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{}=Pokemon Speaking; []=Telepathic Speaking

The Four Winds have blown in and out of our heroes' lives, but they shall not leave their memories. Spurred on by new motivation Topaz set into motion a new mission for he and his friends.

~x1x~

PoV: Topaz Heart

Location: Topaz's Room - Home

Time: March - Afternoon

The events of the kittens' departure had left me emotionally drained. After we said goodbye to the kittens, we all just went inside and stewed in our thoughts. I decompressed with Dragoniteball GT Ki-Mastered and called it a day. After all that time spent painstakingly raising the kittens so they'd recover properly, it felt odd to be without them.

I took a few days to immerse myself back into my projects. There was so much more to do and now I had the time. I told the kittens I'd make a difference and Volkner still hasn't been summoned by his contacts in the Great Marsh to assist in anything.

Even River, a Mudkip who had lived her whole life in the Great Marsh, seemed surprised by the cold trail. Granted she was also still undergoing Volkner's intense training regimens, so that likely took most of her focus.

Violet and Amethyst's own investigations had turned up relatively little as well. They've been scouting a little bit with Volkner when I was away traveling to Sandgem, along with investigating records of human activity in the area. At least it didn't seem like poachers were in the area, but that didn't explain the disturbances in the area.

But I know someone who can.

I sat at my computer desk staring at my desktop with Lou perched on a bug stand next to me, awaiting our informant to join the call.

Seconds later, the familiar face of Evangeline Morebucks showed itself across my screen. It had been some time since we'd last spoken, but we had a mutual respect for each other. Sitting in front of her was Marjorie the Steenee, her lifelong friend and partner.

"Hello Topaz and- oh!" Eva paused when she saw Lou. "Is that Lou? So you've evolved. Congratulations, you look quite splendid."

Marjorie warbled similar compliments and Lou buzzed pleasantly in gratitude.

"Hey Eva, I know it's been awhile since we've spoken, but I was hoping we could talk about the liberated Kalos pokemon?" I asked immediately; best not to waste each other's time.

She gave me a quizzical look. Eva's family is the most prominent family in Highshire Town due to safeguarding a Gracidea garden, and are important figures in the Great Marsh. While they had their own duties, Eva had told me she looked out for whatever Kalos pokemon she could find. Hell, before we even met here she found one of the liberated Fennekin and directed her to a safe haven.

When Volkner and I first met her after I had become his protege and I could immediately tell she was the prim and proper type. Not usually the type to get her hands dirty.

And yet, her personality told me the opposite. She had spine, a capable partner and a drive I could respect. She never gave off an air of superiority and seemed to treat everyone as equals. She wasn't anything like every other rich bastard in her hometown.

"Well, Marjorie and I have recently become acquainted with five more Kalos pokemon. They've built a den close to Fennekin's den and when we spotted them, Fennekin was with them. Which was surprising since she's always so distant, so to see her making friends is monumental growth," Eva explained with Marjorie concurring. "Has a problem arisen on your end or did you need an update? I would've thought you'd ask your uncle."

I shook my head. "I did, but he knows nothing. He gets his sources from the rangers and even then they don't have to report to him over possible issues when they could handle it."

I had come to the conclusion that taking a more proactive approach was required. Eva and Marjorie to my understanding were socialites popular with many wild pokemon. They had quite a bit to tell themselves.

Eva clasped her hands. "Would you like to handle something? Is that why you called?"

Lou and I nodded in tandem. "We've learned a lot these past few months and we want to use that knowledge to help others alongside my friends."

Eva smiled softly at me. "I understand you wish to help, Topaz, but there's not much I could see you doing here. Everything has been manageable so far and overall the Kalos pokemon seem intent on being left alone."

I frowned, thinking about the kittens. I had to keep trying. "Even so… I'd love it if you could request me specifically the next time there's a possible mission. Can you do that?"

Eva gave me a pained sigh. "Topaz, we are around the same age. I have as much authority as you do. Would your uncle even let you go on missions?"

"At this point I'd be insulted if he didn't have faith in me," I replied. "And I know people have faith in you, so please Eva. We want to help."

Eva gave me a dirty side-eye, while Marjorie glanced at Lou, the two having a silent conversation. Eva folded her arms. "Alright, spill it. What dramatic event brought this on. Your body language is screaming there's a story here."

{A personal plight might carry more weight,} Lou whispered to me.

I hummed in agreement. "Fine. This didn't come out of nowhere, but it was always stewing in my head just so ya know."

I quickly recounted the events of the last few weeks with the Espurr. How we wanted to keep them and other Sinnoh pokemon safe from foreign poachers and whoever else came to the region to cause trouble. She hadn't said anything during the whole spiel, listening patiently the entire time.

"So?" I asked.

She sighed again. "I can't give you a problem if there's no problem to solve, but… let me ask my mother if there's a chance there's something for you to do."

I know her dad manages to garden since it's his legacy, but what does her mom do?

She paused her video feed leaving Lou and I alone for a second.

{Even if there is no task for us, I will find one,} Lou comforted me.

"I know you will, but let's see what they have to say," I assured him.

A few minutes later, they returned. "Mom has her own way of acquiring information, so she believes there's something you could do in a few days. She's evaluating the situation herself, but familiarizing yourself with the area would at least be something. So we'll contact the gym and tell them we're requesting you when you're ready. Mom is okay with you bringing who you need, but there will be judgment if they're of poor taste."

I gave her a determined smile. "Thank you Eva, you won't regret it."

She rolled her eyes with a smile. "You owe me. See you later, ruffian."

Marjorie waved as Eva signed off the video call. I leaned back in my seat elated by the news.

Finally something to do.

Lou looked quite pleased in his own right. {Thank you for inviting me to this meeting, General. I believe I am understanding the merit of alliances, negotiations and networking more.}

"All invaluable facets of being a soldier, knowing when to talk it out," I noted as I stood up to head over to my tinkering table. "And now we prepare for work."

After weeks of analysis, making schematics and discussing it with Volkner I've finally begun constructing my trainer tool. As of right now it was a simple metal brace with a hatch on top. It was only the prototype so I haven't painted it or anything, but I could already picture the finished product.

I placed the brace on my left hand as it automatically fitted itself onto me. I flexed my fingers and moved my arm testing the weight and comfort.

Still could do some improvements there.

{Your grappling device, yes?} Lou questioned.

I nodded, pressing a button transforming the brace into a proper gauntlet as I pointed my left arm towards my ceiling. "And I have you to thank for the inspiration."

That Galena woman of Dispetto also showcased their utility.

I pressed a button on the gauntlet and a synthetic web shot out from the gauntlet, attaching itself to the ceiling. With another button, the gauntlet began to pull me up the web string until I was suspended in midair. I pressed another button to reverse the process as it gently brought me back to the floor so I could safely detach the string.

Lou seemed quite interested in the entire process. {So as a brace it is dormant, but when activated it turns into a gauntlet allowing you to shoot webbing from that hatch? And with said web you can recede and extend when needed.}

I smiled back at him as I deactivated the gauntlet, turning it into a brace once again. "Exactly. Course I'd like to be able to do all those features with one hand since right now it's rather slow, but I think for a first draft I've made some good progress."

{I must say I am honored you find my way of movement so admirable,} Lou commended. {As I am able to fly I haven't used it as much recently, but I am glad it inspired you.}

"When Roland was an Electabuzz he used Electroweb to pull himself all over the place when he first fought Heimdall. That battle stuck with me and how you utilized the web always looked so efficient. Now I figured it's my turn," I smirked.

Hopefully this is good enough by the time Eva requests us.

~x2x~

PoV: Volkner Beacon

Location: Sunyshore Gym - Training Yard

Time: March - Morning

{They're really going at it today, huh?} River muttered to me.

"It's been a minute since they've all trained together. Guess they're making up for lost time," I shrugged.

We sat side by side on a spare bench, having just finished our own training. River was working well with the team so far and had come a long way since we'd started. She was growing larger each day, so evolution was around the corner.

As for the kids, Topaz, Violet and Jade all came to the gym for different reasons today. Topaz was with Zachery working out some quirks on his grappling device in the engineer room. Violet was here for her shift of taking care of the gym pokemon and other errands. Meanwhile, Vika was teaching Jade self-defense techniques in Garland's stead.

As all the humans were busy, the pokemon had rallied together for intense training sessions. They'd all gathered to the training yard, where we have our gym pokemon hone their skills away from prying eyes. The yard led to the mountainous backyard the gym was perched upon, allowing easy access to indoor and outdoor training.

Outside was Amethyst floating before a focusing Donut and Lou. Surrounding them were floating Twisted Spoons, infused with intense psychic energies to empower all of them. Amethyst studied the duo carefully as the air warped around them each differently.

{Lou, you need to put less power into it and focus more on the form. Your focus isn't good enough to shape that much energy yet. Donut, think about it more like a full body Iron Tail from psychic energy. Once you can do that, we can worry on projecting it more.}

Taking heed of their advice, the air around each of them shifted once again, this time earning a nod of approval from Amethyst as she continued instructing them on their next steps.

{I didn't know they were psychics,} River pondered.

"Donut and Lou have potential for it. Donut is learning Reflect and Lou Light Screen. Amethyst is guiding them through the process as they are relatively difficult to master moves," I explained.

River nodded as she shifted her focus to another training team. In one of the battlefields Zenara and Holyn had teamed up against Proton. The Electivire was leagues ahead of them both, which was good considering the duo's penchant for causing excessive amounts of damage. Fragile opponents didn't suit them, they needed someone that could withstand their attacks and force them to think differently.

Proton caught Holyn's charge with one hand, stopping him dead in his tracks before using him to bat away Zenara and sending Holyn skidding after her. {Better, but you need to time your convergence better. Don't come at me as one entity keeping its balance, only throwing one attack at a time. Force me to deal with you both simultaneously.}

Zenara stood back up before Holyn did, looking at him. {Okay, so this time, bring some more rocks with you. That'll slow you down a bit, and that way I can get more of a runup.}

{Okay, let's do it!} Holyn affirmed as he summoned several floating rock spires around him as Zenara charged ahead.

River seemed perplexed. {Zenara doesn't seem like the type to wait. I figured she'd tell Holyn to attack even faster and overwhelm him so she could do even more.}

"You'll see why she told him that," I assured her as we continued to watch their bout.

This time, Proton had to keep an eye on them both. Zenara circled him, building up speed as the bulb on her tail brightened. Lightning trailed behind her, obscuring Holyn slightly until he came bursting through the circle surrounded by spires of stone. Only moments before Holyn charged into Proton, Zenara pivoted and came rocketing at him from the other side.

Proton caught them both at the same time, using his tails to lash away the floating stones before setting them both down. {Good. Now keep doing that.}

{That was a huge improvement,} River noted. {If his reflexes were slower, he absolutely would've been bombarded from Holyn, Zenara and the stones.}

"Exactly. She's got the right idea when it comes to fighting and leading. She's the most capable Mareep I've ever seen," I praised her. Except something bothered me about that statement.

She does want to be more than a Mareep, right?

I stood up, walking over to Zenara as she was telling Holyn a new strategy, River following behind me. "Yo Zenara, can I check something with you?"

She looked up at me, eyes bright. {Is it new stuff? Please tell me it's new stuff that I can kick more butt with!}

"I just need to do a quick physical examination. Gotta see how much you've grown after all."

She sighed a little before nodding, still grinning. {That's not as fun, but sure!}

I patted her on the head as I knelt down, inspecting her body.

She's grown a lot over the last few months, so she's definitely fully mature.

I fluffed up some of her wool, the spark flooding through me. I nodded approvingly at the feeling.

The wool is dense and healthy and her electricity has a strong surge. Stronger than any other Mareep.

"Now the final test," I said as I picked her up from her forelimbs, leading her around so she could walk on her hindlegs. Holyn looked perplexed, but I'd done this countless times including with River. Once we finished walking around I placed her back down and began to think.

She didn't stumble at all so she wouldn't have any trouble walking exclusively on her hindlegs if she were to evolve right this second.

I placed my hands on my hips. "Last question, do you want to evolve?"

She nodded, smiling brightly. {Of course! It'll be awesome getting stronger! You just told me that it'll happen when it feels right, and it hasn't felt right yet, y'know?}

Satisfied with her response, I spotted Violet emerging from the gym office, typing information into one of the gym's tablets. I turned back to Zenara. "That's all, carry on."

Zenara and Holyn went back to their training as I caught up with Violet before she went on another task. "You've got a second?"

She glanced back at me, pausing. "This has to do with Zenara being yet to evolve, yes?"

"Can you wager a guess as to what'll trigger it?" I questioned her. As a trainer, we had to know these things or at least have an inkling.

She looked at Zenara for a moment before looking back at me. "She craves adventure. Mareep evolve through growth, and she needs the room to do so. Training is sufficient for stable health, but I highly doubt she will evolve until something challenges her. Beyond sparring matches, something that matters."

"Exactly. Her potential as a Mareep is mostly maxed out at this point. I don't have any problems in my jurisdiction at the moment, but there's always a problem in Sinnoh that Zenara could help solve. Not saying it has to be right now, but if she doesn't evolve as soon as she likes we can consider that for her," I suggested.

She simply stared at me. "If it was urgent to her, I would attempt to hack what I presume was Hunter J's airship again if I find the signal once more. At the moment, I believe she is willing to wait for myself and Amethyst to find similarly depraved humans to deal with."

She told me about Hunter J before. Seems like she's continuing to keep her distance.

I nodded. "Then remember this. When the time comes for her to evolve, be ready to push for her. Give her all your spirit so she knows you're with her. When a pokemon isn't sure about what they can or can't do, give them your all so they can do more than they thought possible. That's what it means to be a trainer."

She crossed her arms. "I will always do my utmost for her. That is the least I can do to support her."

"Then I suspect when that time comes your relationship with her will evolve too," I advised, before I headed back so she could continue what she was doing. River scampered up to me curiously.

{Wasn't that kind of redundant, doesn't she always go overboard for Pokemon?} She asked.

"She does and she is, but right now her relationship with Zenara isn't quite reaching its full potential at this point. They're both growing up and need a spark. I just hope when that spark comes they both know how much they need to do to ignite it," I informed her.

She still seemed confused. {What happens if they don't?}

I considered the possibilities. "If they're in a real fight they could come up short and innocents could be hurt or worse."

{Is it that serious?} River questioned.

"If they continue to fight for what matters, then yes," I stated simply.

We returned to our bench to continue monitoring everyone's training. Flax and Shizu were sparring against several gym pokemon, combining their grass and fire attacks to create large AoE attacks. Their battles always tended to get messy though with people ending up burned or poisoned, but thankfully some gym trainers were monitoring them.

Flax was especially motivated albeit a bit tired. In terms of power he trailed behind Amethyst and now Lou significantly, but he'd been training tirelessly for months to circumvent that. I suspected he worked so hard to fight his inferiority complex and prove his worth to the others. He wasn't a bad person, but he mirrored his trainer too well. Both misunderstood and isolated.

As Shizu pushed aside an unfortunate Luxio she turned back to Gautier, who had found his own corner to train. {Gautier, come on and join us! You're too weak to be taking it easy!} She paused to look at him, her expression turned to bewilderment. {What is he doing?}

I looked over to see that Gautier had been working on some precision psychic training. Placing tiny metal needles into thin test tubes in solitude would be challenging, but in an action packed gym I was impressed. It was a training exercise recommended by Zachery's Medicham and the other gym psychics and it seemed he took to it well.

What was odd was who he was training with: Cenza.

{You're exhausted, stop,} Gautier commanded her.

She was breathing heavily on all fours as she looked up at him. {Never. I wanna be useful.}

He frowned at her. {I'm delaying my own training to help you. Is that how you want to be of use?}

She looked apologetic, but determined. {I'm sorry, but please if I can do this I can help everyone more. Let's keep trying.}

Gautier sighed as he waddled several steps away from her before enveloping himself in psychic energy. The same energy surrounded Cenza as she got up and began focusing with all her might.

{What are they-}

"See that variance in the air between them?" I answered River, noting how the world seemed to be creating a warped tunnel between the two of them. "Gautier is teaching her Ally Switch. It's when you psychically switch places with a willing ally. It's easier to master than Teleport, but has a shorter range. Dedenne can learn it, so she must be trying to."

Let's see if she can do it.

{Don't overthink, just copy me. I'm doing half the work already, just connect the path and switch,} he instructed.

Taking heed of his advice she strained herself less as she focused more on what exactly he was doing. Some realization seemed to dawn on her as each of their body's began to warp. Gautier looked pleased as each of them blinked and switched places.

Once finished Cenza collapsed on the ground exhausted, but triumphant. {I-I did it! I really did it!}

{You surprised me, but now you know the premise. Let's try again, but this time I'll do a quarter of the work instead of half,} Gautier commanded.

{Got it, I won't let you down,} she promised as they resumed their training.

Good for her.

{I thought I'd gotten used to watching everyone train, but there's always something totally different to learn, huh?} River mused. {And you seem to know everything about everyone just at a glance.}

"Working with other species and personalities gives you depth as a trainer. It's our job to be the outside perspective and fine tune our team," I answered. "It's why I prefer being a gym leader rather than some Elite."

{Next time we go back to the marsh I can't wait to show everyone what I've learned.}

I smiled down at her when I got a ping on my phone. Checking it I saw I had been requested at the front desk about a mission. Sometimes I get complaints, but the staff knows how to handle them. My gym runs perfectly; the only people complaining are the ones who can't beat it.

~x3x~

We made my way over to the front desk to see Destiny, our usual operator, manning it with her Kadabra. Her Electabuzz and Raichu were sitting behind her, keeping an eye on the computer while playing chess. She's one of our strongest gym trainers alongside Zachery, but she prefers to stay at the gym and manage than do field missions. That shit gets draining, I don't blame her.

She's from Alola, Melemele like Topaz's family, and had the skin tone to match. She usually kept her hair in a braid, but would dye the ends of it various colors. Currently it was a vibrant, sunset orange. She had a jacket on, in case she was needed outside, but otherwise had her usual lightning bolt shirt and black denim pants on.

She'd already passed the Trainer operator exam, but was currently taking online courses to get her Ranger operator certification. She wanted to cover her bases, make sure she could keep us informed and point us in the right direction regardless of what happened.

She glanced over, smiling slightly when she saw us. "Ah, Volkner. Glad you got here quickly, it's a mission pertaining to the Great Marsh."

{Seriously!? Is there a problem?} River asked, alarmed.

"Relax, let's hear her out," I eased her, turning back to Destiny. "So the rangers are finally looping us in?"

She shook her head. "No, not exactly. It's a civilian mission, but I thought it best to bring it to your attention. It's issued by an Isadora… Morebucks?" She looked over at me. "She's from Highshire, and usually I wouldn't give a mission from there your attention. But it asks for Topaz, Violet and Jade alongside their teams specifically. Is this something we should be concerned about?"

I screwed my face the more she spoke. This was out of the blue, but not necessarily concerning. I did want answers though. "Can you ping those three if you don't mind. I could go for an explanation myself."

Within minutes all three found themselves at the front desk with varying levels of confusion on their faces. Topaz seemed the least surprised.

"Lemme guess, there's a mission requesting me and my friends, right Destiny?" Topaz asked her before I could even speak.

She raised an eyebrow. "Yes, there is. I take it you've got something to do with that?"

"By friends you mean me and Violet?" Jade asked. "What do we have to do with this?"

Topaz faced him. "I asked Evangeline Morebucks if she could find us any missions to help any Kalos pokemon. She told her mom and said they'd contact the gym when they heard anything useful. I also asked if I could bring my friends because Violet and her team were equally involved, while you Jade, wanted to be. So it works out for all of us."

I sighed. "You could've asked me for something to do, Topaz."

He shook his head firmly. "I can occupy my time, I just wanted to fill it with something worthwhile. I know the Pastoria gym and the Great Marsh rangers are super competent, but they couldn't help the kittens. I know we can't save everyone, but it doesn't feel right to not try and check up on them. I wanna see if we can save some others."

Violet looked at me. "At worst, barring death or dismemberment, firsthand records would assist in determining regional issues. At best, we may resolve issues and give Zenara the situation required to evolve."

"Plus, we could die here at any random point, so leaving could actually save our lives," Topaz added.

This is their reasoning?

I rolled my eyes as Jade spoke up next. Now that he was hearing more he sounded quite interested. "So what are the details?"

Destiny glanced between us all, sighing while her Kadabra rested her chin on her hand. "The details are accompanying Isadora and Evangeline Morebucks-"

Violet snorted quietly, unable to keep a small smirk from her face. Destiny shook her head, but I could see a small grin as she continued. "-on a scouting mission for cartography purposes. Apparently, Miss Isadora is a cartographer and finds it prudent to rechart a given location." She looked over. "The way it's written, it's likely she believes there's something there and might intend on redrawing territory borders depending on the situation." Then she looked at me. "Is this someone we can trust to do that properly?"

"We didn't meet Mrs. Morebucks when we went to their house. What's she like?" Topaz asked.

I knew Isadora's capabilities well. "Yeah, we can trust her skills. While Mr. Morebucks is a respectable man, he's best fit for desk work and managing gardens. Isadora has been mapping dangerous lands for ages and has a charismatic charm with everyone. Lucian has her go on scouting missions and she's always exceeded expectations. I doubt she needed any help, but since you offered she's not against accepting."

"So can we go?" Topaz pleaded, his eyes filled with hope.

I placed a hand on my hip as I scanned all three of them. "Just to be clear, you all want to go right?"

Jade curled a strand of his hair, thinking about something or other. "I'm down."

"If it has the potential to help Zenara and Pokemon as a whole, I will go," Violet said simply.

I then turned to Destiny. "Mission approved then. Where are they heading?"

She looked back at the file. "Pastoria City, beginning in Area 1 of the Safari Zone and heading northwest to chart an area marginally close to it."

Topaz turned to Violet. "Have you and Amethyst ever been to the Safari Zone?"

She nodded. "And the Great Marsh as well." She glanced back at Jade. "Despite his nickname, neither of us frequented the area beyond necessity. But we know how to traverse it nonetheless."

"The Great Marsh is a dangerous place, Jade. Are you sure?" I asked again.

"Not my first choice, but I'll deal with it," he stated, blankly.

At least he's not deterred.

"They'd like to start tomorrow if possible, so make sure to keep in mind you'll be walking through a swamp. It's March so the pokemon and flora will be lively, make sure you're all prepared for that," Destiny warned us.

Topaz nodded, as he turned to his friends. "Good, we're moving quickly. I've got swamp gear and made sure I restocked beforehand."

Jade folded his arms. "Sooner than I expected, but not a problem. I need to see Garland about preparations, but I'll be ready."

Violet thought for a moment. "We will be ready within the day, but ensuring Zenara will be able to comfortably traverse the swamp will take more time. We will be ready nonetheless."

I nodded. "I'll come with you guys to Pastoria and then you'll be on your own. Until then, tell your teams and start getting ready. We'll all meet up at the train station tomorrow."

Topaz gave me an adamant look. "Thank you so much, Uncle. We won't let you down."

I patted him on the shoulder before walking back into the gym with River by my side.

Hope this mission goes well.

~x4x~

PoV: Topaz Heart

Location: Sunyshore Gym - Employee Area

Time: March - Noon

As soon as we could Violet and I told our teams all about what was happening tomorrow and we all rallied together to the gym break area to prepare. Everyone gathered into the employee break room to help Violet and I prep our bags for whatever we could encounter while we were out.

I had all the restorative items I needed, so I was primarily focusing on finalizing the grappling hook so I'd be comfortable enough to wield it in the field. I had been practicing, but it needed refinement.

Zachery was helping me adjust the speed of the cord so it could grip onto whatever I needed fast enough. Vika had joined in giving her own expert input.

"What's the cord made of anyway? I assume it's not bug type string," she asked.

"It's a synthetic string based on Lou's webbing structure. My Galar contact, Julius, just needed a sample and he was able to create it. There are specially made capsules for the webbing inside the gauntlet allowing me to carry loads without needing to reload," I explained. "I had considered making it a standard cord with a hook, but that needs something to latch onto. This webbing can attach to basically any surface and hold on, even though it's a bit more finicky to work with. Basing it on Lou's web also assured me it was electric resistant and strong."

Vika whistled. "Well, as long as it's reliable you won't have any regrets going the extra mile for your safety. And doesn't just kinda hang there forever after you let go."

"Especially now that we just finished adjusting the speed and triggers. Alright, Topaz, aim for the sky," Zachery said, stepping back. Medicham stood beside him, equally interested.

I put on the bracelet and activated the grappling mode. Zachery and Vika had advised on a slight remodel as being pulled up by wrists might be uncomfortable, unless I was afraid of letting go of the grappling device. So, we programmed the bracelet so it would shift to a handheld grappling hook that could fit both my hands if needed. It could even remain in that mode in case I needed to use it in quick succession and was easily adjustable to my belt.

I aimed the grapple towards the ceiling activating the trigger, sending a strong web upwards attaching itself to the ceiling perfectly. It then began pulling me up until I stopped it before I hit the ceiling. As I hung suspended in the air I noted the new feel. It was much more comfortable than the old model and even faster. No inclination of jamming either.

I descended back down gently to Zachery, Medicham and Vika's pleased expressions.

{Everything appears in working order. I think it's good for some light field testing,} Medicham suggested.

{How'd it feel? Do you finally know what it's like to be Lou?} Donut asked.

"It feels way more natural than before, it's a tool I can truly count on," I noted, placing the hook on my belt.

"It also looks damn cool, good on ya for finding your own way to keep yourself safe," Vika praised me. She then picked up my battle baton from the engineer table, examining it. "This could go for a bit of an upgrade though. Are you cool if I make it extendable into a staff? And I think it's about time I taught you how to make flashbangs."

My eyes lit up. "That'd be perfect, can we do it right now?"

She laughed as she pulled out her tools. "Of course, Zachery, Medicham, you in?"

"We're scheduled for a gym challenge, but right after absolutely," Zachery smiled as he and Medicham headed off to the battlefield.

"Let's take a break then. You sure you've got everything?" Vika asked. "Proper boots and all that? I know you and Donut can't stand mud."

{I will be in his bag safely away from any and all mud,} Donut reminded her.

"Yeah, I'm good on that front. Besides anything I'm missing, I think the others have got it covered," I noted, eyeing Amethyst going over the contents of Violet's bag whilst Violet was working on some contraption for Zenara with laser focus. Apparently she had an idea in mind to help Zenara traverse the swampy marshlands.

{So we're set on potions, status heals, smoke bombs, flashbangs, rope,} Amethyst muttered to herself as she organized everything. {Been months since we've had to use most of this extra stuff, but that saves us some time.}

Violet hummed in agreement as the duo continued with their work. I looked over to see Lou was coaching Zenara and Holyn on how they should proceed during the mission. Zenara looked genuinely invested, meanwhile Holyn just liked hearing Lou speak.

{Seems like a lot of fanfare for mapmaking, but I guess anything could happen, huh?} Donut mused.

{And never forget it,} said a new voice.

Donut and I turned around to see Donut's mother, Zola the Raichu scamper over to us. She had joined Volkner on his journey through Sinnoh as a wild Pikachu years ago and has been by his side through countless missions. Nowadays she spends a lot of time with Flint and Lancelot the Infernape, Donut's dad.

{Oh Mom, you're back from the Survival Area?} Donut asked.

{At the perfect time too, I heard you're going on your first official mission,} she cheered.

Donut rolled his eyes. {Key word: official. I've done dangerous stuff before.}

{I know, but sometimes I worry that your lax nature will get you into trouble. I know Topaz and Lou look after you, but I want you to always be vigilant,} she warned him.

"No worries Zola, despite everything Donut is probably the most wary in the team," I assured her.

She smiled up at me. {You're right, but just in case…} she reached behind her, pulling out a sparkling orb, filled with lively static.

"Is this…"

{A light ball?} Donut finished, looking up at his mom. {Is this for me?}

She nodded pleased. {I made it myself! I know you've been relying on that eviolite since you were a Pichu, but our kind were never the best at taking hits. What we can do is deal loads of damage, especially at your age. I don't want you to be caught in a bad situation because you felt you weren't strong enough. Because you are strong enough and I want to make sure you're playing to those strengths.}

Donut considered his mother's words as he touched his eviolite shard. He'd kept it all this time and it'd helped him take on so many hits, but did he need it anymore? He looked up at me for advice. {What do ya think, Zio?}

I knelt down to be more at face with them both. "I think it'd be crazy to not accept such an awesome gift from your mom."

Donut laughed as he turned to his mom. {Well, I'm already learning Reflect, so I think that's enough defense.}

Zola squeaked with glee as I removed the eviolite shard from Donut's collar and fashioned Zola's light ball onto it. The effect was immediate. Donut's body surged with electricity at the touch of the light ball, as though his true potential had just been unlocked. He looked over himself to find his fur more vivid and cheeks even redder.

{That… was a trip,} he laughed, feeling the rush. {Ooooh man, for once I hope we get to fight somebody, I'm ready to go wild!}

{As you get older you sound less like your uncle and more like your father,} Zola chuckled, hugging her much smaller son.

I raised a brow. "Donut's uncle?"

{Oh yes, my brother has the same penchant for the sweetest berries. I imagine he's still at Gracidea Garden feasting away on them,} she mused.

True, wild Pikachu are only really found in that area of Sinnoh. I wonder if Eva knows Donut's family.

{Where is Dad anyway?} Donut asked, managing to escape Zola's grip.

{He went to Hoenn with Flint to fight in another tournament, but he'll be back soon to celebrate your successful mission,} Zola cheered.

{You two don't need to do that, it's just mapmaking,} Donut objected, but Zola wasn't having it.

The two continued to argue while I watched listfully. Donut's relationship was so fascinating to me. I didn't really feel a longing or jealousy for my own parents when I watched them. I was just happy they cared for him so much.

~x5x~

PoV: Jade Forest

Location: Garland's Garden Shop

Time: March - Noon

After Volkner told us about our surprise mission I got my team and immediately headed to Garland's gardening shop. I only had until tomorrow morning to get everything set and I couldn't afford to look foolish. After a brisk jog, I found myself in front of Garland's shop.

It was a nice little place that he and Dijon owned with a few trusted employees. They enjoyed teaching people about fauna and decorating gardens. Mum bought everything we used to make our own garden from his shop and the high quality shows. It was also one of the few places Flax loved being at.

I entered the store to be surrounded by countless potted plants. Hanging from the ceiling, on the floor, chairs, desks, shelves and more. Countless seed packets were on sale as well as cute garden decorations such as decorative rocks and signs. Course there were plenty of tools including trowels, watering cans, hoses and fertilizer.

I walked in, triggering the doorbell to find Garland trimming a new rose bush with yellow and purple petals.

What a coincidence.

Dijon was busy helping a Makuhita and their trainer pick between some berry pots, but he waved at us. Meanwhile, Garland turned away from his work to give me a pleasant smile. "Well this is a surprise, what brings you here this early?"

"Quite a lot," I muttered as we walked over to him. "I'm going to the Great Marsh for a League request with Topaz and Violet tomorrow and I need help preparing. Can you spare some time?"

"A league request?" He considered it as he handed me the yellow rose pot and some clippers. "Tell me all about it while we prune these, yeah?"

I basically recounted what we were told by Destiny as we tended the roses. Garland had a couple questions, but he seemed to be reassured when I said the request was from Isadora Morebucks.

"Do you know the Morebucks family?" I asked.

"I know Isadora fairly well, we got to know one another and kept in touch. She's one of the people who got out with everyone else," he explained.

So she's a Helheim survivor. Small world, huh.

"She sounds important. Volkner spoke highly of her," I mentioned.

Garland thought for a moment. "Well, besides being part of the family that protects a major Gracidea Garden, she's one of us who'll go out and keep an eye on things. After everything we went though, she was mighty keen on not staying cooped up."

So she chose trudging through a swamp? Whatever.

"The request implies it'll be peaceful, but I'm not gonna look stupid in front of everyone so they can call me unprepared, arrogant, filthy human or whatever creative insult is appropriate. Can you help me make some concoctions?" I asked.

It was one of Garland's lesser known skills, but he was actually something of an alchemist. I remember when he first started practicing, a new hobby to distract him from the trauma of Helheim. Turns out it was incredibly productive thanks to the wide array of plants he had access to.

It was a skill I'd come to learn from watching him in my passtime, but I didn't have any of the equipment. What I did have was a very willing Roselia to assist me through the process.

He thought for a moment before nodding, looking around the mostly empty store before looking back with a smirk. "Now, how good are you at traveling delicately?"

"As delicate as a thief," I assured him.

He nodded towards the back. "Then follow me, and make some space for balloons."

{Balloons?} Gautier questioned.

I shrugged as I followed him towards the back.

In the back were various bags of dirt and seeds, along with a couple boxes of gardening supplies. He walked right past those, going to a desk a bit further back with several glass vials, potted plants and more precise instruments. Along with what looked like an open container of rubber balloons, kinda like what you'd expect to see at a birthday party.

Garland reached into a drawer, pulling out some gloves and two pairs of safety glasses. He put on one pair of glasses before handing me everything else. "Put those on, you don't want to get some of this stuff on you."

"Shizu, Gautier, watch and learn. Flax and I are gonna get to work," I warned my team as they watched from the back of the room.

"Now before we start, I want you to remember," Garland warned. "Different concentrations are dangerous to different people. The same thing that mildly inconveniences a Pokemon has the potential to kill a human or vice versa. So unless you come across a bunch of assholes in turquoise wigs, take care to remember which is which."

"I've got a good memory, I'll be careful," I assured him.

He nodded, pulling over three of the potted plants. "I'm not about to overload you with dangerous concoctions, so we'll be making a total of three different types for your mission. Each type will be in two different concentrations; one for humans, one for Pokemon. All of them will have different effects and work somewhat differently, so listen carefully."

He gestured to the far left plant, one that was familiar to me. They teach about it in class for what to look out for. "Everyone already knows poison ivy. This one is best applied topically, so it'll end up as a liquid. We're going to dilute it enough to cause irritation and distraction during a fight, but not the whole 'deal with a rash for a week' effect."

He then gestured to the center one. It was a more shrubby plant, with delicate, wide leaves and white flowers that looked like tiny umbrellas. A couple fruits hung from its stems, each looking like a chicken egg sized raisin.

"This is poison hemlock. The origin of the name is from how it can cause some heart and nervous system issues, functionally causing you to 'lock up'. Quite the nasty list of effects, really. It doesn't do much if you touch it, you need to ingest it somehow or otherwise let it enter the bloodstream." He looked at me.

"This is meant to be used defensively, so we'll be putting it in a bottle like a perfume for close range usage. I'm not giving you other ways to inflict it until you're a bit more experienced, all right?"

"That's fair, I don't wanna kill anyone decent by accident," I noted simply. "Professor Rowan told me pokemon like Roselia are ideal when making these types of things. Flax knows Aromatherapy, can we make strong curatives with his help?"

He nodded, smiling. "Definitely. It won't be all that difficult, you just need the right tools and some time." He looked at Flax. "And by right tools, I mean you using the move several times into a vacuum funnel. You're alright with that?"

Flax looked around the room. {I like alchemy, so yes.}

Garland nodded again before looking back at me, gesturing to the far right plant. It grew quite tall, and showed signs of being pruned back regularly. The leaves were ovular with serrated edges, while the flowers were deep purple and shaped like the end of a trumpet. "This one is what I'll be giving you to be more irritating than a mild rash at a distance, while also not potentially killing anyone. Have you ever been hit by a Confuse Ray?"

I shook my head, but Flax nodded. {It's unpleasant.}

He sighed. "Isn't it? Anyway, this is going to be the throwable, human version of Confuse Ray. It's called vexion weed, and it can be more or less potent depending on how concentrated it is, but we'll be keeping the concentration relatively low. Because even if someone isn't bothered by one dose, a few will have the same effect while allowing you greater flexibility."

Flax and I nodded in turn. Satisfied, Garland opened a window and poked his head out. "Dijon?"

{Yes?} I heard his warble from the garden.

"Would you mind grabbing some things from the shed? Jade, Flax and everyone are headed on a mission with Isadora."

{Oh!} I saw a few vines extend, his smiling face appearing in the window to look at us. {Good luck! We'll make sure you're well prepared!}

{Hopefully we won't need all of this,} Flax sighed.

{Speak for yourself. I dare someone to try us,} Shizu scoffed. {I've been dying to let loose again.}

{I have to agree, I'm curious to see all these concoctions in action,} Gautier added.

"Whether we use anything here or not, at least we'll have it for next time," I reminded them, although I liked their thinking.

The more dramatic the mission, the more respect I'll get with the League. Winning tournaments and acting in commercials isn't enough in Sinnoh. I've got to get my hands dirty.

"Just don't do anything rash. I don't need to tell any of you how dangerous the wild can be," Garland reminded us. "Anyway, Jade, Flax, let's get to it."

We then spent the next few hours with Garland giving me a crash course on alchemy. Even after all the hours I'd spent watching him when I was bored, I hadn't quite grasped all the complexities of it yet.

He showed us how to harvest leaves, flowers and fruit so that we could use the proper sections for concoctions and which parts go to compost afterwards.

Flax learned how to apply his grass poison abilities to make potions stronger or safer. He typically didn't use his powers like this, but Garland was an excellent guide. Primarily, he concentrated aromatherapy for antidotes.

In case we ever forgot anything, Gautier reminded us as he kept note of every single instruction.

As we finished up, we had three bottles of each concoction. Two were larger, as the third was intended to go into a smaller container and applied via a spray. Garland walked over, pulling out a somewhat round bottle and began pouring the contents of the small bottle into it through a funnel. While he did that, he nodded to the crate of balloons. "So, which colors do you want to use?"

"Keep it simple, green for good, red for bad," I figured.

He nodded, using green for the improved antidotes and potions while using different shades of red for the different concentrations of concoctions. Each one went into a different box, easily put into a capsule for later use. After putting them all in individual capsules, he handed them to me with a grin. "Welcome to the family tradition of throwing shit in balloons at your enemies and allies."

I began putting them in my bag with a questioning look. "This is a trend?"

He shrugged. "I wouldn't call it a trend, exactly. But most everyone learns how to have a good throwing arm, and when we went to escape one of us found a crate of the things. Then proceeded to fill them with medicine and send others out with them to help from afar." He looked at me again, this time with some sorrow in his eyes. "Most of them were younger than you are now. It was the best way for them to help without being in the thick of it."

{I'll protect him,} Flax interjected, turning focus on him. {No matter how old he is, I'll protect Jade. So you don't have to worry.}

Garland smiled. "I know. But it's always better to be prepared. Speaking of," he looked out the window. "Dijon, we've about wrapped up."

I heard more vines extending as he slid over, holding two different sets of clothes. {Here you go!}

He waited by the window as Garland explained, pointing at what looked like leather armor first. "This is exactly what you think it is. Something to wear so even if you get hit, you won't get hurt as bad while not hindering mobility." He held up the next one, which was a large cloak with a thin wire mesh across it. "This one is a padded ghillie cloak. If stealth comes up, you can throw whatever you need to on the outside and blend in." He grinned a bit. "You're an artist, so I don't need to explain composition and the like to you."

The idea of needing armor to go on what I was led to believe was a nature walk was somewhat concerning to me, but not enough to hesitate.

Whatever it takes.

"Appreciated. I'll keep both in mind in case I need them," I said, taking both items and placing them into capsules.

Garland and Dijon smiled as Dijon waved to Flax. {I've got something for you too!}

Flax tilted his head curiously as he jumped over to Dijon. He then extended a leaf, uncurling it to show a yellow seed that smelled faintly of honeydew. {Sometimes we'll find Miracle Seeds in our garden, and we'd feel better if you had one when you went on your mission. Consider it yours, and I hope it helps!}

Flax's eyes lit up as he graciously accepted the Miracle Seed. His body pulsed with a soothing green light as he took off the Eviolite shard he wore and tossed it towards me. {Thank you so much, I'll be sure to make full use of it.}

I eyed the Eviolite shard in my hand as I palmed it, remembering the Little Cup tournament.

This time it'll be our definitive victory.

{We might as well give that piece to Topaz,} Flax suggested. {Half a shard isn't as useful as a full one. Either way, I've outgrown it. During that tournament I surpassed Donut, but lost to Lou. Today I still lose to Lou, but I'll take whatever I can to get stronger.}

Considering his certainty, I pocketed the Eviolite. "You're quite right. Let's show them all up in the field, yeah?"

Flax nodded back at me while Shizu and Gautier made their own affirming sounds. I stared at my bag full of useful gear and couldn't help, but smirk.

Garland patted me on the back. "Good luck out there. I hope you don't need it, but whatever the case. Just stay vigilant, you hear?"

"Will do!" I saluted.

He nodded towards the door. "You can head outside, I'll clean up and see you off in a second. Some fresh air is always good after doing all this."

{Good, all these damn plants are triggering my allergies,} Shizu scoffed as we all began to exit the store.

When we got outside, we all took a moment to breathe in the fresh air after handling all those concoctions.

"So, kid, I hear you're heading out on a dangerous venture."

I whirled around to see this creepy bloke uncomfortably close in a trenchcoat leaning against the wall with an equally creepy Toxicroak striding beside him. They each had the same piercing yellow eyes, posture and suspicious smile. Looked like the type of guys to get innocent people wrapped up into some twisted shit.

Whatever he's selling, I'm not interested.

I reached into my bag, pulling out one of the balloons we'd just made and chucked it at him. As though it was as easy as breathing, he caught it, letting its momentum carry his hand in a circle before slowly bringing it to a stop.

Fuck.

A small grin grew on his face. "So Garland's let you in on my little trick, huh? Glad to see it making its way to his protege." He gave me a look, his smile quirking up. "You remind me of myself at that age."

Flax extended a poisonous needle straight towards his neck, although he appeared totally unthreatened.

"I was taught not to speak with strangers," I said as I reached for more balloons. "And it doesn't get much stranger than leery fuck talking into my ear."

He held up his hands, grinning with closed eyes. "Hey, I don't bite. I just heard through the grapevine you're going away from civilization. Where there's no shops, no luxuries of the city." He looked at me with a smirk. "Figured you might want to know someone who can get you what you need, wherever you are."

{How the fuck does he know that?} Shizu questioned as she barked at Toxicroak. {Hey you, is this a shakedown or what? Just remember I set scammers on fire, ya hear?}

Toxicroak just chuckled, shaking his head.

[Jade, they aren't threats,] Gautier telepathically alerted me. [They're both especially vulnerable to psychic analysis. So I can firmly say they're fucking with us.]

Okay but why?

After a moment more, the front door opened and Garland looked where we were looking before rolling his eyes and groaning. "Fuck's sake Lyle, do you have to go the creepy shopkeep route?"

The man stuck out his tongue, which I noticed was tinted purple.

Looks like he has a taste for poison.

"Hey, lemme have my fun. Some people like it, and it's always a kick to do it."

Garland just sighed louder, looking at me and my team as Dijon walked up and began talking with Toxicroak. "Jade, this is Lyle and Alkali. They're the ones who came up with the whole 'putting potions and shit in balloons' idea. They're part of the family, so even if he likes acting like a shady motherfucker he means no harm."

Lyle jabbed a thumb towards Garland. "What he said. I'm glad my brand of fuckery is spreading to the next generation, and I meant what I said. I'm good at showing up outta the blue with handy things. So if you need something, chances are we'll be around."

I looked him up and down, not liking any of what I was seeing.

What idiot would buy anything from this man? This is the shadiest motherfucker I've ever seen. And even if it's all an act, he still pisses me off.

Flax glared at them. As someone easily stressed he didn't care for overly lax people.

I glanced at Garland, while Shizu was still growling. "I'm… gonna go home and pack. I'll see you later…"

Garland just waved as Lyle burst out laughing alongside Alkali, but they waved to us alongside Dijon as Lyle ate an actual grape from one of Garland's vines. "Good luck out there, kid!"

God he's annoying.

I elected to take the long way home in case he tracked me. Shizu made sure to give them a dirty look before we left.

I hope Isadora isn't anything like them.

Question: Do you think trainers should fight more in stories?

Equipment Update

Gym Trainer: Topaz Heart

Brothers in Arms: Lou (Vikavolt), Donut (Pikachu), Holyn (Cranidos).

Deck: Fool, Devil, Strength, Hermit, Fortune, Hierophant.

New Equipment: Grappling Hook, Extendable Baton, Light Ball.

x

Human Companion: Violet

Pokemon Family: Amethyst (MeowsticF), Zenara (Mareep).

New Equipment: Levitation Brace.

x

Blooming Celebrity: Jade Forrest

Co-Stars: Flax (Roselia), Shizu (Houndoom), Gautier (Dottler).

New Equipment: Alchemy Balloons, Leather Armor, Ghillie Cloak, Miracle Seed.

x

Allies: Cenza (Dedenne), Rogelio (Calyrex).