Rose. Sinnohans all over know me as the trainer who toppled Buck."

He pointed towards Flax. "While he may not always know what to say, he always knows what to do. While Shizu is horribly spoiled, she's still as savage and fierce as when we met on Route 214. Flax and Shizu, despite all pretenses, have always risen to every occasion I've asked of them. Garland and Dijon have taught us so much… he'd want us to do something of substance. Sinnohans are all about community, yes? We'd like to aid you all as our way of giving back."

"Fighting poachers isn't a game, Jade. Galactic is even worse, you've seen what they've done to Sakura. You live right next to Helheim survivors, come on now!" I retorted. "The others aren't telling you to stay out of it because you're incompetent, they're trying to keep you all alive. Our skills don't make us invincible."

"I can do more than what is being asked of me," He answered solemnly, gripping his shirt. "Everyone gives you a chance; please can you just give me one?"

I noted he was shaking with quiet fury. Holding back so many emotions as he was so close to bursting. But his words struck a chord. I have been given many chances and look where it's gotten me. I've accomplished so much thanks to people giving me an inch, I can run with it and go a mile.

Jade… he needs me. He doesn't need to be patronized, he needs me to be there for him. So I will.

Lou watched me as I collected myself; emotions were running high and I didn't want to get overwhelmed by them. I still had to make sense.

"In the end… it's not my place to decide where you can go or what you can do. But whether it's a commercial shooting or a life and death battle… I will support you," I promised.

"I've not been the best friend you've needed from me in too long. You are Jade and I don't need to fight alongside you to know you'll always have my back. But if we ever do, I'll have yours. Is that alright?"

The tension flowed right out of his body as his mouth curled into a smile. "About bloody time you've admitted that. Took ya long enough, mate. Now if you could kick Violet and Amethyst out of your house-"
"Jade."

"Wishful thinking," He laughed. I couldn't help but chuckle alongside him. Navigating conversations with him tended to get thorny, but underneath it all he's quite the sensitive rose.

{While he rarely states anything I agree with, this is why I always believed him to be important to you,} Lou added, earning a quizzical look from me. {I can tell you value each other immensely. It would be saddening to see him hurt.}

"I think the most sad thing to do for Jade is coddle him," I admitted, earning a nod from Jade. I turned to him, eyeing the net ball at his belt.

A bug or water type I assume.

"But I think it's even sadder that he hasn't introduced me to his new pokemon pal yet."

"Damn, I forgot no one's met him yet," He said, taking out the net ball and summoning the new friend. At his appearance I was hit with a strong case of deja vu. What emerged from the mesh pokeball aura was a yellow geometric bug with purple polka dots all over. He had two aquamarine eyes that sparkled in the light. Flax seemed uncharacteristically pleased by his appearance.

"This is… a Dottler right?" I asked carefully. Seeing another cocoon stage pokemon right after Lou evolved felt weird now. I kind of expected to see them less and bam here's another one. "They're the regional bug of Galar, yes?"

"Correct, this here is Gautier the Dottler, a rather fetching name, yes? He elected me as his trainer after winning the Stark tournament," Jade introduced him. "Chairman Rose was looking for strong trainers for Galar pokemon and lo and behold, I am one of them."

That name again. Is he really that big a deal? I need to review my foreign official knowledge later, I am out of the loop.

"Well it's nice to meet you, Gautier. My name is Topaz and this is Lou," I gestured towards Lou to find the two were engaged in an intense staring contest.

It took a few seconds for Gautier to even look at me and when he did his eyes glowed a shining pink. Seconds later I could sense someone knocking on my proverbial mental door trying to let themselves in.

A bit intrusive, but no biggie.

I immediately began to oust the force from my head until I watched Lou zap Gautier straight in the face, sending him sprawling behind Jade. My jaw dropped in shock.

Lou flew in front of me in a defensive stance ready to fire again, only to fire his next shot at the incoming Weather Ball coming his way. He glared at the offender, Flax, who began to walk over to Jade already loading another to fire at Lou. Jade looked equally alarmed by the sudden tone shift.

I was momentarily speechless, but I think found the right words for the situation. "Jade!? Flax!? The fuck!?"

{You fill us with honeyed sweet nothings only to lace it with poison?} Lou spat, electricity crackling dangerously from his mandibles. {You wished to challenge Amethyst and I? Allow me to show you I alone am well beyond your ken.}

I didn't need to understand Flax to know his reply was equally as vitriolic or worse as he looked ready to fire right now.

"No no no, he's not trying to hurt you! This is just how he is! He grew up in a psychic gym, he's used to everyone having easy access to telepathy!" Jade explained. "He did that to me too, all you have to do is push him out and it's fine!"

I opened my Pokedex to quickly recheck something on Dottler's page. When I found it my alarm was not assuaged. "These pokemon are prolific for mind controlling others! Are you not concerned that he does this before any other greeting?"

"I met him yesterday and he didn't do it to everyone! He stopped once he wasn't let in," Jade exclaimed. "Recall how it felt! His intrusion didn't feel hostile, right?"

I relaxed at his words, although my heart was still pumping. After all this time around Amethyst and Rogelio I had become super acquainted with telepathy quirks. "It didn't… it was just surprising. I guess it was fine, I just didn't expect a brawl in the forest."

From behind Jade we could see Gautier get up, albeit dizzily, and waddle over to Flax and Jade's side. Flax was pleased to see him well, but he was still prepared to fire.

{You can trust Jade, but I do not trust the offender,} Lou declared.

"Stand down Lou," I ordered. While he wasn't happy about it, he followed my orders hesitantly. Flax in return lowered his attack, but Jade turned to them each in anger.

"That could've been much worse, for both of you," Jade demanded. "You may have grown up around human espers or whatever, but at least greet someone before you go probing their mind."

Gautier tilted his head downwards in shame before apologing to Lou and I as Jade turned to Flax. "Defending your friends is all well and good, but you have zero knack for de-escalating situations. Explain yourself and you'll avoid needless injuries. You're at an age where I shouldn't have to explain common sense to you."

Flax looked away in shame as well before apologizing to us as well. Lou spat in disgust.

{There's no end to the foolishness, is there General?}

"Settle down, you're losing your composure," I reminded him. "Mistakes and misunderstandings were made, don't attack them while they're down. As Rogelio said, we should foster bonds not worsen them. I appreciate your honesty, but the way you've been speaking to them has been excessively harsh."

Lou was a bit stunned at receiving his own chastisement, but he was receptive as he buzzed his wings. {My apologies… to you all. I am too experienced to grow so short with others, but I won't ever apologize for defending my general. I believe I maintained my blasts to a satisfactory stun level and will stand by it.}

Gautier gave Lou an amicable buzz.

{I am glad you are uninjured. Your durability is commendable,} Lou said to Gautier before turning to Flax. {And I am glad you found a teammate you find more tolerable than Shizu. I am sure you've awaited this day for years.}

Flax nodded in earnest, appreciative of Lou's kind words. Jade sighed deeply facing me.

"Garland was right, Gautier and Lou are either gonna be best friends or bitter enemies. Well… I can't understand Gautier's words yet, but I think if we all talk it out some more maybe we can all get there?" Jade suggested.

"I'm willing to try," I smiled as we all sat around for a more lax discussion.

~x4x~

PoV: Topaz Heart

Location: Sandgem Pokemon Lab - Pasture

Time: Next Day - Noon

The rest of the day honestly went by rather smoothly. We all got to know Gautier better, but by the end neither Jade or myself could understand him. I figured it was best not to force it and get him more acquainted with everyone else.

By dinnertime, we were able to introduce him to everyone else. Thankfully he did not telepathically probe anyone by surprise. Amethyst and Sakura were willing to oblige him though.

Noticeably, Flax was quite content to remain by his side, watching him talk and using his body to block anyone from speaking to him.

The dynamic was unusual, but according to Jade, Gautier considers Flax's fighting style to be picturesque and inspirational. That was all it took for Flax to consider him one of his new favorite people. He also seemed surprisingly informed until Jade told me he had watched all of today's events from his pokeball. I dunno how he got such a good view from there, but apparently it was good enough.

I was still trying to gauge Gautier's personality, but from what I could tell he was invested in enhancing his psychic techniques, growing in battle power and has a joy for finding beauty within combat. For a pokemon that Jade did not even intend on joining, he sounded exactly like a pokemon he'd partner with. Thankfully, there were no quarrels amongst anyone so we could all enjoy dinner.

During this time I also met River the Mudkip, Volkner's budding new teammate that he met in the Great Marsh. She seemed like the spunky sort, but looked pretty strong for her size. I dunno how Volkner does it, but his training regimens put in work quickly.

To conclude all the meetings I became acquainted with Lucas, Dawn and Barry, three pokemon trainers that live in the area that like to help out the professor.

Lucas, who I met earlier, was a young researcher working under the Professor more directly. Dawn was an aspiring coordinator collecting ribbons while Barry was a budding trainer aiming for championship. Course meeting Cynthia and Volkner for all of them was cause for their own celebration.

At the end of the night though, Cynthia, Volkner and Summer had to take their leave along with their teams. Once Rogelio's examinations were complete Volkner would come to retrieve us, but until then Jade, Violet and our teams would all be staying over. Roland stayed behind as well surprisingly, it seemed he wanted to see this journey through till the end.

The next day around noon Dawn and her Piplup had offered to help Lou out with some training. I hadn't ever really trained with a proper coordinator before so I was eager to give it a chance. It's quite… the spectacle.

"You're doing great Lou, but can you handle this? Show them, Piplup!" Dawn shouted.

Dawn and I stood on the sidelines with Donut and Holyn watching as Piplup had manifested a whirlpool above his head filled with sparkling bubbles circulating throughout the entire thing.

In an attempt to emulate this Lou had created a spiral of string charged with electricity that he kept twirling above him. The position seemed awkward, but he managed to fly upright without concern and spiral.

At Dawn's call Piplup fired Ice Beam straight up the middle of the whirlpool creating a tall ice poll. Then with a bit more oomph spikes shot out from the pole popping the bubbles traveling throughout the whirlpool. The popped bubbles exploded, leading to popping more bubbles and more explosions and so many sparkles.

The bubbles' collateral explosions caused the ice to shatter until the entire whirlpool just exploded in a sparkly mist. Piplup twirled in the center of the beauty before giving us a cute pose.

That looked really volatile, yet he managed perfect control over every event. That takes tremendous skill.

Lou had thought the same as he had been studying the performance himself. After he considered a possible course, he made the spiral large enough for himself to fly through it. Then he began flying through the air with trails of electrified webbing behind him, lighting up the sky.

In midair he detached the string by cutting it off from his mouth causing it to fall. Before it could though he turned around and began darting through the sky cutting it into ribbons creating a shocking impact with each slice until there was nothing left. Once he was finished he flew back to ground level, charged and satisfied.

"That was so beautiful, Lou! You have amazing control" Dawn complimented him.

He buzzed at her in thanks. {Thank you, I've spent many years honing my web technique, but with the ability to fly I can take it further.}

Piplup chirped something at him pleasantly. He just stared at him for a hot minute before finally responding.

{I am still not convinced your species eats fish and not bugs, but in this instance I will just say your abilities as a coordinator are… clearly practiced. Now I would prefer if you did not compliment me further, it would not please either of us, I assure you,} He asked.

Piplup was just at a loss of words, just squinting at him like he was a maniac. Which he could be at times.

"Even after all that he's still acting so stiff around Piplup?" Dawn asked.

"It's nothing personal to Piplup, Lou hates all bird pokemon. Apparently even the ones that have nothing to do with bugs," I side eyed him.

{I will not be fooled, that beak is clearly capable of carving out an innocent burmy,} Lou defended as he turned to me. {But feel free to inform Dawn that her coordinator skills have merit. Perhaps we should partake in some contests in Sunyshore?}

{Now there's a sentence I never expected to hear from you,} Donut noted.

{I've never discriminated against contests. I am grateful that those during peacetime can find joy in their theatrics, but it appears I underestimated the work that goes into them. I must rectify that,} Lou countered.

{You're really intense Lou, but I've always liked how open-minded you are. Maybe I'll try contests too so I can get better at battling,} Holyn considered much to Lou's pleasure.

"I've no problem taking you all to watch contests, but you'll have to get back to me on performing. I've no experience," I admitted. Contests are cool in theory, but a lot of pressure in person.

"I think you'd do great, Topaz," Dawn insisted. "You seem like a deep thinker, but that means you'll come up with even more ideas for showcases!"

Hmmm, Jade and his team enjoy competing in contests. Maybe I'll ask for pointers.

The clatter of wooden wheels drew our attention. I wasn't sure what I was expecting to see. What I wasn't expecting was Zenara pulling a wooden cart full of logs with a huge grin on her face, Amethyst floating alongside her and chuckling while Violet seemed somewhat worried, Cenza was comforting her the whole way.

{Uhhh, are we having a bonfire?} Donut asked, eyeing the logs.

{Nah, it's something we've been meaning to do for a while,} Amethyst called back. {You can join us if you want. Don't mind Violet, this is awkward as hell for her.}

"You guys going somewhere?" Dawn asked as she picked up Piplup.

I looked between her and them. "Yeah, could be fun."

She smiled. "Alright, you guys enjoy! I'd tell you all to be careful, but this is probably the safest corner of the region."

Piplup chirped along with her, earning a skeptical look from Lou as they each left.

{So where are we going?} Holyn asked excitedly.

{I dunno!} Zenara bleated cheerfully. {But it's helping people who helped Violet and Amethyst, and Amethyst is leading!}

"Oh?" This felt personal, yet they were willing to let us come.

{We're bringing them some supplies and peace of mind,} Amethyst explained. {I'm gonna be coy about it because you deserve to be kept in the dark a little after making us guess about Holyn and not telling us you had a legendary sitting in your brain for months.}

I folded my arms in defeat. "You're totally right… but I'm still gonna pout over it."

{Fair, fair.} She looked back at Violet. {It's fine, I promise. She literally asked to do it.}

"Nonetheless…" Violet mumbled.

Amethyst sighed and looked back at us. {Zenara wanted to pull these, cuz strength training. She's still having fun with it.}

{You betcha!} she bleated happily.

{But Violet's awkward about it because a lot of Pokemon have been used as pack animals in the past, and relegated to pulling carts and stuff around. So even if it's temporary and totally voluntary, it still goes against like. At least fifty seven different internal rules she's got,} Amethyst explained.

Holyn gave it some thought. {What about instead of worrying about her pulling the cart, you use that energy to think about how you can reward her for pulling the cart? Since I don't think you could pull all this on your own like Zenara, but you can figure out how to make it up to her.}

Violet's eyes widened slightly, processing before she smiled at Holyn. Some tension eased out of her shoulders as she began contemplating that instead. Amethyst smiled at Holyn, giving him a friendly bump. {Good on you. And yeah, she can't pull it. She tried already.}

{Holyn's really emotionally intelligent,} Cenza added. {He's a real people person!}

Holyn giggled bashfully at the compliments as our team smiled at him in turn.

{Are you gonna invite Jade and his crew?} Donut asked them. {I know Rogelio is busy with Rowan.}

Violet shook her head. "I doubt he would appreciate this, and he would sour Zenara's mood."

{I also don't think his team likes us very much, so I think they'd decline anyway,} Cenza surmised sadly.

{Yeah, they'd just go off on Violet for not being a city kid. Or me for… fuck I dunno, being a cat?} Amethyst shrugged. {Makes about as much sense as anything they berate us for.}

{We should leave them be,} Lou suggested. {I believe they're training with Gautier anyway.}

Donut had no complaints with that and neither did I. They had an amicable dinner last night, why push things even further so soon.

We walked into the forest, off the beaten path north of Route 201. Amethyst knew exactly where to go, and even made sure to only go places Zenara could reasonably pull the cart through. There might've been trees in it already, but they had no intention of uprooting any to get through. As we were walking though, I noticed Zenara pouting.

At one point, she looked back at me. {Why're you friends with Jade?}

"Hm?" I walked up closer to face her properly.

{He's mean! And you're not! It doesn't make any sense.}

I gave it some thought. "I suppose it doesn't considering how everyone views us…"

Cynthia, Garland and the gym folk never had a problem with our friendship. In fact, mostly everyone there is rather fond of him since he'd been coming over since he was a kid. Volkner and his team were all so used to him, but they usually left us alone to our own devices. It's when we leave our inner circle and go out into the world people become less… tolerant of him.

"He was there for me when I felt more alone than I have ever felt in my life," I explained. "Donut wasn't born yet, Lou wasn't in Sinnoh. I had no friends close to my age, but he became the only one I needed."

Zenara screwed up her face in confusion. {But he hates you being friends with Violet and Amethyst! He just comes over and is mean when they don't do anything but help good people and deal with bad people!}

"He has a possessive streak and he doesn't trust the mystery around them," I answered honestly. "He tends to think the worst of people before the better. I dunno why exactly he hasn't warmed up to them even till now though, but it might be because we haven't been spending as much time together as we used to."

Violet raised an eyebrow at that. "Is he not typically the one venturing elsewhere? I doubt the past few months have been typical for you."

{Up until relatively recently neither Topaz or Jade left the area too often,} Lou explained. {Their relationship was stable and constant until the Benedetto culling.}

{Ah, so he hates us cuz we came along with a buncha changes,} Amethyst surmised. {Yeah he doesn't seem too big on those.}

{He's been doing all this acting stuff recently out of nowhere, what's up with that?} Donut asked me.

I frowned. "It was his mom's idea to make him famous so they can stay financially afloat with their lifestyle. He wants to make a name for himself. It's what Flax wants for himself too; he wants to be like Idunn and Siegfried. According to him that means being powerful, graceful and well-spoken."

{It's good to have goals, I guess?} Amethyst mused before shrugging, looking at us. {I'ma be real, Zenara's actually got the most disdain for him of the three of us. He's… Well, Violet?}

"Yet to showcase anything atypical of humans beyond our more frequent encounters," she said simply. "He is correct that we are outliers, but given the average of humanity? That is preferable."

"I see… do you think there could possibly be more to him?" I asked her. "More than you'd suspect."

She considered it for a moment. "There is potential for him to better himself. The question is whether or not he pursues that. He says he wishes to accompany you on expeditions. I doubt it is for the sake of altruism, but perhaps your conscience will rub off on him."

{I think he can do it,} Cenza piped up, earning all eyes on her. {I've never met anyone like him. He's so prickly and hard to know, but… I never got the feeling he wanted to do wrong. When I'm around him I just feel…}

She shook her head. {He's so complicated, but I know what good and evil humans feel like. He's not evil, nowhere near. B-but that doesn't mean you have to like him. I think he could be a lot nicer to Amethyst and Violet.}

"I defer to your judgment," Violet replied. "I do not have the senses you do."

{I'd like him to stop being a meanie face…} Zenara grumbled. {Just 'cuz Violet and Amethyst can take it doesn't mean they should have to…}

Amethyst floated over, rubbing Zenara's head. {Hey, it's nothing we're not used to. And besides, we're not seeking him out or anything. You can't change people unless they wanna. And that's his problem, not ours. Even if he tries to make it ours. So instead, like Holyn told Violet to focus on better things, why not focus on the people we're gonna meet soon?}

It took a moment, but Zenara's frown slowly melted. {Okay… but if he does bother you, I'll zap him silly!}

Amethyst chuckled. {I know you would.}

I watched them laugh with a smile on my face. To me Jade is my priceless friend, to others he's a huge jackass. Course Violet and Amethyst just think of him as another whatever human, but maybe one day he could be more. If he wants to help us all in fights, he's gonna have to be more. Since they don't deserve to be treated this way.

Jade… I'm not saying you need to become their besties, but at least tone down the bitchy comments.

The sound of rushing water and faint chittering drew our attention. Amethyst grinned, floating ahead and waving us to follow before turning around and calling out. {Heeeeey! It's us, Amethyst and Violet! We came to say hi!}

While we were still catching up, the muted chittering grew confused for a moment before becoming excited. When we did, we found a river leading into Lake Verity with a large dam crossing it. Bidoof and Bibarel scampered all around, with lots of them swimming up from underneath the water and shaking themselves dry on shore to come pile on top of Violet and Amethyst.

Zenara's eyes widened, her previous mood completely forgotten as a smile lit her face and she ducked out of the cart to go jump in. Amethyst was doing her best to keep up with all the Bidoof and Bibarel crowding her, while Violet was hugging and saying hello to each and every one who wanted one.

[This colony took care of us one winter while we were out on the road a few years ago,] I felt Amethyst explain in our minds, too busy to actually speak. [We haven't been back this way to pay them back for it yet, so we wanted to do that.]

{Hehe, they're really fond of you. Are they your family?} Cenza asked.

[No, they're just good friends.] Amethyst laughed. [You know we're not the kind to just take without giving back, and we helped care for some of them that winter too. All for one and one for all, y'know?]

{Mmmm, your dynamic reminds me of my old militia. During my winter there they taught me best how to cope with the cold,} Lou related.

[You've mentioned them before once. What's up with that?] Amethyst asked.

{We haven't seen them in awhile, haven't we? Wanna say hi when we get back to Sunyshore?} Donut asked.

Lou shook his head. {Unnecessary. We should wait until spring. Their time is occupied enough as is during times of frost. These bidoof and bibarel seem to be doing well enough though.}

I eyed the cart of logs in realization. "Oh so these are for their dam? I should've guessed, I totally would've gotten it."

[And that's why I had to be so vague,] Amethyst's mirthful voice spoke. [It's a surprise to you just as much as them.]

{New friends!} I heard Zenara bleating happily, her yellow wool barely visible in the sea of fluffy brown fur. {All the new friends! Hi!}

Holyn waltzed over first to greet the Bidoof who welcomed him amicably after a few sniffs as they began to engage in banter. Lou, Donut and I followed after him waving at them as walked forwards.

"Never been so close to a bidoof colony," I laughed, petting one that strolled right up to me. "They're all so cute! And quite cuddly."

"They did us a great kindness in the past," Violet said, a smile on her face. "And finally we pay them back. Their warmth sustained us, and we did our best to assist them in all they needed. They enjoyed our company, I just had not anticipated quite this much."

{Awww hush, you're great. We're both great!} Amethyst cheered. She got as many nods as she did laughs from the Bidoof and Bibarel with that. {Now c'mon, you were worried what'd happen to us when we left. So come meet our new friends, and we can tell you what we've been up to!}

While we remained there Amethyst and Violet recounted the tales of their time spent with the bidoof colony as they distributed food and integrated their logs into the dam's infrastructure. This was noticeably one of the few times Violet didn't immediately offer Donut some of her own food, but he did not protest.

It was a lovely trip. It just felt so natural to hear that they survived in a bidoof colony through a winter, but to see how adjusted they were within the community was charming. They had spent a lot of wonderful days here, even when times were difficult. But eventually they had to leave.

Would they leave Sunyshore one day? Leave all of us to return to traveling through the wilderness? Perhaps so, perhaps not. For now I would just enjoy this moment and remember it fondly.

~x5x~

PoV: Topaz Heart

Location: Sandgem Pokemon Lab - Pasture

Time: Next Day - Noon

After spending time with the bidoof colony we all returned to the lab satisfied and happy. It had been quite some time since I had seen either Violet or Amethyst in such high spirits. The rest of the day went rather well, the team and I continued helping Lou train in midair combat.

Jade was off somewhere his team was training Gautier. From what I could tell Violet and her group spent basically all of their time exploring the pasture getting to know the residential pokemon. She was absolutely working to get some mileage on her Rogelio blessing.

The next day passed along smoothly until around the afternoon. I had spent most of the day training Holyn against Barry and his Chimchar partner. They were an excitable duo, a stark contrast to the mellow Lucas and Turtiwg, but more akin to the bubbly Dawn and Piplup.

It was hard to keep up with them on all fronts, including battle, but they also tended to act way too fast to think anything through. Regardless, Holyn and I appreciated the sudden reactionary training.

"Chimchar and I could go all day, but Lucas owes me a 50k and I plan on collecting today!" Barry announced as Chimchar hopped onto his shoulder.

"50k!? For doing what?" I asked, aghast.

"I told him if he was late to any of our research expeditions I'd fine him 20k… he's been 10 minutes early to each one, but I'd already been waiting for him for at least 30 minutes each time! But since he wasn't late I only fined him a measly 10k each time. A friendship discount," He hummed, folding his arms.

"That's excessive and did he ever agree to-" I began.

"You're a talkative guy, I like that, but I can't talk all day," Barry interrupted me as he began collecting all his training goods and stuffing them into his bag. "Catch ya later!"

And with that he was sprinting out of the pasture leaving Holyn and I speechless. We turned to each other and shrugged.

He seemed pretty normal at a glance, but he's quite eccentric… Well that explains why he's so good in battle.

Not quite spent on energy, I began looking for Amethyst to see if she was down to help Lou with his aerial training as she could fly, but I hadn't seen them all day. Not even for breakfast nor the rest of her team. When I was about to call her cell, I looked up to see Jade and his team sauntering over.

"Yo Topaz," Jade called out. "I've gotta say Sandgem is more entertaining than I'd thought it'd be. Well the pasture is with all the zones anyway, the rest of the town is giving… basic."

"So it wasn't just me… anyway, have you seen Amethyst, Violet and the others at all?" I asked. "I wanted to ask them to help train Lou in aerial combat."

Jade rolled his eyes. "Haven't seen them all day. I figured they got up early to be swinging from vines or eating weeds to be nature friendly."

{Helpful as always,} Donut groaned.

"The whole Jungle Jane act is getting old, wouldn't you say?" I asked dismissively.

Jade considered it before shrugging. "I suppose it is… but if you want to find them, I think I know a fun method to try. Gautier."

He called for his angular bug to step forward. "Besides bending the minds of the weak, Dottler are famous for their sensory abilities. Most of the power can't be accessed until evolution, but considering his past training I've discovered he's got a decent radar. He can try and hone in on Amethyst's psychic signature. Shouldn't be too difficult, it's hard to hide that much power."

"I was just gonna call them… but let's see what you can do, Gautier," I encouraged him.

Gautier buzzed in affirmation as his lights began to blink rhythmically. He had closed his eyes to concentrate further, his body made a low rumbling sound before he turned toward the specter zone deeper into the pasture and began walking.

We spent a while walking to where we presumed them to Violet's group. When he was on the right track his lights blinked in a hypnotic, but satisfying fashion. But when his tracking became muddied, the lights began to blink disorderly until he could find the right frequency.

Once we got somewhat close to the specter zone, a perpetually foggy area with spooky trees you'd see in an abandoned cemetery, did his tracking become wholefully unreliable. All he could determine was that we were closer to them than when we had started, but the exact position was too unclear.

He buzzed sadly as he deactivated his tracking, earning a light pat on the side from Flax. Jade folded his arms unamused.

"Well now we know another skill we need to focus on," He stated as he took off his bag and took out a… cat toy? "Shizu, odor sleuth."

Shizu gave Gautier a cheeky side eye as she strutted to Jade's side, her nose began to glow a bright red as she gave the cat toy an intensive sniff. Once she was finished her head was to the ground and off to work, picking up where Gautier had left off. As she went, I gave Jade a quizzical look.

"Is that… Amethyst's cat toy?" I asked in disbelief. "Do you just carry people's stuff so you can track them!?"

"Don't ask, it's helping you now," He countered. He gave it some thought before adding more. "I told Garland about it and after the initial shock he said it could come in handy. Well, if you ask permission first."

"Jade… why are you like this?"

"You won't be saying that when you get kidnapped and we have to track you down," He countered again. "Now come on, Shizu's way ahead of us."

"You better give everyone their stuff back after this," I demanded as we ran after Shizu.

He groaned obnoxiously. "Fine, it'll save me some capsule space anyway."

Despite Jade's questionable tactics, Shizu blazed down a path close to the specter zone, but not within it contrary to Gautier's assumption. She wasn't flawless since there were a lot of scents around us, but she was pretty familiar with Amethyst's scent so she got on by muscle memory alone.

Once we caught up to her we found her sitting patiently in front of a familiar shadowy dome, the same one Amethyst had made to hide us from the Mankey in the forest when we first met. This one was much more transparent though, and the only one who seemed at all tense within it was Violet on her tablet. Amethyst was chilling next to her, and Zenara was napping.

Amethyst's eyes drifted to us, and she grinned before waving us over. {Hey, there's the rest of you!} her cheery voice muffled through the dome.

{Hm, commendable Shizu, you actually found them,} Lou noted as he turned to Gautier. {It was a good attempt, but Amethyst's shadow veil is difficult to detect.}

Shizu preened under the compliment whilst Gautier immediately took to studying the transparent waves of the veil so as to not get caught off guard again.

Amethyst raised an eyebrow before the cat toy in Jade's hand was surrounded in a purple glow, pulling from his grasp and flying to Amethyst. {First off, fuck you.} She looked at Gautier. {Second, this is actually a lesser strength version of this, so if you're keeping it in mind just note it can get a lot 'thicker'.}

"That aside, are you guys busy?" I asked, eyeing the hyper focused Violet. "Since Violet looks really busy. Lou wanted to ask you if you could help train with aerial combat. He's gotten a good grasp on moving, but he wants a partner to test it out more."

{It's a pure tech thing, but yeah she's busy for the moment. Don't worry though, we trust you and I'm sure it won't take much longer,} she said with a sly grin.

"Why did you travel to the farthest end of the pasture and put up a veil just to work on your computer?" Jade asked suspiciously.

I was going to berate him as to how he shouldn't be saying shit after stealing people's stuff when I noticed Donut's ears angle behind him.

"I had the same exact question, Jade," A new voice said from behind us. Just before I turned around, I noted Violet push a button.

From behind us we found Professor Rowan walking with a slightly deeper scowl than usual (I had gotten better at interpreting them) accompanied by a Weavile, Camerupt, Ariados and Bronzong.

Each pokemon taking up a position surrounding Violet's group from each direction each with a no nonsense expression.

Lou and Flax were immediately on edge, but hid the full extent of their hostility. They would wait until a strike was warranted. All I could hope was that we had no need for any violence.

Zenara, meanwhile, blinked awake, her face lighting up when she saw that they were surrounded before looking at Violet and Amethyst with the same smile. {I told you!}

Amethyst nodded, dispelling the veil. {You did. Violet?}

Violet let out a breath she'd been holding, looking at her tablet.

"Seventeen point four seven seconds for the program to notice an intrusion, one minute, thirty two seconds and ninety eight milliseconds for the physical response, for a total time of one minute, fifty seconds and forty five milliseconds."

Amethyst whistled, impressed before looking at Rowan. {Damn, not even two minutes? Your security is tight.}

"Under two minutes?" The Professor questioned. "You meant to test us?" He then eyed Jade, myself and our teams. "Are they a part of this?"

Violet shook her head. "No, they arrived momentarily before you." She then looked directly at Rowan. "I have heard numerous times that your Pokemon related systems are secure and that the response to intrusion of them is rapid. But until now, I only had the words of others. Now there is proper evidence of such that I and my partners have witnessed."

Professor Rowan sighed heavily while each of his security pokemon eyed each other skeptically. He didn't yell and I detected no anger. I think he was mostly relieved there wasn't an actual problem.

"I was informed you had a tendency to push the boundaries of what is allowed. I see this is what they meant," He turned around. "You're all to return with me to the laboratory. Topaz, Jade, your allies come along as well."

Violet simply nodded, picking up her things. I noticed a newfound respect in her eyes when she looked at Rowan. Amethyst meanwhile looked at me and waved me off. {We'll practice flight stuff… later? I dunno, no clue how long this'll take.}

"So helping you gets people dragged into awkward situations," Jade scoffed as he and his team followed behind the Professor. "I see how it is, Zio."

"You're the one who insisted on helping," I reminded him, only to realize he was just teasing me judging by the cheeky grin on his face.

Ugh.

~Chapter 35 Fin~

Question: Who do you want to see interact more?

Author's Note: This chapter got too long so I had to split it in half. It's still quite long, just a tad better now.