TEEN: - Ongoing Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Hands of Creation

[namohysip]

Chapter 25 – A New Sighting​

For the next few days, the Mystics in Hot Spot cycled between training and resting to the point where they had lost track of time. In the caverns, there was no real way to tell if it was day or night, especially since Amia was usually the one to keep track of that with the glow of the mushrooms. With her preoccupied with training, they were only able to determine how many days passed based on how often Team Alloy—sans Owen, at least—came back from daily missions.

Owen asked time and time again to go on a mission with Demitri, Mispy, and Gahi, but it was always shot down with the fact that he still needed to train. Not only that, but after the strange encounter with Deca the time before, the other Guardians were hesitant to send him out again to be lost in town. After each trip into town, Demitri, Mispy, and Gahi all said they hadn’t seen Deca.

One day, Owen trained with Zena; he was glad to finally get a break from Manny’s method of training. This, however, was short-lived. For some reason, Zena wasn’t able to fight at her best against Owen. The Grass Guardian figured it was because of his type advantage in his Mystic form that unnerved her, though Zena couldn’t find the words or explanation on why this was the case herself. She did know, however, that it wasn’t because of his type. Zena and Owen asked Star why they weren’t able to hurt each other effectively; in reply, she rolled her eyes and floated away.

Therefore, Owen returned to reluctantly train against Manny, and Zena instead challenged Anam when he was available and not managing the Association with Nevren.

Zena was barely able to open her eyes after every strike that Anam delivered. She felt powerless against him. Her watery attacks weren’t very useful against a Dragon type—let alone one that was so gooey like Anam.

Zena panted, her lungs burning. “Anam—are all of your kind like this!?”

“Like what?” Anam asked, holding his hand out to block most of her Hydro Pump attack. That simple gesture split the beam of water in two, missing the rest of him completely.

“So… immune to water!”

“No, but I’m a little different because I’m Mystic. I like being like this!”

“Extremely… slimy? You have the consistency of a Muk, Anam.”

“Aww, thanks!” Anam giggled. “But I think I’m a little thicker than a Muk,” he rubbed his cheeks. His fingers sank into his face, slime merging into slime.

Zena, seeing this as an opportunity, launched yet another Hydro Pump at Anam. The Goodra gasped, his head inflating several times in size when the water infiltrated his open maw. He spewed it back out and fell onto his tail. “Owowow…” he mumbled, rubbing his head. He squeezed the rest of the water out. “Good job! I didn’t know you could use Flatter!”

“I—I can’t,” said Zena. “…Anam… are you taking this seriously?”

“Seriously?” Anam repeated. “Of course! I mean… I need to train you, right?”

“Of course,” Zena said, “but I haven’t seen you use your Mystic powers much at all. Your Ghostly abilities, that is. I’ve already exhausted my Water form against you…”

“B-but it’s scary,” Anam said, grabbing his horns and tugging. “It’s not just spooky Ghost powers, it’s—it’s a lot of things, you know?”

“That’s…” Zena shook her head. “Can’t you just use a little bit of it, then? It can’t be that bad.”

Anam bit his lower lip helplessly. “Okay. I’ll—”

A muffled voice echoed from Anam’s thigh. “Hello?” the voice said. “Anam, are you there? I have a report!”

“Oh! Nevren!” Anam clapped his gooey fingers together, bouncing. “Um—Zena, hold on!” He plunged his hand into his thigh and pulled out one of their silver communicators. “Hi, Nevren! Do you mean there’s a report about a possible Mystic sighting?”

“Yes,” Nevren said. “At first, we believed that the Mystic that once lived in Nightshade Forest was relocated or otherwise… removed, but we found new sightings in the depths of it. It’s very likely that the Electric Guardian is still there after all.”

“Electric Guardian? That’s cool!” Anam’s green eyes brightened to the point of actual luminosity. “Okay! I’ll go and gather the others right away! Um—any other sightings?”

“None yet,” Nevren said. “I am still coordinating other scouting missions based on preliminary reports and rumors.”

“Got it,” Anam said. He nodded at Zena. “We’ll train later?”

“Yes,” Zena said. “…Perhaps I will train with someone else for now. I do not think I should go to this particular Mystic, considering my Type…”

Anam nodded and ran to get the team together.

<><><>​

“Nightshade Forest,” Star said, shivering slightly. “Talk about bad vibes.”

Everybody was gathered in the middle of Hot Spot. Demitri, Mispy, and Gahi were having a small snack in the middle of their training, all panting from whatever regimen Rhys was putting them through. The mushrooms of Hot Spot glowed only enough to keep things well-lit, but the brightness suggested it was more like afternoon outside. Mispy mumbled something to Demitri, and he replied back that they could get some sun later.

“Don’t like Dark Types?” Owen asked, amused.

“Hey, it’s not my fault! That’s instinct! N-no offense to any Dark Types or anything, I just… you know. It’s a little unnerving to go there, sometimes, since a lot of the wild Pokémon are Dark and they love defending their territory.”

Anam nodded. “Star doesn’t like my power, either,” he said. “But it’s okay! I don’t have to use it yet. Um—I can go, though!”

“That’s a good idea,” Star said. “I’m going on guesswork, but the Electric Guardian… she can scare easily, last I checked on her. Really jumpy, so you can’t have any scary people or sudden movements.”

“Feh, guess I’m out,” Manny said, shrugging.

“No sudden movements?” Owen repeated. “I mean… I can probably go, if I move carefully.”

“You don’t look that intimidating right now,” Star agreed, which earned a small, irritated spark from Owen’s tail. “As long as you keep calm, you’ll be fine.”

“How about us?” Demitri asked.

“Ehh… maybe not,” Star said. “Let’s stick to Mystics for this one. Enet, the Guardian, might be able to read auras—and I think she’ll only trust Mystic auras.”

Demitri deflated faster than Anam’s head after one of Zena’s Hydro Pumps. “Hmm, well, if that’s the case, I guess we can’t go…”

“There’s no need to worry,” Rhys said. “We can continue to train here.”

Star surveyed the group. “So, we’ve got Owen and Anam, who else wants to go? Amia?”

“Oh! I can, definitely.”

“Amia’s definitely great if we need a friendly face!” Willow piped up from atop Valle’s stone head.

“Three should be good enough. Four might be overwhelming for her,” Star said. “So, that’s the plan! Just make sure you guys have a communicator with you in case something goes wrong, either here or there, okay? Oh, and be careful. She’s a Zoroark. Don’t trust your eyes.”

“How’d you know about all this?” Owen asked. “We were looking for a while!”

“Actually, Nevren pointed out the possibility. I personally thought this Electric Guardian didn’t last, and Eon already took the Orb. She’s totally silent to me. But I did some asking around in the spirit world, and it doesn’t look like she died after all. So…” Star sighed. “I guess it could’ve gone faster, but we didn’t want to send you guys out unless we were totally sure. This time, we are. I know she’s in Nightshade Forest.”

“Nightshade Forest,” Owen mumbled, rubbing his head. “That sounds… really familiar…”

“Don’t think too hard, Owen,” Star said.

“Right,” Amia said. “So!” She clapped her hands together. “Are we ready to go?”

“I guess so.” Owen, stretched, but the fact that his arms barely went past anybody’s knees was a reminder of how small he’d become again.

He was already recovered from his training with Manny—and he felt quite a bit stronger from it, too. How much stronger, he didn’t know. He’d have to test it out—if this Electric Guardian happened to lash out at him, perhaps that would be his test.

<><><>​

Nightshade Forest was a place where, true to its name, barely any sunlight reached the forest floor. The trees were far apart, but the tops were filled with wide tops and leaves, high above their heads. If the wind blew hard enough, little flickering lights would illuminate the ground, but it was fleeting. There were simply too many leaves blotting out the sky. Owen and Amia relied on their fire to light the way.

“It’s really spooky here,” Anam said.

“Anam, please, you’re the Ghost Guardian,” Amia said. “Wouldn’t you be right at home here?”

“I—I guess so, but… it’s still a little spooky! What if there’s a monster hiding in the bushes…?”

Amia, baffled, glanced at the invincible Goodra. “Anam, dear, aren’t… you more likely to be the monster hiding away?” She motioned to the blackened tree trunks and deep-green grass. “From what Star told us, the strongest Pokémon here are about as strong as Owen was when he last became an Entry Heart.”

“W-well, um…”

“Actually, yeah,” Owen said. “Anam, we don’t really know what your powers look like at all!”

Anam gulped. “Th-that’s because… um…”

“Owen has a point,” Amia said. “As the Ghost Guardian, don’t you think you—”

“You should not press Anam with such things if it isn’t necessary,” Anam suddenly said, eyes closed. His voice had changed.

“…J… James?” Owen blinked.

“I don’t like when they do things like Scary Face,” Anam mumbled., voice back to normal. “It makes my heart go all thump-a-thump!”

Owen and Amia exchanged an uneasy glance. Owen figured now wasn’t a good time to press the issue, but a new thought crossed his mind.

“Do you even have a heart anymore?” Owen said. “Zena mentioned you just got… stabbed while fighting ADAM, and you were just fine.”

“I have a heart metaphorically!” Anam said. “But I guess so… Maybe I shouldn’t be so afraid… Are we there yet?”

“Hmm…” Amia looked at their Badge. “We’re supposed to make it through the halfway point of the Dungeon, followed by three segments of the next part. There, we should see a hidden passageway, invisible to all but the aura eye… That’s what Nevren told us. And from there, we have to see if the Electric Guardian is still present. I certainly hope she is…”

“I hope so, too,” Owen said. “I don’t want to lose another one just because we couldn’t find them fast enough.”

After several more turns and a number of distortions later—most of the wild Pokémon fled at the very presence of Anam—Amia inspected the Badge; it flickered briefly. “We’re in the Deepwoods,” she announced.

Anam hummed, running his fingers over the wood that was even darker than when they had entered. A thick layer of moss covered large portions of each tree, absorbing some of Anam’s wet form.

Anam glanced at Amia. “Can you tell Nevren and the others we’re okay?”

Amia nodded and grabbed their communicator next, speaking into the badge. “Are you there? We’re doing okay. We just made it into the Deepwoods. Does Star or Nevren happen to know where specifically we should be looking once we get to the third section?”

A pause. Then, Nevren said, “No, only to look for Mystic residuals. It shouldn’t be hard to miss for your current Mystic powers, yes?”

“Okay, got it,” Amia said. “Um—thank you. I’m going to stop talking to this now.”

“Of course. Thank you.”

Amia stared awkwardly at the device and placed it back into her bag. “That’s still a strange… communication device. Where did Nevren even get the idea for something like this?”

“Nevren has a lot of crazy ideas,” Anam said. “But they’re really cool, too. Did you know that he’s starting to make these special devices that can keep food cold for a long time? And you won’t even need Ice types, either! I think it’s with a modified Hail Orb…”

“Oh, wow,” Amia said.

“Yeah, it’s really cool,” Anam said. “I wish I had his creativity, getting all those ideas…”

“Nevren’s really like that, huh?” Owen said slowly, thinking about the Alakazam. “He must have been really creative to come up with me and the others, huh?”

“Yeah,” Anam said. “I think you guys are really cool, too!”

“You do?” Owen said. “Even if I…”

“Well, once you guys are in control of yourselves… you’ll be all-cool and not scary at all!”

“Maybe a little scary,” Amia said with a titter. “Just like your powers, Anam. You can control it, but you’re still scared of your Ghosts!”

“Th-that’s not fair!”

For just a second, Owen saw little lights in the green orbs that lined the Goodra’s neck and tail. It was as if the spirits within Anam were laughing. The Goodra blushed a deep purple and covered his eyes with his fat antennae.

A calm silence followed for some time until Anam suddenly stopped walking.

“Uh—are you okay?” Owen asked, looking back at the Heart of Hearts.

“Um—what’s that?” Anam asked, pointing down the corridor.

To the normal eye, it was just a hallway. But to the aura eye there was something in the right wall that gave off a faint glow. “Hmm.” Amia squinted, concentrating on the otherwise normal, twisted Dungeon wall. “So that’s what Star meant. It must be a burrow of some kind.”

Amia carefully stepped toward the wall and tried to move some of the rocks aside. Her hands passed through. “Wh—” Amia looked at the others. “It’s… it’s an illusion.”

“An illusion?” Anam said.

“Well the Electric Guardian is a Zoroark,” Owen theorized. “They’re great at illusions, and maybe her Mystic aura is amplifying it. Her name’s Enet, right?”

“Right, a Zoroark.” Amia balled up her fist, forming a weak, pink aura, like she was debating on whether channeling Fairy energy would be better or worse when approaching. She must have decided worse, because the aura faded.

“We should be careful,” Owen advised. “For all I know, she might be able to mess with more than just sight and sound. Maybe she can mess with all of our senses, right? …Guys?” The little Charmander turned around. They were gone. Alert, his tail-flame grew bright. “Oh… good. I hope they heard me.”

Owen sighed and closed his eyes, trying to focus. It was incredibly dark. If it wasn’t for his tail, he wouldn’t be able to see more than a foot ahead of him, even with the dim, Mystic glow. Still, he had a vague recollection that he wouldn’t need his eyes if he could just use his perception abilities to feel the world around him. It was a shame, then, that as a Charmander, those powers were almost completely sealed, no better than a basic Foresight technique.

The burrow was big enough for even Anam to step through, though he’d need to crouch down for it. That left a lot of room for Owen to walk through the tunnels; he decided, for now, that the best thing to do was go forward.

What could he do to counteract the illusions? He still didn’t know the extent of her power, but he could at least try to navigate forward again. There was a wall. He tried to step through it—and it worked. Owen smirked; with new confidence, he approached another wall and walked toward it—and then, through it. “What, is it just a straight shot?” Owen said.

He kept walking. This time, he saw a pit ahead and no other way around. “So, it’s a fake pit,” he mumbled, and kept walking. He stepped on the air like it was solid ground. He felt soil beneath his feet. Another illusion.

He cleared the pit and advanced. It seemed like a straight line from then on, with a clear exit ahead of him. So, Owen stopped. He looked down at the ground and saw a stone nearby. Gently, he rolled it across the ground. It fell into the floor a few paces ahead.

“Figured,” he mumbled. This time, it was a real pit, covered by a false ground.

Owen tried to hold his arms out to touch either side of the wall, but his tiny Charmander body didn’t have the span. But he knew one of these walls were fake at some part of the hall. He couldn’t risk going too far ahead for just one side, and alternating between the walls would take too long.

“C’mon, there has to be something I can use in here,” Owen mumbled, rummaging through his bag. He spotted Nevren’s Eviolite and lingered over it, admiring its gentle glint against his tail’s fire. Then, he fiddled with a few seeds, wondering which one would be helpful. None. “Hm?” He pulled out a small bundle of sharp sticks. “Oh, these things,” he said. He never really had to use them, but it didn’t hurt to carry them around to scare off ferals. They doubled as short-lived torches if his tail wasn’t enough. But now? He had an idea.

He grabbed two of the sticks, holding one in each hand. Then, he stretched his arms out as far as he could. It was just enough. Perfect! Owen dragged the ends of the stick along the right side of the wall, taking tentative steps until he couldn’t feel a floor. He stopped and felt the left wall—and, indeed, the wall was false at a small portion of it, and he stepped through. All as planned.

Owen then tripped and, in a single misstep, fell forward and lost control of his surroundings. He yelped and helplessly grabbed for any purchase, but it was too late—he saw something down below. Spikes, even harder and pointier than the sticks that he had lost the second he fell down.

Desperate, he fell back to some Mystic improvisation; claws became vines and latched onto the soft walls, anchoring him in place on either side, dangling in the middle of the pit. He should have done that in the first place; forget those useless sticks!

The spikes below looked… quite sharp, yet also unused. “H-hello?” he called upward. “Anybody…?” The walls were soft and absorbed most of the sound. Without an echo, Owen figured his voice wouldn’t carry very far. He was on his own.

Or, so he thought. Owen? Are you okay? Klent called.

O-oh! Klent! G-good to hear you! Um… no! I don’t think I’m okay.

You seem to be… a bit stuck.

Yeah, I think there are a bunch of illusions here. I can barely see now that I’m Grassy. My tail doesn’t glow as bright. But I can’t turn back to normal without losing my vines—there are spikes down there. I’ll get skewered if I fall!

Only spikes? Klent asked. Hmm… Well… you can try to climb up, he said. But if you fall, you should be okay.

Okay?! I’ll look like an Aron’s face if I fall down there!

Well, you’ve already been through worse with Manny, haven’t you?

W-well… Owen didn’t want to look down. He could already imagine the feeling of it piercing his tiny scales and through his chest, forcing poison through his heart. Wait, these spikes weren’t poisonous; where did that thought come—

Just focus, said Klent. If you focus, you’ll be able to take the spikes and then get out of here in one piece. It won’t even hurt. Maybe. Okay?

I, uh, if you say so, Owen said. It made sense. As a Mystic, injuries weren’t as significant anymore, even if they were mortal wounds. Still, his physical-body instincts were telling him that spikes were bad. He had to push past those. He closed his eyes… slowly, his breathing steadied, and it felt a lot like his pace when he was meditating.

Now… drop.

Putting his faith in Klent, Owen released the vines and fell. Owen briefly wondered if Klent was just telling him this so he could feel what it was like to die. He tensed for only a moment. And then, he relaxed, in that split-second of falling.

If he had to feel that, he deserved it.

He fell for less than a second and hit the ground. “Uff—” He stopped and didn’t move, hesitant to open his eyes. But he had to. His chest… no wounds. He checked the rest of him—nothing.

“Oh, come on!” Owen shouted.

It was just another illusion.

“Okay, now I’m a little irritated,” Owen said, advancing. He felt something strange behind his head and rubbed it. “…That was weird,” he mumbled. It felt like a tingling on his scales.

A loud crack—and Owen was pushed forward with a searing, powerful explosion. He yelped and tried to turn around, but he only saw a glimpse of what appeared to be a dark, furry creature rushing toward him. Red claws.

He knew to duck, narrowly avoiding the strike. “Wait!”

The creature hissed and turned around, fleeing. Owen turned back to his normal form; the light from his fire revealed that it was indeed a Zoroark. It could have been another illusion, but it was his only lead. He chased after her, careful not to trip over anything along the way. The pit seemed to be a hidden floor of the burrow.

It was hard to tell what was what—but this Zoroark was still ahead of him. All he had to do was run a little faster, and—

The Zoroark vanished. “Uh—”

Then came a strike to the back of his head. Owen fell forward with a grunt, clutching at where he was certain a few scales had been scraped off.

“O-ow! D-don’t do that!” he shouted. “I’m trying to help!”

Dizzy, he saw her running in the opposite direction.

“Wait!” Owen shouted, running along with her. He suddenly fell down and into a pit of false spikes again. Despite this, he crossed his arms for a Protect, but there was nothing to block. It only wasted more time. The golden shield illuminated the entire hallway, reminding Owen once again that he had failed to utilize his own powers for this trek. He was getting sloppy.

Scrambling to his feet, Owen decided to improvise with another utility. He plunged them into the soft walls, extending through the soil. “Yes!” Owen said. He felt his arms extend like vines into the walls and out on the opposite side of the hall where Enet had run, blocking her path.

Good—that meant she wouldn’t be able to advance, and he could try to—

Enet sliced her claws through the vines, breaking them cleanly apart.

“AAAAAAAAA!”

Owen retracted his vines into his arms, only to see that a few of his fingers were missing. “Ohhh, that hurts,” Owen mumbled, holding them under his pits.

You probably shouldn’t have put pain receptors in those, Klent said.

I can take those away?! Owen said. Tell me next time!

Well, I guess it’s natural to have them…

Owen whimpered, turning one of his fingers into a vine to grab an Oran from his bag. He popped it in and let the healing aura rush through him—and thankfully, into his fingers, where the tiny things quickly grew back.

“Thank Anam’s blessings,” Owen mumbled, staring ahead. Enet ran off… How was he supposed to catch up to her now? A Charmander’s stubby legs would never be able to catch up to a Zoroark. All he could do was yell and hope she heard, even in the soft, sound-absorbing walls of her den.

“ENET!” Owen yelled. “WAIT!”

Owen rubbed his throat. “I need to get used to yelling more,” he mumbled, coughing.

You know, you don’t need to talk out loud. We can hear your thoughts.

He walked briskly down the hall and over the vines that Enet had sliced through. He turned the corner and saw Enet running right toward him. “Eep—!” He didn’t expect it to be that quick. “Enet, I—”

Enet pounced on him and bit him on the shoulder. Owen roared in some strange mixture of pain, fear, and annoyance. Reflexively, he brought his arms together before she could do any further damage, sending a shield of light out to push her away. The Zoroark jumped off of him with a rude kick to the barrier and bounded in the opposite direction again.

“Ugh—she can’t get away,” Owen mumbled. “Enet!”

But then—to Owen’s surprise—the Zoroark stopped. For a few seconds, she didn’t do anything. Didn’t turn around, didn’t keep running.

The bite mark Enet left on his ill-defined shoulder simultaneously massive and shallow. It’d heal on its own.

“Th-that’s your name, right?” Owen said, tentatively prodding at where Enet bit. Bruised, but that was all. Despite being a Charmander, he was becoming quite durable! He wondered if he should be worried at how he was becoming accustomed to the regular maiming. “Star told me about you, Enet. You’re… you’re the Electric Guardian, right?”

Finally, she faced the Charmander. The Zoroark stared at Owen with wide, fearful eyes. She was crouched, ready to flee, powerful muscles tense for immediate action.

Owen stood awkwardly. “Um… so, I don’t want to hurt you, okay? The other two who were with me—Anam and Amia? We, um, we wanted to take you someplace safe. It’s okay. And… it’s rude to bite people.”

Enet stared at Owen without even an ounce of recognition or realization.

“Um… Enet?”

Her ears flicked at her name. Owen, in the dim light, was able to get a better look at her body language. She was panting, anxious, and she couldn’t understand anything beyond her name, based on how her ears twitched at it and nothing else. He saw that sort of stance for her body type often. But it couldn’t be… could it?

“Enet… are… are you… are you a wild Pokémon?” he said. Was that even possible?

But the more he looked, in the silence of her complex burrow, the more it made sense. The Electric Guardian was feral.

 

[canisaries]

For the next few days, the Mystics in Hot Spot cycled

That's good, cycling's good training. Really works those legs and it's great cardio. Props to Nevren for inventing bicycles. It was probably him.

sans Owen

Spoiler: hey

youre welcome

“Oh! Nevren!” Anam said. “Um—Zena, hold on!” He plunged his hand into his thigh and pulled out one of their silver communicators.

Oh, no need for pockets, I suppose...

“H-hey, it’s not my fault! That’s instinct! N-no offense to any Dark Types or anything, I just… you know. It’s a little unnerving to go there, sometimes, since a lot of the wild Pokémon are Dark Types and they love defending their territory.”

creates common life
racist anyway
this is so sad can we start a type war

I personally thought this Electric Guardian didn’t last, and Eon already took it.

"It" is pretty weird referring to the Guardian... unless this is subtle foreshadowing. But I'm pointing it out in case you meant to refer to the Orb instead at some point.

“I—I guess so, but… it’s still a little spooky! What if there’s a monster hiding in the bushes…?”

We're all monsters, Anam. Monsters in the pocket of God...

“I don’t like when they do things like Scary Face,” Anam mumbled. “It makes my heart go all thump-a-thump!”

“Do you even have a heart anymore?” Owen said.

Hm, is that in reference to him being Mystic? Not sure if I immediately get the causation there.

and then, though it.

through*

The Electric Guardian was feral.

Ooh. Now they have a mascot pet!

I'm really interested to see where this is going, actually. Feral mon have been pretty infrequent in this fic so far, so we can use more insight into what exactly they are like.

 

[diamondpearl876]

I've been keeping up with reading, but with IRL being busy, I've been slow to actually review. Here's some of the chapters in the meantime. ^^;

CHAPTER 16

Owen sighed at the sight; what nostalgia to have a get-together like this. It’s too bad it had to be over such depressing talk.

Yikes, the word nostalgia here adds a lot of depth that hits pretty hard. Good opening paragraph.

“I—I can? Truly?” Cara looked like she was ready to collapse in front of everyone.

“Look around,” Star said, waving her arm to the small crowd. “Not a harmful soul here, don’t you think?”

Star's surprisingly, and effectively, tender here. I don't blame Cara for freaking out like this at all, and Star handled that kind of trauma well. Really, for a few chapters after this, Star's shown a different side of her. I don't think we've seen the end of her secrets yet, but she definitely doesn't seem like an ominous, potentially evil figure I'd like to glare at anymore.

“There!” Star said. “See? Valle’s our little security system. He’s like an army of guards! That’s pretty cool, right?”

Pfft, this is hilarious. I wonder if Valle would even speak up if he saw danger approaching, 'cause, you know, that'd upset his silence.

“Well, yeah, but that’s probably because we’re late evolvers,” Demitri said. “Right?”

“Y-yes, that’s likely it,” Rhys said.

“See? Even Rhys says so,” Demitri said.

Right here I put a note in my Kindle that said, "Oh dear dont tell me theyre mutated somehow." Oops.

“Yeah,” Star said. “Really, really good aura readers can trace an ancestry back a few generations, kinda like, matching and linking auras to where they came from, and where those auras came from, and so on, okay? Well… the Pokémon we encountered back there? That Luxray and that Ninjask? They… didn’t have that.”

I really, really dig this whole mutated pokémon idea, I just want to say. Star and Arceus, the orbs, the Hunters, de-evolution, the appearance of mutated pokémon plus much of the main characters being mutated and just finding out... You handle all these interweaving plot points extremely well, and it's great when ideas like these are interesting on their own, but the execution especially sells them here. I've been enjoying the rollercoaster ride of secrets being revealed and emotions along with Owen... and next up, I wonder how Mispy, Demitri, and Gahi will react. Probably not quite as badly, but. Not likely to be A-OK with it, at least.

“Rhys has a similar aura,” Star said, “aura is a little weird because he doesn’t have grandparents—All he has is a single parent, me. Since I created their auras. Same for Nev, and all the Hunters. All that weirdness you sense from them? Sure, some of it is a bit of divine power, but it’s also their weird aura trace.”

Man, this family tree just keeps on getting more and more complicated. :V

Zena’s reaction in particular bothered him. She was with Anam and the others for Cara’s failed rescue. None of Team Alloy was with them, so they must have told her what happened. So, what did they tell her? What did he—and the rest of Team Alloy—do?

Well, I wrote other notes about predicting Owen having a mental breakdown, and about Owen asking Zena about his past and getting answers from her. I figured that if anyone was okay with betraying Star's wishes, it'd be Zena. But it was probably for the best that he heard everything from Star directly in the end. Still, I like that Owen's got an assertive and spunky friend by his side. Her character is written really distinctly.

CHAPTER 17

It ended up being a very good rock.

Lol, another good opening here. I like the image of lil baby pokémon putting up cute requests on the board like that. ;o;

All of the friends he had were spirits.

Hmm... It just occurred to me that, for all the mourning Owen experiences upon learning his friends are spirits, we don't really get a lot of info about those friends, do we? Aside from Gahi, Demitri, and Mispy, I don't recall details about Owen's interactions with others.

Zena, didn’t you accidentally spit someone out when you used Water Gun once?”

“Y-you promised you wouldn’t speak of that!” Zena squeaked.

“O-oh, sorry,” Star said. “But hey, wasn’t a Divine Promise, heh… S-sorry. Really.”

I'm dying lmaooo

I'm surprised Star hasn't broken a Divine Promise by now, too. :V

“Uhh,” Star said. “Why don’t you try talking to them? It’s kinda like talking to yourself in your head. You’ll get a response. Hey, you might even feel them reaching out. That’ll make it easier to summon them.”

I guess his meditation came in handy. In fact, now that I'm caught up, I think the meditation has a lot to do with Owen and co.'s progress with taming their mutated selves. Meditation's a form of tuning into oneself, after all, and that's exactly the problem they have when they reach their final evolution stage, so! I can see why Rhys was so persistent about it now all this time.

“Did… did we hang out more often than what I’m remembering?” he asked.

“No, we didn’t,” Zena said curtly. “Your memory is just fine. Like I said, Owen. You’re still in some kind of shock from the fight. Your Mystic power will help you recover in time.”

I didn't expect Zena to flat out lie to him, that's for sure. She's not really good at lying, though... She needs to take some lessons from Star, her favorite 'mon ever. :V

A clean history. No history. His strange dreams. His instinct for battle—his abnormal need to fight.

So... I'm kind of torn on this part. I do think you've given a lot of good hints before now about them liking to fight, but I'd hardly call it instinct or abnormal. In fact, Owen's first response to a lot of things is not to be defensive or aggressive or anything; he shows compassion instead, a fact that his friends tell him in chapter 21. I've mostly thought of it as an immature mindset focused on fighting and then whining when it didn't happen because they're kids. The only instant of "abnormal" I'd count so far is Owen's fight with Azu.

“You killed me,” the former Guardian said, “and my daughter.”

Ughhhh Owen noooo poor baby

Klent's got... a lot of guts to face Owen as easily as he does. I've never gotten the impression he's uncomfortable around Owen, except for when Owen started asking him questions. I hope we get to see Owen and Klent's daughter meet sometime...

CHAPTER 18

Zena couldn’t find her words. He was only a few feet away, and yet they were a world apart.

Ouch, this hit hard. Zena seems pretty susceptible to being, uh, triggered by Owen's mutant side, for lack of a better term? I say this because of her reactions to what Star's done. But I think she does care and love for Owen a lot more than she ever did Star. I'll be interested to see how these two develop in general, really. I SHIP IT, NO SHAME

They’re the very same things being sent to kill the other Guardians. And now, Owen knows it.

D:!!!

I wonder how Owen would react if Star and co. were forced to put in protective measures... Since they've gathered a lot of Guardians now, and are still working on gathering more, what if Owen evolves in their presence, for example? Do they have a plan for that? But I bet a plan would show Owen and Team Alloy they can't be trusted and emphasize their mutant-ness, so... I imagine not.

Also... caught up... Did I miss the part about "tomorrow" where Team Alloy found out ore about their mutant-ness, or...? I mean, Owen asked them to wait till tomorrow, but that scene never came? Or did I miss something?

I need you guys to… fix my mistake. Because I can’t.”

This caught her off guard. But she wasn’t going to let up. “And why is that, O Creator?” Zena asked. “You seem to do well enough with modifying my memories to your wishes, let alone Owen’s or the rest of Team Alloy. Why don’t you just do that now, hm? Wipe it all away. Go on. What’s stopping you?” Zena slithered closer, never taking her eyes off of the Mew, even when the deity looked away.

Finally, Zena lays into Star like she deserves. :V Sorry, Owen, I don't trust her, either. Or Barky. I'd give Star credit for not wiping it all away and not taking responsibility, but, well, I don't know the full extent of what she did. Yet!

All you need is the right aura key, and…” She motioned to the three slumbering mutant larvae. “Rhys is an aura expert. He taught it to me, Zena. And then to Amia. If you want to help control Owen and ease him into recovery, have Rhys teach it to you, too.”

Interesting... Do Amia and them know they can be controlled like that?

Zena’s adrenaline, by now, was gone. “And you want to save him?” she said.

It's super sweet how she calms down for Owen's sake. At any rate, it's good we finally got some answers about Owen's missing memory, addressed from the POVs of both Owen and those keeping the secret.

Every step the four elite fighters took made soft echoes in the long, winding cave.

Elite Four PMD style???

Anam giggled, clapping his hands again. “That was fun!” he said. “He’s so cheerful! I like Manny’s spirits. They seem really fun to talk to!”

“G-goodness, Anam…” Amia said.

Good thing Anam's so jovial, otherwise the world might be in deep shit given how strong he is. :V

 

[namohysip]

Props to Nevren for inventing bicycles. It was probably him.

It's sad but he probably would have, if not for the fact that very few Pokemon are bipedal, and I imagine without clothes to wear, it would probably chafe hard.

creates common life
racist anyway

Such is the life of an imperfect Creator, I suppose. Poor Star can't even handle her Psychic instincts.

"It" is pretty weird referring to the Guardian... unless this is subtle foreshadowing. But I'm pointing it out in case you meant to refer to the Orb instead at some point.

I guess it was half foreshadowing? Though I'd rather not refer to Enet as an 'it,' heh... I meant the Orb. I made it more explicit.


Also, hello, Diamond! Glad you've been keeping up, and I already appreciate the reviews! You're a reminder to me that the number of reviews I get and the number of readers I have are vastly different. I'm surprised to see it's mostly praise, so I'm elated you're enjoying the story so much.

Really, for a few chapters after this, Star's shown a different side of her. I don't think we've seen the end of her secrets yet, but she definitely doesn't seem like an ominous, potentially evil figure I'd like to glare at anymore.

A lot of this was actually because of how polarizing Star had been in initial drafts. well, this scene that you're highlighting was actually in the original, but the future scenes were less in-depth. I'm very happy to have added them to smooth out the narrative and make Star more rounded.

You handle all these interweaving plot points extremely well, and it's great when ideas like these are interesting on their own, but the execution especially sells them here.

I'm very glad. Information management and how that ties in with the plot is going to be my struggle for basically the whole story, at least until the very end when all is known, for obvious reasons.

Hmm... It just occurred to me that, for all the mourning Owen experiences upon learning his friends are spirits, we don't really get a lot of info about those friends, do we?

This is probably my largest flaw with "starting quickly." I could have had a chapter or two of "slice of life" where Owen is spending time with his friends and other villagers of Hot Spot, but then the story would take waaay too long (in my opinion) to actually wind up. And I don't want to get rid of the lightning in the bottle that was the hooking starting chapters that I'd crafted by adding in such scenes. Ahh... but then when they're referred to, it falls flat. I guess that's why I mention it sparingly, as despite what is said here, Owen barely remembers them thanks to the resets he's always enduring.

So... I'm kind of torn on this part. I do think you've given a lot of good hints before now about them liking to fight, but I'd hardly call it instinct or abnormal.

Another tricky one. It's heavily implied at this point that Owen, as a Charmander and Charmeleon, is sealed, including his instincts. So only when he's under great stress do those instincts pop out. In addition, as you have noticed, meditation has helped to calm his aura even more, further dampening those violent instincts.

I mean, Owen asked them to wait till tomorrow, but that scene never came? Or did I miss something?

Hmm... I'll have to look into this. I think I accidentally glossed over it, but Demitri, Mispy, and Gahi were told about it (again) and while they took it well, they didn't really know what to think about it. Unlike Owen, they don't actually have the memories. They just took their word for it, but the impact is weak. I'll probably add in a small passage to indicate this later. Thanks for pointing this out!

Special Episode 2 - What You Deserve will be dropping shortly. It's a BIG one, so, uh... I'm gonna let it settle here for at least a week before I advance.

 

[namohysip]

Spoiler: CONTENT WARNING [M]

This special episode contains suicide and mild gore. If you've read up to this point in the story, you likely know that such an act is... different in this context, but for those who are sensitive to the issue, this is your warning in advance if you must mentally prepare. If you have any concerns (such as where it happens or other assurances before you can read) feel free to send me a private message here or on discord. Thank you.

Special Episode 2 – What You Deserve​

The clear, blue sky taunted his blurry, tear-warped vision. Claws dug into the dirt. A little voice echoed in his mind.

“Hey, Ra, listen. I’m really sorry you’re feeling lonely, and I get it. Can’t you just meditate for a while longer?”

Meditate. It’s what she always asked for. And for what? For what purpose? He was already strong enough. There was no point… “I have been meditating for centuries, Star. Please… I just… I just need somebody to talk to.”

“What about your spirits?”

Ra shook his head, rubbing at one of the giant scales that covered his arms. “It’s not the same… it’s… it’s like I’m…”

“Okay, okay,” she said delicately. “I’ll think of something, Ra. Just for you.”

Lightning shattered the sky.

Thunder deafened all of Nightshade Forest’s inhabitants. Wild Pokémon fled in all directions, all but one. The lightning struck the ground around this lone feral, the strongest of Nightshade. The one that he had been watching grow since it was just a little, talented hatchling. It kicked up dead leaves and splintered wood with each bolt that redirected her.

“Ra! STOP!” Star cried, her misty form clutching onto his arm.

“Your words are MEANINGLESS!” Ra roared back, shoving her away. He slammed his scaly arms against his chest, causing another thunderous boom; at the same time, the sky shattered, sending bolt after bolt into the ground. Rain covered the Kommo-o’s scales. Electricity danced at the end of his tail and sparks flew across every large plate of his body.

He vanished into electricity, surging upward and into the sky. The inky darkness gave way to white, blinding bolts.

From above, disembodied and one with the clouds, the Electric Guardian watched the scattering forms of the forest. The fire grew where he wanted. The ferals fled. The rescuers went in for the weakling stragglers. It was all just a dance of struggle. A dance he had long since overcome—an existence that he wanted nothing more than to abandon.

Memories echoed in his mind. They were words that cut him more than any claw.

“Hey, Ra! Look at that little lady, eh? She’s a little uggo, but I think she’s your type. Eh? Eh?”

Ra wasn’t sure what ‘uggo’ meant. Apparently, Star found someone of his ‘type.’ What exactly did that mean? Another Dragon-Fighter?

“You understand why I am skeptical.”

“Ugh, just go in the clouds. Check it out. I bet you’ll like what you see.”

Ra humored her, looking below—an Aggron? That was his type? That wasn’t anything like a Dragon! But… now that she mentioned it, there was something more. What was it? Ra looked closer. “Star… her aura…” For some reason, it felt like he had seen her for so long already.

“See, I knew you’d like her! Now go warm her icy heart.”

The world trembled. A Charmander struggled through the rain with a Bulbasaur over his shoulder, meeting with a Delphox and his team. After an exchange, they separated, the Salazzle of that team advancing with the Charmander.

Where was the feral? He sent another bolt of lightning down. He ignored Star’s protests and watched his home burn.

“Ouch!” Aggron put her claw in her mouth as if it would help. “You sparked me! How rude—are you not able to control your Electricity at all?!”

Ra shrugged indifferently. “I warned you. You should have been more careful.”

Frost surrounded the plants near her. “Insolence! What kind of potential mate do you consider yourself?!”

The ice did not make Ra flinch, even as it crawled over his scales. “A very strong one.”

The ice stopped. Aggron glared at him, crossing her arms. “Incredible.”

Oh, and who was that? Yes, yes. He saw someone. But what was it? It was too difficult to tell from this far up. Should he come closer? No. He saw it now. He saw the little flame on his tail. That flame seemed to appear out of nowhere. Charmander! Another one! He seemed to be helping with a Jolteon after he’d caught up with the Salazzle-Charmander duo. Yet his aura was quite strange. Their auras—both of theirs—felt suppressed, but in different ways.

Where was that feral? There she is. Yes, keep coming. Closer, closer. She was just what Star deserved.

They nearly had the Jolteon awake. They were too close to Ra, though. If they got too far into the forest, they would certainly find him. And then what? Star might even get a proper minion out of them. That wouldn’t do.

Static formed in the clouds, ready to shoot down and into the trees. This time, he wouldn’t miss. The Charmander. That same Charmander that carried the Bulbasaur to safety. That light in his eyes. How irritating to see. He’d snuff out his aura first.

Ra took aim. A bolt of lightning went straight for the little thing—but, midway through, it diverted and gravitated for the Jolteon instead. The Salazzle was fried right through her back. Perhaps Jolteon attracted the electricity. How inconvenient.

His power was fading—he had to land to recover. He took a few fleeting seconds to check on the feral. Closer, closer. She was still going blindly in the right direction, right to him.

Ra landed back in the forest with a rough grunt. “Perfect.”

“Ra, stop this!” Star bumped weakly against him; she felt like a breeze. “Why?! What did I do?! I’m just trying to—”

“You know what you did.”

“I don’t!” Star said. Her tiny, transparent hands grabbed the Kommo-o’s giant scale on his left shoulder. “Please! Just tell me what to do, and I’ll do it! Okay? I’ll fix it! I can, I promise!”

Ra stared at Star, glaring a hole through her head. Thunder boomed above—whether that was from a latent surge of his power or the natural momentum of the weather, he did not know or care. The rain drowned out the sound, splashing over his shoulders and dripping down his forehead. He could barely hear Star. The rain, too, passed through her body, only briefly slowed by her presence.

“Please, Ra,” Star said. “You know I can’t read your mind from here. Is this about Step?”

Ra and the Aggron sat next to each other at the edge of the forest in a rare moment of serenity. The Hunters seemed to have calmed their activities lately, and he sensed no odd auras in Nightshade Forest. The sunlight was welcome.

“I have to comment, Ra,” she said, “For someone who follows Mew, you’re quite Arceus-like.”

Ra squinted at her. “And that means?”

“Hmm…” She crossed her arms, making a deep, metallic boom when they hit one another. “Why do you like Her more than Him?”

Ra twisted his face into one of concentration and uncertainty. “That’s… a difficult question, Step.”

Step’s frozen face expressed her skepticism through her eyes. “Oh? More difficult than ‘Do you love me?’”

Ra looked to the ground instantly.

If Step’s metallic face was capable of smirking, Ra was sure she would have. Instead, he felt it in her voice. “Indeed,” she said. “You said I should be more direct. I am granting that wish.”

Ra taunted Step with his own smirk. “Hmph. How silly. That’s an easy one to answer.”

“Oh?”

Ra reached out and grabbed Star’s tiny, transparent body by the chest. His massive claws easily wrapped around her. He pulled her close, staring into her eyes with a gaze so piercing, he was certain it was giving her a headache.

“Your incessant need to fix things,” he said, “is itself what must be fixed.”

He slammed Star’s body into the ground. She cried out in surprise when his claws pierced her gut, cleaving through her ethereal form like pudding. With another swipe, the Kommo-o sliced her aura in half. She evaporated away, returning to Ra as nothing but a blue ember.

He didn’t spend too long relishing the feeling of finally making Star disappear, if only for a few seconds. Every moment counted. Ra closed his eyes, ready to become the clouds for the last time. He could feel his power fading. Everything that kept him alive… fading. It wouldn’t be long now. A sick smirk spread across Ra’s face.

It was time for someone more appropriate to take on Guardianship.

With another crackle, electrical arcs danced over his scales. He shot into the clouds. She was coming right into his abode. He had to act fast. The two Charmander, meanwhile, were running toward the Nightshade Forest Dungeon. Now, why would they bother with that? They must have been trying to save the doomed in there.

He felt the smallest ounce of hope that those two would be successful. Two Charmander, saving those that got trapped in the Dungeon? They may survive the fire, but those trapped would burn. But maybe, just maybe… Ra grunted, shoving the thoughts away.

Ra fell to the ground one last time and spread his arms wide. Five blue embers shot out in all directions, manifesting themselves into similarly crackling spirits.

“Bring her here!” Ra shouted.

They all nodded and bolted into the shadows. Ra watched them for a few seconds, listening to the thunder boom. He closed his eyes again, ignoring Star’s pleas to stop. It was too late for that. His power was already waning, and he was surely attracting the Hunters here at the same time.

Step twirled on her feet with newfound grace. She wasn’t an Aggron, but instead a fellow Kommo-o. Star had apparently taught her the technique, based off of those strange Orbs invented in a faraway city. While the transformation was temporary, it was long, and it would last for what they wanted.

“Ra… Are you sure?”

Ra nodded. “I’ve never felt so sure about something in my life.”

Step raised a paw to her chin in concern. “Star warned—"

“Star has been wrong before,” Ra said quickly. “About a lot of things, apparently. So, I am sure. There is no need to concern yourself with a dead god’s warning.”

She stared at Ra, sighing. “Very well. If you’re so sure… we shall try, just once.”

“Twice.”

Step widened her eyes and then smirked. Ra liked her smile in this form. “Twice? How eager. Am I that desirable?”

“I want two.”

“Ra, did your Dragon culture never teach you how to speak to a lady?”

Ra pondered this. He realized his error. “I would like to have two, please, Lady Step.”

Step’s expression did not change. “You… are hopeless.” Yet she approached him, wrapping her arms around his neck. Their muzzles touched, and shortly after they were cheek to cheek, chest to chest, tails entwined.

“She’s coming,” Ra said. “It’s time… it’s time, it’s time…” Despite how long he’d thought about this moment, his heart still pounded. Something primal, he imagined. Self-preservation. A Dragon’s pride to live through any struggle. But he was past that. He had ascended into being Star’s little demigod long ago. But now, after conjuring a single freak storm, he felt mortal again.

It was wonderful.

And now, he was ready to take full advantage of his mortality. A charge formed in the skies above him and the world flashed. Lightning struck him: straight through his spine and into the ground. He collapsed instantly, and his vision and hearing were gone completely. But he could still feel. He felt the pain of the electricity rocketing through him, the charred scales and flesh of his mortal body, the tense muscles spasming.

He grunted and convulsed—somehow, his hearing returned, though not his sight. Or perhaps it was simply too dark to see. And his own breathing was raspy. He tasted something metallic. Something was partly missing in his mouth. What was it? Oh, it was probably his tongue. He must have bitten it when he had been struck. No matter. He was still alive, and that was irritating.

Even with his ringing ears, Star’s pleading was the loudest of all. He refused to listen. He couldn’t believe how durable his mortal body was. Could he stand?

He knew physical pain. He knew all sorts of physical pain in his long life. But in his isolation, the few mental wounds he sustained cut deeper than any battle. His immortal body healed from those.

Regrets lasted much longer.

“This way!” Ra shouted.

“Pops!”

“Daddy!”

Ra scooped the two Jangmo-o just in time to evade an incoming blast of Fairy energy. The explosion grazed him and boiled his aura, but he refused to stumble. He ran faster, his two daughters fixated on something behind him. Step, the Aggron, was still holding them off. He didn’t even get a look at what it had been, only the blast that had rendered his tail nothing but a numb lump that dragged behind him.

Step roared, slamming her tail on the ground, as a flurry of ice obscured everything around her. Something else screeched; the mutant fell in a frozen heap, but two more took its place, and Step had to retreat.

Ra couldn’t shout for her. They’d know his location. His kids were still too weak to fight back. They could only thank the stars that it wasn’t an actual Hunter that had found them and only a rogue squad of mutants. But even if they killed them, they’d somehow find out about their presence; they’d have to relocate yet again.

“Mom…” Cent said, shivering. “Is she okay?”

Ra rubbed the back of Cent’s head and tapped the great scale on her forehead. “Your mother is too strong to fall to them,” he lied. He then set them down.

Kana knew immediately. “Dad, wait—”

“Stay here,” Ra said. “Don’t move.”

“Wait!” Cent shouted.

“Shh.”

“We want to fight, too!”

The fire in their eyes made him proud. He’d have to do something to comply with their requests, but now was not the time.

“You’re too weak.” It stung for Ra to say that, and he knew it’d hurt them even more, but it was true. “Stay here.”

They watched helplessly, but they obeyed, and Ra ran through the forest just in time to see Step’s icy arm shatter into pieces.

The Kommo-o was still alive. He slowly stood up, trembling, as his claws dug into the dirt. That Mystic power was almost completely gone. All that was left was the residual power of his spirits. They were persisting enough to guide the wild Pokémon his way. But if he was alive when she arrived, the whole plan would be pointless. He’d have nothing to give her.

There was something in his chest. He realized only seconds later that it was his heart, struggling to beat. But it would last too long. His Dragon pride refused to let him die, even now. “Cursed power… even as a mortal, I’m too strong for myself…” he wheezed. “No matter… I only need… to…” He raised his right hand up, claws clenching. “Star,” he said, barely able to hear her begging cries. “This is for you.”

His claws lit up with blue, dragon fire. For just one second, he hesitated, his mind envisioning those long, indigo flames carving into him. But that was all he spared for himself. He took one last breath.

“It’s my turn.” Step glared at Ra, her one hand squeezed tight. The other one was nothing but a slowly regenerating, icy nub.

At least she wasn’t totally armless by now, but those attacks by the mutants had harmed her so badly that not even Orans could heal them properly. It had been a moon.

“Nonsense, Step,” Ra said. “I will hunt. I know a patch of berries, too. You can rest with—”

“It’s my turn,” Step said, slamming her tail on the ground. Cent and Kana flinched, neither one wanting to interfere, yet they watched from the side in their little, dark cavern of leaves and twisted Dungeon walls.

“W-we’ll be fine. There’s still some food left,” Cent said. “You guys don’t need to eat anyway! We’ll… um…”

Step was already walking away, leaving Ra no choice but to stay behind with them. He could only pray to Star that she would return safely.

The crestfallen faces of his daughters haunted him. Cooped up in the cave without a chance to leave; the spirits helped teach them how to live normally, and perhaps one day they would be able to, but…

They were still hiding from the mutants and the Hunters. They were too weak to fight back, but he could see the Dragon fire within their hearts.

“Cent,” Ra said. “Kana.”

They looked up, helpless.

“If you want to fight with us,” he said, “we need to train.”

At first, they were confused, but then their eyes lit up. Ra’s expression mirrored theirs.

Claws plunged into his chest.

“GHHAAAAAAAAUUUU—”

Ra couldn’t scream after half of a second. The pain was immeasurable. He forgot what it was like to feel that mortal sort of pain. As a Guardian, he always dulled it. No such luxury blessed him this time.

That meant it was working.

Ra pulled his claws out, convulsing. His mouth tasted nothing but metal. It was too dark to tell what he had pulled out, but it felt very important. He tossed it aside. He wanted to go again. He wasn’t dead yet. Had to keep going. Star’s voice had fallen silent. In fact, everything was silent. It was odd. That pounding in his ears had been so persistent seconds ago.

In that last, fleeting moment, Ra felt something new and warm—no, hot—inside his chest. And it was one of the few things that lit up the stormy night. He recognized that cursed glow. The dim, yellow glow, like his soul—but it was anything but. If anything, it had been his soul’s prison. The Electric Orb. It had returned, no longer finding any use in its host.

With the very last of his strength, Ra brought his hand into his chest and pulled it out; blood fell away from its smooth surface easily. He gave it a weak toss forward—it was all he could manage—and fell backward with a smile on his face.

Cent lay crumpled on the ground with labored breathing and an open wound on her side. The little Dragon tried to move, but one of her legs was bent at an odd angle.

Ra watched with cold indifference. “You’re still weak. Try harder. Stand.” He cleaned the blood off of his claws with a flick.

Step—her arm was fully healed, now—watched with an open mouth. She shook her head, stepping toward him. “Ra, you’re going too hard on them!”

Kana stood trembling next to Cent. She nuzzled her side desperately, but she only whimpered in reply. She stared up at Ra. “Dad! Stop! Cent’s bleeding!”

“Pops… it hurts,” Cent said weakly.

Ra narrowed his eyes. This was the way that his kind trained. Nothing more, nothing less. He wasn’t going to break from tradition. They were Dragons. Such injuries were trivial. They had asked to become stronger; they had been showing so much progress already! It had simply been time to increase the difficulty.

He could sense it in their auras; the light of evolution would bless them today.

“I shall not repeat myself.”

Cent gasped for air.

Ra shook his head. They had to evolve; it would surely give them the edge they needed against the Hunters. Otherwise, they would have to stay behind again.

Ra raised his arm to scratch his cheek, wondering if a break was warranted anyway.

“Ra, love, STOP!” She grabbed Ra’s arm, holding him firmly.

Ra stared at Step, baffled, and then looked at his two daughters. Barely, his eyes softened. But what burned into his memory the most was her cold glare. He’d never forget it.

First, there was pain. Then, numbness. And after a while, he wasn’t sure what he was feeling. His mind wasn’t working as it should have. With so little blood, he was starting to hallucinate. Strange figures filled his unseeing eyes. He thought he saw Star with her arms outstretched, golden wings waiting to greet him. But he knew those were hallucinations. They weren’t really Star. Because he knew Star. She was not going to greet him with such a smile.

And then that, too, faded to black. For a few fleeting, precious moments, Ra didn’t think. He was only there, or perhaps not there, with his final, vague thought being that he had succeeded. And then, like being disturbed from a great slumber, he opened his eyes.

“Bother me, will you?” Ra mumbled to the world. He lifted his arm. He felt weak all over. Every movement felt like a chore and—in a brief moment of panic—he thought he was alive again. He felt his chest—it was intact, but it felt unreal at the same time. And then he looked down.

It was his body, still bleeding a bit, though most of it had drained away or pooled in the great hole he had left behind. His body spasmed a few times, flexing the claws. The tail twitched randomly. One arm even made an odd motion toward the chest, pressing down. Ra smirked. Even when he was dead, he still persisted. Or perhaps it was some quirk of the body that he did not understand. There was no point in learning; he was dead, after all. Instead, he looked at his fading claws. Yes. Without a body, his aura was rapidly dissolving. His time was fleeting. But he had to persist. He wanted to see it happen. He had to.

And so, the bodiless aura waited. He was sure that his solid spirits would be fading soon, too, now that their source of power was gone.

There she was. Ahh, it was wonderful to see her up close. He never had the opportunity. It was ironic he had to be dead to see her, but that didn’t matter. The Electric Orb glowed faintly a few paces away from his body. He saw the fading spirits chasing her down.

Ra stood in the small den that they called their home. Yet another new one, because they had to keep changing locations to throw off the Hunters, just in case. A humble burrow in Nightshade, lit only by Mystic power. Step was opposite to him, by the entrance. Behind her, where Ra could not see but could only sense, were Cent and Kana.

Ra gulped. “I’m… sorry.”

Step’s intense glare didn’t let up. “She’s never going to fight again, Ra. You traumatized her. They aren’t like you.”

“I’m sorry.”

Step shook her head. “You cannot forget about mortals, Ra. This Guardian business… your silly Dragon traditions… you’ve lost touch with how reality is for them. They aren’t like us, Ra. They aren’t. We are from another era. We need to acknowledge that.”

“I’m… I’m sorry.” His voice trembled. There was nothing more that he knew to say. What more was there to say?

Step sighed. She turned around. “Ra… I need to go. They can’t see you right now.”

Kana peeked in from the side to look at him. Ra made eye contact. She quickly flinched and hid away.

Ra stared at her metal back. “Please… Step…”

“No, Ra.”

“Please…”

Step’s head lowered but she didn’t turn around. “I’ll… visit.”

Zoroark were such clever creatures. They made illusions that could fool entire populations, should they become skilled enough. Quite a few precautions were needed just to not be fooled by one. This particular Zoroark was the most talented of all of Nightshade Forest, able to shift whole clearings into her personal darkness.

But she was also feral. And that was perfect for Star. A well-deserved Guardian indeed. The five spirits were closing in, wise to her illusions. No matter how talented she was, she was still feral, following instincts and easy patterns. He and his spirits knew her habits like the back of their claws.

Dead claws! Ra felt another swell of spiteful joy at the thought. But he had little time to celebrate again; she was finally here. The spirits drew her straight into the middle of the clearing, and she was running toward the Orb. Her eyes flashed with interest, and by some intense curiosity, she went right to it and picked it up.

She promptly collapsed, tumbling into the dirt. Ra blinked. He thought it would be a lot harder to coax the feral to touch the thing. Still, that made the rest of their job all the easier.

“Ra!” one of his spirits said. “You did it?!”

“Yes!” Ra grinned. “I am finally finished. You may return to the Orb if you wish… but…” He stared at his claws. “But I believe I am ready to leave.”

“Shouldn’t we help her to the Core?” asked one spirit.

“What’s there to help?”

“Star will try to stop her.”

“And leave the Orb exposed?”

“There is no telling.”

Ra growled, thoughtful. Yes. She might try that. “Very well.”

And while his aura was barely able to hold its form, he floated to the orb and plunged his cloudy arm into it. The rest of him followed.

“Pops?”

Ra jolted out of his meditation. His head swiveled around until he saw the Hakamo-o. His chest rose and he eagerly stepped toward her.

“Kana! Oh—hello, Kana. How is your mother?”

He looked to the right for the berries that he’d been saving for when they visited, but then realized, just by the look, that they were rotten. It had been so long… He hoped that Kana didn’t notice. But he followed her eyes. She glanced at it, but then looked away. How polite of her, ignoring it for his sake. How embarrassing. He should have remembered to replenish it. It was polite to give mortals food, right?

Kana shifted awkwardly. “Mom’s the same as always… Can’t visit her as much since it’s so cold, but… The occasional Heart mission goes to that part of the world, and I always grab it.”

Ra nodded, clasping his claws together in thought. He nervously picked at his claws, hesitant to ask the next question. So, he substituted it with another. “You’ve become so strong, Kana,” he said. “And Cent, how’s she doing with her hospital work?”

“Good,” Kana replied simply, though she did smile.

“That’s good, that’s good.” His throat felt dry. “Will… they be visiting soon?”

Ra gasped for air that he did not need. He stared into the black heavens. There was no light from that starless sky, but he could still see his arms. They weren’t lit by any Mystic glow. The ground itself was aglow with sparks of white electricity coursing through damp, puffy clouds, somehow solid enough to walk on.

He knew that clouds did not normally operate this way. Yet by Star’s whimsical magic, they behaved as such in this place—the Electric Realm, Thundercloud Temple. Another surge of electricity danced harmlessly past him, lighting up his massive, plate-sized scales from below.

He watched the surge move across the clouds and toward a great cluster in the center of a lumpy, gray field. White sparks coursed through the strange structure like blood, revealing its building-like architecture. It had five spires—four corners and a tall center—connected at the bottom by walls that formed a square. The Core was in the center of the lower floors.

“Ra!” a spirit called.

The ex-Guardian—the very thought thrilled him—spun around, grinning. But it wavered when he saw the huge, shelled Pokémon’s urgent look.

“What?” Ra asked the Turtonator.

His shell was an electric blue with sparks dancing across the edges. “We have to help the Zoroark! Star’s trying to stop her!”

“Oh, perfect,” Ra hissed.

The Turtonator struggled to keep up, but Ra understood that he’d just have to race ahead. As a reflex, he tried to sink into the clouds as electricity. Then the reality hit him—as he was no longer a Guardian, he could no longer Electrify. He was a foreign entity in this Orb, just like Zoroark. He had to go on foot.

“Why can’t you Electrify?” Ra shouted back to Turtonator.

“Star’s aura is disrupting it, or something,” he said. “Keep trying! It’ll distract her!”

“Ngh, so she truly intends to kill her, just to keep her from becoming the new Guardian?” Ra said. “Doesn’t she realize that if the Orb is unguarded, anybody could get it? I at least gave her the charity of picking the forest’s strongest feral.”

Turtonator puffed a few times, his entire shell wobbling with each step. He struggled over the soft clouds, tripping over himself. “Ungh—go on ahead, Ra! You’re much faster! You—”

Ra wasn’t even listening. He just kept running.

“Y-yes, well… don’t worry about me or anything…”

Ra heard someone stumble toward his hidden abode. He sensed her aura before and used little pulses of electricity to guide her closer. But she was so slow… and her aura, so weak. He stood up with concern when he realized her pace was at half the speed it usually was.

“Cent… what happened? You look so different!”

Indeed, half of the Kommo-o’s scales were missing. Large plates, gone. What remained looked faded and ready to fall like autumn leaves.

“What’re you talking about? It’s called aging, Dad. You should try it some time. Actually, no. Don’t. It’s pretty rough.” She shifted her weight uncertainly. “I guess you were right after all, though. A Dragon that doesn’t fight wastes away faster.”

That one tore his heart in half. “Cent, you know that’s not true,” he said. During all her visits, he’d said so many times how strong Cent was—stronger than he’d ever be—for her tireless efforts at healing other Pokémon. She’d even helped Kana when her missions with the Hearts went awry.

“Well,” Cent said, looking off. “I just wish I wasn’t weak.”

From halves to quarters. “Don’t be silly,” Ra said, easing her onto a seat. It had been specially made—extra soft—just for when they visited. It was supposed to be easy on stiff joints.

She complied, though not without a creaky groan. When Ra pulled away, his palms felt dusty. After inspecting them…

“But your scales… They’re falling away!”

“I, uh, look, I’m getting it checked, alright? Don’t worry about it.”

Up close, Thundercloud Temple towered over Ra. The door’s entrance alone was as thick as his body and went across seven of his full arm spans. The entrance also rippled with distorted light—within, it was going to be the Orb’s Dungeon. But it was nothing he wasn’t familiar with. Without stopping, Ra went straight into the temple. The moment he did, the doorway behind him snapped into a wall. Clouds shifted and softened in some places and materialized and hardened in others instantly. His entire surroundings had changed.

And Ra stopped. “…No,” he said. “What is this? What happened? What—”

The ground below him swelled. Solid clouds liquefied into some strange, cold mush, electricity coursing through his body. He jumped away, body trembling on its own from the surge. He wasn’t an Electric Guardian anymore—and as much as he liked that, it meant he would be vulnerable. He didn’t have time to acclimate to its atmosphere. He was just a normal Kommo-o spirit. He had to be careful. He wasn’t sure what happened to unacclimated spirits that perished within an Orb. Normally, Electric spirits returned to the Core to recover. But he wasn’t Electric yet. Where would he go?

Still, it was too late to turn back. He was within the Dungeon. The only way through now was the Core. But what happened to it?

Thundercloud Temple used to be a blessed Dungeon, like all the others in the world, physical or spiritual. Benevolent Mystic energy coursed through it, providing useful boons to travelers such as blessed berries and trinkets. Even in the Orb, such things existed within Dungeons to assist in safe travel. It also helped to stabilize the Dungeon’s architecture in and of itself. Hallways and rooms, connected to one another, leading from one segment to the next.

But now?

Ra saw the wall behind him collapse, revealing another room. In it, a great fissure in the clouds revealed a black void below. Ra did not want to imagine the fate of someone who fell into it.

He sank partly into the ground. The clouds below him softened. He had to move before his fate to the void became a reality. He spun around and ran, realizing that the Zoroark must be in here somewhere, too.

Thundercloud Temple was a single-segment Dungeon. Apparently, that was how the spiritual Dungeons operated. Intuitively, the Core was near the middle. He looked up. Could the Core be above? Or is it on the first floor? Where were the stairs? The Temple had stairs leading up and down in a multi-floor labyrinth. The path was never the same. He often went into it to clear his head, as the monotony of walking combined with the thought of remembering his path helped distract him from his troubles.

The ground shook again. He just needed a sign. He closed his eyes, but then realized he had no means of sensing aura anymore. It was as if a part of his vision was forever lost. How was he dead, and yet still felt mortal?

Ra didn’t know what to think of his new surroundings. It was a miracle that he was able to navigate his way to the mountain at all. Waypoints were such a strange, disorienting technology.

An Aggron glared at him. “You shouldn’t have come to Kilo Village, Ra.”

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry.”

She shook her head. “Love… why would—"

Ra jumped. “L-love? You called me…?”

Step answered Ra with a long silence. She avoided his eyes, glaring at the walls of the hospital. “A slip of the tongue.”

Ra deflated, looking at the opposite wall. “…I just wanted to see her.”

“And risk your life?” Step asked, glancing out the window as if she’d see a Hunter right there. None came.

“Her life is worth more.”

Step grunted, gently knocking her fist against the wall. It left a fist-shaped dent. She quietly scooted her body so it’d block anybody from seeing it.

Step sighed slowly, her breath whistling past her metallic jaws. “…You… foolish idiot. You… foolish…”

“You came, too, you know.”

“I detest our similarities.”

Despite everything, Ra gathered enough courage to touch her shoulder. She didn’t resist, so he squeezed a little so it would register against her steel hide.

“Enough,” Step said, jerking away. “Ra, we… can’t be together. Two auras together are too easy for the mutants to detect.”

He knew that. He didn’t want to care anymore. If the mutants got them, so be it—it felt like he’d known Step for far longer than the decades they’d spent. It felt more like they had known each other for lifetimes, ages! To forcibly split themselves apart—he could see how bitter it was turning her. How desperate and broken their spirits were becoming.

“Please,” Ra said.

Step’s claws left little dents in her own arms. “Star was wrong to unite us.”

After some wandering, being careful to avoid the voids in the clouds and the ground that looked questionably soft, he saw his first sign of life. A Manectric dashed past him, skidding to a stop. His paws tossed up hazy vapor.

“Ra!” he said.

“Where is the Zoroark?”

“Further in—or further out? I don’t know—the temple, it keeps shuffling. It’s in total chaos!”

“Why?!”

“I think Star revoked all of the blessings. It’s not a blessed Dungeon anymore—it’s—it’s just pure chaos! I don’t think it’s even an untamed Dungeon. I think it’s cursed, not blessed! I—”

The clouds between them shot up, straight through Manectric’s abdomen. It was so quick and violent that it went straight through him, and his front half was separated from his back half. Cyan embers poured from his body.

He gasped in surprise, but then stared up at Ra. “I last saw her running that way!” He pointed his paw to Ra’s left. “Star’s trying to kill her!” And that was all he could say. The embers overtook him and his body evaporated. The remaining puff of existence flew at high speeds further into the Dungeon.

He had to follow it—his spirit was being drawn to the Core. If he followed Manectric, he could at least get closer—at least until he was too far to see. Ra sprinted as fast as he could, tripping over softer lumps on the ground.

Bolts of electricity surged through his legs with every step. He wasn’t sure how he was able to keep walking through it, but perhaps some residual part of his Electric past helped him through the pain. He saw another aura ember move past him and used that as another lead, jumping over a forming fissure before it became too wide to cross.

“The Dungeon is falling apart,” Ra muttered. He looked back. “No. It’s already fallen. Now, it’s just… shifting…”

He heard a yelp and knew immediately who it was—the feral. He finally made it. And he saw someone else there, too—an unmistakable, pink figure flying across the distorted halls. The walls parted ways for her easily, and Ra suspected Manectric’s theories were correct. Star had cursed the Dungeon, all to prevent Zoroark from getting to the Core.

“STAR!” Ra shouted.

The Mew jumped. “R-Ra?!”

Ra slammed his fists against his chest. The reverberations weakened his stance—he knew that he’d be more vulnerable to her—but he was going to do it anyway. He was dead. What more did he have to lose? He slammed his fists against his scales again, sending dragon-enhanced, sonic waves straight for Star.

She shrieked and covered her ears. Ra didn’t stop. He readied another Clanging Scales strike, knowing that this would be the best way to slow her down.

It did not last. A Psychic blast twisted the air around him and he couldn’t dodge in time. He roared when the ground was taken from his feet, spun all the way around until he was on his side. He was lucky that most of the attack had missed, or his spirit would have been torn apart.

Star floated up and flew away.

“How dare you… run away…” Ra staggered up and slammed his fists against his scales again, sending another wave of sound toward Star. It hit right where he wanted and she shrieked, faltering where she stood.

She turned her tiny head around with wide, angry eyes. The Dungeon walls collapsed around them, becoming nothing more than clouds and fog as the entire floor shifted and shuffled. Ra weakly jumped to a part of the ground that felt solid, even while electricity danced around every part of the cloudy floor. But he didn’t step wisely. He sank through the ground instantly and saw a glimpse of the void below.

For just a moment, Ra felt fear.

“Hey, Ra.”

Ra was lying in the middle of the clearing in total silence. He could only hear Star’s voice, but he knew she was somewhere inside his Orb.

“Star.”

“So… I figure you heard the news.”

Ra’s claws strangled the air. Despite this, he spoke calmly. “With life comes death. It means nothing to me.”

“Well… okay.”

Ra grunted. “It’s just fine. I’ll be fine.”

“Mhm. Sure. So, anyway, Hecto spotted her along the aura sea… so… if you want, I can—"

“No,” Ra said, no matter how much it pained him to say it. “Send her to Step, first.”

“You can always just visit her in her realm…”

But Ra knew he couldn’t. He couldn’t face her again. He understood, now, why she visited so rarely. It had nothing to do with their two auras being too much for the mutants to detect. That attack was a fluke and he had overreacted. He had played it over and over in his head for decades. And only once or twice did such an encounter happen again. All that harsh training, all that senseless bloodshed of his own daughters, for nothing.

He did not adapt. His Dragon pride, his Fighting spirit—it was too much for her, and he was too foolish to not compromise for her sake, and for their kids’ sake. This was his punishment.

“Grab him!”

A huge hand grabbed Ra by the arm, stopping his fall. The edge of his tail and the large scales attached to them grazed the blackness below. It evaporated instantly. He jerked his tail up and stared at his savior—an Electivire. The hulking Pokémon smirked and pulled him out of the pit. Just then, a Zebstrika and Vikavolt crackled past them, tackling Star simultaneously.

“What do you think you’re doing?!” Star shouted. “Do you realize that if she takes the Core, you’ll all—”

Twin Thunders struck Star; her scream was deafened by the boom.

Ra stared dumbly at the display. He only broke his gaze when he heard a crowd of shouts behind him. That’s when he realized—his Clanging Scales were so loud that they drew all of the spirits his way. They were all coming to him—all of them.

Electivire held Ra by the shoulders, shaking the sense back into him. “Find Zoroark. Bring her to the Core.”

“But you’ll—”

“Go!” Electivire threw Ra into the air with a single thrust. Something held the Kommo-o in place after that.

“What—?” He looked back to see a southern Raichu, balanced on her own tail for levitation, holding her tiny paws toward him.

“Get her, Ra!” the southern Raichu said.

He accelerated rapidly over Star and the others. Star glared and held her paw up. Ra felt something squeezing at the inside of his chest, but only for an instant. Seconds later, an Electrode slammed into Star’s back, held in place by a Heliolisk.

“Run! NOW!” Electrode said and then shut his eyes tight.

“Nooo, no, NO!” Star said, but Electrode’s body was already a bright white. He exploded, evaporating the spirits nearest to Star, but not Star herself. Ra knew this only because of the pink sphere that enveloped her, protecting her from the blast, though she still couldn’t see through the smoke.

He smashed through one of the cloudy walls and flew over another void. He tried to get some sort of leverage, but he was helpless in the air. He saw another creature ahead, flying over the fissure. Its ugly face was a relief.

The Eelektross wrapped around him and pulled him over the fissure with what momentum he had, finally letting go when they reached solid ground.

“The Core is just ahead. Zoroark is nearby. See her? There!” He pointed a claw toward a black blur rushing past the collapsing halls to their right. “I don’t know how she did it, but she made it through the Dungeon. She’s a smart feral, that’s for sure.”

Ra nodded. “Thank you,” he said. “Stop Star for me.”

“You got it.”

Near the Core, the ground felt a lot more stable. Perhaps even the shifting portions of this cursed Dungeon was unable to split apart the Core’s general area. He sighed in relief, realizing this, and focused entirely on chasing after Zoroark.

A few spirits were still trailing her. It seemed like she was trying to flee but inadvertently wound up going straight to the Core as they wanted. All she had to do was grab it. They’d force the Core to accept her if they had to, even if Star wasn’t going to allow it. That was easy enough. They just needed time.

He heard it again. Shuffling. Weak, slow shuffling, from a fading aura. “Dad…”

He rushed to the entrance. “Kana… How did you make it here?”

“Not sure myself, heh…”

Her voice was softer than ever. Shaking, even. Her scales were faded, and a few had come off in small patches that never quite grew back. It wasn’t as fast as Cent. No, this was simply age. It happened to the best mortal—death claimed them all in time. All except for Ra.

“Please, sit down. Don’t strain yourself,” Ra said softly. He helped her to the wall, where she gratefully sank down, breathing heavily to recover.

“I just wanted to see you. You know, in person. Before I… can’t make the trip anymore, heh. You wouldn’t understand.” Kana rubbed the back of her head. Her arm trembled when it did. It always trembled—it had been that way for three years, now.

“Kana…”

Kana shook her head. “Pops… I don’t remember where Mom lives.”

He remembered how she had gotten lost before. She had wandered all the way to Nightshade as if it was an old part of her memory coming back, forgetting everything else. Ra had asked Kana about her mate—he had died long ago, too—and Kana didn’t know what he was talking about.

“Can you write down where she lives?” Kana asked. “So I don’t forget.”

The Core’s chamber of Thundercloud Temple was as it always had been. Clouds formed a great dome within the center of the building. Jittering strings sizzled across the fluffy interior, all converging toward the center, where lightning whipped at everything nearby.

He remembered touching this Core long ago. He never knew what happened to the last Guardian. Or was he the first? He had been one for so long, he wouldn’t doubt if that was the case. This world felt so young.

Zoroark entered the chamber. She spun back upon realizing that she was trapped. Ra caught up with the two Pokémon that had chased her inside. First, he looked to the left at a Pachirisu. Then, he looked to the right at an Electric Typhlosion, lightning erupting where flames usually rose.

“Good work,” Ra grunted. “Now we just need to keep her inside this chamber.”

Zoroark hissed at the three of them.

“H-how do we do that?” Pachirisu asked. “We can’t attack her! If we kill her here—”

“Her spirit is strong,” Ra said. “Don’t think she will fall so easily.” He held his arms forward and upward, ready for anything she had for them.

“Stay behind,” Ra said. “Keep an eye out for Star. I will test Zoroark’s strength myself.”

“D-don’t you die, either,” Pachirisu said. “You aren’t tied to the Core!”

“I will be fine.”

Suddenly, countless blue embers flew over Ra and Zoroark’s heads, entering the Core like embers from an exploding fire in reverse. Ra knew that this meant Star just finished dispatching all of the spirits in the Electric Orb. She’d be coming here soon, perhaps even teleporting right inside. Wait. Why hadn’t she done that before?

Was it the chaotic Dungeon? Was that the cause? Why? Did she make it that way herself? No… Perhaps not.

Perhaps Ra himself had done it when he died. Perhaps this realm was in chaos because of his own spirit’s state upon death.

But the reason no longer mattered.

“Zoroark!” Ra shouted, pointing at her. “I challenge you to a—”

Something sharp sliced right through Ra’s back. He roared and stumbled forward, staring at the Zoroark before him. The illusion evaporated. He spun around and swung his arm at the true Zoroark, miraculously connecting.

She responded by crunching down on his scaly arm, breaking through one of the plates. He, in kind, responded by slamming her against the ground, pinning her down. He didn’t have to hurt her too badly. Just keep her steady. He stared up at the Core, too bright to look at directly. He brought his arm up, ran three paces, and slammed Zoroark against the bright light. Electricity and heat surged through them both. She shrieked and flailed, trying to push Ra as far away as she could, but even though her spirit was strong, Ra’s was stronger.

Hands began to emerge from the core—countless paws, tendrils, and limbs wrapping around Enet’s body, digging into her fur and into her spiritual flesh. She screamed, breaking away from it with one final jolt. Ra reached out one last time, but Enet snapped down on his arm instantly—and that was the last his spirit could handle. She crunched straight through it, blue fire pouring out of the wound. He staggered back, clutching at the arm. It didn’t hurt—nothing hurt anymore—but he felt his body evaporating. He felt… fleeting.

No. Not yet. He wasn’t done yet. He focused, and his arm returned to normal. The blue embers faded away, sealed back inside.

The Core glowed brightly. Two embers rushed past him and into it. That only meant—

“Nice try.”

Ra suddenly couldn’t feel his lower body. He fell forward, flat on his face, and used his arms to roll onto his back. He saw his lower half still standing, spewing blue fire. It evaporated in seconds, revealing Star at the entrance, her paw still glowing from the aftereffect of a Psycho Cut. How could she use such a technique? Oh, of course. She wasn’t just a Mew. She was the Mew—designer of all techniques.

Ra knew he was outmatched, but that didn’t matter.

“It’s too late, Star,” Ra said, using his left hand to point at the Core. “It’s too much to stop, now. They already touched her.”

Star’s tiny paws trembled, clenched like fists. Ra just laughed. Sliced in half, lying helplessly on the ground before his Creator. Ra never felt so free.

Zoroark hissed at Ra, rushing toward Star. The Mew flinched but then realized that she was hiding behind her for safety.

“What will you do, Star?” Ra asked. “Will you kill her? Your own child?”

“Don’t use that line on me,” Star hissed. “Practically everybody’s my child!”

“And look at how you treat them,” Ra said, holding his chest mockingly. “I’m so hurt, mother.”

“Oh, like you’re one to talk,” Star said. “As if you can tell me you never beat up your kids.”

Ra’s smile was obliterated.

Star looked down at Zoroark. The feral looked up at Mew with wide, ignorant eyes. She pointed at Ra commandingly.

Star raised her paw. Pure fighting energy collected at the tip—a Focus Blast. At the same time, countless white filaments of light emerged from her back like wings.

“You’re really going to do it,” Ra said. “I suppose you’re showing your true colors, now, aren’t you?” he said. “Pathetic. Truly pathetic. Just to keep your precious Orb safe, you’ll obliterate an innocent feral.”

“One that you tricked into coming here,” Star said, but the energy in her paw flickered.

Zoroark stared at Star for a while longer, clearly not realizing that Star intended to destroy her.

“And then what?” Ra said. “The Orb has nobody. A Hunter will get it. Then what? I did you a favor. I gave you a strong replacement.”

“She’s hardly strong,” Star shouted. “She can’t even talk! What good is that?!” She winced. “I’ll just have to find someone else. I’ll draw in a new hero. I’ll make them a Guardian instead, and we can start from scratch. Easy.”

Ra laughed weakly. “But didn’t you forget, Star?” he said, pointing at her. “It’s already too late.”

The Core flashed. Countless wads of electricity and light exploded out from the chamber, surrounding Star from all sides. Zoroark screamed and ran away, but one of the beams of light latched onto her, piercing her through her back. She wailed and tried to slice it off, but it was already a part of her soul. It dragged her to the Core, even as her claws dug into the clouds. She shook her whole body, flailing.

“STOP!” Star roared.

Electric spirits solidified around her. Countless Pokémon. Ra knew the name of every single one. He knew their Electric spirits, and he knew the bodies they used to be long before. Some never abandoned it completely. He saw the Electric Typhlosion again, blasting Star with balls of white sparks. He saw a Luxray—long ago, he had been a Nidoking, but had since chosen a different form to take, after so many centuries of being dead.

All of them barraged Star, attack after attack. Her tendrils of light exploded out, piercing through some of the spirits. The air spun with every Psychic blast. Blue embers poured back into the Core, only to be replaced by new spirits ready to fight.

Zoroark was pinned against the Core by her own link to it. She was sinking, still screaming. Limbs of spirits in the Core grabbed onto her, stroking her fur. Whispers of calm. But she didn’t understand their language. Finally, the light enveloped her completely, and the Core briefly—absorbed into Zoroark, the new Electric Guardian.

“Good,” Ra said, closing his eyes.

Zoroark fell to the ground with a thud, unconscious.

“And now what… Star?” Ra said.

The world trembled as if heaving a sigh at new stability. Zoroark’s wild heart, while terrified and confused, was not in pain like Ra’s was. And, indeed, the Kommo-o could sense Thundercloud Temple slowly ease its way back into stability.

Star stopped fighting the spirits to glare at Ra through the many bodies that blocked her view. The spirits, too, stopped, knowing that their part of the job was over.

One final Psychic blast eliminated them, leaving only Ra behind. The rest watched from the new Core that grew in the old one’s place. At this point, only his upper chest, arms, neck, and head remained.

“I’ll just… kill her now,” Star said. “She’s… she’s asleep. She won’t even know it.”

“And what then?” Ra asked.

“I already told you.”

“No, Star,” Ra said. “You’re just telling yourself that. You’re just upset that I’m leaving… that I’m finally free.”

“It isn’t like that, Ra,” Star said. “I’m just trying to help!”

“Oh, and what a wonderful help you’ve been!” Ra said, waving his right arm. “Centuries of isolation and suffering for all! Yes! A fantastic existence!” He let his arm drop. “My lovely Step was right to abandon you.”

“Just like she abandoned you,” Star said.

Thundercloud Temple was silenced.

“…I’m sorry,” Star said, lowering her head. “That… that was uncalled for.”

“It’s just like you, though,” Ra said, but he couldn’t hide the tremble in his voice. He steadied himself. “Doing something you think would be good right now… not realizing the consequences later. For a Psychic, you have surprisingly little foresight.”

Ra grunted, realizing that his arms were too weak to hold him up. They were evaporating. Now all he could do was stare at Star with what little strength he had left. He wondered what would happen to him afterward. Still, after everything, he wondered if the peace of oblivion would be preferential. Was that his destination?

“Star, if you kill this feral,” Ra said, “you’re no better than Arceus. Remember that.”

Star flinched. The temple let out a final sigh.

“I have one more thing that I want to ask you, Star,” Ra said, knowing that he’d won. “Something that… you never answered. That you always evade when I ask. The memory is so… faded. But seeing as I’m about to go… I want you to answer for me. Finally, you can be honest. Why I can’t remember. Why this person… is so faded from my mind… and yet… feels so important. Perhaps as important as Step. Yet by what I imagine is a Divine Decree… I am not allowed to remember.”

Star said nothing, but he had her attention.

“Where,” Ra said, “is Yveltal?”

Based on how Star didn’t react, Ra knew she was expecting this question. His vision was fading. He felt oddly tired. His mission complete, he actually felt rested. At some point, his eyes had closed, ready for an eternal nap.

“Ra,” Star said.

One last annoyance, he figured. He opened his eyes and glared at Star. “What? Will you answer?”

Star looked down, flicking her tail. Ra sensed that this bothered her more than it should have, but had no time to ask why. She finally answered, “…I can’t.”

Ra snorted. “Of course.” And with that, his spirit evaporated completely.

Ra stood in Thundercloud Temple. Only moments ago, his heart had been filled with more joy than he’d ever felt in decades. Both of his daughters had returned to him, and they looked as youthful as ever. In their prime, even, like a proud Dragon should.

Cent shook her head. “Like, Pops, my mate is waiting for me across the aura sea. I can’t stay. I just came here because… I know you can’t really follow.”

Ra shook his head in disbelief. Then, he turned to the other daughter. “Kana…”

But she, too, shook her head. “Dad, I… I can’t just stay here forever. The other spirits might be happy, but I don’t want to lose myself here. I have to go.”

Both his daughters turned away. They couldn’t bear to look at him, but Ra just wanted to see their eyes one last time.

“Mom already said bye,” Kana said. “She’s glad that we can move on. But, Dad…”

“Please… there has to be some way,” Ra said. “What—what about your children? My grandchildren? Can’t—can’t I see them?”

But Ra knew the answer. He was never allowed to see them—not him, nor Step. And he shouldn’t. They shouldn’t know about this Guardian conspiracy. They should live normal lives. They should never know he exists…

Cent sighed tiredly. Ra thought, for a moment, that they would actually stay. But then she said the one thing he didn’t want to hear—the same words that he’d heard so many decades ago. The empty promise.

“We’ll visit.”

Where was this?

Ra recognized it, vaguely. He couldn’t move. He lacked a body to move. All around Ra was a great, endless expanse of darkness, populated only by the gentle glow of countless auras, all moving in one direction toward a great, dim light.

The aura sea, Ra realized. So… that’s where we go. Even if a spirit dies… we still can’t rest. We go right here. We all go… right here.

The faint glow of the outer spirit world beckoned him. He let the flow take him, for he knew his daughters would be waiting.

But then the flow changed, just for him. He bumped past a few spirits, falling through their fire. He heard their thoughts. Terrified thoughts, confused thoughts. One was whimpering that it still burned. The other one was nothing but a series of hisses and growls.

A great, gray figure stood above the sea, staring at Ra with his one eye.

“Hello, Ra,” the Dusknoir greeted.

Hecto…

“I am fortunate to find you in the sea. Star warned me that you would flow here soon.”

Then perhaps I should have stopped thinking.

“Perhaps, yes,” Hecto said, “if your desire was to evade my eye.”

Hecto held out his massive hand, grasping Ra’s flickering soul within it.

Where are you going to take me, then?

“Star requested I send you somewhere specific,” Hecto said. “The typical afterlife is not a location suited for one such as yourself.”

This was the second time that Ra felt fear that night. That fear was snuffed out by spite and anger. So that’s how it is? he said. Such a place truly exists after all? When Hecto did not reply, Ra continued to speak. Know that she’ll never be happy with what she’s done to me. I’ll never give her the satisfaction that I’ll suffer. I’ll take whatever eternity you give me, and I’ll take it with nothing but eternal hate. When I’m free, I will do more than kill her, Hecto. I’ll do everything in my power to ruin her, the same way she did for us. To all Guardians. To this whole world. The world you claim to watch over. You are a blight. You and that despicable Creator.

Still, Hecto said nothing.

I should have sided with Arceus and the Divine Dragons.

Hecto’s one eye did not blink, but Ra was out of words to say. The Dusknoir turned, pointing Ra toward some black void in the sea.

“Farewell, Ra.”

Hecto pressed his hand forward. Ra flew through the sea, far, far away from the flow of the many spirits that made their transitions into the next world. He was away, now.

Ra cursed Star all throughout the void.

Ra stood outside of his den, walking deep into the clearing. The once clear sky darkened with lumpy clouds. The world roared. “You did this to me.”

“No—Ra, that’s not what happened!” Star said. “I wasn’t trying to—"

“You… RUINED my life!”

“I—I had no choice! I was just trying to help! I—"

Ra shook his head. “I’m done.”

“D-done? R-Ra! Wait! What are you doing?”

Ra held his arms out. The lightning crackled along his scales and between his claws. “The forest will burn… and with the last of my power… I’ll lay the Orb bare.”

“Gnnkk—!” Ra gasped his first breath. A horrible coldness pierced his throat. He struggled to his feet. All he could see was a gray darkness. Hard snow and heavy winds slammed against his scales, freezing him to the bones. A single step was too much.

“S-so this is my eternity, is it… S-Star…” Ra looked at the black sky. He wandered through the snow even as his scales became coated in a thick layer of ice. His limbs froze in place any time he decided to stop. Every step chipped away at the ice layered upon his cold form. “I will… for all of my existence… devote every second… to…”

He collapsed. The snow billowed over him, covering his body. His spirit wanted nothing more than to move, but his energy was gone. Everything was fading again. Step… Kana… Cent, Ra thought. I’m… sorry.

It all faded…

<><><>​

“I found him!”

Ra’s eyes shot open.

“Oops. I think he’s frozen already.”

“Don’t just stare at him—help out, Sis!”

“R-right, sorry. MOM! We found Dad!”

Icy hands wrapped around both of his arms.

“Okay, one, two—three!”

They lifted him up. By some miracle, he could still see. Tears froze painfully against his eyes. He couldn’t speak.

Two Kommo-o tilted their heads at him. They were see-through, like glass. Closer inspection indicated that it wasn’t glass—it was ice, like living sculptures.

“I think he’s out of it,” said the left one.

“Where is he?” a booming voice called.

Ra knew the voice, but he also knew the sound of her heavy, slow steps. He saw an Aggron in the same style as his daughters, see-through and glimmering in the dark. Her steps pierced through many feet of snow without effort. Her solid eyes softened upon seeing the helpless, frozen Dragon.

“Unbelievable,” Step said, putting a hand to her forehead, making a dull tok noise. “Star told me that I should be expecting you. I didn’t think she meant it like this.”

“St… ar…”

“Yes, Star,” Step said, crossing her arms irritably. “I thought she meant you were going to try to visit at the same time as Kana and Cent.” When Ra didn’t reply, she went on. “This is more than a visit, I imagine.”

“Uh, Mom, I think he’s an icicle,” Kana said.

Cent tapped her claws on Ra’s cheek. Solid. “Yeah, he’s frozen.”

Step sighed, this time using both of her hands to cover her face. “What a fool… what a mess…” She groaned. “You’re helpless without me.”

The statue of Ra did not reply.

“Come. Let’s take him to the Core so he can acclimate.” Step turned around, walking through the snow of the Ice Realm.

Kana took the front, while Cent took the rear, making sure they didn’t accidentally break some part of their father’s frozen spirit along the way. He was so stiff that it actually was much like transporting a statue.

“Mom?” Cent said. “I guess we can visit a little more often, but… are you gonna talk to Dad more, now?”

“I doubt I have a choice,” Step replied.

“Yeah, but,” Kana interrupted, “we mean more like… are you two… gonna be together again?”

“Again,” Step said, “it is not like I have a choice.”

“But you do,” Cent said. “You can just tell him to go. But… you aren’t.”

Step pressed on without a change in expression. “We’ll talk,” she said. “If he chooses, I will allow him to… stay. Perhaps… it is time we reconnected.” She looked down. “After all, there is… nothing separating us now, is there?”

Step looked back at Ra’s desperate expression, frozen in time. She sighed. “You look disgusting when you’re weak,” the Ice Guardian said. “When you attach to my Core, I expect you to be stronger. Like you used to be.”

They climbed a small hill and slid down. Snow collected over Ra’s eyes, blinding him. He only heard the howl of the wind and the sound of her voice. But that was enough.

“Star came here only moments ago to tell me about your arrival,” Step said. “I’ve never seen her so shaken.”

Despite being unable to see, Ra could feel her smile.

“I liked that.”

 

[namohysip]

Chapter 26 – Isolation​

“Enet… that’s your name. Right?” Owen said, careful to not speak too loudly. The Electric Guardian, feral? A wild Pokémon? How was he supposed to work with that?!

The Zoroark stared uneasily at Owen. The Charmander was never good at reading wild expressions. Was she afraid? Happy? Defensive? Angry? It could be anything. Their culture was entirely alien to him, if he could call it a culture… Maybe it was just instincts. Oh, if only his perception wasn’t so dulled as a Charmander. Maybe he’d get a better clue. He just had to guess. How would wild Pokémon normally behave?

Owen took a careful step forward. Perhaps not the best move, Owen considered. He saw the Zoroark tense and he reversed. “Sorry,” he said. “Enet?”

Her ears flicked.

“I’m… I’m a friend. Oh, um…” Owen carefully moved his arms. Enet watched every movement, especially when he put them into his pouch. Slowly, making sure he made no sudden movements, he pulled out an apple. Enet lost her tension when she saw the red fruit, but still stared uneasily.

“Here.” Gently, he rolled the apple toward her. It stopped a few inches from her feet. Without taking her eyes off of him, she reached down and held the apple, tentatively sniffing it. She took a bite and lost sight of Owen for only a split second. Immediately, she looked back at him; Owen sensed her aura flare with panic at just that moment. When Owen didn’t do anything, Enet’s tension faded, but not as much as before.

He took another step back, trying to look as nonthreatening as possible. But what would she be afraid of? She was at least thrice his size… Maybe it was his flame. But if he transformed now, it would just startle her.

“I—I’m not gonna hurt you,” he said. “I’m here to help. Okay? Enet?”

“Enet,” the Zoroark finally repeated.

Oh, thank goodness, she can actually talk! Owen tried not to look too excited.

“Yeah, Enet,” Owen said. “Do… do you know that’s your name? Enet—if you know that, and you can say your name—does that mean you can actually talk?” It wasn’t so helpless after all. Still, she was definitely wild to an extent…

The Zoroark took a long time to answer. She was halfway done with the apple. “Talk,” she said. “No.”

“I—I mean, you can kinda talk,” Owen said.

Enet growled.

“S-sorry, I didn’t want to patronize or anything…”

Enet growled more.

“What?” Owen squeaked. “I—I’m sorry!”

Enet chomped on the last of the apple and turned around in a huff. She started to walk away.

“Enet?”

She wasn’t watching him anymore—did she feel safer?

“Wait!” he called, walking after her, just fast enough to keep up, but not get closer.

The walk was surprisingly long. The Zoroark made specific turns; they seemed random, but Owen had a feeling she knew where she was going. Every so often, Owen spoke up, but Enet would usually only reply with a huff or a growl. It wasn’t until at least several turns that he actually got a meaningful response.

“Um… so you’re the Guardian? Electric?”

Enet huffed and flicked her tail. Little sparks flew from her fur.

“Wow! Yeah, that’s it alright… Cool… I’m the Grass Guardian,” Owen said. “See?” He waved his hand, turning it green.

Enet wasn’t even watching, and more silence ensued between them.

“Um… do you like apples?”

“…Apples. Good.”

Owen thought he’d hallucinated the response. It took him a few seconds to come up with his own. “Okay, that’s good. Apples are good.”

“Good.”

Owen nodded. “Um… how… much do you know? How to talk?”

“Words.”

“Yes, you know words.”

Enet growled at him again.

“What?”

“Not stupid,” she said.

“Oh!” After that, Owen nearly said, ‘So, you know that word,’ but managed to save his own life by refraining. Instead, he said, “Sorry.”

They made a few more turns. The cave was getting even darker. How deep did this burrow get? The ground was starting to feel compact, like rocks…

“Do, um… are you… wild? Always wild?”

Enet took a bit of time again, but then she shook her head. “No.”

“Oh, so you used to be… not wild?”

“No,” Enet said.

“Um…” Owen hesitated. “So… you’re wild?”

“Yes.”

“Always wild?”

“No.”

“But you used to be wild… wait… um…”

Enet snorted, impatient. “I know words.”

“Oh, yeah. Yeah, you do.” It took a few seconds for him to realize what Enet meant. “Actually, about that—who taught you…”

Enet waved her arms around, briefly shifting her appearance until she resembled a Mew. Then, she reverted back to normal. Owen made a mental note that this Zoroark’s illusions were well above average.

“Oh! Okay, okay, I get that,” Owen said. “Star taught—wait… s-so you really were wild when you got the Orb! That’s… that’s crazy! How did they accept—”

Enet was growling again. Owen recognized this as her way of saying he was talking too much, or speaking in a way that she didn’t understand.

“Sorry. Um… so… when you got the Orb… they let you?”

“No.”

“Oh. How did you?”

“I fought.”

“Oh.” Owen supposed he should have expected that response. “You fought off… the Electric spirits? Or… the old Guardian? Or…”

Enet shrugged. “Fought. Scary.”

How strong was Enet? Owen hesitated, wondering why she was afraid at all. Or was it just her spirit that was powerful? “So, you took the Orb by force? From who? Who had it before?”

“Who?”

Owen paused. So, the Orb was abandoned, or otherwise alone, and Enet found it. It seemed like when she touched it, the spirits tried to drive her away, but she was too strong. That seemed like a reasonable story. A powerful, wild Zoroark.

“Why… follow?” Enet asked.

“F-follow? Oh, sorry, I… I wanted you to come with me.”

“To?”

“My home,” Owen said.

Enet scoffed. She flicked her hair against the Charmander—the sheer force and weight of just that brush and the odd, teal bangle that kept it all together nearly knocked the tiny reptile over.

“No,” she said.

“Why?” Owen asked. He briefly wondered if offering more apples would appease her. Infinite apples for the feral? They were very food-driven, after all. But given how she had reacted when he insinuated she wasn’t smart, she’d probably take it the wrong way if he offered her food. He tried a different strategy. “Isn’t it… lonely?”

Enet flinched.

Owen saw that as progress. If she wanted companionship, they had lots of that. He could only imagine what it would be like to be isolated like that, just like all the Guardians. He saw hints of that damage from Zena. But for Enet—even if it didn’t look like she was Guardian for very long—she didn’t even understand why. She was just a feral. Didn’t she want to be with a pack?

“No,” Enet said. “Not lonely.”

But it wasn’t going to be easy, it seemed. She was stubborn. Leave it to a feral Guardian to be that way. “Enet…”

“No!” Enet growled. She spun around and pointed at Owen in an accusatory fashion, eyes narrowed dangerously.

Owen let out a small “Eep—!” and stopped when her claw poked at his scales.

“You’re… small!”

Owen’s eyes maximized. Despite the claw only brushing his chest, it felt like he’d been stabbed in the heart. “I… I’m small?”

“Too small!” She stuck her nose in the air, crossed her arms, and turned around. “Want better.”

The confidence drained from Owen like blood. Flustered, he tried to salvage what he had left. “I… I mean… I mean, why… My home is… big! Lots of friends!”

“Bigger friends?” Enet asked.

Owen stared down. “Y-yes. Bigger friends. Wait. Um—Enet?” Owen looked up. “Did you see… a Gardevoir and a Goodra?”

Based on the blank look she returned, Enet didn’t know what those species were.

“Um, big, purple, slimy. And another one, blue, with a fin, here…” Owen held a hand to his chest to mimic Amia’s chest-fin.

“Oh,” Enet said, nodding.

“Are they okay?”

Enet shrugged. “Ran.”

“Oh,” Owen said. “So, they’re still somewhere in here. But it’s so complex, I dunno if…” He sighed. They were stronger than he was—they’d be okay. Hopefully they’ll find their way out. “How come you can’t come with me because I’m small? To my home?”

Enet glanced back, staring at Owen like he was stupid.

“What?” Owen said. “Our home is nice. You’ll be safe.”

“Need better father,” Enet said.

Owen blinked twice. “What?”

“Need big, strong dad.”

Owen’s arms dropped from their fin-pose on his chest. His heart skipped a beat. The flame on his tail flashed white. “W-wait! N-n-n-no, no, no—no! I wasn’t—that’s not—NO!” Wild Pokémon—why didn’t he realize it before? “I don’t want to be your mate! I want to be your friend! In… your… pack!”

“Pack?” Enet said, flicking her ears again. “Still too small.”

“Oh, come on!” Owen begged. What ego he had left was now smaller than he was. “Others in the—uh, pack are a lot bigger, though! And stronger! We’re Guardians, you know?”

Enet looked contemplative, but then stopped walking. They reached what appeared to be a dead end, but the cave had opened up into a small cavern. Owen recognized it as her home, though there wasn’t much to it. A few fruits and berries, a nest, a small collection of water in a hollowed-out Aspear berry, and mysterious bones. Owen eyed one of them, praying to Mew that those weren’t Charmander bones. It was hard to tell. No, don’t be silly—they couldn’t be! Charmander didn’t live in Nightshade. The darkness was just getting to him. Something about a Zoroark’s den made his flame’s glow a lot less impactful on the walls.

“Stronger?” Enet said, breaking Owen out of his trance.

“Yeah. And Star’s our friend, too,” Owen said.

“Star,” Enet said softly. “I miss Star…”

A full sentence! Owen thought. “She’s really nice, huh?” he said. “Actually… would you like me to try to summon her?”

Enet growled slightly.

“T-to… see her? Want to see her?”

Enet watched.

“I can bring her right here. Now.”

“You can?” Recollection flashed in her eyes. The Zoroark made a motion with her claws. To her chest, and then pushing her hands outward in a spreading motion. “Like…?”

“Y-yeah! I think! A summon!”

“Call… summon,” Enet said, nodding. “Yes. Summon.”

“Okay. Give me a second, yeah?” Owen sat down, crossed his legs, and closed his eyes. He channeled his aura and went inward, feeling for his Grass Orb. There. Star…? Star, are you there?

A few seconds passed.

She’s coming, Klent replied. She must be in another part of the realm.

Oh, okay. Thanks, Klent.

How are you doing, Owen? Klent went on. Feeling… small?

Not funny.

Don’t worry! Amelia chimed in. When you evolve, you’ll only be half her size!

You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?

The Jumpluff and Lilligant laughed to one another. Owen heard the chuckles from the other spirits, too, and his tail flashed white from embarrassment again. Despite this, the Charmander’s mouth twitched to a small smile. He never heard Amelia laugh like that before. Fine, fine. You win.

Eventually—Enet was running her claws through her hair to pass the time at this point—Owen heard Star’s voice. Yo. Found her?

Yeah. Enet wants to see you. She’s… a little… wild.

Yeah, she is, Star giggled. She’s got a wild personality, huh?

N-no, I mean, she’s literally a wild Pokémon. She can barely talk!

What? Star said. Again? …Hm… well… okay. You want me to come over?

Yeah.

Okay.

A pinkish mist blew from Owen’s chest, forming into a cloud that was barely discernable as a Mew-shaped nebula.

“I guess it’ll do,” Star said, looking at her paws. “Not bad, Owen. Manny must’ve boosted your power a lot.”

“Thanks,” Owen tittered. “Anyway, um… Enet, you—”

Enet swatted at Star, passing right through her.

“Hey!” Star said, swatting back. The mist made a small gust of wind that barely moved the Zoroark’s fur. “Stop that! I’m not something to smack around!”

Enet flinched and looked down.

The nebula floated in silence, spinning around the Zoroark to get a better look. “It’s been a while, huh?”

Enet nodded. “Long time…”

“You were isolated for so long, you must’ve… forgotten a lot that I taught you, huh?”

“Forgot?” Enet said.

Star sighed, but then looked at Owen. “A long time ago, the old Electric Guardian… kinda got sick of being Guardian. He just… gave up and withdrew into the Orb, leaving for the spirit world. In other words, uh, died. Enet came over after a while, and… touched the Orb, and then we met.”

“Yeah, I figured out that much,” Owen said. “But what happened after? You… taught her how to talk?”

“Pretty much,” Star said. “Taught a lot of things. I’m good with wild Pokémon. And sapient Pokémon. I mean, I’m good with pretty much all life. Y’know, comes with the position.”

“Yeah, right, right. But… Enet forgot?”

“Something must’ve happened to scare Enet off. She wasn’t the most experienced Mystic, and she must not’ve been able to meditate her way back into the spirit world. And then… I mean, time washes away quite a bit, y’know. She must’ve… regressed.”

Enet growled. “Big words.”

“I know, I know.” Star sighed. She looked to Owen. “Believe it or not, Enet never liked big words.”

“I… I believe it.”

Enet nodded.

“But I guess now we’re back together. Hey, Enet” Star said gently. “Do you want to come with us? It’s safer, and it’s a lot better than living here, I promise.”

“But…” Enet paused. “You said… to stay away.”

Star winced. “Y-yeah, I did,” she said. “But we had a change in plans. Now we can stay together. How about that, huh?” The misty Mew held out an incorporeal paw.

Enet stared at it, but then stood up. “Okay,” she said. She swatted at Star’s paw and turned around. “I need… time.”

“Oh, to get your things?”

“…She has things?” Owen blinked and leaned ti the left.

Enet circled around her little alcove and picked up two items. The first was a fresh-looking Sitrus Berry. The second was a shiny rock with flecks of something turquoise—some kind of lucky stone. However, Owen’s extensive knowledge of Dungeon texts recognized that it had no use in a Dungeon or in battle. It was just pretty.

Owen paused, thinking. That stone reminded him of something, but what was it?

“Hey, Enet,” he suddenly said. “I have a pretty stone, too.”

“You do?!” Enet said. “Show me!”

Owen giggled and dug through his bag. “Look!” he said, pulling out Nevren’s gift. “It’s a raw Eviolite for Pokémon like me. Apparently, it taps into the latent evolutionary energy that’s stored inside of us, and makes us stronger using that! It’s awesome! At least, that’s what I read about how it works.” Seeing that she didn’t understand what he said, he added, “It makes small Pokémon stronger!”

“Wow!” Enet said. “Then, you… super strong!”

“Aha ha… ha…”

“Uh,” Star pointed, “that’s not an Eviolite.”

“…It isn’t?” Owen said. “But I felt so much stronger…” And he read Dungeon texts. He knew what they looked like, and he certainly could feel the effects on his suppressed aura.

Star shook her head. “That’s an Everstone-Eviolite amalgam… thing.”

“Wh—But it doesn’t look like an Everstone at all!” Owen said. “Wait—Everstone…. But isn’t that what keeps me from evolving!?”

“Yeah, and yet you still evolved,” Star said. “…But then again, both times you evolved, you didn’t have your bag with you, right? You dropped it when you were running off in a fit the first time, and then the next time, you were fighting Azu unequipped. Huh.”

Owen stared at the stone, then at Star. She was right. But if that was the case, did that mean—

“S-so… so this is what’s keeping me from evolving?”

“Your aura must be getting to that point where even a reset won’t keep you down,” Star hummed.

Enet growled.

“Sorry, Enet. Owen goes crazy if he evolves. So, we keep him like a Charmander. But that might not last, looks like…”

“W-well, I’ll just… hang onto this,” he said, clutching the bag close. “I don’t wanna…”

Star smiled sadly. “Hey, don’t stress,” she said. “You’re still a Charmander. And you’re fine as a Charmeleon. And… I dunno. Maybe next time you’ll make it.”

Owen felt less sure.

“Well, anyway,” Star shrugged. “Let’s go back. I can sense Anam panicking at a dead end, and Amia is still lost. Let’s find them and head back, alright?”

“R-right.” Owen looked down at the Everstone-Eviolite. As he followed the Mew and Zoroark, he kept the bag clutched a little bit tighter to his chest.

<><><>​

“Aw, hello there. Welcome to Sugar ‘n Spice.”

The Salazzle leaned over the counter, eying her new customer. Sugar tilted her head at her odd silence.

It was an Espurr with three large, brown bags filled with fruits, meats, and other groceries and treats. Since her arms were so tiny, the bags merely floated behind her, leaving her tiny paws free to point and gesture. Not that she did. She instead stared at the air.

“Um… are you okay, Espurr?” Sugar asked. “Are you looking for Spice? She’s out doing Heart business today. Just me.”

Rim’s huge eyes stared at the wall behind Sugar.

The Salazzle shifted uncomfortably, but kept up her smile anyway. She couldn’t hide the nervousness.

Rim’s eyes glowed bright. Sugar flinched, readying for some sort of Psychic blast—oh, she knew it was rude, but Psychics always got her on edge.

Rim pointed a paw at the wall.

“Y—yes?” She nervously looked back. “Oh.”

The wall was the display of all the menu items they had—all the little sweets and snacks that made Sugar ‘n Spice one of the most popular treat stops in all of Kilo. Little symbols of light appeared on many of these menu items in units of five. Others went as high as twenty.

“Wow, talk about a big haul,” Sugar said. “You got it. Just give me some time to gather them all up!” She slipped inside the back room, memorizing the order.

Rim stood in place, closing her eyes. Her paws trembled against each other. She breathed slowly. In, out. Sigh. Breathe.

“Okay!”

The Espurr jolted and nodded at Sugar.

“Aw, hey, no need to be shy. I don’t bite, much.” She winked. “Anyway, that’ll be fifteen thousand. A bit pricey, but you ordered a lot. At least it’s a nice, even number.”

Six coins appeared in front of her—one black and shiny like obsidian, and five white, shimmering coins. “Ten, eleven, twelve… yep,” Sugar nodded. “That’ll be all. Thanks for your business!”

The boxes of treats floated over to Rim and slipped neatly inside the least full bag. She left; once she rounded the corner, Sugar deflated.

“Ugh…” She clutched her chest. It felt as if the wind had been taken out of her. “Creepy little thing.”

Just then, Spice entered the store, looking worse for wear, covered in small cuts and bruises.

“Oh, Spice,” Sugar said. “How’re you doing? Oof, you look rough. Why don’t you rest up in the back room?”

“I’ll do that,” Spice mumbled, tossing her bag behind the counter. It was quite light. Sugar knew that meant her team had to use quite a bit of their equipment during their mission—or they outright got ejected from a Dungeon. “That’s the last time I do anything down south. That place is savage. And creepy.”

“Creepy, huh? Sounds like you got near the Abyss.”

“Don’t even say the name,” Spice shivered. “I think I saw a demon. And even worse, it actually started off near Void Basin! We weren’t even given the right directions and got sent to the west, not east!” She tossed herself into the back room, moaning out a frustrated sigh into the pillows. “Stupid little outlaw… Should’ve known he’d misdirect into restricted territory.”

“Outlaw?” Sugar said.

Spice clawed her way back to the front room, sliding on a set of pillows across the marble flooring. She rolled onto her back. “Sugar, look at my chest. Do you see anything?”

“Aside from the usual?” Sugar asked, pointing to the awful lightning scar.

“Yes, do you see any slashes or gashes? I don’t know if scars can get scars, but that Aerodactyl did me in good.”

“Wait, Aerodactyl?” Sugar said. “You mean—”

“Yeah, him,” Spice growled. “With Anam and James gone doing who-knows-what, we’re getting a little careless. Nevren’s doing what he can, but we’re a little short staffed on leadership. Maybe we just weren’t as organized as we could’ve been, but the guy ran off. Our team was sent to chase him down, but you know what? He’s too clever! Wore us out by making false tracks east, and after warping to Void Basin and nearly going crazy, we retraced our steps and found his real tracks to the Chasm instead. Then, once we finally caught up with him, he tossed poor Leo straight into the crater.”

“Into the crater?” Sugar said. “Is he okay!?”

“Somehow,” Spice said. “We found him dazed and confused in a cloud of darkness further west. No clue how he got there. It’s a demon, I tell you! They tampered with his—something. He’s getting checked at the hospital now, just in case, but he says he just remembers falling, and then… not falling. And then whispers. And then… apparently a warm, fuzzy hug.” Spice shivered. “Ooh, just the thought is creepy.” She paused. “And speaking of creepy! That Espurr! Did you just sell her a bunch of chocolate?”

“Oh, Mew, she was so weird. Not a peep! She just pointed and put little numbers on each item she wanted. Gave me coins and left, but… I don’t want to discriminate, but that Psychic was… not settling well with my Poison half.”

Spice sighed. “I just don’t want to think about it,” she said. “It’s all back to my sensitivity. That Espurr, the Abyss… even those two Charmander that came in. Something was up with them.”

“What? You felt something from them, too? Wait—is this that same vibe you keep saying you feel from the Heart of Hearts? I mean, Anam is strange, but you always…”

“Yeah, that slimy purple wad, too,” Spice said. “They all feel… weird. I don’t like it. And I dunno if it was one or both of them, but those Charmander—cute, sure—gave me an odd feeling, too.”

“Weren’t those the same two you met back during the Nightshade inferno a year ago?” Sugar asked.

“Yeah, but… I don’t think I felt anything back then. Or maybe I was just too stressed to feel it.” She shook her head. “Whatever. I’m just gonna nap. That alright? I’ll help out when I’m rested.”

“Sure, Spice. Rest all you want.”

“Mn.” Spice pushed herself and her pillow-bed back to the back room. Her nightmares were filled with whispers and slime.

<><><>​

“Hey there, welcome to—oh, hey, Rim!”

A Smeargle waved his brush of a tail, tipped with black paint, at the Espurr, who gave him a little smile in return.

“Hello,” she whispered.

“Here you go,” Smeargle said, flashing a paper toward Rim, about as large as her head. “Look good to you?” he asked.

It was a realistic, colored painting of a blue Gardevoir. Rim nodded.

“You know, this one brings up some old legends down south. They say that there was once a Gardevoir whose talent for fire became so strong that her hair became the same color as blue embers. The hottest kind! Well, except for purple… and clear… erm…” Smeargle rubbed his brush under his chin thoughtfully, accidentally painting it blue. “Oh, right, sorry. Anyway, I’ll take the other half of your—oh.” The coins appeared in front of him. “Alright. Here you go.” He handed the paper over; it floated toward Rim and into her bag, slipped in neatly and carefully.

Another paper floated toward Smeargle—a handwritten note. “Oh, your next order? Same style, I take it.”

“Mm.”

“Right, right… huh… okay. Okay, yeah, I think I can do this one, easy. If you want it to be realistic, I think you’ll have to wait until tomorrow morning, though. Getting a little late.”

“Mm.”

“Okay, so, let me just reiterate. Looks like this time you want me to draw a Joltik… with little pink wings?”

“Mm.”

“How big? Like, as big as the Joltik? Or even bigger?”

Rim held her little paws out. “Joltik,” she said. Then, she increased the distance between her paws by a little.

“Oh, okay. A little bigger?”

“Mm.”

“You got it. Should be easy.”

Just then, something buzzed inside Rim’s bag—this one was wrapped around her neck, much smaller. A tiny, gray Badge slipped out.

“Rim,” the Badge said.

Rim glanced at Smeargle and gave a little nod, stepping outside. Smeargle went back to work without a second thought. A small pile of coins appeared in front of Smeargle again—the first half of his commission.

“Eon?” Rim asked, rounding the corner.

“Come back home and drop off your things. We found one—the Electric Guardian. Turns out she was in Nightshade all along after all. Zoroark are really clever, huh?”

“Zoroark…”

“Make sure you ready yourself for Signal Beam,” Eon said. “But… be careful. Owen’s there, too. And the Goodra. You should do this one… alone.”

“Owen…” Rim frowned. “Okay.” She slipped the communicator back into her bag. In a flash of light, she disappeared for home.

 

[namohysip]

Chapter 27 – Lakeside Chat​

Owen located his mother and boss without incident. They found Amia at a dead end; she had been running her hands along the walls in an effort to find hidden pathways. She just happened to not find the one that Owen found to get to Enet. The same could be said for Anam, who, while lost, was much easier to track down. He left a trail of slime wherever he went, likely because he was becoming progressively more frantic at being unable to find anybody. He was usually cleaner—though it wasn’t a very high bar.

Then, during their search, they ran across a patch of black fog running through the walls. It was like smoke, but it had no scent, and it was too dark to be simple fire smoke of the forest. It was ominous, in a way—looking at it gave a chill down Owen’s spine.

Enet hissed.

“Whoa, whoa, it’s okay, Enet,” Owen said, patting her thigh—he was too short to hold much else. “That’s just James! He’s one of the spirits for Anam, the Ghost Guardian.”

“Yeah, it’s fine,” Star said, floating ahead.

The Decidueye appeared from the shadows with a nod. “I apologize for frightening you.”

Enet growled.

“Use easy words, James,” Star said.

“…I beg your pardon?”

Enet snorted.

“Enet’s wild and isn’t exactly good with words,” Star explained. “So… talk with… small words.”

“Small words,” James repeated. “Hm. Okay. I will… try.”

“Where’s Anam?”

James turned around. “Ahead,” he said. “He is…” It looked as if James was struggling to find simple descriptors for his status. “…Lost. This place is… easy to get lost in.”

Enet stuck her nose up proudly.

“Guess she’s good at making this place confusing,” Owen said. “Right, Enet?”

The Zoroark nodded. “Very good. Lost easy.”

They continued through until they found fresher trails of slime. Owen grimaced slightly. “Does he always get like this when he’s lost?” he mumbled.

“When Anam panics… he does… become less tidy with himself,” James said.

“He’s gross?” Enet said.

“Not gross,” James said, puffing out his feathers slightly. “He’s a Goodra. He can’t help it.”

Owen slipped barely caught himself from getting a mouthful of Anam. The slime was definitely fresh.

“He is more goo than dra,” Amia giggled, gingerly stepping over the trail of goo.

“H-hello?! Is that you guys?” the helpless Goodra called.

“Oh! That’s him!” Amia said.

Curious, Enet picked up the pace and ran along the hall—but then slipped on some of the slime puddles in the dirt, tumbling to the ground.

“Enet!” Owen rushed to help, and the Zoroark growled at the floor.

“Gross,” she muttered.

“Yeah, a little gross, you…” Owen pulled his hand away from her. The slime was warm in the underground cave. A thick strand of connected his hand to her fur. “Ugh… Anam, seriously?”

“Oh, Arceus, I missed you guys!” Anam wailed. The messy thing ran toward them. Before they had time to protest, Anam picked Owen up, squishing the Charmander’s body against his chest. “It was so scary! You just vanished and I couldn’t see your auras!”

“Please… Mom… hebb…”

“Anam! Can you calm down?! Look what you’re doing to Owen!”

“Wh-what?!” Anam looked down. Owen’s head and shoulders were lodged inside his chest. The Charmander screamed panicked bubbles out through the base of Anam’s neck. “Oh, sorry!” Anam said, tugging him out by the torso.

Owen gasped for air. “Why are you like this!?”

“I—I just like it like that! I, um…” Anam looked down. He was dripping all over Enet, who irritably got up and tried to brush herself off.

“Stupid,” Enet muttered. “I’m gross.”

“I think it’s gonna take days to get this stuff out of my scales,” Owen mumbled, running a claw through the ridges of his arm. Each line gave a little glob of slime that dripped to the ground.

“Sorry…” Anam hid behind his antennae.

Amia sighed. “Why don’t we just take a visit to the river first and wash off?”

“River?” Owen said worriedly.

“Oh, Owen, just go to your Grass form and it won’t be so bad, hm?” Amia offered.

The though still startled him, even after what felt like a moon or two of dealing with his Grassy form. He nodded, and they set off.

<><><>​

It took a while. Eventually, they emerged from the cavern. They walked through the dark forest with their designated native leading the way. Enet sniffed the air, flicking her ears. “…Smell,” she said. “Water.”

“Water, huh?” Owen said. “So, a river? Is it… moving?”

“Mm…” Enet nodded. “Yes.”

“Cool!” Anam said. “Let’s go! Race you to—”

“Wait!” Amia shouted, almost a shriek. “C-can you let us wash up first? So… so the water doesn’t… get…”

“Oh,” Anam shrank back again. “Yeah… okay. Sorry…!”

“Oh, it’s okay,” Amia sighed, patting the Goodra’s shoulder. She winced when each pat left a trail of slime between her hand and his body. She tittered. “I—I’m going to head in!”

The water was hard to see in the darkness of Nightshade’s trees, their tops so thick and crowded that it indeed always looked like nighttime. If it wasn’t for Owen’s tail or their natural, Mystic glow, they would’ve been almost completely blind. Amia gently waved her hands in a forward motion, creating a sun-like orb above them, shining down. The river was clear and calm, perfect for washing off—though it was also bitterly cold.

“O-ohh…” Amia shivered. “I—I s-suppose if there isn’t m-much light… it would be quite cold!”

Owen dipped his foot in. Even as Grass, he could barely handle it. “C-can’t we… w-we use our Mystic power to stop feeling cold?”

“Oh! G-good idea,” Amia said. “Just f-focus, and…” She closed her eyes and breathed slowly, dulling her sense of temperature. “Uhn… that’s better.” She sighed. “But I do miss the cold, now, in a weird way.”

“I don’t,” Owen said, slipping into the water next. “Ahh… feeling clean again. Y’know, this water isn’t so bad now that I’m a Grass Type, compared to having my tail get doused. It reminds me of taking a bath with Passho Powder so the water doesn’t make me want to die.”

He gently lowered the flower inside and pulled his tail forward, inspecting the petals. He supposed they were quite pretty, even if the Fire in him didn’t like it. Perhaps it was beautiful in its own way. He wondered how he would fare if he was in Zena’s position, as the Water Guardian. What would his tail look like then?

What would Zena look like as a Grass Guardian? Distracted, Owen’s head filled with images of what he and the other Guardians would look like if they had different Orbs in them. Owen wouldn’t have minded the Dragon Orb. The Dark Orb also sounded interesting. What would he look like as a Dark Type? He glanced at Enet. Dark Types were always so cool—imagine, a Dark Charizard! Mm… Nightmander… no… that won’t work… how about… Gloomander? Twilizard! Owen’s mouth spread into a grin. “That’d be awesome…”

“What was that, dear?” Amia said.

Owen flinched. “Did I say something out loud?”

Amia giggled. “What were you thinking about?”

“Uh—nothing. Just what I’d look like as a Charizard and Grassy. Maybe my flower would get bigger?”

“Oh, that’d be so pretty,” Amia said, grinning.

She knows you’re lying, Star said from within Owen’s spirit realm.

Then I’m glad she isn’t pressing, Owen replied back.

C’mon, what’re you really thinking? I’m curious! What’s so awesome?

Nothing, nothing! Just, uh, you know. What I might look like if I had an Orb that wasn’t Grass. Like… Dragon, or Dark.

Star scoffed. What, the Types you think are cool?

N-no.

You’re a bad liar.

Enet jumped into the lake, splashing water in all directions. She shook out her fur underwater, and a little tingling ran across Owen and Amia’s bodies.

Owen couldn’t feel anything but a numbing, tingling pain. “E-Enet! W-w-watch o-out f-for y-your E-Electricity!”

“Huh?” Enet asked, shaking out her fur again. She ran her claws through the matted clumps, heaps of mud and grime sinking to the bottom of the river. Brown streaks trailed from any part of her that made contact with the water’s surface. She dunked her head in again, electrifying the other occupants once again.

“E-Enet!” Owen begged.

“O-oh, le-let her w-wash up, O-Owen,” Amia said. “Th-think of it a-as a little—th-therapy!”

“Bad—th-therapy!” Owen shook his head.

Anam giggled and plopped down a few feet downstream, sighing. Thankfully, the electricity faded after the third wave of shaking by Enet. The furry Pokémon tended to her mane with her claws next to get the rest of the mud and slime out of her. She pulled at the little bangle; Owen watched curiously. With a little squeeze, it snapped open, sending Enet’s fur in all directions behind her. She dipped into the water, freeing all the dirt from her deep mane, holding the bangle in her claws while she bathed.

Amia sat and enjoyed the river’s gentle current, not making an effort to wash. After all, she just bathed in intense fire or lava most of the time. Meanwhile, Anam rotated his body left and right, sending little ripples around him, giggling. Owen was positive that his body was swelling slightly from all the water he was absorbing.

Behind Anam, out of the water, James watched with a little, happy glint in his eye.

Owen relaxed and looked at the sky next. “It’s a little spooky,” he said, admiring the black forest. “But I kinda like it here, in a way, too, y’know? In… in a… it’s a cozy kind of darkness, I think. Uh…”

“You don’t have to force it, dear,” Amia said, giggling.

Enet surfaced again, looking significantly smaller now that the water weighed down her fur. Her eyes were covered and she giggled, trying to brush it away.

“You’re right at home in the dark, aren’t you, Enet?” Amia asked.

“Dark!” Enet kicked her legs until she was at the river’s edge.

Anam finally dipped his body further into the water, near the deeper center of the small river. He stopped once only his head was above the surface, enjoying the cool feeling that seeped into his slime. He sighed, looking a bit less solid, lounging. Owen briefly worried if Anam would wash away completely into the river.

“Anam,” Amia said, “I was chatting with Zena a few days ago. She told me that you reminded her of an old friend of hers. Did you know that?”

“Huh? She knew another Goodra?”

“No, no. Actually, she didn’t tell me what species she was—but it was an old friend from a long time ago,” Amia said. “Unfortunately, I don’t think she’s around anymore…”

“Oh… that’s too bad,” Anam said. “Oh! But what if her friend paid visits to the Water Orb?”

“Oh, that’s true!” Amia said. “You know, maybe that’s it! We could ask her,” she said.

“A-ask about a dead friend?” Owen said. “Isn’t that a little…?”

“Well, it isn’t as bad if they could’ve been visiting, right?” Amia said. “If they were friends, they definitely would have!”

“Oh, I guess so.” Owen wondered what sort of friend Zena would have known in the ocean. What sort of Pokémon was a water-dwelling, gooey creature, but not a Goodra?

Enet tilted her head.

“Oh, um,” Owen nodded at Enet. “One of our friends, Zena. She’s really pretty, um, a Milotic, and she was really lonely.”

“Lonely?” Enet repeated. “Guardian?”

“Yeah! The Water Guardian.”

Enet nodded. “I was… lonely,” she admitted. “A little…”

“I’d bet,” Owen said. He felt a presence calling on him from within; he focused and summoned Star as a pink cloud again.

“Yeah,” Star said. “Enet might’ve gone a little crazy for a while from the isolation. But I still don’t know why she… Enet,” Star said. “How come you forgot to meditate?”

Enet shook her head. “Got… scared.”

“Scared?” Star said. “That was a long time ago. You got scared and just couldn’t remember how to meditate? What scared you?”

Enet glanced away. “…Monster…”

Owen and Amia glanced at each other, then to Anam, and then at Star. The Ghost Guardian stopped his playful twirling to listen.

“Monster?” Star repeated. “You mean…”

“Someone with… weird… strong…” Enet made vague motions. “Chasing me…”

“Sounds like a mutant,” Owen said, glancing at his claws. “…So, they were around that far back? How long ago?”

“Enet went silent seasons ago,” Star said. “Enet, did they ever show up after that first time?”

Enet nodded.

“When was the last time?”

“Few days…”

“A few days ago? Okay, and before that?”

“Few days…”

“And… before that?”

Enet paused. Then, she shrugged.

“Ten days? Twenty?”

“Mnn… forty,” Enet said.

“Forty, huh,” Star said, nodding. “That’s kinda a weird gap, but then again…”

Suspicious, Owen said, “How much is forty, Enet?”

Enet held up seven claws—the six on her paws, and then lifted one of her feet for the seventh. “Ten,” she said.

Owen hummed, nodding. “So, seventy.”.

Enet flinched and went back to tending to her fur, mumbling something incomprehensible to herself.

Owen went on. “Sounds like they were quiet for a while, but then suddenly they started getting active again. D’you think the others have a story like that?”

“No, none of them do,” Star said. “But Enet wasn’t exactly well-hidden. She could’ve been wandering around her burrow being wild, and then she got spotted.”

“Hmm…” Owen sighed. “Well, Enet? Who is it that keeps scaring you, then? Do you remember anyone specifically? …Enet?” The Charmander turned back. Enet, despite being drenched, looked puffy, sparking with small arcs of electricity. Owen kicked his legs to slowly drift away, hoping he hadn’t upset her too much by correcting her math.

But then he followed her gaze, which was locked right onto something. She had the look of a wild Pokémon that was about to get into a fight.

“YOU!”

The voice came from behind Owen, right where Anam had been sitting. The location combined with the harsh tone was so startling that the Charmander could only stare with wide eyes to verify the source.

It was Anam. His eyes were fierce, staring in the same direction that Enet had faced. No. Those weren’t Anam’s eyes. And that wasn’t Anam’s voice. It was deeper and feminine. Where did James go? Owen’s eyes darted around—curse his lack of perception as a Charmander—and he spotted a black cloud in the trees behind them. It transformed back to James a split-second later. Motion in his peripheral vision drew his attention back to Anam—or whoever it was that now had control over his body.

A close inspection—now that she was moving to the shallower part of the river—revealed a slightly thinner Goodra. And solid. Her eyes and expression… The fierce hatred was something that Owen thought was physically impossible in Anam’s body. But that wasn’t Anam anymore, was it?

Black smoke enveloped Goodra’s right hand.

Owen followed the arm’s direction. There, just beyond the river’s edge, Owen saw a pair of huge, glowing, purple eyes in the trees.

Goodra fired a black sphere of mist from her hand into the trees, right toward those purple eyes. They vanished in a blink, but the black sphere detonated anyway. A sound—a combination of a deep, deep boom, a whistle like wind through a cave, and the shriek of some ethereal creature—shook Owen’s chest.

The tree that the wad of darkness hit exploded violently in a cloud of splinters and blackened leaves. The plume of pitch-dark smoke that followed seeped into adjacent trees, rotting them instantly. They collapsed under their own weight with thunderous creaks.

Amia was out of the water by now, head alight with fire, and with even more blue embers around her fists. Enet was nowhere to be seen.

“What?” Owen mumbled. “Where’s—”

Rim appeared behind them. Goodra immediately blasted a smaller, half-charged sphere of rot toward the Hunter. She disappeared in another flash. Amia jumped away, floating a few feet above the river. Standing on an invisible platform of her own Mystic power, but Owen was too slow—and too inexperienced—to think to do the same thing. He got caught up in the blast and shouted in surprise. The shockwave made his feet skid backward. Despite this, he could still stand.

He grunted, trying to bring his arms up to remain guarded, but something felt odd when he tried. Owen looked down out of reflex and gasped.

His hands were black. Scales fell off like dust, revealing dark, coagulated blood underneath. He didn’t feel anything. The flesh died so quickly that his body didn’t even realize what had happened.

“What—” Owen said, but then he was hit with an intense, yet dull pain in his wrists. His breathing quickened; desperately, he searched for his bag near the riverside before that pain became all he could think about.

Goodra searched for Rim, but she had vanished again, just like Enet had. Then, the Ghost Guardian caught a glimpse of Owen and his rotting hands. Her eyes flashed green. Suddenly, she clutched at her face, grunting.

“No—no, stop—I hurt Owen—stop—” It was Anam’s voice again. Then, it became feminine. “No! We have to find the Hunter! Owen will live!” Back to Anam. “Please—I can’t kill the forest—I can’t hurt them—stop—STOP!” He flailed his head. His horns thrashed, cutting the air.

“Here, Owen,” Amia said quickly, pulling out an Oran Berry for him. Owen reached out but then worried that if he tried to hold anything, his fingers might give way. Amia nodded and brought it to his mouth directly. With a chomp, he took down half of it and then bit at the remainder. He jerked his head back and opened wider, managing to toss the rest of the berry into his throat by some bestial nature deep in his mind.

Owen puffed a small ember toward Amia in thanks. The pain had clouded his mind so much that he was focused only on making it better. At least some small part of him still recognized the Oran as the key to healing. Warmth spread from his throat to his chest, and then into his hands. The dull pain gave way to a numbing tingling; color returned to his remaining scales, but it wasn’t enough to completely heal it. His hands trembled when the healing faded. It still felt bruised, and the scales were paler than the rest of him, like some sort of scar.

He looked back. “Anam?”

The Goodra was shaking, too, clutching at his chest with his arms, hugging himself. Eyes shut tight, black smoke swam beneath the surface of his skin like underwater currents. Slowly, the black underflow through his body died down, and Anam was back to his normal, lavender color.

“Thank you,” Anam said quietly to himself.

Owen sighed, but his hands were still trembling with a dull pain. What was that power?

A hissing crackle split the air further upstream. Something shrieked within the forest from that same direction.

“Enet!” Owen yelled. Without thinking, he ran toward the noise. Amia and Anam struggled to follow, but the thick forestry slowed them down. They couldn’t risk burning the forest away—it had barely recovered from the last one in another region—and Anam likely didn’t want to risk letting whatever it was that had possessed him before take control again.

That left Owen, transitioning into his Grassy form, to rescue Enet on his own.

 

[namohysip]

It may not seem like it, but I've been getting reviews in private for the past few chapters. So to those who have been doing that, thanks for reading and the feedback! Here's the next installment...

Chapter 28 – Evolution Gambit​

Owen passed by a tree that had been so badly twisted that the top was touching the ground. Light shined through the gap it left in the canopy, revealing the colorful, fungus-plagued ground he stepped over. His hands, still partly rotten from Anam’s strange death fog, felt like they were being constantly prodded with tiny Poison Stings.

“Enet!” Owen yelled.

Amia ran after him, followed by Anam, sluggishly squeezing through the forestry.

Another Psychic blast came his way and he rolled; a rock behind him twisted into rubble. “She means business, huh—?”

“Enet better be careful—where’d she run off to?!” Amia said. “Enet!” She tripped over a vine. “Oh, sh—sugar lumps—” She closed her eyes, scanning for Enet’s aura while she tried to stand.

“Wait! But why is she even using Psychic on Enet?” Owen said. “She’s Dark, soPsychic won’t exactly do all that much!”

James emerged from Anam’s body in a black cloud and followed Owen, leaving Anam and Amia behind. “She is trying to disrupt Enet’s illusions,” he said. “The light is something that Enet isn’t used to. It’s very likely that if this forest becomes too bright, she won’t be able to hide. Rim will likely then use another attack. We must hurry before—”

And just then, Rim sent a strange light directly at something in the shadows. Enet yelped in pain and scrambled into another bush. It must have missed because she wasn’t dead yet.

“Ngh—that’s not good,” James hissed, nearly a hoot. “That was Signal Beam—Enet isn’t going to handle a strike like that!” He spotted the Espurr in the trees. James immediately brought a wing forward and made a motion as if drawing from a string; a feather formed from black smoke, and he tugged on a string that appeared from the aether. A second later, he fired. It went straight for Rim. She vanished before it could connect, the feather piercing through the tree behind her.

“Ngh, it’s never that easy, is it?” James muttered. “We must hurry!”

“Okay,” Anam said, falling over another boulder. Countless forest mushrooms floated throughout Anam’s body from his constant tumbles.

More trees fell. Rim was locked onto Enet, no matter how much the wild Guardian tried to maneuver through the darkness.

“Help!” Enet finally cried.

That gave her away. Rim fired another Signal Beam.

“No!” Owen thought fast. His Ember wouldn’t block it, nor would any of his projectile strikes. They were all energy-based, and signal-beam might go right through it. But what if—

Owen opened his mouth and launched a vine from his throat. It extended out and he felt his stomach drain as foot after foot of the vine spilled from him, but then realized by some instinct that he was reaching the end of how far he’d be able to extend it. It wasn’t going to be enough.

And in that moment, Owen’s teeth burst with fire. With wits, instinct, and just a touch of desperate insanity, he chomped down on his own vine, simultaneously searing and cutting it while it was still being launched. It was fast enough that it kept some of its momentum, but the horrible, searing pain that surged through Owen made his vision fade halfway. His blood tasted like grass.

The tip narrowly intercepted the blast, and thankfully, the vine neutralized the attack completely. Owen, feeling significantly lighter, rushed toward where the blast had been aimed and found Enet cowering under a bush.

“Are you okay?” Owen asked.

Enet whimpered, holding her arm. It looked like she had been grazed by the previous attack. Fur was missing the skin beneath was partially charred.

“Just stay by me, okay?” he said. The Charmander immediately stared up at Rim, clenching his fist. His mind was racing with possible ideas on how to take her down—any way at all that could break through those defenses of hers, but she seemed so insurmountable. He couldn’t even get a scratch on her before, and Rhys didn’t stand a chance, either.

If he struggled against Rhys, then what chance did he have against Rim? At some point, strategy could only take him so far…. Her barrier was the first problem. He could feel it, even from where he was standing. If he got too close, he’d run into that bubble of force; projectiles of any kind would be affected the same way.

“I’m small, but I’m strong,” he said to Enet. “I promise.” Owen then looked up at Rim, waiting for her next move. He didn’t spot a single mutant yet—Rim must be going on her own this time. Perhaps she realized that sending her soldiers wasn’t going to do the trick for someone clever like Enet.

Rim’s lack of action unnerved Owen.

The Zoroark sniffed, but then nodded. “F-fight!”

“Yeah, I’ll try that,” Owen muttered. He straightened and stared at Rim. “…H-hey! You better… leave us alone!” he shouted.

He knew that Rim was calculating her next move. She had the luxury of time—she could wait as much as she wanted, and they wouldn’t be able to escape. But something just wasn’t right about this. There was that inkling in the back of his head again. That this wasn’t just some coincidence that Rim found them, no—that there was something else going on. None of this felt right. She could have blasted them by now. Why did she stop?

That didn’t matter. She also wasn’t leaving. He had to scare her off somehow. He needed a boost—and he really only knew one way to get that. He glanced worriedly at Enet, but then at Rim.

Two lines of thought clashed in Owen’s mind in the frantic silence. How did Rim find them now, of all times? And now, why was she stopping, after she was one blast away from killing Enet? What changed?

Something clicked in Owen’s mind. A haphazard answer to both questions.

He glanced down at his bag for a split second and then looked at Rim again. “Hey! You know what?!” He dug through his bag; Rim leaned forward curiously. Owen pulled out his Eviolite-Everstone amalgam. That was when Owen saw it—her eyes, those huge eyes, bulging out a tiny bit more.

Owen threw the stone behind him. It hit the ground softly and rolled on the grass, landing a few feet behind Enet.

“Now what?!” Owen shouted at the Espurr.

For several agonizing seconds, they were completely silent. Enet had her eyes locked on Rim. Unstable power coursed through Enet—if he moved too much, he might evolve right then. Amia and Anam were slowly catching up, struggling through the thick underbrush. Anam struggled the most and was far behind the Gardevoir; he tried flying over, but that just spattered him against a tree trunk that blended in perfectly with the darkness.

“Mn…” Rim finally hummed. She looked up, and then closed her eyes. A swirl of light enveloped her, and then she disappeared.

“Teleport,” Owen muttered. She was gone, but the tension didn’t fade. It was a hot, tight feeling in his chest. “Oh—” He held his head and a bright light surrounded him. “Oh, w-wait!” he said, but then felt the power of evolution take hold. It was too familiar for him. No Pokémon should have to experience more than two of these, and how many times had he gone through it? At least a hundred… This time, he was aware enough of the process to feel his body shift and change, bones lengthening, scales softening and hardening. It wasn’t painful, but the fear that accompanied the transformation made it much worse.

He saw black sparks fly out of his body. He never understood what those were. Normal evolutionary light had no such darkness. It always felt like a part of him was being unchained, like a weight lifted from his spirit. He didn’t like what he felt when that weight lifted. He focused—he had to stay calm. Stay calm. Don’t let it take over. He was Owen. He will remain as “Owen.”

When the light faded, he sighed softly and stared at his claws. Charmeleon again… But he still felt that power rushing through him. It was flowing, building, ready to burst. The tension just didn’t stop!

“H-help!” Owen shouted. “I—I think I’m—”

A light enveloped Owen again; Owen’s fear tripled. Would this be all he could remember? His last memory?

Amia readied a special aura strike. That’s when Owen realized what his choice would be. Lose his memories all over again, or lose himself forever.

Owen was trying to resist it—but it was just too strong. What if he just didn’t evolve? That would be so much easier. Just so he could be himself for a little while longer. But it was a futile battle. He couldn’t keep it bottled up.

Would this be it? Would he even be able to revert back with the help of others? His Mysticism was a lot stronger, after all. What if he didn’t go back? What if Amia’s seal didn’t work? What if he was crazy forever?

Blackness danced around his arms and chest. The last of whatever energy it was that sealed him away was rapidly fading.

Forgetting everything, Owen’s eyes squeezed shut and he screamed. His mind became a muddled mess of wordless fear. His very spirit struggled to hang on to what sense of identity it had left, some primal fear that he would disappear taking over. That “Owen” would—

The light suddenly stopped. Vanished. No black, no white. Just his red scales. Owen felt the energy sink away. Down. Deep down, sealed within.

And for some reason, he felt something hard and cold on his back. His heart threatened to burst from his chest. His legs felt like they’d give way at any moment. His arms trembled. Breathe, breathe, Owen thought, trying to steady himself. He thought back to his meditation.

The object on his back followed his spine and touched his right shoulder. He finally had enough composure to figure out what it was and brought his hand back to grab it. He found Enet’s paw instead.

The unexpected feeling startled him enough to shout, “Enet!”

Enet shoved the thing back against Owen. He finally grabbed it. Heavy and round, and a bit rough against his claws. He stared dumbly at the Eviolite-Everstone. His fire—which had been a fearful white—slowly settled down to its warm orange and red.

“You… need this?” Enet asked curiously, looking down at him. The Zoroark was still much larger.

“I… yeah,” Owen said. “I do need this. I… I guess it scared Rim off, though, so that’s good.”

Owen’s legs finally gave out. He collapsed to a kneel, putting his free hand to the ground.

Amia finally breathed. She rushed to his side to keep him from collapsing completely. “Oh, thank goodness,” she said. “Owen! Don’t do something so reckless! What if…”

“We would’ve died if… I mean…” Owen took a second to gather himself. “I’m just glad that I’m not crazy.”

“Yeah!” Anam said. “But… don’t throw it away again! You evolved so fast!”

“Mhm,” Owen said. “I think… if I ever throw that stone away again, I’ll evolve,” he said. “I’m… am I really that unstable?”

“Unstable isn’t the right… word,” Amia lied. “Maybe you’re… just…”

“It’s too much power to contain,” Star said, summoned by Anam this time—and therefore, she was only slightly transparent. “I… don’t really know what’ll happen if you…” she trailed off. “Owen, what did it feel like when you were evolving? Were you… angry? Or…”

“No,” Owen said. “When I was evolving… I just kept feeling afraid. I kept trying to remember who I was, and who was important to me… but…” Owen trembled. “I—I was just s-so…”

Something huge and warm wrapped around his body. He abruptly looked up and saw a Magmortar holding him firmly, pulling him close.

“Dad…”

“It’s okay, Owen,” Alex said. “It’s okay. It’s okay…”

“I thought I’d forget you…”

Star, still a pink nebula, spoke delicately. “…And did you?”

Owen shook his head. “I—I don’t know, Enet got to me before that happened.” He moved to a sitting position, still too mentally weak to stand. He rubbed his eyes with the back of the hand that held the stone. “So, I didn’t forget anything. I was just…” Owen’s voice caught in his throat. “I—c-can I talk later? I n-need a second. I’m f-fine. I just…”

“Hey, take all the time you need, buddy,” Star said, looking up. “I don’t think Rim’s gonna bother us for a while.”

Owen took the time to contain himself. During that silence, Anam settled next to a rock with James. The two of them helped pluck out mushrooms and other forest debris from Anam’s body, tossing them into a pile for the ferals to enjoy when they left.

Alex refused to let Owen go. He had his cannons wrapped in an X over Owen’s chest, and the Charmeleon happily sat in his lap without protest, occasionally leaning against the left one. Amia sat nearby, rubbing Owen’s shoulders. Every so often, the Charmeleon let out little whimpers, wiping his eyes. He refused to acknowledge that he was crying.

Enet prodded at Owen’s other shoulder. He glanced at the Zoroark. “Enet?”

“Gift.”

Enet had an Oran Berry in her paws—how she got it, Owen had no idea. She was so lithe and silent that he didn’t even realize she had left. The thought surprised him—he was usually so aware of his surroundings as a Charmeleon. Perhaps the shock, the distractions, and the fact that he had just evolved dulled it more than usual. His breathing eased at the theorizing.

She bumped the berry against his snout, narrowing her eyes. “Gift,” she repeated impatiently.

“Oh—sorry.” He took the berry, gulping to clear his throat of some invisible obstruction. He finished it in two bites. The warmth was concentrated in his belly and radiated out through the rest of him.

“Better?” Enet asked.

He wasn’t—he didn’t feel particularly injured from the fight. This was a mental wound. But Enet perhaps didn’t understand that, so he smiled. “A lot better.”

Enet stared at Owen with an unsatisfied frown. She squeezed under Alex’s arm—he protested weakly, but figured she didn’t mean any harm. She squished herself between the Magmortar’s right cannon and Owen’s body, wrapping her arms around him until he sank into her fur.

“Not better,” she said, snorting. “Hurt.”

“Enet,” Owen sputtered, “what’re you—"

Enet made a strange sound between a growl and a purr, shoving the thick, red hair on her head into Owen’s face. Owen winced—it was still a bit damp from the river and smelled of mud and mushrooms—but his position made it very difficult to fight against it.

“What’s she doing?” Amia said.

“Aww,” Star said, leaning forward in the air. “She’s trying to hide him in her fur like a little hatchling.”

“I’m—not a kid—” Owen protested, hand bursting out from the fur.

Enet growled and shoved Owen back inside. The Charmeleon relented in a huff, but after a few seconds in the darkness, he started to enjoy it. It insulated him like a warm blanket. His father’s solid body behind him, and the thought of everyone else around him, felt better than even the most persistent Protect.

Owen wasn’t sure how much time had passed, but at some point, Amia spoke up.

“Anam,” she said. “What… happened back there? At the lake?”

“Huh?”

“Your… your voice changed. I don’t know who it was, but it definitely wasn’t James. It was… it almost sounded feminine! Did one of your spirits possess you?”

“Mm…” Anam held the side of his arm. “They wanted me to attack Rim… but I knew it might’ve hurt you if I did… m-my power is really, really scary.”

A phantom pain dully prodded at Owen’s hands. They always heard that Anam was the strongest Heart, but they never saw him attack. The most they saw was that ‘fun’ sparring match against Roh when climbing Manny’s spire. And even then, that was just Anam’s raw power—not his Ghostly powers. Even on missions, when he went on them when no other Heart could accomplish some task, he usually just hugged his enemies into submission, or otherwise found some nonviolent way to subdue them. He always said his actual fighting would hurt them too much.

Owen believed him. Even now, it felt like his hands were tingling from some strange rot, even though that pain was gone. His very aura was still healing from the blast.

“I’ll be more careful,” Anam said quietly. “Sorry, Owen…. Does it still hurt?”

“No,” Owen lied. “But, uh, it goes away, right?”

Anam nodded. “You’ll be okay. Um—actually, let me help.”

He slowly stood up, picking out the last mushroom from his arm. Enet hissed and shrank away, wanting nothing to do with his slimy body. Owen moved forward and politely held out his hands.

Anam closed his eyes and waved a slimy finger over both, mumbling something under his breath. A little, golden light sparked from his finger toward Owen. His claws reflexively clenched from the burst of energy, but the pain went away instantly.

“There,” Anam said. “I’m sorry…”

Owen shook his head. “It’s okay,” he said. “You were trying to help scare Rim away. But I guess that wasn’t enough.” He sighed, looking into his bag again where he had placed his sealing stone. “But Rim ran away when I threw this away. Why did she run? What if… I’m strong enough to…?”

“As a mutant Charizard?” Star said. “I think you’ll beat her. Mmmaybe. That’s why she ran. But to be honest, Anam could’ve, too. Again, maybe. To be honest, she’s been getting stronger, too, with the whole Psychic Orb thing…” Star shook her head. “No telling. But one thing I’ll say is that you’d be way more mobile than Anam. That’s probably why she didn’t run away.”

“Hm.” He somehow doubted that, looking at Star carefully.

“What?” Star asked.

“I don’t think you’re right.” He looked down. “I’d just go crazy. I feel like there’s more to it. If I evolved completely… I wouldn’t be strong enough, would I? I’d just be undirected.”

Star said nothing, like she was trying to find her words.

“Good thinking on stopping that,” Alex spoke up, looking down at Owen with a wide grin.

“More like good thinking for Enet keeping me from going too far,” Owen replied, smiling at the Zoroark.

“I did good?” Enet asked.

Owen giggled. “Yes!” Finally finding the energy to get out from his father’s embrace, he stood up, tail burning as bright as the light in his eyes. He balled his claws into a fist. “Now—how about we go home? Wanna come with us, Enet?”

“Yeah!”

“Oh!” Anam said. “That’s right! Um, actually—let me go and tell Nevren!”

Thoughts rushed back to Owen in an instant. The other answer to the questions he’d asked himself during that tense silence against Rim. Nevren.

Anam found the communicator. “He should know that we got Enet safe and—”

“Wait,” Owen said. “Don’t tell him.”

“D… don’t?” Anam’s green eyes were wide. “Why?”

The Charmeleon hesitated.

“Owen?” Amia asked.

Owen looked at her. He saw recognition in her eyes. She understood. He was planning something or thinking about something troubling him. His incessant mental mapping must be playing in his favor. It was just a part of how he was created—how he was designed… but that was just for the surrounding area. It had nothing to do with logic. He didn’t have a talent for that, did he? What if he was just mistaken? Paranoid?

“…Never mind,” Owen said. “I just wanted to make sure Rim wasn’t still around, but I can’t sense her.”

“Oh, okay.” Anam nodded. “Good thing you did. That’d be bad if I told him we were fine and then she attacked!”

Owen glanced at Amia pleadingly. The Gardevoir nodded again, assuring him silently that she would ask for the real answer later.

“Nevren! We’re okay!” Anam reported to the communicator. “Rim tried to attack us, but Owen scared her off!”

“O-Owen did? How? Did—is he okay?” Nevren asked.

“Yeah! He evolved to a Charmeleon, but that’s it! He almost evolved into a Mutantzard, but then Enet stopped it! It was so cool!”

“Mutantzard…?” Owen grumbled. “Can we stop making combo-names of my species…? Grassmander, Charmelon, Florizard… isn’t that enough?”

“Char… melon,” Amia repeated. “Who told you that one?”

Owen’s face flushed. Nobody had. “Uh—Mispy did. But she probably doesn’t remember anymore.”

“Ah,” Nevren’s voice came from the communicator. “Very good. Return with Enet so we can have another Guardian on our side, safely.”

“Got it!” And with that, Anam shoved the communicator into his chest. “Let’s go!”

<><><>​

All of Hot Spot Village was having dinner together in the square—it wasn’t anything grand. Most of it was actually centered around those who had to eat—the three others that were part of Owen’s set, Demitri, Mispy, and Gahi. Owen, for the sake of nostalgia, got himself a small portion and excused himself to his room to unwind—nobody really protested, after what he went through. He made a glance at Zena and they briefly locked eyes. The Milotic nodded, quietly waiting in line to get a small portion for herself to enjoy. She’d follow him after.

In the square, with Valle as the glowing centerpiece as usual, Demitri hopped excitedly near Mispy.

“So, he scared off Rim by evolving, and threatening to evolve a second time?” Demitri said. “Now I really want to evolve! …But stay sane.” He rubbed at the smooth edge of his left tusk.

“Mm.” Mispy nodded, bobbing her leaf. “How much longer?” She nibbled on one of the mushrooms near Hot Spot. Amia had said they were edible, but not very tasty, but she didn’t mind. It was something to chew on, and it made her tongue glow.

“I’m not really sure,” Rhys said, crossing his arms. “Hrrmn… well. I suppose that—ngh!” Rhys abruptly turned around, feeling something brush against his back. Enet flinched and stepped away. “Ah—Enet, is it?”

The Zoroark stared at Rhys warily.

“I think she’s nervous about your, you know, Fighting aura, Rhys,” Amia said delicately.

“Ah, I see…” Rhys said. “I apologize, Enet. Would you like me to keep my distance?”

Enet nodded.

Rhys flinched. He usually got a polite ‘no, it’s okay’ response, but Enet just wanted him gone. “A-am I truly that intimidating?”

“Don’t use too many big words, Rhys,” Amia said. “She isn’t very good at speaking our language yet.”

Enet growled.

“I—I see,” Rhys said. “I’ll… I’ll just speak with my students.” He shuffled off.

“Poor guy.” Amia giggled. “Oh well. She’ll warm up… won’t you, Enet?”

Enet shrugged and eyed the food.

“Oh! D’you want to eat? Well—go, eat! You can!”

“I can?” Enet asked uncertainly. “But…”

“Oh, it’s for everyone! Please, Enet, go eat! It looks like some of us went out to gather some food for everyone, so it should be just fine.” Amia nodded. “Oh, that’s right!” She slapped her hands together. “Zena!”

“Y-yes?” Zena said, jumping at the sudden attention. She had been only seconds away from leaving for Owen. She had slithered around Valle, who commented something about Zena to be at an admiration distance than so close.

“The friend you mentioned to me,” Amia said. “The one that you said Anam reminded you of. What species was she?”

“Species,” Zena repeated, distancing from Valle, who murmured a thanks, despite the fact that Willow was now crawling over the Shiftry’s stone head. “Friend? What do you mean?” The Milotic blinked curiously, as if she didn’t know what Amia was talking about at all.

Amia blinked. “What?”

“You said something,” Zena said. “That Anam reminded me of someone?”

“…I did?”

Rhys, in the middle of walking away, stopped and glanced at the two. “Is something the matter?” he asked. “Amia, you were just asking Zena about a friend she mentioned—that Anam reminded her of.”

Zena and Amia both looked at Rhys dumbly. “What do you mean, dear?”

“I…” Rhys blinked. “…What? Do you not remember? Zena?”

“I do remember someone that Anam reminds me of,” Zena said. “But I can’t remember what she looked like… Are you sure you asked me about her?”

“I think I did,” Amia said.

Suddenly alarmed at the rapid forgetfulness of the two Guardians, Rhys said, “Are you two all right? Your memory problems are even more concerning than Team Alloy’s.”

Amia crossed her arms, pursing her lips. “Goodness, that’s confusing. It was during dinner some time ago. Oh, that’s right! You did tell me the species!” She said. “It was a Lugia!”

Rhys’ paws barely flashed with the blue flame of aura, but he masked it before anybody noticed. “Ah, I see,” he said. “That’s—quite an extraordinary Pokémon to be friends with, Zena. How in the world would you forget that? Have you met her recently?”

“I haven’t,” Zena said. “You’re right. I can’t believe I forgot about her. She was such a wonderful friend…. But I didn’t find her in the spirit world at all. Yes, now I remember.”

“How long have you been away, Zena? Perhaps she’s still around,” Amia said. “Ohh, we should go searching for her! A Lugia! That’d be hard to miss!”

“Hrm,” said Rhys. “Well, another time. It’s late.”

Amia nodded, but then spotted Enet scarfing down her meal. She giggled; seeing the wild Pokémon indulge warmed everyone’s spirits. With the dinner get-together lively, Amia took the opportunity to slip away and find Owen. “Oh, Zena?” She realized they were going in the same direction.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” Zena said, shrinking back. “I was going to eat with Owen. Is that a bother?”

“No, no, not at all! I’m glad he’s making new friends,” Amia said. “Please, come with me.”

Once inside her home, she summoned Alex, and then gently knocked on the wall of Owen’s room before stepping inside. He had already gotten the Charmeleon-ready bed from storage down the cavern hall. By his tableside was his meal, nearly finished, and in his hands was a comic from his personal collection. His tail helped to illuminate the pages.

“Owen, dear?”

“Oh, Mom, Dad,” Owen said. “Hey, uh… Sorry, I was just thinking. The noise gets distracting. Oh—Zena. Yeah, hey.” He placed the book on the side of his nest of leaves and grabbed his meal.

“Mm.” Zena gave a polite nod. “Are you feeling well?”

“Not really,” Owen said with a nervous titter. “I kinda almost died and also almost went crazy back there. I think I’m a little shaken up.” Owen held out his right hand to demonstrate. It still trembled. The stew in the Aspear bowl in his left hand shook as well. “I’ll be fine. To be honest… I don’t think I was in any danger against Rim… but Enet was. And… and when I almost evolved again…”

“All the way to Charizard?” Zena said worriedly. “Why, you left as a Charmander!”

Owen tapped at the bag around his shoulder. “Nevren gave me an Eviolite, but it was actually also an Everstone. When I tossed it away, I…”

“Oh.” Zena understood. “If you tossed it again…”

Owen nodded. “But… Rim barely tried to attack me. She was going after Enet, but not… me. I think that’s something that was bothering me, too. Why…”

“It’s okay,” Amia said. “You were very strong, Owen. And you’re safe now. I don’t know why that Hunter is acting the way she is, either, but… you should just relax.”

Owen relented, nodding. It was just going to get him more worked up.

Zena slithered closer to Owen and wrapped around his bed, holding her bowl of stew in her ribbons. She looked to the Charmeleon, then at his parents, almost as if asking for permission.

Without thinking, Owen leaned back, using Zena’s coils as a rest. “I definitely need a break,” he said. But he still seemed troubled, and he knew that the three with him would pick up on it.

“Owen, you wanted to say something before we headed back,” Alex said. “What was it? I saw from Amia’s eyes—it was like you…”

Owen nodded, but he stalled for time by finishing the last of his stew. “You can’t tell anybody else, okay?” Owen finally said. “Not yet. I don’t even know if I’m right or not, I just… it’s kinda just this feeling I got when I pieced things together in my head. The way everything is starting to slide into place and all that.”

“Slide into place,” Zena repeated.

“How Rim is getting to these places so fast, and how she just follows us so easily,” Owen said. “The way she reacted when I was evolving, and that stone that’s keeping me from evolving completely. All of that, and everything before… I think… I know what it might be.” He looked down at the stone in his hand—the gift he was given. “I don’t… know if Nevren’s being honest with us.”

 

[canisaries]

She tripped over a vine. “Oh, sh—sugar lumps—” She closed her eyes, scanning for Enet’s aura while she tried to stand.

Amia knows better than to swear in a Mewist fanfic.

“Ngh, it’s never that easy, is it?”

Me today in BOTW when I tried simply killing the Yiga guards in the stealth portion and getting my ass royally handed to me.

“Better?” Enet asked.

"Better," Owen said, a Charmander again. You're not you when you're hungry.

“Aww,” Star said, leaning forward in the air. “She’s trying to hide him in her fur like a little hatchling.”

Awww. That's honestly adorable.

Owen felt a phantom pain in his hands.

WHY ARE WE STILL HERE, JUST TO SUFFER

Enet hissed and shrank away, wanting nothing to do with his slimy body. Enet moved forward and politely held out his hands.

Second Enet probably isn't Enet. Slightly funny when you think about her species.

You were trying to help scar Rim away.

*scare, I'm guessing? Or I guess mental scarring will do the trick, too.

Owen giggled. “Yes!” Finally finding the energy to get out from his father’s embrace.

Latter sentence seems to be missing words?

Thoughts rushed back to Owen in an instant. The other answer to the questions he’d asked himself during that tense silence against Rim,

Anam found the communicator.

Looks like something disappeared here.

He saw in her eyes recognition—she understood.

First part of the sentence is pretty odd, maybe add commas around "in her eyes" for better readability?

Also, the paragraph this is in has a notable density of em dash usage. They fit, but I don't know your intentions/wants on repetition.

“Modizard…?” Owen grumbled. “Can we stop making combo-names of my species…? Grassmander, Charmelon, Florizard… isn’t that enough?”

“Char… melon,” Amia said. “Who told you that one?”

Owen’s face flushed. Nobody had. “Uh—Mispy did. But she probably doesn’t remember anymore.”

Owen, you have my permission to use the thiccorita-comeback if you need it.

Suddenly alarmed at the rapid forgetfulness of the two Guardians, Rhys said, “Are you two all right? Your memory problems are even more concerning than the Alloy’s.”

Might need to be Alloys'? Not sure, but pointing it out just in case.

“How Rim is getting to these places so fast, and how she just follows us so easily,” Owen said. “The way she reacted when I was evolving, and that stone that’s keeping me from evolving completely. All of that, and everything before… I think… I know what it might be.” He looked down at the stone in his hand—the gift he was given. “I don’t… know if Nevren’s being honest with us.”

Ooh, a mole... a goat-fox-mole.

Great stuff! I hope I find the time soon to go back and skim over the chapters I didn't review to PM you some short thoughts. Or at least eventually. Just know that I really liked them! And especially Enet. I love her. she's gonna die isn't she

 

[diamondpearl876]

lol it's me again hope you didn't forget about me

This is... mostly a reactive post, in hindsight now. Took me a long time to review but it was fun re-reading my notes and re-reading a lot of my favorite parts again. Not much to criticize, which I'm sure you'll be glad to hear, but I tried to go more in depth where I could!

CHAPTER 19

“Baah, what was his name, eh… Gehi… Gaho… Gahi! Yeah, that was it, heh, Gahi. He kinda was real impressionable, I think. Liked m’ accent, tried ter emulate it, I figure. He still got that?”

Heh, not only does Gahi take on Manny's style of speaking, but also some of his personality, methinks. They're both pretty outspoken and loud. I like seeing a connection between two rather minor characters.

“Y-you have?” Rhys asked. “You’ve been attacked by these mutant Pokémon before?”

“Heh, so that’s what yeh call ‘em?” Manny said. “Call it like it is, ol’ timer. These’re artificial Pokémon. Synthetic.”

"Mutant" implies a much worse connotation, in my opinion... like, an intense biological flaw, which I don't think Owen and them are if they've directly been modified. Indeed I'd side with Manny on this one lol.

“I… I see,” Rhys said. He looked down. “…Are they… sapient? Can they speak? Beyond Azu and your best…”

Manny strikes me as the type to be able to handle the modified 'mons better than anyone... though I'd be afraid he'd just kill them and have no remorse for it, if the way he trained Owen is anything to go by. I get it's necessary, but he just seems to be harsh mostly for the fun of it, haha.

Rhys sighed. “I thought that without Nevren, the other Hunters wouldn’t have been able to continue the project,” he said. “Clearly, I was wrong. Nevren is going to be very upset about this.”

OKAY BUT after chapter 28's ending... WAS THIS SERIOUSLY a sign that Nevren's still involved??? goddamn it I should've known. Too much delicious secrecy and drama in this fic I love it.

I can’t do that anymore, Owen, Star said softly. Now that you’re Mystic… I just can’t take those memories away. The seal won’t work anymore. Like gluing paper on a wet bulletin board… It just won’t stick, Owen.

Hasn't she been stripping his memories while he's been mystic so far, though?

CHAPTER 20

“You could have burned ‘em,” Manny said, looking at Amia.

“O-oh, I wouldn’t…” the Fire Guardian shook her head. “I don’t think that’s… my choice to make.”

“They deserved marked graves,” Rhys said.

I liked this scene a lot to highlight the differences between Manny and the others. I've also never thought about using fire-types for cremation purposes, but... that's a morbid worldbuilding idea I can get behind.

“Well, how ‘bout this, then,” Manny said. “Yer paw glows, that counts as a win. Sound fair teh you?”

I never took Rhys for the daredevil type.

His two paws glowed with a bright, blue flame—and then, with a sudden flurry of power, that flame spread up his arms, over his shoulders, over his head, and then down his torso and legs, ending only when his feet were engulfed in a great fire.

Oh dear, I'd kinda argue that Rhys glowed here and lost, what with the brightness of his paw...

“Heh. Faith. That’s a good one,” Manny said, looking away. “Before I got into this Mystic business, I figured all those stories about Mew an’ Arceus were jus’ that. Stories. ‘Cause I work with facts. Solid, tangible facts. Somethin’ I can punch, eh?” He threw his fist weakly in the air. “Even now, I’m gonna work with that.”

Love this bit of dialogue tbh. Flows so smoothly and it's so... Mannylike, lmao. Which says nothing except that his character's shining through for what little screen time he's had already.

“He was hurting,” Amia said. “He said it was in his chest. Like he had to fight, his body was moving like he had to fight, but he wasn’t actually fighting. Too much… energy. I told him to breathe and meditate, and it worked a little, but… oh, if I waited a little longer, maybe he would’ve…!”

Mm, it might've been cool to see this scene, but I understand why you omitted it, what with the lack of answers at that point in time.

CHAPTER 21

Team Alloy nodded. “If Owen thinks it’s too much for us,” said Demitri, “then we’ll wait, too.”

It takes a remarkable amount of patience and trust to be able to wait over an existential crises like theirs... Really speaks to their characters tbh.

“I know, Owen, I know,” Amia said. “It’s so much… but you’re so strong, Owen. We’re here, too. Ohh, it’s okay, let it out… let it out…”

I've been happy to see more of Amia, really. I think she's kind of the glue for the entire growing cast, even if Owen's the main character. That's what motherly people are for, I guess. And she's definitely acting more motherly than before, now that some of the secrets are out.

Mom said not to talk to cosmic strangers.

I lol'd. Wow, Owen. Just wow.

Wait. Arceus—shouldn’t he be showing some form of respect?! He quickly got to his knees. “I—it’s an honor for me to see You!” he said. “Wh-what can I do f-for You?”

This is... quite a shift from how Owen treated Star during their first meeting. Hmm...

“Certainly,” Arceus said. “I will free them of their Mystic responsibilities, too.” He held out his hoof again. “Do you accept, Owen?”

Arceus drives a hard bargain. And you can tell it hurts Owen, wanting to help his friends and knowing how lonely Zena and them have been as Guardians, but. I think he makes the smart choice here, even if I don't think he should totally trust Star, either.

Also, Star's Barky nickname for Arceus = amazing.

Owen spoke before his mind could stop him. Even after he said it, he had a doubt. Arceus still didn’t answer his question. But perhaps he could make an exception? Surely he had a grand scheme of some kind. It would probably take too long to explain. Arceus was probably a very busy Pokémon. Did he get paperwork?

PAPERWORK?! Owen, you're killing me.

Oh, I'm sure he's busy, Owen. Star is, too. But even she takes time to listen and talk things out when she deems them necessary. Anyway, I wonder how a more religious character would've acted in his place...

CHAPTER 22

“D-don’t panic, Owen! You’re fine!” Star said, holding his right shoulder. “Uh—oops,” she said. When Star pat him, his entire arm fell away, floating in front of him.

HMMMMMM

Star nodded. “Owen… I think it’s time that we explain to you why you’re so important in all this. I mean—I don’t think we can tell it… tell it all just yet, but at least what sets you apart from the others.”

You mean aside from the fact that I’m a freak of nature, Owen said.

“Yeah, actually,” Star said. “There’s more to it. Want to come along, Hec?”

Weird to think of Hec and Star as an item. But uh, of course there's something special about Owen. At any rate, you've been handling pretty well spacing out all these secret reveals, IMO... and, even better, there's still more to come, re: possible Nevren betrayal! Knowing how reactive Owen can be to everything, I do wonder whether he'll end up being able to trust the group he's traveling with. He may love them, but... those he loves have been hiding things from him left and right, and now, even Rhys seems to be hiding things from Zena (not 100% new) and Amia (to my knowledge, 100% new). It makes me, as a reader, kind of question the legitimacy of what I'm reading - not in a bad way, but I do wonder if what I'm reading will be upended a few chapters down the road with new information. It's an interesting rollercoaster.

Owen bobbed in the air and concentrated. First, he felt his legs return to him, and then his tail and waist. Then came his belly, and then his arms, and finally his head; next, from his back, two large wings sprouted, followed by two horns on the back of his head.

Star blinked, but then smiled sadly at him. “Oh, Owen…”

why you tryna break my heart

I hope this fic ends (a long way off, I know) with Owen permanently being a Charizard. ;o; He deserves it.

“Yeah, you’ve got special powers, and maybe a few perks from being genetically crafted by crazy aura-bio science, but… the main difference that you have between all the others? It’s that you aren’t… aligned with Barky yet.”

“What? You mean they all made a Divine Promise to him?”

“Yes,” Star said. “But Barky didn’t see them as a threat. He made them Promise… to never gather the Orbs together into one person.”

Well, gathering the Guardians in one location seems dangerously close to breaking that divine promise, if something goes wrong. I'm surprised no one's mentioned Owen possibly meeting up with Arceus before. Or maybe they thought nothing of it because, well, it's Arceus, and why distrust Arceus, right?

“Owen,” Star said. “Times… change. And leaders… that are in power for too long… can lose touch with the world they rule. Don’t you think?”

Yo Star I hope you're counting yourself in that statement. That is all.

“There’s… a lot that I don’t know if I’m ready to tell you, or anyone,” Star admitted. “But… you saw how Arceus was to you. That wasn’t some exception. He’s just like that, now. High and mighty, forgetting that he works for mortals, not the other way around.”

All right, the "or anyone" part got me here. Everyone's got their secrets, and it sounds like Star's got some particularly burdensome ones. It must be hard.

But you know what? I think we can do better than sit in our kingdom and stare down at the world. If you guys are forgetting about us, we aren’t doing a good job, are we? I know we can do better.”

Star's been meddling around for a while, though, right? So this bit doesn't quite make sense to me, though the message on its own is sound.

Star smiled slightly. “…No. It’d be wrong of me to ask you that now, of all times, huh? Okay. No Divine Promise from you. But… can you just give me a regular promise that… you’ll hear me out when the time comes?"

I'm really glad Star didn't properly ask for a Divine Promise here. Indeed it'd have been terrible timing. I may not like her, but really, you're doing a good job with her character. She's very transparent in a lot of ways and mysterious in others - a balance that takes skill, in my opinion. As for Owen, I don't blame him one bit for being skeptical about all this.

“I mean, you were planning to ask me this some time anyway, right? To pledge… loyalty to you, or something.” Owen looked down. “I’m just not comfortable doing that, Star. To anybody. Because that’s not what it means to be a Heart.”

“Not what it means to…?”

Owen shook his head. “Hearts aren’t loyal to Anam. We fight for the world and everybody in it. We’re supposed to keep them safe.”

Oh, Owen, you put it perfectly. D: Anam's a good leader, and a powerful one at that, but knowing his personality... this is what he'd want the Hearts to believe, I'm sure.

“I apologize,” Hecto said. He stepped out from the bushes and bowed to Owen. “You already met my Dusknoir manifestation, yes? I monitor the flow of the spirits transitioning into the spirit world, but most of my copies are dedicated toward observing the living realm. I suppose you can call me Star’s eyes.”

Ohhh, interesting use of a ghost-type. I wonder if it has anything to do with Anam's strange ghostly powers shown in the recent chapter?

CHAPTER 23

He wondered if it was true that spirits held grudges for much longer than mortals.

In theory, that's likely, since spirits have forever and then some to dwell on it.

The bushes breathed out a whisper. Owen gulped, wondering if this would trigger any memories, but held strong.

I give Owen a lot of credit here, and Amelia, too, of course. It's not every day that you're forced to face someone you killed but don't remember killing... and it's not every day you face your killer. Yet both are determined to fulfill their respective roles, and I think it turned out well. Seems to be bring some peace of mind to Owen, a little, too. <3

“I’m sorry,” Owen said. “I… I wish I could’ve stopped myself back then.” He felt a pit in his stomach when he didn’t get any new memories from seeing her. He wanted to know what happened, and not knowing somehow made it worse.

Probably because she has to remember and feel all the pain while he lives blissfully unaware like he has been for god-knows-how-long.

“Mm, I believe so. You went on small-scale missions quite often.” Rhys looked down at Owen. “Do you remember any of that?”

“Not yet,” Owen said. “What sorts of missions did I take?”

I'm glad to see Rhys finally be a little more open with Owen... He's been reserved for far too long. And on the flip side, I'm glad a lot of the group are relieved to not have to maintain a facade anymore. It's made for an interesting shift in character dynamics.

Zena watched. “Does it ever bother you that your leader is an adult hatchling?”

“Yes,” Rhys said.

“I dunno, I think it’s kinda cute,” Owen said.

Knowing now that Nevren is kinda suspicious of things... and seeing the weird ghostly powers with James coming and going from Anam... I can't help but wonder if they're taking advantage of Anam's kindness and childishness. Ugh.

He had a pang of guilt whenever he looked at the Froslass. Based on how she hovered protectively over the produce… he had an idea why.

Hey, he'd probably have a harder time not lighting the store on fire as a bigger charmeleon/charizard. :V

Shelves were lined with samples to pick from, though Owen was a bit too short to see most of them. Thankfully, a menu had been commissioned by some Smeargle long ago to illustrate most of the items.

Ohh, I love this use of smeargle! Definitely an underused 'mon in fics. <3

“You practically vanished from us,” Zena said. “One moment, Rhys and I were looking at one another to chat—it’s polite, after all—and I look back to see you, and you’re gone!”

All right, Deca is fucking weird, man. What's his deal? But at the same time, I love seeing the two charmanders marvel over being, well, two charmanders. So give moar Deca, pls&&ty.

CHAPTER 24

Why did that not settle right? Deca didn’t seem like a normal friend. He knew that for sure. He shook his head. It was a memory still locked away.

My best guess is that Deca's basically Owen in another lifetime, with all his memories intact. Basically, what Owen would've been like without all the modified 'mon nonsense screwing up his life in the present.

“If this way that Owen is now is just… him being suppressed… and sealing away his memories and stuff… and in the end, when he evolves, he becomes… that… then who’s the real Owen? His suppressed form, or his…?”

It was as if Willow was pulling from Amia’s deepest fears. The Gardevoir was frozen in place.

As Owen's mother, I'm sure she's been wondering and battling these thoughts for a long time. To have Willow, a seemingly childish and naive lil joltik ask such profound questions... Well, doesn't seem that anyone has the answer, because there's no simple answer. Poor Owen.

Azu’s second fist slammed into Owen’s chest, rupturing his lungs. He couldn’t breathe.

Sheesh, Azu. I'm glad you explain that Mystics can take a little better of a beating than normal 'mon, kinda like in Bleach with their Soul Reapers taking more to die than a regular human. But this seems pretty brutal in particular, not even letting the poor charmander celebrate for two seconds.

“Mm, yes. My name is Yen. It takes a lot of energy to do this, but I suppose this would be easier for a lesson. I always was the better teacher, ironically.”

“Ironically?”

Yen chuckled. “Ah, just thinking. You’d expect Manny, as Guardian, to be better than me. In any case. You wished for an explanation on Mysticism?”

I'm with Yen here. :V I wonder what would happen if Owen or some other modified 'mon switched places with a spirit...?

Yen nodded. “Guardians can bend reality just a slight bit more, harnessing the same power that the Creators used to craft the world.”

Owen gulped. “That’s… not what my power feels like at all.”

“You’re still weak,” Yen said.

He says, as Owen's power has to be contained. :V But really, I appreciate this lesson as a reader, too. A group like the Guardians is bound to be complicated, but you as the writer also help it make sense rather easily.

Consider it… an at-death experience. Right up to Dusknoir’s Door, hm? But then you turn around and return to the living. But every time that happens…”

Man, that's gotta be terrifying, lmaoo. But it builds mental fortitude, I'm sure. Does this have any effect on Owen still being a charmander being reversed from a charizard over and over, though? Like, is his body more susceptible to death because of all the severe biological changes over 493943 years?

What stays when everything else goes. That… is the soul.”

Sounds like an official quote. I dig it.

“But I didn’t pass out, so let’s keep going!” Willow said.

“I—I can’t do this,” Amia said, turning around. “I’m sorry, I just—ow!”

Don't blame Amia here. Willow's a Guardian, but she acts just like a kid and is the size of one... A lot of them are eclectic and seemingly fragile like that, really, especially Enet most recently.

“…If someone like you raised Owen…” she trailed off. “…and if he took on even the littlest fraction of how you are…. I see why you think he can overcome that battle instinct he’s stuck in.”

Oh NOOOO this is so sweet. <3 I'm sorry I called you a kid, Willow. You're wise beyond your years.

CHAPTER 25

“Aww, thanks!” Anam giggled. “But I think I’m a little thicker than a Muk,” he rubbed his cheeks. His fingers sank into his face, slime merging into slime.

Okay, but now I want to see a muk character that's also Anam's best friend. I will pay to see this happen pls.

“B-but it’s scary…” Anam said. “It’s not just spooky Ghost powers, it’s—it’s a lot of things, you know?”

Like Nevren's and Rim's powers and more? Cough.

“Nightshade Forest…” Owen mumbled, rubbing his head. “That sounds… really familiar…”

“Don’t think too hard, Owen,” Star said.

;_;

I wonder if this is why Owen and Enet take such a liking to each other right off the bat.

“I don’t like when they do things like Scary Face,” Anam mumbled. “It makes my heart go all thump-a-thump!”

“Do you even have a heart anymore?” Owen said.

Well, I hope the leader of the Hearts has a heart...

“Nevren has a lot of crazy ideas,” Anam said. “But they’re really cool, too. Did you know that he’s starting to make these special devices that can keep food cold for a long time? And you won’t even need Ice Types, either!”

But ice-types are already the weakest type and need something to keep them up in status! Nah, but seriously, I like the idea of an inventor pokémon, even if Nevren's inventions aren't quite done in everyone's best interests after all. He's always been kinda aloof and quirky, but I never would've thought he'd end up siding with Rim or any of them after having sworn off the Hunters with Rhys.

Putting his faith in Klent, Owen released the vines and fell. Owen briefly wondered if Klent was just telling him this so he could feel what it was like to die.

Yikes. This... really highlights Owen's distrust of others, doesn't it? And who can blame him after everything? Klent's never seemed outraged or particularly grudging toward Owen, but still, he thought this anyway. I'm glad it turned out to be an illusion. Overall, the use of a zoroark is really clever here. With a feral especially, she seems dangerous and liable to be a burden to the group in the future... but then again, the language barrier being broken down piece by piece, trying to decipher what she understands and what doesn't, makes for a fascinating read.

SPECIAL EPISODE 2

Meditate. It’s what she always asked for. And for what? For what purpose? He was already strong enough. There was no point… “I have been meditating for centuries, Star. Please… I just… I just need somebody to talk to.”

Ugh, you really pull out all the emotional punches for this special. Meditating indeed is no substitute for interpersonal connections.

From above, disembodied and one with the clouds, the Electric Guardian stared down at the scattering forms of the forest. The fire grew where he wanted it. The ferals fled. The rescuers went in for the weakling stragglers. It was all just a dance of struggle. A dance he had long since overcome—an existence that he wanted nothing more than to abandon.

A fire from the last special episode, I assume... It's interesting, getting a whole different POV on it. Owen and Deca and them were risking their lives out there while, meanwhile, Ra just watches from his pedestal and can't bring himself to care.

“Hey, Ra! Look at that little lady, eh? She’s a little uggo, but I think she’s your type. Eh? Eh?”

Ra wasn’t sure what ‘uggo’ meant. Apparently, Star found someone of his ‘type.’ What exactly did that mean? Another Dragon-Fighter?

A+ pun brought from the human to the 'mon world.

Their auras—both of theirs—felt suppressed, but in different ways.

I WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT DECAAAAA

“Your incessant need to fix things,” he said, “is itself what must be fixed.”

You tell her, Ra! ...Even though she's trying to stop you and provoking her probably isn't the smartest idea. But seriously, it's practical advice. Star may be a god... but trying to fix others? A near impossible feat, 100% of the time. Not speaking from experience or anything...

He had ascended into being Star’s little demigod long ago. But now, with so much of his power unnecessarily exerted and depleted just for a single freak storm, he felt mortal again. Just a little bit mortal.

It was wonderful.

Most of the Guardians have focused on loneliness so far over (im)mortality, surprisingly, so it's nice to get yet another POV on this point. Ra seems the type to take that Divine Promise to Arceus to free all the Guardians of their duties, not Owen.

But she was also feral. And that was perfect for Star. A well-deserved Guardian indeed.

It seems an unnecessarily cruel fate to inflict upon Enet out of nowhere, but. Well. You clearly portray just how desperate and done Ra is. And it may or may not say a lot that so many people have actively worked against and hated Star throughout the years.

“What’re you talking about? It’s called aging, Dad. You should try it some time. Actually, no. Don’t. It’s pretty rough.” She shifted her weight uncertainly.

His family backstory is depressing, isn't it? D: Everyone he loved turned away from him, and what did he have left in the end? Just his immortality and his grudge against said immortality, really. Even if his family were still alive, well, he didn't get along with them even then.

Her eyes were downcast as if she aware of her own fading memory. Ra knew about it. He remembered how she had gotten lost before. She had wandered all the way to Nightshade as if it was an old part of her memory coming back, forgetting everything else. Ra had asked Kana about her mate—he had died long ago, too—and Kana didn’t know what he was talking about.

Oh snap, another dementia-featuring fic. I don't feel so alone anymore.

CHAPTER 26

Enet was growling again. Owen recognized this as her way of saying he was saying too much, or speaking in a way that she didn’t understand.

Just like Enet doesn't like people insinuating she can't understand language intelligently, she doesn't like people insinuating she's not capable of possessing the Orb, probably.

The confidence drained from Owen like blood. Flustered, he tried to salvage what he had left. “I… I mean… I mean, why…? My home is… big! Lots of friends!”

Lol, too bad Owen isn't a charizard since they're pretty big. It's cute how he tries to appeal to her, though, to get her to come with him. You can tell how flustered he is, but he doesn't have much of a choice without Anam and Amia around to help.

“Need better father,” Enet said.

Owen blinked twice. “What?”

“Need big, strong dad.”

Owen’s arms dropped from their fin-pose on his chest. His heart skipped a beat. The flame on his tail flashed white. “W-wait! N-n-n-no, no, no—no! I wasn’t—that’s not—NO!” Wild Pokémon—why didn’t he realize it before? “I don’t want to be your mate! I want to be your friend! In… your… pack!”

OH NOOO, FERAL INSTINCTS

I'm dying

“Yeah, and yet you still evolved,” Star said. “…But then again, both times you evolved, you didn’t have your bag with you, right? You dropped it when you were running off in a fit the first time, and then the next time, you were fighting Azu unequipped. Huh.”

Owen stared at the stone, then at Star. She was right. But if that was the case, did that mean—

“S-so… so this is what’s keeping me from evolving?”

“Your aura must be getting to that point where even a reset won’t keep you down,” Star hummed.

Oh snap, foreshadowing I missed the first time around. It doesn't help clear the suspicion from Nevren when he lied about what the Everstone was...

I don’t want to discriminate, but that Psychic was… not settling well with my Poison half.”

Discrimination in the pokémon world...? Interesting, but I can see it. Like humans are separated by racial categories, so, too, are pokémon separated into type categories. Anyway, I agree with Sugar that Rim's absolutely creepy here, lol. Forgot Rim being a psychic and that's why. She's just creepy overall... and insanely powerful to boot.

“Yeah, that slimy purple wad, too,” Spice said. “They all feel… weird. I don’t like it. And I dunno if it was one or both of them, but those Charmander—cute, sure—gave me an odd feeling, too.”

“Weren’t those the same two you met back during the Nightshade inferno a year ago?” Sugar asked.

Am I right in that this is the same salazzle from special episode 1 and she just doesn't remember...? How many memories are being tampered with?!

“You know, this one brings up some old legends down south. They say that there was once a Gardevoir whose talent for fire became so strong that her hair became the same color as blue embers. The hottest kind! Well, except for purple… and clear… uh…”

Ohh, Amia's so popular and/or powerful she has a legend told about her?

CHAPTER 27

“When Anam panics… he does… become less tidy with himself,” James said.

Just when you didn't think it was possible...

I'm surprised Anam doesn't panic more often, though. Maybe it's a constant, internal panic, because he's always conscious enough to not use his powers much for fear of hurting others beyond repair.

Amia sighed. “Why don’t we just take a visit to the river first and wash off?” she said.

“R-river?” Owen said worriedly.

“Oh, Owen, just go to your Grass form and it won’t be so bad, hm?” Amia offered.

Fire-types gotta take baths, too, yo.

I like how you've been able to consistently bring up Owen's progress or not-progress in his Guardian powers, though, amidst everything else happening. Not much else to say about this chapter, aside from WTF ANAM. If the Hearts all saw his powers... Well, I don't think he'd be the leader anymore, or at least, he wouldn't have a functioning association...

CHAPTER 28

Owen threw the stone behind him. It hit the ground softly and rolled on the grass, landing a few feet behind Enet. “Now what?!” Owen shouted at the Espurr.

I'm not sure I understood the logic that caused Owen to throw the Everstone away. The Eviolite, he thought, was supposed to boost his powers, right? He wasn't intentionally trying to evolve and get stronger, it seems, at any rate... Though I also get the feeling the point is that Owen doesn't know why it worked; he just tried it based on a hunch.

It insulated him like a warm blanket. His father’s solid body behind him, and the thought of everyone else around him, felt better than even the most persistent Protect.

Perfect image. <3

“I do remember someone that Anam reminds me of,” Zena said. “But I can’t remember what she looked like… Are you sure you asked me about her?”

“I think I did…” Amia said.

Suddenly alarmed at the rapid forgetfulness of the two Guardians, Rhys said, “Are you two all right? Your memory problems are even more concerning than the Alloy’s.”

As if stealing Owen's memories time and time again wasn't bad enough... Now Zena can't remember a friend when she's been lonely for so long? I'm sure Rhys and co. have a reason for it. They always do. But is it justifiable? Pretty subjective moral stuff going on here. I like it.

 

[namohysip]

Hoo, another joyous read through your bulk reviews, dp! Thanks for all the insight--it's definitely good to get these insights. I have a few ideas on what I'd like to emphasize in the future, too, considering some of the things that, yeah, I definitely thing could use extra attention.

"Mutant" implies a much worse connotation, in my opinion... like, an intense biological flaw, which I don't think Owen and them are if they've directly been modified.

This is actually a tiny lowkey theme hovering around Team Alloy--what they consider themselves. One aspect of that is their title, or their descriptor. Mutant? Mod? Synthetic? Freak of nature? All those titles say something about their self-perception, and the perception from others.

Hasn't she been stripping his memories while he's been mystic so far, though?

Yes, but the effectiveness of those memory wipes has both become weaker and also shorter in terms of how long they last. Star and the others fear that soon the effectiveness will be zero as Owen rapidly strengthens.

Oh dear, I'd kinda argue that Rhys glowed here and lost, what with the brightness of his paw...

Different glow. The cyan glow is of Rhys using his Aura Armor. A golden glow is a Divine Promise, which would indicate Rhys' victory for beating Manny. But with the Revivers, well, that was moot, as neither were in danger of dying.

Mm, it might've been cool to see this scene, but I understand why you omitted it, what with the lack of answers at that point in time.

Ugh, this omission was probably the hardest thing for me. It was never written because it would've made the mystery too obvious, and I didn't want a flashback because that sorta breaks the narrative flow. If I can find a better way to do this, I'd find it, but until now, it can only be spoken of.

I've been happy to see more of Amia, really. I think she's kind of the glue for the entire growing cast, even if Owen's the main character. That's what motherly people are for, I guess. And she's definitely acting more motherly than before, now that some of the secrets are out.

Yeah, I definitely like having her (and Alex, d-don't forget the father!) around. I'm hoping as I get through some of these chapters that I edit in a few scenes of them to help further clarify their dynamic. Like Owen, Amia seems to help keep the team together in little ways.

This is... quite a shift from how Owen treated Star during their first meeting.

I don't think I explained or implied this well enough in the world building phase at all. Mew followers generally had a philosophy of being good to others and to themselves--a bit more hedonistic, I suppose, but still on the general nature of being friendly and open. Arceus followers were more dutiful and diligent, not necessarily about doing good things, but doing what was right. Basically the same lessons told in different ways... and Owen, irreligious, leaned toward Arceus, just a bit. And after seeing how Star was... Owen sorta imagined, hey, Arceus might be better.

Then he meets him and he's this radiant, dashing creature, and for a moment, Owen was caught off guard enough to be dazzled and on his knees. Much better than Star's casual "Yo, how's it" greeting. Arceus' presence demanded respect. Star, uh... sorta greeted Owen like a classmate.

even Rhys seems to be hiding things from Zena (not 100% new) and Amia (to my knowledge, 100% new). It makes me, as a reader, kind of question the legitimacy of what I'm reading - not in a bad way, but I do wonder if what I'm reading will be upended a few chapters down the road with new information. It's an interesting rollercoaster.

"Who's hiding stuff from who" is going to be a recurring theme for a while. But I assure you I'm not going to do any of those open-ended Series of Unfortunate Events non-answers. I will answer them. Eventually.

Star's been meddling around for a while, though, right? So this bit doesn't quite make sense to me, though the message on its own is sound.

That's a good point! She has been meddling a bit... but it wasn't very hands on, in her opinion. You know, because she's dead and stuff.

I'm really glad Star didn't properly ask for a Divine Promise here. Indeed it'd have been terrible timing. I may not like her, but really, you're doing a good job with her character. She's very transparent in a lot of ways and mysterious in others - a balance that takes skill, in my opinion. As for Owen, I don't blame him one bit for being skeptical about all this.

Star has proven to be the trickiest character to write in Act I. Most folks don't trust her because she's just keeping so many secrets. I have a few people who, at this point in the story, have her pegged as the fic's "Dusknoir" -- i.e. the obligatory betrayer of a PMD fic, akin to [Spoilers!] Dusknoir, Munna, or Nuzleaf of the canon games. Whether they're right or not has yet to be seen.

It's not every day that you're forced to face someone you killed but don't remember killing... and it's not every day you face your killer.

This whole Mystic and Spirit World junk leaves for a lot of full-fantasy scenarios like this one. I'd be lying if I said it wasn't one of my favorite things to do. It's almost speculative.

Man, that's gotta be terrifying, lmaoo. But it builds mental fortitude, I'm sure. Does this have any effect on Owen still being a charmander being reversed from a charizard over and over, though? Like, is his body more susceptible to death because of all the severe biological changes over 493943 years?

Facing death is probably one of the biggest things that goes against the instinct of something that's alive. But as far as all that reversing goes, I'm sure that's bad in some way for the poor reptile, but the main thing that's making it so easy for Owen to die here is because he's a Charmander getting punched by someone whose fist is bigger than his head.

Okay, but now I want to see a muk character that's also Anam's best friend.

...I'll consider this as one of his friends in the ol' Ghost Realm. Anam probably has lots of spirits in him, after all. Surely one is a Ghostly Muk. Maybe we'll see him down the line?

His family backstory is depressing, isn't it? D: Everyone he loved turned away from him, and what did he have left in the end? Just his immortality and his grudge against said immortality, really.

Ra had nothing. He had a shaky relationship with his family, strained due to cultural differences, him being a stubborn idiot, and then having to stay separate again because the Hunters became active again. Then his kids, while visiting and implied to be past his draconian traditions, don't do so as often as he would like, much like an elderly relative lonely in their abode. But for Ra, he's still youthful and strong, yet cooped up and sealed away. Even if he meditates and sleeps and becomes dormant, he'll just wake up to the same sight over and over. He could sleep for a year, and wake up, and know a year has passed, and still know that he's awake to the same sight, the same nothing.

It's no wonder most of the Guardians are a little damaged in the head.

Am I right in that this is the same salazzle from special episode 1 and she just doesn't remember...? How many memories are being tampered with?!

You're right that it's the same Salazzle, but she does remember. I know that you and other readers are probably really sensitive to forgetfulness in this fic, but this was just an innocent lapse of memory. It's been a year, after all, and she only saw them for a few minutes. It took a bit of time to dredge up the memory.

I'm not sure I understood the logic that caused Owen to throw the Everstone away. The Eviolite, he thought, was supposed to boost his powers, right? He wasn't intentionally trying to evolve and get stronger, it seems, at any rate...

Actually... he did want to evolve. He thought that would scare Rim away--the threat to evolve. And the only way to scare Rim off, under this desperate logic, would be to throw away the one thing that kept him from evolving.

He didn't expect it to be so fast, though, hence the panic.

But is it justifiable? Pretty subjective moral stuff going on here. I like it.

Can I just make this quote the tagline of this story?

 

[namohysip]

Chapter 29 – Honor and Loyalty​

The more Owen thought about it, the stranger it all felt. Nevren’s actions seemed friendly, but the peculiar things that he did from time to time, specifically with him, made him suspicious. The gift that he was given to suppress his evolution, right before he became Mystic? Right before the traditional suppression methods wouldn’t have been enough? Then there was Nevren’s entire past in creating them.

And then, most of all—and what made Owen still scratch his scaly head—what exactly was that vision he had on the mountain, during his trial to become a Heart? Nevren had tried to attack him back then, but it was all a dream. It was, right? He wasn’t hurting at all when it was over, and he knew he’d dealt a horrible blow onto Nevren, too. So, what was that all about? Was it really the altitude? Or was it a Psychic vision that Nevren gave him, perhaps to test out his skills? That could have been it.

Owen tried to explain this to Zena, Amia, and Alex, and while Zena nodded at every word, Amia and Alex seemed less sure.

“Are you sure that you aren’t just a little worn out?” Amia said. “To be honest, all I want to do is rest for the night. Don’t you? Nevren may have not told you that the stone would keep you from evolving because then you’d try to evolve—and that’s just not a good idea right now… right? Why don’t you just rest?”

“But it seems suspicious, don’t you think?” Zena pushed.

“Nevren’s gift is the only reason Owen is still with us,” Alex said with a frown. “For that alone, I think we owe him quite a bit.”

“He could have been honest with Owen,” Zena said, growling. “Star is still not telling us everything, and to be honest, if Star ever tells us to do something questionable, I won’t follow.”

“None of us will, dear,” Amia said. “But think of it this way. If Nevren told Owen that it was an Everstone… and that he wasn’t supposed to evolve… how do you suppose he would react? Owen, who wanted nothing more than to evolve?”

Both Zena and Owen flinched. The Charmeleon gulped, turning his head to focus on his stash of books in the back alcove of the room. “I guess I could be a little tired,” Owen said. “But… I don’t know. I still don’t know.”

“Just… just don’t throw away that stone, okay?” Alex begged. “Getting too far away from it just might evolve you, and we can’t have that. Not yet.”

“Because I’ll go crazy?”

“Well… yes?” Amia said delicately. “I think we all agree that we might not be ready for that. You still need some time to meditate.”

Owen fiddled with his claws again. Then, he looked up at Zena, and then Amia and Alex. The first thing they’d asked him when he almost evolved was what he was thinking, and if he felt angry. Or perhaps if he felt violent? But he didn’t feel either of those things. He felt afraid. He thought about nothing but those he knew. He didn’t feel some sort of insanity creeping in on him, did he? Sure, there was a pressure, but that wasn’t the same. Right?

“But do I?” he said. “What if I’ve been ready this whole time, and this stone is holding me back?”

“Now, Owen, let’s not—”

“What if I got rid of it and evolved when I was calmer? I bet I’d be fine after that,” Owen said. “Then I could take on Rim and the other Hunters, no problem. It’d all be over. I bet I’d even rescue all of the other Guardians that are lost and afraid… I could’ve saved Cara and Forrest.”

Owen still remembered how terrified the Lopunny in particular had looked. That could’ve been any of them. That could’ve been Zena if the Hunters got to her first. With a fire in his chest, Owen glanced at the Milotic, then at his parents.

“So why don’t I try it?”

“Because, dear,” Amia said in a slow, yet frantic tone, “don’t you think you’re jumping to conclusions? The last time you evolved, you still went—”

“I went crazy, but I was stressed! Attacked by Azu! What happened after that? When I won? Was I still angry?”

“I… I mean.” Amia stumbled over her words. “Not… not really, but… but you were shaking, and shivering—and I know that you were trying your hardest to keep it together. You weren’t ready, even after the fight was over. I… it’s just not good yet, okay? Even if Nevren might not be totally honest with us—maybe you evolving isn’t good for either of us.”

Owen flinched. “I… I mean…” He turned away. “I guess that’s a possible answer…”

“I don’t want to risk it yet,” Amia said. “Can you just wait a little while longer? We—we’ll try evolving you later. When we can be sure we’ll turn you back… if it doesn’t work out.”

The Charmeleon huffed. “Okay,” he relented. “…But I get to stay as a Charizard for a little while, okay? If I’m not attacking anybody, then it should be just fine, right?”

“Yes… okay, Owen… I know you want to do it, and we can’t force you to not evolve, so… let’s just schedule a time for it to happen, alright? Will that be okay?”

“…Two days,” Owen said. “I want to try evolving in two days. And this counts as the first day.”

Amia sighed, but Owen held firm. She really trapped herself with that one. “Not… three days?”

“Two days,” Owen said, prodding at his remaining food. He dumped the rest into his mouth and stood up to put the bowl away.

Zena frowned. “Can’t you wait a little longer, Owen?” the Water Guardian asked. “We still don’t know for sure. And I don’t want to lose you.”

Some of the wind under Owen’s nonexistent wings faded, but he didn’t answer directly. Instead, he said, “If I feel like I can handle it, then I’m going to try.”

Alex watched his son go, and then shook his head. “…He’s certainly going through that rebellious phase… again… isn’t he?”

Amia rubbed her head. “He’s probably remembering all the other times he went through it,” she said. “Ohh,, he trapped me in my own argument!”

“You could have just said three days,” Alex said.

“Then he would have just tossed his stone today,” Amia said, pouting. “But… I can’t blame him. You have to look at it from his perspective—he doesn’t even know who he really is, in a way. And now he wants to claim it.”

Zena nodded. “I can’t imagine what that must feel like,” she told them. “Owen doesn’t know if who he is right now is real. Can you imagine? The idea that who you are is just… false. That the real you is sealed inside.” Zena tensed. “Owen… he’s… he’s not someone completely different, is he?”

“He might lose himself completely,” Alex said.

“We’ll fix it if that happens,” Amia said, glancing at her hands. “Just like always…”

“…But… but will it work?” Alex tried not to look too nervous.

Amia hesitated. “…I’m going to train,” she said. “Just that attack. Just the Suppression Aura. To make sure I can do it right, and do it strongly, to buy us some extra time.”

“Strong,” Alex said. “I think we’re all going to have to be strong for this—including Owen.”

Zena looked at Owen’s collection of books. “Amia,” she said. “Teach me the Suppression Aura, too.”

<><><>​

Outside, Owen stepped through the caves again, admiring the mushroom light. He looked at his pouch, and then took the stone out of it. He stared for a while. Rolled it in his claws. Dug into a small imperfection in the amalgam. Eviolite… why was he so gullible? Why did he just accept what Nevren said as the truth? He always seemed so trustworthy to him.

Was that just part of his latent instincts? Did his instincts naturally trust him, his creator? Or was he built to be a follower?

Owen stared at the stone again, holding it in a crushing grip. It was too strong to destroy that way. Owen wondered, what would happen if he tossed it into the lava? If he headed down to the flaming river and… got rid of it? Would he evolve right there? Would he feel perfectly normal? Would he remember everything, and take down the Hunters, just like that? Was it that easy? Could Nevren be holding him back this entire time, just with this gift?

Cara and Forrest were dead because they were too weak and too slow. Rim ran away when he threatened to evolve. And Rim attacked Rhys before, but when the others of Team Alloy evolved, she ran away, too!

They could have beaten her!

Owen clutched the stone a bit harder. His arm muscles felt hot. Hotter than the lava he bathed in.

The sound of something metallic tumbling to the ground echoed out of the cave. It startled Owen so much that he nearly dropped the amalgam. He faltered with it in the air and slipped it into the bag out of reflex.

Rhys cursed from his room in the cavern to the right.

For the briefest moment, Owen eyed the home with suspicion. He was a Hunter, too. But then, Owen recalled that Rhys had made a Promise to Zena that he’d abandon that position. He couldn’t kill another Guardian, let alone betray them. If anything… he could trust Rhys.

Hesitating, Owen walked into the ex-Hunter’s home and tapped the back of his claw against the wall. He passed the kitchen, went through the familiar hall, and turned to the right on the first entryway.

“Ah, hello, Owen,” Rhys said, a tinge of irritation in his voice, which Owen interpreted as toward the mess in front of him. It seemed that one of the shelves broke under the weight of another memento that Rhys had apparently found on the ground. A Dusk Stone from Nightshade Forest. What use would he ever have for that? Owen rolled his eyes. He probably thought it’d be ‘useful someday.’

Even with his clouded memories, that phrase associated with Rhys was very familiar. He had thousands of those moments. Some of them seemed more useless than the others, like the odd, metallic bracelet near the corner of the fallen shelves. One of Nevren’s prototype inventions. Nevren…

Owen dug through his bag and set down the Everstone-Eviolite. “Rhys?” he said. “Did you always know Nevren gave me this to keep me from evolving?”

Rhys dropped the Fire Stone he’d been holding.

Owen growled, tail flashing yellow. “You did.”

Rhys sighed. “You were evolving very quickly, Owen. It was an emotional strain on your mother. That goes double after you wound up becoming the Grass Guardian. It makes suppressing your true form… difficult.”

“Hm.” That much made sense. He could only imagine how hard it was for Amia and Alex to keep up with him, constantly worrying that he’d evolve in the wrong place at the wrong time…

Owen rubbed his head. “The sooner my memories are totally back, the better.” He paused, remembering why he’d approached in the first place. “Rhys, er—about Nevren, actually. I…” He hesitated, realizing that, if Rhys knew about it, and Rhys was no longer a Hunter, then the likelihood of Nevren still being a Hunter was slim to none.

He asked anyway, just to be sure. “Why do you trust Nevren? He’s so… blank. I can never get a read from him. And he used to be a Hunter, just like you. What makes you trust him?”

Owen had reminded himself of yet another reason to be wary of the Alakazam. His unreadable expressions. His lack of muscle movement. The only thing that had ever phased him in a meaningful way was when Rhys made that Promise—and only then, because of how significant it was to make it. If Nevren lied to him, Owen’s strange Perception ability would not work.

Another thought crossed his mind. What if it simply didn’t work on Nevren, specifically? How deep did his instincts go? Paranoia creeping in, he refocused on Rhys. His pause didn’t bode well.

Rhys looked at Owen, humming thoughtfully. Then, he sighed, and continued to arrange his items on the repaired shelf. “I promised Nevren that I would not tell you about the moment we shared.”

“Uhh—” Owen blushed.

“Not in that way,” Rhys hissed.

Owen waited for an alternative explanation.

Rhys sighed irritably. “A very long time ago, Nevren behaved as Anam’s strategist. A tactician, so to speak, during… an event. He was working in a mutual interest between the Hunters and the Hearts to stabilize the world during a chaotic era, before the Thousand Hearts established its roots across all of Kilo.”

Owen listened intently. A time when the Hearts weren’t around? How long ago could that have been?

“One day,” he said, “near the end of this chaos, Nevren approached me. And… he confessed to me that while he had been aligned with the Hunters for quite some time, something… changed in his worldview. It was when I was… gravely injured, resting in a hospital—this was before Anam’s blessings were widespread—and Anam saved my life by bringing me there. Nevren approached me then, while I was resting, and told me that he had an epiphany.”

“An epiphany?” Owen said. “Wait—so Nevren was still a Hunter?”

“We didn’t necessarily call ourselves that at the time,” Rhys admitted. “It was a different time. The Divine Dragons, we called ourselves. Frankly, I can’t recall why…. None of us are Dragons. I believe Eon came up with the term because it sounded cool…” Rhys rolled his eyes.

Calling oneself a Dragon, despite not being one, was something Owen felt he could relate to all too strongly.

Rhys went on. “But yes. And it was on that day of his epiphany… that I saw Nevren as the most emotional Pokémon I’d ever seen him. Now, it was nothing dramatic. He did not cry. He did not shout. Frankly, he did not do much than he usually did. But his eyes, Owen.” Rhys looked down at a small bag of marbles. “His eyes were alive with light. The light of a Heart. He said that the Hearts deserved the world.” Rhys pulled out a marble from the bag. A blue one, with a single, green circle on one side. “Ever since that day, I noticed that, while working with Anam, he seemed… somehow happier. Content. That’s the word. As if he knew what he wished to do with himself. Someone who knew his purpose.” Rhys chuckled. “I envy a Pokémon who knows such peace.”

Owen listened, but then hung his head in shame. He knew none of what Rhys was saying. Those memories were locked away so firmly that he knew it was tied to a point in time that Star had sealed for his own safety. Owen could feel it, even now. The blocks that Star put on his mind—the memories that were pressed up against them. It was a dull headache. But if Owen knew what Rhys had known, he wouldn’t have been suspicious of Nevren at all.

“He really just wants to help,” Owen said. “Oh, Mew. I feel bad just for thinking he was sabotaging us.”

“Sabotaging?”

Owen nodded. “Rim’s been catching up to us every time we talk with the communicators. Or, that’s kinda how I noticed it.”

“Rim is also the Psychic Guardian, unfortunately,” Rhys said. “And while I doubt that grants her the ability to see into the future, I suspect it heightens her perceptive range—and aura senses—significantly. We also know that they likely have a means of tracking Guardians as well.”

“Oh,” Owen said. “Right… I… forgot about that.”

The evidence fell apart. It was all circumstantial. Nevren was just trying to help with all of his inventions. He thought about how he had advanced the whole world with his technological marvels. Waypoints. Badges. Even those X-Ray Specs that Owen was grounded for life from using. He, along with James, managed almost everything to do with the Hearts’ inner organization, keeping all of Kilo safe.

He gave his whole life to the Association. And just because he gave him an evolution-suppressing stone, he thought he was a liar. When in the end, it was just so he could stay sane, and to help his parents cope.

“Hey, Owen!” Gahi shouted.

This broke the Charmeleon’s chain of thought. “Wh—what?”

“Let’s train! I wanna evolve like yeh got to!”

The levity was just what he needed. “Oh—okay,” Owen said. “Sure! Yeah…” He couldn’t deny the joy in battles, even if it was an instinct that he was born with. Perhaps he could forget about that for at least a little while.

“Thanks, Rhys,” Owen said.

Rhys smiled. “I would trust Nevren with my life, Owen. I’m sorry that we lied to you.”

Owen shook his head. “I get it,” he said, and then left.

In the hall, before meeting up with Gahi and the others, he looked down at the stone again. Carrying it around, hoping it would keep him sane, wasn’t going to cut it after a while. Maybe Amia had a point. Maybe evolving should wait until he was definitely, totally ready for it. But how else would he be able to ensure he’d have it with him? A dull headache pulsed through him, and he recalled in a previous life, an Aerodactyl stealing his bag, including the stone. It seemed a lot more believable that he’d lose it when it was the least convenient.

But how was he supposed to keep that from happening again? Owen pondered, tail-fire dimming to his deep concentration. And then, an idea came.

<><><>​

“Please… leave me be,” Valle said.

Enet tilted her head, sniffing at the feet of the stone Shiftry.

True to form, the Rock Guardian did not move.

“This is not something that I am used to,” Valle said. “Enet, Guardian of Electricity, this is too close.”

Enet tilted her head to the other side, pacing around Valle. “Not move?”

“I do not move. All is stillness.”

“But… I move.”

“I am the Guardian of Rock,” Valle said. “It is not my place to do such…” He trailed off.

“Can’t move?”

“I can, but I choose not to.”

“Why?”

Valle was silent. “It… is simply something that I have grown accustomed to.”

“But other Rock move,” Enet said, using her claw to pull at her lower right lip. She reached down and picked up a pebble, tossing it from one paw to the other.

Valle rumbled.

Enet stopped. “Not you? Because you crazy?”

“I—did not go crazy, as you call it,” Valle said. “I… built a tolerance to the solitude.”

“Solitude?”

“…Being alone.”

“Oh,” Enet nodded, sitting down. “Being alone… hurts.”

Valle took a few seconds to reply. “It… does. Yes. It did. But I grew used to it.”

Enet frowned and made her way back to the front of Valle. “But… not alone! So… move again!”

“Move, again?”

By now, a few others passing by were listening in on the conversation, wondering what Enet was trying. Most just let Valle do as he wanted, but now…

ADAM buzzed curiously. “Valle, do you wish to change your protocol?”

“I… am unsure,” Valle said. “I don’t know if I know how to move.”

“Move!” Enet waved her arms around. “Easy!”

“Easy,” Valle repeated uncertainly.

A distant explosion shook the caves, though the walls were too strong to risk the area collapsing.

“That must be the modified Pokémon fighting,” Valle said.

“Modi…?” Enet puffed out her cheeks. “Use easy words!”

“The Pokémon that become something strange when they evolve,” Valle said.

“Strange?” Enet asked. “Oh! Owen! And the other four…”

“…Three,” ADAM corrected.

Enet blinked and counted her claws, but then huffed and turned around. “Numbers dumb.”

“Numbers are everything,” ADAM replied.

Enet growled again. “Dumb.”

Valle was still as always, but he appeared to be observing their movements carefully. The unmoving Guardian spoke, “Are you… sure?”

“Sure?” Enet asked. “Huh?”

“About… movement,” Valle said. “Is it… safe to do?”

“Yes?” Enet asked, wiggling her arms. “Easy!”

Valle was silent again. “I can float… and I can slide,” he said. “But… I have not moved in a mountain’s age.”

Enet tilted her head. She clearly didn’t understand the analogy. “Age?”

“Do you plan to move, Valle? Are you certain that is the best choice?” ADAM asked.

“I don’t know,” Valle said. “…Stillness… I need stillness.”

“How come?” Enet asked.

Valle couldn’t answer.

“Move!” Enet encouraged, jumping once in the air. “Easy! Try… arm! Move arm!” She wiggled her right arm.

“My arm… yes. My arm. I could move my arm.” Though Valle didn’t move it yet. “That doesn’t sound very hard. The stillness… doesn’t need to be forever. Even other Rock Pokémon move. Mountains move, rarely… slowly… I can move. Can’t I?”

“Yeah,” Enet said. “I think so. Right?”

There was a long silence again. Enet shifted awkwardly, eventually losing interest, though ADAM remained, watching Valle closely.

“Do you intend to move?” ADAM asked.

“I… yes. I will.” Slowly, almost imperceptibly, one of Valle’s arms twitched. And then moved again, and then, by roughly a mere ten degrees, the arm changed its angle. And then it stopped. The nearby cavern walls trembled, like the skipping of a heartbeat. “That… is enough movement for a while.”

“Huh?” Enet looked back. “Oh! You moved! I think…” Enet tilted her head at the rocky Guardian.

“I did,” said Valle. “Thank you.”

“Yeah!” Enet said. But then, the Zoroark addressed ADAM. “You. Talk weird.”

ADAM buzzed in response. “Weird?”

“Yeah! Zzzz! What’s that?”

Adam twitched. “Zzzz? I am processing.”

“Processing?”

“Yes. I think. I must think. Sometimes things… puzzle me, and I require extra time to think.”

“Thinking, you zzz?” Enet asked.

ADAM buzzed again.

“That! What’s that?”

ADAM buzzed louder. “That is me thinking. I am annoyed.”

“Are you broken?” Enet asked.

“Far from broken! I am—optimal!” ADAM twitched furiously.

Enet giggled. “Funny words!”

“Aaaaaaa.” ADAM flew into a nearby building, perhaps to cool off his core units.

“Enet,” Valle said. “Why do you think ADAM is broken?”

“Huh?” Enet asked. “Not broken?”

“Well… he is certainly odd,” Valle replied. “But I attributed that to his species. Porygon-Z tend to behave… oddly. It is a wonder where they even came from. The rumor is they came from an ancient time of the mythical human.”

“Oh.” None of this meant anything to her. “He… smelled funny.” She sniffed the air. “Smell … of his, this,” she said, patting her chest.

“His… chest, had an odd smell.” Valle repeated.

“No,” Enet said. “The… this,” she said, pressing her claws deeper into her fur.

“His heart? …Does he have one?” Valle asked. “Ohh.” He recognized the frustrated look on her face. “You mean his aura. All of our auras are strange. I’m surprised that you perceive auras by smell, Enet.”

“You don’t?”

“No,” said Valle. “I see it with sight.”

This was foreign to the Zoroark.

“Well, in any case, perhaps he is just odd,” said Valle. “Now… Enet. Why don’t you see the others? I… must… be still, here.”

“You won’t move more?”

“Tch… I shall move in the future,” Valle said. “I promise.”

This was enough for the wild creature. “Okay.” And so, she bounded off.

<><><>​

Nevren sat in the middle of Anam’s office, sorting through records and papers. Anam was in another room of the Heart HQ, performing blessings on another batch of seeds, which required the withdrawal of all his spirits—including James—to perform with the most power and efficiency. That left the Alakazam alone to manage the paperwork.

“Hmm, interesting,” he said. “There are quite a few false alarms… a good handful of sightings in the Southern Ocean, but that’s likely due to the glowing moss that comes with the transition of summer to autumn. Still, perhaps it wouldn’t hurt to investigate further…”

“More reports, Elite Nevren!”

“Ah, thank you, put it on the desk!” Nevren called back, not even looking up. He sorted through more of the papers. “Ahh, I simply don’t have the time to look through every single one of these, do I? If only I could—hm, wait a moment. Why don’t I just—” Nevren paused, looking at a small, silver badge next to him. Unlike the communicator, this one had a blue, glowing gem in the middle. He reached toward it, but then stopped when the blue gem abruptly dimmed to a dead gray. “…How long have you been there?”

“Eep—!”

Nevren sighed and turned around. “Rim, you know it’s rude to eavesdrop. Come on, show yourself.”

The Espurr appeared in a warping bend of light.

“Well, I take it you know where the next few Orbs are, do you? I imagine you’ll be sending Elder to do his negotiating first. A futile effort, you know. They’re very unlikely to agree to anything of the sort, simply giving up their power willingly like that…”

Rim glanced away.

“Yes, yes, I suppose you always have a bit of hope that you won’t have to take it away violently, but, hrm…” Nevren sighed. “Well. I suppose I can’t stop you. I’ve already tried convincing you quite a few times, after all.” Nevren looked at the gray gem again. “Ah, speaking of which, could you vanish for a moment?”

Rim stared at Nevren curiously.

“Just for a moment.”

Rim obeyed, disappearing. A few seconds later, a Golem stepped into the office. “We have another report,” he said.

“Ah, good. You were sent to the Arachno Forest?”

“Yes, er—we were, but… we don’t think anybody should go there anymore.”

“Oh? Is it that dangerous?”

“Y-yes. Actually, about that, I’d… like to set up a mission for it.”

Nevren tilted his head. “A rescue mission? …Where is the rest of your team?”

The Golem winced.

“I see. I will set one up immediately.”

“Th-thank you.”

He left. Rim appeared shortly after.

“Rim, if it’s not a bother,” he said, “are the mutants responsible for that?”

Rim shook her head immediately.

“But did we not send quite a few of them there in the past? None returned. But their spirits never went into the aura sea, either—so it wasn’t as if they were killed. Hecto informed Eon as much, regardless of how uncooperative those Zygarde have been lately. Are you sure they don’t simply get lost in their battle modes there?”

Rim shook her head. “But… I can’t…”

“Hmm… well. Please, set up a team anyway in an attempt to rescue his Pokémon, Rim. Moderately strong mutants should do. Team of three? Be sure to set them to Scouting and not Battling.”

Rim nodded.

“Ah, and Rim,” Nevren said.

“Mm?”

“How many Orbs do you have at the moment? Which ones, between yourself and Eon?”

“…Psychic…” Rim said. “Flying, Ground…” She paused, but then nodded.

“Only three, hm?” he said. “You’re falling behind. At this rate, Owen will have you beaten for sure.”

Rim winced.

“No need to worry.” Nevren sighed. “After all, he didn’t align with Barky. Did you hear of that?”

“N-no…! What?”

“Yes! Quite surprising. Perhaps Rhys was right after all.” Nevren nodded, almost beaming. “Incredible, really. I’d go easy on him for that. Well, in any case, Frozen Oceanside may be a bit dangerous for them to handle, so I’d recommend gathering that Orb next. Ice Type, so be wary of being frozen. The Pokémon there is quite hostile toward Hunters. And Star. And Barky. Frankly everyone, quite cold in spirit.”

“Elder…”

“Elder?” Nevren said. “I’d honestly rather not. Regardless of his elemental attributes, he may become encased in ice immediately if he doesn’t convince her to side with us or relinquish her power. It isn’t as if that strategy worked before.”

“Eon said to…”

“Yes, but Eon is far from logical,” Nevren said. “It may be a gesture of good faith, but sending Elder is a waste of time and a risk to the poor Torkoal’s life. Let him rest.”

Rim stared with her big eyes.

Nevren shook his head.

Rim stared harder.

The Alakazam sighed. “Very well,” he relented. “Elder first. Remember, I don’t want to send Owen on risky missions. He isn’t strong enough yet. He and his friends need to live. A shame he already befriended the Zoroark, but I suppose it cannot be helped. I was hoping you’d kill her before that happened, like with Cara or Forrest.”

“Mm.” Rim nodded, but then eyed the Alakazam carefully. “Owen…”

“Hm? Owen?”

“Tried… to evolve…”

“Evolve…” Nevren frowned. “Yes, I heard. Is he ready?”

Rim bit at her lower lip.

“Hmm… Perhaps I should talk to him.”

“He might not… trust you…”

“Ah,” Nevren nodded. “I suppose he would be the first to worry. Well, aside from Rhys. I don’t think he fully trusts me, even now. He wouldn’t understand. Just like Eon and his emotions, Rhys lets his honor get in the way. Time is running out, hm? Third war or not, we must keep going. Still. Regarding Owen. What do you recommend?”

Rim tensed, shaking her head.

“Ah, sorry, sorry,” Nevren said. “I apologize. I’ll think it over myself—no need to be put on the spot, hm? Just ask Elder to speak to the Ice Guardian, and we can proceed from there. I believe her name is Ladder, but you might want to double-check. It has been a while since I heard the name. I will send Owen’s group to the Steel Guardian.”

Rim flinched. “S-Steel? But that’s…”

“I believe it is time,” Nevren said. “They will fail, but I think now is a good time for them to know about the Trinity. Besides, he is the least dangerous of the three. I won’t be sending them to Zero Isle, for one, or Dark Mist Swamp.” Nevren sorted through the papers. “…Thank you, Rim. That will be all. Ah, but do send a team to Arachno Forest on a rescue. Perhaps we’ll find another Guardian there.”

Rim nodded and vanished. Nevren looked down at the papers. The Badge on his desk had become blue during the middle of their conversation.

He briefly thought about Owen and how quickly he had befriended Guardians for nearly half of the Orbs. Fast friends with even the unruliest of them. The Fighter, the Fairy, and the feral in particular. Perhaps it was charisma or perhaps it was his unintimidating disposition. Or perhaps it was, despite everything, the hidden strength he possessed. The potential that surpassed even Nevren’s base design expectations. No, Nevren knew that this strength Owen possessed—perhaps not physical strength, but the strength of spirit, or the light he possessed. That wasn’t his design. That was something much greater.

“Owen,” Nevren said to himself, shaking his head. “You’re just like your father.”

 

[canisaries]

Rhys looked at Owen, humming thoughtfully. Then, he sighed, and continued to arrange his items on the repaired shelf. “I promised Nevren that I would not tell him about the moment we shared.”

“Uhh—” Owen blushed.

“Not in that way,” Rhys hissed.

ôwô

“Please… leave me be,” Valle said.

Enet tilted her head, sniffing at the feet of the stone Shiftry.

for the love of star enet do NOT mark your territory

Enet blinked and counted her claws, but then huffed and turned around. “Numbers dumb,” she said.

“Numbers are everything,” ADAM replied.

Enet growled again. “Dumb,” she said.

holy shit enet you are going to break him

“Are you broken?” Enet asked.

“Far from broken! I am—optimal!” ADAM twitched furiously.

Enet giggled. “Funny words!”

“Aaaaaaa,” ADAM said, followed by flying into a nearby building, perhaps to cool off his core units.

LOOK AT WHAT YOU'VE DONE

this scene was great

“Hmm… well. Please, set up a team anyway in an attempt to rescue his Pokémon, Rim. Moderately strong Synthetics should do. Team of three? Be sure to set them to Scouting and not Battling.”

this conversation is so effed up man

Rim stared with her big eyes.

Nevren shook his head.

obligatory

A shame he already befriended the Zoroark, but I suppose it cannot be helped. I was hoping you’d kill her before that happened, like with Cara or Forrest.

disgusting. satan. you keep your dirty spoons away from her

I believe her name is Ladder,

hue

I won’t be sending them to Zero Isle,

oh star oh f*ck not zero isle although I guess Owen's gang already has a bunch of experience with resetting.

Well this is a reveal and a half. A surge of tension to the mix. We really didn't know all that much about Nevren before, did we? He was kind of in the background this whole time. Fitting for a mole, they're not supposed to stick out.

 

[Ambyssin]

Here is your ketchup delivery, good sir. Spoilered for simplicity's sake.

Spoiler: The Old Stuff

16
Well then, this was certainly an eerie chapter. I think one of the most amusing things about all of this is that absolutely nobody is questioning Star's strategy. Sure, there's scrutiny of some of the details like who's going to end up where. But no one has objections to the overall plan. And that's... concerning, but in a good way, I suppose? The only way it could've been better for me was if the one character whose head we're in (Owen) grew skeptical, but Owen's got his own problems at the moment, so I can understand it. The blind trust makes sense since all these characters consider Star to be their diety and whatnot. However, her general lack of surprise or feeling of urgency regarding the whole situation makes me have this nagging sense that she might actually be stringing this entire group along. Zena's the only one who's really showed any potential resistance. I feel like this'll be a plot point later, so I'm-a hold onto that.

This was, for the most part, just a lot of talking and strategizing. None of it was boring, since it was interspersed with Owen's confusion whirlwind. You even took the time to (slightly) address a lingering question I had going into this: "How much do the other guardians know about the memory wiping thing? Or were they effected as well?" I say slightly because I couldn't really get a clear picture of exactly what they knew. I know Owen's our POV guy, so I don't feel like it was a case of you purposefully concealing things from the reader just for the sake of it. It builds up the suspense and intrigue well, since it could put a ripple in Owen's developing relationship with Zena.

And then we have the aura and mutant Pokémon stuff. At first it was a bit tricky to follow, but I think the overall explanation made sense. The only thing that struck me as off was just how casually you reveal Star created Rhys. I... don't think that was every brought up until now and the cast collectively shrugs it off. Though, with how ridiculous the fic's been so far, I guess we've made it to the "Seen it all" phase. In any case, I'd like to think the mutants are either the result of some Mystic (a Hunter or Star, most likely) dicking about with the power they have from certain orbs. Alternatively, they're leftovers from some sort of apocalypse that destroyed whatever world existed before the current one with Star and Arceus. That... seems less likely, but it's a possibility. Also I get the feeling Owen and Team Alloy were casually created... again leading me to think they're all Hunters.

Now then...

“Oh, right,” Anam said. He held his arms forward and focused; a little aura flare formed between his hands, and he sent out another spirit. It formed into a winged Lopunny—a solid spirit.

Man, look at all this spirit-channeling! When's Anam gonna ask if anyone wants to grab a burger, huh?

Willow glowed a bit. “W-well, I guess I might be a little cute…!”

Tsundertik

“Beat them up to befriend them?” Demitri asked.

Yes, everyone knows that, in the world of Pokémon, the only way to make friends is to inflict violence upon them. <3

He was starting to become a bit more familiar with in terms of body language, if only slightly

Of course he would. He knows her body quite well after all... giggity.

“Yeah, Zena, you seem like you’d be an elegant fighter, if you ask me,” Owen said.

Oh, you flatterer, you. *giggle*

“Okay, let’s form up the team of elites. Rhys, you might not be the strongest Hunter, but you’re the strongest we have. So, I want you to go and fight Manny himself, okay?”

Ah, so he got Worf Effect'd to show Rim can't be trifled with.


17

Holes in the Mind

So, this chapter's about Naegleria fowleri? Oh, hell yes, time to watch someone's brain turn to swiss cheese!

... oh, wait, Owen's brain actually did swiss cheese? And he pretty much had the PMD equivalent of a brain-eating amoeba, to boot! Hooray! The scientist in me is pleased by this turn of events. ^^

Let me start by addressing your little addendum to Star, since you brought it up. I do think the explanation is nice but it still feels a bit... lacking. I guess for me the big thing surrounding all this has to do with the fact that Star is essentially privy to everything going on with this group. Like, Zena says she doesn't trust Star... but what's stopping Star from knowing about that? I think it would've helped your explanation if we had a solid handle of exactly how connected Star was to the current group. Because it basically seems like she will always know exactly what this group is up to. Like, what would happen if they all tried to keep her out of the loop, so to speak. I know she's the only with the locations of some of the guardians, but it's still very suspect. I guess this is just one of those things where the more you try to explain it, the more issues pop up. Which is fine, I guess. Like I said, I'm on the bus that says Star's actually a bitch in sheepmew's clothing.

Speaking of things to be on the bus about... it looks like my theory about Owen being a Hunter is looking more and more probable, huh? I think you built up to the revelation about Klent well. As soon as he got hesitant toward the middle of the chapter I found myself thinking "Owen probably killed him." Turns out, that was completely right! And who else would kill a Guardian but a Hunter, huh? As far as other stuff that went down this chapter, I liked Zena getting hurt about Owen's tampered memories just because of the dynamic... though I really was a bit confused about the whole thing because you still haven't made it clear who else had their memories tampered with besides Team Alloy or who was ordered to keep silent. Like, surely Zena's aware of what's happening and is blaming Owen for it anyway? Or were her memories messed with, too? And, for that matter, what about all the spirits? Klent's memories seem completely fine... so you mean to tell me Star's powers only affect the individual despite the fact that they're merged with the orb and that should spill over and— agh, I think I just gave myself a headache.

I liked Owen's panic attack a lot. Felt as realistic as you could get for a pokémon. What I thought was a bit shakier was, well, the overall structure of the chapter, given the gravity of the subject matter. You leaned hard on Owen's internal monologue and prose. It personally didn't do it for me. You had a chance to really fuck with our heads by interspersing Owen's past memories into what was currently happening, but instead you kind of handwave them or just say things like "the memories came pouring in." It didn't help that there were several moments that felt very redundant. For example, twice in, like, three paragraphs you have Klent say "I'm sorry, Owen, but you're right." And there were other moments of redundant words in some paragraphs (pointing out each individual example would take too much time). I do think the dam/river metaphor you used was a nifty visual image and made it somewhat more interesting to read than it could've been.

In summary: good job with the revelations sending Owen into a panic attack but I think some of the impact was softened by the heavy leaning on summary narration. Now then...

It ended up being a very good rock.

Owen once owned a pet rock, confirmed.

How could his parents do that to him? All of the friends he had were spirits.

See, this is the part where I'm supposed to feel for Owen, but given we, y'know, never really see his everyday life in the village, this gets an apathetic shrug from me at best.

Zena, didn’t you accidentally spit someone out when you used Water Gun once?”

“Y-you promised you wouldn’t speak of that!” Zena squeaked.

watch out, owen, your girlfriend's into vore

But instead, it feels like you’re focusing… inward, and then bringing something out….

You've got four periods at the end of this. Also, damn it, Star... phrasing!

W-wow, okay… I didn’t expect that, he said. Are you enjoying watching all this? I hope you guys aren’t too bored there.

The spirit realm comes with free Pay Per View. Not a bad deal, actually...

...wait, wouldn't this mean that all the spirits would be watching him mate? This seems like a glaring design flaw!

“I—I have to nearly die to get stronger?! What kind of system is that?!”

We call it "Saiyan Logic," li'l guy. Embrace it, because your Overworld tormentorcreator certainly has. :V

“No, we didn’t,” Zena said curtly.

O O F

“But…” Owen frowned. “But I just… want to remember…”

*presses "F" to pay respects*

Owen had a vague memory of him smashing through even his Protect shields of light during a distant sparring match.

... see, I've watched MHA, so this is a funny mental image. KILO SMAAAAAAAAAAAAASH!

“A lot, Owen, a lot,” she said, “but you’re going to be okay, alright? You have me. You have everyone else. We’re here for you, alright?”

Not particularly reassuring, tbh, considering Star's involved in all this cover-up nonsense. and probably playing everyone for saps.

“I—I want to make lunch for Owen, too!” Willow said.

"... but not because I like him or anything! Sheesh!"


18
Yes, go Zena! You take that bitch down a peg and— oh, huh, guess she's a dead god? Y'know... like King Kai is in Dragon Ball Super. what were you expecting me to say, there?

Well, I do think you managed to weave in some of the necessary explanations with what I'm assuming were the original revelation of this chapter about Star. It does make sense that Team Alloy — being literal Hunter machinations a la the mutants (called it, btw) — would be completely subject to any of the other Mystics' mind shenanigans, I suppose. I'm much shakier on Star's "You need to open your mind to me," bit, though I suppose that could be backed up by her death(?) draining her of some power. Still, conventional psychic wisdom would say it doesn't matter, you can always just overpower your foe and forcibly subject your will onto there's. Her reasoning for mucking with Owen is also pretty sound, though it seems like she really put herself in a hole because she was covering things up for so damn long in the first place that it's impossible to reveal everything properly, now. This, of course, leads me to wonder as to what exactly happened that Owen and Team Alloy need these resets. Are they "creations" that Rhys and Nevren managed to escape with and couldn't bring themselves to kill, so they were instead hoping to turn them against their Hunter colleagues? Would explain things... and make it doubly shocking if, in fact, all our heroes have been misled in some capacity... as I still suspect they have been.

Yeah, so, the part about Star might make her a bit more sympathetic but it certainly gives her a motive to attempt to act as the Chessmaster to our different factions, here. After all, it'd be pretty nice if she were able to, say, use the power of the orbs to descend without having to worry about Arceus whatsoever. It does make me wonder the exact specifics of what happened to her and Arceus to leave them in such a state. But that's for later, I imagine.

I don't have as much to say about the part at the spire. The chapter title seems to act like it's the main focus but, honestly, it kinda feels more fillery compared to the stuff happening back in Hot Spot. It's mostly just some humorous exchanges with Manny's spirits. A healthy dose of mood whiplash following the first scene... for sure! Of course there's the brief creepy ending with Manny, there, which I imagine we'll see the results of. here's to hoping rhys can stay focused with that eye candy in front of him.

“Doubtful,” ADAM said. “Owen’s species is capable of surviving in the lava. It is their habitat. It is very likely that he is going there to cool his system. The irony is not lost on me.”

ADAM is fantastic in a crisis.

Star sighed. “So much for that,” she said. “Don’t worry, guys. When they wake up, I think they’ll just assume they got tuckered out after their meal. Just play along like before, okay? They’ll believe you if you fill in the blanks. Let their own heads trick them on the rest. Zena, can you carry them to their beds again?”

That's a really casual way of going about saying that, lady. Not helping your case.

“Because I’m the one keeping you all alive,” she said. “If I didn’t organize to get you guys, you’d all be dead. Your Orbs would be with Eon, and he’d be halfway to ruling the world by now. Zena, you have to trust—”

Yeah, Eon. Y'know... the guy we still have yet to see in this fic. I'm sure he's a terrifying evil mastermind who'll make Owen & co. quake in their boots and not be a red herring whatsoever.

They’re the very same things being sent to kill the other Guardians.

Suddenly Owen going all ZAMBIE on us makes a lot of sense.

“You have heightened user permissions,” ADAM stated to Zena.

ADAM is fantastic in a crisis.

“I tolerate your movement,” Valle said.

... as is Valle.

Feraligatr Azu, posing with his bulging muscles in various stances to show off each one. Every flex felt like it made the air itself bend in shockwaves, the sheer power radiating from him making the atmosphere tremble. It was likely all for show.

Azu suplexes a huge boulder, just because he can...
Azu suplexes himself, just to prove nothing's impossible.

“Not compared to you, Anam! The Association Head of the Thousand Hearts Association… you’re definitely stronger!”

Wow this line sounds so anime I don't even have a good snarky one-liner for it.

“Goodbye!” Azu declared. He exploded in a flurry of blue embers.

I guess Azu's ability was Run Away this entire time! :V

What distinguished him, however, was his large, beige shell with four huge spikes on his back. The shell also appeared to have muscles.

Were these muscles wearing sunglasses? This is important...

“Y-you didn’t let me finish my speech! I need to psyche myself up!”

"My voice gives me super strength!" did not think i'd be pulling out that reference

Anam giggled, clapping his hands again. “That was fun!” he said. “He’s so cheerful! I like Manny’s spirits. They seem really fun to talk to!”

my god anam really is just fat buu in a dragon onesie what is this fic.


19
Welp, looks like that lucario-on-lucario action will have to wait until a future chapterUh, I mean... nice to have a bit of a more thorough explanation about how these mods are created. Though... it still seems to fall under the blanket "Mystic Power" umbrella, which leaves it very much up to the imagination as to the exact process. I'm totally not imagining FMA-esque transmutation circles... though there might be some bias in adopting that image, aha ha. And it would appear that, technically, Rhys and Nevren were the ones who made Owen, so there goes my theory about him behind Eon's kid. But I'm not fully discounting it, because it sounded like the mod idea was originally something Eon wanted. So, in a sense, I'm counting it as a half-victory. Ditto on the Team Alloy relation to Owen. Guess this means Deca falls under the mod category, too... whenever we see him again, anyway.

I've got less to say about Owen's conversation with Star. She was the only one who could reliably tell him that information, so it's nice that she was able to do it in a way that didn't start more fires, I suppose. I'm still scratching my head at the logic behind the memory block that she's employing, though. It's impossible for it to fully work now that Owen's a Mystic... but it worked perfectly fine before, despite him being a mod and, thus, being made from Mystic Power in some capacity? Err... okay, then. I assume that there's supposed to be something happening behind the scenes with some of these characters freaking out that a mod has taken in one of the orbs and become a Mystic. I guess I'll see if/when that subject pops up, since it is something rather curious.

Liked m’ accent, tried ter emulate it, I figure.

Oh, so it's your fault, is it? Go sit in a corner and think about what you've done!

“Well, I regretfully inform you that he still has that manner of speaking, even if he doesn’t remember he got it from you. And thankfully it is not as thick as yours.”

I dunno... that's debatable. Gahi can be pretty bad sometimes. >.>

These’re artificial Pokémon. Synthetic.

I call ‘em Mod Pokémon

Damn it, Namo, romhack and fangame discussions are banned here! You trying to get yourself a suspension or something?

All the way down ter th’ very core. I figure even their souls are artificial.

I'm now imagining a steampunk heart running on diesel fuel. Thanks for that.

Trained by an old friend that’s too strong fer me ter summon.

Ah, yes, a crotchety old master that may or may not be a turtle pokémon... but definitely should so I can make Master Roshi jokes. :V

“Eon is making an entire army.”

*gasp* That devilish fiend! He shan't get away with this! *pulls out pistol* WE DUEL AT DAWN!

Couldn’t he just spend a bit of time brooding?

Pfffffbt, Owen you're in the wrong fic, buddy. Angst levels aren't nearly high enough here for that kind of attitude.

She killed Amelia painfully.

Owen learned Star's genderbending powers! :V

You guys were meant to be the perfect team.

>Perfect team
>Massive ice weakness
... checks out to me!

It does, Owen. Because even after all this… I still trust you with this power. Because the whole reason you’re behaving this way in the first place is because you hate what you used to be. And with your Mystic power, and with Rhys’ help, and everyone else behind you—you can conquer it! Okay? Are you hearing me?

"And I promise that I definitely won't be using your powers for anything malicious whatso—"

See, that’s why I want you guys to gather all this up. You all can make a good world, Owen. Make it all better…

Yes, we're going to make this world perfect... absolutely perfect. *insert laugh that progressively gets more deranged here*


20
This turned out to be a lot shorter than I was expecting. There are two parts to this. The first being Rhys' and Manny's bizarre sex gameunquestionably DBZ-esque battle. Seriously, when they're making craters in the ground and crashing into each other at speeds to fast for the naked eye, there's nothing else it can be. More consequential to the plot is the continued explanation of the mods that end up following. So, basically, something caused Owen and Team Alloy to go completely savage and what followed was a really long period where they were kept confused for their own safety. Not entirely sure what this event would be (I doubt it's Klent's death), though I feel like it has something to do with the schism among the Hunters that led Rhys and Nevren to split off from Eon and Rim. Whether or not there was another factor at play there (like Star *suspicious glare*) remains to be seen. That's, uh, actually all I really have to say. Chapter was written just fine, if you ask me.

Manny showed no respect for the Mods that he controlled

Ah, so we have our resident forum troll... being annoying, but not breaking the rules enough to get his ass banned.

“There’s—there’s a key to it if you radiate the proper aura signature. It’s… merely different than the one I know,” he said.

Mystic power... aura power... just call it what it is: magic! *enthusiastic jazz hands* Alternatively, we interrupt this PMD fanfic to bring you Furry Kingdom Hearts.

“Unlikely,” Rhys said. “Even if they are, they are untrained. If we can keep Team Alloy control, we still have a chance at outpacing them.”

I think you're missing an "under" in that second sentence. Also, looks like our "heroes" are pretty much just weapons the others want to use against the "evil" Hunters. maybe that's why i still don't have much of an opinion about team alloy

Rhys’ ear twitched irritably. If he didn’t think he was superior, then what was the issue with his attitude?

Manny wants that coveted power top role.

Manny’s guard was completely open.

Giggity.

Rhys didn’t reply. He was waiting for Manny to make the first move.

Notice me, Manny-senpai

They appeared in the middle of the makeshift arena, clashing at each other at high speeds. The impact created a shockwave that blew up even more dirt from all sides

This is literally Goku and Goku Black fighting.

So, what’re you doin’ luggin’ around Extremespeed?

Okay, now I know this fic is running on outdated, Gen I-V move mechanics, because Extreme Speed was made into two words starting with XY.

“Aaah, c’mon, what’s a Lucario without Aura Sphere?”

A physical sweeper?

“Gimme somethin’ good. Yer holdin’ back. I feel it. Who uses Flash Cannon on a Lucario?”

oh my god they're really going full saiyan he—

The Lucario’s body bulked up, muscles toning his legs and arms, followed by the spikes along his paws and chest vanishing.

For god's sake, that's just Future Trunks' power-up! >_>

“My muscles’re achin’ fer a good punch!”

Manny really wants to get laid.

His two paws glowed with a bright, blue flame—and then, with a sudden flurry of power, that flame spread up his arms, over his shoulders, over his head, and then down his torso and legs, ending only when his feet were engulfed in a great fire.

At first I thought this was a fancy Counter, but apparently it's just SSJ Blue. XD

But then… ooh… he tore Azu apart.

whoa... that's metalAF.


21
One of the pitfalls of having a character whose memory has been so thoroughly tampered with is that it makes it hard for me, as the reader, to feel some of the things you want me to feel about certain scenes in this fic. I'm referring mostly to his talks with Zena and his "parents." They're supposed to be heartwarming, but the cynic in me just looked at them and said, "Okay, yeah, but how many times have his parents told him they're proud, only for said memories to later be completely wiped away?" Or, similarly, what if there was a 'mon Owen had feelings for much like with Zena. It's one of those cases where you might've written yourself into a corner... at least from my perspective.

At least I can a kick at Own being used as a pawn in these gods' machinations. This is looking like a case of nobody really being trustworthy and this being a sliding scale of villainy, so to speak. Where any one faction (Hunters, Star, Arceus) getting their way creates a less-than-ideal ending... but it's a matter of trying to figure out how those endings stack up and I don't entirely have the information necessary to make that call. Namely because we've gotten this far and Arceus is thrown into the mix when we still haven't seen much of the currently-active Hunters. Which is funny. Me thinks the reason you're keeping Eon hidden away is because he's got much bigger secrets. like, y'know, being the one who originally raised owen before alex and amia stepped in. The ending implies this Arceus was real. If you wanted to stir the pot, you could've deleted those last two paragraphs and left it very ambiguous as to whether that was actually Arceus or, say, some sort of dreamscape assault by Rim or, worse yet, Star putting on a little show to try and better earn Owen's trust for her own plans. As it stands, I think it's a bit of a bait and switch where Arceus is shown as malicious to deceive the reader into thinking he's a villain. I mean, if you're a Creator living in isolation, odds are your social skills are absolutely terrible, which would explain why he doesn't really know how to interact with Owen.

“Y-yeah. I just needed to… cool off… in the lava.”

Mispy frowned, disappointed at Owen’s sense of humor.

C'mon Mispy, show some tact. We all know you go cool off in a vat of salad dressing. Don't judge.

Owen’s tail flickered a bit brighter at the offer. But then it waned. That feeling of joy at fighting… Was that his emotion, or was that his instinct? Was that his choice… or was that how he was supposed to react? Who was he, really?

I'm reminded of that ridiculous plot thread in Shadow the Hedgehog where he thinks he's an android. God damn it.

Zena smiled. “You’re my friend, Owen.”

Light returned to Owen’s eyes.

and then they banged

Mom said not to talk to cosmic strangers.

Owen, please, I doubt your mom really said—

I also doubt your mother told you that specifically.

Oh, huh, guess Arceus really is omnipotent. PRAISE BE THE LLAMA-GOD!

This is not a dream, Grass Guardian. I am Arceus. I have summoned your aura to speak with me. Do you not remember my calling your name?

Wow. A spunky OC has been summoned by Arceus himself. What am I reading here, fanfi— oh, wait, that's exactly what this is. :V

Was he so important that even Arceus was watching him, personally?

Owen's got one hell of a harem.

I’ll even use some of my power further, to rid you of your tainted instincts. I will fix you.

uh... wow. Dr. Arceus, Veterinarian, reminding you to spay and neuter your Charmanders. Poor Zena. ;~;

Or did it stop entirely? As an aura, it probably didn’t even matter.

I see the narrator drank extra lemonade before filming.

He’d never felt so lifted and supported his whole life. Going to sleep, he’d been ready to take on the world, himself, his past, and his future.

Not snark but, um, this reads as pretty flat... coming off of several chapters where Owen's questioning just how much he's forgotten. Like... if he feels supported, great, but odds are he has in the past and this kind of thought would, based on his behavior, only upset him... which wouldn't help in this scene.

He even glowed a bit brighter; that warm light made Owen want to just curl up and sleep in His fur. It looked so fluffy!

Phrasing *cough*

I will train you and hone your skills beyond anything you could have imagined. It is all part of my divine plan.

Divine plan? That you, Zamasu? 3/10 not enough ningen.

This was what his instincts were hissing at. They were dull against Zena, so he had to focus a lot harder this time.

Upon further reflection, I have concluded Owen's "instincts" are just Apollo Justice's Perceive ability dialed up to 11. That silence you hear is the sound of me slow-clapping through the internet. G'night, everybody!


22
Here, have a review while I'm taking a short break despite still being at work (send help).

And so, our proverbial layer cake of godly conflicts has yet another level added onto it. I fear Chef Namo will soon need to graduate from stepladder to fire rescue crane to keep building it...

Overall this is, uh, trying to explain some of the stuff that came up last chapter. First off, considering this chapter takes place in an ethereal realm entirely, I think you could've done with turning up the fantastical elements behind it. As it is... nothing about the forest or Star's little cave do anything to scream "spirit realm!" Heck, as I'm writing this I can't really identify them beyond "generic cave w/ furniture" and "forest," which is... uh... I guess it depends on how much you really want your readers caring about the actual setting of the spirit realm. Anyway, back to the main point. In attempting to answer questions, this chapter replaces them with new ones. Good to keep someone addicted to reading, I suppose, though not as good in the sense of getting that satisfying payoff of having a plot-point resolved because, in actuality, it isn't. I guess there are a couple of facets to that.

The first is a line I jokingly quote below about Owen's extra level of specialness beyond the already-special supporting cast. While I am used to the whole multiple levels of divinity thing (I mean it's basically just the different super saiyan levels), I have to admit I'm honestly losing track of who falls where in the pecking order and why at this point. Part of it comes down to the fact that, outside of memory-wiping and Rhys' spurts of aura power we really haven't seen much Mystic or godly power at work. In my opinion, the lack of any way to solidly visualize what exactly the power scale looks like among the cast could be a potential issue. I think you've mentioned that, eventually, we're going to see a "normal" denizen of Kilo show up in the cast and, while I'm sure the point is for them to be overwhelmed by everything going on around them, since it's mostly been a lot of talking about crazy powers and not actually seeing anything in action, it's hard to buy into the whole "deity power struggle" overarching plot. If that makes any sense. It probably doesn't and I'm rambling like an overworked fool.

On the "Well, this is interesting" side of the spectrum, we have the revelation(?) that, apparently, the current Hunters are acting under Arceus' orders. I hesitate to say that definitively because, well, Star and Hecto are the source of that information and they are biased, so I'm not 100% inclined to believe them. I mean, they might very well be right, but the motives are still up in the are. Hearing everything that Star says and Owen's general skepticism does indeed make me wonder if that idea I posed about Arceus' relative isolation causing him to lose all manner of social skills (and possibly some sanity) might have more weight behind it. Maybe Eon and Rim actually don't mind their Divine Promises and see good reasons to go through with it. The fact that Star wants to take a more hands-on approach to the world was the big red-flag for me that something really is off and we're looking at a villain ensemble with either two or three different factions to it all locked in a game of Xanatos speed-chess.. And only time will tell who actually turns out to be the Big Bad... or if there's some presently-unknown individual puppeteering all of this.

“Oh! Sorry. I got lost along the way, nearly lost you, ha!” The Mew chuckled, patting him on the back.

Err, is "chuckled" supposed to be a dialogue attribution? Because "The" shouldn't be capitalized if it is and, if it isn't, it's redundant since you end with her actually saying "ha." On a less serious note, jeez, Star, what kind of god gets lost in her own domain? >_>

“You’re in the aura sea right now, Owen. You’re pressed up against the edge of, uh… the living world.”

So, what would happen if the tide in the aura sea rises, huh? #StopAuralWarming

“It is a nickname developed by Star, specifically because, as you put it, he barks a lot.”

Arceus is best llama-doggo confirmed? Also, the irony that this is coming from someone who can manifest as a doggo is not lost on me.

“Just because he has a few more Hands than I do doesn’t mean he’s the strongest in the pantheon. I’m important, too!”

Would you say that they have... Hands of Creation? Nyek nyek nyek nyek!

“I watch,” Hecto said. “There is a lot to learn… if you just watch.”

I'll bet Hecto is the kind of guy who watches PBS in his spare time just for fun.

I think you look good in whatever you’re comfortable with, Owen.

Star confirmed pansexual. and owen's harem grows ever larger

So… I just wanted to tell you about… what makes you so special. And not in the stupid way where everyone is special. I mean like, on a practical level, you’ve got something that sets you apart from the other Guardians. And also, you’re synthetic, but that’s beside the point—okay, so… are you still with me?”

“Halfway.”

Wait... why am I even reviewing this when Owen says what we're all thinking?

“Owen,” Star said. “Times… change. And leaders… that are in power for too long… can lose touch with the world they rule. Don’t you think?”

Like you?

“Owen, do you seriously think I’d try to kill you? I’ve been trying to help you guys this whole time!”

Of course not! You'll wait until the MacGuffins are in a position where you can get them and then overwhelm him with sheer godly force.

“You guys are weird,” he said. “I don’t think all this cosmic stuff is good for my head. Got me all confused and… I dunno. I feel like I should focus on simpler stuff.”

Namo, uh, I think Owen might be trying to tell you something, here...

Hecto nodded. “You have potential,” he said. “She wishes to harness that potential for the good of the world. I do hope you can align with her one day.”

For pity's sake, Hecto, could you try making that sound less like well-intentioned extremist talk?

“I mean, sure, I figured that much,” Owen said. “You… caught her heart?”

Hecto stared at Owen. “Hm.” The Zygarde walked on.

“W-wait! What does that mean?!” Owen said, chasing him.

"I lowered her health to red, paralyzed her, and caught her in a Love Ball. Obviously."

G'night everybody!


23
Here, have a thing while I'm eating lunch...

Hooray, Owen apologized! And I'm glad there's even a bit that points out that it should be hard for Klent and Amelia to forgive Owen because, control or not, he still murdered them. Though, with the way your world works, death seems less like an ending and more of a transition to a different plane of existence, so I guess it's a very different philosophy. Still, glad the grudge thing was addressed. Made everything feel much more genuine.

I'll be honest, when shopping got brought up, I thought maybe this was the point where we'd meet our recurring normie character, but that doesn't seem to be the case. As soon as Sugar & Spice got brought up, I had a feeling we'd be referencing events from the Storm... and that's exactly what happened. Deca shows up out of complete nowhere, but it's interesting to see him again. He's not being overly-cryptic about anything, either. Just a casual chit-chat and then he nopes on out of the place. I found his white lies to Owen perfectly believable and I think Deca did a good job "playing it cool" despite his fire-typing. I suppose the one thing I was a bit confused about was how Owen got separated from Rhys and Zena and stayed separated for as long as he did. I think it's a naming thing, really. "Village" doesn't convey the idea of a sprawling populace, but from the sound of things Kilo's a pretty big place. More of a city than anything, I suppose. The person who named the place obviously didn't expect it to grow this big and then was too lazy to change it. *looks at Anam*

But there was lots of quotable goodness with this part!

Chapter 23 – Past and Present​

Owen made a good future in Act 1!

“Unless we find some way to make a compromise, yep,” Star said.

Which, I'm guessing, is the one thing you don't want to happen.

“Well, you’re shorter, less muscular, a little chubby… much less intimidating than how you normally look.”

“I—I’m not chubby!” Owen protested, clutching at his round belly. “Th-that’s the natural look for my species! It’s—it’s healthy!”

... so, you're telling me Modwen (as I'm affectionately calling him) was bigger, with unnatural muscles. scalebait, in other words

Owen whined and looked at Star helplessly.

No, Owen, you're a big lizard, not a puppy. You don't whine. Also, not only does Owen have Apollo's Perceive ability, he most definitely has the same butt monkey status.

The Mew giggled, “Well, I did design you guys to look like chubby bipedal fire-dragons,” she said.

Star's a chubby chaser, I see. Well, I suppose Arceus is kinda chubby and if they're roomies, then she must've taken that to heart...

“Would it’ve hurt to give us the actual Dragon type…?” Owen mumbled.

I see the author's projecting onto Owen again. XD

“Yeah, like Alex,” Star said. “Magmortar look pretty scary, but he’s as gentle as you can get. You saw him, right? The scary fire Pokémon that’s with Amia?”

Alex couldn't be more of a doormat if he had "Welcome" scrawled on his stomach.

“It’s okay,” Owen said. “I think I’m gonna wake up sooner than soon. I kinda feel it, you know? But maybe tomorrow night, we can do something. How’s that?”

Amelia nodded.

And the harem grows further...

“The line is pretty blurred,” Star said, “but if you want my opinion, I like this Owen better.”

Because you can manipulate him?

You can’t just… call someone evil. It’s… I mean… c’mon. He’s my cosmic roommate. I know the guy. He isn’t all bad; he’s just… warped.

Star dodging the question because it could apply to her. Also, apparently, Arceus is the third Crash Bandicoot game. Go figure.

“Pre-Hearts, kinda. Kinda like an internship!” Owen said. “For… four hundred years… now that I think about it.”

“Hmm. Sounds like quite the career path,” Zena said absently.

Huh. Internships seem like a very... uh... modern human society concept for this world of magical creatures. Wouldn't "apprenticeship" work better?

Zena watched. “Does it ever bother you that your leader is an adult hatchling?”

“Yes,” Rhys said.

"But we can't make him upset or he'll murder everyone and turn them into sweets."

“And maybe after, we can stop by Sugar ‘n Spice?”

I hope they have an option on the menu called "Everything Nice."

First, they headed down the road from the main Waypoint and headed north. They went past the multicolored, old buildings that sold Dungeon equipment—some shops were now closed for an early-noon break while Heart traffic was at its lowest—and headed further down the paved roads.

You use headed three times in two sentences, here. Fine if it were dialogue, but a bit clunky for narration.

Mm. A crater…” Zena eyed the distant, black hills. “And what if it floods?”

“We have runoff systems,” Rhys said, motioning to the dips in the roadsides. “Among other precautions.”

Why do I have a bad feeling this is foreshadowing? It's such an odd detail to casually bring up out of the blue...

Spice giggled, weaving out of the back-room. “I wouldn’t mind inviting both of them over to our place some time, Sugar.”

“N-no, thank you,” they both said.

... wouldn't the size different make things awk— what am I talking about, they're Salazzles, they like guys with small packages. Aaaaaand we're done here


24
I don't really have much to say about this chapter. I think the bulk of it, the exposition, was just fine. Nothing was structurally wrong about it and I thought there was a good give and take between Owen and Yen (lol he was talking to a currency... or a Disney character, your pick). And I guess there's something humorous (in a dark way) of watching Owen get tossed around like a proverbial rag doll. The big thing for me is my own personal mental block. While I can follow the logic behind how Mystic training needs to be different, everything else blended together. Which I know is the exact opposite of what canis told you, hence why I'm labeling it a personal mental block and something that I'd expect each individual reader to view differently. I think I can differentiate some of the stuff, but not entirely. You have spirits, souls, divine power, aura... but the aura can be sub-divided into your typical Pokémon fare (that's actually derived from divine power) and the batshit crazy stuff a Mystic is capable of (that's still, uh, derived from divine power... but it's divine power plus ultra)? That's about all I could take away. This chapter doesn't exactly answer the question of what the limits to Mysticism are. Actually, if Yen's explanation is anything to go by, it does the exact opposite and suggests that, in theory, it's limitless and a Mystic could, with the proper meddling, start warping reality around like a proper god.

Which sounds exactly like the kind of thing Owen could accidentally bumble his way into far down the road, thus furthering the "I just want to be normal" conflict that's going on with this piece. :V

Just when he thought he’d be making a normal friend…

Wow, way to piss off the friends you actually have, Owen's inner monologue. You could consider, y'know, being grateful for them. Some of us don't have friends we can see... ;>.>

For the Guardians, it was to continue their everlasting struggle to tune their auras with their Mystic spirits.

Struggle

Amia shrugged slightly. “It’s okay,” she said. “I’m sure Manny will… do something helpful.”

“C-can’t you ask him to maybe… not?” Owen said.

When death is but a slap on the wrist, you can afford to be so cavalier, apparently.

He specializes in training your… you know.

This sounds awful...ly suggestive taken out of context.

“Y-yes! Um… but I kind of don’t want to die,” Owen said.

You already have, though. Several times!

Willow buzzed irritably. “Is Owen evil?”

“No! No, nothing like that. I promise,” Amia said, nodding.

Like, zoinks Scoob, I gotta bad feeling about this one.

Azu’s second fist slammed into Owen’s chest, rupturing his lungs. He couldn’t breathe.

So... Mysticism (and/or Reviver Seeds) can heal you from a pneumothorax? That's incredible! It also pisses off the medic in me, but I think you mentioned you made 'em like senzu beans so, I don't know what I expected.

“Ha-haaa!” Azu declared. “But we did kill you, Charmander! Quite a few times! In a technical sense.”

Y'know, I really hope you're not planning to kill anyone off for real, because I'm not sure it'll have the intended emotional impact for me when this keeps happening to Owen. :V

And Nevren has this scanner that measures our… aura efficiency, or something, based on how much power we can dish out, and how fatigued we feel after.

... oh my god i just realized nevren literally made his own scouter. gg, buddy.

Very well. We shall call it that, aura efficiency.

discount power level.

Consider it… an at-death experience. Right up to Dusknoir’s Door, hm?

Damn, Yveltal got shafted in this universe. Even Darkrai would be a more fitting grim reaper alternative. XD

He should have become an academic. Maybe it wasn’t too late to become a farmer as his father had suggested.

i know this was written before i started making dbz jokes about everything, but you can't act surprised about it when the first two things that come to owen's mind are literally gohan's and goku's professions.

So, you’ve been ‘killing’ me all this time to… make my aura closer to my soul?

Well, it's worked plenty of times before. Just ask Zero... and Drawcia... and Marx, Magolor, Sectonia, etc. etc.

“B-but, Willow, you’re half-ash at this point!” Amia said.

oh god, the horror! amia's transforming willow into an obnoxious anime character! turn back! turn back!


25
Maybe it wasn't intentional, but I thought Enet's illusions created a neat mix of Indiana Jones and Legends of the Hidden Temple. So, my inner child thanks you for that. Though part of it was mitigated by the action coming to a stop to remind me that, yes, Owen's a Mystic and these silly little traps ultimately don't mean much because he can bounce back just fine. I know we're still in Act 1, but if you are going to keep putting in dungeon crawling treks, I personally think you'll need to find an effective way to set the stakes properly. As it is, the exploration feels unnecessary... and like more time could've been spent on the real conflict: trying to placate Enet. That part kind of feels a bit rushed, though I do think you ended the chapter effectively and that last line is a good wham line. Gets me excited for what's next.

It's also with this chapter that I kind of myself shrugging at Anam's, uh, "antics," for lack of a better word. I understand he's concerned with his powers, but what made Buu fascinating was that his childish demeanor was frequently accompanied by his overwhelmingly destructive power. Since we've only been told about Anam's power in these 75k+ words, it's reached a point where I've grown a bit apathetic toward him and feel like he's kind of there solely for comic relief, even though I get the sense he really is more important than what you're showing of him right now. Does that make sense? I'm sure this is going to change, soon, but in case it isn't, I thought I'd point it out. Or maybe you'll want to go back to an early chapter and find an effective way to show Anam's power beyond the "blessing" stuff.

That's all the feedback I've got. Looking forward to seeing how Owen deals with this new development.

For some reason, Zena wasn’t able to fight at her best against Owen. The Grass Guardian figured it was because of his Type advantage in his Mystic form that unnerved her, though Zena couldn’t find the words or explanation on why this was the case herself.

Maybe it's because it's tough to fight the guy you've banged?

“Aww, thanks!” Anam giggled. “But I think I’m a little thicker than a Muk,” he rubbed his cheeks. His fingers sank into his face, slime merging into slime.

... um, eww.

“I—I can’t,” said Zena. “…Anam… are you taking this seriously?”

“Seriously?” Anam repeated. “Of course I’m taking it seriously! I mean… I need to train you, right?” he asked.

Aww, man, I was kind of hoping you were going with a reference to Gladion's and Hau's first exchange, but you didn't. RIP.

He plunged his hand into his thigh and pulled out one of their silver communicators.

I guess when it comes to Anam using his slimy body as a piece of luggage... the thigh's the limit! D'oh ho ho ho ho ho!

“Electric Guardian? That’s cool!” Anam said.

*slaps Anam* Wrong type, ya dingus!

Oh, and be careful. She’s a Zoroark. Don’t trust your eyes.

finally, some more furbait!Oh, sure, let's make a Zoroark with OP illusion powers a Mystic, too. Godzilla threshold, be damned!

“Nightshade Forest…” Owen mumbled, rubbing his head. “That sounds… really familiar…”

Maybe because "Night Shade" is literally just the name of a move? :V

“I don’t like when they do things like Scary Face,” Anam mumbled. “It makes my heart go all thump-a-thump!”

Not gonna lie, this made me cringe. Hope that's what you wanted.

“Do you even have a heart anymore?” Owen said.

“Metaphorically!” Anam said.

Oh, so Anam's one of the Heartless, then? No wonder this story's so convoluted, it's part of the Kingdom Hearts timeline. Damn it, Nomura!

Did you know that he’s starting to make these special devices that can keep food cold for a long time? And you won’t even need Ice Types, either!”

“Oh, wow,” Amia said.

“Yeah, it’s really cool,” Anam said.

See? That's much better!

O-okay?! I’ll look like an Aron’s face if I fall down there! Owen said.

Well, you’ve already been through worse with Manny, haven’t you? Klent said.

Man, Klent, you know how to suck all the fun out of an Indiana Jones spoof.

Spoiler: The New Stuff

SE2
Didn't take me long to realize we were looking at the cause of the events of SE1, in some respects. I do think labeling Ra's "target" as simply a feral is... being vague for the sake of being vague. Given Ra has lightning powers and the feral is female, I can workout that we're looking at Enet and by the time you get to the "She's just what Star deserves," it's evident that we're seeing how Enet wound up with the electric orb in her posession. That said, I think you'd have been wiser at least noting something about Enet's appearance, especially since Ra knows she's a zoroark and has been watching her.

That nitpick out of the way, let's tackle the meat of this whole thing, shall we? I'm... of two minds about it, quite frankly. On the whole, I think it's an interesting structure you've got here, interspersing the flashbacks of Ra's, uh, relationship into his present state. On the whole, the stuff in the present was quite visceral and I think this is easily the best action sequence that's been in the fic so far. The parts inside the orb, in particular, gave me Inception vibes with how twisty and topsy-turvy the landscape was getting. I doubt that was the inspiration, but the parallels are there for me with the whole dream-like state of this. As far as the flashbacks go, I think they hit the biggest high points as far as showcasing what happened to him. But... uh... this is where my big issue with the whole special comes into play.

tl;dr version is that I personally think you got a bit too ambitious with this one. On its surface, about the only thing I come away from this special feeling is more paranoia with Star and having more a concrete sense that, no, she is not benevolent and doesn't have the world's best interests truly at heart (heh). But as far as Ra goes... while I think there's a lot of evocative writing thrown in there, it just drew a collective shrug from me. It does tie back into the current part of the story via Enet, which is nice, but since she's a feral we don't get a sense of how any of this effects her, which is a shame. Now, I'm no hypocrite. I have plenty of bonus parts that focus on people outside the main cast, but I generally try to make it that they're focused on characters who readers already know. Ra... is not really that. He's basically introduced solely for this special and you try to get through the entirety of his backstory in it.

The end result is that, as bad as this is to say, it didn't hit the emotional tones I assume you were going for. Because you're trying to cover his entire backstory, there were gaps that left me scratching my head. I understand the immortality element was the key, but I don't personally think you showed me enough of his time with Step to leave me heartbroken over their falling out. We didn't get enough flashbacks after his daughters died to establish his mind slipping and his rage toward Star building so the logic of him blaming everything on her makes sense (at least to me). Normally, this wouldn't be that bothersome. But because Ra isn't part of the story until now, it all adds up to me feeling like I'm not given any real reason why I should care about Ra. Hell, the stuff in the "present" starts with him causing a fire and wishing death upon Owen and Deca. And that's not the worst of it. Despite the many flashbacks, we never really see him genuinely apologize for what appears to be behavior tantamount to abusing his kid! I get that pokémon customs aren't the same as ours, but given you don't show us what his training was like and don't get inside his head-space to show his fear of losing his daughters, those were the messages you sent with Step and his daughters leaving him. Yet, by the end, they're all together... in a manner of speaking. Yet, still no apology. Unless I missed something, this raises some alarm bells for me, personally, in that it could be sending a bad message to people who read it, especially if they've witnessed or been subject to abuse. I know Ra's "dragon pride" is brought up, but we never see what that means. It's only given via exposition. So, again, an instant of a gap that just leaves me scratching my head.

I'm sorry if this wasn't what you were hoping to hear. I know we talked about this, but you present a lot of interesting ideas (immortals committing taboo by having kids, the effects on the psyche, a Parkinsonian-like illness) yet none of them are really given any depth. Hence why my gut reaction is that this all feels too ambitious in scope but the scale (i.e. the fact that it's only one chapter) does not match the scope you're going for.

“Your incessant need to fix things,” he said, “is itself what must be fixed.”

Well, that's totally not ominous at all!

It’s not a blessed Dungeon anymore—it’s—it’s just pure chaos!

C H A O S C H A O S ! S T A R C A N D O A N Y T H I N G !

“Oh, like you’re one to talk,” Star said. “As if you can tell me you never beat up your kids.”

Exhibits A-D that Star is definitely a bitch.


26
Man, it would've been nice if we had a primer to feral culture. Like, why does Enet even have a name, anyway? At least it's nice to get her, erm, "perspective" on the events we witnessed from Ra's POV. Even if, y'know, it's not exactly articulate and doesn't offer much. I get the feeling Owen's making everything worse by being such an apologetic door mat in this entire scene. At least Enet can talk... in basically the 'mon equivalent of caveman speak, but I'll take it! It's also interesting to see Star's (warped, lying) perspective on what happened to Ra. Though she clearly chose to work with the hand he dealt her by training Enet. Makes me wonder how much time has passed since the events of the storm. It can't be that long if Spice is still alive, but the way Star talks, it seems like it's been decades.

Huh. So Owen's Eviolte was a bit of a Chekhov's Gun, after all. Clever girl, Nevren. Clever girl.

Not much to say about the Sugar and Spice scene. It was nice to actually have info relayed about what's happening in the world beyond what our heroes are doing. Also a possible tease at Aerodactyl's return? Could be intriuging, since Owen's in a different place physically than he was when last they met. Rim mostly sticks to the creepy espurr meme schtick, but at long last we hear Eon! ... for all of two lines. Oh well, looks like there'll be a confrontation.

Enet huffed and flicked her tail.

Z-Zoroark have tails? Since when? Or is that what you call her mane?

“…Apples. Good.” Enet said.

Owen thought he’d hallucinated the response. It took him a few seconds to come up with his own. “Okay, that’s good. Apples are good.”

“Good.”

Easily the most riveting conversation to take place in this whole story.

Infinite apples for the feral? They were very food-driven, after all.

Guildmaster Wigglytuff is a feral by this world's logic. Wow.

“Need big, strong dad.”

Owen’s arms dropped from their fin-pose on his chest. His heart skipped a beat. The flame on his tail flashed white. “W-wait! N-n-n-no, no, no—no! I wasn’t—that’s not—NO!” Wild Pokémon—why didn’t he realize it before? “I don’t want to be your mate! I want to be your friend! In… your… pack!"

This harem fic's getting spicy, I see. go for it owen! turn to the furry side!

“She’s really nice, huh?” Owen said.

Pfffffffffffbt.

How are you doing, Owen? Klent went on. Feeling… small?

Not funny.

This is just a G-rated dick joke!

I can sense Anam panicking at a dead end,

*the audience collectively groans*


27
Is it bad I don't think James talks with big words? *nervous laugh*

I, uh, actually don't have much to say with this chapter. I've written countless scenes of Shane getting covered in gunge, so seeing it happen to Owen is funny and entertaining. Really the only other part of note is one of Anam's spirits rising up to seize control of his powers. So, he's got an element of decay to him, huh? That's... uh... well, I can't make a DBZ joke... but I can make a My Hero Academica joke! Anam is just the fusion of Fat Buu and Tomura Shigaraki! Brilliant! In all seriousness, having Owen's flesh rot away like that was metal AF. And that's, uh, all I've got to say, really.

Enet stuck her nose up proudly.

Enet is a precious doggo and if you hurt her I will kill at least a few charmanders before my fic is— oh, wait, I already killed a charizard. Eh, that's okay, I can always add a few lizards to the mix.

Curious, Enet picked up the pace and ran along the hall—but then slipped on some of the slime puddles in the dirt, tumbling to the ground.

WELP. Good thing I have the perfect way to fry some fire lizards!

“Wh-what?!” Anam looked down. Owen’s head and shoulders were lodged inside his chest. He screamed panicked bubbles out through the base of Anam’s neck. “O-oh, s-sorry!” Anam said, tugging him out by the torso.

Where's the vore content warning?! My sweet virgin eyes!

“I think it’s gonna take days to get this stuff out of my scales,” Owen mumbled, running a claw through the ridges of his arm.

Uh... giggity?

He glanced at Enet. Dark Types were always so cool—imagine, a Dark Charizard! Mm… Nightmander… no… that won’t work… how about… Gloomander? Twilizard! Owen’s mouth spread into a grin. “That’d be awesome…”

Oh god, he's entering his edgy emo phase! Stop! Abort! Turn back! Everyone stop playing Nickleback and Linkin Park on the speakers, for god's sake!

The furry Pokémon tended to her fur

The dangers of using epithets. Alternatively, Enet's such irresistable furbait, we need to have extra attention drawn to that fact.

“You’re right at home in the dark, aren’t you, Enet?” Amia asked.

“Dark!” Enet agreed. She kicked her legs until she was at the river’s edge.

Don't forget, I'm with you in the daaaaark!


28
... Owen is fucking Broly. Guess we can add that to the list. Think about it. He has an incredibly unstable super form that causes him to go completely berserk and turn into a battle-hungry monster. It's kept under control by some sort of bizarre power limiter and attempts to contain said super form tend to cost Owen most of his memories. Heck, as Grass Guardian he can have a green aura if he wanted it. It occurred to me because Owen's gambit pretty much involves using his super saiyan form as a deterrant to get Rim to flee. It, uh, works a little bit too well. Not even any comedic reaction from Rim. She's just all "Fuck this shit I'm out!" Good on Enet being smart enough to get him the Eviolite before things went completely south.

I will admit that the conversation with Zena about her friend was... odd. I couldn't follow it, becuase it was like no one was listening to anyone else, but since it's just a stream of dialogue, it got my brain twisted around. I assume the mention of a lugia is meant to raise flags just like Ra's mention of Yveltal which, uh, basically came out of nowhere in the special and served no real purpose other than to tease something down the road. This, at least, felt better, since Zena's friend was brought up in the previous chapter.

Also, it seems my early assumptions about there being more to Nevren might be right!

“Oh, sh—sugar lumps—”

What a goody-goody.

With wits, instinct, and just a touch of desperate insanity, he chomped down on his own vine, simultaneously searing and cutting it while it was still being launched. It was fast enough that it kept some of its momentum, but the horrible, searing pain that surged through Owen made his vision fade halfway.

Are we sure this fic's rated T? Because there's a lot of metal AF stuff going on here. Alternatively, Owen's channeling his inner Piccolo. What? The guy can turn green and shoot out strentchy stuff, what'd you think I would say?

Fur was missing on the arm and the skin beneath was partially charred.

How does a waveform beam char your skin?

She bumped the berry against his snout, narrowing her eyes. “Gift,” she repeated impatiently.

D'aww, look at this budding couple! Eat your heart out, Zena. wait, that's probably something you'd actually do to her...

“Aww,” Star said, leaning forward in the air. “She’s trying to hide him in her fur like a little hatchling.”

This is why Enet is precious and must be protected!

He was planning something or thinking about something troubling him. Problem solving—Owen was remarkable at it, mapping things out at a pace that would make anyone’s head spin.

Ehh, maybe this is just me, but we're almost 30 chapters in I think the narrator doesn't need to point out how awesome Owen's tactical mind or perceive ability is. We get it. Just let it happen.

The Zoroark stared at Rhys warily.

“I think she’s nervous about your Type, Rhys,” Amia said delicately.

I can feel the sexual tension in the air already!


29
So, Nevren is Paragus, then, am I right? *laugh track*

In all honesty, I think this is a nice (and somewhat overdue) bit of development for Owen. So far, it feels like he's just reacted to everything, but no matter how crazy the reaction is, he's accepted his "fate" and gone alone with things. In that respects, I'm glad he's finally taking a bit of a stand and trying to get something that he actually wants. Like, I get being selfless, but Owen's alternated between door mat and punching bag so far. I'm glad he thinks that needs to change and can even come up with reasons that still have a selfless element ("I want to stop Rim and I might be able to if I wasn't in this loop").

It was a different time. The Divine Dragons, we called ourselves. Frankly, I can’t recall why…. None of us are Dragons. I believe Eon came up with the term because it sounded cool…

Jesus... so, they're basically the "Defiant Dragons," then! Which makes Eon a Dhurke expy. It all makes perfect sense since, y'know, Owen is a discount Apollo. And that could make Deca a Nahyuta expy with all his blind mysticism voodoo and whatnot. It all makes sense, now. This isn't a PMD fic... it's an Ace Attorney fic! No wonder it's so anime! XD

Jokes aside, I do think that, with all the paranoia Owen had, he gave up on his train of thought very quickly. I suppose that comes down trusting Rhys but, ech, it felt like an unfulfilling end... unless, of course, you're lulling us into a false sense of security for what's to come. Which I could see being the case. In which case, it's a good anti-clim—

*seen with Nevren happens*

Huh. Well, hot damn. Unlike canis, I'm not exactly tempted to call him a mole more than a chessmaster of sorts, trying to play both sides so that he can achieve the outcome that he believes is best. That outcome might be more in line with what the Hunters want, but I'm not entirely sure it's 100 percent the same, as evidenced by Nevren's apparent dislike of Eon's attitude and seeming dislike of the effect it might've had on Owen. Still, interesting to know that Torkoal Elder (really? that's his name?) is actually alive after some vague allusions to his existence before. And Rim does, uh, some emoting of a sort. Good to know there's something inside of her. Also, Zero Isle apparently exists in this world. Huh. Wonder why. And how.

The stuff with the other guardians was nice comedic filler... and it also means they've gotten more attention than Team Alloy. Remind me why you consider them to be main characters, again? Cause I don't see it...

Amia sighed, but Owen held firm. She really trapped herself with that one. “Not… three days?” she asked.

"Mwa ha ha ha! Guess what, Guardian Heroes? I've finally developed the ultimate evolutionary technique! In three days, I'll conquer the world! Think you can stop me?"

Alex watched his son go, and then shook his head. “…He’s certainly going through that rebellious phase… again… isn’t he?”

"I am too a dragon, Mom! You just don't understand me! Nobody understands me!" (Crawling in My Scaaaaaaales)

“I promised Nevren that I would not tell him about the moment we shared.”

“Uhh—” Owen blushed.

“Not in that way,” Rhys hissed.

Ah, there's the more obvious confirmation Rhys is gay... like practically every male lucario on the internet, from what it seems.

A shame he already befriended the Zoroark, but I suppose it cannot be helped. I was hoping you’d kill her before that happened, like with Cara or Forrest.”

Good thing I already unceremoniously killed off a certain alakazam, because this transgression would not be able to go unpunished!

Just ask Elder to speak to the Ice Guardian, and we can proceed from there. I believe her name is Ladder, but you might want to double-check.

I see what you did there. This IS an Ace Attorney fanfic! Good grief.

Okay, that's everything. Honestly, with how much deceit and behind-the-scenes scheming there is... just about the only major player I actually trust is (and this will sound terrible) Arceus. He may be angry and a bit of a ranter, but at least he's upfront in all of it. Everyone else is playing PMD-friendly Game of Thrones at this point.

 

[p-bugle]

Hey Namo! I apologize for my tardiness on this review, but it seemed that fortune smiled upon me when the story I was to review was chosen. It certainly was an experience reading the backstory for the Owen I've been roleplaying with over discord. Anyway, onto the review, I'll be doing a free-write up to chapter five.

A Fragile Identity
As all prologues should, this one does a great job at capturing the reader's attention. There is a genuine sense of mystery throughout the chapter: What are the weird hybrid-pokemon attacking? Who are they, why are they here? The sentence structure is also kept varied throughout the fight scenes, conveying a sense of urgency and desperation. The style of narration also does a good job at conveying what Owen is thinking without having to directly show him thinking it. If there is one trait that Owen especially shows in his conversation with his parents, it's his complete sense of honesty and openness. It's a shame that Alex and Amia couldn't reciprocate this, but I suspect they're too likable of characters to not have good reason for this. The chapter as a whole kind of plays with the whole 'protagonist looses their memory' pmd plot line, with Owen chalking stuff up to dreams things his parents know seem to have actually happened. Overall, a great start.

Kilo Village
You do a great job with the setting descriptions in this chapter, they really help to visualize how the scenes play out in the reader's head when Owen navigates through the village. The common theme of everything feeling the slightest bit...off is continued for poor Owen. Even more questions are raised as to why all of Owen's friends seem to be hiding their knowledge of him, but still guiding him down the path of an explorer nonetheless. Again, it's a good mystery, and I look forward to literally and metaphorically reading further into it. During the actual first mission, it was also pretty interesting how you had mystery dungeons be in different sections without having to deal with the whole 'staircase in the middle of the room' situation. Even when the mechanics of mystery dungeons are explained, you still show the inherent, well...mystery to them. They twist, they turn, they play with your sight, and I bet being in one only exasperated Owen's questioning of his own sanity.

Trouble in the Woods
I have a belief that how a character fights tells something about their personality, and this chapter definitely shows it. Because Owen doesn't have the advantage of a non-kid like charizard body, he's forced to rely much more on cunning and items usage, especially against a foe he would be so seemingly outmatched against. You spare no details on the inherit danger of dungeoneering, and having Owen be defeated despite his best efforts definitely gives the character something to grow toward and outlines what he is, and isn't capable of. If there is one thing that I'm a little apprehensive about, it's that Demitri stated that they went in because the Aerodactyl was stated to have been in that dungeon. If that's the case, then why wasn't Owen informed of this when he choose to go in? I could very likely be missing something, but that was one of the few things that made me pause.

Ceremony of Advancement
The first thing that really got my attention this chapter was the mention of the pink cloud. The fact that Rhys wasn't surprised by the mere mention of the cloud, but the fact that it was pink gives me the feeling that they've all been through something like this before, only now something is different, and that something is why they have to keep Owen in the dark. You sort of see an extension of Owen's parent's protective demeanor with the fact that they live in a secret village with comedic password protection, and it shows the inherent danger that this world contains, and why the association exists to combat it. Anam has his fair share of foreshadowing in the previous chapters, and with an organization as large and important as the Thousand Hearts, he definitely seems to embody the typical traits that such a ruler would require. He has charisma, he listens to those below him, and as the organization implies, he cares...maybe a bit too much.

Strange Meditation
Once again, I must compliment the exemplary setting descriptions. Eternal Whistler Cave painted a clear picture in my mind of both their unique setting, and the challenges they had to overcome. We definitely get more character development for Owen, specifically his willingness to defend himself. Owen showed that he had the simultaneous willpower to continue, and the instincts that would force him to the offensive, even when attacked by someone he idolized. It definitely seems that the high ranking members, Nevren and Rhys, are more secretive and dismissive about the many strange happenings, while Gahi, Demitri, and Mispy are almost as curious and confused as Owen is. This suggests that, whatever is happening: the strange glow, the mutated pokemon, the lost memories, it is directly related to the, pardon my pun, to the heart of the organization.

Final Thoughts
Overall, I found Hands of Creation to be an engaging read. The characters are defined, realistic, and work off of each other. I apologize for not offering more recommendations on how to improve the story. As I am just starting off as a writer, I just believe I wouldn't be the most qualified to do so. Overall, at the end of those chapters, I can say I feel much like Owen, brimming with questions, and desperate to find any answers. I look forward to seeing Owen again, in one way or another.

 

[diamondpearl876]

Yeahhhh I'm not falling behind again already.

CHAPTER 29

Nevren tried to attack him back then, but it was all a dream. It was, right?

I'd... forgotten about this, but. Something did seem really off even then, so in hindsight, this Nevren revelation isn't surprising.

“None of us will, dear,” Amia said. “But think of it this way, Zena. If Nevren told Owen that it was an Everstone… and that he wasn’t supposed to evolve… how do you suppose he would react? Owen, who wanted nothing more than to evolve?”

The psychologist in me immensely appreciates the consideration put into the depth of characterization in this fic. Here's a good example, especially when Nevren gave the stone to Owen when he was 100% in the dark about things. He had no reason at that point to think evolving was a bad thing, just some weird late bloomer issue, if I remember right.

“We didn’t necessarily call ourselves that at the time,” Rhys admitted. “It was a different time. The Divine Dragons, we called ourselves. Frankly, I can’t recall why…. None of us are Dragons. I believe Eon came up with the term because it sounded cool…” Rhys rolled his eyes.

Calling oneself a Dragon, despite not being one, was something Owen felt he could relate to all too strongly.

This went to super cute to super sad in such a short span. D:

“Please… leave me be,” Valle said.

Enet tilted her head, sniffing at the feet of the stone Shiftry.

True to form, the Rock Guardian did not move.

“This is not something that I am used to,” Valle said. “Enet, Guardian of Electricity, this is too close.”

Lmao, these two are amazing together. To have Enet, with her limited vocabulary, convince Valle to try to move, just a little, so quickly... In short, I love this scene.

“Hmm… well. Please, set up a team anyway in an attempt to rescue his Pokémon, Rim. Moderately strong Synthetics should do. Team of three? Be sure to set them to Scouting and not Battling.”

Rim nodded.

“Ah, and Rim,” Nevren said.

“Mm?”

“How many Orbs do you have at the moment? Which ones, between yourself and Eon?”

UMMMMMMMMMMM This is the most I've ever seen Nevren talk, and all of it is unnerving. I want my reader innocence back, please.

“I believe it is time,” Nevren said. “They will fail, but I think now is a good time for them to know about the Trinity.

And now I wish I was behind so I'd have all this Trinity failure insanity to read. :V See ya next time~

 

[namohysip]

Thanks, Amby--I replied to your ketchup elsewhere, but hoo! Amazing how much you can review out.

Hey Namo!

Holy crap, it's Flute--I mean, Bugle. Heya!

It's a shame that Alex and Amia couldn't reciprocate this, but I suspect they're too likable of characters to not have good reason for this.

While I've failed at this for a few characters, I generally try to make everyone likable to some extent. Intentionally or otherwise. Everyone has their favorites, and the diverse reception I get for some of them has been really interesting to read about.

If there is one thing that I'm a little apprehensive about, it's that Demitri stated that they went in because the Aerodactyl was stated to have been in that dungeon. If that's the case, then why wasn't Owen informed of this when he choose to go in?

You know, I think I could've explained this a little better in the narrative. Owen was heading to that Dungeon simply because it was sorta a "scheduled visit" for him. He never checked the outlaw notices or anything of the sort. Maybe I can have a little interim scene about it... ehh... I'll think about it. Could also be as easy as a few lines here or there. I'll log it in my todos.

Overall, at the end of those chapters, I can say I feel much like Owen, brimming with questions, and desperate to find any answers.

I've noticed--intentionally or otherwise--that Owen becomes a bit of an audience surrogate now and then in terms of what he wants to know, and what the audience wants to know. I definitely love doing that when I can.

Wow, hey dp! It hasn't been that long at all this time around--glad to see you keeping up~

The psychologist in me immensely appreciates the consideration put into the depth of characterization in this fic.

Ahh yes. Character psyche. That is something that I put a lot of thought into, and actually, I'd argue that this is the single driving force behind everything happening in this story, when you boil it all down. I hope I can keep it up.

UMMMMMMMMMMM This is the most I've ever seen Nevren talk, and all of it is unnerving. I want my reader innocence back, please.

Unfortunately, such things are fleeting. No amount of Revivers will save you now.

 

[namohysip]

Chapter 30 – Remnants​

The evening transitioned into the night. Owen felt like he didn’t quite need to sleep. Perhaps he had finally become strong enough to no longer require it. Still, Demitri, Mispy, and Gahi did. When their training ended, Owen wandered the caverns, enjoying the usual, dim blue glow from gleaming mushrooms speckled along the dark walls.

Zena was training with Amia. She seemed awkward about it, simply telling Owen that she wanted to get better with aura-based powers. It took very little pressing for her to reveal that she, too, was learning the Suppression Aura that reset Owen countless times.

Owen just smiled. “You know, better safe than sorry.” Not like he intended to be reset again anyway if he could help it.

But that also meant Owen couldn’t stay near them while they trained, and he had to wander the caverns again. Should he sleep? He could. But he was too restless. He couldn’t get the look of Rim’s eyes out of his head, and, in hindsight, the feeling he had when he saw her. How in the world did he become so bold as to risk his very sanity to scare off Rim? Was he even strong enough to take her on in that state? He somehow doubted it. Rim commanded mutants.

So why did she run?

“You are in motion far too much.”

Owen, startled, looked to his right. He forgot about Valle. The Shiftry statue was right next to him, so still that he had mistaken it for part of the cave. “Sorry,” Owen finally said. “Just restless.”

Valle rumbled angrily. “Cease your movement. The night is when I can know peace.”

“Okay. I’ll just find somewhere else to rest. I should meditate.”

“Yes. You should.”

Owen sighed. He headed further along the giant cavern until he spotted more Guardians.

Earlier in the day, Willow and ADAM had assisted Enet in finding a home. She took a liking to the one a few homes down from Rhys’ side. It was easy to spot Enet’s abode because of the perpetual darkness that veiled the insides. Only her eyes—glowing—were visible when looking inside.

“Enet?” Owen whispered, but the glowing eyes said it all.

“Small,” Enet greeted.

“M-my name’s Owen.”

“Owen… Small Owen.” Enet said.

“Are you okay?” He could sense her tense muscles.

“Okay.”

“You aren’t scared or anything?” Owen asked.

Enet didn’t answer.

“Hey, it’s alright,” Owen said. “Friends. All friends.”

Enet let out a strange growl. It didn’t sound aggressive, but it wasn’t one of comfort, either.

Owen felt someone knocking inside his mind. Hello? Is someone calling me?

Yo, Star greeted. Are you checking on Enet?

Yeah. Is she alright?

She’s just antsy. New den and all that, and it’s not like it was totally up to her.

Oh, Owen said. Well, I guess I don’t wanna bother her.

No, no, actually, I think she trusts you more than anyone else here. Since Amia’s training Zena the Suppression Aura stuff, can you do me a favor and spend the night keeping her company? She’s not all that strong, so she’ll be asleep for most of it.

Owen nodded. It was better than irritating Valle, at least. Okay.

Great. While you do that, I’m gonna check up on some Guardians. I want to see if the Bug or Ice Guardians are up for anything. I think I know where the Ice Guardian is, but she’s a little cold toward me. Sorta a long story.

Like all the others. Owen rolled his eyes. I bet the Electric Guardian didn’t give up peacefully, either. I’m starting to think back, and there was a huge thunderstorm in Nightshade, like, a year or two ago. That wasn’t a normal storm, was it?

A-anyway, I gotta head off! Star said. I’m gonna hang up now.

Hang… up?

But she didn’t reply. So distracted by the conversation, Owen didn’t realize that Enet was mere inches from his face. He stifled a gasp and fell backward; Enet lunged forward and grabbed him just in time. Her paws were almost as big as his head.

“Okay?” Enet asked.

“Y-yes. I’m okay,” Owen said, pulling himself up. “Enet… would you like me to rest with you?”

Even in the dark, Owen was able to Perceive her muzzle scrunching up. “Better father.”

Owen tried not to sound exasperated. “Not like that. As… a pack. Friend.”

“Small pack.”

Why me?

But despite this, Enet turned around and curled up in the darkness. Owen sighed, shifting his body into his Grassy state. He had a habit of fighting in his dreams, and that always made the ethereal flame on his tail heat up. At least as a plant, he wouldn’t accidentally burn Enet.

While he didn’t rest, Owen spent the rest of the night meditating and calming his aura.

Owen’s thoughts returned to Star. Hey, Klent?

Hm? There was a pause, and then Klent answered, Oh, Owen. Are you feeling okay?

Star just left, if you’re looking for her, Amelia spoke up. When are you gonna come visit again?

Owen grinned. Sorry, I’m looking after Enet tonight. I was just thinking about… everything.

That’s quite a lot, Klent said. Owen… you know we’re a bit in-tune with your feelings, right? Being within your spirit, that is. We understand. We’ve been trying to get Star to tell us more, but she’s obviously bothered by it. And she knows if she tells us, we’ll tell you. And I suppose we don’t want to trigger anything.

I think I’ll evolve just fine, Owen said. I bet I can handle it now. Last time, I almost had it. And this time, I didn’t feel like I was going crazy at all. I was just scared. So… what if I—

You promised, two days, Klent said.

Owen rolled his eyes. Fine, fine, he relented. But when I evolve… and I’m normal… I want her to tell me what made me go crazy in the first place.

I’ll hold her to it.

<><><>​

Gahi’s kinda cute when he’s a Trapinch, Owen thought to himself. He had Gahi ensnared in a simple vine around his torso where his tiny legs and massive head couldn’t reach. He flailed and hissed and screamed in anger, but there was nothing the stubby Pokémon could do to break free from the relatively effortless hold.

“Lemme go!” Gahi shouted.

“Not until you say I win,” Owen hummed.

“It ain’t fair! Yer Mystic, yer evolved, nuh-uh!”

“To be fair, Gahi,” Demitri said from the sidelines, “you were the one who wanted to fight Owen one on one.”

Mispy nodded, nursing a cut on one of her vines. Demitri had clawed her pretty hard and her healing was taking extra time to repair the damage.

“I kinda remember always losing to you, Gahi,” Owen said. “At least, that’s sorta the feeling I get when I think about other times we’ve sparred. So, I dunno what to tell you. This feels like a great change. Are you gonna give up yet?”

“Not ‘til I’m passed out an’ broken!” Gahi replied defiantly.

The vines squeezed tighter around his body.

“Just give up,” Mispy said, sighing.

“Yeah, Mispy’s sick of healing you. Maybe this time she won’t do it,” Demitri teased. He tittered, glancing at Mispy. “Y-you’ll still heal him, right?” he whispered.

Mispy shrugged. “Can’t heal stupid.”

“I ain’t stupid! I’m determined! Rhys said so!”

“Hey, Rhys called me determined, too,” Owen mumbled.

Mispy glanced at Demitri, who just shrugged.

“Yeah, if Owen’s determined, then I’m not dumb!” Gahi said. “Now lemme down!”

“Not until you say you give up,” Owen said. “The win doesn’t even feel good if I knock you out, Gahi, You won’t be able to dodge anything I throw at you.”

“Mehh… fine.”

Owen sighed, dropping Gahi to the ground.

He immediately rushed for Owen. “I never said I gav—”

A Vine Trap erupted beneath Gahi, tearing through rocks to ensnare him for a second time. The crush was so intense that Gahi squeaked and cracked like wood, tiny legs flailing weakly.

“I know,” Owen said, smirking.

Gahi hissed but finally relented. “Okay, fine, fine… ya mrmff…”

“What was that?” Owen asked with a teasing lilt in his voice.

Mispy smacked Owen on the back of his head. He winced, expecting the blow, but still yelped at how hard she hit. “H-hey, I was just joking around!”

Owen helped free Gahi from the vines and Mispy patched him up with a gentle wave of healing energy. Demitri sighed and stretched, scratching at a nick in his tusks with a frown. “I messed up my tusk again,” he said. “I need to be more careful. These things don’t grow back, you know.”

“They do with Orans,” Owen said.

“I mean, yeah, but I don’t wanna waste resources,” Demitri said. “I’ll just wait a while.”

“Well, don’t wait too long,” Owen said. “If you let a wound settle in for too long, Orans don’t heal it. There’s this Salazzle, you know Spice? She got badly hurt during some outing and even though she took an Oran to heal the major stuff, it still left a scar behind because she didn’t take a second one to heal it completely, or something. Guess they had run out since it was a rough mission… Why else would an Oran not work, y’know?”

“You mean from Sugar ‘n Spice?” Demitri asked, unconsciously picking at the dent in his tusk again. Mispy wrapped a vine around his claw to pull it away, knowing he’d only make it worse.

“Yeah.”

Demitri flinched. “W-well, I still don’t want to waste it on a little chip. Maybe if we went on a Dungeon mission, I’ll use one along the way? Then I won’t feel so bad.”

“Oh, sure,” Owen said. “You guys can head on one if you like.”

Demitri and Mispy exchanged looks. “Well,” Demitri said, “we were actually thinking, and, um…”

“What?” Owen asked, returning to his Fiery form. He felt something in the back of his throat and coughed out a stray Bullet Seed.

“Can’t you come with us?” Demitri asked.

Owen tilted his head. “With you guys?”

“Yeah. I mean—we’re Team Alloy, right? And now that you know how you evolve, it should be totally safe for you to come with us. We’re still in our lowest forms. No way we’ll evolve all the way up on one mission.”

“It’s still dangerous to go out,” he said, sighing. “Rim could try to kill me.”

“What, like she did back in Nightshade?” Gahi said. “C’mon, she ran off when you just threatened ter evolve!”

“W-well, yeah, but—”

“It’s safe,” Mispy nodded.

“I’m still not sure, guys,” Owen said apologetically. “Rhys and Mom would kill me. And Dad would probably explode again.”

“Bah, he’s a spirit, he’ll come back,” Gahi said. “We’ll jus’ say we kidnapped ya.”

“Okay, first of all, I don’t think I want you guys getting in that much trouble—and two, you didn’t kidnap me!”

“How do you know?” Mispy asked.

As if on cue, Demitri and Gahi approached Owen on both sides. Mispy’s vines emerged from behind her shoulders.

“W-wait, wait, wait, wait!” Owen said, raising his arms.

They all lunged at him. Owen crossed his arms, forming a shield of gold light that bumped them all away. He grunted when Demitri hit it particularly hard, and for just a moment, he feared that the Axew would somehow break his Protect barrier.

“Okay,” Owen said, taking advantage of their brief dizziness. Mispy, who could have easily grabbed Owen after the barrier dropped, was patient enough to let him speak. “How about,” he continued, “after I fully evolve—which will be tomorrow, by the way, that’s when I plan to do this—we go out then. I bet if I can keep it together, we’ll go on a mission. How about that? Huh?”

“So tomorrow, we’re gonna go on a mission together,” Demitri said.

“If, uh, if they let me.”

“If yer a Charizard, they ain’t gonna stop you.” Gahi clicked his jaws confidently.

Owen twisted his mouth into a pensive frown. “I guess, but I’d feel kinda bad about taking advantage of my power like that,” he said. “I guess as a last resort.”

“We’re sorta on the verge of evolving anyway,” Demitri said. “I guess we should be careful, too.”

“Mmh.” Mispy nodded. “Fine.”

Rhys emerged from his home. “Ah, Owen!” he called.

“Huh?” Owen spun around. “What? Something happen?”

“Nevren just called via the communicator,” he said. “Come. I’m going to gather the others. Apparently, a Guardian has been found… but it is a strange location.”

<><><>​

“So, what’s so weird about it? Where on the map is it?” Owen asked.

Everybody had been gathered together in the center of Hot Spot to speak to Nevren through his communication badge.

“It’s a factory far off the coast,” Nevren said. “Far, far south, on an old island, in fact. Quite difficult to get to normally. Only Mystics can approach it—it’s protected by a special barrier set up by the Guardian within. We only spotted it from a distance and some Zoom Lenses and a team of flying scouts.”

“Factory,” Amia said. “I’ve heard that term before, but—what is it, again?”

“A facility that is built for the purpose of mass-producing something,” Nevren said. “We have something similar here, though not quite to the same level.” The communication device was quiet for a while after that. “…Hello?”

“Oh! Sorry, I thought you would say something,” Amia said. “I was just trying to figure out what this factory would be. But, um… What type is this Guardian?”

“Well, it’s a factory, so, Steel,” Nevren said. “He’s quite at home there, from what I’ve gathered.”

“How’d you gather that?” Owen asked suspiciously. “Did you visit there yourself?”

“I have,” Nevren said. “Though, not to any success. It was quite a long time ago, though I feel now is an appropriate time as any to try our luck with this one. I recommend… someone with a more effective set of techniques, yes?”

“Steel,” Owen repeated to himself, looking at the red scales on his arms.

“I can go.” Gahi shrugged. “Ground, eh? That’s real good against Steel.”

“I can, too,” Owen said. “Um… I guess Demitri and Mispy should stay back for this one, huh?”

The Axew and Chikorita wanted to protest, but they backed down shortly after. Owen figured they knew he had a point.

“Okay,” Demitri said, “but what should we do while you’re gone?”

“Spar!” Owen said, nodding. “Actually, y’know what? When I come back, I want to see you two as a Fraxure and Bayleef, okay?”

“D’you think we can get there so soon?” Demitri said, eyes brightening.

“Definitely,” Owen nodded. “I can feel it. I’m a Charmeleon already, after all, right?”

“Yeah, but you’re Mystic,” Demitri said.

“Well… either way, I think you’ll do it. Maybe spar with the other Mystics? The weaker ones, like Willow, or—”

“Weaker?!” Willow charged up for a Moonblast.

“I—I mean, th-th… the nicer ones! The nicer ones, who can go easy on them! R-right?”

“That’s better,” Willow huffed. The lunar sphere dissipated in a white-pink mist.

Owen sighed, holding his chest. At the very least, she was acting normally toward him. He thought she wouldn’t talk back to him again after that incident with Azu…

“If you’re going, Owen, then I should go, too,” Amia said. “And as the Fire Guardian, maybe I can help in fighting, too? I may not be the best fighter, but I’m still strong…”

“Okay, so that’s me, Mom, Gahi…” Owen frowned. “If I go crazy, d’you think that’ll be enough, Mom? If you make me a Charmander again?”

Amia flinched. “Y-you’re okay with that?”

Owen nodded. “I… I don’t want it, but it’s better than being crazy forever. But… if I evolve… can you make sure I’m crazy first?”

Amia nodded. “Of course! That’s what we were building toward this whole time!”

Rhys hummed worriedly. “Just in case,” he said, “I would like to accompany you as well. A team of four. My Fighting attacks will be effective.”

“That should be enough,” Nevren confirmed. “Now, hold out your maps. Do you see where Zero Isle Spiral is located?”

“No, um, is that…?” Amia unraveled their map.

“Start from Kilo Village, at the center of the map. Go south until you reach the ocean.”

“Oh, I know that spot!” Owen said. “Zena and I washed up there after we, uh, you know.”

“Hm, so we have a reference point,” Rhys said. “What then, Nevren?”

“You have to fly from there and head further south until you can see the archipelago with Zero Isle at the center. From that direction, you should head diagonally to the left—that is, southeast. You should see another landmass. That will be your location; if you search by aura, you will sense a powerful barrier blocking the way. Anybody too weak in the spiritual sense will be turned around in the opposite direction without realizing it. Mystics, by default, should be strong enough to pass through.”

“Eh, so what about me?” Gahi said, clicking his jaws. “I ain’t spiritual Mystic sparkly.”

“Your proximity should be enough. Perhaps ride on Owen’s back.”

“Wh-why me?” Owen said.

Gahi hummed. “I can do that.”

Owen sighed. “Okay, fine,” he said. “But, can I fly yet?”

“If you can’t fly, you can ride on me, dear,” Amia said.

“…Wait. Rhys? Can you fly for a long time?”

“To an extent,” Rhys said. “It may deplete my stamina a bit after some time, but, ah… I’m sure I will have time to rest once we arrive.”

“If you’re tired, you can always ride on me, dear,” Amia giggled. “I don’t mind.”

“I… shall… consider it.” Rhys turned his head away. “Though I would prefer not. I am not used to riding on the backs of others. They’re always too soft.”

“Soft?” Amia said. “You prefer… hard backs?”

“Er—yes. I suppose I do.”

“Yer weird,” Gahi said.

Zena quickly slithered over to Owen and gave him a reassuring nod. “Good luck, Owen.”

He smiled, returning the gesture. “Hey, how’s the Suppression Aura going?”

Zena winced. “Er, well—I’m getting better at it,” she said. “I’m sorry that I’m training at all for it…”

“I said it was fine,” Owen assured, shaking his head. “Okay. You guys ready?” He looked at Amia, Gahi, and Rhys. When they all nodded, they set off toward the exit of Hot Spot Cave.

<><><>​

It was only a few quick warps and walks from Hot Spot to Kilo Village to the south. They wound up taking the Waypoint to Void Forest, though they were sure to steer clear of the Dungeon itself.

Void Forest seemed quite… normal, considering the name. Tall trees dotted the landscape, leaving ample room to walk around. While the ground was grayish, and it was mostly dirt and fungus, it wasn’t something Owen would have labeled as void-like. Nothing like Void Basin to the southwest.

The lack of proper foliage was a bit unnerving, though.

“Usually don’t like taking trips or missions to the south,” Owen mumbled aloud.

“Don’t worry, dear. We’re flying right now,” Amia said. “Oh, that’s right. I suppose we should start giving you flying lessons. That shouldn’t be too hard.”

Owen’s heart fluttered in some trick-of-the-mind instinct. “F-fly?” he said, his mind trying to flex wings he did not yet have.

“Aww, Owen, I’m sorry,” Amia said, patting his shoulder. “I meant with your Mystic power. You remember us doing it before, right? Just try to mimic it. It’s a lot easier than you think, once you get started.”

“Okay, sure. Let me guess. It’s sorta like when I think to switch from Fire to Grass, except this time for flying?”

“Kind of! I think? The way Star taught it to me was like this. You feel gravity pulling at you… feel your own weight. And then, well… defy it! Sort of.” Amia levitated slightly in the air. “I suppose it’s not too different from Psychic kinesis after that. Push yourself in the direction you want.”

“I think I know how to describe that,” Owen said. “I had a lot of dreams like this. Where I was flying as a Charmander, just going over town and looking down.” A dumb smile spread across his face. “Uh—right. So, I guess like a dream, huh? Let me think…”

Owen felt weightless. He flailed his arms out of reflex; Rhys quickly held his back. “Now, now, hold still,” he said.

“Whoa,” Gahi said, churring. “His feet’re off the ground!”

Owen looked down. He was a foot in the air. “I—I’m doing it!”

“I’m going to let go, now,” Rhys said.

Once he did, Owen spun forward, upside-down after a few seconds. “Uh—wait—I’ve got this,” Owen said, righting himself. He overcompensated, shooting several more feet in the air. “W-wait! Wait—oh—this is really—uh—sudden!” He kicked in the air, but he was laughing at the same time. “I—I’m actually flying! Mom! I’m flying!”

“Yes, you are, dear,” Amia said, giggling. “Honestly, if I knew it’d make you this happy, I would’ve trained you with this earlier! But at least now you’re strong enough it’s not even hard to…Owen?”

He was flying in circles through the air, his ember a blazing blue.

“…Should we calm him down?” Rhys asked.

“Ohh, let him have his moment,” Amia said.

Gahi watched enviously, grumbling to himself about his “stupid big-headed body.”

Owen suddenly stopped his flying when he got high enough to see over the forest trees. He gulped, not realizing how close they were to the Chasm of the Void. It was always depicted as a big, black dot on the map, and was typically only restricted to Hearts to go near due to its ominous appearance. It was undoubtedly home to another Guardian, based on how anomalous it was, even by Dungeon standards. But it was also hard to approach, let alone enter.

It looked exactly as it did on the map. Black dot on the paper, a great, black crater in person. He couldn’t even see the crater’s walls. It was like a vat of pure, inky blackness. It vaguely reminded him of Enet’s home the night before. Hidden in plain sight. The fact that it was still around suggested that not even the Hunters could approach easily.

Owen landed. “Sorry about that,” he said, tittering. “Okay. Rhys, do you know how to fly?”

“Of course,” Rhys said. “Though, not in the traditional sense, as I said before. Let me make sure I still have the technique in me, so to speak…” Rhys held his arms firmly to his side. Then from both paws, aura energy burst downward in a steady stream. Wind blew in all directions away from the Lucario and he flew into the air. “I seem to have it covered!” he shouted down, secondary blasts coming from his feet.

“Oh,” Owen said, staring. “…He can do that.”

“It’s not very useful in Dungeons where you can’t fly,” Amia said, “and I imagine with his limbs occupied, he can’t fight in that state, either. And with Waypoints for quick travel to most places, well…”

Owen shrugged. “Let’s go.”

“Oy! Don’t go fergeting me!” Gahi chirped.

<><><>​

The horizon seemed to go on forever. It was an endless expanse of the blue ocean along a pale sky, speckled with white clouds. The only real detail they could see from this height was that of the clouds’ shadows cascading along the water below. Gahi clicked his jaws worriedly. “If y’drop me, I’m gonna kill yeh,” he said, clinging onto Owen’s back with the help of a few vines.

“Not if the fall kills you first,” Owen murmured, adjusting his arm-vines carefully. “Rhys, are you sure that isn’t too hard for you?”

The steady stream of aura energy made Owen think about Golurk and their propulsive abilities.

“I should be fine for quite a while,” Rhys said. “This aura energy is produced as quickly as I spend it with simple flight.”

“Oh, don’t lie, dear,” Amia said. “I can feel it depleting a tiny bit. Otherwise, you’d be flying like this all the time!”

“Ngh—perhaps by a negligible amount,” Rhys said.

Amia looked at their map, and then ahead. “I think that’s Zero Isle.”

Rhys nodded.

“Goodness…” Amia said. Their flying slowed down slightly, and they veered away from the archipelago—which appeared to be a spiral of beige sand and tiny, light trees in the middle of sky-colored saltwater. “Do you feel that?” she asked.

Owen felt a horrible tightness in his chest, like the sheer radiation of power was stopping his heart. “What is that? It’s… coming from…”

“Feel what?” Gahi asked.

“I guess only Mystics can feel it,” Amia said. “Rhys?”

“…We should keep clear of Zero Isle for a while,” said Rhys. “A powerful Guardian is there, and we are simply not ready.”

“Wait! A powerful Guardian? A friendly one?”

Rhys shook his head. “Not to us, no,” he said. “…Frankly, I’m not sure if the Steel one will be friendly, either.”

“How do you know?” Owen asked. “Did… did you try to attack the Zero Isle Guardian before? When you were a…”

Rhys shook his head. “No,” he said. “But I fought her predecessor, who was…” he shivered slightly. “It’s not something that I like to think about.”

Owen nodded. “Okay. But, what Orb is it of? Do you know anything about her?”

“Dragon, and yes, she’s very hostile. We’ll talk about this later,” Rhys said, pointing ahead. “That’s the island we’re looking for, is it not?”

At the horizon was a grayish structure sitting atop a black ground. The water nearby had a dark residue around it. Owen wasn’t sure what to think about the odd color—he certainly wouldn’t drink it.

“That’s… a factory?” Owen said, gulping. Nevren didn’t seem too concerned or alarmed when talking about this place, but now that he saw it with his own eyes, it seemed… ominous.

“Hm, it appears to be one, yes,” Rhys said. They lowered their altitude, heading for a firm trajectory right for the shore of this island, just beyond the dark water.

“What’s the weird… black stuff?”

“It may be remnants of decay,” Rhys said. “Factories tend to produce waste products like trash quite a bit. If it’s been here for such a long time, perhaps some of that product is simply leaking into the water…”

“That can’t be good,” Owen said.

“Well, it is a small factory in a large ocean. It shouldn’t be too bad… I imagine,” Rhys trailed off. “Hrm. Well, regardless, it doesn’t seem to be spreading beyond this point. Perhaps we can look into cleaning it up later.”

They landed in the sand. There was something that felt… dirty about it. Owen winced at the ground, lifting his foot. “That’s a weird feeling. It’s… heavy. No, not heavy, but…” He dug his toes into the dirt and lifted it up. The sand stuck together with some sort of tar. He didn’t sense any strange properties from it, even with his Perceive. But it certainly wasn’t sand he’d want to make a mini building out of.

“It feels like it’s more than just dirt and rock,” Amia nodded.

“We should wash in cleaner water when we return home,” said Rhys. “Particularly you, Gahi, since you aren’t Mystic.”

Gahi tilted his head down. “Ehh, I’ll stay on yer back fer now,” he said.

“W-wait, what?” Owen was already lugging the giant Ground and bug-like Pokémon on his back, holding his hands behind him. “G-Gahi! You’re a little bulky to be carried around like that!”

“I ain’t walkin’ on tainted ground! I got standards! Carry me!”

“Nngh… okay.” Owen sighed. “But give me a second to….” He carefully pulled Gahi around his body until the bug was in front of him; Owen kept his arms around Gahi’s abdomen, holding him gently against his chest.

Gahi leaned his head back, bumping it against the bottom of Owen’s neck. “Don’t squish me.”

“I won’t,” Owen said. “Let’s go. I’m gonna set you down once we’re on that solid ground, the… that’s a steel floor or something?”

“It appears to be a special kind of stone,” Rhys said. “It’s called concrete.”

“Concrete…” Owen said. “I thought that was just a word that meant ‘really solid’?”

“Yes. The word came from that material, I believe. Or the other way around… hmm. Now I’m not sure,” he said. “We usually just use Protect insulation to reinforce buildings.”

“Concrete… Like a Conkeldurr?”

“Somewhat, yes,” said Rhys.

Owen breathed slowly, conscious of every sound they made. It was too quiet here. It wasn’t a Dungeon. No labyrinthine environment set up around them, even upon entering the tall, gray, imposing structure. That somehow made it worse. The lifelessness left Owen searching for an inevitable specter in the walls or the ground. But then Owen remembered that the Ghost Guardian was Anam. His hands ached again.

Their steps began to have sound. Owen looked down, puzzled at the new noise. So familiar. The feeling of claws on concrete. He then looked up at the factory—less familiar. In fact, he’d never seen such a structure before. It was many stories high, taller than the giant heart in the southern point of Kilo Village. Owen nearly fell backward from craning his neck so far; eventually, he had to stop to look into the entrance.

It was too dark from the outside to tell what it was. There were only a few windows at the top of the large room, and they were small. He saw many strange structures inside of the factory; horizontal platforms that had little wheels and cylinders embedded into them, contraptions that looked like strange, new Steel Pokémon. It vaguely reminded him of Kilo Village’s more advanced technology that Nevren made. Owen had a vague, blurry memory of once visiting a printing press. Perhaps that’s what these contraptions reminded him of. Some of it looked quite shiny like it was being sustained and washed—not dusty. It must’ve been the Guardian.

The Guardian. Was he here? Where? He couldn’t sense any imposing aura yet, and there was still the feeling of being watched. The lack of sensation got to him again. He needed to feel something. If he at least knew how threatening this Guardian was, he could put himself at ease. But an unknown power—an undetectable power?

Gahi bumped his head against Owen’s chest. “Stop squeezin’.”

“Sorry.”

Amia hummed. “What… is this?”

On solid ground, Owen set Gahi down. The Trapinch tapped his head on the concrete. “This place ain’t too bad,” he said. “Good echo. I can tell where everything is here, heh…”

“Do you hear anybody else here?” Owen asked. “I can’t—my sense of my surroundings isn’t strong enough yet. I feel like if I was fully evolved, I’d be able to find the guy, but I can’t.”

A metallic clinking noise echoed in the depths of the factory. Owen felt a cold chill run up his spine. The first sound that didn’t come from them. “Th-that m-might’ve been—” And then he felt it.

The Steel Guardian finally revealed himself by aura. And that little bit released felt like a punch in the lungs. Even Amia rubbed at her arms out of reflex.

“What’re you guys freakin’ out about?” Gahi asked.

“It’s nothing to concern yourself with,” Rhys said.

Owen didn’t believe him.

“Guess that’s the Guardian,” Owen said. “But hey, on the bright side, w-we don’t have to deal with crazy Mods anymore! Oh, wait.” He felt another aura—it was weaker, but he also recognized it. “I think Hecto’s here, too…” he mumbled.

“What was that, dear?” Amia asked.

“Do you guys know Hecto? Star’s, uh…”

“Ah, yes, Hecto,” Rhys nodded. “If he’s here, then I imagine this will be a safer area, in a sense. Hecto is not very strong on his own. Perhaps we won’t have to fight, either. Let’s keep going.”

It eased Owen’s heart at least a little, but he still kept on his guard. Everything was foreign here. There could be traps, or any number of hostile spirits hidden away, even by aura. They walked through a narrower portion of the factory, next to some of the odd platforms nearby. Owen saw strange objects on top of these platforms, but he was too short to see what they were at a good angle. “What’re those?” Owen asked.

“What are what, dear?” Amia asked. “Oh! Those… things?” she asked, reaching out.

“Don’t touch them,” Rhys said quickly.

“O-oh?” Amia asked, flinching her hand away. “Okay. Are they… traps, or volatile Dungeon Orbs?”

“Yes, in a sense,” Rhys said. “Now, let’s keep going. Don’t touch anything that doesn’t look familiar; this is a remnant from another realm, and we can’t be sure how it will react to us.”

“That’s… a weird way of phrasing it, Rhys,” Owen said. “But—okay.”

“Eh?” Gahi looked up. “What’re yeh all talking about anyway? Weird li’l…” He trailed off. “What’s this orb yer talking? What’s it look like?”

“It kinda looks… I dunno. It’s kinda pretty, though. But it doesn’t look natural.” Owen shrugged.

“’Sup.” This voice wasn’t familiar.

Owen felt that shiver again and stared ahead. He saw a bipedal figure with muscled arms and a shiny body. Metallic, indicative of the Steel Orb’s influence. His voice had a ringing tinge to it, too.

“H-hey, uh…” Owen wasn’t really sure how to acknowledge it. He said without thinking, “A Machoke, the Steel Guardian?”

“Not as dumb as you being the Grass Guardian.”

That one stung.

“A-ah, um,” Amia quickly held up her hands, “H-hello! Um… what’s your name? I’m Gardevoir Amia, this is Charmeleon Owen, that’s Lu—”

“Brandon Rezz,” the metal Machoke replied. “I know who you guys are. Don’t worry.”

Owen blinked as if he was trying to piece together something in his head. “Rezz?” he asked. “What Pokémon is a Rezz? I thought you were a Machoke. And you said your name backward.”

“No, I’m a Machoke, sure,” Brandon said. “But my last name is Rezz.”

“…I don’t get it,” Owen said. “Brandon and Rezz both aren’t a species.”

“Where I’m from,” Brandon said, “everyone that talked was the same species. …Mostly. So, kinda stupid if we all had the same first name. So instead, we had unique last names that followed our family line. So, the same way you guys take the first names of your mother, the same species, I got my last name from my dad.”

“Oh,” Amia said. “That’s interesting! But—you came from a realm that was all Machoke? I don’t know which part of your story I want to ask about first!”

Brandon gave off the smallest smirk. “No,” he said. “Not Machoke.” He turned around, staring at the dull ceiling. “I only have this form because it’s close to what I used to be. I’m from the human world.”

“Oh! So… a Machoke… wait…”

“While I gave it up a long time ago,” Brandon said, “I used to be human.”

 

[canisaries]

Perhaps he finally became strong enough to no longer require it.

I think you want "he had finally" here.

Like all the others. Owen rolled his eyes. I bet the Electric Guardian didn’t give up peacefully, either. I’m starting to think back, and there was a huge thunderstorm in Nightshade, like, a year or two ago. That wasn’t a normal storm, was it?

A-anyway, I gotta head off! Star said. I’m gonna hang up now.

Hang… up?

Oh no Owen a tunnel's coming up pfzhzhhzhhhzhh i cant hear yozhfzhfhfz talk zfhfhz later

The next few days passed by unceremoniously, a mixture of training, meditating, and boredom as Star, Nevren, and Anam redoubled their efforts into locating the other Guardians—or at least, Guardians they were capable of befriending.

You promised, two days, Klent said.

I think there's a time discontinuity in this chapter? It seems like the few days going by was supposed to be at some other spot in the story, because the mentioned "two days" would definitely have passed already.

“You mean from Sugar ‘n Spice?” Demitri asked, unconsciously picking at the dent in his tusk again. Mispy wrapped a vine around his claw to pull it away, knowing he’d only make it worse.

Gosh, I can relate. My dad keeps picking at his fingernails and I have to slap his hands away each time.

Owen twisted his mouth into a pensive frown.

And we just recently talked about this :thinking:

“Nevren just called via the communicator,” he said. “Come. I’m going to gather the others. Apparently, a Guardian’s location has been found… but it is a strange location.”

the location was iNsiDe tHe cAve aLL aLonG ooOOOoooOOOOoo

“It’s far off the coast,” Nevren said.

HISSSSSSSSSSS DEMON i mean sorry go on

“It’s far off the coast,” Nevren said. “Far, far south, on an old island, in fact. Quite difficult to get to normally. Only Mystics can approach it—it’s protected by a special barrier set up by the guardian within.”

“Factory…” Amia said. “I’ve heard that term before, but—what is it, again?”

Did she read the word "factory" on the map? Because Nevren didn't mention it.

“Eh, so what about me?” Gahi said, clicking his jaws. “I ain’t spiritual Mystic sparkly.”

“Your proximity should be enough. Perhaps ride on Owen’s back.”

“Wh-why me?” Owen said.

“I can do that.”

Owen sighed. “Okay, fine,” he said. “But, can I fly yet?”

The "I can do that" kind of threw me off for a bit by having no dialogue tag, since it's a threeway conversation with the speaker before Owen being Nevren.

“Soft?” Amia said. “You prefer… hard backs?”

“Er—yes. I suppose I do.”

rhys likes it rough huh ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

“Of course,” Rhys said. “Though, not in the traditional sense, as I said before. Let me make sure I still have the technique in me, so to speak…” Rhys held his arms firmly to his side. Then from both paws, aura energy burst downward in a steady stream. Wind blew in all directions away from the Lucario and he flew right into the air. “I seem to have it covered!” he shouted down, secondary blasts coming from his feet.

Whoa it's Bony Bark haha not sorry

At the horizon was a grayish structure sitting atop a black ground. The water nearby had a dark residue around it as well. Owen wasn’t sure what to think about the odd color—he certainly wouldn’t drink it.

DRINK IT DRINK IT DRINK IT

“Concrete… Like a Conceldurr?”

*adjusts glasses* ackchually it's Conkeldurr

Owen had a vague, blurry memory of once visting a priting press

*Printing?

“What’re those?” Owen asked.

OWEN NO. YOU KEEP THAT MEME IN 2015 WHERE IT BELONGS

“Not as dumb as you being the Grass Guardian.”

That one stung.

words hurt man ;_;

“Brandon Rezz,” the metal Machoke replied. “I know who you guys are. Don’t worry.”

That's one of the most dudebro names I've heard yet. Almost on par with Chad himself.

“While I gave it up a long time ago,” Brandon said, “I used to be human.”

>turns into a pokemon, a fantastical beast
>gets the gray-skinned buff man with a barney face and irremovable speedo
zoinks

Intrigued to hear about humans in this world (or another). Especially how that all ties to the Gods and all that.

 

[Ambyssin]

but the actual feel of all the spirits ganging up on Star to help Ra advance and win is inspired by a certain battle sequence at the very end of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. You'd know the one.

Actually, I've never watched any FMA. :V

Minor nitpick to start out, here. And it's what canis mentioned. After Owen Enet-sits for a night you say "the next few days pass by unceremoniously," only for the conversation with Klent to bring up the promise Owen made about waiting two days to evolve. That... uh... doesn't line up. Did you mean to say "The next day passed by unceremoniously"? Because that's the only way this'll make sense.

I'm-a be honest here, as far as your "explore place, find guardian" chapters go, this one fell a bit short of the potential for me. I think it was because of the cast's general indifference toward the factory setting, which was clearly setting up for the reveal of Brandon, our resident human. Like, I expected Owen to be a bit enthusiastic at the prospect of exploring a remnant of human society (with it maybe turning into fear and confusion about how mechanical and imposing the abandoned factory is), but he mostly seems pretty apathetic. And then the general pattern this seems to follow is that they see something, acknowledge it in a relatively stoic manner, Rhys exposits, and then they move on. I know you said before you're not a fan of writing dungeon-crawling stuff, but I think this premise should've put everyone (except Rhys, I guess) very on-edge, especially when it turns out there are toxins around the factory. But I didn't get a real sense of unease or nervousness or anything. It just kind of felt like the group was going through the motions.

This could just be a pitfall of having a cast that is, essentially, all-powerful. In true shonen fashion, they need to face threats that have the same level of power to get any sort of surprise out of them. But even then, the surprise is mostly limited to Owen and Amia so far over the course of the story. I don't know, I guess it's a personal taste thing, but this had the potential to actually be threatening toward our heroes — for example, the factory's poisons could've been corrosive like a Salazzle's and been a threat to even Rhys or the toxins could've interfered with their Mystic auras, rendering them mortal — but instead you devote a large amount of time to showing that Mystics can fly, which I admit made me a bit glass-eyed and bored.

Okay, I don't like being this negative. Positive stuff! Zero Isle's teases continue to pique my interest. I hope it can live up to the "hype." And aside from Brandon raising a few possiblities, I found it interesting that Star (likely unintentionally) brought up a human idiom while telepathing with Owen. I might be getting wires crossed, but I seem to remember you saying something on Discord that leads me to wonder if, perhaps, Star (and Arceus) were, say, human at one point in time... only to stumble into this world and have godly power thrust upon them. Would make for an interesting exploration of gods and whatnot.

Also, Brandon Rezz. That name is so... so stereotypically frat boy that it's just... just... *chef's kiss gesture* Mwah! Is beautiful! 10/10.

(But, yeah, I don't know how many more of these dungeon crawling things you've got, but I'd really advise that, if at all possible, future revisions try to find some way — anything, really — to actually threaten the heroes, Mystic status and all. Otherwise, I imagine I'll be singing a similar tune in the future. Sorry. You might've "buffed" Owen a bit too early.)

She took a liking to the one a few homes down from Rhys’ side.

D'aww, look, she's working up the courage to ask him out. Shame she's not his type... in more ways than one. :V

I think I know where the Ice Guardian is, but she’s a little cold toward me.

Star, I'm disappointed in you. ¬_¬

Mispy shrugged. “Can’t heal stupid.”

Are we sure she ain't a fire-type cause that was a sick burn!

“I ain’t stupid! I’m determined! Rhys said so!”

Gahi! Stay determined! You are the future of Pocket Monsters!

“…Wait. Rhys? Can you fly for a long time?”

“To an extent,” Rhys said. “It may deplete my stamina a bit after some time, but, ah… I’m sure I will have time to rest once we arrive.”

Oh, come on! He really is just a saiyan! >_>

“If you’re tired, you can always ride on me, dear,” Amia giggled. “I don’t mind.”

Uh... Rhys doesn't swing that way, Amia.

“I… shall… consider it,” Rhys said, turning his head away. “Though I would prefer not. I am not used to riding on the backs of others. They’re always too soft.”

“Soft?” Amia said. “You prefer… hard backs?”

Rhys is a power bottom, apparently. and a scalie

Void Forest

Someone call in Kirby!