{}=Pokemon Speaking; []=Telepathic Speaking
Note: Renamed Arc 0 to Arc 1 and adjusted all arc names in the title accordingly. This is now Arc 7.
With a hard fought battle won, old enemies conquered and new friends made our heroes return home to Sunyshore City. With so much that has happened, there are adjustments and changes to be made, but all for the better. May they all bloom brightly in Arc 7: Summer Tide, Sunny Shore.
~x1x~
PoV: Topaz Heart
Location: Backyard - Sunyshore City
Time: Late March - Early Morning
After we left the celebration last night, we all went back to our preferred Sunyshore City pokemon center to give Meliae and Rheneas their initial vaccines and check-up. There Meliae was officially registered with Violet's group, while Rheneas was registered as a family pokemon akin to Cenza.
Afterwards, we returned to the house so as the rest of us got ready for bed, Meliae and Rheneas patrolled our property before settling under The Four Winds' tree for the night. Violet and her team remained with them, ensuring they adjusted comfortably.
Garland texted Volkner to expect an early arrival from the carpenter, so we all went to sleep early. I'm an early riser, but when I found Lou prodding me awake alerting me that the carpenter was already here at the literal crack of dawn… it took everything to look slightly presentable and go outside. I didn't bother waking Donut, just putting him in my bag and carrying him along.
Volkner, who condemned early mornings, followed behind my team with his own as we walked to where the carpenter was speaking with Violet and Amethyst. The rest of their team was listening intently right beside them. Well, Zenara and Rheneas were trying to, they were still rubbing the exhaustion from their eyes.
The guy at the head was smiling and seemingly perfectly energized, despite how early it was.
He had dark brown hair with several red streaks shooting through it, tied back into a short ponytail with a couple bangs framing his face. He had simple tan pants and a blue coat, though the back of it was tied into a knot. His leather gloves and boots were well worn, and just like everyone else who'd been through Helheim, he had plenty of scars. Two red scars on both of his cheeks were more prominent, but they didn't seem to bother him.
By his side was a fairly large Excadrill, with more scars than usual but well kept fur and deadly sharp claws. They looked at ease, but ready to help. Right with them were a Bayleef, still yawning the bleariness out of their eyes a bit, and a Starmie. Who… I think looked ready to go? It was hard to tell, but their red gem glistened in the sunlight.
The guy looked over at us coming, grinned a bit wider, and held out a hand.
"Nice to meetcha. Name's Raven, they/them pronouns if you would." They gestured to the rest of their team in order. "My partners would be Shale, Ivy and Chloe."
Shale nodded to us, Ivy trilled tiredly and Chloe spun.
Volkner stepped forward and shook their hand. "Appreciate you all coming-" he let go and yawned loudly, "on such short notice."
Raven chuckled, shaking their head. "Not a problem." They glanced back at Meliae. "It wouldn't do to leave you high and dry when everyone else gets a bed and a roof over their heads."
Meliae inclined her head. {I do not mind spending another night beneath the stars, but your promptness is appreciated.}
Raven rolled their neck, looking at Volkner. "Right, so as far as I'm aware, you already have a pretty extensive plan for all this. This shouldn't take too long, but are there any times you're gonna need this area? Things we should be aware of before we get started, that sort of thing?"
Volkner yawned again. "Nope. We've barely touched any of the land since we've got it. We called you here hoping you could build a reason to use it."
They chuckled again. "That we can." They turned to their team. "Alright, let's get started."
"Wait," Violet spoke up, gesturing towards all of the pokemon. "What I showed you was simply the baseline. The others have yet to make their proposed suggestions."
{And price,} Roland spoke up. {I need estimates.}
Raven raised an eyebrow, shrugged, and glanced at Violet. "Mind showing them the blueprint you showed me?"
Violet nodded, going over to us to show us the blueprint via projector mode while Raven went to talk price with Roland. A 3D model of our backyard and all its acres were displayed before us and next to it, a model with the currently proposed aspects.
{Violet, could you explain the most pivotal features you proposed first and work your way down? That way we can make the most fitting requests,} Froberge proposed as he sat before the projection. The rest of his team sat right beside him with equal eagerness to listen.
{They're oddly invested. Most of them stay at the gym,} Lou noted.
{Maybe they're so interested cuz this space is more theirs than the gym's?} Holyn suggested, earning a thoughtful nod from Lou.
Violet looked at Froberge. "Of course. Pivotal in terms of necessity or scale?"
{Necessity. Like that large building deep into the property. That's the barn for…} Froberge looked up. {Meliae, right?}
{Indeed, and you are?} She questioned.
{Froberge the Luxray. Second only to Roland.}
{A pleasure, Froberge.}
Violet meanwhile was looking at her tablet, speaking as she manipulated the model with practiced expertise. The projection shifted, zooming over the various parts of the yard as she explained her initial layout. She'd already considered everyone of course, and none of us had much of anything to add to it. You'd think she'd done this before.
Froberge looked quite content as he and the rest of the pokemon noted the little details they had considered requesting. {These schematics are quite spectacular and you've considered each of us in your planning. I'm both impressed and pleased.}
Violet bowed to him. "Thank you for your kind words. I simply did the best I could to accommodate everyone comfortably."
{Are those four really gonna do all this work on their own? Shouldn't we help?} Marsil asked.
{I wonder if the price goes down if we help?} Holyn considered, earning a proud look from Roland.
To think of all the things Roland is gonna teach him, it's to be money conscious.
"We're also waiting for Garland to show up so we can order all the plants we need," I added.
"Well let's not make you wait any longer then," I heard his voice from behind us. He and Dijon were coming up alongside Vika, Proton, Jade, Flax, Shizu, Gautier and Jade's mom, Ms. Forrest… for some reason.
{Oh good, c'mere, we've got a bunch of spots we need plants for,} Amethyst called.
Garland chuckled, walking over while Dijon waved. {Hey! G'morning!}
"We're here to make some money!" Jade cheered.
I heard Garland snort in amusement.
"And I brought complimentary refreshments! Courtesy of Garland's freshly squeezed produce," Lucrecia sang, taking out a refrigerator capsule. "No worries, our thumb forlorn friends. I brought bowls!"
{I have hands now, I don't need those anymore!} Zenara pronounced proudly.
"Perfect timing. We just went over Violet's schematics," I explained. "We have a lot to order."
Amethyst smirked at Jade. {She's good at providing for folk, even if they're Wailord sized.} Even Violet couldn't help but give the tiniest of smug smiles.
Jade waved them aside, pouting. "Meliae ain't a Wailord, so this doesn't count… although still pretty ambitious."
{No one her size better get the idea to live at our house,} Flax huffed.
Amethyst snickered, still looking at Jade. {Whatever keeps your pride intact.} She then looked over to Volkner and Froberge. {So, you all satisfied? No further requests to be added, we can start?}
"This space is for you guys. Do what you want with it," Volkner stated.
Froberge looked around at the rest of his satisfied team. {No further requests.}
"Our group is good too," I added.
I wonder if Rogelio wants anything. He'd prolly tell me if he did.
After a short pause, Raven nodded. "Right, with all that settled, let's get started. For real this time!"
Their team cheered in response, and suddenly they were all in a whirlwind of movement. Shale began tunneling holes and burrows for smaller Pokemon and digging out a pond, piling up the rocks she came across. The pond was easily big enough for Meliae and everyone to drink out of, along with going for a swim for more typically sized people.
Raven pulled out several capsules that were filled with logs, screws, and the like along with a tool bag. They began setting out the perimeter of the barn first in a corner of the yard, calling out measurements that Ivy expertly cut the logs into. Chloe levitated the cut planks to another pile closer to the foundation of the barn, but notably not within it.
Vika and Proton helped carry timber over, waiting to do wiring until there was something to build it into. Garland only took a minute or two before he began pulling out seeds, fertilizer and the like, while Dijon marked the places where trees were gonna be planted.
Violet, Amethyst and Zenara all walked down the steps to the beach, preparing the area for a large birdhouse well away from the house. Lou wasn't going to allow any birds near our home, but Violet was also not going to ignore them. So they'd be built a place by the sea, where they could rest before migrating across the ocean or simply on their way to something nearer. We knew they were doing plenty by the occasional flashes of lightning and Amethyst dumping piles of stone off every so often.
"So what do we do?" I asked.
"I have work in a few hours, so I'm going to sleep. Or well, if no one makes it past the gym trainers I can come in around 1:00pm," Volkner yawned as he rubbed his eyes. "You coming too? Unless you suddenly know how to build houses."
"Don't you? You managed the gym remodel?" I asked.
"Keyword: managed. Plus, that was with tech, wiring and metal. I can do that easily. Carpentry, landscaping and all that requires a whole other skillset and I have enough skills," Volkner explained as he and his team walked back inside.
Roland stopped beside me, handing me a piece of paper. {I've come to an agreement with everyone. Volkner, Violet and yourself will split the costs.}
"Ummm, if you came to an agreement with everyone, why am I hearing about it just now?" I turned to him, then looked at the price.
{You and Violet have made sufficient funds working at the gym and your pay from the missions. It's only a third of the original price, remember?} Roland explained. {Amethyst and Volkner had no complaints, by the way.}
I rolled my eyes before I saw Lucrecia lean on what she thought to be a tree.
"Why did you all plant an orange tree here?" She asked, only for it to start moving as Meliae's entire head leveled itself with her.
{Miss, if you seek shade or rest, I will be active and quite hot throughout the day. My leg is not a good place for your respite,} She spoke gently, though I could see her holding back a wide smile.
"Arceus, help me!" Lucrecia visibly shook, picking up her goods and looking up. "Oh my gosh, a Tropius. I thought they carried bananas, oh lord. Garland, I'll be inside. Call me when you need refreshments."
Garland nodded at her, holding a bag of fertilizer and another of seeds as she quickly jogged inside. "We'll holler later in the day, then."
"So what are you gonna do?" I asked Jade.
"Well Amethyst and Violet promised I'd be well paid if I helped out with the aesthetics due to my artistic background," Jade shrugged smugly, gesturing to buckets of paints he had in a wagon. "Flax is going to help Garland and Dijon, while Gautier helps move stuff around with psychokinesis."
{It would be shameful to not assist our allies when they have come to renovate our home. I am sure Proton and Vika would find your engineering skills beneficial in this instance, General,} Lou suggested.
"Well since we're already awake, let's get going then," I figured as we ran over to help.
~x2x~
PoV: Topaz Heart
Location: Backyard - Sunyshore City
Time: Late March - Several days
Raven and their team certainly weren't kidding when they said they were fast, before it was even noon Shale had finished tunneling and digging out the pond, which they lined with the stones Amethyst had brought up.
Vika pulled out a water purifier that would hook up to the ocean, so there would always be fresh water and it would get cycled back into nature. Raven, Ivy and Chloe were the main ones who started building the frame of the barn, but only after Shale had made the ground a proper foundation. The doors were huge, easily big enough for Meliae plus a few sizes.
Inlaid into one of them was a much smaller door, meant for people our size so we didn't have to open a whole gateway each time to get in. There were plenty of windows for the wind to blow free, and they all had shutters built into them in case of storms. Violet had planned them out to withstand storms only Hoenn had ever seen, so there was almost no way it'd get wrecked by weather.
Meanwhile, Garland, Dijon, Jade and Flax went about planting roses, herb and berry bushes, all manner of plants along the sides of the fences and over the tunnel entrances. Wherever there was a large space between trees, they made sure to plant a few bushes so any pokemon that wanted to hide could easily reach another spot. The idea was to naturalize the fences, and make sure Pokemon like Rheneas, Cenza, Donut and whoever else had space to feel safe and comfortable.
Once Shale had finished tunneling and it was clear the ground wouldn't be disturbed much anymore, they transitioned to helping Meliae plant oranges. Rheneas helped with that part as well, though notably they never ate any part of them.
The seeds were planted with the flesh and rinds of the oranges in predetermined spots all across the yard, though I swore some of the seeds sparkled in the daylight. After they'd been planted, Meliae found a spot where no work would be done, laid down, and extended vines into the earth. Her wings spread wide and began glowing softly with solar energy.
She had her eyes closed, almost as if she was sleeping, but every time we looked back? Little saplings had grown out of the ground, and were getting larger. The ones from sparkling seeds grew quicker, but the process was slow. Fortunately, it seemed that so long as she wasn't disturbed, she was fine.
Rogelio ended up popping discreetly to give her a boost. Meliae hadn't met him yet and she didn't catch him, but she did notice that the process became significantly faster thanks to a stranger's aid. Trees that would've taken ages to be of nominal size were more or less fully grown now and astonishingly healthy.
She asked Flax and Dijon if they had any hand in it, but each gave her coy answers implying to explain later. Considering the opportunity, I asked Meliae if she minded planting a few other fruit trees besides orange and she obliged easily thanks to Rogelio's boost.
She was still there by the end of the day, along with Raven and their team. They didn't turn in until after we'd all gone to bed, and were already up and about the next day before the rest of us. As soon as the barn was finished, Vika, Proton, Violet and Amethyst all got about setting up the inside.
Not too long after, they called in Flax and Lou, with Gautier helping once he offered, to make the interior a haven for bugs and grass types. Jade began painting the barn, a nice yellow and blue befitting of Sunyshore City while assisting with interior design. Generally, whenever something needed an artist's eye we called him and he added his pizazz.
The interior was easily big enough to house a few Meliaes, with plenty of room for her to make her nest and stretch in the morning. There were two us-sized rooms along one wall of the barn too; one holding some tools for the barn, and the other equipped with all the tech and amenities for us to gather and work on things. There wasn't a roof to either room, so Meliae could utilize the tools and participate in talks there. There was even a rest for her head and neck built into the wall between the two rooms.
The whole thing had a cozy vibe, the styling a mix between Solaceon town's barns and those on Akala Island of Alola. The vegetation engulfing the support beams only contributed to that vibe. Only a couple to support the roof weren't covered in plants, but those had smooth, spiral sheaths on them. Birds wouldn't be able to perch on them, but bugs could walk along them no problem.
Lou especially appreciated that touch.
Meanwhile, Vika taught me how to make a swing and hammock underneath the shadiest tree on the property. There were now plenty of trees all over the yard, sparse enough that Meliae could walk about without worry of knocking any over but close enough that they could be scampered between.
Not far from the barn Raven and their team were constructing a greenhouse. Despite its primary walling being glass, it was much sturdier than most. Its glass was meant to hold up under most usual weather conditions, though Vika and Proton were installing shutters just in case of storms.
I spent most of my time wiring the greenhouse, with automated watering systems and the various climates for different sections along with a roof that could open for Meliae to manage it if she liked.
Holyn set up the rock and zen gardens in a quiet corner of the property, along with the stones making up the paths between the various parts of the property. Zenara and Shizu were perfectly happy to let loose a little where the bonfire would be before the training dummies were installed, Chloe watching to make sure no errant fires got bigger than a leaf. I also finally had a chance to place the extra solar panel lanterns around the property next to benches.
After that, it was mostly finishing touches. There was an extra sappy tree from Melemele for Lou that needed to be planted, though he was always talking about how much the local bugs would enjoy it instead of just him. Stones that Shale had excavated earlier were reintroduced all around the yard, a few boulders sitting around the simple training area. It wasn't anything major, just a place for exercise and light sparring. And right next to the pond was a muddy patch for River and Rheneas to enjoy. Finally, a shed for tools, seeds, fertilizer and the like. Meliae could, of course, remove the roof to access it.
It only took four days for Raven and their team to have finished everything we'd set out, including the birdhouse well away from our house. They didn't even seem winded, just happy. Raven snapped a picture as well, offering to give us each a copy.
{It's like a totally different place,} Holyn whispered in awe of the finished product.
{Like a miniature Rowan's lab… except significantly more self-indulgent to all our wants,} Donut added in glee.
"I'd say it's a job well done," Raven stated with pride. "You gave us almost a blank canvas, so the art built on it had to be up to snuff."
"Your efforts were rapid, thorough and skillful," Violet spoke up, looking at Raven and their team. "Thank you."
Shale said something and Violet simply shook her head. "I only provided a framework and did what little I could to assist. It is thanks to you that this was all constructed."
{'s been a while since we helped with something constructive on this scale,} Amethyst noted. {It was nice to build again instead of just tearing down monsters.}
Raven nodded, smiling softly at her. "It always is."
"And since you bought the bundle and a bit more…" Jade removed a packet filled with some herb, waving it towards Amethyst. "What we promised and a bit extra."
Amethyst laughed, grabbing the packet psychically and motioning to the barn. {C'mon, let's all chill while I get baked outta my mind.} Violet and Zenara followed behind. Well, she was about to when Lou halted Zenara.
{Amethyst is about to engage in odd feline affairs. Allow Violet to keep her… manageable,} he ordered.
Froberge sniffed the air and he immediately followed with extreme interest. {Jade… you're a good kid. Never let anyone tell you otherwise.}
"Yes yes, pile on the praise," Jade reveled.
Flax looked up at him in observation. {The power of excellent customer service… hmmm.}
As Flax thought about that, Volkner tapped away on his phone in front of Raven, Garland and Vika. "And there we go, payment sent to all of you from myself, Topaz and Violet with a tip. We all appreciate all the effort you put in to make this happen. Without making it cost a mint, too."
Garland just waved dismissively, though he was grinning. "Me and Dijon just did what we do. 'S the least we can do, after all." Dijon warbled in agreement.
Vika crossed her arms, chuckling. "You already pay me, of course I'm gonna help out my family and friends. We're glad to help."
Raven smiled brightly at Volkner, Shale standing right next to them. "It's been a long time since you saved us, but we'll never forget it. How could we? I'm just glad we finally got to pay you back a bit." Shale nodded in agreement, and both Ivy and Chloe gave thankful looks (movements?) to Volkner, Roland and the team.
I totally forgot. Volkner and his team were on the front lines against Galactic way back then.
"Well, whenever I feel like cashing in more of that gratitude, there's a few upgrades that the gym would appreciate," Volkner joked. "That aside, it was our honor."
I looked up at Volkner with a new perspective. He has saved countless people, just like the rest of us. Hell, more than all of us and he's still helping the region via missions. Even if I didn't become a gym leader, this was the main legacy I wanted to continue. Helping people.
"It was nice meeting all of you. Thanks for everything," I chimed in, turning to Vika. "Sidenote, next time I'm at the gym can you help me with some gear? It worked amazingly in a fight, but I have some ideas."
She nodded, Proton whirring happily. "You know it. We're all ears." She glanced at Proton. "Well, one of us has ears, anyway."
Proton rolled his eyes and playfully punched her in the shoulder, earning a laugh before Vika looked back at me. "I'm sure whatever you're cooking up will be a great time to tinker with."
"Garland and I are about to head out. My dad's home and he's making his signature lasagna," Jade spoke up, Shizu licking her lips subconsciously.
Jade himself still used his wheelchair for long distances, but he's fine walking around short distances. Still no training though. "Maybe if I keep getting slammed through trees he'll keep spoiling me?"
An unnerving pinch in my brain got the sense he had considered that before he smirked at me raising his fist for a bump. "Catch ya later?"
"Yeah, see ya at school," I responded with a bump before Garland took him home. Raven and Vika left along with them leaving the rest of us wondering what to do on this fine day.
{Now that this task is finished we can all begin setting our new norms with our new comrades. There's much to do and to see in Sunyshore, but the gym would be my first choice,} Lou informed Meliae and Rheneas, until he side-eyed the barn. {Actually… it would be best to wait for when Amethyst is… sober, to visit the gym. For now, Rheneas, you'll be training with Cenza. Understood?}
Lou turned to Cenza. {I'm expecting you to show her the ropes.}
Rheneas blinked. {I'll be doing what now?}
{Didn't you say something about wanting to do more than trip people? As soon as you said that in Lou's presence, your fate was sealed,} Donut shrugged.
Cenza looked absolutely delighted as she jumped towards Rheneas to hold her hands. {Yesss, we get to be sparring partners! Don't worry, I'll show you exactly how to survive Lou's training. He's not so bad after the… ummm… well…} her assurance died mid sentence as she recalled how arduous his sessions were.
{I'm having second, third and fourth thoughts,} Rheneas shuddered. {Are we sure I can't just go nap in one of those nice bushes we all just planted?}
{Ooooh, that's a great idea!} Holyn cheered, earning a thankful look from Rheneas. {We can all nap together after we train with Lou!}
{We can tire ourselves out by going nuts and then take it easy!} Zenara cheered excitedly.
Rheneas made a sad, defeated sound. Meliae moved her head over, looking at us with slightly narrowed eyes. {You will help her train at her pace, not Lou's. Understood?}
Cenza, Holyn and Zenara all laughed sheepishly as they all nodded in earnest at her request. Meanwhile, I rolled back my sleeves. "Now that all concerns have been heard, let's begin Lou's special introductory drills!"
{Excellent energy, General!} Lou commended me. {First drill, five laps around the property on my command!}
As we (almost) all got hyped up to train, Volkner's team spread out to lounge in the yard. Meliae sat down under an especially large tree that she seemed fond of to watch us all run around, while Donut perched himself on her head, totally at peace with the world. A peace earned.
~x3x~
PoV: Flare the Fennekin
Location: Route 212 - Crimson Mirelands
Time: Early April - Morning
{Tangela was right, these spring berries grow much larger if you wait till they're fully ripe,} Froakie noted as she picked a few and stored them into the leafy satchel Chespin fashioned for her.
I hummed quietly in acknowledgement, glancing upwards before leaping into one of the trees. It was easy to tear a ripe berry from its branch, the difficulty was doing so without puncturing it. They would keep much longer, but without hands or Maman's psychic abilities, building a stockpile was… difficult.
Nonetheless, I had become proficient at it. After finding its stem, nearly flush with the branch, I gently bit it while swiping through the stem with my claws and leapt down once more. We wouldn't need many more, but I would accompany the others back to their den.
To ensure they are getting along alright, of course.
{Honchkrow and his murder were spotted by Kricketot around here the other day,} Chespin reminded us, his own leaf satchel full. {We almost done? We all know how they get once they see even a scrap of food not in their beaks.}
Swiftly nodding a reply, I darted towards a patch of ground to dig up some roots. Those were much simpler to transport.
Helioptile sighed at the mention of Honchkrow. She zapped one of the Murkrow that was giving Goomy trouble a few weeks ago and had to go into hiding for the rest of the week to avoid retaliation from the rest of their murder.
{You know if Lou the Lieutenant were here we wouldn't need to fear those cravens,} she spat, picking some leeks.
{Shhh, not so loud,} Froakie hushed her. {Lou the Lieutenant? You don't mean…}
{The bug type that helped rescue us, correct?} Honedge questioned.
He didn't need to be here as he predominantly hunted at night, only eating berries when injured. Goomy similarly had a very low maintenance diet of leaves and roots, but her slimy attacks had come in handy when we've had scuffles. But they insisted on coming all the same.
They're both part of a tight knit group.
{Yes!} Helioptile exclaimed exuberantly. {You've heard the news, right? About those filthy apes that helped ruin our lives? Xatu held a forum about it the other day.}
{I couldn't attend, but Shellos told me all about it,} Goomy garbled. {They say every single one was caught. Many were even fed to those warring bug types from far away. It sounds too unbelievable to be true. I figured she was just fibbing to make me feel safer.}
{It was no fib,} Chespin spoke up, although I could tell he didn't want to dawdle here. {I was there when Xatu spoke and he never lies. Fighter bugs took the worst of them away to feed their larvae… under the orders of Lou the Lieutenant.}
{Dépêche-toi,} I spoke up, wrapping my satchel. {Walk and talk.}
As I said that a single shadow flew over our heads. Immediately we all took the brush and waited a few seconds to ensure a second did not follow. Once we were sure they were alone, we began to speed walk back to their den to divvy out supplies. Even so, they continued talking.
{If Lou was there… Does that mean?} Goomy continued.
{Lux and Nyx. They were involved?} Froakie questioned.
{Yes, with new fellows,} Honedge elaborated. {A boy of emerald with a thorny demeanor with three pokemon by his side. But also…} Honedge turned towards me. {Lady Wilona, her daughter Sylvia, Marjorie and the Lairon known as Clarabel. As well as the mother and daughter of Grace accompanied them. You know them, right?}
Mon dieu.
Sighing through my nose, I glanced at them. {They visit the Kiln, yes. I make myself scarce when they do.}
{Are they as strong as they seem?} Helioptile insisted, running up next to me. {They say they easily defeated that brute Darmanitan at his full power. And danced circles around that wicked Slaking.}
{Those feats would not surprise me,} I replied after her excited expression refused to fade. {There is more to them than what we see, at least.}
{What do you mean?} Froakie inquired.
Merde.
I gathered my thoughts before replying. {They speak with the Elder and others as easily as we speak amongst ourselves. The wind always seems to be at the human child's beck and call, and there's…} I hesitated before shrugging. {Something atypical about the adult.}
Honedge seemed perplexed. {I've heard stories of abnormal humans. Maybe they're some of them. Why else would they visit the Elder so often?}
Scouting, a long con, subterfuge, sabotage we do not know of, there could be many reasons.
{They must be the same kind as Lux and Nyx. Especially, since they worked alongside the female Meowstic, Amethyst,} Froakie considered. {She was the complete opposite of the male and they say she's even stronger than before.}
Helioptile looked even more eager to speak on this. {There's more! The boy of Lux, he was accompanied by Donut the Pikachu once again, but Cenza too! The Dedenne that we helped escape to find help! Xatu said they worked together to slay a savage Primeape by piercing their brain with black lightning!}
So Cenza remained with the humans. It seems they're still fighting evil in the world. I'm glad they are, and I'm more glad they're doing it well away from me.
{Why are you so interested, Helioptile? Their fight was far, far away from any of us,} Chespin questioned.
{Isn't it comforting to know they're still fighting for us even so far away? The poachers won't come back to catch us again. We're all… safe,} Froakie exhaled, relieved.
{If we make too much noise an entire horde of murderous crows will descend upon us and rip the flesh off our bones. Honedge included somehow. We will never be safe, we'll just be stable,} Chespin retorted gruffly as he pulled ahead. {New wilderness, new challenges.}
I couldn't help but grimace at the statement. I understand the sentiment, and yet…
{...isn't it too depressing to think like that?} Helioptile questioned him.
Chespin turned back to face her. {It is, which is why we never talk about it. It's a fact of life that you needed reminding of. We're survivors who only have each other to depend on. Evolution will help, but who knows when any of us will manage that. We just have to take it day by day and stay aware.}
I glanced to the side, at Froakie and Goomy. Perhaps. But that is not all there is.
{We fought for our freedom, did we not?} I interjected. {Yes, we must be cautious. But birds fly past, snow melts, the sun rises and sets. The humans were an ever present menace we aren't beholden to anymore. They tried to overturn how things should be, and instead were buried. Maybe this isn't the easiest life, and it's not what I would've chosen. But at least we get to live it on our own terms.}
Honedge eyed me curiously. {Do you… want more from this life, Flare? Are there other terms you crave?}
I shook my head. {Perhaps in the future, but now? I'm just happy to have my own den, walk through the grasses, smell the free air. I might need to forage for my food, but it's not slop. I might need to hide, but I can close my den's entrance and sleep through trouble without worry of being woken up to get treated like a pretty flower waiting for a human to pick it. I plan on enjoying that simplicity and freedom.}
Helioptile smiled at me. {I really respect that, Flare.}
I glanced at her. {I have the freedom to live my life how I want, and I intend to do so. Nothing else. I can't claim to be as invested in Lux and Nyx's escapades, but it is nice to know they're still out there.} I looked at Chespin. {I'm also glad they're way over there and not over here.}
Chespin exhaled thankfully. {I appreciate what they did, but if I find myself needing their help again, I ended up in the wrong place.}
Agreed.
{Speaking of Lux,} Helioptile said casually. {Manectric told me his family is one of lightning. That there's a whole commune where those of lightning congregate and grow strong. It must be why Cenza, Lou, Donut and Zenara were all so strong, right?}
Froakie turned to Helioptile with concern, Chespin also noticeably frowned.
{What are you saying here?} Chespin asked cautiously.
{I'm just telling you what I heard,} Helioptile replied simply. {But I will say this. I respect their power. I heard they inspired a well-renowned local Tropius by the name of Meliae. Cenza, the Dedenne we had little hope for, has become a hero. I'm just saying… maybe they've inspired me a little.}
What in Xerneas' name is a Tropius?
A thick silence settled among us all at the end of her statement, which caused me to glance about in mild confusion.
They're all usually so talkative, what's gotten into them?
I pricked up my ears to make sure we weren't being tailed, but I couldn't discern anything of the sort. So I shrugged, looking at the others. {Is desiring strength for personal growth truly that odd?}
{Did Manectric fail to mention that this congregation is across the region, past several human settlements? The very direction we fled from,} Honedge enunciated towards Helioptile. She was not deterred.
I raised an eyebrow, looking at Helioptile. {Perhaps so, but you never voiced intentions to go there. Just emulate some of their actions, yes?}
She stared at me with silence for uncomfortably long. {Yes…} She nodded her head. {I just… it's frustrating to know what I can be after seeing what could be. I'm needed here anyway. With all of you.}
Froakie and Goomy looked significantly more pleased. {Oh thank Xerneas. We thought you intended to seek them out,} Goomy replied.
My eyes bugged out as I nearly choked on air. {Where did that come from?! Unless she's taken leave of her senses, I can't imagine she'd pursue humans.}
{Well she's been kind of implying it for a few minutes now,} Chespin continued. {But it's too crazy to even consider.}
Since when?!
Helioptile looked a bit dejected, but there was more defiance than I was comfortable seeing across her face. Yet, she remained silent.
Froakie appeared sympathetic though as she hopped next to her. {I know you want to be stronger and you think Lux could help, but… we just started having good days. I personally never considered working with any human, but even if you want to please allow us to keep these good days going. Okay?}
Helioptile looked a bit more comforted by her words.
{You'd catch me dead before seeking out a human,} I muttered to myself.
{I know they terrify you all,} Helioptile spoke up, surveying all of us. {Especially you, Flare.}
Terrify, somewhat. Enrage, absolutely. If I never see another human it'll be too soon. At least that human girl has the sense to not pursue me; if not for Elder Aodhan's respect for her, I'd burn her hand to ash if she did.
{Even so, I still have dreams of the day we were rescued. The shining beacon of hope they lit for us. We don't know them personally and even I find it crazy to seek them out again, but… I just have to know why Cenza stayed. How she became so… different.}
She shook her head, pulling up her satchel and walking further ahead. {But not anytime soon. I'm not ready for that and it's okay if none of you ever will be. Even if I spend the rest of my life with you guys, it'll still be a good life.}
I sighed, looking at her. {If you want to be strong and inspire hope, I'd say pursuing that without humans would lead you further. The Elder has a Ninetales friend who's outlived humans easily, apparently ending some conflict in a past none of us even know of. I'd follow those footsteps before those of some humans. Her legacy will already outlive them, and she's still alive.}
Helioptile pouted. {Okay so… can she train us or something?}
I shrugged. {I haven't a clue. But surely you can find someone to train you in our vicinity if that's what you want.}
She continued to pout. {I was hoping for a bit more direction here, Flare.}
Froakie, Goomy and Honedge chuckled at my expense. Even Chespin cracked a smile.
I groaned, rolling my eyes. Why do I always end up in charge? I want to be a leader the least.
{Ask the Elder or someone. Perhaps that Manectric knows her, or of her at the least. I'm not the one seeking out trouble.}
{That's enough trouble talk, we're back at the den,} Chespin informed us, as he began opening up the storage hole. {And we got through it without issue.}
{Yeah, that creepy Golduck left us alone,} Froakie cringed, as she placed her stock into the hole. {Honedge can't you like… eat him or something. No one likes him.}
Honedge looked flabbergasted. {I-I don't really pick and choose who to hunt, but uhhh if he keeps causing trouble I'll see what I can do…? It would be tough by myself.}
{If you decide to, Chespin and I can help out!} Helioptile offered.
{I'm just glad the Murkrow didn't find us. I don't want them to pick my bones,} Goomy lamented as she crawled into her personal mudhole.
Helioptile poked her gelatinous friend as she unloaded her stock as well. {I think they'll come up short there. Even so, I'll get strong enough to murder the entire murder!}
{If they bother us, I wouldn't mind some roast bird,} I added.
Froakie continued to insist on roasting Golduck first though, but that sounded too rubbery. Although given how creepy he is, I wouldn't be opposed.
Hopefully Helioptile finds some more sensible route to self-betterment than seeking out humans. That's little more than a death wish, one that I don't remotely share. I'm quite content here, thank you. If there is adventure in my future, it certainly won't be alongside some human.
A/N (SairaShard): Y'all have no idea how much disdain I had to hold back about Gen 9. I could go on an hours long tangent, but if you like gen 9, I'm sorry you have bad taste. We'll be very choosy with what gets into Hybrid.
A/N (LuxBeacon): Apologies for the long wait! This chapter has actually been complete for months. I just forgot to upload it. Also have been working on a new story in the same universe. As of right now, that story has 17 chapters complete. Not sure when I'll upload, but I want to have a long backlog. Spoiler alert it's about the Pokeathlon.
Beacon Property
Meliae's Barn/Beacon Beach/Zen Garden/Greenhouse/Fruit Orchard/Homely Hammock/Burrough System/Four Winds Tree/Equipment Shed/Cliffside Birdhouse/Mud Pit/Watering Hole.
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Aspiring Scholar: Topaz Heart
Comrades: Lou (Vikavolt), Donut (Pikachu), Holyn (Cranidos).
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Pokemon Advocate: Violet
Family: Amethyst (MeowsticF), Zenara (Flaaffy), Meliae (Tropius).
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Blooming Celebrity: Jade Forrest
Co-Stars: Flax (Roselia), Shizu (Houndoom), Gautier (Dottler).
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Gym Leader: Volkner Beacon
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Family: Cenza (Dedenne), Rogelio (Calyrex), Rheneas (Spoink).
Deck: Fool, Devil, Strength, Hermit, Fortune, Hierophant, Magician, Empress.