Chapter Text
To say that she was exhausted would be an understatement. She had just fought and caught not one, not two, but three gods today (as well as completing the lake trio’s trials). Their pokeballs were placed neatly in her satchel, safe, but not to be used. She needed to take a rest in the hot springs. She could probably convince Irida to let her in. It wouldn’t be a problem. She could hide out there to avoid running into Kamado again. She was still pissed off at him. She had done everything he had asked and this is how he repays her? If she sees him again she swears on Arceus’s neck that she will punch him.
The only problem right now was getting around the pokemon. Her pokemon had no fight left in them and neither did she. Sure, Chili, her Typhlosion was super effective against ice types, but he was running on sheer will. She had already used up all of her medical items. So that was off the table, and all of her other partners had fainted in the battles. She was also walking on the need to get somewhere . But unbeknownst to her, she had accidentally taken a wrong turn when she had stopped. Walking directly into the territory of one of the most terrifying alphas in the icelands, besides her’s, the alpha garchomp. She had noticed it coming at her a moment too late. As it dived into her and bit into her lower stomach. She felt herself fading out. She felt angry, still so so angry. She can’t die now! She has a quest to complete! She has to complete the Pokedex! She has to let the others know she is okay! She has to have a 3v1 against Kamado with the creation trio! She, she can’t die here, not when she is so close to getting home. Rage filled her very being as she tried to stand, sending out Chili as a last resort with the little energy she had left before she blacked out.
She… awoke? She was standing on top of something weirdly squishy. Almost like a body. She looked around as best she could only to see not only Chili’s body, but the rest if her team's bodies spread out, surrounding her’s. They had all fallen, died. Not fainted but killed, and it was all her fault. She, she failed them all. But, if Kamado hadn’t exiled her this would’ve never happened. She could have healed up her team, gotten a rest and been aware of her surroundings. She, she will hunt down Kamado, if he wants a monster she will show him a MONSTER.
… why did she feel so, angry. This wasn’t like her, she needed to keep the peace. Conflict doesn’t solve things like this. But, revenge was so, tempting . Like a quest that she - wanted - , no Needed to complete. She sat there. Thinking about, everything, for who knows how long. Spiralling into an endless abyss.
“Young kit, what are you doing here? It is especially dangerous for a shiny like you to be out here near an Alpha. Are you, a recently formed one? That would make sense. It is always confusing when we are reborn.” A strange but calming voice said, pulling her out of her spiral.
“Huh? Oh uh, sorry, I guess I am just, thinking. Uh, who are you?” Akari asked.
“Ah yes, I am Zori, a scout and hunter from the pack. What is your name dear?” The now known Zori asked.
“Oh uh. My name is Akari. It is a pleasure to meet yo- ack, ow.” She said as she tried, and failed to walk. Ending up with her tripping and falling face first into the ground.
“Aha, oh little kit. You are, the chosen one? The Akari ? My, you poor thing. What did those humans do to you? You, this wasn’t supposed to happen. Come with me, our pack will protect you and give you safety and care little kit.” Zori offered. Holding out a… claw?
“Well, that all sounds nice and all, but I would like an explanation on what is going on. And why do I feel so small .” Akari said, looking around again to realise that Zori was in fact a Zoroark not in disguise.
“Oh, Akari. Well uhm. Boy am I not good at this. You uh, died. But! Now you are an, uhm, Zorua. A shiny Zorua though! I guess that’s because you are Arceus’s chosen though. So, yeah, would you like to come with me? Young kit?” Zori explained. Wait wait wait. She was, a zorua now? And a shiny one at that! This is like, the perfect escape from Kamado. At least until she can properly plan her revenge.
“Uh, okay Miss Zori, I will come with you then. Is there anything I need to do to get in?” Akari asked.
“Oh dear kit. The only thing you need to do is meet our Alpha. Our current Alpha, Choro, is getting the packs back up properly. The red sky did a number on us. But he did say that you did a fantastic job in battle! He was very impressed by your skill. But for now dear kit, rest. There is a bit of land to travel, to get back to the den. So sleep, it takes a lot of energy to form.” Zori said, picking her up and putting her into the zoroarks fluffy main. For the first time, at that singular moment, Akari felt as though she could leave all of her worries and stress with her human body. So, she did just as requested, and slept in the fluffy main that belonged to Zori.
Unbeknownst to Akari, Zori had made sure to grab Akari’s satchel.
——
“New friend?”
“She’s so small ! I’m not the smallest anymore!”
“ Please kits . Stop bothering the young one. She just recently formed.”
“Is she really Akari ?”
“She’s blue ! So cool!”
Akari awoke to multiple different voices surrounding her.
“Kits, please leave her alone for a moment, she is waking up.” Zori said.
“Fine. Hmph. But we want to play chase later. Would be good practice for her. She needs to learn how to run again.” One of the Zoruas said. Before they ran off. Chasing one another. She could hear a waterfall in the distance. Perhaps this place is behind one? Who knows.
“Are you feeling well, young kit?” Zori asked.
“Uhm, yea, I guess so. Where are we?” Akari asked.
“We are in our den! Behind a waterfall. I am not sure what you all call this area. We simply call this the Main den. This is the largest one, as well as the largest pack. Welcome to your new home, Akari!” Zori said, opening her arms as a form of welcoming.
“Can we play with the new kit now, Zori ?” A Zorua said, behind it were a few more. All wagging their ghastly tails.
“Soon Fifi, soon. First we need to give her the tour.” Zori said.
“Ooh! We can help! Please! Can we help?” The one called Fifi said.
“Ya! Pleeeease!” One of the others said.
“Alright then, you four can help if you want to so badly. But you can’t be trying to distract her the whole time. Okay?” Zori said.
“Yay! Hi new friend! I am Skip! Nice to meet you! That one with the really long neck wisp is Fifi, the now second smallest kit in this whole pack is Wisp. You’re the smallest now. Oh, the one with the shorter snout over there is Dina. And we were told you are Akari!” Skip said.
“Uhm, yep! That is me! Akari!” Akari said.
“Is it true that you quelled the nobles from their frenzies alone ?” Wisp asked.
“Oh, yea. I mean, Lord Adaman and Lady Irida and the warden of the noble helped gather stuff, but that was about it.” Akari answered.
“Wow…” Wisp said in shock.
“Come on kits, you all can talk later. We have a tour to start.” Zori said, telling them to follow her.
-
“And, our final room, is the sleep room for you kits. It is getting quite late now that I think about it, Dina, could you get Akari set up in one of the spare nests for me dear? I have to go and discuss some stuff with the rest of the hunters, as well as the sitters.” Zori said to Dina.
“You can count on me, Zori! Come on Akari! We have a couple of spare nests over here!” Dina said as she walked over to one of the nests.
“This is one of our spare nests. I think it is suitable for you!” Dina said, pointing at the nest.
The nest appeared to be made out of some sticks with swinub hide on top of it. It was cozy enough though as Akari curled up in the nest. She quickly fell asleep.
— |/\| Warden Ingo’s Pov |/\| —
“Miss Akari!” Ingo called out. Akari had been missing since the red sky. The sky had been fixed since the day before. Now the clans and Kamado have decided to go searching for Akari. Ingo was with Lady Irida and Lady Sneasler searching for Akari.
“Akari! Please, we want to know if you’re okay! Please!” Irida cried out.
By this point they had gotten into the Alabaster Icelands. It had been snowing quite a lot the past week, Ingo’s jacket and hat were practically white -it made him think of the man in white-.
“Snee? Sler ler. Sneas!” Lady Sneasler said, pointing to the Icebound falls.
“My lady, you know there are many dangerous alphas that way. It isn’t safe” Ingo responded.
“Snea!” Lady Sneasler retorted as she walked that way anyways.
“Ah, my Lady, please wait!” Ingo shouted, hurrying after her, holding onto his hat to make sure it wouldn’t fall off.
“Snea… ler? Snee” Lady Sneasler said as she dug around in the snow, somewhat near one of the alphas.
“My lady, I must remind you that it is dangerous around here. We don’t have time for playing in the snow. These weird, somewhat pokemon shaped snow statues are kinda freaking me out as well.” Ingo said, slightly nervous. Said statues were surrounding where Lady Sneasler was digging. There seemed to be 6 of them. - one looked a lot like Chili - Most of them were laying on the ground, completely covered by snow, the other was frozen solid and also covered in snow. Whatever happened here was dangerous. He waited for Sneasler to finish digging in the snow. She revealed the horror of what she had found. It was Akari, long gone, her stomach seemed to have been bitten out. Creating a splotch of red ice underneath where she laid. It was, too much for Ingo to believe. He wanted to find her, just not like this. He put two and two together to figure out what -who- the statues were. They were her pokemon, trying their hardest to defend their trainer, but failing in the end.
“Warden! You can’t just go running of like that! I respect you want to cover as much space as you can, but we need to- find… oh no. No no no. She, we were too late. No! She can’t, I, this is not fair.” Irida cried out as she saw what they had found.
“… Irida. We, we need to hold a funeral ceremony. She was a hero, it is only right she goes out like one.” Ingo said, holding Akari’s body in his arms.
“Yes warden, I agree, she deserves something nice. She, she deserved better that any of this to happen to her though.” Irida agreed.
That's when he noticed something. Her satchel, it was missing.
“Lady Irida, there is something wrong. Akari’s satchel. It's not here.” Ingo said.
“… WHAT? It, it could be dangerous if a pokemon got a hold of it. Or if the pokeballs rolled out! Pokemon could get traped in them! We need to find it!” Irida said, distressed.
“We could ask lord Ursaluna, it should still have the smell of the uniform on it.” Ingo suggested.
“Well, the problem is that the snow slightly melts, making it all get watery and washing off the scent.” Irida responded sadly.
“We, we need to tell the others what we found. Then we need to hold a funeral. It, her grave should be here. We could set up a memorial elsewhere, maybe at the temple.” Irida suggested.
“Ah yes, that reminds me, the temple got blown up yesterday.” Ingo remembered, he had forgotten to mention it. Hoping that if they found Akari, she would explain.
“WHAT! I mean, h-how? W-why?” Irida stuttered.
“It happened a little bit before the sky cleared. I tried to go up there but the guard wouldn’t let me.” Ingo explained calmly.
“… what in almighty Sinnoh's name? Did you see Akari up there at that point?” Irida asked.
“I am afraid I am not sure my lady. There was too much dust, and it was too high up for me to see. I only saw that the top of the temple got blown off.” Ingo answered as they started their way to - stupid - Jubilife village.
— |/\| Zorua Akari’s Pov |/\| —
She awoke the next day, barely remembering what had happened the day before.
“Hey, new friend, wake up! We need to train!” A new voice called out.
“Hmr? Yea, I’m up.” Akari said, standing up quickly.
“Oh hi! I’m Scout! I heard that your Akari! Nice to meet you!” Scout said excitedly.
“Yup! Nice to meet you too Scout! So, uh, what are we training for?” Akari asked.
“Oh! Well we are starting to practice our illusions! Sui told me to get you! Come on, we can’t be late!” Scout said, running to the exit of the small sleeping den. Akari quickly followed him as they ran towards a new, larger part of the cave.
“Akari! Just in time! Come on, come on!” Fifi said excitedly.
“Ah, so you are the new kit? Welcome home dear. I am Sui, I help teach the Kits how to control their illusions.” The Zoroark known as Sui said.
“Oh! Nice to meet you Sui! I am Akari! So, uh, what do I need to do?” Akari asked.
“Ha, love the enthusiasm, new kit. Although it is quite hard for one to get it perfect on the first try. Simply think about you as the creature you want to turn into, soon enough you can transform into it.” Sui explained. Then showing an example as she transformed into a Luxray.
“Wow!” “Oooh so cool.” “Whoa” said the different Zorua’s around the room at the shock of seeing Sui transform. Akari was also a little amazed but she had seen it before when in the ice caverns.
“So who wants to try it first?” Sui asked.
“I do! I do!” Wisp said excitedly.
“Alright Wisp, remember what I said. Think of what you want to transform into and then think of you turning into it.” Sui said.
Soon enough Fifi was transformed into an Eevee. Although it almost looked like a shiny as it was a bit paler than most.
“Ooh, good first try, although it is a little pale it is understandable for that to happen on a first attempt.” Sui praised Wisp.
Soon enough the others did the same. Fifi transforming into a Shinx, Dina transforming into a Bidoof, Skip transforming into a Piplup, and Scout transforming into a Sneasel. Though they all have their faults and minut mistakes that few would notice unless they had studied the pokemon, like Akari had done.
“Alright Akari, it is your turn now. Show us what ya got.” Sui said, encouraging Akari.
“Okay, uh, is it okay if I transform into a human rather than another pokemon?” Akari asked.
“Well, you can. But usually it is much more difficult than transforming into a pokemon.” Sui answered, a little confused by the question.
“Yea, I want to try to transform into my.. old body.” Akari said. Starting to picture herself transformed into her human body. Her long hair, her -stupid- survey corp uniform. Her shoes and bandana. Her scarf, that was extremely torn up at the end.Her 7th star survey corp badge(s). Picturing every minute detail.
She soon heard oohs and ahhs coming from around her as she was suddenly much taller.
“Well! I am quite shocked that you could do it so, perfectly, first try. I know you were a human originally, but wow. That is truly amazing. You really blow expectations out of the water huh?” Sui said, shocked.
“Uh, well ya, I guess. I mean, I kinda had to, to be able to keep my housing and shelter in the galaxy team. But the survey corps said a similar thing when I passed the entry test with flying colours ” Akari responded.
“Well, you still did an amazing job! It is harder for most of us to do a Human illusion because it is rare for us to see them. When we do see them they usually run away in fear. That or they try to attack us, it makes it hard for us to bond with them. The last human who was brave enough to come close was this little curly red haired girl. One of our Zorua’s liked her and followed her home. But that was years ago.” Sui confessed. Akari could connect the dots that the ‘little curly red haired girl’ was captain Zizu. She was the only person she knew with a Zoroark. Akari let her illusion fade, it is hard for her to keep it up for long periods apparently.
“Alright, next week Zori and I are going to take each of you hunting, separately at first so you guys don’t get into too much trouble, okay” Sui said, telling the group the plan for next week.
“Yay!” Scout said excitedly.
— |/\| Warden Ingo’s Pov |/\| —
Ingo had gotten to Jubilife the other day, Lady Irida staying behind to not lose her body again. Ingo had gotten a meeting with the Commander and captain Cyllene.
“Warden Ingo. What was it that you wished to speak to us about?” Kamado started the meeting.
“I- we, Irida and I found Akari.” Ingo said.
“Well warden. Where is she?” Cyllene asked.
“… she, she’s not coming back. She, her body was in the Icelands near the icefalls. Her pokemon seemed to try and protect her but they most likely were already either close to fainting or fainted. We couldn’t find her satchel. We are going to hold a funeral ceremony for her.” Ingo said, attempting to hold back tears.
“Hmph. I suppose, do you know if she died before or after the red sky?” Kamado asked.
“After. There was a small layer of snow on her body but not enough for it to have been before the red sky cleared.” Ingo answered.
“Well then. We can schedule a ceremony in a week. I will send some construction corps to go get a grave set up. I would also like to send survey corp Rei over there to look for her missing satchel.” Kamado declared.
“Understood sir, I could conduct him for a safe journey while I go to tell Irida the news.” Ingo said.
“Offer accepted. Please wait here while Cyllene goes to get Rei.” Kamado declared while Cyllene went to grab Rei.
Ingo didn’t have to wait long. Rei seemed a bit shaken and confused but ready to help. He didn’t know what Cyllene had told the poor boy but hopefully he would know soon.
Ingo and Rei had started out to the icelands.
“So, warden Ingo. Akari is… gone? Like, gone gone?” The boy asked.
“… yes. I, I just wish we could’ve helped her the way she helped us.” Ingo said with a sigh.
“Y-yea” Rei said, clearly trying to hold back tears.
“.. would you like a hug, Rei? I understand that bottling up emotions like this is bad.” Ingo said as he turned around and opened his arms up to offer a hug. Rei stood there for a moment, seemingly shocked at the offer. Then he ran into Ingo and hugged him tightly.
“I- I don’t understand! She didn’t do anything wrong! Why does she have to pay the price for it?” He sniffed, crying into Ingo’s chest. “S-she was just following orders! She didn’t deserve to be exiled! She didn’t deserve to be killed .”
“I know young Rei, I know. But one can only avoid death so many times before it catches them. The least we can do is make sure she doesn’t die in vain and make sure that her story lives on.” Ingo said, holding the boy close. Rei nodded, agreeing that they couldn’t let Akari’s story die with her. In all honesty he had grown far too fond of Akari to simply be considered friends. He considered her his child sometimes. Lady Irida, warden Claba, and captain Zizu often made jokes about his parental protection of Akari.
Once they continued their way down to the Alabaster Icelands they came in contact with lord Adaman.
“So, warden Ingo. Any luck?” Adaman asked. Ah, he must not have been informed yet.
“… Yes. But, she unfortunately reached her final terminal. Or as you would say, her time ran out.” Ingo said solemnly.
“W-what?!” Adaman shouted.
“S-she couldn’t make a round trip. Would you like to venture with us? Young Rei here is going to help look for her satchel, I am conducting him there since it is on my way. I am going to tell Lady Irida the date that we got to hold the funeral ceremony.” Ingo said.
“… Fine. But I need to know and see it. I don’t care how much of a bloody mess it is.” Adaman huffed out as he joined their train.
They continued down their path to the Icelands. Surprisingly, Wayward cave still had its torches in place.
Once they arrived back to Akari’s… body, Rei tried to find any clues on where her satchel might be.
“I, no. This, this isn’t fair . She- she helped everyone , she saved everyone. W-why couldn’t we save her? H-her time shouldn’t be up yet. D-didn’t she say she had a quest to complete? Why would Sinnoh let her die if she still needed to complete her quest?! … I- I’m going to tell Sabi to tell the other wardens to come here now, and that it is an emergency.” Lord Adaman said as he kneed down next to Akari’s body.
“Lady Irida. Kamado said that we can hold the ceremony in a week. He should be sending some construction corps here soon.” Ingo informed Irida.
Soon enough Sabi and lord braviary arrived. Sabi was extremely upset that her clavoince didn’t tell her about it. Adaman told her to go get the other wardens immediately and she listened without a heartbeat.
Ingo could already tell one thing. This week was going to be a long, sad, week.
— |/\| Zorua Akari’s Pov |/\| —
A week had passed since she had first learned how to use her illusions. She had been practising how to form herself in different outfits other than her survey corp uniform. Today she was going out to practise hunting and scouting Zori. Apparently Zori wanted to do this where Akari was last alive for some reason. Just on top of a hill.
They travelled there on foot, making sure to avoid the humans that were walking by. There seemed to be a lot more than usual today. They also seemed to be going to a similar area. (Were they holding a funeral for her?)
Once they arrived to the area Zori had picked out for them to practise she realised why.
- There was a berry tree that was quite full.
- They were in fact holding a funeral for her.
This had surprised her. She didn’t think that they cared enough to do that. Although one person she didn’t see wasn’t there. Even though she expected it, Kamado didn’t show up. Good, he doesn’t deserve to show up anyways. Zori allowed her to watch the funeral. All of the wardens showed up. Lady Irida, And lord Adaman showed up. Rei, captain Cyllene, and the professor showed up. All of the nobles who could easily get there showed up. Ingo showed up (he deserves his own spot, he is special.) Beauregard also showed up surprisingly. Once the official funeral was done they had all started to leave, one by one until Ingo was the last one there. He was upset, very upset . Akari wanted to get closer to comfort him but Zori wouldn’t let her.
As the weeks passed she was one of the first given permission to go out on her own. She had told the others that if she didn’t return within a few days or a week that she had probably gotten caught in a pokeball. Zori revealed that she had held on to her Satchel and gave it back to her.
She had started to venture out more in the Icelands. Occasionally she would see Warden Ingo walk by and she would watch from a distance. She had started to hang out more towards her grave, resting while on top of a hill that laid over it. Often she would see Ingo or Irida come by and place a bundle of flowers on the grave. Occasionally she would see Rei and the professor or another survey corp she didn’t know come by. -she never saw Kamado-.
She couldn’t decide if she wanted Ingo to notice her or not. She had told Zori how she remembered how cosy his cave was with Lady Sneaseler. How she missed him taking her in when she was sick or injured. He was one of the few who cared about her when she got ill. Zori understood this and told her that if she wanted to go with him then to be careful.
Today was a day when Ingo was there, replacing the old wilted flowers with new ones. He then sat at the grave as he sang a tune on the flute. Lady Sneaseler was there with him today (which meant that she had to be extra careful). Akari wanted to try and get closer today but knew that it would be dangerous if she did it today. But something just enticed her to get ever so closer to them. So she slowly and quietly went down part of the hill to the side.
“… who’s there? I can hear you ya know! I might not be here normally but I am here today. So show yourself!” Lady Sneaseler growled, oop, she must have heard her.
“Ah, is something wrong my lady?” Ingo asked turning to face the noble.
“No Ingo, not you. I just thought I heard something. I am going to check it out, stay here.” Lady Sneaseler directed Ingo. Using her claws to first make an X, then pointed at him then the ground. Then at her eyes and the surroundings. Ingo nodded his head at this and stayed put.
“Come out little pokemon. I won’t hurt you, I promise. I just need to know why you’re here.” Lady Sneaseler said, looking around then heading closer to where she was hiding.
“Hmm…. A Zorua? And a shiny one? Are you alone kit? Usually you’re kind aren’t allowed alone this time of year, let alone over here. What’s your name, kit?” Lady Sneaseler asked, putting one of her paws on her thigh.
“I, I am sorry Lady Sneaseler. Yes I am alone but I have permission. I, I just like watching… my grave.. you know.” Akari answered nervously.
“ You’re grave? Ha! Don’t lie to me kit. This isn’t your grave. This is Akari’s. You aren’t Akari… are you? You aren’t Akari , right?” Lady Sneaseler said, crouching down to look at her better, only to pick her up.
“… I- I might be Akari. I, I am so sorry Lady Sneaseler, I, I can lea-”
“Oh no you aren’t leaving us again Akari. Holy Arceus! We finally found you! I didn’t think we’d ever see you again! Do you know how worried Ingo was? Too much! If he wasn’t already naturally grey he would be grey now! And don’t worry about informing your pack, I can do it for ya. You are coming to my den tonight. Also you are going to be grounded for at least a week.” Lady Sneaseler fussed. She took off Akari’s satchel and quickly dropped it into her basket. She carried her like a baby over to Ingo. Then Lady Sneaseler dropped her into Ingo’s lap.
“I- Lady Sneaseler, is this a shiny zorua kit? Is something wrong with it?” Ingo asked.
“Uhm, ya! It’s Akari! And I found her. I already know you think of her like your child so she is your kit now.” Lady Sneaseler said.
“I- What? He thinks of me as that? Huh?” Akari said nervously.
“Uh, ya. I know you think of him as your dad Akari. No use in hiding it!” Lady Sneaseler said, flipping her ear feather. She then pointed to her and did a small pose that looked suspiciously similar to the pose she made when she started battle.
“… My lady, are you saying that this Zorua is Akari? A-are you serious?” Ingo asked, looking at her then back to Lady Sneaseler. Sneaseler nodded her head. She then pointed at Akari again and then at Ingo before doing a pose she recognized to be the same as when she talks about her kits. But instead of pointing to herself first she pointed to Ingo.
“I got your kit Ingo! Time to go home! It is far too cold here! I don’t know how the pearl clan can survive this!” The noble exclaimed, putting her bag on to try and explain it to Ingo.
“I- thank you so much Lady Sneaseler. I don’t know how I could ever repay you.” Ingo said, picking up Akari in his arms. Also holding her like a small child in his arms. They started to walk to the highlands. Ingo or Lady Sneaseler occasionally cooing over how cute and small she is now.
It didn’t take too long before they reached Lady Sneaseler’s den. Once they arrived she was checked for injuries before Lady Sneaseler picked her up and put her into her nest. Currently there were no eggs or baby sneasels. A rare time in between.
“So, Akari, care to explain what happened? Also, I saw those pokeballs in there. You didn’t have those before the red sky. What happened?” Lady Sneaseler asked. Sitting down in front of the nest.
“Well, I fixed the sky! It turns out the almighty sinnohs were mad. I had to quell them, then I caught them so that they would stop fighting… so I caught all three. Soo…” Akari said, a bit nervous.
“Y-you caught all three? I- how? How did I not hear it? Wait, was that when the temple broke. Hmm. Well that wasn’t the main point. The point is that you are dead . You died . You have a grave. How did you die, Akari?”Lady Sneaseler asked, this time much more serious.
“O-oh. I- it is still kind of blurry but I think it was that Alpha garchomp. I didn’t have any more healing potions on me for my pokemon.” Akari said, looking down.
“W- why didn’t you come here then? You know Ingo would’ve let you in?!” Lady Sneaseler growled.
“I-I don’t know okay! I, I couldn’t think properly, I didn’t want to cause a war. But what's done is done!” She cried as she looked away from Lady Sneaseler.
“… fine. But your not allowed out of the cave for a week. And when that’s over you’re not allowed out without supervision. Clear? Now I am going to go tell whatever pack you were in that you are going to stay with me here. Now, sleep kit. You are safe with us.” Lady Sneaseler said as she licked Akari a bit before she left.
Once Ingo had finished making whatever it was he was making he came over to her. Apparently it was a nice bowl of warm soup!
“Mh. Akari, dear. I, I missed you so very much. I, I am so glad you are okay. Once I heard what Kamado had done, I started looking for you everywhere. Lady Sneaseler had to hold me back from punching him! I-it is nice to have you back, safe and sound. Lady Sneasler explained your predicament to me, apparently you are grounded now.” Ingo said as he sat next to her with two bowls of soup! He then placed one in front of her and gave her a few pats on the head which felt nice. She drank up her soup then snuggled next to Ingo.
“Ha. Well kit. I suppose now is a good time for a nap.” Ingo said as he placed the bowls to the side. Then lifted Akari up onto his chest as he laid down in the nest, holding her close. Maybe Lady Sneasler was right, maybe he does care for her like a father would. And maybe Akari was more than fine with it as she fell asleep on Ingo’s chest.
Once she wakes up, she finds herself being carried around by Ingo and Lady Sneasler back from her trip. That's when she decides she wants to show him her illusions. She starts to point towards the floor with her paws, trying to get him to let her down.
“Oh, Akari. You’re awake. Good morning! I suppose I will let you down then little kit. Is something wrong?” Ingo asks. To which Akari shakes her head. Then she starts to use her illusions to form her human form.
“Ta da! I just wanted to show you I could do this!” Akari said nervously. Ingo stood in shock for a moment before giving her a hug.
“Sweet freaking sinnoh! That is, wow! Super Bravo!! Amazing! And you can actually talk like that! I thought that I would never see you like this again. Holy dragons above!” Ingo said, hugging her so tightly she thought her illusion might break.
“I- I know. I can finally actually talk to you!” Akari exclaimed in excitement.
As the day passed Akari stayed in her illusion. Trying to keep it on for as long as she could before it was time to rest (declared by Lady Sneasler).
“Good night Akari.” Ingo said, kissing her forehead.
“G-good night dad.” Akari mumbled, half asleep but then she realised her mistake and quickly let go of her illusion.
“D-dad?… Well, that seems like a fitting term. It is fine if you see me as your dad, Akari. To be honest I see you as my child.” Ingo said as he held Akari close as they closed their eyes again.
The week passed by. Apparently Lady Irida was coming over today.
Akari hadn’t transformed today, simply napping on one of the nests. Well, was napping before she was picked up by Lady Sneasler and brought over to show to Irida.
“Oh, Lady Sneasler! What's this you have? I-is that a Zorua kit Lady Sneasler? A shiny Zorua kit? Why, Lady Sneasler, why?” Irida questions as Akari (still in a Zorua form) is held in front of her.
“Ah! Lady Irida, you’re here! Please come inside so I can explain.” Ingo offered once he saw her. Taking her out of Lady Sneasler’s hold and picking Akari up himself. Irida followed them inside, seemingly concerned.
“Ingo, why do you have a shiny zorua kit?” Irida asked.
“… well, you know how Zorua’s can be born?” Ingo asked in more of a statement form.
“Uhm… yes. They are born when a human dies in pure rage, casted out and abandoned for the wrong reasons. They get reborn into vengeful fox’s because of their malice towards humans. That doesn’t explain anything, Warden.” Irida said, confused.
“Well. This Zorua is a little over a month old, as a Zorua. She is very strong willed and kind. … She is also Akari.” Ingo said, nervously.
“… what? T-that zorua is Akari ? A-are you serious?” Irida asked, shocked. Lady Sneasler nodded her head.
“Yes, I am quite sure. Lady Sneasler found her one day when we were at her grave. She was just watching us. Also, Akari is good at making an illusion of herself!” Ingo said, setting her down as she formed an illusion around herself to make herself into her human form.
“I- AKARI! You little rascal, do you know how worried we were? Y-you died !” Irida cried, suddenly hugging Akari.
“Y-yea. I know Lady Irida, I know.” Akari comforted, patting Irida’s back.
“But, oh my sinnoh you are so cute as a zorua! Even smaller than most!” Irida cooed.
“I-, Irida!!” Akari said, putting her face in her hands to hide her blush.
“Ah, Akari. There is no need to worry. It is true after all! Also, lady Irida, I might have adopted Akari.” Ingo said, rubbing Akari’s back before she de-transformed.
“… took you long enough, warden!” Irida huffed out. Sitting down to pet Akari.
They continued to talk about random things before Irida had to leave back to the clan.
— |/\| Warden Ingo’s Pov |/\| —
A few more weeks had passed. Lord Adaman had been informed of Akari’s state, as well as many of the other wardens. Today though, Kamado wanted to talk about something, as well as doing something about the temple. So warden Melli, lady Irida, lord Adaman, and Ingo had to go as well. Lady Sneasler came, putting Akari in her bag.
“Kamado.” Ingo greeted through his teeth.
“Warden Ingo.” Kamado replied.
“Well! Let's not waste any more time! What was it you wanted us to talk about, commander?” Adaman asked.
“Straight to the point as always. I believe though that you guys haven’t been putting in your full effort since the red sky. I don’t quite understand why and would like an explanation.” Kamado said, it got Ingo’s blood boiling. He knew perfectly well that Akari died. He knew they were all still grieving. Even if most of them knew Akari was a Zorua, they would still be grieving the life she lost.
“Commander, with all due respect, we are still grieving-” Irida tried to say before being cut off.
“It has almost been two months! You have grieved long enough. My corps can still work perfectly fine! Why can’t you?” Kamado said angrily.
“Kamado! Everyone grieves differently. You however don’t allow your corps to grieve. You tell them to get back to work even when things are hard and don’t allow them to rest.” Ingo responded as calmly as he could.
“For once I agree with the old man. Commander, you didn’t even show up to her funeral.” Melli pointed out.
“Oh, and like you did, warden Melli.” Kamado rolled his eyes.
“I did! I had to grace her grave with my presence after all! And lord Electrode seemed to liked her.” Melli said with a hair flip. Although it wasn’t full truth, Melli actually let his persona down for a moment at her funeral. Ingo could tell that Melli was actually sad.
“Well- I-. She was the monster who caused it all! I couldn’t go to a monster’s funeral!” Kamado shouted. That was the last straw.
“Irida, do I have permission?” Ingo asked, knowing that she would understand what he ment.
“Yes.” Irida quickly responded. As soon as Ingo got permission he walked up to Kamado and punched him in the face, hard. So hard he now had blood on his hand. Eww.
“W- what the fuck, Warden?!” Kamado shouted as he fell on the floor.
“Agnie, take Kamado to an alpha’s den, please.” Ingo instructed as he released Agnie, his Alacazam, from her pokeball. Agnie was quick to react and followed orders immediately. Lady Sneasler then walked over to him to lick the blood off his hands.
“… wow. Holy sinnoh, Ingo, good hit!” Adaman said in shock.
“I am now slightly more scared of you.” Melli said with a scared expression.
“Mhm, a father’s wrath.” Irida simply said, nodding her head. Ingo nodded in return.
“Hm, well I suppose I should be going. I need to go gather some berries.” Melli said, flipping his hair and turning away as he walked.
“Ah, that is right. I need to go over to Jubilife to grab something. I will also inform them that Kamado is permanently decommissioned. Lady Irida, could you watch over Akari for me for a few hours? She is in Lady sneasler’s basket.” Ingo asked.
“Oh yea! Of course I can.” Irida responded.
“I can help too! I’ve been meaning to spend more time with her!” Adaman offered.
“Alright then. If I hear either of you hurt her however, you will be permanently decomposed.” Ingo said, glaring at both of them.
“Understood warden! Just don’t take too long! I can’t stay with this diamond leader all day!” Irida responded.
“Understood. I will be back before night!” Ingo said as he set off. It was currently just before noon. He could hear them take Akari out of Sneasler’s basket. He wondered what they would be doing now.
Once he arrived at Jubilife he quickly informed captain Cyllene, which went easier then he thought it would. The jubilife residents seemed to have been expecting it to happen sooner or later and Cyllene was put in charge.
Once he got back things went back to normal. Lady Sneasler taught Akari how to fight a bit more and thus took her out of the den a bit more. Professor Laventon was now the Captain of the survey corps. A few new survey corps arrived. Rei would make a small book telling of how Akari quelled the noble’s frenzies. Akari had gained the title: Mythical hero. One day however, Akari asked Ingo to meet her up at the temple after she finished her training for the day.
Ingo was at the temple where Akari had requested he go. He wasn’t sure why she wanted him up here but he listened. He saw her soon climb up the mountain from the other side to the temple. Seemingly in her human illusion, carrying her satchel as well. Once Akari got to the top of the temple she took out two pokeballs and released them.
“Akari, I didn’t know you still had any pokemon. Could you please tell me why you wanted me up here?” He asked. Still confused.
“Well, dad. I already told the others, but I found a way for you to go home! These are the two almighty sinnohs! Palkia, the god of space, and Dialga, the god of time!” Akari said, with a confident face -that seemed a little off-.
“Wow, that’s, that’s amazing, kit! We could return home! … Wait, don’t you mean ‘we’?” He asked, suddenly realising.
“Well… dad. You can go. I can’t, I am technically a pokemon. Pokemon can only be brought along if they are in pokeballs and are on your person.” Akari said with a small, sad smile. Behind him he could hear the two Sinnoh’s doing something, most likely making a portal.
“N-no! Akari! Y-you can’t! I won’t leave without you! Please, call it off! I won’t let you face the world alone again!” He pleaded, going to grab Akari to hold her in a tight hug. He could hear the portal open as he started to get pulled into it, he still held tightly onto Akari. He had just gotten her back, he wasn’t going to lose her again.
“Dad, you can find your real family. I can handle myself. I will be fine. You deserve better then Hisui!” She said, loosening his grip on her but still holding his hands, that's when Ingo had an Idea. Ingo held one of her hands tightly as his other hand went into his pocket to grab one of his extra pokeballs that were empty. He always kept one in his pocket in case a dangerous pokemon was trying to attack him, but it would work for this situation too. He quickly put the pokeball on Akari’s hand. She went into the pokeball in a flash of light. He grabbed her satchel before it fell. Before she had time to react he held the pokeball close and allowed himself to fall into the portal. As he fell in the portal he vaguely heard a click that signalled that Akari had stayed in the pokeball.
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He woke up to darkness.
But he knew this darkness.
This wasn’t the darkness of caves. This was the darkness of man made tunnels. The occasional -joltik- small yellow pokemon jumped around, adding light to the tunnels.
These were his tunnels.
Now he just needed to get out.