#kapheria

[shatteredvioletnuzlocke]

Chapter 13: Rekindling (Tamarind)

The cool morning transitioned into a warmer afternoon. Following a painstaking battle, Patch, Tamarind, and the rest of the team were rewarded with a free meal at the gym leader’s restaurant. With Sage and his team tagging along everyone feasted upon desserts and confectionaries under umbrella shade. 

Although Tamarind was offered a sugary olive treat, he offered it to Kombucha. The fire croc didn’t take to nauseous sweet flavors that would make his stomach churn. He preferred the meaty fillet of a fish or a berry’s zesty pulp.    

 Tamarind was still getting used to his newly evolved body. He never expected to become a Crocalor so soon, it had barely been even a week since he was chosen by Patch. 

Suddenly all eyes were on him and his recent victory.

“What was it like?” Dahlia licked her lips after lapping some milk, “Fighting a bug type?”

“It wasn’t so bad,” Tamarind answered as best as he could, “I didn’t think they could be so limber. I don’t think I could fight a bug like that ever again!”

The Sprigatito giggled, “At least you had a type advantage. It’s going to be harder for me!”

“I wouldn’t say so, you’re really-”

“Is it true you became all sparkly?” Arturo curiously interrupted.

“Well yes,” he responded, “I’ve never done that before.” 

There where so many new experiences to keep track of and so little time to process all of them.

“It’s called Terastallizing,” Kombucha snorted, clearing the crumbs off his face, “How come you’ve never heard of it before!?” he asked the Shroodle, “Haven’t you ever seen a crystal den?”

Crystal den? Tamarind thought. Must be a wild thing.

“See,” Kombucha began a ramble, “There’s some kind of energy beneath the land that’s so powerful it turns your body into diamond and changes your typing.”

“So if I get the energy I could breathe fire too?” Arturo wondered in awe.

“That’s the hard part,” the Lechonk explained, “You can only get that energy if you live in a crystal den out in the wild. They are highly sought after, and other Pokemon would kill each other just to get that power. My own Pa’ nearly got one if it wasn’t for a damn Mankey!”

Kombucha seemed rather angered by his story. There must’ve been alot of competitive hardships in the wild, more so compared to when you have a trainer that keeps you fed. 

“The humans must’ve figured out a way to channel the energy if it only happens in the wild,” Tamarind added, “I didn’t need a den to terastallize.”

Kombucha grunted, “Guess that’s the upside of being a human pet…”   

“I think Zia lived in one of those dens in her family before we met her! Maybe she could tell us more about it?” Dahlia suggested. 

“She’s over there with the Mareep and the weird dragon,” Scorch pointed with his wing, “I’d go overthere myself, but I don’t wanna get shocked!”

Tamarind glanced over at the three sitting on the farend off the board walk. Flumpfy was keeping himself rather isolated from everyone else since that argument with Arturo. 

He remembered the Mareep’s defensive disposition clearly, “But I didn’t do it on purpose! I’m telling you was an accident!”

Poor Flumpfy he must’ve really been telling the truth… and I didn’t believe him then. 

“Don’t worry,” Tamarind volunteered, “I’ll get her.”

He got up on his new feet, awkwardly trying to walk and keep his tail from swatting anyone else in the face. All the while the three electric types where speaking to each other in static. 

“She really doesn’t know static?” Zia mewed, “Where did she even come from?”

“She lived with another human, as far as I’ve been told,” Flumpfy said, “She’ll tell me more about it in her own-!” 

“Excuse me,” Tamarind cut in politely, “Zia, the others want to hear about crystal dens.” 

“Pfft, okay,” Zia purred, “You coming, Flumpfy?” 

“Arrg?” Kapheria growled.

He shut back into an aloof shell, “No thanks, I’m fine with Kapheria right here.”

“You go ahead,” Tamarind offered, “We’ll catch up.” 

Flumpfy shrunk back into his black fleece, his face stuck in a pout. Still sour from the night before. 

“Congratulations on evolving..” he baaed with low energy.

“Thanks… so you doing okay?” Tamarind asked. 

The Mareep sat away from him and didn’t respond.

“It’s just… when we spoke last you were mad…” the Crocalor went on.

The sheep glanced back at him with furious golden eyes, “Don’t tell me I’m wrong for attacking Arturo because I didn’t! It was an accident!”

“And I believe you now!” Tamarind reasoned, “You just seem to take it rather personally.”

“Well isn’t obvious?” Flumpfy furrowed his brow.

What was obvious? Did he have a strong grudge against children? Or was he missing something else?

“I have so much electricity stored in my wool it turned unnaturally black!” The mareep’s wool crackled with frustration, “Since I was born I had to discharge more than a Mareep should to keep myself from shocking somebody! My entire flock thought I couldn’t control my own powers! They thought there was something wrong with me!”

Tamarind felt a cloud pass over the sun as the wooden floor turned cold. He never releazed Mareeps had to look a certain way. No wonder Flumpfy had described his flock as “unwelcoming”.

“I think you misunderstood,” Tamarind spoke softly, “We don’t think that there’s anything wrong with you. Just look at Kapheria, she doesn’t seem so bothered.”  

“Of course she isn’t bothered she’s an electric type too,” Flumpfy mumbled into the ruff of his fleece.

How? How was Tamarind possibly going to convince this gloomy sheep that he wasn’t in his miserable flock anymore? That he didn’t need to put up such a gruff front?

He only feels comfortable around other electric types, he analyzed. I know!

While Flumpfy still had his back turned, the Crocalor took the opportunity to lightly press his hand into his wool. It was a pleasantly downy wool that was so thick his hand began to sink into the fleece. Then he felt the tiny snaps of static tickle his claws.

“HEY!” Flumpfy jolted, his surprise amplified the static. 

“Hehehe,” Tamarind giggled. 

“What’s wrong with you?!” Flumpfy demanded, “What part of I have HIGH VOLTAGE WOOL did you not get?”

Tamarind took a moment to realize that his laughter could be taken as scrutiny toward the sensitive mareep.

Once he collected himself he presented his scaly hand, “I’m fine. There are no scars, see?”

“What?” The Mareep raised his head.

“You’re electricity can’t hurt me, you have nothing to worry about” Tamarind replied, “Electricity’s hot, just like fire. You don’t have to worry about shocking me. I can take it.”

A little wary Flumpfy sniffed his claw, then turned to look at his eyes. “But you have fire burning on your head, aren’t you worried about burning someone too?”  

“Oh I’m not worried,” the Crocalor shook his head, “My mom had fire leaking out of her too, she would only burn things unless she wanted too.” 

Tamarind noticed Flumpfy seemed to retreat upon hearing the word “mom”. Oh no, Flumpfy. You have been alone.

He leveraged the subject, “Besides I kind of need my fire if I want to keep my egg warm.”

Flumpfy’s eyes widened, “Your egg?!”

The Fire Croc took a moment to realize how awkward it sounded, “Oh not like that!” He reassured, “I’m not hatching another Fuecoco, it’s going to be my soul ward.”

“Soul ward?” The sheep repeated with curiosity.

His mom was right about their species barely being in the wild.

“Well it goes like this,” he explained, “As my species evolves we become half ghost types. And the fire burning out of us attaches to our souls and a sliver of it takes on a mind of its own.”

“Your ward?” Flumpfy clarified.

Tamarind nodded, “They act as a helper. They clean your teeth, fend off enemies, look after your young. I knew one named Flower.”

“That’s so interesting,” Flumpfy’s eyes grew, “Will it hatch soon?” 

The Crocalor shook his head, it would take even longer for him to become a Skeledirge. He had plenty of time to think of a name to call them and enjoy being a Crocalor.

“What will it be like when you evolve?” Tamarind asked. 

“I’ll be a little less wooly,” The Mareep smiled, “The sooner I lose this fleece the better!”

“Oh I Iike your wool,” Tamarind complimented, “it must keep you nice and warm.”

“One of the reasons why I hate it.”

“Well I think it’s pretty,” He said wanting nothing more than the sheep to stop self loathing.

Flumpfy’s golden eyes beamed like suns, he had a purplish blush on his blue face that only grew. That might’ve been the first compliment he ever received for his wool.

Laughter seemed to roar from the other pokemon on the other side.

“Why don’t we join the others?” Tamarind stood up, “You can sit beside me!” 

“Okay…” he trotted beside the Crocalor.

Kapheria followed the too. He admires that Flumpfy and Kapheria where joined together at the hip, in a way they were like brother and sister.

“Hey Tamarind…” Kombucha said, “When I said there was an upside to being a human pet… I wasn’t taking a jab at you,” he apologized, “Being a pet has been an…adjustment…” 

“I can understand that,” he warbled, “I’d feel the same way if I was living in the wild.” 

“You wouldn’t last a day, Softy!” Kombucha laughed.

Everything felt right, a team had kindled a bright flame to lead them on their journey.  

<- Chapter 12

[oh-atlas]

okay i made a new character for self-care and her name is kapheria valour and yes she gave herself that last name when she ran away from home and yes she is a noble background ranger and i love her so here are some fun facts

roughly 19, half-spring eladrin with maroon hair that little springs of lavender grow in

daughter of a nobleman and his wife and grew up primarily being kept inside doing traditional preppy noble kid stuff like learning how to dance and calligraphy but has always much preferred to go crazy and walk around in the woods and learn archery and swordplay

ran away when her father sent her to boarding school and started kicking it with some mercenaries and spent a little bit of time getting actually better at fightin’ before they figure out she’s the missing kid of a noble and try to turn her back for some money

kapheira runs away again and decides to change her last name to valour.. bc she’s totally not the kapheira of the same description that’s this noble man’s daughter

finds a party and starts chugging I Love My Friends Juice

mechanically a ranger / paladin multiclass!!

also obligatory pinterest board plug

[fyrapartnersearch]

FxF | One x One | Fantasy | Sci-Fi | F//

Hi. I’m M. I’m a 26 year old woman. I like to write, like, a lot. Rule #1 Suck a little bit more or a little bit less than I do. How does one gauge that? Here’s a writing sample. One of my intros. It’s longer than my usual. I’m not really a size queen. My posts tend to range from 400-600 words. I’m more interested in getting to know your characters than reading filler. I write FxF, often with side characters of all kinds. I only take 21+ partners. Email or Gdocs only. Hangouts or discord for plotting/chatting. plainclothesmuggle@gmail.com Please come with an idea of what you want to write, and be ready to collaborate. If we’re going to brainstorm a plot, we’re going to do it together. — Goodies.

Fantasy - flying pirate ships, sorceress queens, taverns tucked in enchanted forests (also open to modern settings, or even futuristic) Scifi (lite) - flying pirate ships (in SPACE), cybernetic implants, androids and all that virtual reality lurve Dystopian Future - would be interested in something like Black Mirror or Handmaids Tale. You don’t need to know those fandoms. They’re just reference points. Wanna play in a surveillance state, some puritanical hell-hole. Post-Apocalypse Superheroes and Supervillains Twisted Disney - see plots below I’m game for any pairings or plots you can think of in these genres. Royalty and commoner? Pirate and princess? Private Investigator and criminal informant? Housewife and housewife (but not each other’s dun-dun-dun )? Suggest away! Some Pairings (by no means the limit, just what I can come up with off the top): Royalty x Commoner/Servant/Bodyguard (Fantasy) Pirate x Soldier (Fantasy) Pirate x Princess (Fantasy) Outlaw x Outlaw (Fantasy or Post-Apocalypse) Prisoner x Guard (Dystopian) Prisoner x Prisoner (Dystopian) Superhero x Supervillain — Plots.

Welcome to Purgatory! Please Take a Number - This is more an open concept than a plot. We could write a few people who have just shown up in Purgatory and are housed together in a dormitory style building. Purgatory Hall, where the elevator is perpetually out of service and the cafeteria serves plain oatmeal Mon-Fri, and on weekends, also serves plain oatmeal. Something like that. I’m open to ideas! NPC - “After centuries of peace between the mortal and demon world, a Hellportal has opened on the outskirts of Kapheria, unleashing monstrous beings on earth. It is up to You, the chosen one, to unite the kingdom the close the Hellportal for good.” The Hero set off on his journey, only to be killed by a Swamp Rat (lvl 2) just outside the village. Due to a glitch, he has not respawned. Thus, the responsibility of saving the world falls on a group of rag-tag NPC’s, all ill-equipped, all with overwhelmingly average stats. Hell on Earth - Times are tough for longtime competitors God and Lucifer. Modern day science and cultural shifts have slashed their ratings year after year–too many atheists, and the agnostics aren’t much better. After so many quarters in the red, there’s only one solution left: Layoffs. An Angel and a Demon each lose their respective jobs, and most notably, their employee benefits. No more immortality, no more powers. They are sent to earth to live out the rest of their days as humans. They end up in the same city, same apartment building, as roommates or neighbors. Sitcom shenanigans ensue.

[shatteredvioletnuzlocke]

Chapter 19: Different Faces (Kapheria)

The static on Kapheria’s head fizzled out. There before her lied a fallen Dust Devil, the catalyst for the Sands of Time. At least that’s what it was before, but with them out of the way, the Greenworld could stay evergreen.

Kapheria gazed at the gigantic claw peering out of the earthy rubble. She was never truly sure if she would fulfill her role as a savior, even when she still had her lightning.  

Turo gave me a job to cut off the source and I couldn’t even do that right. If he had known a Greenworld Pokemon could defeat such a catalyst he would have never sent me. She curved with bitterness, I wouldn’t have crashed and cracked my head! I would still have my true form!

It felt conflicting to think badly of her trainer. But if she wasn’t the one to cut of the source, would he think badly of her? 

I suppose it doesn’t matter that I have my lightning now. Anchoring herself to the present, all Turo wanted was for the future to be safe. With the source out of the way, it could be, she thought, preying for the claw of the Dust Devil to stay still. 

As long as that was the source… it must be the source… it has to be the source! The thought of more sandstorms whirled. I can’t be wrong… I might be… but even if I am, I can still cut off the real source. If I still have my lightning by then…   

“Hey girl,” Patch walked up to her relieved, “I’m so glad you’re okay! We’ve been looking for you all day! Don’t ever run off like that again!”

At least Human Patch isn’t bothered. But if they knew they would have hated me for sure. No no that’s not true, she reassured herself, Kombucha is the one who saved the future. Because of him Patch, Turo, all the humans, and Pokemon can thrive. 

She imagined her old home, rich and green with life. The sun shining, rain pouring down and all the climates that the Greenworld had. It would be more than just sand.

Meanwhile, Kapheria couldn’t help but notice Arven had his eyes set on the hollowed-out grotto that the Dust Devil made during the fight. 

“Here,” he handed Patch their Pokemon. 

Venture seemed to be slowly recovering from the smoke. His breaths were hazy, but his icy eyes were halfway open. Kapheria bent her head down and went to nuzzle the small Pokemon gently. His light brown fur was velvety against her thick, metal shell.

“Hey wait, what are you doing!?” Patch raised their voice at Arven.

Oh my goodness, Kapheria was astonished to find the other human scaling the pile of rocks. Arven didn’t seem phased that there was a dead Pokemon buried under the rocks, for whatever reason he only climbed ahead. He could traverse the loose stones with ease because of his muscular body. 

“Human Arven!” Kapheria heeded him, “Stop that’s dangerous!” 

Of course, Arven didn’t listen. Once he reached the top he slid down the other side and entered the empty cave. 

I already failed my mission; I can’t let my trainer’s spawn get killed. Without a second thought, the Iron Serpent lunged over the wreckage. She landed her claws on a hard surface of rock, thankful that she wasn’t going to touch the horrid texture of sand. 

The interior of the cave was made up of red streaked stone, almost if it had been painted. The inner walls had swirling, smoothed-out edges much like the canyon’s slopes. The farther she went down the cave became tinted with a fluorescent green, similar to the moss she saw at the grotto on the beach. 

At the end of the cave, there was a faint pinkish light peering out of a mossy bed. Kapheria followed Arven slowly creeping toward the oddity with curiosity. 

While she didn’t growl a word, the human turned to face her, “Go away, Kapheria…” he softly murmured with pain in his eyes, “you hurt to be around.” 

It was as if a sharp stone had torn into her throat out of nowhere. Arven… I don’t want to hurt you! I never hurt you! 

 Turo’s son had never said such antagonizing things to her before. He was once a small, loving human who adored her like a friend, perhaps even like a sister. She would give him rides on her back and indulge in games he made up. The way he looked at her now brought pain to those memories.

It had to be the crack on her head, he seemed to think little of her ever since she sustained it. Everything always came back to that gaudy, forsaken crack. Patch wouldn’t have said that to her, why couldn’t he be like them?

“Hey wait up!” The voice of Patch echoed through the cave.

“Why are you still following me?!” Arven snapped, wiping off his tears.

Patch slowly tumbled in with Kombucha beside them. Both of them looked exhausted from the chaos that had transpired before. Kapheria felt the day was weighing in on everyone.

 The son of Turo avoided eye contact and crouched toward the strange light, “I can’t believe you gambled your own Pokemon against a Titan! I thought you said you were better than battling!” 

Patch wheezed, trying to catch a breath, “I didn’t gamble my Pokemon!” they stood their ground, “Would’ve you just let that Klawf kill you!”

“That's what the scatterbangs are for!” he replied bluntly, “Don’t you realize what you're doing?! When you battle you're willing to sacrifice a Pokemon, a living creature! Does that mean anything to you?!”

Kapheria could sense that Patch was becoming rather fueled, “That’s what the league is for, they gave us rules to keep everything balanced! How would you know? YOU’RE NOT EVEN A TRAINER!” 

Finally, Arven stood up, turning back with a scowl, “The league doesn’t do shit, just you wait!”

“Stop it both of you!” Kapheria intervened, acting as a wall between the humans.

Humans weren’t anything like Pokemon, but a human’s anger made the Iron Serpent uneasy somehow. She couldn’t explain it but all she knew was it wasn’t worth testing. 

After a thick layer of silence, Arven marched off toward the entrance. Kapheria noticed that the disgruntled human was carrying the pink light that he was so entranced with. Upon closer look, it was another bioluminescent plant in the form of a tiny sprig.

Hey! Not bad! Although it was small, it carried the strong fragrance of sugar that caused her to drool with oil. Kapheria knew the greater the smell the better it tasted. But Arven was upset enough as he was. If he wanted that plant, then who was she to eat it right in front of him?

Maybe there is more around here somewhere…

“Wait where are you going now?!” Patch demanded, “What about what we talked about?!”

“I never agreed to it…” Arven stated, “I’m done dealing with my father’s problems!”

Kapheria was too focused on finding the sugary plant to tell what they were talking about. After Arven’s harsh words, she needed something good to snack on. 

Knowing that the plant was found in a large bed of moss, she tried to sniff out the most greenest of rocks. Nothing… wait… over there!

She caught a whiff of the very same scent on one of the mossiest of rocks. On top of it was another pinkish plant, tinier than the one Arven had found. Just a sprout with a few leaves to it, emitting the faintest glow.

Oh well, she shrugged to herself, something is better than nothing! 

The Iron Serpent turned her head, gently bit the tiny sprig of its rock, and slurped it into her mouth. She was satisfied to find that its sweetness rivaled the food of Cortondo. Delicious! It was candied with an interesting, crunchy texture almost like the leaves in a tasty sandwich. 

Sandwiches! I should find more for Patch to put in sandwiches! She hurried to hunt for another plant. Inhaling every inch of moss for that hidden flavor. Come on, come on, there has to be one somewhere! 

Suddenly a pattern of buzzing bounced off the cave, that took Kapheria out of her search. Arven was nowhere in sight, it was only Patch, Kombucha and Patch’s strange human device frantically ringing. 

“Oh sure,” The lone human sighed, “Now Turo calls me…”

Kapheria fluttered at the sound of his name, “Turo?!”

The Iron Pokemon was caught off guard, how would her trainer now call her just as she supposedly failed her mission? 

During her fleeting seconds on contemplation, Patch answered Turo’s transmission.

“Hello, Patch,” Turo’s voice came through the speaker, “Good to see you after a week and a half.”

“Hey… Turo…” Patch responded unsurely, “I’ve been trying to get a hold of you for a while… did you get my messages?” 

Oh no, did Patch tell him about my short-circuiting?

“Well I just got your voicemail…” her trainer lingered on his words, “Is everything alright with Kapheria?”

Oh great, the Miraidon coiled back, he’s upset too!

The human tussled with their hair nervously, “Right, Kapheria has been well… strange… best way I can describe it…”

“Elaborate?” Turo prompted for details.

“Well for starters Kapheria, has these weird sparks coming out of her head…” Patch admitted, “I get that she’s an electric type but it seems like she can’t control it.”

“You didn’t have to be that honest!” The Pokemon growled embarrassed.

“Well, of course, she cracked her head,” The scholarly trainer explained, “Miraidons like her expel electricity from their brains and redirect it through their lighting rod-like antenna. The same can be channeled through the throat and tail, which activates what is known as their driving mode. It is only when they charge three of their emission points that they activate their ultimate mode.” 

Kapheria beamed, Of course! My head is cracked, but my throat and tail are fine! That’s why I still have access to my drive mode!

Patch spoke up “That makes sense…but it feels like it gives her pain… I’m not sure how I can help her. Is there any way we can mend that crack?” 

The Miraidon looked desperately into her trainer’s brown eyes, “Is there?”

But unfortunately, he shook his head, “You have to understand… Kapheria isn’t an organic Pokemon, her body is iron and her head is like glass. When glass shatters it usually stays broken…”

“I’m… I’m…” Kapheria stammered, she couldn’t bring herself to say it. Broken.

 When she heard it aloud, it felt as if the crack on her head was rippling across her entire body. 

“Then what should I do?” Patch asked him seeming concerned, “How would I help her?”

“Believe me, if I knew the answer I would’ve already told you,” Turo held his bristled chin, “The best you can do is keep her calm and proceed with the task I gave you.”

“My task?” The burgundy-haired human repeated in a confused manner.

“Integrating Kapheria into human society,” He reminded them. 

Patch brought their device closer to their face, “But I don’t understand. You are her trainer, right? Why do I have to take care of Kapheria? Why can you integrate her?”

“Well…” Turo dithered, “To properly integrate, Kapheria needs to bond with a human other than me.”

“How long would that be?” Patch lead in with another question.

“As long as it takes!” He answered vaguely, “Kapheria has limited exposure to the human world. She was only shortly acquainted with it went I took her out of the Zero Lab a few years back. It's up to you to show her the rest of it.” 

That’s not true! You sent me on a mission to protect this place! You don’t have to lie, you can be honest! Patch is trustworthy.

“I mean we were just in Cortondo and the countryside…would that count?” Patch shared.

Her trainer gently smiled, “Yes she needs to adjust to new environments and climates so we can find the ideal environment for her species to live in. How did she do with that one?” 

As the two humans went on about integration, Kapheria felt something off. Why are you saying this stuff? I know I can't properly speak with you, but if I could I’d tell you about the source I found. We both know what might happen to the Greenworld. Why aren't you as concerned as you were before?

With Arven getting so much bigger, Kapheria couldn’t help but wonder how long she was inside her Pokeball. What was Turo doing all that time? Did Turo find the source without her? Was this really her new mission? It all felt too good to be true, and yet sinister.

He can’t be avoiding the Sands of Time on purpose, asked herself a ridiculous question. 

“So what happens once Kapheria is fully integrated?” Patch said, much to the Iron Serpent’s annoyance. 

“You can return Kapheria to me!” Turo grinned, “that way she can help me with the other Miraidons and their integrations.”

For a moment she thought she had misheard him, “the other Miraidons” Now that really couldn’t be right. She was the only Miraidon Turo ever needed.

“You have more than one Miraidon?!” the human asked sounding just as bewildered.

“At the moment, two,” Turo clarified, “Kapheria, and one that isn’t as well adjusted.”

Kapheria knew who he was talking about, but she didn’t care for them all that much. Why would Turo keep that one around? She thought jealously.

“I hope to find more,” he added, “But Miraidons need proper time in the chamber before they can properly integrate.” 

Suddenly Kapheria felt a nerve break in her system. Chamber, a word with such little significance, became eerily haunting.

She was back there, something that she didn’t remember before. A white room… I thought it was a cave…I wanted to get out. 

Had the Iron Pokemon seen this before? The strange vision brought back a surge of stress and familiar anger. No! Make it stop! Make it stop MAKE IT STOP!

As she tried to push the feeling out her head, the pain of seeing it all weighed her down. Like she had really been cracked all over her body. As if she was really back in the chamber. Kapheria could not escape. 

“NO!” She roared aloud, discharging an overcurrent. 

“Kapheria? KAPHERIA!” Patch fled from the web of purple and gold static.

“Woink, WOINK!” Kombucha squealed.

“Patch!” Turo hollered out of the phone speaker, “What’s happening?!” 

“SHE’S SPARKING AGAIN!” They answered. 

As soon as Kapheria witnessed her pain being spread amongst her friends she, simmered her power and the static faded. Her friends pressed up the cave walls horrified.

Patch’s device hovered around the area, “I see…” Turo spoke, “I wouldn’t be so worried, Patch. Kapheria is very aware, she was able to calm herself quickly just now. I’m sure she can get a better hold of these outbursts over time.”

“If you say so…,” Patch shook their head.

She wanted to believe her trainer so badly, but if she could be sparked by the thought of something terrible she might as well be regressing. Still, the vivid thought of a chamber felt like a memory. Why did she suddenly remember being in a room? it could’ve been just an intrusive thought trying to trick her. 

“Thank you, for your report, Patch,” the human’s phone slowly descended back into their hands, “If Kapheria has another episode let me know. I’ll check back with you soon.”

As soon as the phone screen's light went dark, Kapheria tilted her head low and approached Patch.

“I’m sorry,” She apologized. I couldn’t come here in one piece and I lost my powers because of it. I keep scaring you with my static. Worst of all I couldn’t defeat the source of the Sands of Time on my own. 

Becoming lost in the thought, Patch lightly scratched the surface of her casque, “There there, Kaphy,” they cooed, “Your trainer is so weird.” 

Yes, Kapheria agreed, Something does seem off about him.

[shatteredvioletnuzlocke]

Chapter 18: Carnelian of the Stony Cliffs (Kombucha)

Kombucha awoke in a hazy mood. He was glad to be released from his sleeping prison. 

Once he opened his eyes he was surprised to find the Town of Artazon dark and tunnel-like. He saw his so-called “trainer”, cradling Venture in their arms. 

“Venture…” Patch wailed softly “Please…  please wake up!”

Venture’s eyes twitched open, but he was wheezing heavily.

Venture, it's been two hours, what the hell did you do to yourself?!

Another human said, “He inhaled a lot of Scatterbang smoke he won’t wake up for a while!” 

Who the hell is this guy? The Boar felt something conk his back. He looked up to see a dusty rock ceiling slowly coming down pebble by pebble. 

“GOD DAMMIT, WHERE THE FUCK ARE WE!?” Kombucha demandlingly squealed.

All eyes were now on him, and his “human” was less than pleased. 

“Kombucha what are you doing out?!” Patch complained, “You shouldn’t be here!” 

Well fuck you too, glad we’re on the same page!

Just as things could seem more ridiculous, Kapheria was crammed into the already tight space. Well, it was tight for a Pokémon of her stature.

A golden light poured out of an opening in the cave wall.  Whatever was outside it was ruthlessly after them.

A voice bellowed, “TRESSPASSERS! I HAVE YOU BETWEEN STONE! COME OUT AND DIE HONORABLY IN MY CLAWS!” They spoke in a self-righteous rage.

It couldn’t be… Kombucha marveled at the large spike piercing through the sandy ground. The leg of a Titan? Here? What the hell do they want with two humans, one dragon, and an idiot dog?

Kapheria bent her neck down to the boar’s level, “Agias! Arag!”

“Don’t expect me to understand that!” Kombucha grumbled, but he could read what she was trying to say.

As he put one hoof in front of the other his father's stories poured back into his thick skull. 

No matter how brave you are. No matter how proud you pushed yourself to evolve. You will never survive a Titan!

Every Lechonk was told a story when they were young to keep them paranoid. Their species was walking prey in the carnivore world. But running prey had a chance. If they just kept running from danger they might just evolve. If they just kept running they might find a mate. Might, never always.

Even Kombucha could admit that fear was useful to keep himself alert. When he was to young to know any better he instilled his father's values. Running kept him alive, but it made him too weak to evolve. Potential mates passed him by and he was too afraid to put himself out there.

No matter how fast he ran he always stood in place. Cowardice was exhausting. But when he ran toward the carnivores, they feared him. No one had ever heard of a Lechonk who defended himself, and it gave him the upper hand.

Now it felt like he would evolve. He would find a mate who admired his defiance. 

Fighting a titan could easily kill him, just as his father warned him. Defeating a titan made for a much better story.

The harsh sunlight spilled on Kombucha’s black hide like scalding water. His gnarly hooves sank into the blanket of course sand. It was clear to him he was still in the canyons, assumingly miles away from Artazon.

The Titan towered before him, larger than even Kapheria. An orange-brown rock-hard carapace, with giant banded claws. 

She acknowledged him, her weird eyes scanning every inch of his body, “What is the meaning of this…” her gravelly voice cackled, “Did they sent a daft Lechonk as their messager? A human pet no less!” 

Kombucha wouldn’t take any of that Titan arrogance, “Who are you calling messager?”

The crab backed away appalled at the proud boar. That's more like it, he thought. 

“HOW DARE YOU, SPEAK TO ME THAT WAY!” She raised her body so that she could eclipse the sun, “I am Carnelian! Titan of the Stony Cliffs! These canyons were stained with blood until my scuttle and I drove away the carnivores!” She recited her superiority, “I brought order into this land! You should be grateful that you aren’t feasted upon.”

“Why should I?” He teased, “I don’t live here!”

Carnelian began to slip down further, “If you don’t curve your tongue I’ll cut it out myself!” She snapped her claws. 

You would have done so already if you had the guts! Kombucha saw right through every carnivore, behind their claws and fangs they were no tougher than prey.

Before the Titan could stand their ground Kombucha decided to run his mouth once more. He took a deep breath, and let out a belching Disarming voice, “BRAAHHHHHHH!” 

Pink sound waves emitted from the boar’s mouth. The large crab was shaken, claws twitching frantically.

“THAT DOES IT!” she roared ferociously. 

At that moment a breeze kicked in spontaneously. Kombucha began to feel the sensation of gentle sand particles quickly burning into his eyes.

“BEHOLD THE WRATH OF A TITAN!” Carnelian exalted in her sandstorm.

Bah, I told them feeding scavengers was a bad idea, now look what’s happening! Why does nobody listen to me?! 

As the breeze shifted into a turbulent wind. Clouds of beige growing and obscuring everything that Kombucha could see. 

His father’s droning voice echoed repeatedly, You will never survive a titan! You will never survive a titan! You will never survive a titan! 

The proud boar was done listening to his father.  Even if he were to die he would go out with style. Unfortunately for him, he would die a human pet.

But a humiliating legacy only pushed him to live to tell this fight in his favor. 

He began kicking his hind legs frantically. Sight and smell were useless in this weather, he had to feel for the surface of Carnelian’s hard legs to know what he was doing. 

Come on… hit something dang it! He flailed around continuously and only kicked air. Is she even going to attack me or is this entertaining for her?!

Kombucha snarled the sand out of his snout and wailed in the direction, infuriated at the idea of dying a joke, “BRAHHHHHHHHH!” he tasted the saltiness of sand on his tongue. 

“HA YOU’LL HAVE TO DO BETTER THAN THAT!” The Titan ridiculed.

Carnelian was using his own method against him. Now she was the one pulling his temper, even if the Titan initially fell for his trap she would make Kombucha struggle until he dropped. 

“AGIAS!” Kapheria’s motory voice beckoned.

“Kapheria… get back…” he stammered with more sand flying into mouth. You can’t fight! 

“AH SO WE HAVE A NEW CHALLENGER!” Carnelian said delightfully.

Kombucha felt something gentle tuck on his blubbery back. His vision was becoming too blurry to focus or fight back. It killed him more to reconsider his father's warnings, perhaps that old boar knew what was coming.

 Perhaps he wanted his words planted into his son’s head when it was too late. You will never survive a Titan. Kombucha tried to imagine the sand suffocating his father instead of him. But if he wanted to stop hearing those droning words he would need to be they would need to be buried together. 

“Agias!” He felt the ground vibrate like Kapheria’s voice.

The Lechonk opened his eyes without grains of sand being forced upon him. With the air clear, he blew the sand out of his nostrils. I’m… alive… but so is that titan. 

The ground beneath him was hard and smooth. Once his vision cleared he found himself on top of Kapheria’s back. Did she just save my life?

“So two against one?” Carnelian asked gazing at the metal dragon, “SO BE IT!”

Kombucha knew the gargantuan crab would set off another sandstorm to wipe them out. Even though he was already worn down he wanted to take what little he had left to finish the fight. 

Just then he could feel Kapheria purring more engine-like than ever. She curled her tail beneath her underside and abruptly charged toward the crab. The sudden jolt of movement caused Kombucha to slide of the smooth surface.

“Oof!” he groan as he landed on a small pile of sand.

He was just about sick of this sandy canyon, even more so than he was about his trainer. 

As if things couldn’t get any worse, “Kombucha!” Patch called to him, “Return!” 

The light of his Pokeball shot a dim red laser that nearly touched him, Oh no, you’re not putting me away that easy.

He galloped away from the human, determined more than ever to prove everyone wrong. When he turned towards the action, he saw Kapheria sparkling with gold and purple electricity.  

“GRAHHHHHHH!” Carnelian wailed as the static touched her leg. 

A purple bolt surged around the crab, now paralyzed. I still have a chance, if I just take out her legs… 

He knew that the ground was too dry and soft for a Mud Slap, the perfect move for a rock type. Basic normal attacks would just have to suffice. 

“BRAHHHHHHH!” Kombucha bellowed out orange soundwaves with his Echoed Voice, “BRAHHHHH!” 

At first the soundwaves were puny but grew instantly as he continued to bawl his throat. Thanks to Kapheria’s static, Carnelian was paralyzed taking damage. 

“Take control of your Lechonk!” the other human demanded, “He’s making things worse!” 

I don’t need any more humans telling me what I should do! 

To his surprise Patch chimed in, “Kombucha keep going!”

Just as Kombucha was close to landing a critical attack, his voice became strained from screeching. 

Just a little more! I got this! He panted heavily out of breath. If he wanted to keep fighting he needed to suck up a little humiliation. 

Kombucha turned around to his trainer. The other human carried Venture, still unconscious his his arms. 

Alright human, heal me up! He made his eyes as vulnerable as possible.

“LOOK WHAT YOU DID TO KAPHERIA!” The whiny human hollered.

Kapheria had a sparky thing going on with her head. It almost seemed she needed a potion more than him.

“I didn’t make her do anything! She did that herself!” Patch retorted.

Great, heal me!

“You clearly should have stopped it!” He scorned with harsh eyes.

Seriously! I need a potion! 

“Why don’t you stop it!” Patch sneered.

“FOR THE LOVE OF GOD I NEED A POTION!” Kombucha squealed to get the humans attention.

The outraged boar took a spritz down, his hairy hyde becoming moist. He could taste small drops of bland oran berry juice sliding into his mouth. 

As soon as he felt rejuvenated, he turned back to face his opponent. Kapheria’s static hold seemed to be wearing off for the large crustacean. For whatever reason, Carnelian had her eyes focused on a large surface of sandstone rock. 

Ha she’s giving up! Kombucha thought satisfied. Never thought she would lose to a pig? I showed her! 

“HUAH!” The Titan jabbed her claw into the stone. 

“Arven… what’s she doing…” Patch asked afraid. 

“How would you expect me to know that?” He answered. 

No… she’s not finished… she wouldn’t surrender against me willingly… this must be some kind of move she’s charging…

Purple bolts whirled around her carapace, binding her like loose ropes. Kombucha figured this had to be some kind of rock type move. 

He refreshed himself on all the moves he knew about. Rock throw…Rock slide… Stone edge…  All options had the rock part but not enough jab. 

Kombucha needed to act then and there but to give his dry throat a break; Echoed voice was out of the question. 

He stared down where his pink hooves where sunken down. That’s when an idea came to him. Underneath the sandy blanket, they’re had to be some thicker soil to tunnel through.

“Kombucha, use a Disarming voice!” Patch acted as his trainer.

When you come up with a better idea, I’ll listen! Humans thought they knew everything, but they weren’t Pokemon.  

He went along plunging his hooves into the sand. Both Pokemon continuously struck and dug with all of their might. Fortunately, Kombucha was faster and began hitting natural dirt. He went deeper and deeper into the earth until there wasn’t any light.

Okay… might’ve backed myself into a corner… but I can still work with this… Kombucha’s body was pressed up against the clay ground. Though he could barely see, he could easily sense the heavy footsteps above him. 

He cultivated through the clay with the edges of his hooves. If he were to go up at that point it would’ve only been a few inches from where he was standing. As he went father along he felt more footsteps pound above him. Then a loud tremor followed by a gutteral cry. 

The static wore off! Can’t go up yet! He guided his way toward the largest vibrations. But now his tunnel was started to cave in and he had no choice but to go up. 

Sand began to pour down as it only seemed slightly darker than before. Once he breathed in the open air, he noticed he was right underneath the giant crab.

Now's my chance! With a competitive impulse, Kombucha threw himself against the crab’s leg. Utilizing the element of surprise in his favor, he caused Carnelian to stumble.

“THERE YOU ARE!” Carnelian yelled sounding more revitalized.

Regaining her balance, she struck her legs into the earth like falling stalactites. The little Lechonk darted around each step, bewildered as to how the Titan suddenly became more invigorated. 

He tried to perform a mudslap attack, kicking the dirt from his hole at her legs again. Still it wasn't enough, he could only land a single hit.  

Maybe this is why you never fight a titan… Kombucha thought. Doubts far behind him soon returned. He found himself in the eye of a storm of his own making. Unless the Lechonk had a miraculous strategy, Carnelian would be the death of him. 

Hope wasn’t all lost for the old boar. Though he might not be able to defeat the fearsome titan, he might live to tell the tale of coming back alive. 

He could already hear his father laughing at him from beyond the grave as he ran away. Ravishing in the sense of his own son finally listening to him. Kombucha’s stomach churned, now he was the same as every other Lechonk. When he would die it would be as a coward. 

As he skidded across the ground Kombucha noticed that his trainer was holding a black pokeball but not his.

“I hope this works…”  Patch started at the glassey Pokeball with keen intent. 

“Chose the right time to do that,” The long-haired human scoffed. 

The Pokeball began to whirl with a white glow. It's just like Tamarind said! Kombucha was amazed that a human could wield Terastal power, let alone their human. Guess they could be useful after all.

Kombucha felt another tremor, this time he could here the crackling of the earth's mantle starting to rise. Here goes nothing.

“HUMAN PET!” Carnelian cried, “COME BACK AND FIGHT ME!” 

“Now!” Patch hurled the shining Pokeball at him.

A large flash of light blinded his eyes. A sudden chill in the simmering canyons crawled up his hyde. Was it the cold grip of death? Did he lose after all?

The only thing Kombucha could see was his life flashing before his very eyes. Warm moments as a young piglet, when innocence kept him safe. Yet one particular memory latched on to him, it took him back at Poco Path.

As usual, he hid himself in the grass. He never got a clear image of what he was avoiding that day. But the thought of Carnelian killing him filled in the gaps. 

“There you are, Onion!” Holm’s groggy whisper nearly startled him.

The sound of his wild name perked up the piglet’s ears, “Pa!” 

Even though Onion was doing what he was always told to do, his father pinned him down with a hoof anyway. It was just as he remembered, stuck under pressing weight. 

His body was so small and weak against a full-grown Lechonk. All he could do was struggle, but he was lucky that Holm never evolved.

“Let me go please, Pa!” Onion raised his voice, despite what it could mean for him, “There’s a strange Pokémon out there! I need to run away!”

Holm only spoke, his voice still low, “You never get this close to a Titan, Boy!” He scowled, “If you don’t keep up with me you might as well be prey!”

As soon as the old Lechonk lifted his hoof he took off in the direction of the swaying grass. Onion began pattering after him, but the sound of large footsteps followed.

“You will never survive a titan!” Holm called back to his son, mocking him for what was the last time.

This is impossible! He recalled thinking to himself, It’s going to get me for sure. 

He turned his snout in the other direction and faced the imposing shadow, “I’M NOT AFRAID OF YOU TITAN! I’LL MAKE YOU SORRY FOR WANTING TO EAT ME!”

Onion lept out of the grass, squealing so loud his voice became deeper. His heartbeat quickened, giving him the strength to take on the world.

Once he opened his eyes again he was back in the canyons. He was alive, yet light was seeping through him as if he was translucent.

I’ve done it, he realized looking at is crystalline hoof.

“PAH, SO YOU’VE TERASTALIZED!” Carnelian scoffed, “A WASTED EFFORT, YOUR AS BASIC AS BEFORE!” 

“SHUT UUUUUUUUUUPPPPPPP!” He let out a supercharged Echoed voice.

A pattern of amber sound waves bounced off the stony crab. With all that concentrated power, Kombucha pinned her against the ravine wall. 

“Nice Kombucha,” Patch congratulated him.

“Don’t celebrate too soon!” Arven alerted them, “Look!”

Carnelian rose once more, her carapace beginning to shed into pebbles. Her stalky eyes twitched, “You, think you’ve won…” 

She immediately scuttled toward the humans with what little strength she had left.

He pushed her back with another echoed voice, “STOP!”

As the titan was taken aback, she lodged her claws into the earth. Although she stayed in place, the Lechonk’s high-pitched squealing fueled her anger. 

Doesn’t she ever quit?  Kombucha knew if he had gotten this far with taming a titan, he could turn the tables one last time. As he scanned the area the hole he dug caught his eye. The red clay he unearthed could be the right kind of substitute for a Mud-Slap! 

Kombucha began propelling clay at the Titan, knowing well he landed a direct hit once Carnelian wailed.

“RUGH!” She slammed herself against the canyon once again, “FOOLS FOOLS!” Carnelian continuously complained. 

Before she could fight back Kombucha let out another echoed voice for good measure, “RAHHHHHH!”

A shrilling cry ruptured through the canyon’s slopes. Soon, an avalanche began, with rocks tumbling through the crevasses. A single stone tinked off Kombucha, but he didn’t feel pain where he should’ve felt it. It made sense that a diamond surface was harder than any lesser rock.

The same couldn’t be said for the two humans, their bodies soft and vulnerable. As fragments of rock came hurdling down they frantically ran about. At best Patch and Arven were quick on their toes. Kapheria scooped the two humans up quickly to safety.

Yet the Titan of Stoney Cliffs didn’t do much better even in her element. Boulders of many sizes trickled off of her carapace. Through the clacking stones, there were sharp cracks. Kombucha could only listen for any sign of defeat.

Once the dust had cleared, there was a pile of red rocks where the Titan once stood. One of her orange banded claws stuck out of the wreckage, slowly twitching until it stood still. 

He could hardly believe what he saw, That’s it… I did it!

Within a flash, Kombucha’s terastalization faded out. His faceted shell became blubbery flesh again, his hyde no longer shimmering. 

He didn’t care that such a valuable power slipped away from him. No, he just performed the impossible. He defeated a titan!

Overjoyed with a victory he called to the sky, “Hear me world you can’t slow me down! I just slayed a goddamn titan!” His shouts frighted a silhouette in the sky 

“Shut up, Pig!” Arven aggressively hushed, fretful of another avalanche. 

The doubts of a long-dead father were vanquished by the accomplishment he could brag about to his future children. If Holm were only alive, perhaps he could show some pride in his son. But Kombucha didn’t need to burden himself with ghosts, he could just move forward as a titan slayer.  

“Kombucha!” Patch came forward, “That… was… amazing!” 

Out of all humans I had to be caught by one who has no idea what they’re doing. Kombucha could admit Patch was a decent, attentive trainer at best. But at worst they were uncoordinated and made most choices on a whim; a cowards. On the other hoof, if Patch caught him he wouldn’t be taking on a Titan. If I’m going to be a human pet I might as well whip my human into shape.

[shatteredvioletnuzlocke]

Shattered Violet a Pokemon Nuzlocke Fanfic. Read it here!

Book 1

Prologue (Kapheria)

Chapter 1: Late Bloomer (Patch)

Chapter 2: When the Future Comes Crashing Down (Patch)

Chapter 3: The Rift (Kapheria)

Chapter 4: Turo's Dragon (Patch)

Chapter 5: Mezagoza (Patch)

Chapter 6: Day in the Life of an Uva Student (Patch)

Chapter 7: The Lonely Mareep (Flumpfy)

Chapter 8: Static Cling (Kapheria)

Chapter 9: Cortondo (Patch)

Chapter 10: Flames That Burn, Flames That Bind (Tamarind)

Chapter 11: Olive Harvest Tournament (Patch)

Chapter 12: Sugarbug (Patch)

Book 2:

Chapter 13: Rekindling (Tamarind)

Chapter 14: From Humble Winnings (Patch)

Chapter 15: Scavengers (Flumpfy)

Chapter 16: Trailblazing (Patch)

Chapter 17: Dust Devil (Kapheria)

Chapter 18: Carnelian of the Stony Cliffs

[shatteredvioletnuzlocke]

Chapter 14: From Humble Winnings

The rest of the Olive Festival was spent tasting desserts, making crafts and catching up on Swords of Justice with their old friend. The day after was a moist but sunny morning in the countryside, the townsfolk's excitement simmered back a bit and their where less people crowding the streets. 

The two took one last trip to the Pokémon center before Patch’s departure from Cortondo.

“What can I get for you?” The pharmacist offered.

Patch checked their wallet, they still had 5,000 p left from their win. I should stock up on some Pokeballs while I’m at it…. 

A bright blue Pokeball with red accents caught their eye. It was a great ball, twice as efficient for capturing Pokemon than a common one but twice as expensive.

 I can pay for something that’s 600 p, they thought, just gotta go easy on the food and finish up what I already have.

“I’ll take four potions and one Great Ball please!” they requested. 

“So where are you planning to go after this” Sage asked.

Patch answered with no thought, “Catch some more Pokemon then head back to the academy.”

“Oh I ment which gym your planning on taking on next?” Sage clarified.

Next gym?! “Sage, I’m not going to fight another gym. I only fought Katy to get out of debt. The gym badge was just a bonus.” 

Patch was relieved they wouldn’t have to spend another day struggling to pay off the village. If they hadn’t known beforehand it meant fighting a gym leader they would’ve spent the next few months in Cortondo.

Taking on seven more gym leaders was a risky decision no matter how easy it was made out to be. 

Patch remembered many of their childhood acquaintances returning from a journey empty-handed. Battling with Katy taught them to only bite off what they could chew.

“So what will you do as a trainer?” Sage wondered. 

“Just raise and catch more Pokémon for now,” Patch admitted without much thought, “I’ll still take them out to battle in the wild. Maybe after I graduate I’ll go into breeding… or Pokemon husbandry? Freelance art on the side?” 

Patch realized how much of their plan sounded improvised. They did have a plan…once but they couldn’t give themselves high expectations that they couldn’t reach. Twenty years old was still young, they had plenty of time to figure something out even if it seemed unfilling.

The pharmacist traded the items they asked for 1,500p. They were ready to put their issues aside and explore what lied ahead.

“Well if you need me, I’ll be here for the time being preparing for my battle with Katy!” Sage said with spunk, “Your match gave me some ideas for some new techniques.”

“Don’t forget me when you’re on the way to taking on the league!” Patch teased. 

“Like I’d ever forget you!” Sage smiled back.

The two embraced in a tight hug that rivaled the warmth of the sun. Once they said their goodbyes, Patch saddled up Kapheria with their supplies and was off into the wild. 

The outskirts of the Village were filled with meadows. Patch knew that there wouldn’t another town for miles even with Kapheria’s speed. The sepia mountains in the horizon where now closer than they were before.

Soon they made it to a slope that led to higher grounds. Do I really want to go up there? There might be rare Pokemon to find but it could be dangerous…

As they complimented a heavily loaded mountaineer walked by carrying a backload of equipment. 

“Excuse me,” Patch alerted her, “Are the mountains ahead safe?” 

“You’re going to have to be more specific!”  the mountaineer laughed. 

“Well, what are the native Pokémon like?” They added. 

The traveler scratched her chin “I’d say… mildly harmless at best, territorial at worst. By the looks of it you seem like you can handle yourself. Just keep away from The Peak, most vicious ones live there.”

“Sounds easy enough,” Patch nodded, “Thank you.” 

“No problem, you have a beautiful-looking dragon by the way.”

As the two travelers parted, Kapheria made her way up the slope. Although the ride up chunky with gravel, it began to churn Patch’s stomach. They could feel their breakfast rising.

“Stop Kapheria!” Patch urged her, feeling a little queasy.

They took a sip from their water bottle and poured it over their head to cleanse them of any sweat. A large stain from their shirt began to grow and their hair was soaked into clumped strands.

Taking a break, the admired the view from the slope, and saw the village from above. In the farther distance they could almost make out the walls of Mezagoza.

Looking toward the peaks, they noticed a tall point rising from the rocks. Keep away from the Peak, Patch told themselves. 

As soon as Patch felt their stomach simmer, they took a good stretch “Let’s keep going Kapheria, we can hike the rest of the way.” 

“Arggras!” She purred lively. 

Placing a hand on Kapheria’s horn, the human and Pokemon made their way on foot, though it was already quite a tiring experience. Patch was not an athlete, and sweat kept rolling down their forehead like a waterfall.

They leaned against Kapheria’s metal shell without realizing how hot she was.

…

At the top of the slope Patch found the perfect place to sit down and recollect their energy. At that point they had gone through two bottles of water. Okay maybe the mountain wasn’t the best place to find a new Pokemon.

The ground beneath them was hard and stiff. Kapheria found it comfortable to curl up on. Patch needed to be wary of where they stepped, as some stones in the ground were loose and wobbly. Thankfully the rest of the way up had a wide enough path, if they wanted to proceed.

Is this karma? Patch wondered, if I chose to climb on a whim mountain how can I handle planning my own life choices? How do I know what is right? All I’m sure is that I want to be a trainer, and then what? 

As Patch pondered, a noise caught them off guard.

“AWOOOO!” 

They flinched out of their trance. Oh no, the sound of howling gave them frightening memories. Was it possible that Houndours resided on this mountain? 

Leaping from rock to rock, a small brown dog stalked the human and dragon from above. Patch immediately knew the species, Rockruff. Although they were known to travel in packs, this one was alone. But he wasn’t going to play nice and he was only nearing closer.

“Ruck, roo!” it barked trying to gain intimidation,

Patch reached their bag and instinctively threw the first Pokeball they felt. Out of all of their team, the stubborn Kombucha was brought out to defend them.

“Of course…” Patch sighed, feeling used to their bad luck.

Familiar with the terrain, the unwavering Rockruff initiated the first attack, “Rock, roooo!” his howling commanded small stones to pelt the intruders. 

“Woink!” A single stone out of the fray had struck Kombucha on the nose.

“Ooohh!” Patch cringed in sympathy for their Lechonk. “Kombucha!” they called out to him, “Try using Mud slap!”

To their surprise, the Lechonk began kicking away at the dirt. Throwing globs of mud back at the little dog. With some precision, some mud splattered on the Rockruff’s eye.

This is good maybe I can catch him! Patch rejoiced at the thought of adding a dog Pokemon to their team. Should I catch him now? No… he’s still too riled. Just one more attack! 

Despite having an eyeful of mud, the Rockruff called for another flurry of stones, “AWRROOO!” his temper caused larger ones to be tossed out.

With a little more preparation Kombucha bounced back one of the stones with his body fat.

Alright, what’s our next move? Tackle? If Kombucha could easily deflect that rock now, what would happen if he threw himself into a Rockruff? Would he only fall off the mountain? Patch tried hard to parish their harmful thoughts, and focus on the task at hand. 

Unfortunately, while they were thinking Kombucha went ahead without command, charging into the little Rockruff with full force.

“KOMBUCHA NO!” 

Patch launched the great ball in a hurry to save the poor Rockruff. The pokeball opened and the little dog carried away into its red light. As it fell to the ground it shook furiously, as if the Rockruff was fighting the capture. 

The anxious trainer wondered if a great ball’s capture rate was as true as they were promised. Horrible memories of the Inlet Grotto incident kept spiraling out of proportion. 

At last, the great ball clicked and it stood still on top of the crumbled rocks.

It worked… 

Though their was a new team member right before them, Patch couldn’t keep their frustration at bay. 

“KOMBUCHA!”  they scolded, crouching down to meet their level, “You’re not supposed to attack until I say so!” 

Immediately Kombucha kicked some mud in their face.

“Bleh! Time out for you!” Patch recalled the Lechonk back into their ball. 

Patch wiped the mud off their cheek, the wet muk staining their hand. They tried to shake as little grime as possible before picking up they’re newly captured teammate. 

They held the great ball in awe of who was inside, At least I know I’m good at capturing Pokemon. That’s a good sign. I never thought I’d be able to catch a Rockruff though, I hope it likes me…

“Kapheria!” Patch wailed with unease.

“Arg?” Kapheria jolted awake.

Kapheria will protect me, they tried to promise themselves, she’s big and strong!

Reaching their fingertips to touch Kapheria’s neck for reassurance, Patch finally opened the great ball. It’s red light materialized the dog back into the open world.

Upon closer inspection, the little puppy had a warm, beige coat with a cream-colored ruff of fur around his neck. He had unique eyebrow-like markings that made him appear as if he was always furious.  

He opened his icy blue eyes and looked upon his new trainer.

“H-hello?” Patch held out their left hand, as they didn’t want to let go of Kapheria, “I’m your… trainer now.”

The curious Rockruff leaned out and sniffed the human’s hand. Calmly he sat down, his tail completely still. 

Is he just as scared as I am? They leaned in closer and let their hand touch his fur. It was surprisingly silky for a dog who lived in the dusty mountains. He must be pretty young, still a puppy.

Patch curled their fingers back and forth, pressing gently into his pelt. His cream, bushy tail shook the more the human scratched his head, then his ears and then under his chin. 

“Rerrr,” the Rockruff whined softly. He pushed his paws onto his trainer, “Ruff!” his tail wagging infectiously. 

He licked Patch with approval, “Gross, I still have mud on my face!”, they laughed 

Their Rockruff was the perfect addition to their team, and Patch knew just what to call them. Venture.

…

As the sun bent to the west, Patch found a spot far away from the edge to have a picnic with their team. As per usual Tamarind was lying around, Flumpy played with Kapheria, and Arturo nudged his yarn ball around.

Venture on the other hand was still getting to know his new team. He still saw Kombucha as his enemy and chased him around any opportunity he got. 

“Venture!” Patch called to him, “Come here and leave Kombucha alone!” 

“Ruff!” He romped over to his trainer.

Patch sliced a piece of smoked fillet and let Venture lick it out of their hand. Slobber dripped from his soft tongue. 

Rockruffs evolve into Lycanrocs. I could have a Lycanroc like Nemona. I wonder how long that would take… 

Suddenly Patch’s Roto phone flew out of their pocket, and rang abruptly.  

In Coming call: Mom

Mom?! What could she want at this time… shouldn’t it be late for her. Knowing how demandingly fretful their mom could be, they answered her call. 

“PATCH CALLUNE WHERE ON EARTH ARE YOU?!” Their mother blaired through their phone speaker, “THAT DOESN’T LOOK LIKE SCHOOL! YOUR FATHER AND I-”

“MA RELAX! I’M ALLOWED TO BE HERE!” Patch wined, “The school is letting us do an independent study! I’m fine!” 

She furrowed her brow, “Oh really? What kind?!” 

Their body felt as if they were shrinking, “We get to explore the region to become better trainers.”

Vivelli fixed her dark, rose-magenta hair. She was always so neat and formal about everything.

“We never had that at my trainer school,” she lectured her child, “We stayed right on campus!” 

“Mom…” Patch rolled their eyes, “If this wasn’t allowed I wouldn’t be doing it.” We’re both too old to be talking like this…

“So why are you in the mountains of all places?!” Vivelli berated them. 

For Arceus' sake, she still has that fucking child tracker on me.

“I’m just making a pitstop!” They explained, “Oh you’re never going to believe this! But Sage is here! You know my friend from Icirrus? He goes to a different school near here! We decided to catch up in the Cortondo Village nearby.”

It sounded like a lie but it was the truth. Even Patch couldn’t believe that their closest friend traveled to the same region. Lucky for them, Vivelli could always sense if someone ever truly lied.

“So what did you both do, there?” she asked. 

Patch started to panic in the deep confines of their mind, Do I really tell her about the whole thing with my debt… 

…

“SO YOU PAYED OFF THE WHOLE THING WITHOUT TELLING US! WHAT WE’RE YOU THINKING?!” 

“You’re the one telling me to act like an adult all the time!” Patch excused, “Paying off debt independently is life skill right?!” 

“We would’ve helped you!” Vivelli responded trying to have a mature upper hand. 

You would’ve let me live it down either, I’m being responsible why can’t you see that? 

“Mom, what matters is that it’s been paid off, it’s over, I’m out of the woods!” They retorted for no further screaming. Now do I tell her about the gym badge? 

Kapheria padded over to give Patch a quick face nuzzle, “Arrrrgggg!” 

“ARCEUS WHAT IS THAT?!” Vivelli hollared her voice so loud Kapheria scampered away.

Crap, I thought I sent her a picture of Kapheria?! “Mom, MOM, ITS OKAY! That’s the Pokémon I’m watching… for a friend…” Does a classmate's father count as a friend? 

The worried Mother exhaled her tension upon seeing the strange metal dragon, “The Pokemon… that destroyed the orchard…”

“Kapheria didn’t mean to destroy it…” Patch admitted.

“Where is it’s actual trainer?!” Vivelli interrogated, “Why would you agree to look after something when, you haven’t had a week to get to look after your own Pokémon?! They could’ve scammed you, Patch!” 

“Look, I don't know where he is!” Patch was desperate to avoid any more questions, “He gave me his number, I’m doing my best to contact him.”

“Well if you ask me, you shouldn’t be looking after a stranger's Pokémon, especially when it got you into debt!”

Oh great we’re on the debt again. 

Patch looked back at Kapheria, Could Mom be right though… I mean Kapheria seems great and all, but I barely know what to do with her half the time when something is wrong. Saying everything will be okay could lose its meaning after a while…

“Look it’s getting late, and I have to be at the Museum Library at seven in the morning,” Vivelli yawned, “We’ll talk again when I get a day off. If you’re old enough to pay off a debt then I can expect you to sort this whole Kelia thing yourself!”

“You mean, Kapheria?” They corrected her. 

“Patch, I’m tired!” She huffed, “I love you, Goodnight!” 

As Vivelli hung up Patch saw that they’re call with her lasted for almost a half hour. They weren’t the least surprised.

“Kapheria!” They called the dragon over with warmth in their voice, “It’s okay the scary lady is gone now!”

The metallic dragon was all curled up by Flumpfy, using him as a hiding spot.

Patch tried checking their phone for any missed messages from Turo.

Yep he totally ghosted me. I don’t think calling him again will help. That Arven guy would probably know how to reach him… if he isn’t still mad at me. 

The trainer rummaged through their supplies to properly set up their picnic. As they buried their hand the bag a shiny piece of metal fell onto the gravel. 

Oh the Nectar Badge… should I really keep this thing? 

Patch held it against the daylight. The sun’s glow highlighted the golden accents of the badge. 

I’m glad I kept this from Mom.

“Oh Patch,” they mimicked Vivelli’s passive aggressiveness, “Aren’t you a little old to be chasing childhood fantasies?”

“Pft!” Patch sneared. 

They slide the finger into the grooves of the badge’s design. A gym badge was a trainer’s Medal of Honor; did Patch want more? Did they deserve more? The rest of Paldea’s gym leaders would be twice as skilled as Katy.

If they were able to get seven more badges, what would be next? Challenging the Region’s elite four, did they have to battle a champion after that?! Would they be forced to battle Nemona?! 

After a spiraling forecast, they knew the best thing they had control of was themself.

But then Patch remembered how accomplished they felt when they battled Katy. For once they felt a different yet familiar sense of purpose.

If I wanted to battle in the league since I was a kid, and it feels right to me now. Maybe I did have a plan for myself that I just looked over… 

 Patch tucked the Nectar Badge away safely into their pencil case. Even though it seems impossible, maybe collecting the next seven gym badges is a good place to start.

As Patch felt fulfilled with a new goal, they were late to notice two white bird pokemon feeding off their supplies.

“HEY!” They shouted to shoo them off.

“Bur Bur!” They cawed scooping rations into a pouch.

Venture sprang into his quick tempered disposition, howling for stones to strike them down. 

Both of them flew off with the breeze of the wind, and Patch was left with half of their rations.

“Ruff! Ruck! Ruff,” Venture barked into the sky.

Crap I paid good money for those!

“Okay!” Patch clapped their hands in frustration, “I’ve had just about enough of this place!” If I’m really going to take on the league I better find my next gym. 

They whipped out they’re rotophone, and shrunk down their phone map to find their next stop. Alfornada is closest. But they have a psychic type gym and they’re too strong for me… Casafarrafa… I’ll have to cut through dessert and that be a pricy flying taxi ride. Plus water types don’t seem like a good idea

Come on, Patch focus! Trust your decision! They scrubbed to the right side of the map, Artazon… they have a grass type gym! Yes that should work! Oh but that’s still going to be excessive if I go by flying taxi… Patch reviewed the outer reaches of the town… I’ll just cut through that canyon…

…

Patch had been on plenty of airplane rides, to get used to to flying above air. But when you were being flown by hundreds of Squawbilly it felt a bit wobblier.

“Preparing for landing!” The pilot declared raising the goggles from there crinkled face.

They could feel the taxi carrier clumsily decend, beneath the lumpy leather seat. They had to give it to the Squawkabilly for flying so in sync with each other. If one was late on a wingbeat the whole carrier could fall.

“Alright,” the pilot opened the door, “That’ll be 2,000p!” 

Gotta be extra careful this time, Patch thought handing him the money.

Patch stepped out into the dusty ground. Walls of red sandstone stood proudly along the area. Small bushes and sprigs grew out of the rock, like cacti in a desert. 

There were some wild Pawmis that nearly blended into the dust if not for their yellow cheeks. Patch wasn’t sure if they wanted to catch one since they already had an electric type of their own.

Not too far away they noticed a wooden picnic bench garnished with a purple Uva Academy blanket. A man dressed in academy attire sat down enjoying a sandwich.

“Aola,” he greeted clearing his throat. He patted his face clean with a napkin, “You off to Artazon?”

“I am,” Patch answered, “were you just there?” 

“I tried… but the Pokémon around here are… feisty,” he shrugged sounding remorseful.

Beneath the table, Patch noticed that the student's leg was poorly wrapped up in cloth with a sloppy knot. It was stained with dried red. 

You just spent most of your money on a taxi ride over here you can’t just go back. You have a mother to prove wrong, they wrestled their fears. 

“You couldn’t afford a flying taxi to Artazon either?” Patch assumed.

“You kidding?” he chuckled, “I make less working at the school store! Whoever heard of 10,000p for one ride?!” 

“Ah…” they sighed, “But this Province can’t be that dangerous if you're still here?” Patch clarified to shrink their instincts. 

The old student nodded back, “As long as you watch for Pokémon in big groups. They’ll gang up on you like crazy!” He placed his napkin down, “If you ask me this place makes up for it in valuable materials.” 

“Good to know…” Patch pondered, Maybe if I find some cool looking rocks that I could sell for taxi fair. 

“Here,” the student handed them a Deli Cioso bag, “You can’t go through the canyon on an empty stomach.”

“For me?” Patch pointed to themselves, “Oh no I couldn’t!”

“Nah it’s really okay…” he whisked his hand, “I found out I hate herbed Sausage, I’d hate it more to go to waste.” Well I needed some extra food anyway, they thanked their classmate and made their way through the treacherous canyon.

[shatteredvioletnuzlocke]

Chapter 16: Trailblazing (Patch)

Patch had never woken up more refreshed in days. It was as if Tamarind’s snoring had turned into a white noise. Wiping the hair from their face, morning sky was a glowing tangerine hue amidst the rising Paldean sun. The Canyon was less moist than it was in the Cortondo fields, and it felt good to wake up in a dry sleeping bag.

“Goooood-morning!” Patch yawned, stretching their arms out.

To their surprise a new Pokemon was found asleep in their campsite all curled up. A pecha berry pink sheep with stormy, black wool. 

With a quick pokedex scan they where given a Dex entry: Flaaffy, the Wool Pokemon; an electric type and the evolved form of Mareep. Because of its rubbery, electric-resistant skin, it can store a lot of electricity in it’s fur. 

“Flumpfy?” Patch asked to see if it was their Mareep. 

The sheep's eyes opened but they weren’t gold like Flumpfy’s. This one had ocean blue eyes with gold sclera, fondly looking at the human. Yeah it’s definitely Flumpfy.

Patch wondered, “Flumpfy how did you evolve?” They replied to themselves in an exaggerated, sheep-like voice, “Because I love you, Patch!”

They could barely believe it, they had two evolved Pokemon in their team! What would Nemona say? What would their mother think? Two evolved Pokemon on my first week! I hope this is an omen for two gym badges!

“Hey guys! Flumpfy evolved!” Patch announced, badgering their team awake.

Kombucha was less than pleased about being woken up and grunted as his trainer. Arturo was already awake playing with his ball. Tamarind and Venture remained asleep. Yet there was a lack of a certain big purple dragon.

“Kapheria?” Patch called out for her, “Kapheria! Where are you?”

Normally Kapheria would come bounding toward the trainer, but this time she didn’t show. 

Patch looked towards the sky. I might’ve just slept in past breakfast… No wait it’s still early… I’ll make her something anyway, she’s bound to come out!

They resorted to their food supply, which was half emptied out!

“What the-” They glanced back at their team, “Alright! Who had a late night snack?!”

Flumpfy turned away rather bashfully. Gotcha!

“Flumpfy?! What’s the big idea?!” Patch demanded, “And how is some of the meat gone? You don’t even eat it!” Does he? It’s hard to tell when Pokemon evolve…

“Flaaa…” The Flaafy bleated, looking rather ashamed.

“So you did take some?”

“Fla…” 

“So it was just you?”

He shook his head.

Kapheria could have been in on it as well… “Did Kapheria take some food too?” 

This time he nodded slowly, with static emitting from his small wool.

Last night’s dinner was a bit smaller than usual, it wasn’t enough for her. Patch assumed the worst, she could’ve left and got lost looking for more. 

They clenched their fist tight as they look out into the miles of red rock. Somewhere out their a metallic dragon roamed free, and Patch had lost her. It didn’t calm them down knowing that they already had a head injury, they were in more peril than ever. 

Okay what am I going to tell Turo? Hey sorry for losing your rare pokemon because I didn’t feed them enough?! What would he say? What would Arven say? What would Mom say? Well, she wouldn’t care but still!

As Patch recollected their thoughts, they pulled out their Rotophone with some hestiance. If Turo’s going to find out it’s going to be when I ask for help! 

Scrolling through the catalog of friends, family members, and failed relationships, they found the Professor’s contact information: Professor. Turo Morales. 

Texts haven’t been working, might as well just rip off the bandage… Arceus, I hate phone calls! 

They tapped the phone icon and let it ring as they practiced what they had to say. 

Hi Professor, I know you chose me to watch over Kapheria, but I’m not a good match. I think you should let Arven watch her from now on. He knows her better than I do…

Finally, after a couple of rings, a voice came through the speaker, “Hello, you have reached Professor Turo Morales, PhD. If you are hearing this I can’t come to the phone right now. Please leave a detailed message or contact my advisor. Thank you.” His voice sounded significantly more emotive than they had remembered.

What?! Voicemail? What is up with this guy?! 

As soon as they heard a beep Patch recited their plan, “Hi Tur- ur I mean, Professor Morales!” Come on Patch focus. “This is Patch Callune! I understand if you have been busy this past… week. But I have some things to tell you. First thing Kapheria sort of ran off last night… SHE’S AROUND HERE SOMEWHERE, I SWEAR! So don’t worry…”

Arceus! That wasn’t casual! “I’ll call you back as soon as I find her!… Or leave you another voicemail if you’re still busy… Whenever you can talk I was wondering of handing Kapheria over to Arven. To be honest I’m too much of a novice trainer… to be handling such a rare Pokemon… Yeah, call me back!” 

Patch hung up before they could vent their mother issues. So the Professor is still ghosting me… He mentioned an advisor… who would that be? Who does he even work for?! 

Guess I’m on my own. Artazon will just have to wait.

…

After breakfast, the food supply was the smallest it had ever been. Patch gave up their portion to feed their Pokémon and save some for Kapheria. It was the least they could do for falling sort.

Tamarind, Flumpfy, and Venture where especially out of it and needed a potion fix to wake themselves up. As if they had some sort of run in overnight.

Then the whole team was recalled except to Venture. Patch knew a canine Pokemon had the best sense of smell to track down the wayward dragon. 

Once the Rockruff was on the case, the trainer and Pokemon where wandering aimlessly around the canyon. Past cliff sides, through ravines, and over babbling streams. 

Wherever Kapheria her energy was unlimited compared to a human’s social battery.

“Alright… Venture…” Patch panted, “Let’s take it nice and easy…”

The sun rose and began to scorch and burn down upon the poor trainer. Rock formations where beginning to look familiar. They where getting no where.

By the time they had gone past the sentiments of white banded rock for the fifth time, Patch had had it, “Let’s take a quick water break… Venture!” They gasped.

“Ruck, ruff,” His pink tongue was hanging side ways off his jaw.

They poured icy cold water into the cup of their moist palm. Venture lapped out every drop, his tongue slimy. It gave Patch warm memories of their mother’s dogs back in Unova. Hopefully they would get along with a wily Rockruff.

After a good chug and refreshing rinse down for their face, their search continued. 

“Okay so this way isn’t working…” They admitted to their dog, “Let’s try that other path with the fork up head!” 

As much as Patch wanted to sit for a while longer Kapheria’s wellbeing came first. It didn’t matter how much their feet stung with open blisters. As soon as the dragon was found they would need a day’s worth of rest. 

Venture scurried on head, with his boundless speed keeping Patch far behind. They where tempted to test if their potions could give them an energy boost. No ration it for my Pokemon, they reminded themselves, I need to at least have a potion ready if I don’t have enough food. 

Suddenly a large sounding bang threw them back into reality. An instant flash of light blinked out into the distance. 

“Kapheria?”  

They could hear Venture yelp, “RUFF ROWCH RUFF ROOOO!” 

“Venture?!” Patch hurried over with aching feet. Oh gosh she shocked him by mistake!

Running down the path, they smelt a gunpowder-like musk. Smoke circulated through the area, with no sign of Kapheria. Crap is she even here, what was that?

The fumes cleared and the Rockruff was rubbing his paws against his muzzle. Oh god his lungs!

“VENTURE!” Patch cautiously went to his side, “It’s alright I’m here!”

They scanned the area for any Pokemon, but they where more focused on getting Venture to safety. As Venture coughed, Patch rummaged through their bag for his Pokeball.

When all of a sudden, “You again?” Someone said nearby. 

Me? Who’s there? Did a trainer do this? How do they know me? It could be that old Uva Student I met yesterday… But what kind of attack was that. 

A figure stepped out behind a rock mound. He wore a khaki outfit, roughed out by being in the canyon. His long blond hair was tied back, ruffled, and greasy at the front. It wasn’t until Patch looked into eyes that they reconized him.

“Arven?!” They were completely bewildered to find out that such a preppy student had a rugged, out doorsy side.

“That Rockruff is yours?” Arven asked with a stoic expression.

Patch nodded.

“I thought he was wild,” Arven gave somewhat of an apology, “You do realize Rockruff’s can get unreasonably temperamental as they grow up?”

“I know…” They felt wounded by him as usual, “I’ve helped raise a few dog Pokemon in my years so I know what I’m getting into.” 

“Really?” Arven smirked, “I heard you yelling before, you were calling Kapheria’s name? Just what was that about?”

Oh fuck he’s good. “You haven’t seen her have you?”

“Oh Arceus…” He mumbled.

“WAIT! Before you say anything!” Patch prepared him for the truth, “I realize now that I’m way over my head as a trainer and I am ready to hand off my role as her caretaker.” 

Arven furrowed his brow, “Took you long enough.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?!” They demanded, their temper rising like the heat. 

“I don’t what made my father choose you on a whim, but at least you know when to quit,” He said thinking he could read them like an open book. 

Patch fumed like a shrilling tea kettle, “For your information, I was trying you give her to you earlier but you stormed off last we spoke!”

“Hey! I had a reason to be upset, you’re the one throwing a fit right now!” He scorned back, “Since your being so immature, I guess I’ll have to step up and find Kapheria myself.”

Immature?! He’s in for it now! “I’ll find her so I don’t ever have to talk to you ever again!”

“Fine guess, I’ll help you! You don’t know this place as well as you know what you’re doing!” Arven lashed out his spiciest insult.

“Fine.”

“Fine!” 

“Good.”

“GREAT!” Patch huffed. 

“There’s no need to yell!” Arven waved off.

Arven was noticeably calmer since their last interaction. It seemed as if being with nature had loosened his fuse. Even if is temper slipped out, he was more collected. 

They were could to shed another tear because of him. They where too dry and exhausted to owe him any sadness.

He knelt down to Venture and let him lick something out of his hand. 

“Hey, what are you giving him?!” Patch aggressively inquired.   

He smilied, “Calm down, it’s just a Rawst berry. It’ll clear his respiratory circulation. Taking a Scatterbang effects could lead to respiratory problems down the line.”  

Whatever, Bigwords. “You mean Scatterbug?” Patch corrected him, “What kind of Scatterbug knows a smokescreen attack?” 

“No, no. Scatter-bang!” He removed one of the blue pouches from his stupid sash, “It’s something trainers used in Reinsance Era, Sinnoh, to ward off wild Pokemon from attacking them. I find them more effective than spray-on repels.” 

They had never seen such an item before, and they certainly weren’t sold at any Pokemon centers, “Where did you get that?”

“I found a recipe, in The Reinsance Trainer’s Cookbook,” Arven demonstrated his knowledge, “That’s a book by the way.”  

Patch’s anger became reignited, “How daft do you think I am?” 

“I’m not saying you’re not smart, I’m saying some reading can do you good.”

There is again, prep boy pompous! I can’t if I like him better angry or in control. Patch shouted in the confines of their mind, With sass like that it’s no wonder your daddy doesn’t associate with you. 

They tried to shift the conversation away from them, “Isn’t easier to have Pokemon around to protect you?”

“The last thing I want is to force Pokemon to fight,” Arven explained, “That’s why I don’t have any.” 

“What?! Why go to a trainer’s school?!” Patch interrogated.

“You don’t have to raise Pokemon for Uva,” he brushed off, “Not everyone is suited to be a trainer.” 

As much as he was snarky, he did have a point. Growing up, Patch always wondered why some people never chose the life off the trainer while they had to wait an extra ten years. With their idealistic innocence they never thought the life of a trainer could be challenging. 

Maybe he wants to just study Pokemon?

“So do you have any clue where she went off to,” Arven asked.

“Not really,” Patch confessed, “I’ve been letting Venture sniff out her scent.” 

The upperclassmen scrunched his nose, “Your Rockruff is just a puppy, he can’t be that good of a tracker.”

They had just about enough of the five minutes of this bratty student, “If you know where she is I’d love to hear it!” 

Arven kept his grading mouth shut. Venture continued to scour the ground for any lead on Kapheria’s whereabouts.

<- Chapter 15

[shatteredvioletnuzlocke]

Chapter 15: Scavengers (Flumpfy)

Flumpfy flashed his tail blub three times, “How are you?”

“Safe, thank you,” Kapheria signaled back with static trickling up her silver tail. 

Since they had met Flumpfy had discovered a new way to speak to the foreign dragon. Instead of absorbing each other’s static, they could create light patterns and gestures to communicate. A language all their own.

Kapheria was quite a fast learner and Flumpfy always ran out of new phrases to teach. 

Now let’s see, the Mareep glanced around the red canyon, there has to be something here to make a new word out of… okay…

Flumpfy stiffened his neck and puffed out his fleece. Tiny bolts rolled down his neck, “Canyon.” He hoped that he conveyed the stature of a rock.

After taking a minute to digest, Kapheria unfolded her throat, “Can…” she struggled.

The sheep shook his head, and repeated himself, “Can-yon”   

She allowed her throat to glow gold, “Can-yon!”

“That’s it you’ve got it!” Flumpfy congratulated.

But then Flumpfy smelled something very strange. A burning kind of scent, and it was much different than Tamarind. He began electricity began to spark his pelt. Something was stalking him. 

“Agrias?” Kapheria roared aloud, she flicked her thundering tail, “Safe?”

In the distance, Flumpfy saw something scamper away. An unfamiliar wild Pokémon with black fur and a bright flame on its head. 

As soon as the figure was gone Flumpfy nodded back. Kapheria’s roar seemed to scare it off, without her presence Flumpfy was as good as prey. 

Flumpfy trotted closer to his team and Kapheria followed. It wasn’t this bad on the prairie, he thought. 

He wasn’t sure if he felt safer with his team. Their newest member was a Rockruff, and the way he quarreled with Kombucha made him especially uneasy.

“You’re bark’n too loud! How am I supposed to sleep?!” Kombucha snorted. 

“Keep snorting and find out!” Venture growled back.

It seemed as if anything set the Rockruff off. But he was never explosive around their trainer. With Patch, he was the trainer’s best friend. Flumpfy steered far away from him unless he wanted to make an enemy.

“Hey, you two!” Tamarind greeted them.

“T-Tamarind hi,” Flumpfy said flustered. 

“Agrias!” Kapheria purred.

“Oh sorry, did I startle you?” The Crocalor smiled. 

“No! Not at all…” the sheep reassured him.

Flumpfy knew Tamarind for only a few days, yet their friendship had gone through the most phases. From survival instincts, to a pleasant conversation, to a defensive misunderstanding, and now something new entirely. 

“Agrias!” Kapheria redirected the attention on to her. She let a charge slip of her tail and pointed to the fire croc, “Hello, Tamarind!” 

Tamarind looked at the strange dragon, puzzled. He said nothing. 

No Kapheria, I’m afraid he can’t understand you. Maybe not yet… Flumpfy wondered if there was away he could teach the others about his new language. The tricky part would be that they couldn’t signal back to her. Flumpfy would just have to translate and interpret. 

“HEY LET ME GO!” Arturo hollered.

Flumpfy glanced to see a bird black as the night sky holding the little Shroodle in it’s talons. Oh no that’s not good! 

“ACK! VENTURE USE ROCK THROW!” Patch startly commanded. 

Like a flash of lighting Venture, howled a flurry of stones toward the blackbird before it could carry off with their teammate. Arturo was dropped and the sliver of night flew off into the daylight. 

“ARTURO!” Patch hurried over and scooped up the little rodent, “Are you okay?” 

Arturo turned away from his trainer’s eyes to spit at the sky, “Stupid Bird!” 

Oh yeah he’s fine, Flumpfy thought to himself.

“Okay that does it,” Patch dusted themselves off with one hand, “Let’s find a new spot to camp, everyone!” 

Flumpfy couldn’t agree more, there seemed to be predators in every nook and cranny. He couldn’t wait to leave and see the rest of the region. 

Patch gathered their things and saddled on Kapheria, keeping Arturo close by. The rest team of Pokemon followed the trainer and dragon as they treaded slowly between walls of banded rock. 

“It it just me or are the Pokemon around here a little more… aggressive than usual?” Tamarind consoled the others.

“That’s just wildlife…” Kombucha recollected, “Sometimes there isn’t much food to go around. Trainers are easy picking.” 

That must be why Venture attacked Patch back at the mountain. Could his puppy dog thing just be an act to get more food?!

“I’M NOT FOOD!” Arturo pouted from Kapheria’s back.

“Don’t your kind eat bugs?” the Lechonk pointed out.

“Oh yeah, I like bugs!” The Shroodle licked his chaps, “The stringy ones are my favorite.”

He gets creepier every second. Flumpfy chimed in, “But we won’t be here much longer, right? We’ll be off to Artazon in the morning?”

“That’s true,” Tamarind considered, “But if Pokemon are hunting now, would there be some out hunting at nightfall?”

“He’s right,” Venture agreed.

I barely thought of that, Flumpfy trembled, if Kapheria were to run off in the night without me noticing I could die in my sleep! He simmered his stress as he reminded himself that there were other carnivores in the team that could protect him.  

“Bare with me for a second,” The Crocalor began to state his opinion, “What if we give up some of our food to the scavengers, so they don’t attack us?”

Kombucha immediately retorted, his tone offended, “Give up our food?! Are you awol!? It’s every Pokemon for themself out here! Including us!” He was fuming steam from his snout, “Besides you’re a carnivore, you got nothing to worry about.”

“Kombucha… we’re in a team… we need to look out for each other…” Tamarind reminded the pig. 

“Each other… no one else!” The Lechonk cemented his values.

“We could give them Kombucha…” The Rockruff snidely remarked. 

“Seriously?!” Kombucha glared at Venture furiously, “You’re on his side?!”

Venture gnarled back “Prey was sparse on the mountain… I would’ve wanted the same thing!” he bragged knowing he was showing more sympathy than the stubborn swine. 

“I DON’T WANNA SHARE!” Arturo wined, “EVERYONE HERE IS MEAN AND STUPID!” 

It was two against two, Flumpfy turned to Kapheria. Knowing well of her ravenous appetite he asked her anyway, “Kapheria…” he signed to her, “Give food to wild Pokemon?”

The little sheep was so sure of what she would say but to his surprise… she nodded.

Flumpfy was nearly startled by how fast she was quick to respond. Its like she seemed like she was starting to comprehend their conversation. 

Then it all fell on the black sheep. He wanted to side with giving up food, but he wasn’t a carnivore. All he had to do was sniff the ground for grass and he’d be satiated. You couldn’t tell a meat eater to eat grass. He was tempted to say no, but he feared the thought of being someone’s dinner even more.

…

Patch ended up finding a plot of land where bushes grew to settle for the night. Since Tamarind had evolved, he became the designated campfire. He didn’t mind using his flame to cook herbed sausages. 

Once the moon rose their master was nestled in bed, the team put their plan into motion. 

“You sure they’re asleep?” Tamarind checked. 

“Sure, I sneaked out of camp once and they didn’t notice,” Flumpfy shared.

They had to give it to Patch on being such a heavy sleeper. 

“So how will we find the wild pokemon?” Flumpfy asked softly, “Do we just wait for them to show up or-”

“If we invite them to our campsite they’ll just raid us for everything we have,” Venture advised, “We’ll just have to go to them with a small amount.”

“What if we don’t have enough for all of them?” Tamarind scratched his jaw. 

“Wild Pokemon are very grateful for what they’re given. We feed some of them, they tell the rest that we’re cool,” The Rockruff answered with his wild wisdom.

Tamarind rummaged through their master’s bag, and made sure they took just the right amount of food to give.

The Mareep noticed how he was only grabbing meat, “Make sure we have greens for herbivores!” Flumpfy reminded him.

“Will lettuce be okay?” The Crocalor asked.

The Mareep nodded hoping that he wouldn’t make any enemies.

“Venture…” the Sheep baaed, “Are you sure we won’t be attacked?”

Tamarind looked at Flumpfy solemnly, “You can stay here if you feel like it’s safer. Venture and I will go.”

“No!” Flumpfy abruptly uttered, “Um… I’ll help give food to the herbivore Pokemon. No offense but… they might not want to take food from carnivores.”

He wished his flimsy reasoning didn’t seem offensive at worst. Even though he was afraid of becoming prey, he wanted an opportunity to spend time with Tamarind. He wanted to be as close with him as he was with Kapheria. Two friends were better than one.

For the first time the Mareep had found someone willing to give him a chance, flaws and all. Friends like that wouldn’t come around everyday, and Flumpfy wasn’t going to lose him. 

Suddenly the sheep felt a heavy tug on his fleece that lifted him off the ground. Only to be gently placed on Kapheria’s back.

“Going with us?” Flumpy flashed his tail to the dragon. 

She nodded back. 

“Does she want to come along?” Tamarind asked.

“Yes, but do you think leaving Kombucha and Arturo here is a good idea?” Flumpfy worried.

“Was that an insult?!” Kombucha grumbled awake, “I can take care of myself just fine thank you!”

Someone needs to protect our trainer, he reminded himself.

“If we aren’t back by dawn, wake Patch up and come look for us,” Tamarind instructed.

“We won’t need that, no one in their right mind would attack a Rockruff!” Venture dismissively bragged, “Come on I’ll lead the way!”

The four Pokemon left their camp, with Venture sniffing the ground for wild scent. They tredded farther away from their trainer than Flumpfy had expected.

Venture must know where he’s going, his nose must be sharper than mine. I wonder what my flock would think if they knew I’m teammates with a bloodthirsty wolf. Then again they’d never believe me.

Flumpfy gazed at the Rockruff, wondering if he ever went hunting down by the prairie. It was rare to ever encounter one this time of year. 

“When you were living on the mountain, what was there to eat?” Tamarind asked the Rockruff.

“Yunggoos was the easiest to catch,” Venture recollected. 

Flumpfy’s stomach churned, Oh how lovely. I guess I better get it over with… “Did you ever hunt down by the prairie?” He gulped. 

Venture returned a look, his icy blue eyes piercing through the Mareep’s throat, “We couldn’t there were too many humans around that place. And you don’t have to be so scared around me, I’ve been told Mareep tastes awful and gamey.” 

Geez was I that nervous? The ice in the Rockruff’s eyes melted it seemed he wanted to cut any awkward tension as much as Flumpfy did. Maybe there was a guilt in hunting that only a carinvore could hide?

“Thanks?” Flumpfy bowed back unsure if he was given a compliment.

“Sometimes I have coal instead of meat,” Tamarind added to the conversation, “I’ve been having it since I was a hatchling.”

“Damn your mother went out her way to hunt that for you didn’t she?” Venture's jaw dropped open as he spoke.

“Oh no I wasn’t raised in the wild,” he clarified.

“Ah,” The Rockruff realized, “Our Mama caught all our meals for us before we where old enough to hunt for ourselves… she fed all… seven… of us…” he began to wimper.

Seven siblings?! That must’ve been a hoofull! 

Venture stood still all of a sudden, “It wasn’t enough though… My oldest brother, Granite… died of starvation over the winter…” 

“Oh,” Flumpfy carried the same despair upon hearing the news. No wonder he wanted the wild pokemon to be fed. 

Tamarind went to wolf pup’s side, “I’m sorry you had to go through that…” speaking as a older brother his voice heavy with grief, “He must’ve been really great…”

“He was…” Venture sighed, his furled tail sagging to the ground.

“You must really miss your family…” The croc stroked the wolf’s brown fur, “I understand if  being caught is hard for you.”

“I do mostly but I always wanted a trainer…” he looked into the sky.

 Flumpfy could tell he longed to howl under the nearly empty moon. It was an instinct for all wolves. 

“I’m here if you ever need to talk about it,” Tamarind offered, “I have brothers back at the academy…”

Flumpfy wished he could contribute with his share of family, but there was nothing to say. No stories to tell.

…

They came to the bottom of the canyon ravine. Flumpfy only wondered what kind of wild Pokemon lurked around. The gap between the canyon valley was wide for a Pokemon of any size to lerk around. So many dark corners to hide in and pounce out of. He did not want to get off Kapheria.

“So they live all the way in here?” Flumpfy shivered.

“My nose is never wrong,” Venture reaffirmed. 

“Flumpfy,” Tamarind chimed in, “Why don’t you and Kapheria find some herbivores to give some lettuce too. Venture and I will give too the carnivores.”

Flumpfy dreaded how selfish he was. If he knew he would get split up from Tamarind he would’ve never came. But it was more important to think of the less fortunate which is what he had to remind himself. No carnivores will bother me as long as I have Kapheria by my side.

With that thought in mind, he had enough courage to leap off of Kapheria. He held the plastic bag of lettuce in his mouth and split from his two teammates. His dragonic friend followed as they both trotted into unknown wild territory. 

A hushing voice rang from his ear, “Please be quiet! It might near it’s head!”

The voice came from a small cave on the side of the ravine. Flumpfy had no doubt that it was an herbivore being cautious.

Although he couldn’t see who it was he poked his head through the black depths of the cave, “Psst, it’s alright! You can come out!”

There was no response. 

“It’s okay, her name is Kapheria and she’s not a threat to you,” He hoped no carnivores had heard him, it would have been an invitation to kill. 

At last a white fluffy face peaked out, “Who are you?” 

“I’m Flumpfy, and we’re here to help you!” 

“What would a human pet like you be doing here?” the voice bleated a bovid-like accent, “Are you a run away?”

“Oh no,” Flumpfy shook his head, “We just came to offer you some food.”

Flumpfy turn out of the cave to let the wild pokemon step out into the moonlight. She seemed similar to a Mareep. Her fleece was dark brown and shaggy, with green leaves growing out of her back. 

She swung her head in bucking motions, “Get back! We don’t want any trouble!”

He dropped the bag of lettuce by her hooves to prove his trust. 

The goat looked at him with desperation in her eyes, “Why are you doing this? What do you want out of us?” 

Flumpfy could be honest with the Doe to get her to accept his help. But he knew she could be starving under all that wool. 

“We know you need it more than we do,” he lied. 

The Goat stood still then called into the cave, “Come outside, there’s food for you.” 

Two smaller goats stepped out of the cave, young and limber legged. One stayed close to their mother, and the other began ranviously crunching the leaves of lettuce.

“Go on, eat with your sister,” The Nanny gently nudged her young.

“What’s your name?” Flumpfy asked mother goat.

“Asphodel,” she introduced herself, intentionally glossing over her children’s names, “What was your name before Flumpfy?”

“I didn’t have a name worth keeping before I was caught,” he answered truthfully. 

“Your human must be really good to you and that dragon thing…” Asphodel said intrigued, “If my kids ever get caught I hope its with a human like yours.”

 Flumpfy considered inviting the goats to join their team. But Patch already had five pokemon and Kapheria to look after. It wasnt worth splitting up a family. 

As the other goat finished their share of lettuce she playfully bucked one Kapheria’s legs. She stumbled over once she headbutted the hard metal and retreated back into her cave. 

“Aren’t you hungry too?” Flumpfy pointed to the rest of the unclaimed lettuce. 

“My kids need it more,” she sighed, “I want them to be well fed before I have to leave them.”

“Leave them?” Flumpfy repeated.

“I’ve asked a flock of other Skiddo to look after them for me,” she answered solemnly

“But…their your kids?!” he said offended, “You’re their mother!”

Asphodel leaned in close into his eyes, “You have no idea where you’re standing, Pet,” she pleaded heartbroken, “If I were of one of you, I’d go back to your human.”

Her brown eyes where glossy and about to leak. Asphodel’s tears revealed she wanted to stay with her young dearly, but there was something in way of that. Something? Someone? A carnivore? Whatever the case she wanted to protect everyone from it wether wild or pet.  

The Nanny hurried back into her cave with her other kid without saying a word. Only a few leaves of lettuce where left on the ground. Whatever Asphodel was warning about, it was on its way. 

He turned to Kapheria, Stay here please!

Inspired by Asphodel’s nobleness, he galloped through the ravine alone, searching for his friends. 

“Tamarind? Venture!” Flumpfy softly alerted, “Something isn’t right we need to leave!”

In the distance he could see the intense tangelo light of Tamarind’s fire. Oh please be okay! 

Voices began swelling through the ravine, 

“Carnivore! Carnivore! Carnivore!” 

“Tamarind!” He raised his voice ever so slightly.

“Flumpfy, what’s wrong? Where’s Kapheria?” Tamarind asked.

“Where you ambushed?” Venture gritted his fangs.

“Something, she’s fine, and no,” He listed back, “I was just speaking to a wild pokemon and she was acting strangely. I think there’s a dangerous carinvore around here!”

“Wouldn’t make any sense,” The Rockruff barked, “I haven’t smelled an inch of carnivore besides us! Only herbivore scent.” 

“Well whatever,” Flumpfy urged, “She was warning me of something! I think we should take her and her family back with Patch and- and…” 

A crumbling patter echoed of the walls of rock. As if an avalanche was about to occur. But it was gaining closer and closer. 

A wild pokemon with a spring like tail bounced over to the group caring an orb on it’s head, “You’re in for it now, carnivores!” 

“Who are you calling, carnivore?!” Venture snapped, “We came all this way to help you!” 

“Yeah you have it all wrong!” Flumpfy defended them. 

The pattering noise continued to roar, and over a ledge a strange large pokemon crawled into the cave sideways.

“What is that?!” Flumpfy hollered.

“Crag! They’re over here!” the bouncing pokemon summoned the strange one over, “They’re intruding carnivores!” 

The so called Crag, had a warm, stone like shell with six legs. He had a pair of claws one bigger than the other. Tufts of black hair protruded from his joints as if he was some type of poisonous insect. But there was no telling what element of Pokemon he was.

Crag only became more foreign as his eyes rotated from his stalks. 

“For this favor and offering must be in order…” Crag’s voice clicked.

Venture unsheathed his claws and crouched in a fighting position.

The bouncing Pokemon slowly hopped backward, “Oh gee… I uh… must be going!” 

“NONSENSE!” Crag grabbed the little pokemon with his large claw, “YOU ALL PLEGDED TO CARNELIAN FOR YOUR PROTECTION! HER LAWS MUST BE FOLLOWED THROUGH!” He announced aloud. 

Blood oozed in from the grip of his claw. Without any thought he devoured the defenseless pokemon right before them.

I’m… I’m not a carnivore… you don’t have to kill me… right? What will you do to me?

“Titan…” Venture mumbled. 

“Titan?!” Flumpfy exclaimed, his worry only intensifying, “Could this really be titan territory?” 

“No other Pokemon in the wild follows laws otherwise!” Venture replied, “I’m going to make crab meat out of him!”

Venture howled to call upon the might of stones to pelt him. Yet the large crab was quick to swat them away with his large claw. 

“Incoming!” the rockruff fled from his own stones. 

Flumpfy bounded out of the way as far as he could.

“AGH!” Tamarind yelled from behind, he has hit.

Flumpy implusiely turned around and scurried over to his side. Please be okay! 

The fire croc hacked out fire and warm blood. Lied on his belly, the pain he had made him struggle to stand up. 

“Crag!” Asphodel hollared, “Stop they’re not a threat!”

Asphodel! The three goat rushed over with Kapheria leading the way.

“They were just passing by to give us food!” She explained. 

“You know better than to bring intruders into this territory!” Crag retorted.

“I didn’t bring them here-”

“AN OFFERING MUST BE IN ORDER!”

In fleeting seconds the giant crab reached for the Skiddo’s young. 

This isn’t right… this isn’t fair… this shouldn’t be allowed! With bolts charging up in his black fleece, Flumpfy padded forward gallantly. He knocked the young kid aside, causing him to tumble over. 

“SHE ISN'T YOURS TO TAKE!!” The Mareep cried.

“AGRIASSS!” Kapheria backed him up.

Crag snapped his claws violently, his mouth began to foam with rage, “KNOW YOUR PLACE!” 

He slammed his giant pincer into the dusty ground, but Flumpfy nimbly leap and climbed his arm up to his carapace. Crag’s eyes where quick to follow the little sheep up to his back.

“GET OFF OF ME!” He ordered.

This’ll show you to mess with the wrong Pokemon! Flumpfy let out a wave of thunder ranging that turned his entire fleece gold. Static trickled down Crag’s body, keeping him immobile.

“That’s it, Flumpfy!” Venture cheered, “Hold him nice and steady!”

Flumpfy was circulating so much lightning, he surged with heat. Almost as if he becoming a sun bursting with fire! 

This is for Asphodel! He zapped the crab with lightning.

This is for her children! He used all his strength to double his voltage.

 With his stormy anger carrying him he took to the sky like a lightning bolt smiting the earth.

And this is for my friends! With his last bit of strength, he struck his hoof into the crabs' stoney carapace. In a swift kick, Crag’s legs slipped off balance. Flumpfy tumbled off the crustacean’s body, landing in a cloud of dust.

He lost flow off his electric energy, without heat his body felt colder than ever before. Suddenly he could sense the unpleasant breeze on his back.  Everything was blurry. Oh man….that was a lot…

“Flumpfy?!” his name was called out in an echo, “Flumpfy, wake up!” 

“Venture…” Flumpfy was awakened by ticklish sniffing, his voice course from straining himself.

“Agrias!”

He saw Kapheria standing afar, her antennae low and her tail curled. She didn’t signal to him in the slightest. 

He didn’t have the strength to flicker back, “Kapheria… I’m okay… don’t be frightened.”

“Dude…” Tamarind came over, “You battled so hard you evolved!”

“I WHAT?!” Flumpfy sprung up, his upper body feeling heavier.

He stumbled on his back. When Flumpfy lifted his front leg it was longer and shiny. The toes of his cloven hoof could bend like human fingers. He went to touch his voluminous fleece only to feel smooth, rubbery skin. The familiar curliness was now up to his neck.

My wool, it's true, I do loose my wool when I evolve! What is my second evolution called… I forgot.

“Come one get up!” Venture alerted him, “It’s not over yet!”

He raised his head back up but fell face first into the dust with his wool cushioning the fall. This body is going to take some getting used to! 

From above he witnessed Crag break from his static. Rellor dung! 

“I’m in no shape to fight!” Flumpfy admitted.

In a miracle of luck vines shot out and entangled the crab’s claw. Asphodel was on the other end.

“I said leave them alone, Crag!” The Skiddo proudly bleated.

Suprisingly, he too ripped free of the grassy chains “SILENCE, HERETIC!” He waved his arms furiously, “DONT THINK YOU’VE WON!” 

With his remaining amount of strength, Crag filled the air with a sandy wind. 

“AHH!” Tamarind wailed.

Grainy particles flew over in a turbulent manner. It made the air suffocating to breathe in, as Flumpfy felt his nostrils slowly fill with sand. All he could see was tinged in beige.

“What is this?” Flumpfy coughed.

“He’s using a sandstorm!” Venture explained.

“You think you can best me, Human pets!” Crag mocked, hiding in the dust, “You shall rue the night were you chose to face a member of the Titan’s Scuttle! Only then, will Carnelian make slivers out of you!”

Carnelian, is that the name of their titan? Wild Pokémon often had names to reflect their type. Flumpfy figured that Carnelian was some kind of mountain flower or rock. 

Within a few moments the sandstorm subsided. Flumpfy snorted the sand out of his nose, and shook his fleece clean.

When it was safe to open his eye he found that Crag had disappeared!

“Where’d go?”

“Ha! He ran off like the coward he was!” Venture joked, “Told ya no one messes with a Rockruff!” 

Now’s my chance! Flumpfy attempt to stand the for the third time only for the weight of his bigger tail to weather him down “Oof!” 

“Flumpfy did most of the work though…” Tamarind said.

“He was afraid of me next!” The Rockruff barked childishly.

The evolved sheep walked the best way he knew how and crawled on all fours. But his new arms were now unbalanced. 

“Asphodel!” He called for the family of Skiddo, “Come back, we can help you!”

The goat and her two kids where nowhere to be seen amongst the dark ravine. Not only that but Kapheria was also absent. 

“Kapheria?!” Flumpfy tried flickering his tail bulb now illuminating the dark with shade of blue, “Come-” His light faultered.

There wasn’t a crackle of static or even a twinkle of purplish light. Where is she? Did that crab thing take her?! Is she with Asphodel? Did she take them to safety? 

“Kapheria!” Tamarind joined in.

“Come ouuuuuuuuut!” Venture howled.

“She must of fled!” Flumpfy turned to them with shaking arms, “Come on we have to find her, she can’t be far!” 

Tamarind shook his hand woefully, “Sorry Flumpfy, we can’t.” 

“WHAT?!” The sheep pressed, “She really can’t be far. Let’s catch up to her while she’s close!” 

Flumpfy lifted his arms to gallop only to stumble foward. 

“You said it yourself, you're in no shape to fight!” The Fire Croc asserted, “I took a nasty hit too, and that guy might track us down with reinforcements.”

  “That's why she shouldn’t be alone!” This is all my fault, why did I try to get close to Tamarind when I already had Kapheria! She was my best friend and I couldn’t even keep her! If I didn’t stay closer to her she would’ve disappeared! 

Venture stepped in, “I know her scent Tamarind.”

“First we get Patch and get healed. Then we go find her!” Tamarind promised, “We’re no good to Kapheria dead! If one of us is already lost, the rest of us need to stick together like a team!”

It would be more team-like to find her now! It didn’t matter how much he ached, Flumpfy would only ache more knowing his friend was on her own.

“Put your arm on my back, I’ll help you walk back to camp,” Venture offered.

The Rockruff always knew to choose the opposing side. Flumpfy gave him a scornful look. Did Kapheria really mean nothing to them? They were just asking for a Thunder wave.

“You’re the most fearless sheep I’ve ever seen, I’m not losing you too…” Rockruff whispered.

Fearless? Me? I can’t be, I'm more afraid than ever. Flumpfy couldn’t believe he gained respect from a wolf. Maybe he did get closer to someone.

Kapheria we will find you… I promise… He placed his hand on to Venture’s back as they slowly made it up the slope of the ravine. Without Kapheria, with only himself to blame.

Chapter 16 ->

[shatteredvioletnuzlocke]

Chapter 9: Cortondo (Patch)

Thanks to Kapheria, Patch arrived at Cortondo earlier than they had expected. The entrance to the humble village was accompanied by rows of olive trees coming into season. It surrounded the air in a licorice, sweet fragrance allowing fantasies of olive oil meals to fill their head.

  The village itself was smaller than Mezagoza, but just as bustling. Farmers and vendors advertised their delicacies and delights. Some townsfolk had bug-type Pokemon accompanying them such as Heracrosses, Vivillions, or Tarontulas. Cottages adorned themselves with vines or even silvery webs. The roads were paved with gray stone composites and olive green banners were hung from the street lamps. They read: Cortondo Olive Harvest Festival April 15th-April 18th.  

That’s the day after tomorrow, Patch thought, I wonder if Sage knows that it’s happening? I’m not sure I can stay for all of it. 

Patch abruptly slid off Kapheria and planted their bottom onto the rough ground, “Ouch!”

Some townfolk couldn’t help but chuckle at the clumsy trainer’s ungraceful display, while the other few had their eyes drawn to the magnificent, metal dragon. Oh, come on! They blushed as they picked themselves up, You try getting off a dragon’s back!  

Suddenly they felt a tickle of air from their neck, causing goosebumps. It was just Kapheria kindly for sniffing for scrapes. 

“Kapheria,” Patch laughed, “Stop it I’m fine!”

“Arggg,” the violet dragon affectionately nustled their beanie. Pushing the dragon side, Patch glanced around the street for Sage. They couldn’t discern a short man with carmine-red hair out of the plentiful crowd. I must be the first one here. They pulled out their phone for any missed messages on their phone.

When Patch lifted their head from their screen, they found that Kapheria had her snout in someone else’s food.

“Hey, I’m selling those!” The elderly store clerk tried swatting at the dragon. 

Patch pulled her back by the neck her metallic skin feeling hot from driving. “Kapheria!” Patch scolded, “Mind your manners! That's not yours!” I should have given her breakfast! “I’m so sorry sir! She’s just a little excited!”

Kapheira’s silver jaw was stained with black juice and crumbs. “Arrrr….” She remorsefully growled. 

“Sorry, it doesn't cover it!” The store clerk’s nostrils flared, “Those biscuits took me an hour to bake! Your Pokémon bites it, you bought it!” 

The store clerk scowled at the trainer. There was a fire in his brown eyes, Patch felt their skin burning at the crisp.

“How much?” They surrendered their wallet. 

“1,000 P for the batch!” He scoffed.

Arceus Kapheria! “I’ll take two…” they sighed handing him a doubled amount. I might as well get two while I’m at it. 

The store clerk swiped the crinkling cash from Patch’s trembling hand. He slammed a white box of biscuits on his table and the anxious trainer took it fearfully. 

“Keep it on a leash,” The store clerk muttered under his breath.

As soon as they hung out with Sage, Patch couldn’t wait to leave this village. They opened the box and were met with a dozen black olive biscuits. Committed to their hasty investment, Patch reluctantly took a bite not even knowing if they liked the taste of olives. While the olives made the bread rubbery in texture, they couldn’t deny the biscuit pertained a pleasant saltiness even Patch couldn’t deny. Not bad. 

“Arggg…” Kapheria wined, enlarging her blue eyes. 

“No Kapheria!” Patch pulled the box away from the dragon, “You just ate biscuits that you made me buy. If you want another one, you’re going to have to behave!”

Just then they felt a vibration in their pocket, their Roto phone hovered in front of them.

Patch scurried through the village frantically scanning the area for the flying taxi station.  Kapheria romping behind them like a large puppy. Once they saw a sign labeled: Taxi station, they knew they were in the right place. In the faint cerulean sky, Patch saw a black speck coming into view. That must be him! 

The young trainer dug into their bag and threw three Pokeballs into the air. Out came Tamarind, Kombucha, and Flumpfy. Patch was eager to show their Pokemon off in person as well as Kapheria, even though the large dragon was a bit skittish. Yet Kapheria was the least of their concerns, it was Arturo they were worried about. It’ll be fine, they thought, I’ll just keep him in his ball.

The speck in the air slowly lowered followed by the sounds of synchronized wingbeats and squawking. An air taxi carrier gently landed on the ground tied to a rainbow of Sqwakabillies. A broad-shouldered woman in an aviator coat stepped out of the carrier to slide the door open. 

“Need any help with that, sir?” The pilot asked.

“Nope, I’m fine!” Sage’s voice responded. 

“Sage!” Patch squealed so high it startled some of the Squawkabillies, “It’s you!” 

“Oh my Arceus, Patch!” Sage peeked out of the carrier smiling, “Hang on just a second!”

Sage pulled himself out of the carrier with a cane in hand. He wore black jean shorts and a gray sleeveless shirt that revealed the black Purloin tattoo on his right arm. The lenses in her glasses were tinted gray to protect his aqua eyes from the harsh rays of the sun. Patch could already tell he was still getting used to the Paldean heat. 

“Hi!” Sage reached his arm out to hug his friend. He was the best at giving hugs. 

While being comforted in a single arm squeeze, Patch could hear Kapheria wincing at the sight of a new person. 

“Yooo!” Sage marveled at the metallic dragon, “Who’s this, is she yours?”

“Oh, I can’t, believe I forgot to introduce you to Kapheria,” Patch explained, “She’s not mine, I’m just watching her for someone.” 

“You’re watching her?!” Sage gasped, “What Pokemon is she? I’ve never seen this species before!”

Answered as best they could, “I don’t think I remember, but her trainer says she’s quite rare.”

Patch browsed their messages to Professor Turo. Their past three text messages still unanswered. Why hand your Pokemon to me, and then ghost me? What is this man doing most of the day? Maybe Kapheria is mine now?

They looked back up from their screen to see Sage reaching her hand out to pet the frighted dragon. 

“Argg…” Kapheria shielded herself with her tail.

Maybe I should’ve worried about Kapheria after all! “Ah- Kapheria’s a bit shy,” Patch awkwardly blurted.

“Aw, poor baby,” Sage sighed. 

Patch took a biscuit out of the box, “Here,” Patch handed Sage a biscuit, “Give her some food and she’ll warm right up to you.” 

“You let her eat biscuits?” Sage wondered.

“I let her eat sandwiches” Patch corrected her, “She eats anything and it never comes back out.” 

“Lucky her!” Sage laughed taking the treat from Patch. 

“Woink, Woink,” Kombucha put a hoof on his trainer's foot begging for a biscuit. 

“Yeah Yeah, here you go, grouchy!” Patch gave the pig his treat.

Kombucha paced his snout on Patch’s wrist and licked the biscuit off their palm. His tongue felt wet with spit and mucus. To be fair they gave two more biscuits to Tamarind and Flumpfy. 

“Naww, you’re a hungry girl! Aren’t ‘tcha, Aren’t ‘tcha?” Sage tickled Kapheria’s chin.

“Arrrg!” Kapheria purred back.

“So remind me what their names are?” The carmine-haired boy asked.

“Right,” said Patch, “The dragon is Kapheria, the Fuecoco is Tamarind, the Lechonk is named Kombucha, and the Mareep’s Flumpfy. I caught him yesterday.” 

“Didn’t you have another Pokemon?” Sage raised a brow. 

“Oh um. Yes, Arturo! He’s… tired so I’m letting him rest in his Pokeball,” Patch lied staring directly at Sage’s right hip.” I have to make sure I let him out when Sage isn’t around. 

“Aw, that’s sweet of you!” Sage smiled, “You want to see some of my Pokemon?” 

“Sure!” Patch nodded.

Sage took two common Pokeballs out of her pocket and opened both of them. Out of the dim blue lights came a Sprigatito and a Shinx. 

Oh great, Patch had flashbacks of Fuerte, Of course, Sage would choose a cat when given the chance. They could already feel the scrapes against their arms.

“You remember, Dahlia. And I call my Shinx, Zia,” Sage introduced them to the two cats. 

Dahlia looked more fluffy and plump compared to Fuerte. Instead of a light green pelt, she was more yellowish like a dried leaf. She didn’t seem to hiss when noticing Patch, but the nervous trainer held their guard. 

The much bigger Zia looked like your typical Shinx. Sky blue fur with black legs. Yet she had flecks of gold on her paws and muzzle like pyrite in lapis. 

Both teams of Pokemon began curiously sniffing at each other.  Patch could only hope that Dahilia wouldn’t scratch anyone.

“So did you know that there was going to be a festival held here?” Patch asked as they went along the street.

“Oh yeah, the Olive Harvest Festival!” Sage gazed at the dangling banners, “I was playing visit Cortondo for the occasion. So, I’m glad you're here too!”

Cortondo was known for having the best desserts in the region. Of course, Sage’s sweet tooth would bring him there.

“So will you be entering the Harvest Tournament too?” Sage asked. 

Tournament? As in… battling tournament?! As in Pokemon fighting?! “Uh…” Patch spoke with a dry throat, “I didn’t know there was a tourna-“ 

“WOINK!” Kombucha abruptly squealed.

Patch turned to see their Lechonk throwing himself against Sage’s Shinx. 

“Maur!” Zia cried, her fur bristling with tiny sparks. 

“Oh no!” Patch hurried over to break up the sudden fight. I knew this would happen! 

They anxiously picked up Kombucha by the belly, and held him as he wriggled about, “Sage, I am so sorry! I didn’t think he would do this!”

Sage seemed not to bat an eye, “No no, it’s okay Patch, I think they were just play fighting!” 

Do spouting attacks count as play fighting? “Well, I didn’t expect him to be this rough!” They huffed, as the hog struggled to break free. 

“Battling is perfectly healthy for them, why don’t we let them duke it out in a real battle?” Sage suggested.

Patch remembered Nemona’s advice, Fuck I forgot about the stir crazy! But I don’t want him to hurt my best friend’s Pokémon! As much as they wanted to back out, the anxious didn’t want their Lechonk to ravage any more then he already did.

…

The two friends rented out a battlefield near Cortondo’s Pokémon center. It was as big as a tennis court just like one’s at Nemona’s house.

The midday sun shined on both trainers. Basking them in a warm, golden light. It was the only comfort Patch had in that moment. In front of them a Shinx cub shuttering their sparks like a faulty lightbulb. Kombucha stood beside them with a structured fighting stance. It was already too late to back down.

“You ready?” Sage called out to the other side of the field.

“I…” Patch stammered, “I… suppose…” They could feel the weight of the battle trickle down their body in the form of goosebumps. 

Sage’s eyes had a glare of competitiveness, “Let’s start with tackle!” he pointed his cane at the hog. 

“Maur!” Zia growled.

Patch needed to act quickly, Shes not going to kill you, she’s your best friend! “Kombucha use Tackle!” they repeated Sage’s command out of anxiety. 

“Woiiiink!” Kombucha hollered. 

Both Pokémon charged and head bashed into each other with such force. The impact of the tackling made them stumble.

“Woink…” Kombucha moaned.

How’s my chance! Patch waved slyly to their hog, “Hey Kombucha, if you’re too tired we can stop!”

Kombucha shook off the pain, “Woink!” He exhaled dust out his snout. 

“Or… we can keep going…” They thought aloud. They began to scheme in their head. Nemona says an official trainer battle can only end when one Pokemon is exhausted. That can’t be too hard. I just need to tire him out.

Patch’s other Pokemon cheered from the sidelines, 

“Fuey-Fuey co!”

“Mah-reee!” 

“Agriaas!” 

“We’re just warming up,” Sage smirked, “Now use Thundershock!” She stamped her cane onto the ground.

Oh no! 

“Maur! Maur!” Zia hissed.

The Shinx’s colorful fur stood up, then a thin bolt of lightning surged out of her paws. 

Sage knows what, she’s doing! Sage knows what she’s doing! Patch continued to remind themselves.

Without so much of a word, Kombucha slid out of the way before he could be shocked. 

“Woink, Woink!” He turned to brush his back hooves against the soil. Somehow it turned to mud and Kombucha began splashing it at Zia.

“Maur! Meur!” The Shinx scampered to dodge.

“Hey Kombucha, I didn’t say you could attack again!” Patch shrieked.

As Zia ran for cover they were pelted with a large drop of mud on her backside. As she got up she jumped into Sage’s arms.

“Patch…” Sage cradled the Shinx in their arms, “You can tell your Lechonk to stop battling now… Zia surrendered, you won!”

I…won… a battle? It was actually that easly?! That can’t be right…

Amid the unexpected victory, Kombucha was still trashing mud left and right. Okay just going to recall him in his ball before someone gets hurt!

Patch pulled into their bag and got out the the first pokeball they felt for. They quickly aimed it at Kombucha despite him not keeping still. 

“Kombucha return!” Patch impulsively announced, trying to gain control of the situation.

Unbounce to them, Kombucha’s ball fully opened unleashing a blue light as if something was already inside.

“Shroo-Shroodle!” Arturo squeaked as he suddenly materialized.

Wait Arturo?! I didn’t mean to call you out! Patch examined the Pokeball and quickly noticed it had fuchsia streaks instead of black; It was Arturo’s Pokeball. Shit! 

“P-Patch…” Sage’s voice became uneasy, “is that a…Shroodle?”

Patch’s felt tears rolling down their bright red face. Grabbing Kombucha’s Pokeball, they recalled both normal types and shoved them deep into their bag.

They pulled their hat down in remorse, “I- I’m sorry!” With a heavy weight on their shoulder, Patch ran off before they could make any more mistakes. With Kapheria, Tamarind, and Flumpfy tailing behind them.

…

The overwhelmed trainer found a sheltered olive tree to cry under deep within the Cortondo orchard. As they wailed, Tamarind acted as a weighted blanket for his trainer’s lap. Kapheria gathered the finest olive branches to cheer them up. Yet Patch couldn’t help but sob.  

They pressed the backs of their knuckles against their closed eyes. At that point, it didn’t matter if Patch looked like a child they needed to let everything out. How could I mess up my relationship with my closest friend? How could I let out a poison-type Pokemon in front of her?! She’s afraid of poison types! 

The voice of their former best friend could be heard, “Patch! Patch where are you?!” 

No, they pleaded in their mind, Stay away Sage! I don’t need you to tell me how much I failed! 

Not long after, Sage appeared navigating through the endless rows of trees. His pale face was moist with sweat. 

“Geez, Patch… you couldn’t find a closer place to hide?” he huffed as she caught his breath. 

Patch tried to shield their vulnerable heart, “What are you doing here?” They purposefully looked away.

“Looking for you…” He took a moment to sit down next to them, “Why did you run off after our battle?”

“Because I-I… I” their voice shook, “I nearly killed your Pokemon! And I’ve never battled before!” 

Sage paused with a worried expression, Arceus only new what he was thinking after hearing that.

 She put her hand over her Patch’s, “Zia’s fine. She’s resting in her Pokeball.”

Whenever someone told Patch not to worry they couldn’t be convinced. The fact that what they feared most happened made them feel powerless.

“I’ve been training her to take some pretty nasty hits,” Sage clarified.

She’s just saying that so I stop crying. “But then I let out my Shroodle…” they winced.

“Oh…” Sage held herself tight, placing a hand on her hip “That's what that was about.”

Patch nodded, their lips puffy. There were so many tears they could taste the saltiness. 

Sage smiled reassuringly, “While I appreciate the thought, you don’t need to worry about having a Shroodle around me. I was stung so long ago I couldn’t even remember it.”

Patch wiped their eyes, “R-really?” She couldn’t mean that. 

“To be honest the reason I was so afraid of poison Pokémon in the first place was because everyone else made a big deal about it around me,” he reflected, “I was always the kid that everyone was concerned about… I didn’t even know I could do so much. Then I realized people like me are everywhere and they live incredible lives. I should have the one I always wanted, that’s why I’m a trainer.”

Patch looked at their friend in awe, the sun seeping through the branches outlined Sage in a golden glow.

“Pokémon and humans are kinda the same,” he grinned, “We take a lot of shit without realizing it!”

“Yeah,” Patch smiled back, taking in a nasally breath. They looked at their Fuecoco and how he took on two Tarontula’s with a single ember “I guess my Pokémon are stronger than I realized.”

They rubbed Tamarind’s white snout, his body was still warm despite sitting in the shade all that time. Maybe battling isn’t so bad. 

Just then a woman working the orchard approached the two trainers “Excuse me,” she said, “Is that weird looking Cyclizar one of your Pokemon?”

“She’s with me,” Patch answered.

“Well she’s damaging the trees!” spat with a disgusted look, “This orchard is our livelihood so you better have the bucks to pay for it.”

Patch’s heart rate shot back up, as they saw Kapheria’s trove of branches pile up in size. Almost as if the orchard had been struck with an abrupt thunderstorm. Arceus Kapheria! 

“Arrrg…” Kapheria dropped a thick branch out of her jaws looking very remorseful of what she had done.  

“Sage..” Patch winded their eyes back to their friend, “Does this tournament you mentioned have a cash prize?” 

<-Chapter 8- Chapter 10 ->

[shatteredvioletnuzlocke]

Chapter 8: Static Cling (Kapheria)

Kapheria couldn’t contain herself when she saw the delectable sandwich before her. As she began to devour, she noted how the sandwich had a different flavor to it than the first one she had. This one was bitter with plants and savory with meat. Although she didn’t starve she now had an insatiable craving for sandwiches.

As she licked her metal jaws, she observed the smaller Pokemon around her. Kapheria understood that the Pokemon of the Greenworld relied on food more than she did. Turo says I’m a Pokemon too, I wonder why he never fed me.

“Maah, Maa!” The Flumpfy Pokemon blatted, “Ma-reeee!”

The iron serpent looked around confused. “Are you referring to me?” she asked. 

Instead of answering the wooly Pokemon trotted toward her. “Ma-reeee,” he chimed. Flumpfy raised his tail, and the amber orb on the end began to flicker. 

“Oh yes…” Kapheria tried to play along, “That’s very… remarkable of you.”

Flumpfy seemed to have a shock absorbency to him and was very allured by Kapheria’s dazzling energy. While it was nice to find a kindred spark, the serpent had other things to worry about. 

The tingling static from her head had eased since her crash on the beach. I should be able to shift into my true form again, she reminded herself, I was able to shift into drive mode earlier. Kapheria crouched down to prepare herself, closing her eyes to better concentrate. She allowed the bolts of static to flow and charge between her antenna, it grew louder and louder. Perfect, she thought. As she began to unfold her throat, the static suddenly burst in a startling snap!

“GAH!” Kapheria flinched her eyes open, I didn’t mean to do that! 

“Maaa!” Flumpfy scampered away from the Iron Serpent.

Before she could say anything else, she felt the pain coming back to her. A violent discharge of electricity surged from her left antenna. Sparks of gold and violet flung off of her head and she began to feel herself overheat. Kapheria couldn’t hold the spark’s back as much as she tried. No no, it's happening again!  

The electricity seemed closer to her than usual, she could now touch it in a way that tased her metal skin. She flailed her head around to shake off the short-circuiting as it popped and crackled against the left side of her casque. She could barely hear anything at that moment, not even her thoughts could reach her. 

“MAKE IT STOP!” she cried.

The Pokemon began squalling at her odd behavior. 

“CO-CO-CO!”

“WEE WEE WOINK!”

“SHREE SHREE!”

“Kapheria, KAPHERIA!” Patch hurried to the Iron Serpent, “WHAT’S GOING ON?! ARE YOU OKAY!?” She could see the human trying to reach their hand out.

“STOP!” She roared in agony, “DON’T TOUCH ME!” Horrified that the human would get entangled in static, Kapheria curled her tail around her as a shield. “Don’t touch me! Don’t touch me! Don’t touch me… please…”

 Patch stood there, petrified by the iron beast’s agonizing display. They were breathing heavily, their purple eyes drawn back. Their hand trembled in place. They acted similar to how they overwhelmed back at the fire cave; frozen in fear. Kapheria was immediately remorseful, she almost believed the human did touch her. 

The red Pokemon waddled over to their human, “Fue-co! Co-co-co!”, he wrapped his arms around Patch’s leg. “Fuey…”

Patch didn’t respond, but their tears spoke for themself. 

“I’m… sorry…” Kapheria repented.

…

The sky turned a deep indigo, a trait of the night. Particles of light twinkled, accompanied by a giant, silver rock called a moon. It was a state of time that lasted for the remainder of the day. When everything went dark, humans and Pokemon slumbered to recharge their energy. Except for Kapheria, who was always charged. 

The grass dipped and swayed with the nightly breeze. The chirping of wild Pokemon serenaded the land, but Kapheria felt she didn’t deserve such a sweet song.

 Patch was nestled under a blanket next to their Pokemon by their side. Although they were sound asleep, Kapheria couldn’t help but feel that Patch could be having nightmares about her. As much as the iron serpent wanted to comfort the human from their fears, she knew that her responsibilities were elsewhere.

Goodbye, Human Patch. She quietly coiled her throat and tail into wheels without any static reaction. 

Why is it that I can enter my driving mode and not my ultimate mode, she asked herself. She turned away from the human, drove off into the horizon, and dared not to look back. It’s just as well, Turo wouldn’t want me to harm a human. If I’m going to gain any trust I must keep a safe distance… though it will be harder. For now, I must find the source.

 The iron serpent rode farther out passing by a series of small trees. She gently maneuvered herself past them to not knock them over. When she knew she was far away enough, Kapheria folded her wheels back and untucked her legs. The ground had a slight dampness to it when she planted her claws down. There wasn’t any other Pokemon to be seen nor chirping to be heard. 

“Okay…” she said to herself, “I hope this works.”

Once again Kapheria let her static flow but paid close attention to how it sounded. It began with steady bolts pulsing and vibrating between her antennae. I can do this. She allowed the energy to become stronger and tense. It buzzed and this would be the point where she would unfurl her throat but she let her static linger. As soon as she heard a familiar sputter she opened her eyes and shook off the frantic sparks before it could burn her.

“No!” she wailed hearing sparks die out, What’s wrong with me? I am a Pokemon of lighting! Why does it hurt to shift all of a sudden? 

Kapheria padded around the trees, keeping her tail from swaying against the trunks. She could see new green leaves coming in from the branches. She felt guilty as found some scattered on the ground, she knew that more would fall because of her. If Kapheria couldn’t shift there would be no leaves, trees, or plants. It was now all the more inevitable. 

The Iron Serpent came to a small reservoir underneath a weeping tree. Plentiful water was another luxury of the Greenworld, Kapheria was told that there was so much that most of it that it made up an ocean. Within the glassy pool two smaller Pokemon were swimming beneath the surface. She reached out her claw to scoop one of the Pokemon up for air, you could only be in water for so long. As soon as dipped her claw tip into the water, she felt another shock. 

“Ouch,” she yowled shaking her claw dry. 

The two Pokemon darted away upon the sudden flash. Kapheria didn’t understand it, why was her body acting against her? Then as the pool’s wavering ripple began to clear, she saw her reflection for the first time since leaving the lab. The pale light of the moon revealed a fracturing crack on her casque and the rim had a piece already missing 

“No!” Kapheria wailed in disbelief, the sharp split on her head startling her. This can’t be! It hurt when I crashed, but I didn’t think it would be this bad! No wonder why I can’t shift.

A memory began to shed light, YOU BROKE HER?! The blond-haired human’s voice invaded her mind, Kapheria belongs to my father; she can’t be broken. “Broken” suddenly began to hold weight over her cracked head. Kapheria didn’t think much of the blond-haired human who called himself Arven. She knew of a smaller human of the same name, but somehow Arven's disapproval made the crack seem bigger.

It began to dawn on Kapheria, If I can’t shift into my Ultimate mode… does that mean I lost everything else? She couldn’t tell what was right anymore. Could she glide? Could she climb? Nonetheless, the iron serpent was reluctant to exacerbate her crack with excitement. 

She looked out to the patterns of stars, they were almost identical to falling grains of sand. If I can’t shift what will become of this world? 

“Mah MAHHH!” a familiar voice yowled out. 

Flickers of golden light peered from the grassy plains, similar to thundershocks. Kapheria could see a bush moving through the veld. 

“Flumpfy?” Kapheria asked the rustling bush.  

“Mah-reeee!” the bush answered back, bounding toward her.

Although Flumpy’s fleece blended in the darkness his spontaneous electricity made him more visible.

“Mah, mah!” The wooly Pokemon gestured his tail toward Patch’s campsite. 

But the Iron Serpent stood her ground, “No, Flumpfy… I’m not going back,” she huffed, “You saw what I did today… I frightened your human.” They are better off without me.

Instead of leaving her behind, the little Pokemon wrapped his striped tail around Kapheria’s leg and tugged it. 

“I told you, I’m not going,” she shook him off her, “Just leave without me!” 

Still, Flumpfy remained by the violet dragon’s side, unaware of her requests. He latched on to her like metal caught in a magnetic pull.

“Please! Go back and enjoy your time with your trainer while you still have them!” Kapheria sank her claws into the moist dirt, “Because of me there won’t be any humans or Pokemon! Nature will wilt away! I’ve doomed you all to die!”

The iron serpent couldn’t shed any tears, but her sadness was so great it was as if she could feel droplets sliding off her face. Maybe it’s good he can’t understand me… I’d only make things worse. 

Flumpfy did not respond, instead of speaking he lit an amber orb on his tail which made a luminescent flash. He just stood there flickering away. 

Such a stubborn thing, she smiled. Kapheria shook her head, releasing a static current that carried down her neck to the end of her silver tail. She raised her tail, mimicking the mannerisms of the little Pokemon. Flumpfy’s eyes beamed, focusing all his attention on the spark that almost signaled him. 

He then flashed his tail once and waited for the Iron Serpent to do the same. 

She released her static once again as a way of greeting. 

In return, Flumpfy flashed again intently. 

“You… understood that?” Kapheria purred fascinated.

Curious she kept pulsating electric waves of light down her tail to ask “Can you understand me?”

However Flumpfy twinkled the same light pattern back to her, “Can you understand me?”

“Yes,” she signaled a spark.

He glimmered back, “Yes.”

“Can you leave me alone?” Kapheria flashed. 

But he only copied her, “Can you leave me alone?”

Perhaps not, Kapheria rolled her eyes, “It was worth a shot,” she sighed, “I should get you back to Human Patch.”  

Kapheria went back to the campsite at a steady pace and Flumpfy followed behind. Leaves off the trees began to flutter down elegantly. The sweet scent of flowers coming into bloom filled the air accompanied by the harmonious chirping of the nocturnal Pokemon. The iron serpent felt guilty for such beauty, it was unlike anything she had seen before meeting her trainer. 

Her earliest memories were the fuzziest, but she knew what her homeworld felt like; grainy, coarse with endless irritation. There was no sun or moon, only dusty clouds. She could only recall ever being on her own during that time, she was the only one. Without the control of her lighting, the clouds would roll in and she would be alone all over again. But this time she would know why. 

Finally after the long stroll the two returned to the group. Patch was still in their sleeping bag, this time on their side to ignore the restless snoring of Tamarind. Arturo nestled the closest to their trainer, using the comfiness of their sleeping bag as a nest. Kombucha slept the farthest away in a damp puddle of mud. 

“Mahhh,” Flumpfy brayed quietly.  

“Alright your back with your trainer,” Kapheria bent her neck down, “Now I must be going!” Hopefully, I’ll find a way to shift back, somehow…

The wooly Pokemon patted the grass flat and settled down on top of it, “Reee!” he beckoned her to come over with large golden eyes. 

It’s no use I suppose, he’ll only follow me again if I leave right now, Kapheria realized. Sparks twinkled from her head as she pondered, If he’s asleep then I can leave without a trace.    

Kapheria curled up beside the little Pokemon, and she too flattened the grass with the weight of her metal body. Flumpfy cuddled beside her, he was the softest of the Greenworld Pokemon. His curly, black coat felt fluffy against her smooth iron shell. 

The iron serpent looked toward the silver moon. It had curled into a crescent since she last saw it. Once there wasn’t a silver light to be seen, that is when it would die. Yet the sun was still whole, so until it shrank like the moon Kapheria would still have time. If I’m able to shift into my drive mode, it can only be a matter of waiting until my other powers come back. But how many moon shrinks would that take? 

By then Flumpfy was sound asleep, leaning against her. If she got up, he’d only wake up. I wonder why Pokemon choose to sleep outside their Pokeball? After all, they provide a healthy stasis. Then when you come out you awake…  but after being in a Pokeball I guess you can only stay awake for so long? 

Guess I should see what all the fuss is about. Kapheria placed her head on the ground and shut her eyes. Why am I even trying? There’s no way I could sleep. 

“Alright team time to pack it up!” the sound of Patch’s silvery voice declared.

When Kapheria opened her eyes, she found that the indigo sky turned orange and yellow. The sun returned from the western horizon, its light shone of Kapheria’s metallic skin. I only meant to close my eyes for a few minutes! Did I fall asleep?! 

“Maahh!” Flumpfy yawned. The little Pokemon stood up to stretch, raising his flank upward before leaning his frontside upward.

What a waste of time, Kapheria thought squinting at the glaring sun, I better be off immediately! Without even shifting, the iron serpent bounded away before she could say her goodbyes. Must I repeat this? Leaving shouldn’t be this sad after knowing them for a few days!

“Hey Kapheria!” Patch called to her, “We’re not leaving yet! Give me a minute!”

“Human Patch,” Kapheria winced. Please I don’t want to see your face, it’ll make me feel awful!

She could hear heavy footsteps coming closer to her, “Are you alright?”

Does it look like I’m okay? Kapheria turned her head away before their eyes could meet. Stop bothering me!

“Kapheria…” Patch cooed, “Does your head hurt?”

She shook her head even if it was half of the truth.

“Oh…” Patch replied astounded by the Iron Serpent’s response, “Was it… something I did?” 

She shook her head again.

“Was it because of what happened yesterday?” the human suggested. 

Kapheria finally locked eyes with Patch, she couldn’t stand it any longer. “I’m sorry,” she apologized even though the human couldn’t hear her.

Their purple eyes seemed just as apologetic as hers, “Oh…” Patch murmured, “Well… I don’t know much about you to help with that… I’ve been trying to contact your trainer about what I should do… but I can’t get back to him.”

“Turo hasn’t been checking on me?!” Kapheria exclaimed, “That doesn’t sound like him at all!”

“Till then I can try my best to figure it out myself,” Patch smiled, “I know this must be a lot for you…”

Kapheria dipped her neck, You have no idea… The iron Pokemon felt stuck at a crossroads. She could accept the care of a human whom she would only stress. Or she could be on her own. Either way, she still had to carry out her mission.

“Mah!” Flumpfy frolicked over. He flickered his tail, “Hello!” 

Patch and their Pokemon are so welcoming. It’s just like Turo said! I guess it wouldn’t hurt to have some company around… I could sure use some. Kapheria nodded. 

“Okay!” Patch clapped, “Let’s be on our way to Cortondo!” 

The human recalled all of their Pokemon and loaded up their backpack, “Do you think I could ride on your back again?” they asked, “We’d get to town faster that way!”

“If you're comfortable with it,” Kapheria roared back. Turo loves it when I give him rides. The Iron Serpent crouched down feeling the small weight of the human sitting on their back. As she untucked her wheels she rode of thinking to herself. No matter what I will protect Turo and Patch. I will get my powers back to stop the Sands of Time.

<- Chapter 7- Chapter 9->

[shatteredvioletnuzlocke]

Kapheria visual reference. She's a main protagonist in Shattered Violet

Read it here

[shatteredvioletnuzlocke]

Chapter 5: Mezagoza (Patch)

Not too far away from Arven’s lighthouse, was the tranquil village of Los Platos. Palm trees touched the sky, children ran down the amber, brick-paved roads, and Vivilion fluttered to bushes with fragrant flowers. After the hectic day they’ve been having, Patch and Nemona decided to grab a treat at the local Sugar-N-Ice cart. Patch went with a classic, mint chocolate chip. While the champion fancied a fruity mango cone.

Once the two paid for their food, Patch began to lick their ice cream. The sweet sensation of peppermint cooled them off and sent a tickling chill to their head.

Patch spotted two young children having a Pokémon battle; it was a Scatterbug against a Bountsweet. The silkworm released threads of string shot, but the Bounsweet countered with a rapid spin attack. Yet it proved to be useless as the fruit Pokémon’s twirling only managed to wrap itself in a ball of silk. 

“Use bug bite!” the Scatterbug’s trainer cheered.

As the Scatterbug tore away at the cocoon it made, a memory snuck into Patch’s mind. Violence doesn’t solve anything as much as you think it does, Arven’s voice echoed. Patch began to fear for the Bountsweet. Once the Scatterbug chewed through its silk, would it also gnaw away at the Bountsweet’s flesh? Just thinking about it horrified them, and they felt the need to step in before it got gruesome.

“Wow, I’ve never seen a Scatterbug with that tenacity!” Nemona chimed in, feeling casual about the whole ordeal.

“I don’t get how this can be fun to watch,” Patch passively confessed, “they could get hurt.”

The champion gave them an encouraging look, “I get you're still trying to figure out what you want to do as a trainer, but you have to understand…battling is kinda natural for Pokémon.”

“What do you mean?” Patch asked.

“Pokemon fight with each other all the time in the wild and some Pokemon are bred just to fight. If you deprive them of that, they get wound up and testy,” Nemona explained.

The new trainer found some fair reasoning in the Champion’s knowledge; it did seem somewhat cruel to keep nature from taking its course. Yet there was still a tinge of doubt that they couldn’t shake off.

“I get that…” they nodded, “but would that put them at a greater risk of getting killed?”

Given such a heavy question Nemona took a moment to scarf down their cone. Finally, after that she responded.

“Oh, the league would never allow that… There are special rules to prevent those kinds of things. So a Pokémon can only lose battle unless they get exhausted.”

Patch was surprised, the Pokemon battling was more thought out than they realized. 

“Of course,” she went on, “Pokemon still need to be taken to centers after a fight. And we can’t prevent a Pokemon from dying in the wild, it’s only for general trainer and gym battles.”

Patch felt thrown back into their obsessive thoughts. So gym battles are safer than the wild…crazy. I don’t know if this makes me more comfortable to battle. I’m being more careful when I catch Pokemon. But… What happens if I don’t let them battle at all? Will they hate me? And what about Kapheria? Arven already told me not to make her fight… 

“Yo, earth to Patch?!” Nemona waved her hand in front of the dazed trainer. 

They snapped back into reality “Oh, sorry!” 

“Come with me,” she giggled, “I wanna show you something!” 

They threw away their now melted cone, being too distracted to finish it. They followed Nemona down the path, occasionally licking the peppermint-flavored stickiness off their hand.The two trainers walked to what seemed to be a gas station located in a village with no cars. A bright red sign with a Pokeball symbol spun slowly from a pole. The gas station’s anning had the same color scheme as the sign, underneath stood a woman dressed in a medical outfit and a man dressed in an apron. There were no gas pumps or enough space for a car to drive in.

“What are we doing here?” Patch looked around confused.

“This is the Pokémon center!” The black-haired trainer smiled.

This?! This can’t be! Patch was familiar with Pokemon centers, the one back in Nacrene was at least an entire building. This station was out in the open with only a desk. How would anyone get treatment like this?!

“Do you need a quick fix?” The nurse kindly asked.

They weren’t sure what to say, but they felt curious as to how it worked. “Sure,” they answered.

Patch went into their polyester bag and scooped up Tamarind and Kombucha’s Pokeballs. They handed the Pokeballs to the nurse who locked them into some type of machine. The chattering typing of a keyboard could be heard, as the nurse clacked at a console in front of her. 

“Here you are, all healed up!” The nurse claimed.

In awe Patch took the two Pokeballs, It’s that easy?! 

“Over here!” Nemona called to them, standing near yet another weird machine. It resembled some kind of fancy vending machine. 

“What does it do?” Patch wondered. 

“Put one of your Pokemon here, and find out!” She playfully suggested.

There was a circular slot intended for a Pokeball and a crevasse breath that looked like it would dispense something. Being particularly curious about this high-tech center, Patch inserted Tamarind’s Pokeball. Above the slot, a screen read: Fuecoco. 

“Alright, now what?” The brown-haired trainer turned to find Nemona looking through her bag.

She pulled out three CDs in cases, “Pick one,” she said, holding them out like folded cards.

Patch confoundedly grabbed the case in the middle and found that it had a pink disk inside. So I must have to slide this in? They took out the disc, holding it from the sides to avoid smudging it with fingerprints. Upon sliding the screen went into a loading menu, and then displayed a green check mark. This still doesn’t make sense to me. The confused trainer let Tamarind out of his ball. 

“Tamarind?” Patch knelt to the fire croc, “Do you feel okay?”

The Fuecoco’s cheeks were puffed out and his eyes were pressed closed, he looked constipated. The trainer began to fret, their fire type was about to burst.

“Fuey!” Tamarind wailed in a honeyed pitch. Instead of fire the crocodile produced visual, pink sound waves shaped like hearts.

“Nice,” Nemona said, “That disarming voice will for sure come in handy!” 

Patch recognized that disarming voice was the name of a fairy-type attack. It then began to click, that machine teaches Pokemon different moves! It was all so astounding, Paldean technology was truly unlike anything they had ever seen! 

“Here,” the champion handed them a golden brown colored disc, “Teach this to your Lechonk!”

They inserted Kombucha’s Pokeball into the tutoring machines and slid in the disc, “What’s that one for?”

“Mud slap!” Nemona grinned, “Great for lowering accuracy!” 

Patch hadn’t a clue of what that meant but they trusted her judgment.

“You can have some of my extras,” she offered them some more discs, “then if you want different attacks, the TMM will make you new ones from ingredients.” 

“Really?” Patch asked intrigued.

The champion nodded and pointed to the machine, “I made this one with Wooper slime!”

“Oh cool…” they faked a smile. What the hell?

As soon as the move was learned, Patch placed Kombucha’s ball back into their pocket. But they became fixated on the prairie near the center. It was wide open with plenty of space and small sky blue pools where golden Psyducks waddled to go swim. Two Skovets scampered around the pale green grass, as an Azurill bounded along on it’s tail. The enchanting feeling of nature was seemingly inviting the trainer to visit.

“You can go on and catch something, I’ll just be awhile” Nemona reassured them, “but once your done, then we really have to head out.”

Patch squinted towards the sun, now bending to the east. Damn all that took up a good portion! 

They picked up Tamarind, “I won’t be long!”

With their fire croc in their arms, Patch jogged along the grass scanning the area for their next teammate. Compared to Poco Path, the land had more to offer. A small, pink Happiny totaled about in a bed of mauve pyrenees. Next to her a little, plump Fidough began digging a hole. So cute! 

Patch’s family had a pet Fidough back home named Piper. While tempted into approaching it they didn’t want Piper to feel replaced; there was only one Fidough in their life and that was enough. What else is there? 

All the more curious, the young trainer wandered towards a grove of shady trees. The sun was completely obscured beneath the trees' canopy, giving off a cool temperature. The only light seeping through, was the Fuecoco’s flickering tuft.

“Fuey…” Tamarind yawned.

“Don’t sleep now, buddy. We’re almost to the academy,” Patch whispered.

From the dim glow of the crocodile, they noticed loose strands of silk hanging off the branches. There are bug Pokémon nearby! Hopefully it’s just Scatterbug this time! They held Tamarind tightly in their arms, hoping that his warmth would protect them. 

But then they spotted odd placements of color along the grayish bark; blotches of blue, yellow, and red. Painted bark… Patch recognized with a growing smile, my next catch is here! They followed the pattern trees with eager footsteps. 

“Shoo shroo!” A high voice squeaked. 

Underneath the trunk of a blank tree a small gray rodent with a black face peaked out of the grass. 

“Shroodle!” Patch softly squealed. 

Shroodles were one of Patch’s favorite of the native Paldean Pokemon, because they shared an artistic soul. When studying Paldean fauna, they learned that Shroodles could produce ink-like bile that was used in the most expensive paints.

“Shroo?” The Shroodle gazed its huge cyan eyes at the human.

Oh gosh it sees me! Should I attack it? I don’t wanna hurt the little guy! The shrew padded closer to the human. How can I tell if it’s friendly? The Shroodle stood on its hind legs, sniffing Patch with its bulbous snout. Wittle man, they pouted, what if…

Patch plopped their bag to the ground, keeping Tamarind in one arm to keep him from getting loose. They placed an empty Pokeball beside the Shroodle, as it was bigger than the rodent and Patch was worried they would bonk them. 

“Shroo?” The Shroodle sniffed and nudged the ball, “Shroo!” 

The Pokeball rolled and the Shroodle played with it like a toy. Not my idea, but okay! 

“Shroo, Shroo!” The Shroodle scampered.

When the little Pokemon pressed the button, Pokeball opened and it was instantly sucked in. It bobbed for a moment but then clicked, indicating a capture.

“I CAUGHT A SHROODLE!” Patch hollered.

Their excitement was so loud that Fletchlings began to flutter out of the trees, screeching with distress. 

“Coco!” Tamarind wiggled his feet as he began to slip from his trainer.

Patch put down the croc, as their arms were getting tired from holding him for so long. They ran back to the Pokémon center, they’re hands flapping with giddy. Back at the center, Nemona was busy with the TMM with Fuerte and Pierce beside her. 

“Back already?” Nemona asked. 

Patch stopped to catch their breath, “Look… what I caught!”

They opened the Pokeball and held out their sweaty palm where their new Shroodle materialized. 

“Shroodle!” He peeped.

“You caught… a Shroodle?” She cringed. 

Patch’s purple eyes dilated, “His name is Arturo and I love him!”

Arturo seemed like a handsome name for a handsome lad. Now that they caught him, Patch could use his ink to make all the good paint they want. No more cheap acrylics that would dissolve into a clear solution! 

“Okay… cool,” The black-haired trainer gave a thumbs up, “Now, let’s get going! We’re nearing sunset!”

The two trainers made their way down a dusty path that split the prairie down the middle. Upon the top of the hill a massive cobblestone wall stood taller than the palm trees in Los Platos. It spread far beside the prairie, seemingly never-ending, but Patch knew behind the wall sat the City of Mezagoza; but more importantly the campus of Uva Academy. 

“Why does Mezagoza need those walls anyway?” They speculated, “Is it to keep out stronger Pokémon?”

“Not at all,” Nemona answered, “They were built by the old king centuries ago.”

Patch recalled very little about Paldean history, to their knowledge the region only ever had one king; not that Paldea ever needed one to begin with. A large mahogany wooden door awaited them and what appeared to be two sentry guards at the entrance. Both were wearing the same entire; white helmets with purple stripes and oddly enough Uva Academy uniforms. I guess they're on their way to campus too? Yet the other students sat lazily and ill-mannered in front of the gate as if to guard it

“Oh hear we go…,” Nemona sighed.

 So they know each other, Patch thought. 

The taller of the two students stood up, “Ay, you heading into Meza?” They tapped their boot against the dust impatiently.

“Yes…” Nemona gently pushed Patch aside, “And since when does the city have a toll booth?” 

The other student with dark hair flinched, while the first one faced the champion confidently. Whoever these two people were, Nemona had beef with them.

“You have two options…” the proud student offered, “Either battle us or j-”

“Diego, you idiot!” The shorter student muttered behind her clenched teeth, “That’s Nemona! Champion ranked trainer?!” 

Diego’s brown eyes widened and his smile quickly disappeared upon hearing the word “champion”. “Oh shh! Uh actually I just remembered I have somewhere to be!” His accent fluctuated under pressure.

“No no,” The champion refused, “I wouldn’t mind a battle.” 

By then the dark-haired student had fled the scene, it was just Diego trembling in his combat boots. Nemona’s tangerine eyes were burning not out of rage but with passion, she would never pass up a good fight. 

“Shall we?” She said tossing a pokeball in their hands.

Sweat was streaming down Diego’s quivering face, “Okay” he winced.

Patch gazed up at the sun, the blue sky beginning to turn warm from the east. Battling came first apparently, and who were they to tell Nemona no. A gentle tailwind came through as the battle began, Diego threw a pokeball with green stripes into the frey and out came Grimer. It’s purple sludgy, drippy body flowing to the ground, carrying a putrid musk that nearly made Patch’s eyes water. That smells worse than my Lechonk! Surprisingly, when Nemona sent out her Pokeball it held a tiny orange rodent. 

A Pawmi, they thought puzzled, why not just send in Pierce? It would make things go much faster. Strange choice aside, Nemona was a champion for a reason.

“Punchy, Charge up!” She commanded.

Electricty began to accumulate around the little Pawmi, yet the Grimer remained unharmed. Nemona… what are you doing?

“Gumbo, use mud slap!” Diego called.

“Gruhhh!” The Grimer belched out drops of black sludge from its gaping mouth.

“Dodge with a quick attack!” Nemona pressed forward. 

Her Pawmi suddenly jolted from the incoming mud slap. Although they weren’t  completely unscathed, as the backside of their orange fur was stained with black. 

“Charge once more!” The Champion retorted.

Nemona quit stalling, Patch’s anxiety became restless, Just hit him with something! With each new charge the Pawmi’s fur became a little more golden with electricity. But before both of them knew it, the Grimer took advantage of Nemona’s passive position and engulfed Punchy in it’s oozing body. Oh no! Patch panicked at the Pawmi drowning in sludge, Why are you letting this happen?! 

“Come now,” Nemona reached into her pocket, “Don’t think you’re winning?!”

In her hand, she held some kind of deep black Pokeball with a jewel-encrusted where the button would be. Patch assumed she would be sending in a much stronger Pokemon but the black Pokeball seemed to be gathering particles of light. Did that mean whatever Pokemon was inside was strong, they had never seen anything like it. Mysteriously it emitted a dazzling light, then Nemona threw it at her Pawmi.

It then dawned on Patch that it was something familiar, That’s a Terastlizing Pokeball! I’d never thought I’d see it this soon. As Pokeball opened, odd crystalline rocks pierced out of the Grimer’s body which nearly split it apart. The slimy Pokemon pulled itself away from the cluster which then shattered. In its place, Punchy stood with a shiny coat faceted like a gemstone. He wore a crystal crown resembling a lightbulb, signifying that he was an electric type. 

Patch was dazzled by the beauty of it all, Amazing! I wonder if I could ever do that?!

“Now Thundershock!” Nemona cheered. 

“Paw paw!” Punchy cried, unleashing a dazzling jolt of electricity.

The Grimer’s arms flailed about as it was hit and it let out an agonizing wail, “GRUUUUUHHHHHHH!”  

Diego quickly recalled his Grimer, his brown eyes shaken with fear. 

“Get out of here!” Nemona calmly murmured to her defeated opponent.

Diego ran off almost immediately, leaving the gate to Mezagoza completely unguarded and free to enter through. 

“Mui bein, Punchy!” Nemona congratulated her Pokemon.

A glimmering dust surrounded Punchy, and within a blink of an eye, his crystalline coat was back to normal. The Pawmi was just a bit bigger than Arturo but still able to fit in his trainer’s palm. 

“If you ever see anyone with similar helmets on, don’t talk to them! They’re with Team Star!” The champion informed Patch.

“Team Star?” Patch asked.

The name of it struck accord with a similar group back in Unova; Team Plasma. It gave Patch unpleasant thoughts, Plasma had nearly swayed the people of Unova to join their cause of giving up their Pokemon. During that period Patch was too young to understand what had transpired, but they were now old enough to look back on it in horror. If Plasma had succeeded, would they even be a trainer now?

“Did they want something from us?” Patch swallowed their bad memories.

“Maybe, but they just want new members,” Nemona answered with her Pawmi on her shoulder, “It’s kinda sad though, people who flunk out of the Academy go on to join them. Some of them even play dirty and disregard the League’s rules.”

An alarm was set off in the young trainer’s head, Disregarding the Rules?! Does that mean they’ll kill my Pokemon?! Would they kill me?! No matter what it meant they were thankful for Nemona protecting them from harm’s way. Yet, Patch couldn’t make up a plan if they ran into a Star member in the future. Would they be forced into battling? Could they just say they knew a Champion to get out of it? Maybe… battling another trainer was just as inevitable as losing a Pokemon.

“Anywho…” Nemona looked toward the sun, “If we keep stalling you might not be able to check in to your dorm room.”

The blue sky was now blended with a hue pink, then gold with a splash of amber surrounding the nearly setting sun. Nemona knocked on the mahogany door and it slowly creaked open; revealing the awaited city of Mezagoza. As Patch stepped through the ancient threshold, they felt they were living in the pictures of brochures they read. Just as they imagined, Mezagoza was an artful, grandiose city that couldn’t be contained on a single canvas.

The ground was paved with colorful bits of stone, arranged in a way to make it feel that you were walking on a mosaic. The buildings were painted blue or yellow with white accents to make them feel coordinated. Various shops made up streets, offering various knick-knacks and keepsakes. Nearby restaurants peppered the air with promising aromas that would soothe your nose, widen your eyes, and cause your mouth to water. Upon climbing a flight of stairs, Patch saw that a battlefield made up the center of the city. This time being paved with the finest alabaster marble and the field's borders are surrounded by a different color of tile to represent each type of Pokemon. 

Standing at the highest level of the city was the Uva Academy building. It was structured similar to a castle and its piercing spires couldn’t be missed no matter where you stood in the city. On the left of the building an arched bridge was connected to a separate tower where a tree grew. On the right, a faced dome stood out of place among the medieval structures and it was clear that it was added fairly recently. In the center of the building was a giant glass Pokeball in the belfry. 

“Is there any other way to get up there?” Patch asked, intimidated by the massive staircase leading up to the building. 

Nemona laughed, “You’re not a Uva student without climbing that staircase! Come on!” 

They treaded onward to campus, still dreading the rigorous climb. Well, it’s better than the Skyarrow Bridge, they thought. Patch was already out of breath when they made it up twenty stairs, while Nemona was already at the top waiting for them. Oh, come on! They complained in their head. The day had been long, but if it was going to be over they just needed to make it to their dorm. As they climbed more stairs they let the new possibilities in Paldea fester in their head. First day of being a trainer, in a day or so it’ll be my first day of being an art student. I’ll get to learn Pokemon anatomy. The Pokemon I caught today could model for me! I wonder how I would keep them still? Tamarind would probably be easiest, it’s easy for him to relax. I hope I can catch more Pokemon though. Finally, after all of that, they arrived at Uva Academy,

The campus courtyard was just as big as the city plaza, with plenty of room for grass and cypress trees to grow. Students who had already checked in were scattered about either on their own or forming cliques with others. Fate could only decide who Patch was going to befriend, but they had faith that the art classes would lead to happy connections.

“So now we’re here!” Nemona took a good stretch, “I wish I could have gotten you here sooner.”

“No no, it’s okay! Today was crazy!” Patch shrugged.

“Anyway…” Nemona yawned “This is where we have to part. You need to get settled into your dorm and I have to review my class schedule.”

The young trainer nodded back without a word. Although they had only really known Nemona for a week, they were the closest connection they had in Paldea. In a way, she held a mentor-like role to them and it would only strengthen as Patch would be seeing them around campus.

“Just get your keycard from the front desk,” the champion waved to them as she walked away, “Feel free to stop by my office anytime!”

From there, Patch followed the travertine path to the academy’s front door. Upon entering the building, they found themselves in a glorious hall akin to the inside of a castle. The wooden ceiling felt stories high, yet the hall was not overcrowded with echoes. A set of opposing staircases led to a second floor, which was supported by alabaster pillars. A library made up most of the hall, with every mahogany shelf being chalked to the brim with books. I wonder if they have any Swords of Justice? Patch thought marveling at the assortment of books. A white banner was hung above the front desk that read “Welcome New Students”. A brown-haired student and their Mawile sat behind the front desk, waiting for students to check in.

“Patch Callune?” The stylish student asked whilst applying makeup.

“Umm… that’s me,” Patch nervously adjusted the hat from covering their eyes. 

The upperclassman handed them a keycard, “Room 302. Take the stairs to the left, then go up the elevator to the third floor.”

The student immediately left their post with their Mawile beside them. Am I the last to check in? I hope I didn’t make them sit there all day. Part of them wished they had arrived earlier when Clavell, but the other half was grateful for staying with Nemona. Without her, they wouldn’t have caught two new Pokemon as well as a temporary member.

Up the stairs, they went to the elevator which wouldn’t open unless they scanned their keycard on a sensor. The elevator itself fit the ornate aesthetic of the school with rich wooden walls and a purple carpeted floor. However, Patch could not find any buttons to press and the doors quickly slid shut. Beneath their feet, they felt the elevator moving upward which only made Patch more confused. Soon after the doors slid open into an entirely new corridor lined with doors on each side. Could this be my floor? Patch strolled along the hallway to see that the door closest to the right was labeled 302, their room. 

A little relieved, the exhausted trainer scanned their keycard over the lock and the door opened to a pleasant little room filled with boxes. It wasn’t as big as the guestroom back at Nemona’s but it was still cozy. On the leftside their small kitchen space complete with a sink, countertop, and some cabinets to hold snacks. On the other side where most of Patch’s boxes took up the floor, but once they unpacked it their would become a nice space to sitdown and relax. A desk sat in the corner of the room, perfect for drawing and studying. Across from it was a bed, already made in anticipation for Patch’s arrival. 

This is it, they gleamed with excitement, My humble abode until I graduate! They slid most of their boxes to their desk to open up some open space, and then they reached into their bag and released their Pokeballs. All at once, Tamarind, Kombucha, and Arturo appeared before their trainer; curious as to where they were. Being the smallest, Arturo scampered about into any dark corner he could hide in. Tamarind sniffed the boxes to see if there was any food inside them. Patch made sure to keep Kombucha from rubbing his putrid odor on the fresh sheets of their bed. I should figure out how to give a Lechonk a bath… 

While the other Pokemon were roaming freely, Kapheria was still locked inside her Pokeball. Patch wanted to let her out but worried that she would exacerbate her crack in such a tight space Knowing well that Kapheria deserved some attention, they caved in and preceded to release the metallic dragon. Once out of her ball Kapheria took up a lot of space within the confines of the dorm, but their was still enough room for her to properly raise her head and tail  

“Arg?” Kapheira purred. 

Patch held the dragon by the sides of her jaws, “Have a good rest girl?”

“Arggggh!” she yawned letting out a big roar.

“Aww,” Patch scratched beneath her chin, “This is going to be your new home. You’ll be staying with me until your trainer comes back!”

Patch felt a tug at their sock, and they turned to see Tamarind at their feet. The Fuecoco held out his arms to his trainer, gesturing that he wanted to be held. As the trainer picked him up and felt the warmth of crocodile’s body, they sensed a blissful relief in their overly-shaken heart. Despite knowing their Pokemon for only a day, Patch would happily care for them like their own children. Despite feeling intimidated they would allow their Pokemon to battle if it kept them from going stir crazy. Despite feeling unsure of everything, Patch would always have their Pokemon by their side.

<- Chapter 4- Chapter 6 ->

[shatteredvioletnuzlocke]

Chapter 3: The Rift (Kapheria)

Kapheria lied unmoving, but not entirely unconscious. She could feel the ground beneath her claws, it was soft in a way that was all too familiar. 

Sand… this is sand! It can’t be, has it happened already?! Am I too late?! While exhausted from the fall, she tried her best to open her eyes. Everything around her looked blurry, but she tilted her head towards the sky. She could tell that it was still blue. As long as the sky was blue and the land was green, Kapheria would know that the worst had yet to come. 

She heard voices from outside her head, human voices.

One called from afar, “Stay away from that thing!”

“What is it?” another spoke. 

“I don’t know! This one’s new to me!” The first one responded. 

Humans… I wonder if I’m close enough to Turo’s lighthouse. Kapheria’s vision became more clear, she couldn’t remember if she had been to this place before, but she knew that she had landed on what humans called “a beach”. She tried to stand on her front legs but felt a sudden sting on her head which caused her to jerk back to the ground.

“That hurts,” she muttered to herself. 

A few tail lengths away she noticed a human with their body scrunched up. They looked nothing like Turo, but that was expected as no two humans looked the same. This one was more pale in complexion, adorning a strange purple and white attire. How peculiar, this one is all by itself. I thought I heard another one. 

While Kapheria’s head still ached, she couldn't help but pick up a strange scent. It was unlike anything she had smelt before, it seemed to tickle at her sensors in a very fascinating way. She could tell it was close. She propped her head against the ground and found a strange object splattered all over the sand. I wonder if this tastes as good as it smells. 

The dragon licked the nearest piece and was met with a pleasant kind of static in their mouth. She scooped it into her mouth and it shocked her with delight. Kapheria had tried food before but nothing as good as this! 

More! She happily clawed the entire treat and began to devour it. Each layer of it brought a new flavor: delight, satisfaction, dry, wet. Why hadn’t she had this sooner? Once Kapheria scarfed down the strange food, she felt her body was surging with a new kind of energy, a new kind of love. She tried again to pick herself up, this time successfully standing but still feeling pain in her head. She noticed as she got up that the impact of her fall was so great she had left an impression of glass. 

Kapheria could still smell a small part of the food’s aroma coming from the human. She licked her jaw, Do they have more, I’d love some more! Joyfully, the dragon pranced toward the human, too excited to remember her manners. 

“Hello, human!” The dragon purred, “Do you have any more of whatever that was?” 

The human backed away from her, their purple eyes sunken back. Kapheria spoke in a way that humans couldn’t understand, even Turo couldn’t understand her. Luckily, she had been around humans enough to read their language.

“Please!” the human cried, “leave me alone!”

Kapheria lowered her neck bashfully, “Oh I’m sorry!”

Kapheria sniffed the human’s hand and licked it, a fine way to introduce herself. She noticed that the human was taken aback by her gesture. She went to lick the human’s face and affectionately nudged them. 

The human soon began to laugh, “Hey cut it out! Stop it!”

“Patch!” The other human’s voice called, “You good?”

Patch? Is your name Patch? That’s a pretty name! 

“I think so, it's not attacking me!” Patch replied. 

Kapheria looked up to see another human and three Pokemon standing on the side of the edge of a cliff.

“Bad news,” the human on the cliff warned, “I don’t think I have a flying type strong enough to carry you up.”

So they want to get up there! The dragon wondered how they could help Patch get up, it was the least she could do in return for a delicious meal. The easiest method would be to scale the cliff, but the base was so smooth that even she would slide off. She couldn’t glide up either, she wouldn’t have a high point to gain some thrust.

 It was then Kapheria noticed a small cave within the base. A small black Pokémon with a strange head and an orange muzzle ran out of the hollow. That looks like a good way out!  

The dragon felt a strong pulse in her engine, she knew she had enough energy to activate her true form but she felt a little anxious. Last time she went into her form, she got damaged. What would happen if she were to shift when she already felt pain in her head? Would she damage herself more? 

Kapheria swallowed her fears, remembering the task Turo had given her. I’m here to save the humans and Pokemon of the Green world! Human Patch needs me! Mustering her courage, the dragon allowed the electricity inside her to flow and reach outside her body. 

She folded her back legs into her thighs, allowing the power from her jets to carry her. She unfurled her throat and it radiated blue and yellow light, the same color of her lighting. She whipped her tail against the sand and it glowed in the same way, with the tip of it having a thunderbolt shape. Finally, her antennae became overtaken with streaks of lighting emitting from her head. Although the electricity on the left side of her head, where her pain hurt most, seemed to crackle very loudly.

Patch was frightened by the dragon's change in appearance. 

“Be not afraid, Human Patch,” Kapheria reassured them, “this is my true form, with it, I will protect you.”

She hovered over to the cave, where the black Pokemon guarded the entrance. 

“Hello, little one!” She greeted it, “I am Kapheria!” 

But little Pokemon only crouched and bared its fangs. It growled and spat out a tiny orange light. Kapheria recognized the light as fire, it was similar to lightning only it came from the ground. The small ember went out instantly. This must be the way its species welcomes others.

The dragon cleared its throat and hacked out a jolt of lightning in return. The Pokemon jumped in response and ran into the cave's hollow. Perhaps I came off too strong? 

“This way, Human Patch,” Kapheria gestured towards the cave.

She hovered into the dark tunnel, with her natural glow lighting the way. She carefully kept her head down, to avoid giving herself more pain. Kapheria could hear the human's footsteps walking the crusty earth behind her.

 Further, the cave became much wider, although it wasn’t as spacious as the caves she was familiar with. While it was dreary, clusters of glowing moss twinkled off the walls. Two of the same black, orange-muzzled Pokemon ran towards a small passageway. 

“Excuse me!” Kapheria called out to them, “This human needs to leave, can you help us?”

The two Pokemon did not return from the hole. Shy.

“Never fear, Human Patch, I will get you out!” Kapheria readied a powerful stance. 

Kapheria tilted her head back and opened her jaw. She unleashed an overwhelming gray beam at the rock, pulverizing it. There was now a large entryway big enough for her and Patch. 

“Come forth, I think we’re getting close!” she exclaimed.  As the purple dragon crossed the threshold, she felt energy sparking out of her head in loud snaps. Strange, this hasn’t occurred before. I should look into this later.

The entryway led the two to a much larger cavern, with larger formations of rock hanging from the ceiling like fangs. The sounds of falling water droplets bounced of the walls.

“Patch! Are you still okay?!” The other human’s voice echoed from afar.

“Nemona?” Patch happily called out, “Where are you? Can you hear me? Is Tamarind still with you?” 

Kapheria titled her head to the side, Tamarind? Could that be another human?

Kapheria hovered over to the source of the echoing, she soon found a crack of light atop a ledge where Nemona stood waving. 

“Over here,” Nemona exclaimed, “Woah, is that the Pokémon who crashed on the beach?! They look baller!” 

“I don’t know what that means but thank you,” Kapheria roared flatteringly. 

As the two made their way towards the exit, the sound of barking began to fill the cave. One of the same black and orange Pokemon crawled out from another small tunnel and howled. Immediately more creatures sprang out of every dark corner, surrounding the human and dragon from going any further.

“I’m sorry,” Kapheria asked the closest Pokemon, “I’m afraid we don’t have time to talk. Would you and your companions mind moving aside?”

The little creature only spoke in fire as he spat tiny flames at the dragon. The fire was so minuscule it only went out when touching Kapheria’s metal shell. She could hear whimpering coming from Patch, and understood that they were becoming comfortable.

“No no no no!” Patch murmured.

“Please,” she pleaded with the tiny fire breather, “this is becoming too much!” 

The frenzy of pokemon neared towards their guests, one of them lunging at the human. Kapheria sensed Patchwas getting overwhelmed, the last thing they would want was some physical contact. With her lightning-fast reflexes, she batted at the small creature with her tail, throwing them across the room. It cried as it hit the cavern’s wall, falling completely limp. Oh dear, I hope they’re okay. 

“Rowf!” a mighty voice barked from the depths of the cavern. 

The human fell to the ground on their knees, their hands pressed against their head. No doubt they were experiencing distress. 

“Patch!” Nemona hollered for their friend, “Get the hell out of there!” 

The human only stood motionless and unresponsive, as if they were frozen. The small pokemon slowly backed away, as larger beast came out the shadows. It too resembled the other Pokemon but it was taller, with curved horns and an arrowed tail. It stood proudly and regally among its smaller subordinates.

Kapheria didn’t want Patch to feel as if they were obligated to interact with the beast, so she began spinning her body in circular motions. She twirled around faster and faster, beginning to charge her energy. But she sensed something else was wrong, This is less energy than usual, I should be fully charged by now. She could hear the beast padding closer.

Her entire body started to glow with electricity, this should be enough. Moving her body forward she spun toward the beast, intending to shock him away. As she rotated, sparks flew. She could feel her energy becoming faint, almost as if her form was short-circuiting. What’s going on why do I feel so weak? Kapheria’s electro-drift managed to draw the beast back, even though her light began flickering. Soon she stopped spinning as a large flash of light emitted from her body. 

“No!” she cried attempting to hold what she had left together, What’s happening, why can’t I stop it?! 

The light was so glaring even she was blinded, yet she felt the surface of the ground against her claws; a sign that she was in her low-power form. How did this happen, I didn’t mean to shift! Her glassy head tingled with static energy, could this be because she impulsively shifted forms earlier or was it due to her fall? Did accidentally break herself? Whatever the case was knew she wasn’t in the right place to shift for a while. 

Kapheria’s vision cleared, she now saw the beast standing above her. 

“Please… fellow Pokemon,” she sputtered trying to hold her words, “we only wish to-”

The mighty beast inhaled a wisp of fire from the back of its throat, barring its teeth apathetically. Suddenly the ferocious Pokemon was knocked back by a mysterious flash of red. Now in front of her was a different Pokemon, a maroon creature with a spikey white mane. 

“Pierce, use rock slide until it’s down!” she heard Nemona’s voice command.

“Rrrrooooo!” the maroon Pokemon responded, slamming its paws onto the ground. 

The toothy ceiling of the cave began to crumble as began to rain small pebbles. One bounced off Kapheria’s head but it did little to irritate her pain more. 

“Patch, come on!” Nemona claimed, “The cave might cave in!”

Kapheria saw Patch leaning against Nemona’s shoulder, both of them feeling to the exit. 

Nemona raised her hand, “You too, Sparky!”

Coming, Human Nemona! The dragon pulled herself up as quickly as she could, the static aching her head. The pain wasn’t enough to keep her standing still. On all fours, she limply padded up the path to the ledge, while pointed stones collapsed from the air. Although she was trying to keep up, the strain of her head gave her unpleasant thoughts. This has never happened to me before. Why am I weak now? Why now of all times? 

Then most dreadful fear consumed her, What would Turo think if he saw me like this?

<- Chapter 2 - Chapter 4 ->

[shatteredvioletnuzlocke]

Chapter 6: Day in Life of a Uva Student (Patch)

After class had dismissed, lunch in the Uva cafeteria had commenced. Students lined up with plastic trays, with Patch having the most eager appetite. I wish I hadn’t skipped breakfast, they groaned in their head. Thinking back to the time at the Torrez’s, Patch wouldn’t mind a protein-powdered pancake.  

On the white tiled wall, a menu was posted: 

Today’s Lunch 

Patatas Bravas with Basil and Smoliv oil  

Tomato Berry Bread with Serrano Ham and Pesto (Gluten-free Options available)

Beet salad with Skiddo Cheese

Tempted by the many choices, Patch settled for a Patatas Bravas with some beet salad on the side. Then came the challenging part; where to sit. The young student was no stranger to the seating arrangement system. Back at their old high school, you needed to be in a clique just to reserve your table. Otherwise, you’d have to cry in the bathroom like everyone else.

Scanning the room for anyone they recognized, Patch spotted a familiar stocky man with blond hair. Oh, it’s that Arven guy! Avren sat at a table in the far back all by himself. Oh… does he not have any friends? they thought concerned. They reminded themselves of the day they were given Kapheria. I hope he's not still mad about that. Wanting to barry the hatchet, they approached the near-empty table.

“Hey, Arven!” Patch greeted with a smile, “Mind if I sit?” 

The blond-haired student seemed startled by Patch as if it were the first time someone said hello to him.

“Oh it’s you,” he groaned.

Patch’s smile began to slip, “Uh yeah… me. I’m, Patch.” 

Arven gestured them to sit but his scowl remained. Patch noticed an assortment of loose-leaf papers scribbled with words. The young man had his nose caught in a book, indicating they were interrupting his study session. 

It doesn’t look like he’s still mad at me. If he were he wouldn’t let me sit. Maybe we can be friends? Maybe I can give him Kapheria?

“Soooo…” Patch began with a question “Whatcha reading about? Is it for a big assignment?

“Nothing like that…” he replied without looking up, “Just some light reading.”

This only made Patch curious to what his book was about. They didn’t want to pry into his mind, but the way he was so invested in every page reminded them of how they read Swords of Justice. 

“So classes are you taking?” They requested, shoving a potato slice in their mouth. The saltyness of the potato pleased them.

He turned to jot some notes, “I’m in the humanities track this year.”

“Oh cool,” Patch swallowed their food, “That means you guys learn about hospitality, right? My dad knows all about that.”

“It’s not about hospitality…” he sighed, “It’s more than that. It’s teaching us to free the world from brutality and prevent others from getting hurt. Unlike most of the students who engage their Pokemon in senseless fighting. And for what? A sport?”

“Oh I get what you mean,” Patch shoved the rest of their potatoes in their gaping mouth, “I don’t think I wanna battle either!”

Arven didn’t respond at all, perhaps the potatoes clouded their words. Washing everything down with a glass of cool, fresh water, Patch realized that the conversation wasn’t going anywhere. They might as well get straight to the point. 

“Anyway…” Patch shrugged, “When we met, your dad kinda gave me custody of his dragon.”

“I remember,” he buried his head deeper into his book.

“So I was wondering if I could give her back to you?”

It was then their eyes met, although his expression didn’t change. Alright, we’re getting somewhere! 

Patch went on, “I was very flattered, but I feel like I don’t know a lot about Kapheria to take care of her. And you kind of-”

“You didn’t damage her more did you?” he immediately interrogated them.

“No, I didn’t!” they pleaded, “You just seemed like you wanted to look after her.” 

Patch went into their bag and pulled Kapheria’s newly painted Pokeball which Arven immediately swiped out of their hands. 

“Is this Kapheria’s Pokeball?” he raised his voice upon examining the painted lightning bolts, “WHAT DID YOU DO TO IT?!”

Oh gosh, what did I do? Patch worried, “It’s okay I only painted it! The Pokeball still works!”

“What are you a child?” Arven began to yell, “You don’t just deface something that doesn’t belong to you!” 

He dunked his napkin into his water glass and began scrubbing away at the paint. Arven was right, how could Patch do something so careless? They stood ashamed, only imagining the anger Arven was boiling for them. They glanced around the room to find that some students began gawking at the scene of it all: One student was pissed off out of his mind and another was about to cry under the pressure. 

Arven shoved the Pokeball back into Patch’s clammy hands. Most of the paint chipped off but there were still large traces of violet. 

“I expect you to remove the rest of it before you return it to my father,” he muttered under his breath. 

With that Arven gathered his notes and pressed them down into the pages of his large book. He stormed off, without even taking Kapheria with him. Patch didn’t understand, Arven seemed eager to look after the metallic beast. Was he respecting his father’s request? Did he lose interest? Was he just too busy with his studies?

Before Patch could answer any of their question a similar voice rang from outside of their head, “Hey Newbie, this seat taken?” 

“Nemona!” Patch wiped their eyes to see their former hostess, “go right ahead.”

Nemona adorned a violet tracksuit, the perfect attire for a battling coach. 

“You doing okay?” Nemona asked concernely, “Why was that Arven kid yelling at you?”

Patch hid Kapheria’s Pokeball deep within their bag, “Oh I don’t know… I think he’s still mad at me about the whole Kapheria thing.”

“Yeesh really?” Nemona stirred her drink, “If you ask me that guy has daddy issues.”

“Nemona!” they couldn’t help but smile.

Perhaps it helped to have a teacher who was close to Patch’s age. It didn’t make them look like a total friendless loser. 

“Anyway, I was hoping to run into you,” Nemona reached into her bag, “I have something for you!” 

Nemona dropped a worn-down decoy doll onto the table, which shook the plates for a second. It was poorly stitched together with sloppy seams. The green fabric was faded and even stained in some places.

“Even if you're not going to battle other trainers, your Pokemon are going to need some enrichment,” Nemona explained, “So you can have my old decoy doll.”

“Oh…” Patch gulped, “thank you.” 

They lifted the doll of the table with their meek body strength. What’s in these things? They placed it next to their bag. 

“That’s not all,” the champion grinned. She slid a violet box onto the table with a silver Uva emblem.

The looked so ornate that Patch assumed that there could be jewelry inside. Instead, when they opened it there was a Pokeball that was black like obsidian. It was aligned with a silver ring and encrusted with a black jewel. They had seen this before this was a Tera Orb!

“This is for me?!” Patch’s eyes widened.

“Of course it is!” she nodded, “I told Clavell about what happened that day with Kapheria, and how you helped her. We give these out to outstanding students and he was so impressed with your act of kindness we’re giving you one now.” 

“Oh come on,” Patch blushed, “Kapheria saved me more.”

Patch removed the Tera Orb from its velvety case, admiring the sleek texture. Touching it, it felt like the finest glass. They saw their reflection against the surface. Seeing their unruly brown hair and poorly knotted necktie, they wondered how someone so unremarkable could deserve something so powerful. 

“Don’t worry,” Nemona reassured them, “It’ll come in handy for later.” 

One thing was for certain, Patch wasn’t painting over this Pokeball.

…

Later that night Patch drew in their dorm while their team slumbered. Now that they had unpacked, their room felt more lived in. Their desk was chock-full of pencils, paint, and extra sketchbooks. Posters of elegant horse Pokemon were displayed on the wall. The shelves were stacked with the first volume of The Swords of Justice series. A navy and white carpet was set down on the floor. On top of it was an old Pokemon bed their mother gave them where the team was nestled together. 

Tamarind lay on his belly snoring away, his breaths carrying a relaxed purr. Kombucha curled up to the corner snorting pleasant dreams. The decoy doll acted as a giant pillow for the tiny Arturo who cuddled it. As they all slept, Patch tried to capture the moment in their sketchbook. They etched against the paper, their loose sketchy lines forming simple shapes. Then making way for the details, with only the bedside lamp and Tamarind’s flickering tuft acting as a light source. Patch was fortunate that their team was so easy to draw with their roundish bodies, they made perfect modeling subjects. 

Using their phone Patch took a picture of their team, so they could reference it for later. Admiring the way their Pokemon were serenely dozing, they forwarded the picture to their mother. They read their phone’s clock 8:46pm, It’s probably tomorrow in Unova right now. Mom will probably respond at midnight. I haven’t shown her my team yet. I hope she likes them as much as I do. Patch’s mom was a trainer as well, but she only caught Pokemon that were clean and well-mannered. They could only imagine the disapproval-coded comments they would receive after their mother saw they caught a smelly Lechonk.

Their phone began to ring before they could prepare themselves for the motherly nagging. Their screen showed a profile picture of a familiar round face with carmine hair and glasses. Sage? What could she want at this hour? Sage Winchell was Patch’s best friend in Unova, he lived far from Nacrene but their shared interests kept them close. 

“Woink…” Kombucha moaned, awakened by the ringtone.

He must be bored off another caffeine rush, Patch thought. Curious to find the real answer, Patch accepted the call keeping the volume low. The screen went blurry for a minute before it displayed their best friend in a darkened room. But it didn’t look like Sage’s bedroom, was he kidnapped?

“Sage? You okay?” Patch asked.

“Patch!” Sage’s animated voice tunneled through the speaker, "GUESS WHAT?!"

He must be on some pretty intense coffee.

"I'M IN PALDEA TOO!" she revealed with a squee.

“Shut up?!” Patch’s eyes widened, “You’re playing me?! You can’t be? When? How?”

“I remember how I said I wanted to go to trainer school?” Sage mentioned, “Well I took a shot in the dark and sent in a few applications, and I got enrolled to Naranja Academy!”

Sage in Paldea? Patch paced around the room with concentrated excitement. They scanned the room to see if it looked any different. Testing themselves to see if they had fallen asleep in a lucid dream. Yet, everything in their dorm room remained normal. 

"How come you didn't tell me before?" Patch asked.

Sage twirled his hands around, "Well I didn't think I was actually going to get in, I was waitlisted until a few weeks ago," he admitted.

“Oh wow," Patch's eyes glimmered with delight. The young trainer had to leave a lot behind when they departed for Paldea. But now that Sage was around it was like they had a little piece of Unova.

"So how's Uva?" Sage wondered, "Make any friends with any rich kids?"

Patch shrugged, "Well sort of... but not everyone here is rich..."

“Nonsense! You must be learning how to speak Kalish while they feed you caviar,” Sage teased.

“Quiet, peasant,” Patch leaned to his sense of humor, “So what are you learning at your school?” 

“Battling, what else?” Sage answered.

Battling, the word echoed in Patch’s mind, Sage… is battling? The two were similar in many ways, but Sage always stood out as the risk-taker.

“Yeah…” he signed, “It's all they teach here. But I’m learning all the ins and outs of becoming a good trainer. Oh, and that’s not the only thing!” 

Sage reached out of frame an pulled a fluffy Sprigatito with deep red eyes that flashed in the light. 

“This is Dahlia,” Sage cooed in a cutesy tone, “The school gave her to me, isn’t she perfect?”

“Aw so cute,” Patch closed their eyes to appear pleasant while they placed their hand over their healing scratch. “Wanna see mine?”

“Of course I do,” he said as Patch flipped the camera to face their Pokemon.

“Yooooo!” Sage beamed, his voice growing out of the speaker, “I like your Fuecoco!”

“Woink… woink,” Kombucha awoke in a huff. 

“Aw, I woke the sleepy man!” the young man on the phone joked. 

The Lechonk rather peeved at the commotion tugged at his trainers' socks. He wiggled it around as to say to “knock it off”.

“Sorry Kombucha,” Patch apologized, “I’ll be done in a second.”   

“So since we’re both in Paldea, do you want to meet up soon?” Sage proposed, “We’re both pretty close to Cortondo. Why don’t we meet there sometime?”

 In their mind they brushed upon the Paldean map, That’s… west of here. Not too far.  “Let’s do it!” 

“Okay!” Sage winked, “I have a class tomorrow, so I better get some shut-eye! See ya!”  

“Bye,” Patch ended the video chat.

As they lead the cranky pig back into bed, Patch begins to wonder. Sage is willing to battle, but Arven says it’s just a sport. He is older than me she must know what he’s doing.  

The very next morning classes were cancelled without a moment’s notice. The entire school was summoned for an assembly on the field. The field was on the school deck, big enough to hold various sports events. The Paldean sun rose slowly, causing the cool shadows to linger over the crowd of students. 

Patch followed the crowd, just as curious as everyone else to see what this assembly would entail. What’s all this about? Is someone in trouble? Maybe this is one of those, “Welcome to a new school year” type of assembly? Because of the inclusion of their beanie, they stood out among the other students who wore the same uniform. The students where all of different ages, ranging from kindergarteners to middle aged adults. Since Uva was a trainer school anyone could apply, it was an only a matter of getting accepted. Patch assumed the older students had to wait years for their acceptance letter. Unlike the kindergarteners who made it in without realizing their luck. Patch was also lucky to get accepted while they were still a young adult.

Foldable chairs where set out on the synthetic grass, though it was clear there weren’t enough for everyone. That was fine, Patch didn’t mind standing or sitting on the plastic ground. On the track a platform was set with a podium branished with the Uva sigil. No doubt it was meant for Director Clavell or someone just as important. 

Among the sea of people, Patch worried apon seeing the blond hair of Arven. Oh Arceus, they rolled their eyes as they thought. They quickly noted how the young man didn’t converse or even associate with the other students. Much how like he sat alone at lunch the other day. Was Arven that introverted or was everyone put off by his egregious temper? Patch would never find the answer. 

They sat as far away from Arven as they could to avoid another confrontation and opened a clean page in their sketchbook. Patch tried to draw Tamarind from memory. Using their pencil they made a roundish egg shape for the body then added smaller circles for his arms legs and jaw. No that’s not right! Patch thought unsatisfied upon seeing their lack luster jaw, It isn’t that round is it? They rubbed their eraser against the paper until the circle was no more. Patch redrew the jaw with a flatter shape which made it much more suitable for their meticulous mind.

From their artistic concentration, Patch heard the students whisper. 

“There’s Professor Thuban!”

“Is it true he's part of the elite four?” 

“Crap, I haven’t done his homework yet!”

The aforementioned Professor Thuban fashioned an argyle sweater under a sap green blazer with a cape draping from his shoulders. Patch found that it was suitable for a supposed elite four-member. He strolled up to the stage, behind a man with a fashionable suit and shaven hair. Behind that man was a brawn man with muscular arms like that of a Gurdur. He had jet black hair an wore an apron around his waist. I wonder what he teaches ? Then came an elderly woman with a dark complexion with gray blocky hair. Her homely attire of a dress and sweater gave Patch the impression that she was kind grandmotherly type of person.

The student body settled their voices as they saw Director Clavell and champion Nemona enter the stage. The man with snowy white hair adjusted his glasses and reached for the microphone. 

“Excellent,” his voice reached through the crowd, “It seems like everyone is in attendance.”

What could be so important you needed the whole school to show up? 

“Well then it’s time I explained your independent assignment,” Clavell announced.

Independent study assignment?! Patch feared, Would that interfere with my art classes?

“For those of you who are new to Uva, we are allowing you to pursue a hands-on learning experience to explore Paldea!” the Director explained, “As you study to be trainers, you find that you’ll need to navigate and adapt to nature. This assignment will help you prepare for just that. So long as you return to the academy every once in a while to attend your classes, you may travel to wherever you please!”      

Patch reveled at such an opportunity, I can go out and explore Paldea. All on my own?! 

“This year’s theme will be… A treasure hunt,” Clavell revealed, “I ask each of you to set out and travel the world in search of your own treasure!”

My treasure, Patch wondered, what would that be? They thought of the things most valuable to them: art, books, pokemon. 

“Of course, your Pokémon partners will be there to help you. You will journey together...learn new things together...share each other's thoughts and feelings...and find something you might always treasure!” Clavell rejoiced in his speech.

That’s true. Patch realized, traveling makes for a better bonding experience. Plus, I wouldn’t mind catching another Pokemon, so long as they aren’t smelly. 

The student body began to celebrate their new-found assignment. 

“We can go anywhere?”

“I wanna go to Levinca!”

“If I go on this assignment, I may never wanna come back.”

“Maybe this will get me out of homework?”

“I look forward to welcoming you all back after your independent study,” The Director exulted, “when you return to us as fine young Trainers! Let the Treasure Hunt begin! Onward!"

The whole school roared with applause, they’re voices cheering for Clavell and his grand idea. The screeching volume of it all almost irritated Patch, but they too were thrilled with excitement. 

…

Patch lugged through the shopping street of Mezagoza, the weight of their bag being heavier than ever. It was chalked to the brim with clothes, sketchbooks, potions, and empty Pokeballs. All they needed left was food for their trip. The scent of freshly baked bread led them to the storefront of Deli Cioso. Sandwiches would make for a great meal for the road. They’re cheap, effortless, and tasty.

“Alola,” the store clerk greeted from behind the desk, “What can I get for ya?” 

They quickly planned their order, I’m going to need meat for Tamarind. Vegetables for Kombucha. But do Shroodles eat? Would Arturo eat meat? I bet Kapheria would eat anything. The other option would be to buy a bag of Pokemon kibble, but it was also the more costly one. 

“Could I have three smoked fillets, five eggs, five red bell peppers, a bottle of vinegar, and some bread rolls?” Patch asked.

The woman took a moment to ring them up, “Alright, that’ll be 2,890 P.”

  Arceus dammit! Patch pulled out their wallet and gave the lady half of what was inside. They wondered if it was too late to change their mind. But the woman had a full plastic bag already for them.

“Have a good day!” the store clerk smiled.

They took their bag shamefully and heaved their way to the west gate. Do I need all this food for Cortondo? I’ll only be there for a day or two. Then again I might as well eat this to save money. Under the beaming glare of the Paldean sun, Patch began to melt with sweat. They were already so exhausted by the weight of their baggage that they were tempted to get their Pokemon out to lighten their load. But they were all too small and they knew better than to have Kapheria carry things for them. 

They plopped their backpack down on the ground, placed their sandwich bag on the nearest bench, and sat down. Catching their breath, they took a moment to glance and the passing cumulus clouds. They wished for rain to pour down on them.

Suddenly their backpack began to shake, as if something alive was inside. Strange… Then the flap unzipped to release the blue beam of a Pokeball. In a flash Kapheria stood right in front of them, much to their surprise.

“Agrias!” Kapheria roared while stretching.

People who were passing by couldn’t help but stare at the metallic dragon, wondering what kind of Pokemon she was.  

Patch’s eyes widened, “Did you come out of your Pokeball all on your own?”

Kapheria nudged at the sandwich bag, trying to gnaw through the plastic.

“Kapheria, no!” Patch swiped the bag away, “We need to save these for later!” 

“Arg?” the dragon tilted her head.

“We’re traveling to Cortondo to meet up with my friend, Sage,” Patch explained knowing that the Pokemon wouldn’t fully understand, “You’ll have plenty of time to eat when we're on the road!”

Even though they focused their treasure hunt on catching Pokemon, they didn’t want to miss out on the opportunity to see their best friend. Cortondo wasn’t very far from Mezagoza, but the amount of walking would do a number on Patch’s feet. Of course, they could call a flying taxi but it would be a waste of money for such a short ride.

“You can have a sandwich as soon as we get to the West Province,” Patch promised.

Kapheria’s tail wagged eagerly but she began to curl it underneath her hind legs. Her silvery throat unfolded and began to glow like it did at the beach.

“Kapheria?” Patch witnessed the strange occurrence, Is she transforming again? Does this mean she’s better?

Static crackled from her head. Her throat and tail had that same yellow, purple radiance, although this time they formed into rings resembling wheels. The strange wheels kept her tethered to the ground instead of her hovering in midair. The change of appearance wasn’t too drastic but it made Patch wonder what else Kapheria could do. 

“Agrias,” she purred to the bewildered trainer.

“Umm…” Patch stammered, “Okay…”

While they were at a loss for words more townsfolk and tourists took notice of Kapheria. Some even being so rude as to snap photos of the dragon without Patch’s permission. Kapheria just stood their seemly waiting for the human.

“Do you want me to give me a ride or something?” they shot out a question.

“Argg!” Kapheria nodded back. 

Okay, she can understand me better than I thought. And now she wants me to… ride her?!  The last time Patch rode a Pokemon they were nine and it ended horribly. But Kapheria was much different and more friendly than a Boffalaunt. So maybe it could be better? 

Feeling a little pressured, Patch strapped their backpack and clenched their bag full of food tightly in their hands. On their tippy toes, they swung their leg over Kapheria’s violet back and sat on her. Her body felt warm like heated engine which didn’t keep Patch from sweating more. They grabbed the two horns on her shoulders like handlebars but before they could even think Kapheria thrusted without a moments notice!

“Kaph-er-aaahhh!” Patch wailed being thrown into high speed. 

Kapheria dashed through the street like lightning striking against the ground. The buildings seemed to flash past them in a blur. The bolting dragon caught many trainers and Pokemon off guard.

“Hey!” a gruff voice complained, “Ya nearly ran me over!”

“Sorry Sorry Sorry!” Patch frantically apologized, “Kapheria, slow down!” 

Suddenly Kapheria halted, her wheels making black skid marks in the lustrous mosaic pavement. No the ground! We ruined it! 

“Kapheria!” they raised their voice sternly, “You can make a run for it all willy-nilly without giving me a warning! You could hurt yourself!”

“Arrrr…” The dragon purred remorsefully.

“It’s alright,” Patch reassured her, “Let's take it slow, okay? Do you think you can head over to the left?”

“Arg!” She responded beginning to turn her wheels.

She rolled at a brisk pace, treading smoothly against the ground. It was certainly much better than riding a Boufalant. Patch began to enjoy it but they were sure to stay aware of Kapheria’s crack. As far as they could tell she wasn’t in as much pain as she had been before. 

Finally, the two came to Mezagoza’s western gate and the path to Cortondo awaited them. A man stood near the two wooden doors, thankfully he didn’t resemble a member of Team Star. 

“Morning, amigo!” the guard tipped his hat, “You heading out to the province?”

Patch wasn’t ready to respond, they braced themselves. This is it. I’m on my own. Just me. No Nemona. This time I need to be an adult and look out for myself. They felt braver for the journey ahead. Maybe this time they could save themselves.

“Amigo?” the guard repeated.

“Yep,” Patch gave a delayed answer, “on my way to Cortondo!” 

“As per Paldean law, you must respect the environment and catch one Pokemon,” the guard informed them, “Do you understand?”

“Of course!” Patch said thrilled with the possibilities, Let’s hope whatever I catch is cute. 

The guard walked over to a metal panel on the cobblestone wall and pulled a switch. Slowly the wooden doors creaked open, revealing an entire grassy prairie that went on forever. Once the entrance was wide enough, Kapheria strode out toward the open plains. 

 The air was calm and had a pleasant, nectary aroma. The gentle wind caused waves of olive-green grass to dance serenely. The harmonious buzzing of Combees seemed to cancel out the rupturing sounds of the doors closing behind them. This seems like the perfect place to handle myself, they thought without seeing a Bouffalant in sight. 

“Stop here, please,” they told the dragon. 

Kapheria gently planted her feet on the dusty soil and couched down to help the human get off. From Patch’s height, the prairie became more vast and endless. They pulled out their phone and checked their map. Their phone displayed a dot representing them, on a green background. They shrunk the map back with their fingers until a dot labeled Cortondo came into view. From where they were standing they had a long way to go. But with Kapheria’s help, they might just be able to lessen the travel time to less than a day. They were also prepared to sleep under the stars if the metallic dragon got tired.

“Let’s find a spot to set up camp,” Patch told her, “I owe you a huge sandwich!”

<-Chapter 5- Chapter 7->

[shatteredvioletnuzlocke]

Prologue (Kapheria)

The words of her trainer echoed through her mind as she climbed, “You were brought here for a special reason, Kapheria.”

The sound of her trainer’s voice was monotone, yet it calmed her mind and motivated her to scale upward. The base of the crater was stiff and jagged, if not for Kapheria’s metallic exterior, she would have been too irritated to climb further. Finally, the iron beast reached its peak, her vision no longer obscured by the crater’s fog. Kapheria looked towards the horizon, everything was still overtaken by rich, green foliage. She was pleased to find that nothing had changed since she sealed away inside her Pokeball.

“If you didn’t recognize Paldea before I can only assume the worst. You will prevent the world I brought you from.”

Those words haunted Kapheria like a bad dream. It was horrifying to know what would become of this land, this paradise. What made it worse is that Kapheria knew what would happen, but not when. She dreaded the idea of waking up one day, and everything being covered in sand.

Kapheria felt a gentle breeze against her antennae. She knew it was time to follow the winds towards the lighthouse. She leaped into the air, unfolded her throat, and coiled her tail, holding both between her legs. Her antennae extended, followed by her luminescent wings streaming out of her head. Then she ascended and soared through the sky like a jugulis. As Kapheria flew above the green land, she thought back about her trainer.

“Humans will have much to learn from you.”

Kapheria knew her human as well as she knew her reflection. Turo was accommodating toward her, affectionate even. He gave her name, he treated her with care that she had never been given, but most importantly he brought her into the green world. She felt indebted to him and loved him as he loved her. She hoped that she could replicate that same connection with the other humans.

Kapheria passed by lands of concrete, cities, and the natural habitat of humans. Kapheria knew that Turo did not live in a city, he lived with his human cohort in a lighthouse near the edge of the land. Kapheria would still have a long way to go, but once she arrived her trainer’s child would be there to greet her.

Eventually, the land became slowly more vibrant, Kapheria could now make out specks popping off the green surface. She knew it had to be the strange creatures that Turo called “Pokemon”.

Turo’s voice reappeared, “Pokémon will flourish thanks to you.” 

Turo considered Kapheria a Pokémon as well, but she wasn’t like the Pokémon of the green world. Some were made of metal like her, but then there were Pokemon covered in fibers and foliage. They were softer and all the more delicate compared to her, so she had to be especially gentle around them.

Soon enough the specks of Pokémon became dots, then spots, then blobs. Kapheria felt a tinge of fear, she was beginning to descend. She briefly looked towards the distance and saw a white spire. She was almost to the lighthouse, she just had to keep gliding for just a bit longer if she could. 

In a stroke of panic she kept thinking of Turo, “If humans and Pokémon found a way to coexist, I am certain they would welcome you and your kind.”

They will welcome me, she thought. In that instance, Kapheria released energy from her back legs. It wasn’t good for her to switch modes when she hadn’t even finished gliding but she didn’t know the ground compared to the air. Kapheria unfolded her arms she expected to have a burst of energy in her system but instead, she felt her own electricity shocking her. 

Before everything went black she heard her trainer’s voice, “after all, you're perfect.”

->Chapter 1