Welcome to Gaia! ::

The months following was admittedly nothing much to write home about. Though it was a nicer change of pace I have to admit. For me in particular, I had a bit of an extended stay in Paldea in order to try to raise a Pokémon party and they came along pretty well. Truthfully, I ended up staying out there longer than I intended on. Originally figuring that me and my Pokémon was going to make quick work with Paldea’s victory road course only for the Paldea region with its various Pokemon and out-there gym leaders, never mind the land itself and the Terastal phenomenon, it actually proved to be harder than I care to admit. Maybe if I went in with a stronger team it wouldn’t have been the case, but what would have been the point in that, honestly? It all came out millhouse, really. The Pokémon, once a tiny rag tag assortment that I ended up picking up here and there and sadly didn’t get too much of an opportunity to raise got my full attention and ended up first hand getting into territory that a lot of my Pokémon had. They ended up stronger. Fully evolved. Even made an addition that I was kind of looking forward to thanks to Tristen telling me about it early on the trip.

I had to admit it felt over far too soon. I found myself back at the headquarters effectively more or less on duty. At the very least it wasn’t the insanity as we went through with say Lysandre or Ein. Maybe a Shadow Pokémon spotted for capture here, a illicit battle ring to break up there, usually only taking a Snagem or two at the most. I had to admit in my particular case that came a little harder when my party were never shadowfied and I didn’t really want to put any of them through that situation. I could only trust immunizers so far, truth be told, so it was a little harder for me than it was say for Freth who had a couple of former Shadow Pokémon under her belt. At least purification duty that Sub arranged months ago wasn’t too terrible, because at the very least I didn’t need to involve my Pokémon outright.

Speaking of Freth, her whole delve into the likes of Area Zero had pretty much stalled. In spite of her impromptu trip into the crater, nothing seemed to have come of it. There hadn’t been any of those weird Pokémon from there even though there were assuredly Pokémon that could find their way out of there. Even weirder, that we are aware of, no one actually managed to go out to study them in any capacity. The governing bodies in Paldea has been hamstringing any motion to try to threat assess or study the Pokémon that were in there. Temptation to find herself back into the crater ran rampant, and she didn’t even need Eris to bother her to do it. Unfortunately, she kept herself restrained, keeping herself preoccupied with the other Snagem going-ons like trying to take care of Shadow Pokémon when called upon and when not there, she ended up probably spending about as much time in the training room as I have, which was a odd change of pace, though not unwarranted.

Freth had been trying to work on her psychic power nearly at every opportunity, still trying to find herself in better position to use them and over the past year, she has gotten a decent bit of progress towards mastery. Though honestly, I am still not sure how I feel about Eris trying to help her through this whole thing, but I’m in a spot of what choice do I have? And honestly, so far, I can’t argue the results. Right at the moment, she managed to figure up a couple of hybrid abilities apart from the standard telekinetic fare. Apparently, she managed to figure out the Galarian Articuno variants’ calling card of Freezing Glare, though apparently according to Freth, Eris made it a point that more work was to be done on it, but maybe it was serviceable. The most she managed to hold a target was about 10 to 15 seconds at this point, when such attacks could have gone far longer. She also managed to work out Agility again, miraculously enough, though Freth had to admit that it was weirder to do now than how she was as the icy variant. Namely because she was still primarily using her limbs. Just using pure psychic power to move where ever she needed to go and tempering herself for those speeds. By what we could tell, she wasn’t as fast as she was before, but there was improvement to be had. Finally, just Psychic in general, but that sort of came in with her learning her various telekinetic abilities. Truthfully, everything is a work in progress.

Right at the moment, Freth and I are in the training room once again, though mostly doing our own thing. I was just getting exercise in, trying to do sit-ups while hanging from a chin up bar. Freth was just a short ways away hovering, cross-legged once again trying to work her psychic abilities. As I watched her between reps, I started to realize that she was trying to stack a bunch of metal balls on top of each other, all equal sized, all in one vertical row. I wasn’t sure if she was in deep concentration or if Eris was finding the means to annoy her again as she tried it. “Are…you going to be alright over there?” I asked, going for another rep.

“Its fine. I’m trying to perfectly align this and it’s a pain trying to get the exact spot. Eris did these exercises when she was younger and she suggested it was high time that I should probably try it.” Freth said.

As I came back down from the rep, I looked over at her, staring in confusion. “And the purpose of it is…?” I then asked, going back up for another rep.

“Its just more exercises in refinement. To get the most out of my psychic power, everything has to be precise and orderly. Everything that I move or lock into place has to have intent behind it. Otherwise things are not going to work as well as I want it to.” Freth said.

“Never mind that its hard to have ‘precise and orderly’ in the thick of the kind of stuff we do.” I said to her as I came back down.

“You don’t hear any Psychic Pokémon complaining, do you? How do you figure from the moment a battle starts until the point they’re taken out they’re doing what they do as efficiently as they can?” she asked.

“But are they though? Between the various distractions and all. Pain, chief amongst it.” I retorted.

“Probably not, but even a Pokémon even out of it like that is still better than how I am now still.” Freth then said.

“Well, that’s just because they’re Pokémon, they are going to be regardless of what state you’re in.” I said, going into another rep.

“You know what I mean.” Freth said. At that point, her concentration broke and metal spheres started to fall off the stack, the orbs going everywhere. Freth ended up flopping on the floor right as when the stack went everywhere and the orbs started to roll off. “God-! Blizzard! Honestly!”

“What!?”

”For once, I can’t really fault him for talking. You got distracted by that. You can’t let something like that break focus. Freth irritatingly looked over towards a nearby mirror on the wall, seeing Eris arms crossed under her wings, standing there with a bemused look on her face. ”If all it took was someone to say a few things you didn’t agree with to break your concentration like that, then you got a longer way to go than you thought. Even though he’s not really wrong either, for once.”

”Gee, thanks.” Freth spoke back to her mental resident. Freth then leaned back and laid out flat on the floor, staring up at the training room ceiling for a few seconds. “Ugh, I’m tired now…oh. Meant to tell you. Tristen ended up calling yesterday afternoon.”

“Really?” I spoke up. “Strange, he usually ends up trying to call me first.”

“He said he tried, but…I think that was when you were with Sub yesterday afternoon for that whole planning session.” She said.

“What’d he say?” I asked.

“Oh, just the usual keeping us appraised of the stuff going on in Paldea and his grades and that sort of thing. Nothing really unusual. Though he wanted to make sure we were going to be there for that ceremony.” She said.

“Yea, yea, I don’t see why not. Though the idea of that sort of grates at me the more I am thinking about it.” I said, finishing the last rep then coming off the bar, landing on the floor afterwards.

“Why is that?”

Getting up, I looked back at Freth as she continued to lay on the floor. “…he’s only been there a year.” I said. “The only ceremony there was when I was growing up and going through school was high school graduation. This feels…weird.”

“Maybe it’s a Paldea thing. And besides, he’s been there a whole year without us hovering over him.” Freth said. “He’s been making friends and putting in the work for school which even you had to agree that he needed. And for someone who never has been through that sort of thing ever until his teenage years, when kids his age has been doing that since probably five is something, especially considering where he came from and what he’s been through.”

“I suppose. Though it was a wonder after that whole stint in Paldea that you managed to get him to go.”

“Oh, I wasn’t giving him a choice in that matter. The opportunity was there and hell I was going to let Tristen waste it and I know in spite that all I was trying to do, I wasn’t doing him that much justice.” Freth said, sitting up now. “And look, the gamble paid off. We haven’t had too much happen other than trying to keep shadow Pokémon under control where they crop up and he’s actually had the peace to actually be a teenager.” Freth said.

”Need I remind you that he didn’t want to force the issue with Tristen going back either.” Eris chimed in.

“I remember that!” Freth then said, motioning to Eris on the mirror, though saying it in the physical space and me not able to see the bounty hunter. I glanced at the mirror then took a sigh, staring at Freth irritated.

“Yeah, yeah…” I said, crossing my arms now, imagining what Eris was possibly saying at that point. “…not like I actually knew how to handle that sort of situation. It isn’t like Tristen is a typical teen over there, you know. Never mind the fact that he didn’t fully know how to handle himself when everything about him was blown wide open. I mean, what does a parent do about that? ‘Oh, just be yourself, son, even though most of what you are is being part of a mercenary group that made you far stronger and mature than basically anyone your age.’ Honestly, the fact that Tristen didn’t crack under social pressure was astounding.”

“And he managed!” Freth said. “He talked about the friends he made, both with the students and the teachers there! You two were worried over nothing! And if he needed anything, for at least a while there, you were out there in Paldea too! And did he call you for anything dumb?”

“…not really.” I admitted.

“It was good for him. He was fine.” Freth said. With a sigh, Freth then started to project her psychic influence, grabbing each of the metal spheres that got scattered about and brought them all close by over towards her and sat them down near by her. “Let this ceremony and whatever show that this is the good work he had done over the past year. Give him something for it. He deserves it.”

“I’m not arguing that much at least.” I said. I went back to get more exercise done though a thought did cross my mind. “I do wonder how much training Tristen had done in between classes.”

“Well he did ask for another set of clothes at some point, didn’t he?” Freth asked.

“That was about four…five? Months ago.” I said to her.

“Well, it isn’t like he had all week. Hell if I was going to condone letting his grades slip.” Freth said. “Probably did some weekend things, if I had to guess.”

It was silent for a little bit as we went back on our own exercise routines until a realization occurred to me. “Sub knows that we’ll be heading out that way to go to that ceremony, right?” I asked her.

“Oh, he knows. Everyone’s heading over that way.”

A pensive silence as the balls once again started to stack by Freth’s mind and I went into doing pull ups, repeating from pulling up with my head behind the bar, then my head in front of the bar. A realization then occurred. “Wait…everyone?” I asked.

“Hm? Yea…” Freth said. “Sub is getting everyone to go to see Tristen.”

“WHAT!?”

A couple years have passed since anyone has seen the Hanabi siblings. Ulla stayed in the Fairy Realm for her recovery, and soon after. Started her training to become the Guardian of the Fairy Realm. While Leon on the other hand left Snag to be in more control of his poisonous channeling. Not knowing if he died by his own channeling or is still continuing his training as well. But, most likely the second option. He's too stubborn to die, especially knowing his sister is trying her hardest.

Their room wasn't completely silent, as Ulla's Pokemon that weren't Fairy types stayed and went out on missions to help as much as they could. Lucario, Decidueye, Dragonair, Lycanroc, and Vulpix continued their trainers wish : Purify Shadow Pokemon so they can go home. "Brother, what news do you have?" Lucario spoke to Decidueye as the bird started speaking about how the others were doing. As he was listening, Lucario felt a familiar presence that he hasn't felt in so long. "She's returned." He muttered as he bolted out of their room. Decidueye barely picking up what he said as he followed right behind him. Both Pokemon passed several people in a rush, they made passed by the kitchen area. Lucario noticed the Toumei family in the corner of his eye as he stopped immediately making Decidueye run into him and fall back.

Lucario made sure he was okay then looked at Ter, not saying a word as to why he was in a rush as he merely nodded. "Come when you are done. She's going to want to see some familiar faces." He said as he bolted running again with Decidueye following. Lucario then stopped in the common room where he felt his master's aura. He looked around but didn't see her. Just then, a fairy portal opened up by the main entrance. It swirled with different colors and shines of light were coming off of it.

Soon after, a Togekiss flew out happily and recognized Lucario and Decidueye immediately. All of them embraced one another after so long. "Where is she?" Lucario asked as Togekiss looked back at the portal. There was a silhouette of a girl standing at the portal, it looked like she was nervous. Something jumped out of the silhouettes arms as it was a Mimikyu that came out of the portal. It's "arm" reached out for the silhouettes hand to guide them. The silhouette finally emerges from the portal as a young girl probably around the age of 13-14 with short white hair in a white gown that had a floral pattern to it nervously looks around. She truly looked like someone from a fairy tale book. "Master Ulla?"

The girl turned at the sound of her name as she saw her trusted partner. She started getting teary eyed but quickly swiped away her tears. "Lucario. You look so much older now." He gasped as he knelt down to his knees. Flustered, Decidueye did the same. "Master. Welcome home." Ulla smiled as she looked around the room to see new and old faces. But was looking for two individuals in particular. "Where's Papa and Mama?"

Ulla didn't even have a moment before she heard something coming at top speed. She giggled under her breath as she saw a very familiar Hybrid. "Hi Mama-" Before she could get out anything else, she was embraced in a very loving hug. A feeling she has longed missed. She then heard an unfamiliar voice as she felt another person hug her. But much smaller, and calling her big sister? She looked down to see a small Bunneary hybrid that looked so much like Keiko. She was stunned in disbelief as she let go of Keiko's embrace and knelt down to her level. "Bis sis? Do you mean me?" Ulla pointed at herself curious. "This young one is Yuna. She is your little sister." Lucario explained as he noticed Ter finally join the room with the smaller hybrid. "And that is Serena" Lucario then walked over to Ter and motioned that he could carry Serena so he could greet Ulla properly.

Ulla was in disbelief as she looked at the both of them. The last time she seen Keiko and Ter; they were all on a field tournament. But then she came down with a fever. That all felt like it was just a few weeks ago. She remembered waking up in the Fairy Realm and was explained what had happened. And that she couldn't return home until she fully recovered. "I've been gone far too long-" She muttered but then stopped herself as she remembered Ter was able to read other's feelings. She quickly shifted her mood as she smiled happily "I can see you've been reckless Papa." Ulla said noticing he wasn't 100%. "Somethings never change." She giggled as she walked over to him and held out her hand as a orb of sparkling light formed in her hand. "I'm guessing Sub has tried everything to heal your wounds?"

Amber sat down with Ter and his family, curious about the younger child she hadn't met yet. "I appreciate that, Ter," she said, offering him a smile. "I'll likely have a bit of both, it's been a while since I've had any good pancakes. So what have you guys been up to in the last year?" She looked at Yuna and chuckled. "I don't think I've seen a youngster that focused on food before," she said. Before she could say anything else, a Lucario appeared and spoke to Ter, saying someone had returned. Given that it was Ter he was speaking to, Amber had to assume it was someone familiar to the Psychic Channeler, and as she wondered who it could be, Keiko bolted from the room.

Figuring this might be a good time to make herself scarce for a bit, she caught Ter's attention as he tried to get his younger daughter free from her high chair. "Hey, when you get a chance, can we talk?" she asked. "I might have a solution for Yuna's night terrors, if you're open to suggestions. And before you ask, Arauth, my Misdreavus, alerted me a few times when she felt Yuna's fear."

Ter's voice caught her attention, and Amber gave a nod to this new information. "Ah, alright," she said. "If they ever return, just let me know, alright?" She wasn't going to press the issue, since that wasn't how she did things. Still, though, just like Brian, she liked helping out where she could. Ah, speaking of Brian, she could see him getting his food and making his way over to the table she was sharing with Rachel, who had already gotten her food and sat down to eat. The Froslass hybrid walked over to join them again, snagging an apple on the way.

Brian had placed a large bowl of Pokemon food on the floor for the Pokemon that hadn't eaten yet. It was a mix of pellets and food he'd made. He'd noticed that most of his own Pokemon enjoyed eating from the same platter, so he figured that any Pokemon that didn't mind sharing would be willing to join the group. He thought about the Pokemon he had on his team; most of them were either fully evolved or in their second stages. There were still a few that had to evolve, but the one he needed to work the most with was Grace. The shiny Ralts was calm for now, having learned that the Pokemon that always surrounded her were her teammates and friends, but that could change at a moment's notice. He knew he needed to work with her a little more to get her purified, and he had to wonder if Amber had managed to purify her Delcatty. Perhaps they could work together to get them purified?

Yuna went back to focusing on her food, but if anyone could get her to pay attention, it was her close family, and that included Ulla. Though, by the time she did, her food was mostly in her belly already. "Mommy and Daddy said you were the boss of the place where fairies live," Yuna explained as best as she could understand it. Serena was too young to speak properly, and was busy being fed anyway, so she couldn't chime in.

As I cooked, I noticed the bowl of Pokemon food on the floor. With a free hand, I let Rala out of her ball. Seeing the food as soon as she was out of her ball, she went for it right a way, grabbing a chunk of it with her Psychic energy and moving it to her mouth without using her hands. Curious, I glanced at her heart crystal, and while it still looked like a sapphire, it lost its glow. As I wonder what happened, I recalled that I hadn't asked her for her help much in the past year. A year of inactivity... yeah, that'd do it. I probably could have had her teleport me to the kitchen instead of walking. Well, too late, now.

As Rala finished the first clump of food, she suddenly noticed Ulla. "Oh! Hello, Young Mistress Ulla!" she said telepathically with a smile on her face. It seemed her telepathy was back to normal, too.

Crystal’s time spent after the festival was mostly in ways to keep her busy and out of HQ, more trying to avoid Darts than anything. Smaller missions, solo training, research, anything she could do to keep herself from meeting with Darts. If it also made her look like she was actually doing something and not complaining, that was a bonus. She was also trying to watch what she said a bit more, too, in that vein. Overall, the events she caused at the festival and Darts’ words probably dug at her more than she’d ever care to admit, and she spent the year trying to shove past it. Currently, she would be outside, laying down and gazing up at the sky in a small moment of rest. She’d probably be in later, looking for something else to keep herself busy. But for now, she just wanted to be alone with her thoughts.

------------------

Aile, on the other hand, would be walking into HQ, with Tatooine at her side. Her time was busy with training, helping Sol and Reno with their ‘conspiracy theory’ boards, as she jokingly called them(full well believing that there was a decent chance of some of that being legit), and bouncing to Kitakami around the full moon for the first four months, based on one of the fortune teller’s visions at the Festival of Masks. That fourth full moon proved to be the one she was looking for, as the blood moon shown to her appeared. That was certainly one hell of a night. After that, she turned her attention back to Paldea, as another vision she was shown involved a certain Ursaluna hybrid she met at the school. After explaining her situation to Debra Ussuri, being pretty honest with her about how she eventually got to this point, a deal would be struck, where she would train her to the best of her ability while putting feelers out for a better trainer than herself. However, in exchange, she was going to be taking one class at the school, because between the extra training and Ussuri’s own job, she wasn’t going to be able to teach Aile the basics. So, she got to learn from the channelling teacher at the school, during their class. So the eight months after that were spent with a good chunk in Paldea, training and learning, with breaks split between Kitakami still and going back to HQ to touch bases with everyone there.

This time, she was coming in from Mossui Town, and her left hand would be almost indistinguishable from an actual flesh and blood hand, with her right fingernails sporting a near identical color of emerald green that the fingernails on her prosthetic hand sported, to help the illusion more. “Ooooh, I need to visit Mossui more, Tati. It’s so nice and calm there. …Am I getting old?”

“Goon? Fly gon. Fwy fly fwy gyon.” The flygon shrugged, shaking her head. She honestly liked it there as well. It was quite calm and slower paced there. Something that wasn’t easy to get in this world, it felt like.

“Fair. Fair enough. Still think I’m getting old.” Finding herself an empty chair, she flung her backpack to the ground next to it, before spinning and flopping into the seat. “Oh, right. Let me just…” Digging into the bag, she’d pull out her SNAG and turn it back on, still in the habit of turning off her SNAG whenever she returned to Kitakami. “And now people can get a hold of me again, should the need arise. Please let it not.”