In a way, the subsequent days after Necrozma's attack drift by in almost a haze. To spend many a sleepless night tending to those injured in the chaos, with it compounded by those hurt or poisoned both before and after the Black Knight's assault? Though El is unerringly kind, unerringly dedicated, they are still very grateful for the help of those like Kaname Fujihara , or Julia Davis 's pokemon. And though the aid is a bit more indirect, they are also grateful to Amor Rose for the aid in their Heal Bell staff - allowing them to cure many of those who had fallen ill.

They were sure to have collapsed from exhaustion ages ago, if they had to tend to everyone by themself. And they would've driven themself to that point, with no hesitation, if they thought it meant a few more lives would be saved.

But with the aid of others, and the tools at hand, the number of people in the hospital begins to thin, as they are healed. And among those people, more than a few are eager to pitch in - having seen firsthand just how tough a healer's job can be on one's own. Apprentices, students - there are those who desire to learn more, to lend their own aid to others.

Though to teach others is its own challenge, it is one that proves to be worth it in the passing years. It allows El to have more time to focus on the more serious patients, and time to pursue things that make them happy.

They continue to regale children with stories as Jack Napier does, to comfort those affected. They continue to race alongside Josh Devlin , allowing Akero to put on a show for the audience. They continue to visit the feline canteen, to help Bibidi and Behemoth and give glowing reviews of the food. And when Mirabella Fontaine 's Eunice has recovered enough to leave the hospital, they sometimes attempt to befriend and endear themself to the bird. As it turns out, spending time tending to someone gives you plenty of opportunities to figure out their likes and dislikes - which leads to regular peace offerings of what they believe to be the articuno's favorite foods.

It almost comes as a surprise then when one day, they look themself in the mirror, to see that they're getting older.

Of course, with the passage of time, they should have expected it. But to see their hair just beginning to gray, and the stubble on their chin getting thicker, still comes as a bit of a surprise. They sometimes consider shaving it - they aren't sure how they feel about having facial hair, when it makes them more noticeably masculine. But... Perhaps they could balance it out with other things like their clothing or accessories instead, then?

But they aren't the only one aging. Their pokemon are, too - but the most obvious case is in Behemoth. The small juggernaut had been affected greatly by the initial attack from the armored Galarian Articuno - frostbite having taken the tips of his ears and tail, and leaving scarring at the edges. But it's as though the passing years have affected him more significantly than the others, from the wrinkles in once rigid skin to the periods of fatigue he experiences.

Of course, age is not something that'll easily stop Behemoth. He continues to help out around the city, putting his brute strength to work wherever he can. He keeps an eye on the children, being a surprisingly doting babysitter during downtime. But he nonetheless tires quicker and quicker with the passing years - and it quickly becomes apparent that he is no longer fit to fight.

But of course, El is there to provide the retired beast with any amenities and care that he needs to continue living a happy life.

By the time that the poison begins to recede, El's attentions turn to the world beyond the walls of Hammerlocke. With things having settled down for the most part, extra helping hands from learned apprentices, as well as two pokemon to help expedite the travel to and from each city... Safe to say, the temptation to visit the other cities is strong - and it was plenty doable, too. They felt okay leaving for other cities to visit, lend aid, and see what the residents have been up to in person.

So, they did - saddling up on Akero's back, spurred on by a mix of Extremespeed and Tailwind.

El went to Ballonlea, where they learned from Hideo Kino 's school - sharing knowledge and recieving it in turn. They visited fern delaney 's apothecary, where they shared some of the medicines that Kaname made and also lent a hand in aiding the ill or injured. They took the time to play the sports that peasants have learned from Lucas Holden at the stadium, for as much as their bad knee would allow - attempting to invite Carmen and samuel carter 's Articuno to play with. They even visited a beautiful garden nurtured by luka chêne , spending time wandering through it and studying the plants that grow there.

(And if El were ever approached by absalom steel regarding his condition, well... They were happy to try and ease any pains he had with healing moves, including their Heal Bell staff.)

El went to Circhester, and recieved a fortune from Saki Shitachi . They visited Gerald Kaiser 's Survey Corps, and helped tend to the wounded there. They stop by the Hero's Bath to warm back up (as the cold proves to aggravate their bad knee,) observing Tempest Quinn 's Articuno with curiosity aplenty. They look to the manor that Cillian Quinn lives in, watching the Corviknights that come and go from the Rookery above. And even though Behemoth is old, he and Great Maccao both are happy to help Genevieve Cromwell haul when they catch her coming from a mining trip.

(Temp is someone that El regards warmly, even if they are wary towards the presence of his husband's Lugia. The barriers of Rocket and League may have long-since dissolved, but it's hard to not be a little nervous in the presence of a god of Shadow Pokemon.)

El went to Motostoke, visiting a training camp run by Oliver Shrakes , looking to see what they could learn from him - admiring his Articuno along the way. They watched Aurelie Lefevre hard at work in her manufactory, and wondered what she and Amor could learn from one another as fellow blacksmiths. They stopped by MARISOL SIMONE 's hospital and nursing home, to lend a hand in healing the injured, including those of Belial Stone 's mercenary group.

(The Witch of Motostoke though, they shied away from - even after the many years, having their inner feelings pried out so raw and painfully back then had long-since left them wary of Elisabeth Fiorelli )

But most importantly, well... They in particular come to Motostoke to see a certain special someone - Isaac Merlo .

For as much as they wanted to convince themself that they wouldn't cry - that they had gotten everything out of their system during the initial exchanges of letters - well... It would end up being a lie; because the second they saw their brother in the flesh - (and they knew it was him; despite everything, even after 20 years, it was still him) - all they could do was hold him close, and let the tears flow. They cared naught whether the scene was proper for a king; in their mind, that title took a backseat to the fact that Isaac was - and still is - their dearest brother.

"I suppose I'm the bigger sibling now, at this point." They'd lightly tease Isaac - in regards to their height differences - once their crying had calmed. "But look at you - a king..." They breathed; this tone more serious, but plenty loving, their smile beaming brighter than ever. "I knew you could do great things, too."

They took the time to mingle with Isaac's family - catching up with ana fell and taking the chance to make lighthearted teases at Isaac with their sister-in-law. They met Caleb Harcourt proper, taking the time to get to know their more-or-less other older brother. And of course, they also spent time with their two nieces - letting the two girls play with their pokemon. Caleb might be the bestest uncle ever, but El looked to vy for the position of best auncle ever.

Of course though, visits couldn't last forever, for as much as El wanted to stay with their family. But they - in the end - still had a duty to Hammerlocke.

However, one of the things that had helped to expedite these trips would be Bibidi's Teleport - and with said Teleport, they would be able to make trips to and from the cities with relative ease in the future. (With the option for others to hitch a ride, if so desired!)

So, even as they departed back to Hammerlocke, it'd come with the promise that they'd visit again. Especially for the family's birthdays - which they memorized well.

Thus, the subsequent years would be that of a life that El almost found comfortable. To where Hoenn would almost feel like a distant dream, an ironic feeling considering the memory they live in now. Even if this world was dangerous, people worked together as one to ensure that everyone would make it out okay. Isaac appeared happier than they could remember him ever being, back home - and they, honestly, found themself happier by extension as well.

The only thing that kept Hoenn from completely leaving their thoughts, really, was that of those left behind. Yggdrassil, Artemis, Psyche, Sobek... So many pokemon of theirs were without their trainer, and they wondered whether their pokemon knew it or not. Did time in Hoenn flow the same as in here, after all? Or would it - when it came time to return - be something akin to the shows they'd watch - where they'd simply return to Hoenn where they left off?

Only time would tell; and with the passing years, that time would fast approach. Tremors began to shake the earth, and monsters of skeletal and ebony origin alike would clash in the skies above and lands beyond. The statue of Zamazenta was almost fully formed, a statue that El couldn't help but find themself making a prayer to as the final days neared. For what, exactly, they weren't sure - but...

... They simply wanted to hold onto the hope that everything would be alright, in the end.

TLDR / NOTES :

SPOILER: Click to show

- As people recover after Necrozma's attack, some peasants come to learn healing alongside El to lend a hand with those still healing. (Which is a good thing cause there's only so much a couple healers and their pokemon can handle!)

- They likely had a hand in helping Eunice the Articuno heal up after Necrozma's attack as well.

- With others there to help, El has more time to focus on critical patients, as well as their own personal life/hobbies. (Including trying to be friends with Eunice by finding their favorite foods as peace offerings.)

- Behemoth is becoming an old man(tm), but still tries to be active around the city, even if he becomes quicker to tire as the years pass + is in no shape to fight anymore. Frostbite from being frozen led to him losing the tips of his ears + tail, and left scarring at the edges.

- When the poison recedes, El begins riding around on Togekiss to visit the other cities. They sightsee, mingle and check on the people present, and lend a hand in healing at each city. Alakazam's Teleport helps expedite trips back to Hammerlocke, and also allows them to revisit other cities when they please.

- Most importantly though, they visit Isaac and his family in Motostoke - catching up with Cygne, meeting Caleb and their two nieces, and being the best auncle they can be. They are very emotional about seeing Isaac in person + have every intention of revisiting Isaac and Co for their birthdays. You cannot escape El's unconditional love.

- The people and pokemon left behind back in Hoenn are still in El's thoughts though - and are probably the main thing stopping them from becoming too comfortable with their life in the memory.

- As the final day approaches, El starts making prayers to statue-Zamazenta, holding onto the hope that everything will be okay in the end. they have truly become a DnD cleric-

4CA9irAL

When you're good at something, people want to follow you. When the first kid asks to be Hitoshi's pupil, he doesn't understand what's being asked of him. With a shrug, he says "Sure, I guess."[break]
By the end of the eleventh year in this false Hoenn, he has a whole cabal. People from Circhester that remember his performance on the first day come to him for training. People who were kids them flock to him. Hitoshi barely notices when orphans decide to live their and work in the dojo full-time.[break]
Every year is met with the same determination as the last. Within the repetition, he finds focus. These people adore him. On some level, he enjoys their company. A dog can only have one master, and his is far away, waiting for him. It is not Rocket who holds his leash, nor the kings and queens of this kingdom. It is her. He fights for her every day. Some of his students, mostly the women, ask about her. He smiles, thinking about her smile. Stern as he's grown in the past decade, he still smiles like a boy when he talks about his time in Goldenrod.[break]
"She's a lucky girl." Some of his students say. He doesn't catch their meaning.[break]
Eventually, he gets his hands on one of the new bands. Riding into battle on top of a giant Ceruledge for the first time is quite the experience. That he smiles and howls with delight when he joins the battle makes for many a tavern song.[break]
The people of the town come to call him the black wolf. Hitoshi doesn't respond to this name any more than he does sensei or master. In his own world view, he is simply Hitoshi. Such is the name his mother gave him, her only gift to him. As scarred as she left his heart, he wears that name with pride.[break]
There are no incidents in the ten years. All of the other people from Hoenn are ultimately meaningless to him. He respects a few, works for some. They'll be back to their old lives, fighting on different sides. He understands that truth. This place is temporary, but a dream.[break]
A dream that can't end soon enough.[break]
By the time twenty years have passed, he's muscled like a bull. His dark hair is unkempt. He's even managed to grow a scruffy beard. He looks the part of a wildman more than a swordmaster.[break]
"Sounds like things are gettin' serious, Yumi." He says to a woman who isn't there under a prophetic sky. "I'll be home soon."

F0vjZey1

AGAIN?

Fine.

My name is John Douglas Sullivan.

"Stop."

But people refer to me by many names.

"Don't. Please. I'm almost done."

The Knight Hospitaler. The Saint Healer. The Sculptor.

"We can't change the pose now."

I am a man of many hats.

"It's almost over. Please!"

Trainer, General, Sculptor, Physician, Surgeon, Adventurer, Level 99 S-ranked Bishop.

"Do NOT—"

I've done it all.

"God DAMMIT!"

Traveled to ever corner of this limited, poison addled globe.

"I'm not sculpting for you again!"

And I still haven't found that damn sword cat!

---

He threw down his razor to the grass, waving his fist angrily at the rolling deity. Yet another master piece ruined.

They stood at the crossroads between nations. Well, sort of. They were mid-journey.

He had taken to traveling over the years, once the poison had receded enough that magical horses were no longer needed. Rarely, he spent any amount of time in any one settlement.

Even his once second home, Ballonlea, rarely saw him anymore.

The wilds and roads are not to be explored, but to be combed through. With his Orbeetle at his side, still strong after all these years, he searches, far and wide, for signs of the Cat.

Along the way, he sculpted during moments of rest. Sometimes, he let himself get distracted from the overarching task, falling into a weeklong flow states as he worked. He had leveled up his artistry in the past 20 years.

The paths between the cities were filled with curious landmarks. Wooden and rock sculptures alike dotted the landscape after years of constant travel.

But all roads must eventually lead somewhere— and when one led him to a city...

---

He would swing by the school.

Ruffle Hideo Kino's hair for old times sake, test his knowledge against Uxie with a few pop quizzes, see the progress of his students. Go to jayden cross's place next, catch up, ask about relations with other settlements.

Show off his sculpting to Rhydia Ver, chat up her strangely familiar, totally not-Xenon Antheil bodyguard.

Join luka chêne at the observatory, catch up on the newest constellations with Violet Fairbanks.

Go over defenses with Felix Gallagher, then smoke a joint with mint frost.

Check up on fern delaney and the apothecary, then pay a visit to Alba Evovae's orphanage, run a health check up on the kids.

Join a soccer game or two with Lucas Holden, check up on bryan delarosa.

Swing by the forge to chat up genesis aria fox, check up on absalom steel's health.

Politely turn down any offers for black metal weapons or gigantamax bands.

About a week or so would go by during all this. Then, he would gather a crew of likeminded adventurers and jump inside the power spot.

The stars spoke of ruinous beasts, a feline and fish, tearing apart a kingdom and its earth below. A cat...

Chien Pao. A threat most of them had forgotten about. The reason they were all there.

If they weren't to be found on the lands above, perhaps they were hidden in the caverns below.

That is why he moved about, why he traveled and explored. From one settlement to the wilds.

---

Spend sometime with the locals, catch up with old and new friends— Find people willing to join him on his expeditions, and go for it.

In Hammerlocke he found the kindred spirit that was kyle lopez.

His adventurer's guild proved an ideal source of manpower— er, party members for his long, deep diving expeditions.

He invites MATIAS SILPH for drinks whenever he's in town. Helps out with healing for a bit at El Sunderland's practice. Chats up Julia Davis while he's there.

A week or so will pass him by, and then he'll go inside the power spot. Again and again.

And once he's sure he's combed through every nook and cranny—

Back to the road.

---

In Circhester, he would catch up with Eva Morales. One of few physicians he could consult and discuss matters of healthcare with— and of course, an old friend.

He would speak with freya morningstar during those times as well. Pretty fun.

He chatted up Genevieve Cromwell whenever he was there, and gave Hitoshi Inoue loud, occasional reminders that he owed him a hat whenever hw walked past his training grounds. He wasn't sure the man even recognized him.

After a week or so, he did his usual thing, and went exploring into the depths below.

---

When in Motostoke, he would chat with Elaine Highland.

Catch up, talk about anything, discuss whatever he had found out while searching for the cat.

He trusted the detective to point out anything he might've missed— Which was why he oft tried to get her to tag along whenever he went into Motostoke's power spot.

After a week of wandering around and saying hi to everyone, he would form his party and hop into the power spot.

---

"No, you made your choice, I'm done." The youth huffed as his matron rubbed her cheek against his, her arms wrapped around his shoulders. "It won't wooork."

It worked.

---

qm3YQsPd

tl;dr:
-Doug has been searching for Chien-Pao this whole time.

-To kill it, in case it wasn't obvious.

-He most of his time either journeying between settlements, carefully combing through every route and forest and off the beaten path cranny he can find with his Orbeetle's help, OR

-Inside the power spots with different teams of folk, going as deep as he can while trying to map everything out, hoping to find stuff.

-He spend about a week between journeys and explorations within the settlements proper, catching up with folk and being friendly.

-The roads and cities are packed with random wooden and stone sculptures he has made over the past 2 decades.

-Doug does not have either Black Metal Weapons or Dynamax Bands.

-He and Tapu Lele get along better now. Sort of.

The following decade had been a fruitful one for Colton. After toiling over the mysterious Dynite ore for twenty long years, it felt like he ascended to a huge plane of existence when he and sergei dachev had finally cracked the mystery. Unveiling the first Dynamax band for the citizens of Hammerlocke would be a moment he would never forget and he couldn’t help but feel a tinge of pride every time a gigantic Pokémon would rear its head over the city.

Still, even as the years went on and his memories of Hoenn continued to fade with time, Colton would still often find himself laying awake at night, wondering if any of it mattered. Did this world they had lived in for so long even truly exist? Did his accomplishments mean anything if one day they would all just wake up and it would be gone? Despite it all, the hardships, the constant war with the poison attacking their walls, the lack of any modern conveniences, there was a small part of him that wanted to stay. To stay in a place where he felt important and had done something that had truly helped people.

Was that too selfish of him?

Still, another decade had come and gone, and with it, new problems arose. With the mystery of the Dynite ore and black metal solved, or at the very least, with the two materials mastered, Colton devoted his full attention to maintaining the city. The sharp uptick in earthquakes coinciding with the ever approaching winter solstice, Colton’s sole focus became strengthening the foundations of the city’s buildings and continuing to prep their defenses. He could sense that something big was on the horizon, if the prophecies others had managed to decipher were anything to indicate, but prophecies had a tendency to be vague and esoteric and often times, trying to prevent them is what ultimately brings them about in the worst of ways.

Colton stared upwards at the clashing visages in the sky, his expression stony. Just what lay in store for them and had they prepared enough to make it through to the other side?

TLDR:
- Colton ponders about the past years and what comes ahead, uncertain if he wants to give up what he’s built in Hammerlocke
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