{}=Pokemon Speaking; =Telepathic Speaking

The planet is a vast place, too large to ever truly measure. There are people all over the world that we may never connect to, despite all our efforts. But when we try, we can forge the most unbreakable bonds in the most unexpected places. Sometimes all it takes is a chance encounter to change the trajectory of your life forever.

~x1x~

PoV: Topaz Heart

Location: Topaz's Room

Time: May 13th - Noon

Lou has been acting rather odd lately. A while ago, Holyn said Clover left the Hive to ask Lou about something confidential. Considering she went to him and not vice versa, I figured it was a pretty big ask, but I left it alone.

Except, ever since then when he wasn't training the others he would go to the Hive, the airport or the docks. Sometimes he'd fly around Route 223 as well. I haven't seen him relax in awhile, but now I never saw him stationary. He was always working, it was becoming worrisome.

He can do what he wants, but it was odd. Donut and Meliae have spotted him flying around the docks watching which boats went where as well as planes. I asked him about it and he always said it was confidential, but he'd tell me later.

Then came a weird question.

{General Topaz, do you have spare pokeballs? Primarily, net balls?} Lou asked me a few days ago. He was holding an old backpack of mine for some reason.

"Huh? You want pokeballs? Why?" I asked, totally caught off guard as I was in the middle of working on my improved grenades, following Vika's design.

{Confidential Corps business. It is imperative that I acquire pokeballs,} he requested. {I assure you it's for the good of the Corps and not for the sake of evil.}

"I believe that, it's just… a bit surprising. I can check my bag, one second," I said reaching into my bag.

There were a bunch of pokeballs I had won as prizes from battles, gifts and various other reasons. More than you could really need, so I gave him all the ones I didn't think I'd ever use, placing them into the bag including all my net balls. Kept all my luxury balls though.

{Thank you General, that will be all,} Lou said as he began to fly off.

"Wait, Lou!" I stopped him as he turned around. "Should I be concerned?"

{Not at all. I am simply preserving my people's place in the world. All I ask is for a few days to handle my affairs and I will resume our regular routine,} he replied calmly.

"A few days? Are you sure you don't need help?"

{None at all. I have all the assets I need now,} he replied satisfied.

"Oh… okay then, be careful," was all I could think of. I trusted him and he had done so much for me. If he needed space, he would have it.

{Farewell, my General. Please do not engage in any dangerous activities till I return so I may protect you,} Lou buzzed pleasantly before flying away, straight into the open ocean.

Life continued on, no one knew where he had gone exactly, not even Gautier. I didn't want to worry, but I could not figure out what the heck he was even doing.

That is until later that night, I was eating dinner when I got a random ping from my Pokedex. I got up to check it and well…

~x2x~

PoV: Lieutenant Lou

Location: Pinwheel Forest - Unova Region

Time: May 13th - Evening

Once I had informed General Topaz of my departure I finally began my mission. Knowing him he would heed my words and avoid trouble till I returned, which was one less thought weighing me down.

After observing the patterns of the ships and planes that left Sunyshore and consulting migrating Beautifly, I successfully charted the ideal route to southern Unova.

I was fully charged, rested and full for my journey as I bolted across the ocean at an even pace. I had grown confident in my flight skills due to the last few weeks of extra training, so even in the worst case scenario I would survive.

During my travels I passed over many different landmasses, but I had no time to or interest in exploring them. I only needed a few hours of non-stop flight to finally reach what I could surmise was the Unova region.

According to my consults, I was looking for an abominably large city by the water and to go south from there. I had to follow their directions the best I could as Unova was especially large and connected to the mainland. Getting lost would be tedious.

Fortunately, finding such a large city was rather easy. The air pollution was noticeable from miles away and the sheer size of it eclipsed the largest Sinnoh city, Jubilife, by several metrics. South of it was a magnificent bridge, but most importantly my destination: Pinwheel Forest.

I descended upon it, landing in an especially large tree to survey. The forest itself had a natural darkness to it, with jade leaves that blocked the sun. Below me I spotted a concrete road dividing the forest in half where a bevy of humans walked to and fro.

I licked the air to note the distinctly different taste from Sinnoh. I could immediately tell Unova was radically different from what I was accustomed to, but that just allowed for new challenges to overcome. For now I had to find a target and draw minimal attention to myself. I had no desire to make local trainers think I was a local rarity to bother.

I descended from the tree and flew deeper into the wilderness, searching for someone specific. Several pokemon caught my glance, but none my eye. That is until I heard an all too familiar cry.

No matter where I went, the screams of bugs hunted by birds was universal.

I banked a hard left and dashed towards the sound. As I approached I caught sight of the bug in question, a purple larva type with a bulbous body and large antenna: Venipede. On the opposing end was an unremarkable avian with a red crest on their face, but I knew its name: Tranquill, The Trumbeak of Unova.

My gut told me not to intervene yet as I hid amidst the trees. It appeared the Tranquill had taken Venipede for an unguarded meal, but judging by the shimmering on the Venipede's shell they had saved their own life with a last second Protect.

The Tranquill flapped onto a branch, eyes gleaming black for a moment before they raised a wing, cackling at their target. Venipede rattled her carapace angrily, sending a number of bug and toxin infused needles hurtling towards the avian. They flew to the side, soaring in a wide arc to avoid the barrage. Venipede clicked angrily, stopping for a brief moment before whirling around, sending pins shooting out in all directions.

Tranquill observed the outburst for a moment before diving in, weaving through the pins with glowing wings. Just as they got close though, Venipede began spinning rapidly, coating her carapace in stone before hurtling right towards the bird. Rollout, as I'd seen from Donut many times before.

The avian's eyes widened as they flapped to dodge, avoiding the worst of the hit but still getting scraped by Venipede's spines. They shuddered slightly, the telltale tint of purple showing on their face before they banked hard to pursue the Venipede.

This Tranquill isn't completely inept and yet they still haven't won. Venipede has a natural acumen for battle. Unfortunately, the power gap and type advantage is too vast for the ravenous reprobate to lose.

The Venipede attempted to roll away, but after noticing they couldn't shake their assailant so easily, they turned as quick as they could to hurtle back towards the avian. Before coming close enough, she swerved to one side, slammed into an errant tree root, and was shot into the air. She ricocheted off the trunk of a tree, launching back towards the Tranquill. Again, she grazed them, but nothing more.

This time though, the brief wobbly stumble they had upon landing gave the avian enough time to dart over with a Quick Attack, then slamming their wings into Venipede. She chipped in pain, hurtling through the air before being pinned against a tree. Even with an avian staring her dead in the face, talons over her softer underbelly, she glared. Eyes full of vitriol as she spat another volley of toxic pins, though Tranquill only had to block this weaker onslaught with a wing as they raised another talon, ready to pierce their victim.

I've seen enough. You'll not take this life, devil.

Time came to a halt as one second I was several yards away and the next I was full body tackling the Tranquill off the Venipede. The wretched creature skidded through the dirt before slamming harshly into the base of a tree. As they tried to collect themself, I hovered over them with a menace I only reserved for these heathen creatures.

Sensing death incarnate, the Tranquill gathered all of their will to live and scampered disgracefully back into the forest with an injured wing. Lurking in the shadows I saw a Vigoroth pursue them discreetly, likely having planned to smite them while they ate Venipede.

Their fate was sealed regardless whether I had intervened or not.

Hearing uneven crawling behind me, I turned to see the young Venipede bringing herself upright and walking to get a better look at me. Her instincts still clearly told her to be on high alert, as she didn't close the distance, but her wide eyes told how she felt clear as the finest honey. She didn't know who I was, where I had come from or why I was there, but I had her full attention. And, at the very least, hadn't targeted her yet.

I reached into my bag retrieving an oran berry, one of many I had brought and tossed it over to Venipede. {Eat, then we talk.}

She only hesitated for a moment before nodding twice; once to herself, then to me, as she began to quickly eat. Her eyes kept darting about all the while, to me and around us, just in case, but her spines had lowered slightly. Whatever other potential assailants were steering clear of me, and she recognized that.

Once she finished eating she looked up at me, opened her mandibles slightly, paused, and then simply closed them again. A look of bewilderment, curiosity and thanks written all across her face.

I landed on the ground to appear more amicable before speaking. {My name is Founder General Lou of the Compound Corps, located in Route 222 of the Sinnoh region. I am on a mission to recruit foreign bugs to our army willing to combat the bird menace. If you join we can promise safety, training, food, companionship, larvacare, shelter and vengeance against bird pokemon. You will have to come with me to Sinnoh, follow the chain of command and you will likely never return to your birthplace, but you can start a new legacy in Sinnoh. If that does not appeal to you, then we will go our separate ways. Any questions?}

She looked down in thought, then back into the forest for the moment before looking me dead in the eye. {I have two questions, General sir.}

She catches on quickly and speaks eloquently. High functioning.

{You may ask.}

{I have some friends and family who haven't been eaten… so far. Are they welcome if they want to come?}

Perfect, she knows more.

{I must assess each individual to ensure they are a good fit for the Corps. If they are, they can come. If they aren't, they cannot,} I stated clearly.

Clover trusted my eye for talent. I would not bring ruin to the Corps to appease every sad story I come across.

She nodded. {Fair. Second, does safety include safety from trainers?}

{If you are concerned for safety, would you not be safest with a trainer?} I gauged her.

She clicked, clearly irritated by the question but keeping cool. {I'd prefer to not be plucked from the forest by some random kid. I don't know what it's like in Sinnoh, but humans and birds here fight for the top spot of random unwanted intrusion. It's annoying to cross the road every time I want to go eat new berries, there's always someone making it a big deal.}

The constant road traffic cutting directly through the forest would be an unwanted intrusion, yes.

{I am a wild pokemon who joined with a worthy trainer to attain this strength in Sinnoh. Yet, I still contribute to the wellbeing of my comrades in the wild. That is the path I have chosen, but joining the Corps will allow you to grow strong and away from the level of intrusion this forest seems to invite,} I explained candidly.

Her expression hardened as she saluted with one of her spines. {Then if you'd have me, I'm ready and willing, General sir. If I can be of any further help finding recruits or for directions, let me know.}

I buzzed pleased with the result. The first recruit, it had been a long time since I've done recruiting. It was exhilarating to welcome a new member to the army. {Welcome to the Corps as the first recruit of the FDD, Foreign Draft Drive. As I've deemed you capable and knowledgeable, I will be promoting you to be my second-in-command,} I stated a matter of factly.

{Yes, General sir! Thank you, General sir!}

{Do you have a name, soldier? Every leading member of the Corps needs a personal name. If not, I have a suitable one in mind.}

She shook her head. {The area is too unstable for a Pokemon name to be typically respected here, sir. I was never given one.}

{Unstable, hmmm,} I pondered, wondering if I should have asked General Topaz or Jade more about Unova in the past. {Fortunately, I can promise enough security for you to be named. Corporal Cora, does that suit you, soldier?}

She clicked in affirmation. {It does, General sir!}

{Good, a pleasure to be working with you, Cora. And to avoid future mishaps…} I said as I reached into the bag removing one of the Net Balls General gave me. Any doubt as to my validity vanished as she saw me pull it out. Presumably, Pokemon with a stash of Pokeballs was distinctly uncommon here. {I intend to recruit as many pokemon as I deem needed, but I cannot carry them all. Claim this pokeball so we may resume our mutual mission.}

She nodded, scuttling up and bonking the Net Ball with her head, allowing herself to be turned to light and taken within. It took only seconds for the ball to give the ding of a finished process.

Would this classify me as a trainer? Maybe humans feel a different exhilaration every time this occurs. No matter, I'm no trainer and she's not my pokemon. We are like the General and myself now.

Once completed I tapped the release button, calling Cora out before stowing her pokeball where I could find it easily.

She stood at attention, saluting once more. {I am ready to aid you however I can, General sir!}

{Then first, let us meet with your fellows!} I said as I rose into the air and grasped her underneath me as we took to the sky following her direction.

~x3x~

PoV: Lieutenant Lou

Location: Pinwheel Forest - Unova Region

Time: May 13th - Night

From that fateful encounter with Cora, moments before her supposed destined death, the mission began in full force. Thanks to her assistance I was able to recruit many suitable Venipede to the cause. Cora suggested we visit the Scolipede's lair, but that was unnecessary. They would not mesh well with the Corps at their age.

As my second in command, I welcomed any questions she had for me and gave her as many explanations as I could think of. Namely, my selection process.

Years alongside General Topaz and his encyclopedic knowledge of the world has made me familiar with bugs and birds across the planet. While this mission was Clover's idea, she had little concept of foreign bugs and thus depended on my judgment. As such, I had a selection of pokemon I had in mind to fill the niches we needed.

First was Venipede, reliable frontline soldiers with their thick shells and intense poison. More investment than caring for Weedle, but with longer lifespans and superior general combat they would add much to the army.

Once we had recruited enough Venipede, I began sorting the used pokeballs in the bag when Cora stopped me. {Are we off to recruit Sewaddle next, sir?}

{No,} I stated simply. {The Sewaddle line are bug grass types known for weaving clothes with leaves and webbing. In Sinnoh we utilize Wormadam for that task with more diverse options. A filled niche so we can leave Pinwheel Forest now.}

Surprised by the immediate departure, she continued. {Where to next, sir?}

{North to the Desert Resort,} I stated, as we found a place to rest. {For now, sleep. I will keep watch.}

As Cora got ready for bed, I could feel a tinge of a desire to sleep, but not enough to warrant it. I had too many pokemon to look after to sleep now.

~x4x~

PoV: Lieutenant Lou

Location: Desert Resort - Unova Region

Time: May 14th - Morning

The next morning we flew around Castelia's pollution before arriving at the sandy Desert Resort for our next target, Dwebble. We were slowly amassing Kleavor thanks to the discovery of the Black Augurite, but Dwebble were builders. Fashioning homes from stone and soil, as well crushing the wing of any bird that dares assault them with their claws and crags.

After some searching we found some Dwebble being hounded by… I barely register them as birds. Moreso psychotic biblically accurate angels sent from a heaven I want no part of: commonly known as Sigilyph. This time, I supported Cora and the Dwebble by weakening the Sigilyph enough to where they could safely take the knockouts.

{Those were… deeply unnerving. Are all birds outside of Pinwheel like that?} Cora asked as we watched them twitch away.

{Personality wise, yes. Appearance wise, no, that was a new perversion even for me,} I replied with disdain. {You did well in this fight, Corporal. You're rapidly improving.}

Cora beamed at the praise, saluting. {Sir, thank you, sir!}

With the Lovecraftian horrors defeated, and inspired by our leadership and strategy, we managed to recruit the group of Dwebble before being led to enough to meet our quota.

They then led us to Rellor. An odd bug that evolved into the bug psychic Rabsca akin to Dottler. Apparently, some have the rare ability to revive the dead. Whether that was true or not, more psychics could assist the Corps when it comes to communication. Otherwise, they can throw filth at birds to make their appearance match their hearts: putrid.

{I'm finding it hard to believe they could become psychics,} Cora noted skeptically, as she watched them mill around rolling their… mounds.

{According to my research they can, rather unique ones as well. Perhaps all their rolling activates something unique within their minds,} I suggested. {For now let's give the group time to mingle and observe.}

As the night fell, Cora and I were led underground by the Dwebble and Rellor to the forsaken ruins of the desert where powerful Volcarona roamed. They had no interest in separating with their Larvesta and only seemed to tolerate our presence once I negotiated peace.

It seemed my words and clear strength appeased them as they left us alone. A shame about the Larvesta, but I wanted to recruit bugs that wanted better. These Larvesta had their needs and wants met.

{I thought I would feel safer sleeping out of a bird's eye view, but those moths looked like they wanted to fry us all,} Cora noted as we huddled in a safe room I had found. {And we couldn't recruit any of the larvae either.}

{At least with them we were able to talk it out rather than birds whom would just consume us. But if we can't get Larvesta here, we'll have to go to my back-up location. For now we move on with our target list,} I replied.

{Do you want me to keep watch this time, sir?} Cora asked.

I buzzed a quick refusal. {Not in the haven for Volcarona. I will keep watch.}

Cora seemed slightly surprised, but didn't object as I perched by the entrance of the room. Humans used to revere Volcarona as the living sun. If they tried to hurt my soldiers, they'd find my light even brighter.

~x5x~

PoV: Lieutenant Lou

Location: Lostlorn Forest - Unova Region

Time: May 15th - Morning

Daybreak came and Cora and I returned to our travels. What I quickly realized was how difficult it was to manage so many ravenous bug types at once, which made me appreciate what the General and other trainers did for us. Fortunately, I had packed Snorlax supplements that would feed thousands of bugs easily.

From my research, Blipbug was found close to bright cities. Nimbasa City was obscenely bright even from a distance in the desert so we began exploring Route 16 to find them.

At a loss to find the elusive pokemon, A local Audino wearing a medical satchel and a boy with pink hair and a kind soul pointed us the right way. While we did not exchange names, for some reason I felt a mutual connection with the duo.

Someday we will meet again, when the time is right.

Fateful encounters aside, following their specific directions we came across a dark type veil. Sneaking through we cut into the Lostlorn Forest and I could immediately sense a weak psychic blip. We found the Blipbug nest and before we even spoke, they clamored to join us.

Gautier had said Blipbug were hopelessly weak, but intelligent. Perhaps they could sense we were fellows? I intended on asking him later.

{So this is Gautier's larva stage up close…} I pondered, watching them introduce themselves to the other bugs.

{Gautier, sir?} Cora inquired.

I buzzed in memory. {A fellow bug of mine, from the Galar region. When we first met I attacked him, but now I've grown appreciative of his mannerisms. Before I left Sinnoh I had been helping him get accustomed to the Corps. He's got some progress to make, but he's coming along nicely.}

{Is he going to be alright without you?} Cora asked.

{Of course, he has General Tanya looking after him,} I answered.

Cora looked at me carefully before eyeing all the different bug types mingling happily. {Do you miss him?}

I sighed deeply, staring at them with her. {I'm fine for now.}

~x6x~

PoV: Lieutenant Lou

Location: Route 8 - Alola Region

Time: May 16th - Noon

With our recruitment complete in Unova, the next day we set off to Alola for the next batch. Cora was quickly adjusting to the travel and recruitment, growing smarter and developing further with each encounter.

As General Topaz had told me time and time again, pokemon can grow from more than just battle. Traveling and complex experiences can cause it as well. Even I could feel development in myself.

Alola was a fresh change of pace from Unova, my old stomping ground. Everything about Alola filled my body with energy in a different way than Sunyshore's innumerable panels. The tropical sun, the ocean air, the leafy trees all of it felt good… but none of it was right.

Too much pain was wrought here, so much I'm not sure I could ever live here again. As good as it felt, the cool winds of Sinnoh were what powered me now.

Thoughts aside, I still had a mission and couldn't spare any sidetracking. As we flew over Akala Island I spotted a relative of General Topaz, but I had to remind myself of the task at hand and ignored them until a later date.

Hopefully they did not recognize me.

I knew Mareeta was in Alola as well undergoing therapy with her old troop, but we could visit her when we returned for our proper vacation.

After landing on Route 8, I summoned Cora and the representatives of each species we had to help find the hasty Wimpod. Clover questioned my reasoning when I had explained them to her, but while they are hopelessly useless in dangerous situations, they will eat virtually any refuse and cleanse their surroundings.

And those that can stomach training evolve into the titanic Golisopod. A land and seafaring behemoth, with impenetrable armor and unmatched ferociousness after surviving the Wimpod stage.

{Should we throw mud at them to slow them down, sir?} The Rellor rep asked.

{Or rocks to really slow 'em down?} The Dwebble rep asked.

I turned to Cora. {What do you think, Corporal?}

Stunned I was asking her, Cora took a second to think. {Both those ways would scare them judging by what General Lou told me. We should try to be as unthreatening as possible, but if you see one in danger, try to help them. That way, they'll trust us.}

She looked at me for approval and she got it. Following her plan we moved out.

It took longer than I hoped to find one willing to join us and that was only because Cora saved them from being bludgeoned to death by a Clobbopus. After assuring them that the Corps was stationed close to the sea and a river, they joined. With that one's aid, we slowly began to recruit enough to meet our quota.

To finish our business in Akala we traversed to Lush Jungle to find Larvesta. Thanks to Marjorie's consultation, I knew precisely where to look although even then we barely found any. That was adequate though, we just needed a female and male. They could find mates at their own pace.

Larvesta take an exceedingly long time to evolve, but metamorphose into one of the most powerful bugs in the world. Fire and bugs typically do not mix, but their natural warmth could save many lives during the winter. In case of fire, the Wimpod could douse any problems.

{Despite there being so much life, they're smaller than the resort larvae,} Cora noted as the Larvesta greeted the other bugs.

{Because they do not have powerful parents feeding them. Soon they'll grow to be mighty and strong in service to the Corps,} I assured her. {We just need patience.}

{Understood, sir!}

~x7x~

PoV: Lieutenant Lou

Location: Hau'Oli Outskirts - Alola Region

Time: May 16th - Afternoon

And with that, we only had more place to go before home. Route 1, Melemele Island.

I was careful to avoid where the Heart family typically visited. I swore I could smell their bakery even from the sky, but my mind was elsewhere.

Once Cora and I landed, she turned to me questioningly. {General, you seem… melancholic.}

{I am, Corporal. This is where I was born and where most of my siblings died. I've been here many times since, but the grief… I do not believe it will ever leave me,} I answered honestly, as I walked ahead to feel the familiar grass below me once again.

{I understand, General.} She gazed at the grasses ahead with me. {You told me I'd likely never return to Pinwheel forest. I'm glad to have had some of my friends and family join us, but I doubt I'd ever want to return. Family and friends of my own were eaten or killed. If I never see another blasted pigeon it'll be too soon,} she spat, glancing up at me. {So while I may not know your specific pain, General, I'm familiar with the feeling.}

I glanced at her, feeling even more kinship with my second in command despite our short time together. I buzzed affirmingly before continuing our stride. {If you see a long beaked bird, alert me and I will defeat them. If you see a large bird with a curved beak, I will decapitate them.}

She nodded without flinching. {Consider it done, sir.}

Toucannon, the scourge of my existence, the anathema to my soul, the tormentor of my dreams. While Trumbeak were more commonly seen, the leering eyes of that obnoxious beaked brigand still filled my body with fury. How they would spit seeds at my siblings, killing ten in an instant before feasting. I only survived them because I was aware enough to hide. Now I can kill.

Today was not the day for vengeance though. It was for reunion as I led Cora to a tree that my siblings and I frequented for sap. It was delicious and private, too unbecoming for the birds to bother with due to the stench they claimed was there.

As I expected, feasting away were some young Grubbin, blissfully unaware yet vaguely familiar.

{That is my larval stage, Grubbin as I've informed you before. Incisors powerful enough to break a bird's wing or neck at a young age. Then we evolve and outperform our enemies in the sky with electricity. An invaluable asset for the Corps,} I stated neutrally, before turning to her with a slightly lighter look. {I speak from experience.}

She clicked, pleased. {If they're a tenth as good as you are, sir, the avians don't stand a chance.}

{Let us examine them then,} I stated as we approached. {Greetings, we've come to talk.}

The Grubbin looked at me curiously before ceasing, climbing down to look at me properly. As I was about to address them, a sudden cry caught my attention. Unlike the many cries of distress or pain we'd heard on this venture, however, this was one of shock.

{You're alive?!}

I looked to see a Charjabug, brimming with power. She was scooching her way over, like I used to when I didn't use my webbing to move. Her eyes were wide as she drew closer, sending the most miniscule shock at me. It didn't even register, simply dispelling against my carapace. That seemed to be exactly what she intended though, her eyes widening further. {You are alive… I never thought I'd see you again.}

I stood frozen at the sight of this sudden individual. I was at a complete loss for thought, the only word that came to my mandibles was: {Sister!?}

She nodded enthusiastically. {Yes, you remember me!} She scooched up further, looking me over in awe. {You've evolved fully, too… How? What happened? The last time I saw you, you fought off a Trumbeak and then never came back. I thought they'd taken you to a Toucannon, I know you wouldn't lose against a Trumbeak, but…}

Cora was watching the exchange curiously, but she seemed hopeful. {I attacked a plane thinking it was a metal bird and was brought to the Sinnoh region. Ever since then, I've been living there. I only returned to Alola for business… but I hadn't intended on anyone recognizing me. Especially a sibling,} I admitted solemnly.

She adopted my somber expression, nodding. {Ah… After you left, most of our remaining brood scattered in their own ways, as we do. But you never left my mind. You were able to stand up to the birds, and even if you were gone, someone needed to be able to fight them back. So I followed in your footsteps, hoping to do you proud.} She paused for a moment before chuckling to herself. {I suppose whether or not that's the case is something you can answer, now.}

{I'm surprised any of you even remembered me. I had thought everyone was so much simpler than me, I hadn't considered perhaps there were others that could understand me so well…} I muttered. {I felt as though I was a solitary soldier, fighting wherever bugs were oppressed.}

{I was simpler, then,} she admitted. {But seeing you fight against the skies' talons, then when you were gone… it didn't feel right. Just accepting how things were. So I followed the best example I had.}

I eyed the Grubbin behind us. Looking upon them closely, they had more awareness than any of my siblings did at that age. They were simple, but comprehending the conversation. {I see the fruits of your labor are before us, Sister…} I tilted my head downward, a strange tightness swelling inside me. {I'm sorry I left you all those years ago. I should have considered all of your feelings more rather than just those that were around me. I only learned that after I met my new comrades.}

She shook her head. {If you weren't you, I wouldn't be me, they wouldn't be them,} She noted, nodding towards the Grubbin with us. {There's no use in what-ifs and could've-beens. You're here, so am I, and we've both grown. You more than I, clearly, but still.} She looked up at me. {So what brings you here, brother?}

{Lou. My general, Topaz, gave me the name Lou… since I'm his lieutenant,} I replied, thinking fondly of the General.

My heart started to ache over how I missed him, Donut, Holyn, Zenara and everyone else. I wanted to go home so badly all of a sudden, but I also didn't want to leave. A strange tug on both sides of my heart, so I leaned towards Alola for now. {As for why I am here, it is a long tale.}

I gave what I felt was a concise explanation as to why I was here and why I got here. The explanation seemed to fill in some blanks for Cora who was still catching up with everything. I kept superfluous details to a minimum and judging by my sister's nods, it came across perfectly.

{Palulu.}

{Palulu? As in… shield? Is that your name?} If so it was a beautiful name, delightfully Alolan. And befitting of my blood sister.

{Yes. You gave me yours, it's only right to give you mine.} She gave me a smile. {As much as I'd like to, I can't accompany you to your home. This land still needs its guardian, and while I've yet to evolve, you embody just how far we can go. Just seeing that you're alive and well is all I could've asked for.}

{As much as I would love for you to be close, Palulu, I would beg you not to come. One of us must nurture the bugs of this land and while it cannot be me, it is only fitting it should be you as their shield,} I complimented. {Our paths have put us an ocean apart, but we've come together for the same mission. It honors me to share your blood.}

{As it does me. Now, we should-} she stopped abruptly, sparking slightly before whirling to look at the Grubbin. {Code Dusk, move!}

An avian!

Immediately they all burrowed into the ground, while Cora gestured with her spines. {Above us at 10:30, sir! A bird with a curved beak!}

At her words, my blood went cold. Soaring above us was the tyrant creature themself: Toucannon. Their ugly, leering eyes filled with a hunger for protein that fruit and nuts could not provide. They were on the hunt to kill. To kill my family.

{Blasted thing, it's out of range…} Palulu muttered, glancing at me. {What say we take down this menace together?}

{Cora. Do you remember what I said once we landed here?} I said coldly.

{That if a bird with a curved beak entered your sights, they'd be decapitated, sir.} She gave me a nudge. {I look forward to your retribution.}

{Thank you, Corporal,} I addressed her before turning to my sister. {We stand together!}

She used a strand of silk to reel herself towards me, positioning herself so I could grab her easily. Even before grabbing her, I felt our combined power pulsing, streaks of electricity lancing into the ground around us. Clamping my legs around her, there was a small burst of electricity just from us working together.

My wings snapped open, buzzing filling the air as we rocketed into the sky. Where milliseconds ago grass surrounded us with the tree's boughs above, we now hovered in open air, both our eyes locked on our mortal enemy.

They switched targets quickly, seeming to glare at Palulu especially but not taking either of us for granted. Their beak glowed red hot before they began firing their stockpile of seeds, each nigh on blazing as they shot towards us.

Slow.

Blitzing past each of them, only a jagged trail of green lightning was left in my wake as we rocketed at them. The few that got even slightly close to hitting, Palulu scorched to ash with expertly aimed Thunderbolts. They began to try and fly away, but were far too slow to escape.

A pinprick of lightning charged at the base of my mandibles, the yellow streaks within glowing bright as I locked on. I felt Palulu's voltage rise, Discharging to further the speed of my charge.

Before they could finish a full flap of their wings, a shining torrent of green lightning engulfed them. A roaring thunderclap rang out, the clouds far in the distance being blown apart. The blast alone caused them to create rapid bolts amidst each other.

As the bolt faded, we saw their beak glowing brighter before they dove at us, eyes locked on.

Sloppy.

I allowed them to get close, just to crush their hopes by darting out of the way. Palulu shot with a series of her own bolts, and with each pulse of electricity, I felt her form shudder. Not unlike how I had many months ago.

As the avian struggled to right themselves, I launched forth, snapping them in my mandibles before letting out a Discharge of my own, flying further up into the sky. Palulu further synchronized her electricity with mine, green lightning erupting all around us. The agonized squawks of our prey only emboldened us.

As our voltage reached a fever pitch, I felt her form explode beneath mine. Holding on just long enough to impart another gargantuan charge to her, I flew away and shot the Toucannon back towards the earth.

Palulu's now blindingly white chrysalis shattered, a different shade of green lightning erupting in volcanic proportions as each leg, mandible and wing shot out. Her gleaming golden eyes snapped open, gravity barely beginning to take its hold on her as the raw white energy crackled off of her. She gave a short test buzz of her new wings before she shot towards the ground, rapidly overtaking the plummeting avian.

Within seconds she pivoted around midair, charging a blast of her own before shooting another lance of lime lightning into the sky. Rather than let it fade, she kept the crackling bolt sustained, clamping onto the Toucannon as I had and propelling herself into the sky once more.

Once she was back at the height I watched her at, she flew backwards away from me, nodding to me. I nodded back to her, charging another blast of my own before she let the bird go. The raw force of the lightning cascading against their form sent them hurtling forwards, directly into the path of my own bolt.

The two collided, the avian in the center as another clap of thunder rang out. The shockwave carried the clouds away, the waves turning back out to sea from the raw power of our shining green star.

The avian was barely hanging on, gray feathers blackened and charred, beak cracked and eyes bloodshot.

Sickening.

Palulu darted below them at an angle, firing a crackling Electroweb that rapidly entangled their wings, nodding to me and hovering back slightly. My body trembled with pure energy, my mandibles glowing a brilliant white. Doubling in size and sharpness in a way they never have before. The Toucannon's eyes met my own proper and finally widened in realization.

We had met years ago. They were the Trumbeak that tried to eat me before I left for Sinnoh. I knew who they were as soon as I saw them. My mind may forget, but my hatred would always remind me.

{Begone, fowl miscreation!} I bellowed as I widened my mandibles while darting straight through my old enemy's neck, cleaving it off effortlessly.

The body and head fell unceremoniously onto the forest floor closeby to Cora. Palulu and I descended, my mandibles returning to their regular size.

I've mastered Guillotine. A fitting technique.

Soon after, the Grubbin emerged from the ground curiously before crawling towards the charred avian.

{Another value of Vikavolt for the Corps, Cora,} I began as we watched the Grubbin begin feasting over our toppled prey. {Of all bug type pokemon, Vikavolt are the species that hunt bird pokemon the most. To our core being we reject what nature has established for the rest of our kind and fight back with the most exacting retribution. That is our creed and we shall see it done.}

She nodded, listening intently and clicking gladly. {A valuable lesson, sir.}

Palulu hovered closer to me. {And once more you help further my growth. Thank you, Lou. It's an honor to be able to call you my brother.}

{And it was the utmost pleasure to finally fight alongside one of my beloved siblings while inspiring upcoming soldiers and feeding my kin,} I replied thankfully.

I've avoided ending any lives on this mission to avoid upsetting any ecological balance. But seeing as I am from this area and we slew a pokemon from this area to feed a local species, there is no fault here. General Topaz would be proud of my thoughtfulness.

Palulu inclined her head. {I'm sure some of them would be more than glad to accompany you in your efforts.} With a louder buzz of her wings, she called to the Grubbin. {Troops!}

They stopped eating, all turning to look at her. {Lou has returned to seek more of our own to aid him in his efforts to make the land and skies safe for us all. Think on whether or not you wish to accompany him as you feast on our spoils, and relay your decision once the bird is nothing but bones and feathers!}

They all gave clicks of affirmation and went back to eating. Once they had finished, I picked out those who I believed would fit in with Sinnoh life, leaning more towards electricity than the others. Sunyshore would benefit them more than living near Hau'Oli City, the rest would stay behind and foster the land.

Once we had finished with selections I addressed Cora and Palulu. {That was everything, all the recruits needed to complete the FDD, we just need to get to Sinnoh safely and the mission is complete. Thank you for today, Palulu. When next I return to Alola we can take some time and reconnaissance.}

She blinked a long blink, nodding at me. {I look forward to that. Hopefully the time comes sooner rather than later. Good luck, brother.}

I buzzed warmly before turning to Cora. {Corporal, are you ready to see your new home?}

She clicked in affirmation. {Yes, General sir. And congratulations on both your reunion and retribution.}

{Thank you, now let us take our leave,} I said as she entered her pokeball.

I placed it back in its specific spot before looking at the bag filled with new recruits, every pokeball I had had been used.

I was feeling a tinge off. Triggering my sister's evolution cost me more electricity than I intended. I consumed a leppa berry tiding me over for now. I could eat more once I got home, if I found the time. Satisfied, I began to take to the sky before looking down at my sister.

{There's a bakery owned by the Heart family in the Hau'Oli Suburbs. Ask them for one of their muffins. It would be a good treat,} I informed Palulu. She smiled at me nodding before I darted back to Sinnoh.

As I flew over the open ocean returning home, I thought about all the amazing people I had met during my mission and the amazing people I was returning home to. I thought about how General Topaz always spoke of how he wanted to make a difference in the world, a major difference. I now knew why he wanted to, the way some slight activism can bring about so much change.

With my body and mind lighter than ever before, all alone amidst a big blue sea. I did something I had never done before. I smiled.

Group

Gym Trainer: Topaz Heart

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

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

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Human Companion: Violet

Pokemon Family: Amethyst (MeowsticF), Zenara (Flaaffy), Meliae (Tropius).

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Blooming Celebrity: Jade Forrest

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

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Family: Cenza (Dedenne), Rogelio (Calyrex), Rheneas (Spoink).

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New Compound Corps Members: Corporal Cora (Venipede); Venipede, Dwebble, Rellor, Blipbug, Wimpod, Larvesta and Grubbin troops.