Pokémon The Cool Breeze Upon the Mist [TR Fifth Anniversary Drabble Bingo]

[Arukona]

Gurdurr​

Gurdurr Rigiel had been feeling more motivated lately.

Over the past while, he began feeling odd aches in his arms and legs that seemed to come and go. He initially thought nothing of it, but after a few days of this strange feeling, he began to realise this was a familiar feeling to him. He'd felt this exact same way back when he was a young adolescent Timburr, ready to evolve.

The trepidation of being near evolution again had him eager to trigger it, and so he'd been putting his all into construction work lately. This suited Cadmus well, who had many building projects in mind and needed someone to facilitate them and fuel his ambitions in expanding Paradise. The Haxorus was also a generous employer, and Rigiel soon found himself raking in cash by the bagful.

Maybe I oughta take a holiday once I evolve, he thought to himself one day, while on the job building a bridge over a gully in one of the less developed parts of Paradise. That'd make a nice reward for the hard work I've been doing lately. Until then…gotta keep up the good work.

He looked at the bridge he'd been building; it was mostly wooden with rocks in mesh at the base of the bridge to keep the supports protected. The wood had been painted a bright red with star designs painted along the posts – a little too gaudy, Rigiel had to admit, but it was a concession given to Cadmus when the Gurdurr already had enough on his plate keeping the dragon's ambitious ideas down to a more realistic level.

The bridge was coming along nicely so far, but there was still much more to do before it would be finished.

"Saw some more planks, will ya, Viga?" Rigiel asked one of his Timburr apprentices.

"Yes, boss!" The Timburr saluted, before taking out his saw and beginning to cut the plank down to size. As he did that, Rigiel leaned over and picked up one of the smaller planks of wood, before moving it to the bridge. It would be another plank across the main body of the bridge itself, roughly about halfway across.

Rigiel leaned over and got ready to nail it into place, before he heard a commotion behind him. He turned around to see what it was, before a tall, yellow figure suddenly slammed into him.

"Agh!" Rigiel cried, as the force of the other Pokémon knocked him from the temporary bridge and into the gully, where he landed on his side against a rocky surface. "Ow, ow, ow…!"

He winced at the fall. Thankfully the gully was shallow, and the damage didn't appear to be anything more than a scrape that would bruise and fade with time. Still, that could've ended a lot worse, especially given the previous state of his back, and how progress on that end could reverse at any moment…

Rigiel then looked up at who had knocked into him. An Ampharos wearing a badge stared back at him, an apologetic look across his face.

"Oh dear, I didn't see you there!" They sounded like they were in their thirties; not middle-aged, but not in his absolute prime like Cadmus and Noah were. "My apologies for that." They reached out to lift Rigiel out of the gully.

"Urgh…How'd you even get down here?" grumbled Rigiel, taking his hand as he was brought back up to the half-finished bridge. This Ampharos was stronger than he would've expected, and the badge was eye-catching. Were they a part of an organisation of some kind? He had some feeling this wasn't just any old Ampharos.

"We'd like to know that too," another voice said, and looking behind the Ampharos's tall figure, Rigiel saw the familiar duo of Cadmus and Noah on the scene. The latter's frown told of his displeasure, while Cadmus's expression was more…curious?

"This part of Paradise is off limits to the general public. It's still under construction," Noah said sternly, his moustache twitching in annoyance. "We have signs to clearly let people know of this."

"They're pretty hard to miss," Cadmus added. "Even young kids know what 'DANGER, KEEP AWAY' means."

"Oh, I can certainly read," the Ampharos defended. "My literacy capabilities are second to none back home! But hmm…" He crossed his arms, racking his brains. "I don't recall seeing any such signs on my way here."

"Oi, what do you mean?" Rigiel objected. "I put those up myself a few days ago! I saw them this morning too when I came in for work." He turned to his Timburr apprentice. "You saw them too, didn't you, Viga?"

"Sure did, boss!" Viga acknowledged.

"You must have your head in the clouds if you missed warning signs like those," huffed Rigiel, folding his arms. "Good thing you didn't damage the bridge. That would've ruined my day altogether." He looked back at the bridge under construction, where luckily, the structure was still intact in spite of the Ampharos's clumsiness.

"Regardless for that…I do apologise." The Ampharos bowed his head in sorrow. "I will be more vigilant in future."

"Hmph. You better be."

"Now then…to figure the way out of here." Ampharos turned to Noah and Cadmus. "Could you gentlemon help me?"

"Uhh, sure," a mildly nonplussed Noah said. "Surprised you got lost in here, though. I thought our streets were straightforward enough? Do we need to review that at all, Cadmus?"

Cadmus didn't answer him, his focus on the Ampharos. For whatever reason, he was staring at the badge adorned on his chest.

"Cadmus?" Noah said.

"That emblem…" Cadmus gazed at the Ampharos's badge, eyes widening in recognition. "I've seen it before. Isn't that the Expedition Society's logo?"

"The Expedition Society?" Noah puzzled, his head cocked. "I've never heard of it."

"You haven't heard of it? Oh my…" The Ampharos looked to the side in mild despair. "Are we really losing our renown in these parts? Perhaps we need a renewed advertising campaign. Oh, but that'll mean more funds will need to be diverted there, and less money to be spending funding our expeditionary work and wages for our apprentices-"

"Yeah, whatever," Rigiel butted in. "You still haven't told us your name, buster."

"Ah, forgive my manners." In an instant, the despair evaporated from the Ampharos's eyes. Suddenly he looked more dashing and gallant as he straightened up, moved his body and struck a dramatic pose with his right hand in the air.

"I am Taranis, the Dashing Wanderer! Leader of the Expedition Society in Lively Town on the Water Continent! Where mystery lies, I will uncover it! There is nothing I will not do to chart the uncharted and know the unknown!"

At the mention of his name, Cadmus suddenly let out a shout of realisation.

"I knew it!" he declared. "I knew I recognised you from somewhere! Y-You're the Dashing Wanderer?!"

"That I am." Taranis took a bow of grace and poise.

"Never heard of him in my life," Rigiel huffed, as he adjusted the plank of wood he was carrying.

"How do you not know who this guy is?!" Cadmus yelled, taken aback. "He's, like, one of the most iconic people ever!"

"I haven't heard of him either, love," Noah admitted, brow furrowed in confusion.

"Hey, you at least have an excuse, Noah!" Cadmus threw his hands in the air in frustration. "I live with a bunch of squares! Squares, I tell you!"

Rigiel rolled his eyes at the dramatic display. The Haxorus could certainly be a character when discussing his passions, and he'd gotten well used to seeing that passion on display when negotiating building work with him. Often it'd be Cadmus being overambitious with a design, Rigiel telling him to scale it back, Cadmus rejecting any compromises until persuaded by Noah, and the three of them being able to move forward with a building design a bit more sensible.

(Some of Cadmus's more ludicrous ideas included tall houses made up of letters spelling PARADISE, a pub in a carved out cave, and a minecart ride that weaved through the undeveloped land. Often Rigiel knew when a plan wasn't going to get past the drawing board, and Cadmus's ambition sometimes overrode common sense, especially in Paradise's earlier days.)

"Oh!" Taranis suddenly uttered, as if remembering something. "Now I remember. I was looking for an inn in these parts before I got lost." He turned to Cadmus and Noah. "You wouldn't happen to know of a place in here where I could stay the night, would you?"

"Sure I do!" Cadmus said, that familiar eagerness to help out coming over him. "You can stay at mine and Noah's house! We just had it upgraded and gave it a few more rooms, thanks to our resident builder Rigiel here!"

He pointed a claw at Rigiel. "Without him, Paradise wouldn't be anywhere near the mega success that it is today."

"Puttin' me on the spot, are ya?" Rigiel murmured, though a little part of him was glad for the attention.

"Hm. Is that so?" Taranis studied the Gurdurr closely, a mildly impressed smile coming across his face. "The hard work of the builders to maintain our facilities is certainly one that should not go unmentioned. I have similar praise for Epithymios back home. Without his maintenance of our Pokémon Nexus, the Society could simply not function."

"Damn, you really are buttering me up here," Rigiel snarked, with a light chuckle.

"Go on, you love the praise," Cadmus teased. "Just accept it."

"F-Fine." Rigiel looked away, before his gaze caught the unfinished bridge, and he found the perfect distraction. "Oh yeah! Gotta get back to building this bridge. Can't stand around here dawdling, otherwise Paradise'll never be finished."

"Perhaps I should head too," Taranis said. "Now then…Cadmus, was it? Haxorus Cadmus, feller of the Bittercold? I had heard you were the leader of this place."

"Hey, it wasn't me who defeated the Bittercold, it was Noah!" Cadmus corrected. "But how about we tell you all about that back at our place?"

"Sounds good! It would be great to hear over some tea and biscuits."

"You're in luck, then!" An excited look came over Noah's face as the three began to walk away. "I just made a batch of homemade chocolate biscuits this morning that were absolutely delicious! Just like Ma used to make…"

His words faded out, as Rigiel watched them go.

Good employers, those two. If not for them, I'd still be running that fraud business. He cringed, thinking back to darker days, when Paradise was still a thought in Cadmus's head. Still can't believe I even…

He shook his head, batting away those bad memories.

Gotta keep moving forward. No use dwelling on the past – that'll just bring up bad feelings again. And those aren't good for anyone.

He looked back at the unfinished bridge, picking up some nails and a hammer to nail the next board down across the structure.

Life's been on the up for me lately. Let's keep it that way.

 

[Arukona]

Pelipper​

Larum didn't normally take trips to the Mist Continent. A native of the Grass Continent, from Capim Town, he found the frigid temperatures of the Mist Continent hard to handle. If it weren't for one of his colleagues being sick with the flu, he wouldn't be in this part of the world.

But this was an important letter from Wigglytuff's Guild, to be delivered to an address in the vicinity of Post Town. The sender was one of high prestige within the Guild, and if the Pelipper was found to be leaving their letters on hold, that wouldn't be good for anyone.

At least that was what the higher-ups in the Pelipper Post insisted. And as one of the rank-and-file of the organisation, Larum didn't really have a say in matters. He was uneasy about going too far from the Grass Continent, although the knowledge that he'd be paid a fair bit more than usual for this work, given that he was travelling all the way to somewhere called Pokémon Paradise, was one of the reasons he'd plumped for it. It was a journey far longer than his normal paper route around Capim Town, that was for sure.

Though Larum had his reservations, he didn't complain, making his way across the ocean to Noe Town and northwards towards Post Town. Apparently, there'd been a new settlement that had sprung up seemingly overnight next to it, called Pokémon Paradise. Over on the Grass Continent, it was spoken of in hushed, excited whispers about this place where one could stake a claim and forge their own destiny on the Mist, transforming barren land into a luscious, productive haven.

Sounds like a load of hot air to me, Larum thought, as he made his way towards where Paradise was supposedly located. From the air, he could make out the big tree that marked Post Town's location. And to the right of that…lay the location in question, in what looked to be a surprisingly bustling town on a set of badlands.

Larum began their descent, and within a few minutes, they were flapping their wings as they landed in front of an office-like building.

"Why, hello there!" a cheery Azumarill greeted from behind the desk. "Mail, is it? Hm, you're not our usual mailmon."

"I'm from the Grass," explained Larum. "I've a letter addressed to…What was his name again?" He checked the envelope and the name scribbled on it. "Samurott Noah."

"A letter from the Grass to Noah?" The Azumarill tilted her head in confusion. "But Noah hasn't left the Mist at all. What business would someone from the Grass have with him?"

"Not my business." Larum shrugged. "I'm just the deliverymon."

"Fair enough." The Azumarill went from behind her desk to take the letter from Larum. "I'll take this to him. Thank you very much for coming."

"No problem," Larum said, as he preened his wings. "Say, do you know of somewhere where I can stay the night? I won't be able to make it back to Capim Town before nightfall, and I'm pretty tired after a flight of that length."

"We have some inns here in Paradise!" the Azumarill said. "Come, I'll show you to one of them."

"Thanks, er…"

"You can call me Ratona!" came the upbeat reply, as the Azumarill started down the path deeper into Paradise, hopping with a spring in her step. "Paradise's Mission Manager and Under-Secretary of the Crossblades!"

"The Crossblades, huh?" Larum said, as he fluttered after Ratona. Ain't that a fearless name…Reminds me a bit of Team Auraflare back home. He kept that name in his mind as he followed the Azumarill to where the nearest inn was located.

Why is it that teams with humans on them always have the most interesting names? That is…if this Samurott Noah fellow really is a human like the rumours say.

---

"A letter?"

Noah looked at the letter that Ratona had handed to him before returning to guiding a Pelipper mailmon around Paradise.

The handwriting on the address looked strangely messy, as though the writer wasn't used to writing. It reminded him of his own attempts to write back when he was bipedal, trying to get to grips with having paws instead of hands. Though he'd gotten past that difficulty, his handwriting was nowhere near as neat as some other folks.

In fact, the manner in which the handwriting was messy…thinking about his own experiences, the Samurott had a mad thought occur to him. Could it be…?

Curiosity got the better of him and he began reading it.

Dear Samurott Noah of Paradise,

I do not believe I have met you in person, yet I wish to correspond with you on a matter I imagine you would want to be kept close to your heart. Alas, the rumour mill has its way, and when people over here on the Grass Continent speak of the recent calamity involving the Bittercold, one thing comes up time and again: that a human was the one to stop that menace in its tracks.

Noah froze, upon hearing mention of the word 'human'.

Therefore, by putting two and two together, I would presume you are a human. A human just like me.

'Just like me'? Another human? Noah let out a silent gasp. Are they a leftover from when Valakai summoned humans here? Yet this is from the Grass…Did a human make their way over there?

With his curiosity running overtime, the Samurott kept reading.

If we have that common thread, then we should keep in contact with each other. Someday I would like to meet the hero who felled the Bittercold. As a hero who stopped a calamity in my younger days, we also have that much in common.

Wait, a hero? Noah blinked at seeing this next part. Who stopped a calamity? Th-This is from one of the other heroes?!

Alas, I am too busy right now with explorer work at Wigglytuff's Guild to meet you in person. But that is a goal to aspire to. Until then, may we keep in contact? I would like to hear of your tales and exploits through letters like this, and I in turn will tell my own tales to you in my replies.

I wish you well.

Regards,
Lucario Robin of Team Auraflare.

Noah's breath hitched in surprise when he read that name at the end. The name Lucario Robin had been a name he'd heard in passing a good few times, as a revered hero that saved the world in its darkest hour, in a time back when he was still on Earth as a human. Cadmus idolised them, and often cited them as one of the reasons why humans were so amazing and cool – praise Noah often shrugged off. He wasn't really fond of attention.

I wonder, though… A thought occurred to Noah. Maybe they're the same way. Maybe they don't like being idolised either. We could have that much in common. And if we talk more…we might find out more about each other.

He considered the offer being given to him on the letter.

I'll definitely reply to that later. But I gotta tell Cadmus first. He's not gonna believe this. Noah chuckled, imagining the aghast reaction of his partner telling him he'd just had contact with one of the most famous Pokémon walking the planet right now.

He even knew where the Haxorus happened to be right now. The Samurott left the kitchen, walked down the hallway to their bedroom, and opened the door, where a snoozing Cadmus lay, clutching a Zekrom plush.

"Love?" Noah said, as his partner's eyes fluttered open. "You may want to hear this…"

 

[Arukona]

The Cool Breeze Upon the Mist​

A masterful feat of regeneration was occurring in the central plains of the Mist Continent. On the ridges where the small outpost of Post Town lay - a small enough town but a vital stopping point for travellers heading into the frigid northern reaches - a new settlement had cropped up seemingly overnight that its founder, Haxorus Cadmus, had called 'Paradise'. Many would have laughed at the very thought of purchasing such a stagnant, infertile piece of land with the intent to turn it into a rich haven that would attract people from afar.

But those same people weren't laughing when suddenly Cadmus and his partner, a mysterious Oshawott by the name of Noah, felled the Bittercold, an enigmatic malice made sentient that threatened to sunder the Mist. Now they were heroes, and people therefore flocked to his new settlement to see him. In many cases, the Haxorus, in his coy but eager manner, convinced them to stay and help him build Paradise into the desired haven he envisioned.

Within two years, Paradise's growth was sprawling to the point that Post Town looked to become engulfed within its sphere. The town's officials and Cadmus therefore signed a merger that allowed the two settlements to become one. Victory after victory was being scored by the Haxorus, and it was an agreement everyone seemed to be content with. Few of Paradise and Post Town's citizens could complain about being under the aegis of heroes, after all.

There were also the first citizens of Paradise, namely Cadmus and Noah's allies that had helped them in their quest to defeat the Bittercold. All had chosen to stay at their side, and two years on from that monumental victory, they had made new lives in the nascent settlement.

What goes on the lives of these people today? Let's find out…

---

Hydreigon​

"Say, uh…I'm surprised you're still hanging around us."

"That, I am. …Is there an issue with that?"

"Oh no, not at all! It's just…I thought a Voice of Life would have better things to do than hang around me and my little vanity project."

"My duty is as an arbiter to summon humans to this world in its hour of need. But until that time comes again, I am free to do as I wish. And I must say that I have enjoyed my time in Paradise, watching this settlement flourish and become the bustling town it is today. I will certainly be staying here for a while longer, if Fate permits me."

"Well, hey - you're all too welcome, Valakai. We're happy to have you."

Hydreigon Valakai felt the morning breeze blowing gently across his fur and scales, as he sat on the roof in his house in Paradise, newly-built just for him. It was one of those days where he was glad to have a physical body again, just so he could feel the sensations of the life of the world around him. It was harder to do that as a collection of motes, like Kyurem had disintegrated him into back in Scorched Desert.

To think it has already been two years since that happened…

Years were fleeting to the Voice of Life, an eternal arbiter of the world, but not to the young souls of Noah and Cadmus, and it was pleasing to see them grow from the plucky young heroes they were to experienced veterans. Two years' worth of training and going on rescue expeditions had seen them both evolve to their final stages, and now they looked like proper heroes as opposed to young first-stage kids, like some visitors with dampened expectations had passed them off as at first.

Valakai chuckled, thinking about this. Young ones are so impatient to evolve these days. I do not remember such agitation from the Grass and Air Heroes regarding their own evolutions. Did they accept them as they came?

It was a while ago. Not too long ago - only a decade or two - but enough that Valakai couldn't quite put his maw on their own desires to evolve.

Memories seem to be eluding me. With all that's happened here, perhaps it might be worth repaying those humans a visit. Oh yes, and while I'm at it…perhaps I should see how the Hero of Water is doing. I do recall the sudden urge to visit a while back.

He narrowed his gaze, frowning at that thought. I hope that's not a sign the world's about to go through another calamity soon…Concerning. I shall have to arrange time off from my duties if this proves to be urgent.

That wouldn't be for another while, though. In the meantime, Valakai lay back and enjoyed the breeze some more, humming contentedly as he felt it blow gently across him.

He would've laid there all day, if the peace and serenity wasn't interrupted by a loud rumbling that was all too familiar to the Hydreigon.

Valakai looked down and immediately located the source of the noise.

It was his belly, voicing its displeasure at its emptiness.

Well, no matter. He could always go inside and get some foo…

Ah.

There would be food in his pantry…if he didn't have that midnight snack last night. Well, snack - it was really more of another whole course meal that would've unnerved the likes of Belka. By the Voice of Life's standards, however, it was a snack.

Valakai sighed. Looks like it'll be breakfast at Signora Ginerva's again. He got up from where he was resting, flapped his thin wings, and headed in the direction of Post Town.

---

Since Paradise's founding, new eateries had begun to pop up in Paradise itself. But Swanna House still remained a popular eating spot for travellers and residents of Post Town itself, and one of their most loyal customers was Valakai. The Voice of Life still found the food at Swanna House to be his all-time favourite, and the first time he'd eaten there, the meal had been sublime - so much so he ordered more food, enough that he forgot to keep track of it all and ended up with a bill that went through the roof - much to Belka's horror, who he'd accidentally left the bill with.

That was certainly a first impression to make, looking back. It had taken a lot of smoothing out over the two years since that incident, but even today, Belka still occasionally reminded the Hydreigon of it.

"Keep eating as much as you do and you're not gonna be able to fly anymore." A more recent snark from the Emolga still rang in his head.

As he entered Post Town, Valakai glanced down at his stomach. Sometimes when he thought about his portions, he did occasionally wonder…was he getting too chubby?

No, he told himself. You are fine. The amount you eat is natural for Hydreigon. The three headed dragons were known for their colossal appetites, and behind their sheer power came a need to fuel it appropriately. Valakai was no different. At least he used that power for good, like blasting apart rock faces in Paradise to clear land, back in its early days as an overgrown badland.

Valakai shook away those negative thoughts as he entered Swanna House. It was somewhat busy today, although thankfully not crammed to the brim like it was on some days. The savoury smells of Signora Ginerva's delicious cooking filled the air, and the Hydreigon began to salivate as he headed for the counter.

"Back again, are we?" A mirthful smile crossed Swanna Ginerva's beak. "Good to see you, Valakai. Although the cooks in the back won't be," she chuckled.

"I-I imagine not," the Hydreigon replied sheepishly, fluffing out his fur.

"I suppose I'll get you your usual, then." Ginerva then gestured above her. "Upstairs is fairly quiet. There's bound to be a free table you can have all for yourself."

"Many thanks, Signora," Valakai trilled, bowing his head in thanks, before heading upstairs as instructed.

Before long, the Swanna House Special - a dish of chopped berries, potatoes and vegetables, with gravy smothering the berries and potatoes and herbs on top - was brought up to Valakai. Though per his 'usual' request…four servings of it were brought up to him.

"Ah! Thank you so much!" The Hydreigon's eyes shone as Ginerva brought the food up to him.

"No problem! Enjoy." The Swanna graciously curtseyed, before heading back downstairs.

No sooner had she gone than Valakai immediately dug into the food, gobbling portion after portion with the hunger of a Hydreigon. His two smaller heads aided him in this task, eating in unison with the main head and working their way through the generous meal. Not long after, the first serving of the special had been completely wolfed down, and Valakai wasted no time moving onto the second.

Onlookers watched in wonder as he ate, some whispering in amazement that he could eat all that. The ravenous Valakai tuned out everything else as he focused on his food and eating it all up. It was a rare day that the Voice of Life didn't eat everything on his plate, and on nights where the Crossblades dined together, he was always happy to eat the leftovers of others. He wasn't a fussy eater either - be it sweets, vegetables, carbs, or berries, he ate them all.

Before even ten minutes had passed, all four plates were licked clean, and Valakai was patting his belly in satisfaction.

"Mm mm! Delicious," he remarked, before letting out a loud belch. "Pardon me," he apologised to an Indeedee couple on the nearest table to him.

Just as he was licking his lips to get any residue and leftover morsels on his maws, Ginerva came up to gather up plates.

"Done already? My, you eat fast," Ginerva commented, brushing her wings.

"It was too good to resist," Valakai said, deciding instead to take a napkin and wipe his lips with it.

"I'm glad you enjoyed it. Seeing you eat my food with such gusto is…oddly comforting. Even if your table manners could use some work," the Swanna giggled, putting her wing to her beak.

"Ah…Thank you." Valakai smiled at the praise.

"Plus, you eating as much as you do means I'm getting my fair share of money from this. Four House Specials isn't exactly what one would call 'cheap', you know." Ginerva's grin turned somewhat coy, while Valakai's smile dropped instantly once he was reminded of the dreaded bill.

"I'll see you downstairs, Valakai~" In a teasingly sweet manner, Ginerva took his finished plates and flew off towards her kitchen.

Valakai looked down at the empty table, gulping as he considered his monetary situation.

Looks like I'll have to ask Cadmus for a loan again…

 

[Arukona]

Umbreon​

A near full moon hung high in the sky. The light from it and the stars shone onto the lake below, giving it a beautiful shimmer. Clear skies with no hope of rain - it was the perfect night for stargazing and nighttime walks.

The latter was what Umbreon Ilkay had decided to do. Earlier that day, he had wanted to do more research into mysteriosity levels that had started fluctuating in some Mystery Dungeons in the Mist Continent’s southwest corner. However, his partner, Espeon Sorina, refused to go, claiming she had been fatigued from the flurry of work in the past while and needed a rest. Ilkay dared not to go researching without her in case there was an accident, and therefore didn’t go on his own, instead helping out Noah and Cadmus with one of their missions. He got a cut of the payout, so that worked out well for him.

But all the while during the mission, he hadn’t felt happy, due to the absence of a certain someone. He continued to feel restless that night, struggling to sleep, and thus took a walk to clear his head.

A favourite place of his to go was a small lake, tucked away in one of Paradise’s less developed parts where nature still reigned supreme. Ilkay had requested to Cadmus that this part not be developed too heavily, to allow some nature to still remain in Paradise, and the Haxorus agreed. Apart from the occasional cutting away of the overgrowth to allow a path to the lake, it was mostly left alone.

Ilkay strolled to the water’s edge, sitting down and allowing his front paws to dip into the water. It was a disturbance on the otherwise still lake, which complemented the silent night where the only sound to be heard was the occasional caw of a Murkrow, out on their nighttime flight.

With barely any sound to be heard, the Umbreon’s thoughts wandered as he took in the night air.

But immediately, his thoughts were drawn towards one place like a Mothim to flame.

Or rather…they were drawn towards someone.

A certain Espeon who he knew very well.

It’s not like her to want to rest alone. His ears drooped with worry. Have we been working too hard? There goes me being too eager again…

He sighed. Hopefully he could make it up to her by getting her a present of some kind. Sorina always liked perfume; maybe he could hit up that new perfumery in Paradise set up by an Aromatisse that had moved from the Water Continent. He had been saving up a good bit recently for gifts like that…

But that would have to wait for tomorrow. As with most businesses in Paradise, apart from the odd night shift business for nocturnal ‘mons, they were shut right now. Ilkay therefore got up and made a mental note to remember that when he woke up in the morning.

The Umbreon got up, wiping his wet forepaws on the grass. He took one last look at the shimmering lake with the moonlight upon its surface, before turning and–

“Oh, finally! I was wondering when you were going to notice me!”

Ilkay jumped in the air like a startled Glameow.

“Gah! Sorina?!”

Lit up by the moonlight was the figure of an Espeon, her red gem glinting and her face contorting into a giggle as Ilkay calmed down from his shock.

“You scared me,” the Umbreon panted, his heart beating rapidly - but not just from that surprise.

“Hee hee. You get so lost in thought sometimes, Ilkay.” Sorina padded over to him, her forked tail swaying behind her. “Something on your mind?”

“W-Well…I guess you could say that.” Great response there.

“What are you thinking of?” The Espeon quirked her head in expectation. “Come on, it’s me, your partner. Partners shouldn’t keep secrets from each other, right?”

Partner.

Yes, it was about that too. And those words sounded very familiar - it was Cadmus who had said them. And the Haxorus made no secret of his fondness for Noah, who he was openly affectionate to. Noah, in turn, was very fond of him, indulging Cadmus in kisses and closeness whenever the two had a moment alone.

Ilkay had seen that tenderness on full display during the mission today, and though he was happy for the two of them, a faint smidge of jealousy stirred in his stomach. Because when he thought about his own efforts in love…

I don’t have a patch on them.

Even now, looking upon the Espeon before him - and by gods, did she look beautiful illuminated by the moonlight - he wished he could be as open as those two.

But still, it was rude to leave her hanging. So Ilkay answered her question.

“I was…worried about you, Sorina.”

“About me?” The Espeon’s teasing smile gave way to a puzzled look. “Is this about me taking a break today?”

“I…guess it’s that.” Ilkay pawed at the grass. “I-I mean, it’s fine to take breaks, of course! It’s just…”

“Just…what?”

The Umbreon sighed.

“...I missed you. It wasn’t the same without you around. Noah and Cadmus are good company, don’t get me wrong, but…they’re not you, Sorina.”

Sorina blinked in surprise at Ilkay’s words.

“You really missed me that much, did you?”

“...Y-Yeah.”

It felt embarrassing to admit it. Like a child admitting to his mother that they were scared of the dark.

“I suppose given all the Dungeon delving we’ve been doing recently together, you would probably feel unused to not having me around.” Sorina glanced at Ilkay with a twinge of sympathy across her face. “But they were getting exhausting, and I just didn’t have the will to do another this morning.”

“I-I see,” Ilkay mumbled.

“Just have a bit more moderation in future.” Sorina trotted closer to Ilkay. “I know this mysteriosity boom is really rare, but don’t push yourself too hard. We still don’t know a lot about this, and we need to be at full energy in unknown areas. If we keep doing them back-to-back, we’ll be exhausted before long.”

“R-Right.” Ilkay looked away, his face beginning to redden with shame. “Sorry about pushing you. I should’ve seen the signs…”

An unexpected sadness came into his voice.

“...Some partner I am, huh?”

Sorina almost flinched at his drooping ears and ashamed expression.

“H-Hey, I’m not mad at you, Ilkay!” She reached up and put her paw around his neck. “It’s fine, really. Just something to keep in mind for future.”

Ilkay stiffened when he felt Sorina wrap her paw around him. So close…and her scent was ever more present. It was almost like a comforting perfume, although the Espeon hadn’t broken out any of those tonight.

She was so close to him. So why couldn’t he just…?

“...I think I’m afraid.”

The words came out mumbled. But Sorina’s sharp ears caught them.

“Afraid?”

“Y-Yeah…Afraid of messing things up.”

“You didn’t mess anything up, Ilkay. I just said it was fine.”

And yet the fear lingered in spite of those reassurances. By the mist, why couldn’t he just come out and…

Say it. Come on, just say it. If you can face the Bittercold, you can tell her this.

“...It’s that…” The words were on Ilkay’s tongue, and at that point, he blurted them out.

“You mean a lot to me, Sorina. That’s…why I’m worried about messing things up between us. I don’t want to be a burden, and I don’t want to let you down.”

Sorina’s eyes widened in surprise, letting out a silent gasp.

“I-It’s more than that, actually. I like you, Sorina. I really like you.”

It sounded so corny, yet…it sounded right. Except not quite. But were his feelings really worthy to be comparable to uttering those other three words…?

“...I was wondering when you were going to say it.”

Sorina spoke. Her expression appeared unreadable, tail swaying behind her, with her body still lit up by the moonlight.

Ilkay froze. Had he made another blunder?

“...I like you too, Ilkay.”

Sorina suddenly broke out into a full smile.

“In fact…I love you.”

Wh–

Wh–

Wh–

Ilkay’s mouth was agape.

She said it.

She said it.

She said it.

Holy hell, she actually said it.

Th-Then, do I…?

He looked at that happy expression, and could feel his face contorting into the same manner.

Yes. If she said it, so can I.

“I-I love you too, Sorina!”

Ilkay felt a bit silly blurting it out. That was a phrase for fairytale romances. But it was the honest truth of how he felt.

There had to have been something funny about his expression, though, as Sorina let out a laugh right after. Not a mocking laugh, though…a happy one, as though she was free of hiding a secret she’d been keeping.

“You can be goofy sometimes, Ilkay,” she giggled. “But that’s part of why I like you so much.”

“Aw, thanks.” Ilkay was blushing a deep scarlet. “Glad I could get that off my chest.”

“I feel like we both had feelings for each other in some way,” Sorina said. “We wouldn’t have stayed together for so long if we didn’t.”

“Yeah…So long that some people mistook us for siblings.” Ilkay recalled the odd remarks he and Sorina had received over the years about that, and a weird thought came to him. “...Is that gonna be awkward if we, er, make this official?”

“No, not at all!” Sorina shook her head. “It’s not like every Eevee’s related. Don’t let a few dummies like them get in the way of our relationship, Ilkay.”

“Of course.” Ilkay moved over to Sorina, leaning next to her. The Espeon nuzzled him, a purr emanating from her chest from which Ilkay could feel the vibrations. A sign of true contentment, and it was pleasing to know that he was the one getting those feelings out of her.

They settled into a position of staring up at the bright moon and the stars above. Its beauty hadn’t diminished, and no clouds had moved in to interrupt their fun. It had been the perfect setting to confess in, and as impromptu as it was, Ilkay wouldn’t have wanted to pick any other time.

“Man, and to think a minute ago I was worried I was driving us apart,” he chuckled.

“Some fears are irrational.” Sorina leaned in to nuzzle him again. “I’ve made my mistakes too. Remember when I hid the Entercards with Manto? That all turned out fine, but even now, I still feel so bad about the whole thing.”

Ah yes, that incident with the Swadloon in Inflora Forest. Ilkay recalled that, and took a moment to realise something. Has it really been two years since then? Wow, time flies.

“It’s not like Tessitrica holds a grudge towards you.” Ilkay nuzzled back as a comforting gesture to soothe the mild shame he felt in the Espeon’s voice. “Hell, no one here holds grudges anymore. Not since the Bittercold fell.”

“Mm…That is true.” Sorina stared up at the moon. “...All thanks to Cadmus and Noah, huh?”

“We have a lot to be thankful to them for,” Ilkay said. “If it hadn’t been for them being so lovey-dovey, I…don’t know if I would’ve confessed tonight. Though I don’t know about being as open about our relationship as they are.”

“There’s nothing wrong with keeping it on the down-low. If you’re more comfortable with that.”

“Let’s…maybe take it one step at a time. We love each other, we’ve established that much. I guess we just…make the next step after a while? Once we feel the time is right?” Ilkay looked away from the moon and into the Espeon’s eyes. “What do you think, Sorina?”

“...I’m okay with taking it slow. At least you can be patient with one thing,” Sorina tittered. “Though…I have one small request. Maybe as a starter to this whole thing.”

“Sure. What is it?”

Sorina went quiet, considering her words. All those tells - her ears twitching, eyes shining a beautiful violet, her forked tail swaying from side to side.

She was beautiful. She was perfect.

“...Can we sleep together going forward?”

Oh.

Ilkay blinked. That was…quite the request.

“Y-You don’t mean ‘sleep together’ as in…y’know.” He paused, letting the word speak for itself. “That…?”

Sorina caught what he was getting at and burst into a fit of giggles.

“No, Ilkay! I don’t mean that! I mean snuggling in the same nest! Like we do every winter, remember? I missed it when we went back to single nests.”

“Oh! Right. Duh.” That had been a particularly chilly winter, and both him and Sorina had bundled together at night to stave off the cold. “That was nice, actually. Yeah, maybe we do it all year round…”

“It’s settled. Though speaking of bed…” Sorina let out a yawn. “Maybe we should get back.”

“Hopefully I can sleep better this time. Wouldn’t want to be tossing and turning if we’re sharing the same nest,” Ilkay chuckled, which drew another laugh from Sorina.

The two began to walk back, with Ilkay and Sorina walking side by side, taking it slowly. Both were wanting to savour the moment, and both Eeveelutions were smiling contentedly at each other.

And with the moonlight shining over them both…they couldn’t have been happier.

 

[Arukona]

Emolga​

If one had asked Emolga Belka five years ago where he saw himself being in five years’ time, he probably would’ve given a noncommittal shrug and answered, “Dunno.” He was never one to think that far ahead in his life, and he would have been content to simply get a small-time job at his parent’s bakery in a village near Post Town and live out life that way.

If he had been told he would face off against a world-ending threat, become in league with the two saviours of the Mist Continent, one of whom was a human, and become the loving partner of a Sword of Justice, he would’ve thought they were off their rocker.

And yet…here he was, sitting next to his partner as they sat atop the outlook in Post Town, overlooking the land below.

“We really do live in a beautiful world, don’t we, Belka?” the Virizion next to him said, closing her eyes and smiling in contentment.

“Yeah…we do, Falchion.” Belka sidled up next to her foreleg, leaning next to her. Being so small in comparison to his partner did make things awkward sometimes, but for him at least, it did mean much more of her to lean into.

To think he had protested her joining the Crossblades all that time ago, back when they had first met. Times sure change, huh? And yet here we are…together.

He looked up into Falchion’s eyes, and she looked back into his with fondness, before leaning in to kiss him on the cheek. Immediately he felt his cheeks grow warm at the gesture.

“You always melt before a kiss,” Falchion giggled.

“W-Well, how can I not? There’s a good amount of people in the world who don’t get the chance to have a kiss,” Belka replied. “I wasn’t even sure if I’d get one. There was a Pachirisu girl back in my village who I kinda liked, but I never ended up asking her out. Besides, she doesn’t have a patch on you, Fal. …No offence to her, obviously.”

“Oh yes, I remember her. Electra, was it? We met when I visited your village.”

“Yeah…” Belka recalled that day, before smirking at the memory. “Man, everyone was jealous of me. Imagine netting Virizion Falchion of all people as your girlfriend. I was on top of the world that day.”

“And your parents were so proud of you,” Falchion said, affectionately brushing against him. “They were nice, weren’t they? And all your little siblings! They were so cute!”

“Yeah, my parents have always been good folks. No big arguments from them. As for my brothers and sisters, well…” Belka grimaced at older memories. “If I had a Poké for how many pranks they pulled on me, Cadmus would be frothing with envy.”

“Oh dear,” Falchion chuckled. “They certainly were a lively bunch, weren’t they?”

“You can say that again,” Belka replied. “I mean, I love them - I’m their big bro and everything - but I’m kinda glad to have flown the nest and not have to deal with their antics every day. That could get a bit much.”

“Mmmm. I understand.” Falchion gave him another peck on the cheek. “As long as you’re still on good terms with them.”

“I am, don’t worry. Might pay them another visit sometime soon. Maybe I’ll even invite you again.” Belka rested his hand on the Virizion’s fur.

“I would love that.”

The two sat in silence, listening to the distant activity in the town below them and feeling the faint breeze flow over their fur. There were one or two others up there with them, but they minded their own business and let the duo be.

Nothing interrupted their moment together until a familiar voice pierced through the air.

“Oh, this is where you guys are!”

It wasn’t an unwelcome interruption. In fact, once Belka turned around and saw who it was. A familiar Dunsparce had slithered up the steps with a pouch on his back, and their eyes lit up when they saw the Emolga and Virizion together.

“Hey, Nath!” Belka waved to him.

“Hello, Nathair,” Falchion greeted, as the Dunsparce slithered over to them.

“What’ve you got there?” Belka asked, gazing at the package atop his back. “Didn’t know the Pelipper Post did ground hires.”

“Nah, it’s not that.” Nathair did a little snrk at his friend’s jab. “It’s something for you two.”

“For us?” Falchion quirked her head. “Whatever is it?”

As she spoke, Belka got up and went over to Nathair, before taking the package from him and unwrapping it eagerly.

His eyes lit up at the gift underneath.

“Cookies!” he cried. They were chocolate chip and had icing in the shape of a heart on top. “Yo, Nath, are these for us?”

“They are!” Nathair beamed. “I bought them from that new bakery that opened up shop in Paradise recently! It’s called Alcremie’s Cakes and the owner’s a really sweet lady! She let me sample one of her cookies for free and it was really tasty! So I had to get some for you two as well!”

“Gee, thanks a bunch. You really didn’t have to go all that way…” Belka sheepishly scratched the back of his head.

“Thank you very much, Nathair.” Falchion bowed her head in thanks. “Can I have one, Belka?”

“Oh! Uh, sure.” Belka handed her one, and the two ate their respective cookies. “Mmmm, these are tasty! I almost hate to admit it, but Mom might have met her match here…”

“Goodness, that’s quite sweet,” Falchion remarked, once she had scarfed all of the cookie down. “Quite nice, though. I’ll definitely have to pay them a visit in future.”

“It’s good to see you two so happy,” Nathair said, as he slithered up beside Belka atop the outlook. “It feels like everyone’s been in a good mood lately. And with how the weather’s been so good, it’s almost like we’re in…” He stopped, realising what he was about to say. “Paradise.”

Falchion chuckled at the joke while Belka smiled wryly.

“Oh, you.” He nudged Nathair with his left arm. “You got a point there, though. It feels like there’s been a good few relationships about. Cadmus and Noah, of course, and then there’s Feldino and Alva down below among the merchants. And us two.” He pointed between him and Falchion. “And I definitely saw Ilkay and Sorina being all lovey-dovey the other day as well.”

“I saw them too!” Nathair piped up. “But when I asked Ilkay, he got very embarrassed and denied they were together.”

“...He’s lying,” Belka replied. “There’s no way those two aren’t a thing. I’d bet my wings on it.”

“They seemed like an apt couple for each other,” Falchion remarked. “I hope they go far, the two of them.”

Thinking about the couples among Post Town and Paradise made Belka remember something as he looked upon Nathair. His childhood friend, the two of them had grown up in the same village together and had a knack for spelunking in Mystery Dungeons to find cool trinkets before they happened upon Cadmus and Noah that one fateful day. In fact, that very object they had found in that Dungeon brought back a two-year old memory.

“This crystal is for you, Miss Falchion!”

“...Hm. While it is very sweet of you…I cannot accept it.”

“What?! Why?!”

“Because I do not make friends. Not anymore. With the world we live in, I do not believe in paltry things like friendship. If you were strong, you would be able to help me, and I could consider you an ally. But well…you aren’t very strong, are you?”

“*sniffle* *sniffle* I…Waaaaaahhhhhhhh!”

“Nath! Grrr, what’s wrong with you, Falchion?! That was so cold! You could’ve just accepted his gift, you know!”

“The world is full of cheaters, thieves and liars. Someone who acts nice to you always has an ulterior motive, especially when they flatter you with pretty words. Making friends will only lead to heartache when they do turn their back on you. That is why I do not have friends. That good enough for you, Emolga?”

That had been two years ago. And that very ‘mon he’d berated for her coldness was now the same ‘mon he called his girlfriend. Yet if not for Nathair wanting a gift for her, that probably would never have come to be.

When he thought about it in that way…a slight pang of guilt stirred within him, and he felt prompted to ask.

“Hey…Nath?” he asked.

“What is it?” The Dunsparce quirked his head.

“...You remember back when we first met Falchion? When you gave her that crystal and she turned you away.” He felt the Virizion stiffen at the mention of it, and he patted her right leg in comfort. “Did you…have feelings for her back then?”

“Well…” Nathair thought about it. “...A bit, yeah. Though once we got to know Falchion more when we became part of the Crossblades, those feelings kinda faded, I guess? It might’ve just been a crush. N-No offence, Falchion.” He looked up at the resting Virizion.

“None taken.” She looked back down at him. “I still feel guilty for all those people I shunned back then…including you, Nathair. How foolish I was…”

“You’re fine now, Fal.” Belka continued his comfort pets. “Still…who would’ve thought the one with the feelings all along was me? I’m still amazed how the ‘mon I raged at when I first met her back then ended up becoming my girlfriend. What are the chances of that?”

“I’m just happy you’re happy, Belka,” Nathair said, before looking up at the Virizion again. “And I’m glad we can still be friends, Falchion. …With how happy you two are, maybe I oughta think about finding someone myself…eheh.”

“You should! Get yourself out there, Nath,” Belka encouraged. “Fal and I could help find someone for you to hook up with. Plenty of new people moving into Paradise lately with the merger and all.”

“W-Well…not yet, actually.” Nathair seemed to be in thought about something. “Before doing that…I wanna evolve first. Been training on missions recently and I think I might not be too far off from becoming a Dudunsparce.”

“Oh, I’d love to be there when it happens!” Belka himself seemed rather excited by the prospect. “How about you, me, and Fal take missions together for the next while until you evolve?”

“That sounds good to me!” Nathair hopped in the air with joy. “You’re the best, Belka!”

“That’s what friends are for, right?” Belka gave him a thumbs-up. “Keep up that attitude and your evolution’s gonna be in the bag, just you watch.”

The three of them sat up there for a while longer, enjoying the fair weather and beautiful view. Along with that…the company of each other.

That was certainly how Belka saw it. Between his best friend and the love of his life, he truly felt he had it all in that moment.

What more could a ‘mon want?

 

[Arukona]

Quagsire​

Standing in Paradise’s main square was quite the different experience these days. Two years ago, it was much more barren, and the sheriff of Post Town, Quagsire Myron, who owned the land, hadn’t expected many offers for it apart from the overly ambitious or actual ferals.

Haxorus Cadmus had been the former, and though Myron had turned down plenty of others like him, there was something about the excitement in the then-Axew’s eyes that made him mull it over a bit more than normal. He had the money, and he had the plans, albeit ones that were a mite utopian. And so he awarded the land to him, as well as that curious Oshawott who seemed a bit wobbly on his feet.

To think those two, along with their compatriots they gathered over the course of their adventure, would go on to save the world itself. Myron knew those two had something about them, but even he hadn’t expected them to go that far!

…Not that he ever gave away such feelings of surprise. That impassive poker face he wore at all times was still there, and at best, one could expect to see a look of mild impression cross his face. But deep down, as he watched Paradise’s badlands transform into a hub of activity for adventurers, merchants and thrill-seekers alike, he couldn’t help but hold pride in his heart for Cadmus and Noah, that he had made the right decision to entrust Paradise to them.

The Quagsire still kept his residence in Paradise, of course. And he did get paid well for his work as sheriff. He had racked up a good amount of savings in the two years since the Crossblades took over, and he was confident that with them at the helm, his former land would be safe for years to come.

…Mmmmm, in that case, perhaps I ought to tell them of my plans. But if so…there are a few loose ends to clear up, mmm-hmmm.

Myron was in his office when he made that decision. A Weavile outlaw had been brought in earlier by Falchion, Belka and Nathair, and he was currently processing the paperwork for them. Once that had been stamped and put away, he stood up from his chair and began to waddle out of his booth.

He stepped out onto the street, and looked to his left, at the dojo stall…where he couldn’t help but notice something.

Hmm…Filo is absent.

Right as he thought this, he saw a familiar shape running towards him, panting heavily. A Scrafty holding up his pants, who jumped in shock when he saw Myron outside the dojo.

“Sh-Shit!” he cried. “I-I wasn’t slackin’ off, I swear!”

“...Mmmm. Were you not?” Myron’s expression implied doubt.

“I-I just lost track of time! Got caught up talking to a client over in Post Town, and damn well did they talk forever! I’m not bein’ lazy! I’m not! It was their fault, not mine!”

The Scrafty continued to blather on and on in a begging manner, making Myron tilt his head in curiosity.

“...You speak as if I still have a hold over you, mmm-hmm,” the Quagsire murmured. “Your sentence has, hmmm, been terminated for some time now.”

“Yeah, I know that. Duh.” Filo threw his hands in the air. “But you’re one ‘mon I do not want to get on the bad side of. Even now, you still give me the willies.”

“Hmmm.” Myron stared Filo up and down. “As it should be. I may not own Paradise any more, but…mess with me and there will be, hmmm, consequences.”

His blank stare was enough to draw a yelp out of Filo.

“I-I got it, I’ll get back!” The Scrafty pulled up his trousers and began to make his way to the dojo, before Myron spoke up again.

“Before you go, Filo.”

Filo stopped.

“Y-Yeah?”

“...I’m glad you didn’t make a run for it immediately after your sentence ended,” the Quagsire said. “That would’ve been, mmm, unfortunate if we crossed paths with you on the wrong side of the law again. I’ve dealt with a few outlaws in my time like that, mmm-hmmmm. But you chose to stay here in Paradise, which has proven to be all for the better.”

Looking Filo up and down again, he could certainly see that was true. As a Scrafty, he still had that roguish look about him, but he was no pickpocket like he used to be. And that he had expanded his gig as a Move Reminder into a full-on dojo was a sign of laying down his roots and putting such petty crimes in the past where they belonged.

“I guess.” Filo still acted rather standoffish sometimes, though. “Not like I had anywhere to go, really. Not until Paradise cropped up and I served my sentence. So, uh…thanks for putting me back on the straight and narrow, Myron. If that’s what yer lookin’ for.”

“I’m glad I could help rehabilitate you,” Myron said. “Were it the whims of someone less, mmmm, charitable, you could well still be locked up, or you would be let go with no lesson learnt. But you made for…interesting company next to me for all that time, mmm-hmmm.”

“Yeah, whatever.” Filo rolled his eyes. “Now can I get back to my dojo?”

“Hmmmm…you may. Have a good day, Filo.”

The Scrafty wasted no time getting back behind his stall and opened things up again, immediately getting a customer in the form of a Mienshao. Hearing a “Oh hey, Kojo, how’s tricks?” behind him, Myron left Filo to his own devices while he headed for somewhere else, turning right and into the guts of Paradise.

---

Cadmus and Noah’s house had expanded by quite a bit since its ramshackle beginning as a construction by a bad-backed Rigiel. It used to only have one room, but now it commanded several, and was surrounded by a wall, a small garden within and two torchlights at the house’s entrance. Viga and Siyos, Rigel’s two Timburr apprentices, had given it a fresh coat of pain recently, and it looked as good as new when Myron approached. He was about to ring the bell outside, before hesitating.

Are they out? He thought back to that day and what he’d observed. …No, I don’t recall Ratona giving them a mission. He therefore rang the bell, decorated like a Chimecho, and the sound of a graceful ringing rang through the garden. He couldn’t help but notice the bell appeared to be custom-made - perhaps another request Cadmus had put in with the amount of money the dragon raked in regularly.

As he pondered on this, the door opened to a Samurott, whose eyes lit up when he saw the Quagsire before him.

“Oh hi, Myron!” Noah greeted. “You came to see us? Cadmus is in as well.”

“Ah, good,” Myron replied. “I would like to see you both, for I have news to tell.”

“News?” Noah raised a brow at that. “Alright, come in. I’ll get Cadmus. Knowing him, he’s probably napping like a Komala right now.”

The Quagsire let out a slight guffaw at that.

To think, hmmm, that one of our saviours is fond of his sleep…

---

As it turned out, Cadmus hadn’t been sleeping. Instead, he seemed to be mulling over some more plans for Paradise with a cup of coffee next to him. Noah had always made good coffee, as Myron could attest from previous experience. Once he had been alerted of the Quagsire’s presence, the Haxorus quickly put away his sketches and joined his partner at the kitchen table, where Noah and Myron sat with newly brewed coffee of their own.

“So what’s this about, exactly?” Cadmus asked. “Did you nab a particularly nasty outlaw today?”

“No, not that.” Myron shook his head. “It, hmmm, relates to me personally.”

“Well, what is it about?” Noah asked.

Myron pondered his words, realising there was a bit to get through first. He sipped his coffee and began his tale.

“Over the past two years, mmm, I have watched Paradise flourish under the care of you two. The success of which has been far beyond anything I had ever expected. You realised your ambitions in a fair and accommodating way that has attracted hundreds here. Even if Gurdurr Rigiel has informed me that some of your plans are a little, hmmm, challenging to implement.”

“Tell me about it.” Cadmus pouted, folding his arms like a petulant child. “I’m sure that we could put in a minecart ride somewhere! Come on! The kids in town would love it!"

“Let’s not get off-track, love,” Noah urged, putting his forepaw in his partner’s claw.

“But regardless, I knew I made the right decision placing this land in your care, Cadmus,” Myron continued. “I intended to stay here until I could find someone worthy to bring this once barren land to its full potential, mmm-hmmm. And now that that has been achieved…” He trailed off, pondering the segue into the next part.

“Wait.” But before he did, Noah spoke up. “Are you saying…you’re leaving?”

Myron raised a brow. The Samurott caught on quick.

“What?!” Cadmus spat coffee back into the cup. “Myron, you’re actually…?”

“...Mmm, not right away.” Myron sipped some more coffee. “I need to find someone to take over my position for me in outlaw rehabilitation. But, hmmm, once that is done…yes, I will retire and I intend to leave Paradise shortly after.”

“...You’re really leaving…?” Cadmus was still shell-shocked by the news.

“Mmm-hmmm. I am not a young ‘mon anymore. And seeing the younger cohort of adventurers moving into this town has made me think about handing my position over to someone, hmm, a bit younger than me. Wouldn’t want to sit on my laurels for too long.”

“You’re not that old to retire, are you?” the Haxorus asked. “You’re still plenty strong!”

“Some would say that, mmm. But…this is also a family matter,” Myron replied.

“Family matter?” Noah asked, taking a swig of coffee after speaking.

“Yes. I have family over in Lively Town on the Water Continent who I have not seen in a good while, mmm. Perhaps because of my ties to this place. But…retiring from my post here means I would have more time to spend with them.”

“I suppose that would make sense.” Noah nodded. “Well, in that case, enjoy your retirement.”

“But you better not leave without saying goodbye!” Cadmus said. “We’re gonna throw you the biggest going-away party Paradise has ever seen! Without you, we couldn’t have made all of this happen!” He gestured out of the window, towards the bustling town outside.

“Hmmm…I’ll look forward to it, then.” Myron let a small smile grace his face. “If anything, I should be the one putting on a party for you two, hmmm. Given all you’ve done for us and the Mist Continent as a whole…”

“Psh, no! We’ve had plenty of parties thrown for us already!” Cadmus argued.

“The honour is ours, Myron,” Noah insisted. “Just as you’re thankful to us for making Paradise flourish, we’re thankful to you for letting us have it to begin with.”

“...I’ve bided my time for years for the right buyer, mmm-hmmm,” Myron hummed. “And looking at Paradise now, I can’t say anything except that I made the correct decision to wait. I hope Paradise enjoys many more fruitful years to come under your leadership, and that you, Cadmus, continue to oversee Paradise’s growth for years to come.”

He took another sip of coffee before humming thoughtfully.

“I should return to my post,” he said. “There’s still paperwork to carry out, and outlaws to keep in line. But I will resume my search for a successor, mmmm.”

“Hopefully there’s someone out there who’s able to fill your shoes,” Noah murmured. “You’re a force to be reckoned with, Myron. It’s gonna be tough finding a replacement.”

“There are plenty of new people in Paradise these days, mmm-hmmm,” Myron said. “I'll find someone before hanging up my badge.”

“At least you’re willing to do that much,” Cadmus remarked. “Some folks would just up sticks and leave their mess behind them.” He let out a huff, as if speaking from experience. Myron knew he did, based on the odd shopkeeper over these past two years that the Haxorus had clashed with.

“I will do what is best. And I will leave a clean desk behind me when I go, mmmm.” Myron stood up from his chair, his coffee cup empty. “But anyway, I must be going. Good day, you two.”

The Quagsire left for the door, hearing the goodbyes from Paradise’s two founders. As he left, a smile crossed his face.

Yes…I think this land will be in safe hands for years to come.

 

[Arukona]

Keldeo​

A pleasant breeze drifted through the air as Keldeo Estoc drank from one of Paradise’s watering holes. Many of these lay throughout the northern end of the land Cadmus had bought initially, and when the then Axew had taken time to assess the land fully, most were gummed with stray vegetation, rusty red sediment and other flotsam and jetsam and thus weren’t desirable. Back then he and the Crossblades were busy with matters unfolding regarding the Great Glacier and the advent of the Bittercold, but he resolved that when he had time, he would fix this.

Lo and behold, that was exactly what happened once he and Noah brought in a team of Grass- and Water-types to purify the lakes and fashion them into watering holes. Paths were dug to them, and every morning buckets would be brought to the springs for use in the houses cropping up left and right in town. The water was said to be very fresh and became a hit among Paradise’s residents. Immediately, Cadmus wanted to go further with this, and rumour had it he was developing some system of pumping water to the houses directly, based on irrigation systems he’d heard about from the Sand Continent.

Estoc smiled as he thought about the idealist that led Paradise, where he now lived. To think a hero who helped saved the world could be down-to-earth, along with Noah, in spite of the fact he was technically lord of the land now, and most in his position would use that fame to gradually develop a sense of superiority. But rarely had the Haxorus been one to remind others of his status and use that to shut down arguments.

A sign of a good leader, Estoc had thought. Too many in that position used that power to better themselves and not others, and that would’ve fuelled the sentiment that in turn powered the Bittercold two years ago.

Not to mention, if not for Noah and Cadmus’s work back then, he would still be trapped in the Great Glacier, and Falchion would still be as bitter as ever. That thought still made his stomach squirm, even two years after the fact and after he had long since been forgiven.

Speaking of Falchion, recognisable hoofbeats drifted through the air. Estoc took a last swig of water before turning around to see the familiar Virizion.

“Estoc.” Falchion nodded at him. “They’re here and waiting for you.”

“O-Oh yes, of course!” Estoc immediately stood to attention. “Oh dear, I hope they haven’t been waiting too long…”

“There’s no trouble. They only just arrived.” Falchion turned to leave. “They haven’t changed much since the olden days. Come - you should meet them.”

“A-Alright.” Estoc galloped after her as the two of them picked up speed.

---

Estoc could never not be surprised at the rate of progress Paradise had been going at, as he and Falchion drew closer to the southern end of its land. Cobblestone streets complete with street lanternlight had been laid out around the centre of a newly built elegant square, complete with a fountain upon which the sculpture of a Kingdra spewed water from its spout. Four streets moved out in a radius from the fountain, and quaint benches lined the four grassy quadrants left by the side of the cobbled streets within the square. It was a new kind of plan, different to how other towns like Post Town and Noe Town down south had been built.

Lapis Square, read the sign at the fountain’s base in an intricate font. The design for that was Noah’s, surprisingly, while the name was Cadmus’s idea. All squares built so far in Paradise had the theme of being named after jewels, reflecting the Haxorus’s love for the stuff. All had water spouts coming from the sculpture of an ocean-dwelling ‘mon. And all, for a travelling ‘mon like Estoc had been, were a wonder to behold on their artistic merit.

That was true of the two newcomers that gazed upon the fountain when Estoc and Falchion arrived. Both tall, four-legged cervines, one blue and the other brown, with auras that oozed strength, their very appearance giving off the implication that they ought not to be messed with.

Not that Estoc had any intention to; in fact, they were dear to him.

“Baselard! Claymore!” he called out to the duo.

Cobalion Baselard and Terrakion Claymore turned to see the Keldeo and Virizion approach them, and their looks brightened at the new arrivals.

“Eyyyy, there they are!” Claymore bounded over to Estoc, hoofprints booming as he went. “How’s our little squire doing?”

He raised a hoof to tousle Estoc’s mane, and the Keldeo tried to escape the noogies to no avail.

“I-I told you to stop calling me that, Claymore!” It might’ve been a complaint, but it was masked beneath giggles from Estoc.

“You haven’t changed much, Clay,” Falchion commented, breaking a smile too.

“Same with you, Fal.” Claymore chuckled. “The locals here giving you any looks? You were famous for that when we were all still a unit.”

“Well…not as much these days.” The Virizion dragged her hoof on the grass. “Mainly because I have a boyfriend now.”

“Oooooooh!” Claymore’s eyes widened. “What majestic stag did you hook up with? Go on, I’m curious!”

Estoc and Falchion shared a look, a wary glance in the Virizion’s eyes. She cleared her throat.

“...We can get into that later.” Cleverly deflecting that topic, she glanced over at Baselard. Estoc did too, as the Cobalion looked between them both, looking them up and down with a scrutinising gaze.

The Keldeo stood straight and with respect up at Baselard. Being the eldest of them by some margin, Baselard was effectively the Swords’ leader and commanded due regard from his fellow Swords due to his wisdom, knowledge and strength.

“You two seem to have had your fair share of travails since we last met.” The Cobalion’s voice was an aged one, yet grand and sagely all the same. “And to think, from the stories we heard, you two were at the forefront of quelling the Bittercold, that blight that threatened to consume our world with its dark energies.”

“It’s all true, Baselard.” Estoc nodded. “Though it was far from solely us. Among those of us in the Crossblades, the credit goes to Noah and Cadmus above all.”

“Those two can certainly fight.” Claymore let out a chuckle. “I had to see for myself just what they were made of. So I sent an invitation for a bit of a friendly duel out in Ochre Quarry, and they came over. …Well, I tell you what! I can see how they defeated a scourge like the Bittercold with that strength. Especially Cadmus - his tusks put my sword to shame! In the end, they came out on top.”

“Odd.” Falchion tilted her head, a wry smile on her face. “I thought you hated losing above all else?”

“Eh, that was the old me.” Claymore shrugged at that. “As long the duel’s fun, I don’t mind losing. And hey - I sure don’t mind losing to our world’s saviours. They were humble about it too, especially Noah.”

“...I had to find out too.” Baselard glanced down the south street, almost as though Paradise’s founders themselves were down that street. They were not. “Once Claymore informed me, I knew they were those selfsame founders that you two were in regular contact with. I called Noah and Cadmus to Flagstone Cave and duelled them too, but even I could not best them.”

“Y-You too, Baselard?” Estoc was shocked to hear that. Not that he doubted the strength of Noah and Cadmus, but the Cobalion had always been the most peerless of them when the Swords of Justice were still a unit!

To his junior Sword, Baselard peered at Estoc, somewhat confused.

“Do not be shocked, Estoc. Like Claymore, I found our duel most invigorating, and I took no shame in my loss.” A faint smile crossed his aged face. “It was a friendly duel with no stakes. And after the times of turmoil our continent has suffered in recent years, it felt nice to be able to show off my prowess without the pressing need to cut down a nefarious foe.”

At that mention, it was as though a hint of shame passed over the Cobalion, as he briefly averted his gaze from Falchion and Estoc. Worry sprung in the Keldeo’s heart, seeing his elder Sword despondent like this.

“Tell me, Estoc and Falchion…” Baselard looked back to them, a questioning look in his eye. “...How well were you two years ago? Before Noah and Cadmus happened across you?”

Estoc’s heart twinged. Now came time to confront his own shame and admit it straight to his elder. Judging by Falchion’s hoof-dragging, she appeared as reluctant as he was to divulge their tales of woe during the Bittercold crisis. But it had been a long time since they had last met Baselard and Claymore, and it would be unfair to deny them the truth.

“...I made mistakes,” he eventually said. “I…was a fool in a lot of ways.”

“A fool?” Baselard quirked his head at that. “What do you mean, Estoc?”

“...You always said in the past that my curiosity would be the death of me, Baselard.” Estoc directed his gaze at the Cobalion. “And it very nearly was, when I went to explore the Great Glacier with Entercards by my side. I had no regrets at first; it never occurred to me the danger that lay within. All I felt was the thrill of exploration, of discovering a mysterious place few others ever stepped foot in.”

“...Go on,” Claymore urged, listening intently with an expectant look on his face. Baselard was the same, as if both knew there would be a ‘but’ just around the corner.

Estoc looked down at his hooves, ashamed at the truth he was to admit.

“...I was captured by Munna Aisling.”

“Aisling?” Baselard cocked his head. “That traitor who sold herself to the Bittercold?”

“‘Traitor’ is…a strong word.” Estoc bit his lip. “Beaten down by the world so much that she felt the only right way was to end it all for everyone…I don’t deny what she’s done, Baselard. But she was not born evil. And…at the time, I tried to appeal to her for that. And to Kyurem, too. The great dragon that lives upon the Great Glacier, worshipped by many in the past…I tried to appeal to them. To turn away from the Bittercold’s increasing influence which was fast corrupting them.”

“...But you did not succeed.” Baselard frowned at his junior.

“...I did not, alas.” The Keldeo let out a sigh. “In retrospect, I shouldn’t have. But I couldn’t ignore the plight of someone like Munna and her allies suffering either.”

“...Well, hey.” Claymore shrugged. “At least you gave it a go. If they don’t become better folks, you’re not to blame for that. We always did say you had the biggest heart of all of us.”

“Mmmm.” Baselard didn’t sound as positive. “Too big for your own good, Estoc. I did warn you of this in times past.”

“I know.” Estoc looked down in shame. “And I’m sorry, Baselard. I should have remembered in the moment. And it was my big heart that…led to your own plight, Falchion.”

Falchion stiffened next to him, which Baselard and Claymore immediately took note of.

“Hmmm? What’s this?” Baselard asked the Virizion. “There’s more?”

Estoc wanted nothing more than to deafen his ears at the next part, all so his mistakes wouldn’t be put on display like this. But all the same, they needed to hear the truth and nothing but it.

“...Estoc sent me a letter,” Falchion said. “He had been gone for quite a while, and I was beginning to worry. I received the letter, and was glad to see his name on the envelope…until I read what was inside.”

“What did it say?” Baselard wondered.

Estoc winced, knowing what was to come. His idiotic folly, about to be revealed.

“...I still remember it clear as day,” Falchion went on. “He said in it, ‘The truth is that I never intended to go to the Great Glacier. I just wanted an excuse to get away from you.’”

There it was. The words that were Estoc’s great mistake, and one he still hadn’t forgiven himself for two years on.

“What?” Claymore peered at Estoc, in shock. “You wrote that, Est?”

“Surely not.” Baselard was just as gobsmacked. “Estoc…you’re kinder than that. What possessed you to write such a thing?”

“I don’t know what I was thinking.” Estoc sniffled, almost like he was close to crying. “Was it simply me rushing to get any word out at all, given the conditions I was under? I was running from Kyurem and Aisling at the time…I wasn’t thinking straight. …Could it perhaps have been the Bittercold’s influence to write so negatively, since I was near it?”

“Estoc…” Falchion looked over at her friend.

“There’s no excuse. What I did was unforgivable.” The Keldeo shook his head and looked at the ground, not meeting the gaze of any of the other Swords. “If I hadn’t sent that letter, you wouldn’t have grown so cold-hearted, Falchion. I didn’t mean to cause you such suffering…”

Tears fell to the cobblestoned streets as Estoc began to sob.

“I’m sorry…! I’m not worthy of calling myself a squire of you, Baselard! Nor a friend of yours, Falchion!”

The Keldeo continued to cry. He felt a ferned leg brush up against him; it was Falchion’s, intended as a gesture of comfort. He looked up at her, blinking tears from his eyes, as she returned a sad, sympathetic smile his way.

But what of Baselard and Claymore? Estoc took a shaky breath before looking over at his other two elder Swords. The Cobalion and Terrakion, though the former still had that parsing stern look…looked at their junior with looks of sympathy too.

“...Estoc.” Baselard eventually spoke. “Dry your tears, my student.”

The Keldeo sniffled, in an effort to control his crying. But he didn’t have the heart within him.

“B-But it was my fault…” Estoc whimpered. “Falchion wouldn’t have become cynical if not for me. She suffered because of my letter! And if not for Noah and Cadmus, then she might well not have seen her way out of that…”

The Cobalion seemed to hum, then sigh in mild frustration. Estoc winced; he didn’t want any more burdens on his elder because of his mistakes.

“It would seem we all fell victim to those negative energies exuded by the Bittercold,” Baselard murmured. “It strung out our worst tendencies and exacerbated them.”

“You too, Baselard and Claymore?” Estoc looked between them, surprised. “You were affected too?”

“Indeed, we were.” Baselard nodded. “Suddenly those I rescued weren’t grateful for the help anymore. ‘Why did you not come sooner?’ ‘We’re not paying rip-off prices to you!’ Words like that were being tossed my way, and suffice to say, it embittered me too. So much that when I caught news of a terrible landslide down south, near Noe Town…I did nothing. I will not save them if they’ll be ungrateful to me, I thought.”

“What?” Falchion was just as shocked as Estoc was. “That’s not like you, Baselard…”

The Cobalion closed his eyes and let out a mournful sigh. “I regret that behaviour to this day. It went against every moral I preached. That, I cannot forgive myself for.”

“...I got that same treatment,” Claymore admitted. “I wanted validation more than I actually wanted to help folks. So when folks started stiffing me just like Baz-” He nodded to his fellow Cobalion. “I didn’t want to help them either. And whenever I got in duels…I always took the losses hard, when before I used to shake ‘em off and carry on. Big ol’ tough me…wasn’t so tough anymore.” He gave a bitter chuckle. “Some mentor I was, huh?”

Estoc’s ears pinned back, to see his elders be down on themselves. Maybe it was that he was older now, but never had they been like this to him, so guilty and bearing of their hearts. The pain on their faces was unlike them, and it pained him too, to see them like that.

“Please,” he spoke up. “You don’t need to be guilty. The Bittercold’s gone now. It’s as you said, Baselard - we all made mistakes under the weight of its negative power.”

“...As you say, my squire.” Baselard looked down at the Keldeo, his chest fur rippling in the breeze. “But that goes for you too. All our troubles are bygone matters, Estoc. Two years old, and in your case, one I expect has been forgiven already.”

The Cobalion turned to Falchion. “Have you forgiven him yet, Falchion?”

“Yes.” The Virizion nodded. “He apologised when we met again two years ago. I’d rather not hold a grudge against my friend and fellow Sword, after all.”

“There, you see, Estoc?” Baselard directed his attention back to the Keldeo. “The mistake at hand has been righted and forgiven. All is even once again. Leave it in the past, and learn from it. This is my teaching to you.”

“Y-Yes, Baselard.” Estoc swallowed, before taking a deep breath. “I won’t make that same mistake twice.”

The Cobalion then bowed his head, pointing his sword horns near Estoc’s smaller horn.

“Do you swear it, my squire?”

Estoc met him in the eye, before touching his horn with Baselard’s right sword horn.

“I swear it, my teacher.”

“...As I expect.” The Cobalion’s look softened to a smile, before he raised his horn again. “Now, enough preamble. Let us do what we came here to do, Claymore.”

“Yeah.” Claymore grinned. “Enough pity parties about the past. Let’s get to the main event!”

“The main event?” Estoc cocked his head. “What do you mean?”

“Oh, you’ll know.” A knowing smile crossed Falchion’s face. “Stand back. Let Baselard have the stage.”

Estoc nodded, and noted Claymore stepping back too. He followed his lead, as did Falchion.

Baselard then stepped forward, right hoof in front of his left, before raising his head. From between his horns, a bright blue sword emerged and he pointed it skyward.

“All for one!” the Cobalion proclaimed.

Then suddenly it clicked for Estoc, an old memory flooding back to him when he was younger.

Oh! Of course! How could I have forgotten about that?

Claymore then stepped forward, hoofs clomping on the grass and street as he went. He too raised his head skyward, with a heavy crimson blade shining bright.

“And one for all!” the Terrakion declared.

Falchion was next, smiling warmly as she stepped up to her two fellow Swords, and raised her emerald blade upwards to join the other two.

“United we stand!” The Virizion held her sword up proudly.

Three blades now stood, shining bright…but by the looks of it, there was still one side that hadn’t yet been attended to.

The gazes of Baselard, Claymore and Falchion all fell upon Estoc. They said nothing, but the inviting looks told all: for him to join them.

And though doubts still swam within Estoc’s mind…he bit them back.

It was all in the past. And now…maybe they could be one again.

Estoc stepped up to the plate, and basking in the glow of the Swords of Justice’s blades…he felt a shift within his body. His form briefly shimmered, like an evolution was happening, and from there, his mane grew out and his horn lengthened into a shape resembling more of a sword.

The white surrounding him dispelled, and Estoc stood gallantly in his Resolute Forme, feeling empowered by it and his fellow Swords’ presence. Especially Falchion’s, after all they had been through together.

Estoc raised his new horn skyward, and a reddish-gold blade grew from it.

“...And divided we fall!” he finished, joining the three aligned swords.

With the Keldeo standing resolutely with his fellow Swords, he joined them in their cry of unison:

“When our bonds unite, nothing can stop us!”

And after so long away…nothing warmed his heart more than to proclaim those words once again.

 

[Arukona]

Kyurem​

“You two…You have changed the future irrevocably.”

Noah stared up agape at the giant grey dragon before him, in the roots of his mind after slaying the Bittercold. Cadmus stood next to him, just as shocked.

“The future is the truth; that unshakeable pillar that must not be changed.” Kyurem glared back with a piercing gaze. “And yet…you have done just that.”

The Oshawott gulped. Had he not changed Kyurem’s mind? Did the Bittercold still grasp him in its chokehold?

“In doing so…you have created a new truth,” Kyurem continued. “A new destiny in which the world’s heart continues to beat. Saving the world seemed so foolish an ideal…yet that is exactly what you have done in felling the Bittercold.”

Noah breathed a sigh of relief. He wasn’t that same heartless beast that had crushed Valakai into motes.

“Perhaps…there is still some worth in the Pokémon of this world.”

Kyurem’s icy look seemed to soften.

“I owe you my gratitude, Noah and Cadmus. I give you my utmost thanks for freeing me from these icy shackles I have bound in all these years.”

---

That was two years ago now, yet the memory of Kyurem giving his thanks still rang through Noah’s mind every once in a while.

And those thoughts continued to run through his mind as he filled in some paperwork that had piled up while he and Cadmus were off on an expedition to one of the Mist Continent’s southwestern peninsulas. There were some new tenants looking to join Paradise’s ranks, which would mean more housing needed to be built, which would mean more work for Rigiel’s builders, which would in turn lead to the need for more building supplies…

The Samurott pinched between his eyes. For somewhere called Paradise, it could get awfully boring and mundane sometimes with work like this. It was important, of course, but that didn’t take away from how soul-sucking it could be sometimes.

Especially with how nice a day it was outside. The sun shone through the windows onto his parchment, and glinted in the ink that Noah scrawled onto the page. He was grateful for his evolution in many ways - strength and handsomeness were two things - but becoming quadruped was not one of the better parts of being a Samurott.

A knock then sounded on his study door. Noah returned the pen to the inkwell and opened the door.

“Hey, Noah?” Cadmus stood there, tail swaying idly. “There’s someone who wants to see us. They’re waiting in the foyer.”

Finally, a break from the paperwork. Whoever this visitor was, Noah was thankful to them already.

“Let them in,” he said. “We can discuss it over tea and cookies.”

---

A Beartic was not who he expected would be their guest. And especially not an old lady.

“So you’re the human that defeated the Bittercold.” She sat at the kitchen table with Noah opposite her and Cadmus on her right. A plate of chocolate cookies, baked by Noah earlier that morning, had been set out, as had two cups of tea. The Beartic had requested cold juice - hot drinks like tea and coffee didn’t tend to mix well with the chilly body heat of Ice-types.

“Yes.” Noah took a sip of tea. “That’s me. The same Noah you’ve probably heard about. I’ve, um, changed since then.” He gestured to his Samurott form, bigger and more moustached than he’d been back when he was an Oshawott.

“Changed for the better.” Cadmus gave his partner a wink. “My Oshawott friend’s now a hunk of a man~”

The Beartic chuckled, and Noah could feel his face redden.

“Please don’t talk like that in front of our guest, please, love,” he begged, his moustache drooping slightly.

“Oh no, I don’t mind at all!” the Beartic said. “It’s always great to see the sight of young love, even if two men in love is more unusual for an old dear like me. But still, carry on! I wish you well there.”

“I appreciate it, ma’am,” Noah said, sipping some more tea. “But forgive me for saying that you have not introduced yourself yet.”

“Oh, of course. My manners!” The Beartic waved a hand, as if to apologise. “My name is Birna. I’m an elder of Corrie Village, a settlement in the tundras at our continent’s most northern reaches.”

“The northern tundras? That’s…quite a distance.” Noah blinked in surprise. “What compelled you to take such a journey to visit us here in Paradise?”

“To see the faces of the heroes who’d saved us all, of course.” Birna looked between Noah and Cadmus. “And…to inquire on a matter you would’ve seen in your quest.”

“A matter, huh?” Cadmus clasped his claws together. “Well, go on. What about it?”

“...It would be about Kyurem. You…encountered him, did you not?”

The Samurott and Haxorus traded curious looks. The icy dragon who dwelled on the Great Glacier? Why was she bringing him up?

“Yes, that’s true.” Noah nodded. “We did fight Kyurem, within the Glacier Palace. He was the Bittercold’s strongest agent, and believed the world’s collision course with its end was inevitable and should not be changed.”

“Of course we couldn’t stand for that.” Cadmus raised a claw and clenched it. “So we defeated him! And we convinced him that the world wasn’t destined to be doomed. I think he saw our way in the end. …But we’ve not been back since to see him. We’ve been up to our eyes elsewhere.”

Birna listened intently, taking it all in as she sipped on her chilled rawst juice.

“...So you gave him salvation.” A small smile graced her lips. “I’m glad for that.”

“Um, can I ask something?” Noah raised a forepaw. “Who…is Kyurem? Beyond a dragon that lives on the Great Glacier. From what I’ve heard in passing, he sounds important to the myths of the Mist Continent. But I haven’t really had time to look into it.”

He looked over at Cadmus. “You’d know a thing or two, wouldn’t you, love?”

Birna looked at the Samurott, surprise flashing across her face. Cadmus seemed more neutral, more knowing of Noah’s lack of knowledge on the matter.

“...My. Do the Legends not reach the ears of youth today?” A worried look crossed her face. “Or is it the fault of us elders for not passing down our stories well enough…?”

“Oh no, ma’am.” Cadmus shook his head. “He’s, er, a special case.”

“I’ve heard rumours.” Birna peered at Noah. “...Is it true what they say? That you are a human, Noah?”

Noah squirmed where he sat. People tended to have varying reactions to that information; they were rarely bad, thankfully, but folks did certainly tend to get a bit overexcited whenever they saw Noah and pointed to the fact that he was a human. Hell, hearing one Samurott mother say she’d named her newly hatched Oshawott boy after him did make the former human wonder if the cult about humans in this world went a bit too far sometimes.

“Y-Yes, it’s true. But I’m not looking for special treatment or anything.” Noah held up his forepaws. “I just want to be treated the same as everyone else, even if I did heroic deeds in the past.”

Birna stared at him some more, sipping her juice as her eyes twinkled with gratitude.

“So humble…The best quality a hero should have.” The Beartic set her drink down. “Others in your position would soak up that admiration and become conceited. I am glad you have not gone down that path. Nor have the other humans, by the sound of it.”

The other humans… Noah pondered about that from time to time. The letter he’d gotten from Lucario Robin was still one he kept around, and he debated getting into contact with the Air Continent’s hero, a Sceptile named Finn. Did they all have the same tribulations as him in grappling with newfound fame after fulfilling their respective destinies?

But that was a matter for another time. For now, Noah wanted to get back to the matter at hand.

“So what was this about Kyurem?” he asked, taking another sip of tea after he finished.

“It is to do with the legend of Kyurem,” Birna began, setting down her juice and folding her arms. “He was once part of a greater whole, a great dragon that many worshipped aeons ago and forged the continent as we know it.”

“Forged the continent?” Noah blinked at that. “Was he really that influential?”

“Mmm, once he was. But matters changed at one point in time.” Birna’s look seemed to be more serious. More terse. “The dragon’s psyche was wrought, pulled apart by two growing ideologies within itself. To follow the truth and keep its land stable…or to follow ideals and seek to make life better for his worshippers.”

“Truth and ideals, huh…” Those words sounded familiar to Cadmus, who muttered the words idly before reaching for one of Noah’s cookies and munching on it.

“The dragon’s torment became worse, until eventually it split apart. Those embodiments of truth and ideals separated into two separate beings - dragons, specifically. One was a brilliant white dragon of fire and preached groundment by truth. His name was Reshiram. The other was an obsidian black dragon of thunder and preached ambition of ideals. His name was Zekrom.”

“Reshiram and Zekrom…?” Something about those names seemed familiar to Noah as he turned to his partner. “You’ve mentioned those names before, haven’t you, Cadmus? Don’t you have that plush of Zekrom in the bedroom?”

“Oh yeah. That’s the same one Birna’s talking about.” Cadmus nodded. “I, er, kinda align with him more than a bit. My parents looked up to him too.”

“A follower of ideals, are you?” Birna looked at the Haxorus curiously. “Perhaps I should have expected that from the founder of this Paradise place.”

“I wouldn’t have gotten this far if not for a bit of foolish idealism.” Cadmus grinned. “Ol’ Zek watched over me while I staked my earnings on this place. I like to think he’d look down now at my little creation and think, ‘Good job, kid.’”

Would he really? Noah did know his partner for having his head in the clouds a little too much. Then again, I don’t really know the Legends of this world like he does…

“Well, anyhow,” Birna said, now steering the story to be back on track. “Reshiram and Zekrom developed cults of their own among the Pokémon of the Mist Continent, and feverishly preached their views as the superior way on which a society ought to be built. And as expected with opposing ideologies…” She gave a long sigh. “Tension developed and it quickly turned to blows.”

“Oh, really?” Noah bit his lip. “These were ancient times, weren’t they? Did that mean…”

“Yes, Noah. It meant war.” Birna continued, as serious as she had been before. “Many clashes were had. Many battlefields scarred the Mist Continent’s soil. Reshiram and Zekrom wreaked destruction upon the land their dominant being had once created, and burned those who fought for the other side. Blood ran red, and many lives were lost.”

Noah’s ears pinned back beneath his helmet. Of all the things he expected to hear today, he was hardly expecting bloody war stories.

“But this was a long time ago, surely?” he said, a look of concern crossing his face. “Would we have to worry about that, Cadmus?”

“Nah, not really these days.” Cadmus shrugged. “Just, y’know. Don’t go out of your way to insult them. But you’ll be fine. It’s not like I’ve ever been attacked by a Reshiram believer just because I align with Zekrom. Zealots are a fringe lot at best these days.”

“...Oh.” Noah let out an exhale. “That’s a relief.”

“Mmmm…” Birna drummed her claws on the table. “That was perhaps another matter I wished to discuss. All that focus over Zekrom and Reshiram…and yet in it all, the original dragon’s skeleton was forgotten about. That became Kyurem, and without the warm kindling of truth or ideals…his heart grew cold, and in turn, ice became its element. That, in turn, added to the biting snow and ice that inhabits this continent’s northern fringes.”

Noah side-eyed Cadmus, who was pulling a face at the mention of snow and ice. Suffice to say, the dragon was not fond of the idea of exploring the frozen tundras up north.

“We should have known of it. Yet the knowledge of Kyurem did not extend much beyond a few select elders like myself. I tried hard to preach it to my fellow clansmon, but I fear by then our lack of worship for Kyurem may well have contributed to the…hardening of his feelings.”

“Wait a minute.” Cadmus rested a claw under his chin, eyes wide. “So you’re saying that because not enough people worshipped Kyurem, he became shrouded with negative thoughts?”

“Precisely. And no doubt fuelled further by the attention everyone else gave Reshiram and Zekrom over the years, while in turn, he, the original dragon who forged the lands we call home, was left to wallow in obscurity.” Birna clasped her claws, a look of sorrow in her eye. “I wonder if it might have been that from which the Bittercold fed.”

“And from such a great source of power, too…” Cadmus’s head lowered, almost in shame. “I never realised how much he might have been suffering like that. Being forgotten about…I imagine it’s a horrible feeling. Even with the power he has, that doesn’t mean he can’t feel neglected.”

Noah felt for Kyurem too. Especially when he was all alone on the Great Glacier, surrounded by only a close circle of wild ‘mons…it had to have been hard, to suffer such a fall from grace, and all for seemingly no reason of his own.

Is there a way we can put this right? he thought. All the way out here in Paradise, I’m not sure how much we can do. But we ought to do something. He saved our lives, after all.

“Is he still around?” Cadmus asked. “We…haven’t been back to the Great Glacier. Too many memories, and…” He shivered, armoured scales rattling slightly. “I’m not really fond of the cold.”

“From what I have been told by some villages near the Great Glacier…yes.” Birna’s confirmation brought sighs of relief to both Cadmus and Noah. “The Glacier Palace still remains a destroyed shell, yet perhaps one day it should be restored to its former glory. A shrine worthy of the dragon who was once our almighty ruler.”

“That would be nice. It was thrilling in a way, going through there when we didn’t know of the Bittercold,” Noah reminisced, thinking back to those innocent days two years ago when he was an Oshawott and the burden of being a hero didn’t weigh upon his and Cadmus’s shoulders.

“Yeah. All those amazing structures, cool architecture, and also the treasures Kyurem gave us back then!” Cadmus’s eyes shone. “The amount of gold he gave us - you better believe I put it into building this place up! We made a real leap forward from that!”

“...Right after you threw a big party for all of us.” Noah chuckled, knowing what the Haxorus wasn’t alluding to. “I remember a certain Axew moaning over the headache he had the next morning.”

“It was a party, Noah!” Cadmus protested. “What’s a party without drink? I’m not some teetotaller, you know! And Rigiel was more smashed than I was!”

Birna burst into laughter at the playful banter between the two. The Samurott only gave a wry smile in Cadmus’s direction, before turning to the Beartic.

“We’re a bit like this,” he said. “But, um, apologies if we got off track.”

“Oh no, dears, you’re fine! It’s nice to see that Kyurem’s gifts helped you.” Birna smiled warmly at the Samurott and Haxorus. “If you wish, I can see to getting in contact with him, to letting him know that you two are thankful to him.”

“Maybe that’ll lift his spirits,” Cadmus said.

“...I was thinking too, about something just there.” Noah looked to Birna, and then to the Haxorus. “Cadmus…I think we should build a shrine to Kyurem, here in Paradise.”

Both Birna and Cadmus’s eyes widened at the idea.

“A shrine? That’s…actually a pretty good idea, Noah. We don’t really have anything like that here in Paradise…” Cadmus mulled over the idea, pulling a nearby sketch of Paradise’s land. “...Yeah, there’s probably a space for it. Maybe for Reshiram and Zekrom, too…but have Kyurem’s idol be the biggest, to remind us where the original dragon came from.”

“That sounds like a splendid idea,” Birna praised. “I have no doubt Kyurem would be grateful for the news. Whether or not he gains supporters here is another story, but I hope that the gesture would be enough to lift his spirits.”

She then rose from her seat, pushing it back under the table.

“I suppose that’ll be all from me. I came here what I came to do, and it turned out to be better than I expected.” The Beartic bowed to Noah and Cadmus. “Thank you both, for saving our world, and for saving Kyurem.”

“No problem, Birna.” Noah briefly tipped his helmet to her. “Safe journey back home.”

The Beartic shuffled out of the house, and once she was outside, closed the door with a resounding thud.

Silence briefly reigned in the kitchen after that, before Cadmus looked to Noah.

“Well, I better get started on those designs.” The Haxorus looked to the door to his study, which had his designing desk in it. “I already have an idea or two that I can present to Rigiel.”

“You’re sure he won’t reject the idea out of hand?” Noah asked, knowing what the Gurdurr could be like sometimes.

“If he does that, I’ll overrule him and build it myself. Alone if I have to.” Cadmus smirked. “I can accept the other rejected ideas, but I’ll fight tooth and nail for this. Maybe even my tusks if I gotta!” He gave a quick swipe of the air with them for emphasis.

Noah smiled at his partner’s attitude. A good partner he had, in the passion for his town’s wellbeing and the repayment of his allies.

Especially one that had been their saviour two years ago, like Kyurem had been.

 

[Arukona]

Bittercold​

A chill went down Noah’s spine, both from the biting cold air around him and from fear at the reality he was facing right now.

The Bittercold, exuding an oppressive air that sapped the Oshawott’s strength, floated before him and Cadmus, who had fallen some distance back.

It did not have a face.

It did not speak.

In that respect…Noah couldn’t get a grip on it. It was a force of nature hard to comprehend - a snowflake-shaped crystal that fed off negative energies within its vicinity across the Mist Continent.

Even Kyurem, menacing as he was, paled in comparison to this.

Especially when Noah could do nothing. No attack he dealt it could even make a dent in the Bittercold’s crystalline body. And against this tide of draining violet energy, he had collapsed to his knees.

And he was the only one that could save the world?

But how…? Noah panted, panic in his eyes. How can I possibly win here…?

Right as he thought that, the wind blew at him, even stronger, and the Bittercold’s aura became even more crushing in its weight.

“Urk!” Noah gripped his chest. “N-No! I can’t-! Not here…!”

“Noah!”

Noah looked behind him. There was Cadmus, trying but failing to stand up…yet the Axew still met his partner in the eye.

“You can’t lose faith now!” he urged. “You have to stay strong!”

Noah heard Cadmus’s words, and though he always appreciated his partner’s enthusiasm…

Somehow he couldn’t bring himself to believe it in that moment.

I…I can’t….

“Noah…!” Cadmus stood up, and winced. Yet still…he stood. “You can’t give up! I’ve always believed in never giving up…and I’m not gonna do it here! You have to do the same!”

Noah panted over and over, mired more and more by his negative thoughts. …Which in turn, fed the Bittercold’s energy and strengthened it.

The Oshawott froze at that realisation.

He was fuelling the Bittercold even thinking this!

Cadmus…has a point. He gritted his teeth. I can’t give up! I’ll…wring out every last bit of strength and attack! I have to try!

“Alright, Cadmus…” Noah held up his scalchop. “I won’t give up. I’ll give it all I’ve got!”

And with that, he launched himself at the Bittercold with a yell.

“Grrrrraahhhhhhhhhhh!”

And then he struck the Bittercold with all his might.

---

It was evening time in the Post Town half of Paradise. An opportune time for the town’s inhabitants to cook their dinners, and various tantalising smells of homemade berry stews and vegetable bakes would drift through the air, whetting the appetites of passersby.

Noah normally did the cooking back in his and Cadmus’s house. Now that the two of them were bigger from their evolutions, he had a lot more food to gather than he used to, particularly for Cadmus, whose dragon credentials were no exception when it came to hunger. Nothing compared to Valakai’s, of course - the Hydreigon was in a league of his own in that regard - but the Haxorus tended to eat the lion’s share of food that Noah cooked between them.

This evening, though, the Samurott didn’t bother setting anything up from when Cadmus got back from a short exploration jaunt. He’d left him a note on the table and strolled over to Post Town on his lonesome, before climbing the stairs to look out at the view.

The sight before him was mesmerising. The vast green lands below him, with the southern reaches of the tundras beyond just barely visible from this vantage point, all bathed in the glow of evening sunlight. Though it was beginning to get chilly - the first winds of winter had blown from the north, foretelling of a snowy winter - Noah simply tightened his blue scarf he’d been wearing for the last while, upon which his adventurer’s badge was pinned.

It had been a present from Cadmus, for their first anniversary since they’d founded Paradise.

And now a second year had passed. Two years since he’d fallen as an Oshawott from the sky and met Cadmus. From there, they’d gone on to purchase Paradise from Myron, have their house built by Rigiel, meet up with Belka and Nathair, encounter Falchion and later befriend her, along with everything else that happened since.

The rest was history. And it was mostly a fond history Noah looked back on, even if some were weighed down by negativity like Falchion had been when the Bittercold was still around.

That weight of oppression, misery like a millstone around troubled Pokémon like her…it had driven lives like Aisling’s to destroy, and for Kyurem to outright facilitate the end of the world at the will of the Bittercold.

But now it was gone, and hope could reign once again. And if Paradise’s rate of growth could be tied to hope, then it seemed many on the Mist Continent and the wider world were looking forward to a brighter future.

Noah basked in this truth, feeling the cool breeze drift through the air, his moustache ruffling slightly as he basked in the setting sun. How grateful he was for this new hope, and for the many friends he had. Nathair, Belka, Falchion, Estoc, Ilkay, Sorina and Valakai…how blessed he was to have such people by his side.

“Oh, there you are, Noah! I was worried about you!”

And of course, he couldn’t forget his most dearest friend and now love of all.

Noah turned around and saw Cadmus crest the final step atop the outlook.

“Hello, Cadmus,” he said, smiling fondly at his partner. “There’s no need to be worried. I left a note.”

“Yeah, but it’s dinnertime and I’m huuuungry!” the Haxorus whined. “Why are you up here, anyway?”

“I was reminiscing,” Noah told him. “About two years ago, when we defeated the Bittercold.”

“How could I forget? Just the two of us against that giant snowflake…and then just one.” Cadmus flopped himself down next to the Samurott. “”I…didn’t really do much that fight. Kinda makes me wonder if I should have the credit at all when you were the one who took it down all by yourself.”

“No, Cadmus.” Noah shook his head. “Not all by myself. I couldn’t have done it without you.”

“Could you not?” Cadmus tilted his head. “But I was held back by all those negative energies…”

“And so was I,” Noah said. “But you were the one to speak up. You were the one that encouraged me not to give up. I was mired with thoughts of defeat, and the Bittercold was feeding off that. But you…”

He put his paw in Cadmus’s claws, as a gesture of comfort.

“If you hadn’t told me never to give up, I might well have. But because you said that…I was compelled to give it another try. And that…that was the foothold I needed.”

Cadmus blinked in surprise at Noah’s heartfelt words.

“And not just you…but the world around us. The people here in Post Town. And our friends in the Glacier Palace at the time. I had the weight of the world on my shoulders, but you all gave me the encouragement to fight back. And for that…I’m truly thankful.”

A small tear dripped down Noah’s cheek. Such heartfelt emotion…yet it was true. He loved this world, and all the people in it. Especially those he held dear, and above all, the Haxorus before him right now.

“H-Hey, don’t cry, Noah!” Cadmus cried, panicked. “Y-You’re not one to cry…I-If you cry, I don’t think I’ll be able to hold back my tears either!”

“And what’s wrong with that?” Noah smiled, another tear dribbling down his cheek. “Better tears of joy than tears of sorrow. And joy…that’s what I’m feeling right now, remembering how you all helped me when the world needed it most.”

He then leaned forward and hugged Cadmus around his midsection. The dragon was taken by surprise, before he leaned into the hug and embraced Noah back. The Samurott grunted at the embrace - Cadmus’s physical strength fed into his hugs too, and more than once Noah had to tell him to dial it back.

Yet all the same…he adored that about the Haxorus. That eagerness to help, that ambition to develop his dream, that brute strength typical for Haxorus, yet using such strength and ambition for good in his building of Paradise…

“I love you, Cadmus.”

He’d said those words many times in the last while, but he never tired of saying them.

“And I love you too, Noah.”

And he knew for a fact that Cadmus didn’t tire of saying them either.

The founders of Paradise held each other in their arms for a while after that, as the sun crept lower on the horizon. Before long, dusk was beginning to fall, and the sound of Cadmus’s stomach growling prompted Noah to pull away his embrace and look his love in the eye once more.

“...How about we eat out tonight?” the Samurott suggested. “Down in the Swanna House. We might catch some of our friends in there.”

“It’s been a while since we dined out.” Cadmus licked his lips. “But y’know what, sure! I’d be up for some of Ginerva’s House Special. And we got a ton of money saved up to splurge a bit on a fancy dinner.”

“That’s settled, then.” Noah got up from his sitting position, and stretched a little. “And how many servings will I need to treat my love to tonight?”

“Hey, come on, Noah! I’m not Valakai!” Cadmus protested, as they went. “Unlike him, we can at least afford our meals! And I don’t eat anywhere near as much as him!”

“Of course. Good thing you’re pretty good with money, eh?” Noah nudged his side playfully.

“A love for gems gets you far as a kid.” Cadmus smirked. “Now come on. I’m starving.” And without another word, he bounded down the steps.

Noah only chuckled, and made after his partner.

---

Later that evening…

Dusk had turned to night, and with it came a shroud of mist that drifted through Post Town. Given that the continent’s name owed itself to the mist that often coated it, few were surprised to see it descend upon them. But even among the inhabitants familiar with it, parents gave stern warnings not to go out at night lest strange monsters spirit them away. Herdier Archie usually drilled this into younglings and his Lillipup grandson, as did other mothers and fathers, and new arrivals into Paradise were quick to catch onto this norm too. Merchants had long since shut up shop for the day, and the only ones wandering around were those who had been delayed getting home or one of Paradise’s adventurers returning after a long day traversing through a Mystery Dungeon.

But tonight there was one sight wandering the streets that would’ve terrified the life out of any who laid eyes on him. Indeed, some were fearful of him even in broad daylight, in spite of his kind demeanour.

Hydreigon Valakai would normally be in bed by this hour, lulled into a food coma after a hearty feed at Ginerva’s. But tonight was different.

He sensed something out in the distance. And so out of bed he flew, as he made his way up to Post Town’s outlook.

The expanse before him that Noah had seen earlier that day was covered in a thin fog and the sky was laden with clouds, blocking out the moon and stars. It was difficult to make anything out.

Yet Valakai knew that directly in front of him, in far off lands directly north of where he was…that was where the calamity of the Bittercold had nearly happened.

One more to add to two prior calamities on the Air and Grass Continents. Where a terrible meteor had been halted by a Treecko and Mudkip, and where time’s collapse had been stopped in its tracks by a Riolu and Vulpix.

And now the Bittercold had been defeated by an Oshawott and an Axew.

Brave souls, Noah and Cadmus were. Valakai was indebted to them, as was everyone else on the Mist Continent.

Yet something within him stirred regardless.

The faintest feeling like something wasn’t right. Like they couldn’t be at peace just yet.

Could it be…another calamity? The Bittercold stirred to feed off the negative energy of its surroundings…It was almost like a familiar old enemy.

Valakai’s eyes narrowed.

A separate strain from Dark Matter…yet alike in embodying negativity, feeding off others’ conflicts, and even puppeteering them. Dark times they were when Dark Matter rose to threaten us all…and I fear that the Bittercold is naught but a prelude to it all.

The Hydreigon took a long sigh, exhaling through all three mouths. Cool air emanated from them.

It would seem the seal is beginning to become undone. Back then, Dark Matter’s remains were spread all over the world, and here, it seems to have combined with the icy power of the Great Crystal to become a chilling force of oppression. That energy, though mutated…was familiar nonetheless.

The Hydreigon let out a menacing growl next. Were any enemies before him, they would cower in fright.

Dark Matter, you blackguard! You will not harm those in this town. You will not harm my friends. Heroes like Noah and Cadmus will emerge to defeat you once again, just as we did all that time ago.

It would be a hard truth to tell Noah and Cadmus, whenever danger started arising and the world would be in danger once again. It might even take a few years for that to start happening. But while Valakai suspected the Mist Continent would not be the epicentre of the next calamity, it would be a theatre of it regardless.

Dark Matter was a worldwide conflict back then - we all had to pull our weight to see to its sealing. A similar effort may be required this time. But should a strain emerge here…

Valakai looked over at Paradise, now developed with little trace from the badlands he’d known the place to be once.

I suspect the Crossblades will be able to rise to the occasion to fell it. They are brave and courageous, and if they could best the Bittercold, then they could halt another calamity that threatens us all.

As for where that epicentre would be, where the main threat would emerge…

I suspect the Water Continent may be it. We have contingency plans, thanks to Mew’s forward thinking. And the human from back then would have ended up in that area too…Oh, what was his name again?

Valakai searched his mind for a minute. Alas, the name of that human did not quite occur to him.

…It’ll come to me in time. But it would seem the first preparations need to be made, to counteract the next great threat.

With that on his mind, Valakai flew down from the outlook and back to Paradise.

---

A/N: And that's this Drabble Bingo complete! Only took me one and a half years to get them all done. But this was a fun little set of slice of life drabbles for the Gates to Infinity characters and setting, which do tend to be more overlooked than some of the other entries in the PMD series. Touch wood in that I may do more canon PMD drabbles of other entries in the series since I enjoyed writing these so much.