{}=Pokemon Speaking; =Telepathic Speaking

Lou has survived his most difficult fight yet and while he did not claim victory, his friends and family ensured his efforts were not in vain. Now he must address the matter as to why he lost, and why even the strongest must let down their guard and rest.

~x1x~

PoV: Topaz Heart

Location: Sunyshore Pokemon Center

Time: Night - May 21st

I've learned a lot during my tenure as a trainer, but what I've confirmed recently is that elites are elites for a damn good reason. Everyone who got hit by Heracross- even once- needed to be seen at the center. When we all collectively handed in our pokeballs to Nurse Clementine she had to ask if our pokemon were hit by a train.

That would've done less damage honestly.

Besides Lou, Amethyst, Holyn, Zenara and Donut had taken the worst of it. Gautier was only stressed, while everyone else was fine. At the center I watched as Chansey placed Lou in a healing chamber after addressing the worst of his injuries, meanwhile Clementine took me aside to speak with me.

"So… an elite four member," she stated. "Versus the badgeless trainer in training."

"You should see the elite," I retorted cheekily. "How is he?"

She looked at her tablet. "It looks worse than it is. I double checked and this is definitely the most damage Lou has ever taken, or any of your pokemon has ever taken. But that's a good sign, you've never pushed them to that level. We typically see this level of damage with traveling trainers or those who fight criminals."

She double checked his chart. "Judging by the numbers, it doesn't seem like Lou is eating or sleeping enough. Is he having any issues?"

"Ever since he evolved he's been busy with training, mentoring and helping out in the wilderness-"

"The wilderness? The Compound Corps, right?" She questioned. I had told her about them when I had brought an injured Mothim to her for treatment.

"Exactly. And Lou is the type who hates resting and I honestly don't think he's as drained as we'd be if we did everything he's doing, it's just… he doesn't have to be doing all of that," I said solemnly.

"I see…" She hummed. "Well, he is a very powerful pokemon with minimal needs as he can just charge up and feel fine. We can suggest a temporary diet and advocate for strict rest. No training or battling at all till he feels 100% again. If he follows these instructions he'll be fit in no time. You too, your head lac won't even leave a scar."

I rubbed my wound, happy to hear that. "What about Donut and Holyn? And the rest of my friends?"

"Comparatively better off than Lou, but also they're much weaker than him, so the few hits they took were bad. Nothing we can't fix, but they likely have never been hit so hard before and will be sore for a while. I was a little concerned about Donut, but he's already bouncing back. While Holyn's dome protected him from anything too concerning although I can't imagine he'll be very energetic for the time being," Clementine answered honestly.

I breathed a sigh of relief. Despite it all, they held their own against one of Sinnoh's strongest. Definitely proved why we shouldn't do it again anytime soon, but our casual living in Sunyshore was producing results. No one could deny that.

"I want to watch Lou for a few days, but I'm okay with discharging Donut and Holyn for now. We'll ping you when it's time to pick Lou up, alright? We'll take great care of him," She added, smiling at me.

"Thank you so much, Nurse Clementine!" I beamed, as she smiled at me before returning to her work.

I returned to the lobby with Donut and Holyn returned to their pokeballs to find Jade, Violet, Volkner and Cynthia sitting at a table waiting. Aaron elected to go to a different center to respect our boundaries.

"How are they?" Violet asked with tamed urgency.

"Nurse Clementine wants to watch Lou for a few days, but Donut and Holyn can go home. It's not as bad as it looks, everyone just needs their own time to heal and rest," I stated, feeling a lot more calm. Violet wasn't quite as pleased, but she took what good she could from the news.

"Good, because Tanya told me to tell you if you didn't come back with a good enough answer, they're taking him back to the Corps for their own medics to help him," Jade added casually. "My team is good to go, we're just waiting on Amethyst and Zenara now. Gautier wanted to stay till Lou was better, but the nurses said he'd be better off resting himself."

The only reason they allowed Lou to return with us is because they trusted me and my judgment. Anyone else likely would've been met with heavy resistance and even then they didn't like him out of their sight.

I smiled at the notion. "That's nice of him. I'll let Lou know once he wakes up."

"Injuries aside, you two did well, nephew. I know I'm not an elite, but I'm glad all the training with me has paid off," Volkner praised. "It got wild, sure, but you and your friends worked together despite it all. And I've found that cohesion is more useful than winning any League match."

I beamed under his praise. "Thank you, uncle."

Violet looked visibly uncomfortable without Amethyst by her side, but Rheneas, who she was holding, was doing her best to help her. But she gave me a nod of respect. "You held no reservations about pursuing what you believe is right. That is to be commended."

"You mean when I talked back to him?" I asked.

"That, and your willingness to engage him in combat." She looked me in the eyes. "Given your prior actions and words, being so willing to combat a League elite was unlikely. Yet you did it with everything you had because you felt it was right."

"Topaz's love for the League and rules just goes out the window if he feels it needs to. Maybe due to the influence of a certain purple head?" Volkner suggested.

She merely shrugged.

"It was deserved, honestly," Cynthia said with a shrug, Reginleif nodding in agreement before Cynthia gave me a mischievous grin. "Now, I know Aaron's position was wagered on the battle, but as you're not a full trainer yet, you can't take that position. And by the time you will be, the results may have changed, so you'll need to battle him again. I don't think that's the path you want to take, though," she added with a knowing look.

Cynthia has a lot of knowing looks. Do champions know everything? Has she already predicted my future career- wait, what?

"But Lou fainted first, we lost," I stated, confused.

Reginleif chuckled while Cynthia shook her head. "I didn't say who fainted first would be the loser. The battle was for everyone involved to learn and grow. Which by that metric, I'd certainly say that you won. But," she added before I could question further, "It was also a one on one battle. Heracross was the first to attack a person not participating in the fight by striking Amethyst, thus breaking the rule and forfeiting the match."

"But wouldn't Amethyst interfering on our behalf count against us?" I questioned.

"Attacking a fainted pokemon is an immediate league loss, no matter what. Cynthia didn't call it yet, but Lou was definitely down," Volkner stated. "We operate on the side of caution, so even if he was awake that was excessive. If Heracross had waited till after she called, he would've won."

"And let's not forget," Cynthia added, "That Amethyst intervened only after Lou was unconscious and Heracross was clearly going to continue attacking. The order of events is in your favor, and the fact he attacked an outside member who was attempting to prevent him from going against a different rule means that's another rule broken." She gave me a wry smile. "No matter how you look at it from an official perspective, you and Lou won. Frankly letting the battle continue was just letting everyone let out some pent up aggression rather than truly deciding the outcome."

"Oh… huh," was all I could say.

Jade looked at me like I was crazy. "Hello, Zio!? Are you still with us or did you get a concussion? You beat a member of the elite four! In Sinnoh! You could prolly steamroll the Kalos elites now!" That got a snort of amusement from Cynthia and Reginleif.

"But it does not feel like an earned victory," Violet noted, glancing at me. "Correct?"

I crossed my arms. "Yeah, Lou and I don't care for the technicalities here. Plus, Amethyst and the others getting hurt on our behalf isn't what Lou would've wanted. I'm honored we could find ourselves in a position to get a legal win against an elite, but… next time we'd want a definitive win."

Cynthia nodded, ruffling my hair. "I knew you'd see it like that. Which is why there's two more things I'd like to add. The first involves a number; technical win or no, you beat an Elite Four member, and the prize money from that is rightfully yours. Given the fact there's also a wager you can't fulfill at the moment and Aaron is the one who broke the rules, there'll be a bit on top of what's customary." She gave me a slightly somber smile. "I know that won't make up for the damage everyone took, but hopefully it can at least help."

"We've never seen you all fight at your best in person before and we now have a better idea of all your skill levels because of that," Volkner added, before turning to me and Violet. "But Cynthia and I are sorry about what happened to Lou and Amethyst on our watch."

I nodded earnestly. I believed them and I sort of get it. They were making it right in their adult ways.

"We got through it in the end like always," I assured him, looking at Jade and Violet proudly. I could only imagine if Eva was here, she'd prolly have thrown a boulder at Aaron.

Violet seemed still skeptical of their words, but less than before. They were winning her over, slow as it was.

"The second thing," Cynthia continued, "Is that while I know you and Lou won't consider this a full win? Aaron, Heracross and his team will absolutely consider this a full loss. I knew you all had it in you to stand up to him, and I also knew nothing short of a genuine upset would shake him to the degree it needed to. So thank you for taking him on."

"He said he's going to take a break after he finishes work for the day. Once his vacation ends, I think he's going to try something new. He hasn't done much traveling outside of Sinnoh. Maybe that'd be good for him," Volkner considered. "And he'll be bothering me at less meetings."

"No matter what he does, next time we'll beat him," I swore adamantly. "Even if Heracross mega evolves."

I've seen them mega evolve against the strongest opponents on TV. I've never battled a mega evolved opponent and sure we couldn't even beat a regular Heracross today, but next time will absolutely be different.

I know Lou's, mine and everyone else's potential fully now. We can stand up to the best and one day we'd rise above them. It no longer felt like a hope, but our future. It'd take time, but we still had plenty of it.

"Until then," Jade said, getting up. "It's crazy late now and my dad made lasagna, so I'm heading off now."

Cynthia nodded, smiling at him. "Rest up, and enjoy your lasagna. I'm sure Volkner is envious."

"Cheese is my weakness," Volkner admitted.

"You're still working?" I questioned.

"There's a reason why Aaron and Cynthia came to the gym today. I'll be done soon. Order something and I'll be over in a few," he assured me.

{Can we get something with mushrooms?} Rheneas asked. {Comfort food after today would be good.}

"Pizza?" I suggested to Violet, taking out my phone.

She nodded. "Amethyst would appreciate anchovy toppings. I would also add the cinnamon rolls Donut loves."

Rheneas blew out a bit of air. {Yeah, cuz Amethyst and Meliae have to remind you to eat. You and Lou need to chill more.}

Violet had nothing to refute that, Cynthia adopting a sad smile. "Lou, at least, I'm sure can be convinced to eat and rest because that's integral to training. Violet, I know you're loathe to listen to me, but if nothing else consider eating to alleviate others' concerns?"

Violet just made a short humming noise in response. Though it was clear Cynthia had experience with people who were less inclined to eat for psychological reasons.

"Pizza it is then. I know a place that's still open," I cheered, as Violet, Rheneas and I set off to the pizza parlor. Not exactly how I expected the day to go, but we're all fine or going to be and got pizza. I'll take those wins any day.

~x2x~

PoV: Lieutenant Lou

Location: Sunyshore Pokemon Center

Time: Morning - End of May

The last thing I could hear was the general's panicked voice calling my name. Everything had gone quiet, more mute than I had ever experienced for a split second until I opened my eyes. I looked around me to find myself in the artificial environment of my pokeball. A beachside zone with pine trees from Route 222 that I could cling to. The sand I laid in was merely computer data, but the artificial warmth was comforting to my slow body. A coziness afforded by the luxury ball's functions.

So I lost. I burnt through all my charge and lost.

My body was groggy, weak and flimsy, the only spark I could manage was from what I had recharged from healing. I couldn't even guess how long I had been unconscious, but I felt mostly healed at least. My broken ankle was merely sore now, so I definitely had already been treated. Besides the aches and pains of the aftermath of an intense fight, I felt nothing that would last.

At least I have more of a measure of my healing factor as a Vikavolt.

I gazed up at the roof of my pokeball to find I was most likely in a healing machine. Every few minutes I could feel a calming wave over me, a familiar feeling at this point. Soon the staff would be upon me to check on my condition as is routine.

As I thought a few minutes later, Nurse Clementine approached picking up my pokeball. "Good morning Lou, are you ready for your discharge exam?" She asked, speaking to my ball.

Discharge? Good, so I'm essentially finished.

I tapped the floor of the pokeball which caused it to shake from the outside world. I saw her smile as she took me to the exam room. It was a strange experience being inside a pokeball, but I had long grown used to it. General used all of ours sparingly, so I didn't have the same traumatic experiences as Amethyst. While it was a rarity, I was fine to 'go with the flow' in these moments.

Upon being released onto a soft table, they began examining me. It went about as I evaluated. I was nearly fully healed, just needed to rest and recharge electricity. I had slept longer than I had thought, but that wasn't a concern. Nurse Saffron though, pressed how I needed to cease skipping meals and sleep, how surviving off charge alone wasn't sustainable for my species no matter my strength. I couldn't deny her chastisement, so I simply listened to her advice on how to improve my work-life balance.

"And that was everything, any questions?" Nurse Clementine asked, typing into her tablet.

I shook my head. Pleased, she removed my pokeball once again. "I'll call Topaz to pick you up, take it easy for now. Okay?"

I nodded as Nurse Saffron waved farewell to me as I could feel the red light digitize my being and return me to the pokeball. Back inside, I nestled back in the warm sand and rested. A few minutes later, I opened my eyes to see General Topaz reaching down toward a counter to pick me up. He spoke to Nurse Clementine a bit before addressing my pokeball.

"Welcome back Lou," he spoke softly, his amber eyes were tender and warm. "You were amazing in the fight. There's so much I want to say, but that's it for now. Let's get you home, okay?"

Yes, my general.

I tapped the pokeball again, indicating a nod, pleasing him. I had fought valiantly against a phenomenal opponent. All I needed to do now was go home.

~x3x~

PoV: Lieutenant Lou

Location: Beacon Backyard

Time: Morning

"Lou, I was thinking you could recuperate in the barn. More space than my room and easy access to the outdoors. That sound good?" General Topaz asked me.

I tapped my pokeball to agree. The barn was a pleasant building, sometimes Corps bugs stopped by at the perch to converse with Meliae and socialize during their downtime. I rarely had the time to stop and chat though with all of my responsibilities…

Appeased by my answer, the General hooked me onto his belt and moved along. It was an interesting sensation, watching the world from a pokeball. As a Grubbin or Charjabug, it was easier to get around like this, but as a Vikavolt I much preferred flying. But flying everywhere is what exhausted me, so the slow, peaceful gait of my General granted me enough comfort to close my eyes.

"You ready to come out now?" The General asked me, drawing me back to the world.

It seemed I had fully dozed off as I looked around to see we were in the interior of the barn. I looked up to see the General's face looking down at me. I tapped the pokeball again to signal it was time. I had been cooped up in a center for too long, it was ready to enjoy our own amenities.

With a click of a button my form materialized onto the barn floor. And before the pokeball sparkle even faded away Zenara had bowled me over for a hug.

{Why didn't you say anything!?} she cried, hugging me tight. {I figured you just ate and slept when we weren't looking like you taught me but you didn't you just kept going and you've been so busy and-} she took a deep breath before continuing. {And we've been worried and did you just tell me to do those things because you thought I couldn't handle the stuff you do and why wouldn't you tell us what you were doing at all cuz we know now and Heracross was a jackass and I'm glad you're back…}

{So… I see we're not taking it slow,} Donut noted, floating over to me patting my mandible. {Welcome back, Lieutenant.}

Amethyst gave him a look. {When does Zenara ever?} she noted, rubbing Zenara's head affectionately before patting my carapace. {Good to have you back, Lou.}

{Lou!} Holyn cheered as he hopped over to me excited. {We avenged you!}

{I did not perish, Holyn. There was nothing to avenge, I lost fair and square.} I corrected him.

{It was all fair until Heracross tried to turn you into a smear on the battlefield,} Shizu interjected, sauntering over. {On another note, you should stab people more often.}

I frowned, their words beginning to concern me. {I am not following. What happened?}

Zenara beamed at me. {After you fainted, Heracross tried to squish you so we all beat his ass until he went down! We finished the fight, like you always say to, Loulou.}

{With extreme decisiveness?}

{We blew him up, us and the Corps together, so.} Amethyst shrugged. {Pretty decisive in my book.}

{The Corps got involved?}

{Your battle caught their attention, so the Blipbug contacted me and I relayed you were in a battle against the famous elite Heracross. The Corps had to see for themselves how their stalwart general fared against one of the strongest bugs in all of Sinnoh,} Gautier answered, stepping forward. {And I can say without a shadow of a doubt, whoever considered doubting your strength has erased all possibility of the thought. You maimed one of the strongest pokemon in the entire region, taking advantage of every single vulnerability he had…}

Gautier buzzed sadly for a moment. {They've all been waiting for you to come back so they can treat you to a hero's welcome. Chief Clover also personally wants to apologize for overloading-}

{I've heard enough, Gautier, thank you,} I said as I got up, raising my carapace to flap my wings. {Clover believes she needs to apologize for overloading me with work, when I do not even live in the wilderness as they do anymore? She has nothing to apologize for and she needs to know that. It is my own fault for mismanaging my body. Excuse me, I'll be-}

[Nope] I heard loudly in my mind as I was pushed psionically back to the ground, Zenara pushing my mandibles down before I tried to take off again, Amethyst and Donut floating in front of me. {You need to rest is what you need to do. You don't need to do everything personally. And if you try and get up again Meliae's already promised to sit on you until you stay.}

The General rubbed his head, the stress clear on his face. "You're already doing too much. But even when you're flying all over the planet, we're doing stuff too. I already spoke with Clover and while she does have her own things to say, she's willing to wait and even made you royal jelly for you to eat in the meantime. So here's what's going to happen."

The General sat down before me, taking out a list he had made.

Methodical and organized as always, General.

"First, Gautier is going to help your corporal manage the foreign recruits. They'll report to you at the end of the day on anything noteworthy. Second, Zenara and Holyn are going to manage your gym pokemon students' training. Thirdly, Garland and Jade made you special recovery meals for you to enjoy based on the diet Nurse Clementine suggested. You will be eating those. Finally, Donut and Rheneas are going to teach you how to relax. You don't have to be idle, but you're going to enjoy more chill activities like helping out in the greenhouse, watching Violet or me craft, hanging out with Jade's fairies, drinking tea with Eva and Marjorie. Simple stuff."

He pulled down the list to glare at me, but it was with affection. "Do I make myself clear, Lieutenant Lou?"

{Sir yes sir!} I saluted automatically. When I did the General smiled, while I stared at him like a fool, having easily been swayed by his authority and charisma. {Although, I do believe a short flight-}

{Is entirely unneeded, sir,} a familiar voice spoke.

I turned to see Cora along with a small squadron of Combee and Yanma waiting patiently to the side. Cora looked up at one of the Yanma. {Please inform Chief Clover that General Lou believes his current state is more to do with his own actions, that he is more than ready to see the Corps and Hive once more, did precisely what we knew he would, and that he has woken up and arrived to his home.}
{Yes ma'am!} they buzzed before zipping off through an open window with the speed only the finest Corps messengers had.

Holyn squinted at her in confusion before whispering towards Cora. {Who is she again?}

{Cora, remember? His corporal from that Unova place,} Rheneas reminded him. {I think anyway, every day there's a new name to learn around here.}

Once the messengers had gone, Cora rolled up to me and bumped me lightly. {Chief Clover assigned me to ensure you would take care of yourself, and to ensure any messages you needed sent were done.} She gazed up at me. {I had a feeling you were pushing yourself beyond even your phenomenal limits while we traveled, sir. For your sake and all of ours, I hope you rest and take better care of yourself in the future.}

{Wait, even after flying across countries, he didn't eat or sleep!?} Cenza gasped.

Everyone's eyes were fixed on me. I did not require much, this was not odd for me. {I ate leppa berries and drank water.}

"Lou…" The General said solemnly.

It seems they believe that is insufficient.

Cora shook her carapace. {I observed him consume a leppa berry. He refused to sleep, though I understand his hesitancy to do so within a Volcarona's lair. He was the only one of us who could stand up to them, if combat began.}

Jade hummed in agreement. "Yeah, I see why it'd be hard to sleep there."

Violet sat in front of me. I didn't need to have known her for months to know the depths of the pain in her eyes, the slight solemn shift in her expression belying her internal turmoil. "Lou. You are one of the strongest Pokemon I have ever seen, and I know you can reach much further heights. But you need to pace yourself, otherwise even someone as powerful and adept as you will fall. If not for your own sake, Amethyst is certain you could have won against Heracross had you taken better care of your own health rather than always prioritizing others. If not for practicality, I know you care for everyone. You worried us all. I hope at least a fragment of that is enough to give you peace enough to rest."

A strange tightness began to well in my chest again. A similar type of feeling I experienced when I met with my sister. While I could bear my own pain, the anguish of those closest to me was having a harsher effect on my spirit than any exhaustion. It was… troubling.

{I work hard to assuage the suffering of those I care for. Perhaps it's a response to all the siblings I watched be eaten as a larva or how my brain is wired, I cannot say for certain. The thought of spending even a moment idle when I could be aiding someone drove me farther than any electrical charge could, but… it seems in my attempts to help all of you, I have left you troubled. That was never my intention so to cease it, I will adhere to your requests and…} I hesitated at the last word.

{Bedrot?} Donut suggested.

{If that is what the expert lounger proposes, then yes, I will bedrot,} I responded. Donut was clearly pleased by that.

{Listen to Donut more. He listens to you all the time, you gotta do the same,} Rheneas added.

"If Shizu and I can tone it down, so can you Lou," Jade added. "Plus, if you don't eat and relax you can't eat all the food Garland and I made you. We even added some of the jelly Clover made. Crazy good stuff, by the way, you'll love it."

{I would be glad to finally see you resting amidst the trees. The tree from Alola has yet to feel your embrace, despite that we grew it for you,} Meliae noted, craning her neck down. {We rest where we can, despite the target our young often are. You do not have to fight at every moment, though it may be in your soul to do so. Enjoy the life you have fought for, lest you lose it.}

{Maybe you'll see something you never had the time for too!} Cenza chipped in.

{Perhaps so… I will endeavor to be more observant during these times,} I affirmed.

"For now we can just chill and watch some cartoons, like we used to?" General suggested. "Or Holyn's dramas."

{I've been dying to show you this new series, Lou, but you've been too busy!} Holyn cheered.

{Don't worry about the foreign troops. Cora and I will see to their training and let you know if there's any trouble,} Gautier assured Lou before side-eyeing Cora. {Although, I do have my own thoughts on how we should be coordinating the Wimpod…}

{You are welcome to try and convince them, as you were not the one to fight for them in their homeland,} Cora shot back.

{I'm sorry, didn't you just smack a squid and they started celebrating you as their savior?} Gautier retorted.

{Well, what have you done for them, exactly?} she questioned.

{How about you two figure this out back with the Wimpod you're supposed to be coordinating today, hm?} Donut suggested strongly.

Cora looked up at Donut. {Of course, but first.} She looked at me once more. {If you ever need anything, please don't hesitate to call on me. You named me your second in command for a reason, and I intend to assist you as such. Whether you ask or not, though I would prefer for everyone's sake that you ask when it's needed.}

{And to think not even a month ago you were an inquisitive Venipede asking countless questions,} I buzzed, saluting her. {Message received soldier, you're dismissed.}

She saluted in kind, rattling her carapace in affirmation before she trundled outside to the Wimpod. Half the Combee and Yanma went with her while the others stayed closer to me, just in case. Gautier began to follow her when I buzzed after him.

{Treat each other well,} was all I asked. Gautier stared at me hesitantly before nodding and following after her.

They may bicker, but they'll do fine. I can rest easy.

~x4x~

PoV: Corporal Cora

Location: Beach - Route 222

Time: Noon

General Lou needs to feel certain that all is well and being taken care of, otherwise he'll stress himself out needlessly. Perhaps after the Wimpods' drills, I could ask him to observe their progress. Would that encourage him or push him to feel he needs to train them himself…

While considering what to do to assuage my general's worries, I trundled over to where the Wimpod were waiting by the beach. I had expected convincing them to follow us would be more difficult, but the fact we were training by General Lou's nest, which was directly adjacent to a beach made the process much smoother. A distinct amount of time had to be spent on easing their worries, but that was just as well. Building self confidence was always important, whether or not one was predisposed to a lack of it. And they had braved the wild long enough to arrive here, so they had a baseline level of aptitude.

{Attention!} I called, rolling down the cliffside to the Wimpod troop. They'd been chittering amongst themselves nervously, but stood at attention and calmed slightly upon seeing me.

Good, that's already better than they were mere days ago.

{Your drills today are focused on evasion and sneak attacks. I will give you a moment to bury yourselves in the sand where you choose, before chasing after you. Dig to avoid me, and if the opportunity presents itself, attack me and evade before I reach you. I expect to have some scuffs by the end of this exercise, am I clear?}

{I still don't think they're ready for this. They're too green,} Gautier muttered to me.

I gave him a look. {This is the natural progression of their training. They had to evade danger this long to get here, now they need to learn how to utilize that evasion for more than fleeing.}

He frowned. {You probably don't know this yet, but this is a popular route and we're out in the open. What happens when you scare one of them back into the ocean? You want me to cover for you and pull them out?}

I rattled my carapace slightly, looking back to the Wimpod. Excessive arguing will do more to scare them than simple drills with me would.

{They know I won't harm them. Nor will I change that impression. You probably don't know this yet, but they've all faced far worse in the wild than this controlled environment. It may have threats, but none that cannot be handled.}

Gautier sighed, clearly unconvinced. {Alright… if that's what you believe. I'll just moderate from here.}

{Thank you.} The Wimpod seemed confused at the intermission, perhaps slightly anxious, but not afraid.

Good, that didn't set them off.

{Find your places, and let me know with two clicks once you have. Then we can begin.}

They clicked once in affirmation, then began shuffling across the beach. None too far, of course, but far apart enough that none would give away another's position. Something they'd already learned from their time in the wild, that would make this exercise all the better.

Seeing their simple tactics forcing me to take time to pivot and pursue, along with the ease they move on sand compared to me, should help further boost their confidence.

{It makes my skin crawl watching them scurry all over the place. They reek of anxiety,} Shizu commented several feet away.

"Supposedly this should help with that," Jade noted, relaxing on a nearby beach chair sipping on a drink.

{And you're sure they evolve into killer goliaths?} Shizu asked again. This would be her third time now.

"They're the Magikarp of bug types," he assured her, adjusting his sunglasses as he leaned back. "I've seen one before and they were a menace in a fight. Definitely someone you want in your corner. It's getting there that's the hard part."

Shizu huffed, settling deeper into the warm sand. {I can tell.}

{They should plant more flowers here,} Flax spoke up suddenly, kicking the sand. Vines emerged from his blue bouquet, holding several seeds. {One of these should work…} he muttered as he got up to find a good place to plant them.

Well at least half of the human's squadron believes in them. Or at the very least aren't actively questioning their capability. You'd think a fellow Compound Corps member would give them more credit.

After a few moments, I heard two clicks. Then, one by one, more pairs of clicks until all were accounted for. I revved gently in place. {Well done. Now we begin!}

I began slower; attempting to accelerate too quickly would cause me to stall due to the sand, and I wanted to ease the Wimpod into this exercise. Searching around, I was reminded again how phenomenal they were at hiding themselves. They left no trail and their tiny mounds blended in perfectly with the rolling dunes of sand. Even knowing their pheromones, it took me a moment to determine the trail of one of the braver ones.

There were some who took training easier than others, and after asking them they were alright with me beginning such drills with one of them. Being the first always scared them, but rotating who made it easier. And so I rolled at a leisurely pace towards the one I'd found.

Before I got within even ten body lengths, their mound suddenly flattened, only a small ripple in the sand following them as they shot off behind another dune. And so it continued; I allowed the Wimpod to get more comfortable in their natural environment, keeping them on their legs but not fully pursuing them yet.

With any luck, one of them will launch a sneak attack without me needing to-

I felt a small burst of water against my carapace, forcing me to readjust my balance before turning towards the brave Wimpod. If I had a mouth, I would've smiled.

Recognized me thinking as an opportunity. Good eye.

{Oh wow, that one has a spine,} Shizu noted, paying slightly more attention.

{Actually, Wimpod are invertebrates- I mean, hush,} Gautier replied to her before refocusing, his carapace blinking inquisitively. {So that's who did it, hmmm. Noted for future reference.}

I rolled in the direction of the attacker, slower than I may have otherwise to reward them in a way for being the first to take a chance. Give them the opportunity to hide again. Which they did rapidly, burrowing back underneath the sand and scooting away.

After one of their own had attacked and gotten away with it, the others were emboldened slightly. Not every shot landed, but the important thing was that they were taking them. Returning to my prior pace, I kept them moving before deciding to begin pursuing them more earnestly.

Sand kicked up behind me as I rolled towards one, getting closer than I had before they shot away again. I slowly increased my speed, but had to be careful turning and stopping on the loose ground. Seeing that they had the territorial advantage emboldened them further, as I thought it would.

Soon I began having to try and evade oncoming bursts of water, rather than simply getting hit by all of them. Each one did little against my carapace, but I didn't want them to believe I would tire so easily. Nor did I want them to grow complacent.

A few were taking longer to skitter away after attempted shots, believing I couldn't catch them. When I saw one make another attempt, I rolled quickly towards them. Their eyes widened slightly before I rapidly backspun, quickly stopping while simultaneously spewing sand in their face and atop them.

{Be careful to not get complacent. You have the advantage, but that doesn't mean you can get sloppy,} I reminded them.

Their responding click was somewhere between afraid and appreciative as they burrowed away. Once they did, Gautier shuffled forward.

{Wait! Skipper, come here!} He requested.

A few seconds later I noted a mound of sand that was well away from any of us shuffle before scurrying back to him. Once they had made their way back to Gautier did they emerge from the sand, ashamed.

Gautier blinked disapprovingly. {Do not move that far again, please. Follow the others' lead and continue.}

Chittering in acknowledgement he returned to the sand, likely looking for one of his friends to mirror. Once that was resolved Gautier turned to me. {You may resume.}

I revved in affirmation before returning to instruction, keeping more of an eye on Skipper this time. I gave him some time to acclimate himself before including him more earnestly, and that seemed to go well. And so we continued; one of the Wimpod would fire a blast of water at me, I would dodge or spin it away, and roll towards them. Sometimes they were quick enough to fully evade, other times they weren't and I would rebury them while acknowledging their attempt. Sometimes Gautier would interject to advise the Wimpod, but otherwise he let me work.

{All Wimpod, stay in the sand! Cora, air incoming!} Gautier suddenly shouted, blinking red in alarm.

Jade tilted his sunglasses down to see better, while Shizu lifted her head fully. Meanwhile, Flax was occupied with his plants.

I revved in response, turning my gaze to the sky. A small flock of Wingull and Watrel led by a voracious looking Pelipper were approaching us. I could tell by the glint of their eyes alone that they had no intention of flying over us. One of them spotted us and brought friends to feast.

Their funeral.

{Focus on evasion, but remember, if the opportunity presents itself, counterattack!} I rattled before spinning rapidly in place, firing a volley of toxic pins at the incoming flock.

{They can barely fend for themselves, much less fight this flock! They should focus purely on hiding!} Gautier countered as he sent waves of psychic energy towards our foes. {With all of us fighting together this'll be no issue, but we can't do that if they're exposing themselves mid-fight!}

We managed to hit the slow ones, but the ones with sense dodged and the stronger ones deflected. Watching us fight back seemed to rouse the Pelipper, now even more interested in feasting upon such lively prey as they continued their descent, the flock sending a barrage of air cutters forcing the Wimpod to dodge.

{As you said, with all of us fighting together this will be no issue!} I replied.

For a moment I considered asking Skelly, Squall and Pen to help form a ramp so I could ram the avians. But they hadn't reached that point in training yet and frankly I was lucky they had yet to break rank and flee, continuing to dodge for their lives.

So instead, I revved before turning sharply and tracing a wide line in the sand, kicking up sand in the avians' eyes and forming a ramp myself before narrowing my eyes on one. Using the momentum I'd built up I launched upwards, slamming the startled Wingull in the face and keeping them held in place with my pins. Together we crashed back down to earth, the bird letting out a pained squawk and green in the face with poison.

{Heh, do it again,} Shizu remarked, enjoying the show.

Meanwhile, Gautier's entire carapace lit up as he shone his lights directly into the faces of a decent array of the flock. With several of them stunned, he psychically grabbed the heaviest Watrel among them and slammed them into several birds below them, knocking them all into the ground.

Clocking us as the primary threats, blades of air began hurtling towards us now. We expertly dodged and deflected before striking back at our primary assailants.

Once he had finished with them, Gautier turned to his friends having not lifted a foot in assistance. In fact, Flax had moved even further away asking a confused Poliwag to water the seed he had just planted.

{What are you all doing? We're under attack!} Gautier questioned incensed.

Jade simply sipped his drink. "We're aware. And? What will you do about it?"

{We should be working together, Jade! I've helped all of you countless times and-}

"And here is how I'll help you, since you clearly need a reminder," Jade cut him off, leaning forward and removing the sunglasses. "Those birds up there are nothing. The Pelipper is big, but that's it. I know we've got strong ass blokes like Lou and Amethyst with us all the time, but you're strong too now. You don't have to always be the manager, coordinating everything from the sidelines. Don't overthink things and just kick their asses!"

{The General mentioned your disdain for your inept human tutors,} I added, rocketing back into the sky and slamming another two Wingull to the ground. {The wild was our tutor! I hold disdain for my homeland from its danger and chaos, not lack thereof. Why rely on your companions amidst concrete instead of us, the Corps! Do you believe we can't handle it, soldier?}

Gautier's eyes darted between his friends and me. As if to seal the deal, Jade leaned back into his chair and took out his cellular device. That was enough for Gautier to finally turn around and face me. {Fine then, Corporal. We do it your way. First, a subtle touch!}

I could sense his will to fight finally come to bear as he launched a flurry of tiny shadow balls from each spot on his body. Each individually were weak, but with the utmost precision he had them target the vulnerabilities of each bird in the sky. A sore wing, a dull eye, exposed belly, wherever it was it made its mark and caused the bird to falter in their flight.

{And now unabiding brute force!} Gautier buzzed, as he ceased the tiny attacks, lobbing large shadow balls at an alarming rate towards every bird he'd manage to knock off balance. Each impact knocked them straight out of the air, spiraling towards the ground. They would try to dodge, but the speed of his attacks surprised even me.

Only the best managed to evade his attacks, their amusement turning to anger. Pelipper switched from air cutters to sending pulses of water in hopes that a wider ranged attack would be more difficult to handle. That would change nothing.

{We've routed most of their forces; moving to defeat the commander!} Gautier informed me.

{Affirmative!} I spun rapidly, sending a volley of toxic pins in my stead before following them up into the air towards the Pelliper, charging through their water pulse. The pins were primarily to constrain their flight path, keeping them in my sights.

I slammed up into their beak, knocking them nearly tumbling on their back. Gautier made sure that's exactly what happened; a psychic glow enveloped me and the pins I'd fired as he channeled them all into the avian, injecting dangerous amounts of venom. That was before he began using me as a wrecking ball.

Spinning quickly enough to where a low whine rang out, I tore into the bird. My spines and carapace ripping out feathers and coating their form in deadly toxins, hurled through the air as a precision mace of destruction.

It didn't take long for their lifeless corpse to fall from the sky. The remaining healthy members of the flock had seen enough, ascending far out of our reach and well away from our danger. The injured birds picked themselves up and either ran or flew away as best they could. We didn't bother pursuing. With the threat gone, Gautier placed me down gently beside him as Shizu sauntered up to us, looking refreshed.

{That was quite a show, very entertaining,} she praised us.

{I'm glad someone enjoyed it,} Gautier huffed as he turned to the body in the distance. {I feel that's enough excitement for now. All the Wimpod are especially rattled, I don't think they'll retain much more training for today. We can have them carry back Pelipper to feed poison Corps members at least. They'll earn more reputation if the other Corps members see them bringing prey back, even if they did not score the kill.}

I rattled my response, rolling around to gather them. They were all too happy to head home for the day. Jade and the others followed behind, Flax especially pleased as he managed to convince a Sandshrew to make the ground firm enough for his seeds. Though as we were heading back, I rolled up to Gautier.

{I know their disposition is… less than combative. But we've all grown up in the wild. General Lou came from the wild as well. The Corps as a whole are wild, and we've come far. In mine and the Wimpods' case, literally so. I just ask you remember that while we haven't grown up amidst formalized combat, we're battle hardened by necessity.}

Gautier buzzed in acknowledgement, watching the Wimpod dutifully carrying the prey we had collected. {I can't say they'll be ready for any proper confrontations anytime soon, but they are certainly hardy. It seems I've underestimated you, Cora. I see why Lou chose you as his second. You've got a good understanding of others and the Corps despite being a foreigner.}

{I wear his approval with pride. I have much to learn, of course, but Unova is a warlike region. I know how to get by, and how to help others do the same.} I eyed him. {What else are the Corps for, after all?}

{If I were Lou I would take that question literally and start listing all the reasons,} he joked. {That aside, next on the docket was finding a new nest for the Larvesta. According to Lou the last one was still too flammable and far away from everyone else, exposing them to danger.}

I rattled slightly. {Perhaps a burrow, then? The Larvesta and Volcarona we encountered in Unova lived amidst sand and stone, as well as being deep underground. I don't know how deep the roots around the Hive go, but I doubt it's deeper than the ruins we visited.}

{Maybe the Dwebble could help us fashion something nice for them. I'll contact Bruiser and Digsy for consults,} Gautier noted as his carapace began to blink.

His words put me at ease. I knew we both had much more to learn, but now I could rest assured we would do so in tandem rather than bickering. He would listen to me, because he trusted my input. I just had to be sure I considered his in turn.

~x5x~

PoV: Donut the Raichu

Location: Home - Sunyshore City

Time: Noon - End of May

{You having fun, Lou?} I asked.

{Is there fun to be had sitting motionless under the sun for an extended period of time, Donut?} he retorted. {I indulged in sunbathing because you requested this, but I've done this enough as a Grubbin and Charjabug. I am warm enough, let's move on.}

I grumbled as I began to think about what to do next. I'd taken the helm of helping Lou relax for once and my first act was to sunbathe on our beach. I even suggested Lou bury himself in the warm sand to really relax. Except now after hearing his complaint, I unfortunately understood it. Even I wasn't touching the sand, I was floating comfortably on my tail so I couldn't blame Lou for not wanting to sulk in the ground all day either.

{What do ya think, Rheneas?} I asked, floating over to her.

{I like sunbathing, but if you guys wanna move on, we can,} she replied.

We were partners today, facing off against Lou's reluctance to relax. Ever since she's joined the group I've found myself a kindred spirit in the art of laziness. And now that I'm a psychic type too, we match each other's wavelengths more… literally. She sends me her vibes, it's like how I connect with electrics, but with feeling.

{You hungry, Lou?}

{I just ate what Jade brought.}

{Tired?}

{Were we not just resting?}

{How about some TV?}

{I've watched enough with Holyn last night.}

{You wanna play psychic mind games? Amethyst taught us how,} I suggested.

{Neither of you can handle what it's in my head,} he replied ominously.

Rheneas and I exchanged concerned looks. Best not to push that topic.

{Meliae planted that nice tree for you, wanna go rest near it?} Rheneas asked.

Lou buzzed in thought. {That will suffice.}

With a location settled Lou and I flew over, while Rheneas bounced alongside. Lou landed on the face of the tree, gripping comfortably onto it. I floated underneath an especially large palm leaf to be out of the sun. Rheneas perched at the trunk of the tree.

{Yeah,} I stretched fondly as I curled up on my tail, closing my eyes. {This is the spot.}

{Meliae did well with this tree. Sturdy, thick,} Lou noted. {There are some trees in the territory that could benefit from her fortification skills…}

{Enough thinking, just empty your mind and vibe,} I ordered.

I could practically hear him roll his eyes, but he obeyed as we all sat in pleasant silence feeling the wind against our bodies and listening to the ocean waves from a distance. This peace lasted for five minutes.

{I feel my mind numbing,} Lou grumbled, opening his eyes to stare at me. {I was led to believe psychics prospered from mental stimulation. This is the direct opposite.}

Oh boy, I've gotta explain things.

With a great yawn, I sat up on my tail stretching before I answered his question. {It depends. Amethyst said stimulation works for her and her powers. She said Rheneas and I are the mellow types. So ample relaxation time helps ours.}

{It's not always about doing all the things,} Rheneas noted, enjoying a little nook between two roots and looking up at Lou from there. {Sometimes you need to just clear your mind and focus on nothing. Let your biggest worries be if the breeze is gonna stay in that nice spot it is right now.}

{I am not built for this. Certainly not as a Vikavolt,} he grumbled, staring off into the distance before facing Rheneas. {Tell me about yourself.}

{Huh?} That one threw me for a loop.

Lou turned to me. {I am not one who endlessly seeks entertainment and pleasure, but I've spent quite a lot of time sleeping off my pain from the battle. I am wide awake and would like to talk.} He gestured to Rheneas. {Sitting in silence made me realize while Rheneas knows much about us, we know little about her in turn. I feel it's only fair to inquire.}

She hummed thoughtfully. {It's nice of you to ask, but there honestly isn't a lot to tell. No grand adventures like you guys. I was born in the marsh, grew up with my family a little before we all went our own ways, and I holed up near Meliae's herd. A bunch of us do that, it's a lot easier to bounce on soil than mud or water. I took a liking to an orange tree that Meliae liked, we spent time together, and here we are.}

{I see, thank you. I understand you better now,} Lou nodded comfortably.

{You're welcome, thanks for asking!}

{That was quick,} I noted.

{If that's all there is to her story, then so be it. It was enough for me,} Lou stated satisfied.

{Is there anything you wanna ask me then?} I questioned cheekily.

Lou huffed indignant. {I believe we know well enough about each other.}

{When was the last time you actually relaxed, Lou?} Rheneas interrupted.

{The last time hmmm… a bit before we met. There was less to be done,} he replied.

{Then we had the mission prep, the mission etc.} I added.

{So it's been a while, huh…} She looked at me. {How often does he rest in general? Cuz he seems really bad at just. Stopping.}

{I think he's just stir crazy,} I admitted. {Before he evolved, he didn't have limbs. Now he has four and flight, so he gets jabby when people tell him to relax. Even when he should.}

{Says the mouse that suddenly believes he's too good to run,} he retorted.

{We're not talking about me today. I have no flaws,} I nodded in earnest belief. I could feel Lou's disagreeing eyes pierce my perfect fur.

{But yes, is it so surprising that going from no limbs to multiple limbs and flight would make me eager to stay active?} Lou questioned.

{Well, that helps a little bit, right?} She continued. {People relax in different ways, like we get better at psychic skills differently from Amethyst. I guess the issue would be more doing something just for fun, instead of feeling like it's gotta be a mission, huh?}

{You know what's fun? Flying! How's that sound?} I asked.

{Finally, a worthwhile proposition. That will do,} Lou buzzed positively. {Rheneas though… can you fly?}

She laughed. {I can ride on Meliae. That's the closest I get.} She paused for a moment. {I mean I can slow myself when falling if I try, but that's not even gliding. That's just falling less.}

{Then Meliae can come!} I suggested.

{And where would we go?} Lou asked.

{Do you have to go somewhere?} Rheneas asked back.

{We do need a direction,} Lou requested.

{Okay lemme think…} I pondered, searching my memory for any interesting places Topaz had ever brought up. With my new psychic powers my memory was a lot sharper and more vivid now. I could even recall him pointing at maps and telling me about places from back when I was a Pichu.

{It's nearly summer, so it's getting pretty warm so anywhere could be good… we've been to Veilstone and Pastoria before… so let's go down the middle. Let's go to Mount Coronet!}

{That's farther than I expected from you,} Lou noted, but he was clearly interested.

{It won't take that long with us,} I noted. {We can loop in Amethyst too in case we wanna warp back home… and there, she's looped in. I love psychic powers.}

[They're fun, aren't they?] She replied, chuckling. [I could go for a flight, those are always fun.]

[In your travels have you ever been to Mount Coronet?] Lou asked via the telepathic link.

[Yup! Just about the only place we've never been is Snowpoint and that general area. Too much of a risk and waste of supplies when you're not specifically heading there. Me and Violet have been all over Sinnoh.]

[And we won't be going today. But let's tell Meliae what's up and head out] I proposed.

[Can do!]

With that we had a plan. Meliae was quick to go as she had never been there either, virtually no reason to go there, but sightseeing with friends was reason enough. Amethyst had already been there so she took the lead, while the rest of us followed close behind.

It was a leisurely flight as we soared above Sinnoh for once not at a neck breaking pace like we do in training. We actually got to appreciate the world down below and all the people living in it. Even Lou seemed to enjoy himself as we all talked about what we saw while in midair.

It took some time, but we finally reached the giant mountain in the center of the region. It was cold, much colder than the Sunyshore skies anyway, but at least it was new. Although, I couldn't say it was my type of place. Plus it was sort of messy, bunch of abandoned buildings everywhere.

{Zio would prolly go on a lecture about how important all these ruins are,} I noted absentmindedly.

In the distance we saw a Gliscor and her trainer in a gliding suit flying through the air, followed by a Porygon2 with their trainer riding upon them. They seemed to be having fun, but otherwise, not much else of interest.

{So this is Coronet… I see some Gligar, but no other bugs,} Lou grumbled.

{Gligar are scorpions, don't they count?} Amethyst asked.

{They do, which is why I noted them. They're fairly strong so they must be unafraid to fly where birds thrive. Which means we need to fly closer to the ground to spot the hidden bugs and inform them they are safe from their maniacal overlords for as long as we are here!} Lou concluded proudly.

{So… just fly around and say hi to bugs. That's what you want to do?} I asked just to make sure.

{Indeed, this will be an enjoyable outing! Let's move along, I hear Scyther training in the distance!} Lou commanded as he descended towards a ravine.

{I'm not nearly as invested in saying hey to every bug I see, but I think flying all over the place with some goal in mind can be pretty fun,} I figured, enjoying a bit of direction.

{I'm certainly content to explore,} Meliae noted as she began flying after Lou.

Amethyst was scanning the area curiously, quieter than usual but seeming perfectly content. Unusually quiet, but I could tell she was enjoying the change of scenery. She usually stuck close with Violet and that's where she preferred, but cities could get pretty overwhelming after long periods of time for us psychics so I think she's just glad to be able to release some tension.

We flew around mostly following after Lou. Whenever he spotted a bug, he'd give them a quick hello even if they weren't the talkative sort. Most were confused by his appearance, but giving them an oran berry quickly waved any worries. If any of his conversations went beyond a hello, the rest of us would fly around the vicinity to see what was around.

Sunyshore Gym is built on the cliffs surrounding the city, but they paled in comparison to all the elevation changes in a mountain range. It was also way breezier than it was at the gym. I had to spark a few times to keep my body warm whenever an especially strong wind blew my way.

If I concentrated I could sense human settlements scattered across the mountains, but they were small. The land was quiet and ethereal in some regard. It reminded me of the dark lands north of Route 222 yet instead of feeling dread, I felt… honestly I couldn't describe it. At first I thought it was the strong electromagnetic impulses, but no there's something else.

Well, it's prolly fine. Everyone here seems normal enough.

That aside, most of the pokemon weren't anything I hadn't seen before or well… fought before. When I sensed a ghastly presence rearing up to me I sparked in response only to turn around and see I had spooked a small Misdreavus. Memories of how Hecate defeated me with Destiny Bond back in Jubilife City flooded back to mind and while this one was clearly less hostile, I was not underestimating this species again.

Amidst my explorations I happened upon a large lake with a waterfall. Swimming close to the surface were Magikarp, not a single thought in any of their heads. Amongst them were these green fish with white stripes. They looked familiar, but I couldn't remember their name for the life of me. Topaz could prolly go into excessively long detail about how interesting they are, but… a fish is a fish.

As I floated around aimlessly waiting to see if these fish did anything differently, shadows began to cascade atop the water. I looked overhead wondering if Lou had found birds to smite, only to my shock to see a Rowlet and Dartrix flying behind an orange owl. They had orange and yellow plumage like a flat hat, and the same kind of leafy orange feathers forming a cuff loosely around their neck. Their wings looked less developed than other birds' wings, but instead their legs and talons were clearly the focal point. Wicked sharp and notably muscular compared to… well, basically any other bird legs, what they lacked in wingspan they made up for in being able to kick you in the face.

{Huh, that's new,} I muttered, thinking back on how the Rowlet line I've seen in Alola never had a taste for orange… clearly for good reason, not everyone could rock it like me. They should stick with green.

After a moment of watching them I saw as much as I felt Amethyst zip across the sky, a thin trail of velvet energy lingering behind her. After a few moments she zipped back, stopping on a dime in front of me.

{Donut c'mon, you'll wanna see Lou's reaction to this,} Amethyst said emphatically, and I could hear Meliae's wingbeats coming towards us as well.

That was enough to convince me to follow eagerly behind her. Lou and Meliae converged with us shortly, Amethyst leading us to a small cluster of apricorn trees.

{I'm curious Lou, can you register them or is their camouflage that good?} she questioned. Meliae, for her part, was inspecting the trees.

{I'm trained to be able to spot bugs from miles away so that I may save them before any bird. These bugs though are new to me,} he gestured towards the trees.

She nodded, taking one of the oran berries we'd brought and hovering through the trees slowly. It took her a moment before she beckoned us closer. Towards… an apricorn tree. She placed the berry on the branch, next to one of the apricorns.

Nothing happened.

{Is… something supposed to happen?} Rheneas asked.

{They're just shy, give them a minute,} she hushed before smiling at the apricorn. {Don't worry, I'm just showing some friends that you guys are around. We'll be gone again soon enough.}

After a few more seconds, the apricorn… uncurled. The stem unwound into two antennae, the smooth skin of the fruit showing it was actually smooth, segmented sections of carapace. With brown antennae and a blue body, the only thing that broke it up were their gold, compound eyes. They looked at us all, equal parts wary and curious, before walking to the berry and digging in.

Amethyst gestured to them, smiling at Lou especially. {A new bug buddy for you, Lou. Figured you'd wanna know they're around.}

{You were correct in that assumption,} Lou confirmed as he floated closer to the pokemon. {I know there are other pokemon that mimic apricorns, but I must say they surpass them all.}

The little bug chittered happily at that, a few sparks jumping between their antennae while they ate. Amethyst looked at us both. {You spend a bunch of time around electric types too, so they're right up your alley.} She looked up at Meliae and Rheneas. {And they're closely tied to plants and live their own simpler lives, they're a perfect Pokemon to introduce to everyone here.}

{Indeed…} Lou buzzed softly before surveying us all. {I am glad we came here today. This type of reprieve… this is what I find entertaining. I hope you are all enjoying yourselves as well.}

{So now we have an avenue to coerce you into relaxation?} Meliae rumbled, amused. {I'm always curious to see the wider world, and this has been well worth the venture.}

{Seconded!} Rheneas called out. {This is fun! It's always fun to fly with Meliae, and seeing new places is cool!}

{Third…ed! Even I have to admit flying around today was worth cutting lounge hour short,} I added.

{And Lou got to meet his first Shokurl. Don't go trying to recruit them into the Corps off the bat now, you just got a bunch of new recruits,} she added.

{As tempting as it may be, Cora and Gautier are beginning to run themselves ragged performing my duties, so I won't add to their endeavors even further,} Lou stated. {For now, I will simply cherish this encounter and the time spent with loyal comrades. I believe I am finally ready to go home, eat and sleep.}

{You want the quick way back, or the scenic route?}

Lou gazed towards the nearly set sun with a peaceful expression. {Scenic. I want to fly underneath the stars.}

{Then let's enjoy flying off into the sunset together,} Amethyst replied, waving goodbye to the Shokurl before flying off towards Sunyshore.

The journey back home was cool and quiet, each of us free of thoughts and worries. For true flight brings about freedom, in body and spirit.

A/N: I want you all to know that this chapter has been written for a while, I just forgot to upload it. There's also more that are almost ready, but they need editing. Also presumably when I upload this we'll be getting Legends Z-A news next week. Hoping that's genuinely promising.

Group

Gym Trainer: Topaz Heart

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

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

x

Human Companion: Violet

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

x

Blooming Celebrity: Jade Forrest

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

x

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