—START—
-3rd Person POV-
Star really liked sleeping in.
Maybe it was just the fact that she'd gone for more than a day without sleep since she returned to Aevium, flying over the region back and forth and then having what was the equivalent of a flashback.
Or maybe it was due to never truly getting enough rest with all the constant threats in her life.
Whatever the case was, in the past nine hours her appreciation for an act as simple as not getting out of bed for another hour had increased tenfold.
But it was time to get up, moving the sheets as her torso was lifting into a sitting position.
Last night was also quite tiring, relieving her battle with Puppy brought back some reminder of the pain that was being burned by pure light.
Lava was nothing compared to it.
A good thing was that telling Crescent and Melia the truth of her last encounter took some weight of her shoulders, hiding things from others wasn't her style, no matter how used to it she was, having them in the know just felt good.
Shaking her head Star got out of the bed for good, it had been enough time doing nothing other than stretching and the day had already begun if the lack of anyone else in the league dorms was any indicator.
The clock also indicated how late it was, being one in the afternoon.
Her stomach rumbled for food. (The team must be hungry…both of them probably are) Despite her dinner in the Rose theater her Pokemon hadn't got a proper meal since they arrived, only eating standard chows that they had in bulk for everyone.
Her Reborn team hated those, so she wouldn't be surprised If they had outright refused it, her Aevian one…they still didn't exit their balls.
(Alright, I should probably prepare something to eat for everyone) Star had plans today and doing this over a meal would at the very least give both teams a reason to be in the same space at the same time.
There was also the event after the concert tomorrow to worry about.
Bringing an 'auxiliary' secondary team comprised of legendaries that matched the space hags would be a good way to tilt the scales on her favor.
Rules like a carry limit held no reason when the world was a stake after all, something Star would have done against most anomalies if needed too, thus she'd bring all the help she could get. (I need to figure out who to bring though, and who'd listen to me)
Although they were weaker Dialga and Palkia at the end of the day and she'd battle both at some point with her usual team. (I never expected to say my enemies were 'just' the two legendaries of space and time and still have no much reason to worry)
Getting the legendaries meant she had to access her account again from a pc, which would only arise more alert from the Reborn league and maybe even from Jan.
Star knew they wouldn't just let a ranch of legendary Pokemon go unsupervised.
But the time the Interceptor had finished thinking on her next step she had already showered and put some new clothes on, walking out of the bedroom into the halls.
"Good morning Star!" Venam was the first person she encountered. "Oh, it's that a new style, I like it"
Her clothes were a mix of things she had normally wore on both regions, the black skirt with celeste highlights, a while long sleeved shirt with a turtle neck, one black glove with the sparkling stone woven into it.
Her star shaped hairpin, where she kept her keystone, black boots and most showy of all, a belt with the reborn symbol in the front. "Thanks"
"I thought you didn't like skirts though?" And she hadn't, which was the reason her gray pants were the only thing she actually used a year ago.
"I can see their appeal now, that or I'm accustomed to using them" Putting the exact opposite to what she would normally wear was a good way to avoid any correlation between the Star from now and the Reborn champion.
Venam seemed to like her new style "Well you rock it girl" Star smiled at the compliment, throwing a 'Thank you back' to her before the purple haired girl asked. "The belt is cool too, I think I've seen it somewhere"
"Ah, this was actually a gift from a friend for my victory in the league" Victoria had given it to her for becoming champion and beating Lyn, it was something Star would forever treasure.
It was also comfortable and useful too, with pokeball connectors, adjustable size, was incredibly resistant, tested by Moxie, and was easily cleanable. "There should be only one of these thought"
It had been custom made and an effort from everyone, where could she have seen it.
"I'm still mind blown by that" watching matches from Reborn league gyms had been a childhood hobby for her and finding out a friend had won the whole thing was just incredible in her view. "You gotta teach me some of the new shi- things you learned"
That would be a good idea, and Star was always up to help a friend.
"Sure, me and Melia were going to meet up at route one near Gearen today actually, I asked her help for something, you can join us if you want" Star could also use Venam's help with this issue too, so the invitation was made. "We can make a day out of it and I'm pretty sure you haven't seen the reforms they made"
"Besides, it's been some time since we've hanged around, I'd be nice to just spend time together" Yesterdays reunion didn't count, Star had been too distracted by her tales to consider it a hangout.
Meeting in a route near Gearen was also a very likely place where Adrienn and Aya could see her, while in her waist was a technically one of a kind piece of clothing they gifted her.
Star didn't want this confrontation so soon and would fight to avoid it, but also acknowledged that having help from his other friends for the future would be nice.
So she'd leave the evidence there, and if they find it the confrontation would happen.
But Star would not do anything outside of that to accelerate it.
Star began walking towards the stairs up, followed by Venam, boasting a big grin. "Hell yeah I'm in, it's been a while since I've been in my secret spot in the city too"
"Or tried to get free berries" She added, reminiscing of when that was the highlight of her day months ago. "Fuck, It's been long" This time she didn't even bother to correct herself.
"we've had a long journey yeah" the two of them exited, leaving soon after the building as a whole. "We'll be picking food up first, anything you want, my treat?"
"You sure you want to pay? I eat till I'm stuffed" the purpled hair girl joked, unaware of the gains of being a champion for a couple of months had.
And not having to pay rent since Star had never gotten a proper living arrangement in Reborn.
So money wasn't an issue "I have more than enough don't you worry"
"Then Kantonian, their food is too good to be real" It was a fast answer too.
"Melia said she'd be at the forest on route one in about two hours" Star released Latias, surprising the gym leader. "I'll see you there"
Before she had time to ask anything the Pokemon and trainer left in a sonic boom, leaving Venam behind.
"Star what the fuck!"
It took Venam almost the two hours before the meeting to reach the meeting place riding on Charizard, and her flyer was a fast one.
Yet any kind of impatience she may have felt for traveling for so long had vanished into surprise when seeing what had been the burning remains of Goldenwood forest were now a very populated park.
(I knew there were reforms in Gearen but this is another level!) For one, this place wasn't even considered to be Gearen, secondly, this was even better than whatever she had expected.
"Woah" Arriving on the floor gave her an even better perspective on the place, even Charizard looked interested.
The previously ruined lake was pristine and had a wooden platform over it with a fishing cottage, the burned trees that came from Xen's first attack over Melia were all replanted.
There were people running around, enjoying the place. (How nice) It certainly brought memories.
Slowly however, those happy memories made here turned recent, events that transpired of which she only got a retelling after believing Melia to be dead.
Memories of everything that team Xen was desperately trying to take from all of them.
Being here now, in one of the places she basically grew up in alone, after everything that had happened, after being turned to stone and trapped in 'that' abyss.
There were few the time Venam felt as genuine and justified on her anger as now, this wasn't like her usuals outburst of irritation either.
God she felt incredibly pissed at Xen in this moment.
"Would you care for a sweet?" Venam and Charizard were startled in the middle of their observation of the place by the voice of a woman, one she couldn't feel approaching.
Said person noticed her startling. "Apologies young one, the edges of darkness that peered over you nostalgia were quite worrying, and one had to intervene" It was a blonde haired woman, holding out one of those mint candies.
Of course Venam had been taught to not take sweets from strangers no matter how much she wanted it. "Eh? No thank, I'm good" Venam rejected as nicely as she could.
"Understandable caution, who knows what danger lurks under the most innocent of façades" The woman hadn't taken it personally, in fact she was glad Venam had a notion to reject something of unknown origin. "Nevertheless my intention remains unshaken, thus I ask, what troubles your soul?"
Venam couldn't comprehend why had this lady just come out of nowhere to ask about this.
"It's cool lady, just some stuff going on" once again she was dismissed, the teen wasn't about to let everything unto a random stranger no matter how nice the intentions were.
"Hmm, you remind me of an old companion" The woman went on another tangent leaving the poor Venam lost. "One as bright as the sun that kept all trouble in the burning nucleus no one could reach" With that she bowed as signal of goodbye. "I pray so the shadows over your heart reaches for those you treasure"
The girl was left there blinking, still processing the exchange. (That…was weirdly comforting) It was a weird conversation, that woman spoke in the most confusing way someone could, but there was a soothing presence that came along with her that did help calm herself.
For another minute she looked around, but this time just enjoying the feel of the park. (Enjoying the feel of the park…urgh this whole 'better me' thing is really sappy) She wouldn't regret trying to change, but Venam would tone down the mellow.
"Venam?!" It was now a familiar voice that startled here, with Charizard having taken the opportunity to nap on the floor. "What are you doing here?"
"Arceus Mel, don't sneak up on me like that" This time however she jumped, her guard much lower than before due to the strange woman.
Her friend giggled softly. "Sorry, I just didn't know you'd be here" that was not a sorry look.
After a short breath Venam regained her composure. "Star said you two were hanging out while you helped her and invited me" She paused for a second before asking. "You came from the station…Have you been to the city?"
It was odd of her to ask but seeing the park and after knowing the city was renovated too, Venam wanted to know how much had changed.
"I come from there yes, I had a visit planned for the lab" Melia answers, her expression turning into a soft smile that made Venam's heart jump. "The city…it looked better, alive, actually cared for" Recently Melia and Star, although for the second one it couldn't be considered recently, had looked spaced out, down even.
Seeing her smile that warmly was very reassuring.
"The streets were remodeled, there were some new houses, they cleaned everything…it was really nice to see" While they weren't there at the time, Melia was glad to having gotten to see the city blooming. "Inside the lab before coming I met with one of the heads of the operation, apparently Star had a hand in the park and helping with some troubles in the city"
The person had been really nice and had made sure the lab wasn't touched outside of it's starter giving utility since it technically belonged to her father…to her now.
"That sounds like her alright, Damn, I want to see it now" Gearen was her home despite it's many shortcomings, it meant as much to her as it meant to Melia to see it.
And Melia full heartedly agreed with that. "We can go later if you want" She offered and the girl was quick to take up on that offer.
Then her PokeGear buzzed.
Star: I'm waiting in the Arceus statue, I think we'll need a bit of privacy for what's coming.
"Star's waiting for us" Neither Melia nor Venam really cared to much that their meeting place was the entrance to the Den of Souls, where the two had already been before.
The place was now empty outside of the old machines that still roamed, but those wouldn't leave from there, making it safe to be outside.
"Then let's go" Venam took the lead, walking through the park, children laughing and running around them as they enjoyed the place to its fullest.
Pokemon fauna was brimming with life too, Goldeen and Politoad swam on the lake.
The various small Pokemon of the trio of elemental monkeys played in the trees.
The two enjoyed the walk as they approached the cave, appreciating how much things had returned to a normal here.
The cave was as empty as Melia remembered, it was here where she and Star actually got to know one another nearly six months ago.
Walking the wooden bridge while making Smalltalk wasn't difficult, and it was enough to keep them entertained as they continued on their way.
Entering through the broken mural and following the long hall, reaching the exit on the other side of the cave.
They were met by the light in the sky once more, the sun peering as they left through the opening in the wall.
After a bit more walking they reached the bridge that connected the hidden area with its entrance.
There, standing while talking to someone through a call, was Star. Her Reborn Pokemon all released.
A Krookodile laying on the floor, with a Primarina eyeing him with discontent, a Cinccino placing cups over a picnic blanket while the psychic of a Delphox put some containers over it, all while an Amoonguss made sure the surroundings were clear.
It was then when Melia could actually gauge how big the difference in strength had gotten.
They all exhaled power by just being…no power would be wrong, it was presence.
These were legendary beating Pokemon and it could be perceived by just being around them, the way they move was smoother than anything she'd ever seen, as if it was space giving pass for them rather than they moving through it.
Despite the mundane helping they were giving with setting up a picknick here or lazing around, a certain weight lingered over everything in the surrounding.
It was very similar to the weight Madam X tended to have when she arrived, the one that made you shiver and lose drive to fight upon seeing the enemy in front.
"As I've said, enjoy some time off El, we won't be doing anything crazy until the raid" Star's voice snapped Melia out of her thoughts, instead getting her to focus on what was in front of her.
By the side glances the Pokemon threw their way, all the pressure had been an intentional thing just as a warning, Star was always protected by them and it would be them who'd crush anyone that looked to harm her.
There was real devotion to their trainer there. "Yes, we can talk more when I return, goodbye" The interceptor ended her call with a sigh, turning to look towards the new arrivals. "Good to see you two made it"
She opened her arms, showing the now completely set up picknick. "I was kind of hungry so I thought we could turn this into a meal" The information was mostly for Melia since she wasn't there when they talked about it.
"That'd be lovely" There was no reason for Melia to say no, and since lunch time was basically past already and she hadn't eaten the idea was quickly accepted.
Star nodded with contempt before turning to her team. "Well, meet my championship team, We got Scarlett, Aria, Moxie, Shino, Cel and…where's volta"
She began to name them as she pointed in their directions, the Pokemon making some sort of gesture so it was clear who she was referring too.
Without warning something fell from the sky fast, landing on the Krookodile's stomach while the Pokemon remained unfazed. "And that's Volta" It was an Emolga.
Venam released a breath she didn't know she was keeping. "I knew they'd be strong since you're a champion level trainer, but holy hell" Seems like she had felt it too.
Melia was much the same, the explanation of their match against the Arceus was at the end of the day, just words that told of something, when saying things like 'fast' or 'strong' there is no real gauge there for what that meant.
Star chuckled. "Guys, this is Melia and Venam, I have told you about them before" there was recognition in their eyes and suddenly all pressure faded away.
But it had felt real and put their strength into perspective. "Well it's a pleasure to meet you all" despite that, they were still Star's partners and in turn, potential friends.
The Cinccino was the first to approach, all previous intensity having vanished the moment Star introduced them, instead the Pokemon was happy to extend one of their paws, offering a handshake with a smile.
"Cin, cinno ci" The two girls couldn't tell what the white Pokemon told them but could guess she was introducing herself in their own manner.
After shaking her small paw some of the others approached as well, either inspecting them or to introduce themselves too.
Aria, the Primarina ended up grabbing everyone in the team back, and apparently scolded them for getting all up the Melia's and Venam's personal space.
"Always the mother hen" Star commented to herself with a grin, fully enjoying the view.
Melia took her pokeballs from her bag, it would be a good thing for all of their Pokemon to meet, releasing her own team.
Unity, Hope, Diligence, Serenity, Patience and Hapi were all released, each taking in their surroundings. "Guys we're about to eat, but please first introduce yourselves"
Venam didn't stay behind, letting her team, made up from Charizard, Venasaur, Alolan Muk, Toxtricity, Scolipede and her trusty Seviper. "You lot probably heard already, so go on"
The Pokemon hit it off very fast, interacting with each other and pretty interested in the new members.
"Look at em getting along, adorable" The purpled haired girl commented as her Seviper was being ridden by the Emolga, the two chattering cheerfully and Melia agreed completely watching as Aria made a bubble spectacle for Hapi and Diligence.
But something felt missing to Melia. "Actually, where are Honey and the rest?" The team they were used to seeing Star with wasn't present at all, but the Interceptor cared too much about the just to leave them just for a stronger team.
Star's pleased expression turned for the worse. "I…That's kind of why I needed your help" Inside her bag were another seven pokeballs, one of which was empty while the other six were her other team. "They're here, but none of them respond nor go out when I try to release them"
While it hadn't it been more than a day, Star had grown worried of how much they were going to push this issue, especially since they couldn't eat while inside their balls.
So he was trying to solve this issue as fast as she could.
"They don't want to communicate with me, so I thought maybe either of your teams could get something out of them" They had battled and traveled together a lot, and bonds had formed between them, so it wasn't much of a stretch. "I'm worried, they"
"Sure, we'll help you out"
"Of course we will"
Both responded simultaneously, for a friend had asked for their help and they would not be turning them down.
-PokeSpeech ENABLED-
Apparently they had come her to help the bright friend.
Hapi didn't mind at all, the bright one was an incredible being that had put her life on the line for her sister and the rest of her group on multiple occasions.
They were a paragon amongst their peers, thus when they inquired Melia and the team for their assistance Hapi would do her best to help.
Seviper was also called in for helping, another close individual to her that she enjoyed working with.
{Do we know what they ask of us?} speaking of him Seviper had approached her the moment both of their leaders called for them, leading the two to the upper parts of the castle like place.
Hapi shook herself up and down. {Yes, the bright one's companions have been refusing to engage with her for some time now, it is worrying} She could feel the Bright one's concern from here even as they left them back.
"Alright, now please everyone, come out" Melia asked to a set of pokeballs that were not her own, a fact that confused Hapi. "Nothing…they really are adamant in this"
"Why are they doing this actually? Did we ever ask Star?" Her Sister's desired other asked, scratching her head.
{Isn't that Honey's device?} There was a lingering feeling of ash and sulfur around the ball Seviper pointed to, allowing Hapi to recognize the owner of the Pokeball.
{It is} the Togekiss flew closer to the pair of humans, still unable to make the Pokemon exit. {Honey dear friend!}
Hapi's melodious voice caught both trainers by surprise, but they both let the Pokemon act, Melia being the only one who got what she was saying
What was more important was the shift that it provoked on the referenced Pokemon, who made the ball move from the inside. {I can't understand if you do not leave}
The capture devices were feats of incredible technology to be sure, but they had a flaw when it came to communication as it only worked one way, from the out to the inside.
The pokeball shook again, but this time, it opened.
"Good one Hapi!" Venam celebrated as the fairy type had managed to get the Fire type out.
Thus an Infernape now stood in front of them still somewhat reserved of both humans, prompting the Togekiss to ask Melia to leave.
"Do you want to handle this Hapi alone?" She confirmed it to be that way and due to her own inability to get them to cooperate, Melia found it better to leave them in her starter's trustworthy wings. "Ok, we'll be near if you need anything"
{I will do my best} The humans had now left, and now the Pokemon could have a proper conversation amongst themselves. {Honey, what happened? We know a bit, but not much}
{I actually haven't been told much, so spill it Firepanze} Seviper was much more crass, but it was natural for him.
{Do no begin now snake} His voice came out as a warning growl, the state of his mood was not the best.
{Or what, I am aware of my lack of strength against you but I doubt you'd be able to stand up to me in your poorly kept condition} the fire in the Infernape gained more life and the snake bore it's fangs.
{I do remember how our last bout played out, do you want to recreate it?} Honey was getting more and more irritated by the second.
{Spare me the intimidation, you're here cowering away from your chosen partner like a coward} Like a whip, the Pokemon's tail hit the ground, lifting a small cloud of smoke.
The relationships between humans and Pokemon were one of oaths.
Capturing one of these creatures or getting a one by hand was a trial for the two of them in the eyes of the creatures, tying themselves to a human in order to grow.
Learning alongside each other through time.
When the Pokemon decided whether they grew enough and wanted to part ways it was as if said trial was over and any decent trainer would have to respect their decision.
Or face the consequences of upsetting the bonds between the species.
On the other hand if they desired to continue by the human's side there was a new, more important connection to be shared now, a bond of friendship that transformed into family, a pack.
Thus, the Pokemon made an Oath of companionship to the skies.
Millenia ago, before even technology or maybe even reason on humans something was proclaimed and instilled in their nature by those deity's closer to humans closing the gap between the species, a step for coexistence.
One that no one knew why the creator had accepted.
Oaths became a tradition held by the Pokemon ever since, one that grew with time and as civilizations evolved.
Much later, the term starter began sprouting in the human side of things, and the creatures took it as a title of importance, a role of leadership granter to those who'd been the longest with their partners.
And those who were usually the closest to them.
That was how the legends told the story…Pokemon's only certainty of its validity being the instillment into their nature.
And as a starter himself Seviper couldn't condone Honey's actions, It was a disgrace to act like this towards one own partner as a starter.
Pokemon were very harsh and critical of those who broke the oaths as the bond was one thing to be treasured for their species as a whole.
It didn't matter if it was a human or a Pokemon who broke the oaths, a breaking of it without mutual understanding and agreement was a sin.
{You are threading the line of an Oath breaker} And those, those were fighting words.
{…!} Infernape prepared to hit first, fire igniting in his fist, advancing fast.
But a burst of air the middle of the two stopped them before they did anything. {Seviper, we're here to help, not cause more trouble, so cease before I drop you from the sky}
Faes are creatures that do not like the beliefs they hold challenged, they have a certain madness when it comes to them that their usual happier existences cannot override, turning them into very fear inducing creatures as fast as the flick of a switch.
And as a Pokemon that carries good intentions, Hapi hates conflict, especially amongst people that are friends.
The sound of a release echoed as winds charged with Fairy type energy swirled around. {Bloody hell Hapi, calm down!} Another one of Star's Pokemon made an act of presence, exiting as soon as the Togekiss made their treat. {Seviper is simply riling him up so he talks, and while I take offense to the questioning of our commitment to our oath, without knowing everything his words would be true }
It was Glass, the Aevian Frostlass a water-grass type that acted as the rationale to the impulsivity of their leader.
{And you} Who she was now facing. {Leader, we followed your petition to not engage Mother for now but if you refuse to address the situation now I will be propense to defy you}
A declaration of defiance to a starter was akin to a claim of territory, it was a challenge to superpose one's authority.
Hapi looked between the two as the tension diminished in Seviper with Glass's appearance, her own emotions falling back into their normal with the other starters no longer at odds.
That didn't mean the snake was done. {From where I see it, He hasn't bothered to address what happened and now used his position as starter to ensure none of you do, that is dangerous behavior} The poison type's declaration finished any kind of hostility from Honey, leaving him resigned as he sat down.
{Look, we just came back from traveling like we usually do, helping and fighting, the normal} The fire money began with his explanation. {And we housed ourselves in the isles when a disruption in time appears}
{It is then when she walks out of it, tells Star to leave and she does, not bothering to question her much or even at all} They could tell the frustration Honey felt for that in his voice.
The carefree attitude that he normally displays now hidden under a veil of doubt and anger. {That was breaking our oath, abandoning us, leaving without nothing but an irrelevant goodbye that didn't even allow US to reciprocate}
{She left us behind and came back after a year carrying an entire new team on her that is apparently much better than us, expecting it to all be well?! } As he continued to explain, the temperature rose. {I'm sorry but I refuse to engage further if that's how little our companionship was}
Honey finished, catching his breath, and regaining his composure.
{Looking at it that way then yes, it's bad, but have you-}
{I can understand better your view now, but-}
Both of them attempted to speak at the same time, only to be interrupted by someone else.
{Wow, I would have expected the leader to be someone smarter than this} A feminine voice spoke from above the statue, one they didn't recognize.
Their eyes went towards it, landing on an Emolga perched unto the Arceus's statue ring. {Not all surprises are good it would seem} Once more the Infernape's patience was being tested.
{You should be Volta, right?} Glass inquired, one of the many name's they had recognized as the other team's.
{The one and only} There she did a little bow, akin to a showman. {And you two are Glass and Honey} the electric type smiled at them, a grin full of confidence.
{Did you truly need to act on this Volta? We should be allowing our mistress companions to ease them into our presence and the reality behind what occurred} Another intervention happened, this time coming from the stairs, where the Primarina had also made an appearance. {Instead you're simply worsening things by eavesdropping}
{Aw, Aria they ain't no threat for you to consider hurting their feelings and our supposed leader is refusing to accept Star's words, I believe it's time for a bit of a more, direct approach} two auras flared up then and there, the two newly arrived Pokemon staring each other down and paralyzing the rest just by an act of presence.
And just how it began, it faded. {Apologies for her lack of manners, she is a lost cause} It was Aria who had disengaged first, the Emolga shrugging it off while continuing to listen . {As you've probably been told I am Aria, it is a pleasure to meet you all, even if the feeling is clearly not mutual}
Seeing as though the fellow fairy wasn't as rude as the Emolga Hapi was quick to engage. {Oh, hi I'm Hapi} the Togekiss would not hold any ill intent towards them, these developments weren't their fault. {This is Seviper, and this-}
{So you're my replacement} Honey spoke, not moving from where he'd seated, and yet the hostility was palpable. {The name's honey, could say I'm the old starter you }
In a similar fashion to a moment ago, Honey flared up his own strength, trying to challenge the other Pokemon.
But she did not respond to his provocation. {That is a very big assumption, one that I should clarify is false} there was nothing but pity in her eyes. {how about we let everyone out so we can talk properly, and don't worry for any other interruptions, there won't be any}
{What is there to talk about?} The fire type would refuse to it once more, his pride as a starter and as an Infernape would not allow him to yield for so little. {For a year she's been gone training a new team instead of taking us with her, there is nothing to clarify}
Glass however, was not held by such things, and neither were the other two mons.
Getting the others out of their Pokeballs-
{Glass!} Honey chastised her, but the Frostlass was unfazed.
Instead letting pokeballs down as the others manifested. {Maybe it's time we listen to what they have to say? It's been only a day and both Star and the rest of the team have grown extremely anxious of what's happening, all in one day Honey}
{Besides, all we know is your, pretty unaware may I add, side of the story} Seviper agreed with Glass. {Maybe we should listen to theirs}
With all of them ganging up on him the started had no other choice than to accept it. {Fine, I'll listen} it's not like he wanted to be separated from their trainer, but being left was an old wound for him.
One that he wasn't eager to forgive.
{Urgh, finally we're out} a gruffy voice complained as three heads stretched into different directions. {Have you finally stopped your tantrum money} the two heads in each of his hands began repeating monkey brainlessly.
Wrath the Hydraigon was out, by his side the silent Lull the Zoroark.
{Oh, Wrath good to see you} Hapi was once again the only one greeting everyone with a smile. {you too Lull}
The dragon wasn't pretty happy of her presence though {Hello fairy} but there was begrudging respect for her in his voice while the Hisuian Pokemon offered only a nod.
The Togekiss was happy to chatter up with those two as they waited for.
{Is it over already?} a much softer voice asked, her words carried like a whisper on the wind. {Can we finally see Mother?} It was Fluffy, the Aevian Volcarona.
Glass and Fluffy were both eggs raised by Star at some point, that's where their name for her came from, but unlike the Frostlass Fluffy didn't have much of a backbone outside of battle.
The last one to exit was unlike the others however, she wasn't a youngling much like the rest of the team, rather a much older Sylveon.
Nancy's Sylveon Sylph.
{Greetings powerful one} Sylph said with some reverence in her voice. {I am Sylph, it is a pleasure}
She was greeted by everyone too, marking the full reunion of all of Star's Aevian team.
And the Primarina took note of such a thing as her cue to begin.
{It would seem they want to see her, why would you deny them of that?…no I know why, I just can't fathom why you'd refuse to listen to any explanation from her, an accusation of Oath breaking is important enough to require that}
Aria would drive that point before all, as the starter and now her leader too, Honey had a lot to learn as she would not accept but the best.
She knew Honey was aware how irrational his choice was, but there would be no judgement from her.
Thus, she took it upon herself to tell the story. {But I suppose it'll have to be me who does, so get comfortable everyone, this is a long tale}
-PokeSpeech DISABLED-
Volta returned a few minutes after Aria went up the stairs, posing herself on Star's shoulder.
"Emo, em ga" It relieved Star to know that the others were actually talking and weren't confining themselves to their balls. "Em em"
(It was Honey?) Knowing that her starter was the cause hurt, but it also made sense.
The Chimchar left behind in the lab, trapped in it for three years more than any of his contemporaries, the one that got returned to it three times, making his stay there even longer.
It was the tale Amanda had told him when she introduced the starters, the Pokemon's health deteriorating slowly until the day she picked him.
Not because of the story, not entirely, but because she could see his desire to strengthen himself, to be better, under all of that loneliness.
He was in good hands now, Aria, Hapi and Seviper would help him, Star could trust that they would help him.
"Are they doing alright?" Melia too was concerned but confident on how things were going.
Star nodding in response. "They have it handled, Hapi and Seviper managed to make them agree to an explanation"
"Ptff, of course they could, there ain't no better Pokemon that ours" Joining the conversation, Venam confidently stated while pointing to her and Melia.
Her championship team all did the equivalent of lifting an eyebrow. "I wouldn't say that so confidently"
Eventually an entire hour had passed before any of them returned.
And when they did, it was all of them.
Star wasn't aware of what they had discussed over there, nor she would inquire if they didn't want her to know, all she felt at the moment was relief.
Relief, and a lot of happiness at seeing Wrath, Glass, Fluffy, Sylph, Lull and Honey again.
If anyone asked, she didn't cry as her Pokemon hugged her, some muttering an apology to her for not answering to her call the first time, while others simply enjoyed the embrace.
After they had their moment the teams took notice of the food all around the blanket, some of which was clearly not up for human consumption. "Go on ahead, I bought the food for everyone"
Once more, the weight that she felt for this problem had been lifted, and it was addressed as fast as it was resolved.
Now if only all problems could be done with this easily.
"Nape" She acknowledged the call of her starter with a hum. "In, nape pe"
"Honey, it's fine, you know I won't think less of you for this" and neither would she judge him for it, as her actions weren't the best they could have been when she left.
If there had been any other choice she would have taken it.
"Maar" Aria too stayed around with her, telling the fire type that to make sure to never do it again if he truly learnt from this.
Surrounded by friends and family, there was little that could make this day better.
"It is a pleasure seeing you" Luna bowed as she entered the house she'd be sharing with Aya in her stay in Aevium.
The one mentioned alongside with Adrienn were receiving her right now. "Luna, it's been a while" Aya responded with a wave, neither were particularly physical when greeting. "I was pretty sure you should have come more than an hour ago, did you get lost?"
"Ah, no, the tides of fate took me on a journey into the beautiful land of Goldenwood" The dark type specialist told them of their little adventure. "An admirable job Adrienn"
"The people did a good job too, it wasn't just me" they deflected some of the praise about the project. "Star managed to collect quite the group and took a lot of the costs too"
The name was an instant surprise for the blonde, something Adrienn sought to clarify. "Not ours Luna, they are a girl of pink hair with the same name"
"Truly? A shame, it would be wonderous to meet her again, alas the world made sure no traces of her remained…until now" In the end, this was the reason her trip here had been forwarded, the current issue with Star's missing Pokemon.
"Yeah, we've been waiting for you to come so we can begin with that" Aya pointed out, taking over for a gym leader and investigating would prove to be complicated. "We've actually been thinking of giving the kid we spoke of a call, apparently they know a lot of people, including Tesla von Brandt"
"We were allowed to check the system by Jan too, and figured the connection came from The pc stationed in the Telia Resort"
"Own by one such woman" Finished Luna, connecting the details. "It is favorable that we do contact that person then, it would facilitate our duty"
The purple haired woman hummed. "Cool we can agree on that" then she turned to Adrienn. "What of the sunken ship?"
As the one in charge of the problem they would sort that one out. "We'll manage, although the Xen situation worries me"
"Xen?" the bewilderment in Luna's voice showing she hadn't been briefed of that.
"We basically got another Meteor in our hands, just without the pulses and Lyn" Neither of them had done much about them either, but they did hear of people combating them. "Well…there was this one Pulse now that I think about it"
"But that was Bladestar" Adrienn clarified.
"Right"
Luna took a seat as the two of them extensively explained their past month in the Aevium region.
She'd keep the fact of the Poison gym leader being at the park for now, this information seemed much more important.
—END—