[attr="class","text"]


The redhead nods. “If that’s what you want to call it, yes.” It wasn’t the medically correct term, but it wasn’t like she was lecturing him.
[break][break]
This man was helping her after all. She smiled softly. A lot of people spent years hunting things like Maggie. They wanted something different. But it wasn’t usually a boon for the Pokemon. “A farmer ran into her with his weedwhacker. He thought she was a weed.” Which made sense with Hoppip’s coloration. They looked like grass. “She did her recovery in Dad’s greenhouse.”
[break][break]


At the talk of her standing out, Aubre sighs. “You’d think so. But this place isn’t really conducive for sky gazing. There is a lot to look at.” Take your eyes off the path for a moment and you’d run into someone. That was probably how she lost sight of her in the first place. That or she’d been too close to a balloon stand when it happened. At his offer, her hand lifts to her chest. “I’d hate to be a bother, but I really could use an extra set of eyes.” This place was pretty big. “Lunch’s on me.”
[break][break]

His assertion draws the curious woman forward. Doe green eyes peer into his bag as a brow rises. “Have something specific in mind?”
[break][break]

She rolled the grass type’s Pokeball in her cardigan’s pocket. A twitch depressed the button, but her friend remained at large. They were still not near enough.

NOTES

✦ Curious kitty is curious

[attr="class","text"]

The wintertime flush intensified. She wanted to protest that she could do much better than this. To drive home that her current state was nowhere near her standard. But, with compliments already pouring in, it felt braggardly. So, she settled for a simpler response, “Thank you.” A smooth movement turns her so that she faces Eva—she doesn’t want to seem rude. Occasionally, she glances up to make sure the coast is clear. “Half of mom’s coordinating was on skates, so I guess it kind of rubbed off.” Not that learning had ever felt like a chore. It was just spending time with Mom.
[break][break]

Green eyes lifted toward the clear horizon. The uncharacteristic chill seems out of place beneath the blue skies. “There aren’t many opportunities for it here.” Which was both a good and a bad thing. All of that warmth and sunshine really improved her mood. But it also led to summertime sweltering and fewer excuses for her ultra-conservative wardrobe. “And I can’t help but feel it’s wrong to give in to it.” Partially for the grief that froze tears on her cheeks, but also because of the havoc mad gods were wreaking on their region.
[break][break]


Aubre watched the Jynx out of the corner of her eye. She saw the dismissal and fought back a grin. Normally, she encouraged Alastor to not be so quick to anger, but Eva did say the Jynx was in need of a lesson. “Don’t worry about it.” It wasn’t like the electric lizard was any better. He was as brusque as Alastor stared up at the haughty Jynx for a moment. Though he tried to be nonchalant about her brush-off, the little frill around his neck gave him away. With a smirk, he forced himself to rush forward. “Al’s a great teacher.”
[break][break]


When he had enough momentum, the lizard turned sharply to spray the uppity ice type (and her pretty dress) with a wave of ice and slush. Oops! How rude of me! His big, wide ‘innocent’ eyes seemed to say. But inside, his mind had one thing on it. Ignore that, you frigid bitch.
[break][break]


Aubre bit back laughter as she wiped at her eyes again. She couldn’t help but imagine the old Gogoat out next to them—its hooves slipping and sliding like a baby deer's first steps.

NOTES

✦ Al will show the Jynx how being petty is done

[attr="class","text"]
As the days wore on, Aubre’s initial fire petered out. Things settled into a monotonous rhythm. Her fingers bore dozens of stinging cuts. Repeated attempts to befriend Ogerpon—each more ill-fated than the last—left her body bruised. Leon's constant interference stopped her from joining the broken rib brigade. Though it was hard to bite back her frustrations with that.
[break][break]

She wanted to help. If he just leather try, she might be able to make it right. But he was just hurting himself. After the second attack, the beseeching calls were made at a distance.
[break][break]

After a time of holding out, the little pecks of mochi turned into full-on bites. This break seemed a small price to pay to calm the howling banshee in her stomach.[break][break]



The despair vanished in fits. It was replaced by flares of will—like the pop of broken wood in a campfire. When it was her turn to face Munkidori, there was an uncharacteristic anger in her eyes. Instead of pointing, the redhead forced out a single word: “Center.” The simian hesitated for a moment. Its eyes narrowed as it scoffed and reset the cups. This time her tongue betrayed her too.
[break][break]


But the laughter did not bother her. She said things about herself that this deranged monkey couldn’t even dream of,
[break][break]


Only sleep provided a reprieve. Each day being next to Leon again felt more right. Trapped by true psychopaths, the disparity between his crimes and theirs almost made a mobster look angelic.
[break][break]


The despair remained, but it was easier to hide from. It could be shoved in all the empty storefronts and postponed into tomorrow. In the windows, she saw her daughter at play. Each night came with a different outfit. First, her husband’s suit. Then, a doctor’s coat. This evening it was the one she’d worn when her life fell apart.
[break][break]


In her exploration of Ultra Megapolis, Aubre began to compile a map. At this point, the redhead knew where each of her Pokemon dozed. Once or twice, she’d just taken a seat in front of them to watch them sleep. Leon and her had explored a few buildings in almost deafening solitude.
[break][break]


She asked questions of the aliens, trying to understand what and why they were here. What exactly made it so they now just played along. It worried her how sane some of those reasons were becoming.
[break][break]


With no real destination in sight, she allowed herself to wander the city. But it seemed that she had a destination: the tower. In this realm, she’d gleaned information about the Pokemon at the city’s center. It was called Axelf and it was the embodiment of will itself. The power to persevere when the odds were stacked against you, in other words. A rather auspicious symbol of what they needed now.

[break][break]

A hand reached for the glass. It hesitated. A bitter laugh emerged as she tossed her head. What do you have to lose? The trembling stilled as she pushed everything she had into her request. A scream into what was likely an empty void. Just a dream, like Leon said.

[break][break]

Wake up. Her hands tightened until nails scratched against the glass.
[break][break]


This was stupid. They’d never get out of here. What was the point? Tears threatened as her bravado wavered.

[break][break]

Please.

NOTES

✦ Quick summary of her weak[break]
✦ Tries to wake up Azelf with sheer will[break]

[attr="class","text"]
“Thanks!” Aubre shouted down at Lutgarde as they charged into the fray anew. Some part of her wanted to rush to Shalin, but she knew there were dangers to that. Really, this whole thing is stupid. You’re risking your life for a dead Pokemon over a broken piece of tin. It reminded her of the arguments her and Leon often fell into. But, still, drawing attention to Shalin wasn’t helping either.

[break][break]
The five Pokemon and Flygon work together to keep the mechanical thing at bay. Protected by the stone and atmosphere of the church, its feathers shine new. It’s much stronger than the one she’s faced before. Aubre dances back as a few sword-like feathers clatter onto the table beside her. “Shit!” An uncharacteristic piece of profanity slips out as Aubre shakes from her watch of bird and rabbit. “You’re right! I’m coming!”
[break][break]

But she doesn’t, not immediately. She hesitates again. Wake up. Please. With a frustrated shake of her head, Aubre slides from the table to the floor. This movement catches the Corviknight’s mechanical gaze as it fixates on her. Its wings lift as three feathers prepare to launch for the doctor’s heart. Aubre stumbles as it shrieks.
[break][break]

Then, a new, more deafening sound joins the fray.
[break][break]

“MAG!” The Magearna’s Fleur Cannon blasts through the Corviknight’s central gears. The malicious light fades from its eyes as the little rabbit creature lands next to Aubre. It wags its fingers at the bird, who certainly isn’t hearing anything anymore. It turns toward Aubre, one of its arms now on the floor. It tilts his head, its bearing as regal as a princess. “Eana.”
[break][break]

Aubre—unsure what to do—bows. “Thank you. I—I’m glad you woke up. You saved me, and I'm grateful.” The clockwork creature nods. It’s slept for far too long and missed far too much. When she turns to follow the others, she finds the hobbled princess is following right after. It seems as eager to leave this place as they are. This kingdom in fact.
[break][break]

“Let’s get to a safe place.” Then, she would try and patch together Shalin and her Pokemon. At least as best she could with nothing but metal and scrubs. Then, finally, she might be able to go home. And, it seems, she’ll have a new friend to do it with.

Shalin Nariya Lutgarde Dijkstra

NOTES

✦ Let's see how her hope goes

[attr="class","text"]
Alastor stepped back as Lulu stepped in. His frill lay halfway expanded, irritation apparent. For a moment, he tries to catch the lady’s eyes. But he knows he’s lost. Aubre would have come back to see a patient. Such a pushover. As Lulu passed, the sore loser almost stuck his tail out. But that’d just make him look like the bad guy.
[break][break]

Aubre turned as Lulu entered. She offers up a shy smile in greeting.
[break][break]

Even through the door, she could hear the television. He was playing deaf to annoy her patient. "I’m sorry about Alastor.” Not that she would ever make him change or actually fire him. His personality was as much part of who he was as the electricity. “He hates it when I work late.” Which was pretty understandable. He hated letting her go home alone. So, when she worked over time, he did too.
[break][break]
“The last time I checked.” That joke fell flat. You really need to stop trying to break the ice. It’s just awkward. She turns the laptop toward her. Lulu’s apology is met with a small nod. "Don't worry about it." The redhead is quick to reassure. “You did come a long way.” That last word inches up in pitch, an almost inquiry.
[break][break]



“I don’t miss the traffic. I’m relieved—” The talk of commuting made her glad to be flying again. Just as she was about to say as much, the doctor froze. Teeth pressed gently on her tongue. She had almost forgotten why they were here.
[break][break]


Let’s not bring that up right now, shall we? Talk about being clueless. But now she was just standing there awkwardly. She tried to turn that hesitation into a period with another smile. She was just relieved. Nothing more. Nothing less. Just in general. Totally. Move on. Just focus on work, shall we?
[break][break]


Around the doorframe, a little pink blob floats into view. The Jumpluff proceeds to float idly around the room before coming to a stop atop the IV stand. The boisterous creature grinned at the lady with the funny hair.
[break][break]


If she wanted to get home before dinner, it was time to get down to business. She gave her mouse two resolute clicks as she gave Lulu her full attention. “Your file said something about a Noivern.”

NOTES

✦ Please leave Al a review on Yelp.

[attr="class","text"]
The redhead stares at the automaton at the table’s center. It reminds her of a patient’s last pose on the hospital gurney. The teeth of its gears around its eyes almost look sad. Lutgarde’s question draws out a nod. “I think so.” As if confirming, the glowing orb pulses warmly in her hand. You don’t have to do this. She could just leave the thing here and scamper away like a skittish Emolga. She should do that.
[break][break]

Her hands tighten around it.
[break][break]


“Thank you.” Her heart pounds until it blocks out everything else. Alastor shakes his head at her. Serena, meanwhile, knows protesting is futile. Aubre might think of herself as a coward, but those scars wrapped around a spine of steel. “Help push it back!!” Alastor hesitates for a moment, torn between defending strangers and his sister. The water type follows as it swoops toward Shalin and her Spectrier.
[break][break]


Aubre turns at the sound of steel on ice. Blood splatters as the pair collapse. “No! Shalin!” The redhead’s voice is shrill with panic. But there’s a moment of clarity as the other woman’s dragon takes to the air. As the Flygon attacked, Serena joined in. A Hydro Pump aimed to muffle its shrieks behind a gurgle of water. “Alastor!” The Flygon was immune to what happened next. With a snarl of frustration, the Heliolisk launches a Parabolic Charge its way.
[break][break]

The Corviknight shrieks as it thrashes against its attackers. Its wings make mincemeat of a nearby column.
[break][break]


The redhead’s ears rang as the vibrations set her teeth on edge. Something in her told her to keep going. Her hands looped around the edge of the dais as she pulled herself onto the stone table. “!?” A noise of alarm escapes as the device pulls her up in the air for a moment. Her fingers grasp desperately at the fluttering ball as it strains to be free.

[break][break]

POP! With an almost painful tug, the thing bursts free of her fingers. It hovers in the air for a moment before settling into its setting. Clink! The redhead’s heart pounds as light spreads through the strange Pokemon before her. Hopefully, she hadn’t just awakened a cute death machine. For a moment the world stops, hanging on the precipice of her choice.
[break][break]


Time passes as the Corviknight turns toward Aubre. The bird rockets upward to try and smash Sandy to atoms on the ceiling.
Aubre waits a little longer as those whirring eyes flick to her. Wake up! Please! The bird dives with open claws.
[break][break]


Nothing.

Shalin Nariya Lutgarde Dijkstra

NOTES

✦ Let's see how her hope goes

[attr="class","text"]
The vulgar language earned a wrinkled nose. Could he go a few words with swearing? Arceus! He sounded like Ezra. A finger rose as if to correct his language before dropping down. Instead, she stilled herself into an attentive silence. But her mind had caught the teetering rudeness. You asked them the question, you ass. The least you could do is let them answer.
[break][break]

Those kind, green eyes flicked from Andrew to the young woman. Her laughter draws a wince. “Can we, perhaps, leave the libel for another time?" The last thing she wanted was another argument. Ironic considering some part of her had wanted to start a fight. “And you thought throwing other people under the bus would help?” It wasn't like they were in direct competition.

[break][break]

Surprisingly, Violet’s logic reminds her of what her husband said. “I—I suppose that makes sense.” She still didn’t like it. Not by a longshot. “It’d be nice if this place came with a manual.” She took a deep breath. “Still, we know we can trust each other in the future. Probably.” Then again, some people lived and died by trading eyes.

[break][break]

Her next thought is plain as day on her face. There’s a flicker of nervousness. Never is? She wonders just what had made this woman experience prison. Then, wonders if they’re related to Leon. With all his cousins, you never knew just who you were talking to.

[break][break]

A shout nearly makes her jump from her skin as Andrew rushes to the window. A few Megalopans turn his way. All the screaming was drawing attention. Suddenly, those sharp teeth look hungry. Like piranhas about to tear them apart. “Wait!” Aubre rushes forward to grab his shoulder. She doesn’t know why she tries to hush him up. This place isn’t real. The consequences weren’t real. “We—we don’t know what happened to them, but it’s not that.” She swallowed. It’s probably far worse.
[break][break]

She takes a deep breath. “But I do know I’m going to do everything I can to get them out.” Or die trying.

[break][break]

Which was a very real possibility.

Violet Fairbanks Andrew Fisher

NOTES

✦ Tries to understand their logic and feels like a dick[break]
✦ Moves to help quiet down Andrew[break]
✦ Promises to free their Pokemon[break]

[attr="class","text"]
As Leon dove between her and the Ogerpon, Aubre felt her heart twist. ”Leon!” She started with an attempted scold, one muffled in the lines of his tattoo. His eyes were so worried. He was willing to die for her, and here she was trying to make him. “I didn’t need you to—” Tears pricked at her eyes. “Why did you—?” Her words end in a sob.
[break][break]

Some part of her wanted to drink in this moment (without the pain). This knightly side of his was always so hidden. If anyone had looked now, they’d see it too. The real him. CRACK! She felt and heard his rib break. Her breath escaped in a worried rush as she sat up beneath him. By the time the water washed over them, she’d given up at any attempt at cleaning. Though it made her shiver, the water helped clear her head.
[break][break]


It lent clarity to just what she’d put him through.

[break][break]

“I’m sorry,” Aubre murmured to her battered husband. But she didn’t say she wouldn’t do it again. Because they both knew she would. In fact, the doctor would do it again tomorrow. She saw something in pain, and she’d take any amount of it to fix that. After their time on the floor, the redhead helped him to their feet. Every bone in her body ached, but those green eyes were keen.

[break][break]

She noted the layout of the hallway and the Megalopans around them. Her eyes slid across the machinery as she noted all of the technology on display. It really didn’t make sense. Why opt for dusty old cells when you had this?

[break][break]

With notable shyness, she swapped one outfit for another. “Thank you.” This small bit of gratitude was granted to the guard who’d handed it over. If offered his top, she’d insist he leaves it on. Still, she did use her taller husband as a changing screen. She didn’t want to show strangers her—well—private parts.
[break][break]


Her lips furrowed in worry as Leon offered a look of disgust at the cot. She laid upon it for a moment as he stretched out on the floor. Any attempts to argue went nowhere. But those earlier comments made her think it was more about pain than not wanting to be beside her.

[break][break]

She tried to find something to say. But all of it felt so contrite--like a cheap motivational poster. There was no guarantee they were getting out of this alive. Finally, she settled on a simple, “I’m glad you’re here.” Not in this hell but with her. She didn’t second guess herself, though. He knew what she meant. When it came to understanding her, there were few people better. “But you could spread the chivalry around.” Her attempt at humor is as weak as her right hook.
[break][break]


Too guilty to take the high ground, Aubre crawled from the cot to lay beside him. The pillow is laid between their head as the ratty blanket is pulled over them. Her hand pauses above his chest before dropping between them. She tries to find something to say. A way to try and acknowledge the chasm between them is closing. “Good night.”

---

When she awakens, it is to an unfamiliar city A dream?. The bustling metropolis puts her on edge. She’d never trusted cities. And, last she checked, Aubre didn’t dream about them. She chewed at her bottom lip. The strange script around her seems to have rhyme and reason. The doctor felt surprisingly in control—something missing from her typical dreams. “Where am I?”
[break][break]


Another person passes by, and that catches her attention. They're blue. When they smile at her, shark-like teeth show back. She swallows. The place feels so loud. Is Leon here?The absence of Leon beside her feels like a missing tooth. Apparently, however, she’d taken his outfit instead. In place of her typical clothes was a designer’s woman suit. The only sign of color is an emerald blouse.
[break][break]


It’s a welcome change from the shorts and kimono top. But she can’t help but notice that the sleeves are too long. Every few seconds, she finds herself pushing them up again. Still, that mundane issue is almost comforting. After a moment of debate, Aubre sets her course for the tallest building on the horizon. It was visible from all directions, and she hoped Leon would head there for a better look.
[break][break]

"Excuse me--" The redhead's words become a stream of apologies as she tries to weave through the crowd of Megalopans. "Pardon me, sir." Occasionally, one brushes her shoulders. "Can I just squeeze through here." It made her shiver.[break][break]

As she pushed her way forward, it didn’t take her long to find the first of her Pokemon. A familiar blob of pink bobbing in a vat of blue. Her voice fills with hope as she lays a palm against the glass. “Maggie?” Her voice is soft and hopeful. But as time passes, the tapping turns to slaps. "Can you hear me?" She clenches her fist. “Where are you?" But the normally hyperactive powerhouse just snoozes on. She reaches out to ask the nearest Megalopan what the tank was, but they just smile back like she's a child spouting gibberish.
[break][break]


Sure, this was a dream, but so was Father Winter. The ramifications for that still impacted her.
[break][break]


That’s when she notices violet cross and Andrew Fisher. Without the visor, the kingmaker from earlier disappears. Her hands feel sweaty. But she remembers their words as they pronounced pain for the other side. Because they're not blue, they stand out in a sea of bodies. Unlike Leon Settentrioné, these two were upfront about it. Before she can stop herself, the redhead’s striding toward them. There’s a tremble to her limbs but her eyes are clear.
[break][break]


The talk of swindling earns a frown. Suddenly. She is an arm’s length from them. For a moment, she hesitates but no longer. Her lips press together as the barely five-foot girl tries to look stern. “You two voted to forsake.” There seems to be more confusion to her last word than anger. Almost as if she can't wrap her mind around it. “Why?”

NOTES

✦ Thanks Leon for helping her[break]
✦ Curls up with him on the floor of their cell[break]
✦ Finds Maggie in the dream and sets her destination to the tallest building in the area[break]
✦ Confronts Andrew Fisher and Violet Fairbanks for their votes[break]
✦ Asks where Maggie is and where she is[break]

[attr="class","text"]
At the compliments, her cheeks blushed. She was torn between pride and embarrassment. “I used to want to be a gym leader.” Just like her dad before her. But then, well, she saw what it could cost her friends. She had to watch as a Houndoom tore her sister—her Evangeline—apart. Then, the pain the manta ray felt as it again and again rose to her defense.
[break][break]

Since then, her heart just wasn’t in it. But she still indulged because some of her Pokemon’s dreams hadn’t changed.
[break][break]


If they expected disagreement from Aubre, they wouldn’t be getting it, “I think that’s best.” At least not right now. Though the heart in her bag felt heavy, she knew that guilt would fade. She could just leave it to a ranger. Maybe one of the two with her? Isn’t it kind of weird that you haven’t mentioned it yet? Though it is kind of hard to explain, isn’t it? Some dead Pokemon gave this funny rock to me and called me a knight!
[break][break]


Her daughter needed her. And, with her missing, there was no telling what Leon Settentrioné would do. To say he was overprotective would be putting it quite mildly. If he thought someone had her, she doubted the result would be pretty. At the very least, some poor police officer was suffering a silver-tongued browbeating.
[break][break]


As the two rangers moved to open the gate, Aubre raced after them. She ignored the twinges of pain in her back as she pushed her legs forward. A quick glance behind her confirmed her Pokemon were right behind. Half collapsing as they passed the portcullis, she turned to smile at her Pokemon. But their faces were horrified. Alastor’s frill was fully at attention. Serena, meanwhile, had her fists curled into meat fists, her jaw tightened into a stubborn, determined line. “What’s—” The doctor followed their eyes and winced.
[break][break]


At the center of the room was what seemed to be something from a fairytale: a great stone bed. Laying prone upon it was an inert little rabbit creature. The hole in her chest gazed back like a hollow in a tree. Perched on the ‘headboard’ of this altar was another giant Corviknight. Except for a slightly different set of scars, the thing looked identical to the one she’d fought before.
[break][break]


“Oh.” She swallowed. A shaking hand dropped to her bag as she pulled out the pulsing stone—no, heart.

[break][break]

The bird ruffled its wings as the gate shut out behind them. It seemed to be deactivated. From its neck hung a key—a perfect fit for the door on the other side.

Shalin Nariya Lutgarde Dijkstra

NOTES

✦ Let's see how her hope goes

[attr="class","text"]
When Lulu arrived, the sky was still high in the sky. A clinic like this worked business hours (except Thursdays). Once upon a time, Doctor McKenna felt guilty about that. As if she belonged in something of higher octane. That only occasional emergency calls made her job somehow less important. But, as her daughter grew, she was grateful. She wasn’t sure she’d be able to handle Mikky on top of everything else.

[break][break]
Still, that guilt drove the young doctor to play a doormat. A volunteer was needed to go do field work? A more experienced doctor wanted help with paperwork? Aubre wouldn’t hesitate to take the figurative bullet. That team-player attitude explained why she was still hard at work in the back when the knocking echoed back. That and she always tried to give the people the benefit of the doubt.
[break][break]


Which, in this case, worked out to roughly 20 minutes.

[break][break]

As the doctor jerked her eyes up, her lips pressed together in a thin line. Was that her patient? She glanced down at her watch—as if it’d matter that the woman was late. It wasn’t like she’d left the exam room yet. “Al, can you let them in?” With an exaggerated sigh, the lizard pushed himself from the doorframe. “Lisk.” He flashed a thumbs-up in return for her gratitude.
[break][break]


Like an animal at the zoo, the electric type peered out at Lulu. A scaled brow jerked upward as he spotted the dead Joltik on her head. From his little pouch, he pulled out a little notepad. Pretending like he didn’t see her, he wrote a little message on the paper. “You’re late.” His frill expanded irritably. If this shit went on, he’d miss 90 Day Fiance. “We’re closed.” The notepad was changed to a smartphone. He yawned and tapped away.

[break][break]

Then, he smirked.
[break][break]


Through the door, the Rocket could hear a song: [break][break]



Look over here, we’ve got an analog clock[break]
It has hands that go around and do not stop[break]
And look right here, we’ve got a digital clock[break]
With more numbers, and it can talk![break]
[break][break]

Unfortunately, so could Aubre. An uncharacteristic annoyance was audible. “Alastor!” With narrowed eyes, the Heliolisk turned the lock. The automatic doors slid open. With a shake of his head, the little dragon held up three fingers. He pointed down the hall: Exam Room 3. The redhead’s voice echoed down the hall. “You can come on back, Miss Amsel.”
[break][break]

Alastor’s breath escaped in a defeatist sigh. Whatever. If his sister wanted to be a sucker, that was her right.

[break][break]

Hopefully, this place had other channels.

NOTES

✦ Please leave Al a review on Yelp.