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[attr="class","skullbody"]And they're off! Worlds collided as Ash's fearsome fivesome met the entirety of Isaac's mob. They've seen each other in bits and pieces before: on the beach, while camping, when prying Ash from the mouth of a vicious Carvanha. But never so many, so quickly.[break][break]

Bongo was quick to approach the water crew. As he arrived, Grimace practically sprang from the waters to greet him. Being some kind of frankenfish abomination, growth wasn't really on the Dracovish's forecast anymore. That meant Bongo's goal was quite the reasonable one. Nevertheless, he did his best to straighten his perpetually-folded spine to give Bongo a target to shoot for.[break][break]

As they faced off, however, a new challenger emerged. Flapjack rose to her full height, easily the largest of Team Isaac both tip to fail and wing to wing. As she hit the water, a wave splashed out onto poor Bongo and Grimace, Luster washing up on shore right next to them. In response, Grimace dunked his head into the water, trying to splash the giggling Mantine back.[break][break]

Sushi's arrival was far more peaceful, the Slowpoke gently dozing off in the sands. Seeing this, Ceres walked up to Dhelmise, shooting the inscrutable plant colony a curious glance. It remained unsqayed, but was quickly joined by the queenly majesty of Sectonia. She took one of the Dhelmise's algal blooms in her hands, beseeching him for aid with those big, red eyes.[break][break]

Against all odds, it relented. Soon, Sectonia was getting to work on a little blanket made of Dhelmise's Growth and Ceres' leaves, using a few quills she snatched from a passing Ivan as needles to put the whole thing together. For a Vespiquen, she sure knew her way around strings. Taking tips fron spiders proved very helpful! Once the trio's work was complete, she tucked the Slowpoke in, cooing a little at how peaceful it looked. Even Harmony floated over to help ensure it had good dreams.[break][break]

Poor Jelly wasn't the only shy one here. Sunny let out an alarmed squeal as Ash's team descended on Lunatone-back, hiding behind Kurze to try and hide himself. Kurze, who was currently in mid spar, did not really appreciate that, picking the Golbat up and plopping him right down onto Jelly's hiding bench. The Golbat peered shyly through the gaps in the bench, giving Jelly a bashful welcome squeal.[break][break]

Yet the star paid Sunny no mind. Instead, it and its little bird companion wanted to know what Kiryu was peering at. The Aggron immediately shook her head, letting out a weary rasp about how complicated human things were. Their humans were also having a hangout. Nothing to be concerned about. Human hangouts were just more boring and talky than Pokemon ones were. With her point made, she ushered the Pokemon to the rest of the festivities. Surely the humans would be fine without their vigil.[break][break]

As they approached, MC Watson pointed at them, letting out a few jolly barks of greeting. There was much applause from the crowd as they turned to greet their new friends, waving them over so they could introduce themselves. Even Kiryu got in on it, reflecting some light off of her metal plates to put the Lunatone and Starly under a spotlight.[break][break]

Ths mood was a lot heavier over by the humans. "Less found out, more heard some familiar names while you were loopy," Isaac said. "And, yeah. I said familiar. Means we get to get that Cufant out of the room early, at least. Besides, I'd be an asshole if I just overheard your dirty laundry without saying mine, right?"

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[attr="class","skullbody"]A Bongo has fallen into the river in Slateport City! Grimace gave his friend a hearty, good natured laugh, head swaying back and forth all the while. Watson, who had spotted the shenanigans from across the park, let out an alarmed squawk and zoomed over to go check on the monkey. However, he was in luck. Flapjack was already to the rescue, breaching from the water while balancing Bongo on her nose like a circus seal. He wasn't the only one; Coulomb, Isaac's rather reclusive Pinchurchin, had also been scooped from the waves. He shot Bongo a look, as if to communicate 'so this is our life now, huh?' From the shoreline, Luster gave them a nod of solidarity.[break][break]

Ceres, Sectonia, and Harmony cooed over how cute the sleeping Sushi was, Dhelmise's ominous hover tilting slightly on an axis to indicate its confusion with their fuss. It was just a sleepy Pokemon? There were literally hundreds of those? Nevertheless, it left the trio to their own devices, even as they ushered Sir Mix-A-Lot and Kilimanjaro over to join them in their pampering. Sparks flew between the two rival's eyes as each took a berry, nursing their respective plunder cautiously.[break][break]

Sunny mimicked Jelly's wave with a bashful swing of his own foot. He then turned over to shoot a few peeps Vivi and Ivan's way. The two were among Team Isaac's friendliest, and they were quick to approach Sunny at the Jelly Bench. Ivan tossed his mane, shooting a wink and a smirk Jelly's way, while Vivi answered with a few cheerful yips. Both of them went to take a step closer, but surprisingly Sunny was quick on the draw here. He extended his wings to block the two's progress, ensuring Jelly could keep his personal space. He then turned over his shoulder, giving Jelly a soft, understanding smile.[break][break]

The main stage had gone from the Duster show to the Bullet show, and none were more intent on watching than Halberd. The little bird had perched on Rampage's horn to get a better vantage point, eyeing the Starly as it twirled through the air without a single care in the world. He strained upwards, trying to match the Starly's pace, but flinched back. So he tried again. And again. And again! Finally, he achieved takeoff, his wind bandage fluttering to the ground as he cautiously hovered into the skies. Seeing this, Ringo twinkled in alarm, flying up to try and stop Halberd from doing anything too reckless.[break][break]

In contrast, Pluto had fallen and he couldn't get up! Duster perked up in alarm, waving over to The Dudes as he ran over to Pluto. He tried to use his bone as a fulcrum, while The Dudes pressed against them from the other side and used the undulations of their three bodies to try and help Duster in his prying efforts. Adrenaline hit the two with Pollen Puffs whenever they started getting fatigued, ensuring they'd be able to help this moon onto his . . . uh, feet?[break][break]

---

[break][break]

And yet as their Pokemon frolicked, all Isaac could do was listen. What else could he do? He didn't understand how deep this went. How long had Rocket been around for? How much cruelty did they wreak before coming to Hoenn? Immediately, Isaac wanted to protest. He wanted to bring up the people he knew, the friends he'd made, the fact that Rocket was different ever since the purge. But . . . how different was Rocket, really? Theo was still there. Pryde was still there. The gears of the machine were lubricated in blood, but how much of that could have been avoided? Did they even care?[break][break]

Even if Rocket was better, Isaac knew firsthand what it was like. He avoided it for as long as possible, but he knew he couldn't forever. Monsters like Zev didn't function in a vacuum. Systematic harvests of innocent wild Pokemon didn't come out of nowhere. And the fact that even a deserter from the previous regime was still considered just another dissenter to be damned . . .[break][break]

Isaac's blood ran cold. The heaviness of Ash's story sat into his gut like lead. The fear. The self loathing. The loss. The grief. He wished he could think of anything to say. But what could he? He wished he could beat back the tears stinging at the corners of his eyes. But how could he? He wished that he could go back in time and set this all right. But he knew that was a pipe dream even by his standards.[break][break]

Is this what would become of him if he stuck around?[break][break]

His heart heavy with grief for both himself and Ash, Isaac could only think to hug the other man tightly and protectively. "Ash, fuck . . ." he said, the fragility in his voice like glass being broken by the unyielding rage beneath. "I'm so sorry . . ."[break][break]

Where Isaac saw grief, a certain other Pokemon saw opportunity. Zaius peered from the bushes, taking into account this very, very interesting information. A traitor. And one with such little fight left to him, either. Why, all he'd have to do was contact the right people, and-[break][break]

Oh. That was a blade being pointed against his throat. Kurze's one eye balefully glared down into Zaius' own. No matter. Sure, this pesky dark type would be immune to his powers, but he had other ways of ensuring it would cooperate-[break][break]

Oh. Another blade, and a frayed cloth caressing his arm. So Pluck and Luck had arrived. Pah. Such sentimentality. At least he could Instruct this one to handle the Bisharp, and then he wouldn't have to deal with either of the two-[break][break]

O-oh. A heavy stone claw settled on his shoulder. Three against one, eh? This was starting to get rather worrying. Maybe, just maybe, he didn't need to perform the necessary reporting duties. Yes. Of course! He hadn't seen anything. And maybe, just maybe, if he played along, he'd be spared-[break][break]

Perhaps Ash's team would see the Stone Tomb erected in the shady corner of the park, the words STOOPID MONKEY carved onto the largest stone. But it'd be better for everyone if they just let Zaius stay in his naughty corner and rethink his life choices.

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[attr="class","skullbody"]Watson hopped onto Flapjack's head, giving the dazed Bongo a pat on the head. He gestured grandly to the park from atop the back of the Mantine. The grass, the water, the trees, and all of the many, many friends assembled to spend time with each other today. Together, Bongo, all that the light touched was theirs![break][break]

At Jelly's shy wave, Vivi yipped excitedly. While she didn't push the envelope, she did chatter excitedly at the little Stufful, only stopping whenever Sunny or Ivan motioned for her to turn it down a notch. While cheerful, she definitely knew when to stop, ceding conversational ground to the Stufful if it ever peeped up. Sunny in particular looked oh so proud, chest puffed out as he took the role of big brother for a day.[break][break]

Halberd accepted this glide. This was, indeed, a successful test flight. Ringo tingled in frustration as he tried to lecture the two birds, but Kurze strode out from the treeline to gently chide him. From one warrior to another, he respected Halberd's drive to persevere. And persevere he did! As Pluck and Luck snuck out from the shadows to strike Kurze once more, Halberd let out a war cry and dove into the fray. Being such a small bird, he could barely play along. But it was the thought that counted! Rampage watched with rapt attention, cheering the fighters on.[break][break]

The Dudes excitedly bobbed up and down in approval of Pluto's somersault. Were they trying their own? Being adhered to the ground made it so hard to judge. Duster, on the other hand, gave a polite nod of acknowledgment and went back to nursing the egg. With the caretakers and Watson all busy, he had appointed himself egg father for the day. Egg and Cubone alike stoically stared each other down, Dhelmise floating over to join in for posterity.[break][break]

So much fun. So much friendship. And yet, on the periphery of it all, Knuckles stood alone. With her aura prowess, she sensed Kiryu coming before even seeing her, folding her arms and turning away. Kiryu attempted to point her toward the others, gently setting a hand on her shoulder, but Knuckles parried it away. Oh well. So be it. Instead, Kiryu sat next to her wayward teammate, much as Isaac often did to both keep her company amd respect her space.[break][break]

It was ironic that Kiryu chose to mimic Isaac here. After all, in many ways, the stray Riolu reminded her so much of him! The past few months had driven him out of his shell in force, hadn't they?[break][break]

---

[break][break]For the second time in his life, Isaac sat beside a broken Rocket. Each had been robbed of an all too essential feeling. But whereas Zev fed the beast of murder, Ash couldn't have been further from that. He was positive. He was giving. He was cheerful. He was warm. He could have let the tears he could no longer shed form a black patch in his heart that deepened, day after day, until it consumed him. Instead, he shrugged it off, and left his broken sadness behind in the tomb that once housed him.[break][break]

He was proof that just because you break, you didn't have to become a monster. And Zev was proof that just because you're a monster, you didn't need to be broken. So why did Rocket keep trying? All they were doing was taking promising men and women and running them into the ground. The idea of this happening to him . . . of happening to his Cygne . . .[break][break]

"I'll tell your story," Isaac said. "And I'll protect your dream with everything I have. No matter what. No matter who." Surely if he, a Rocket, put this under his protection, Rocket wouldn't think twice, right? Surely not even the worst excesses of Kantonian Rocket would be so petty. And surely Ash at least had the sense to change his name and his look. Maybe it was okay. Maybe this'd work out.[break][break]

"My story's simple. Left home at 18, wandered the regiom like a ghost for the next 4 years, and then life sent me a sign I needed to change. Saw a Rocket on a mission and tried to stop her. A lot. Let's just say a lot of Revives later, Watson and I still weren't up to snuff. But she was impressed, amused, or just plain fed up enough to make an offer.
I win, it's over. I lose, I gotta see what Rocket has to say. And, well. Here I am."[break][break]

"Some of what they say makes sense. Some of it. The League's a bloated, broken mess that only gives a rat's ass if you bring in the big bucks or take their gym challenge. And, hell, when they're throwing an entire other world under the bus for a quick and dirty get out of meteor free card, it's hard to argue. And, shit. It's like for the first time in my life, I've got something to fight for, people to fight with, and the stability to do it without getting ground to nothing."[break][break] He sighed, a bleak smile on his face. "That's how they always get you, huh?"[break][break]

What was different, anyway? Isaac wasn't there for Kanto. From what he heard, it was way worse. But that's always what they said, wasn't it? "Well, they try to do some good now, at least," Isaac said. "Or at least, look like they're doing it. So long as the means justify Rocket's ends. Sure as shit hasn't been as clean and sparkly as those Kanto videos tell you. But at least outside the League's red tape and hoops, I can try to use those means to do some good. They say Kanto Rocket's nothing like the Rocket of today, but . . . shit, Theo's still there, Pryde's still there. Probably way more tenured in the upper crust than I can even think of."[break][break]

"It's never gonna be all good. It's Rocket. But maybe, just maybe, I can leave the parts of Hoenn I pass through better than I can find them. And if Rocket's gonna cut their own face just so they can smell some blood? Well, fuck it. That's their problem."

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[attr="class","skullbody"]Huh. Bongo sure seemed to be going through a little bit of a power trip. Neat! Watson wanted in next! He folded his arms, then threw his head back for as evil of a laugh as he could muster up. Okay, so it sounded more like a runaway duck, but it was the thought that counted! Grimace gurgled along, a little bit of water dribbling from his mouth with each chortle. Flapjack joined the fray after, giggling with enough intensity to shake Watson and Bongo where they stood. Even Coulomb gave it his best attempt, buzzing merrily along. Luster . . . fell asleep in the process, Harmony sampling from its dreams. Oh well. Every party had a pooper.[break][break]

While Watson and co. cackled up a storm, Sunny tended to his wayward friend. The Golbat flew up to the teary-eyed Stufful, landing before him and caringly wrapping him in his wings. Vivi was quick to join the fray, finding an open spot in Sunny's wings and snuggling up to the poor thing. She turned towards Ivan, yipping for him to join her. He rolled his eyes at first, but trotted over to settle into the hug, his fur pulsing with warmth like an electric blanket. A few of the more caring members of Isaac's team were quick to follow. Ringo, Sectonia, Ceres, and even Sir Mix-A-Lot moved toward the group hug, each making little cries and chirrups of comfort. For once, Jelly wasn't alone.[break][break]

Halberd did his best to keep along with the action, letting out competitive squawks as he tried to keep up with the faster-paced Luck and Pluck and Bisharp. He was far from an expert, and whenever they went blow for blow he was quickly knocked out of the fray, but he was always just as quick to rejoin the fight. It was only when an anchor shot in the middle of the battlefield that the fighting paused, Dhelmise dragging itself over to the fray. Tension hung in the air as the four eyed each other, neither ready to break this uneasy stalemate.[break][break]

In contrast to the steely smackdown going on over there, everyone here from earth and stone were currently in an advanced state of zen. Duster was calm. Kilimanjaro, who had wandered over, was calm. Rampage was getting sleepy just watching them all. Even The Dudes slowed in their grooving, keeping their bops to a peaceful lullaby that only they could hear. If Pluto wanted a rest, well, they sure found one![break][break]

Sushi's aura was as slow as he was. That made it more bearable. Knuckles, too, was equally slow when it came to acknowledging him, her hackles raised by another newcomer in her presence. Nevertheless, when it became clear he was here to stay, she lifted her hand towards him in a half-wave. Seeing this, Kiryu smiled, a gesture that earned her a quick, almost bashful glare from the Riolu.[break][break]

---

[break][break]

"And they're just gonna make it muddier if nobody does something about it," Isaac said. "League and Rocket alike. They're all in it for themselves, and if you don't like it? Well, tough titty for you, apparently. But if my choices are step in the shit or try to get it handled, you know what my answer is."[break][break]

Eventually, all the terrible old man would either die off or achieve a terrifying post-human singularity with their uploaded AI consciousnesses would make them the forever-kings of the world. And the former, against all odds, actually seemed more likely. Maybe then people like him and Ash could actually get around to cleaning up the world's act.[break][break]

And they weren't alone, either. There were plenty who came to Rocket because they wanted to make a better Hoenn. There were plenty of those who hadn't been killed, run off, or broken into monsters. And even the ones that were? Well, Ash was proof that they weren't beyond hope. "You're one to talk, Mr. Has Done Literally Nothing But Earn My Respect Since We Meant," Isaac said. "I'm just glad you didn't hate me for still being with them. But I guess you know my dilemma here more than anyone, huh?"[break][break]

At the mention of a dynamax girl, Isaac rolled his eyes and gave his friend a teasing shoulder nudge. "I mean, yeah, not gonna lie. She was a looker," Isaac said. "But I think my type's more . . . sunshine-y." Yep. That was the thinking-about-Cygne smile on his face again. Oh Isaac, never change. "Still, you? Striking out? C'mon, I'll believe that when I see it."

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[attr="class","skullbody"]A food truck in the distance? Watson looked towards the food truck, then down at Flapjack, and then towards Bongo. Inspiration flashed in his eyes as he put a hand on his best friend's shoulder. And then he barked a few instructions towards Flapjack. The Mantine nodded and dived down deep beneath the waves, Watson holding onto Bongo for dear life.[break][break]

Once she'd dove as deeply as she could, Flapjack breached into the air, tilting so that Bongo and Watson could slide down to the tip of one wing. All of the Mantine Surfing tricks she and Isaac had mastered over the course of the Splashfest were coming home to roost now, because she executed a flawless barrel roll right at the apex of her jump. Her wing swung forward was great speeds, the resulting Wing Attack launching Watson, Bongo, and Coloumb (who was just along for the ride, poor thing) right towards the food truck. Grimace saluted them as they went, their flexible spine tilting back as they tried to watch the duo's trajectory.[break][break]

The madcap antics were a far cry from the quiet, emotional scene going on with Jelly. Sunny's foot gently patted the poor Stufful's back, and his wing wiped a tear away from the little guy's eye. Just like Kurze had protected and cared for him, now he, too, would protect and care for Jelly. He squeaked soft, quiet reassurances, the rest of Isaac's team all letting out cries of agreement. It was okay. He wasn't alone here. And he never had to be. Isaac and Ash were the best of friends, and they'd always have each other's backs.[break][break]

Halberd, Luck and Pluck, Kurze, and Dhelmise all tensely stared each other down. You could cut the tension between them with . . . well, all of the blades split between the trio. They waited with bated breath. And then, on the count of three, they rushed into the fray. Kurze lifted Dhelmise by the chain, slinging the anchor over his shoulder and dramatically pointing towards Luck and Pluck. In response, the Honedge turned towards Halberd, nestling its handle beneath the Rookidee's feet. Its wingbeats became erratic and imbalanced, but nonetheless it flew into battle, doing its best to swipe Luck and Pluck. This battle had just taken a turn for the ridiculous.[break][break]

Kiryu was quiet. Sushi was quiet. None of them were bothering her, or asking her for things. They were a little closer than Knuckles would've liked, but they were keeping their distance. This was . . . acceptable. She sighed, abiding their presence, then turned back to stare towards the horizon. She may have set herself apart, but her gaze wasn't alone. The Incredibly Chill Earth And Stone Group was also lending their eyes to the same spot. After all, the clouds were beautiful around this time of year.[break][break]

---

[break][break]"Hey, it's okay. Can't go running off with the first guy you smack butts with, y'know?" Isaac said, as if he hadn't basically had a girl mark her territory on him and refuse to let go. "C'mon, don't tell me you're giving up because butts at first sight didn't work out for you. There's a whole damn world of people out there just waiting for some Ash Time."[break][break]

At the mention of someone being on the mind, Isaac tried to wave it off. "Oi, oi, watch yourself," he said, rolling his eyes. But the smile refused to leave his face. " 'Sides, so what if I do? I'm here to give you a hand, man, not brag about how cute and smart the total sweetheart I somehow managed to charm is." Yeah. She absolutely was sunshine in Isaac's life. There wasn't a single doubt about it.[break][break]

At the mention of protecting her, Isaac couldn't help but laugh a little. "She's already been doing a hell of a lot of protecting me, believe me," he said. Not that he'd get into his near death experiences and other assorted stresses and traumas, because No. "But even if she's the badass between us, you can bet I'm no slouch. And when it comes to protecting her smile? Yeah. Nothing I'd rather be doing."[break][break]

Cygne was right. The two of them couldn't do it alone. If Ash had someone, anyone to rely on, would he have been through so much shit? No matter. Isaac was there for both of them now. And if anyone changed that, he'd move heaven and earth to make them pay.

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[attr="class","skullbody"]Watson didn't get it. Why'd that impact hurt Bongo? He was doing just fine! He scratched his empty head, not even noticing the comedically large bump that had sprouted atop it. Nevertheless, he laughed along as he popped up to his feet, offering a hand to help Bongo up. They'd had a heck of an adventure just then! Maybe it was time to go back to the park now.[break][break]

Coulomb, who was currently using its spines as leverage while crawling into the window of the food truck, clearly had a different plan in mind.[break][break]

---

[break][break]

"Bold of you to assume pants stay involved for very long," Isaac joked. Then again, was that even a joke anymore? He let that air of uncertainty hang between the two for just long enough. And then he flashed a small, self-satisfied smirk that would answer any and all questions that Ash had.[break][break]

"Ah. I'm just fucking with ya," Isaac said, waving the mutual teasing off. "But, yeah. She's got some good leads on me in the whole 'life experience' thing. So she's a lot better at calling the shots. And I change things up to keep her life interesting. We're kind of a team like that." He reclined back, that silly grin right back on his face. Clearly, whatever he had going on in his life right now, he was all too happy with it.[break][break]

And yet nonetheless, Ash was still willing to make things even better for him. Or embarrass the piss out of him. One of the two. Isaac jokingly gave Ash a punch on the arm, snickering a little. "You're lucky she's a sucker for sentiment, or I'd throttle ya for that one," he joked. "But, thanks. Glad to know if anyone's gonna have my back, it's you."[break][break]

"And that goes two ways, y'hear? If anyone needs a crash course in why you're such a great guy, dibs on being the teacher."

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