Pokemon Stories of Seliria: Mission Mewtwo - Chapter 2 up!

[MagicNinetales]

Introduction​

Greetings members of Bulbagarden, this is me MagicNinetales, and I'm presenting to you my Pokemon FanFiction I started a couple months ago; Pokemon Stories of Seliria: Mission Mewtwo. It is a work in progress that lately has not been actively written due to college work and certain life events, but I still have a few chapters up and I'm trying my best to dispel my Writers Block. Most of what you'll see here is pre-written anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 days past. This is my first Pokemon Fanfic and my very first Fanfic that I plan on seeing through to the end. Don't expect everyday updates, because I'm a busy man these days. I really hope you all have at least as much of a blast enjoying the story as much as I have writing it!

Background Information​

Some general information about the fanfic as a whole.

+ Canon Pokemon, no Gijinkas or Anthros
+ All custom named Pokemon are my original characters, do NOT steal! The species themselves are (c) Nintendo/Gamefreak
+ Seliria is a fictional, all Pokemon world, please do NOT steal or copy off.
+ Comments and opinions are encouraged and welcome, however slanderous or "Poke'hate" comments are not.

+ Text in all Italics represents thoughts to self. "Italics in quotation marks" means the text is a telepathic or mental message from the speaker to the reciever.
+ These chapters have been peer-reviewed by my good friend Vivillon. He has been so very helpful in providing second opinions and reviewing grammar and structure. I couldn't have fully polished these chapters into the way they were without him. Thanks friend.

"Rated" Content​

This story is rated EVERYONE with many of the TEEN aspects absent or toned down. I'm highly confident that none of the younger or sensitive viewers will be disturbed reading it. That said, here's the breakdown for aspects included in the rating chart on the stickied Rules post and to what to expect.

+ Action/Violence: There will be violence and a few fairly large battles, and some characters do die off. However there is no gore, brutal combat scenes or torture, overly descriptive battle or death scenes, and only really escalates in some of the dire parts of the story, though still abiding to the aforementioned factors. Also, there is plenty of nonviolent content; the protagonists characters don't fish for fights, and though the antagonists cause destruction, it is not too graphic or monumental in scale. Stories of Seliria's plot intensity is I'd say is comparable to many rated 'E' or 'E+10' media of today, though this has its moments where things become quite desperate.

+ Suggestive/Sexual: There is none, only a few cases of romance that is lightly presented.

+ Language: Mild language is used infrequently and explicit language pretty much nonexistent. Mostly used in dire situations.

+ Drugs/Alcohol: It's canon Pokemon lol. But yeah, none of this

+ Disturbing Images/Nightmare Fuel: None of this either.

Navigation​

Use the Find (Ctrl+F) type whats in the following tabs and search for your preferred chapter. For chapters past page 1 on this forum thread, the page number is stated above its 'section' in list.

Page 1​

Prologue: (SMMP) - Chapter 1 New Beginnings: (SMM1)​

 

[MagicNinetales]

Re: Pokemon Stories of Seliria: Mission Mewtwo - New Pokemon Fanfic!

And so the story begins...

Stories Of Seliria: Mission Mewtwo - Prologue (SMMP)​

The Poke’world of Seliria has been a peaceful land since its initial discovery, with an expansive diversity of Pokémon living in undisturbed harmony. It is comprised of sparkling lakes, towering peaks, freezing snow lands, vibrant plains, pristine shorelines and more. Seliria and its inhabitants have adapted to the mixed geography. As Pokémon situated some developed social bonds, leading to the rise of colonies and settlements, bringing bustling liveliness to the world. With society comes joy and conflict, and though Seliria is overall a happy, do-gooding place with a high quality of life, it’s not perfect. Even Pokémon society demands security, and thus the Seliria Safeguard Operatives arose.

Beginning as a little gathering of peacekeepers, SSO bloomed into a worldwide organization over the years, and as a result, the welfare of the world was stabilized dramatically. During development, participating Pokémon became immensely more resourceful and sophisticated. Measures like threat priorities and mapping was formed, and even construction of bases known as Stations took place. They were built across Seliria centered in specific Regions, set by the SSO in regards to the climate and terrain while preserving the surrounding environment as much as possible. Outposts were scattered across these regions as well. Certain territory was purposefully left undocumented to make place for undisturbed wilderness.

Seliria has enjoyed two decades of minimal strife since the initial emergence of the SSO. On one stormy afternoon in the Mountainous Region, a terrifying event transpired that would bring change and fear to the entire world…

It was a cold and stormy day for much of Seliria. A surge of energy was detected from the dilapidated territory of Grisly Valley have resulted in the deployment of several ground scouts from the nearby Mt. Seliria’s SSO base to investigate the premise. This landmark has been one of the world’s greatest unsolved mysteries; the ground is tarred and ashy, the trees stripped of leaves and moss, barren of grass, ruins of architecture, just a bare wasteland with little life. The cause and effect of this land’s geography eludes confirmation from any and all explanations and theories. For years, no concerning trace of activity has been output or felt from Grisly Valley, until…

“We’re almost there everyone. This is the first trek into the valley for any of the SSO in years, be ready for anything!” Shouted the scout head; a Jolteon, his squad charging down the mountain trail towards the destination. They slowed as the green wet grass beneath them gradually transitioned to rotten, muddy terrain.
.
“Something is indeed… amiss…” muttered a nearby Xatu. “Be on guard.”

The scout squad began inspecting the area. Not just a minute into the search, the ground began to violently quake, toppling the dead weak trees and knocking all the Pokémon off balance.

“Fall back! Run!” shouted the lead Jolteon. All the scouts began to retreat back into familiar territory, with the Xatu mentally contacting the Receivers back at the Mountain Station.

“This is scout Xatu 1. There is significant sudden seismic activity here at Grisly Valley. We are retreating as I speak. Ready emergency response and all-“ Its message was interrupted as the scout fainted from hits by pieces of ruinous rubble coming from… above. The entire expanse of the valley got torn from the ground and was now slowly rising, faster and further, inching towards the crying clouds. The massive, upheaved Grisly Valley carried the majority of the scout force into the air, the leader included. With it came deafening screams from Pokémon below and above, nearly drowning out the thunderclaps in the background. Little remained of the squad on solid ground, which began to haul tail back to the SSO’s Mountain Station.

Grisly Valley has been the only part of Seliria that is truly forsaken and forbidding, though posing no harm to the rest of the world, yet. No shred of a clue can be provided for its conditions. On this day though, nearly the entire territory was ripped from the earth, rising up to the height of Mt. Seliria’s SSO Station, causing widespread panic. Aerial scouts were sent to investigate, only to be stopped by a seemingly indestructible force. As if with minds of their own, ruins within the newly christened Grisly Island fired back at the scouts. The brave survivors that got the closest look at Grisly Island told of seeing a lone Pokémon in the middle of it all. Descriptions matched the identity of Mewtwo, one of the most violent-tempered beings in existence. A small second wave of scouts was sent for confirmation, returning with the same speculation. The real mystery is how such power could amass into one single Pokémon, enough to tear a chunk of the earth, and taint the very fibers of its being and those around it. Then, the unthinkable happened…

Upon slightly exceeding the clearance of the station, Grisly Island’s ascent came to a stop. All attempts to breach the mysterious force surrounding it have proven futile, leaving the SSO completely lost about what to do. Two days later, a tunnel bridge made from some of the islands stone ruins began forming, extending towards the Cliffside Perimeter at a frightening pace.

The station’s Supervisor, Skylar the Altaria, stirred from her perch near the peak of Mt. Seliria. Descending upon her establishment, she directed orders, voice struggling to overpower the noise around her.

“All civilian Pokémon please retreat for your safety down the mountainside towards our nearest outpost in any adjacent region, and do NOT turn back! All battle-able Pokémon, we must be ready to fight to defend our territory. We can’t let them control the Mountain, and do NOT try to cross to the other side! My trusty PSY Spies here, alert all Seliria’s bases and the Overseer. I’m declaring a Red Level report! I repeat Red Level report!” Taking a deep breath, the Supervisor yelled at the top of her voice “Commence procedures NOW!!”

All of the Station’s population began carrying out their aforementioned assignments as the bridge from the island continued to reach for them. The common folk grabbed their youths and whatever else they could hold before fleeing down Mt. Seliria’s most accessible trails, while back at the epicenter, battle positions were taken and authorities were informed. In moments the ruined bridge was nearly complete, and figures started to emerge from within. The Deputy out near the front yelled back.

“Supervisor! A large number of Pokémon are rushing down the bridge, and they appear to be hostile. Mistress, your orders?”

“Defensive positions! Do not kill unless your life depends on it, and don’t flee unless I give the order. We need to give our all to protect this base!” She replied. Skylar clutched her Mega Stone, prepared to fight with the rest of the forces.
Here goes nothing.
Upon Mega evolving, she glided into battle as the bridge from Grisly Island gripped the granite on the edge of the station’s overlook. The enemy Pokémon had eyes of solid black, rushing towards the soldiers with unbridled ferocity and rage. The supervisor then gave the order to retaliate.

“Charge!”

Both sides met claw with claw, fist with fist, and beam with beam. The battle raged on, and despite the damage as losses thus far, the tide seemed to be in favor of Seliria Safeguard Operatives, until the silhouette of Mewtwo stepped out of the tunnel bridge. It gave nothing but a loud, deep growl before going on the offense, firing hunks of psychic power all over creation, smashing constructions and knocking out the lesser soldiers with a single hit. No kind of response from any attack against it seemed to do notable damage, and those who attacked up close got flung off the mountain by its tail, more often than not.

During its rampage, the Mewtwo came face-to-face with the Mega Evolved Skylar.

“I won’t let you go through with this Mewtwo. I’ll beat you myself if I have to!” She shouted as she fired a Moonblast, though missing as Mewtwo teleported behind her and hit with a Psychic, sending her smashing to the ground.
“Gah!”

Getting up, the Supervisor launched a Draco Meteor directly at the Mewtwo, connecting and actually leaving a mark. In return, Mewtwo unleashed what seemed to be a massive Hyper Beam, wrecking everything and everyone around it before turning it to Skylar.
“UrrgahhhAH!. Everybody, save yourselves… now!”
Her few surviving subjects that were looking on with horror wasted no time in leaving by the Supervisor’s order, planning to make contact with SSO’s stations right away, the nearest being Central Region’s.

Mewtwo held Skylar up with telekinesis and mumbled some words. “I’ll be liberating this base now, and soon, all of Seliria. You know too much to be left alive. What a joke you were in battle.”

Following the phrase, he Poison Jabbed Skylar in the throat with great force.
“Kuhh! Urr… ughh… uhhn…”
She dropped to the ground as Mewtwo let out a sinister, raspy laugh.

After three days following Grisly Island’s ascent, the Mountain Region Station was attacked and overtaken by the wave of savage Pokémon. The civilians and few battle survivors fled for other regions, leaving their station behind. It ended up being restructured into a gateway fortress to Grisly Island, the supposed base of Mewtwo and his new Legion. Immediately following this incident, an ongoing effort by the name of Mission Mewtwo was launched to protect Seliria from all opposing forces, seek intelligence on Grisly Valley’s upheaval, piece together the puzzle surrounding the rise to Mewtwo and his Legion’s power, and ultimately free all tainted Pokémon from their unnatural suffering to restore peace to Seliria.

The present day is just over a year since Mission Mewtwo was started. Though the enemy forces have been suppressed to an extent with no major losses for the SSO yet, all their other goals have advanced from little to nowhere. In the Central Region of Seliria, a female Ninetales named Corona recently got promoted to Silver Status in the SSO for her excellent field work and bravery. Shortly afterwards, she took her usual walk and stumbled upon a badly injured Pokémon near Tranquill Town, just outside of the Central Station…

On this day; clean and pristine with the sun shining, the Pidoves singing, the Kricketunes’ melodies filling the air with positive feelings and soothing sound waves. Tranquill village is relishing in this rarity of a weathercast, a gentle reprieve from the conflicts scattered about Seliria. Perhaps it’s a sign of good things to come, but most just see it simply as nature’s bright side having its turn.

Corona the Ninetales was strolling through the village the day after her promotion, hearing a wealth of cheery chimes from the Pokémon she passed by. No words came from her mouth; just a smile as she left the town atmosphere behind to take her usual walk in the wilderness.

“Mmmm, the day seems almost too pleasing.” She said with a big stretch. “I wonder if I’ll see anything inter-“she broke off her self-talk when she saw a Riolu in the distance, face down and mangled.

“Oh my goodness!” She raced to its side and immediately checked for breathing. “Just barely. He… feels so cold. Almost dead cold…”

Corona took a few paces back and breathed a gentle flame off to its side in attempt to warm up the poor Pokémon. Soon she saw a slight movement and sat by its side.

“Hello, young one, can you see me? Can you hear me? Please say something.”

“Mmff… urrrr… what’s that… voice? Who… who’s there?” The Pokémon’s voice was very weak, making little movement as it spoke.

Corona let out a loud sigh of relief. “I’m glad you’re alive! My name is Corona, I’m a Ninetales. I was taking my morning walk and found you here. There’s a village nearby, you need treatment right away. Can you move at least enough to get on my back?” She asked softly.

“I… think so. Thank you. Urrrr”

Corona helped the weak Riolu off the ground and onto her back, softly walking back into the village and heading to the medical tent. Surrounding villagers were disarmed by the extent of the stranger’s wounds as they went to the healer’s tent.

“Poor thing…” muttered the Audino inside. “It’s going to need heavy care at the medical division at the Central Station right nearby. He’s struggling to function at all, I alone can’t treat him.” She admitted with disdain.

“I’ll do whatever is needed. Thanks anyways.” Replied Corona as she padded out and changed course towards the Seliria Safeguard Operatives’ Station in the Central Region of the world. The massive establishment came into view upon reaching the outskirts of Tranquill Village, well-built and very advanced for Pokémon resources and standards. The Riolu was unconscious yet again, fighting back the looming doom trying to pluck him from this life. Balancing speed and gentleness, Corona came up to the entrance and spoke to the puzzled gate guards.

“Welcome back Corona. Who might this stranger be?” Questioned one of them.
“I don’t know yet, and there’s no time to ponder. He’s practically dying here; I need to get him to the medical division right now!” Demanded Corona worriedly.

The guard opened the gate to the Central Station. Corona briskly transferred the Riolu into the possession of the professionals. She prayed silently.

Just hold on, young one…

 

[Beth Pavell]

Re: Pokemon Stories of Seliria: Mission Mewtwo - New Pokemon Fanfic!

Ok. First fanfic entitles you to a first review! I have to say, not really my cup of tea, which isn't your fault, but I say it to give context to the review. I think the big problem you need to sort out with this first chapter is the tense of the backstory. It flicks back and forth between present tense and a past tense account. it is possible to do that and get away with it, but you have to pay really close attention to where the tense shifts are and stick to them till you want to shift back. The whole thing is an ok length to get started with, I think. From what I can see, you wouldn't really want a long recount of how Grisy Island came to be, anyway.

In general the chapter could do with a bit of a tidy up. Technically, there's really not a lot to complain about. I suspect someone will say to split your dialogue up with a full line break between each piece of new speech - they did when I started writing here, and honestly, in this case I think it's better to follow the readers

 

[MagicNinetales]

Re: Pokemon Stories of Seliria: Mission Mewtwo - New Pokemon Fanfic!

Sorry to hear you didn't really enjoy it. I see what you mean about the dialogue page breaks. I'm still unsure about the whole 'story tense' thing. It was intended to be the kicker to the present-time story with the act-out scene of the part where Grisly Island comes to be, with those events not being the actual 'present tense' the rest of the story is on, but perhaps I could have executed it a bit better. Again this is just my first, so I'm still learning, though I'm not sure if I can change things around now. The future chapters I've finished don't ping-pong between past and present like this one does, and hopefully will be more appealing.

All that being said however, I value your time and feedback and I'll definitely take all this into consideration, especially when the story delves into lore again. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

 

[Vivillon]

Re: Pokemon Stories of Seliria: Mission Mewtwo - New Pokemon Fanfic!

Glad to see you've finally decided to upload this. Now I have even more incentive to be swift with my editorial work.

 

[MagicNinetales]

Re: Pokemon Stories of Seliria: Mission Mewtwo - New Pokemon Fanfic!

The first real chapter: The present day...

Stories of Seliria: Mission Mewtwo - Chapter 1: New Beginnings (SMM1)​

Upon closer inspection, the young Riolu was slathered in cuts and tears, plus a few penetrating wounds. Throughout Corona’s time at the Seliria Safeguard Operatives, she could think of only one set of subjects who could have been behind this; the Grisly Legion, under command of Forlorn Mewtwo. It was really quite a wonder that the Riolu survived. Corona gave the medical team the space they needed. She was legitimately concerned for him, despite the medical division’s amazing capabilities and the rate of success with their treatments.

Why do I harbor such strong feelings for this Riolu? She thought. We've only just met, he hasn't told a back-story, or even shared a name, yet I’m acting like he’s family. Just… who is this Pokémon?

A length of time passed before Corona, who was waiting nearby, received the verdict from Seraph the Togetic.

“The patient is alive and awake. We've confirmed that he’ll survive long term, but the effects of the assault’s impact on his body will not recover right away. Most Pokémon like this don’t make it to Medical in time. He can move and talk, albeit with slight difficulty. Nevertheless, he wishes to speak with you.” Seraph softly replied, beckoning Corona towards where the Riolu was cared for and resting. The Riolu stirred rather suddenly when, with his restored sight, saw the resplendent Ninetales that saved him. Her fur was pale, almost white, along with cerulean colored eyes and tail tips, and lastly with a sliver hued scarf on. The Riolu began to speak despite the lingering pain.

“You’re… unlike any other Ninetales I've… seen. I didn't get to thank you properly… back there, so I’ll say it now, you saved… my life, and I’m grateful… thanks.” The Riolu’s speech was being delayed by intermittent panting.

“You’re welcome, my pleasure.” Corona replied warmly. “And yes I get that a lot. Well, you wanted to talk?”

The young Riolu spoke up as best he could. “Yes… My name is Zophar. I really don’t remember how I got to where… I was, why my attackers would kill me, why they… weren't able to finish the job, I don’t understand any of it. I did hear… one last thing before I passed out, I’m trying to remember… urggg.”

“Poor thing. Well Zophar, I’m Corona and you’re in good company. Have someone fetch me if you remember, otherwise just rest okay?” she asked.

They both nodded to each other, followed by Zophar groaning and laying down on one of the makeshift beds again. Corona stepped out, sitting down away from others and going into deep thought in attempt to quell the rapid river of questions flooding her mind. Why him, and so close to a settlement AND an SSO station? Is there something about this Pokémon that we aren't aware of in question, or that the Legion knows about and fears? Does he have a home to come back to? Is he like- Her concentration was lost as she saw Saibre the Gallade; her Station’s Supervisor, looming over her.

“Corona! You’re late you know, for the Routine Rendezvous for Silvers and up! We have been waiting for over five minutes, so you better come to me with a good reason once it’s done!” He snapped, talking like a frustrated drill officer.

“My apologies Supervis-“ She got cut off by Saibre’s loud voice. “This is your first one, and first one late to. At least you’re showing up now, but don’t make a habit of it you hear?” Corona answered only with a nod and walked with the Supervisor to the conference, gazing back towards the hall to the medical division. He’s among the least lenient and most dutiful Pokémon one would meet in the SSO institution. Often though, many newer members of SSO will tend to associate ‘mean’ or ‘cruel’ with strictness, and it is not the thing to say about Saibre to his face. As the two of them came into the room, they separated and seating themselves accordingly.

“Well look who decided to show up?” teased one of the Pokémon. “I can’t believe we had to wait for you ugggh.” Commented another.

“You two, is something the matter?” Saibre cast a glance at the two members, who then promptly quieted themselves.

“Don’t let them get to you.” whispered a voice to Corona. It was Shade the Zoroark, who got Silver Status in the same ceremony as Corona.

The supervisor called out “Everybody silence!” “Please mind our delay, she’s new. That brings me to my first announcement, to those who may have not made it to the ceremony, Shade and Corona are the new Silver Statuses for our Central region field division, and Seraph made Gold in the Medical Division but is with a patient right now.” Cheers filled the room through the mouths of Operatives in the conference room, which got quickly dismissed for the meeting to keep going.

The supervisor gestured to Corona and Shade while saying “For those of you that are here for the first time, I will explain what we do here. The Routine Rendezvous goes over summaries from activity within our five divisions; Field, Undercover, Support, Guardian, and Medical, each asked to provide different information, and ALL the Pokémon in this room will contribute. Now, you all know that the Overseer circulates between Seliria’s region Stations, and this is the meeting he’ll be in when here, in which case he will direct the conversation, not me. The rest is common sense; Don’t leave without permission, or speak when it’s not your division reporting, don’t ask questions until I allow so. Is that clear?”

A synchronized ‘YES’ filled the room and then the meeting continued, producing relatively little news-worthy reports afterward.

Afterwards Corona and Shade began to converse about the Rendezvous process. Just moments later, Saibre signaled Corona to come to his office. The two exchanged nervous glances; trouble on the first real day of Silver Status duty is not exactly a small deal that more powerful officials will forget about. Though it’s not a serious offense, being late to her first Rendezvous left a sting of anxiety in her chest. Soon she and Saibre went into the Supervisor Office and both sat.

“Corona, you look like you've seen Forlorn Mewtwo right in your face!” he said with a certain level of astonishment. “Yes you did miss your first Routine Rendezvous, but it’s not that bad, I’ve had some not show up at all! But clearly there’s something on your mind. You've always been calm and composed when dealing with problems, this isn’t like the Corona I know. So tell me, why were you late today?” he spoke with curiosity, resting on his arm.

Corona began to explain, “Supervisor I apologize again for being late today. Long story short I-“ she got cut off by Saibre yet again.

“You know how I am about short stories. It concerns me that you’re so… different today, on the day following your promotion! I want to hear every last detail about what’s ailed you this morning.”

Corona proceeded to tell Saibre about the encounter with Zophar. He listened intently until the explanation was done before responding.

“A worrying and unlikely start to your morning of THAT nature is a completely understandable reason for tardiness. I shall waive and will not put this late notice on record. What I WILL record is this act of urgency and selflessness, so you’re off on a positive start in my book. Send my regards to young Zophar will you? Tell him I can help get a space in Tranquill village when he’s able, and that he can stay as little or long as he wishes if he conforms to our laws and standards. You may go now.” He concluded. “And chin up! Be the lively Pokémon you have been all this time 'till now!”

“Thank you very much Supervisor. I will go now.” Corona replied gently as she left the office and strolled back towards the Medical Division where Zophar was resting, speaking to Seraph along the way.

“Oh, Corona, he’s up and speaking more fluently now, but the poor guy is overly stressing about not remembering his attackers. I’m off to Saibre’s office. Take care now.” She chimed. Seraph was the ‘nice but not too nice’ type and really knew where to pick the right words and when, with her calm pristine voice refreshing to the ears. Corona glanced back, fixing her eyes on Seraph’s Gold Status scarf.

I’ll be getting that someday. She thought.

Corona soon got to the station’s Medical Division towards room where Zophar was being treated, calling out as she padded in.

“Zophar, I heard you were… Zophar? Where did you go? Why is nobody here?” Corona was thoroughly flustered, her nine tails on end. Was Seraph the only one in the room at the time? The young Riolu must have been fast to escape unnoticed in what was likely only a two or three dozen seconds time window.

Please don’t already be with the Supervisor!...

Corona sprinted back in hopes of reaching Seraph before she met with Saibre, in doing so getting several peanut gallery comments from Pokémon she passed along the way. Sure enough, the eager Togetic was just barely in sight, disappearing around the corner but stopping cold upon hearing her name worriedly called out by Corona.

“Seraph, wait! Zophar is gone!”

“What? How? I only just left the room, and another assistant was already on their way! Ohh I should have stayed, but then I’d keep Saibre waiting!” The degree of astonishment in her voice and facial expression was unlike any other Corona’s ever seen in the Gold Status medic. She pleaded to Corona, “Ohh I’m going to stall if I don’t go to Saibre right now! Please Corona, just this once, find Zophar in my stead!”



Corona dipped her head to the panicky Togetic before racing off at maximum speed and hollering back, “I will, don’t worry, I will find him for you, and I may know just where to start…”

 

[MagicNinetales]

Sorry this took so long. Writers block, business, and waiting to have a chapter written in reserve. Anyways here's chapter 2!

Stories of Seliria: Mission Mewtwo - Chapter 2: Shattered Memories (SMM2)​

Corona sprinted out of the Central Station, the sun setting as she dashed through the village as quickly and carefully as possible this lively evening in Tranquill Village. The resident Pokémon were in complete disarray regarding her behavior shifts during today alone.

Clearing the village perimeter, she began to holler out for the young Riolu. As she neared the spot where he was found in the morning, Corona began to shout. “Zophar? Where are you!?” Sure enough Zophar was there, leaning over the unsettled ground where he earlier laid near dead. He did not stir or make a sound as the concerned Ninetales approached, slowing to gentle gait and toning down her voice.

“Zophar, why did you sneak out of the Medical Division like that,” She calmly asked.

Refusing to shift his gaze, the young Riolu replied very softly. “I-I’m sorry, I didn't wish to worry you.” The two began to exchange statements, starting with Corona, who made an educated guess on the purpose of the disappearance.

“When Seraph found out, she nearly had a panic attack! You… did you try to see if… coming back here would renew your memories of what exactly happened?”

Zophar nodded subtly, giving a straight and concise answer. “Yes. I want to, no, I NEED to know what happened!”

Corona shook her head. “I see, but you still haven’t recovered enough to be going out alone like this. It was only this morning that you were right here, fighting for your life. Come back to the Station with me, please.”

Zophar hesitated for a moment of deep thought. Why can’t I remember what transpired here? If only I could refresh my memory, it could be asset for not just me, but the Seliria Safeguard Operatives too! But Corona is correct; I need to apologize to her and Seraph.

“I’m so sorry. I agree, let’s go back,” He admitted at last.

Corona led the way to the Station via a longer route to avoid confounding the village Pokémon even more than already were. Zophar exhausted himself by going all the way back to his spot by himself during his treatment, letting the Ninetales escort him on her back again. Soon enough they spotted the SSO’s flag and entered the base, returning to the room in the Medical Division, where the worried Togetic Seraph was waiting.

“Ohh Corona, where did you find him,” she asked with relief in her tone.

Corona explained the situation as Zophar crawled onto the bedding, letting out a long though mild sigh. Seraph made it very clear that the reckless Riolu is not to sneak out again, regardless of the reason.

He dipped his head and apologized softly. “I’m really sorry Seraph, you must have been so worried, and it won’t happen again…”

“I forgive you,” she admitted, "but you really need a day or two of rest and nourishment to get respectably healthier."

Zophar nodded and shut his eyes to sleep, followed by Corona stepping out and returning to duties, plus speaking to some seasoned Silver Status members from the Rendezvous. She wished to make some acquaintances and get educated on the life of a Silver member, straight from the mouths of the experienced. It was moderately successful overall, but has further enriched her friendship with Shade.

Meanwhile in the Medical Division, Zophar was having a miserable time sleeping. Despite how many times he thought he heard comforting voices from the Pokémon around, his active dreams and tossing and turning kept waking him up. At one point he had a dream about being attacked by a Pokémon, with what felt like long, malformed claws, Zophar having absolutely no chance or strength to retaliate. When the Pokémon aimed for the face Zophar jolted awake, lightly rubbing the wound on his head which was nearly healed.

“Bad dream?” asked the doctor Pokémon in the room.

With a shaky yet tired voice he replied, “Kind of. I need to talk… to Coron…a” followed by a yawn.

“Surely it can wait until morning? You wouldn't want to wake her too?”

Zophar answered, “No, I guess it can wait…” as he climbed back into the bedding. Maybe I’ll wait until I’m better. It may have just been a dream, my near-death experience continuing to haunt me…

**In the morning, two days later… **

Corona woke up in her home in Tranquill village, stretching and grabbing a bite to eat. Biting into her second berry she heard knocking on the door.

“Come back a little later, I just woke up,” she yelled.

“Oh, I’m sorry, I’ll wait…” said the voice. Corona instantly recognized the voice as Zophar’s. She finished her berry then ran to and opened the door, seeing the worried Riolu heeding the request and walking briskly away. He completely missed the sound of the door.

“I didn't know it was you right away. Please come back,” Corona called out wordlessly with her miraculous Telepathic power.

Zophar immediately turned around, showing an expression of astonishment on his face as he rushed back to the house. “How did you do… that,” he inquired curiously.

Corona remembered that she never revealed this odd ability. She signaled Zophar to come in, and after doing so, shut to door and replied normally. “I didn't really want to tell you about this when you were feeling so bad. The clarity in your voice and the way you sprinted just now shows me you’re doing much better. Are you?”

He nodded. “Yes I am. Back to my question…”

“Oh sorry.” she apologized. “I have… the power of Telepathy somehow, the capability to communicate with others wordlessly. Only those with stronger abilities like the PSY Spies, Psychic types, and I can create a two-way channel for conversation. It’s very useful. Come, have a seat,” She insisted.

Riolu took a seat at the table, and was immediately offered some rations by Corona. After a minute or two, he began to explain his odd dream to her, word for word, then ending off with his opinion. “I have this wound on my head, the exact spot struck when my dream ended. One of the medics said they’ve never seen a slash wound like it.”

Corona let out a gasp, abruptly shouting “I think I know who did it, as soon as you mentioned what the medic said! This very well could have been a flashback from your memory! Please stay here; I may know how to prove this!”

Before Zophar could speak a word, the frantic Ninetales was already charging out of the village. He shook his head in confusion and sat back down.

Corona calmed down as she approached the Central Station, not wanting speed or body language to alert the Pokémon around her. She was going to speak to the supervisor to arrange a test to prove or disprove her theory on Zophar’s “dream” two nights before. She knocked on the door, identifying herself. “It’s Corona. May I come in?”

Supervisor Saibre opened the door and invited her in.

“Corona, you’re up early, what can I do for you,” he asked, rest his head on his arm.

“Zophar had a dream a few nights ago, but I don’t think it's more than that. I think it was a memory, a flashback, and if what I’m thinking is correct, this information will benefit Central SSO’s security, not just Zophar’s mystery.”

“And how do you plan to do that,” Saibre retaliated, his tone sounding suspicious and doubtful.

“I need to know if the PSY Spies have spotted Wrexclaw the Weavile from the Grisly Legion starting 4 to 7 days ago, I think he may have attacked Zophar from the information he gave me and the medics gave him. Please, can we check,” She pleaded.

Saibre paused for a few moments, heavily contemplating the proposition. The claims seemed educated and plausible, but the circumstances were improbable, and would be a waste of time and trust if proven incorrect. After much thought, he gave a nod of approval.

“Very well, let’s try. Call one in if you please.”

“Yes sir,” answered Corona as she telepathically messaged one of the Station’s Alakazam PSY Spies. Being the strongest species in the role, they are the main receivers of information from around Seliria and the ones who inform those responsible for posting mission Reports.

Taking several minutes to check, the Alakazam finally came into the Supervisor’s office, where Corona and Saibre were waiting anxiously but patiently.

“Corona, Supervisor, our apologies for not delivering our findings in satisfactory fashion. A few PSY Spies reported that the evening before the Riolu was found, Wrexclaw was seen a time or two, issuing a Blue Warning. The day shift came back with the PSY Spy nearest Tranquill Village found was missing, ending up at an Outpost.”

Corona and Saibre turn their heads, looking at each other in disbelief, thanking the Alakazam and dismissing it from the room. “Wrexclaw knocked out or scared away that Spy so nobody could see Zophar’s attacker...” Corona mentioned.

“Plus because of the warning, nobody in Tranquill village would have wanted to venture out and stumble upon the poor Riolu. I will admit, I was skeptical about his claims at first. It’s a wonder he’s alive,” Saibre added.

Corona was about to leave when she was halted by the Supervisor’s voice; “Tell Zophar that, when he’s better, he should consider joining the SSO.”

“I will.” She replied sincerely, padding out of the office with a steady gait.

Being recommended by the Supervisor is an honor I really hope he will value and acknowledge, whether he joins or not. I just want him to follow his heart.

Saibre left his office shortly after Corona did, going to get some fresh air and do some thinking in solitude about Zophar.

I think he would make a fine Cadet in our Central Seliria force. The situation that just occurred, I don’t know if I’ve ever seen anything like this before…

Corona came back to her house, thankfully seeing Zophar still there.

“Hello young one, we shall need to have a talk.”