Pokémon Magic & Transvolution

[Sonic Ramon]

A curious Zorua with amnesia, seeking his past memories. A playful boy with sarcasm, searching for his mother. A serious girl with dignity, thirsting for vengeance on Team Conjure. What do Ramon, Justin, and Ada have in common? Why being lost in the vast Pokemon region of Wizlore, of course!

Taking place in the far distant future, two powers changed society from the Pokemon Trainer Era: Humans, gifted with magical powers to defend themselves. Pokemon, capable of evolving and devolving by will.

These advancements doesn't prevent an ancient evil from lurking within this world. Will our heroes be able to stop them?

 

[Sonic Ramon]

Disclaimer: This fanfic contains blood, death, and minor language.

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Chapter 1: The Beginning Part 1.​

Darkness.

Complete and total darkness.

Nothing is moving. Nothing is heard.

Except…for a mere voice, shattering the silence at once. Shadows dissipate, freeing his sight. Red paws hover over the voice's locale, nudging his eyelids. A black fox lies by his lonesome, staggering pants after pants.

"Need…to…breathe…" the Zorua utters, staring ahead at the gray wall. One last inhale is enough for him to close his eyes, releasing his winds of relief. The fox smiles, his heartbeat slows to a steady pace. Much better. Getting up, the Zorua grooms his large red tuft and gray tail, eyeing himself up.

He nods. I seem to be fine. Although… His eyes shift around, head tilting. Dark gray walls with little to no light is all the fox can see. Where...am I? He tries moving forward before wincing, holding his belly. Ugh, I spoke too soon about being fine. He clenches his teeth. Why am I in pain? Did I get myself into a fight before I was knocked out?

Looking to his left, nothing but the walls lie in sight. Looking to his right, darkness spreads ahead. He gulps. I-I can't see anything here. Sighs, hesitation creeps in. I'll…go ahead. Not like I have a choice. The cold, solid ground nudges his paws at each and every step. He shivers, his teeth clittering.

Soon, something starts glowing up ahead, shining with vibrance. A light, to be exact. Oh? He walks forward. And walks, walks, walks...Until the light becomes more vivid, finally reaching the source of it: A peephole.

The Zorua tilts his head. Hmm? Laying his paw against it, the hole creaks. Hmm… He leans both of his paws on the hole, pushing. He groans. Almost there. The hole eventually bursts open, the fox rolling out of it. "AH!" He bumps into a wall and yelps, rubbing the top of his head. "Ugh…What a sturdy exit." The fox soon gasps.

"Whoa," he says in awe. Many white walls are plastered everywhere, deteriorating. Chairs and tables scatter all over the place, one of them crumbling into bits. The Zorua blinks, moving his head back. Huh...What a peculiar place.

He looks to his side, yelping. What the?

A lone corpse leans against the wall, blood dripping and trailing. It remains still, claw marks etching across its chest. Wh-What happened to him? the Zorua thinks, trembling.

Besides the corpse is a black collar, trapped beneath the pale hand. The fox tilts his head. "Hmm?" He walks towards the collar, squinting. One word spreads across it: Ramon.

Who's…Ramon? Raising his brow, the fox eyes up the corpse. This guy? He shakes his head. No...It would be silly for someone like him to wear it. Hmm… He gazes at the blood trailing from the corpse to the crooked door. One thing for sure though— shrugs. At least I know how I left.

Wandering further into the facility, the fox inspects the decaying state it's in: Materials spreading in a disorganized manner, from corners to corners. A glass tube falls off a table, shattering. The fox looks, gulping: His eyes shaking, his mouth hurling.

I-I'm not sure how I got here, nor why everything is…like this. The ceiling lights flicker on and off, sending chills throughout him. The Zorua soon steps on something wet, his eyes blinking rapidly. "Hmm?" He looks down, his body weeping, his eyes rattling.

"H-Huh?" He winces, lifting his paw: Blood paints it. "More...blood?" He soon looks ahead, backing away from the site. Blood leeches all over the place, corpses lying in its pool, some more submerged than the others.

Wh-What happened here? He turns towards some black liquid fusing with the blood nearby, swirling. What in the world? Stepping on another liquid behind him, he turns around. His eyes widen: Paws smother in black substances, a mess developing onto them. The fox yelps and runs away, shaking the liquid off.

"AAAH!" he screams, zooming past the death wasteland. He soon stops and pants, gazing at the ground and feeling his heart pound faster than a rabbit's hop. The fox closes his eyes and breathes, only to open them and coughs. Oh gosh, it even smells, too! How come I didn't notice it earlier?

He looks behind him, trails of blood following him. At least I'm no longer there. He exhales, the shakiness fading for the calmness. There's little to no blood in the new area, leading the fox to move forward.

Ominous voids is perhaps the best way to describe this area, with little to no lights guiding any poor soul who stumbled across here. The Zorua gazes ahead, his shakiness and breakdowns returning. I wish this place wasn't so dark, though. It's…certainly not any better than the blood earlier.

CREEEAK!

The Zorua stiffens, his ears twitching. The creaks repeat themselves over and over, again and again. He shivers. Th-That doesn't help, either!

He takes another deep breath, nose scrunching before he shakes his head. I have to keep going or I'll never get out of here, he thinks. Nodding, he lowers his brows and trends forward. He looks around, eyebrows raising and ears twitching.

"Oof!" He bumps into a wall and blinks, turning to his side. Double gray doors appear at plain sight: The lights barely lighting the area up. Nevertheless, he approaches the doors, leaning his paws against them. He soon blinks and turns to the side. "Hmm?"

A paper lies in the corner, still and motionless, hiding its deterioration. The Zorua tilts his head, raising his brow. He walks towards it, dim lights shining down on him. The fox unfolds the paper, spotting the very words at the top: 'Project Transvian.'

"...Transvian?" he says, reading.

"This project will expand a Pokémon's potential by turning them into the deceased species, Transvians. It'll help any Pokemon regretting their evolutionary decisions, reverting their mistakes."

Expanding a Pokémon's potential by turning them into Transvians...What? The Zorua continues.

"I believe I found a way to make the impossible possible! By adding magic blood to their circulatory system, it'll give their hearts a chance to adapt and blend the abnormal blood with their natural blood, regardless of the Pokémon being an Intellicate or a Nativu."

Magic blood? Intellicate and Nativu? The fox shakes his head. What is this person talking about!? Flickering his ears, he sighs.

"In order for this project to become successful, we'll need to attempt the following—" the rest of the paper is smothered in blood.

Wow...What I just read makes no sense. He groans and closes his eyes, nudging his head with his bloody paw, painting it. He puts his paws on the metal doors and pushes, grunting. Please tell me this is the way out.

The doors creak open, gradually allowing the Zorua to enter. Another dark area lies ahead, this one being larger than the previous. The ceiling lights all line up in a row: Some dim, some not. Broken windows, tables, and chairs are spread across the area.

Nope. Far from it. The fox breathes once more, gagging at the smell before proceeding. He glances around, lowering his ears and raising brows in unison. There's a ceiling light hanging back and forth, creaking and shrieking and creaking again.

The Zorua shivers, deep breaths comforting it. Stay calm, he tells himself, lowering his brows and nodding. Eventually he comes across a journal leaning against a desk, its back facing him. Oh? He walks to the journal and touches it, flipping it over.

'Dr. Yvonne's Project Entry.'

The journal's title. One with mystification towards the fox. Ooo. He opens to a page that shows an unusual katana: The grip is blue with darker shades surrounding it, the blade itself having a cyan color and plasma look to it while shrouding in electrical surges. Whoa. The Zorua gazes at the mystique weapon, his mouth gaping.

'Project Beam Katana' is the weapon's title, the fox smiling. He stares at the words underneath the title: 'Status: Success.'

This looks so cool!

He turns a page, another weapon rearing its way into view: Two red arm cannons conjoin into one, with a mini laser at the top. The title of this is 'Project Arm Cannons', with its status being a success as well. Wow! This looks cool, too!

He flips through many more pages of the doctor's outlandish gadgets and experiments: A ring that enables someone to improve their memories, a watch that can transform into a suitcase. There's even a coin that turns the microwave when hitting it! Although, that one is labeled as a 'Failure' unlike the others.

This Dr. Yvonne guy sure makes a lot of interesting stuff. Some of them are even a success! The Zorua wags his tail. I wonder where these things are? Hmm. He flips through each and every page, fascinated by the scientist's numerous creations. It's only when he comes across a page with blood that his lips lower. Oh...

The words and images are distorted, obscuring beyond repair. The only things that aren't affected are the title and subtitle: 'Project Transvian. Status: Success. Subject—'

The fox blinks. 'Subject', the very word leading him to stare off to the side, the blood leaving room for uncertainty. He groans, shaking his head.

Hmm...Strange. Not just this… Frowns. Everything I'm witnessing so far is! The magic blood, the Intellicate and Nativu, that Transvian project thing, the dead bodies, and this facility in general is just— he lowers his head, sitting down. Why am I here? Why can't I remember anything? D-Do I even know my name?

The ceiling light falls down and crashes, shattering vigorously. The Zorua yelps and runs behind the desk, trembling. He stares into the abyss, his heart beating fast, breathing louder and shakier. He soon stops, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath. His heart gradually returns to normal, his muscles easing.

It's just the lights, Ramon. Calm down. He opens his eyes only to blink in a constant manner, raising his brow.

Wait, 'Ramon'? Head tilts. Where did I get that name from? Eyes jolt towards the ground. …The collar I saw earlier? The Zorua lifts his paw, staring. Perhaps that's my name? Or probably someone I know who wears that collar, and now I'm calling myself that person's name for some reason? He sighs. Either way, I'll roll with the name, since it's starting to resonate with me...apparently.

The now-named Ramon shrugs before returning to the front, directing his eyes on the bloodstained journal. The many things I saw in this journal looks intriguing, but it doesn't answer my questions, unfortunately.

Then there's a pathway leading up to a small light, the Zorua gazing at it. Maybe my questions will be answered once I escape from here. He walks towards it, only to stop and look at the desk again. Although— he walks back and stares at the journal, picking it up with his mouth. Perhaps showing this journal to someone can help me piece together what's going on.

All of the sudden, Ramon spits the journal out and coughs, wiping his tongue with his paws. Gah, the bloodstains! I totally forgot about them! YUCK! He spits some more, his face wincing in putrid taste. And my paws are making it worse! "BLAH!" he shouts, sticking his tongue out. He soon adjusts his head to slowly sink his teeth into the journal, grabbing it by the sides.

He moves towards the pathway, the light becoming larger and larger. Two other pathways display themselves, the fox ignoring them as he picks up the pace. He pants through the journal, sprinting. Soon a door becomes the source of the light, tilting. Wasting no time, the Zorua leans his paws against it, grunting.

Come on...Please be the exit. He keeps pushing, panting more as he hears the door squeak and screech. He stops for a moment, slowing his breathing before inhaling.

Okay. He exhales, using all of his physical strength to budge the door. Some lights shine through, rays touching to the ground behind him. Almost there!

He pushes more. And more. Until—

CREEEAK!

The door opens. "Yesff!" he muffles, exiting without a second thought. Ramon gasps at the site, his eyes hopping in joy. He drops the book. Whoa…

The grass and trees spread everywhere, the sun beaming down at him. Not a single ceiling appears above, only the serene blue sky along with the puffy clouds. The wind flies past the Zorua's ears, colliding against his face. He closes his eyes, smiling to the cool breeze.

Sniffing the air, he sighs in relief: The smells of decay are no more, replaced with the tranquility of nature. The meadow greens, the fragrant riches, and the overall gracious odor gives his snout a wonderful paradise.

I...I think I escaped. Yes, I'm finally outside! he thinks, sighing once more. Ah, fresh air at last! And I can even see properly, too! Picking up the book, he moves forward before being stopped by a yellow object. Huh?

The object extends from left to right, the Zorua trailing its path. It's tied together by cones, a bunch of yellow tape springing from one another. The tapes repeat the same words throughout it: 'KEEP OUT.'

Odd. He ducks underneath, walking away as the smooth grass smooches his paws. He turns around, his face ranging from calm and content to grim and distress.

Broken windows and structures trash the facility, bricks spreading in a disorganized manner. A pole sticks out from the top, crooked. Glasses lie next to the bricks while the door itself looks even more twisted than before.

Soon a brick falls down and collapses, pieces flying off like a boomerang. Ramon leaps to the side, the bricks crashing next to him. He stares at the facility's withered state, closing his eyes and shaking his head.

I have no clue what happened to this facility. His eyes open. And somehow, being outside doesn't give me an answer, either.

SWOOSH!

Hmm? His ears flicker, turning to his side: A large, spinning bone jolts towards him. What the!? He jumps out of the way before more bones spin towards him. There's more!? He dodges one after another, all hitting the ground.

After panting nonstop, he's met with a powerful blow to the stomach, lifting off the ground. "Gah!" The journal drops, a figure wearing a cloak smacking the Zorua away with their bone.

Ramon slams into a nearby tree, wincing. "Ug-Ugh."

He groans before coughing, wrapping around his stomach. He gnashes his teeth, strains surfacing throughout. Dear goodness, this hurts!

"What a coincidence that you've escaped as soon as I've arrived," the person says with menace. The Zorua shatters into dread, staring up.

"Wh-What…?" Ramon responds, his voice raspy.

"Now then—" the blue-eared figure gets into a pose, aiming their bone at the Zorua. "Time to finish what I've started."

 

[Sonic Ramon]

Chapter 2: The Beginning Part 2.​

The figure walks forward: Bone in one paw, fist in another. They stomp, tufts of grass flying up.

Ramon paralyzes in place, lost beyond belief. His eyes tremble at the individual, seeing the blue tail hanging out from them. The fox grunts, lifting himself up as his legs tremble, pain surfacing.

"Wh-Who are you?" Ramon asks, grinding his teeth.

The figure jolts, twirling their bone. Ramon shrieks, trembling from the figure's speed. The figure swings their Bone Rush, the fox's eyes widening. He jumps over it, the bone touches the tip of his paws, shredding some fur.

The Zorua flips forward, landing on the ground swiftly. He sighs. That…was close. He looks up, the figure's red eyes glowing at him. Chills sprawl throughout the fox, eyes quaking. H-How fast are th—

Another swing thrusts forward, the fox jumping to the side as the bone hits the ground. The figure holds their paw out, forming a white orb before morphing it into another bone. They fire it, the fox evading once more.

An array of Bone Rushes come firing at him afterwards, Ramon dodging and leaping over them. This guy is serious about killing me! And I don't know why! Ramon thinks, jumping over the individual after they swipe him. Gah! This is so frustrating! Why is this happening!?

The fox grits his teeth, lowering his brows. "I don't know who you are, but please stop trying to attack me!" he says, the figure turning around. They give him the grim glare again, the fox shuddering. Urk…

They rush forward, readying their attack. "I said stop!" Ramon demands, the figure getting close to him. "NOW!" he screams, shooting a wave of dark energy at them. The individual blocks the attack with their arm, grunting as they get pushed back.

"Hmm?" Ramon blinks for a moment, flickering his ears. Did I do that? he questions, rolling in oddity. The figure brushes themselves off, glaring at the fox. They run forward, the Zorua gasping in response. No time to question it! ...Even though I just did.

Ramon stretches his maw out and forms a black orb, shooting another dark energy at them. The figure blocks the move, backing away more this time. Ramon unleashes a barrage of Dark Pulses, swinging his head like a boomerang. The individual groans, backing away more and more from the dark energies.

Ramon then raises his paw, summoning one more Dark Pulse before flinging it forward. The cloaked figure groans, blasting off and rolling around the grass. The bone fades.

The Zorua pants, racing his breath as the figure remains still. He lets out a heavy sigh, his heart slowing in tranquility. Seems like I knocked them out, he confirms. Directing his attention to the journal, he walks towards it. Now to get out of here. He sinks his teeth into it, lifting it up with ease.

"Mmf!"

He yelps, feeling a sudden jab to his stomach. His eyes circle up to the figure, quaking. They fling the Zorua away with their bone, crashing him into a nearby tree. "Ack!" He coughs out the journal, purple blood oozing from his maw, his back screeching and shrieking. "Ugh..."

The figure picks up the journal, Ramon trembling in place. What the— he wails, standing up only to scream and fall. He remains in place, wincing while stroking the grass. Why...Why did that hurt me more than before? Enough to immobilize me… He whimpers, his teeth being gnashed, his eyes piling tears. The cloaker walks close as the fox continues quaking. So...much...pain.

The unknown individual stops, kneeling on one knee, groping it. "You know, none of this would've happened had you not come here. Xander—" they pause for a moment, giving Ramon a dirty look. "...would still be alive." The cold, bitter tone sends Ramon into endless shrills. He zones into confusion, descending into it.

"I-I don't know who Xander is. Nor what you're talking about!" he replies, his voice cracking more than a hyena.

The figure squints their eyes, clenching their fist. "Are you lying to me?"

"No! I swear I don't know what happened here!"

"Then explain this." The individual lifts the journal, the sunlight showing more of its cover: The title is barren, letters scraping off as the red colors turn dry brown. Ramon gazes at the book for a moment, his heart pounding fast. "How did you get Xander's journal?"

"I...I found it ly-lying on the ground next to a de-desk." They glance at the fox, Ramon trembling persists. "I-I swear! I'm not lying to you! Honestly!"

The figure gazes for a brief moment, feeding the Zorua more fear. They soon get up, casting a bone. "You're still lying." Something beneath their cloak twitches, but the figure ignores it. "You've certainly planned this, one way or another. Pretending to know nothing after the facility is destroyed." Their head shake. "That explains the dried blood on your face." Growls. "You enjoyed every moment of Xander's death, didn't you?"

The Zorua whimpers, shaking his head quickly while repeating 'No' over and over. The figure lifts their arm. "Dirty liars like you deserve punishment." They swing down.

Ramon yelps and shuts his eyes, stroking the grass more. As the attack gets close, the individual is pushed away by a projectile. "Gah!" they shout, the purple beam fading afterwards. They hurl around before jabbing the ground, bringing themselves to a halt.

Ramon opens his eyes, the figure being further away. "Huh?" He tilts his head, blinking.

"Go grab the Zorua. I'll handle this guy," a hard, feminine voice says, Ramon directing his attention towards it. Two humans appear from afar, one of them lowering her arms as purple auras surround them. They sparkle and glisten, shining bright enough to become a shooting star.

The other person swings by the Zorua, lowering himself before picking the fox up. "Gotcha, little fella," the boy says in a soothing tone. The Zorua winces, agony coming back with a vengeance. "Whoops. My bad, dude."

"Ugh...What's even happening right now?" Ramon asks, shaking his head.

"What do you think? We're here to save you, dude." The dark brown boy turns, the individual already getting close to him. The two yelp. "OH SHI—" the girl clashes against the figure's Bone Rush. "Phew. Thanks, fam!"

The girl grunts, her purple claws railing the bone. "No, ngh, problem!"

Ramon gets a clear look at the claws: The gleams, the glitters, the auras surrounding the teen's hands. Mystics flourish in it all. "...Whoa," he says, his maw hanging at the lustrous claws.

The light skin girl pushes the figure, holding her hand out. A purple orb casting itself, the girl shooting it afterwards. It shapeshifts into an energy projectile, screeching towards the figure. They jump to the side, the beam crashing into the ground. The teen suddenly gets next to them, kicking them towards the ground.

"Gah!" the figure yelps.

The individual tries to get up, but no progress is being made: The girl is pinning them down with her foot. The cloaker stares at her, menace radiating in their eyes.

"Woo! Hell yeah, fam! You take that sucker down! WOO!" the boy yells, his voice spreading with cheers and excitement. But to the girl, it's screeching and shouting, squinting her eyes in response.

Was that even necessary? she thinks to herself, rolling her eyes and shaking her head. Ramon raises his brow, lowering his ears to shield them from the raving mouth.

The girl receives a smack to the stomach by a sudden Bone Rush, flying off. She flips backwards, landing on the ground while covering her belly. She glances ahead, the figure up and arm with their arsenal.

"You hit pretty hard." She spits purple blood on the ground, claws sliding their way onto the girl's hands. "I appreciate a challenging foe when I see one." She turns to the boy, her belly glowing blue as she strokes it. "Go on. I'll catch up with you later."

The Zorua's eyes widen, fascination spreading across him. That…looks so cool.

"..." The teen gazes at her, deadpanned.

"...Um—"

"Okay." He runs off, leaving the teen to stare at him.

"...Asshole," she mutters, appalled. The cloaker tries chasing after the boy before a projectile hits the grass. They snarl, turning towards the girl. "Don't you dare turn away from me, mister." She uncovers her stomach, the light fading away. "Now then, back to what we've started." She gets in a posture, gesturing her finger.

The distance between Ramon and the two spread apart: A battle commences. The Zorua's eyes slowly close, the boy looking down at him. "Um. UM," he says, the rest of his voice muffling away from Ramon's ears.

Welcome...

To Magic & Transvolution!​

 

[Sonic Ramon]

Chapter 3: Justin and Ada.​

"...e…"

Grunts echo in the void, grasping its barrier. They then transform into groans, becoming loud and recognizable.

"...ey...hey…"

The voice sounds familiar, reaching similar loudness. The Zorua hears his grunts, destroying the darkness. "Hu...Huh…?" he says, trailing.

"HEY!"

Ramon opens his eyes, seeing the boy shouting at him. His vision can't make out the teen's spasm frenzy.

"Oh hey, you're awake!" he exclaims, wiping his forehead. "Phew. Thought you were a goner for a moment...That would've been a yikes moment for us." He shudders.

Lowering his head, the fox widens his eyes at the boy's hands lying motionless on his torso, blue auras surrounding them. His belly shines brighter than a nightlight, sparkling similarly to the girl's claws. The Zorua pushes the boy's hands. "Get off!"

"What?"

"I said get off! Get off from me, now!"

The teen lifts his hands, Ramon backing away within seconds. He leans against a tree, the rough barks scratching him.

"Dude, I was healing yo—"

"Who are you!? A-And—" the fox blinks down. "What did you do to me!?" he demands, twitching in place.

The boy keeps his hands up, concerned. "Hey now, relax. I was just gonna to tell you that I was healing you. You got beaten by that cloak fella pretty badly. You even passed out while we were escaping."

Ramon blinks, holding onto the tree. "Oh...Are you sure you didn't inject anything deadly into me? N-No, uh, poison or anything?"

The teen shakes his head. "No. Why would I do that cruel shit, dawg?"

"Well, the strange cloaked guy was hurting me so...I thought I should ask. J-Just in case." The two enter in dead silence, the wind flourishing in its presence. "...Say, how come you can understand me?"

"You're a talking Pokémon, man. An Intellicate. How else would I understand you?"

"Oh...Wait, what?"

The teen waves his hand around. "It'll make sense, eventually." He walks forward, snapping his fingers while forming two finger guns. He winks. "The name's Justin Phoenix, by the way. The girl earlier is Ada Cheng." Holds out his hand. "You?"

Ramon stares at Justin's white shirt and blue jeans: The shirt has two holes puncturing the bottom, his jeans littering with slash marks, all while his black belt keeps it from falling apart. These clothes have seen better days, but at least the dude wears something on his feet. White shoes, to be exact.

"It's, um, Ramon." The Zorua lifts his paws, wobbling and trembling. He shakes Justin's hand, pressuring them. "Pleasure meeting you."

The boy lifts his brow. "Uh. You're squeezing, dude."

"Hmm? OH!" Ramon lowers his paws immediately, brushing them off. "M-My apologies." He whimpers, looking away.

"It's aight." Justin shrugs. "So yeah, Ada and I were roaming around the forest tryna find somewhere to live when we came across you. We saw you getting your ass handed by that dude. So we figured to stop by and help ya."

"Oh...I see, then."

Justin squats, folding his arms, hand on chin. "How's your stomach feeling?"

Ramon grinds his paws against his torso, the soft furs hugging them. "I'm...not in pain anymore," he answers. "...How did you do that?"

"Aight, so—"

"In fact, how did that Ada girl use those claws?"

"I mean, I could just expla—"

The Zorua leaps forward. "All of this is so weird! Please explain!"

Justin squints his brown eyes. "I was getting to that if you'd stop interrupting me, damn," he says, agitated. The fox blinks for a moment before lowering his ears, looking down.

"Oh. I'm so, so very sorry. I just have a lot to ask and I...didn't mean to interrupt you like that."

"Well just let a man express his story, dude. Now like I was saying, Ada and I have this thing called—"

BOOM!

Flying types scatter away from the explosion, cawing in fear. Ramon jumps and yelps, hiding in a nearby bush as Justin falls flat on his butt. The boy gazes at the purple smoke rising from the air, mouth gaping.

"DAAAAAMN!" he shouts, eyes widening. Wobbling his way out of the bush, Ramon stares up at the sparkling smoke, his shakiness subsiding.

"Wow," he says, his tail wagging. "That looks amazing!"

"I know, right? I think Ada did that. Since it's coming from the same place we ran from."

"Hmm." Ramon tilts his head, the smoke evaporating.

"She probably took care of that dude by now."

"Well that was a disappointing fight," a familiar voice joins in, ringing bells for the two.

"Speaking of which—" Justin puts his fingers in his mouth, blowing like a whistle. "We're over here!"

The girl emerges from the foliage, her red jacket looking vibrant over a gray tank top. Similar to Justin's jeans, Ada's black jeans have rip marks on the front and back, which aren't supported by the red heels she's wearing.

"I thought he'd be a challenge because of how hard he hits." The girl looks up, dusting her hands while glancing. "Oh how wrong I was." She sighs while Justin smirks at her, waving.

"Sup, Ada. I did as you told me to do. And also, nice to see you back, fam!"

"..." Ada walks toward the boy, unfolding one hand.

"Uh, is something wrong?" Justin's head jolts to the side from the girl's slap, his lips puckering.

"I can't believe you left me like that without any concerns!" Ada exclaims, clenching her fists.

The two have black hair, with Ada's being longer and curlier, smoothing itself out. The clean silk makes her hair a complete contrast to her jeans. The girl's purple eyes have a slight, downward stretch, unlike the boy's straight ones.

Justin rubs his cheek, whimpering. The red mark steams his hand. "Hey man, that hurts! Plus I was doing what you told me to do: Run off with the Zorua."

"At least leave with concern for my safety! Such as saying 'Be careful'." Lips lower. "You know, like any normal person would!" Ada folds her arms, frowning.

"Oh relax, fam. I had a feeling you'd take care of that guy easily. That's why I left like that."

"What if he's a tough opponent and I get killed?"

Justin scratches the back of his head, looking at the ground. "...Then I bite my tongue." He pats Ada on the shoulder, smiling. "No need to be so uptight, Ada. At least you didn't die from that fight, right?"

"Yes, but—"

"Ada, we need as much strength as possible. Wasting it on something like arguing will get us nowhere." Justin releases a cool wind. "Relax, man. After all, you are alive so why not enjoy the time you have now?"

Silence fills the air, Ada's eyes glancing in a cold land while Justin's closes his' in a warm one. Ramon sits in place, not moving a muscle. He lowers his ears, unsure about breaking the silence or not.

Ada closes her eyes, releasing her serene sighs. "Alright. I'll cherish this moment of living another day. Thank you."

Justin chuckles softly. "At this rate, I may as well dub you 'The Girl with an Iron Fist of Fury!' Coming to IMAX and theaters on May 26th!" Ada pinches the boy's ear, glaring. "YOWCH, FAM!" He whines from the stinging punctures.

"It'll be a punch next time if you keep up the snarky jokes!" Ada exclaims, continuing.

The Zorua blinks for a moment before snickering. The two antics provide him with warmth and comfort, Justin yelping further from Ada's discipline. She then gasps and stares at Ramon.

"Shoot, I've totally forgotten about the Zorua because of you." Ada squints her eyes, walking towards him. Getting on her knees, she holds her hand out. "The name's Ada Cheng. Pleasure to meet you." Her voice is hard and solid like a boulder.

Ramon shakes the girl's hand. "Ramon's mine. A pleasure meeting you too, Ada. Although, your friend already told me your name."

"Oh." Ada turns to the side. "I bet he introduced me in an immature way."

"Not really," Justin says, snickering.

"I don't believe those words."

"If you say so, fam." He uses his finger guns again, winking at Ada. The teen squints her eyes and shakes her head, the Zorua chuckling in response.

"Say, I have a question to ask you two," Ramon says, grabbing the two's attention. "One, what were those blue lights that appeared on my stomach along with Ada's? And two, what were those sparkling things on Ada's hands?"

Ada rubs the side of her head. "Are you referring to earlier?" she asks. The Zorua nods. "Ah, I see. I used magic to heal myself, and Justin did the same to you, I assume."

"...What?"

The girl lifts one finger, a purple claw spawning itself. "As for the sparkling things, I used my Magic moves: Mystical Projectile and Enchantment Claws."

"...Again: WHAT!?"

The girl flinches, the claw fading. "Did you really have to yell? I'm right here, you know." She frowns, folding her arms.

Ramon whimpers, lowering his ears. "I'm sorry. It's just…" Head lowers. "I'm so confused by everything I've learned so far! Nativu, Intellicate, Transvian, magic blood, and now Magic moves and healing too!?" He shakes his head. "It all doesn't add up! What world am I living in!?"

The two teens jump back. "Wait, Transvian!?" they exclaim, looking at each other with raised brows.

Ada turns to Ramon. "Where did you get Transvian from?"

"I got it from this jour...nal..." The Zorua looks around, drooping with jitters. "Huh!? I can't find it!"

"You mean this?" Ada takes the journal out of her jacket, the fox drops his trembles in favor of content. "Found it lying on the ground while defeating the cloaked guy." The two teens stare at the book's cover, including the words 'Dr. Yvonne'. They leap into suspense, caution emanating from them.

"Yo dude, where did you get this book?" Justin asks, curiosity peaking.

"I got it from the facility. I took it with me in hopes of anyone knowing what happened there." A nervous laugh spawn. "A-Anyone who doesn't want to kill me, to be specific…" Ramon gasps. "Which reminds me: Do you two know anything about the book?"

Justin shifts. "The only thing we know about it is that it belongs to Dr. Yvonne, a famous scientist at the Prospective Institute."

"Wait wait, Prospective Institute?" Ramon tilts his head. "Now I'm even more confused than before!"

Ada clasps her hands. "Annnd that's why we're going to talk and walk about it. I don't want to waste more time in this heat as we search for a place to live." She walks forward on a grassy path.

"Even though you're heated yourself?" Justin replies, grinning.

"Shut up."

The boy chuckles before following the teen, the Zorua walking along. "Hey um Justin, do you have the same Magic moves as Ada's? Or at least somewhat like it?"

The teen winks, giving Ramon the finger guns. "Yes and no," he answers, smirking in delight.

Ramon blinks, tilting his head. "Huh?"

Ada stops, turning around and shooting her Mystical Projectile, the purple laser screeching towards the teen. "YIKES!" Two blue blades materialize in Justin's hands, radiating sparkles. He blocks the beam, glaring at the girl. "Hey! What was that for!?" he yells.

The Zorua gazes at the blades, jaw dropping. "Whoooa…"

Ada giggles, smirking at the boy. "That's for being a clown. Now quit messing around and come on." Justin grumbles before following the girl, slipping his hands in his pockets as his blades fade.

The Zorua stares ahead for a moment before shaking, following the two. He brightens with content, smiling at the socializing teens. I have no clue what'll happen from here. But I feel like I could be safe with these two, he thinks. And…perhaps they can help me recover my past.

Somewhere in one of the bushes, the cloaker from earlier sticks his head out. He spits his blood, painting the grass in red while glaring at the Zorua. His cloak looks rugged, bits of his blue skin are showing.

"I will not sleep. Nor rest...Until I have you pay for your crime, Ramon," the individual says with grim, sneaking through the bushes.

 

[Sonic Ramon]

Chapter 4: There's Trouble in the Forest!​

Wild Pokémon roam throughout the forest: Frolicing in the greens, even talking with one another! The vibrant, lush flowers sprout at each bush, wild Buneary goes to sniff one before sighing in relief. It then spots the three wanderers, hopping away.

The Zorua's maw hangs, eyeing around. "Whoa," he says, his tail wagging in glee. "Never knew the outside looked this…lively."

Justin has his hands behind his head, smiling as bright as the sun itself. "That's the beauty of nature, dude." He sniffs, closing his eyes. "All of these fresh greens and wild Nativus living their life is what makes it great to see." The boy points up, staring at the sun. "You can even see the sun smirking down at us."

"Yeah!" Ramon blinks. There goes the mention of Nativu again. I wish I knew what he meant by that… The fox sniffs the fresh air, breathing it as if it's his first time. Exhaling, the fox puts up a toothy smile. "Oh it even smells amazing here, Justin! The fresh aroma from the plants nearby makes my snout not want to hurl in a corner!" He hops around. "No more foulness from the facility's corpses: I'm stench free!"

Ada and Justin's eyes leap. "Corpses!?" the two yell, the Zorua covering his ears in response.

"Ye-Yeah. I smelled nothing but the corpses while roaming around the facility."

The teens look at each other, drilling into uncertainty. "I guess that explains the dried blood on your face," Justin says, his laughter sounding like a creaking windmill.

Ada folds her arms, lifting her brow. "Justin, that wasn't funny."

"What? That wasn't me laughing at him. It was just—"

"A laugh, right?"

"Ye-Yeah. But it wasn't like a laugh laugh. It was...uh." The teen scratches the back of his head, looking down at the ground. "Nevermind."

Ada sighs, looking at Ramon. "Did you happen to find Yvonne along the way?"

Ramon looks off to the side, lowering his brows. "Hmm…" He closes his eyes, humming. After some time, he opens his eyes, twiddling his paws. He shakes his head. "No. I don't recall meeting him."

"Hmm." Ada lays a hand on her chin. "This is all strange: You mentioned there being corpses in the institute even though the institute was destroyed...Why's that the case?"

Justin puts his hands in his pockets. "Beats me. Something must have happened there."

"Yeah...Something big."

Silence.

The three stare ahead, their minds perplexed. The wind blows against them, sounding similar to one's whistle.

"So, uh," Ramon pauses. "Where are we heading?"

"...We're not sure," Ada responds, shrugging.

Ramon blinks. "Huh?" Eyebrow raises. "Mind clarifying?"

"As I've said: We're not sure." The girl sighs. "Justin and I have been traveling around the region for awhile now. We have yet to see any village nor town nearby.'' She looks at the fox. "Do you perhaps know where we can find a place to stay?"

Ramon shakes his head. "I escaped the facility not too long ago. That's why I asked you if you know where we're heading."

"Oh…" Ada stops for a moment and bows. "My apologies for the misunderstanding."

Justin snickers. "So quick to belittle someone, yet can't understand someone's question the first time." Ada glances at the boy and springs her fist, jabbing his stomach. He groans, covering it. "Ooof! That freaking hurts!" He chuckles, his voice cracking.

Ada cracks her fist. "Next retort will be a roundhouse kick. Keep it up."

"Damn. With a punch like that, you could send a boulder flying into outer space!" Justin lifts his arm up, pointing. "Not even a meteor would want to hit you knowing that fact, fam."

Ada sighs and folds her arms, shaking her head. "Oh you're exaggerating. You know I'm not that strong."

"But that punch, though." Justin gets on his knees, clenching his stomach: Cries. "The pain will not go away, man!" His head moves back and forth, his eyes boiling with liquid. "IT BURNS!" He rocks like a chair, shivering.

Ada's hand hovers over her face, poking Justin's head with another. "Stop your hysterical nonsense, please," she says, the boy chuckling within seconds.

Ramon laughs along, glee flourishing. He then gets close to Ada, eyeing up. "Hey, I have one more question to ask you two before saving the rest."

"Go ahead." Ada waves her hand. "May as well since you have a lot on your mind."

"Why are you two traveling?" He tilts his head. Justin and Ada look to the side, drooping. The boy clenches his fist, gradually sighing. Ramon lowers his ears, devolving into guilt. "Di-Did I say something bad?"

Justin shakes his head. "It's...best if we tell you once we find someplace to stay."

SCREECH!

Flicking his ears, the Zorua turns to his left: Ada using her Enchantment Claws on the tree, shredding and tearing the barks. She stops, a lone claw mark painting it. The girl sighs, staring down in loneliness. The fox drowns in concern, shaking.

O-Oh…Understood, then.

Nodding at Justin, Ramon and the two remain silent throughout their travels. Until—

"AAAH!"

A voice screams.

The three stop, turning to their left.

"HUH!?" Ramon says, jumping back.

"Someone may be in trouble," Ada concludes, frowning. "Let's go help them." She takes off running.

The two jet after her, zipping past the trees and bushes. Ramon blinks, frowning off to the side. That's...strange, he thinks, looking ahead. I'm sensing something. They curve to the side, hopping over bushes, and hurling around trees.

Soon, the three come across two men possessing a container. The fox groans, glaring. That feeling. It's getting stronger now. But from where?

"Yo, are you good?" Justin whispers.

Ramon looks at him and nods. "I'm fine, y-yeah." He smiles.

One of the men holds the container, shrouding it in purple auras while above his hand. Inside is a yellow tapir, the lower half of her body being colored brown. A blue ribbon wraps around the Drowzee's neck, hugging onto it.

"Ugh...She was such an annoying Pokémon to catch," the second man says, groaning. "I wish we caught her in a more stealthy manner."

"Pl-Please let me go…" The Drowzee whimpers.

The first man hits the container, the tapir yelping back. "Shut up!"

Ramon gasps, the Drowzee shaking and tugging on the other end. "She needs help!" he says to the two, his ear flickers. "...Hey?" He turns towards them, the teens roaring at the adults with their eyes. "Um...Are you two oka—"

Ada storms toward the two, forming her claws. "Ada, wait!" Justin shouts, his fist gripping in boiling pressure.

The call is far too late: Ada strikes the first man from behind as he screams in pain, dropping the container. It collapses, shattering.

The other guy fires his multiple beams at Ada, rearing at lightning speed. Ada leaps back from one after another, twirling and flipping herself around. She lands and pats herself, dust flying off. Justin and Ramon rush to her side.

"Are you alright?" Ramon asks, quaking with concern. Ada lowers her arms: Claws intact, her face yelling with boiling volcanos. She glances at the two men, stretching her claws out.

"I recognize you purple monsters from anywhere," she says, being correct about their outfits' color. It's also dark, with the two men carrying shades and black gloves. One of them adjusts himself, brushing off dirt.

"What is the meaning of this?" the first man says, rubbing his fist.

"Ada, do you know these guys?" the Zorua questions.

Ada nods. "So does Justin." Lifts her claws. "We'll explain later. Right now—" she gets in a posture. "We got business to attend to."

Blades spawn their way into Justin's possession, firmly gripping them. Ramon blinks before sighing, shaking his head.

This continues to get more and more confusing.

 

[Sonic Ramon]

Chapter 5: Conjure.​

"Who are you two!? And why are you holding the Drowzee hostage!?" yells Ramon.

The purple men adjust their shades, eyeing the three. Ada glares back as Justin spins his blades.

"It's none of your business, Zorua," the first guy replies, cracking his knuckles.

"Oh you are our business!" Ada counters, her fiery boiling. "From the very beginning, you've been our business! We've suffered throughout our travels because of you!"

Justin nods. "Yeah! You'll pay for what you did to our hometown!"

Hometown? Ramon thinks, raising his brow. The two guys look at each other for a moment, their hands against their chins.

"..." Sudden laughter.

"You three? Against us? This must be a joke," the second guy states. "We don't know who you are, but you fools look like those poor folks who think they can fight us."

"Yes. If I were you, I would turn around right now." The first man cracks his neck, grinning. "You three wouldn't stand a chance."

Ada curls her claws. "You won't be the one standing!" She dashes forward, zooming past bushes as wind blows against them. "I'LL MAKE SURE OF THAT!"

Ramon and Justin follow, readying their attacks. The opposing men lower their smirks and fire their projectiles, the beams screeching past the grasses, tearing a piece.

Ada hops over them as the other two jump to the side, the beams slamming into the bushes. Flipping herself forward, the teen claws at the two men, slashing all over the place. Hmm? She continues, thrashing and scratching. Why am I not hearing them scream?

This entire time she is attacking a purple shield, squinting her eyes in response. Oh. That's why. The second man leaves his arms out, keeping the shield up. Then the first guy summons his blue, sparkling sword: Sharp and slender.

As the shield fades, the man jumps in the air and swings at Ada. She dodges sword swipes after another, glancing. Whoa! He moves fast! The second guy stares at her: A pistol in his hand, focusing his aim.

Ada yelps, forming a shield around her. The bullets and sword hit the shield, pushing the teen towards the ground. Her back grinds against it, groaning.

Once her shield fades, the sword guy swings down for the final blow. Ada gasps before Justin clashes his blades against the sword, pushing the man back. She sighs in relief. "Thanks."

The boy nods, rushing towards the swordsmen afterwards. The man lifts his sword, colliding it against the teen's blades. A barrage of sword swings happen: Justin slashing and evading while the man does the same, both glaring.

The second man shoots Ada only for his bullets to get slammed by Ramon's Dark Pulse. Ada gets up and nods at him. "Thank you, too," she says.

Ramon nods back, the two rushing towards the man. He forms a Mystical Projectile in his hand, firing it and his gun at once. The two duck, the Zorua flinging his Dark Pulse at him. "GAH!" The man flies off into the air, Ada jumping after him. She roundhouse kicks him, the guy crashing towards the ground afterwards.

The Drowzee gazes at the capsule's entrance, glass littering everywhere. She crawls to the exit, whimpering and whining. She squeezes through. "Oof!"

Meanwhile, Justin clashes against the sword user: Both moving quick as lightning. Soon the boy kicks the man, slamming him against the tree.

"Hmph! Your kicks are puny, boy! And your attacks are nothing but distractions: Distractions from me becoming the very best!" the swordsmen says, charging forward. "RAAAAAGH!"

Justin smirks and spins, a small tornado casting around him. The man gets blown away, rolling around and crashing against the same tree. He groans, holding his stomach. "U-Ugh…" His sword disappears.

"And your swordplay is utter trash. Just straight DOODOO!" Justin sticks his tongue out, blowing. "If you were on a swordsmen tier list, I'd put you in F tier for real for real." The boy shoos the dust off from his blades. "Becoming the best my ass." He turns towards the gun wielder, seeing his struggle against his friends.

The man pants, shooting at Ada from various angles. The girl dodges the gunfire and mystics with ease, twirling over one of them. Ramon flings his dark ball at the man, causing him to lose focus at lifting his shield. Ada pushes the man back, brute forcing him across the ground.

"Tch." The man forms a fist, running after the girl. "I'll show you not to assault adults!" He swings forward before the Zorua rams into his stomach, coughing out purple blood. "ACK!" The man flies off, ramming into another tree.

"Nice Sucker Punch," Ada says, lifting her thumb.

Ramon tilts his head, his paws shrouding in dark energy. "Sucker Punch?" He lifts his paw, the energy fading away. "Huh...I thought that dark ball of energy was my only move."

"Dark ball of energy? You mean Dark Pulse?"

Ramon blinks. "...Yeah."

The purple outfit guy groans, sliding his gun into his pocket. He gets up, spreading his arms out: Purple orbs cast into existence, circulating around him. Electrical surges through the orbs, crackling from it. His arms envelope into them, the man grinning.

"Uh...What is he doing?" the Zorua questions, lowering his brows.

"He's using his Magic move." Purple claws prep themselves, the girl squinting. "Can't let that happen." Ada runs. Ramon follows, his paws shrouding in darkness again.

More and more orbs form around the man, laughing. "D.I.E, YOU VERMINS!" He thrusts his arms forward, the projectiles screeching towards the two. They land: The two flying off and crashing against the ground, sliding.

"Ada! Ramon!" Justin shouts, clenching his teeth.

Ada groans and gets up slowly, brushing herself off. Meanwhile Ramon winces, coughing while wrapping his stomach. He gnashes his teeth. Why… Coughs once more. Why did that hurt…so much? He looks at Ada, the girl panting. Meanwhile…she's getting up as if the move didn't phase her at all.

Ada summons her claws again, her breathing irregular, her heart pounding like a drum. "Is...that the best you got?" she says, taking a deep breath. She lunges forward, glaring.

The man blinks. "What the hell? My trump card didn't work!?" Justin follows the girl, dashing as the man yelps. "S-Stay away!" He unleashes a barrage of projectiles, moving his arms rapidly.

Some hit the boy's blades, deflecting one while the others manage to land on him. "SHIT!" He flies off, crashing next to Ramon, his blades fading.

"HA! GOT ONE!" The man gets hit by the deflected beam, covering his shoulder. "ARGH!"

Now's my chance! Ada thinks, zooming past the fired beams. She jumps from side to side before leaping into the air, twirling around. The man looks at the girl getting close to him, casting another projectile in desperation. It's too late as the teen claws his chest.

"AAAH FUCK!" He screams, getting dragged to the side by the claws. He flings towards the other purple man, colliding against him. The two groan, motionless.

Ada lands on the ground, brushing herself off before folding her arms. She walks towards the men and stops, glancing down. "I will admit: Building upon your Mystical Projectile and turning it into your Primary move is pretty clever." She gets on her knees, grabbing the second man by the shirt and pulling him close. His shades crook, glass shattering enough for his eyes to be seen. "It's a shame that you wasted it on harming others."

"What the hell do you want from us, girl?" the man says, grunting from chest pain.

"Tell me who you are and why you're ruining people's lives." Glares. "My friends and I included." She gripes the man's shirt.

He glances back. "Screw off, girl. We're not telling you anything." A blue light casts around him. "Boohoo to you and your friends' lives being ruined." The two men glow further, beginning to fade. "Welcome to reality." He disappears from the girl's grasp, no longer visible.

Ada gazes at the palm of her hands, shaking and trembling. Those hands turn into fists before swinging towards a nearby tree, clenching her teeth. "DAMMIT!" she shouts, the Flying types scattering away. "I was so close. So, very, close...And then they had to teleport away!" She claws at the tree, remaining still.

Justin rushes to the girl and pats her, melting with concern. "Hey, relax Ada. We'll run into them again."

"What if we don't!? What if this is the only time we'll be able to see them? And that time has been wasted!" Ada's fist shakes, tears marching up her eyes.

Justin continues speaking, "Nah. I'm sure we'll see their asses again." As Ramon gets up, he comes across two objects on the ground. He tilts his head, giving them a closer look. "These guys probably terrorize other villages, not just ours. I don't know what their motives are but—" the objects turn out to be cards, containing information about the purple men, including their pictures. "I'm sure these clowns will continue being around Wizlore. We'll find them, man. Eventually..."

"Hey you two, you may want to look at this," Ramon says, catching the two's attention. They look at each other for a moment before heading towards him.

'Team Conjure Grunt #57. Magic move: Magic Sword' and 'Team Conjure Grunt #90. Magic move: Mystical Static.'

Those are the words displayed on the cards, the first man posing with his sword while the second looks at the viewer in their pictures.

Ada leans down and takes the cards, glaring. She shows them to Justin. "That's who they are," she says with harshness.

"Whoa. That's a raw group name for two dudes getting beaten up by some teens and a fox." Justin snickers, slipping his hands in his pockets.

"Let's not let them represent Team Conjure, Justin." She eyes the boy, folding her arms. "Remember what happened to our village?"

Justin blinks before scratching the side of his head. "Oh...right." He then looks to the side, an empty capsule lying motionless on the ground. "Also not to change the topic fam, but that Drowzee is gone."

"What?" Ada turns, glaring. "Wooow…" She groans, shaking her head. "She could've at least said thanks before leaving."

"Yeah. I agree," Justin follows, folding his arms.

The bizarre feeling leaves the Zorua, Ramon glancing to the side. That feeling is gone now...Why was it there? He sighs. Another one of those mysteries added to my Confused List, I guess.

He blinks for a moment before gasping. Which reminds me! He walks toward the teens. "Hey um, what happened to your home? And…how do you know those Conjure guys?" he says, gazing.

Justin and Ada stare off to the side, succumbing to melancholy. "I'll…explain it to ya, man," Justin says.

The Zorua's widens his eyes, blinking. "Oh? At least I'm getting some answers now."

Ada scoffs. "I answered your question when you asked about my powers. What are you talking about?"

Ramon looks at her and chuckles in a raspy manner. "Ah. My fault for forgetting there. Although, I still need elaborations on what this whole Magic thing is."

Ada shrugs. "Understandable."

He gazes back at Justin. "Proceed."

Justin starts walking forward, the others following. "Alright. So it all started when…"

Near a tree, a hand appears from behind. The Drowzee pokes her head from it, staring at the three while hiding. Sorry for not saying thank you! she thinks, whimpering.

 

[Sonic Ramon]

Chapter 6: Synchronic Village.​

'Synchronic Village: The coincidences of life!'

That was written in the village's sign, people passing by it as they entered.

In front of the entrance, two teens clashed: Purple claws nudging the blue blades. They then jumped back, Justin stabbing the ground with his blades. Ada swung her claws, Justin ducking and pushing her back.

Four spectators watched them while sitting on a bench, those being two teens and two Pokémon. The first teen adjusted his blue hat, red eyes exuding excitement. "Let's go, Justin and Ada!" he yelled.

The second teen clapped her hands, blue eyes soaring with amazement. "You're doing great, Ada!" she said in a soft tone.

Ada slashed against the blades, swinging her arms as the challengers moved quickly. Justin swung his blades, the girl ducking before jumping backwards. She slid across, clawing the ground.

An orange sea otter waved his arms around, whooping. His paws hovered over his cream-colored muzzle. "WOO! I believe in ya, Justin!" the Buizel said, his tails swishing.

"You got this, Ada!" the second teen followed, her red dress swifting. She looked at the first beside her. "Who are you rooting for, Merlin?"

Merlin shrugged before smiling, the wind blowing his blue robes. "I just root for either of them because it's interesting seeing two Sorcerous battling each other," he replied, moving his wooden staff.

"Understandable."

Ada jumped, shooting her many beams at the blade wielder. Justin rolled forward, hopping up and swinging at her. Ada blocked, falling towards the ground before clinging on it.

The pale skin teen turned to the Buizel. "What about you, X? Who do you root for?"

X grinned. "Obviously Justin: He has blades as his Magic move. And blades are cooler than some measly claws," he answered, waving his paw.

"Heh. I guess I can see why you'd root for him." The girl pressed her hand to her chest. "Personally, I think claws are just as cool as blades."

X raised a brow. "Literally in what world?"

The girl giggled. "Preference, friend."

"Odd preference, if you ask me. That's like thinking Oran Berries are just as delicious as Sitrus." Visible confusion. "Doesn't make sense to me."

The girl shook her head at X, smiling. "Oh you." She looked over the Buizel. "Serene?"

The other Pokémon was a canid creature, who had a tan body with a leaf tail and dark brown paws. Serene wore a cyan cloak as she rubbed her toenails, using her vines to move the nail file she wielded. The Leafeon continued, humming to herself.

"Erm, nevermind." The teen shrugged, the cheers from X continuing as he hopped up and down.

Ada ran and shot multiple projectiles again, the beams raring themselves. Justin jumped over, positioning his blades in front of him before hurling forward. Ada scrunched up, her brow raised.

"What the—" she was cut off by the spin dash, blocking it. Once she jumped back, Justin kicked the girl in the stomach, leading her to roll around. She wailed, her claws fading. She looked up, Justin standing above her like a tower, smirking.

Merlin and X threw their 'woos' and 'yeahs', the girl's ears shifting to them. Ada chose to ignore them, her eyes remaining on Justin.

The teen held out his hand, his blades disappearing. "That was a good match, Ada. Better than our previous ones, that's for sure," he said. Ada continued staring, grabbing the boy's hand.

"Yeah. I do agree it's a lot better than before." She lifted herself up, brushing off dust before releasing a confident sigh. "Although, I do have to ask: What in the hell was that you pulled off?"

"You mean Sorcery Blades, fam?"

"No no. The one where you spin dashed into me."

"Oh." Justin lifted his shoulders. "Not really a Magic move." Tapping his head. "More like a wacky ass method I just thought of in my head."

Ada gave him the look of perplexion. "Right."

"Anyways, you're still a cakewalk, fam." He closed his eyes, grinning.

Ada punched Justin's shoulder softly, the boy chuckling. "Oh hush up. I'm getting better with each battle and you know it."

"Sure sure. I believe you." Justin folded his arms, nodding.

"I'm serious! I really do feel stronger than before!" Ada pouted, frowning at him.

The other three walk toward them, satisfied. "You did amazing, you two," the girl in a red dress said, smiling.

"Yeah! That was some kickass fight you guys did there. Especially Justin." X winked and gave Justin a thumbs, or paws, up. "You completely floored Ada with that spin dash move. Never knew you could do that, dude!"

Justin shrugged, smirking. "What can I say? I just know how to dominate the competition." He gave Ada his finger guns. "With style."

Ada shook her head and smiled. "Oh please. I'll show you style next time we battle each other." The group laughed in unison, sparkling with the sun's glee.

X hopped up and down. "Man, we gotta battle each other again at some point!" He punched the air. "I'm so in the mood for it!"

"You always are, X," Merlin said.

"Can't you blame me, though? Sorcerous be cool with these Magic moves, dude!"

Justin snapped his fingers. "How about tomorrow, then? Make it a tag team fight between me and Ada, and you and Merlin."

Ada folded her arms. "I'm okay with that."

Merlin nodded. "Fine by me!"

X smirked. "YOU ON, MAGIC BOY AND GIRL!"

The group laughed once again, the sun setting. Serene flicked her ear, looking up with a simple 'Oh!' She rushed towards everyone, returning her file to her pocket.

"Yeah, uh, that battle was great. Really enjoyed it a lot," the Leafeon said, her tone quick and to the point. A guy passed by the group, waving while carrying torches. The red teen waved back as the guy entered the village, X shaking his head.

"Oh please, Serene. You were too busy sharpening your nails," X said while smirking, folding his arms.

The canine lifted her paw up and down. "I was merely multitasking, X. Don't judge me."

The red girl scratched the side of her head, a windpipe laugh escaping her. "The way you responded earlier didn't sound like multitasking to me," she said.

The Leafeon gazed at the teen before staring off. "Okay. Admittedly, I was a bit off-track, Terran."

"Ha. Knew it," X said, snickering.

Serene frowned. "Now now…Don't make me call you by your 'forbidden' name because of this."

X gasped. "Serene, you wouldn't!" Puffing up his cheeks, the Buizel's paws rested on his hips. "I thought we've talked about never mentioning that name!"

Serene giggled. "Stop your shenanigans or I'll keep mentioning it." She turned to the village before winking at the Buizel. "Xavier." Her tongue stuck out playfully.

"STOP! I'M SERIOUS!" X pouted, the group laughed.

"We should head back to the village now. It's getting late and we don't want our parents to worry about us," Merlin suggested. The others nodded.

"You got that right, bucko!" The Buizel groaned. "My mother always worries about me. Like it's genuinely crazy!"

"Such as?" Terran questioned, walking forward.

"If that sun hits sunset and I'm not home, she assumes that I got kidnapped or something. She literally went on a search rampage, a few days ago!" X hid his face. "It's sooo embarrassing, dude."

"Maybe your mother cares about you that much." The teen smiled, holding her hands together.

"Yeah, but like—" Groaned. "She does it to the extreme, man. To the point where it starts becoming annoying!" X shook his head and rolled his eyes. "I don't know how I can live with that further, dude!"

Ada glanced at him. "Be glad that you have a mother, especially a caring one," she said, her tone rough and cold.

"Yeah…" Serene followed, her tone soft and downpour.

The otter looked at the two, perplexed. "What the? What's with the sudden seriousness?" he questioned.

Justin patted Ada's back as Merlin did the same for Serene. "Um...Let's change the subject before things get haywire," Merlin suggested, scratching the back of his head.

"Yes, please," Ada agreed, her glare persisting. X gulped, looking away.

The group entered Synchronic Village: Buildings placed from one spot to another, shops and houses everywhere. A couple of people and Pokémon lived in these parts, chatting with one another.

Nearby the entrance was a dark brown lady hammering the tip of a sword, sparks flying off. She saw the group from across, waving.

"Hello!" she shouted, smiling. The group walked away, the lady raising her brow in response. I guessed they didn't see me.

"Hey Delia, can you finish sharpening that there sword? I wanna test this baby out," the man said in front of her.

Delia looked at him, nodding. "Alright."

The group stopped in front of a talent show near some buildings, sparking cheers and awe from the crowd. Many people were doing tricks: One hopping over a flaming torch, the other spinning their torches. Few more folks flipped forward, a Skitty even jumped and twirled over one spinning torch.

Ada and Terran smiled. "What talented people those are," Ada mentioned, a lady backflipping across the torch.

Terran nodded. "Mhm. Pretty amazing on how flexible people can be, huh?"

"Yes. Those years of working out is what led them to be acrobatic." Ada smiled. "I'm happy for them."

"Oh no…"

Ada blinked, ears twitching towards Merlin. "Hmm?"

"This is depressing," Merlin said, holding a newspaper. "This is quite unsettling and depressing."

"Yo, what are you talking about?" X asked.

"Yeah. What's the deal?" Ada followed. Everyone else looked with curiosity.

Merlin squatted, showing the paper to X and Serene along with everyone else. "Have you heard of the Prospective incident?"

An image of a facility being on fire was shown, colored gray. Above the image was the tagline: 'The End of Prospective is Here.'

"It's...pretty sad to see this institute go. Both it and the many famous figures, too." Merlin whimpers.

Everyone stared ahead, deadpanned. "Who are they again?" they questioned.

Merlin turned to them and gasped, holding his hand against his chest. "You've never heard of the Prospective Institute?" Everyone shook their heads. "Why they're the most inspiring company in all of Wizlore! Everyone knows who they are, including those who live in rural places such as this!" He tapped the paper. "I'm surprised you guys aren't aware of them."

"To be fair, I barely looked at the newspaper. Just thought they were boring," Serene said, sitting down.

"Wow. Same here, fam." Justin high-fived Serene's vine. "Those papers look gray and dull. Just outright wack."

"I know, right? I will never understand the joy from reading a newspaper."

"You two count me in!" X joined, folding his arms. "Newspapers make me wanna hurl." His paw leaned against his maw, loud gags emanating.

Merlin stared at the three, his red eyes drooping. "Why I never…" Stroked the paper. "Newspapers are the greatest creations known to mankind! It not only increases our knowledge, but also helps us become aware of our world!"

He lowered his head, sighing. "The fact that you all found this boring is absurd." His head raised. "I'm surprised you two found it boring though, considering you're Intellicates."

The Leafeon shook her head. "I may talk like a human, but it doesn't mean I can't find things boring like one," she countered, her vine against her chest.

Terran closed her eyes, her hands together as she leaned against them. "I personally find it amazing for anyone to gain knowledge from something that's considered 'boring'," she said.

"Thank you, Terran!" Merlin said with a smile. He frowned afterwards. "Back to the article, it mentioned the death of Doctor Yvonne and Prospective himself, making me curious to what happened to those two." His brows lowered. "Because it said Prospective wasn't there while Yvonne was last seen dead, but their bodies couldn't be found anywhere."

Merlin tilted his head. "How could they be dead if they weren't found?" He leaned against his staff. "Hmm…"

"Maybe they were taken away by the suspect or something?" X guessed, shrugging. "I don't know."

"But the news never mentioned anything about a possible suspect: Just those two confirmed dead, but their bodies were never found."

"Huh." X looked to the side. "That's complicated."

"Indeed." Merlin glared. "Something about this information…doesn't quite add up."

Ada gazed at the newspaper, raising her brow. "Hmm?" She glanced at the flames surrounding the building, her hand against her chin. "Are you seeing this, Terran?"

The pale girl looked, nodding. "Yes," she replied, taking her eyes onto Ada. "I noticed them, too. The flames."

"We saw a performance involving fire torches, too..." Ada stroked her chin. "Could this coincidence mean anything?"

Terran held her hands together, staring at the talent show. "It…has to be. Look at the date on this news." She pointed towards the publication date. "This happened on the same day as the show did." Frowning, she stared back at Ada. "There's no telling what kind of coincidence this could be…"

Justin waved his hand. "Oh it's probably just the usual coincidence, fam. Since all coincidences are harmless."

"Yeah. Like the time I swam at Synthesize Lake. And when I came back to the village, I saw water bottles being sold to everyone," X agreed, smiling while closing his eyes. "Literally there's nothing to worry about, bruh."

"Synchronicity means what it means: Two relatable events with zero connections to each other." Justin shrugged. "In other words, it's harmless. It ain't that deep."

"You may be right about that. But…" Terran caressed her chin. "I can't help but feel like it might be different this time around. Call it a hunch, I guess."

The boy's hands rested behind his head. "Weird ass hunch, if you ask me."

Terran looked off to the side. "Hmm…"

"Xavier! Come home this instance! It's getting late!" a woman's voice bursted out, X lowering his head.

He covered his face. "MOM! I told you not to call me by that name!" the Buizel replied.

"I can call you by that name anytime, Mister! Now come on!"

X sighed as the sun dimmed. "Looks like I have to go, guys. My mother is in her worried mode. Again."

Ada nodded. "Yeah. We should all head home right away."

"Yep. My brother is probably jittering like crazy without me," Serene said, staring at her house afar. The group separated from each other, all heading into their homes respectively.

. . .

The full moon gazed through the many windows at Justin's house, his wooden floor receiving the spotlight. Nearing the windows was Justin sitting at a kitchen table, souvenirs in his possession: A fork and a knife.

A plate filled with meat and vegetables invited its way into his mouth, eating his meal. Sitting next to him was the mature woman from earlier, her brown eyes matching his'. The woman looked at the teen, her black hair covering one eye.

"How was your day?" Delia asked, grabbing her souvenirs.

"It was good. Managed to beat Ada in our friendly battle again!" He blinked before moving his head. "Annnnd also talked about some coincidence stuff, I guess." Cutting down meat, the boy smiled. "You?"

The woman gazed at the boy, her brown and white pattern repeated throughout her shirt as she sliced a carrot in half. "Oh just the usual craftsman work, that's all," she replied, nibbling on the carrot.

"Yeah." Justin chewed on the meat before swallowing. "I saw you earlier while I was on my way home."

The woman blinked, shaking her head. "Really? And you didn't consider saying hello?" She frowned, her cheeks puffing. "That explains why I was ignored."

"Wait, you were the one that said hello?"

Delia nodded.

"...Ehehe." Justin looked away, scratching the back of his head. "My bad, Mom." His mother continued her meal, munching on a roast.

"Regardless, it's good to hear that your day went well."

"Yep! I even beat Ada again, too!" Justin put his hands behind his head. "It's a great day, alright."

Delia snickered. "I swear, you and Ada always battle each other."

Justin smirked. "Yeah. She really believes that she can beat me. But she gotta understand that I'm just that good." He shook his head. "When will she learn?"

Delia snorted. "With your overconfidence, I'm sure she'll beat you."

"Oh that ain't nothing."

"You never know, Son." Delia took another bite, her cheeks expanding. "Jusff li—" she held her finger out, swallowing. "Just like you'll never know when you and her will become more than just friends."

Justin looked, scrunched. "Mom…" He clasped his hands together, index fingers raised to his lips. "She and I do not go well together. At all." He grimaced. "We fit as well together as a Mareanie and Corsola dating: It'll go downhill fast."

His mother lifted a finger. "But it's a possibility."

"How? Every joke and roast I make, she'll always get annoyed by them." He picked up his fork.

"Ah. Just like the relationship between your father and I." She held her hands, smiling up at the ceiling.

Justin squinted, looking off to the side. "Yeah yeah, whatevs…"

His mother blinked, curiosity peaking. "Speaking of never knowing, what coincidental event happened again?" she asked, tilting her head. "You've mentioned something about that."

"Oh, uh." Justin adjusted his chair. "Merlin showed us this newspaper talking about the Prospective Institute lab being destroyed and all. The coincidence part was Ada and Terran seeing flames on the building, which reminded them of the performance earlier." He rested on his hand, shaking his head. "It got them all paranoid or something, thinking it's a sign." His eyes rolled.

"Oh." Delia's hand laid on her chin. "That doesn't sound as pleasing as the last synchronicity."

"Eh. I ain't worrying." Justin laid his souvenir down, plate empty. "Just some harmless coincidence, that's all."

"Son. We must remember that even if the coincidence is harmless, it's still important to take note of. It's the littlest moments in our lives that can become bigger ones, which makes them just as meaningful. Impactful, even." Delia looked at the moon. "Although, I can't help but feel like this coincidence may be different from all the others."

"How would you know? It's just fire. And fire is a part of our lives."

"Yes. That's true, but seeing a neat performance happening on the same day as that tragic incident...could mean something unpleasant."

"Or something pleasant. Since both the good and the bad happened. So there's a chance that it could…literally be a harmless coincidence." The boy shrugged.

Delia gazed at her almost empty plate, tapping her chin. "Yeah. You have a point there." Sighed. "Let's hope it's another harmless coincidence, then."

Justin nodded, waving his hand. "I'm suuuure it'll be fine." He pushed his chair back, getting out. "The dinner tasted good as always, Mom. Goodnight."

Delia smiled, wiping her lips with her napkin. "Oh thank you, dear. And goodnight to you too!" She set the napkin down on her now empty plate, getting out of her seat.

Justin left the kitchen, his mother picking up the plates and setting them in the sink, turning the water on. He made it to his bedroom door, his hand resting on the knob. He looked at the floor, staring for a solid moment.

Yeah. We'll be fine. He smiled, entering his bedroom before closing the door.

. . .

Justin yawned, being engulfed by his covers. He shifted around, soaking in the warm softness. Sunlight shined through his window, touching the floor.

"Mmm…I love sleep…" he mumbled, twisting and turning.

SHATTER!

The boy raised his eyelids, glancing. "Eh…?"

A green bomb lay in his room, fire decreasing the rope. "What...the—" an explosion erupted, Justin casting a blue shield around him. He rammed against the wall. "Ugh!" He slid down, his shield fading. His room went ablaze.

What the hell? the teen thought, trembling at the flames. A woman's voice screamed, Justin immediately getting up. "Mom? MOM!"

He jumped over the flames, bursting his door down. The ceiling collapsed in the hallway, flames spreading nonstop. The boy panted, using his shield to bypass the flames and running towards the front door.

Justin kicked the door open, panting more and more before stopping. His eyes shift, being tugged by dread. "No." He dropped to his knees, shaking his head. "Oh dear Arceus, no..."

Flames spread everywhere in the village: Shops melting, buildings rolling to the side, people running and screaming. A massive outbreak ignited the village, taunting the boy's ears. Justin trembled in place before a man collapsed, his back crisped and darkened.

"What...What the—" Justin put his hands against his head, misery creeping within. "What the hell, man! What the actual hell!"

In front of him, a group of dark purple people threw bombs and zapped buildings, causing more people to run. In the middle of the group was a teen wearing the same dark purple outfit, except much more tech and feminine looking than the others.

This Conjure had a man gasping in one hand while holding a pink book in another, her long black hair flowing with the disastrous winds. "We got what we wanted," she said. "You're no longer needed." She threw the blood-coughing man towards a nearby building as it collapsed afterwards.

Justin's eyes reflected the girl's appearance, flames surrounding her. Who is she? he thought to himself, mind sprawling. And…what did she mean by—

"Justin, look out!" a voice shouted, one bomb screeching towards the teen. The boy yelped before a red jacket girl got in his way, using Mystical Shield. The bomb exploded, the girl flinching.

"Ada!" Justin shouted in relief. Ada turned, lifting the boy up before running off.

"Where's the others?" she asked, scanning the flames.

"I..." Justin stared at the village's burning state. "I don't know." He whimpered, clenching his fist. "I just woke up and this bomb came out of nowhere and my mother went missing and...and—"

"I know. The same happened to me, too." Ada squinted. "I couldn't find my father." She looked to the side. "...Was hoping you would know where our friends are."

"Ada? Justin?" another familiar voice called for them.

The two gasped and looked at each other. "Merlin!" they said, pouncing forward. Merlin carried his staff around, quaking.

The blue robe teen gasped at the two ahead. "There you two are!" he said, running towards them. As the three got close, rows of flames spreaded across, creating a border.

"Crap!" Justin shouted, nearing the flames for a brief moment. He and Ada were separated from Merlin, staring at the wall of fire.

"G-Go, you two! It's too dangerous here!" Merlin said, trembling.

"What about you, Merlin!?" Ada shouted, drooping.

"I'll…I'll be fine. I-I just want you two to get out of here safely!"

"But what about the others? Where are they?" Justin asked.

"I-I wish I can answer that, Justin. But I can't because I don't know myself." Merlin whimpered. "I hoped Terran, Serene, and X made it out alive, along with Ethan, too!"

Ada looked down, groping Justin's hand. "Same here…"

The flames ignited more, growing larger and larger. The three backed away. "Just go! Please!" Merlin shook his head. "Before we're trapped and burnt here!" The boy sniffled, tears clouding his vision. "I-I wished this never happened, you two. I really do." He cried.

Tears formed in Ada and Justin's eyes as well. "I don't want this to be the last time we see each other!" Justin said, tears sliding down. "There has to be a way you can escape with us!"

Merlin shook his head. "N-No, Justin. The flames are too powerful to put out, even with a Water type…"

"So...does this mean farewell?" Ada said, her fist tumbling like an earthquake.

"I'm…" Merlin paused. "I'm afraid so!" Flames rose further, enough for Merlin no longer seeing his friends. "T-This is farewell, Ada and Justin! Until we meet again, I—" Merlin put his hand against his chest. "I hope you two stay safe!"

Ada looked at an exit beside her, the bushy, clear pathway leaving room for the flames. "Alright." She clenched her teeth. "...I wish you farewell too, Merlin."

Justin had his eyes closed, more tears sliding. "Why…" Is all he could whisper, fumbling.

Ada tugged the boy. "Come on, Justin. We have to go." Justin continued whispering, the flames growing stronger. "Hey! We can see them again, okay? Let's go!"

"But...why?" Justin slowly turned to Ada. "Why is this happening? What did I do to deserve this? What did we do to deserve this?" He gazed at the wild flames. "I should've listened to you guys. I should've listened when you mentioned this being a sign! I should've listened, man! I SHOULD'VE LISTE—"

SMACK!

The boy's head turned, the girl's hand stiffened.

"Justin." Tears ran down her cheeks. "The flames are getting WORSE. Stop panicking and let's get the hell out of here!"

Ada looked into his brown eyes with her purple ones', hands on his cheeks. "We'll find them, Justin: Your mother, my father, and our friends." She sniffled. "We'll reunite with them. Alright?" Justin sniffled before nodding. Ada wrapped her arms around him, closing her eyes.

Soon, the two broke the hug after more flames ignited. Ada sighed. "Merlin probably left already. We should, too."

"Yeah…"

The two head off into the clear path, escaping the flames' clutch as the gruesome screams continued. Smoke rose into the air, hardly reaching the clear sky as everything deteriorated into darkness.

 

[TheCouchEffect]

So I just got around to reading this and I have to say that it's great! The story opens up great and leaves us all wondering what is going on. It leaves me wanting to know more about the wizlore region, the magic, and what that project is really about. As far as characters go, they stand out from one another and are each memorable. Ramon is interesting so far - obviouslly he's got some sordid past if he's connected to that lab and has someone seeking revenge against him. Ada and Justin have good chemistry together and I like how they mesh with one another as the comedic one and the serious one. Team Conjure is also interesting as villains go, though I'm waiting to see more from them.

As far as the writing goes, it's good. I like the descriptions, it's easy to follow, and it's got a very interesting premise. Taking the time to show why Ada and Justin are traveling the region and why they hate Team Conjure instead of just explaining it in a simple conversation is also nice since it shows instead of tells.

Overall, great story and I'm eager for more.

 

[Sonic Ramon]

So I just got around to reading this and I have to say that it's great! The story opens up great and leaves us all wondering what is going on. It leaves me wanting to know more about the wizlore region, the magic, and what that project is really about. As far as characters go, they stand out from one another and are each memorable. Ramon is interesting so far - obviouslly he's got some sordid past if he's connected to that lab and has someone seeking revenge against him. Ada and Justin have good chemistry together and I like how they mesh with one another as the comedic one and the serious one. Team Conjure is also interesting as villains go, though I'm waiting to see more from them.

As far as the writing goes, it's good. I like the descriptions, it's easy to follow, and it's got a very interesting premise. Taking the time to show why Ada and Justin are traveling the region and why they hate Team Conjure instead of just explaining it in a simple conversation is also nice since it shows instead of tells.

Overall, great story and I'm eager for more.

You have no idea how much this means the world, to me. Genuinely am happy that you're enjoying the story so far!
It's honestly an passionate project of mine that I hope to finish towards the end. I have lots of ideas and arcs and worldbuilding potential to explore in this fic, and cannot wait to showcase them to you all.

I'm also happy to know that I did an fantastic job at making the characters fun and worth your time investing in. I've been doing a ton of research on character development, storytelling, and writing in the past (and still kind of am today) to make it all an enjoyable read as much as I can.

I also agreed on making the right move to create an entire chapter showcasing Justin and Ada's past to explain their hatred towards Team Conjure instead of Justin telling it all. Honestly, there's other decisions in this fic I feel like I made an really good call on that I plan to elaborate at the end of M&T.

Sorry if I ramble on a bit. I just really adore making this fic. I look forward to more of your thoughts on it in the future, along with others that sees this fic! n_n

 

[TheCouchEffect]

You have no idea how much this means the world, to me. Genuinely am happy that you're enjoying the story so far!
It's honestly an passionate project of mine that I hope to finish towards the end. I have lots of ideas and arcs and worldbuilding potential to explore in this fic, and cannot wait to showcase them to you all.

I'm also happy to know that I did an fantastic job at making the characters fun and worth your time investing in. I've been doing a ton of research on character development, storytelling, and writing in the past (and still kind of am today) to make it all an enjoyable read as much as I can.

I also agreed on making the right move to create an entire chapter showcasing Justin and Ada's past to explain their hatred towards Team Conjure instead of Justin telling it all. Honestly, there's other decisions in this fic I feel like I made an really good call on that I plan to elaborate at the end of M&T.

Sorry if I ramble on a bit. I just really adore making this fic. I look forward to more of your thoughts on it in the future, along with others that sees this fic! n_n

Definitely will be keeping watch for this. And no worries about the rambling. It's obvious how passionate you are about your story and it shows in your writing. I'm extremely curious what plans you have for the future and hope you do well!

 

[Sonic Ramon]

Chapter 7: Majestic City.​

Majestic City Arc.

The boy leans on a tree, staring up: The clouds shadowing the blues.

Justin lowers his eyes, a single tear slides. Ada and Ramon gaze at him, souring with melancholy. Ramon walks forward, nudging the tree.

"I'm…so sorry for you and Ada's loss," he says.

"Yeah." Justin's fist shakes. "I wish it didn't happen, man." Glares. "At all…"

"Same," Ada agrees, resting beside the boy.

Ramon's ears lower, looking down. "I hope you two reunite with your friends someday…" He blinks for a moment before gasping, perking up. "In fact!" The Zorua runs in front of the teens, brows lowering, head nodding.

Adrenaline courses throughout him, a beacon of determination leads him to say, "I'm going to help you find your friends and families!" The fox smiles.

The two stare, flourishing in relief. Ada smiles warmly, her hands behind her back. "Thank you."

Justin's hands slip into his pockets, content growing within. "Thanks." Sighs. "That...means a lot to me, fam."

Ramon nods. "No problem. After all, I'm tagging along with you two after you saved my life." Sits. "I…would've been dead if none of you showed up. Figure I'd repay a favor by helping you." His tail wags.

"Yes." Ada bows. "We're thankful for your gratitude, Ramon." She looks up. "Justin and I are going through a tough time right now…." Sighs. "But it'll eventually en—"

Justin springs forward. "Allllllrighty then, let's go!" he says, squinting at the terrain ahead. "I think we might be near a town." The boy storms off, the two staring into bewilderment. They look at each other, eyebrows raising.

"What's with the sudden burst of energy?" Ramon asks, the teen shrugging afterwards. The two follow the boy, looking around. "So Justin..." Pauses. "You mentioned a girl appearing in the village while harming the mayor." His head tilts. "Who was she?"

Justin stops, his hand on his chin. "Honestly dawg: I have no clue." Frowns. "I know that she's with those Conjure fellas, but she looked sorta different from them: Clothing and everything."

"I see."

The boy folds his arms. "I even heard her saying something about no longer needing the mayor." He scratches his head.

Ada looks to the side. "Huh…That's strange."

Ramon narrows his brows. "Yeah. Wondering what she wants with the mayor that led to the village burning."

Ada cracks her fist. "Regardless, she'll pay too for ruining our home."

As the three continue onwards, Justin stops yet again, the two bumping into him. They fall on the ground, groaning. They stare up with perplexion.

"Why did you stop?" Ramon asks.

"Look fam," Justin says, his fists by his hips.

The trio gazes ahead at several buildings afar, flying cars and trains swing from every direction. Lights sparkle on and off in neon fashion, spotlights dazzling in broad daylight. The three gasp, mouths ajar.

"Whoooaaa…" Ramon and Ada say, mesmerized.

Justin whistles. "Beautiful, ain't it?"

"Yeah. I…never stepped outside of the village to see more of this region." Ada looks to the side. "I guess you can say this is my first."

"Same here," Ramon follows along, his gaze persisting. The three stand on top of a hill, Ramon looking at the street ahead.

"This is all of our first, dude." Justin smiles. "As much as I want to stand around and stare at this beauty…" He grins, lowering down. "Let's go check it out!" Dashes.

"Uh Justin, wait a sec—"

"OH SHIIIT!" The boy descends down the hill, voice fading.

Ada puffs her cheeks. "I was trying to tell you about the slopes, idiot!" She slides after. "Wait up!"

Ramon shrugs, staring down. The hill expands, the trees and bushes appearing as spikes to the poor fox ahead. He gulps. Here goes. Once he jumps, he hits the grass and slips, yelping. "AH!"

The teens swing from side to side, sliding down like they're surfing. Meanwhile Ramon rolls down like a ball, groaning and wincing from it all.

Make. It. Stop! The Zorua flails. "AAAAH!"

They soon bump into three trees, falling onto their backs. The teens groan, rubbing their heads.

"Shit, that hurts like a train." Justin shakes his head. "Ugh."

Ada gets up, dusting herself before walking towards the boy. "Couldn't find a safe way to traverse?"

Justin looks at Ada's hand presenting itself. "Oh relax. No one got hurt." He grabs it, lifting up. "Right, Ramon? ...Ramon?"

Muffles reach the two before they look: Ramon's head plants in the ground, his limbs flailing. The two rush over, grabbing his hind legs and pulling him out.

"Ack!" Ramon gags, coughing like crazy. He shakes his head, dirt flinging. "Jeez, I almost died there!" He glances at Justin. "Hey, find a safer route next time before doing this."

Ada stares blankly. "'Safer' implies that this way was safe to begin with," she corrects. "Also that's what I said, too!"

"But you asked a question, fam." Grins. "Not a suggestion."

"Same difference, smartass." Ada folds her arms, Justin snickering while covering his lips. She turns to the fox. "You alright there?"

Ramon nods. "I'm okay!"

The three then look at the road ahead, walking forward. A sign displays itself, being on the other side. As they get close, a car zooms by, honking its horn.

"Whoa!" they yelp, flinching before falling.

"Watch where you're going then!" Ada yells, shaking her head. She huffs. "Anyways..."

The sign garners their attention: 'Left to Avalon Forest, Right to Majestic City.'

"Majestic City, huh?" Ada smiles at the city. "It does look pretty majestic alright."

"Yep." Justin droops. "I…hope my mom and friends are there."

Ada's hand rests on his shoulder. "I hope so, too." She looks ahead, the neon flashes persist, cars soaring into the air.

They move forward, footsteps on the concrete. As they inch closer, another Zorua materializes by Ramon. The blue color flourishes on its eyelids and hair tuft, different from Ramon's. The Shiny Zorua gazes, lips sealed. Ramon blinks at the peculiar creature, tilting.

"Um, hey...There's someone here," he says.

"What?" Justin looks behind him, Ada following.

Ramon tenses. "Yeah! I'm seeing someone right now!"

Justin and Ada look at each other, blinking. Their brows lower. "...Hey dude." Justin scratches the side of his head. "What kind of joke are you pulling here? Cause I ain't seeing anyone."

Ada sighs. "Indeed. I already have to stick with this jokester." She rubs her temples. "I don't need any more along the way."

"Yeah—Wait, HEY!" Justin pouts. "That ain't nice, fam!"

Ramon blinks. "Huh?" Turns. "What do you mean? They're right—" the Shiny Zorua is gone. "...Here."

The girl tilts her head. "What were you seeing exactly?"

The Zorua looks, absorbing the complexity of the situation. "It's…nothing." He shakes his head. "I guess my mind was messing with me for a moment." Chuckling, the fox lowers his ears. "Let's keep going."

The teens look at each other before shrugging, proceeding forward. The trio enters, the city's lights and structures bouncing with enthusiasm, captivating them. A yellow statue sits near a wall, appearing like an orb.

Ada heads over to touch it. "Just in case we want to come back, for whatever reason." Her eyes glow blue, the statue exuding the same energy.

Once the process ends, Ramon looks at her with confusion. "What do you mean by that?" He shakes his head. "Actually, what even are those?"

Ada holds her hands behind her back. "These are teleportation statues. They're there to help us return to any places we've been to."

"Oh…" Head tilts. "I see?"

"I'll elaborate further once we find a place to live."

The Zorua nods. "Good idea." The three keep going.

Meanwhile, the Drowzee peeps her head from behind a tree, eyeing them. She yelps, rushing after the trio. I better hurry! Or else, I won't be able to say my thanks! She leaps behind sign poles and other trees, even rolling forward before hitting the wall ahead.

"Oof!" She rubs her head, groaning. "Ow…" Getting up, she hops around the corner and enters.

Hidden within the bushes is the cloaker, watching the tapir. I don't know what the Drowzee's deal is. The individual grips his fist, the bushes rattling. But she better find another host to steal their dreams from. He dashes, following the four.

. . .

The grandeur continues in Majestic: People and Pokémon roaming the streets, cars swinging by the roads and sky above. The neons flashing up displaying the following words: 'What A Time to be Alive!' Some groups awe at the lights, waving their hands and hats.

'Welcome to Majestic City: A City Ahead of Time!'

The sign above the billboards reads.

Ramon blinks. "'A City Ahead of Time'?" Raising a brow. "What does that mean?"

Ada shrugs. "Perhaps this city has a different time zone than anywhere else?" She shakes her head. "I have no clue, honestly."

"Hmm." The fox soon stops, encountering a Pokémon exiting his car. "...Huh?"

The quadruped Pokémon has a blue-green skin with a bud on his back. The Venusaur closes his door via vines, adjusting his hat. He proceeds inside a building, fixing his tie while holding a suitcase.

The Zorua shakes his head, bewildered. "Did…Did you two see that?" he asks.

Justin digs his ear. "See what?"

"The Pokémon who left that thing!" Ramon tilts his head. "What even was it that they exit from?"

"I believe those are cars?" Ada answers. "I've heard of their existence, but never thought they'll be flying."

"Interesting."

Ada lays her hand against her chin. "I also never knew that Intellicates can drive."

"Same here, fam," Justin follows, looking at the vehicle.

The fox sighs, ears lowering. "There goes this whole 'Intellicate' thing again," he mumbles.

The three wander around, passing a bunch of people and Pokémon sitting down, some resting in the alley. Blankets fold them, all warming each other up. A child even shivers, cuddling their parents.

Ramon stares, tilting his head. "Hmm?" Blinks. "Do…those people have homes?"

Ada folds her arms, shrugging. "Probably not," she says. "I mean, we're still looking for a place to stay ourselves." A sidewalk appears ahead, a hotel sitting in plain view.

"Yo, let's go ask someone in that hotel if we can stay," Justin says, pointing towards the building. The three gaze, multiple windows and a twin door window flourish on it.

"That's the only thing we can do." The girl adjusts her jacket, moving forward: A single footstep opens the door vertically.

"Whoa...That was nice," the Zorua says, entering inside.

The three look around, many civilians going up to the counter and ordering their rooms at this luxury hotel. Some chats, others waits: The usual for this golden, jewel express place.

Justin whistles. "This looks nice too, dude. Whew." His hands slip in his pockets, the boy smirking.

After a man leaves the counter, the three reach there, a formally dressed woman sitting behind there. The Zorua can't see the woman due to his height, looking at his friends' chins.

"Hello, you two. How may I assist you?" the woman asks, holding her hands.

"We'll like to stay in this hotel, please," Ada answers, putting her hand on the counter.

"Alright. That'll be 110 pokédollars each for you two." The woman then looks down at the Zorua walking from the counter, lifting her brow at his red face. "Three, correction."

Ramon raises his brow. That's weird: Asking a Pokémon to pay for their room.

Justin leans back, stroking his shirt. "I'm sorry, 110 pokédollars!?" His head shakes. "That's pretty dicey, don't you think?"

Ada lifts a finger. "Hold on, Justin." She steps in. "This is only for having our own rooms, right?"

The woman smiles. "Yes."

Justin folds his arms. "Then we'll stay in one room, please." He points to himself, Ada, and Ramon.

The receptionist nods. "In that case, it'll be 130 pokébucks."

"Motherfu—130!?" Justin groans, digging in his pockets. "Let's see if we have...THAT much, then."

Ada's hand presses her lips. "That's…expensive." She slips through her pockets.

The receptionist shrugs. "It's a luxury hotel: We provide the best experiences for our customers, hence the cost."

The teens get nothing but the empty ends, staring. "Uh..." Justin gulps into raspy laughter.

"...Something's the matter?" the woman asks, brow raising.

"Yeah. Uh." Justin rubs his nose. "About us paying: We can't."

The receptionist looks at them, then at the Zorua…Then back at them. "Oh." Nods. "I understand, then." She sighs. "I apologize, but you can't stay unless you pay for the room."

"Oh come on! We're young and have no place to stay!" Justin holds his hands together, lips lowering as he sniffles. "You wouldn't turn us kids down, would you?"

"Technically we're teens," Ada says, lifting a finger.

Justin glares at her. "Shh, same difference!"

The woman shrugs. "I still can't let you stay."

"Oh please, ma'am!" Tears form in the boy's eyes. "We've been traveling around the world for days! Just do this one favor for us, man!"

The receptionist closes her eyes with discomfort. "Sir, I understand your plea. But rules are rules. Breaking them will make me lose my job." She bows her head. "My sincere apology...Also—" She points behind the three. "You're holding up the line."

The three blink, turning around: A ton of people casually stare at them, some tapping on their watches. A Scraggy with a monocle stomps multiple times, huffing while folding their arms.

"Oh." Justin scratches the back of his head, laughing nervously. "We'll, uh, leave now."

The three exit the hotel, sighing. "So where to now?" Ramon asks.

"Hmm…" Ada caresses her chin. "Perhaps find more hotels to stay in?" Her head shakes. "It's the only conclusion I can think of."

Justin looks around until another building appears. "Maybe that hotel will let us stay, free of charge!" The three venture inside only to be booted out.

"..." Justin clasps his hands, fingers to lips. "Aight then."

Ramon eyes up the hotel. "They—" blinks. "They didn't give us a chance to speak." His head shakes. "Huh?"

Ada folds her arms, rolling her eyes. "Very weird and rude of them to do." She gets up, brushing off dirt. "Let's go ask other places. We can't give up just yet."

And thus they traverse around the city, entering one hotel after another, knocking on people's doors: Rejects. Rejects. Rejects. One rejector even throws Justin into a floating trash bin, his friends clenching their teeth before helping him.

. . .

The trio ends up at the suburban parts, leaning against the wall while staring up. The sun hides behind the dark alley, the trio sitting beside the homeless.

Justin's stomach erupts, looking around. "Man there's gotta be food somewhere…" He spots a piece of bread on the ground, smiling. "Ayo, found some."

He looks at a man next to him. "Hey, is this good?" he asks. The man looks at the bread, shaking his head. Molds and dirt shroud the whiteness on the bread, crippling it. The teen cringes. "Aight, Nevermind."

Ramon lowers his head, groaning on his belly. We've searched everywhere. No luck in finding somewhere to stay in the slightest. Stares at a wall. "This sucks."

"Agreed..." Ada's stomach growls along with Ramon's: Both whimper. "I guess we'll live in the streets then."

"With nothing to eat nor sleep in?"

Ada nods. "Looks that way, unfortunately."

Justin gasps. "Actually, we can sleep." Points down. "On this hard ass ground."

The girl squints. "Right…"

Soon a pale elder enters the alley, approaching the homeless man with a loaf of bread. He hands it over, nodding. "Be sure to share with the others, too," he says, his tone firm.

The man unwraps the bag and tears a piece of bread, sharing them with the other homeless. He hands three more pieces to the trio, Justin being the first to grab one.

"Ayo, thanks man," the teen says, seeking his teeth into the wheat. "Mm MMM, I neefefd thaff!" Ramon and Ada join their share, gleeing in its fresh textures.

"Mmhm!" Ada swallows, looking at the elderly man. "Thank you, sir! We really appreciate this a lot."

Justin points at the girl. "I second what she says."

The old man looks at the three, raising his brow. "I don't believe I've seen you three around before," he says, hand on chin. "Your clothes look out of the ordinary compared to everyone else."

Clothes? Ramon eyes himself. I have none…

"That's because we've been traveling around Wizlore for months now." The girl sighs. "With no place to stay." She pauses for a moment before gasping. "Oh!" Sprints up. "Would you let us stay at your place? We're desperate to find one for the time being."

He stares at her, the wind blowing his gray beard and orange stripe shirt: Red suspenders holding it in place. The three gaze, the man squinting while tapping his black shoes. He scrunches in bewilderment, the Zorua's face convoluting him.

Are those…dried blood? the elder thinks, tilting his head.

Ramon and Justin look at each other, nothing but bread munchies fill the air. The boy leans close to Ada, whispers, "Is he good or…?"

"I…don't know," she whispers back. The teen clears her throat. "Sir?"

"Come with me," the elder says, turning away.

Blinks. "...Is that a yes or—"

"It's a yes." The elder moves ahead, the three looking at each other in uneasiness.

"Uh. That guy could've just said 'yes' from the start," Justin says, shrugging. "Don't know why he did that."

"Yeah," Ramon agrees before the trio follows the elder. They walk past a dumpster, some stairs being by the walls.

The elder eyes forward, the sun shining at the streets and buildings. "Have you noticed the poor people living here? Many, to be exact?" He pauses, grabbing the wall's side, looking at the group. "That's why I'm letting you stay: Too many of them are in poverty these days." Grips his fist. "It especially irks me to see kids being homeless as well..." Glares. "So I'd rather not let you wander around lost, too."

The three look behind: The homeless either sleep on the walls or cover their faces. Some of them even stare blankly at the wall, motionless. Concerns shroud the trio, eyeing each other.

"Now that I think about it, there were a lot of them…" Ada says, caressing her chin. "Even the ones we noticed earlier."

"Yeah, man." Justin scratches the back of his head.

"It's…concerning to know a lot of people are homeless," Ramon says.

The elder glances. "Sad, ain't it?"

The four then exit the alley, not wanting to press the topic further. They pass by a white building with a red roof, a pokéball symbol lying in the middle. The trio stares at the building, intrigued.

"So this is what a Pokémon Center looks like," Ada says, smiling.

The elder turns. "You've never seen a Pokémon Center before?"

Ada shakes her head. "Never in my life, sir."

"We've been living in our village since we were young, hardly seeing the world outside," Justin adds, his hands behind his head.

"Huh. Then why are you three traveling?" the man asks.

Justin and Ada look away. "You see, our…" The girl winces. "Our…village got burned down." Sighs. "Since then, we've been traveling all over the region." She strokes her arm.

"A burning village, huh?" The four reach a large house near the PC, colored light brown with two to four windows. "Sorry to hear that." The elder lays his hand on the knob, twisting. That event though…sounds familiar.

Upon the door opening, the four are greeted with the interior: The living room slouching beside the diner, stairs sitting by the corner. There's even a wide TV resting on top of a desk, some remotes next to it.

"Thank you for letting us stay," Ada says, her hand out. "The name's Ada Cheng."

"Mines' Justin Phoenix!" Justin follows.

"And I'm Ramon." The Zorua nods.

Clinton shakes the girl's hand. "Clinton Maplethorn. Nice to meet you three." He blinks for a moment. "Hold on—" the elder stares at the boy. "Did you say Phoenix?"

"Yeah. Why didya ask?" Justin says, stretching his arms out.

"..." Can it be? …Nah, it probably isn't him. "Eh, just making sure I'm hearing that correctly. My ears are giving out on me." The elder turns away. "Growing up moment."

Justin tilts his head. "Uh. Alright then."

Clinton stares ahead. Still though, a boy with the last name Phoenix sounds familiar, too. Looks to the side, hand on chin. Hmm…

Justin looks at the TV, smirking. "Yo, it's been awhile since I saw those bad boys!" He rubs his hands together. "Let's see what channels you have here, old man."

Ramon blinks. "Channels?" Head tilts. "What's that?" He looks at the TV. "And what's this?"

"That's a TV, also known as Television," Clinton says. "And channels are these numbers that help us go through it, letting us spot shows or movies we like." Clinton glares at Justin. "Also, don't call me an 'old man'." His eyes close, arms fold. "I'd rather go by the term 'classic' instead. It's nice on the ears, don't you think?"

Justin shivers, chuckling softly. He scratches the back of his head. "Alright alright. I'll go by 'classic man', then," he says.

"Right." His glares persist. "Before you three do anything, I suggest you take a shower right now. Arceus knows how long you've been exploring out there, so I'm not risking any filth." He taps on his arm, groaning.

"In fact—" the elder looks at Ada's heels, the dirt painting the ground. He pulls out a washcloth and spray bottle, getting on his knees. He sprays. "I'm cleaning this off now."

"Wait, you had those in your pockets this whole time?" Ada asks, moving back.

Clinton nods. "Yes. Got a problem?" He squints, the three shrugging.

"Not...really, no."

Justin gets down, leaning close to Ramon. "I think we have a clean freak," he whispers.

"What was that?" Clinton returns his spray.

"Uh." Justin shakes his head. "Nothing!" His throat clears. "Anyways, uh, got some extra pair Ada and I can wear, fam?"

"Sure." The elder scrapes. "You two can wear them for the time being. I'll put your old ones in the washer."

Justin gives a thumbs up. "Nice."

"What about me?" Ramon asks.

"Pokémon don't wear clothes, do they?" Justin scratches his head.

"I noticed the Drowzee earlier wore a ribbon around her neck. But that's more of an accessory than actual clothes," Ada says, her hand against her chin. "Then again, there's the Venusaur with the top hat and tie."

"Speaking of Pokémon, there's something I meant to ask earlier." Clinton scratches his head, looking at the Zorua. "Why is your face red?"

Silence.

Everyone looks at each other, discomfort sparking within, small whistles utter throughout the house. Then the three shrug.

"We'll explain after we finish showering," Ada concludes.

"Alright." The elder rubs his head. "By the way, I don't have any clothes for you. Sorry."

Ramon sits. "It's fine, I suppose."

The boy lifts a finger. "Ayo, is the bathroom upstairs?" Justin asks.

"Yes," Clinton answers.

"Aight." The boy runs to the corner. "Last one to the bathroom is a rotten egg!"

Ada pouts. "Oh you may beat me in fights, but you will NOT beat me to the tub!" She rushes forward.

Fights? Clinton tilts his head. Have these two been constantly fighting each other? The elder sighs, shaking his head. "Kids."

Ramon chases after them. "Wait up, you two!" he says, hurling towards the stairs. He stops midway, groaning and panting. Ugh, that odd feeling is back! He continues up.

Clinton stares, dirt trailing the floors and staircases. He squints, slowly taking his bottle out. "This is going to take awhile." He groans, spraying and rubbing.

. . .

The Drowzee stands in front of Clinton's door, lifting her arm. It trembles, her lips puckering, her eyes wincing. Come on. Just a simple...knock, she thinks, her hand reaching close. It stops, a sigh follows. I-I can't! I just can't!

She buries her face. How…can I be so afraid? Knocking is such a simple task. And yet— she whimpers softly. I make that an impossible thing to do!

Lurking from around the corner, the cloaker stares at the Drowzee, gripping the walls. He glares at the house, red eyes exuding fury. Fury for what Ramon did.

 

[Sonic Ramon]

Chapter 8: Sorcerous and Intellicate.​

Majestic City Arc.

The bathroom door opens, the fox soaking the wooden floor. He shakes, drizzling everywhere. "Ah, that felt great," he says, smiling.

Ramon looks to the side, gazing at the giant elder that is Clinton. The man glances, stroking a white towel. "Couldn't you wait?" he says, some water landing on his black pants.

"O-Oh…" Ramon chuckles in a raspy manner, scratching his ear. "My apologies, sir." Clinton leans down, setting the towel over his shoulder before taking out his washcloth. He scrubs the floor, then the walls. The fox lifts his paw. "Do you...want my help?"

Clinton shakes his hand. "It's fine. I got this." Handing the towel over, he wipes the door. "Next time, grab a towel before spraying water everywhere."

The Zorua can hardly see underneath the big towel, nodding. "Will do." He sits, maneuvering the towel: Scrubbing and caressing his fur. Clinton finishes his cleaning and walks away, leaving the Zorua by himself.

Soon Ramon stops, moving forward. The towel covers his vision once more. Why would Clinton give me such a huge towel? he thinks, bumping into a wall. "Oof!" He turns, walking towards the stairs. I think I'm heading in the right direc— he trips. "AH!"

He rolls around, hitting his head over and over. "OW! OW! OW!" He bumps into another wall, getting up. The fox moves from side to side, groaning. "Ugh." Another set of stairs appear, the fox tripping over them and rolls.

He descends until another wall stops him, the towel hovering over him: Only his tail is exposed. "Eck…" Ramon's ears flick, laughter nearby. He removes the towel gradually and turns: Ada, Justin, and Clinton are in the diner, Clinton rubbing his head, the others sitting in their chairs.

Ada and Justin wear different outfits, the boy chuckling at the fox while the girl's arms fold. She glares. "What's so funny about someone hurting themselves?" Ada says.

Justin shakes his head. "Nothing. Just that it came out of nowhere." Smirks. "Threw me off guard, haha."

"What if that were to happen to you?" The light girl taps her arm. "Would you be laughing then?"

Justin waves his hand, the two getting up. "Oh relax. I'm sure he's aight. Watch." He walks towards the Zorua. "Hey man, you good?" he asks, his red shirt and blue shorts on display.

Ada's hand presses against her orange shirt, the word 'Honor' in the middle. "Are you injured by any means?" she asks, tugging at her shirt's bottom.

Ramon nods before getting up, moving side to side. "Yeah...I-I'm alright. Nothing about me is hurt at, oof, all," he says with rasp, laughing.

"See? Told ya so." Justin smirks, Ada squinting at him.

"That's hard to believe when his body tells the opposite." Her head shakes, the girl raising her brow. "Are you certain, Ramon?"

"Yeah yeah." The Zorua feels like he's seeing Zapdoses above his head. "Just…having a lot of pain in my head, that's all. It'll, ngh, go away eventually."

"If that's the case." The blue jeans girl walks ahead, sitting on her knees. She lays a hand on top of the Zorua's head, blue light sparkling, his body still. "I may as well take care of this 'little' headache." She glares at Justin, the boy whistling.

Justin pauses, looking back. "...What?" The girl shakes her head.

Clinton slides his hands in his pockets, staring. "Whenever you're done healing, finish eating those sandwiches. I don't want them to rot just like the food outside." He glances at the window.

"Sandwiches?" Ramon questions, his head stops glowing. He eyes the table: Delicious sandwiches resting on plates, split into twos.

"Yeah. I fixed those for you three. You're welcome."

"Thank you, sir." Ramon looks at Ada. "And thank you too for healing me." His head tilts. "I don't know how you and Justin can heal others on the spot."

Ada's hands slide into her pockets, smiling. "Healing is a Sorcerous' specialty."

"A Sorcerous' specialty?"

"Mhm." She snaps her fingers. "Which reminds me: This is the perfect time to inform you about them."

"Sweet! Finally some answers." Ramon hops, his tail wagging.

"While you three dine, I'll go check on your clothes and see if they're done washing," Clinton says.

Justin snaps his fingers, winking at Clinton with finger guns. "You got it ol—I mean, classic man," he says, Clinton raising his brow.

The elder exits the diner, the three heading to the table: Ramon hops on the chair that's at the end, the others sitting at the chairs beside. The Zorua gazes at the sandwich, his paw laying on the soft, squishy bread. Mayonnaise oozes out, the cheese occupying it.

The fox tilts his head, the crest looking as slick as a straight line. The baloney and cheese drench in buttery deluxe, the Zorua drooling.

"Ramon?" Ada says. "Weren't you listening?"

"Hmm?" Ramon shakes his head, ears lower. "Sorry. I haven't eaten in awhile." He leans down, biting his sandwich: Mouth-watering tastebud enlighten throughout. "Mmm." Swallows. "So good!" He sighs, smiling.

Ada snacks on her sandwich, absorbing the serviceable textures before swallowing. "Mmf, agreed!"

"I needed this after being stuck in that facility for who knows how long…" His ears lower.

The teen nods. "I understand completely. Justin and I have traveled for ages since our village was destroyed two months ago." She sighs. "Glad to finally have something to eat."

"Yeah!" Ramon takes another bite, wagging his tail. "Now what were you saying about Sorcerous and Intellicate?"

Ada waves her hand around. "I was saying: Sorcerous are humans that can use a new Type called the Magic type." The girl whips out her purple claws, sparkles flicker. "This allows us to think of any kinds of Magic moves." Her claws retract. "This includes my Enchantment Claws and Justin's Sorcery Blades, for instance."

"Huh." Ramon's paw nudges beneath his snout. "I see then."

Justin munches. "Althouff, weve do have ourff limit," he says, gulping down his food as Ada scrunches up. "There's two types of attacks Sorcerous have: Primary and Secondary. Primary lets us think of any moves, but it can only be one. For some reason, we can't think of more than one Primary move." Shrugs. "Not sure why."

"Hmm?" Ramon raises his brow. "So if you only can think of one Primary move, then how can you two use Mystical Projectile?"

"Well you see, this is where Secondary attack comes in." Ada bites her sandwich, swallowing. "Or attacks, I should say. Since Secondary consists of two Magic moves that every Sorcerous has: Mystical Projectile and Mystical Shield." Her hand waves about. "Mystical Projectile behaves similar to, say, a gun with unlimited ammo. It doesn't necessarily rapid fire things, but it does its job shooting, nonetheless. Try not to rely on it entirely because it's less powerful than the Primary attack."

Justin leans forward. "And then Mystical Shield just...protects us from any hits." Shrugs. "Not much we can say about that. It explains itself, man."

"Yep. Although, the shield can be any color: Blue, purple, black—You name them all. As far as we're concerned, the colors don't determine anything."

Ramon tilts his head, ears flicker. "I see."

"And thanks to our ability to heal, Pokémon Center machines became obsolete." Ada smiles. "Although, PCs still exist for those who injured themselves badly, needing a Sorcerous nurse to take care of them."

"Interesting." The Zorua tilts his head. "But how do you two understand me? And I understand you?"

Justin gives the Zorua finger guns, winking. "That's where Intelliate comes through."

"Intellicate," Ada corrects.

Justin raises his brow. "I knew that." He looks back at Ramon. "So: Me, Ada, and even Clinton understand you because you're an Intellicate, the kind of Pokémon that acts very similar to humans."

"From what I gathered, they were first discovered in Wizlore before more Pokémon become one." Ada taps her lips, looking up. "Unfortunately, there isn't much connection Intellicates have with Magic. All we know is that they further changed the world, explaining why you saw the Venusaur leaving his vehicle: He's no doubt an Intellicate."

"I see then," Ramon says. "This also explains why the woman earlier charged me money."

"Yes. You're treated at the same level of respect as any other human." Ada lifts a finger. "Also, due to Intellicates communicating like humans, there's really no need for them to use Telepathy."

"Right."

Ada continues, "As for the statue earlier: Again, it allows Sorcerous to teleport to the location they've already been. Since Sorcerous can teleport themselves and others around them."

Ramon nods, smiling. "Is there anything else you two know about Sorcerous and Intellicate?"

The two shake their heads. "That's about it, really." The girl tugs on her shirt. "Perhaps there's more information about them we're unaware of. Some are like from the tip of my tongue, but I just can't recall it for the life of me..." Pulls once more, grumbling. "By the way, couldn't Clinton find a better shirt than this? I seriously tugged it about three times now."

"Then stop tugging it. Problem solved," Justin says, taking another bite.

"Why don't you wear this shirt then, smarty pants!" Ada glares, huffing at his ignorance.

Ramon lowers his brows, staring at his plate. "Hmm...Oh and also." The Zorua takes a bite. "Whff didff you two becomff surprisff when—"

"Can you NOT imitate Justin by talk-eating?" Ada glances, the boy chuckling in response.

The fox swallows. "My apologies. I was asking: Why did you two become surprised when I said 'Transvian' earlier?"

Justin and Ada look at each other for a moment before staring back. "That's because those are a species of Pokémon that went extinct a long time ago," Ada explains.

Ramon's brow raises, blinking. "Huh?"

"Their extinction has something to do with a war of some sort, I believe..."

Ramon leaps back. "War!?"

"Yeah…" The girl pouts. "I wish I didn't forget about it." Her thumb tilts at Justin. "I've been wrestling with this buffoon so many times that I'm losing important knowledge here." She then gasps, lifting her finger. "Speaking of which—" turns to the boy. "We need to train each other again. We haven't done so in awhile, plus I need to get stronger and defeat those Conjure jerks."

"Not happening," Justin answers.

The girl leaps back. "What? Why!?"

"Because I'm actually a carrot."

"..."

"..."

Justin smirks, winking.

"What...was the joke there?"

"Carrot." Justin snickers, Ramon following along.

Ada squints her eyes, sighing. "Sooooo continuing the conversation, no one has heard of those kinds of Pokémon since their extinction." Her hand rests on her chin. "Makes me curious about why Yvonne had Transvian in his journal entry."

Ramon perks up. "That reminds me: I did read this one note while at the facility. It mentioned something about any Pokémon having the potential to become a Transvian." He shrugs. "I don't know if this Yvonne fella wrote it or not, but it wouldn't surprise me if he did."

The teen caresses her chin. "Interesting," she says, her meal finished. The others finish theirs as well, all leaving their chairs and walking into the living room.

They come across Clinton staring outside, holding Dr. Yvonne's journal behind him. Ramon raises his brow, looking at the three. Justin scratches beside his head.

"Yeah, we told him about your face and even showed the journal," the boy says.

"Oh," Ramon replies, staring at Clinton.

Clinton shakes his head, gripping the journal. The three get close, the elder turning around. "The Prospective Institute has some interesting things in it." He hands Ada the journal. "Wasn't even aware of these levels of creativity: A ring that improves my memory? Sign me up."

Ramon nods. "I'd honestly want that ring right now, considering I know nothing about my past…"

"Ah, right." The elder turns to him. "I hope you get your memory back someday."

"Yeah…" The fox's ears lower. "Everything is so…confusing right now: I just want to understand my past more." Whimpers, staring down. "Who knows if I'll ever recover my memories? What if this loss is permanent? What if I'll never know about my past?"

Ada and Justin look at each other, drenching with melancholy. The two get on their knees. "Don't say that, man," Justin says. "Maybe the memory loss is temporary."

"But...how would you know?" Ramon slowly gazes up, distress spreading.

Ada caresses her arms, looking away. "We...don't." She looks back. "But we rather think positively and believe your memories will return." A warm but uneasy smile forms, Justin following along.

The fox continues the stare for a solid moment before sighing, looking down. "I hope so..."

The teens stand, the elder glancing at the ground. "...I know how you feel, little fella." He turns to the window, Ada setting the journal on the table. "We all have moments where we wish for things to get resolved. Hell, I want to see the rampant crimes in this city get fixed." His fist clenches. "But as far as I know, the police department is doing nothing about it."

"Really?" Justin asks.

"Yes." Clinton moves. "Take a look for yourself."

The three stare out, Ramon hopping on top of Ada's back: A man in black clothes runs off, another man shouting at him. He has a gray bag over his shoulder, gripping it.

"GIVE ME BACK MY MONEY, YOU THIEF!" the other man yells, waving his fist.

Clinton grimaces. "See?" He looks away. "...No policemen are around to stop this crap show." Gnashing teeth. "I wish this wasn't the case."

"Jeez, how long has this been going?" Justin questions, frowning.

"As long as my decaying mind can remember." He squints. "It's the side of Majestic City the mayor doesn't want to address…" Blinks, stroking his beard. "Which is odd: This is just one example of the criminal activities being abnormal here. Why is he ignoring it?"

Justin caresses his chin. "Hmm...What do you think caused it, fam?"

"That, I do not know." Clinton lifts a finger. "What I do know is that I will get to the bottom of this. Someone has t—"

"Oof!"

Ramon is lying on the ground, groaning. "A…heads up would be nice," he says, shaking himself up.

The two become confused. "Yo, weren't you on Ada's back not too long ago?" Justin asks, rubbing his head.

"Yeah. I was." Ramon sighs.

"Um, Ada?" Justin looks around. "Where you at, fam?"

A laser screeches outside.

"I believe that answered your question, kid," Clinton says, rushing to the front door. The two nod before following along, Ramon stopping immediately. He looks at a yellow badge sitting near the TV, tilting his head.

"Come on, Ramon! Let's go see Ada!" Justin shouts.

"Alright! I'm on my way!"

The three make it outside: Ada using her Mystical Projectile on the robber, frowning. The beam hits the ground in front of him, stopping his tracks.

"Give the man his money back," Ada demands, charging another beam. "I won't repeat myself."

The robber turns around with a pistol, pulling the trigger. A bullet spills forward, the girl gasping. Her Enchantment Claws backhand the bullet, hitting the man's shoulder. He groans, blood dripping as he drops the bag.

"Nice try." Ada's claws remain active.

"Ada, what're you doing!?" Clinton yells.

Ada turns. "Trying to stop him from stealing the man's money, of course." She glares at the robber. "Did you expect me to sit there and let it happen?"

The robber digs in his pocket, taking out a red and white ball. Ada blinks, brow raises. "Is that...a pokéball?" Shock circulates through her. "I thought those were obsolete!"

"A pokéball!? What the hell!?" Justin exclaims.

"Hey! Tone down your language some," Clinton addresses. "Also, a pokéball in this day of age? That's...something."

Ramon tilts his head, ears twitching. Pokéball…?

As the robber tosses the ball up, red light gleams out, summoning a humanoid creature. She floats down, multiple bows spreading from top to bottom, appearing as though she's wearing a black and white dress. The Gothitelle stares at her opponent, rubbing her arm.

Is he a Pokémon Trainer? Ada and Justin think, the girl preparing herself.

"Use whatever moves to distract her. The usual, alright?" the robber commands.

The Gothitelle nods, sighing before saying one word: "Gothi..."

 

[Sonic Ramon]

Chapter 9: Sorcerous vs Pokémon Trainer!?​

Majestic City Arc.

With no time to think, Ada dashes forward. She jumps, clawing towards the Pokémon before getting surrounded in light pink auras.

"Hmm?"

The humanoid's eyes glow blue, her hands out: Telekinesis tosses Ada back. The girl backflips, sliding across the ground. She glances at the Gothitelle, forming a fist. Then shuffles are made afterwards, the girl turning to the robber running off.

"Oh no you don't!" She runs until dark pink outlines cast around her, gasping. The Gothitelle's eyes glow again, stretching her arm. She swipes: Psychic the teen into a wall. "GAH!" The girl coughs out purple blood, groaning.

"Oh shit, Ada!" Justin shouts.

"Ngh." She wraps around her stomach, spitting. "I've forgotten my weakness to Psychic, heh."

The robber continues running until pain reaches his leg, the man screaming before falling: A hole surfaces on his leg, blood oozing. "What the fu—"

Click.

The man looks up, Clinton's revolver glaring. He grips it, squinting. "Continue resisting and you'll no longer breathe," the pale elder confirms. "Don't. Test me." The robber grits his teeth, covering his injured leg.

Ada stands up, sighing. "How dare you leave your Pokémon by its lonesome?" she exclaims. "I thought the whole point of being a trainer is to bond with them, being by their side till the very end." Glares. "But I suppose all of it is old school to you, huh?"

The Gothitelle glances off, stroking her arm. She bites her lower lip, an image of a Gothita smiling at her trainer appears, circulating her thoughts.

"Don't listen to her," the trainer says, tone hazy. "Just do as I say and attack now!"

The Gothitelle sighs, DNA strands spawning in her hand. She flings her Psybeam at Ada, the girl bringing her arms forward. A huge shield casts around her, the Psybeam hits. Smoke rises in the air, clouding Ada's vision.

"Tch…" The girl's arms lower, shield fading. With zero warning, the Gothitelle appears in front of her, hands glowing white. "How did you—"

The Gothitelle Double Slaps her, swinging left and right. Ada blocks, grunting as the two escape the smoke. The robbed man hides behind his mailbox, staring ahead.

"Cindy! Use that move combo I taught you!" the trainer shouts. Another memory sparks in Cindy's mind, the same man cheering his Gothorita for defeating a trainer's Honchkrow. She frowns.

Ada blinks. "Move combo?" Cindy's Psychic shoves the girl back, Ada clawing the ground. "Tch." Cindy floats above, twirling while her hands keep glowing. She fires multiple Psybeams, Ada clawing each one of them. Then Cindy rushes down and Double Slaps the teen, a shield forming in time.

Ada's arms out, each 'THUD' pushing her back. Wow, she's strong! she thinks, her hands coating in Enchantment Claws. The shield fades once more before she swings forward, Cindy ducking and dodging her claws. Grabbing Ada's arm, Cindy throws her, the girl spiraling over the ground. She stops herself, coughing. Really strong, actually…

"Come on Ada!" Justin cheers, fists forming. "I believe in ya!"

Ada groans, hands on knees. She smirks. "Thanks, Justin. I needed someone to root for me in this cruel ba—"

"Ada, look out!" Ramon shouts.

The Gothitelle's Psybeams rear towards the teen, Ada summoning her Mystical Shield once more. The beams slam, the girl flinching. "Ngh!" The Gothitelle hammers the shield, her Double Slaps barraging everywhere. Ada's brows lower. "Thanks for the, ngh, warning!"

Cindy jumps back, the girl rushing ahead. Now's my chance! Ada's claws unravel, the teen slashing the Gothitelle. Cindy leaps and evades with elegance, eyes fixating on the girl. "Oh come on!"

The girl kicks the Pokémon, Cindy jumping over. Ada's fist grips. "Oh dodge this while at it!" Ada shouts, fury rising. She lifts her arms, thrusting many Mystical Projectiles at Cindy, screeching through velocity. They slip past the Gothitelle, hitting the ground and walls. The robbed man yelps from one landing beside him, further clinging his mailbox.

"AAAH! STAY STILL!" Ada screams.

The robber smirks. "THAT'S MY GIRL!" Claps. "JUST LIKE HOW WE ALWAYS TACKLE ANYONE WHO STANDS IN OUR WAY!"

Clinton clicks his gun. "I wouldn't be cheering when there's a revolver pointing at your damn face." The robber simply rolls his eyes, stroking his leg.

As Ada rapid fires, Ramon and Justin look at the teen: Perplexed. Then they stare at each other.

"Can…she always be frustrated by things?" the Zorua asks.

"Usually when my jokes bugs her too much. This is my first time seeing her lose her mind in fights," Justin replies.

"Oh."

One memory flourishes Cindy's head: A Gothitelle evading a Gengar's Shadow Balls, pushing it against its police officer with a simple Psychic. Snapping back to reality, she snarls, one beam rearing towards her: Exploding.

Ada stops firing, smoke rises. Did I…get her? she thinks, panting.

Something springs out: Cindy, dashing forward with glowing eyes, zero bruises. Ada gasps. "How the hell did I not hit you!?" she shouts. She tries casting her shield again, but nothing happens. She thrusts her hands as if she's giving someone CPR: Still nothing. "Oh—" she's coated in dark pink auras. "No."

Cindy lifts Ada, slamming her to the ground. She lifts her again, ramming her back down. She repeats this, over and over. Again and again. Giving zero thoughts to this.

"Ada!" Justin and Ramon scream, their friend moving up and down beyond control.

Ada coughs out purple blood, some landing on her face. The trainer smiles, teeth rattling. "Yes! Kill her and everyone else so that we can leave!"

Last memory springs up in Cindy: A Gothitelle standing in place, eyes widening, lips trembling, blood coating—Many bodies lying ahead, her trainer smirking behind her.

Blinking back to the present, Cindy stops: Eyes shaking ahead, heart quivering. Ada's arms limp, the girl coughing. Cindy throws her near Ramon and Justin, rolling her around. She smacks against the wall, cracks forming.

Justin and Ramon stare, eyes shaking. Without a second thought, they rush by Ada's side, Clinton gazing at them. Holy shit.

The robber blinks before crawling away, tugging the bag. A bullet lands in front of him, the trainer yelping. "What did I say about you moving?" Clinton says, clicking his gun. The trainer turns, gritting his teeth.

Justin sits on his knees, staring down: The girl bleeds from her forehead, arms, and legs—Coughing more blood. She twitches, vision fuzzling. "Ju…Ra…"

"Ada, you good!?" Justin whines.

"Ju...Justin…" Ada groans, her tone raspy and weak. Justin clasps his hands on her chest, blue auras glowing. Ada's chest brightens, the girl yelping and screaming.

The boy pulls back instantly. "Oh nah nah nah—She's NOT good." Strokes his head. "Shit." Winces. "Sh-She's too hurt for me to heal. We need to get her to the Pokémon Center, NOW!"

Justin turns towards Cindy, his brows lower, his arms spread: Two magical blades spawn, the boy gripping them. A tear slides down his cheek. "After I take care of this asshole, first." He stands in front of Ada, the Gothitelle walking towards him, her movement sluggish. "You ain't laying another hand on her, bitch."

Ramon looks closer at the Gothitelle: Tears sliding down her cheeks, trailing behind. Her hands light on and off, the humanoid trembling. Ramon lowers his ears. "Wait…" Pauses. "Justin: Something isn't right."

"Well no shit: This Gothitelle beat the hell out of Ada!" He swings his blades. "And now she wants to do the same to us, which ain't happening." His red shirt swifts to the wind, glaring.

"No no. I mean—" the fox sighs. "Let me reason with her. The look she gives tells me something's up."

The boy jolts to the fox. "Reason!? Have you lost your mind, too!?" He points at Cindy, the Gothitelle stopping. "You saw her massacring Ada not too long ago! And now you want to reason with her!?"

"I-I know, but I also can tell that she…" Ramon looks down. "Doesn't look too swell about this fight."

"That's because she's serious, man. You don't look happy when you try killing someone, do you?"

Sighs. "Look, just—let me talk to her for a moment, please?"

Justin stares, trembling more. He then exhales, sighing. "Alright, fine. But if she pulls any tricks, then that's a wrap." His blades remain active. "I mean it."

Ramon nods, walking forward. Cindy stares down at him. "What's wrong?" he asks, translating into the Pokémon language with 'Nyar?'

Cindy scoffs. "Why…should I tell you? I'll just kill you." Her arm raises.

Justin grits his teeth. "I KNEW IT, DAWG! I'LL—" Ramon raises his paw, the boy stops.

Cindy trembles, her arm quaking. "I'll. Ki-Kill you…Just…" Tears stream down her cheeks. "Ju-Just like my trainer ordered me to…To ki—" she pauses, staring. "..." She cries, covering her face. "I-I can't take this anymore: I want it to end!"

Ramon tilts his head. "The fight?"

"Hey Cindy! What're you doing!?" the trainer yells, the group looking at him. "Don't just sit there! Finish these guys off, now!"

Cindy's eyes widen, teeth gnashing. "SHUT UP!" A nearby pole becomes engulfed in pink auras, the Gothitelle throwing it next to her trainer.

"Oh crap!" Clinton and the robber yell, yelping back.

Cindy's eye twitches, the world painting in red. She turns back to the Zorua, fists clench. "It's not the fight: It's…stealing from others." Shakes. "Especially the poor."

"Steal?"

"Yes. And whenever things go sour, he leaves me behind to take care of the mess…" She looks to her side. "By…any means."

Ramon leans back. Oh dear… "And you're not okay with this, are you?"

The Gothitelle shakes her head.

"Don't listen to him, Cindy!" the trainer shouts. "Whatever he's telling you is all lies! I'm your only truth, your compa—" Cindy zips his lips shut. "Mmf!?"

Cindy glares at him. "I wish I was captured by some competent, generous trainer…" Snarls. "But instead, I get some robber who only sees me as an accomplice." She whimpers. "I...have ended a lot of people and Pokémon lives. Just to defend him."

Mortification spreads the fox, stumbling. "O-Oh…"

"I…I know: Horten turned me into a monster." Cindy closes her eyes. "And I hate it."

"..." Ramon stares at the ground, contemplating. I…can't believe she's been through those things. He turns to face Justin.

"What did she say?" Justin asks.

"Well..." Ramon translates the whole conversation to the three, glancing at Horten afterwards.

"What the hell is wrong with you!?" Justin says.

"Yeah!" Clinton exclaims. "I know that Pokémon Trainers aren't popular anymore, but this isn't the way to revive them!"

"Pokémon Trainer?" Ramon says, tilting his head.

Horten rolls his eyes, wishing to speak if it weren't for the Psychic.

Clinton sighs. "I don't tolerate this immoral crap you train your Pokémon to be."

Ada coughs. "S-Same...here." She stands, her legs shaking, her arms trembling. "That...Nativu...deserves…a better…" Falls. "Ordina...trainer…"

"Ada!" Justin rushes over, his blades fading.

Ramon frowns. Wait, Nativu? Like the thing I read from the Project Transvian note? He shakes his head. And then there's the mention of Ordinas, too! Sighs. Just when I thought my confusion ended, it comes right back with a vengeance!

The Zorua's ears twitch at several loud sirens, looking to his side. "Huh!?" Black and white cars arrive, stopping as multiple doors open. Exiting from them are blue clothing officers, carrying their handguns. Speaking of confusion, who are they!?

"Everybody, freeze!" one cop yells, all pointing their guns. He scans the area, the rest of the cops scattering.

The robbed man lifts a finger. "Don't arrest the Zorua, two teens, and the old man, officers!" Points at Horten and Cindy. "Arrest this man and his Gothitelle instead!"

Soon another cop exits his vehicle, a man with a round, black hat joining him. His skin is light, his clothes brown, his mustache makes his overall looks well known. The round man gasps. "Oh no. What happened here?" he says, holding his black tourist cane.

"That man stole the hiding-behind-the-mailbox man's money. And then his Gothitelle almost killed my friend," Justin says firmly, Ada's arm resting on his neck.

"Ah, I see then." The man nods. "Arrest the two, please." The officers nod, heading towards Cindy and her trainer. The round man looks at Clinton, his brow raised. "You can put that down, Clinton. We got this taken care of now."

"Yeah, Chief," the cop beside the man says. "Or should I say retired chief now?" The cop snickers. Clinton stares at them, gradually putting his gun away.

The teens blink. "Wait, Clinton was a cop!?" they say, Ada groaning from her movements.

Justin brings the girl close. "Relax there, fam…"

"A cop?" Ramon asks, staring at the elder.

Clinton exhales, nodding. "Yep...You guessed it."

 

[Sonic Ramon]

Chapter 10: Clinton Maplethorn.​

Majestic City Arc.

The three gaze at Clinton, astonishment spreading, the cop by the round man grinning. The law enforcers pick up the trainer, restraining him. One of them throws the bag towards the hiding-behind-the-mailbox man: He thanks them afterwards.

Ramon stares off, squinting. He then looks back at Clinton. "So the yellow thing I saw near the TV." His head tilts. "What was that?"

"My badge," Clinton bluntly answers. "It signified my service in the police force." He glances at the cops gripping the trainer's hands, handcuffing him.

"Yeah. You sure were a crime stopper, Chief," the cop says, laughing. "Working us to the bone on taking care of the crimes, asap."

Clinton frowns. "Isn't that the point of being an officer? Making sure people are safe?"

"I agree, sir. But wanting us to get to the bottom of the rampant crimes isn't our duty." The cop shrugs. "It's the detectives."

Clinton folds his arms. "And where are they? Last I checked, they're always not at the crime scenes." His head tilts. "Aren't you curious about why there's so much more crime than usual?"

The round man steps forward. "Yes we are, Clinton." Hand to chest. "As mayor of this city, I believe we should do something about the criminal activities, too." He adjusts his hat.

"Then why aren't you doing anything, Nickel!?" Clinton's fist clenches. "So many lives are in danger because of it! And poverty is getting worse!"

Nickel lifts his hands. "Whoa whoa! Relax, Clinton. We're doing something right now. Such as arresting this trainer and his Pokémon."

"Yeah, chill Chief," the cop joins. "That's why everyone is glad that you retired: You're too demanding and uptight."

Glad? The hell did he do to have EVERY cop be glad that he left? Justin thinks, keeping Ada steady.

Clinton shakes his head. "I truly believe law enforcers should take these activities seriously. It's our duty to do so."

"'Our' as in us and not you, right?" the cop corrects.

The elder's brows lower. "I'm aware," he mutters. And was mentioning my retirement called for?

Nickel nods. "I understand why you feel that way, Clinton. Rest assured the enforcers got this under control."

Clinton squints. Right.

The mayor looks at Ramon, Justin, and Ada, tilting his head. He points his cane at them. "Who might these three be?"

Clinton looks at them. "They're wanderers around this region. They have no place to live so I offer them one."

"I see." Nickel lifts his hat, bowing. "The name is Nickel Willham, the mayor of Majestic City." Dusts himself. "I roam around making sure technologies exceed their potential along with keeping the city safe."

Justin smiles. "Ay, that's lit."

Clinton shakes his head. "I'm not sure about the 'safe' part, to be frank."

Nickel sighs. "Clinton, please. We're doing the best we can..." He looks away. "I really wish I could find a solution for the poor here." Nickel's hat covers his face. "Truly…"

Clinton raises his brow, tapping his arm. Ramon walks in front of Justin and Ada, staring up. "Here's hoping you find that solution eventually, Mayor," he says.

Nickel smiles. "Thank you, you kind Zorua."

"You're welcome." Ramon nods. "My name's Ramon. And behind me are my friends, Justin and Ada."

"Sup, Mayor," Justin says, waving. Ada waves her hand slowly, smiling at the mayor before groaning.

Nickel scrunches up. "Oh dear: You need medical attention at once!"

"Ye-Yeah. I—" Her eyes half-close. "Know…" Ada collapses against Justin, pressure increasing on him. The boy wraps his arms around her.

"Ada!" Justin shouts, concerns spreading. As this happens, the cops pin Cindy down, the Gothitelle flailing. Firm grips tighten the wrists, one officer sitting on her knees, positioning the handcuff. She locks the cuffs around Cindy's wrists, sighing.

"Looks like our job here is done," she states. Pink auras spawn over the cuffs, the woman gasping. "What the…"

"What's wron—" the other cop gasps, dark pink auras surrounding him and his fellow companions. The Gothitelle Psychics the cops away: Some crashing into their own cars, others rolling next to the teens. Everyone looks.

"What in the world?" Nickel says, bewildered.

Cindy floats, staring down with glowing blues. Horten's lips are freed by this point, the man gazing at her. She gazes back, floating higher. The man quivers at this.

"Cindy!" he shouts. "Cindy, come back!"

The Gothitelle stops, glaring. "Goth-thi," she says, flying away.

"CINDY, NO! COME SAVE ME, PLEASE!" Horten's fist clenches. "DAMMIT!"

Ramon's ears lower. I hope you find a place that makes you feel better, Cindy...

The smug cop smirks. "Man, you're such a scumbag, even your Gothitelle doesn't want to save you." He chuckles. "Just isn't your lucky day, huh bozo?" He looks at the rest of the officers, recovering from the attack. "You all alright?"

One cop groans by her car, brushing herself off. She stands, rubbing her arm before nodding. "Yeah. At least I'm doing alright," she replies.

"Good. Let's take this trash to the dumpster." The cop looks at Nickel. "You coming with us, Mayor?"

The mayor nods. "Of course." His attention goes to Clinton. "I'll take my leave now...Take care, my friend. And—" he sighs. "Try focusing on your retirement, please?"

"I'll do what I goddamn please, Nickel," Clinton says, glancing.

Nickel stares at the elder's fury, red emanating from them. He looks down, sighing as he and the smug cop enter the car, the trainer being in another vehicle.

As the cops drive away, a woman in pink clothes exits out of the Pokémon Center. "Huh? What are the policemen doing here? Or...was doing here," she says.

The hiding-behind—erm, the robbed man exits his spot, sighing. He walks towards the teens. "Hey, thanks for—" he pauses, eyeing the injured girl. "—helping me there." He grimaces. "Yeesh, are you alright?"

Ada slowly lifts her thumb before finally passing out: Everyone's mortified.

"Oh my god!" the nurse exclaims. "You two come with me, now."

"Finally," Justin says, clenching his friend. The nurse rushes inside of the Pokémon Center, Justin following along.

"Hey! We need help taking this patient in!"

Within seconds, more nurses arrive at the double doors: Rushing towards the teens, guiding them inside. Ramon and Clinton follow, drenching with concern.

The man stands there, holding his bag. "Hope she's alright," he says, turning around and walking to his home.

. . .

Ramon, Justin, and Clinton stick to their seats: Gazing at the counter, anxious for updates. The clock ticks on the beige walls, turning its shorthand. There's a white door behind the counter, another one next to it.

Justin spreads his legs, his fingers nudging each other, his arms hunching over his knees. He looks down, lips sealed. After a brief moment of silence, he breaks it with: "How was your life as a cop?"

The elder squints. "Misery."

The two stare at him.

"Why's that?" Ramon asks.

Clinton glances outside at a random building, several windows spreading throughout. "I once thought I could handle any cases, solving them with no problems. It went well until I started living here." His fist grips. "This city…" Eyes half close. "It reminds me of how much of a foolish, helpless, and incompetent cop I was: So many crimes continued one after another, with zero breaks." Clinton closes his eyes. "The majority weren't solved: Unfinished, in other words."

"Yikes," Justin says. "Why were a lot of them unfinished, fam?"

Clinton shrugs. "How should I know? I was trying to figure those out while becoming chief." He sighs. "I wanted the cops to enforce the law more, making sure a crime doesn't erupt. But the police force disagreed, saying it's the detectives' job."

"Wait wait—" Justin's hands and head shake. "Let me get this straight: The cops disagreed with being more involved in crime scenes, and yet they enforce the law?"

"Yep."

Justin blinks. "That's dumb as shit."

Clinton glares. "Firstly, language. And secondly, I know. I…honestly regret not ignoring their orders and working hard to prevent these abnormal crimes." Clinton's hand presses his face, shaking. "My retirement was wasted and Nickel knows it."

Justin's hand lays on Clinton's back. "We're sorry to hear that, man."

"Yeah…" The Zorua's ears descend. "I can imagine it being a real burden to carry."

The man grips his suspenders, sighing. "No worries." He looks at the two. "That's why I'm going to find out about these wacky crimes." His fist slams the seat handle. "I'm getting tired of watching people become homeless because of them." Glares. "That man earlier could've had his life ruined if we didn't intervene."

"Mhm," Justin agrees.

"I don't care about what Nickel says—" his brows furrow. "I'm getting to the bottom of this whether he likes it or not."

Justin snaps his fingers, lifting his thumb. "Now that's what I'm talking about, old man!"

Clinton raises his brow. "Excuse me?"

Justin blinks before scratching the back of his head, chuckling shakily. "I-I mean, classic man! Haha."

Ramon hops on Justin's head, the boy eyeing up with a smile. "We'll help you, too!" he says, his tail wagging.

"Really?" Clinton perks up.

Justin grabs the Zorua, setting him on his lap. "Yeah. You did give us a place to live, so we may as well return the favor."

"How generous of you two." Clinton smiles. "Thank you."

The door beside the counter opens, a nurse with pink hair approaching the three. She has blue eyes and pink clothes like the other nurses. But they're also mixed with the color white on her skirt. Beside Nurse Joy is Ada, who's being guided by her. The girl rubs her arm.

"Ada Cheng is feeling better now," Joy says, bowing. The three get up, walking towards the two.

"Thank you for healing her, Joy," Clinton says, digging in his pocket. He pulls out his wallet, sticking inside to grab some bucks. "Here."

"You're welcome, sir." Nurse Joy takes the cash.

Justin and Ramon stare at the girl, anxiousness spreading.

"You feel better now, fam?" Justin asks, his hand on Ada's shoulder.

Ada stares at the hand. "Yeah. Way better than before, that's for sure." She turns towards the nurse. "Also, mind not calling me by my full name? I feel like that's weird to say in front of your patient."

Joy bows. "My apologies."

Clinton lifts his finger. "Just to make sure: No bones are completely shattered nor anything, right?"

Joy shakes her head. "Nope. She's feeling fine and dandy after our magic healed her."

"That's good." The elder looks at the reunited trio. "Let's go."

The four exit the building after Ada thanks Joy, all walking on the sidewalk. "Now then." Clinton glances at her. "What in the world were you thinking!? Randomly jumping out there damn near killing yourself!?" he scolds.

Ada pounces back, raising her brow. "What was I thinking?" She shouts, "I was thinking of helping that man!"

Clinton scoffs. "We don't need young people like you getting yourself killed out there!" His hands slip in his pockets, the man looking down. "There's already young folks becoming poor here: What makes you think I want to see one being killed as well?"

Ada stops, the four close to Clinton's house. "Am I supposed to stand there and let it happen?"

Justin points at her. "She has a point, fam."

Clinton rests his hand on the doorknob, weighted sighs escaping him. Ramon looks up, lowering his ears.

"Look: I just want to keep you kids safe, that's all."

"Classic man…" Just folds his arms, tapping. "If you wanted us safe, then why did you agree to let Ramon and I help you?"

"I—" Clinton groans, opening the door. He shakes his head. "Just don't be reckless, is all I'm asking."

"Reckless!?" Ada scoffs, fury igniting. "How the hell is helping someone considered 'reckless' now!?"

Clinton points. "Hey now, watch your tone. I corrected jokester boy about it: I can do the same to you, too."

Justin blinks, his hand to his chin. "Huh. Jokester Boy doesn't sound like a bad title."

"UGH!" Ada rolls her eyes, stomping forward. Everyone follows, Clinton closing the door behind him. "Stupid adults and their advice," Ada mumbles, slamming on the stairs.

"Hey relax, fam!" Justin exclaims, following. Ramon looks at the two, sitting down in uncertainty.

Clinton covers his face. "By Arceus, this is why I don't have kids." He sighs, heading to his living room.

Ramon is left alone, blinking.

"...Oh! What in the world am I doing?" the fox says before running up the stairs.

. . .

When the neon lights are off at night, the full moon enriches the trio's room. It's the only source of light in an otherwise dark room, corners and walls can hardly be seen if one were to explore it. Two beds are present: One on the right side, the other on the left, parallel from each other.

Ada snores on the right, her voice serene as a melody. Ramon moves over to the left, climbing on the bed. Justin stretches himself, hopping on the bed. The Zorua bounces.

"Whoa!" he yelps, falling back.

"Today was something else, huh?" Justin says, pulling the sheets.

Ramon nods. "Yeah: With Ada getting injured by the Gothitelle, and then arguing with Clinton afterwards..." His ears lower. "Lots happened, it seems."

"To be honest, dawg…" Justin shakes his head. "Clinton's the main one wanting to solve the rampant crimes when he's not supposed to. Yet, he doesn't want Ada to get involved with helping others." He turns to Ramon. "Doesn't that sound backwards?"

The Zorua shrugs. "Somewhat, yeah." Stares. "Although, I can see where he's coming from."

"How?"

"Well…" Ramon looks down. "He did mention he's sick of seeing people 'being poor', which is why he took us in."

"Hmm..." Justin sighs, his hands beneath his pillow. "Still, I can't help but feel like his messages are mixed. Must be his age or something."

"Hey now. I don't think insulting one's age is necessary," Ramon says, lowering his ears.

"No no. I mean like, his thinking is...um." Justin blinks. "Hah, yeah...you're right: It does seem like I'm insulting his age." Justin scratches his head. "My bad."

Afterwards, the two look up, both gazing at the moon's light. After a few moments of silence, Ramon turns his head.

"So Justin, about what happened earlier—" the Zorua turns his whole body. "How come Ada couldn't heal herself?"

"That's simple: She was too hurt by the Gothitelle's Psychic, making her struggle to heal. This can happen to any Sorcerous, regardless of how powerful we can be."

"I see."

"So cuz of that, she'd need someone to heal her."

"But I saw you trying to heal her earlier and couldn't." The fox tilts his head, ears flicker. "Why's that?"

"Well, that happens cuz of Ada's injury." Justin looks at the girl ahead. "She'd need more than one Sorcerous to heal her. Most preferably the nurses at the PC."

"Interesting." Ramon pauses for a moment. "And what about the Gothitelle? How come I can understand her while you and Ada couldn't?"

Justin turns. "Oh that's a big difference between Sorcerous and Intellicates: Y'all can understand Nativus, we can't." He stares up. "This includes those who are Ordinas, too."

"Nativus...Oh yeah, what are they anyways? And Ordinas?" The fox perks up. "You also mentioned that Ordina earlier was a Pokémon Trainer, too!"

Justin chuckles, rubbing his nose. "So many questions, huh?"

"...I'm confused and in need of answers, yes."

The boy snorts once more. "Well to put it as shortly as possible: Nativu. They're the kind of Pokémon that existed long before Intellicates. They usually live in the wild, unable to talk the same way humans can." He waves his hand around. "And Ordina, well, they're humans who lacked the Magic type." His eyes close. "It's possible for either one of them to be born like that."

"...Go on."

"As for Pokémon Trainers, they're—" yawns. "People who capture and train Pokémon. Although, due to Sorcerous and Intellicate being a thing, their status began to die out over the years."

"...Huh?"

Justin yawns again, stretching. "Aight, fam. That's as far as I'll go on the information train." He snuggles his pillow. "Goodnight."

"Wait!" Ramon whines. "I still have questions to ask: Why are Pokémon Trainers declining in relevance? Why are some humans born as Sorcerous and some as Ordinas? Why are some Pokémon born as Intellicates and some as Nativus?" Blinks. "Heck, why do Pokémon Trainers even exist in a time where a Pokémon can live independently?" Blinks again. "Wait, I think that may have answered my first question, b-but still!"

"...Zzz..."

"Justin?" Snores radiate from the Sorcerous, Ramon squinting. "Great. He fell asleep." He sighs, laying on his side. He stares at the wall. Guess I'll know the answers at some point in time.

The Zorua closes his eyes, everything submerging into darkness.

. . .

Void. Nothingness.

Seems that's what Ramon enters, a reminder of his time at the facility. Unlike the facility, solid ground lacks its presence: Only liquid. Many of them. Ones the fox isn't sure of what they are. On the bright side, they don't feel like blood. They feel…shallow? Like water, the fox believes.

He lifts his paw, the 'water' slipping off. He gazes into the pitch black, tilting his head.

"...Hey," a voice says, leading Ramon to look.

"Huh?" Silence. "...Who's there?"

The Zorua turns around: Another Zorua appears in front of him, its hair tuft blue, its eyelids blue too. It keeps its gaze, Ramon gazing back.

Wait...isn't that…?

 

[Sonic Ramon]

Chapter 11: "Hello, Ramon."​

Those very words shivers Ramon's spine.

Majestic City Arc.

The red-tufted fox stares, remaining in place: His furs spiking, his face tumbling in the abyss. The blue-tufted fox gazes, smiling.

"Y-You. U-Um." He stumbles. "E-Erm..." Ramon leaps back. "You're the Zorua I saw earlier!"

The Shiny Zorua nods. "Yes." His voice is softer and smoother than Ramon's, giving off serene vibes. He walks forward, the Zorua backing away in response.

"U-Uh…"

The blue fox engulfs Ramon with his forelegs, hugging. "Finally, I can talk to you at long last! Yes!"

Ramon looks at him, his cheeks nudging his'. "Really?" he asks.

The shiny fox releases Ramon, nodding. "Indeed!" His tail wags. "I thought I'll never get the chance to communicate with you. But I was wrong!" Purrs.

"I...see then." The Zorua tilts his head. "Who are you and—" blinks. "How do you know my name?"

"Why I'm glad you asked!" The blue fox sticks his chest out. "The name's Nomar. I've tried contacting you several times through Telepathy." Sighs. "The...communication line can get really nasty, depending on the distance."

"Huh."

Nomar perks up. "And of course I know you: You're my brother, after all!"

"Brother?" His head tilts to the other side. "I…have a brother?"

Nomar nods. "Yeah!" He pounces forward. "Remember the time we used to run around and chase each other in the woods?"

"..."

"Or how about the time we fought those Ursarings when they tried to hurt our parents!"

"..."

"...Or when we relaxed by a boulder nearing the sunset."

"..." Ramon blinks.

Nomar tilts his head. "None of those ring a bell?"

Ramon shakes his head. "Not a single one. Sorry."

"Oh." Nomar lowers his ears. "That's…a bummer. I was hoping when I reach you, you'd be rejoiced by our reunion."

Nomar gazes at the void, lifting his paw. Several images display themselves, showing the things Nomar mentioned: Two Zoruas chasing each other in the forest, the Ursaring attempting to attack them, and the descending sun while the foxes sleep on a boulder. Their backs rest against each other.

"Are you certain you don't remember these?"

Ramon gazes at the images, mesmerized. "Whoa…" The images move from one event to the next, with no pauses. He then looks at Nomar, shrugging. "None at all, unfortunately…"

Nomar's ear flickers. "Not even our memories together?"

Ramon shakes his head once more.

"Hmm..." Nomar stares off. "Do you want to know about your past?"

Ramon gasps. "Yes! I've been traveling for that exact reason!" He pounces toward Nomar. "What else do you know?"

Nomar blinks before nodding. "From what I recall, we were hanging out together until a vile storm happened." Shudders. "The weather was so severe that it separated us from our parents."

"Really?"

Nomar raises his paw again: Another image showing two Zoruas flying away, their Zoroark parents racing after them in horror. Lightning strikes their path, the parents leaping back.

"Yes…" Nomar's ears descend. "From there we...encountered these humans in these white things trying to snatch us."

Upon another lift, one image pops in front: Three humans in white coats take the red fox while the blue one trembles at several Pokémon.

Nomar looks down. "I-I tried to stop them, but their Pokémon were…too strong."

The blue fox is shown backing away, running off into the bushes afterwards.

"So I had to hide. Never to see you again since." Nomar sniffles, tears springing up.

Ramon glooms at the dark ground. "So…that's how I ended up in that facility," he responds, glancing.

Nomar shakes away the tears, staring at the Zorua. "Facility?"

Ramon looks up. "Yeah: I remember waking up in a dark room only to realize I'm in a building." He stares at the shiny fox. "Have you heard of the Prospective Institute?" Frowns. "That's what the facility is called."

"Hmm." Head shakes. "Never heard of them. But I assume they're filled with no good humans." He glares. "Especially the ones who'd taken you away!"

Ramon flinches. "Why's that the case?"

"Because—"

Nomar looks away, squinting. His paw lifts, the last image forms in front of them: A Shiny Zorua sits in a pool of blood, gagging against the grass. Two men grin down, twirling their knives. One of them spits on the fox before the two walk away, blood trailing.

"I was killed by them."

Ramon's legs tremble, his eyes shaking. "Wh-What…?"

Nomar closes his eyes. "While traveling around, humans decided to take my life away." Strokes the wet ground. "They do it...out of enjoyment. Craving the thirst for hunting Pokémon."

The images deteriorate.

"They don't care if you don't bother them…"

The images distort.

"They'll tear you apart the moment they can. Like a game of tag, except—"

The images explode into pieces, fading.

"The tagger kills you."

Ramon whimpers, lowering his ears. "O-Oh. I, um." Flinches, feeling as though he's being rocked by an earthquake. Tears slide down, chills of guilt rising. "I-I'm sorry that happened to you, Nomar! I didn't know, and I wished I was there to help!"

Nomar doesn't say anything: Gazing into the abyss, the red fox's cries persisting.

"...Ramon," he says after what feels like hours of silence. "It's not your fault. Don't blame yourself over my death, okay?"

Ramon looks at the Shiny Zorua, sniffling and shaking. "I…O-Okay then."

Nomar turns towards him. "I want you to do me a favor."

Ramon wipes his tears. "Hmm?"

"Head to Gloria Falls by Glory Pride City and revive me. That way, we can reunite in person and hide away from humans." Nomar glances. "Including the ones you're with."

The Zorua flinches. "Wait wait: Gloria Falls? Glory Pride City? What is all of this, Nomar?"

Nomar tilts his head. "Too much information?"

"Yes! I don't know where those places are! Nor what they look like!"

"I'll guide you."

"How?"

Nomar blinks, deadpanned. "Telepathy, brother."

Ramon scrunches up. "But you're dead! How are you able to use Telepathy!?"

Nomar snickers. "You never knew the dead could use Telepathy?" Shrugs. "Admittedly, it's tough because of the communication barrier. But it's possible."

"Oh…" Eyebrow raise. "But are humans aware of the dead being able to—"

Nomar's paw presses the fox's maw. "Brother, you're asking too many questions." He frees it.

"Sorry." He sighs. "I'm just interested, that's all."

"And I'll answer all of those questions as soon as we reach Gloria Falls." Nomar smiles.

Ramon nods. "Alright."

"Speaking of…" Nomar frowns. "I want you to promise me something."

"That is?"

"Don't tell anyone about where you're going."

Ramon's head tilts. "Why's that?"

"Because humans cannot be trusted." Nomar sighs. "My examples should be proof enough."

"O-Oh…"

He leans forward. "That means not even your 'friends' should know."

"But…" Ramon's ears lower. "I don't see any bad intentions from them: They're as lost in this world as I am..."

Nomar's eyes roll. "Of course they have bad intentions!" He stomps. "Humans put on their friendly masks before slowly stabbing you in the back. That's what happened to me: I've shown you!" Snarls. "They crushed me when I gained their trust, when my guard was lowered."

Ramon's eyes spread, dreading within. "B-But Justin and Ada are my friends! Th-They…" His heart beats. "They wouldn't do those things to me!" He gazes to the side. "...Would they?"

Static.

The darkness—Everything is trembling.

"Looks like my Telepathy is fading," Nomar says.

Ramon gasps. "Wait!" Yelps, struggling to stand up. "I have more questions to ask: How do we reach Gloria Falls? How's the dead able to communicate with the living via Telepathy?" Winces. "What else do you know about my past!?"

"Like I've said!" Light shines. "You'll...know...lat...er…" Nomar's voice fades in and out, the light brightens.

"Aaah!" Ramon screams, floating in the light. The light engulfs everything, static louder and louder. The Zorua lowers his ears, clenching his teeth. He closes his eyes.

. . .

Ramon lifts forward, panting. The sun shines through the window, brightening the room. Baggage cast under the Zorua's eyes, glaring at the wall. His ear flicks, the door opens: Justin's hand rests on the knob.

"Hey dude, there's breakfast if you want some," the boy mentions. He then raises his eyebrow. "Fam, you good?"

Ramon blinks, shaking his head. "It's...nothing." He smiles. "I'll join you in just a moment."

"You sure?" Justin rubs the knob. "Something's on your mind?"

The Zorua shakes his head once more. "I just woke up, that's all. I'm okay."

Justin stares for a moment before turning around. "Well alright then?"

As the boy leaves, Ramon hops off the bed, looking out the window. I wish you told me more, Nomar, he thinks, air flowing from his maw.

. . .

Somewhere in a dark alley, a man in a dark purple suit falls with ease. Soon, more Team Conjure members land beside him, the blue teleporter fading above. One Conjure grunt has tangled, messy hair with black glasses keeping it all in order.

He reaches in his pocket, taking out a map. Unraveling, the map of Majestic City displays itself: The man pointing towards the 'X' mark, where a tall building lies. He looks at the group, nodding before turning towards the large building ahead.

"Let's go," the tangled-hair man says, his voice cracking. The Conjures chuckle at him, the man clenching his fists. He grits his teeth, crushing the map. He quickly turns. "Shut up!" He and his group rush out, sneaking around.

 

[Sonic Ramon]

Chapter 12: The Bad, The Ugly, and The Worst Part 1.​

Majestic City Arc.

"Ugh...What a snorefest," Justin says, pushing a cart filled with food and items.

The four traverse through a hallway of canned goods, coming in many types such as beans and rice. The floor's clean and slick, shadows casting from the group walking one spot to the next. They look around the mart, passing by some civilians.

Justin turns to Ada. "Fam," he whispers. "This crap is not what I had in mind when it comes to finding my mother."

Ada shrugs. "Honestly, shopping didn't come to my mind either," she whispers back. "Also, why're we whispering?"

"Because I don't want the old man to know I found his shopping boring," Justin answers, Ramon's ear flickering to the two.

Ada tilts her head. "Since when did you start feeling concerned about others' feelings?"

"I heard 'old man'." Clinton grabs a can. "What are you two whispering about?"

"Oh uh, we were just talking about—" Justin snaps his fingers. "The weather! Yeah, just the weather, that's all! Haha." He scratches his head, smiling.

The elder quirks a brow. "Then why whisper it?"

The teens look at each other briefly before turning back to Clinton. Ada shrugs. "We—"

"We thought that it'd be embarrassing to talk about it out loud!" Justin finishes.

Clinton drops the can into the cart, shaking his head. "There's nothing to whisper about the weather. Folks talk about it from time to time. It's normal."

"Oh." Justin laughs. "I always thought it was weird to talk about it."

Ada laughs along. "R-Right, haha..." Get me out of this lying train, please.

The Zorua stares at the two, tilting his head. I don't get it. He then looks at the elder, walking forward. "Hey Clinton: Are you an Ordina, Sorcerous, or a Pokémon Trainer by any chance?"

The four exit the hallway, turning to their left: A waiting line lies ahead. "Ordina." The elder pats the revolver in his pocket. "I'm no Sorcerous nor Trainer, hence why I have my trusty gun." He smirks. "If I was a Sorcerous, I wouldn't be relying on it during my cop days."

"Oh?" The Zorua's head tilts. "Why'd you say that?"

"Because unlike Ordinas, Sorcerous don't have to defend themselves with a weapon. Nor a Pokémon, for that matter."

"A Pokémon?"

The four reach the line.

"Yeah." Clinton nods. "Trainers are known for relying on them in battles." The elder lifts his finger. "Pokémon Trainers consist mainly of Ordinas, who use Nativus as their companions." Looking off to the side, his hand strokes his chin. "I'm surprised that they're still around, considering the discovery of Magic. Our lives changed a lot, to the point where even Intellicate Pokémon live alongside us."

"I see." Ramon's ears shift. "Does the Pokémon have to always be a Nativu for a Trainer to claim? If so, why?"

Clinton nods. "The Pokémon must always be a Nativu and never an Intellicate. Having an Intellicate as a Pokémon companion is ruled unlawful due to the freewill they have in every way and shape." Eyebrows narrow. "If a Trainer were to claim them, they'll be in trouble."

"Hmm." Ramon stares off. "Interesting."

Ada lifts her finger. "Although, a funny thing about the weapon part is that Justin and I encountered a Sorcerous using one yesterday."

Clinton raises his brow, reaching the cashier. "You did?" he asks, setting his items on the counter.

Ada nods, her and Justin helping the elder. Ramon hops on the counter, bringing the items forward. "We were dealing with two men holding this Intellicate captive: One of them was using his weapon and Magic moves at the same time," the girl explains.

Clinton hands the cashier woman his money. "I see…" Blinks. "Wait, you two got in a fight before getting here?"

"Yep," Justin answers. "Actually wait, have you heard of Team Conjure before?"

The four grab the items, placing them in several bags. "Nope, never heard of them." Once they're in the cart, the group leaves the mart. "Why'd you ask?"

Justin frowns. "Cuz they're the Sorcerous we faced yesterday." Sighs, shrugging. "We…were hoping that you knew where they were, but I guess not."

"Hmm…" The elder tilts his head. "Mind telling me what they're known for?"

"Well, they're—"

BOW!

The four yelp, scanning around instantly. Many people run off nearby, screaming for their lives.

"The heck was that?" Justin says, blue sparkles casting on his fists.

Ramon gasps. "Look over there!" He points, many police officers littering ahead. "There's something going on."

The officers surround a nearby restaurant, shooting. Inside is a group of robbers firing back, some are even shot in the chest. And the same can be said for the cops, shielding behind their cars.

The four stare at the shootout, faces sliding in concerns.

"It's...best if we go someplace safe," Clinton suggests.

"Agreed," Ramon, Justin, and Ada say together.

All turn to their left, scramming.

. . .

The group reaches a tall building with double doors, further away from the restaurant. The doors open, Nickel walking forward tapping his cane. The group stare, all raising their brows.

"What're you doing here, Mayor?" Ada asks.

Nickel smiles. "I'm leaving my tower to go do some errands, heh." The older man flinches from gunfires afar, eyeing the restaurant. "What's going on over there?" He points with his cane. The four look at the shooting, a man screaming his mind out before they turn back to the mayor.

"Oh that? Some shootout, to sum it up," Justin answers, his hands in his pockets. "It ain't good."

"Oh dear." Nickel sighs, shaking his head. "Another day of crimes happening, I see." Whimpers. "We just stopped the previous one yesterday, too."

"Do you believe they'll ever be stopped?" Ramon says, eyeing up the mayor. The round man stares down at him, scratching the back of his own head.

"I fear this may take awhile for the law enforcers to keep stable." Nickel looks up, a car passing above the group. A nearby homeless person shakes at the sight, their eyes widening, their covers rattling.

"This city is meant to be the future, improving upon anything no one has ever seen before!" He grips his cane. "It's a shame that we're dealing with these crimes nonstop." Nickel gazes at the sunrays, glancing into the blues. "But—" he smiles, lifting his cane. "I believe this will be resolved thanks to our detectives. So fear not as they're working hard on cracking the case!"

"...Where?" Clinton's fists grip, frowning at the mayor.

Nickel looks. "I beg your pardon?"

"Where are they, Nickel? I don't see them anywhere, not even when shit like this is happening!"

Nickel lifts his hands. "Calm down, my friend. They're searching for clues linking to this crime."

Clinton folds his arms, his brow quirks. "That's what you always say."

"Clinton…" The mayor's hands clasp together. "I know you're upset about your retirement. You wished you'd done better while working with the authorities. I…understand that completely."

The elder rolls his eyes. "Cut the crap. This isn't about my retirement: It's about making this city better. And right now, you're doing a shit job at it."

The trio look at them back and forth, eyes widening and mouths ajaring.

Nickel sighs heavily. "I'm doing the best I can."

"I'm not seeing that best, am I?"

"That old man is right," someone says behind Ada, the girl turning around. "The mayor really isn't doing his best to help this city! Too busy focusing on those precious new techs than his own people!"

A couple of civilians are staring at the group, including the homeless on the ground. Grim spreads across, keeping themselves sheltered.

"There goes the mayor using excuses again, not wanting to fix the city's poverty issues," one lady says, others agreeing. "So much for it being called 'Majestic' when this screams less of it."

Clinton keeps his arms folded, glaring at Nickel. Nickel tips his hat, sighing.

I'm trying, everyone. The cane gets groped. I just don't want to go back being—

BOOM!

Everyone jumps and screams, turning to the explosion.

"The hell was that?" Justin says.

A hole appears at the top of a tall building afar, smokes leaving. Team Conjure exits the building, their suits shining thanks to the sun.

The group hovers down, purple and blue sparkles shrouding around. The tangled-hair man is in front of them, acting as their leader. Civilians spark with chatters, keeping a keen eye on them.

"Who are they?" one man asks.

"I-I have no clue!" a Venusaur answers, their tone feminine.

Nickel turns to Clinton and asks, "What's going on here?"

Clinton flinches. "How the hell should I know?" he asks back, gripping his cart.

Ada's eyes widen, her purple claws forming. "...It's them," she says, the claws fully engulfing her hands.

"Who?" Clinton asks. Ada doesn't say a single word before rushing off. "What the—HEY, GET BACK HERE!"

Justin follows her, his blue blades spawning.

"Hold on, Justin! You get back here, too!" Clinton groans, shaking his head. "This is so frustrating."

Ramon gulps. "Oh dear..."

The elder turns to Ramon. "Do they always jet off like this?"

The Zorua looks back, laughing with haze. "Y-Yeah…"

Nickel shakes his head. "Well this isn't good." The Conjures land, the mayor adjusting his tie. "First the Majestic Restaurant is getting robbed, and now my second tower is!"

Clinton turns. "Couldn't you call in more law enforcers?"

Nickel shakes his head. "Sorry, but we're limited on the amount to patrol."

"Limited!?" Clinton's hands sit his hips. "How the hell are the officers limited? With how big this city is, you should have more than enough!"

Nickel's cane nudges his head. "Well you see, due to so many poor people living here, it's becoming a challenge to get new recruits."

Clinton folds his arms, his eyes squint. "And whose fault is that?"

Nickel sighs, looking down. "Clinton, please…" He shakes his head. "You're making this difficult."

Clinton rolls his eyes. "Fine." His revolver withdraws. "Since you can't send any more officers, for SOME Taurosshit reason, I'll go stop them myself."

Nickel gasps. "But it's too dangerous! Who knows what that group is capable of?"

Clinton glares. "I know Arceus well that they're dangerous. That's why I'd risk my life saving those kids than to see them killed." The elder looks at Ramon. "Watch over the cart for me, will you?"

"U-Um." Ramon nods, standing next to the cart in front of the alley. "I will."

"Thanks." Clinton rushes off.

Jeez...So much is going on today, Ramon thinks, sighing. What else is going to happen?

Just like magic itself, a paw sticks out of the shadow, gripping the Zorua's head. Ramon tenses. "Um—" the paw snatches him, engulfing into the alley's darkness.

Nickel looks at the lonesome cart, tilting his head. "Hmm?" he says, tapping on his cane. "Wonder what happened to him."

. . .

Ramon is thrown against a wall, yelping. "EEK!"

Pain surges throughout, the fox groaning. "Ugh…" He rubs his head. "What…in the world?" He gazes up, the familiar cloaker standing above. His red eyes rain at the fox's green-blue ones, shaking in place: Eye contact isn't a choice.

Oh… The Zorua simply gulps. This just got worse.

 

[Sonic Ramon]

Chapter 13: The Bad, The Ugly, and The Worst Part 2.​

Majestic City Arc.

Ramon looks up: Trembling, gritting his teeth.

This is exactly what I need: THIS guy chasing after me again! he thinks, stroking the ground.

The figure's black paws appear, casting two bones. A dark ball forms from Ramon's maw, flinging it. The cloaker smacks the Dark Pulse away, crashing it to the ground.

Dashing forward, he gets close, swinging his bone. Ramon jumps, looking ahead before another bone slams him against the wall.

"Gah!" he yelps, gagging: The bone cages his chest, abnormal breathers ensue.

"I'll end your life right here, right now," the figure says, his tone brute and cold. The Zorua grunts, looking around: Tensing up.

Ngh, there goes that feeling again! Tries shoving the bone. Appearing here out of all places. He keeps pushing before the cloaker shoves back, wincing. Ugh…he's so persistent!

Nearby a dumpster, the Drowzee sticks her head out from behind, her blue ribbon swifting. She looks before quickly hiding herself, covering her mouth. Eek! H-He's in trouble! she thinks, her hand to her chest, her heart rapidly paced. Wh-What should I do? Th-That guy looks scary to face!

She whimpers, shielding her face. I'm no match for him! She grabs onto the side of the dumpster and peeks, the figure holding his Bone Rush in place.

The fox snarls, opening and firing multiple Dark Pulse. The individual grunts, dropping Ramon. He jumps back, firmly gripping his bones. He snarls, sharp teeth glinting under the hoodie.

Die!

. . .

Justin and Ada dash and dash, getting closer to the Conjures. Their eyebrows lowering, their moves radiating auras.

The tangled-hair Conjure looks at the book he holds: Many colors from red to orange to yellow and more, looking like a rainbow. There's also the Magic type symbol, a triangle and circle intertwining with each other while an 'eye' lays in the middle.

The man sighs, smiling. "Mistress Silver is going to be so proud of me once we head back to base." His voice hazes, sliding the book into his pocket.

"Yeah, Jester!" one of the grunts shouts.

Jester's black arm blade smacks the grunt's head, causing him to yelp. "That's Commander J, you numbnut!"

"Yowch! Sorry, Commander J." The grunt rubs his head, laughing nervously.

Jester clears his throat. "Now then, time to report to...the…" Pausing, his eyes are set on two teens ahead. "Mistress…" His brow quirks.

"Huh?" Another grunt tilts their head. "Who the heck are they?"

"How the heck should I know?" Jester rubs his hands, his eyes closed. "Not that it matters, anyways. Those two aren't a threat."

Ada jumps, flipping herself forward before slashing a grunt's face. He screams, falling as the others back away. Justin leaps up, spinning himself around and clashing into a couple of grunts.

"AAAAH!" The Conjures fly off, sliding across the ground.

Instant karma.

"What the Blaze!?" Jester says, raspiness ensues.

One grunt slowly looks at Jester, her arms fold. "You were saying, sir?"

The messy-haired man looks back, glaring. "Oh shut up and attack already!" His voice cracks further like a broken windpipe. "ALL of you!"

The Conjures nod, their hands shrouding in various sparkles. The teens jump away, incoming beams shrilling towards them. The teens nod, forming their shields: The two combine into a huge one, blue and purple auras sprinkling throughout. It blocks the beams, eviscerating them.

The two raise their brows, looking at each other.

"I didn't know we could combine our Mystical Shields together!" Justin says, he and Ada sliding on the ground with ease.

"Same here," the girl replies, the shield fading.

"I like how we both thought about using it, too. Shit's awesome, fam."

The grunts charge towards them, Ada giggling. "Indeed. We can put this to good use now."

"Yep!" Justin grins, forming two Mystical Projectiles before firing. The blue beams hit two grunts, blasting them next to Jester.

"Eek!" Jester screams in a high pitch voice before quickly clearing his throat. "I mean, you fools! Don't let some kids take you savages out!"

One grunt swings her fist at Ada, shrouding in lime auras. Ada hops to the side and grabs the woman's arm, throwing her. Then the next two grunts jump with their fists engulfed in orange auras, jolting towards Ada. The girl leaps over the Magics, the Conjures slamming into the ground.

While in the air, one grunt appears behind her, charging his Mystical Projectiles. "Got ya!" he says, his readied-beams beside Ada's head.

The teen smirks and twirls, roundhouse kicking him. The man shoots down, crashing. "Nope! I got you!" Ada lands, brushing herself off before looking at Justin.

The boy blocks every jab and beam, his blades waving. He moves forward before swinging, a huge gust of wind blowing the grunts away. "Aight, what?" The boy stares at his blades. "I can do that?"

Ada stands next to him, perplexed. "...Apparently."

"Ah kickass, fam!" Justin grins, the grunts getting back up.

One Conjure extends her arm, coating in blue auras. She launches it upwards before screeching it towards the teens.

"Ayo, watch out!"

"Hmm?" Ada gasps, the two jumping back from the arm. "Thanks for the warning."

The Conjure swings her magical arm at Ada, the girl jumping over it. She twirls herself around, clawing. The Conjure lady wails as bits of purple blood leak, her arm withdraws. Ada lands down, her brows narrow, her claws active.

Justin runs forward and jumps, kicking the grunt. "EEK!" She collides into another grunt, both falling.

Justin flips backward, sliding beside Ada. "Anymore?" he says, his blades intact.

The grunts surround their commander, glaring at the teens. Uncertainty and bafflement paint the team, some shaking their heads in disbelief.

"These…kids," one grunt mentions. "They're real tough, Commander J!"

Justin bows. "Oh I'm so grateful for your compliment. Thank you." Chuckles. "You know—" his smile fades. "For a group that ruined our hometown, you guys suck ass against two teens."

"Don't provoke them, Justin," Ada says. "They're still dangerous, capable of killing us at any moment. Especially after seeing one of them extending her arm at will!" Her claw nudges her chin. "That's as insane as the man who can summon more than two Mystical Projectiles."

Justin stares, deadpanned. "...I mean yeah, sure." He shrugs, pointing his blade at Jester. "But it doesn't help that the group is led by some guy with voice cracks."

The Conjures laugh at Justin's comment, Jester lowering his shades, his red eyes fuming. "Oh zip it, you all!" he exclaims, clearing his throat. He eyes the teens, hands behind his back. "I see you have jokes, ay?" Smirks. "Heh...Believe me when I say this—" the man presses his glasses. "Those jokes will no longer cover you once I'm done here."

Justin twirls his blades. "I'd like to see you try, voice-crack man."

Jester clenches his fists, teeth gnashing. "IT'S. COMMANDER." He flails his arms. "J!" He strokes his blondes. "YOU NITWIT!" He then breathes, exhaling. "Sorry, sorry. Lost my cool there."

Ada and Justin stare, warping into embarrassment. We can tell, the two think.

The commander clears his throat, glaring. "I can tell that this'll be quick." A blade extends from his right arm.

"I'd say the same, too." Justin snickers, gesturing with his blade.

Jester stares at his Conjure members. "Step aside." The grunts move away, the man calmly walking forward.

Jester then jumps, landing in front of Justin. He swings his blade, the boy blocking instantly. Jester groans, jumping away. "Tch." He extends another blade, dashing forward. Justin dodges the incoming swings, pushing Jester back. The man slides across, stabbing the ground.

Ada rushes towards the commander, kicking him. He shields himself in time, the girl backflipping away quickly. The boy dashes forward, swinging his Sorcery Blades. Jester blocks the move, pushing the boy.

The commander jumps back once again, sliding across the ground. He grits his teeth. Persistent brats!

Justin keeps steady after the push, smirking. "Is that the best you got?" He jumps up and down, swinging his fists. "Come oooooooon! Stop with the foreplay and fight for real!"

"Stop tempting him…" Ada mutters, sighing.

"Ugh…" Jester sighs, pinching the top of his nose. "This is dragging on longer than it needs to." He shakes his head. "Time to actually end this."

Blue auras surround him, sparkling as he hovers. Everyone watches the man, his blades withdraw. "Behold—" he pauses, clearing his throat. He spreads his arms. "PIXIE FLUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUSH!"

Justin and Ada slowly stare at each other, blank exchanges.

"...Pffft!" The teens laugh: Justin covering his stomach, Ada covering her lips.

"Hmm!?" Jester leaps back. "What's so funny!?" His voice goes haywire once more.

"That. Name," Justin answers. "That is the worst Magic name I've ever heard, fam." He points to Ada. "And I thought her Magic name was trash."

"Honestly." She snorts further. "Mystical Static sounds miles better in comparison, and that one wasn't even all that creative!" She then slaps Justin's shoulder lightly. "Also, hey!"

WHISH!

The Conjures turn to their side as the teens keep laughing, eyeing up: A mystical river casts above, looking as blue as the sea. The grunts' eyes enlarge.

"Uh oh," one member says.

"Now he's REALLY pissed," another comments, holding his head.

The river spins around Jester, the man moving his arm to his chest. He glares. "That move…" He swings, the river jetting after the teens. "IS MY PRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIDE!"

Ada blinks. "Huh?"

Justin wipes a tear off his eye, chuckling. "Oh boy." He looks ahead. "What is i—"

WOOSH!

The river engulfs them, pushing the two.

The moment Clinton reaches the two, he leaps back from the river. "HOLY SHIT!" The large water pins the teens against a tall building. "What the hell!?" Clinton stares, mortifies. "Ada! Justin!"

The two swim in place, flailing. Ada releases bubbles, eyes widening, chest caging. She strokes it. Crap! I...can't...breathe. She gazes at the sky, the watery vision messing with her. Her eyes twitch, the girl trying to move forward but the current pins her further. H-Help!

Clinton looks at Jester, the commander's hands coating in blue sparkling auras. "LET THEM GO!" The elder aims his revolver, pulling the tip. He shoots, the bullet comes screeching forward.

The bullet hits through the man's hair, flinching in response. "What the?" Jester says, turning towards Clinton. The elder keeps shooting, his left hand on his right arm. "Hmph." Jester casts his blue Mystical Shield, the many bullets bouncing off afterwards.

The man hears gunshots coming from the restaurant, nodding. All occurring to plan.

The Conjures cheer. "Yeah, you go Commander J!" they yell, throwing their fist up.

The river becomes a barrier between Conjure and Clinton, the elder shooting like crazy. His revolver clicks, digging in his pockets frantically.

"Shit!" he yells, slipping more bullets inside. Soon Nickel walks beside him, leading Clinton to raise his brow. "What the hell are you doing here?"

"I wanted to tell you that your Zorua friend went missing," the mayor explains, his tone concerned.

"What!?" Clinton's eyes widen, his hands shaking. "This—" finishes reloading. "This has gotten so much worse…"

. . .

Ramon and the cloaker pant heavily, bruise marks littering them. The individual's cloak devolves into ruins, some of his blue fur showing. He grips his bones, glaring. Adjusting himself, he stands tall and firm, his Bone Rush disappearing.

"Why?" he says, paws glowing yellow. "Why resist your fate? Your demise—" red eyes growl with rage. "For what you did."

Ramon glares back. "Should I even answer that question?" He braces himself.

"We both know the answer, regardless." The individual stomps. "Now stay still!" He rushes, jabbing with Force Palm. Ramon jumps out of the way only for his tail to get captured.

He winces. "AH!"

The figure picks him up and throws him to the wall, the fox sliding down. Ramon coughs, trying to get up before the cloaker stands there within seconds. He looks up.

Oh my go—

A Force Palm hammers the fox's back, his eyes widening, screaming. The figure then throws him towards the dumpster, the Zorua coughing out purple blood afterwards. He gasps, sliding down. Tears climb up his eyes due to the agony, the fox clenching his teeth.

Cr-Crud! The…the pain…

The tapir yelps, the figure slowly walking forward, eyeing the Zorua. O-Oh gosh… The Drowzee lowers her ears. He's getting hurt pretty badly, a-and I'm just sitting here watching it all! She shivers, biting on her fingers. She turns to the distant exit behind her, gazing as if it is the abyss itself. She whimpers.

What should I do?

 

[Sonic Ramon]

Chapter 14: The Bad, The Ugly, and The Worst Part 3.​

Majestic City Arc.

The tapir whines, creeping her way around the dumpster: Hidden.

The destructive cloaker picks Ramon up, gripping his head while forming a fist. The Zorua groans, gritting his teeth. His vision blurs, eyes half closed.

"Let these words be the last thing you'll ever hear: Suffer." The figure brings his fist back. "Suffer in eternal damnation for murdering not only my closest friend, but also everyone else at the Prospective Institute."

Prospective Institute? the Drowzee thinks, her hand sticking out. Wait, what am I—

"Ug-Ugh." Ramon grunts, staring into the figure's cold eyes. The cloaker comes to a halt, his fist mere close to the Zorua's face.

"What the hell?" The cloaker glances, pushing forward but can't: Light blue energy surrounds him. "Where did—" he's thrown towards the wall, dropping the fox. "Gah!" Groaning, the cloaker clenches his teeth. What was that!?

The individual caresses his arm, standing up. He walks towards the Zorua only to be engulfed in the same energy, flying back. He flips around and lands, sliding across. Where's this coming from!? His red eyes lower, glaring around.

The Zorua raises his brow. Hmm? he thinks, groaning more in pain.

The cloaker looks ahead: The Drowzee's arm hangs from the dumpster's side, her energy fading. Found the culprit. He casts his bone and throws it.

The Drowzee retrieves her hand, looking at it. She gasps. Oh my gosh! Her eyes widening. I-I can't believe I did that!

BURST!

"Eh?" She blinks cluelessly like a sitting duck before turning around, the dumpster flipping itself over. "Eek!" She rolls away, the dumpster collapsing onto the ground, dust sprinkling the air. The tapir sprints off afterwards.

The ruined cloaker rushes ahead, kicking the dumpster over: Nothing but garbage. He checks behind, nothing besides the walls and the ground. Hmph. Turns to his side, glaring at the exit afar. Looks like the culprit escaped. His long blue ears flicker to his left.

"Hel...Help," Ramon says, his tone raspy, his crawls cripple. "S-Someone...please..." Coughs. "He-Hel—" his movement pauses, his head turning: The cloaker's foot clams him. The Zorua's eyes enlarge, shaking its retinas.

The cloaker stares back, his red gaze erupting with volcanos.

"Let this be your end."

. . .

The river keeps the teens in place, both gasping and releasing bubbles. Clinton strokes his head, trembling.

Oh Arceus, don't take these kids now! the elder thinks, his gun rattling.

Jester laughs, twirling his hand. "You SEE this, my Conjure compadres?" Grins. "This is the power of THE Commander J's Wrath!" His voice cracks at that last word. "This is why one shall fear ME! As I'M obviously the best commander in the group! Plus—" his finger sits on his lips. "I do feel mere JOYS seeing morons suffering against my Pixie Flush." His cheeks puff. "Serves them right for making fun of MY perfectly crafted name!"

"Uh, are you sure that Magic move is perfectly crafted?" one of the grunts says.

Jester slowly turns with a wide grin. "Do you want to drown, too?"

The grunt gulps. "N-Nevermind! It's perfect! Guaranteed! 10 out of 10! The best name I've ever heard in my life!"

"Thought so."

Jester's left arm glows, radiating bluish purple auras. Mystical, serene tunes emanate from it, like an angel descending from the clouds.

"Hmm?" The floating man blinks, flipping his arm over. A hologram spawns above his hand, containing a shadowy figure sitting on a throne, staring directly at him.

"Was the plan a success?" the individual asks, her voice striking with cruelty despite the calmness.

Jester nods. "Yes, Mistress. Everything went according to plan." He shows her the rainbow book.

"Good." The figure nods. "I'll teleport everyone back to base."

Jester bows. "Thank you, Mistress." Soon the hologram fades, Jester looking at the grunts. "Ladies and gentlemen and everything in between: It's about time we head home." He throws his fist up. "OUR MISSION HAS BEEN A SUCCESS!"

All of Team Conjure cheer for the commander, high fiving each other and even giving each other hugs.

"We couldn't have done it without you, Commander!" one grunt exclaims.

"You for real showed yo foes who's boss, J!" another grunt comments.

Jester waves his hand. "I know, I know. I'm super good at my job." He then lowers his hands, the river evaporating. The teens fall down in freedom, coughing and breathing.

"You're lucky my boss called today. Otherwise, I would've drowned you brats to death," Jester says, lifting his finger while closing his eyes. "I don't care if you're a child or an adult: No one makes fun of my Magic move and gets away with it." He glances. "Period."

"You tell em', Jester!" one grunt shouts.

Jester shoots a glare at the grunts. "IT. IS. J!" His voice becomes way more unstable. "GET IT RIGHT, YOU NIBWAD!"

"Is nibwad even a word?" the other grunt mentions.

"Just say my name right, for Pete's sake!"

Clinton rushes to the teens. "Are you two alright!?"

Justin clears his throat. "Yeah…" Groans. "Just happy to finally breathe again! Oh hallelujah!" He throws his arms up. "What about you, Ada?"

Ada sighs, breathing in the clean air once more. "Yeah…I'm happy to finally breathe, too." She turns her attention towards Jester, he and the rest of Conjures glowing blue. "Although, they're about to get away!" Ada summons her purple claws, running towards Jester.

"Hey, Ada!" Clinton shouts.

Jester waves. "Anyways, time for me to go." He smirks at the teen. "Toodles!"

Ada grits her teeth, launching herself upwards. She swipes only to hit nothing: The entirety of Team Conjure fully disappears. She falls, rolling over before clawing to a halt.

Justin, Clinton, and Nickel rush over, anxiousness spreading. "Yo, you good fam?" Justin asks.

Ada slams her fist. "DAMMIT!" she yells, loud enough for everyone to hear.

Justin's eyes widen. "Well shit, I guess not."

Before the three can say anything—

"GAH!"

A voice from afar strikes their attention, all looking around.

"The hell did that come from?"

"Language, dammit," the elder says, Justin raising his brow at the man using profanity himself. "As for the voice, I have no clue."

"I actually heard it from the alley by the cart," Nickel replies.

"Then let's go check it out," Clinton suggests. The four nod and walk towards the alley.

. . .

The cloaker stomps. And stomps. And stomps.

Ramon gasps and yelps, purple blood spewing out of him. He coughs, trembling.

Oh god! It...h-hurts. Ramon coughs out more blood. I...can't die. Not here. Not when my memory has yet to recover! His vision goes hazy. I...can't believe that this is it. Ramon closes his eyes. I'm at a complete disadvantage with this guy. His arms flail. It's…over.

"Die, dammit!" The cloaker stomps once more, Ramon spitting like a hose.

Sorry, Clinton. Drools. Sorry, Justin. More. Sorry, Ada. Blood. Sorry...Nomar.

BANG!

The Zorua flickers his ear. "H-Huh...?" The wrath of stomps has ended, the fox prying his eyes open: Clinton's revolver glares at the figure, the man lowering his brows. A bullet mark lies beside the cloaker.

The revolver's tip is pulled. "I'll bust a cap in your ass if you keep hurting him."

The cloaker growls. "Stay out of this, old man. This has nothing to do with you."

"Oh it has everything to do with me: He's my friend you're messing with!"

"Friend, huh?" The destructive cloaker sighs, casting his Bone Rush. "Fine. Then you can suffer with him."

The figure rushes forward, preparing to swing. He's then met with magical beams charging towards him, jumping back. The beams shred off his cloak's bottom, revealing more of his blue furs. He slides across, eyeing two unhappy teens.

"You again?" Ada scoffs, squinting.

Clinton looks at her. "You know this guy?" he asks.

The girl nods. "He was attacking Ramon yesterday while we were traveling."

"Oh." Clinton glances at the cloaker. "Now I have more reasons to shoot your ass."

Justin looks at Clinton peculiarly. This guy cares about us swearing, yet he's swearing like it's nobody's business!

The figure snarls, glaring at the fox. "...I'll be back." He jumps on the wall, leaping towards another. He repeats this over and over until he's no longer in sight.

The group stares up for a moment, Clinton putting away his gun. Then they rush towards the Zorua, dread igniting across. Ramon remains still, eyes half-closed.

"Ramon! Are you alright!?" Ada shouts, the Zorua sitting there like a limb.

Nickel arrives, panting. "Oh dear...I didn't think you can outrun me even at your age, Clinton," the mayor says, wiping his forehead.

The only response Ramon gives is an 'Ugh', Ada looking at Justin afterwards. "Let's try healing him together."

The boy nods. "Right." The two lay their hands onto the Zorua's body, glowing blue.

"AAAAAAAAH!" Ramon clenches the ground, whimpering.

The teens withdraw their hands under seconds. "Shit! We can't heal him!" Justin says.

Ada trembles. "We'll need the Pokémon Center nurses to heal him, then."

"Agreed. Let's not waste any time," Clinton says.

"Is there any way we can go there immediately?" Ada asks.

Nickel rests his hand beneath his chin. "I would say through this alley, but the dumpster is barricading that way."

"...I would question that, but I'll choose not to." Ada picks Ramon up, the fox weeping. "Take us there. Please." Nickel nods and turns around, leaving the alley. Everyone follows suit.

Behind the dumpster is the blue ribbon Drowzee, tears streaming down her cheeks.

I'm so...so sorry.

 

[Sonic Ramon]

Chapter 15: Abnormal Crime Rates.​

Majestic City Arc.

The four sit on the sofa at the Pokémon Center.

Justin's elbows relax on his legs, hands beneath chin. Ada folds her arms, tapping on them: Eyes shaking at the door. Clinton stares, stroking his legs. Nickel gazes, gripping his cane.

They wait and wait, trembling.

Soon, Nurse Joy opens the door behind the counter, walking forward. "Mr. Maplethorn?" she says. The teens leap up, ushering to the counter.

"How is he?" Ada asks, Nickel and Clinton standing next to her.

"Unfortunately, we're unable to heal Ramon today. Due to his severe injuries, more so than we thought, he'll remain in the center for the next few days."

Ada looks off, clenching her fist. Dammit…

Joy bows her head. "I apologize if this upsets you."

Clinton shakes his head, waving his hand. "It's fine. As long as he's safe, we have no problem with him being here."

Joy nods. "Thank you for understanding."

One tap on Clinton's shoulder leads him to turn towards Nickel. "You don't have to worry about the Majestic Restaurant: The police department has it taken care of," Nickel says.

Clinton glares. "...I hope so."

"Yo, why did that shootout happen, anyways?" Justin asks, rubbing his head.

"It's because some thieves tried to steal the most luxurious and expensive food in Majestic: The Malamari!" The mayor's hand leans against his chest, eyes closed. "Its exquisite and rich flavor from Malamar's arm provides wonders to the tastebuds!"

Justin tilts his head. "So...that's why it's expensive?"

"Yes: It's a popular dish. So popular that even Intellicates enjoyed it!" Nickel then shrugs. "Although one time, I walked into the restaurant to purchase one and saw some Malamar couples being appalled by the dish." Nervous laughter ensues, the mayor's hand behind his head. "It...obviously isn't for everyone."

Justin stretches his arms. "Well that's a yikes, dawg."

BOOM!

Objects fly off, crashing and clashing against each other outside.

The group jumps, looking out the many windows. "What the hell—I mean, heck!?"

"What was that?" Clinton says. One car passes by with a bunch of criminals shooting behind. Several officers shoot back while driving intensely. "...Oh."

"Daaang! That's a lot of shooting," Justin mentions, hands in his pockets.

Nickel sighs, nodding. "You're right, young boy." Shakes his head. "And we just took care of another crime earlier...These crimes are getting worse and worse."

Clinton quirks a brow. "So is poverty: There's more homeless folks living here because of those crimes."

"Clinton, I understand where you're coming from." Nickel looks off to the side. "If I could end poverty, I would..."

"Then why aren't you!?"

"Because I'm more focused on the crime rates itself." Nickel lowers his head. "I'm doing the best I can at having the law enforcers and detectives solve it."

Clinton folds his arms. "And how's that turning out for you?"

"Progress, Clinton. We're making progress, at the moment."

"Tauros-shit."

Justin covers his mouth, eyes widening. "Daaamn. Clinton is trash-talking the mayor like it's nothing, huh Ada?" Blinks for a moment. "Ada?" He looks at her, the teen gazing outside while rubbing her chin.

"Those two do have a point. Especially with these crimes running rampant," she says, tapping her chin. "There was one at the man's home earlier. And then one at the restaurant." She frowns. "And now, we just saw one passing by the center." She takes her attention towards Justin. "Don't you think something's off here?"

Justin looks at the ceiling, caressing his chin. "Hmm...Yeah, fam."

"And...I don't know about you but—" the teen tugs on Justin's arm, nearing his ear. "I don't trust the mayor," she whispers.

He whispers back, "Hmm? Why's that?"

"He kept saying the detectives will handle the crime scenes: I have yet to see any detectives he mentioned. The only group stopping these acts are the law enforcers and even then, they don't treat it as a big deal." Ada looks at Clinton and Nickel continuing their discussions. "I believe the mayor is making up excuses for the city's crucial state. Not only I heard it from Clinton, but also from those living here too."

"Really?" Justin raises his brow, Ada nodding. "Wow…" Squints. "Now that you mentioned it, something is up with that mayor."

"Alright sure, Nickel. Whatever you say." Clinton shakes his head, digging in his pocket and taking out a piece of bread. "Now excuse me while I give this to a friend of mine."

"Oh no thanks: I'm already full from that Malamari special," the mayor says, laughing.

The elder frowns. "I wasn't referring to you."

"Oh...Who are you referring to, then?"

"Someone who lives in the streets throughout his entire life."

"Oh…"

Soon, the four exit the Pokémon Center. Ada looks at Nurse Joy and the counter for a moment, the nurse smiling at her. The teen then leaves.

. . .

Nighttime arrives as the duo lie on their beds. Justin's hands rest behind his head, gazing at the dark ceiling while Ada turns towards the wall, her fingers tapping the sheets. Ada sighs, snuggling against her warm pillow.

"Man today was crazy, fam," Justin says, whistling. "We saw that restaurant having a shootout. And then faced those Team Conjure fellas again, although, got our ass handed this time by that voice crack guy. And theeen encountered that cloak dude again, who was beating the shit out of Ramon!" He turns towards Ada. "And theeeeeen, you know, more crimes happened even after the one from the restaurant. It's nuts, dude!"

"Yeah...Our lives have been crazy since our home burned down." Ada twirls her fingers around the sheets. "Still boggles my mind that we went from exploring the forest to saving a Zorua. And now, we're dealing with major city issues."

"Yep." Sighs. "This city has some out of wack shit, yo. Hope it gets resolved soon."

"Same, honestly." Ada looks back at Justin. "Speaking of the Zorua…" Her eyes trail with somber. "I hope Ramon is okay. The beating he received was...brutal."

"Yeah, man." The boy caresses his head. "I'm…sure he'll have his wounds healed, though." Justin smiles. "So there's no need to worry."

"But what if his wounds are so severe, not even the nurses can heal him? They may be expert healers, but him being there for a few days concerns me..." Ada exhales, looking at the ground. "I know we just met him, but I cared for his safety. He seemed like an interesting and kind person to be with, so I wanted to help him recover his memories." She then looks up. "It'd be very unfortunate if he dies right now."

"Ada, stop worrying." Justin lifts up, folding his arms. "I told you that worrying will get you nowhere but anxiety, man: The more you worry, the more paranoid you become." His arms are gripped. "You'll soon lose yourself in nothing but paranoia!"

Ada glances at him. "How would you know?"

Justin blinks for a moment before sighing, staring down at his sheets, bleak as the rainy day. "It's…" Sighs. "It's because of what happened to our village." He strokes the sheets. "I...I don't want to go back to feeling that way...Ever…"

Silence.

The teens stare at each other, the moon shining through their windows with melancholy.

"...Anyways," the boy stretches. "Ramon will probably be healed by tomorrow. Or the day after. Who knows? All we know is that…" A soft smile shows. "He's going to be alright."

"I hope so…" Ada squeezes her pillow.

"Alright, fam. Hope you have a good ass night." Justin pulls the cover over himself.

"Wait."

Justin pushes the cover down a bit. "Ye?"

"There's...something strange about Ramon. Something odd…" Ada lowers her brows. "I noticed it when we arrived at the alley."

"What's that, fam?"

She looks at the boy. "Why did purple blood leak out of his mouth instead of red?"

"Eh?" Justin blinks before throwing the cover off from him, lifting himself to snap his fingers. "Oh shit, yeah! I noticed that, too!"

"Don't Intellicates usually have red blood? ...Why does he have purple?"

Justin caresses his chin, staring down. "Yeah. Aren't Sorcerous the only ones with purple blood? Weird to see it in an Intellicate."

"Right…" Ada taps her chin. "Unless we're missing something important about Intellicates and Sorcerous…Perhaps some Intellicates are born with purple blood, and some Sorcerous with red?" She looks out the window. "I have no clue, really."

"Hmm." The two ponder over their thoughts for a moment before Justin grabs his cover. "I guess we'll ask him about it, maybe? See if he knows or something."

"Justin, he's an amnesiac: How would he know the answer to having purple blood when he doesn't even remember his past?"

The boy lifts his finger. "Well he knows his name. That's at least something, right?"

Ada shrugs. "I suppose so."

Justin yawns, covering himself before turning towards the wall. "Anyways, goodnight, fam."

"Goodnight, Justin." Ada closes her eyes, remaining still.

. . .

"How is he now, Nurse?" Clinton asks as he, Ada, and Justin are in front of the counter. The sun shines through the center's windows, the four becoming the spotlight. Joy smiles at the visitors.

"He's doing fine," Joy says. "Although, he's still in need of healing. It'll take much more magic to heal him because of his severe injuries."

"How severe is it?"

"His back is in a much worse state than we thought. Our healing process normally goes by under 30 minutes. But with his back having too many fractured bones, it looks like it'll take longer."

Fractured bones!? How the hell is he still alive!? Ada and Justin think, eyes widening.

"You think he'll be here for another day?"

Joy's hand rests on the counter. "Even though I said he'll be here for a few days, there's a slight chance he'll fully recover by tonight. Regardless, we'll let you know immediately."

"Alright. Have a good day, Joy."

The group turns around and walks towards the exit.

"That sucks," Ada says, holding her hands. "Was thinking Ramon would fully recover today."

"Maybe he will later on. We're not sure yet," Justin adds.

"I wish the nurses were sure of it!" Ada shakes her head. "A slight chance of him fully recovering? It's as if they themselves don't even know!"

Clinton lays his hand on his chin, nearing the exit. "Come to think of it, you're right about that."

BOOM!

The three yelp.

"Oh what the hell is happening now!?" Clinton yells.

They rush outside of the Pokémon Center, a bank appearing from afar. Its twin doors are on the ground, crunching and deteriorating. Two robbers leave: Wearing black and gray clothing, holding several bags over their backs. They head towards their car, another robber inside looking at them eagerly.

"Great, another crime is happening. This time the bank is getting robbed! ...AGAIN!" The elder's hand plants his face. "When will these crime rates ever end?"

Clinton uncovers, Ada no longer being present. "Uh, where did she go?" he asks. Justin spawns his blades, pointing at the bank: Ada running towards the robbers, her beams appearing. Clinton sighs heavily, taking his revolver out. "Ada continuing to get involved in crime scenes is starting to bug me."

"Weren't you agreeing to let us help, classic man?" Justin corrects the elder.

"Yeah yeah." Spins the cylinder, reloading. "Just wished she'd give us a warning beforehand."

As Ada fires her purple beams at the robbers, one of them exits the vehicle, surrounding him and the others with his purple shield. The projectiles hit the Mystical Shield, fading. Ada lifts her brow, stopping.

What? One of them is a Sorcerous? she thinks, preparing. A Sorcerous Robber...How creative.

Justin and Clinton arrive next to her. "Let us know ahead of time when you dash off, Ada," Clinton says, glancing.

Ada glances back. "I follow what is the right thing to do. My apologies for not telling you first."

The two robbers stand beside their Sorcerous partner, dropping the bags into the car. Afterwards, they take out their pokéballs and toss it forward, summoning two Pokémon: One is a draconic creature with medium-sized wings while the other is a zebra creature with white jagged stripes. The Druddigon and Zebstrika growl at the three, glaring.

Ada's claws form around her hands as Clinton pulls his revolver's tip. The two robbers take out their handguns, aiming it at the group as the Mystical Shield fades.

"Let's see what you thieves got," Ada says, glaring.

 

[Sonic Ramon]

Chapter 16: Closer to the Tea.​

Majestic City Arc.

The teens dash ahead, Clinton aiming his gun at the Sorcerous robber. The trigger is pulled, the bullet jolting towards him. The robber dodges while the other two rapid fire the elder.

Clinton evades some of the bullets before one hits his shoulder, groaning. He looks to the side, rushing to a nearby wall. The bullets keep charging at him, each and every one of them trailing behind. The two teens turn around, blood drawing to the concrete.

"Are you alright?" Ada says, bouncing with concerns.

"I got shot in the shoulder. I'll be fine," Clinton replies, stroking his shoulder while hiding.

You've been shot, though. That's gotta hurt, Justin thinks, shrugging.

Clinton uses his left arm to aim, seeing the Druddigon and Zebstrika charging towards the teens. "You two, look out!"

"Huh?" the teens say, turning around.

The Druddigon leaps up, slashing Ada with Dragon Claw as the Zebstrika zips towards Justin. Ada grunts, her claws colliding against the glowing light blue ones. Her body is forced back, sliding.

"Ada!" Justin yells before the Zebstrika's Spark tackles him, light blue electricity surrounding it. "Ugh!" The Pokémon lifts him up with its head and slams him. Justin coughs, grinding his teeth. The teens push the Pokémon, but no progress is made. Like a truck prevents them from moving.

Crap! Clinton thinks, his teeth clench. He tries to leave before a bullet lands in front of him, putting him back in place. Dammit. Can't even help them out because of those thieves. Clinton looks at the two Pokémon. Maybe if I shoot one of the Pokémon in the ears, they'll get off. He points his revolver at them, the robbers reload their guns while the Sorcerous casts his purple beams, aiming at the teens.

"Get...off...of—" Ada pushes vigorously. "ME!" She flings the Druddigon off, the creature flying off before landing on the ground with ease. Justin shoves the Zebstrika off with his blades, grunting. The zebra lands beside the dragon, Justin brushing himself off. Ada follows along, eyeing him.

"Are you alright?" she asks.

Justin grins, lifting his thumb. "No broken bones here!"

"Good to know." The girl points behind him. "Also, there's Mystical Projectiles heading right at you!"

"Oh no there is NOOOT—" Justin is hit by the beams, flinging towards Ada. The girl hops over, flipping forward. The boy slides across as Ada lands gracefully, glancing at the Sorcerous.

"Told you," she says.

Ada rushes forward, swinging her claws. The robber moves, dodging and weaving only to push the girl away. Ada slides, another Spark from the Zebstrika heading her way.

"Hmph." She jumps over the Pokémon, spinning around. She then lands, the other robbers shooting her. Justin jumps in front of her, deflecting the bullets in time. Some land next to Clinton as Ada nods. "Thanks."

"No problem." Justin smiles, the girl smiling back in return.

"Hey, watch where you deflect those things!" Clinton exclaims, his wound remaining covered.

Justin looks at the elder and chuckles, scratching his head. "My bad, man."

"Justin, look ahead!" Ada shouts.

The boy looks, the Druddigon dashing forward with Dragon Claw. Justin clashes with his blades, grunting as he moves back. The robbers aim their guns while the Sorcerous thief prepares two purple beams.

Ada glares. "Crap."

The robbers are about to pull the trigger until they jump away, many bullets hitting in front of them. Clinton clicks his gun, the robbers looking at him.

"Shoot me instead of those kids, you cowards!" he shouts, the thieves aiming their guns at him.

"Well I'm 16 so." Justin pushes the Druddigon back.

"Still a kid." Clinton remains hidden, bullets clashing against the wall.

"Aight then."

The boy swings his blades while the Druddigon claws forward, colliding. Ada leaps in front of them, casting her Mystical Shield around as the Sorcerous fires his projectiles.

While the beams hit the shield, the teen looks to her right, the Zebstrika glaring at her. I totally forgot about this guy, she thinks, gnashing her teeth. The Zebstrika jumps and uses Spark, charging down quickly. Ada counters the attack with her Enchantment Claw. "Ugh!" she groans, being pushed back.

"Zeeb!" the Zebstrika shouts, pushing more until Ada slips.

"Eeek!" The girl is slammed down, groaning from the impact.

"Ada!" Justin yells, the Druddigon smirking at his distraction. The dragon's tail glows blue before tripping Justin. The boy flies up. "Whoa!" The draconic Pokémon jumps and rams his stomach with Dragon Tail, sending him crashing to the ground. Cracks cast all around Justin, groaning. "U-Ugh…"

Clinton grits his teeth, clenching his revolver. "Shit, not again," he says, shooting at the two robbers as they hide behind their car. The Sorcerous robber jumps, stretching his leg out before spinning around. Purple, sparkling aura coats the robber brightly. "You two! Move out of the way, NOW!"

The two groan while the Druddigon lands next to Justin, both gazing at the Sorcerous thief. The shield fades before the two look at each other, nodding. They grab the two Pokémon, gripping them firmly as they yelp. The teens grunt while swinging them around, increasing the speed.

Then they throw them towards the Sorcerous, the robber kicking two Pokémon towards the others. The other two thieves move out of the way, sliding across the ground. Justin and Ada pant heavily, Ada stretching her arms afterwards.

"Shit. Didn't mean to do that!" the Sorcerous thief says, his tone firm.

"Oh wow. Finally one of you talks!" Justin says, chuckling as his hands lay behind his head. The robber lands onto the ground as the other two rush beside him, aiming their guns at the teens.

Justin and Ada look at each other, smirking before fist-bumping. They rush forward, the robbers shooting them within seconds. Justin twirls his blades, deflecting the bullets. The teens jump.

"Huh?" the first robber says, his opponents getting close. Ada swoops the guns off from the robbers, she and Justin flipping forward. The two land behind them, the robbers looking lost at their empty hands.

"Looks like you won't be needing these anymore," Ada mentions, squeezing the guns. They shatter, cracking like glass. The girl glances, dropping the broken weapons. She dusts her hands off afterwards. "Hmph."

"Daaamn, Ada. The disrespect is real!" Justin exclaims, laughing. "Looks like those guns just evolved into gunpowder! Or devolved, rather."

Ada frowns at the boy. "We're up against robbers, my guy. I think it's best to save the jokes for later."

"Oh you know I had to, Ada."

"I wish you hadn't."

The two hear crackles, staring ahead: The robbers press their fists against the palm of their hands, bringing them close to their faces.

"Fine! We won't need any lousy guns to take down kids!" the second robber says, moving side to side.

Justin and Ada look at each other, raising their brows before looking back. "Are you sure about that?" the two say.

"We're adults. And you're kids," the first robber explains. "Taking you two out should be a piece of cake."

"...Literally after seeing us using Magic moves," Justin points out.

"Plus what adult would rob the bank instead of getting a job?" Ada mentions.

The first robber shakes his head. "You kids wouldn't understand. In a cold world we're living in, we have no choice but to do this."

"So you rather be a part of the problem and make it worse instead of finding ways to fix it?" Justin shakes his head. "Man, your logic sucks."

"Shut the hell up, know it all!" The first robber frowns. "We've tried every possibility to live a wealthy life!" He rushes towards the boy, screaming as he swings his fist. "WE WOULDN'T BE IN THIS MESS, OTHERWISE!" Justin's blades fade, yawning before dodging the fist. "Hmm!?" Then something gruesome surfaces to the robber's lower body, yelping. He looks down, Justin's knee to his crotch.

The boy sighs. "Maybe try not to make others' lives become more—" Justin punches the man in the face hard enough to roll him around the ground. "SHIT!"

The second robber jabs towards Ada, the girl moving to the side as her claws remain intact. She grabs the robber's arm and tosses him to the ground. He groans, pain rushing throughout.

"Well then," Ada says, sighing. "I didn't like these robbers to begin with. And now, I further don't like them."

"Yeah." Justin's head shakes. "I don't like it when people use awful crap as an excuse to...do awful crap." Justin's hand plants his face. "Fam, that sounds so dumb out loud! What I meant to say was—"

"I know: People see immoral situations in the world as an excuse to commit immoral acts." Ada looks at Justin. "I don't think the world is that bad...Right?"

Justin shifts. "Beats me, really."

Ada looks back at the robbers, the first holding his crotch while the second remaining still: Both groaning in discomfort. Soon a card slides out of the second robber's pocket, Ada raising her brow. "Hmm?"

As she walks towards it, Justin screams, "Yo Ada, look out!"

The girl turns to her side, the thief's Mystical Projectile speeding toward her. Then her other side contain two attacks: One is a yellow-orange ball of energy while the other is a massive beam of electricity. The Hyper Beam and Thunder screech ahead, the two Pokémon giving it their all.

Justin snatches Ada, running: The three moves colliding into each other.

BOOM!

The explosive impact pushes everyone away: Black smoke forms as the car flips over. The Sorcerous robber surrounds it in purple aura while in the air, stopping it. He sets the vehicle down upon landing, Clinton eyeing the smoke, quivering.

"Justin! Ada!" he shouts, gripping his bleeding shoulder before wincing.

The teens land, rolling around the ground before coming to a complete halt. The robbers fall beside them, groaning further in pain. Justin is on top of Ada, his face close to hers. The two stare ahead, redness spreading across.

"Erm…" Justin hesitates.

"...Yeah," Ada adds, her face scrunching.

Justin's head moves back. "So um...you good, fam?"

Ada nods. "Yes, um. What about you?"

"Eeeh…" Justin winces a bit. "My back's in total pain. But touching it will heal it in no time, so it ain't nothing to worry about." Justin caresses his back, both it and his hand glowing blue.

"Nice!" The two stare at each other further, blinking within silence. "...Can you get off of me, now?"

"Oh, uh. Yeah sure." Justin stands, pulling Ada up with him. The teens turn around, two Pokémon appearing out of the smoke, snarling and huffing. "Looks like this ain't over yet." A single blade spawns in Justin's hand, standing in a posture.

"Go figure." Ada preps herself as well.

And then the Sorcerous thief gets shot in the shoulder, grunting. He looks at Clinton while stroking it, the elder reloading his revolver in frenzy. The Sorcerous shoots his Mystical Projectile at him, destroying the wall.

Clinton grits his teeth and ducks forward, the concrete slamming down. He runs and shoots the Sorcerous, glaring. The Sorcerous dodges the bullets, jumping and leaping over them.

The teens keep the two Pokémon occupied: Justin's blades clashing against the Druddigon's claws while Ada embraces the Zebstrika's Spark. She rams her claws against the zebra, grunting while being pushed back.

Man this is a strong Zebstrika! she thinks, her energy storing into her arms. She tosses the Zebstrika into the air, the Pokémon yelping. She jumps, twirling around before being above the Pokémon. Sorry for this. Her leg swings, kicking it towards the ground. The Zebstrika screams before crashing down, cracks forming around.

Ada lands swiftly, the Zebstrika groaning while remaining still: Faints. She sighs, turning towards Justin.

Justin and the Druddigon swipe at each other like it's no one's business, dodging and jumping. The Druddigon's tail glows blue, Dragon Tailing the boy's legs. He looks, leaping forward. "Not this time, asshat!"

The boy's knee jabs the Druddigon's face, the dragon moving back before spitting blood. Justin lands down with ease, gripping onto his blades. "Now feast your eyes on this!" He stretches his arms out, jumping back up and spinning around.

The Druddigon blocks Justin with its claws, the dragon being pushed back. Soon the pressure is too much for it, Justin's Sorcery Blades breaking through and hitting it. The Pokémon is flown away. "Druuudiiigooon!" it screams.

The Sorcerous robber walks closer to Clinton, the elder backing away. He digs in his pockets, panting. He then trips over, groaning.

Well shit, Clinton thinks, staring up.

"Sorry old man," the robber says, a purple beam spawning in front of the elder. "But you decided to get in the way and play the hero. You and your buddies."

Clinton notices the flying Druddigon heading his way, smirking. "Since I'm playing the hero, then that means you're the villain."

"And?"

"You automatically lose." Clinton rolls.

"What?"

The Druddigon rams into him, both slamming against the ground. Groans ensue afterwards.

Clinton pants, sliding his revolver into his pocket. He wipes his forehead. "Phew...That was close." Brushing himself off, he stares at the knocked out duo. "Also, I prefer the term 'classic man', thank you very much." He then blinks, eyeing the stains littering his suspenders. "...Arceus dammit!" He grumbles. "I'm all dirty because of this fight! Good lord!"

"Yo!" Justin's voice catches the elder's attention, the boy rushing towards him. "You aight, classic man?"

Clinton glances. "Yeah, besides getting shot, of course. Mind healing that for me, please?"

Justin snaps his fingers, displaying finger guns. "You got it, bucko."

"..." Clinton frowns, showing his wound. "Don't do that cringy shit ever again."

"Grouchy much? Yeesh." Justin lays his hand onto the elder's shoulder, glowing blue. Clinton winces, remaining calm shortly afterwards.

Ada searches around the second robber's pockets, finding no sign of the card earlier. Huh? Where did it go? she thinks, her hand on her chin. She looks over to where the flipped car was, scanning the area. She squints, a white card laying beside the sewer drainage.

There it is! She runs over, picking it up. She glances, information scattering across the card: The robber's identification, age, and much more. What piques her interest the most is the very words labeled at the top: Cash Course.

Cash Course? What's that? Blinks. A…group that contains a lot of money? She looks off, caressing her chin. If that's the case, then why would these thieves rob the bank if they're provided with enough money? Not to mention… She glances at the robbers. It'll contradict EVERYTHING they said earlier.

Ada takes her attention to the Sorcerous thief, who pushes the Druddigon off of him. She marches over, Justin and Clinton eyeing her. She stops, sitting on her knees to grab the Sorcerous. "Hey, what's Cash Course?" she asks, showing the ID, gripping the shirt.

"Like hell I'll tell you, girl," the man says, glaring.

The girl slips the card in her pocket. "Noted." Her finger forms a single claw, slashing the Sorcerous' leg. The man screams, stroking it. "Now again: Tell me what Cash Course is?"

"I'm not telling you anything, g-girl!"

Ada gazes, deadpanned. Two fingers are surrounded by purple claws, the girl slashing the same leg.

"AAAH, SHIT!" he yells, his leg bleeding more.

"What. Is. Cash. Course?" Ada's eyes roll. "I'm not going to repeat myself."

"I-I don't know!"

Ada squints, three fingers spawning. She claws again, the man screaming loudly as blood ushers out.

"G-Get off of me, you cr-crazy girl!"

"Not until you tell me what Cash Course is."

"I told you already: I. Don't. Know!"

"My guy—" Ada positions her claw at the Sorcerous' crotch. "Tell me about Cash Course now, or your buddy down here will be gone."

"Yo, what the hell!?" Justin says, his eyes gaping. Clinton lifts his brow, terror bouncing.

"Okay okay! I'll tell you! Just don't do...THAT, please!" the robber pleads. Ada's claw fades. "Okay so Cash Course is a place where many people hang out and do business."

"What!?" Ada, Justin, and Clinton yell.

"Where's that?" Ada asks. The robber remains silent for a moment, the girl sighing. "Alright, I'll set up a funeral for your buddy." Ada summons her claw, aiming it at the crotch. She swings forward before the thief shakes his hands.

"A-At the alley over by the mayor's second tower!"

Ada stops, her claw fading again. "You mean the one where those dark suit people left from?" The robber nods. "I see then…"

"A-And the only way to access the place is th-through that ID card." The man whines, tears sliding down. "N-Now please...don't continue. This is all the information I can give you. Honestly."

Ada glances before dropping him, eyeing Justin and Clinton. The robber winces, shaking in place. "Looks like we got somewhere to investigate." The two continue their gazes: Shock. "...What?"

"Since who taught you to interrogate like that?" Clinton asks.

"Yeah. I never saw you be this...ruthless, Ada," Justin follows.

The teen looks away, shrugging while caressing her hair. "...My father. He taught me how to get answers out of people through force." She shrugs once more.

"I...see," Justin says, speechless.

Clinton sighs, his wound fully healed. "Anyways, Ada," pauses. "Try not to rush into action like that again."

"Why?" Ada says, her arms fold.

"Because we could've gotten ourselves killed. Hell, I almost got killed by that Sorcerous criminal!"

"At least we're alive, right? That's the important part."

Clinton shakes his head. "Look, I'm old and an Ordina. I can't keep getting myself into danger like this."

"Yet, you came to help us."

"There were five of them and two of you. The numbers were at a high disadvantage on your end!"

Ada frowns. "We're still at a disadvantage because five overcomes three."

"I didn't want to let you two handle them by yourselves, anyways." Clinton sighs. "Look: Let's just do our best to remain in good shape...Alright?"

Soon, the cops arrive at the scene, all saying 'Freeze' at the three. Justin points at the robbers and their Pokémon, all on the ground groaning and knocked out.

"Those are the ones you're looking for, man," the boy says. The cops lower their weapons, rushing towards the robbers. They handcuff them, restricting their Nativus too.

"We'll take it from here," one of the cops says, picking up the injured Sorcerous.

Ada takes the ID out, staring at it. She caresses her chin. Hmm…

"Excuse me, ma'am." Ada turns to the voice behind her. "What's that you're holding?" the cop asks.

"Well…"