Electric Epiphanies

(ionized ideals for self-dev, missed deadline)

Everything in Cassandra screams for her to turn back, and leave this place, hopefully unscathed.

Everything in Cassandra lifts her head in defiance, looking at the massive black legendary with an unfaltering gaze.

Her hands tremble, and she balls them to fists.

She holds her breath while Zekrom talks, and then exhales very, very slowly. It's a good question - she wonders why he wants to know that. Maybe it doesn't really matter, anyway, as the answer forms in her mind - might as well just say it, spit it out. (A thought accompanied when walking to school with smoke rising from somewhere else. When school's been closed, and rebuilt. When the world keeps caving in, leaning closer and closer to the weight-bearing pillars.)

(She's not afraid, of course not.)

"A world where I don't have to be afraid anymore."

Her voice comes out smaller than she wanted, and she takes a step back in spite of herself, frowning. "And who knows? My mom says I shouldn't give promises I can't keep." The question of how far she'd be willing to go is terrifying - and it reminds her of legalese, documents that she's dug out from who knows where, putting some of her mom's actions, maybe even her dad's, in perspective. And how ... it's bad, and how everything's just bad, and how. (An apathy growing; acceptance in that twisting, turning way. Everything.)

She takes a deep breath.

"Thanks for the talk. I'll leave now, bye," she says, doing a quick bow before turning, remembering manners on auto-pilot.

She has to leave, now.

LETTER TO ADVENTURE, PT 1

"Oh no, I need this ... guess I'll have to go myself," Cass sighs, looking at the letter on her desk. She's totally forgotten about it - and it needs to be in the box within two hours ... "I'll have to postp... hmm, Jon, darling, what's up?" Jon has waddled over to her, and seems to be really determined. "What's on your mind?"

He raises one of his arms, even if he doesn't come far, towards her desk, while also dragging one of Cass' old bags with her. "Do you ... do you want to deliver the letter for me?" As always, she's hit by a wave of fondness as she sees her sentient garbage just trying his best, even if she knows that Effie or Saude or anyone would be more effective. (Except Brad maybe. Maybe she really didn't have to catch him, back then in the garden. He's a menace.)

"Alright, I rely on you, okay?" She helps him wear her bag - SO CUTE - and puts the letter safely in it, so toxins wouldn't accidentally eat through the paper. "It's here in Petalburg, you know the post station downtown? I've got everything else covered, just get it there and point out the 'Express', got it?"

Jon makes a confirming gargle noise, and raises his arms, seemingly balled to fists. "Have a good day, my darling boy."

As she looks at his retreating figure, she wonders. She really should stop babying him so much ... but he's just so adorable.

LETTER TO ADVENTURE, PT 2

Petalburg isn't a foreign place to Jon. Despite being quite sheltered and pampered now, his origins lay with the streets of cities, where he's spent his day quite opposite to how he does now. It's strange, if he thinks about it, and it makes him even more determined to succeed - in what, and how, he can't tell, but he's determined.

At least now, he has an actual purpose that he follows, as he slowly moves along towards the post office. Frankly, Cass could've been done with this errand in way less time than he needs to even get there, but he's glad that she at least humours him. And, in this time, she could study! He noticed that the frown on her face was deeper than before when she was doing exercises. He did his best to follow and help her, but ... maybe he could ask someone to teach him about the basics.

(He did learn to read, a little bit, while looking at the labels of the trash surrounding him, but that's not really enough for the type of algebra or calculus or history that Cass is doing.)

He trots along, deep in his thoughts, and still doing his best to hurry up. Then, he feels a faint aroma lingering more heavily in the air - and then, hears the familiar cooing of Martin, the Comfey that Cass also has taken in. Jon's not entirely sure how it came to be, but it seems that Martin's quite enjoying Jon's company. Jon himself isn't sure what to think of the Comfey, frankly - but right now, a bit of company might not be bad.

He greets the other pokémon, asking why he's also out and about. Apparently, there was something left for Cass at the post station, and he's bringing the warrant so they would be allowed to take it. However, the Comfey doesn't return to Cass' house after handing over the piece of paper, now safely stashed away in the bag with the letter.

Seems like he's got some company for the way, huh.

LETTER TO ADVENTURE, PT 3

The next stretch of the journey happens almost peacefully quiet. Martin and Jon don't really talk much, and simply enjoy some comfortable silence (with Martin stealing a few glances at Jon, but the Trubbish doesn't really seem to notice). Eventually, however, there's a complication.

A sudden construction site, in the middle of their route! Alarmed, Jon's neurodivergent brain couldn't really comprehend what to do now, having to spend an agonising moment just to come to peace with a change of plans. However, Martin cooes reassuringly, before floating high above in the air to figure out an alternative routing. Jon looks, a bit taken aback.

However, things never go quite as planned, ever!

He gives a warning call, sounding like trash bags being rustled while half full, as he sees a hostile pokémon trying to swoop in and take Martin! Quickly, he also shoots a Sludge Bomb, but it flies right past Martin, right past the hostile bird pokémon, and right into a comedic series of events. A construction site board's sent flying, sending another sack of sand flying, bouncing off and then coming straight back at Jon who hastily tries to make an escape.

By a twist of fate, he also ends up walking up a plank that's fallen over from where it has been, leaned against the wall. And by a twist of fate, the sack of sand's coming straight at him ....... but lands a bit before, causing the plank to take a deep dip in the other direction.

And, consequently, sending Jon flying. He lets out screeching noise as he's sailing through the air, only to end up not crashing against hard asphalt, but into a web of tentacles. Umlaut, Cass' Toedscruel, eyes Jon with curiously, who only stares back with shock. In the meanwhile, Martin's dealt with his attacker quickly and efficiently, but hurries over worriedly.

A moment passes, before Jon shakes himself, nods at Umlaut, and continues onward with his journey, stubbornly.

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GALES OF SONG

Effie and Saude asked Cass for a training, and who is she to deny these two? They've settled in an undisturbed spot in the Petalburg woods with plenty of room to fly around and attempt risky maneuvers. "Alright, you two! Let's see what you've got," she grins, and starts to walk the path with them.

"First, you'll pass this tree here, then dodge under this branch ... how about we do a circle around this tree here? And then we follow along here..."

It's a simple, improvised racing course for them to test their speed, but also teamwork together - she hopes. She's no expert, but she'd doing her best to give her pokémon the best training she can imagine.

"Now, are we ready to go?" she asks, and is met with nods. "Ready, set ... GO!"

Immediately, Effie would open up with Tailwind first, giving the duo a speedboost, before both of them charge forward with Quick Attack. They execute the attacks on this level well - using them to get around difficult corners effectively, and boost their speed on straight lines. However, they both come to a skittering halt as a wild pokémon suddenly surges forward!

The Grovyle stands in their way, seemingly challening them to a duel! The duo could never say no to such a challenge, and Cass immediately hurries over. "Oh, I guess we're doing that now! Now, Tail Wind and Quick Attack for now!" Cass commands, but- impossibly, the Grovyle moves before they do, getting good Leaf Blade hits in. "Oh, shit- Quick Attacks!" she commands, now fully just working with trying to outspeed the Grovyle somehow.

It's a difficult fight, however, and they're appearing to be losing ... "Okay, Grovyle, you've-" she's about to say, admitting defeat, as Effie shakes her head with determination. "What?" Cass asks, surprised as she sees Effie glowing - she's only seen that once before now, with Sona as she's evolved. With held breath, she looks as the Fletchling grows and becomes Fletchinder! The new Fire type would make this fight against the Grovyle much easier, but ...

Cass pauses. "Now, Tailwind! Saude, Quick Attack- and, Effie. Use Fly!"

As if commanding the mighty winds themselves, Effie calls forth a truly impressive wind to come to their aid, a force that almost surprises Saude, before he grins and fully leans into it for a Quick Attack. And then - Effie soars high into the air, before the Grovyle could comprehend what's going on, is hit with Saude's Quick Attack, and then, shortly after, by Effie, who's Fly came crashing down.

After that, the two Flying types retreat to their usual position in front of Cass, looking at their challenger with a weary eye - despite that impressive display of strength, they're still worn down. And the Grovyle actually stands up again. Immediately, tensions rise again, just to drop as the Grovyle smiles, giving them a thumbs-up.

Oh. Huh. "Ah, thank you ...?" Cass asks. Before anyone could comprehend anything, the Grovyle already leapt away, leaving them behind confused.

"... huh. BUT! Hey, Effie, you're a Fletchling now!" Cass shouts with joy, opening her arms for the bird to jump into it for a gentle hug. "You two were fantastic. I think that's been a good training? Let me treat you to some snacks now ..."

CLEAR SKIES

A few moments of silence pass by as it's just Cass and Azelf (and Cass' pokémon that are always around, namely Jon, cradled in her arms). Azelf doesn't seem uncomfortable in her presence - even seems to relax after everything. It's a comforting thought, she thinks, and promptly wonders if it could listen to her every thought.

A pause.

Nothing happened.

"You're only in my mind when you're in my mind, I suppose," she then thinks aloud, which prompts a vague smile from the still weak pixie. They're recovering well, however, gladly - the presence of its siblings is hopefully more helpful than not. When she thinks back, however, how it has rested alone at the bottom of a lake ... ... "But can I like, ... how will you know if I wanna talk to you telepathically?"

The question lingers in the room for one second before Cass deems it too awkward, but Azelf's actually replying now.

I'll know ... if you make it obvious, for sure, and well.

They give her another glance, before simply shrugging with their shoulders - and Cass lets out a bit of an indignant huff. "Guess I'll have to figure out the rest myself, hmm?" she huffs, but it's accompanied by a smile that softens and mellows and saddens as she thinks back on the happenings that have lead them to this. To here.

"Thank you for everything you did back then."

Azelf looked at her with a long look, before nodding.

I wanted to escape, too. We helped each other.

"You did arguably the hardest part. I'm ..."

... you came to me.

Cass falls silent. She thinks back - remembers. The deep feeling of despair, followed by clarity. A goal. Just the hint that her beloved pokémon are with her - will be with her again - that raised her to the highest highs. But not only this. A connection that she didn't think about further, as she followed the direction almost blindly.

"Yes. And you ..." She takes a deep breath, feeling tears well up as she thinks on it all from a distance. "I'm ... eternally grateful. And I don't want you to have to do that ever again."

She believes to hear a snort, but it's hard to read a pixie face when your vision is all blurry anyway.

"I mean it. I really ... can't things be different?" she asks, now definitely sounding like a petty child as her thoughts just circle around, mixing emotions. "At least ... you rest up well, okay?"

I did plan on that, yes ... I'd rather also not get kidnapped again.

Cass wipes her tears away, and looks at Azelf now with a slightly bloated face. "Good, good. Good." There's definitely a whirlwind now of mellowed anger as she thinks back on its sacrifices. It's just unfair. She hates the thought. It's a reality she, selfishly, doesn't like.

"What's ... next for you then?" she asks, but no reply comes for a long while. For now, it'd stay here anyway, in Lake Littleroot, recovering under the care of people and pokémon who care about it. Finally. She frowns at the thought of it recovering alone - but she also can imagine she's just projecting. She hates being alone.

And for Azelf, there's ...

"I'd really like for you to see more of the region, the world," she starts rambling, carefully avoiding a certain idea that just feels ... odd. Not wrong, but ... thinking back on what Hideo and Eris told her, Uxie and Mesprit simply decided. She has the feeling Azelf could, too, and she doesn't even have to say anything. But, as often, she just can't keep her mouth shut. "Think it'd be nice after so long of just hanging out at the bottom. There's a lot to see- and I'd really like you to see it."

She feels a poke at the edge of her mind, or maybe she just imagines it. There's feelings of gratitude in her mind - and of a debt owed. But there's feelings beyond that, too, even if they're fairly vague at the moment. "I think you're really cool."

...

"Did you fall asleep again?"

WAVE AFTER WAVE PT1

As night falls in this familiar-new place, Cassandra lays awake, unable to sleep. Jon's sleeping next to her, huddled close with his comforting smell of garbage. It's cool enough for her to have picked a place a bit more outside so his stench wouldn't bother anyone else because she truly needs it right now as thoughts run through her mind, chasing one another without realising they're also just stumbling in circles.

What to do now?

She stares at the sky, a bit clouded but not filled with poisonous sand. It still blurs her vision, she feels. She's afraid of what's to come - but that's frankly nothing new. The new thing is ... she holds up her hand against the cold starlight, focusing ... but without a target, the Red Chain doesn't appear just yet. Maybe, if she concentrated enough, but what merit would it have?

It could've helped more.

She could've done more. Somehow, she is here now, in a position that has maybe a little bit more power. A pixie has chosen to stay with her for the moment, but she decided to stop its pursuit of its perhaps archnemesis for now - the kidnapper of them both and more. She wonders if this might've been the better decision, given that they all had to be purged of the poison overcoming them after all, despite their attempts at keeping it at bay.

She sighs, slightly turning and seeing that Jon is awake, too. Big eyes stare at her, seemingly pensive. She smiles slightly, patting his head. "Go to sleep. You and Martin really showed that Dondozo and Tatsugiri," she whispers softly, "I'm very proud of you." Words that would always hold true. Jon rustles slightly, quietly. "Yeah, I got a lot on my mind ... ... and I'm not sure how to ever deal with it all, but hey. One step at a time."

Another smile that is drenched in regrets and second-guessing. "We can all just do our best, right?" There's a pit, and she desperately wants to extend grace to this pit, but it seems like an impossible task to be kind to herself right now. "I'm sorry I failed you," she whispers, feeling the tears filling her eyes. "You all, I'm ... gods, I'm."

How would they ever get out of this mess again?

She feels herself crumble as she recalls the happenings of the day, and the actual horror only starts to sink in now. Murder and injuries, that little moment of actually feeling a hero. Screams as civilians got caught into the crossfire - as she, too, got caught in the crossfire. The revival of the Loyal Three. Poison filling her lungs, losing sight of the ones she cares about.

Her mother's face.

She weeps as she buries her face in her Trubbish.

WAVE AFTER WAVE PT2

Everything looks better after some sleep. Even if she has to get used to not living in the comfort of her home, Cass thinks she makes do somehow with the help of Ettie. And eventually, there's a time in the morning where she sits nearby the waterfalls. They drown out the quiet as she has Jon for comfort in her lap.

Dermot also is nearby, the Grafaiai looking around curiously for nearby food. There's not the convenience of home anymore, but his practiced movements make her believe that everything will be alright.

Everything will be alright.

Somehow, this has to be true. She takes a deep breath, before looking up at the Pixie floating in front of her. "Hey, bud," she greeted it absent-mindedly before realising- wondering if this is actually true or okay, but it doesn't seem to mind as it "sits" down on the water in front of her. The waterfall stirs it constantly, moving Azelf along as it seems to psychically glue himself to the water surface - or something like that. While its expression is mostly grave, there's also a bit of annoyance that this lake isn't still, and she couldn't help but chuckle.

"We can move to another spot, if you'd like," she says - noticing now that her voice is mostly drowned out by liters upon gallons of water that come crashing down at high speed. But as soon as she speaks, she knows that Azelf still understands psychically, as well as that it would not move from this spot.

"I'm glad to see you're better now."

The pixie nods, letting itself being shaken by the waves but still remaining fairly glued into place. It's honestly marvelous, once one gets past the hilarity of the situation. "Sorry for holding you back- ... no, I wanted to not do that ... ... I want to take down these bastards, too," she instead states directly, squeezing Jon slightly. "We ... we'll figure something out. But, I won't let you be alone there if you let me."

And maybe that's all any of them could ever want.

We will.

She is so tempted to ask it what it thought, if holding back has been the right decision if they, after all, failed to avoid the poison. If it felt bad for failing Safeguard. Instead, she takes a handful of leaves and stones nearby in her hands, cupping them tightly and holding her hands under water - doing her best not to lose anything, as to mimic Azelf's self-imposed challenge.

Maybe these questions will stay unanswered.

WAVE AFTER WAVE PT3

It's only on the second day that her mind drifts from matters of giants suddenly emerging from beneath Petalburg to resurrected pains in the asses to actual matters of the heart. She's still needing to meet up with her friends, but she let them know in a short text that she's fine, just elsewhere at the moment ... for reasons. It's probably a bit more concerning, but she'd need to get her traces maybe a bit washed away because she truly has no idea what her mother might do.

She takes a deep breath as she sits beneath a tree, trying to achieve this myth of inner peace simply by sitting there and staring.

Now that the heat of the moment has passed, thinking back to her interaction with her mother just stings all the more with how childish and hot-headed she's been, with how cool and relaxed her mother has been. As if that's nothing.

And maybe it isn't.

Just the certainty that she knows that her mother is looking for her now should be proof enough for her to consider that there's still familial bonds. But betrayal doesn't operate on entirely rational parameters ... it still hurts just thinking about it, the shocking realisation of her brother knowing all along.

He's probably been part of it, too.

And she, that desperate idealist part of her, has longed for the same.

Stopping at nothing to finally find peace is what she's been thinking, to finally not be afraid anymore. It's hard, getting through everything like this, trembling at every corner. If she had been alone ... if she hadn't had Jon by her side, she isn't sure what she might have done. If she hadn't had any of her pokémon by her side ...

And yet, there's been this part of her that's a void, all-consuming and willing to jump.

Just what is she supposed to do with it now?

WAVE AFTER WAVE PT4

The setting sun paints the water with an orange hue, but with the right lighting, the sky appears red and so does the water fall. A stream of blood that Cass looks at with a motionless, unfathomable expression. Thoughts seem to perpetually circle one another, and she can't move on from either her mother being Rocket nor Eris, once upon a time, having been the same, too.

The latter ... A ping in her heart as Eris is just so young. The world has never been fair, and it truly would never be. And she ... isn't fair, either. She tries to rip apart the feeling of betrayal that cover like a veil of steel, betrayal that sunk into the moment from purple hair like hers.

And even now, it's hard as she tries to sort her thoughts, but other memories keep getting mixed up in it, of fights and battle and the feeling of death in the air. Shaking her head, she stares ahead at the blood-red waters. And Sootopolis, Mossdeep have been hit, too ... Lilycove as a water giant raged.

Almost pity.

She shakes her head who keeps getting distracted, as if she could set it straight after a little tumble. But a feeling manifests ... she needs to apologise to Eris if possible. If there's amends to make ... she needs to. She has no idea how, and ... if. A cold feeling grips her as she thinks back to Azelf's report. How Eris is still comatose in the hospital, with Hideo having recently just woken up.

She presses the palms of her hands against her eyes, blocking out any light.

I could've done more.

What happened to "at all cost"?

The perfect coward.

Is this worth nothing to you?

What could you have done?

Did you ever change from that naive little kid?

A tap on her leg is the proof of Jon's presence, with his stink preceding him. Even if he has a more earthy tone now, given that he doesn't really consume man-made garbage anymore, but instead nibbles on soil and foliage. There's determination, the constant in her life, a comfort and a curse.

And as another and another and another join her, the water sparkles more like ruby, like a polished, yet cracked gem as the waterfalls continue to ripple the surfaces.