Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

—START—

-3^rd Person POV-

It was finally done, over and finished, never to be looked back on again.

The last new world gate had been a fever dream of emotions, battle and the most terrifying encounter Star had even been in.

As much as she was the strongest trainer the region had, the Champion of Reborn, that doesn’t prepare anyone for what she just pulled off.

Puppy was a force of nature that’s for sure, a god she and her Pokemon had stared down in the dace and fought.

It was the climax of the story…of one story.

“Wow, you look like shit” She had just gotten out of that portal and the first one to receive her was the green haired rival known as Fern.

Star didn’t answer him, instead just stared with the most deadpanned expression she could muster, while Anna giggled for the first time since she helped her in the new world.

A happy Anna was a good thing after all this dream sickness ordeal, but did it have to be at her expense?

Thankfully Star did have someone on her side. “I wouldn’t mess with someone who just captured God” Noel commented, halting the laughs from the other two with fern only muttering ‘a fragment of God’ while the little girl looked ashamed of herself. “Are you ok?” the black haired kid then asked the champion.

The nod was all the confirmation they were getting.

Star saying anything was a particularly rare event that not even death could force out of her, only the campion of Reborn decided when to do so.

So the nod was confirmation enough for him.

“Do you want to return to the nightclub?” Noel asked again, the conversations with Star tended to be pretty unilateral, but he enjoyed them nonetheless, as she was one of the few people that actually listened to him.

He could say with confidence he understood Star’s moods even if her face wasn’t showing what she felt. Something most people the seventeen year old trainer knew couldn’t do.

So when he saw how tense that smile she wore right now was Noah could only get more worried.

In the end he let it go after she nodded to his question, but he was going to have a conversation with her later in the club.

 (she always answers to Adrienn, maybe that could work) asking them to get what was bothering Star was a good idea.

Their Champion had the bad habit of keeping all that pained her to herself in order to make them happy, and sadly, she was really good at it.

“What are you two standing around for? Let’s go” Fern, the ever impatient one, along with Anna were already by the exit of the giant tree, cutting Noah’s observation and prompting the girl to go after them.

On the way there Fern and Noel both noticed slight things about Star that worried the two of them, even if Fern wouldn’t admit he worried about her ever.

She had a small limp in her step, her black clothing and silver hair were incredibly dirty, in her neck and leg there were forming some bruises, all indications of the battle that took place.

It in the new world must have been excruciating, taking all of her and her Pokemon to save Anna.

 This was not the first time she returned in a state like this, nor it was the worse state she had ever returned in, so both of them trusted the girl to recover like she always did.

Lyn had been cruel in her methods after all, this was just a battle, not the torture the child liked to employ, and they had seen star recover from that.

“So, what exactly are we telling the others?” Fern eventually broke the silence once they went past the central hall.

Star’s input was the same it always was, silence. “The truth, we found a way to Puppy, and got Anna back” Noel answered for her, knowing that their friend wouldn’t choose to hide anything from them.

And once again they all fell into silence as they walked.

---

Two days had passed since they returned from the new world gate.

To celebrate the end of the anomalies all of the gym leaders, elite four members and friends Star had made on her travels enjoyed a grand party.

The dangers of team Meteor were now a thing of the past and the region could now prosper in a way that would turn Reborn into the strongest nation there was.

…A real prosperous future…

One two people wouldn’t see grow.

As the others dance, sing or play whatever game they had in mind, Star walked up to the bar, where a certain old man had served a drink to himself and was simply enjoying the atmosphere.

“ah, my lord, your presence it is a joy for this one” was the greeting of the man. “is there something I can serve you?” before the man pulled out the drink menu for the champion to choose something he didn’t expect happened.

“Elias” The contrast of Star’s seriousness, saying his name with such a somberness, and the party was like day and night, something that worried the Elite Four trainer. “Once the party is over, meet me in Reborn’s main train station”

He couldn’t ask anything out of her.

Without saying anything else, nor looking back, Star left the party without anyone noticing as the celebration distracted them from the event.

Or, it did for almost everyone.

“It is quite the sight to have her words reach our ears” Radomus had gotten close to the bar after the girl had left, he was wearing a children’s party hat. “I do wonder why she would cite you in such a place”

The two of them didn’t get along, so once he heard him, Elias was already preparing a snarky remark. “If my lord requests me I comply, I wouldn’t question her after all her efforts”

“I would never doubt her, do not twist my intentions” Replied the psychic leader. “There has been gloom around her ever since she returned with Ana, It concerns me”

“maybe she simply desires some experienced wisdom, as such, she reached to me, it’s an honor she has granted me”

“that’s a preposterous assumption, there is no need to go to you when she has my intellect on her side”

The two old men continued to bicker during the party, by the time someone else noticed them, the theme of conversation had drifted so far that they weren’t even talking about Star anymore.

But it stayed in the back of their mind, whatever could she want, that she was willing to speak when many situations of horrible proportions hadn’t made her.

---

“I am here like you asked my lord” Star had been waiting in front of Reborn’s station, her calm disposition replaced by a frown that showed a lot of frustration.

She wasn’t wearing her usual black dress with light blue highlights either, instead opting for a while shirt with black leotards and some form of blue waist cloth.

It was pretty different from her usual style.

hearing the man’s voice got her attention, causing her to sigh. “Let’s go then” the two of them entered the building, buying two tickets for a train to the Tourmaline desert.

The people in the station talked to her and smiled just by seeing her, the influence the girl had on the city and her actions in helping all of them made her some form of celebrity outside of being Champion.

As a kind stranger who didn’t turn people down when they needed help.

The car of the train they selected was empty other than the two of them, most others were too since no one went to the desert these days as there was still too many dangers, and this situation gave Star the perfect opportunity to explain.

“Do you remember the future we visited?”

It had already been quite some time since the two of them traveled through time, but it was an experience Elias wouldn’t forget.

“Of course, it is an event that I like to remind myself as to make a better future” he answered, adjusting his glasses. “is there a complication with time we must solve?”

Star looked at him, a complicated expression adorning her features.

“Do you remember why I was in the Reborn in the first place?” she asked another question.

(My lord is talking more than I have ever witnessed, is she trying to get me to see something?) The question he was posed with now didn’t have a direct answer like before.

According to Star, she had been in her way to Reborn to get stronger for whatever reason, however the train she had come in was blown up by team Meteor and she had supposedly died there.

It was through Anna’s wish to bring someone capable of stopping Lyn, that the current champion had survived the explosion of the train and was allowed to continue her adventure.

So if she was asking as to why she came here. “It was to grow stronger was it not? Or is there a motive we’ve missed?”

“I suppose that was the motive I gave, yes” halfheartedly agreement only emphasized that was not the truth. “but no, what brought me to Reborn was Anna’s wish altogether”

That was unexpected.

“there was never any intention of me coming to reborn, I was never in the original timeline on the train” she revealed, her arms crossed.

“You see I am not from this time, I probably cant be considered a fully born human either, what I am is a being known as the interceptor” the name interceptor was something Elias had read from somewhere before, of Garufan origin, but he couldn’t remember what it was.

“What Anna’s wish did was bring me, the interceptor, born ten years from now, to this timeline” The idea that Star wasn’t even born yet was absurd, yet when it came out of her mouth he couldn’t just deny it.

“Anna needed someone capable of standing up to a god basically, and fate is simply a god’s plan for everything” she lifted her hand, and a armored gloved appeared over it. “as the interceptor, I can intercept fate and change it, that’s what Anna needed”

“but there was a catch, I would never stay here forever, I would return to Aevium eventually”

It explained so much of her sadness back there, her stopping the final anomaly meant only one thing.

Her time in Reborn was over.

“My lord if I may interrupt” the girl stopped talking when he asked. “why share this with me, I understand and appreciate you confiding in me, but I am sure most others would qualify better for this”

“you are right, I trust Heather, Aya, Adrienn, Cain and most of the others more, not that I doubt you now, but the reason is that there was one other person in that future we saw that wasn’t there for ten years other than me”

It clicked, like a puzzle piece that simply made everything fall into place.

“We’re returning to your future…and since we witnessed everyone in the future save for the two of us…” Elias was cut off from continuing.

“it means I brought you back with me, and I need to keep time as unchanged as I can” The dark timeline she and Melia had gone through was nightmarish and while there was no Storm-9 to stop at the moment she wouldn’t take her changes.

“If that’s the case then we would be ending a closed time loop then?” As a worshipper of Arceus the range of magnitude and capabilities of the three main children of the deity had been a subject of study of him, as such he had a more intricate knowledge on their domains.

Star nodded as a confirmation. “Celebi will take us to new East Gearan city in the future from there we will teleport to the Teila resort, where we will meet past me and tell her what she needs to do, then Celebi will transport her to the beginning of the time loop”

“Is it safe to assume the wish was what initiated this time loop then?” it was the only conclusion that the priest could get to if they were about to inform past Star of what to do. “if lady Celebi is to take us to the past, what is the purpose of coming to Tourmaline?”

“We’re just getting away from the city…I…am too much of a coward to say goodbye to everyone”

Sure she could excuse herself saying that they weren’t aware of what happened to her in the future, but she could still change that.

Yet she choose not to, because in her own words, she is a coward.

“It is a hard situation, you were aware it would happen eventually my lord, there is no shame in hurting by this goodbye” Elias tried his best to soothe the girl. “you have faced a multitude of situation where everyone else would have run, your bravery knows no bounds yet it is not endless”

“there is no shame in being scared of something”

Star was grateful for those words, she really was.

---

The rest of the way there was time Star used to catch Elisas up to speed on the whole situation back in Aevium.

Whether it was Team Xen and their leaders, what it meant to be an interceptor or why it was most likely the reason she was the one the wish chose to help them instead of any of the other interceptors.

The league being a cover for defending against Madame X, the Archetype, Vitus Theolia all of it was summarized in a way Elias had enough time to process it.

By the time they were left on the little platform in the desert, Elias had a good picture of what was going on in the future.

“What of your silence?” he asked as they stepped of the platform. “In all my time alongside you or against you never have I heard you talk more than I have this day” And that was the truth.

To most others, while Star was a kind soul who wished to help, she was also an unstoppable force, a silent wave that devastated any who opposed her, even when it seemed as she was completely beaten, she just took it, and continued.

All in silence.

“I’m not someone good with words, so I tend to let others talk, but I wasn’t like this back on Aevium”

She looked on, at the expanses of sand ahead of them, not to be looked back on.

“Before I came here I met with someone named Adrienn on Gearen, he said he was a gym leader in Reborn” Elias was surprised Star had met Adrienn even before coming here. “He was helping reconstruct Gearen from the dump that it was saying that it was a favor for an old friend”

“That’s quite the unexpected meeting, but my lord, what does that have to do with your silence?” he asked again, the real question left unanswered.

“Because I told myself not to funnily enough” Star jokes, but it was true, the few things her future self had told her not to do were things she never did. “now I get why I did, it’s because Adrienn is a very attentive individual, I knew that if my voice was heard by them, they would recognize it once I return to the future”

“Isn’t that a bit farfetched my lord? ” and he was right, simply because two people sounded similar or even looked alike didn’t mean they were the same person.

Specially when the other was supposed to be ten years older.

“it would be yeah, if in the few conversations we had before me coming here they were always comparing me to ‘their champion’ and when they spoke like that, I’m sure they weren’t talking about future Shelly” there was always that weird comparison Adrienn and later Aya made when they first met.

That Star felt familiar to them, not only that, since her name was the same, things began to become more than a coincidence.

Time travel wasn’t strange for them either, as they had already met the time traveling Star again.

All that evidence made it clear to Elias why Star chose to remain in silence.

The two of them had been walking for quite some time now, arriving at the train wreckage that stood on the more aways parts of the desert. “I thought about going to Mirage Tower, but this should do”

Star forcefully opened a door from one of the cars that, while damaged, was still intact, taking the only pokeball in her belt and throwing it. “Celebi, it’s time can you please take us forward in time?”

“Brii bi” the green time traveling Pokemon was out and floating happily in circles around Star.

She then proceeded to circle Elias too, as a greeting. “A pleasure to be in your presence Lady Celebi” he greeted back before turning to Star. “my lord, I couldn’t help but notice you lack the rest of your team, are you leaving them behind?”

Star almost looked offended and only the fact that it was a pretty logical thing to ask was what stopped her from giving an aggressive answer. “They all know what’s going on, I promised to get them back once I get to the future and they’ve accepted the wait”

It hurt her to leave them for so long, but they couldn’t come, Celebi couldn’t take so many of them so her primary team decided to stay with them until she returned to take care of everyone.

“very well, I shall trust your judgement” Was all Elias said.

“don’t say anything to her” was the last thing the Interceptor told her companion.

Celebi then opened the portal to the past as instructed, and the two of them walked in.

---

A pink haired Star had just entered her room in Tesla’s house Terajuma.

After an incredible long day and having to face the trial Melia prepared in order to get the annihilation spell she was completely out of gas.

The vestiges of friends being betrayed or failed by her were a nightmare for her to see, and she still wasn’t sure which of the two was the reason they looked at her with such hate.

“That spell better be worth it” She grunted as she fell to her bed.

Her bed, her room, she never really expected it to be a place she could call that.

Her nothingness of an existence outside of being an interceptor never truly gave her a home, and she would forever be grateful for Tesla’s acceptance into hers.

“Yeah sorry but you’ll have to stay a little longer away from here” a voice, her own voice interrupted her attempt at a relaxing trip.

In front of her, coming out of what looked like a portal was…herself, only that she was blonde.

Behind her was a man with black shades that looked like an old priest.

“Who are you?!” with haste she prepared a Pokeball in her hand, with Infernape(Honey) ready to come out if necessary.

Her clone looked at her funny, almost as if she had expected this.

“Bloody f…okay, follow the script” soon the other Star covered herself in the armor resulting of her power, just to undo it later. “Ok kid, let me explain”

“I’m you but a year older, currently I’m exiting a time loop, the one you’re about to enter, because of a wish, what you have to do is go to ten years in the past do things and then you’ll become me, understood?”

Clearly the past Star was absolutely not having this, with enough nonsense in her life. “What a-?” but before she could even begin to voice a complain, her supposed future her interrupts.

“The armor Is something only we have as interceptor, neither Cresent nor V have shown any kind of usage of something like that despite being them too” was the first proof of being the same person. “the names of the people that conform our body soul amalgamation are Aevis, Aevia, Axel, Ariana, Aero, Alain with Aevia being the one who’d body we look like”

“No, I’m not an illusion of Clear” as to prove her point Star decidedly cut one of her fingers with a knife that was laying around in her room from eating here. “Solid and bleeding, she can’t make those”

“If you don’t believe anything I say then what will happen is a repeat of our attempt at saving Vivian” Was the future Star last evidence ending it with. “We both don’t want to see the alternate timeline that will result from this, believe me”

And she wasn’t sure if a time gear amulet would protect them from a timeline change from an Arceus.

For the past her, this was insane, it was strange, like everything she was about to do was accounted for, every question, demands of proof of things only she would know.

The consequences of messing up time.

The meaning behind it crystal clear.

“We’ve had this conversation already haven’t we?” Finally, past Star accepted what was going on.

With resignation, she looked at her future counterpart, taller, more buff looking and clearly more resolved than her.

She had grown from what had been going on in the past.

And sure enough, Star nodded at her. “I was in your place, now what you’re going to do is just walk behind me, where a portal will open, you get one question”

“also, all of our Pokemon remain here, you can’t take them”

As she said that Celebi, who had been content sitting on Elias shoulders finally made an appearance, creating the gate to the train where she was supposed to begin her adventure in reborn.

Past Star wanted to question why she couldn’t take her friends with her, but she saw her future self also had no pokeballs on her so she left all pokeballs on the table and said a heartfelt but short goodbye as the future her had already made her gate.

As for her one question. “What am I supposed to do there?” she was returning eventually to the exact moment where she left as the situation clearly showed, so her worries for her friends here could wait.

“Just do what we always do, what we believe it’s right…and don’t treat it like a temporary thing, make friends, enjoy it as much as you suffer it” With those words out Star pushed her past self into the portal, giving her no time to react.

After that, it closed, leaving Elias, Star and Celebi all together in one room.

“Celebi, take Elias to Sashila village with teleport” Star asked suddenly. “Elias, I want you to tell everyone else that I have something important to tell them in the rose theater tomorrow in the league building under the big building in the middle of the village”

“remember to use my name, don’t call me my lord and ask them to take you there too, if they don’t then Celebi please take him there tomorrow” Star didn’t wait a moment after the other her left. “if they don’t believe you then Celebi will take you, there’s an inn in Sashila where you can stay”

Elias didn’t question her and neither did Celebi, accounting that she had a plan in place for this.

There wasn’t, all she knew was that tomorrow there was a party in the Rose Theater and that she wanted Elias gone right now.

She didn’t want him, nor anyone see this.

And mimicking his past self, Star collapsed in the bed.

The situation finally catching up to her, all the friend’s life she would miss, the promise she made to future Shelly, who was now the current one, broken.

Her hair color soon enough changed back to Pink, the hair change was a neat trick she learned through her Reborn travels that made her not need dye anymore.

And as everything was left in silence.

Star for once in her short exitance allowed herself to cry.

As leaving friends behind had always been her most prominent fear.

---

Someone had come inside the house when she walked in.

Not to say it was a bad thing, finding a pair of extra shoes at her door had been quite a delight, as she recognized who those belonged to.

she loved whenever Star visited, whether it was alone or bringing Amber with her.

Ever since she got fly and her badge to use it she’s taken a liking to coming here.

That kid was already part of her family, one she knew Amber considered a sibling already.

However, when she went up the stairs to greet her, all she could hear were cries.

When her mother was lost in the SS Oceana, Star had been a devastated mess, but she didn’t cry.

The attacks on Terajuma didn’t make her either when her friend fell into a volcano.

And from what she could tell, the later issues they were having when they came to visit didn’t push her this much either.

So hearing Star cry, it worried Tesla a lot, because of the implication that finally, in all her travels, she was being pushed too far.

The single mother prepared herself for a rough conversation, knocked twice and opened the door.

The room was in darkness, in the bed was Star, with no pokeball on her belt all of them left on the table.

The door creaked the more she opened it, making the girl aware of her presence.

When she noticed her presence was acknowledged Tesla turned the lights on, to get a better view on Star.

It was clear something was different.

“Tesla…sorry for crashing in without warning” she softly apologized.

Her demeanor wasn’t as weak as her voice portrayed, rather, it was the one of someone tired, someone who was letting it all out, just venting.

The crying was much the same.

“Dear, I told you this was your room” the elite four member smiled at the girl. “you can come whenever you need”

“I know, thank you” Star did her best to wipe her tears away.

At the same time, Tesla walked closer to her finally getting to see how much she had changed.

But that wasn’t important at the moment, rather, the reason for her tears were. “now, is there anything I can do to help you?”

“…No, everything is done…” even in tears, she smiled.

At the end of the day, she had done what she was supposed to and returned home stronger than ever, ready to take on Team Xen.

All she needed was to let her feelings settle.

“I’ll hold you to that, but if you want, I can make you the rose tea you like so much” was the mother’s offer to the girl. “we can talk about what happened if you want too, maybe that’ll ease your mind”

Star really missed Tesla, she really did. “Yeah, I’d like that”

The Star from Reborn was someone who suppressed herself, her emotions and voice for the sake of keeping time stable, that’s why none of them could know the truth about Star’s presence.

The Star from Aevium on the other hand, didn’t have those limitations, as such, she didn’t have to hold anything back.

“I’ve been away from more than a year” was Start’s first confession.

---

Both trainers spent a good amount of time of the night talking.

The surprise in Tesla’s face when she revealed she was the previous champion of Reborn, the one who had supposedly disappeared was a quite a sight to see.

Star couldn’t help but laugh.

The explanation behind the time travel wasn’t something she went much in depth in and Tesla didn’t pry it out of her, respecting Star’s desire to keep certain parts of the story to herself.

All in all, it was what Star needed, a way to ground herself back into her own time, while accepting that yes, she had left people behind, but they were living their best lives.

In the end, morning had arrived which meant Star had to make her way to the Rose Theater

“Do you have to go? I’d feel more comfortable if you had a proper rest before leaving” Tesla, being the worrying hen she is, tried to reason with her to stay a bit longer.

“No time should be wasted Tesla, beside, I’m a champion now, I can take a bit of tiredness”

The woman just smiled at what basically was one of her daughters.

“Ok Hun, I’ll trust you” the smile she gave her portraying all of the emotions she wanted. “Go on then”

Star left the house after giving Tesla one last hug.

Ready for what’s to come.

—END—

Chapter Text

—START—

-3^rd Person POV-

She had only left an hour ago and yet she was already having problems.

Very important problems, some Star should definitely should have seen coming, and still in her tiredness along with the script she followed to tell her younger self, it wasn’t in consideration.

Not that she could have changed anything if she wanted past her to go as quietly as she had once done.

A sigh escaped from her lips.

She had trusted herself to be able to take care of them. (I was really frustrated I couldn’t say goodbye to them a year ago too) maybe that little deviation could have done something.

In the end nothing could change the problem at hand, as he actions couldn’t be changed anymore.

Leaving her with a team that wasn’t really answering her.

They had heard the conversation sure, the Pokeball didn’t stop it, they were meant to listen but nothing changed the fact that she had been gone.

 Star had returned as fast as she had left and still had been away an entire year and has grown a lot in that time.

Not only her presence was slightly different to them, but the idea of her running off and having another team in another timeline probably wasn’t to their liking either.

All of that causing them to refuse each time she tried to send them out of their Pokeballs.

Star asked, no begged them to give her a chance. “Can we talk about this?” It hurt, it really did hurt. “please”

The Pokeballs didn’t even shake in recognition.

Star had also hurt them by leaving them behind, Star had hurt her team’s feeling by choosing to leave without them without raising a single complaint.

“…Fine…” There really was nothing she could do about this right now, not until they wanted to talk to her.

One day she would solve this, vowed Star in silence.

Her plans to going directly to the Rose Theater were going to have to be delayed then as she had to find a PC, looking to transfer someone else in that could fly.

Since A.Volcarona(Fluffy) was her flyer here and was a part of her team.

Luckily, there was one inside the resort’s main building, the one Tesla most likely used.

Now all she needed was to connect to her Ranch back at Reborn and get someone from there.

(Them too, I should probably tell them all I’ve returned) It would be the nice thing to do after making them wait this long. (And rotate everyone around too, they’ll like the chance to battle)

After saying hello to the receptionist the interceptor walked towards the machine, booting it up with all the necessary identification for both ranch’s she had.

One here and the other in Reborn.

(Who could take me fast to the Theater?) unlike here in Aevium her number of caught Pokemon in past had been minimum, trying to avoid the issue of abandonment she was sure would happen.

Even still, she had needed a team eventually and one strong enough to beat Lyn, forcing her to catch more Pokemon.

Only eight normal Pokemon were those she caught., all others had been those born from the Anomalies.

With a heavy conscience she put the pokeballs that had been in her belt inside the bag, not willing to put them in the ranch until they talked.

Then Star took out the team which she had become a champion with.

Primarina (Aria),  the chosen starter gifted to her by Ame after the explosion of the train, the water fairy type was a really compassionate being although her Fae instincts really made her possessive.

On her tail there was a little ornament from where some leftovers hanged.

Krokodile (Moxie), a competitive and proud Sandile she caught in the hidden cove after escaping with everyone from Sirius and was the fourth ever caught.

 Around his arm was a custom made band made to hold a life orb.

Cinccino (Scarlett), a bubbly yet aggressive fur ball who loved battling, she was the first Pokemon she caught there and one of her heavy hitters despite the impression she gives.

A little earing on her left ear held a loaded dice.

Delphox (Cel), he is a rather lazy fox, always preferring to waste the least effort in anything he does, but that understands when things are necessary, Star found him stuffed into a system down in the water treatment center and her sixth capture.

Attached to his stick there was a transparent ball full of light clay.

 Emolga (Volta),the little flying squirrel was the third to join her after stealing her lunch one day, as an energetic and cunning member who wasn’t a powerhouse, rather a very annoying support for the team.

She didn’t carry an item unlike the others.

and lastly Amoonguss (Shino), the fifth member and the most infuriating member of her team to deal with for rivals, he’s rather difficult to read and changes his behavior every now and then.

There is big root entangled under the big fungus on its head.

All of them had played a crucial role in both her title and the later dealings with the New World.

Aside from them however, she took one more from the pc.

Latias had been the one she usually went to for flying after she was caught and as the only flyer she could ask right now.

A very special stone secured on a claw band tailor made for her.

There was a few more things she did on the PC, linking both her Aevian and Reborn native accounts together under her name.

Same with the bank account she ended up making for herself.

(Surely they won’t notice) she tried to tell herself that the obvious move wouldn’t call to attention from the league at the other side of the world.

Lying to herself aside, it was still a thing she was going to do, they had been waiting for her for a long time, it’s the least she owed them.

All she needed from the PC was now finished, the screen turned off once she exited the accounts.

Star walked away from it, going to the door not before saying goodbye to the desk lady and taking off to the entrance of the cave nearby.

(You can’t get views like this back there) the beaches and islands around were a marvel to stare at after living in the asphalt marvel that the city had ended up becoming.

Its not like she didn’t like them either, this simply felt different.

And it was here, at the sea’s beginning where she would release them again.

The Pokeballs flew through the air and opened.

A mountain of bodies soon buried Star.

“Cinn” a White furr.

“Mar” A blue tai.

“Rok krok” Sharp fangs.

“…” A fiery stick.

“Emo” The flutter of wings.

“Guss” Mushroom arms.

“Laa” and the scales of a dragon.

Seven Pokemon, now freed from their pokeballs crushed the girl under their weight.

“Guys, guys let me breathe” feeling them happily greeting her despite everything was almost enough to make all frustration go away, displaying love despite what had transpired.

And unlike anyone else that she had met in Reborn, they weren’t surprised at hearing her talk, as she did talk to them, they were the only one’s she really did talk to outside battle commands.

And she was so happy to see them.

Although they were even more as it had been them who had the long wait, trusting their trainer to return for them.

The Psychic types in her team ended up getting everyone off of her, clearly acting more levelheaded than the others despite also being incredibly happy.

“I’m sorry if I took to long for you guys” The apology was met with Cinccino (Scarlett) rubbing her head on Star’s chest while making sounds no human should understand.

But as the trainer, how could she not get what she told her. “I know it’s not my fault but still”

Amoonguss huffed, making circles with his limbs, pointing at her. “Fine, fine I’ll stop” despite being scolded, Star smiled.

“I promise we’ll do a lot together” they all cheered, making Star feel a slight pang of guilt once her eyes landed on her bag, discarded to the side. “And maybe one day you can meet the team I talked you guys so much about”

Star couldn’t just keep her time travel a secret for her team, not when they were the only thing she had that worked as strength in any real way.

Not when they were a family that went everywhere with her.

So they knew of her team here.

“Kro?” Moxie questioned, looking around as if trying to find them.

Star sighed. “they’re a bit mad at me right now, leaving without any consideration nor an opinion on their part probably hurt them” her gaze went to the bag again.

“ro? Kr kokr!!” the sand crocodile was angry at the answer, accusing Star’s past team of having no faith in her.

“They’re family to you as much as I am, don’t bath mouth them like that” She didn’t raise her voice at him, but the tone was a clear warning, Star needed to be stern if she didn’t want this to repeat itself.

Luckily a small green pellet hit the Krokodile, forcing him to look down towards Scarlett who was replicating Star stern tone. “Min min min!!”

Delphox (Cel) and Latias laughed at the poor ground type, as e failed completely to intimidate her teammate by growling and showing his fangs.

Instead the normal type smirked and there was a shift in the air as green energy glowed on the Pokemon’s mouth.

“Stop that, there isn’t a Pokemon center around here for you guys to start a battle right now”

The two of them huffed at each other, silently promising to compete later on.

That interaction was sweet from her point of view as their sibling like rivalry was still there even after all this time, making her happy.

Her Pokemon could do that, it was something she’d always love from them.

---

In all the reunion and hugs Star had lost an entire extra hour in the beach, an extra hour she’d left Elias to deal with everyone else alone.

If they had bothered to give him a piece of mind. (I’m sure they at least listened to him, they’re good people Star don’t worry)

The point was that she needed to arrive there and fast.

And there was only one way to do that right now. “Latias, let’s go full steam ahead” She raised her hand, there in her pinkie was a ring with a very peculiar stone.

They took flight immediately, moving fast enough to break the sound barrier, but that wasn’t enough. “Now Mega Evolve” by making contact with the ring’s stone a light originated from it.

The language she spoke wasn’t a mortal one. “Human, human” the first time the two met had been inside her New World as the two worked together to piece Florinia’s emotions.

It was then she taught her to talk through emotion rather than words.

Fighting together in Giratina’s lair.

Helping her look for Zygarde cells.

Memories fueled the ring in a multicolored spherical dome that engulfed the two, only to break into pieces.

Mega Latias was here in all her purple glory, the rush of excitement the Pokemon hadn’t gotten in years exiting her to no end, as she pushed her speed to the limit.

At a pace where getting to the Rose Theater would not be a long trip.

As long as Star could give the directions in time.

---

The Theater looked bigger than she remembered.

Maybe because she never quite bothered to fly directly to the building and always taking things like the train and walking from Grand Dream City that this view escaped her.

“Ok descend here” She pointed to the entrance, light engulfing them once more as the Mega Evolution faded without anyone having noticed their entrance.

Star couldn’t really remember the reason they had decided to meet here today, hell, she had forgotten a good chunk of details from her varied explorations on her own through the region.

Getting back on track to stop the Xenpurgis should be a priority, the good thing being that she was currently stronger than ever.

And if she could sway Puppy on her side maybe strong enough to put an end to Madame X on one operation.

Then Vitus would be their only problem…and Storm-9.

(Argh, too many problems for the future) Star shook her head as the two reached the ground, she had the capability to fight back now, there was only a need for a proper plan of action and they had been working on that before she left.

(earing my head now about this won’t do me any good) Leaving those issues aside for now was a necessity anyways, there was a more imminent situation. “Ok, Latias return”

“Why?” The emotion of doubt radiated in form of a question, it was clear she wanted to spend more time together and had enjoyed their flight.

Star could understand where she was coming from, but also had a difficult conversation to deal with. “This is important Latias, I promise we’ll all spend time together but I need you to wait just a little more”

“please” the plead through emotion worked, as it portrayed how actually important this was for both her and the people inside.

As such Latias returned to her ball in the belt by herself, not before making sure she’d remember her promise.

There was a sense of resignation when standing in front of the door yet also one of determination as Star pushed it open, finding Erin, a young woman of white hair and friend, on the inside, looking worried.

(I only recognized her because of her hair) Thought with some remorse the time traveler.

Without saying anything, the Interceptor approached, the creaking of the wooden planks alerting the resident of the Theater of her presence.

Erin turned to look at her letting a grasp of relief she wasn’t aware she held while waiting here. “You sure took your time”

It was the way she said hello, the message Eliar carried yesterday at the night had probably put on edge the one normally in charge or plans.

“Sorry, I got sidetracked” Was her own greeting, not sounding very apologetic, that hour given to her Pokemon was the minimum Star owed them. “I suppose you got my message from Elias?”

“Wait, you actually send the priest?!”it was the expected question, trusting someone out of nowhere claiming to know someone wasn’t the smartest choice.

It also want a good idea to just tell someone who’d do what was ordered into a situation like that yet Star did so anyways.

Bad ideas everywhere.

“We didn’t exactly believe him, especially after that weird greeting he gave” Erin clearly wasn’t very comfortable around him, most likely it was his presence.

She too found it too similar to Angie’s when they met back in Serra’s mansion.

“Let me guess, he said something in a language you didn’t know? And then gave you my message and spoke of the will of Arceus” the man did that to any new person he met and frankly it was off putting sometimes.

Star appreciated his efforts to change though and had gotten to know him well after everything, making her a bit biased when it came to his antics.

“Spot on, you really know this guy huh?” The pink haired girl chuckled somewhat sheepishly, having just thrown the Elite four member at them. “well we did bring him here and everyone is watching him in the main room, we were just waiting for you”

Star went up the little stair case on the entrance, finally walking up to her friend, containing herself no to jump and hug her.

Erin had to blink twice once she was on her same level. “have you grown? I swear I was taller than you” It hadn’t taken much for her to notice now that they stood on equal grounds.

“yeah, it’s kinda what I need to explain, let’s not keep everyone waiting” The two made their way through the door in the middle

To say things were tense inside was an understatement.

“Say anything you punk” Venam was standing beside the man, her eyes focused only on him with Melia trying to get her to sit down while also keeping him in her vision. “Urgh”

“We will talk once she arrives” his reply was instantaneous, not bothering to make small talk.

Behind the girls were the Sahila residents with both of Damian, glaring daggers at the stranger while his sister, who was equally as wary, was standing in front of him denying him any chance to act.

Ryland was laying back, hand in pokeball ready just in case.

Aelita was just looking at everyone, not wanting anything to go bad but she also wouldn’t show rudeness to Elias with her behavior as everyone else.

Ren, a non robotic Ren had come too, looking way too concentrated as if trying to figure something out.

What probably surprised Star the most was Crescent, the woman was sitting directly in front of him, drinking some tea. That by no means was her lowering her guard thought.

Elias could tell of the distrust of the people around him, and it was fine to him, as he was the stranger in what had seemed to be a planned celebration they would all have today.

The Interceptor felt like crying again, seeing them again was a joy, especially now that she could see their faces.

Those had gotten blurry in her memory after the sixth month.

“The Star of the show had arrived” Announced the silver haired girl after watching the purple haired gym leader arrive.

Everyone’s attention turned to Erin, and soon to who stood beside her.

“Star!” Venam was the first to exclaim, her accumulated frustration finally getting out. “good to see you girl, could you by any chance explain what’s the deal with this nutjob”

She didn’t contain her words when referring to Elias, pointing at him while she asked for an explanation.

“My lord” Elias got up and bowed, prompting everyone to move in accordance and only afterwards processed his words and actions. “It is a joy to see you as always”

Star didn’t answer, just frowned slightly at him, a very common gesture whenever the man did this greetings with too much respect.

And he understood so. “of course, my apologies”

“Star, hi” Melia walked forward, moving around the adult, and looking at Star and for a second the girl tensed up. “what was that about?”

Melia’s voice was familiar and Star had missed it.

“Melia” Star smiled at her. “It’s just Elias being overly formal” dismissed the champion, this was a usual thing in her every day visit to the nightclub.

“So you do know him” Alexandra inserted herself in the conversation. “We were worried when he came into the league’s installations out of nowhere yesterday, saying he had come in your name”

Right, her terrible idea of calling a meeting by a man none of them knew.

Actually something she said rubbed her the wrong way. “You teleported directly inside?” Aelita and Erin looked away, they had almost hit the priest the second he appeared.

They expected Kieran to teleport from out of nowhere, not an old man with shades.

Although Erin was much less sorry, Elias simply reminded her too much of Angie and her opinion of that woman wouldn’t be good, ever.

A hum of agreement came from him. “It was the fastest way to accomplish the task given to me my lord” If only he was this eager to get along with his daughter.

“Arceus damn it El”

The conversation derailed enough for Venam to recompose. “Oi, what’s with this my lord Shi…uh thing?”

“Not only that, you’re taller and have bigger arms” Crescent added, bringing a point many hadn’t paid attention in their rush to know of the man.

All of them were reasonable questions. “It’s got to do both about why I asked us to talk today actually” agreed to explain together with everything. “But we need to just be us”

Aelita looked around, signaling to one of the Kimono girls in the room to exit it, the plan they had for today would have to wait.

“Before we do that” Ren had known that man’s face was familiar when he saw it, but only now could piece it together. “I thought I recognized you somewhere, and I have to ask you are Elias Hazel right? an Ex-Elite four member of Reborn?”

Both time travelers went still, they hadn’t expected recognition like this.

Then again, the Elite of a region was always known around the world, being the

“Eh?!” Venam almost screamed when he said so.

Erin on the other hand whistled. “An Ex Elite Four? That’s a really good asset you got” the words were for Star even if everyone could hear.

“Is this really important?” Damian’s patience wasn’t the best, and he wanted answers, much like Crescent.

They were ignored in favor of the new information.

 “I am flattered you recognize me young man, I find myself curious as to how thought, my time as member has been pass for long now”

He scratched his cheeks at the praise but explained. “I actually have a recording of the exhibition match against the previous Reborn champion Amethyst” Ren would never say out loud how much he watched those old recording. “I followed the whole league and most public matches”

Every gym challenger had the right to ask if their match could be televised. Star had said no each and every time.

His purple haired friend didn’t have such qualms. “Oh, yeah I remember that, you wouldn’t shut up about how cool the match was” Venam remembered they had watched that together on occasion trying to replicate how the big leagues battled. “Was that’s YOU?!” and then she caught onto what that meant.

“An exhibition match against Ame? How come I didn’t know about this” Star decided to ask, it would have been really good to know those existed when they were on opposite sides.

“It was long ago my Lord, I had little to no clue said old recordings were still around”

“Can we please go back to the matter at hand” The interruption came from Alexandra, she knew her brother wasn’t going to take much more of this.

“It actually does matter” Ren talked back to her, gaining a curious look from most, although Star and Elias probably knew what he would say. “Because Elias Hazel was reported missing ten years ago alongside Champion Shelly’s predecessor”

Silence was made with that declaration, as the man in front of them was believed to be dead to this day.

“Shelly’s predecessor, what was her name?” Elias asked without explaining anything.

“Shouldn’t you know that?” Erin asked as an answer. “They must have beaten you to become Champion right?”

Star watched the situation unfold with both Melia and Aelita by the side, understanding where her companion was trying to go with the talk. “humor him” She said, gaining weird looks but convincing them to try.

“Honestly it’s hard to remember, they were only champion for two months before disappearing” he racked his brain trying to think of something, until he found it. “Ah yeah, there was this challenge she got in that time from  one the Gym leaders at the time, Titania!”

Once he had that information of hand Ren wasted no time looking it up under the curiosity of why that was important.

“It’s this one, a battle between Gym leader and challenger Titania…”

“…Against reigning Champion…Star…”

—END—

Chapter Text

—START—

-3^rd Person POV-

“Uh, ma’am” a league official approached the champion’s office, a place that while rarely ever used, only at certain times of some particular days one could find Shelly, the reigning champion of Reborn.

Today was one of those days.

The lilac haired woman that is the champion looked at the recent arrival, while she is doing some work alongside Cain, who was sitting nearby organizing someone’s campaign when she entered the building, the two deciding that they’d work in the same room so they could chat.

Being busy wouldn’t stop them from seeing a friend.

“Yes, Rosaria?” Shelly asked, her responsibilities made her someone to be depended on, and it wasn’t strange for situations that required strength to be handled by her.

The official shifter under her gaze but spoke with confidence, Shelly was known as a kind person despite her strength. “Remember that account you asked the league to monitor constantly? The account connected to a ranch of someone named Star”

The mention of that name was enough to kick Shelly into a more direct approach to the conversation, anything that had to do with her was usually handled by one of them.

Monitoring her ranch had been a little precaution she had taken when most Legendaries that were originated from the anomalies had been captured lived there, even if the most aggressive of them were forced to stay in a digital box to avoid them from fleeing the ranch.

Them being compromised worried the champion.

Not only that, but the fact that something could have happened to Star’s partners that resided there too made the woman anxious.

Keeping an eye on their Pokemon was the least she could have done for her disappeared friend after all, even if she may never see her again after her past self visited one last time.

“Has something happened? An attack or robbery? Any damage?” Cain too was paying intense attention despite the fact there was work to do.

“That’s the thing ma’am, the account was accessed through the proper means on a pc in the international net, Aevium to be more specific” a debriefing on the data was placed in Shelly’s hands by Rosalia, all the information of the transaction written there.

(The Porygon didn’t detect signs of hacking, all passwords are said to be used correctly and they even provided the ID code of the trainer card) Something was happening here, Star would have never given anyone the key to her Pokemons to anyone no matter how much she may trust them.

Was this a sign of her return, but that wouldn’t make sense based on what they knew. (She wasn’t here because she was time traveling with Celebi…no wait, they returned from that)

She does remember Star coming to that picnic under Noah’s tree and that had been after the time traveling they did to come here.

(There’s something wrong here, disappearing from the timeline because she moved forward in time shouldn’t have changed anything since she returned right?) if Star had returned after meeting them here, and still the future didn’t change it meant her disappearance was caused by something else, but why.

Was there another threat to this world and she had known?

A loud clapping sound happened in front of her. “Shell’s are you good?” Cain had tried to get her focus back on the matter, snapping the woman out of her thoughts.

She shook her head, still confused about something she’d apparently forgotten. “yeah, I just, Star’s team and Latias were taken a while ago…I might go solve this personally but for now I’ll contact Adrienn I know they are currently in Aevium and will look into this when they can”

She could trust this issue with them, Adrienn was reliable and had contributed the most to the search for Star after her disappearance.

They would surely find something.

Cain looked at the champion worried, this situation had come out of nowhere and neither of them knew exactly what was going on, an old name they didn’t hear much about anymore had simply popped out of nowhere again.

“Thank you for bringing this to our attention dear” He thanked the woman for her work. “now please run along, Shell’s and I have some matters to discuss”

Rosaria left when he asked her too, now only two people were in the room.

“I’ll give Aya a call, she’s subbing for one of Aevium’s gym leaders, apparently they were turned to stone not long ago” His sister would probably like to know that Star’s trail isn’t completely cold anymore.

And here Cain thought that one day would be the last time he’d see his friend.

“Good, I’ll contact Adrienn and I believe Luna was making her way there to help them too so I’ll spare her a call as well” The two sat back down, taking their respecting PokeGears. “ We’ll get to the bottom of this”

---

“That is correct” Star admits calmly, as everyone else had been silenced by Ren’s statement. “It’s kind of a long story”

“Dude!!?” Venam flipped out at the news in an instant while the others thought of the implication of what was just said. “You’re a champion now?! How the fu- uh, does that even work you it’s been day since we last saw each other?!”

“That is why I wanted to talk to everyone here actually” Star answers, trying to deescalate the shock so she can speak.

Ren was focusing on the screen where the match had begun but was not focusing on that, but Star. “Yeah, I can see it, it’s you but blonde” he passed his PokeGear around, showing everyone that was interested in seeing.

Everyone was fast to agree on it too when they saw her.

“It can’t be that obvious right?” It took her aback how easily they could claim that she looked the same when she had tried to hide it the best she was able to.

Aelita chuckled at her face, the surprise mostly passed now. “Remember when we were going towards the dream master?” it was an odd thing to bring up, but she nodded at her. “Your hair was blonde when you were using the armor without a helmet, so we can kinda see it here”

(Oh, maybe that’s why I can change my hair’s color to blonde) it dawned on her that she never really understood why she could do this, now it made sense.

“Dream master? It would seem Reborn wasn’t the start of your quest to stop evil it would seem” Elias was curious at what they talked about, hinting at Star doing her usual helping from much earlier than just Team Meteor.

“Oh yeah, Star gets herself into all sorts of trouble for others” Erin comments, obviously teasing the girl as apparently there had been another adventure for the girl without them knowing. “Sometimes she just goes somewhere and we don’t see her until the end of the day, and comes back bearing a new injury or having just discovered something no one has before”

“Yeah, that’s standard Star things for you” Venam added quietly laughing at the Interceptors face of betrayal. “I mean, we’ve time traveled before multiple times, it’s not that strange and Melia was gone for two years once”

The mention of that made the mentioned blonde turn away. “yeah, not my best used time working for those space hags” she muttered to herself.

“I suppose this explains why the younger lord didn’t question you that much” It actually explained quite a lot about Star’s reactions when it came to Meteor’s plans.

General disgust but not outright distress.

“But what exactly were you doing there?” Damian eventually asked the Interceptor. “You didn’t just go to become champion there”

With that question the mood of the conversation had changed, no longer the more lighthearted atmosphere the gathering was supposed to have, but rather as if they were discussing their plans for dealing with Team Xen.

“No, I honestly went because I told myself I had to” There wasn’t much more reasoning behind that, she wasn’t even aware of what would happen. “I simply figured collecting the badges would not only help me get stronger since I couldn’t take my team with me, but also get the HM permits”

“Then my train exploded” And wasn’t that a fun way to start a new journey.

“What?! are you ok?” Alexandra the worrywart moved closer to check on her, but the girl simply dismissed it.

“It happened a year ago and the previous champion Ame threw us both out of a window before it exploded”

The Sashilan woman sighed in relief, interceptor or not a bomb could still do a lot if she weren’t wearing her armor.

“So you met Ame?!” As a fan of Pokemon battling for a long time Ren was well acquainted with the champions when he was little, and Ame the one who brought the league of Reborn to the next level despite the city’s reputation as an icon of the scene.

Star however, had a different experience with the woman. “Yeah…she was really nice and strong, she actually gave me my first Pokemon there, just…” she died for them that day, Star stopped herself before saying anything else.

“can we please return to the topic?” Aelita saw how uncomfortable that Ame made Star feel, it was a somewhat similar expression to when they used to talk about Melia back when they first met.

Something had happened to that woman, and her friend could probably what.

He scratched his head, a bit shameful. “Yeah sorry, I got a bit excited” But he had noticed Star’s change too.

“it’s nothing Ren” With ease she recomposed herself, mentally thanking Aelita for the help. “As I was saying before, I got wrapped up into fighting Team Meteor”

The name was something they’d heard off somewhere, but no one knew the reality of them, so Venam asked. “Team Meteor, who’re those, some Xen wannabes?”

“Team Meteor was originally an organization looking to purge the city and bring it to its ancient glory” Elias intervened before the ex-champion could say anything.

Star let him, It didn’t matter much if they were fully aware of their machinations, just the gist of it, and Elias probably had more insider knowledge.

Meteor was gone anyways.

“They staged attacks on the city in an attempt to drive people away or just kill them in order to access the city’s heart and seek four items” The four keys,  Star didn’t have any of them anymore, all returned to their previous owners. “Soon they entered an alliance with a woman of unfathomable power and the previous leader was like a puppet playing on their hands”

“In the end, that woman…no, that child made its way to the champion’s room, where she waited for Star to challenge her, so getting through us was an obligation, and since we couldn’t stop the child, if Star didn’t beat us, then there was nothing to be done”

“But she did, and became a champion” Ryland whistled impressed, a new strongest in a region wasn’t crowned every day. “Mighty impressive Star”

“It means you got much stronger” Crescent was mostly contempt with listening to the story just now, but the mention of a facing a threat with the level of a champion interested her. “that’s good, more power to face Madam X”

“My lord has told me of that woman, what exactly makes her so dangerous?” those in the room who’s ever been in that woman’s presence grimaced almost simultaneously.

“Madame X is…there is no correct way to say it, you just feel it when she’s around, the danger she poses, and that Yveltal of hers is a menace” Melia tried her best to explain, as the one being hunted by the leader of Team Xen, her encounters with Madame X had been more than the others. “We plan to stop her, but she was strong enough to completely stomp Star once”

“Truly?! what a problem” the priest calmness turned more serious, he knew Star as a force that couldn’t be stopped, even Solaris’s Garchomp or facing them unprepared didn’t deter her when she was weaker, and yet this woman could stomp her. “If you had to compare it to Lyn, would you say they’re at the same threat level?” he asked, maybe it was just the experience gap between the two.

The name of Lyn confused the others but it wasn’t long before they made the connection to the woman/child that had been mentioned. “That’s hard to say, I don’t know just how powerful Madame X truly is, but I would treat her as a Lyn level threat just in case”

“Who is this Lyn woman? You referring to her means that she was Team Meteor’s puppeteer but how dangerous was she” Crescent asked, the same recognition Elias gave Madame X for being ‘comparable’ to Lyn also happened in the other direction.

“A child who tried to rewrite reality in a way I don’t think our time gear amulets could save us”

…

“WHAT?!”

A collective shout filled the room.

The conversation derailed from there as Star was thoroughly interrogated on Lyn, what she had done, her powers and such.

They were only giving the bare minimum of her intentions however, as Star said she was already gone and couldn’t do anything else, which the only reason they didn’t press much after.

The whole time Elias observed from a distance as all friends of the savior of their world surrounded her worried, the only ones keeping some form of distance were the two male Sahilans and who he guessed was Crescent from what he was told.

 One thing Elias could note was how different the friendships she had here were to those he could observe on the nightclub.

In Reborn everyone went their own ways, always recklessly acting ahead and Star intervening in the middle of whatever was going on.

They were incredibly independent and chose to not ask for help.

Here it was clear they were all a unit, he could see how most, taking out those who were staying behind in the whole conversation, depended on and complimented each other.

They were perfectly fine with working in groups rather than the singular approach most people he knew used to take.

It was heartwarming to see.

“Hey, Elias right?” Ryland approached the priest, a hand in a pocket and another with a Pokeball in hand, raising it to point it at him. “I’m not partial to trusting you, I know Star’s brought you and all but I don’t blindly follow her like they do, so I thought we could have a battle, understand each other through our partners and all”

“I am glad you can voice your mistrust of me openly, and I shall do show my lord hasn’t misjudged by extending her trust to me” the man got up and soon was looking at Ryland from above. “A one on one would suffice?”

His provocation was met with a smile from the boy. “you’re on”

The two walked out, followed by Damian interested in the result of their bout.

Crescent debated if she should do so too, but opted to let it pass, she’d look for a time to talk with him and Star alone later, there was clearly more to that story.

She wouldn’t bring it up in front of everyone, that’d be distasteful but it was good to know for a conversation later on.

---

The kimono girls looked inside the room where they usually performed, seeing the group engrossed in their discussion.

“How do we proceed?” Today’s plan had been to turn the day into a test for Erin, a way for them to pass the ownership of the Rose Theater to her and turn it into what she desires.

It clearly hadn’t gone to plan.

“We improvise” Answered another one of them. “We’ll inform Aelita of this and then do what we know best, act”

---

“I think we’ve harassed Star enough for today” between all the questions they asked, checking over her after mentioning a child with god like powers from who knows where, Star didn’t say, Erin had to step in to give her some room to breathe.

They listened to her and put some distance between them and their friend. “Now, how about we just order something to eat and we can hear more about this adventure there”

“yes, please” Star agreed immediately, she hadn’t eaten anything ever since arriving here and that had been almost a day ago. “I need to eat something”

The group agreed and began to leave the room from the door near the main entrance, with the two who could be considered the host’s staying behind for a bit, and Star decided to accompany them.

“Ah we should probably get Texen’s order then” The name sounded familiar to Star but couldn’t really place a face for him.

Erin roller her eyes at his mention however. “You really invited the kid that basically stole you’re house?”

The purple haired girl smiled, clearly she had given the boy a chance to be better.

Star finally realized who they’d been talking about. (Ah, him) She’ll let Aleita handle him then, Beside, even if he wasn’t nearly as competent as Fern, his attitude from what she remembered was kind of similar to his.

She wouldn’t be too harsh on him then.

The rest had already left when the two began to walk, and the Interceptor was ready to follow, when the door slammed shut on their faces.

“!” the lighting began flickering fast, until they were completely in darkness. “Alright, another thing to do I suppose” Muttered Star, she was really looking forward to that meal.

In a quiet fashion the Kimono girls began appearing one by one on the stage.

They all stood there with closed eyes, freaking out Erin and making Star go for one of her pokeballs. (What exactly is going on here…?) she looked around trying to look for any open exit other than the one behind her, but everything was closed down.

“Girls? What is happening” As the closest one to them Erin thought they would answer her, but instead they all opened their eyes simultaneously, eyes red.

“The truth of love thought abandoned shall make itself known”

It was a strange message that left the three of them somewhat bewildered. “What are you talking about Ayuna” Erin tried to appeal to the woman but was ignored.

And they all disappeared.

There was a little moment of silence before one of them eventually asked. “What was that” Which was what their martial arts gal did.

“I- I don’t know?” She answered like a question, still trying to figure out what was going on.

Star marched closer to the too. “And we aren’t out of whatever it is just yet” she told them. “This space, it became different the moment the doors closed, it feels strange”

That statement got her a confused stare from Erin. “The space feels strange? What do you mean?” It was a strange feeling Star was used to due to crossing dimensions ever so often for the anomalies, so she could tell.

“It means that whatever it was that happened, we’re not exactly where we were before and can’t contact the others, like a pocket dimension” This was only her first day after returning, could they not have a free of trouble day.

With a quick movement Star grabbed one of her pokeballs under the eyes of the other two, releasing Moxie. “Moxie, we’re in some sort of plane, I’m going to need to be around this area and detect anything that seems unnatural, like in the New World”

In fact this situation was rather similar to all those times she had to look through the eyes of someone else, just not the same. (Maybe an impossibility will free us? Why are the kimono girls involved with this?) it was a puzzle alright.

The dark type stretched himself and acknowledged the order, his senses all ready. “Thanks buddy”

“Kro!”

After that she turned to see the others, they had somewhat recovered from the shock. “What do we do?” Aelita asked and wasn’t that the question of the million.

Erin looked at her two friend, still trying to wrap her head around the idea of Ayuna doing this. “We investigate”

The three began by checking all exits, seeing as if there was any path they could take.

And the one going upstairs was open.

After a minute of silent deliberation they began to go up, at all moments ready just in case there was something waiting for them.

And sure enough, there was something up there, just not what they had been expecting.

“Has that ladder always been there?” Star had forgotten quite some things while in another time, so she asked just in case this was her just misremembering.

When Erin shook her head and walked up to it, trying to look at what was in that attic like space, Star figured this was what they were looking for.

“All other doors are locked” Aelita had looked through the other rooms in this floor. “They want us to go there” she looked up at the entrance, only to see Erin already going up.

“Weird, it’s not like her to make hasty choices like that” Sure it might be just going up a ladder, but after what happened down there Star wouldn’t just barge in there.

Aelita nodded but had a face that spoke of understanding. “She probably wants a lot of answers, Erin was practically raised by the kimono girls and Souta”

This was personal for her, that was the message.

“We better go after her th-”

“KOR KROCK!!”

The shouts of her Pokemon completely overtook what she was about to say.  “…Go for Erin, I’ll go down and check what’s going on…”

Star didn’t think twice before running down the stairs, jumping the last few steps and barging hastily through the door. “Moxie!”

He was still inside, in fact, the Pokemon was very much alright, facing another stairway that had come from nowhere.

(This is getting stranger by the second) They were being guided, the kimono girls were the most likely responsible for it too. (What are they trying to do anyways?) the ground time moved closer to her and stood on her site.

Always ready to defend if anything were to happen. (Aww, and he says he’s just here for battles, he clearly loves me) but the idea of them looking to fight is an interesting point.

If an attack is what they were after then there were better ways than this, specially with as much control of this place as they’ve shown.

Clearly they wouldn’t have revealed themselves either, with a cryptic message to.

(Not only that, but they were talking to Erin, not Aelita nor me…Is this not a trap but something else?) It could, but the ex-champion couldn’t simply assume that.

How many times had she walked into totally-not-a-trap only to be…well trapped.

“Star, what’s down here?” Erin entered after a while, a frown on her face as she got closed. “Is that another ladder?”

“Yeah, what did you find up there?” Answered and asked a question of her own, maybe a clue lay there.

“Souta’s staff was there, but we couldn’t move it” there was frustration in her voice. “It was a dead end with a room blocked by a spell”

The last member of this mystery solving group arrived not long after, the two new presence gabbed Moxie’s curiosity. “Kr?” his grunt sounded like a question, making the two other girls finally take not of him.

Aelita was the first to ask, Erin was clearly lost to whatever Ayuna and the others were planning. “I didn’t know you had a Krookodile, from your adventure a right?”

Star smiled at the big guy, scratching one of his back scales to his delight. “Sure thing, Moxie here is a powerhouse and is part of my Champion team” her focus then shifted back to the ladder.

“I suppose we go down?” they wouldn’t find anything just standing still here.

“With no other path, what choice do we have?” and so they did, first Erin then Star and Aelita last.

And what they found was a big empty room with statues of Lugia and Ho-Oh aligned perfectly. (Mirage Tower, that’s what this reminded me of)

They reached the end of the room, where an entire white exit was presented in front of them.

“Actually, this place makes me think of something Venam told me once, about your adventure with Marianette” Erin commented at the sight in front.

“Is it…I really don’t remember much about that, but it was a pocket dimension of some sort, I think” Star needed to refresh some of her memories of Aevium, the year spent in Reborn was already more than the time spent here and it showed with how unclear some things are.

“I bet Souta knew of this place” Her own mention of the man seemed to just irritate her further. “And of course he never said anything”

She balled her fists, glaring at the entrance.

“Come on, lets finish this” Both trainers looked how Erin walked through the exit, they tried to follow after her but…

There was a barrier there, one that wouldn’t let them pass but allowed their friend to go in.

(Blocked) Star attempted to bang at whatever barrier stood in her path but it wasn’t budging. “Damn it”

Aelita for whatever reason wasn’t exactly trying, so she took action. “Moxie!” her shout reached the reptile upstairs, there was no need to release anybody else, and he  probably was itching to battle if it came to it.

In a burst of speed the Pokemon had descended appearing almost as if he came from nowhere and was now ready with his claws showing in a menacing fashion.

Star walked to him,  dragging Aelita behind the Pokemon. “Hone Claw, then break through with Crunch”

The ground type smiled, it’s black claws gaining a faint white aura as he began to move them as a sharpening motion against each other.

Then the aura spread thoroughly over his body the set up move completed, he then stoop to his full height.

Moxie disappeared from view in an instant as a trail of dark energy followed.

The collision was deafening and the barrier shattered under the maws of the Pokemon.

“Wow” Aelita could hardly see the Krookodile move after his stance. (Is this the level of a Champion’s Pokemon) there was a distance between the idea of a champion’s level and actually seeing it.

“Let’s go, Erin might need help” After saying that, she rushed in, with the purple haired girl following closely.

Once inside they were greeted by the image of Erin kneeling on the ground, and shadowy versions of the Kimono girls standing there surrounding her.

All of them had their respective Eevelutions out and threatened the girl.

For whatever reason, Aelita didn’t look all that worried about her  but was still getting her one of the members of her team to help. “You take the two on her right, I’ll take the four to her left” Star said, waiting for nothing to jump in, followed by Moxie.

“Ah, yes” the girl agreed and went too.

With his claws Krookodile swiped away two incoming moves, standing in front of a Glaceon, Vaporeon, Umbreon and Flareon.

“Guys” Erin was slowly getting up, her Absol facing two of the other Kimono girls. “Heh, you’re always here when I need you” the previous frustration was gone, something had happened in here.

Pink eyes turned to look at her, a confident smile across her face. “Obviously, I’m not one to abandon a friend” And that was something the girl was grateful for.

“Yeah, we’ll always have your back Erin” it warmed her heart to have such good friends.

The servants of the Theater weren’t exactly happy with the development. “You should not be here!” from then the battle began.

“Umbreon, taunt”

“Hydropump Vaporeon”

“Glaceon, approach from behind and Ice Beam”

“Wait a moment Flareon then Will o Wisp”

They all charged at Moxie, two attack from two different fronts while stopping from using any of his non damaging moves.

Will o Wisp was just to debilitate them further.

“Well, let’s show them how it’s done, Moxie” he acknowledged her with his posture shifting. “Two moves to end it, Brick Break and Low Sweep”

With the previous boost to his attack the ground type completely broke through their attacks with speed alone, hitting the Glaceon in a downward motion and downing it with a strike.

The Hydropump simply passed over him as he ducked.

With that, the Krookodile’s ability Moxie came into play, and without wasting time he moved instantly behind the Umbreon, stomping on their body before they could react.

And he fell in one hit too.

“Sorry girls, but I’ve grown a bit since the last time we battled” She taunted as the other two battles continued behind her. “Dig now”

“Vaporeon careful with the ground” Lana, one of the two remaining trainers shouted. “When he comes out use Surf and don’t let him escape”

“Be on guard too Flareon” the other wasn’t to far back with that either.

(I remember having to tell my Pokemon to dodge, horrible idea when fights end up being at speeds our eyes have a hard time following) It was a lesson hard learned when facing Hardy, rock Pokemon are slow was a stupid lie.

That Archeops had been a pain to beat.

“Now Moxie, down” instead of jumping and hitting, the Krookodile grabbed the water type paws, dragging them and burying them on the ground.

Soon after the Flareon was next, and the second they attempted to jump and dodge, Moxie broke the ground and used the inertia to hit with his claw closed and ground type energy covering it.

They all had been one shotted in thirty seconds.

Star took a potion out of her bag and went up to her Pokemon, nursing the slight damage caused by the Life Orb. “Need any help over there?” Moxie moved, ready for any indication to jump in and fight again, but it wasn’t necessary.

Hawlucha finished a Leafeon and Jolteon with some electrical burns on his body. “We’re done too” Erin had done finished too, and Espeon and a Sylveon down, although Absol looked the words of them all.

“Yeah, that should be all, Ayuna” instead of answering them, Erin looked confidently at the responsible behind this. “What now?”

The servants didn’t answer, instead they all disappeared in a yellow light.

“That’s what I though” muttered the girl. “Ok, we need to go up again and take the staff from its place, it’ll take us out of this place”

And so they did, they returned their Pokemon, thanking them for helping and ran up, reaching the attic room without any resistance from the Kimono girls, where Souta’s staff was located.

They went up the ladder, reaching where it was, an empty room with a door, the staff placed in a pedestal on the ground.

Erin walked closer to it, placing her hand around and pulling upwards. “Yes, I can pull it now” it offered no resistance.

There was another shift in the air, they were back to reality. “And we’re out” Star confirmed for the two.

The staff was spun by Erin. “Now let’s place this back on and stop this place from crashing down on us”

Yet that didn’t happen, Ayuna arrived in from the only door in the room, interrupting her. “Wait a moment”

“Sorry, but you can’t stop us now” immediately Answered Erin, the threat of this place collapsing was a serious thing.

The construct shook her head. “I’m not here to stop you, this situation was…different from what we had planned”

“Planed?” She asked, now confused on the sudden change of motive.

Aelita laughed a bit ashamed from the side. “Yeah, we didn’t mean it to be like this, it was supposed to be more like a mystery to solve than a trapped in a different dimension” Both of the non-informed participants of this turned to look at her.

“What?” Eloquently asked Star.

“Aelita?! You were in on this?”

“I asked her too, this was supposed to be a test for you, Erin, to see if your heart could be opened to the people you call friends, as that would be the only way you could manage the staff Souta left and the Archetype” The servant explained. “Today’s events forced our hand with the execution sadly”

All the inconsistencies of this place as a trap made more sense when viewed this way, so Star relaxed. “That’s my fault, sorry” admittedly there was no way for her to know, but apologizing was the polite thing to do.

“You shouldn’t worry about that, It was admittedly our fault for not choosing a posterior date to hold this event” From the outside, Cella, Elder of Sheridan village, entered the space. “This whole plan was devised for you to inherit the theater and reserve the right to change it”

“That’s right” Ayuna confirmed. “When you place the staff back down, this place will turn into what you desire”

It was a heavy responsibility, one that could tear all Erin had known of the place she called home. “I need time to think about this”

“You can take your time, we’ll be waiting here”

She retreated back to the room behind her, leaving the others in the room. “There’s no rush Erin, and whatever you choose we will support that” The eldest reassured her, with Aelita joining in.

“Souta believed in what you would choose” Star gave her a bit of advice. “So I don’t think there is a wrong choice here, just go with what your heart ask of you”

The whole test was some form of opening up for the woman, so maybe that would be the solution here too.

“thanks guys, I’ll see what to do”

---

An hour later the decision was made, Erin choose to keep the Rose Theater as it was, after all, this was her home and the disappearance of the Kimono girls due to the changes was not something she wanted.

“It’s a decision of mine and only mine” She smiled at the staff, now standing in the middle of the room. “One I made with all my heart”

The letter Souta had left her behind cleared her mind to choose this, and she was happy with that decision.

---

“Ugrh, I’m hungry” With her face planted on the table, Venam complained. “are they here yet?” One of the workers here had informed them that the food would arrive once everyone was on the table.

Three people were clearly missing, even the three who went to have a Pokemon battle outside has returned already.

And they were getting along rather nicely too.

Ren used his napkin to smack the girl on the forehead. “Have patience”

She wasn’t the only one acting like that though, as Alexandra was also comically hungry with her head on the table. (Aren’t you supposed to be one of the responsible adults here?) Ren deadpanned along his thoughts.

“Guys” finally after what felt like an eternity, the trio arrived. “Sorry we took this long” the moment Aelita spoke, two heads lifted themselves.

“What have you three been doing!!” comically screamed Venam at them. “We’ve been waiting for an hour to eat”

They didn’t say what, just awkwardly stared into one another before taking their respective seats. “So, have you guys ordered yet?”

---

It had been a beautiful evening, they spent time together, eating, talking.

A breather for all their encounters with Team Xen…for them at least, Star hadn’t dealt with them in quite some time.

That and another thing she noticed, Star didn’t think any of them did, or maybe they were trying to help her reinstate with them, but it was clear the Interceptor was different, not the one they met just a day ago.

Not in the sense she was a completely different person, but conversations were she intervened tended to slow and her own tales weren’t exactly happy, and stories of adventures they once had together were mostly foggy to her.

Battles they fought that she couldn’t particularly remember well.

Star felt she had missed a lot, and yet there hadn’t been a single second that she missed.

It was confusing and perplexing to the woman.

Where had this disconnect she felt started. (Is it because of them?) Maybe it was how different it felt from the friends she made ten years ago.

This weird discomfort was also something she had when conversing with Cain or Florinia for the first few times, a distance of some sort.

Or she simply was still recovering with the encounter with Puppy and was to tired to keep up with this more active and interactive group of friends.

Arceus knows she doesn’t have a clue.

At the end of the day, Melia and Crescent stayed behind with her, as everyone eventually returned to Sashila.

“Star” And one of the mentioned approached, as the champion watched the sun set from the back garden of the Rose Theater.

“Hey Crescent” She offered her a smile, afterwards turning her attention back unto the sun.

“You and I need to talk”

(A serious conversation then, eh it’ll help me get my mind off of this) without turning around she patted the spot next to her, messaging the woman to sit. “Shoot”

“Not here, meet me at the Obelisk”

—END—

Chapter Text

—START—

-3^rd Person POV-

Gothitelle’s preferred method of transportation was teleportation, it saved a lot of time when it came to regular flying and wasn’t as tiring.

Making it so just a moment after choosing to leave they were already on their destination.

“I really didn’t miss this place” Star and Crescent stood in front of the massive piece of Garufan tech, approaching swiftly as the pink haired girl looked around.

The trainer’s statement garnered a look from her companion, a blank look that requested for a better explanation. “Just the trials for the Obliteration spell, I really have a bad reminder of those”

It wasn’t something that would haunt her nightmares, but it painted a picture of herself she was terrified of, failing when it matters.

“I haven’t seen those, but I shall take your word for it” they continued until they were right beside the big pillar.

What looked to be black stone became more like a slate of black crystal that had various colored lines descending it the closer they got to it.

Right up until they reached it.

But before Star could touch it, her PokeGear buzzed in her pocket. (hm? No one should have this number…) The device had been a present from Radomus, given to her by Gossip Gardevoir when they helped her leave their gym, it was a model outdate by ten years now.

A lot of things she had gotten used too were now outdated too now that she thought about it.

Star casted those thoughts aside, checking the message.

Elias: My Lord, everyone has made it to Sahila and I’ve been allowed to stay here too.

Elias: Am I to wait for your arrival?

Star sighed in relief, she had expected it for someone from Reborn to have just figured something out and texting her for answers, an event she was not ready for.

Or maybe meeting them, that was another deal she was even less prepared for.

Being Elias was somewhat calming, and it confirmed they had a way to communicate with each other.

Star: mk, don’t worry waiting for me.

Star: Actually, do u still have Celebi with u?

A few seconds passed under Crescent’s view until the Gear buzzed again.

Elias: Lady Celebi is completely safe under my care, although it would seem the travel through time has weakened her much like before.

(Shit, I forgot about that) finding another time related relic would be hard, so there was no recharging her in the near future. (Maybe Dialga can do something?)

She could deal with that later, right now she had another tune to dance to.

“Done?” Crescent asked, and if she didn’t know better the champion would have sworn there was a tone of irritation there.

Good thing it was simply the woman’s lack of any verbal tone most of the time. “Yeah” Her hand was placed over the Obelisk’s interface.

Her mind was transported inside,  Garufan.inc offering a welcoming message before dropping Star into the main chamber.

Where Melia was doing something.

Crescent entered after her, materializing from nothingness into the semitransparent orange tiles that made the platform they were standing on.

“Star, Crescent, I thought I’d have to look for you guys to discuss our next step” Melia noticed the two of them standing behind her, looking rather worse for wear.

“I wanted to have a conversation with Star about today” the woman explained their presence, even thought they were the ones actually authorized to be here.

The blonde girl was intrigued by that. (Is there something she noticed we didn’t?)

“Sure, I actually wanted to know more too” Their friend had been gone for quite a year and had gotten much stronger, hearing the less than happy adventures not shared at the table could be helpful.

“Sure, I’m not planning on hiding much” the two eyed the trainer perplexed after she said that but made no comment about it.

Keeping some things to herself would be normal, but they didn’t think Star tell them directly that she planned to.

(She’s entitled to her own secrets) the older thought, there was no world were Star kept secret something that could be a problem to them.

Star wouldn’t put them in danger like that.

“If that’s the case then you wouldn’t mind answering as to why you have been trying to avoid being seen limping?” Direct was Crescent preferred method of conversation and she would display that. “Were you hurt before returning?”

It had been a small detail she had been trying to keep to herself, but apparently she didn’t do so well enough. “What?!” Or maybe she did, as Melia had no idea it was a thing.

And looked like she wanted to ask something.

Now with her problem revealed there was not much to hide, Crescent was just that observant, having discovered her quickly.

She had probably noticed how much she may have slipped while trying to hide it.

“I had a battle three days before coming here” Slowly Star lifted her shirt, revealing the underneath.

An awfully large layer of bandages was there, extending all the way down to where her pants covered. “And its where I got this thing”

It was wrapped in a way nothing underneath could be seen, the sheer length of the covered part was enough to indicate how big the wound was. “That’s enormous, did you get medical help?”

Melia was careful while she touched the bandage, Star made no move of discomfort.

“I’ve learned how to treat my own wounds actually, beside it’s not like it hurts much” That was a straight up lie, but after falling into a volcano, being stabbed, possessed and many other things, one’s pain tolerance develops incredibly well.

When her friend finished checking it, she backed off, whatever she was going to say before was silenced by a new question. “How did it happen?”

It was time for another story then. “It began when I was trying to save someone…”

Anna needed to be stopped before she could hurt herself more.

But beating Shade was just the beginning of the battle ahead.

“No, NO!” seeing the construct of darkness disappear triggered the poor girl, the guilt consuming her as memories of her death had just been returned to her. “I- not- I can’t let you win LYN!!”

It was at moments like this when she would have loved to scream at her, tell her that Lyn was already gone, that she didn’t need to do this.

That Star would help her whenever she needed.

(She wouldn’t believe me even if I spoke) And there lay the issue, the little girl was too lost to recognize what was truly happening here.

Both the dream sickness and Puppy’s hold on her were pointing at this, towards Star not being a real person, only a façade for Lyn.

And thus, Anna had been the next to challenge her, Pokemon after Pokemon, Gallade, three  Ultra beasts, a Zygarde and finally Nostra.

The little girl gave it her all, for she believed this to be the best.

Even all of the additional power she had now was used.

It was not enough to stop the interceptor, not enough to stop Star that was much more prepared, was stronger and experienced than she had ever been.

It hadn’t been enough to put down the Reborn champion, tears streaming down her face as she fell to her knees.

“I- I failed” The scene broke her heart, seeing her friend simply lay there, all hope lost due to the belief that everything was lost, that she would end everything.

It hurt Star in ways she hadn’t felt pain before in her short existence.

“I just…I just wanted to keep everyone safe” The crying intensified, the weight of her own actions and the things she had forgotten soon flooded, the dam keeping her memories back having broken completely.

Euphie’s death, the previous timeline, all of her failures.

And now she could see, the person in front of her wasn’t Lyn, the one she was trying to hurt, was Star, her friend.

As she looked up, standing there was her, the person she was just battling.

Offering her a hand, with a smile.

Before anything could be done however, Pulse Arceus jumped in the fray themselves, using their power to completely freeze Anna in place.

There was no scream, no pain, just an abrupt stop as lights of purple and blue covered her and took her out of Star’s reach.

(Fuck, ANA!!) she internalized the shouting she would have done, something practiced for the better part of a year.

And for the third time, she went for a Pokeball in her belt.

“Volta!” as she threw it, from the anomaly light began to summon one Pokemon too.

It was a strange thing to see, the blob of light that fell into the ground, materializing a Pokemon from nowhere just for battle.

Soon enough, from the light materialized a Jirachi.

The dimensions warped, extending and largening as to create a field for their bout.

A glitched field that defied most logic, another abnormality of these places.

But she was Reborn’s Champion, playing with other’s fields was her specialty.

In a the time it took Star to breathe, the battle began.

“Volta, to the ground create a dome with Discharge” Arcs of electricity erupted form her, expanding rapidly in all directions. “Now move through it, Volt Switch”

Transforming into electricity allowed the Emolga to move faster, using the expanding discharge have a complete movement freedom

Jirachi moved it’s little hands form side to side, pronouncing wish before tackling the opposite attack with a Light Screen.

The force field generated by that move managed to block the special attack.

But the force of impact that the Volt Switch carried broke through it completely and allowing the Emolga to retreat.

There was a bruise visible in the Mythical’s  body, but it was negligible damage.

(Could have gotten a nuzzle off) Emolga worked as a pivot anyways,  she could always send her back in to paralyze if it was needed.

With practiced movements Star choose her next Pokemon before the Jirachi recovered, sending Cel to battle.

“The moment you’re out, Heat Wave, let’s make this field our own grounds.”

The Delphox was released, a tired smile present on his face despite the clear injuries from the previous two battles.

The air became blurry as red hot waves flowed through the air, disrupting the glitched scenery.

It hadn’t been enough to break it, and the rival was too far away to be affected, but it was fine, this was what she wanted as the leftovers electricity that lingered on the ground came into contact with the heat.

And promptly exploded into a an active flame that consumed the whole field, the more it extended the stronger the reaction got.

(Now we attack.)

Star saw Jirachi beginning to glow pinkish, and a similar aura began to surround Cel.

 “Cel, burn with an intense Flame Charge and close in” The Delphox didn’t hesitate to follow her commands, using more energy than necessary to burn the Psychic that was coming, managing to do so now that it was no longer boosted by the field. “Release various Fire Spins with your wand, close its exits”

The Jirachi wasn’t siting around as they got closer, a Shadow ball forming in its hands waiting.

Then it began rapid firing them, stopping the streams of fire that approached but at the same time loosing it’s own chance for an offensive as the fire nullified the balls as well.

The smoke created gave them an opening .“Now, Fire Blast” the star of fire went fast, and with the much smaller distance between the two it gave the Mythical little time to dodge.

The searing heat released made it’s way to her, small droplets of sweat forming to combat it. (Even from so far away I can feel it, Cel’s fire is absurd)

“Don’t let up, Future Sight and find it” despite it’s common use to send attacks slightly into the future, the move had a much more useful case here. “Then Physhock, use the psychic energy to retain all possible heat”

Calling attack after attack, Star was relentless when it came to battling, even a wasted breath was a missed opportunity.

Her Pokemon did as told, all smoke from the fire and the leftover heat from the wave concentrated as a brutal barrage of psyche crashed into Jirachi.

It fell to the floor charred and defeated.

However, Star could see something that worried her. (Cel’s slower, I really need to find a window to heal) his wounds were dragging him down,

This was not a trainer battle, nor it followed any rules, healing items were perfectly fine to use.

But the problem was leaving an opening.

Another blob of light fell to the ground, constructing itself into a Kyurem white.

One that wasted no time to attack, unlike the more patient Jirachi.

“Protect!!” the force field was quick to rise, as a blast of pure draconic energy engulfed the area.

The pressure from the previous Pokemon was nothing compared to the imponent dragon that now stood in their way, leaving a thin veil of mist as the attack dissipated.

(Dragon Pulse, it tried taking us out fast) She could see it charging another one from here, waiting for protection’s influence to vanish.

“Flame Charge again, to your right!” As the second pulse came the Delphox dashed to the right, completely covered in flames. “now Confuse Ray, boost them with Psychic and gain some time” The fiery veil was cast aside, and from the wand dark purple orbs were created.

The orbs gained a yellow glow on the inside as they began to move, only to be shot like bullets by momentaneous burst of a pink energy.

The second Dragon Pulse took care of those.

Kyurem took flight, it’s turbine tail glowing red as it gained heat at a rapid rate.

A purple aura began to surround rocks from the nearby places, Ancient Power materializing and melting faster the more they approached the Legendary.

As the molted rock was thrown, Cel dodged and blocked, switching between using Flame Charge and light screen.

Even then he was hit twice, his incredibly fire resistant skin and hair however managed to take most of the damage.

 (A dragon and Ice type, rock, dragon, fairy…fairy!) on the other hand, Star was busy trying to figure out a way out of this.

She could also feel the heat starting to burn on her skin, so solving this the fastest way possible was a must.

“Cel, throw a Heat Wave and then Psychic him into the ground” the good thing about magma being close it’s that there wasn’t a need to generate the heat.

And thus the offense began with the heat threatening the dragon, who in turn created a Blizzard, changing from hot to cold in instants and freezing over the magma.

The two attacks collided, completely stopping cancelling the other and creating a divide in the battlefield.

Half burning, half frozen.

But with the Kyurem concentrating on the Blizzard, they could not stop the Psychic.

They plummeted down fast, even with their flight speed slowing them down. “Now lift the rock underneath, it’s not a real living Pokemon so make it pointed to stab” did an order like that make Star sick? Yeah, but the situation wasn’t one where she had the luxury of choice.

Thus, another pulse of Psyche did exactly that, leaving the ice dragon with a spike inserted on its back as the rest kept pushing down.

But it didn’t pierce well.

(Pokemon are too durable) The Kyurem went into Outrage for that, breaking the rock and charging at blinding speed towards Cel.

“Dazzling Gleam! Give it everything!” The order was a last ditch effort, putting every the Delphox had in reserve to stop the behemoth approaching.

(They’re all just too fast, it’s hard to strategize like this) Normally she’d thrive under pressure, but not today, not with Anna on the line and the Arceus like monster she had to deal with.

Cel was hit with the full force of the attack, being sent crashing towards her, only giving Star enough time to activate her armor and intercept the fox the best she could.

It was a good thing that it gave her a boost in strength. “Are you there buddy?” Cel nodded, conscious, but too hurt to continue, the damages from before and the new ones rendering him out of the fight. “Rest, you have done enough for us” She pulled out his Pokeball and returned him.

Cel could continue sure, but she wasn’t about to risk him on this.

The Kyurem broke into light much like Jirachi, apparently the fairy type attack was all the needed to finish it off.

Before it would have been impossible for them to damage Legendaries this way, but now they had grown enough to face them on single combat, and win.

Using more than one move at the same time was also something that took a lot for them to learn.

Star would be exclaiming her pride in her partners if the situation wasn’t horrible still.

A new Pokemon began forming as she thought. (Alright, what are you?) The forming shape kept getting bigger.

And bigger…and bigger.

Until the full might of Groudon was before her.

(FUCK!) Star had dealt with a Groudon before, in the cave with Titania and Amaria.

They were big and hard to take down, but she could still do so.

“Moxie, go!” her choice was set anyways, the same one who did this last time could handle it another.

The ground type appeared in a flash of white, bearing some injuries on himself, but still standing.

And smiling at the prospect of another rival to beat. “Ok, Bulk up” there was not time to lose, and any set up she could do would be valuable before-

A giant red orb completely absorbed Groudon, breaking into a thousand shards that vanished at a Primal Groudon stood in its place.

Desolate Land overtook the sun, turning the field into a flaming floor of pure heat and some magma.

The situation didn’t make her idiot back down however, in fact he only looked more interested in it. “Torment Moxie, we don’t want a repeat of the hell of last time”

The Krookodile mocked the giant, the dark energy that emanated from the move was quick to merge with the titan Pokemon.

And provoking him to retaliate with a Solar Beam, a giant Solar Beam.

“Soften the ground before you with Mud Shot and slide through it to dodge”  While he did as told Star herself had to move out of the way, the massive laser of concentrated sunlight  making a line through the whole battlefield.

“Get closer to it!” the trainer shouted, her ground type wouldn’t be able to do much from so far away. “Be careful with the floor, it’s almost melting”

Groudon wouldn’t put it easy for them, as he stomped, generating an Earthquake that began breaking and lifting the ground in different directions.

“Areal Ace, use it to go high and strike from behind with your own Earthquake directly on its body” the red lizard disappeared from view in a matter of seconds, escaping the tremors and some Precipice Blades that began to grow all in front of Groudon.

And continued to do so, turning the battlefield into a spiked land of nightmares.

Her partner had been fast enough to get out of the way with the flying move, falling from above in trajectory to crash into the giant.

Who had begun to charge another Solar beam in its mouth.

“Endure it!” the great beam fired, blasting the Krookodile as they fell, but unable to push him back, the impulse from the fall and Areal ace were enough to outlast the blast.

Allowing the ground type to collide with him, both fist forwards and generating seismic waves all over Groudon.

Sending him crashing down to the ground in a roar of agony.

Each new pulse of force making the titan scream and spasm as it’s body vibrated.

“Before the Life orb activates, Foul Play” Using Endure had been a gamble that paid off, and now they needed to finish this off, using the Legendary’s own force against him.

Completely burying him into the ground, unconscious.

Moxie fell down over it not soon after, the Solar Beam alone would have taken him out if he hadn’t endured.

(That was fast, I haven’t been under this sun enough to dehydrate) Star thought as the sun returned to it’s normal state, the burning sensation was still there, but at least it would get worse. (Downing a Groudon so fast, Moxie I love ya you battle maniac)

With his Superball the Krookodile was returned, and all she could do was prepare for the next one.

The battle had been simple so far, and the next part would be too.

As the Groudon was replaced with a Deoxis, a Defense form Deoxis to be more specific.

And with his heavy hitters for Psychics down…there was only one real choice here.

And for the next thirty minutes Shino, her Amoonguss, stalled, poisoned, put to sleep, and healed while his opponent hit him, healed, boosted its defenses.

It had become a battle of stalling the other until they could no longer do anything.

One Shino could very well lose due to previous tiredness.

In the end he fell first, leaving a badly damaged and poisoned Deoxis little away from falling.

“Thanks Shino” It hadn’t been all lost time however, the concentration the Deoxis used in keeping up with the barrage of status effects and healing gave Star enough time to use some potions on her remaining Pokemon.

They now were in full shape to take whatever came.

“Scarlett, finish this off” The Cinccino took center stage, spinning as she left her ball, a serious yet exited expression on her features. “It’s really slow, just overwhelm him”

And so she did, taking advantage of the slowness and poisoned state of the Deoxis she went in, utilizing Knock Off to put the remaining of the Legendary down.

(It couldn’t even react, Shino’s poisons are terrifying) Star had to attribute that to the grass type, it was his work that left a defensive monster like that so damaged that it couldn’t even recover.

“Scarlett set up as many Calm Minds as you can!” they wouldn’t waste the time it took the anomaly to form, getting the Cinccino up in power was a must.

And so she did, the Pokemon stooped moving as began accumulating energy, pacifying herself and creating a thin barrier all over her.

The feeling of her instinct warning her forced the white furred Pokemon to move, dashing to the right, avoiding a flash of platinum energy.

A Pokemon rose from where the Deoxis was, its long black claws extending themselves, lifting itself into the air to float ominously.

It was a Necrozma…a Dawn Wings Necrozma.

If Groudon was a ‘dangerous but manageable’ in her own scale, this Pokemon in front of her was a ‘Things are spiraling out of control’

The being was fast on it’s attack, sending multiple more of what she recognized as Flash Canon.

They shone incredibly bright, an indicator for the potency they carried. “Dodge and don’t bother blocking them” Scarlett did as told, dashing out of the way and jumping over others. “Force it to move with Rock Blast”

Cinccino  drove her hands to the ground while running, picking up rocks and infusing them with rock type energy, ready to be launched.

The move was also boosted by Technician, the loaded dice giving an easier time infusing multiple rocks with energy guaranteeing an absurd boost in strength as the rocks were thrown.

The two moves began to clash, intercepting one another as the rate of fire Scarlett shot at was much faster than he flashed of steel.

Cinccino wasn’t satisfied with this, thus she began accelerating more and more her shooting speed, moving all around the Necrozma while throwing from different angles.

(We’re going nowhere with this) Star could see Scarlett running out of energy faster than their opponent , they need to change their approach. “Use Encore, lock it in and break into a dash directly to them with Trailblaze”

The use of the status move guaranteed them the ghost would not change to a physical approach with the move binding them to Flash Canon

Then she charged, skipping incredibly fast and only accelerating more, little traces of grass being left being as she approached, leaving behind the multiple attacks that threatened her and side stepping the ones incoming.

Star waited for the moment, and when she saw Necrozma beginning to take height, she saw it. “Now Thunder, make sure to send it upwards” We were mostly hoping to paralyze it while dealing the most damage possible.

What we didn’t expect was for it to counter with three more Flash Canons, diminishing the attack, even if it still hit.

“Use the electricity you have left, Thunderbolt” Fast thinking helped get another hit in.

Yet it wasn’t enough to stun the Necrozma, who had broken the Encore.

And was firing a Photon Geiser straight at Scarlett.

“Protect!” Star had made sure her whole team knew this move and practiced tirelessly until they could perform it almost instantaneously.

And yet, it meant nothing.

As what was happening wasn’t actually Necrozma’s signature move.

But rather it’s Z-move.

Light that burns the Sky

All the light the New World had began being sucked in, absorbed by the black prisms in the Pokemon’s body as it’s shape became that of a dragon.

A dragon made of light, whose shape inflated and delated and fluctuated save for some solid connecting lines made of the prism, now full of stolen light.

Then it began to charge a massive energy blast that simply kept growing and growing as the world got darker and darker.

The New World was slowly being covered in darkness, all of the remaining light going towards Ultra Necrozma.

“Scarlett, return!” Star attempted a return with her pokeball, not willing to see her companion hit by that thing, and it was big enough to not have any room to dodge.

The stubborn Cinccino however discarded her shield and dodged the return laser, if she got out of the way, Star was the next target and that would not happen with her here.

Throwing Bullet Seed after Bullet Seed at the main body, doing some, but little damage to the body, then switching to Rock Blasts, all in a desperate move to stop the incoming sphere of destruction.

In the desperation Star didn’t utilize one of her aces in the whole, and so the interceptor ran towards her friend.

And there it was, completely charged, in all of its splendor and terrifying presence.

All concentrated into a pure ball of death.

Star dashed in, grabbing the Pokemon into her hands a in display of new light, activating her armor and exerting everything she had on strengthening it.

“Protect” she also commanded the Pokemon under her, who, in spite of the terror of seeing her trainer cover her in front of an attack, agreed to put the shield up.

And then everything exploded.

The barrier broke pretty fast, leaving the two exposed to the absurd amount of energy and probably radiation that an attack of such a magnitude held.

Pieces of her armor broke off slowly as the blast continued its course.

The entirety of her left leg and part of the abdomen broke off and the underneath was burned with some shards of broken metal incrusted themselves into her before disappearing.

At the very least Scarlett would not be dying here, that thought alone allowed her to endure.

By the time the attack was over, Star could barely stay conscious. (Ah…ah…ah) she gasped for air, desperate to breathe under the whole cloud of smoke remaining.

Arceus Pulse, Puppy, floated over her, much like it had once done over Lyn.

There was no more anomaly around him, the entirety of using Light that burns the Sky had completely absorbed that.

And in turn had completely gotten rid of the light that generated Necrozma.

It had been a self-destructing move one made consciously to destroy her and her team altogether.

With the little conscience she had left, Star released the two other Pokemon she had and returned Scarlett.

The fight wasn’t over.

“V-v…olta…Nuz-zle” she coughed between each word, her body was giving up on her.

“Ari-a, Refle-c a-and Lig-ht Screen” She took a second to bear the pain before finishing giving orders. “Layers”

The two Pokemon moved in to act before the menace floating over them did anything, the small flying rodent was angry at the creature due to her trainer’s current state.

Thus they flew with speed and precision, trying to get close towards the god in an attempt to paralyze.

And moving the Pulse away from the rest, taking all of it’s attention by crashing into it, full electric force.

Aria on the other side created the barriers as asked, turning with a worried face, awaiting more instructions.

“He-al Pu..lse” Words were difficult to speak, it hurt all over even beginning to articulate, yet she still tried to.

The starter looked at her she knew Aria could not learn the move, but Aria had known her trainer long enough to infer from her thought process.

And thus, she looked into her bag.

In there, two more full pokeballs laid inside, and Aria knew who were inside of those two.

Latias, one of their Legendary turned friends and designated flyer, and Rayquaza, Star’s emergency plan just in case things went horribly wrong.

The Mega Legendary was as absurd as the Necrozma.

However due to her words, Aria knew that Latias was who she needed to release, as she was the only one who knew heal pulse.

On the outside Volta was having a hard time keeping up with the deity.

Whether it was no recharge Hyper Beam, a Blizzard of Stone edge, attacks simply continued to come out of the Arceus.

There was nothing she could do but dodge.

Using Volt Switch to transform into electricity for sharp turns, using Double Team as a distraction.

There was no end in sight for the onslaught, the worst of all was that each time it attacked, Puppy’s type changed, booting its moves.

Her initial Nuzzle had amounted to nothing, as he had changed to electric typing, completely nullifying any possible paralysis.

Puppy change type again, this time rock and attempted a Rock Slide, massive rocks began to materialize and began falling from the sky, forcing Volta to put all her mind into dodging.

Then the rival was hit by a high speed water bubble that exploded, Sparkling Aria.

The rocks stopped abruptly as the god was blasted, giving the Emolga time to recuperate and see what was happening.

There was her trainer, standing once more while Latias had her claws on her shoulders, healing her at all costs.

It looked like Star would fall over any second.

“Unleashed Power Aria, let us teach this god a lesson” the Sparkling stone woven into Star’s glove shone bright, the crystal, Interceptor-z if she remembered correctly, shining in equal if not bigger intensity to the previous Z-move. “And let Fate crumble!!”

There was no need for poses unlike any other Z-crystal, the power was instantaneous and came from the bottom of Star’s being.

The two of them shone bright, the full force of the interceptor fell upon Puppy and everything became white, illuminating the New World once more.

“Using the Intercept-Z we were able to bring the Arceus down, it wasn’t defeated, Aria, volta and I had to battle it further but it had reverted to its more recognizable form and didn’t seem that intent in attacking anymore”

She finished with her tale, a whole two painful hours of struggle, battle, and hardship, summarized for them to hear.

“That…what?” Melia’s voice was a whisper in the air, the words weren’t even directed to Star, but rather to herself.

If it had been anyone else saying this, the girl would have called bullshit, there was no way one person, a full team of champion level Pokemon or not, could beat what is an incarnation of God alongside the multiple things that happened way before that.

But this was Star, the person that usually did the most outrageous things in the worst situations and came out victorious.

Her friend, one who wouldn’t lie about something this important and it simply broke Melia’s idea of strength completely.

Crescent was silent, absorbing all of the information as she looked at her own hands. “The Legendaries created by the light…were they as strong as the originals?” it took her a bit to recompose, her question a byproduct of doing so.

“No, there was a difference” It was the truth, the Necrozma that was real she faced some days before that would have reduced her to ashes with it’s Z-move, armor or not, at least she thinks so. “you can’t just put them on the same scale”

They asked a few more things of the battle, if she had been hurt by anything else, if Anna was alright at the end of things.

In all honesty the interceptor was somewhat uncomfortable as Melia checked over her, and Crescent’s gaze turned much sharper.

It made her feel really glad to know her friends cared this much about her, but it also was a bit alien to what she had gotten used too.

“Are you sure you’re alright?” Melia tried one last time, just in case her friend was simply trying to put a strong front like she was used to her doing.

But no, instead the answer was not what she expected, Star tense mood when telling the story slowly faded, leaving a serene air to her. “Despite what came as stakes and what happened to me…I enjoyed that fight, and felt so exhilarated when I succeeded, finally everyone was safe and Reborn could begin to recover properly” then, she lit up.

The two could see it in Star’s face, the same brightness when she found out Melia was alive, when Venam was un-stoned, the times they spent together filming in Pokestudio.

A happiness born from helping friends and spending time with them.

The adventure and immense danger of Reborn hadn’t broken their friend, in fact she felt more whole than before, she knew herself better now after a year.

Melia let a breath out in relief, glad to see her friend was actually alright outside of physical wounds.

“I am having Latias use Heal Pulse on me every so often and I apply creams as I change bandages, I mean it when I say I’m aright” Finished explaining the champion. “Anything else you want to know?”

“I got what I needed to know…and more” Crescent answered, looking like she wanted to say something else. “I… I’m glad you returned alright” commented with a straight face, but there was relief in her voice.

“I wasn’t really expecting this when you came, I had planned to remind you guys of the plans for the twenty fourth after Amber’s concert” Melia had been quick to accept Star’s explanations back in the Theater, this just painted a whole new perspective on what she’d been doing. “So I got nothing”

The three of them continued conversing for a bit, mostly Star and Melia as Crescent observed, but it was a nice time for the trio.

 A Story that made all of them feel more connected to one another, now only two days until the concert.

This whole situation gave Star an idea. “Hey Melia? I need your help with something”

---

“Very well, I’ll call when I get more details” Someone lets out a tired sigh as they lay back on the chair they were given. (After ten years…why now?)

Adrienn couldn’t be more confused right now.

“What did Shelly want?” their companion in this interregional trip asked, Aya and them had been working for a while in some renovations for the city’s infrastructure, making the general road to West Gearen much more secure.

Even if they didn’t actually let them alter anything on that side of the city.

“Apparently someone’s accessed Star’s pc account and took her team” Aya froze on the spot at the news. “Shelly says that It happened here and wants us to ask Jan permission to revise the system and find from where, also Luna is on her way here”

“Bloody hell, do you think she is actually back?” It was a possibility that her disappearance wasn’t for the time travel and maybe they had been doing something extremely dangerous as usual.

“I wouldn’t put much faith in that” Adrienn wasn’t convinced however, but they wouldn’t say no to an investigation. “I’ll consult Jan, depending on his answer we will see”

Acting on little information would only spell trouble for them.

“Maybe we could ask the kid, the pink haired one, she knows a lot of the Gym leaders on Aevium and maybe she can help” It was something to consider as the leaders were supposed to be enforcers in case of emergency and could help with what could become a catastrophic even.

If the Legendaries were to be stolen.

The Fairy type leader could see that idea working. (I do remember Star saying she knew Tesla)And she was an Elite Four here.

“I have her PokeGear number, and I did owe her a call after we found the SS Oceana” They would use that as an excuse to ask for a bit of Tesla’s time. “Luna’s arriving in a few hour if you could receive her while I consult Jan”

The two of them were determined to find the bottom of this mysterious event.

They would not expect what the truth was.

—END—

Chapter Text

—START—

-3^rd Person POV-

Star really liked sleeping in.

Maybe it was just the fact that she’d gone for more than a day without sleep since she returned to Aevium, flying over the region back and forth and then having what was the equivalent of a flashback.

Or maybe it was due to never truly getting enough rest with all the constant threats in her life.

Whatever the case was, in the past nine hours her appreciation for an act as simple as not getting out of bed for another hour had increased tenfold.

But it was time to get up, moving the sheets as her torso was lifting into a sitting position.

Last night was also quite tiring, relieving her battle with Puppy brought back some reminder of the pain that was being burned by pure light.

Lava was nothing compared to it.

A good thing was that telling Crescent and Melia the truth of her last encounter took some weight of her shoulders, hiding things from others wasn’t her style, no matter how used to it she was, having them in the know just felt good.

Shaking her head Star got out of the bed for good, it had been enough time doing nothing other than stretching and the day had already begun if the lack of anyone else in the league dorms was any indicator.

The clock also indicated how late it was, being one in the afternoon.

Her stomach rumbled for food. (The team must be hungry…both of them probably are) Despite her dinner in the Rose theater her Pokemon hadn’t got a proper meal since they arrived, only eating standard chows that they had in bulk for everyone.

Her Reborn team hated those, so she wouldn’t be surprised If they had outright refused it, her Aevian one…they still didn’t exit their balls.

(Alright, I should probably prepare something to eat for everyone) Star had plans today and doing this over a meal would at the very least give both teams a reason to be in the same space at the same time.

There was also the event after the concert tomorrow to worry about.

Bringing an ‘auxiliary’ secondary team comprised of legendaries that matched the space hags would be a good way to tilt the scales on her favor.

Rules like a carry limit held no reason when the world was a stake after all, something Star would have done against most anomalies if needed too, thus she’d bring all the help she could get. (I need to figure out who to bring though, and who’d listen to me)

Although they were weaker Dialga and Palkia at the end of the day and she’d battle both at some point with her usual team. (I never expected to say my enemies were ‘just’ the two legendaries of space and time and still have no much reason to worry)

Getting the legendaries meant she had to access her account again from a pc, which would only arise more alert from the Reborn league and maybe even from Jan.

Star knew they wouldn’t just let a ranch of legendary Pokemon go unsupervised.

But the time the Interceptor had finished thinking on her next step she had already showered and put some new clothes on, walking out of the bedroom into the halls.

“Good morning Star!” Venam was the first person she encountered. “Oh, it’s that a new style, I like it”

(a/n: i couldnt decide which i prefered, ignore they're drawn with diferent styles, and pick whichever you prefer)

Her clothes were a mix of things she had normally wore on both regions, the black skirt with celeste highlights, a while long sleeved shirt with a turtle neck, one black glove with the sparkling stone woven into it.

Her star shaped hairpin, where she kept her keystone, black boots and most showy of all, a belt with the reborn symbol in the front. “Thanks”

“I thought you didn’t like skirts though?” And she hadn’t, which was the reason her gray pants were the only thing she actually used a year ago.

“I can see their appeal now, that or I’m accustomed to using them” Putting the exact opposite to what she would normally wear was a good way to avoid any correlation between the Star from now and the Reborn champion.

Venam seemed to like her new style “Well you rock it girl” Star smiled at the compliment, throwing a ‘Thank you back’ to her before the purple haired girl asked. “The belt is cool too, I think I’ve seen it somewhere”

“Ah, this was actually a gift from a friend for my victory in the league” Victoria had given it to her for becoming champion and beating Lyn, it was something Star would forever treasure.

It was also comfortable and useful too, with pokeball connectors, adjustable size, was incredibly resistant, tested by Moxie, and was easily cleanable. “There should be only one of these thought”

It had been custom made and an effort from everyone, where could she have seen it.

“I’m still mind blown by that” watching matches from Reborn league  gyms had been a childhood hobby for her and finding out a friend had won the whole thing was just incredible in her view. “You gotta teach me some of the new shi- things you learned”

That would be a good idea, and Star was always up to help a friend.

“Sure, me and Melia were going to meet up at route one near Gearen today actually, I asked her help for something, you can join us if you want” Star could also use Venam’s help with this issue too, so the invitation was made. “We can make a day out of it and I’m pretty sure you haven’t seen the reforms they made”

“Besides, it’s been some time since we’ve hanged around, I’d be nice to just spend time together” Yesterdays reunion didn’t count, Star had been too distracted by her tales to consider it a hangout.

Meeting in a route near Gearen was also a very likely place where Adrienn and Aya could see her, while in her waist was a technically one of a kind piece of clothing they gifted her.

Star didn’t want this confrontation so soon and would fight to avoid it, but also acknowledged that having help from his other friends for the future would be nice.

So she’d leave the evidence there, and if they find it the confrontation would happen.

But Star would not do anything outside of that to accelerate it.

Star began walking towards the stairs up, followed by Venam, boasting a big grin. “Hell yeah I’m in, it’s been a while since I’ve been in my secret spot in the city too”

“Or tried to get free berries” She added, reminiscing of when that was the highlight of her day months ago. “Fuck, It’s been long” This time she didn’t even bother to correct herself.

“we’ve had a long journey yeah” the two of them exited, leaving soon after the building as a whole. “We’ll be picking food up first, anything you want, my treat?”

“You sure you want to pay? I eat till I’m stuffed” the purpled hair girl joked, unaware of the gains of being a champion for a couple of months had.

And not having to pay rent since Star had never gotten a proper living arrangement in Reborn.

So money wasn’t an issue “I have more than enough don’t you worry”

“Then Kantonian, their food is too good to be real” It was a fast answer too.

“Melia said she’d be at the forest on route one in about two hours” Star released Latias, surprising the gym leader. “I’ll see you there”

Before she had time to ask anything the Pokemon and trainer left in a sonic boom, leaving Venam behind.

“Star what the fuck!!”

---

It took Venam almost the two hours before the meeting to reach the meeting place riding on Charizard, and her flyer was a fast one.

Yet any kind of impatience she may have felt for traveling for so long had vanished into surprise when seeing what had been the burning remains of Goldenwood forest were now a very populated park.

(I knew there were reforms in Gearen but this is another level!) For one, this place wasn’t even considered to be Gearen, secondly, this was even better than whatever she had expected.

“Woah” Arriving on the floor gave her an even better perspective on the place, even Charizard looked interested.

The previously ruined lake was pristine and had a wooden platform over it with a fishing cottage, the burned trees that came from Xen’s first attack over Melia were all replanted.

There were people running around, enjoying the place. (How nice) It certainly brought memories.

Slowly however, those happy memories made here turned recent, events that transpired of which she only got a retelling after believing Melia to be dead.

Memories of everything that team Xen was desperately trying to take from all of them.

Being here now, in one of the places she basically grew up in alone, after everything that had happened, after being turned to stone and trapped in ‘that’ abyss.

There were few the time Venam felt as genuine and justified on her anger as now, this wasn’t like her usuals outburst of irritation either.

God she felt incredibly pissed at Xen in this moment.

“Would you care for a sweet?” Venam and Charizard were startled in the middle of their observation of the place by the voice of a woman, one she couldn’t feel approaching.

Said person noticed her startling. “Apologies young one, the edges of darkness that peered over you nostalgia were quite worrying, and one had to intervene” It was a blonde haired woman, holding out one of those mint candies.

Of course Venam had been taught to not take sweets from strangers no matter how much she wanted it. “Eh? No thank, I’m good” Venam rejected as nicely as she could.

“Understandable caution, who knows what danger lurks under the most innocent of façades” The woman hadn’t taken it personally, in fact she was glad Venam had a notion to reject something of unknown origin. “Nevertheless my intention remains unshaken, thus I ask, what troubles your soul?”

Venam couldn’t comprehend why had this lady just come out of nowhere to ask about this.

“It’s cool lady, just some stuff going on” once again she was dismissed, the teen wasn’t about to let everything unto a random stranger no matter how nice the intentions were.

“Hmm, you remind me of an old companion” The woman went on another tangent leaving the poor Venam lost. “One as bright as the sun that kept all trouble in the burning nucleus no one could reach” With that she bowed as signal of goodbye. “I pray so the shadows over your heart reaches for those you treasure”

The girl was left there blinking, still processing the exchange. (That…was weirdly comforting) It was a weird conversation, that woman spoke in the most confusing way someone could, but there was a soothing presence that came along with her that did help calm herself.

For another minute she looked around, but this time just enjoying the feel of the park. (Enjoying the feel of the park…urgh this whole ‘better me’ thing is really sappy) She wouldn’t regret trying to change, but Venam would tone down the mellow.

“Venam?!” It was now a familiar voice that startled here, with Charizard having taken the opportunity to nap on the floor. “What are you doing here?”

“Arceus Mel, don’t sneak up on me like that” This time however she jumped, her guard much lower than before due to the strange woman.

Her friend giggled softly. “Sorry, I just didn’t know you’d be here” that was not a sorry look.

After a short breath Venam regained her composure. “Star said you two were hanging out while you helped her and invited me” She paused for a second before asking. “You came from the station…Have you been to the city?”

It was odd of her to ask but seeing the park and after knowing the city was renovated too, Venam wanted to know how much had changed.

“I come from there yes, I had a visit planned for the lab” Melia answers, her expression turning into a soft smile that made Venam’s heart jump. “The city…it looked better, alive, actually cared for” Recently Melia and Star, although for the second one it couldn’t be considered recently, had looked spaced out, down even.

Seeing her smile that warmly was very reassuring.

“The streets were remodeled, there were some new houses, they cleaned everything…it was really nice to see” While they weren’t there at the time, Melia was glad to having gotten to see the city blooming. “Inside the lab before coming I met with one of the heads of the operation, apparently Star had a hand in the park and helping with some troubles in the city”

The person had been really nice and had made sure the lab wasn’t touched outside of it’s starter giving utility since it technically belonged to her father…to her now.

“That sounds like her alright, Damn, I want to see it now” Gearen was her home despite it’s many shortcomings, it meant as much to her as it meant to Melia to see it.

And Melia full heartedly agreed with that. “We can go later if you want” She offered and the girl was quick to take up on that offer.

Then her PokeGear buzzed.

Star: I’m waiting in the Arceus statue, I think we’ll need a bit of privacy for what’s coming.

“Star’s waiting for us” Neither Melia nor Venam really cared to much that their meeting place was the entrance to the Den of Souls, where the two had already been before.

The place was now empty outside of the old machines that still roamed, but those wouldn’t leave from there, making it safe to be outside.

“Then let’s go” Venam took the lead, walking through the park, children laughing and running around them as they enjoyed the place to its fullest.

Pokemon fauna was brimming with life too, Goldeen and Politoad swam on the lake.

The various small Pokemon of the trio of elemental monkeys played in the trees.

The two enjoyed the walk as they approached the cave, appreciating how much things had returned to a normal here.

The cave was as empty as Melia remembered, it was here where she and Star actually got to know one another nearly six months ago.

Walking the wooden bridge while making Smalltalk wasn’t difficult, and it was enough to keep them entertained as they continued on their way.

Entering through the broken mural and following the long hall, reaching the exit on the other side of the cave.

They were met by the light in the sky once more, the sun peering as they left through the opening in the wall.

After a bit more walking they reached the bridge that connected the hidden area with its entrance.

There, standing while talking to someone through a call, was Star. Her Reborn Pokemon all released.

A Krookodile laying on the floor, with a Primarina eyeing him with discontent, a Cinccino placing cups over a picnic blanket while the psychic of a Delphox put some containers over it, all while an Amoonguss made sure the surroundings were clear.

It was then when Melia could actually gauge how big the difference in strength had gotten.

They all exhaled power by just being…no power would be wrong, it was presence.

These were legendary beating Pokemon and it could be perceived by just being around them, the way they move was smoother than anything she’d ever seen, as if it was space giving pass for them rather than they moving through it.

Despite the mundane helping they were giving with setting up a picknick here or lazing around, a certain weight lingered over everything in the surrounding.

It was very similar to the weight Madam X tended to have when she arrived, the one that made you shiver and lose drive to fight upon seeing the enemy in front.

“As I’ve said, enjoy some time off El, we won’t be doing anything crazy until the raid” Star’s voice snapped Melia out of her thoughts, instead getting her to focus on what was in front of her.

By the side glances the Pokemon threw their way, all the pressure had been an intentional thing just as a warning, Star was always protected by them and it would be them who’d crush anyone that looked to harm her.

There was real devotion to their trainer there. “Yes, we can talk more when I return, goodbye” The interceptor ended her call with a sigh, turning to look towards the new arrivals. “Good to see you two made it”

She opened her arms, showing the now completely set up picknick. “I was kind of hungry so I thought we could turn this into a meal” The information was mostly for Melia since she wasn’t there when they talked about it.

“That’d be lovely” There was no reason for Melia to say no, and since lunch time was basically past already and she hadn’t eaten the idea was quickly accepted.

Star nodded with contempt before turning to her team. “Well, meet my championship team, We got Scarlett, Aria, Moxie, Shino, Cel and…where’s volta”

She began to name them as she pointed in their directions, the Pokemon making some sort of gesture so it was clear who she was referring too.

Without warning something fell from the sky fast, landing on the Krookodile’s stomach while the Pokemon remained unfazed. “And that’s Volta” It was an Emolga.

Venam released a breath she didn’t know she was keeping. “I knew they’d be strong since you’re a champion level trainer, but holy hell” Seems like she had felt it too.

Melia was much the same, the explanation of their match against the Arceus was at the end of the day, just words that told of something, when saying things like ‘fast’ or ‘strong’ there is no real gauge there for what that meant.

Star chuckled. “Guys, this is Melia and Venam, I have told you about them before” there was recognition in their eyes and suddenly all pressure faded away.

But it had felt real and put their strength into perspective. “Well it’s a pleasure to meet you all” despite that, they were still Star’s partners and in turn, potential friends.

The Cinccino was the first to approach, all previous intensity having vanished the moment Star introduced them, instead the Pokemon was happy to extend one of their paws, offering a handshake with a smile.

“Cin, cinno ci” The two girls couldn’t tell what the white Pokemon told them but could guess she was introducing herself in their own manner.

After shaking her small paw some of the others approached as well, either inspecting them or to introduce themselves too.

Aria, the Primarina ended up grabbing everyone in the team back, and apparently scolded them for getting all up the Melia’s and Venam’s personal space.

“Always the mother hen” Star commented to herself with a grin, fully enjoying the view.

Melia took her pokeballs from her bag,  it would be a good thing for all of their Pokemon to meet, releasing her own team.

Unity, Hope, Diligence, Serenity, Patience and Hapi were all released, each taking in their surroundings. “Guys we’re about to eat, but please first introduce yourselves”

Venam didn’t stay behind, letting her team, made up from Charizard, Venasaur, Alolan Muk, Toxtricity, Scolipede and her trusty Seviper. “You lot probably heard already, so go on”

The Pokemon hit it off very fast, interacting with each other and pretty interested in the new members.

“Look at em getting along, adorable” The purpled haired girl commented as her Seviper was being ridden by the Emolga, the two chattering cheerfully and Melia agreed completely watching as Aria made a bubble spectacle for Hapi and Diligence.

But something felt missing to Melia. “Actually, where are Honey and the rest?” The team they were used to seeing Star with wasn’t present at all, but the Interceptor cared too much about the just to leave them just for a stronger team.

Star’s pleased expression turned for the worse. “I…That’s kind of why I needed your help” Inside her bag were another seven pokeballs, one of which was empty while the other six were her other team. “They’re here, but none of them respond nor go out when I try to release them”

While it hadn’t it been more than a day, Star had grown worried of how much they were going to push this issue, especially since they couldn’t eat while inside their balls.

So he was trying to solve this issue as fast as she could.

“They don’t want to communicate with me, so I thought maybe either of your teams could get something out of them” They had battled and traveled together a lot, and bonds had formed between them, so it wasn’t much of a stretch. “I’m worried, they”

“Sure, we’ll help you out”

“Of course we will”

Both responded simultaneously, for a friend had asked for their help and they would not be turning them down.

---

-PokeSpeech ENABLED-

Apparently they had come her to help the bright friend.

Hapi didn’t mind at all, the bright one was an incredible being that had put her life on the line for her sister and the rest of her group on multiple occasions.

They were a paragon amongst their peers, thus when they inquired Melia and the team for their assistance Hapi would do her best to help.

Seviper was also called in for helping, another close individual to her that she enjoyed working with.

{Do we know what they ask of us?} speaking of him Seviper had approached her the moment both of their leaders called for them, leading the two to the upper parts of the castle like place.

Hapi shook herself up and down. {Yes, the bright one’s companions have been refusing to engage with her for some time now, it is worrying} She could feel the Bright one’s concern from here even as they left them back.

“Alright, now please everyone, come out” Melia asked to a set of pokeballs that were not her own, a fact that confused Hapi. “Nothing…they really are adamant in this”

“Why are they doing this actually? Did we ever ask Star?” Her Sister’s desired other asked, scratching her head.

{Isn’t that Honey’s device?} There was a lingering feeling of ash and sulfur around the ball Seviper pointed to, allowing Hapi to recognize the owner of the Pokeball.

{It is} the Togekiss flew closer to the pair of humans, still unable to make the Pokemon exit. {Honey dear friend!}

Hapi’s melodious voice caught both trainers by surprise, but they both let the Pokemon act, Melia being the only one who got what she was saying

What was more important was the shift that it provoked on the referenced Pokemon, who made the ball move from the inside. {I can’t understand if you do not leave}

The capture devices were feats of incredible technology to be sure, but they had a flaw when it came to communication as it only worked one way, from the out to the inside.

The pokeball shook again, but this time, it opened.

“Good one Hapi!” Venam celebrated as the fairy type had managed to get the Fire type out.

Thus an Infernape now stood in front of them still somewhat reserved of both humans, prompting the Togekiss to ask Melia to leave.

“Do you want to handle this Hapi alone?” She confirmed it to be that way and due to her own inability to get them to cooperate, Melia found it better to leave them in her starter’s trustworthy wings. “Ok, we’ll be near if you need anything”

{I will do my best} The humans had now left, and now the Pokemon could have a proper conversation amongst themselves. {Honey, what happened? We know a bit, but not much}

{I actually haven’t been told much, so spill it Firepanze} Seviper was much more crass, but it was natural for him.

{Do no begin now snake} His voice came out as a warning growl, the state of his mood was not the best.

{Or what, I am aware of my lack of strength against you but I doubt you’d be able to stand up to me in your poorly kept condition} the fire in the Infernape gained more life and the snake bore it’s fangs.

{I do remember how our last bout played out, do you want to recreate it?} Honey was getting more and more irritated by the second.

{Spare me the intimidation, you’re here cowering away from your chosen partner like a coward} Like a whip, the Pokemon’s tail hit the ground, lifting a small cloud of smoke.

The relationships between humans and Pokemon were one of oaths.

Capturing one of these creatures or getting a one by hand was a trial for the two of them in the eyes of the creatures, tying themselves to a human in order to grow.

Learning alongside each other through time.

When the Pokemon decided whether they grew enough and wanted to part ways it was as if said trial was over and any decent trainer would have to respect their decision.

Or face the consequences of upsetting the bonds between the species.

On the other hand if they desired to continue by the human’s side there was a new, more important connection to be shared now, a bond of friendship that transformed into family, a pack.

Thus, the Pokemon made an Oath of companionship to the skies.

Millenia ago, before even technology or maybe even reason on humans something was proclaimed and instilled in their nature by those deity’s closer to humans closing the gap between the species, a step for coexistence.

One that no one knew why the creator had accepted.

Oaths became a tradition held by the Pokemon ever since, one that grew with time and as civilizations evolved.

Much later, the term starter began sprouting in the human side of things, and the creatures took it as a title of importance, a role of leadership granter to those who’d been the longest with their partners.

And those who were usually the closest to them.

That was how the legends told the story…Pokemon’s only certainty of its validity being the instillment into their nature.

And as a starter himself Seviper couldn’t condone Honey’s actions, It was a disgrace to act like this towards one own partner as a starter.

Pokemon were very harsh and critical of those who broke the oaths as the bond was one thing to be treasured for their species as a whole.

It didn’t matter if it was a human or a Pokemon who broke the oaths, a breaking of it without mutual understanding and agreement was a sin.

{You are threading the line of an Oath breaker} And those, those were fighting words.

{…!} Infernape prepared to hit first, fire igniting in his fist,  advancing fast.

But a burst of air the middle of the two stopped them before they did anything. {Seviper, we’re here to help, not cause more trouble, so cease before I drop you from the sky}

Faes are creatures that do not like the beliefs they hold challenged, they have a certain madness when it comes to them that their usual happier existences cannot override, turning them into very fear inducing creatures as fast as the flick of a switch.

 And as a Pokemon that carries good intentions, Hapi hates conflict, especially amongst people that are friends.

The sound of a release echoed as winds charged with Fairy type energy swirled around. {Bloody hell Hapi, calm down!} Another one of Star’s Pokemon made an act of presence, exiting as soon as the Togekiss made their treat. {Seviper is simply riling him up so he talks, and while I take offense to the questioning of our commitment to our oath, without knowing everything his words would be true }

It was Glass, the Aevian Frostlass a water-grass type that acted as the rationale to the impulsivity of their leader.

{And you} Who she was now facing. {Leader, we followed your petition to not engage Mother for now but if you refuse to address the situation now I will be propense to defy you}

A declaration of defiance to a starter was akin to a claim of territory, it was a challenge to superpose one’s authority.

Hapi looked between the two as the tension diminished in Seviper with Glass’s appearance, her own emotions falling back into their normal with the other starters no longer at odds.

That didn’t mean the snake was done. {From where I see it, He hasn’t bothered to address what happened and now used his position as starter to ensure none of you do, that is dangerous behavior} The poison type’s declaration finished any kind of hostility from Honey, leaving him resigned as he sat down.

{Look, we just came back from traveling like we usually do, helping and fighting, the normal} The fire money began with his explanation. {And we housed ourselves in the isles when a disruption in time appears}

{It is then when she walks out of it, tells Star to leave and she does, not bothering to question her much or even at all} They could tell the frustration Honey felt for that in his voice.

The carefree attitude that he normally displays now hidden under a veil of doubt and anger. {That was breaking our oath, abandoning us, leaving without nothing but an irrelevant goodbye that didn’t even allow US to reciprocate}

{She left us behind and came back after a year carrying an entire new team on her that is apparently much better than us, expecting it to all be well?! } As he continued to explain, the temperature rose. {I’m sorry but I refuse to engage further if that’s how little our companionship was}

Honey finished, catching his breath, and regaining his composure.

{Looking at it that way then yes, it’s bad, but have you-}

{I can understand better your view now, but-}

Both of them attempted to speak at the same time, only to be interrupted by someone else.

{Wow, I would have expected the leader to be someone smarter than this} A feminine voice spoke from above the statue, one they didn’t recognize.

Their eyes went towards it, landing on an Emolga perched unto the  Arceus’s statue ring. {Not all surprises are good it would seem} Once more the Infernape’s patience was being tested.

{You should be Volta, right?} Glass inquired, one of the many name’s they had recognized as the other team’s.

{The one and only} There she did a little bow, akin to a showman. {And you two are Glass and Honey} the electric type smiled at them, a grin full of confidence.

{Did you truly need to act on this Volta? We should be allowing our mistress companions to ease them into our presence and the reality behind what occurred} Another intervention happened, this time coming from the stairs, where the Primarina had also made an appearance. {Instead you’re simply worsening things by eavesdropping}

{Aw, Aria they ain’t no threat for you to consider hurting their feelings and our supposed leader is refusing to accept Star’s words, I believe it’s time for a bit of a more, direct approach} two auras flared up then and there, the two newly arrived Pokemon staring each other down and paralyzing the rest just by an act of presence.

And just how it began, it faded. {Apologies for her lack of manners, she is a lost cause} It was Aria who had disengaged first, the Emolga shrugging it off while continuing to listen . {As you’ve probably been told I am Aria, it is a pleasure to meet you all, even if the feeling is clearly not mutual}

Seeing as though the fellow fairy wasn’t as rude as the Emolga Hapi was quick to engage. {Oh, hi I’m Hapi} the Togekiss would not hold any ill intent towards them, these developments weren’t their fault. {This is Seviper, and this-}

{So you’re my replacement} Honey spoke, not moving from where he’d seated, and yet the hostility was palpable. {The name’s honey, could say I’m the old starter you }

In a similar fashion to a moment ago, Honey flared up his own strength, trying to challenge the other Pokemon.

But she did not respond to his provocation. {That is a very big assumption, one that I should clarify is false} there was nothing but pity in her eyes. {how about we let everyone out so we can talk properly, and don’t worry for any other interruptions, there won’t be any}

{What is there to talk about?} The fire type would refuse to it once more, his pride as a starter and as an Infernape would not allow him to yield for so little. {For a year she’s been gone training a new team instead of taking us with her, there is nothing to clarify}

Glass however, was not held by such things, and neither were the other two mons.

Getting the others out of their Pokeballs-

{Glass!} Honey chastised her, but the Frostlass was unfazed.

Instead letting pokeballs down as the others manifested. {Maybe it’s time we listen to what they have to say? It’s been only a day and both Star and the rest of the team have grown extremely anxious of what’s happening, all in one day Honey}

{Besides, all we know is your, pretty unaware may I add, side of the story} Seviper agreed with Glass. {Maybe we should listen to theirs}

With all of them ganging up on him the started had no other choice than to accept it. {Fine, I’ll listen} it’s not like he wanted to be separated from their trainer, but being left was an old wound for him.

One that he wasn’t eager to forgive.

{Urgh, finally we’re out} a gruffy voice complained as three heads stretched into different directions. {Have you finally stopped your tantrum money} the two heads in each of his hands began repeating monkey brainlessly.

Wrath the Hydraigon was out, by his side the silent Lull the Zoroark.

{Oh, Wrath good to see you} Hapi was once again the only one greeting everyone with a smile. {you too Lull}

The dragon wasn’t pretty happy of her presence though {Hello fairy} but there was begrudging respect for her in his voice while the Hisuian Pokemon offered only a nod.

The Togekiss was happy to chatter up with those two as they waited for.

{Is it over already?} a much softer voice asked, her words carried like a whisper on the wind. {Can we finally see Mother?} It was Fluffy, the Aevian Volcarona.

Glass and Fluffy were both eggs raised by Star at some point, that’s where their name for her came from, but unlike the Frostlass Fluffy didn’t have much of a backbone outside of battle.

The last one to exit was unlike the others however, she wasn’t a youngling much like the rest of the team, rather a much older Sylveon.

Nancy’s Sylveon Sylph.

{Greetings powerful one} Sylph said with some reverence in her voice. {I am Sylph, it is a pleasure}

She was greeted by everyone too, marking the full reunion of all of Star’s Aevian team.

And the Primarina took note of such a thing as her cue to begin.

{It would seem they want to see her, why would you deny them of that?…no I know why, I just can’t fathom why you’d refuse to listen to any explanation from her, an accusation of Oath breaking is important enough to require that}  

Aria would drive that point before all, as the starter and now her leader too, Honey had a lot to learn as she would not accept but the best.

She knew Honey was aware how irrational his choice was, but there would be no judgement from her.

Thus, she took it upon herself to tell the story. {But I suppose it’ll have to be me who does, so get comfortable everyone, this is a long tale}

---

-PokeSpeech DISABLED-

Volta returned a few minutes after Aria went up the stairs, posing herself on Star’s shoulder.

“Emo,  em ga” It relieved Star to know that the others were actually talking and weren’t confining themselves to their balls. “Em em”

(It was Honey?) Knowing that her starter was the cause hurt, but it also made sense.

The Chimchar left behind in the lab, trapped in it for three years more than any of his contemporaries, the one that got returned to it three times, making his stay there even longer.

It was the tale Amanda had told him when she introduced the starters, the Pokemon’s health deteriorating slowly until the day she picked him.

Not because of the story, not entirely, but because she could see his desire to strengthen himself, to be better, under all of that loneliness.

He was in good hands now, Aria, Hapi and Seviper would help him, Star could trust that they would help him.

“Are they doing alright?” Melia too was concerned but confident on how things were going.

Star nodding in response. “They have it handled, Hapi and Seviper managed to make them agree to an explanation”

“Ptff, of course they could, there ain’t no better Pokemon that ours” Joining the conversation, Venam confidently stated while pointing to her and Melia.

Her championship team all did the equivalent of lifting an eyebrow. “I wouldn’t say that so confidently”

---

Eventually an entire hour had passed before any of them returned.

And when they did, it was all of them.

Star wasn’t aware of what they had discussed over there, nor she would inquire if they didn’t want her to know, all she felt at the moment was relief.

Relief, and a lot of happiness at seeing Wrath, Glass, Fluffy, Sylph, Lull and Honey again.

If anyone asked, she didn’t cry as her Pokemon hugged her, some muttering an apology to her for not answering to her call the first time, while others simply enjoyed the embrace.

After they had their moment the teams took notice of the food all around the blanket, some of which was clearly not up for human consumption. “Go on ahead, I bought the food for everyone”

Once more, the weight that she felt for this problem had been lifted, and it was addressed as fast as it was resolved.

Now if only all problems could be done with this easily.

“Nape” She acknowledged the call of her starter with a hum. “In, nape pe”

“Honey, it’s fine, you know I won’t think less of you for this” and neither would she judge him for it, as her actions weren’t the best they could have been when she left.

If there had been any other choice she would have taken it.

“Maar” Aria too stayed around with her, telling the fire type that to make sure to never do it again if he truly learnt from this.

Surrounded by friends and family, there was little that could make this day better.

---

“It is a pleasure seeing you” Luna bowed as she entered the house she’d be sharing with Aya in her stay in Aevium.

The one mentioned alongside with Adrienn were receiving her right now. “Luna, it’s been a while” Aya responded with a wave, neither were particularly physical when greeting. “I was pretty sure you should have come more than an hour ago, did you get lost?”

“Ah, no, the tides of fate took me on a journey into the beautiful land of Goldenwood” The dark type specialist told them of their little adventure. “An admirable job Adrienn”

“The people did a good job too, it wasn’t just me” they deflected some of the praise about the project. “Star managed to collect quite the group and took a lot of the costs too”

The name was an instant surprise for the blonde, something Adrienn sought to clarify. “Not ours Luna, they are a girl of pink hair with the same name”

“Truly? A shame, it would be wonderous to meet her again, alas the world made sure no traces of her remained…until now” In the end, this was the reason her trip here had been forwarded, the current issue with Star’s missing Pokemon.

“Yeah, we’ve been waiting for you to come so we can begin with that” Aya pointed out, taking over for a gym leader and investigating would prove to be complicated. “We’ve actually been thinking of giving the kid we spoke of a call, apparently they know a lot of people, including Tesla von Brandt”

“We were allowed to check the system by Jan too, and figured the connection came from The pc stationed in the Telia Resort”

“Own by one such woman” Finished Luna, connecting the details. “It is favorable that we do contact that person then, it would facilitate our duty”

The purple haired woman hummed. “Cool we can agree on that” then she turned to Adrienn. “What of the sunken ship?”

As the one in charge of the problem they would sort that one out. “We’ll manage, although the Xen situation worries me”

“Xen?” the bewilderment in Luna’s voice showing she hadn’t been briefed of that.

“We basically got another Meteor in our hands, just without the pulses and Lyn” Neither of them had done much about them either, but they did hear of people combating them. “Well…there was this one Pulse now that I think about it”

“But that was Bladestar” Adrienn clarified.

“Right”

Luna took a seat as the two of them extensively explained their past month in the Aevium region.

She’d keep the fact of the Poison gym leader being at the park for now, this information seemed much more important.

—END—

Chapter Text

—START—

-3^rd Person POV-

“In, fer fernape” Honey was panting on the ground, over his body there were some bruises recently made all from blunt impacts. “INFER!”

Once more the starter concentrated into a Mach Punch, accelerating in the direction of his current opponent,  the Cinccino known as Scarlett, who stood without any concern in the world, watching.

The moment Honey was ready to impact the white Pokemon disappeared from view, completely outpacing the fire type, and landing one singular Tail Slap into his stomach, forcing the Pokemon to his knees and dispelling his attack.

“…” The whole group watched in silence as the Infernape got up again, attempting another go against the normal type, all with the same outcome.

“Are you really going to let them keep this up?” Melia asked concerned, the one sided slaughter wasn’t fun to watch for any of them but seeing the Pokemon in action had been enough to deter her from saying this the first few rounds.

She wanted to grasp how far their levels had grown apart ever since she heard the story. (Honey is slightly stronger than Hapi, if he is having trouble like this then we wouldn’t fare any better)

Once again Star had completely surpassed them without a doubt.

Star nodded. “Honey wanted to see how he compared, and Scarlett is a good opponent for him as she too is a fast heavy hitter” It was also a good way to get a feeling on how strong her past team was right now.

Venam whistled as another Tail Slap put Honey’s face in the dirt. “If she’s a good opponent for him I don’t want to see how a bad matchup would go” even with moves that sped up the user the Infernape was unable to catch up to the Cinccino at all, her movement was simply too fast for him to keep up.

As the bout continued the audience was slowly dissociating with it, the repeated beating becoming more of a background noise.

Venam then asked something while stroking Seviper’s head. “What are your plans for the rest of the day?” it was nothing grandiose, but a fair question at the same time.

Star herself had thought this whole fixing the bridge with her Pokemon would have taken longer, but with them at least on talking terms her day was mostly freed. “I have nothing”

“I had planned to spend some time in Gearen, this is my home and I want to experience how much it’s changed” Unlike her, Melia did think on what to do, and her mixed sorrowful yet happy face told them how she felt on that.

Not wanting her to keep that up Venam acted. “How about we make a day out of it, just us…and maybe Ren if I can get him to come” Melia considered it, spending time with her friends would always be a welcomed thing for her and it would be nicer to see the city with them by her side.

“I’ll go” Star didn’t have anything against the idea, in fact there was something she needed to take care of there too with Zumi if it was possible. “It sounds like a good time”

Melia agreed as well, there was no motive for her to refuse after all.

“Shit, Robo-Ren’s under repair today” After texting in her PokeGear for a while the purple haired girl received confirmation that Ren would be joining them. “It’s only us today ladies”

Star acknowledged that as a sign of them leaving. “Let me stop these two before we leave then” it didn’t take long for the trainer to calm the group of Pokemon, promising them to get some proper training done after tomorrow.

With that matter handled and all of their partners recalled the group began their walk towards the train station.

“To East Gearan then and enjoy all it has in store for us now!!”

---

“NOOOOO!!” Venam dropped to her knees, tears falling down her eyes when her eyes landed on their surroundings, pure desperation in her voice.

Hope shattering in her eyes as the familiar place was no more.

Melia and Star stood behind her, watching the scene.

“It’s ruined!!” she cried to the ceiling once more. “The poison type Pokemon around, the horrid smell that drove the normies away” the lament continued under the watch of her friends.

And some unfortunate employees who were trying to do their job around them.

“Come on Venam, it’s not that bad” Another attempt to console the girl was done, and just like the last one, it was fruitless. “They just…cleaned up the place”

The group had gone to Gearen under Venam’s request, it had been some time since the girl had seen her mother, the events of Terajuma and forwards making it impossible for the girl to return back home.

Well, not impossible, but she would not abandon her friends when they needed so much help.

After Veronica was almost crushed by her mother over having just left her behind in the tropical region of Aevium the trio enjoyed some time catching up with the woman, enjoying some tea as they told her of some of their exploits.

Keeping the important information close to their chest as to not worry the mother.

There Both Venam and Melia learnt of the current management of the gym in the city, as some leaders from Reborn had come take care of matters here and help the city not long ago with one filling in for Venam.

After that conversation and some questioning looks from her friends Star led the two around the changes she remembers the most from the city.

The new changes to the flora of the city, the library’s improvements, the new residential areas and lastly where they currently found themselves.

The water treatment plant.

A place where Veronica had spent the last ten minutes wailing over the fact it was now a clean and useful place, apart from being mostly restricted to the common populace.

“WHYYYY!!!” It was not a day the workers there would enjoy very much.

Melia sighed at the display but smiled at it too. “It’s nice to see her act like this”

“Hmm” Star absently agreed, not very sure she remembered the difference with this behavior from Venam and her usual attitude. (There’s something I’m forgetting about this)

It was probably a sensitive topic if Melia was happy it wasn’t showing so a simple agreement would suffice for now.

The girl felt somewhat disappointed in herself from not being able to remember something that was important to a friend. “we should probably leave before she continues to any the people working here” A change of scenery would help her get rid of such thoughts.

“Yeah, I can feel their eyes on us” Most notably on herself as Venam and Melia didn’t have the permission to enter down here and it was her who authorized their trip here.

While Melia attempted to get their friend to come along with them the pink haired girl chose to wait for them outside, she had a feeling it was for the better.

(It’s not like I’ve gotten killed for following my instincts like this) The sun was still shining and there were little to no clouds in the sky, it was a very pretty day.

Still, Star’s mind would often still wander for the things to be done. (I should buy some potions for tomorrow, I’ve been low on those for a while now)  There hadn’t been any need to use them ever since her last bout with Lyn and it wasn’t as if it had been long since.

Thus her supplies weren’t up to her usual standard.

From the entrance to the water treatment plant and the closest mart there was a bit of a walk so it wouldn’t take the girl a long time to reach there and she could probably be back before they leave the building.

As Star travelled through the street there were many building and people she could somewhat make up in her memory from her time here,  places where she may have had a street battle with alongside Honey more than a year ago.

This was the first place she’s lived in after all.

Those few days spent around Ren, Venam and Melia as she prepared for her gym battle, helping the traveler find information about the Garufan, the time after they thought their friend had died.

Gearen was the first place Star made memories in, where she met some of the best people in her life, and where everything started.

Without counting  the SS Oceana, but everything about that boat ride was a mess these days, one she didn’t have the answers off.

In all of her reminiscence the trainer eventually arrived at the mart without noticing, accidentally bumping into someone who was leaving the store.

“Ah, Sorry I wasn’t paying attention where I was going” the collision had been enough to knock the person down and their things almost falling to the ground if it wasn’t for Star catching those.

With her free hand Star offered the woman a hand to get up. “Ugrh, it’s fine, I wasn’t looking either” the person on the ground took a second to recover before accepting the help.

After pulling the woman up their eyes met and instantly they recognized each other.

“This is a nice coincidence” Aya joked as she recomposed herself, seeing one of the most recent themes of discussion with her colleagues. “It’s been a while kid”

“Ah, hello Miss Aya” Star however could not be farther from calm right now. (My luck has never changed hasn’t it)

She was well aware the chances of meeting either Adrienn or Aya in the city were high, but with the size of the city and their duties there was some form of hope of not coming across the two.

Coupling that with the attire she was wearing and it’s similarities to what she used to wear and the two very recognizable accessories she also wore meant the chances of being identified were high.

Star had made it a conscious decision to dress like this when coming anyways, knowing full well she’d be recognized in a moment, all so she could cut off her own escape route from the inevitable reunion with ‘old’ friends.

“You know, your timing is really good” Yet, If she had noted any of their similarities, the poison trainer said nothing, opting for talking about a completely different subject. “We’ve had a bit of a problem recently and since you know the region better than us your help would be appreciated”

The interceptor stood frozen for a moment before talking, unable to understand why Aya hadn’t suspected anything . “Sure…I’m always willing to help out”

(hmmm, The more I look at her the more familiar she looks…) It had been a nagging feeling ever since the woman met this trainer, but now, as she looked at the moment, it was like ‘she’ was standing in front of her. (And that Mega-stone…does she have something to do with our Star? I’ll have to check with Adrienn later)

However she wasn’t about to be rude and ask the kid about that out of nowhere. “Thanks, we’ve been kinda stressing about this last two days” Maybe by inquiring about the disappearance of the Pokemon she could get some insight onto the relationship this kid might have with Star. “From what Adrienn told me, you have a contact in the Talia Resort right? We need to investigate something there and thought you could help us with that”

It hasn’t been long and yet her actions were already being tracked, it was natural that a ranch full of legendary Pokemon would be monitored. “Of course, I’ll ask Tesla about any suspicious individuals” There was no way her voice would slip up now, not when she hadn’t been recognized.

“That’s a relief, we can’t exactly move away from Gearen these days, so it takes some load of our shoulders if you can do this for us” The woman then took a step back to think on how they bumped into each other. “Oh, sorry, I ended up asking you this when you probably wanted to go buy something”

“Mhm, I’ve been lacking potions recently” Answered the girl with honesty.

“Then let me buy you those as thanks, taking advantage of other’s kindness isn’t exactly our style”

…

“Star quickly, could you do me a favor”

“Take this, you need to deliver it to the Obsidian ward”

“Just do this for me yeah? Thanks cutie~”

“A small favor please!!”

“Old reliable Star always there when you need her”

…

The interceptor ignore those memories, it’s been long since her mind on them had changed. “I shouldn’t impose, there is quite a lot I need to buy” There was no way Star would accept payment to investigate something she already had the answer too.

“Nonsense, just let me, take it as a compensation for everything if you think helping with this is not enough” The woman knew not to wait for an answer, walking right back into the store she just exited.

Star followed suit, failing spectacularly in convincing the gym leader to let her pay for her own potions .

At the end of the little supply run the Interceptor ended up with 20 hyperpotions and 10 full heals courtesy of the poison type trainer.

By the time the shopping was done  Melia and Venam had left the installations and encountered the two leaving the mart.

Venam was quick to approach them once they were spotted. “Girl there you are! Don’t disappear on us like that” Enough kidnapping to people of their group had happened so that leaving for a few seconds was a concern.

“Sorry, sorry I was just running by the mart to get some things” Her words stumbled on themselves as the purple haired girl shook Star while she tried to explain.

Luckily, Melia arrived to save her from the agitation. “Venam, stop that, She’s alright and that is all that matters” there was a moment of reluctance before she accepted that.

Relieving the poor Star who was seeing stars by the time the grip loosened up.

“Are these friends of yours?” From the sideline Aya finally drew attention to herself, the two young girls hadn’t noticed her in their worry so she chose to remain in silence. (But that level of care…how bad did these kids have it so they responded like this?)

“Oh, yeah” As soon as Star was out of her daze she was quick to introduce the three to one another. “Guys meet Miss Aya, a gym leader from Reborn, Miss Aya, meet my friends Venam and Melia”

“Sup, I’m Venam”

“And I’m Melia nice to meet you”

The contrast between greetings was like the sun a moon, Melia was polite but somewhat distant with how she introduced herself while Veronica was much more casual but had a warmer approach, extending a hand.

“The name’s Aya, it’s nice to meet you” The woman didn’t hesitate to shake her fellow poison type trainer’s hand with a smile. “I don’t think I’ve seen you kids around the city before, did you come to see the reforms?

Both of them glanced at one another and nodded, the two of them felt no hostility from the woman in front of them so they could lower their guards for a bit.

“We did, the two of us grew up here so when we heard things were nicer now there was no doubt we had to visit” Venam blabbed on, telling of her smaller adventures she had around the places of the city that had been  renewed while Melia added her own two experienced.

Aya watched their interaction, a certain air of familiarity to their conversation. “I think I’ve mentioned this before, but you kind of remind me of an old friend” They had been hearing the other two talking about their life as careless kids, sometimes with a longing expression that they were quick to hide. “This kinda seems like something out of the time all of our friends grouped up”

(Huh?! Why is she talking about that?) Star was perplexed by what it seemed to have come out of nowhere, telling her something out of a past she was also privy to.

“We gathered and journeyed together, sometimes separated, laughed together, fought together” However what surprised the girl was the somewhat bitter tone her words took as she continued. “And she, much like you are doing now, always kept us at arm’s length”

Star left her mouth hang like an idiot for a moment, she had her approach looked like this to them. 

“Not that I blame her…always just going off with the people we felt comfortable with carelessly, always getting into trouble” Melia and Venam had gained some distance with the two of them,  walking more energetically than the two of them. “It was always her who got us out of that trouble, only for us to just go on again with no regard…Honestly it’s not a surprise she disappeared all we did was make her solve our problems”

(…) Star walked in silence, looking at the woman while she talked. (I’d be a lie to say I disliked most of them on first instance…with how kind and grateful when helped people had tended to be here, finding Reborn’s approach on kindness was somewhat of an awakener)

(And saying I was mad each time they just left me behind would be selling it short, but I’d never leave someone behind because of that)

Aya caught herself before she spoke anything else, realizing what had come out of her mouth. (Shit…what the hell am I talking about? God what’s my problem, saying this to a child…Just because she would have listened…I guess I got too familiar with this kid)

“Sorry about that, I let myself get carried away” Aya brought a hand to her template and began massaging them, questioning herself for just dumping that on a stranger.

There were many things Star would have liked to say at that moment, so many explanations and excuses that she could give to her, regardless of that, explaining things didn’t matter at this moment. “Don’t apologize, this just shows how much you miss that friend of yours right?”

Once again Aya went quiet and Star couldn’t tell what was going through her head at that moment. “Maybe, still it doesn’t justify just spouting shit like this on you”

“Again, its fine” The two then continued to walk in silence, Aya didn’t really know how to approach the girl after what had just happened and Star simply didn’t want to put herself in a more compromised position.

That and there was something in Aya’s words that ticked her. (Do they think I left because I got tired of helping them?) Sure Reborn hadn’t actually been her problem at first, if one ignores the time loop, but she still chose to do something about it. (I couldn’t have appeared to be frustrated with them because of that right?)

Maybe it was because they knew of the future she had visited once that this was the idea formed in their minds. (ugrh, what a pain) thinking about this wouldn’t change anything now, one day she may explain everything to them. “I can’t really say anything because I don’t know, but with how you talk about that person, do you really think they’d leave because you asked her for help?”

“…no, she wasn’t that kind of person…” The idiot that fought a Garchomp over a volcano for a friend, the idiot that basically went running all around the region, beat two gyms and get surf and waterfall just to save someone that made it clearly didn’t like them in the record time of a week. (But then why?! Did anything we told her when she came from the past matter at all?)

Why would a friend who’d basically do anything for them just leave one day without any warning, the woman didn’t know. “I just hope I get to see her again, and at the very least apologize to her, even if she may not blame us”

(One day Aya, one day I’ll tell you all, but I have other things to do right now) They had already survived one world ending apocalypse, there was no need for her to drag them into another.

“Oi, are you two coming or not?!” The moment was interrupted by Venam, having noticed the distance that had grown between the two groups.

Aya didn’t take more than a second to pull herself together, moving faster to reach the now standing teens. “Sorry, the two of us got distracted by our conversation” It wasn’t a lie, but it didn’t actually explain what had been said. “We’ll have time to finish it another time, for now let me guide you for some of the newer things we’ve done around here”

Star watched as she approached the group how the woman managed to deflect the attention of the two, the words previously said still ringing on her mind.

(My disappearance may have had more consequences than I thought…Maybe I didn’t think much about it since I had seen them do well in the future, but I never did ask myself what went on to reach that)

There were things she needed to reconsider now, and also figure out how to properly reveal things…just letting herself be caught clearly would be a bad option.

(I deal with Xen first, then this)

---

It was nighttime when Aya finally returned to her temporary residence.

Short of a few minutes ago she had sent the three kids off, all going to Grand Dream City for a concert. (Maybe I ought to invite them to one of mine one day) Aya liked those three.

Most of her afternoon had been spent taking those three around, she had seen Melia’s and Veronica’s expressions change and lighten up ever so slightly whenever something they knew of was changed.

It was somewhat similar to her own face when Byxbision had been cleaned so much to the point it couldn’t even be called a wasteland anymore.

Feeling familiar things, that was one hell of a way to describe how today had gone for her. (Seriously, that kid…not only was she so similar to her, the Keystone she had and how she looks) It wasn’t a coincidence, there was absolutely no way.

She had kept herself from saying anything in front of her not to be rude or make her uncomfortable, but just accounting for today Aya had some theories on who that kid was.

“THIS WORLD SHALL BURRRRRNNNN~~” in that moment ringtone began to sound, the person who being revealed just by having a different one assigned than anyone else.

(Maybe I should tell Hardy, he always has some sort of idea) Quickly she picked up the phone.

“Aya!” The deep voice of Hardy was what she first heard once she picked up the call. “How’s my favorite band member doing?”

Unlike him however, this was not a day where she could answer with the same kind of energy as him. “Today has been…something I guess, how are things going over there?” her voice was tired just not in the physical way.

And Hardy did not miss it. “Did something happen?” Just before she could say anything the door was opened, the creaking sound alerting the woman of the new arrivals.

“Hm? I see you have arrived before us” Luna had used the key given to her, entering with Adrienn, both looked somewhat drained but the regular amount of drained after a day of work.

“Yeah” Aya acknowledged them before turning to the phone. “Gimme a sec Hardy, I gotta put you on speaker” And that she did, allowing him to hear the three of them. “Luna and Adrienn are here too, they just arrived”

“Hello you two, how’s been Aevium treating you?” The ginger didn’t waste a second in greeting them.

“It is quite the joyous fate which brings you to call when we’ve returned” Responded the blonde in her usual manner. “Not only that, but we’ve come bearing news”

The pair was now curious as to what she might be referring too, but Aya also had her own things to say. “Me too girl, today must be full of surprises”

“Really? I guess it is” Adrienn asked while pulling out their own PokeGear, they had saved this site to explain. “We’ll tell ours and you can go next”

After turning it on a news report sire online they turned the screen to face Aya. “Look at this” It was an image of a man riding on a Dragonite, the blur on it made it difficult to make up who was the rider, and yet there was only one person that came to mind with that image.

“Uh, Adrienn, this is a call” Hardy on the other hand had no idea what they were referring to as for him there wasn’t a line of sight. “I can’t exactly see that”

“That’s…!?”

“Elias’s dragonite, yes” Luna completed what Aya wanted to say, recognizing the Pokemon due to the very clear scar on the creature’s abdomen and the white robe that flew on it, which finally gave Hardy  some context on what they were looking for. “While investigating the more profound corners laid on this city an agent sent to negotiate with the West was kind enough to inform us of such a development, apparently he was seen leaving the city and he could only capture this image”

“Shit, this is huge…maybe we have an actual lead on those two now!” For the first time in ten years they actually had tangible evidence on their location, that meant the sudden disappearance of Star’s team wasn’t a coincidence. “Does this mean they have been here the whole time?!”

“That is inconclusive, maybe they’ve simply been on the move” Adrienn shot down that idea immediately. “Beside we’ve conducted searches here, there was no way we’ve missed them”

Luna agreed with those deductions. “More over the reacquiring of her partners does indicate that something changed from the days prior to this, fate may be cruel in putting once more a grueling task on her”

“Maybe” And she wasn’t the only one who could agree on that. “But this actually plays into what I found today” Aya had some thing to say herself and this might be the best time to bring them up, as seeing Elias was more confirmation. “Hardy what do you think about having kids?”

It was a question mostly coming from nowhere in this scenario. “Aya, Honey, I’m pretty sure we agreed to leave the kid’s idea for when we’re thirty”

The woman clearly didn’t get the answer she was expecting., then again, she should have seen this coming. “I was not talking about us, I meant Star…look today I encountered the pink haired girl, she came with two friends and was showing them the reforms”

“What got my attention were the hairpin with a key stone she had and her belt” She too pulled out her PokeGear, a photo the four of them had taken to remember that day now on display for most.

“I gifted such a holder for her, I’d recognize it anywhere…that girl’s features too” Luna saw it almost immediately, the similarity’s were so striking that even over the phone they were evident.

 “I never really noticed those…nor did I see her wear that” Adrienn too found himself stumped by this, as the one who spent the most time with the girl. “Are you saying she may be Star’s daughter?! That’d be impossible!”

“WHAT!?” Once more the redhead was left out of the loop, not seeing what the others were seeing until they explicitly said it out loud. “Didn’t you say that kid was sixteen?! How could it be possible?”

“I don’t exactly know, but I’m sure that kid isn’t her, I would be even more ridiculous, beside, wouldn’t she have recognized us when we met if it was her?” Her explanations weren’t that good, with no actual argument over what she thought, but at the same time, it was a possibility.

Adrienn agreed, there was a little chance of them being wrong and the attitude both displayed were very different from one another. “She didn’t know of Reborn until we told her, so it cant be her…beside Star did have Celebi with her, maybe there’s something we’re missing”

This mystery was much deeper than they had initially expected.

—END—

--Mystic--

Chapter Text

—START—

-3^rd Person POV-

“It is quite the coincidence” Elias hummed, holding a tea cup in his hands, and peacefully drinking it. “Am I to assume we’re abstaining ourselves from interacting with them?”

Star nodded at his words, after having explained his encounter with Aya in Gearen yesterday this was a logical conclusion to arrive at.

The two were sitting in a café in Grand Dream City simply passing the time while Star waited for the concert that would be happening later today, taking advantage of this extra time to get some ideas in order.

“She didn’t seem to recognize me too, and I think I make it look obvious” She was glad for that now, being discovered in such a manner really was not the correct way to entice that reveal. “There was also…” What she told her, but she decided to keep that to herself for now.

And revealing herself in such a matter was something she thought to be a good idea nothing short of two days ago.

“I wouldn’t fault them for that my Lord” and he seemed to have understood why they would not see that it was her. “From their perspective you’ve successfully disappeared for a decade, nothing but a ghost in their lives, your sudden appearance without notice or reason would stand as suspicious”

“It is very likely they perceived your magnificence and yet choose not to see due to the barrier that you established upon yourself while amidst them”

He too could see why they wouldn’t make the connection immediately.

A silent trainer that only commanded when necessary always aware of her surroundings as to not mess much with the timeline, that was who Star of Reborn had chosen to be, meanwhile Star of Aevium was a much more open and carefree individual, one who wasn’t always looking over their shoulder despite the situations she constantly found herself in.

In the end Reborn’s Star was nothing but a shell put over the real her, but for the others, that was the friend they had known and lost.

Although it was not the case anymore sometimes, as if the two Stars blended together.

“Believe me, it is quite baffling still to be holding such a conversation with you, in truth after our first meeting I thought you to be mute up until I was rectified on such a belief” It was a surprise he’d be grateful for, but a surprise nonetheless.

“Then I suppose I did a good job on that” Acknowledged the pink haired girl before taking a sip on her hot chocolate. “But still, one day we’ll see them properly, all of them”

“And I look forward to the promised day” It was a promise.

They spent more time catching the other up to speed in what they were doing.

Elias had a pair on interesting stories on his adventures, first his battle against Ryden, a single one on one where his Dragonite more or less mopped the floor with Ryden’s Torterra.

Apparently he got along with him and Damien afterwards, mentioning something about recognition of strength and the preservation of traditions or something.

With the guardian’s permission he was allowed to visit the Alamissa Urben and experience what a time crystal could do for the first time, a feeling all so similar to Celebi’s influence while at the same time too different.

Seeing the streets of Alamissa full of people has been quite the surprise only to see them disappear a few moments later.

It was a testament to how civilizations could fall when one day they looked as prosperous as they came, that’s what he said.

Later  he flew to the Terajuma region of Aevium, the sights from atop Valor Mountain and the strange nature and behavior of the place had left the man quite pleased.

He was only able to cover a little of the mount before his eventual retreat but what Elias saw was enough.

“and yet what captured me was the colossal door with the lord’s mark, I held no recollection of such a thing and this shepherd made sure to learn of all locations in the word that may relate to the One” He finished with his recollection. “Are you familiar with such a place?”

Star remembered the place, what had been her first experience with time travel and the first debacle with the truth behind Storm-9. “I have been there before, although there wasn’t anything related to Arceus behind the door so it was mostly an aesthetic or what found itself on the other side was probably lost to time” She believed it was something made by both Spacea and Tiempea so maybe the use of Arceus was for that.

“Oh, it is a shame that, missing histories of the lord are truly a delight to discover”

She smiled, knowing very well that the old man’s passion towards that sort of thing was genuine, then she looked outside through a window, the sun was still pretty much up, thus it was still too early for the concert.

She looked down on her mug, the brown liquid was already downed completely and she wasn’t in the mood for another.

(I suppose it is time to handle ‘that’) Star called the waitress and asked for the bill, paying for the both of them despite Elias’s insistence on paying for his own, there was more money than she knew what to do with it.

“I’ll be going to the Scholar district and prepare for tonight, I want you to go to the underground city and look for a woman named Patricia” Looking through her PokeGear she shows the man an image, where five people are taking a photo together, pointing at the one wearing a Pokemon center uniform. “she should have my number so I want her to keep an eye for any suspicious activity whether is Bladestar or anyone else”

Along with that she sends him detailed instructions on how to get in the place exactly.

The request was curious to the man, it held no clear connection to their current mission making it somewhat intriguing. “are all people here friends of yours?”

The image was one of herself, Dylan, Anna, Patricia, and Madame Peony all together around a dinner table. “Yes, they are, so I want to keep an eye out for them while things get worse” The Raid being the main problem ahead. (There are a lot of things I left half done here)

The more she traveled the more things she remembered doing but never truly finishing if nothing due to the fact that she was occupied with Xen and the whole Puppet Master business.

The waitress returned with the bill, receiving the amount from the ex-champion before leaving. “Very well, I shall bring a message in your name” With the bill paid the two of the got up and left the establishment, towards the central streets of GDC. “May I inquire of your task?”

“Yeah, I’m just getting some help for our adventure later today and visit some friends” There were two reasons she wanted to send Elias to the underground, asking Patricia to keep an eye on V mostly, but also for him to be hidden there for an hour or so.

She was about to enter on her Reborn PC account again and she knew the response would be much more immediate than before.

That’s also why she chose the Scholar district as the place she’d be grabbing the Pokemon out of the computer, it was a place close enough to the Axis University that she’d have time to arrive there before anyone can check her involvement while being far enough to not be the first place they’d chose to watch out for.

From there it was a simple run towards the hidden lab in Axis to meet Eric and Delpha where she could hide for a few hours. “I will ask you to change clothes thought, get something new and change in the bathroom of a center or something, you know, as precaution”

“I shall see too it” They were at the point where they’d need to separate, each with their own objective in front. “Although, If I may be so bold, could I inquire why are you so opposed to allowing the others to know of our presence?”

She stopped, this question was something expected. “If I’m honest with you, I wanted too, but I’d rather handle all of this before”

“On your own?” Star wasn’t alone, it was a fact, there wasn’t a time when she didn’t have someone she could call for help, backing her up in her plans against whatever Team came her way, but she also knew that wasn’t what Elias was asking her about.

As the interceptor, she held the choice to save or to end this world, and Star had made hers, to save by her hand and on her own.

Carrying everything with herself and the burden of the mentality of being the ‘one’ to save them all, a bit egotistical but Star doesn’t remember seeing anyone else when Lyn or Arceus bore their strength against her. “When haven’t I don’t that?”

Something that Reborn only made worse by virtue of the people and circumstances.

So that what happened to her would never repeat itself she swore to take all matters unto herself unless absolutely necessary.

So that she’d never had to see another body like hers again.

She ran as fast as she could, her breathing hastened under the effort and the panic that coursed through her.

And yet, bars of steel stood in her way, completely stopping her advance, and not giving her any time to pull one of her Pokemon out.

Star’s body froze after witnessing what was going on inside.

A Ninetails fell to the ground returning to her Pokeball, battered, and bloodied while a menacing dragon flew forward in a charge, it’s intentions clears.

One bite, that was all that the Champion of Reborn received from the enemy’s Hydraigon, it was what it took to rip her head from her shoulders completely.

Her body, falling limp on the ground.

The monster seemingly enjoying the ‘feast’

And it was over…the life of  kind woman who’d saved her from being blown up, who did her best to bring this city up from the garbage like state where it was...It had ended. (Why…why did I take so long?!) That woman was now dead.

Meanwhile the opposing trainer, the murdered, walked candidly towards the headless body of Ame on the floor, completely impassive.

“Today, the heart of Reborn falls” The woman walked as she retrieved the dragon back into its Pokeball. “How marvelous” despite not showing any emotion, it was clear she was enjoying the moment.

Still, Star remained frozen in place.

“And how droll”

Lyn turned and walked back to the center of the room, looking back at her one last time, now smiling.

This Monster had sought to show her how pointless it was to fight her.

And for the first time, Star really didn’t want to continue pushing forward.

There were no words spoken, Lyn simply left without any reparations, Star wasn’t even worth finishing up in the state she was in.

Tears cascaded quickly out of Star the moment the invisible pressure of everything had gone away, her legs flimsily taking her towards the Champion’s body.

“A-Ame” Her voice hitched and stuttered, her hands shaking at the sight.

This was the second true death Star had seen.

Not people she could tell died in something she survived, not names in a paper of casualties, no.

Dead, with no takebacks.

Just like her mom’s death, it felt just how it did that time.

So she wailed in the room where Amethyst was killed, helpless and powerless to do anything against the Meteor’s commander.

Star wanted to give up then and there.

She had been defeated completely and there was not even a need for a battle.

Even standing in front of Madam X there wasn’t a feeling of hopelessness like this one, there was abundant fear or invisible weight around that just forced her down.

It was a completely different kind of oppression the one Lyn evoked.

One of inevitability rather than power.

…

And yet, Star got up once more.

Victoria was still being electrocuted downstairs, with Adrienn and Arclight suffering in a similar manner too under the control of that horrible woman.

And she was still the only one who could do anything despite how weak she was.

So no, she couldn’t give up now, no matter how much she wanted to do right now.

More so with Ame’s corpse in front of her, it would be an insult if she simply stopped now.

Meteor would be brought down, Lyn would be defeated.

Star would made sure of that, or she’d fail trying.

It was a memory that didn’t come forth that often, but it was something that came to mind whenever someone questioned why she chooses not to ask for help. “Cut me some slack El, when have I failed anyone?”

And her words were enough to quell some of Elias’s reservations. “There is no lack of confidence from me, it is simply a query” He was aware Star was most likely still stronger than even Shelly, but the more law related issues with what was happening still worried him.

“Then let’s see each other at the meeting point tonight”

---

The day had been going so well up until this point.

Jan had requested to see them again, regarding the issue of the possible illegal access to a restricted PC account in the region.

Such a meeting had been conducted flawlessly as they had gained permission to investigate the premises by both the

It was an overall pacific morning where Adrienn would take things slowly, chipping at the paperwork that threatened their time in advance while watching a show.

It wasn’t the adrenaline inducing battles nor adventures the Gym leader had lived through, but it was still a rather exciting thing for them to look forward too.

A pretty peaceful day indeed.

BTZZ BTZZ

That was, until their PokeGear started vibrating.

(Aya?) She was calling earlier than necessary for a report on the city’s remodeling meaning there was a reason she herself chose to call. “Hello?”

“Are you in the league’s management center? Shelly just called, there’s been another access” The poison trainer was direct and to the point when giving the warning.

Without panicking and with a cold head Adrienn rushed through the installation, from the office they had been given towards the central computer system. “Do you know where and who they took?”

“In Grand Dream City, somewhere in the Axis High district” Since they now had clearance Adrienn could scout all devices recently connected internationally to the Reborn servers. “We’re not sure yet what they got”

“Then begin making your way there, I will pinpoint exactly where it happened and get back to you” It was going to take a while considering he needed to input the access codes, but as long as they could manage before Aya arrived there then it would be alright. “Inform Luna of this too please, she should help you out”

“Already on it, Good luck with the search”

The call was cut from there leaving the Fairy specialist with the sole task of finding who and what for themselves.

(If I look throughout all receptions on the district I can pinpoint those activated recently) After looking for a while all that was left were only two centrals that  followed those attributes, the one in the Library and the one in the small Pokemon Center there.

By tracing the signal Adrienn had figured out which exactly was the source.

They quickly got their PokeGear out, sending a quick message towards Aya about the result.

“Received, On my way” It didn’t take long for the reply, leaving Adrienn somewhat calmer on the situation now that they had a new lead.

Which didn’t do much to distract them as he got proper information on who was taken.

In the screen, flashing in red were the words, ‘Retrieved’ the names just under it.

Giratina and Mew.

---

The arrival in Grand Dream City was comically fast compared to the panic they held when going to find each other after the message was sent.

A ring appeared in the middle of the side walk, a few people stopped in their path, confused, and concerned by the appearance of such an object.

From there, Luna and Aya emerged for the surprise of all passersby.

“Adrienn said it was in this Pokemon Center” Aya turned her head around looking for their destination while Luna retrieved Hoopa before anyone could recognize it and began to look for it too.

It was a rather small center compared to most, not boasting a red roof like in their Region but rather a goldish one with a neon sign to the side. “Let’s go” proclaimed the older woman as the doors opened  when she approached.

The Nurse Joy in charge of the place was quick to receive them, apparently aware of their arrival. (She looks young, probably one of the new kids in the clan)

“You two must be the Reborn representatives?” Joy looked less scared and more confused than one would expect when representatives from other Regions came to your workplace, more so for a newbie.

Such a thing took some of the wind under Aya’s spirit as she had no idea why this woman knew of their arrival. “Uh…yeah?”

“May I know who the informant was that notified you of our arrival” Despite being bewildered Luna held some of her composure, being enough for her to ask.

That didn’t help the Joy’s nervousness. “Eh, w-well, it was a hooded woman, of blonde hair, I-I think?”

(…) That alone was enough to paralyze both women into place, A blonde person with explicit access to Star’s account.

That was no coincidence at all.

“S-she also left a message for whoever came before leaving” In the employee’s hands was an envelope, a black one with the very characteristic symbol of the Reborn Region. “She may have mentioned something about West Gearen but-t that’s just what I heard”

Aya tentatively took that, the operation to figure out what would happen would be suddenly turning into the first communication they’ve had with Star in a long time.

Ignoring the time travel visit she made of course.

“Thank…you” It felt heavy in her hands, a message from ‘her’ one who they had no idea where she was and what she’d been up to for so long.

If it even had been long for her.

Luna figured Aya wanted to see the contents of the letter as soon as possible “I shall take witnesses all over the area, tying the path back to Star should still be possible, recount all information from the letter”

The blonde girl too wanted to know, but she was a patient person and there was nothing that would stop her from learning what the content was later.

The purple haired woman looked at her, then nodded. “Ok”

‘Hello, to whoever might find themselves reading, whether that person is Aya or Adrienn, I’m already aware of your presence here, and I know what you might think when receiving this.

Yes, it is me, Star, previous champion, stopped Lyn, etc, etc.

If I’m being honest with you, this letter only exists because as much as I might be hiding myself now, it isn’t something that is meant to last forever nor is it something that I particularly enjoy doing.

I do not want you to think I’m avoiding you because I hold no desire to see any of you, or that I might hate you, no, I just have something left to do, and until I do it, I will continue with my current plan.

The situation is…preoccupying, I still don’t know if it’s Lyn level or not, but it’s dangerous, so I wish to handle it before anything bad happens.

The PC accesses I am completely sure the Reborn League is aware of were made by me, I needed my team by my side and some extra help just in case.

Elias too is with me, not much as a personal choice but because I had to take him with me, so I can only ask one of you two to apologize to Luna for me, as I took the chance of her father(biological) to show her how he can change for good as I know he can do.

One day I will meet with all of you one more and you will all receive the explanation you deserve.

One thing I can say is that I was aware that I would have to leave one day, the Celebi travel never made sense, why would the timeline create a branch when I would eventually return, the same place and time from where I had been gone without any hitch.

So, I also owe you all an apology for lying to you.

My leaving was due to something else, something more out of my control…or maybe simply because I feared it was.

That doesn’t matter now, only moving forward is left.

The last thing I’ll say, and I want you to take this really seriously is that you guys are my friends and I love you, don’t ever think otherwise.

It was never anyone’s fault that I had to leave.

-Star’

It was the end of the letter.

It answered so much yet so little at the same time, and in a sense, it had overwhelmed Aya to a degree.

There was hope to see her again, the current her, not one they collectively accepted that they should put up a happy front.

When she came from the past, they’d been quite ecstatic to see her again hoping that time would correct itself once she returned and they would all grow old together.

It also  made it alarmingly distressed when that wasn’t the case, and in fact, most of them had an epiphany like episode where they did indeed remember her returning and telling them of that event.

And promising she’d be there for them.

(She knew…and still lied for us…I can’t really blame her though, I’d probably do the same)

“None have witnessed a woman of Star’s complexion leaving, it was clear she wanted us to know she’d been here but not where to find her”  Luna had returned from the outside, and only then Aya realized she’d read the entire thing more than once trying to understand what she was saying. “What message has been left behind for us?”

“Well, she knows we’re here, or at least knows me and Adrienn are” began explaining sometimes a minor sniff escaping her, the emotion was unexpected and thus, a bit uncontrollable. “She says that there is something she’s busy taking care of, something dangerous”

Her companion pondered what could that be for a bit, before arriving at the only possible answer. “It would be Team Xen would it not?, their tales of terror over Terajuma were quite spread and their terrorism is known by darkness”

(Sounds like something she’d do alright) Aya nodded, having reached a similar conclusion. “She really can’t resist saving the world again huh?” it was an attempt to lift her spirits, which somewhat worked. “There IS a reason why she left, and she’ll tell us herself one day…one day we’ll all reunite again”

Her friend looked impassively at the letter, but could not read it as it was turned to her, so Aya handed it to her.

“I’ll inform Shelly and Adrienn on the situation…and tell them we better ignore this idiot’s attempt at working alone” They’d all been saved by Star and they weren’t about to let her run off on her own against another potential danger to the world without proper backup. “Investigating Team Xen should be a good start”

Luna on the other hand didn’t respond, reading the contents of the letter a sad smile adoring her features. “May your path be protected by the shadows my friend, till the day we meet again”

Regarding the one message diverted at her however, she wasn’t exactly sure how to feel about that one.

---

“Never a dull moment around you huh?” From a hacked camera Star, Erick and Delpha observed the Reborn guest reacting and investigating the scene. “Like, Time travel ?! actually insane dude!!”

The blue haired boy was flabbergasted, so many of the laws of physics he’d grown learning and studied were just casually broken under his nose and he never actually knew.

“I knew you had done something like that, but to spend a year away…a lot must have happened” Delpha too was taken off guard by the developments, even more so than the usual Saki insanity.

They watched a bit more, sadly sound was completely off for whatever reason but the image was enough to show how important this seemed to be to the two. “I should let go of this camera before they catch on in the League’s system” Erick disconnected the computer all together, he was only using it since Star had asked him.

Said person stood up as soon as he did that, walking around the lab, where she hadn’t been in some time, watching Valerie, Saki, and Adam inside the pods.

From behind the only Pokemon visible asked. “What actually is that around you?” Delpha was concerned for their friend, unlike most others she could see the more ‘impactful’ change that Reborn had been for her.

“Oh? Right you probably can see them huh?” It spoke of the psychic proficiency of the fire type the fact that it was noticeable to her. “Mental protections mostly, had an incident with a Darkrai I’d rather not repeat”

That Shiv prick had been a pain to deal with, not that he was strong enough to challenge her directly, but sometime people didn’t need to be to pose a threat.

Illusions of her being defeated in battle were a good way to make her believe he was capable enough.

“A Darkrai?! What could a myth have done to warrant…this?” The wards were intrinsic and carefully crafted, a mental barrier composed of both Psychic and Fairy TE that warranted any attempt at mind control and perception manipulation.

“Illusions, a lot of them, worse than Clear’s and way more realistic” It was the truth, a scary one that could have made her doubt if reality was false had she not caught up on time.

“You have lived some intense times friend” The two walked away from the pods, moving towards a group of chairs nearby. “But I’m glad to see you returned alright”

“Thanks Delpha”

The two sat around in silence, Star had to wait for night and didn’t want to accidentally risk herself by being seen by Aya so staying here was her best choice.

Not doing anything.

…

…

(I’ve never been good at sitting with nothing to do) It was why she enjoyed traveling so much, but now, there was nothing to do but wait…except maybe. “Erick, do you want to have a battle?”

Her shouting reached the guy in the other room, and a few seconds after the sound of a lot of things falling was heard. “Wha-?! Didn’t you just say you became a champion!! I couldn’t beat you before what the hell do you want me to do now?”

“Is he ok?” Delpha muttered for the both of them before the blue haired boy bolted out of the room.

“Calm yourself, I’ll use the team you’re familiar with, they need to warm up a bit and I need to accustom myself to their move sets again, it’s a win-win”

“Hmmm, you sure this isn’t some scheme to kick my ass?”

Star returned a rather shit eating grin. “No, I can do that without a scheme”

It had been a while since she had a proper Pokemon battle, seven days more or less.

“Fine, fine, just a one vs one, my team and I aren’t ready for a full on battle”

It was slightly disappointing to know, but it would help her conserve energy while also getting some practice back so there was nothing to lose.

“Sure thing” Star got up from her seat, shoving her hand in her bag and taking out her PokeGear. (I’ll pick someone at random, that way no one complains)

It took until they were both in the big hangar room for her to select her battler, but after that was done she was fully ready with their Pokeball in hand.

They walked until they were sitting on opposite sides of one another.

Delpha had followed them after they left and was now acting as the referee. “This battle will be between Erick and Star, both of you select your partner”

With the signal given all hesitation disappeared form Erick’s face. “Come on out Electrivire” A black and dark cyan Electrivire took the stage on Ericks side,  moving its arms around in preparation, the Ace was ready for it.

“Get ready Sylph” Her mother’s Sylveon entered the scene, her ribbons stretching and contracting a bit after being released.

Both Pokemons took to the makeshift field while chillingly looking at the other.

“Begin” the Delphox announced Suddenly.

“Reflect”

“Shockwave, spread it through the ground”

Both orders provoked an immediate response, the fur on the Sylveon beginning to shine and acquire some reflective properties while wave of electricity approached.

(She’ll jump, then we’ll attack) Star was already focusing on her next move when something she did not expect happened.

“Syl-!” The fairy type took on the attack head on.

(Eh?! Why…oh) Unlike her Reborn team, her first team didn’t have a directive to always dodge, it wasn’t second nature to them. “Ok, Sylph extend your ribbons and send Swift from above”

“Close in the distance with Wild Charge as you dodge”

The electric giant charged, gathering more and more charge as he progressed.

All the while stars crashed around him while some others followed him as he avoided them. “wait for it!”

The star rain continued to pour down on the Pokemon but he kept his reflexes sharp, dodging everything and approaching.

Dangerously approaching.

To the point it was basically on top of Sylveon. “now Detect, then Mud slap in the face, hinder his visibility” in a faint glow Sylph moved like a blur, avoiding the impact while also using two ribbons to generate a ball of mud.

One that crashed into the Electrivire’s head. “Thunder Punch, directly to your left”

With the direction given to him, even with his eyes completely covered by mud the Electrivire could still make up Sylph’s position, swinging a supercharged fist at the Eeveelution.

“Meet it with a Moonblast” The collision created a small shockwave, the two interlocking in a struggle as both continued to supply energy to their attack, not receding any space. “The Ribbons, grab his legs and pull”

It was a good idea to throw the bigger Pokemon off balance, thus Sylph got the message and quickly sorted the movement of her appendages.

“Jump away!!” It was too late, they had already been wrapped around the Electrivire’s legs and with a pull, the Pokemon was forced down on its back.

With no resistance in it’s way, the Fairy type ball of destruction advanced, crashing into the side of its target and exploding.

A yellow body flew backwards, leaving a pink trail of dust of similar color.

“Electrivire!! Are you there man?” A grunt came from the dust, it didn’t take long for the electric type to be up, it was still only one hit. “Oh, good, didn’t want to lost this fast”

“Heh, it will happen don’t you worry” Star answered, smiling as she allowed her partner a breather. “The battle’s just begun after all”

“Urgh, one day dude, one day we’ll play games again I’ll be happy when I beat you completely”

Both chuckled a bit at that, neither actually knew much of the other but that was fine, all the had to do was continue enjoying this battle as their Pokemon were.

---

“Where is that girl?! We’re almost late” Two purple heads were talking among themselves outside of the Central Square main building, they were wearing what most would consider party clothing, waiting for someone to arrive.

“I’m sure she’s around the corner, Star isn’t one to being late” Aelita, one of the three people that had been invited shook her head with a smile, impatience was Venam’s core altogether.

Beside, with her Earth sense she could vaguely feel Star approaching through the streets, her presence very different from that of normal people.

Of course, Veronica didn’t know that and thus was still not very convinced with her words. “Unless she’s out there doing whatever thing a random person asked her to do”

That did sound like something Star would do, and honestly, Aelita wasn’t sure what she could expect from her Best friend anymore. “Yeah…” In the span of three days things had changed so much that it was rather awkward for her sometimes.

Something about Star’s general presence had shifted, and she wasn’t sure what, but it kind of worried her.

But she was also stronger that any of them now, so it’s possible she’s being somewhat overdramatic.

Then, she felt it, someone approached the two of them.

Standing there, was Star.

“Shall we get this party started”

—END—

--Mystic--

Chapter Text

—START—

-3^rd Person POV-

-BAAM-

The door was slammed open.

Shelly was calmly sitting on her office chair revising something in her computer with an unreadable expression, a notice arrived to her short of three hours ago with…something important.

Which is why she informed all of the Gym leaders and Elite Four on the necessity of a meeting sometime in the future.

One for a later date though, as the man breaking in the room was a part of a smaller one, more private than the one planned and while official, it wasn’t formal at all.

“Alright, we’re here Buggy” A Green haired man had busted into the room, uncaring for manners nor noise when doing so. “What’s so important that ya called us all here” One of her Elite Four members had arrived, boasting a casual outfit for him.

Meaning he wasn’t on duty at the moment.

Shelly sighed, this was a normal thing when working with Fern unfortunately. “Would it kill you to open a door normally?” Despite that she still needed to call him out for it.

“No, but it’s funnier this way” The Reborn champion really wanted to kick his shin for being such an ass, his attitude might have diluted a bit but it still didn’t make him likable.

From behind him a hand raised to hit him in the back of the head, earning an ‘ack’ from him. “We’re on official business here, control yourself” The ever serious Titania had arrived alongside him, sporting what looking like exercising clothes, which she noted her noticing. “Julia and Archer both wanted to go hiking, I came as soon as called”

Diligent and dutiful to the point of insanity, just how she’s always been.

Either way she nodded at her in response, it was good to know she still hanged out with people instead of her antisocial ways. “Do you know if the others are close?” Two people were still left to arrive.

Or so she thought.

From her window a voice called for her. “Of course we are Shells” A Salamance was flying on the other side of it, two individuals on its back.

A rather common occurrence from the pink haired woman. “Heather…there is a door here”

“Not after I came in” Quipped the Grass specialist. “But that’s beside the point”

“Don’t be mean Fern” A different voice called out the guy, also coming from the outside.

Why did she allow these people to be part of her Elite Four again? “Good to see you to Anna” Resigned the champion went to open the window, the chilly air from night outside entering as the two fliers slowly made their way inside form there.

“Thanks for the flight Salamance!” The first ranked Elite Four Heather said once she was inside, putting the dragon in her Pokeball and taking a seat.

Fern, the second ranked Elite Four member just plopped down on the chair behind him, his posture changing to one more serious while maintaining his usual air.

“Let us not waste time then” Noticing the others getting ready the third ranked Elite Four member Titania was quick to copy them.

And lastly Anna the fourth ranked Elite Four member who simply chose to begin levitating on the spot, as if sitting down with her powers.

All of them together were a very…special bunch of personalities that couldn’t agree with each other most of the time, But they were the people she had to guard her back, the most powerful trainers in the Region.

With that in mind, Shelly began. “About three hours ago we received notice from our friends at the other side of the sea, Luna and Aya found a lead when we were alerted of another access to Star’s account”

The atmosphere of this meeting shifted, the casualness fading with the possibilities of a breach on that ranch in the forefront of their minds once that was mentioned.

Of course the person who it belonged to was important too, but it wasn’t as imminent as recovering missing Pokemon as strong as those.

“Someone what?!” The shouting came from Fern, anger bleeding into his tone at the thought of them loosing something as important as any of the Legendaries being held in that ranch. “What do you mean another one?! Who was taken?” The detail of how many times it happen also didn’t escape him.

Heather looked at him confused. “You didn’t get the memo? Someone entered on her PC not long ago, her whole team was taken by them” The second in command clarified, her face also expressed some irritation at that but more kept to herself. “There was an alert sent to all E4 members”

“And now it’s gone on twice? This is a major security flaw” Titania worked under the assumption that it was a hacking what led to the disappearance of Star’s team, always thinking of the worst.

Only Anna hadn’t said anything, her gut had been telling her something would be happening soon, the sky painted with a strange taint of black and red during some days.

Always seeing things nobody else saw had been telling, and this was an indication for what’s to come.

Something was happening somewhere, and Shade could feel it too, so Anna suspected this might have to do with it. “What did Aya and Luna find?”

After a few clicks of mouse Shelly turned to them. “According to Aya” The champion grabbed the screen of her computer, turning it around so the others could see a text document for them to see.

A message directed to them. “The nurse Joy on duty on the center that day gave them a note with this written on it by a, and I quote, ‘a hooded woman with blonde hair’”

She gave them time to process the digitalized letter, read it more than once and realize who it came from. “…So she was there…” The bug specialist heard Heather mutter, her fist clenching as her eyes adverted from the screen, done with the reading.

Realization of who was that wrote to them in the first place distracted them from what they thought they had reunited themselves in the first place.

Shelly didn’t call them here for a hacking issue with the PC system, no this was a more personal situation for all of them.

Star was back, in some way on another.

“Fucking…Arhg, this woman is always a pain!!” Fern hits the table as he shouts, letting every ounce of anger express itself, after which he takes a breath to calm himself.

(Why now? After ten years and a god forsaken lie, why?) They all had heard from the future she visited…from Elias since she never said anything, and they had expected theirs to be different.

Then she left and found out that the future wasn’t an alternate where she didn’t return from time traveling, but rather their actual one. “There better be a good explanation” It had messed with all of them when it happened.

“Believe me, I hope so to because I’m pissed” She didn’t like being lied to.

Her father lied to her, kept things from her and died for that. Star lied and disappeared after she promised to not leave.

She had lied to herself a lot too. “She and I will have words eventually”

In his own frustration Fern made a poor comment. “Ptff, you’re just mad cause it may be the reason she rejected you” Which prompted the pink haired trainer to throw an empty Pokeball at him. “Then again, any rational teen would reject a child if they asked them out”

“Shut up!! I was old enough to…!” Before stopping completely and looking at the man. “Wait…How do you know about that?!”

He smartly shut up after that.

Outside of those two arguing Titania’s expression was neutral, not letting anyone see what she thought of this. “How much of this we know is true?” It was a fair question, trusting random letters and a ‘coincidental hair color’ wouldn’t be very smart.

Yet it was clear those two had thought about it too. “It’s her alright, handwriting, signature, and the cameras actually did capture an image of her” The proof was shown in three more images, her face, while not fully visible was enough to shake them.

Anna was visibly shaken when the footage was presented, she had seen something. “Luna even had her Hoppa look for residues Psychic anomalies similar to her defenses, It IS her”

The steel specialist nodded, confirmation was appreciated, even knowing there was no way Shelly would show them this if she it wasn’t a proven fact that it was her. “Couldn’t we track her with that then?”

“They tried, there’s nothing outside of the Pokemon center” Star had many tricks and ideas in how to use Pokemon moves to her advantage, it was a very special talent for training Pokemon and was vastly different when compared to their territory control kind of battling style.

It was that same creativity that allowed her to pull tricks like that vanishing.

Which in turn made Fern, who had finally saved himself from Shelly and had calmed himself, ask. “What do we do then?” Telling everyone would be a problem as they’d surely try to look for her, putting their own emotions over the clear message Star tried to send.

‘It’s dangerous, leave it to me’

Then again, they wouldn’t listen either. “You didn’t call us to go search for her, so I’m assuming this is about the threat she’s trying to stop” A repeat of Meteor or something of similar magnitude somewhere else would be catastrophic, and Titania liked living despite what her usual attitude might reflect.

“Correct” Her confirmation was followed by her pulling a ticked out of her drawer. “I wanted not only to give you a heads up on everything, but I’d also like at least one of you to head to Aevium” A plane ticket specifically.

An international Elite Four movement normally has to be informed and authorized by the Region they travel to due to the strength of said individual, something like that would surely bring it to the attention of whatever was the enemy.

Which is why while this was an official meeting, the contents discussed were different than those that would end up in the records and the fact that there would be one of them going there was completely hidden.

It was a seat booked under Arclight’s name, so as long as they disguise themselves no one would know one of them went to Aevium.

All as a cover for the true intention.

Shelly put the ticked on the table, ready for whoever chooses to go investigate.

She’d go herself, but her responsibilities tied her more than she’d like when it came to international business. “This could be a problem for Reborn if it goes out”

Then of course, Titania had to ruin the idea by speaking.

“Reborn can stand it and do this to pay back Star” Answered Anna in turn, her mostly silent thinking finally broken. “We all owe a lot to her despite how we may feel about her actions…even if she doesn’t want those thanks in the first place”

“That said…” The raven head took the ticked confidently. “I’ll go” A declaration for everyone to hear.

There was a certain intensity in her eyes, fully willing to fight anyone of them who also wanted to take such a chance to go and find Star.

Stares bore on her, thinking over her proposing and what they wanted to do.

The Wishmaker fully expected them to ask for reasons or even outright state they wanted to go and then they’d solve it with a Pokemon battle.

A very usual way for them to resolve some disagreements when the matters where important personally but not politically.

And yet, they relented.

Fern slouched in the chair, a neutral expression on his face. “Tch, and here I was wanting to kick that loser’s ass for leaving” He wanted to find Star sure, but his desire for it was rather superficial compared to the others.

He was Star’s rival, but he couldn’t call himself someone close to her.

Few of them knew anything about her life beyond what they experienced together and he was not one of them.

Titania on the other hand voiced no problem with the arrangement. “Very well, it’s fair for you to go” The final objective would end up with the Ex-Champion returning either way and she’d be able to speak with her when that happens.

Whoever brings her back doesn’t matter.

Then Anna turned to the one she mostly expects to have plans to go themselves.

And the piercing glare she was expecting just wasn’t there. “Hmmm…I really want to go too you know?” Instead the hotheaded Heather just asks, a sad smile on her face.

Everyone knew there was…something between Star and Heather, just not actually what that was, so Fern normally just resulted to making fun of it by saying she was rejected.

Whatever it was, it was left unfinished after Star’s disappearance.

“Go” With a heavy heart Heather let it go, sighing as she did. “I’ll get my chance, I can wait” And while her face told them a different story, the woman had already made up her mind.

Then, she got up from her chair, walking towards the door and leaving without saying anything else.

“Is she…?” Despite her desire to go, Anna would give it up if her friend was so distressed about it.

Shelly shook her head, also worried for the girl. “Give her some time, some of us became really dependent on Star after everything…me included to some degree so I get where she’s coming from” her purple eyes then landed unto Anna. “But I do believe you have a bigger sense of debt than any of us, so I agree that you should be the one to do something”

That was all Anna needed to know.

No matter what she’d find a way to help her friend, repaying Star for all of the things her wish forced upon her.

---

“Wow, everything looks so colorful” The neon lighting blinked through different colors as the trio walked into the building. “Is it like this for the concert itself?”

The sight of her looking around clueless made Venam snicker. “Dunno, it depends on how Ambot set it up” Unlike Aelita she was much more used to musical performances like this so she found her surprise amusing.

“You bitches, you finally made it!”  Before they could go to the next room someone called for them. “Talk about being late”

“Amber” Calling her name a smiling Star went in for a hug, unexpectedly for the musician.

Which she had no idea how to respond too. “Uhh? Care to fill me in as to why this?” She was enjoying it, that wasn’t to question, but it came a little too out of left field.

Someone then patted her on the head from behind. “I told you she’d be happy to see you” Tesla was also here, more aware on the circumstances, this was a concert from her daughter something not to be missed. “And please mind your language”

“…oops…?” She could feel the awkwardness at having just called them that when her mother was behind her.

Releasing her, Star went on to give also one to Tesla, one a lot less hurried, but also meaningful. “It’s good to see you too Tesla”

“It’s a pleasure for me too” She returned the gesture with a smile and a hug of her own, some silent understanding Amber didn’t get at all passed around. “You can visit any time you know?”

While they greeted each other Venam hit softly Aelita on her arm with her elbow. “Yikes, this smells an awful lot like third wheeling with a family am I right?”

Something which Aelita took seriously despite being a joke. “I think it’s sweet, beside Star probably wanted to see them” Before they could interrupt and greet them too Amber had approached them.

Star and Tesla also turning their attention to them, all of them standing in what appeared to be a malformed circle.

“So how’ve you been holding up? Any more crazy shit going on?”

 Venam snorted, crazy had gone on and become the normal and they still were able to upstage that. “You have NO idea”

Star coincidentally looked the other way, and not very subtly.

“True” Aelita could say she found herself confused for a good part of it. “The last few days have been…stranger than most” That was without considering they had been planning a raid against Xen.

None of them really liked to think about it more than they had to either.

Unaware of that, Amber simply continued speaking.  “you lot are always in something, It somehow feels fitting” Her PokeGear buzzing, a reminder. “At least you get to enjoy my awesome music…even if I have to do some signing afterwards”

“Is that how being famous is like” An innocent question from Aelita soured the expression of two of them.

Simultaneously Star and Amber groaned. “You have no idea/Fucking tiring is what it is” catching each other of guard.

Which caused the redhead to look at her, eyebrow up and mouth half open. “Since when are you a celebrity?” ever since they met there wasn’t any signs of that and she never mentioned it.

Actually…now that she got a good look on her, she really appeared different, even in the way she was standing.

Had she missed something important?

Their poison expert friend intervened before she could say anything though. “Oh, boy do we have a story for you Ambot”

And while she would have loved to hear said story, Ms. Darcy was signaling to her. “It’ll have to wait though, I being called on stage”

(Bummer) thought to herself the musician, giving everyone a see you later before following the woman to the backstage.

Her friends watched her leave, moving towards the entrance to the venue where the stage was. “We should also get a good place to be before it becomes too cramped inside” And there was no one else they could trust to find those seats than Venam. “See you later Miss Tesla”

This would be one of the few moments they’d get before everything went to Xen Shit, so they would enjoy this concert for sure.

…Concert in Progress…

 “Holy Meloetta!!” Venam screamed while opening the doors to the backstage. “I didn’t know you had moves like that” two hours passed since she arrived and the concert had finally come to a close.

It was short but fun, doing something like this felt refreshing, just pure entertainment without any of nonsense they were used to attached.

Star smiled confidently at the compliment. “Thanks, I’ve learnt a couple of things from others” Terra was an really good dancer despite what her insanity, false or no, might make one think, and so was Ciel, but in a different way.

And they had taken it into themselves to teach everyone they could when they went to the club.

One does not simply say no to Terra without suffering from her giant mallet.

Then there was Aelita, she was the one who felt the most out of place when the concert began, her silent village girl upbringing didn’t do her any good when faced with some of the urban ways people danced and enjoyed a concert.

Not to say she didn’t have fun, in fact she was out there jumping and dancing too with all of her heart, making it an even more of a pleasant experience. “I liked it, we should do this with everyone another time”

Wasn’t that a fun idea. “Hell Yeah! Maybe I’ll join them in the stage too” It certainly got someone excited.

The three continued to chat, mostly of trivial, matters as they waited for Amber to finish the whole fan business.

They had been there alongside her for a while, that was until it got way to boring for Venam, who in turn made it annoying for everyone else.

The distracting kind, not the making others violent kind.

So Aelita and Star granted Amber some mercy by taking her away.

Thus they waited for half an hour.

Doors opened at their friends arrival. “Phew, that is all” After quite some time, Amber had finally finished. “Never again, next time It’ll just be music and battles, no writing involved”

“Don’t you still have some battles as a Gym leader?” Venam stared at the girl confused, this had been too short to be all she had to do.

The fire specialist did some stretches on her wrists and shoulders while approaching. “I’ve got another half an hour before that begins, enough time to do whatever”

At that was music for Venam’s hears. “Neat, we could get something to drink outside before you do that”

Getting out of the building, that idea was also something Aelita would enjoy. “I wouldn’t mind getting some air”

“There’s a good café nearby and it’s got a nighttime schedule, we could go there” With that the plans were sealed, the two purple haired teens marching towards the exit, expecting their friends to be right behind. “Now, let’s ditch those losers I wanna get some peace and quiet and Venam ain’t that”

Amber grabbed Star by the arm after her proclamation, pointing to the elevator. “the rooftop should do”

…

It didn’t take more than two minutes to arrive at the top.

“You really don’t want to warn them?” They could think they had been kidnapped after all, and it wouldn’t be the first time. “At least that we may take longer to reach them?”

“It’s cool, we’re just spending some time here, not the full break” Her concerns were waved away by the Gym Leader, leaning on the railing of the building while overlooking the city.

Meanwhile Star looked back at the field, remembering this place from his battle with Talon here, it was a really cool arena that his flying types took full advantage off.

 “I never did imagine this life for me y’know?” Her tone had shifted from moments ago, gone was the fire from her voice, leaving a more shy aspect of Amber Star hadn’t seen in some time. “I’d thought I would be stick in Terajuma forever”

“And they’d hate me if I left…kinda stupid now huh?”

“I wouldn’t call it stupid, a bit illogical maybe, but most fear can be like that” Her eyes went away from the battlefield to her friend. “It’s normal”

Amber chuckled to herself. “I don’t think you can tell me anything about normal”  They laughed at that. “Argh, now I’m moping, what would the people think if they saw me like this”

“I wouldn’t be too worried about them” Offered Star with a smile. “I’m sure all your fans are used to the cringe, and it’s not like I care much about that”

She gasped, playfully glaring at the other. “Oh the betrayal, and here I thought you were on my side you bitch” Still, it made her smile to hear her say that. (And here I came with a whole conversation prepared and she just break my plans completely)

Still there were things she wanted to say. “Have I ever told you why I chose the fire type”

At the least Amber could enjoy seeing her being taken aback a bit. (She really isn’t surprised by much) When Star shook her head she hesitated, not sure of what she might think of her after she says this.

But she knows at the very least no judgement would come from her. “It’s because I know how dangerous it can be…how little it’s left behind when the flames engulf everything”

“I’ve seen fire give and take everything from people…from me, and I just wanted to be strong enough to control that fire, that flame, for it to dance and wither around me”

A big breath leaves her mouth, loosening her grip on the railing and turning around to look at Star. “In a way, I’m happy to understand this, how fragile life can be, that even this conversation will be a memory one day…and that everything we know will be gone eventually”

She knew Star was completely focused on her now, this whole talk probably felt unusual coming from her. “What I’m trying to say is that I’m living in the moment and I’m glad you’re here with me right now…it’s thanks to you that things turned out this way”

“From Valor mountain and that stupid whale to now…you’re there for me” It wasn’t all she wanted to tell her, but time was short and there was one thing that mattered more right now. “Remember the letter? It’s not exactly ready yet, so please hold unto it for a bit more, I poured my heart into it and…”

“Amber” She had begun to ramble, trying to justify extending the time she’d need. “Take your time, I’ll wait”

“Of course…right, you get it” Both of them remained silent for a bit, it was clear Amber had something else to say. “That was…really embarrassing to say”

“I liked hearing it though” Of course, she wasn’t about to let her the mortification alone, beside Star was joyous that she could open up to her like this.  “If you want a repeat I’ll always be available”

(When was the last time I afforded a heart to heart like this) These things were scarce experiences in Reborn, connecting with something so personal from anyone there was much more complicated

People didn’t like talking about themselves there, the distrust the state of the region had brought was a tall barrier.

“If you say so” A ping came from Ambers PokeGear the moment she spoke, a notification from her Ms. Darcy. “It’s been half an hour already!! Shit I’m late”

They crossed eyes for a moment, there was no need for an excuse since they were both aware time was limited, so Star nodded in agreement.

Something reached her hears as Amber began to leave though. “If Mosely was here she’d laugh at me, probably tell mom too” the girl had stopped walking, looking up as if lost.

Yet the most concerning things were her words. “Kenneth would be annoyed for sure”

Amber had never met Kenneth, hell, she shouldn’t know that is his name as they had always called him Keta.

…Unless...

It felt familiar, her memory was failing at the moment. (Where have Mosely, Amber and Kenneth met? Wasn’t that in…No) That didn’t matter, as Amber herself appeared confused.

“Wait…Who is Kenneth a-and Mosely?” It felt like a blank in her brain, one they shouldn’t have. “Who…are they?”

W ̵ ̌̋ ͗ ̚ ̣̬̱̠́ ̫ ̠ ͎ ̺̦̯ ͎ o ̷͊͆̐͋͗ ̈ ͒ ̅ ̕ ̛̒ ͓͕ ̧̩̙̻̺̘̝̼ u̴ ͐͒̈́ ͂̋ ͐ ̇ ̀̂̏ ̔͐͗͜ ͅ ̳͙ ̪ ̭ ̱ ͕ l ̶͠ ̑ ͆ ̈ ̈́̈́ ̚ ͆͗ ̝ d ̵ ̃̚ ̓ ̛̏̇ ̎̀ ͂ ̍̔̔̾ ̞̽ ̳ ̥̮ ͔͚ ̷̈́͊͆ ̒ ͌͒ ̃ ̐͌ ̂ ͌̈́͋ ̨́ ͓͇͇ ̘ ̣̙̺ ̖͜ ̟ ͓̗ ̻ y ̶ ̄̈̂ ̎ ̇ ͊̕ ̛ ͗̀͗̐ ̩̱ ̡͕ ̤̘ ̡ ̜ ͕ ̮̟̬ ͎ o ̸ ̊ ͆ ̛̄ ͆ ̏̆ ͙̾͌͠͠ ̧ ͙ ̹ ̫ ̧̰ ͉ u̴̇ ̿͗͗ ̓̋̚ ̿͑̿ ̧̛̺̯̩̚ ͖̗ ̥ ͇ ̨̨ ̫ ̩ ͙ ̨̺ ̵̈́̐̓ ̅ ͗͠ ́ ̎ ̋ ̈́ ̆ ͊ ̋ ̿͛ ̪ ̨̨̣̻̟̪̪ ͔ l ̷ ̏̅ ͌̈́ ̀̀ ̀ ̑ ̈́̓́ ̼ ͈ ̝̘ ͉ ̣ ̗̖ ̯ ͔ ̟̻ ̧̹̦i ̸͌̍̀͛ ̜ ̳ ̤ ͇ ̯̞ k ̶̿ ̙̘ ̢͖͕͕̳͙͜ ̥ e̴ ͐ ͂ ́͋͋ ̛̚ ̀ ͒̐ ̮̈ ̣ ͇ ̯ ̵̈́͊͊̔ ̀ ͋̾̀ ̊͂̂ ́ ͙͖͇͗ ̻ t ̸ ̓ ̛̃ ͗͑ ̂̇ ̎ ̋ ͛̍ ̄ ͙͊̕ o ̵ ̒ ̐͠ ̇̊ ͇̎͆̈́ ̮̟̜̹ ̨̣̹̞̱ ̷ ̤̱̃̒̏ ͍ k ̵ ̈͂ ̓̀ ̋ ͝ ̋ ̗̈́͠ n̴ ͐̓͋ ́ ͆̔͆̔̈́̈́͝ ̟̰ ͎ ̣̤ ͜ o ̵ ̽ ̐ ̧̻̹̌ͅ ͓͈ w̴ ͌͐ ̛̒ ̭̿͜ ̝ ͔̭ ̺̩ ? ̸ ̀ ͗ ̆̇̆ ̈́͐̾̈́͠ ̚ ̔͊ ̟

It felt like static in her brain, names, faces and a place she shouldn’t be aware of rattling her mind.

Until a hand was placed on her shoulder.

The world regained its sense as Amber felt herself returning to herself.

Only for her to slap the hand that brought her back away, to the worried eyes of Star. “Sorry…I-I gotta go” To the elevator she ran, turning her back to someone who just was wanted to help her. “Sorry”

She didn’t look back as the doors close, watching where her friend had stayed in place, not chasing after her.

Doors closed ad all that remained in there was silence a in which Star only had a single thought.

The failed timeline had somehow reached them here.

Time to think about that wasn’t in her hands however as something else could be felt.

(That’s…space and time…) Her eyes danced around, looking, the familiar feeling of both concepts twisting near needed her attention despite how much she’d rather go to Amber.

Her worries for trouble were unfounded however, as a familiar voice came from behind. “You didn’t go after her” It was Crescent, having arrived through some means of teleportation.

“I would have just made it worse sadly” With how she reacted to her touch, there was enough of a hint that she knew to take. “Is it time?”

When he turned around she noted it wasn’t just Crescent, but Melia too.

One looked at her blankly, while the other was pitying her, no, not pity, empathy. “It is” Her blonde friend replied, a blue crystal over a cloth in her hands. “We’ll finish this tonight”

What had been a very peaceful and enjoyable moment turned worrisome was now serious and Star’s mindset was already matching with the situation, as if a switched was flipped.

All due to experience.

“Then let’s go” Melia lay the cloth on the ground, she had made sure this time crystal was sufficient for three people, the trip back was something they’d make form a different one.

She touched it first.

Then Crescent followed.

But Star didn’t, one last concern kept her from it and something that she may have needed to do before.

“Celebi” The chances of the Pokemon to be around were minimal, in fact there was no reason to assume it was that way.

If she had called a common Pokemon that is.

A different distortion was felt around the place, smaller in size but purer from where the named Pokemon came from.

(Now I’ll need to remember to tell Celebi to come back to this point somewhere in the future) the mythical creature approached, smiling when her head was patter by Star, enjoying the touch. “I’m going to need you to go back and mask our movements through time, make sure they aren’t noticeable at all”

It was something she should have done from the start, but the existence of Spacea and Tiempea were obscure and she had no idea how they worked completely so they were left at the back on her mind when she went to Reborn.

Eventually, she forgot about them.

The little Pokemon understood her reasoning, the cutesy appearance was a hiding place for the potent mind of a psychic type after all, leaving as fast as she had arrived.

Always in movement, without rest. “Well, no time to twiddle my thumbs either” With the little precaution set up Star touched the crystal.

---

When she arrived in the other side of the timestream neither Crescent nor Melia were there, the stone rather than anchoring to a single place in time pointed a set number of years back, her time waiting on the future affecting the now.

(The Stormchaser’s base, I guess here is where we’ll be making our way to them) All she could really do right now was wait, Melia had been the one coming up with the plan without telling her more of the finer details.

Which left her somewhat lost when it came to what to do.

She fiddled for a while with the things on her bag, checking if she had stocked up on correctly before a battle, passing over items she’d collected or won one way or another.

A few of the caught her eye momentarily, some Reborn balls she had bought from the club were some of the more impressive stuff, alongside things that should be considered relics and artifacts of old.

Never again she’d let Titania or Amaria hold unto the Titan’s orbs.

Between all of that, lay a singular object, a rock that by all means she should not have kept as it belonged to another.

Ame’s keystone, given to her by Adrienn the day she acquired the mega-z ring, which was lately divided into her glove and headgear.

When she had eventually acquired one of her own, which would be the second one she owned.

Yet she never did return the stone, nor the stylized ring where it was kept.

A low growl echoed in the silence of the night. “It’s fine, I was just checking If I have everything” She had grown past her own guilt over what happened to Ame, she lived and reflected enough to do so.

That didn’t mean she couldn’t look at it without feeling some melancholy.

“Speaking to yourself?” An echoed voice reverberated in her head, a hint of amusement in it.

She deadpanned at the comment. “You know very well that’s not it” it was a murmur, low enough that only someone directly beside her could hear.

There were no responses after that, they must be tired.

Star remained accompanied by the shadows for the remainder of the wait, lights flickered on inside the manor where it was most likely her friends had gone to.

Not sure what they were looking for.

Sure enough, moments later Crescent and Melia exited the building followed by a very tired looking Irvin.

“You’re here too?” The man shouldn’t be so surprised, acting without the Interceptor when they have them on their side would be a waste of manpower.

The pink haired girl simply waved in greeting, wearing a relaxed smile

He asked them to step farther from the building, his hands holding on some form of a pendant.

One that summoned a giant gear like structure.

(Pretty) Was the only thought that peered into Star’s mind when the gate appeared.

“I will ask again, are you really aware of the unfathomable consequences of this?” Irvin was in all his right to be nervous, choosing to challenge the two behind this door would be suicide for most.

“We’re well aware of it, we fail we die and if we do nothing then they would eventually come for us, you included” Crescent was stern with her words, looking at the man seriously. “let us handle it, we’ll be putting an end to this”

Light shone from the middle of the structure, expanding in a perfect radius until a circle of white had been formed.

Space became visible on the other side, stairs of blue and pink patters giving entry into the domain.

The gate had been opened.

“Irvin, we can handle this” Melia stepped up to the massive door, her eyes dead set in the space beyond. “It will all be fine” She crossed the gate without hesitation, ready for what was to come.

The girl was clearly anxious to make this happen, the haste she seemed to be taking it all just punctuated that.

And she wasn’t alone with that sentiment. “Yes, let’s move” Crescent followed immediately, there was little reason for them to waste time, or maybe it had been the fact that both were Stormchasers at some point and just wanted to be done with this.

It wasn’t important this late into it, as they had already gone in, leaving Star and Irvin alone.

As such, there was only one person for the old man to address. “You…just be careful in there” There was a doubt that whatever he said would be listened at this point.

Star was the one more serene of the three he could tell, a Dialga and Palkia lay behind this door, and there lay no fear nor nerves in her behavior.

“don’t worry too much” She tried reassuring him. “I have more than one plan just in case”

That was the last thing she told him, making her way towards the ladders. “good luck” He couldn’t say anything else, but it did make her turn around.

Looking very confident Star took out a Pokeball out of her bag, it had a designs he had never seen. “Of course, we’ll make this work” She chucked it inside and crossed, the umbral was now beyond his view.

From here on out, they were on their own.

“May that be the truth then”

…

It was quite the cosmic interior.

A complete dimension where all around Star’s shone and the magnificence of space was fully in view at all times.

Whether this was all real or just a look for the place didn’t take from how breathtaking it was.

Slowly but surely Star walked the stairs of this magnificent spectacle, at the bottom resided a building, one of a similar aesthetic to the Zeight yet also different.

Inside, waiting for her, was Melia.

Three steps…two steps…one step.

Until she reached the bottom platform.

From there she could now see the full room, a throne room.

In the middle a machine of some kind, looming over them with a seat on each side, empty and colored by the two most prevalent colors here.

It was evident where Spacea and Tiempea spent most of their time.

(Where did Crescent go?) Star couldn’t tell where she had gone to, maybe to another instance of this plane, or maybe she was simply hiding.

Then, everything shifted.

“I hoped it never came to this” Tiempea spoke, the previously empty seats now harboring each an individual, the ones they’d been looking for.

“And now in this place, where we forsook out humanity” Spacea cut in perfectly the moment her sister stopped speaking.

“That we overlook this world, as her Majesty ordered us too”

“Taking our place as Gods of this world”

Only their voices were heard here, in this world outside the world only they resided, the only sound in this void.

Then, they began to speak simultaneously. “Melia, you come here sullying our efforts to maintain this world” They looked at the shard of Arceus, a gaze felt beyond space’s measure. “For disrupting the flow and breaking the rules of time and space you shall be executed”

Melia felt the pressure the two exuded land on her, they were making their presence known and it was stronger than what her normal state could handle.

That meant they were forcing her to activate the Archetype inside her.

Something she was not afraid of doing despite its consequences.

However before Melia could say her piece, the two Gods turned to the other intruder

“While her crimes against our laws are unforgivable” Tiempea lifted her arm, the palm upside while pointing at Star. “yours still have a remedy…you went to an era where our gaze was impeded, time darkened by something”

“Space clouded by might” Star was not the center of their attention. “Your actions escape our knowledge and frustrate our mind as much as those times did” Spacea too lifter hers, each now holding the hand contraire to the other at her. “Even her Majesty found herself perplexed”

“You are most likely aware of the cause such an event, knowing the Interceptor you intervened in it too”

Energy gathered in the middle of the room, an orb of light blue and magenta forming. “Your sins can be pardoned were you to inform us of what lay beyond such a veil, and you leave this foolish endeavor”

The light reformed, what was shapeless took form of a very familiar woman.

Nancy. “Were you to cooperate, we may also return this which you have lost” They were offering to return someone they believed to be dead.

(They don’t know what goes on in the Zeight?) Wasn’t it supposed to be something made by Variya? Why wouldn’t they know of it?

“Were you to refuse, death is your only guarantee”

With that, the avatars of space and time had finished, leaving Star to make her choice.

“You could see there?” Melia muttered incredulous, they were always watching those who they believed mattered and their associates, to simply not see Star there.

(They were blocked from watching huh? Either Celebi is doing a great job or…was Lyn aware of their existence?) Now was not the time for this questions.

“No” Her answer came fast, as there was nothing to change her mind from this course of actions. “I don’t know how long you have planned this little speech thing, or this poor idea of a deal, but you two have to answer for your actions”

“Right” Melia recomposed herself, they’d be able to ask questions once these two were dealt with. “We’ve gone through adversity and turmoil time and time again, yet there is no space in your hearts for even the slightest of help”

A golden aura shone around Melia as her words were heard. “As such, Spacea and Tiempea, for your crimes against humanity”

“You shall be executed!!” It was a proclamation full of conviction, they would not be stopped now.

(I guess they weren’t the only ones to prepare a speech) Still, there was no more need to exchange words, their intentions were stablished.

The two beings stepped up from their thrones, it was visible there was some anger in them, strangely enough more in Spacea than in Tiempea. (Did I forget something?) now she felt as if she had.

Said sister then took the center of the room in a blink, space twisting to land her there most likely by her sister’s hand.

Blue light began to emanate from her.

And in a flash, Dialga stood right in front of them the human façade was lifted completely.

“Star, I’ll keep Spacea off of you, deal with her first” A surge of power also originated from Melia, ready to act.

It did seem that’s what Tiempea wanted too however, and it would be unwise to give her enemy a chance to act in their own plans.

“I’ll do you one better Melia” Exclaimed the trainer, her smile growing at the anticipation.

-ZOOM-

-GRLLGLG-

The sound of gargling and a fast object moving broke the ominous tension created by the moment, the laughs of what sounded like a child resounding.

And a Psychic barrier had  completely encompassed Spacea.

“Sister!” The Dialga turned their head at the cry of her sibling, who found themselves trapped withing a sphere, one with a very distinct creature sitting on top.

“Mew” Melia called the name of The Mythical Pokemon, one who’s existence was barely confirmed.

 And that wasn’t the only new being present, as from the bottom of Star’s shadow a creature emerged with sinister bobbling sounds and two piercing red eyes.

Everything simply darkened in its presence.

A giant dragon made of a black liquid ooze grew larger and larger as it exited the shadow.

The missing member of the creation trio. “Griselda…?” yet what they could only see was the one individual missing from their own lives.

(Griselda?...Oh, The Giratina  on Xen’s side) Although saying it was on their side was a stretch as last time Star saw it was in the Darchlight cavern, helping them with Flora. “Sorry to disappoint you but no, Giratina here doesn’t exactly know you two”

The full might of Giratina in it’s earthly form was here. “Now, Giratina keep Palkia occupied with Melia, bring her down if need be” the command was issued and the dragon moved. “Mew, you make sure they aren’t trampling with spacetime on a grander scale to get rid of us and have some fun while at it”

Her friend had practically paralyzed at the move, seeing how the two Legendary Pokemon listened to her. (This…this is incredible) The battle went from them facing to gods to an actual battle between gods. “We’ll handle her” Nevertheless she still had to make her part.

Star acknowledged that and turned her attention back unto the Dialga a golden glow covering all of her body and replacing her clothing with the Interceptor armor.

Her hair slowly turning bright yellow.

“Now Tiempea, we can begin”

—END—

--Mystic--

Chapter Text

—START—

-3^rd Person POV-

Awe.

Melia couldn’t possibly call what she felt in this moment as anything other than awe.

The space where both Spacea and Tiempea resided had taken a sudden shadowy look, a chilly presence since Giratina made an appearance, their presence completely shifting the air around them.

The legendary dragon had placed itself between her and Spacea, giving her a glance, one full of meaning.

“I shall assist you in battle” Melia swore the beings voice resonated like an echo all around, yet not a sound was ever produced.

This didn’t feel like the Giratina she and Star had encountered on multiple occasions with Geara, it felt raw and imponent not like the much more discrete feeling of dread she got from the other.

Giratina felt much more powerful.

-BOOM-

The pinkish barrier that surrounded the human Palkia broke under the strain of their transformation, a furious sentiment hidden behind her eyes as the Mew who entrapped them floated to her side, giggling.

From the corner of her eye she could see a flash of blue taking place not too far away from them, it would seem like Tiempea wasn’t very fond of this stunt on Star’s part.

Would she retreat on her deal with them for it?

There wasn’t much time for that thought. “YOU ARROGANT CHILDREN!!” Palkia’s voice had been distorted by her transformation, holding much more power than before even to the point her own powers had to somewhat shield her from it.

Everything warping around her, she was distorting space by act of presence, radiating more power to contrast the pressure emanating from the other dragon.

(Pokemon of Space, right) This didn’t leave the realm of power she expected, nor would deter her from taking part in this fight, these two needed to be stopped.

At first she had plans to simply hold Spacea with her light, to restrain the goddess until Star intervened, not sure how an encounter with her would end up.

But now, she had backup stronger than she could ask for, she would be the one to fight. “Come on out Patience!” The Archetype holder released her Snorlax.

The giant was dazed for a moment, shaking himself awake at the call for battle, then he stood up by himself, looking forward, aware that they could not just stay down lazily like they’d prefer when fighting.

Danger was looking right at him and his trainer after all.

“We cannot allow you to continue with this farce Spacea, you forced our hand!” Melia shouted at the now turned Pokemon.

“You don’t get it do you” Spacea looked down at them, their eyes glowing as power accumulated in their mouth “very well, by order of her majesty, die here!!”

Time for talks had ended. “Wrath, Dark Pulse” A clash of power occurred on the other side of the space, much like her, Star was also taking action the dark energy impeding what looked like a Calm Mind.

The moment Star called to action Giratina too took that as an indication to begin, charging themselves to blast Spacea with a Dragon Pulse.

-FYUMM-

The sound was like a laser passing directly by her ear, dragon energy radiated from the duo of Legendaries, releasing it in a clash of power that reminded her of the first time she saw Decimation.

Winds picked up as the beams struggled to advance,  the two beings wouldn’t let themselves lose to the other. “Take this a chance Patience, Body Slam” Melia made sure her order was just heard by the Snorlax.

The surprise factor was enough to get the jump on the goddess, Patience picked up speed by the edges of Spacea’s vision and crashed into her with his full might.

The Palkia had seen them approach, but any shift in concentration would force a loss on the beam struggle, thus she used Protect, receiving both attacks simultaneously.

Receiving 460 kilograms of Pokemon on impact alongside a fully powered dragon move sent her flying backwards, albeit unharmed, the shield that covered them disappearing.

Giratina quickly melted unto the floor, disappearing into the shadow they casted on the world preparing their next attack, a trail of blacking purple moving towards their enemy.

“Follow up with a Blizzard” Cold concentrated in the mouth of the Pokemon, the distance put between the two leaving no leeway for a physical attack.

The Icy chunks and strong wind approached and collided with the flames emanating from the Dragons mouth, steam spreading everywhere as a result.

The Flamethrower ended up winning terrain over time, inching closer towards the Normal type.

“Disengage and block with Hammer Arm” While a good idea in concept the Snorlax was not fast enough to keep up with the flames, the heat slowly  charring the stomach of Patience.

Still, the Pokemon was holding on, forcing the move called as to generate enough pressure to counteract the flames with a strong impact on the ground.

She could see the hurt on patience’s expression, but they were holding on, his natural defenses being high enough to tank the move.

The attack came to a halt no much later, something hurt the Palkia enough to cut the fire stream coming from them and allowing for some breathing room.

It gave Melia a chance.

(Mega evolution won’t help here, Patience loses too much speed with that) Her Mega Snorlax was more useful in a normal Pokemon battle, she needed something else. “Charge with Supercell Slam now” Electricity born from the Type Energy empowered Snorlax back into fighting shape.

They ran fast for one of their species, closing the gap created beforehand and jumping high into the air, sparks accumulating under Patience once the descent began.

In contrast madness reflected unto Palkia’s eyes, their red intensifying while she exuded more power, draconic TE surrounding their whole body.

With both arms ready they lunged, forward, a scream of rage strengthening even further the attack.

Outrage hitting the electric slam and keeping the Snorlax up in the air by virtue of strength.

With a lot of effort Patience was then crushed against the ground, Spacea pummeling him with stronger and stronger hits accompanied by screams and growls.

Leaving no time for him to rest.

Melia didn’t think twice before retrieving her Pokemon, using her powers to erect a barrier between the two and while Patience was not completely out of it, the pain he probably felt was enough of a reason for her to not take more chances.

It had reached the point where parts of his body had gone beat red and blood came out of his mouth.

“You did well Patience” Clipping the ball on her bell she chose her next partner. “Diligence, be prepared” The shiny Mimikyu appeared on the platform, only to be immediately approached by the full force of a rampaging dragon.

“Shadow sneak, get behind” In a similar fashion to the other ghost the little one was consumed by the shadows, avoiding narrowly any damage and popping back out as they passed, using their claws to do damage.

Still enraged Spacea twisted her giant body, arm fully extended and with her claws emanating ghost typed energy, ready to hit back without losing much momentum. “You can’t escape with petty tricks”

“Take the hit and step up with a Sword Dance” The rotation allowed for a clean swipe at the little fairy, pieces of cloth flying through the air,

Yet no damage was done, instead Diligence boasted an increased strength, moving closer to the dragon.

With a jump they had breached Palkia’s close quarters. “Retaliate with Play Rough now!!” The first hit went to her head, stopping the flames accumulating in it from becoming the next attack while dealing heavy damage.

Then the second hit went for the left arm.

Then the torso.

Constant hits continued to damage and crack Spacea’s scales, the confusion provided by the end of the rage allowing for more than two hits to succeed in breaching her defense up until she snapped out of it.

As the Space Dragon it wasn’t much of a problem for her to escape once the confusion wore off and she had a moment of clarity, bending the fabric of reality as to make ‘here’ ‘there’ and vice versa.

It was an almost instant move, a form of teletransportation without being the actual move.

“Use Double Team and continue the offensive” Yet she was still somewhat disoriented and not too far, allowing for another attempt at closing in.

Ten move Mimikyus appeared when the Pokemon blurred itself, moving from side to side as they advanced and leaving a copy of themselves along their path.

Said copies began to move as well, Fairy energy accumulating in their tendrils similarly to the original.

Spacea snapped out of her confusion sooner than she would have liked, her thoughts still somewhat muddied yet with an awareness sufficient to notice the attack.

“Fool” The tone of her voice was soft while carrying an air of finality, some idea had gotten to her which she believed would end it all.

The floor cracked when Spacea lunged with all of her strength forward, white enveloping her figure with the exponential increase in speed.

“Carefully, dodge and counter” Melia was missing something, using a normal type attack would yield no result against a ghost type.

Giga Impact passed through Mimikyu, the Pokemon wasn’t the objective so using a move they were immune against didn’t matter.

Spacea was coming after Melia herself, approaching faster and faster.

Her glowing golden eyes widened rapidly, surprised at the change of tactic while scrambling to protect herself. (Oh no!!)

With all of the power she had time to muster a barrier, stronger than most defensive moves she’d see, ready to intercept the stampede of a god.

Yet it never did reach her.

The salvation came in the form of darkness enveloping the Space Dragon in an all-out hit from Phantom Force from underneath, one that came from the front and under, using the momentum Palkia had built up against her.

Then she was constricted, grabbed by the body of the serpent like form of darkness, leaving Spacea on the claws of Giratina.

Said dragon was being ruthless, having waited for the moment they could sink their dagger like shadows unto the other Pokemon.

Weakened from the impact and the previous attacks Spacea was left with no strength to retaliate immediately.

“Argh, STOP!!” Darkness gripped at Palkia as their pained cries spread, energy claws etching themselves unto her scales and flesh, Spacea’s scream was laced on pain and power, the dimension shifting around her the more she struggled.

She would force herself out even if she was obligated to use more power than she had ever intended.

Melia’s senses understood before her brain, the Archetype reacting to the sudden shift in the air. “Cover yourself with Protection!!” something was coming and Diligence would be completely vulnerable to it had she not reacted in time.

Sparks of pink accumulated in the gem of her arm, sudden glows of light emerging from it that expanded.

And expanded.

…And expanded…

Until everything was consumed.

“Stick to Melia Giratina!!” Her friend shouted from across the room, seeing the incoming surge of energy as something different from a move.

(Was she watching the whole time?) The blonde couldn’t help but wonder, it wouldn’t be out of place for Star to worry more about her than any pain of he own.

It looked like she wasn’t exactly focusing on her battle, rather keeping an eye on her.

Melia would feel grateful and somewhat annoyed at the worry, but there was no time for that as she was consumed by whatever the Palkia had done, modifying the barrier previously created to encapsulate herself.

She would have extended it to Diligence, but there was no way it would reach in time.

Melia felt herself twisting, her body straining itself under some form of folding as the energy once emanating from Palkia returned in a loop.

In and out all around.

They were being moved through space, displaced to another location unknown to Melia, intending to separate her and Star.

What was a void of stars and nothingness soon coming to be a familiar sight for Melia, a place she remembers very well.

The cavern with a broken bridge that separates Shedian and route two.

Amethyst cave, the place where she met the two for the first time.

Behind her was the broken part. “Urgh” Her insides were twisted, a nausea lingering in her mind.

Unlike a normal teleportation this felt like she was ripped from wherever she was, forced out of the space she had been occupying.

And this was while she still held her shield around herself, had she not her situation would have been the same as Diligence’s.

Who laid unconscious on the ground, the cloth going from ragged to completely destroyed by the move and only scraps remaining.

Even then the Mimikyu did their best to end up covered as to not kill Melia on accident if she saw them.

(Diligence?!) Panic crept in the moment she had visual on her Pokemon, his condition was bad, but she had no idea to which extent. “Serenity quickly Heal Pulse”

Her Meganium was ready the moment she felt her ball being unclipped, salvaging what she could of her comrade who survived despite the unwanted spatial attack having a disastrous effect on them.

Serenity wouldn’t be able to bring them back to fight another round, but this would make sure they weren’t at risk of permanent injury to Diligence’s form.

In the little breathing room they had a beam came at them from afar to interrupt, Spacea would not allow them to rest any moment.

“Light Screen” They had been ready for it and managed to block the attack with that barrier.

Spacea was standing on the side with a still functioning bridge, the ladder of exit near them, their presence had changed significantly.

And it was only when Melia lifter her gaze from her Pokemon that she noted Spacea’s form was different, before they were bipedal but now they were a quadruped while missing her arms, in fact, they now had a similar appearance to that of Arceus. “To think I’d have to use my Origin…the Interceptor was much more cunning than expected”

“Hm? What are you talking about?!” Why would she bring up Star now? She had been the one fighting with her the whole time.

“You didn’t notice, you poor fool” A soft but painful laughter came from the transformed woman. “That cursed Mew poisoned and cursed me before the battle even begun, I’ve been holding those alignments up until now”

It explained why the dragon was seemingly taking damage out of nowhere and why they stopped their moves sometimes.

“But at last your luck has run dry as I have rid myself of them when I shifted” She found Melia’s face of surprise delightful, thinking that she was now on top of the situation. “The only reason any of your attacks have worked this far is gone now”

Various emotions bubbled in her, indignation seemingly the most prominent. “Whatever you mean? Because I remember Diligence pummeling your face”

Spacea noticed how her words had affected Melia. “Can you call an opportunity even a child could take as your own skill when someone else practically gave it to you?” Maybe the key to finishing this revolt was defeat through words rather than battle. “As I’ve watched you all along your journey I cannot help but feel disappointed at your part in it all”

“Every important battle, problem or even in more minor things, isn’t it always handled by the Interceptor? When have you contributed more than defeating a few grunts and letting her take all of the hardship?”

The distortion on her voice had vanished, the woman’s tone softening while trying to sound pitiful at her enemy.

Melia remained unresponsive at her provocations, yet her gaze wasn’t exactly finding Spacea’s.

“Weren’t you also trying to have her deal with me after striking that deal with my sister?” Those words surprised Melia, their plan was known before they even tried it. “Truly, your arrogance knows no bound, to think you would be capable of fooling me”

“Even in Blackthorn castle, I am sure they would have found a solution eventually without your help”

“Admit it, all you contribute is being a target for Star to protect…and when you try to help on your own accord…well, we all saw the result on Valor mount”

(…) No words came from the blonde girl. (How cruel, throwing my own words to me) These words hadn’t come out of nowhere, Melia was sure that with all of the monitoring she and her sister did, they most likely had heard this before.

Melia had hoped that the words she exchanged with Venam that day, where she vented her insecurities and troubles to her would have stayed withing the two of them.

Kinda naïve considering the goddesses of space and time were always watching.

“Can’t find anything to say girl? Maybe you should give up this fool’s errand” She shook her head with confidence. “Maybe if your friend had followed your original idea I might have been open to test her and see if she could handle what’s to come”

“I suppose you two weren’t capable of it”

Finally the silence Melia held broke, unwilling to bend a knee to Spacea’s gloating and provocations. “Well, should we test that theory?” There was anger in her voice, yet it was controlled. “I know we depend on Star quite a lot and I appreciate her help more than you can imagine, but I think I am capable enough to be taking you down here and now”

It was true that in some sense her friends and her depended on the Interceptor, they were always jumping head first into trouble for others, had done frankly stupid things that just…worked somehow.

Always so far ahead of them even when it appeared they had improved.

She locked her eyes with Spacea. “Don’t mistake my trust in my friend for weakness, because I will beat you”

“You cannot defeat me Melia, my power go beyond your mortal capabilities” Spacea spoke with the certainty behind her all of the edge she’d removed from her voice returning with more strength, affirming that she would not be bested in any capacity. “And you don’t even understand a fraction of your own”

Each word was meant to belittle her, to make her feel powerless and demotivated, and I another time, maybe it would have done something to demerit her drive.

But not this time.

“…I don’t know…I am aware of a gods falling to a mortal before, so why shouldn’t I be able to do the same” This was not the time to doubt but to take action for herself. (I can’t stay behind, not now nor in the future so I will use each opportunity I have to close that gap between us) Her spirit wouldn’t waver. “Let’s do this Serenity!!”

“Let us bring down this god!!” the Meganium ‘roared’ alongside her trainer her determination lining up with hers.

“Allow yourself to die with your worthless ideas then!”

The ground cracked under her foot, the earth and cave shaking violently when the hooves of Spacea hit the ground hard.

Then the ceiling began to make noise, dust and small rocks falling from above, the Earthquake was about to bring the place down completely.

“Frenzy Plant, keep this place from falling apart” Melia barked her orders instantly, seeing the whole place beginning to come down. “Are you trying to kill everyone above?!”

Trainers, explorers, and other kinds of people frequented the Amethyst cave, either as a passage or to train, even if it was relatively late there was a good possibility of people still being up there.

It would also cause a major incident in the region if one of the mountains were to fall apart from nowhere.

Thus the choice to use the giant roots from the ‘Strongest’ grass move to secure the whole structure of the cave seemed like a much better idea than any attack.

So, plants grew under a beautiful green glow in the safeguard of those above.

“Their lives are small in the pursuit of the future” It was chilling to hear it from her, and at the same time wasn’t unexpected to hear. “It’s a worthwhile sacrifice to rid ourselves of a troublemaker such as you”

With a flick of her head she released a Fire Blast from her mouth, not entertaining any more conversation.

“Use the roots, block and immobilize her” several of the giant plants intercepted the huge fire star. “Go from all possible sides, stabbing and slamming”

Many more of said roots moved to the will of Meganium, from both above and  the sides as ordered, they were slow but powerful.

The front coming vines began to shatter, draconic force of great might began to tear open the dimension under the command and movement of Spacea’s back scales, their ring glowing pink.

Spacial Rend created many slashed that simply demolished the incoming roots, halting the move while from the back hooves of the dragon an impact was made, creating a Stone Edge strong enough to stop the one’s coming from the side.

Had they come with blunt force, that might have worked.

Plants pierced through the rocks like a drill, spinning in themselves and twisting, bypassing the defense and entangling Palkia by its torso and squeezing.

Once in place the green dimmed until the roots looked like proper plants.

“Take some time to recover Serenity” The drawback of such a powerful move wouldn’t be easily recovered from, but with Spacea bound, there was no better time  to switch and give her grass type a breather.

She could still call her later on if needed.

With practiced movements Melia grabbed a different Pokeball as she clipped the other at the same time. “Hapi, Moonblast immediately”

The golden feathers of the just released shiny Togekiss buzzed with excitement the moment they were released, flying into the upper zone of the cave and charging themselves.

Fire met the ball of moonlight as it launched, another Fire Blast sent out by Spacea, much faster than the previous one, just as she saw the moment Hapi took into the sky.

The Fairy circled all around the cave, attacking from a range each time Melia called for it, fighting move, fairy moves, electric moves, all of it.

All which were difficult to stop for Palkia due to the limiting movement, of which she couldn’t rid herself due to the constant onslaught.

Thus the stalemate warranted a change.

“Let’s limit her movement with Thunder Wave but throw some Gilded Arrows around” that way they could guarantee either would hit the target.

Static arched around the Fae’s wings.

Spacea looked on dread setting in. (I already shifted form to avoid status alignment if I’m paralyzed here…) In an attempt to escape she thrashed. (…It would actually give her a chance…)

Stopping the thunder wave would take priority, that or escaping.

The plants kept her from going out of the way however, limiting her movement to nothing more than a few shakes.

Burning the root down would take too much time.

Her powers over space were the only feasible escape right now.

It felt like a repeat of a few minutes ago, her gems glowing pink and illuminating most of the cavern, the aura surrounding her pulling power from herself and making her disappear.

“{You’re not going anywhere}” An echo distracted Spacea from her escape, the feeling of something grabbing her legs more so than the voice.

Darkness broke through reality to reach the cave, tendrils of darkness latching and dragging the Space dragon into a great pond of black, two red dots staring from it.

Giratina had finally found them.

Having traveled through many of the different planes they could have been brough to until ultimately finding the two.

Electricity hit Palkia, spasms began spreading from head to hooves as some of her muscles didn’t respond.

From the other side arrow like energy constructs etched themselves on her flesh, exploding on contact.

Hapi had finished and successfully reached her with both attacks.

From then on Spacea was bombarded by draconic and fae moves indistinctively, each and every one damaging her in some significant manner.

Escaping was a forgone idea, and defeat became inevitable.

Soon, the red chain had entrapped her completely.

Spacea had lost.

---

Tiempea had one of four legs on the ground, her body covered in wounds.

The light blue aura around herself diming after each passing moment, exhausted from the encounter with Star, the Sylveon standing in front of her being retrieved after fainting.

Even then said person was only looking worriedly at where Spacea and Melia were. (She should be able to handle her…but I’m kinda worried) Leaving her alone to fight Spacea rubbed her the wrong way, at least she would have liked to be there if anything happened.

She’d trust her friend to handle the mean pink lady, not like she could do anything, beside she had her own troubles.

A Hyperbeam approached her person,  ready to reduce her to atoms.

Of course there was no chance of it reaching her, a pink barrier stood in its way, shielding her from any damage with Mew giggling as she appeared and disappeared from view, still watching.

(She’s taunted her? Low blow Mew) That Pokemon was one she’d never understand. “Enough with this game Tiempea, you lost t-”

-BTZZZ-

Star took a step forward, a hand over Wrath’s pokeball as she readied herself to begin the battle.

With Giratina helping Melia she was confident in taking Tiempea down and free themselves from their…watch.

Wrath was unconscious…no, it wasn’t only him.

She looked around frantically at what looked like the result of battles, yet without remembering ever fighting one then her gaze went to her pokeballs, some indicating the contents were fainted.

(This is strange…when?) In front of her was a transformed Tiempea, completely free of damage as one would expect for someone who hadn’t done so yet. (She’s tired…?)

When had she lost them and why couldn’t she remember?

The answer light up like a bulb in her head, of course, how could she not see it, this should have been the first thing to come to mind.

“Prepare Interceptor, for there is no future for you!!” Shouted Tiempea, power flaring around herself…but not as strongly as it should have been.

“How many time have you said that already?” Her question sounded nonchalantly yet a layer of anger was hiding underneath. “Which attempt is this one? The second maybe? The third? Or are we at the fourth already?”

Any joyfulness she had when their battle began was gone, and if Star was right, then the Legend in front of her wasn’t the only one who used her domain on her adversary.

If that was the case she was glad Spacea took Melia somewhere else entirely, It’d save her the trouble of worrying about any collateral damage.

“What are you saying?” Her voice was tired, raged breaths between each couple of words.

“I can tell more or less you know? That you have been rewinding time” It had been happening for a while, and it wasn’t exactly subtle either, with Wrath, Glass, Sylph and Fluffy suddenly lost all of their strength out of nowhere and her mind didn’t seem to know why.

When she thought the battle hadn’t even begun.

It was safe to assume Tiempea had also attempted to recover through that while weakening her slowly.

Maybe Star had let it pass in the other attempts, but half of her team was down already, and was at risk.

She was confident in her partners, yet with each attempt done and forgotten her Pokemons would slowly become too exhausted to continue.

She still had her Reborn team sure, but she still wanted her Aevian team to handle this, the experience of a battle like this was invaluable.

“You can’t seem to rewind everything though or is it on purpose… are you aiming only at yourself and me?” That would be the most logical thing, after all, there were damages all over the area, adding that with what she already knows and the disturbances she was able to notice.

Only her and Tiempea were affected by her manipulation and star couldn’t tell if it was intentional or not.

(No, She’s leaving my Pokemon out of it intentionally and targeting me to hinder the progression of the battle, Tiempea is aware of how she’s doing it) This was becoming quite a tricky problem, as she was not losing due to a lack of strength on her Pokemon side. (I should try to knock her out fast and not let her do it again)

“How…you shouldn’t be able to notice it” Interfering with Fate and messing with time weren’t exactly hand and hand in this particular moment, and never in her observations had she noticed Star having time manipulation resistance.

“And I didn’t, but this isn’t my first dance with time, you know?” What worried Star was how it did affect her mind, normally she was protected by the…the amulet. (Huh, should have thought of that)

“With the Pokemon of time in front of me and my team debilitated by some unknown reason I didn’t remember all I could do was speculate you might have reverse time for you and me” Star pulled out of her bag the blue amulet. “Thanks to this most likely right?”

It was made by the one she was fighting right now and most likely facilitated the influence of her powers over her.

“It saved my ass more than once…but I have a better way to keep myself safe these days so I hope you don’t mind if I…” The trinket was crushed by her gauntlet, the gloves made of the Interceptor power were enough to shatter it.

Still, there was some gratitude in her eyes for that thing, her words hadn’t been a lie when mentioning its usefulness. “Now…should we continue?”

If she was honest, there was no certainty that it was the amulet that let Tiempea control her time easily, it could simply be the full might of her domain.

But it was possible it did help her with that, and with Mew protecting her along eight more Pokemon on hand she didn’t think the goddess would be willing to give up on any influence she could get over her.

And besides, her own Dialga might be able to fix the thing if she asked them too…and apologized for the decade of absence.

(Mew was really pissed at me for missing so many ‘playtimes’) with a swift movement of her hand Star retrieved another Pokeball from her belt, releasing Lull out unto the battle field.

The ghost became alert the moment they were released, looking back at her for any command. “Lull, Nasty Plot for me, Tiempea and I still have some words to exchange”

Tiempea didn’t take her setting up like this well. “There is nothing for me to hear Interceptor, after you broke our agreement” Her posture became sharper, putting aside the apparent tiredness for another round against her.

“Agreement? What agreement?” Her mind could only draw blanks when thinking about it. (Is she trying to trick me?)

Her words only angered the woman. “DO NOT play fool, I had agreed to aid you in subduing both of us for the chance to see this world flourish yet you arrive her with the idea of killing us both through that wretched copy of ‘her’ ” the back scale of the Time Pokemon shone in silver.

A beam shot out of it not long after. “If you cannot keep that accord, how could I trust you the world!!”

The Flash Cannon was aimed at Lull, whose dark aura had considerably increased over the course of this little interaction. “Shadow Ball” Using both of his hands the Ghost created two spectral spheres, combining them, and launching them at the incoming attack. “Shadow Sneak behind”

The ghost move collided and began to gain terrain on the beam and forcing the opponent to stop and dodge, ducking her massive body and letting the attack pass by.

A quick shadow sneaked underneath slithering under the dragon to an advantageous position with haste.

“Bitter Malice now!!” Lull jumped out of the shadow, tendrils of darkness rising alongside in a rotation. “And offer a Burning Jealousy combined with it”

His eyes glowed red, willing the flames envy along the shadows of resentment to move alarmingly fast, going from the Pokemon to their target in moments.

Dialga’s back scales changed from silver to dark blue in response, changing from steel typing to dragon as they detached themselves like a bullet, and meeting the attack halfway.

While some tendrils and flames were stopped, most had broken through, latching unto, and burning  or freezing Dialga’s body and spirit, doing significant damages while causing pain.

This would only lead to her increasing the number of scales in exchange for power in them, while also forcing her tail to glow blue, and using that to defend herself.

“Change of plans, U-Turn into them while using Flamethrower, burn your way to them” It took a moment for Lull to stop her previous move, their maws lighting up slowly in fire.

And that gave Tiempea a second.

A good second she used to twist her head to look behind, a much more potent power accumulating and festering in her mouth.

Star had seen that move before, it was too characteristic.

Lull wasn’t ready. “Protec-”

-ROAR-

It was an explosive sound, one that forced reality into a halt while simultaneously accelerating it.

Time was strained under it’s might and all standing in the way of the blast were crushed.

Lull was included in that.

(Roar of Time…getting desperate are we?) Hisuian Zoroark was retrieved fast, the consequences of the time based move would be horrid for most Pokemon.

They had been missing half of an arm and torso, their face looking like a melted marshmallow.

It was a mistake on her part to forget the possibility of such a crucial move (I should have been more careful) That and she had been giving orders the whole time that her Zoroark just couldn’t keep up well with all of them.

Luckily Lull is a ghost type that leans on spirit rather than a physical manifestation, so as long as they were given time, they would recover.

And while she could berate herself for that all she wanted and let the slow burning flames of anger take her, Tiempea was slowed down right now. “Honey” So her starter should be the one to take advantage of that.

The dragon staggered in their feet, her vision blurred by the fatigue she felt from modifying time, as far as from her true strength she was, rewinding felt dreadful.

Taking too much stamina, leaving her defenseless.

The rest of Star’s team had made most of the job, Honey simply needed to finish it. “Power Up Punch, to the face, then Brick Break we want it to be an instant KO” In a display of speed superior to the others the Fire type blurred out of view.

Fist erupted in a golden light, reinforcing themselves as Honey pushed with reckless abandon towards Tiempea’s face, reeling both fists back.

The first hit was completely free fracturing the side scales of Tiempea’s face as well as fortifying the Infernape’s muscles after impact.

The angle of the first hit was from the side while the second hit Tiempea from above, smashing the whole creature to the ground through the head.

No more thoughts present in the Dialga’s head, consciousness vanishing as she glanced one last time at the interceptor.

Tiempea had lost.

—END—

--Mystic--

Chapter Text

—START—

-3^rd Person POV-

Leaving the dimension was trivial.

Unlike most other times when she just became some form of energy, went missing for a while and appeared later, returning was nothing more than taking the time gate once more.

The place didn’t collapse either, although it may not need their deities in order to function. (There’s still something to do) Approaching the fallen Pokemon Star pondered how to handle the situation.

Without Melia by her side chaining Tiempea was a complicated affair, with no red chain directly in her possession Mew and Star had to resort to more brute forcing methods than the intended, which included a combination of Hypnosis, Sleep Powder, and Gravity, all to make her stay down the longest time possible.

“Ok, how do we chain a legend without a red chain” That had been the initial plan but that needed her friend here to be possible or so she thought as a giggle and bright light distracted her.

The mythical Pokemon had transformed in all three lake guardians in quick succession, showing off exactly how to resolve this. “You didn’t need to laugh at me”

Creating their own red chain from the parts of a transformed Mew didn’t take long after that, a prayer and a series of steps and the artifact was in her hands, glowing and ready for use.

It floated towards the dragon, reverting her transformation, and leaving her to float in the confines of space-time, trapped forever.

With Tiempea contained Star returned Mew to their Pokeball, marching towards the exit of the gate, leaving the Legendary behind in that void.

A little doubt settled in Star’s chest during the trek towards the gate, there was no trace of Melia around, Spacea had taken her outside to who knows where and hadn’t returned.

This had a good chance of meaning the blonde’s victory over the dragon, there was no way for her to quickly return here if she did and there was no doubt Spacea would leave her sister hanging with her if she’d won.

She was worried even with all of that, at the end of the day those were just possibilities, speculation, still there was no reason to panic, Giratina stood by her side and the girl was no pushover, they’d return to the league soon enough so she let the feeling dissipate.

Her mind took another route now that she wasn’t worrying over that.

(That fight took a lot out of my Pokemon…I suppose there’s still a long while until they reach the other’s level) Exhaustion was what won them the battle in the end, modifying time with the interceptor around was tiring and complex due to her unique presence, doing so while fighting was draining.

Had she just decided to heal instead of time reversal the Dialga might have had a better shot at it, not that Star believed her team would lose, but they’d definitively would be much more battered.

“You’re back” Her musings were interrupted when the door of the side building of the Storm Chasers mansion opened, Irvin had come out of the building, looking perplexed. “Melia isn’t with you…did something happen to her? Did you win?”

Before he could begin to speculate and panic Star raised her hand, silencing him instantly. “Tiempea is neutralized and I imagine Spacea will be soon enough” Wasting time explaining everything to him would amount to nothing, a quick answer was all Star would give him before taking out various pokeball from her bag. “Melia was separated but she should be alright”

Star hoped so.

His face seemed to relax the moment he heard her, shoulders sagging with relief. “That’s good then” Yet it wasn’t, a worry clearly plaguing him now that the sisters weren’t watching over everyone and enring general survival.

As she clipped the balls to her belt she spoke. “It is, now we got a chance to get a future” With now her Reborn team ready for battle there was only one last member for her to grab. “I’m leaving there are things to be done”

They spared one last look at the other before Irvin turned back towards the house. “Of course, good luck with that”

Opening the Pokeball in her hand revealed Latias, happy to be released and smiling at her, her head touching her shoulder affectionately.  “Come on girl, we need to return to the present”

{Of course!!} Responded the dragon through emotion, allowing Star to mount her, blasting of to where she pointed.

---

A man with spiky hair and reflective glasses entered a large lounge area, a bar and arcades with a central table with couches all around.

It was the Executive’s designated meeting place, although only two of them were currently in the room, Kieran himself wouldn’t be considered one of them due to his more ‘independent’ actions.

Beside, Clear was the only real partner he had and all he needed to fulfill their mission. (Puppets are still useful however) Being on the winning side was also a plus and this team would be it for as long as Madame X was on it.

“Yo peeps, got a report on our favorite problem!” If their eyes weren’t on him before they were now, his loud exterior and who he brought info of  grabbed their focus.

Nastasia looked up from her computer from the first time in a while, her glassed hiding anything her eyes might give away. “A Star report? This means she did something significant” Useless chatter wasn’t appreciated by the boss, reporting things had to be about important things.

And by the way his own smile stretched, not exactly in confidence, both her and Neved could deduce how much of a ‘good news’ this was. “You better believe it, cause it’ll be almost impossible to track her from now on” He let out a laugh without humor, as much as he wanted to appreciate their faces, this news were almost as bad for him. “The same can be said for her closest friends too”

There was no more humor in his voice.

The other man in the room raised an eyebrow at his confession. “Why? We know not of your methods of intel gathering” Without knowing that, there was no way for them to know how to stop them.

“You don’t worry bout it, just…there isn’t any way for me to keep track of them anymore without being around, something is protecting them” Snooping glances through windows in time at their actions had turned dark completely, and the girl just seemed much more aware of things around her these days.

“Hmmm, that will present a problem with Madame X” Failure was not looked favorably by that woman and losing information on one of their most problematic enemies would surely be thought of it as such.

With a huff Kienan turn around, walking out now that his message was delivered. “If she figures out how to fix it I’m game” The hoverboard was heard through the door when it closed, the futuristic looking guy was gone.

A tense moment of silence lingered. “I thought there was something different about her in recent news” refocusing on her laptop, the purple haired woman pulls up a recent news article about a Latias seen flying in the region recently. “I couldn’t tell much”

Then, other photos passed, hacked directly from the news database containing other angles of the sighting. “It is clear to us that her strength has increased in recent times correct” Nastasia nodded, pulling up something else.

Recent battling records in the league showed a big halt in her career, not one registered in the past days, something that could indicate a secret training.

Lastly, an image of her, taken from one of her fan club in Grand Dream city was shown. “…” Both adults could tell there had been a significant change. “She’s grown quite a bit”

“This is going to be a problem, isn’t it?”

A frustrated sigh was what he got. “I’ll see what I can get from Ren”

---

2 missed calls.

4 missed calls.

Walking the streets of Grand Dream city was the interceptor, the crystal had landed her back in Alexandra’s home when no one was around, swiftly Star walked outside before riding on Latias, arriving where she currently was.

Of course she passed by the Hospital of Hope in a faraway district beforehand, leaving her partners in for what was most likely a night of rest due to their injuries, there wasn’t more battling planned for now and unexpected challenges would be handled easily.

Her eyes darted back to the screen as she took a turn, dodging the people walking opposite to her while inspecting the call history, blending in amongst the crowd.

(Melia called! She’s alright then) Her device had spurred alive the moment she returned to the present, back online and finally receiving every attempt at communication they’d tried.

The second call had come from Crescent, most likely trying to see if she’d come back. (Actually, where did she go afterwards?) Thoughts for another day, something else required her attention.

She entered the night market and walked down to one of the side streets, her objective was to go down. Taking the PokeGear Star opened her bag, switching it with something else from inside.

A second PokeGear was now in her hands, a far older model than the one she’d been using up until now, a model kept turned off from the moment of her return to Aevium. (Shelly, Heather, Anna…and Fern?!) Of all people who’d try to get into contact with her he was not one she’d expect to be that high up.

Date of call showed how recent they’d been, as expected heather’s and Shelly’s had come short of hours after she retrieved her team from the ranch, Anna’s was a recent one too showing earlier today when she took the two Legends with her.

Fern’s call…the PokeGear rang the moment  this device was turned on.

Fern: I saw the thing go online. Arceus help you if you don’t answer Star

The message he left her was just like him too, after reading it she made sure to deactivate the feature that showed everyone she’d been in, Ignoring the attempt at communicating.

Once that was done and Star was firmly in the elevator to the underground of the city she began to look through the files on the machine, old notes taken when traveling through the other region to help her keep track of important things.

A practice she only began to implement the moment she noticed the small gaps in her knowledge. (I should probably look into Bladestar now that I’m close) Turns out, there wasn’t much she knew of the organization other than their leaders and explosive tendencies.

It took a minute to get to the underground, enough to gather what she knew of the group before the dirty road and walls of the buildings and the trapped smell welcomed her. (Definitively didn’t miss this place) Some of the people she did miss however.

The doors of the Pokemon center opened before her, the empty reception was the same as every other time she’d been here save for one person, well two now. “Patricia, good to see you” Offered Star with a smile.

Her voice got the attention of said two people, who’d been holding a conversation up until now.

“Look who decided to come here” The nurse spun around, looking directly at her, frowning. “A warning beforehand would have been nice you know? Not just drop him on me all of a sudden” Irritation clear on her tone while pointing to Elias with her thumb.

“My Lord” Elias Greeted her with a shallow vow.

Closing the distance between all of them Star sat on the counter, a little to the side of where Patricia was. “Sorry about that, it may have been a hasty decision to send him here, but I needed someone with the eyes on Bladestar and a place for him to hide”

There was no change in her expression. “And you sent him here? Why not their base down by the Darchlight forest? No one would look for him there” Star couldn’t hide the hint of surprise she got when her friend said that.

“They probably could, I didn’t want to take that risk” Then the Interceptor realized the first thing that she said. “I didn’t know you were aware of that?”

Sighing, Patricia pulled out a can from under the counter and began to drink, what looked like, a soda. “People talk down here, especially with their base being so close by, I’ve caught them more than once saying what they shouldn’t”

“Makes sense” Star accepted that without much of a problem. “I asked El to come specifically here more because there’s something big coming to the city soon, so big that keeping the parts of Bladestar around under control would be for the best if I want to evacuate everyone” She lifted a finger after that. “I also needed an excuse to not return where I’m staying for a while”

A warning like that made the nurse do a double take. “Evacuate? Star what the hell is going to happen?!” Patricia’s breathing had increased, trembling slightly at the warning.

Star groaned when she asked ,pinching her nose, at having altered her friend. Maybe she should have started from the problem to come.

“Team Xen is planning something incredibly dangerous” There was anger in her tone, Xenpurgis was an aberration she’d stop no matter what. “I’m trying to do a mass evacuation just in case we failed to stop it”

“Fuck” Eloquently responded the nurse. “When is it happening?” Her eyes focused on Star taking her warning completely seriously.

“Not long from now, The Thirty first” Another moment passed in silence, the can in Patricia’s hands crumpling. “I’m mostly warning you and Peony this way to get out of the city”

“Do remember that this is in case we fail, a doubtful outcome” Elias interrupted on the conversation for the first time. “We have enough strength to back us up, there is little need for panic”

Just as she the nerves slipped from the woman’s face Star added. “Still, pack to leave the thirtieth just in case” Offering her a small smile. “Hope for the best and prepare for the worst”

“Awesome way to make someone feel better” The deadpan she received was nice.

“Your welcome” The clock in the wall ticked two in the morning, Star considered simply going back to Sahila and sleeping the rest of the night but decided against it. “Anyways, I came to pick up my priest for now, although don’t be weirded out if you see him around sometime”

“Sure, take care of yourself kid” A hand placed itself on her shoulder the moment she came down from the counter. “And please do stop whatever is coming, I need this job” With that Patricia walked them to the doors, she’d be closing down soon enough. “Goodbye to you too Elias, keep an eye on her and come by another day, I’m sure I’ll have another movie you will enjoy”

The two shared a handshake, a gesture the priest didn’t use much. “It is but my duty to look out for her, there is no reason to doubt that I will” He let go, mimicking Star’s motion of grabbing a Pokeball. “And yes, it would be delightful to return”

“Sounds like you enjoyed yourself, both of you” Surprisingly they had liked each other.

Their answer also spoke positively on that. “He’s good company, politer than anyone else here/Lady Patricias was a marvelous host, very helpful with my adaptation to my ‘gaps’ in knowledge”

Doors closed behind them and the lights of the Pokemon Center went off, leaving them walking towards the docks. “We’ll be flying at the water level for a while, Do you think Dragonite can fit?”

“I hold no doubts in him” Was Elias response. “To where shall we go?”

“We’re not going far, we’ll spend the night in Rhodea’s apartment” Releasing Latias and mounting her she indicated to do the same. “I want you in the city still, just make sure the people are safe and nothing shady happens while I’m not around”

“I will try to get the rangers to agree to an evacuation and head to Sahila afterwards” With that said she took off, Elias followed close. “See how everyone’s doing before collecting my team”

Humming to himself, Elias noticed something in her words. “How does everyone else tie to the evacuation? What role would they fulfill”

“Hm? I’ll tell them later” Brushed off the Interceptor in response.

(My Lord is falling back unto her solitaire ways) He looked at her back, confidently latching to her dragon. (There is no doubting her capabilities…yet I find myself in need to act before she sets herself on such a path).

That was his last thought before taking off into the tunnels.

---

The sun began shining on the twenty fifth of December, Christmas had arrived once and for all, marking two days until the long awaited Xen raid.

Melia had gotten up early that day, memories from her time in the other world flooding back to her, the stay on the 100th floor and subsequent escape through the Paradox Gate, it all resurfaced once more. (It’s another of those shared dreams) It took her a moment to get up, stretching a bit before looking over for Star.

Normally when they had these kinds of dreams the two of them would wake up near simultaneously and they’d discuss what they saw later, it was something they did ever since her entrapment there.

But today would not be the same, the bed where her friend usually slept was empty, not even used from last night, Star had never returned from their battle with Spacea and Tiempea.

(She called at night yesterday to confirm her return) Now she was worried about her and maybe a bit upset, her usual disappearance act when doing whatever she wanted was not this frequent. (But things have changed) It is hard to tell sometimes that Star was different now.

There is a clear effort to accommodate them, certain interactions just got a sluggish response from her or the equivalent of a slap in the wrist, her time in the past had done something to her, both good and bad.

Star had grown, there was no denying it, she had confidence in spades when she tended to rely on their validation before, when it came to strength there was an improvement almost insurmountable for now.

But there was also that new independence where she didn’t even tell them what was going on, what she planned to do and just left to do it, she didn’t ask for help anymore.

Her introspection was interrupted when Venam came by. “Melia you up?” The gym leader was already dressed, her brown hair already brushed giving her that unique look. “Erin called for all of us”

When she saw her there was a slight tinge of pink in her cheeks, her messy appearance of just waking up was probably the cause. “Did she say why?”

“No, but apparently it’s important” It was then that Venam noticed the absence in the room. “Uh? Is Star changing or something?” Her eyes moved around the room looking for her, but nothing came back.

“No” Taking her clothes out of a drawer in the furniture over the bed Melia went to the bathroom. “Tell Erin she didn’t come last night, I’m going to change”

(Didn’t come back? The hell could she be doing) A frustrated groan left her before she could stop it, that girl was really out of it these days. “Come to the meeting room when you’re done, we’ll have to fill Star in later!”

She took off no longer after that, opening the door where everyone else was gathered.

As she changed herself Melia picked back up the thought process from before, her mind trying to understand what was truly different from her friend. (She’s told us so little about it too…The others know even less) What could she be doing anyways? The two of them usually took the mornings to train with the Obliteration spell and try to release the cages.

Fixing her hair took more time than dressing up and by the time she was done 20 minutes had already gone by.

Her feet carried her all the way to the biggest room in the building, everyone else save for her and Star were already in the room waiting. “You can’t reach her?” Erin’s voice was hurried, a click of her tongue following.

“Her PokeGear isn’t responding she’s deliberately ignoring us” Melia opened the door when Ren finished speaking, an uncertainty in his tone that matched her own concerns over this reunion.

Everyone’s eyes went to her when she entered, various greetings of good morning being thrown her way. “Ah, Melia Merry Christmas” Ren had been the first to do so, a strained smile but a genuine one. “Sorry this isn’t the best start to it, but Erin figured some things”

Her sister looked tired, haunted, and slightly angry, all the work she’d put into cracking this code had drained her, and based by her jitters, so had the answer. “it’s right here” Behind her on the table laid her laptop, cables connected to the TV. “I cracked the codes and have access to the documents”

No one reacted, they’d been informed the moment they entered much like Melia was now debriefed, however, Erin did shift at their mention, it was a little uncomfortable motion. “I’ve also read them…I wanted to bring everyone here so they could read it” A quick look around the room told Melia there had been only two of them missing, only one now.

“Should we wait?” Aelita tried to ask, yet no one really gave her any mind. “Star isn’t here”

“We should take a look even if she isn’t” The Dragon trainer stated, restless as to what had been found. “Star can be brought up to speed, we can’t waste any more time, we’re on a deadline as it is”

“Right, then come see” The tv before them was turned on by Erin, a password form occupying the entire screen. “There are two passwords for this”

Pokemon

Rejuvenation

The two words were typed in sequence, Erin’s finger stopped over the keyboard for a moment once the second password was in before she rid herself of the hesitation and clicked.

There was a display, three different options appeared before them and an arrow that pointed to the edge of the screen. “I’ll be going in order if no one minds”

It started well enough, information on Ley Lines wasn’t data that altered their perception of the world and situation, yet it was a curious thing they’d somehow need to look into, their necessity to the core and planet as a whole was slightly more alarming.

“Are all of them going to be like this?” Venam hadn’t really gotten the whole idea, maybe the general concept, but the finer details and implication escaped her.

Eris didn’t answer that, instead the page was closed and the second file was opened.

Familiar names stood out in it. “Vitus and Nymeria…?” Kanon murmured to himself, loud enough for those closer to her to understand it, his expression morphing the more he read.

The roles of the two they knew of and the one that was missing. “What the…? It’s treating them like a program” This time it was Ren Melia heard, his words brought a certain idea to her.

(Is…Is this what the Garufans did when they killed Arceus?) This was specified to happen after a world’s reset, maybe that included the first reconstruction too. (Why create them then? And who is Missing? I know too little)

“They were programs, at least at first” Erin explained. “When we were all reborn into this world, they gained forms”

The file then displayed a bit more on the three supposedly artificial souls, but nothing they shouldn’t have expected the connection between Madame X and Vitus was there, and so was the Yveltal.

Once more Eris closed the document and opened the next, this last one was the least groundbreaking of the three.

It was simply Rift Pokemon under a different name and alongside more insight into what they actually are, but beside that it has nothing else to give them.

“That was interesting” Damien didn’t sound all too rattled by all of this, there wasn’t much of a reason to be as this didn’t change their objectives or approaches. “This can’t be all of it, you would call us for little”

He was right, the look Erin gave him told Melia everything. “There are…two more, I was reluctant to show these” Closing the document once more the girl clicked on the arrow, leading them towards two more files. “I kind of want to leave it here until Star comes back, it has to do with the interceptor in some way, but…” Nothing else came out of her, her casual indifference replaced by apprehension.

“But we have no idea where she is and this information is important enough that we should know it?” Tried to fill in Damien, he could tell whatever it was that Erin tried to hide was incredibly important.

Instead of agreeing, she gave her own answer. “But it is something that could change how we see everything” Slowly she moved the cursor towards the first file.

Her hand was stopped by the gym leader, he looked resigned. “Calm yourself Erin” Slowly letting go of an Erin who had stopped breathing for a moment. “What you saw clearly impacted you, and as the only one who knows it for now, your judgement is one we trust”

“Thanks” Slowly her hand was taken back, the cursor just over the file. “I- It’s just…well you will understand when you see it” Taking another deep breath Erin composed herself. “What is says, just makes it that if it isn’t Star acting, then it might not be anyone doing anything at all”

Chilling, that’s how the declaration felt to everyone else, a truth that made you question if your actions meant something. “…That bad…?” Alexandra muttered, probably to herself, but everyone heard it.

“Come on, let me show you what Karma is”

---

“Star, you realize what you’re asking me to do right?” It had been such a nice day in Terajuma, the sky was as clear as ever and the temperature was not the unbearable hot it they were used too. “If I’m not given clearance to act, which I doubt I will get, I can’t act” It all went to ruin the moment Star stepped through his doors.

He liked the girl and all, but every time she was around chaos followed her like a shadow. She had arrived pretty early in the morning, asking to speak with him and Holly for something important.

“And I get that Crawli, I do” Which brings them to the present, where the Interceptor was attempting to recruit the ranger’s help to the evacuation and possible confrontation with Team Xen in Grand Dream City. “I just need the certainty that even if we fail to stop them the people will not die for that”

They locked eyes with one another, stubbornly refusing to let the other one have the last word. “It’s not like I want people to die, but the amount of trouble I could get for the entirety of the ranger force of Aevium is massive if I just go to GDC without any warning”

“Warning them will just tell Xen that you are going, they have the city in their palm” There were spied everywhere in that city, mostly in the commanding positions courtesy of Cassandra, a quick and unpredictable evacuation would be necessary and people needed to believe it was dangerous to stay or they wouldn’t leave.

It put her in a difficult position as well.

“We’re arguing in circles now” For the first time since the conversation started Holly spoke, leaving it to them to carry the conversation before. “I get that this is important and knowing you, also real” Wearing an uncomfortable expression the woman continued. “But we really can’t act on our own, mobilizing resources like you are asking needs clearance or we simply won’t get them”

It wasn’t matter of wanting to help people or not, just that there simply wouldn’t be something to use to help if they didn’t get permission from some form of higher up.

(…The officials would never give that, not if I’m the one asking…) For a moment her mind went to giving up this idea, risk everything on the raid. (No, all on had never worked out for me before, they could simply target something else)

Star couldn’t be everywhere, and where she wasn’t it was a place that could be vulnerable to attacks, Reborn had taught her that, Lyn and Solaris did.

Sadly, there was nothing she could say to change the situation right now, their message was clear and their hand were tied. “tch, evacuating a city as big as GDC was a pipe dream anyway” Quickly getting up, Reborn’s Champion began to walk out. “Thank you two for your time”

“Star wai-“ Whatever Crawli wanted to say was left behind when the door to his office closed behind her. (That was rude of me…I’m letting this Xenpurgis business get to me) Her frustration had spiked after two failed attempt at getting help.

Her Helper Center request had been denied an hour after she posted it, the Rangers were basically tied in bureaucratic tape that not even the league was allowed to circumvent.

(What does that leave me with?) The only answer she came up with made her stomach drop a little. (No…international affairs would be much more problematic than internal ones) Excuses like that floated in her mind.

Calling them for help would just be disrespectful after giving them the slip once already, no matter how obvious she made herself to be when Aya saw her.

“…But they would come if I asked…” Star knew they would, maybe once she might have doubted that, but because it was her requesting help there was a chance they’d skip the law for this.

Why was she even avoiding including them into this? What was she trying to gain?

It was nothing but a selfish desire. (Arceus damn it)

---

This was the fourth, maybe fifth time he and Star had split their paths.

His Champion had spent every moment since their arrival on the future working towards something, Elias had been informed on the raid and it’s importance and he was fully confident in the success of the operation.

She wasn’t.

Discounting Star’s and his own strength as World Class trainers,  the friends his Lord has look like competent individuals and while weaker than them, that didn’t mean they were truly weak.

(Blinded I was…and now it seems like my Lord is too) His eyes focused on the path once more, the forest was an incredible sight of beauty, one of the gift of Arceus to this world.

Yet concrete also entered his vision once he saw the whole picture. “Descend here”

The wind almost blew away his glasses, thankfully Dragonite landing softly enough for him to barely receive the impact as he adjusted them. (A dock, there is little subtlety in this base) He’d been told the way here, although there wouldn’t have taken long for him to find this.

A curious place this was, for a base of the enemy there was a certain air of cleanliness around. (Those must be the grunts) Hiding behind the front row of trees he observed, waiting to find anything of importance before infiltration.

It was then when he saw it.

“A Pulse Machine” It was a distinctive design that Elias would never forget. (These fiends, where could they have acquired such a device?) Was this what Star wanted him to see? Handling a pulse was a difficult task.

(How many do they have?) The answer was most likely located in the warehouse they had carried it out of, alongside which Pokemon they intended to hook up to the machine.

Yet the machine’s design was different from Eve’s original, he could tell a slight difference in them after working with them in Meteor. (This matter needs thorough investigation)

Elias may not know what was going on here nor the reasoning behind his lord’s concerns with this ‘second rate’ team, what he knows is that he has a task assigned to him by his Lord, thus he’ll comply.

“Ditto, I am in need of your expertise”

—END—

--Mystic--

Chapter Text

—START—

-3^rd Person POV-

Breaking into the warehouse was simpler than he had expected, his transforming partner had made swift work of any door that had stood in his way, whether that meant fitting into the keyhole to perfectly open the door or slipping into the circuitry of an electrical key or scanner.

For all the technology being used in this place they were scarce of security. “Exceptionally done Ditto” Still, a good job needed to be recognized. “Now let find what kind of danger this Bladestar truly amounts to” His partner only wiggled in response, an affirmation.

Elias was aware nothing of true importance intelligence wise would be found in a simple storage room, no plans nor information on the members, instead what he looked for was their material means.

He knew well that an organization seeking to take down a form of government needed more than willing followers and belief, hypocritical as that might sound coming from a pastor who’s faith was everything to him.

Meteor had needed resources, backed by ancient beliefs or not, in turn their threat level would come from that too, and Pulses were a very dangerous kind of asset.

Carefully he moved through the building, ditto was able to mimic the walls appearance as he moved, making a blind spot for cameras as they were detected.

That was until he reached the only room currently being used by these people. “It’s…they are trying to manufacture pulses” Piles of pieces and half built machines were scattered all over as grunts worked clumsily on them.

It was like  an image of the sins he and Solaris inflicted looking back unto him.

The place was a half organized half falling apart operation that had a clear objective but not someone making sure it worked. (These aren’t the Pulses2 line, less cost efficient and more draining, I doubt any of their Pokemon could withstand its effect) As a dedicated supporter to Solaris he’d made sure to keep himself updated on the machines.

(Are they simply preparing them?) Training a Pokemon to endure the Pulse process would be somewhat trivial if they ensured every other factor on the devices, and one of these alone could cause lots of damage. “Ditto we shall wait until they are gone, then we enact the Lord’s will”

It wouldn’t be hard to beat all of them an dismantle the operation yet acting from behind with little to no resistance was the smarter ploy and would allow more freedom of investigation.

By morning none of those abominations will exist and now Elias had a real reason to tear Bladestar down…No, even morning would be too much time given to these fools.

Creeping back into one of the halls where nobody was currently crossing Elias took one of his Pokeballs the old man released someone. “Miss Meloetta I require some assistance” The mythical of music was released while hiding the light as best as possible.

{Well met dear} Came the warm words through a telepathic link created then and there. {It does not appear to be a confrontation, what would you have me do?} The Pokemon began to levitate and reach El’s eye level assuming a position similar to sitting.

“Our Lord commanded us the mission on keeping sights on these individuals” His gesture made it clear that he referred to the people inside the building with them. “Yet their actions might be worse than I anticipated and I found myself needing to act”

“My request is but a song that will bring these people to the dream ream, can I ask you to sing that for me?” With what was asked cleared, with all of his usual reverence for mythical and Legendarie Pokemon, Meloetta looked at his funny.

{There is no need for such behavior El} The Pokemon waved her stud hand in dismissal. {You are the trainer, all I need from you is a word and I shall act on it}

Psychic energy began to accumulate within the Pokemon, a soft pink glow extending from the Mythical and covering the warehouse slowly. {Just this building correct?} A barrier of some form was created.

“If you would be so kind” Softly Meloetta began to hum, a melodic rhythm echoing the halls as the sounds bounced of the walls and reached every possible room that was not locked. “I shall make sure your voice is heard”

Normally one would have fallen asleep quite fast under the influence of sing, yet Meloetta’s mastery of sound based moves and their nature as a Mythical gave them a lot of leeway in their control.

Such as who she desired to be a target or not.

A song played in a language not understandable by humans continues while Elias investigated the building, opening doors where people might be to let them fall to the music.

(This place is not a warehouse…it’s more similar to a factory) Which meant that there should be some form of control room, the only real place where he could get some answers.

Stepping into the major room he’d spied into previously he could see the labors of his partner, people scattered on the floor clearly having moved away form the machines once they began to feel the drowsiness settle in.

(Not a single one has a developed resistance against moves) A necessity on high level battling or actual combat, a requirement to be a gym leader as you’d be classified as a defender of the region. (In the end, they might be comparable to normal civilians)

He had to get to the bottom of this place and what they were planning to do.

---

The sun was in its highest when the passengers of the S.S. Danielle arrived at their destination.

“It is wondrous to see you Fantasia” With a shallow bow the Elite Four member was received by Luna, a polite yet genuine smile etched in her face.

That was in turn met with a hug from Anna, the little girl she once was replaced by a pretty young adult just barely twenty, her hair was still tied in twin tails that reached just above her shoulders, she was wearing a purple skirt with a black sleeveless shirt. “AH! Luna we’re sisters, you don’t need to bow silly”

Ever since Luna was officially taken in by Radomus there was no occasion where Anna wouldn’t remind her of that when she acted like a servant. “Of course” Noel too was adamant in that, simply not as intense as his sister. “The travels were comfortable I assume”

“Mhm, Shelly got me a nice boat to go on” After finalizing her arrival in the port of Grand Dream City the two of them walked back to the hotel where Luna was currently residing, leaving the luggage there.

It was a simple bedroom for two, with only a bathroom a door made of glass lead outside. Luna wasn’t one for luxuries most of the time.

“Are Aya or Adrienn nearby?” The new arrival asked halfway through the process. “It’s been a while since I’ve seen them”

“Apologies, both have temporary responsibilities in Gearen city” The poison trainer had returned to her station after they failed to find traces of

Whole they unpacked where to go became the primary topic. “Is there anywhere you hold the desire to visit first?” With only one true sighting of Star and the possibility of her being anywhere on the region there were little to no knowledge for them to go off.

“Oh totally” At least that was what Luna summarized, her connection to the truths of the world were rather weak compared to Anna’s making it so unconventional clues might be there for her eyes only. “Aevium is super weird, all liney and with strings everywhere so I thought ‘if I were Star, where would I go?’”

“Turns out I didn’t need to think about it, Star’s glowing so much right now that I could see her from the port” After finishing with their unpacking Anna walked to the glass door on the room leading to a little balcony. “I can see it from here, in that direction”

After referencing their building in relation to the rest of the city both trainers were able to point in a map the general direction the Elite trainer saw the light.

“It would seem we have a lead now”  It hadn’t even been an hour since Fantasia had arrived and yet they now held more opportunities than all previous days. “You did not wish for the knowledge of her position did you?”

“How could you think that?! I did no such thing” Despite Nostra being immensely weakened by the entire timeline’s rewinding little wishes were not outside of their possibilities after recovering for this long. “Besides, finding Star is no little wish”

“Your words tell the truth then” Inspecting the location they had marked there was only one thing left for them to do. “I shall treat you in a rather impressive restaurant I found not long ago before we depart towards the dessert, can’t have you starving in my presence, it would be making father a disservice”

The smile in Luna’s face might have looked sweet but Anna knew better. “hey!! I’m an adult now Luna, I know how to take care of myself” She had been teased.

“But of course princess Fantasia, allow this shadowy one to guide you there”

“Luna!!”

---

“What are we going to do!?” Frustration and hopelessness mixed into one were released into the sea with a guttural scream. “…How can we win if everything we do was predetermined…?” The sunset in the horizon would have made a beautiful scene had it not been for this.

She found herself coming here, at an isolated abandoned house by the sea, a rather nice place to appreciate were she not so emotionally charged.

Because after the reveal of Karma’s existence this had been all that Melia could think about.

An entity that controlled this world it into a ‘correct’ path or they would be discarded, what kind of bad joke was that.

Only a day ago she believed to have grabbed her destiny by the horns and finally began to stir it to her favor, just as she bean Spacea she finally believed to have turned the tides against her fate being controlled.

And now that might just be ‘What was supposed to happen’? She couldn’t accept that. “Calm down Melia, Star was with you, the Interceptor effect should be at play there” That was possibly the only thing that had kept her together all day. “If Star could only appear right now that would be awesome!” Anger dripped from her voice.

The Interceptor effect, something Crescent had explained to them the moment everyone had crumbled at the truth of Karma.

Something that made fighting against that monstrosity of a being possible thanks to people like Star and Crescent.

And one of the two who brought that opportunity wasn’t even there, as if she’d turned into a ghost type, no calls nor messages reached her and she never returned after they were separated, not even to try and perfect the obliteration spell.

“If you continue screaming like that you’ll end up hurting yourself” Sitting in the bench behind her was Crescent, poised perfectly straight as she looked beyond her. “I’ve had Gothitelle attempting to find her, but there is nothing”

Despite her serene appearance it was clear she was also upset at the developments and information she hadn’t been privy to before. “I guess we’ll just have to make it clear she can’t go AWOL on us in the future” She’d give that girl a piece of her mind.

“Indeed” There was a pause there, a doubt in the woman’s eye the moment Melia turned to look at her. “Still, there is one thing that I have to confess to you” It sounded important.

The host of the Archetype stared expectantly, ready for whatever Crescent might say, yet that was interrupted by the psychic Pokemon who’d just teleported in.

There was little of the ‘playfulness’ Gothitelle usually displayed, communicating something to her trainer instead. “…What…?” Bewilderment spread through her face at what her partner had told her.

{There’s people trying to break into Zeight,  they’re not a recognizable enemy} Was the telepathic message.

“…” Her body had tensed, basically shooting up from the bench while looking back into the path towards the pilar. “We need to go, someone’s at Zeight breaking in”

“Breaking in?! that shouldn’t be possible” A piece exclusive to the interceptor and those considered associates by them, technology of Garufan origin they didn’t comprehend and it was being broken into.

It escaped Melia’s imagination who’d be capable of such a thing.

Still, that little something Crescent wanted to discuss with her wouldn’t disappear from her mind any time soon, but now was not the moment for it, not anymore.

With quick movements of the hand two Pokeballs were quick to release their inhabitant.

“Garchomp come out”

“We need to fly and fast Hapi!”

In two flashes of red a dragon and a fairy came to be, each being their team’s designated flier and the fastest way possible to the Zeight short of teletransportation.

And while Gothitelle would be capable of such a thing they had gone back to searching for Star after delivering the message.

Hapi was quick to cuddle up to her trainer, enjoying being out with her yet she could also feel the fluctuating emotions coming from her, the slight fear that existed there. “Sorry girl, we need to go and fast”

The Pokemon lowered themselves into the ground to give Melia chance to climb and mount her, with Crescent scaling her Garchomp beside them scythe in hand. “Quickly to the Zeight”

…

It didn’t take more than five minutes to arrive while flying at top speeds.

From above Melia had a complete view of the whole field of pillars and their destination, one that allowed her to get one clear look at the people supposedly breaking in, there were two of them.

And the strange pink energy, which she couldn’t tell if it was psychic or not, that they were using, at least one of them was.

“y-- --ve -- -- m-r --re--l” As they descended traces of a conversation reached her, not enough for her to understand, but to tell that these people were extremely relaxed in their attempts.

The black haired one looked with a raised eyebrow at the other. “su-e t-i-g L--a” Sarcasm dripping from her voice earning a giggle from the blonde.

A dry thud interrupted their conversation, Crescent’s Garchomp had landed strongly, Hapi was more gentle and didn’t cause any noise when letting her in the ground.

Scowling, Crescent began to threaten the two women with her weapon. “It’s better if you step away from that” An act Melia had found herself being on the other side of. “Or there will be consequences”

Neither spoke anything, first looking at one another and then at them again, that was until the younger of the two spoke. “Luna!! Do you see her glow”

Such a thing was not what they had expected as an answer, it couldn’t even be considered one. (Glow? Who me?) Melia was clearly the one she was pointing to, but there was no way that what she said was true.

Despite being caught there was no loss in their composure either. “I cannot, your word is enough however” The one called Luna almost sounded disappointed with the other’s comment. “Yet, if her glowing is what you see then this structure might belong to her and not our friend”

“It would be best if you don’t ignore us” Warned once more the scythe wielder, both Garchomp and Hapi ready to attack if ordered. “What you are messing with is beyond you, leave”

“Apologies, we believed this to be related to someone we know based on its properties, if we are stepping out of line we shall make due” She smiled at them politely, Melia couldn’t recognize any deceit either.

Yet it wouldn’t mean anything as her companion intervened. “No Luna, the pillar glows like Star, not like her” Her gaze lingered on the Archetype for a little as if searching for something deeper. “It’s similar but not the same, beside she has all those weird lines like everything else”

In the stranger’s words there were two interesting details of note that could be grabbed, apparently Melia glowed for some reason to the woman and the second and more curious one was the name dropped.

“Star?” It came from Crescent, a question made to attempt and confirm if she had not heard wrong.

It was clear that stating that name back to them was the correct choice the moment they replied. “Yes, Star’s an…old friend of ours we believed to be lost for a long time until recently”

The person Melia still didn’t know the name of continued for her. “We found something that told us she was here, and since the pillar glowed just like her we thought she might be here!”

(It glows like her? And she and I glow similarly?) It suddenly clicked in Melia’s mind who these people could be and who they were here for.

The Zeight was a place for the Interceptor to use and said being was held a fragment of the split up Arceus much like the Archetype was, thus making it so a similar ‘glow’ could exist between Melia and Star.

Besides, they were looking for an old friend called Star who just appeared after going who knows where for a long time. (They are speaking of the same Star we know) There was only one thing to make sure.

Looking towards her friend Melia saw she wasn’t exactly thinking about it, more worried about these two as threats. “Are…Are you from Reborn, the region?”  Eating her hesitation she asked.

Crescent stilled after hearing those words, putting two and two together. “So we are young one…your question’s meaning tells me you are aware of who we are looking for” For the first time in the conversation Luna’s smile became genuine. “It would seem coming here was the correct idea Anna”

“Of course it was, Nostra could have told you that” Replied cheekily the now know Anna, a name that both locals had heard before. “Could you guys tell us where she is, please?” It took a lot out of her to not answer immediately when she asked so fervently.

There was a lot of emotion in that, something she had a little context for but not the full picture. (Should I? Star hasn’t contacted them for a reason…but they could help us)

In the end choosing not necessary, as it was a decision made by another. “I cannot agree to that” Despite having lowered her weapon Crescent remained adamant in their refusal. “Taking aside the fact you could be lying to us, the truth is that if she wanted to meet you then you’d have done so already”

“It’s clear she simply doesn’t want to see you” Had this come from anyone else it most likely would have been a jab at their situation, but Melia liked to believe she knew her friend and she was blunt and honest to the core.

They didn’t know that.

The cheeriness of Anna strained after that comment, sadness festering in her expression while her companion became a mask of politeness once more. “That was out of line” Neutral it would be the only way the tone could be described as. “We have an understanding of Star as someone who operates on their own to not hurt those around them”

“Most likely she is acting on her own as to not get us involved because she cares” Slowly she took one of her Pokeballs, extending her arms in a challenging motion. “We won’t allow her to carry a burned like that alone…not again”

Her words rubbed Melia the wrong way, ever since she’d know the Interceptor they hadn’t been reticent to help nor they were someone that acted alone.

In multiple occasion she had told her how glad she was to have people around her to fall back on even if she was the strongest amongst their friends.

In fact Star valued dearly their participation and help, she trusted them to handle themselves too, what Luna described was not how Star was. “Then maybe you didn’t know her as well as you thought, because that doesn’t sound like Star at all”

“…” Anna bit her lips and avoided their eyes reflecting a shame barely hidden. “Maybe…maybe we don’t, we need to see her, talk to her” In an instant the empty hand held a Pokeball too, the pink around the Zeight had vanished too. “We can’t let you stop us”

Her posture changed. “Let’s solve this the only way she would” The Elite four member was serious in her challenge, even if it meant beating up weaker trainers. “Three Pokemon each, a standard double match”

The challenge was issued.

Clenching her fists Melia was the first to respond. “Hapi take position” Accepting it, ready for it.

“Garchomp on guard” Not a moment later Crescent answered in kind, the dragon menacingly rubbing his arm fins together while barring his teeth.

Quickly the stage was set, the already released Pokemon listened to their trainers and got in front of them.

Luna took a single glance at both Pokemon and then at the field. “Avoiding accidents is imperative when battling, as such please take a few more steps back” With her part said she threw the ball. “Let us commence Bill”

A Greninja materialized in the spot, a Pokemon Melia was familiar with thanks to Ren, but one that was different from the one she knows. (It’s the same thing…that aura of strength and the way he moves that Star’s other Pokemon had) Suddenly her confidence in battling these two went down significantly.

Her partner also was taken back by this, Hapi felt unnerved under the stare of the water type. “Dazzle everyone Diancie” If facing the starter Pokemon felt hard then the words Anna displayed felt like a punch in the gut.

In an explosion of color and light stood a Mythical Pokemon, a Pokemon closely related to mega evolution and that stood a terrifying advantage over both of hers and Crescent’s current choice in terms of typing.

A pendant with a very characteristic stone was also hanging from her neck like structure. (she has it…this will be harder than I expected) They had faced Legendaries before, but they had needed their entire team to go against them and it wasn’t like they could beat them for good just drive them away.

In a full on battle, with the pressure those two Pokemon exude by themselves they might be facing a losing battle. (No, no doubting yourself right now Melia)

Nobody spoke for a moment, there was no agreement on a starting signal, thus she took initiative herself. “Set up a Nasty Plot Hapi!”

“Earthquake” In contrast her partner attacked directly, looking to eliminate the Diancie first. “Make it rise harder on Diancie”

The claw of the dragon moved fast to collide with the ground, shaking it to the point of cracking and forcing rocks to begin flying upwards. “Diancie please dome light screen”

The two rivals dodged masterfully around the tremors, there was no need to say anything, instead receiving a move that move was molded into a giant dome of psychic energy that surrounded the whole field

“Bring forth the darkness afterwards Bill” This was when Reborn’s battle style came into play, a Dark Pulse not directed at them combined with the use of the barrier.

Rather than clashing with it that ambient began to darken, shadows looming inside of the dome and creating a special field. “Behold our special portable dark field”

“Now Diamond Storm” There was little to no downtime between attacks, pink crystals were created and flew towards their rivals faster than they expected.

“Hapi dodge/Garchomp Dig” And it was too late for them to say anything.

Togekiss was struck down almost immediately, low visibility didn’t let her see the ones coming from behind her as she got caught into the revolving diamonds.

On the other hand Garchomp held off as best as he could, trying to go underground, but this was a double battle and a call for Ice Beam was his sentence.

“…” Luna and Anna looked at one another, they had been expecting something more if they supposedly were helping Star with things. “Maybe the field was too much” It wasn’t like their Pokemon were weak, but when compared to their own.

Strength was lacking.

The gym leader agreed with her adoptive sister. “Indeed, it would be best if they surrendered” With a move of her hand she called the Greninja to her side. “Your teams won’t be able to stand up to us”

Melia could only stare at starter, a singular move had beaten her “I wouldn’t count us out yet” The Pokeball’s red light retrieved Hapi. “Go Justice” Diancie was double weak to steel a good hit should give her enough of an advantage.

“Well said, Malamar your turn” Crescent also changed their current battler, ready for round two.

Luna shook her head at their stubbornness. “Not giving up is admirable, yet there is no shame in admitting defeat either”

“We should show them, maybe they’ll understand if they see it” Now she was confused, show them what? It didn’t make sense,

“What are you saying?” Her doubts were voiced by her friend, using a threatening tone to try and get answers. “Show what?”

Instead of answering either of them Anna lifted a singular finger. “Dazzling Gleam”

An explosion of light so blinding it broke the darkness and barrier was all Melia could see for a few moments.

Justice and Malamar lay in the floor the moment the attack reached them, resistances didn’t help, neither could she react.

Both Pokemon were down for the count, and if that move was any indication so would be the next two.

Admitting defeat they had said. (Is this the level we need to reach to be truly strong? Have…have we not progressed at all?!)  For a fraction of a second both grey and purple met.

Anna’s eyes when looking at Melia were ones of understanding transmitting sympathy for her probably perplexed expression. “Can we talk now?” There was no hostility in her question, it was a soft tone that asked to stop this.

Melia had to agree, there was no other option.

---

“Nothing” The last stop Star decided to go was a last minute idea. “The same nothing of last time” Some form of hope they had missed something was what brought her here, some information the Garufans might have left behind or something.

After dealing with Xen there was still the problem Vitus and Storm-9 represented, from what she could remember they were affiliated with the ancient civilization of the region and the Den of souls was the only place she could think of that might have information on them.

(How late is it?) Down here there was no signal, the only thing her PokeGear could tell her was the time, and it would seem she spent the whole day down. “Fuck…I hope Melia isn’t too worried” Walking outside of the only functional building was met with the broken security robots around.

Who slowly began to melt down when Cel’s fire hit them directly and didn’t subside. “We should make our way out of this place” Following the same path she’d taken to get in led her through the wreckage of molten steel she’d left on her way in. (The Hidden library could have something or maybe I should finally visit the S.S. Oceana)

So many places she might have missed something were out there to explore, but at this rate she’d never finish before the Xen raid. (I have to pick up my other team before going to Sahila)

When reaching the surface she was met with the moon hanging in the sky, the old picnic cloth still in the floor in front of the exit. “We should have cleaned that up” Delphox huffed beside her, amused she’d even consider cleaning something. “I’m a clean person I don’t know what you think is so funny”

An image of her room in Vanhanen castle was implanted into her my by the fire type, it was a high grade mess. “That was an exception and you know it” Another huff she received in response.

Walking up to the stairs up Star allowed herself to fall unto them, sitting down while releasing a disappointed breath, the little good the mood had improved vanished again. “I really don’t know what I should do”

She had three days before going to fight Spacea and Tiempea, why hadn’t she done any of these things before then instead of wasting her time? why was she even doing this now?

Maybe all she did was miss her friends here and wanted to spend some time with them.

Beside her actions right now were a safety net in case Xen had some form of countermeasure if they stopped the Xenpurgis.

Many times she’d been fooled by Ace or Lyn, acted poorly and fallen into traps, rushed in without thinking and ending locked away back in Reborn to simply not do anything else.

She could still remember the darkness not brought by and enemy.

Water was all around as she lost the air remaining in her lungs, drowning slowly, Aria panicking the more she saw there was nothing for her to do.

Blowing a bubble wouldn’t work if there was no air to fill it with in the first place.

A scream muffled by the water escaped her the moment her body involuntarily tried to breathe, she was grabbed by her Reborn starter the moment after, fear dominating her features.

-BOOM-

-BOOM-

Moonblast, Sparking Aria, Hyper Voice, Aqua jet, attack after attack Aria was desperately trying to break down any door or escape hold she could to get Star out.

Dark spots soon filled her vision as she couldn’t hold up anymore. (Use the armor, It should let me survive anywhere) Heat, cold, lack of oxygen, everything had been accounted for with that thing.

But Lyn was most likely watching, she always was and Star had learnt that the hard way, revealing her trump card here could throw everything out the window.

But if she were to die here, there would be no trying against her. (D…anm…i-it) In the end it didn’t matter.

Her consciousness faded before she could wear her armor.

“I still feel mad at Amaria for that sometimes” Mumbled to herself the trainer. “It isn’t as she’s the only one too” There were too many resentments she’d chosen to bury and forgive, Cal, Saphira, Bennett, Elias hell even Heather was someone she felt mad at when she left after her rescue.

Then again her relationship with Heather was always somewhat complicated.

Still, at every turn she was told to handle the problems of the people around, comforted and fought for them too even when they had been the worst possible person to them like Fern or Blake and then they kept going, little to no regard to who’d been there for them.

God, she was empathizing with Titania of all people now.

Yet unlike her, Star could only hold the worth others placed on her, she was no real person and in turn had no individual value, accepting she was an excuse and something for others happiness while feeling trapped.

Titania at the very least had gotten her out, then again Star did love the people around her, that was no lie. “How complicated” Seriously why did she have to get all introspective right now.

(It’s probably the silence) Clicking her tongue she finally stopped sulking. “No more time to waste, We should head to the Zeight I’m sure Melia will still be there” Shaking the thoughts away Star got up.

“Figuring everything else out is tomorrow’s me problem”

Her Pokemon watched her get ready for a long flight, the Delphox really felt for his trainer and maybe it was time to do something about it.

The red light of retrieval arrived not long after.

—END—

--Mystic--

Chapter Text

—START—

-3^rd Person POV-

“It’s empty” Turns out Melia wasn’t in the Zeight at all, walking up the mount where the giant pillar was located Star couldn’t see anyone around. “Is she?” Having just arrived from picking up Honey and the rest her field of view of the place was limited.

Since one needed to be in contact with the creation to use it to its fullest potential she had to be here if she was using it, so Star walked around it, trying to see if her friend was simply on the other side, outside of view from the stairs. “No, she really isn’t here” With all the time the Interceptor remembered Melia using it coming here had been where she expected to find her.

Maybe it had to do with the clear markings of battle that the place had? No, they looked light, maybe two wild Pokemon duked it out here for territory or something.

Seeing as though her assumption was wrong then Sahila would be the next place to visit. “Actually, I should look up some things” Reading the Garufans old text, the things she’d learnt directly in the past of through the people more knowledgeable on the subject and all she saw in the Reborn had created doubts in her.

“It is a database of all Interceptors too, maybe some other might have known something” Trying to learn more wouldn’t hurt and clearly she was wasting resources if this wasn’t used.

Placing her hand in the contraption Star entered the interface.

---

Ever since the reveal of Karma’s existence everyone had shut down slightly in one way or another, the cruel revelation had created some conflict in the group momentarily and even with Crescents intervention they still found themselves feeling down.

Thus, instead of doing more last minute training, a bad idea to begin with as they could tire themselves before the raid began, the team decided to try and relax, regain some morale for the twenty seventh.

“That was a shitty movie” Venam complained once the credits began to roll in. “Why the hell was the Peliper in love with a bridge!? And what’s with the ending too??!” They had finished watching the last movie Pokestars made before Star got them into making one.

Few seemed to disagree with her, most were as disappointed while Aelita could only look in confusion at the screen. “I- is this how most movies are?” Shedian wasn’t very cultured in the modern media and they only had the classics or bestsellers that were popular enough to reach them.

“No, that was a crime” Erin answered to her, sitting in the table behind the couch, not all of them had fitted in. “No wonder they were going to bankrupt”

“It couldn’t have been that bad, just a little strange, I found it funny” Kannon remained oblivious to the actual quality of it never having spent any time consuming the media to differentiate good from bad.

“Of course you’d think that” Scoffed the poison trainer, getting up and stretching a bit. “I’ll grab one of  my own that’s good from my Gear…which is charging, anyone need anything…no, cool” Then she did exactly as she said, leaving for the dorms.

In the end this activity had worked and the tensions from before dimmed little by little, Alexandra regain her smile, Erin and Venam had bantered under Kannon’s confused expression, even Damian sulking in the corner as he usually did was feeling better.

That was when the doors opened behind them, grabbing everyone’s attention since only three of them weren’t here and Melia and Crescent told them they would return late.

Expectations weren’t matched by reality however as the previously mentioned were the ones standing before them, paler than usual, their clothes a little dirty and their hairs a mess.

They didn’t look hurt or sad or angry just a tad of disappointment in their expressions until they saw them and greeted them. “Guys? I thought you would arrive later?” Erin’s voice brought Melia back to them. “God you need a shower”

“Oh yeah…we had an interesting encounter he he” Her voice sounded fine maybe even a bit more cheerful, and some nerves, nothing that would explain her appearance.

At least she looked better than after the whole reveal.

Seeing Melia dragging this longer than it had to Crescent spoke. “They claim to be old friends of Star” Her face was slightly better than the blonde’s but something had still happened to her. “They are outside this door because we believe they can help us”

As people that were in the HQ thanks to Alexandra’s invitation they weren’t exactly allowed to bring more individuals without consulting and Damian wasn’t having a good day already. “Are you serious?” His sister would have stopped him, but the interceptor in the room continued before he could say anything.

“Things went like this”

“What exactly is it that you seek?” Still defensive Crescent branded her weaponized Psycho Cut against them, putting herself a step before Melia. “What did your earlier words mean?”

Neither woman was really intimidated by her, the display wasn’t exactly a threat to them, in fact they were somewhat sad that this was what they had to resort to.

“Now, we hold no harming intentions, we are simply looking for our friend” Repeated once more Luna, only more suspicion arose from the woman by saying that, clearly they were protecting Star’s identity here. (A truly impressive ability to make friends you have)

“Just listen to us for a second, please?” It was the third time Anna was trying to push down any hostilities. “I know this might come as suspicious but we just need to see her, she’ll confirm who we are”

“There…there is no need, Star has spoken of you” This was the same Anna she fought the Arceus for, both Crescent and her had listened to the story, they just didn’t know how they looked like as an adult. “It’s just…We worry for her and ever since she came back…something’s been off about her”

“Star spoke of us?” From the way Luna said that what had surprised wasn’t the idea of the Interceptor telling tales of their friends but rather the idea of her talking in the first place. “In the manner of oral speech?”

The confusion spread to Melia as well, clearly not understanding what made what she said strange. “Y-yeah? How else would she?” Both adults looked at one another for a moment, a silent communication between them.

Star trusted them enough with her voice, something she’d almost never done with them…it hurt somewhat to hear that but they needed to be rational on this.

“Surprising, but it has been a long time” People changed, maybe she had gotten over whatever impeded her from speaking most of the time. “Is there really no way for you to accept our request?”

Slowly the psychic weapon dissipated, understanding how outgunned she was Crescent turned to Melia, trying to see what she was thinking on this. “…” And she looked as torn as she was.

(Star has actively avoided letting them know she’s here unless she did something on her own…should I go against that?) Because if these two could wipe the floor with them the Xen raid would be made surprisingly easier for them. (Can I really do that to Star? Would this even be considered a bad thing?)

This wasn’t as straight forward as usual, the problem wasn’t about an obstacle, it was going against her friend’s desire. (How did this even happen? Is this whole thing a consequence of the interceptor effect? Because I doubt Karma would have allowed this possibility to exist)

Hell she doesn’t imagine Karma allowing the Interceptor to time jump to Reborn in the way she did, it was too much a change in the so called ‘story’

Seeing as though Melia would not respond Crescent decided that, while not ideal for what her friend wanted, this was something that was worth doing. “We are not in the known of her current position” No matter how distrustful she might be of them…maybe they’d help them understand what was going on with Star recently. “Lately she just keeps vanishing, going off without saying anything and sometimes even doesn’t come back until days later”

Instead of concern, like one would expect, the two Reborn trainers brushed past her last comment. “Yep, that sounds like Star alright” Talking about it as if it was a common occurrence.

Sure she did whatever when nobody was looking, but there was always a location, a time of return or a general idea of what she was doing that they’d get from her.

This was different for the Aevians…but apparently not for their visitors.

“Sahila would be the place she’d have to return eventually, if you want to find her then it’s best you follow us there” Getting as much information about what happened to her in Reborn would be a good first step into figuring how to help Star.

These two were the key to that, thus Crescent intended to take them with everyone else, stopping Star from her current method of action until they understood what she was doing was priority for her, their perspective would also fasten this process.

“Follow me then”

“Wait, wait, wait…Anna? Luna? Really strong Pokemon trainers with those names…and how you describe their appearance…” The story was cut short by Ren, clearly he had recognized them from somewhere. “You can’t mean- ”

The doors opened again, the other two individuals spoken off in “Would that be our call to introduce ourselves?” Luna stood in the entry, polite and proper with Anna behind her completely calm, clearly having been listening in.

“Y-you?!” Recognizing them was much easier than when Ren saw Elias, the man hadn’t been seen in ten years, but the people in front of them? He knew who they were. “Elite four member Anna and Gym leader Luna from the Reborn League”

Unlike Aevium’s league that could be considered pretty young the Reborn one was popular all around the world, considered to be one of the toughest challenges a trainer could face due to its extension and their trainer’s strength.

It’s existence before the disasters had already gotten it a name internationally all about their strengths.

Then came the reconstruction after the terrorists from team Meteor were all gone, a period where the leagues overall strength had exploded upwards to what it was today.

And Arceus damn it Ren was a fan of their battling scene, there was no way he wouldn’t know who these people were.

“Oh, it would seem you recognize us, it is as you say, I’m known as Luna,  Gym Leader, servant of the Vanhanen family and eldest daughter” Regally she bowed, while introducing herself.

“Hello everyone, I’m Fantasia Vanhanen but everyone calls be Anna, I hope we can get along” Ever since she stepped into this room her eyes had focused on everyone in the room, there were so many new things to see here.

The circuits, the light and there was even one that was made of dirt and everything.

“Hi, I’m Aelita!” The envoy greeted with a smile, introducing herself as well. “The grumpy one with white hair is Erin and -”

“I can introduce myself just fine” Interrupted Erin by pinching the girl’s arm. “As she said, I’m Erin and I want to know why you’re here?” Known individuals they may be, but distrust was a default condition for her.

Kannon introduced himself afterwards as a servant of Alexandra,  after him was the resident robot. “The name is Ren, it’s a pleasure”

Then there was Damien, and he wasn’t happy about this. “You claim to know Star?” From the stories she’d told them these two names were not familiar with them, in fact she had left a lot of names out of her stories.

It was possible she simply hadn’t told them everything which didn’t sit well with him at all, but she was their cornerstone at the moment so he would keep those to himself for now, instead he focused on the two in front of him.

“Well she was champion right?” On the other hand Aelita’s reaction to them was more amicable,  with Ren’s explanation on who these people were figuring out how they knew their friend was easy. “They seem nice, I say we give them change to speak”

Alexandra studied the two, she’d met some of their colleagues as a member of the Elite four when they arrived in Gearen city, Adrienn and Aya if her memory didn’t fail her, they were some of the strongest trainers she’d seen even if they had been forced to bring Gym teams rather than their personal ones. “I’ll always be happy to welcome people willing to help out”

“That’s nice and all, but I still want to know exactly what is it that you want?” Despite expressing the desire to find Star that wasn’t the entirety of their goal, it couldn’t be, so Erin wanted a better explanation. “What do you intend to do when you find her?”

“I…I really don’t know…” Anna was as sincere as she could when answering. “I think I just want to know why she left…she promised to stay with us and…”

And she broke that promise, the implications were so clear she might as well say it.

But this was something Star had told them, they knew why she’d left for Reborn in the first place and that she, eventually, had to return to her own time. “We can answer that for you actually” And the way Fantasia’s eyes shone when she heard that made Erin wince slightly.

The answer was at the same time the best and worst answer possible, one because it meant that the Interceptor was basically forced to leave by consequences beyond imagination but at the same time it told them that Star knew from the beginning it would happen.

Making the promise still.

“There is some context necessary for this so sit back and-” Melia stopped her sister right there, quickly moving and putting a hand to her mouth. (…really?...) First they bring them here and now they stopped her from answering.

“I think that Star should be the one to answer it for you” That way she wasn’t exactly going against what her friend wanted to do but rather giving them a chance to encounter each other and decide for herself, in turn offering them to stay until their friend arrived…she also agreed with her own words, Star dealing with this with them was for the best.

“You’re really suggesting that?” The dragon trainer was slowly reaching his limit on patience, the only two things holding him were Alexandra and the fact that one of them was an Elite Four member.

Didn’t they need some form of notice to send a high ranking trainer associated to another league, how did she get here without them knowing?

“…fine, we’ll let them stay until that idiot returns” Everyone trusted Erin with her decision, thus the tension was mostly gone when she made that offer, they were friends of Star and by that standard they were at least decent people.

More waiting was required then, Anna could deal with that. “Oh…Alright then! We’ll surprise her when she arrives” Latching unto Aelita’s belief in them from earlier she sits beside her as everyone else goes back to their places.

“We can watch another movie while waiting?” It was a good way to break tensions and everything was already prepared either way, Kannon though so at the very least. “You can pick one out”

“There is this new movie, Xeno-something that’s just been released internationally that I’d love to see” Anna’s excitement was at the very least contagious and the choice made it feel funnier.

“Of course!” Alexandra agreed, she had yet to see it too.

Then the dorm’s room opened. “Alright guys I’m back what did I miss?” Finally Venam returned, finding things weren’t exactly the same as before. “…God damn it what now…” It was a low mutter but everyone had heard her erupting some laughter.

Now all they had to do was wait.

---

In the end she had spent twelve hours inside the Zeight, with the machine’s capabilities that was nothing more than a minute in the real world and wasting no time.

(Tch, all I could do was confirm thing I already knew about, nothing more) There was nothing she hadn’t seen from any of the other constructions they left behind, nothing else on the Arceus was known to them either, sure there were some bits that held some interesting knowledge but nothing consequential to her.

A wasted day was all this could be. (I can’t put too much effort on my Pokemon tomorrow nor myself for that matter, what could I do that doesn’t need much from me?) The machines in the third layer might have not been threatening, but it still was an effort to fight them. “I suppose it’s time I go back” Maybe someone else has an idea.

Then her ears caught something, it was a faint sound, something coursing through the air…something else too, an engine roar to be concrete, making it two or more individuals.

Her body reacted, hands already gripping one of the Pokeballs in her belt but maintaining a relaxed composure, losing her cool wouldn’t help, the  familiar mask of indifference began to adorn her features.

Whoever it was could be an enemy or an ally, assuming either would be troublesome.

Being careful pays off on most occasions, this was no different. “Leaving so soon?” Floating on his hoverboard was one of the two biggest problems he had during her travels here. “But I’ve just arrived and it would be rude to leave me hanging Kitty kat”

Kieran and Clear were here, standing one beside the other. (Clear…she is using her Beyeehem right now I can feel it in my mental shields) Star allowed her to pass them, there was no reason for her to let her know of her newfound defenses, that would be a surprise for her later on.

Keeping herself silent she observed the robotic woman disappear, the veil of lies covering her sight and leaving only the male within reach.

“What, not gonna say anything?” His smirk looked strained, there an expectation that had been frustrated by her complete lack of response, her gaze only deepening at his words had an effect on him.

He riled up people, annoyed them and then fought them somewhat destabilized. (Me being impassive wasn’t in his plans, he clearly knows something’s changed and came to probe me for it) They were data analyst, that’s how they had managed to always be on top of them.

His usual persona to irritate people would not work on her either, she had to deal with someone way worse when it came to this, Fern and Blake were both pieces of shit of the highest grade for most of the time she’d known them, her tolerance was top notch now.

“Uh girl don’t leave me hanging here, Clear’s bad enough as is with her silences” Nothing was going along with his predictions, the behavior he had observed from her from a distance was similar the one he was used to, Clear and he had agreed engaging to regain a more complete profile despite their plans tonight was a necessary gamble.

But what was happening right now? Maybe not even with the engine they might have been able to simulate this possibility with the data they had, what happened to her?.

“Alright, I get it” Words didn’t mean anything, what he needed was data and their previous methods of observation wouldn’t be of use anymore. (With their merry happy band attacking the headquarters soon this level of uncertainty on her actions is dangerous)

Of course Madame X would destroy the girl in the end, inevitable as she was he never doubted that outcome, yet the fact that this was coming from an Interceptor was not a loose end he wanted.

Oblivion would arrive no matter that they tried.

“Play with the kitty Raichu” It wasn’t the time to think on future plans, what he needed to do was some data collecting. “I hope you don’t mind, but I got a quota to fulfill”

Despite everything Star had yet to move, her eyes locked into him analyzing him, then she smiled. (He was a strong pain the ass a year ago, how the mighty have fallen…well it was me getting stronger not him weaker but eh, it works) Picking her lead she whispered something into the Pokeball.

Releasing Shino unto the field his spores began to fill the air.

(It’s a dessert battleground, but it isn’t charged with Type energy to be considered a full on field) That means it wouldn’t get in the way were she to try and set up a good escape for herself. “Shino, supercharge the air”

This was Kieran so Star was allowed to battle like a complete asshole when doing this and it wasn’t like she would be staying here for long, the spores the Amoonguss released increased in amount exponentially by the movements of his stems.

“Float higher, get out of range” The entire place was covered in the following explosion of yellow, purple, and green, even where he had lowered himself to be and where the girl still was. “A new guy eh? Good to know” To set up three types of powders simultaneously. (Crazy…she’s just standing there unbothered)

He still had visuals on her and Clear was around to cover his blind spots, whatever the girl was playing at wouldn’t mean anything.

(I need a good enough opening, if I reach Sahila it would be too risky for them to be there) Beating them here was perfectly possible, but that would set alerts for Xen, who knows what they could do to try and set off the Xenpurgis were she to beat two of their best. (Capturing them would also be good…but sending them into alert might be too problematic)

What a problem, choosing to run was for the best of the operation. “Sunny day” To do that controlling the flow of battle was the first step and her specialty. (Open options, then strike)

“Electroweb, don’t let her” Weaving a ball of electricity Raichu spun their tail, entering freefall for an instant as he threw it, only to catch themselves a moment later.

Yet when the web came into contact with the field of spores it exploded.

The incredibly hotter shine of the enhanced sunlight made the ambient much more heated, his optical sensors had to readjust for a moment to regain full enhancement under the more prominent light.

However his mind was more preoccupied with the Interceptor’s way to completely ignore his attack and deflect it anyways.

The faint sound of Clear’s voice entered Kieran’s ears, standing in one of the pillars near him. “Huh” The outcome was not supposed to be like that, the move was not to be taken at face value. “I’ll relay what I find”

It was noticed. (His mouth moved) Not speaking, but a reaction to something. “Hold” Was Clear talking to him or was that his reaction to Shino’s display. (It’s not only spores that are floating around after all)

“Psychic, crush the little mushroom” The force of the mind grew from inside the floating Pokemon, eyes glowing pink as the energy was manipulated.

“Intercept with Protect” A dry impact echoed, then another and another as the two moves clashed, the nullification properties of the shield made it the best defense out there, it wouldn’t always hold on, not against someone stronger but this was not that time.

“Inside, Stun Spore and Rage Powder” Slowly the visibility of the Amoonguss was covered in its entirety by two colors, the bubble like move would not allow the two moves to escape.

(The hell?! Using a move while using Protect?) No move was perfect and the best defense’s drawback was the insane consumption of energy it had. (Shit…this is problematic)

“Now explode” The shield shattered outwardly releasing everything inside with great potency thanks to the pressure. (Now’s your turn) Before it was an annoyance but now the cloud of colors was completely covering Star out of their view.

“Shit she’s trying to run” He had been baited, everything she’d done from the start was stall and keep him away. “Cover this side” His hoverboard should be faster than any person on foot, so he went to meet her at the end of the stairs.

Waiting at the bottom for a person that would never arrive.

…

Teleporting always left a little sick feeling in her stomach every time it happened. (Honestly, this was not what I wanted to do today) Thankfully Mew was gentler than most other teleporters that she knew and had more finesse with the move.

The entrance to Sahila was before here now where the Obelisk once stood. “Well…time to be scolded I suppose” She’d be an idiot to think her disappearance stunt would fly with the others, sticking together was important for them after all.

(It was for me too) She’d learnt some independence in Reborn, maybe too much.

Making her way up the city some of the locals waved in her direction, people who’s faces she could remember but that the names were not there for her after so long.

Probably some who she’d helped with anything, others just knew her due to her battling skill when the school asks for demonstrations from her. “I kinda missed Sahila’s people”

Star had been adored in Reborn, being savior and apparently the only person with enough kindness to just lend a hand to strangers until Adrienn returned, something only becoming champion intensified.

But everything had always been so…muted back then, the concentration it took her to keep her façade at all times and thinking on what she could say or not just made her feel fake in some ways.

Beside all of the times she couldn’t really stay quietly in a café or restaurant due to fans was pretty annoying too.

Greeting the guards of the entrance of Alexandra’s home they seemed mildly apprehensive but responded to her in kind. “Ah, Miss Star good night”

She tried to recall their names to call them but there was nothing. “good to see you two” They were kind people, that much she did know, dedicated to their job which would in turn make their current expressions something related to it since it affected both of them. “Did something happen?”

“Nothing to worry about Miss Star, Miss Melia and Miss Crescent just brought unaccounted for visitors and they are with the leader at the moment, as guards we can’t help but be worried” It was their job, Alexandra’s authorization allowed their group to do things like this but that signified a risk for them.

There also that those two bringing someone in was strange. “Well don’t worry anymore, I’m here so everything will be fine”  Confident in her abilities to protect anyone whatever may happen they let her in.

And walking inside Star could tell that something was different around here. (Did…did something happen while I wasn’t here?) People had called for her multiple times when she checked, had she missed an attack here?

There was no struggle here and her instincts  said no threats could be detected.

Things simply felt weird…relaxed but weird.

Walking down the stairs towards the HQ allowed her to pick up voices from above, some laughed their voice relaxed with an air of comradery. (Did they bring some friends?) Huey, Rena and Lavander hadn’t been here, maybe it was Eric and Delpha too. (The guys may just be too worrisome)

Star passed by the door without entering, the laboratory here was the second door in where she planned to drop off some notes she’d ended up taking on the third layer. (Should I give El a call? He’d tell me if anything of note was found and he is an adult I don’t have to worry too much about him) There was also his strength but that didn’t need to be said.

Leaving a data drive beside the computer with some files she had not looked at yet and then a stack of notes on the desk her task here was done.

Strangely she had stopped hearing the voices from the other room. (Eh?) Making her way towards the common room Star found that the previously open door was now closed.

It was a motion sensitive door and it worked perfectly when she came closer to it, the weird part was that it had been locked to open a second ago.

Once inside she could see everyone waiting, standing around the table at the middle of the room, save for Aelita.

A question was about to be worded, her mouth moving to formulate it when her sight finished taking a good look at everyone.

“!!!” Two familiar faces stared at her, one of them had light up with recognition the moment she entered the room while the other was contemplating what they were seeing.

All Star wanted to do was run at the sight however, she wasn’t ready for this. (Anna?! Luna?!) She wanted to ask in confusion but the words refused to leave her mouth, an irrational fear had gripped her.

Liar
Liar

Taking one step backwards she intended to get out of the room, to leave for a moment and catch her breath, find how this had happened, be anywhere but here.

-THUD-

Someone was standing right behind her. “Hi Star” Her purple haired friend was blocking the exit, door closed behind her too in case she slipped by her.

…

They had somehow figured out she arrived and planned this didn’t they.

…

“…” Silence reigned on the room, no one was saying anything, were they expecting her to do something? Did Anna and Luna want to say something? Were they angry at her? (Arceus Damn it calm down) Her heart was beating faster and faster as her breathing became irregular.

(You’ve faced worse, why are you panicking?!) Admonishing herself Star stared directly at the martial artists.

Her eyes looked pleadingly at her friend to let her leave. (Why are you reacting like this?! Calm yourself) Acting the opposite way Star wanted her too Aelita pushed her forward. (Why? WHY?!)

She stumbled, almost falling forward were she not caught by someone else.

“I missed you” The gentle sound of sniffing came from the person who got to her, still smaller than her but not by much unlike than the last time she had seen her.

Anna had caught her, she was hugging her teardrops in her eyes as she gripped her strongly, she wasn’t crying, not completely, but there was hurt on this eyes, hurt because of her.

Once again the words died there, nothing she could say would either get her out of this nor would stop what she knew was coming. (…) Another set of steps approached, Star didn’t have to lift her gaze to know who it was.

“I missed you” Luna didn’t say anything else either, joining over Anna while Star avoided looking at them were she to do so and she would have noticed how sad Luna’s eyes were.

Why didn’t they hate her? She broke her promise, she left, abandoning them in one of the most important times for the regions reconstruction without any word given to them.

Tears also formed in her, guilty tears.

Right now there was only one correct answer for her to say, so she just reciprocated the hug with a sad smile. “I’m sorry…I’m sorry I lied to you” It wouldn’t be of any value, but it was something she needed to express. “I’m sorry I never said anything”

Star could feel them both tense at the contact and even more at her words, it was bittersweet at best, maybe cruel at worst but she could not say much else to them, not after giving them hope and then taking it away.

Their reaction hadn’t been like this when she first traveled to the present with Elias. (Maybe all they did was put on a strong front for her huh) And this was only two of her friends.  (I thought i would have had more time than this)

More time to find her words, more time to recover, time to at least meet with them when the world wasn’t in danger.

“I-”

---

-RING-

-RING-

The phone of her house was ringing later than any expected call, luckily she was still organizing some documents before she went to sleep. “Who could it be at this hour?” If it was anyone trying to sell shit she is hanging up.

Adjusting her voice to not sound horrible the woman answered. “Hello this is Lumi speaking”

“Ah, not quite who I expected but I’m thankful for answering” The voice was one she could almost recognize, a person she’d clearly known. “I imagine this call comes rather late yet I couldn’t let what I found continue for longer”

“I am currently attempting to contact Everlyn on behalf of my findings of Pulse technology in Aevium”

Lumi froze, the machine her sister swore to change for the better was no making an appearance in another part of the world. “I’ll relay what I can to her”

Hanging up the phone she walked back to the empty office. “…The one time I stay home to help my sister I swear..”

—END—

--Mystic--

Chapter Text

—START—

-3^rd Person POV-

They stayed bundled together for near five minutes.

Anna did not want to let Star go under any circumstance now that she had her once again, maybe it was a strange fear of her running away again, maybe she simply missed her friend that much.

All that mattered was that she was finally found.

Luna’s hold was much gentler but laid beneath it was a similar desire to not let go of Star not born out of any sense of sadness like Anna’s but rather a simple enjoyment of the warmth of a friend.

Regret still existed yet the dark type trainer had a much better hold over it than her sister.

A few more seconds passed with the three of them locked in place, unmoving in their little reunion while the rest observed.

Slowly Aelita silently walked towards the rest of the room, silently signaling the others to follow her towards the bedrooms. (Come on guys) Understanding that a desire for them to solve this by themselves might exist drove her to do so.

Damien, Erin, and Alexandra were easily convinced, Crescent reluctantly did as well. (They deserve the time) Her eyes tried to convey such an idea but Melia’s defiance and Venam’s stubbornness told them they wanted to be here, Ren would always back them up, so he stayed too.

They knew nothing real of the journey Star made, what they been told were but small stories and adventures with no big consequences on the journey against Meteor and they too wanted some answers.

Coupling that with Star’s more increasingly worrying actions and her absence to an important meeting made it more clear that they needed to have a conversation on this.

But when Aelita got close, standing in front of them while asking without words to please let them have this before anything else their stubbornness was swiftly quelled and they left with her not long after.

For both Star and Aelita they would do this, stepping away into the bedrooms with the purple haired girl sparing one last glance backwards with a smile before leaving.

Only three remained in the room then.

Luna was the first to let go, slowly, a small smile playing on her lips as she looked at her friend once more. “You’ve changed so much yet not in the way we expected” For once they thought she’d be older than the last time they had seen her.

Lifting her hear from the embrace the Interceptor looked directly at her. “…It’s a long story…” It was clear she had not aged much, she was still recovering from her battle with Puppy, the bandages were visible. “I’m sorry” She couldn’t stop herself from repeating such a thing her eyes now dodging everyone.

It was at that moment that two thoughts crossed Luna. “It is true then” When earlier their host had mentioned Star told them about Reborn she’d been skeptical, even before when she apologized a belief that it was simply her mind had settled, but no, it was real. “You have a beautiful voice”

Why would the person who refused to say anything, that went out of her way to communicate in every possible way but words whether it was writing, sign language, or charades say anything to anyone, that’s what her mind tried to believe at the other’s affirmation.

But she had spoken, apologized through words when she would have bowed to do so back in the day.

Her words made Star feel slightly embarrassed but the guilt was overpowering. “I guess that’s just another thing for me to say sorry for…never speaking to you” It was disappointing to the dark type leader that her words had the contrary effect to what she wanted.

Then came the idea that, while it had been ten years for them Star had just returned from Reborn a little ago. (It was time travel, Shelly was right…simply not the way we believed it to be) It didn’t explain the new appearance and the muteness, still this didn’t change their thoughts on the situation and those points could be addressed later. “Believe me, you hold no reason to be sorry for”

The quick forgiveness…no, the brushing aside of the issue itself hurt the Interceptor more than she expected. “Even after I lied to everyone? After I left? I thought you’d hate me for that” Anna let go of her in that moment and changed her grip to her shoulders, purple eyes staring into the pink of her friend with a half disappointed half offended look.

“We couldn’t hate you of all people!” Her words were loud, almost shouting, an underlying indignation coming from it. “You…at first we thought you left because of us” And the volume died as soon as she said the next phrase. “You always helped, no matter who or where, listened to us, fought for us even almost dying for us and we didn’t even properly thank you for it, just empty words” Their future conversations shouldn’t count, how can you thank someone ten years after it’s over.

“If we were to hate someone like that, what kind of people would we be” Reborn’s restoration was a work everyone had chimed in, that was possible because of the cooperation they all did, all but the person who brought all of them together, that gave the initial push by being kind and saving the region. “You saved us…you became so important to all of us”

Whatever their words or actions were towards her, no matter if they had stood with the enemy before or were one to begin with, even after harming her in some way they had been forgiven.

So everyone simply grew to like Star, even if it was from a sense of rivalry or from gratitude. “We believed…that we had finally tired you, that we had hit the rock bottom on the endless patience you seemed to have for us” That my last stunt of thinking you were Lyn finally broke you, Anna swallowed those words now was not the time for that.

Luna took over for her from there. “Nobody blames you for not keeping that promise…sure there is the darkness of indignation, disappointment and anger towards that action, but there is also a light of understanding” Because in one way or another they all believed they had a part in her disappearance. “You would not be the first amongst us to lie in such a matter”

When the Interceptor focused on her Luna offered her a smile. “Still, if you believe there is something to forgive, then in the name of everyone in Reborn…we do forgive you from the darkest corners of our hearts” With that she went for another, more quick, hug before asking the important question.

“Just like that?” It warmed her heart to hear such a thing, that despite it all they thought of her in such a light and they were willing to overlook this. “No emotional breakdown, no battle?” It was an attempt of a joke, they had made their point clear.

But it didn’t seem that way to them. “It can be that way if you so desire” Luna’s words were serious, Star’s words described how she’d handled most of them when troubled or when imbued in the dark light of the new world.

Anna carried a similar perspective, more so when she had been so out of it that she believed her to be the worst person they knew, and in turn was willing to do the same for her. “Yeah, we’ll do it together! Nostra is ready too!” It was not fair to their friend they didn’t do it for her when she had to.

(Ah…I didn’t think they’d take it seriously) Lifting both her hands in signal of defeat Star shook her head. “No, there’s no need” The tension she’d been holding in her shoulders slowly began to disappear. “I know when I’m beat”

A silent sigh escaped her lips. (Turns out my worries were unfounded…how stupid of me) As she said, Star knew when to admit her wrongs so she would stop arguing that point further. (Still doesn’t make me feel much better) But if it worked for them, if it made them happy to see her there was nothing else she would do.

Instead her mind wandered to one question, a little thing before she properly explained everything to them. “I’m curious, how did you find me?” In some way she knew they arrived here through Melia and Crescent but not much else.

A little tinge of irritation at them for doing it was there in her mind but seeing Luna and Anna’s joyous faces at seeing her killed those feelings fast.

“Truly, following your trail was as hard as ever, in fact it was you who revealed herself first” Honestly they wouldn’t have gotten anything has Star not brought her Pokemon back to her. “The letter was a rather obvious attempt at getting us to stop but we wouldn’t do such a thing, there was a fleeting idea to have Shade track you”

They didn’t know how effective that would be, but the idea was discarded by Anna before they could even tell the gym leader. “Euphie is always busy, so Shelly asked Luna to come” With both Adrienn and Aya here they should have been able to handle it.

But they had both responsibilities and not their real teams with them, rather their gym assigned ones. “My arrival was more…off books, technically Elite Four members have some legal restrictions when traveling internationally”

Something about powerful trainers that should never be unaccounted for in a foreign region. “So I came as Fantasia rather than Elite Four Anna with some tickets Shelly got us” In the end it worked better for them that she was the one to come. “From there I just had to follow the giant light that was the same as yours” Honestly it was a surprise she hadn’t seen it from the boat when she arrived.

It was an affirmation that froze Star in her place. (Right…Anna can see beyond the normal in the world, of course she would take note of the Zeight) Or her if they had crossed path at any moment.

“What’s weird is…I can’t see that light in you anymore” Anna could tell it was Star even without it, but the lack of it had thrown her off when she arrived earlier.

It was only Aelita’s earth sense that allowed them to identify her as Star and not another of the workers of Sahila.

“Right, it’s disabled at the moment so you probably can’t” Her blonde hair was a signal of her Interceptor powers being active in some way, thus the light of Arceus would shine through.

Taking a deep breath Star’s hair began to change color, from a strand to a patch, then it was all a golden blonde.

“It’s back!” The intense light that seemed to cut through Reborn’s darkness had returned for a moment before fading away at the same rate, the pink hair returning.

“…So it really is that…” There wasn’t much doubt before but having confirmation that her changes came from her powers was nice. “I guess that’s just another thing to explain”

There was a flinch in Anna when her words finished, she was looking at her strangely, her sister however was much calmer. “Star, you really don’t have to say anything…it may be selfish of us but we only desire to know the why of your actions, nothing else”

But didn’t they deserve more, Star did think so. “That is…it’s probably the answer to a lot of things” Things that she was the only one who knew, beyond the why’s and how’s.

Fern’s questions on how she always seemed so beyond him or her unnerving constant advance, the doubts of her silence, how she just seemed to survive everything and know things she shouldn’t.

Lika an unstoppable force of nature that advanced without impediment so had Star at one point, it was eerily similar to how Lyn just seemed to steamroll everyone.

All could be answered here. “If it’s not in your heart to tell us-” Before Luna could deny anything Star was already interrupting her.

“I will speak Luna…I will speak on behalf of the year I did not and for the ten that I missed” She had to, even if they forgave her she would not allow them to walk without an answer.

It was enough hiding. “Maybe we should those listening from the shadows into the explanation as well?” From the beginning there were people at the door of the bedroom listening in, they didn’t care much about it as they were also Star’s friend but Luna believed it was better if she made note of them.

Thus she whispered towards the others about it.

The other two didn’t have any visible surprise, they had noticed as well. “I guess I do owe everyone an explanation” Running away was not possible anymore, so Star would only hope her words didn’t drag anyone else in the conflict to come.

“Melia, Venam” Star’s voice was louder than before, enough to be heard by their listeners again. “Come on in”

With an embarrassed expression the blonde entered the room there was a little attempt to mask it but Star could tell from here.

Venam followed after, unlike her she was not looking a tad shameful rather her confusion was more palpable than anything else.

Ren and Aelita followed behind, rushed at the fact that their friends had left the room without warning. (They weren’t listening in then) With a nod of her head she signaled that it was fine for the two of them.

“We tried to stop them” Was their answer, nobody else followed afterwards.

“I believe the fastest way for me to explain it is from the beginning…my beginning” Without any build up she began, a hand posed on her heart as she explained. “As the Aevians know I’m not exactly a real human…more correctly would be to say I’m an amalgamation of souls”

Star could feel two different gazes steel into her at that moment, Luna was definitively disturbed by such an idea but passed it quickly, Anna on the other hand surprised, but then understanding.

“Without…without the glow you look like a rainbow puzzle” It was weak but everyone could hear Fantasia’s declaration giving her and Luna one more proof of her words, they didn’t need it to believe her, but it was there.

Each fragment of herself was one different individual, the combination of who under Aevia made up her body. “Star is the combination of both body and mind, Aevia and…me” Herself, the one who constituted the mind and took decisions. “A mind with no name”

(Aevia) The name was not one neither she nor Anna were familiar with in any way.

 “The reason why this is important is because of my role” Now came the real difficulty of explaining it all. “I’m what’s known as the Interceptor a being capable of intercepting the passage of fate”

Luna’s mouth opened slightly. “Defying fate itself?” Clearly Star had stood up to situations where few would survive and that were a challenge beyond reason, but this was a different scale. “Such a thing would make you…”

“A near unstoppable enemy under the right circumstances, yeah we know” Ren finished for her, more than anyone they understood how much Star’s choices weighted than everyone else’s, even more with recent developments.

The fact that only one individual had ever beaten the Interceptor in battle.

Star had literally returned from the dead after all, if that didn’t spell near unstoppable they don’t know what would. “That does sound like her” Anna agreed with them on that. “Nobody could stop Star back home”

Hearing them talk about her in such a matter made the girl somewhat embarrassed. “This also leads as to why I went to Reborn in the first place” Not letting it get to her she continued. “When I said it was ‘me’ who told me to go there I was dodging some context” Wasting no time the attention was directed towards Anna. “The wish you made Anna asked for someone who could save the region”

“A wish?” Melia asked, the idea of a desire becoming reality was…incredibly tempting with her situation being as it was. “Can you realize wishes?”

“Nostra can!! Well could” The magnitude of her original petition to the Legendary had run them completely dry, even after her dream powers were able to restore them slightly it didn’t do much. “Not anymore after the reset”

The hope bubbling inside Melia was drained from that but a little thing stood out to the girl. “Reset?” It was a term they had seen associated towards their friend before.

“It’s different, it has nothing to do with the Amethyst grove or the core” Aelita knew what her words had told her when she explained the core, this was not a complete reset of the world, it couldn’t have been or she would have known.

“Aelita’s right what that wish did was create a time loop, by resetting the timeline, not the everything, it created one loop where a future me would tell me to go to Reborn, all the adventure would happen and then it would be me who’d tell my younger self to do the same” That was the first real revelation in all of this.

“In essence…as the fate’s bane you were the most qualified individual, yet as you are not really moved by the whims of fate, which may include the workings of a with, it had to be very creative when being fulfilled?” Not being controlled by it meant that not even the will of a good could influence on Star’s actions, rather direct action was needed. “So it turned to yourself to do so”

When Luna said those words her younger sister asked. “Doesn’t that mean you are from this timeline originally?” Since the time loop began here it means the younger Star came from Aevium.

“That is correct…this is my original timeline and the appearance you see before you is the original me if you can call it that” Her words almost twisted themselves there, this was the reason, the whole point of them being here, the answer she had to give them. “Before I ever step foot in Reborn I met someone with light blue hair, they were said to come from another region to help with East Gearen’s restauration to ‘pay a favor back’, bringing one of their gym leaders alongside them”

It was an obvious lead up, the words told them a very obvious thing they did not expect. “They were nice to me, sometimes strangely comparing me with an ‘old friend’ that had disappeared” Anna took both hands to her mouth pieces clicking together in hear head while Luna just hummed in understanding. “Imagine my surprise when I meet both of those people one day and figured, oh, I’m the lost friend”

Like a thread that weaved two fabrics together the wish made by Anna stitched the story of the Interceptor and Reborn together, forcing Star to have the same beginning and end as the ‘her’ that comes from the past by fear of what the changed timeline could be. “And will have to keep the timeline going correctly by doing the same”

“they hadn’t really recognized me, just a vague sense of familiarity as if looking at someone who was so similar yet fundamentally different” Not only that but under the Reborn ID there were some characteristics already detailed for her.  “My appearance and voice were things I had to hide to keep it that way”

Future changing is devastating if done wrong, thus it was fear what made her return in the same manner she was thought to have done so in the other’s eyes.

But it was the first thing that stuck with them. “Leaving was your plan from the beginning” Luna asserted, paraphrasing everything Star had done into a singular sentence. “To keep time going as it should…you were always going to leave” It was beyond anyone’s control, the safest option for everyone even if it meant Star had to sacrifice something.

“I didn’t know how, just that I had to” Was her reply, an air of finality around it.

That something being their friendship and ten long years. (What a Star choice to make) But it also meant that each time she said they would always be together, that she’d be there for them anytime anywhere…would always be a lie.

“That’s why I’m sorry about it all” It was incredibly hurtful, both Luna and Anna could agree that knowing this hurt more than other reasons, their friendship was doomed to this halt from the very begging.

Anna’s hand grabbed Star’s. “Why not call for us after then? Why try to hide?” If this was the reason, if she wasn’t angry with them or hate them for their actions then why? (Asking not to look for you)

It was an act of character, a decision that made sense in Star’s mind. “It’s Xen is it not? You didn’t want them to get involved with that” Ren pointed exactly that, the truth behind her silence. “Ever since you’ve returned you just…keep people, everyone, at arm’s length over important things like you want to handle everything yourself” That was not how their friend had acted before, but clearly it was what Reborn shaped her to be.

It wasn’t Melia nor Aelita who had understood Star, nor did Anna or Luna, but Ren. “It was hard wasn’t it, your journey to being champion” It was him who looked at their friend directly and could get what was going on in her brain.

The others turned to look at him stunned at his affirmation, it was sound and simple but it wasn’t something they had thought about.

“Yeah…it was hard doing things alone until I got used to it…then I couldn’t really go back” It didn’t feel right, to put others in danger when she could handle things alone, how disconnected everything was when she returned. “I just thought they already had enough…and I didn’t want you guys to be burdened more”

If there had been a way to untangle her Aevian friends from this problem as well she would have most likely looked for it too. (Wow…when did it become so distrusting of everyone?)

“We too have depended too much on you haven’t we?” If a robot could cry maybe he would have shed a tear or two after saying that. “Arceus I’m sorry Star”

Hearing Ren’s assessment Anna let her go the tension in her shoulders dropping. “That is the Star we know, always looking out for us” But when had they done the same for her. (But it’s now who she always was)

Only Adrienn and Painter had seemingly bothered with doing it and tried to be a pilar for her. “It would be rude to crash in your plans, but the two of us hold no intention of letting go now” Luna declared confidently after pondering things for a while. “This time it will be us supporting you”

If Xen was what stood in the way of their friend returning to them then Team Xen needed to be destroyed. “I- I can’t ask that of you” But her complaints would be met with quick rejection.

“It’s good we are doing it either way then” They were serious in not letting her go were they?. “Well help all the way!”

“Any assistance will be something we’re grateful for” Melia was glad these people were on their side, the earlier display of strength had put into perspective how much she had yet to improve. “We all need to keep together right? It’s how we’ve come this far”

Her words of encouragement worked, letting all guilt dissipate for now Star rectified her posture, standing straight.

“Fine let’s do it together” Nothing she could say or do would change their minds…and she was happy they were here, a truth she needed to voice to them. “also, sorry if it’s a bit late but…It’s good to see you two” She offered the best smile she could.

“!” Once again Star was trapped by the arms of her black haired friend, a smile plastered across her face. “We’re glad you are back too…and I’m happy to hear your voice again”

(Right, the Puppy battle) She had let herself go that day and actually gave out commands for her team so Anna must have heard her. “And I’m happy to see you smile”

“Ejem” Melia crudely interrupted her expression was tenser than before this conversation began. “There is one last thing we have to talk about Star…the information was decrypted”

It would seem like this conversation wasn’t over. “Ok…let’s hear it”

---

“Didn’t we already have a meeting?” It hadn’t been more than two days since they were called by Shelly, so why did they have to go towards her house now? “And couldn’t this wait until tomorrow?”

Walking beside Fern up the stairs was Titania her silver hair flowing with each step. “You’re irritable due to the lack of challengers, at least like this we have something to do” But it did spark some interest the fact that the champion called again.

Specially in the middle of the night. “If ya can complain you can walk faster” At the top was Heather, wearing casual clothing unlike her usual uniform, standing in front of Shelly’s door. “Apparently Anna found a lead, a really strong one” Not even she was aware of the details that’s how important her friend thought this was.

Enough to bring her a big amount of hope. “They should be calling around now, there’s a two hour gap between Aevium and Reborn so it’s near the time agreed upon for an update” Knocking on the door once more the Dragon and Flying trainer waited for an answer.

“Shit really?” Ever since this morning he’d been on edge, for some coincidence Fern caught a moment of Star connecting through her PokeGear so he sent her a message, it felt foreboding. “Let’s hope our bug champion doesn’t let us freeze out here then”

Once they finally reached the top it took no longer than a minute more for Shelly to open the door for them, wearing  some Ariados themed pajamas. “Good night everyone” Moving out of the way the champion allowed them entry in their house

“PTFF!” Quickly covering his mouth the Grass type elite four laughed to himself at the sight looking funnily at her as he passed by everyone. “G’ Night to you too Buggy”

Heather, used to her nightly appearance, followed afterwards. (You could have at least changed) Keeping the comment to herself with a smile.

“Hello” Titania didn’t outwardly say anything other than a greeting, entering, and closing the door beside her. “To the living room I imagine?” When the woman nodded back she continued in.

It took them some time to get themselves comfortable as Shelly finished hooking her PokeGear to the television and installing a microphone for them, this would be a video call.

“They will be calling any moment now” Once she was done all that was left to do was wait. “From what Anna told me there was a giant pillar of light that was identical to Star’s own glow over there so they went to investigate it”

The woman’s vision was well known to them by now, although over time she did end up learning about tact and the distinction between her eyes and everyone else’s. “Not even an hour after arriving and she had better luck that everyone else” A giant light however, that was weird.

“Did she not say anything else after?” Titania questioned, for her to not say anything when a good amount of time had passed would mean she ended up finding something significant.

Shelly shook her head as she sat on the couch beside the others. “She did, but nothing substantial, rather she asked for this call” The ringing of the device started up abruptly, so much so that there was a moment of panic with all of them.

“Jesus fuck Shelly put a song or something!” The standard ringtone was a despairing alarm that Fern hated.

Clicking answer the screen displayed both Luna and Anna in some form of room with bookshelves behind them.

A giant smile looked at them when it began. “Hi everyone!” Waving to the camera was their missing member, her hair was a bit unkept and the little red in her eyes was visible to see. “Hope this is not too late”

Beside her Luna bowed, also spotting a more radiant smile than they’ve seen from her in quite some time. “Greetings everyone” She too was slightly raffled.

“Looking bright there brat” Fern had to get his word in before everyone else as always. “You too Luna”

Their appearance was confounding, still they were greeted properly by everyone after him. “Anna are you alright?” Her eyes were a sign of crying or irritation, both thing where her question was appropriate.

Hell even Luna had some watery remains in her eyes now that she focused on it.

“Yep, don’t worry about me, in fact I come bearing great news!!” Despite her appearance the spirit in the girl was more powerful than ever. “Come in the frame now!”

(Someone else?) It was a collective thought, while the nature of this reunion wasn’t exactly official in nature this was important to them. “Anna Who?”

There was no time for her to finish formulating her question as a pink haired teen, maybe a young adult, entered the frame looking calm without saying a word.

The image just showed her waist up, wearing a white shirt and gloves her eyes seemed to be focused on them with an uncanny intensity that meant something.

Something about this girl just screamed at Heather and each glance she gave in her direction just made it worse in all manners, the way she was standing, the neutral expression, the hair clip she wore as just so familiar it hurt.

Her eyes however, those might have been the most familiar thing of them all, it was her eyes, the same kind of look but completely different color. “No fucking shot…Star…” The name escaped her lips, everything about the person in front of the camera reminded her of that person…but just not enough to be her.  “…Had a kid?!” Which would lead this to be the only conclusion her mind arrived at, one that hurt…it hurt a lot.

She blamed Hardy for this.

“Ahrg-” Fern choked on air the moment those words came out of her mouth, as if a connection was made in that instant and suddenly he could see it. “Fuck she reproduced?! But how she couldn’t be this old if she was hers!?” Time travel was the only answer, somewhere in his heart the grass trainer felt something.

“Oh” Even Titania found herself somewhat feeling this revelation, respect was the only way to call what she felt for the previous champion and to learn of a child of hers they never knew like this…she could only call it the consequences of their actions. “It’s a pleasure to meet you”

Everyone but Shelly had expressed their surprise, regret or sadness one way while still acknowledging her existence. (Why do they look like that?) The champion on the other hand simply watched the screen as the others distracted themselves with the words Heather spoke.

So she had seen the girls face morphed into a downright astonished and confused expression when she said it, the way Luna’s shoulders trembled in contained laughter or the openly laughing Anna in the background who simply kept it silent.

This wasn’t what she had expected at all. “Don’t go inventing things like that!! I don’t have a child!” Star couldn’t believe her ears, so much so that anything she had thought to say, any apology or regret she wanted to express stopped and her words flew out on their own. “Seriously, always jumping the gun you lot”

Maybe there was a bit of frustration mixed up with her words so she let it out on that.

“…” Silence followed her statement.

“We found Star!!” The exclamation made by the sisters after that sealed the deal.

—END—

--Mystic--

Chapter Text

—START—

-3^rd Person POV-

“We found Star!!”

The silence that followed afterwards was heavy, hearing those words, seeing the person beyond the screen, and putting both together.

It wasn’t lining up at all.

Ferns reaction was almost reflex. “Don’t try to lie here, that brat can’t be Star?!” Sure physically they looked similar but there were some clear differences as well, the most glaring one was that she had called them out a moment ago.

With words, something their rival had never done before even after he tried every possible way to make it happen.

 “what?” Heather muttered to herself, eyes glued to the pink haired girl that was watching them a slight tremble in her arms.

Titania too was taken aback, but not like the others. “Luna, Anna is that true?”

“They aren’t lying, it is me” The answer came from the supposed Star, her arms crossed unimpressed at their disbelief. “Do you think Anna of all people would fail to recognize someone?” Her vision went beyond norm, each person was truly unique in her eyes, albeit there could be some similarities amongst people.

(I’ll show you brat you overgrown weed) Her façade had worked with them, so Star could understand why they wouldn’t recognize her. “Give me a second” That was still no reason to call her a brat.

For the second time today Star forced her powers to alter her appearance, her hair gaining the golden color she was sure they would recognize.

“The fuck?” Fern had to look twice, then trice at the development.

Beside him Titania hummed surprised, caught off guard as well. “…It is you…” Narrowing her eyes, she looked for something, a discrepancy, in the trainer but found nothing, it was her.

Heather remained staring almost to the point that she might have been trying to burn a hole through the screen.

“It is good to see you again” For the first time since Star was visible Shelly spoke, her tone was laced with both relief and some strain as she smiled in the camera’s direction. “You haven’t changed much”

There had been some suspicion on her part, their friends wouldn’t have made the call so soon had they not found something important and indeed it was.

They had found her, she didn’t doubt their words.

Instead what she tried to find was what the correct thing to say was, what could she tell Star to make it clear that she had missed her and so had everyone.

But she had no need for that, seeing her change reminded her that it was Her, who they were dealing with, something simple was perfect.

“It hasn’t been long for me…just a couple of days” Time travel became the answer when she hadn’t even aged a day since they had last seen her. “But things did change more that then last time”

(some days) Her time travel predictions weren’t wrong then, just not in the sense she expected. “Yeah, I HEAR it” Emphasizing the words made the Interceptor chuckle and in turn she did so as well. “I guess whatever changed got you over that silence of yours”

“Heh, as much as I want to explain that…it’s not something to be said over a call…” Explaining everything again was also not something she wanted to do, and maybe there was some pettiness towards Fern that made her want to keep him guessing. “But you will know” Her eyes wandered through the screen but returned to the champion fast.

Her smile was returned by Shelly. “That’s all I can ask” her nerves had vanished seeing that Star was simply treating her normally.

There was no doubt on her mind that the Interceptor didn’t resent them but a small traitorous part of her couldn’t help but deviate.

“Er? Hello what’s with you two ignoring us?!” Seeing as though the two of them had simply engaged with one another Fern had to get the focus back unto everyone.

Yet Star only grinned at his words. “Oh, sorry I thought you guys were still gawking at me” Returning to her usual appearance she began to tease him. “I know I look better like this but I didn’t expect you to fall in love this fast”

To his credit he didn’t even bat an eye. “Shut up! I just thought a lot of things of what you could be when I got you to fucking talk” He killed his own momentum when he mentioned her actions but he finished in a lower voice. “Irritably sassy was not on that list”

“Guess that just shows how good I am at holding back, because believe me” Her grin turned sharper, some words she’d saved up for herself bubbling up. “That’s the only reason I didn’t outright punt you in Victory road” He had been lucky to only get a small scar after his display. “No hard feelings” His expression had been satisfying enough.

“Tch, you’re more fun like this” Did he feel wronged that this was the Star he could have had as a rival rather than that doll face he usually battled with? Maybe. “What a surprise to see you weren’t a cyborg in disguise…and It’s good to see you”

His words were sincere, it touched her heart to see that even Fern of all people had missed her.

“Are you done? Can I go now?” Tired of waiting for the man to stop Titania interrupted the moment earning a glare from the grass trainer.

“Floor’s yours ya frigid stop sign” He bit back without malice and some snark. “You better still be strong there loser! I intend to beat you when we see each other in person” She did not get her chance however.

From the speakers came a laugh, Star was looking at him with confidence. “Beat Shelly first and maybe you’ll actually have a shot” It was a challenge she knew he wouldn’t refuse.

But it wasn’t him who answered. “Oh, implying I’m the weaker champion of the two?” Instead she had ignited Shelly’s competitiveness and fighting spirit.

“I do remember winning my title defense” Not that it would make her take back the comment so she doubled down.

“Heh, I guess you are right” Star had never acted like this with them, she was around when their interactions got like this sure but never participated.

Did she always hold herself back like this? Shelly couldn’t imagine what that was like. (I’m glad she can slide back this easily) It meant their friendship was not meaningless and that she still cared.

“I do believe I preferred when you were silent, at least then someone had conversational taste” Despite sounding so serious that it might have been Tania had made a joke.

All others but one seemed to chuckle slightly but Star just stared. “I…I can’t tell if you were serious on that?” Her face hadn’t changed nor had her tone, did she miss something?

For the third time during this conversation her eyes wandered to the last person, one who had not said anything since she revealed herself, who was looking directly at her both hopeful and lost at the same time.

Maybe for the same reason Heather had not spoken either the ex-champion could not say anything, both pairs of pink eyes were drawn into each other. (Too many things were just…stopped for so long) There was no way for her to tell what she might be thinking.

“I was joking, clearly” Tania’s voice was what broke the stare off. “Star, you look in good health, for the most part” The modicum of respect in her voice was not lost to her.

“Thank you” With an equal amount she answered, Titania giving out a compliment was an oddity. “I like the silver hair, it suits you” Although it made her look way older, but she kept that for herself.

She clearly knew about that thought though with the glare that she ended up receiving.

“Star, I know you said we can’t realty talk about it through here…but is there really nothing you could tell us?” Anything, to know anything would be comforting to begin with.

Her travel to the future the first time while still leaving again was a blow that stung, it hadn’t been recent, but it still was felt.

“It was never your fault, any of you” That much she could say, she wanted them to know at least that before they could properly talk about it. “So don’t feel guilty, the blame is mine and mine alone”

Someone snorted, loudly, before her voice was heard for the first time. “…You stupid idiot…” Her frown had only pronounced itself more and more as the conversation had gone on. “You’re still trying to push us away, avoiding talking about what matters”

“…” Heather was right, completely. “I didn’t think I was being very obvious”

“You aren’t, but I know you better than most” And she had done very similar things and had ran away when she couldn’t take it anymore. “So out with it, what is it you’re trying to hide”

Shaking her head the Interceptor denied it. “Nothing, I am being completely honest when I say this shouldn’t be told over call” Who knows if the company that handled the line kept records of calls or not. “And I will tell you”

She also…didn’t want to talk right now, she was exhausted from the one before and Heather would be much more explosive than Luna and Fantasia.

“Then come to Reborn” Spat back the Elite Four member growing more frustrated with each refusal. “Anna can take you back easily” She wouldn’t even be gone for long, just a few days and then she could go deal with her Xen bullshit.

“There’s also- ” Whatever she would have said was stopped with Star’s interruption.

“I can’t do that” The day past tomorrow was the raid, now of all times she could not afford to leave. “Here is where I need to be” Her friends needed her now more than ever.

Karma…would take them all if she wasn’t.

She could see her expression morph, from frustration to anger, to sadness and then anger again.

Fist balled she faced the camera head on.“…” The tears were threatening to come out, the joy and frustration welling in her chest would soon come out. “I’m leaving” But she didn’t do anything and stepped out of the room.

The dragon master left a deathly silence behind, one nobody was willing to break.

There were more than ten seconds of it before someone opened his mouth. “That’s…awkward”

“Fern, tact” Anna reprimanded him, deciding to finally talk again. “You know how important this is to her”

The man sighed but said nothing else, whatever happiness that the reunion had created was massively drained as it was agreed that this conversation could be continued on another occasion.

The connection was cut moments later, things remaining without resolution.

---

It was roughly four in the morning the next day when Star had woken up.

Her eyes felt heavy and wanted to stay like that, her body clinging to the surface of the bed.

Nobody else was awake logically and if it had been up to her she would be the same. (What a roller coaster of emotions) Despite not having slept much her mind was already working full time.

Seeing them all again this soon, it went beyond what she had though would happen and dragged more of her friends into the battle with Madame X.

There was no more rest it would seem, so Star gave up on sleeping, maybe this was a good time to process what she had found out about in the Zeight.

Going up the stairs after getting herself ready Star left the league’s HQ, all she could think at that moment were the face Heather had made before she left.

Her thoughts just drifted there no matter how much she deviated from it.

“You couldn’t expect everyone to forgive you…that’s fine” Her actions were more in line from what she thought would happen and maybe that’s why it felt worse.

Because of whom it was, who it hurt.

Her feet took her to the top of the village on a sluggish pace, until ending up taking a seat on the last step as she let her back fall against the floor and resting her head on it too. (Urgh, sand It’ll be hard to shake it off)

The ever present desire to protect the people she cared about ended up hurting one of them, her relentless and stubborn approach that allow her to meet so many challenges head on had almost made a friend cry.

Star hated it each time yet this was a situation where it couldn’t have been stopped.

The night sky was completely clear on this part of the island, the stars shining above whether they were still burning or not, whether all she was seeing were remnants or the still burning fire.

Watching the stars, the sky always did bring her such a sense of unease, of doubt because of her name.

Now that she had learnt why doubts had transformed into introspection.

Star, it was a given name. (To burn and illuminate the path to the future whether I’m there or not) It was the ideal behind it and that represented her to guide the others towards happiness.

It was her.

In turn Terra had been the cruel realism of the world a Nihilistic view that drove after nothing but Oblivion. (A Renegade) The selfish desire of seeing everything end just so there was no need for an Interceptor anymore.

It was who she could have been.

Both were the Interceptor, the one who’d destroy and the one who’d protect. (To think it was all in the Zeight) Both versions of herself that she could have become and the one she ultimately became.

(All under a name I can’t read) Recorded by the pillar at the name of whoever it was that Star, rather the mind of Star, was before this life.

She could have ended up being either of them but her choice was what made her carry one name or the other. (And even still…I couldn’t successfully do so) Much like her appearance was different to all others her name was similar.

Her choices shaped it and having chosen to protect long ago had cemented her as Star, a life that lighted up and guided with warmth.

Because she had forgotten the small detail of herself, her mind didn’t realize that there would be people whose happiness would be tied to both her presence and her own joy.

Disposable is how she saw herself, that her life for one of her friends was completely worth it. “But they don’t see it like that do they” She ended up becoming a part of that.

And in turn she became something with meaning because her friends existed. “With no real value other than what they give me”

Soft steps approached from the bottom, calmly approaching her with confidence.

“You really have a bad habit of sneaking out recently” They really weren’t allowing her out of their sight. “Watching the stars?” There was no need to look at the newest arrival for her to know who it was.

So she answered. “Yeah, I wasn’t very tired” She was completely and utterly exhausted, but if she said that this situation would look worse. “Did I wake you up?” Her confidence in her stealth was high after so many times that she had to sneak into places but it made sense that she was found quickly.

Although even that would allow her to escape this ‘sight’.

Aelita shook her head with a smile, going down and sitting right beside her. “I couldn’t sleep much either, I’m nervous about everything heh” She was worried then, it was very obvious if the first thing she did was chase after her rather than wake the others.

“Maybe I am too” Normally she would be seeing the ocean, it always helped with her feelings, but there existed a need to see the night sky today, a push her will desired to understand what she had read. “Let’s be nervous together”

It had been a really heavy day yesterday when it came to her psyche, too many things were said or happened and with some only creating more questions. “Yeah, we’ve survived this long together right?”

Laying down beside her Aelita’s gaze also went towards the sky. “Soon we will be facing Team Xen at their own territory” We knew little of their layout and that was only what Ren could tell them. “But we will be alright if we faced them with the others”

“We will” Their numbers and care for one another gave strength. (I resisted alone too tough) It wouldn’t be hard to leave and attempt to do this on her own, but her time after the first circus badge she got was perhaps some of the loneliest and most miserable weeks of her life.

All because it was when she was the most alone of all.

“I will make sure we win” Turning her head to look at the envoy Star smiled, not really a happy one but that transmitted the confidence in her words. “I can…tell”

She wanted to say promise, her words were supposed to be a promise made under the stars to stop Xen and allow her friends to live happily.

But she wasn’t capable of making a promise at the moment.

“Of course” The martial artist smiled in her direction with enviable radiance, having seen the worst in Aelita just made her that much more brilliant. “And we have more help now! Melia said they were super strong”

“Anna and Luna, oh yeah they are some of the best battlers I’ve seen”

The two of them stayed there until the sun rose from the horizon and for the first time since she had returned Star finally felt like she had done so prior to her leaving.

Even if it was for a moment, she allowed herself to not care about what would be coming in the future.

---

The sun had settled nicely in the sky when a big shadow descended in the entrance of the village.

The being was composed of yellow scales and a big smile, carrying an old man on their back. “I thank you Dragonite, your transportation is as smooth as ever” Getting off the back of the dragon was Elias.

His search of Bladestar and their actions was something he halted momentarily to inform and report, having sent some of the data stolen towards the only person who had competent knowledge of the machines he’d seen.

Doing so was the correct idea, he was sure but now that he had discovered all he could in their base he had to return.

Besides, the real battle would be happening near here soon enough and he would not be left to the side when the time comes, this time he would be on the right side.

-SHING-

A strange sound like metal sliding against metal echoed behind him, then a portal’s opening echoed.

Hoopa’s portals, a sound characteristic only to those. “I hope they tell us more about this Madame X today” It was an adult voice that carried some familiarity.

To a woman he once knew that stood beside his rival, beside Radomus.

Then came the second individual, her too was an adult but her voice was…all too familiar. “I do believe that would…be…nice…” He knew who was behind him, shame rose from his heart as his only family remaining stood there.

And she saw him. “You…I should have expected we would meet eventually” Pure neutrality, he couldn’t distinguish any emotion or intention. “Will you not turn around and face me?”

El wanted to, to see her face again and apologize, having accepted Star’s leave and forgoing the last conversation they had back in the past. “I…am respecting your wish to not gaze at me as per the last time we met” In turn he had expected a reaction similar to that of the future seen through Celebi’s actions.

“That was previous to my ability to recall what happened when dealing with Necrozma” It was muddled back then, like a veil that had kept them in the dark for one reason or another, had she remembered correctly that interaction then maybe a chance might have been given. “Turn around”

Slowly Elias complied, if she desired to see his face then so be it.

“There were a great deal of things I thought when you still disappeared, yet now…I find no way to blame you for what happened” While it was their friend who spoke of the consequences of unchecked timeline alterations it was Melia who had driven home the dangers that it held. “You had no choice in this and I do not doubt you would have failed to follow your words from that day”

“Thus, I am willing to extend it again” Extending her hand as a form of greeting Luna stares directly to his eyes, hidden behind the sunglasses. “You are my father, but not my family…If that changes or not it is up to you”

She was aware that she’d be forced to face him eventually, that if she found Star then Elias would come right after her following like a lost puppy.

In consequence her mind on what to say had been made…yet the expectation was shattered and the truth changed things, despite what she might feel about it the man had no fault.

This was forced unto him, leaving their issue hanging in their last conversation. (It is only fair then that I allow it to continue from there and not let my resent grow for nothing of his doing)

“There is no matter that would make me happier” Handshakes were not any formal nor proper way for their people to come to agreements like this, it was too casual and might have been a rudeness.

But if this was the olive branch his daughter would extend to him, he would not regret grabbing that hand with hope and shaking it.

“Hi El!” Seeing as thought the moment was over Fantasia approached, having stepped away to give the two some space, wearing a smile.

The girl had grown well in the time he was gone. “Anna, you’ve gotten much taller” There was also that characteristic Radomus look that he found so distaining but the girl had no fault of that, his attitude would be no less than respectful. “Still leading the Elite Four strongly?”

“Heh, Heather might take it from me every now and then but I’m still the strongest” Proclaimed proudly making a victory sign with her fingers, looking him up and down. “You haven’t changed one bit”

He was still the same man in essence, just corrected from his path so under her eyes laid no difference from before.

“I have not, too little time has passed” Yet so many things he’d learnt in this time had certainly shaken his view on things and what he should be doing. “If it’s not a problem, might I ask what brings the two of you to these sands?”

“There is no need to act, we have already met up with her” Trying to hide he knew Star stayed here wasn’t necessary anymore, it was relieving to know they had been found.

It hopefully would bring an improvement in her mood as well. “Ah, apologies then, she was rather clear in her desire to stay hidden” It also meant they were going in the same direction. “Seeing as though we both need to meet with her It would be nice if we could go together”

“I can agree to that” They were basically already there, just a couple of stairs and they would reach the central building.

And yet that agreement meant to Elias more than she knew it did.

---

This was not her bed.

Neither it was her ceiling nor her bedside, closet, or house.

(I’m at Shelly’s, right) She had ended up staying the night here, sleeping in the sofa that she had in the basement for get togethers. “I saw her yesterday…she was there” No time had passed for her, when her hair turned blonde she looked just as she remembered her.

But that was the only thing that had remained like that from her perspective, there was no way for her to be ready for the absurdly different behavior she displayed.

Her manners of moving and expressions were the same, lest they were in a dangerous situation when she turned into a cold mask, but her voice? The one she refused to use under any circumstance even at that day?

Heather had believed she’d never see the day when hearing it was possible and Arceus it hurt that she found it beautiful to listen.

None of that mattered either way. (She refused to return, to come back) Instead of coming to them, her friends, she had tried to hide and acted on her own.

Starting another crusade against a new team seeking to do who knows what for whatever reason. “Absolute idiot” Were she to ask for help there is no doubt more than half of the Reborn league would run blindly right into that threat.

But once again she refused to tell them anything.

“Hey, finally awake?” Coming from above was the owner of the house, the champion had decided to bring their friend some breakfast for when they awoke but she found her up.

“Shelly…was last night real?” She hoped for both honestly, because Star being in their reach but unwilling to return was not something she wanted but to know her location was relieving.

Nodding she got her answer. “Don’t be too down, Anna has assured me there is an impending reason why she can’t leave”  Once she finally reached her a full plate was placed before her to eat.

“So there is something dangerous happening and she wants us to keep away?” There was no word that wasn’t coated in sarcasm, Heather was already not having a good day. “Fan-Fucking-tastic Shells, how would knowing she’s putting her life at risk again be of any comfort?”

Despite her anger and bitter responses Shelly was patient, aware of how much her friend was bothered by it all. “We cannot stop her, whether she does this or not it’s entirely her choice” But what a battle it had been facing her again. “Luna said they had managed to get on board with what was going on”

“Huh? They did?” Confused she looked up towards her friend from the plate. “Why haven’t they said anything then?” If they knew what was happening then surely it would reach them.

“That is exactly why I’m not doing anything, they too said it was too sensible to say over text or calls” They too had decided to back that idea then? Despite all hotheadedness she carried with her Heather knew to relent. “According to them Star seems almost scared for it”

Shelly couldn’t imagine what could be out there that made Star of all people scared. “You serious? She is scared of…whatever they’re doing?” Lyn and Arceus hadn’t made her cower at all, what they hell could do it? “Shouldn’t that be enough proof that it would be good for us to intervene?”

“If it didn’t have the chance to cause an international porblem we definitively would go” But she was the champion of the region and one of their Elite Four was already gone, there was no room for them to keep going where they wanted. “And unlike you Anna has vacation days saved up”

“So all we do is sit back and let her do everything?” It was at that moment when Shelly’s expression fell and finally she allowed herself to feel as frustrated as her.

“Just this time” They had been caught off guard and they weren’t prepared for her to be found this quickly and with so many things already going on. “Next time I guarantee you we will be there”

Next time they will be able to embrace their friend properly and let old time problems rest once and for all.

“Then…what about that?” Her anger was slowly smothered Shelly, her voice softer than before. “Do you think there is still a chance for her to keep her other promise?”

One thing the trainer had never been able to come to terms with, an old hope that could resurged for once. “I definitively hope so…I have yet to shoot my shot”

The conversation had left them refreshed, Heather definitively felt better compared to a few moments ago.

They would wait just a bit longer, next time they would be able to act.

---

“Cassandra” Here they were in the base of Team Xen, a room hidden towards the common grunt and only Never knew of its existence as per his position as the castle’s guardian. “I do believe I said failure was not tolerated”

The admin had been released earlier this morning despite the security of the league, teleporters were difficult to hinderance. “I am aware Madame” Now she stood in front of the leader of the organization, kneeling before their presence and power.

Their absolute power.

“Yet you were captured, kept by them until I decided it would be beneficial to free you” There was nothing she could have done back then, the den of souls had turned on her but that meant nothing to the leader. “Alas, no punishment will be dealt for this”

She wanted to sigh in relief but doing so in her presence would be a mistake. (I will not let this slight go, Melia and her friends will pay for this) Being humiliated like this, she didn’t want to accept it.

Only because it was Madame X had she done so.

After a pause the woman turned her visor from the book she was reading towards her for the first time. “I imagine there is nothing you can tell me of their movements?” The room was completely soundproof no sound could have reached her from the outside.

“I could not” There was no reason for a prisoner to have a chance like that, Madame X knew, she was simply being cruel pointing to her mistakes. “There was one thing however”

It was not something extraordinary, but that was related to one of the people of interest. “Oh?” Cassandra would not bring useless information to her and in turn her words caused interest.

“Star visited me very early, I was not aware of the time but maybe even three hours ago” The woman had been…unsettled by the Interceptor’s blankness.

For someone who had worn their heart on their sleeve it was rather terrifying. “She was unlike anything that had been said about her, blank and silent, staring at me with so little emotion that she might have not even been looking at me” She swore to herself, these details didn’t matter to Madame X.

But when she thought back to those eyes, she couldn’t not describe them, shaking her head she continued. “Star was taller, bulkier than it is known, as well as wounded with injuries that I could see in her legs maybe beyond that”

“hm…I knew that” Freezing in her place Cassandra dared not look at the monster in front of her. “Kienan had a ‘scouting’ mission and saw her…yet your words on her intrigue me more than a simple description”

“Do continue speaking, I’m listening” Somehow she still felt like talking about that was the wrong choice.

“Right away”

—END—

--Mystic--