Pokémon The Vaporeon Cycle: Frost Spirals

[val-triplicate]

Jolteon laid restlessly about on a bench across the street. His front left paw dangled limply off of it.

JOLTEON: Oh – hey, Vaporeon.
JOLTEON: I figured I shouldn't bother you, sorry.
VAPOREON: You figured wrong.
VAPOREON: I picked a booth just so you could join me. Get your ass in there.
JOLTEON: Sometimes you just gotta guess...

She ushered him inside and sat beside him. Jolteon's fur was as sharp as it looked, and static sparks nipped her every time his fur touched her skin. He gave her a casual smile to put her at ease. It didn't do a very good job at hiding the sadness behind it.

JOLTEON: You've been through a lot, and you finally looked kinda happy.
JOLTEON: I didn't want to spoil that with my bullshit.
VAPOREON: Well, I wanted to see you.
VAPOREON: Nothing stopping you from just hanging out with your sister, right?
VAPOREON: We don't need to talk about anything you can't share.

He wavered, and gave her a tight hug.

JOLTEON: I've missed you so much.
JOLTEON: I'm so sorry, Vaporeon...
VAPOREON: I missed you too... Zapdos.

She was still just guessing at this point, but Espeon seemed quite sure. Jolteon had looked like he was on the verge of tears, but the name drop put a flicker of confusion on his face. He caught and hid it quickly.

JOLTEON: You know I can't talk about that.
VAPOREON: Sorry. Just a little joke.
VAPOREON: I'm guessing you only came because someone told you to, but I do still appreciate it.
JOLTEON: Hmph. I'm here despite many, many requests for me not to be.
JOLTEON: If Flareon gets to fuck with you, it's only fair I get to spend time with you.
VAPOREON: Ugh, that fucking guy... I held it together when it saw me, though!
JOLTEON: I heard! It was real mad.
JOLTEON: I'm proud of you, Vaporeon.
VAPOREON: You... you guys probably know what I'm here to do, huh.
JOLTEON: ...Yeah.
JOLTEON: I'm still trying to figure out if there's another solution.
JOLTEON: ...Flareon said it was going to let you know that there's still a lot at risk.
JOLTEON: I'm sorry I couldn't tell you that, but I couldn't get approval to when I asked.
VAPOREON: Wait... I thought you two were supposed to be stopping me.
VAPOREON: Not... helping me. What's even going on with you?
JOLTEON: It's... complicated.
JOLTEON: We're both subject to rules and oversight, and we're not necessarily on different teams.
JOLTEON: We just have... very different feelings about some things is all. You most of all.
JOLTEON: I don't think Flareon is evil. I can see what would lead it down the path it's on.
JOLTEON: It's hurting. I'm hurting, too. I just hope the three of us all survive this.
VAPOREON: You know I'm not subtle about my pain...
JOLTEON: Hah. Must be fucking nice.
JOLTEON: ...I'm- I'm sorry.
JOLTEON: It's just been... hard on me, not getting to talk to anyone about this.
VAPOREON: It's okay.
VAPOREON: Do you think I'd ever be able to win it over?
JOLTEON: Hm.
JOLTEON: Flareon has a plan for how it thinks things should go.
JOLTEON: It will get people killed, and it won't work.
JOLTEON: I have my own plan, too.
JOLTEON: It will also get people killed, and it also won't work.
JOLTEON: If you could find a better plan, you'd win both of us over completely.
VAPOREON: I can't find a solution if nobody will tell me what the problem even is...
JOLTEON: ...your Espeon friend is smart.
JOLTEON: You should listen to her, even if you had a falling out.
JOLTEON: I think they'll let that much slide. It's advice, not new information.
VAPOREON: Reshiram is going to pay.
JOLTEON: I can't comment on that, heh.
VAPOREON: Too late, birdbrain.
VAPOREON: Anyway. Sorry for harping on it.
VAPOREON: I wonder what's taking Delphox so- oh!
DELPHOX: ☆ Sorry, dear. I didn't want to interrupt. ☆
VAPOREON: It's fine. Hey, can I get a soda or something for my brother?
VAPOREON: Add it to my tab.
JOLTEON: A mango lassi too, please.
JOLTEON: But both on my tab.
DELPHOX: ☆ Of course, darlings. ☆
VAPOREON: Someone's attitude is going to get him another bite on the ass.

Jolteon rolled his eyes and said nothing, but there was an aching joy in the expression. He'd missed Vaporeon a lot, attitude and all.

The drinks arrived soon after. She dug into her flan, wondering if they were close like this before everything happened. She certainly didn't feel like a very good sister, assuming her guess was correct there.

JOLTEON: Thank you for spending time with me, Vaporeon.
JOLTEON: It means more than you know.
VAPOREON: I could say the same.
VAPOREON: I don't know if you realize... but you two are hiding from me too.
JOLTEON: I've been scared to be too present... I'm scared I'll mess it up.
VAPOREON: I do hope to see you again soon.
VAPOREON: It too. Be a family again. You, it, me and...
VAPOREON: And Mom.

Guessing again, she glanced to his reaction. He looked a little hurt, but maybe it was just the same sadness that permeated him so completely.

JOLTEON: That's not going to work on me again, Vaporeon.
JOLTEON: Try again, but this time just the parts that you actually mean.
VAPOREON: Of course. Sorry.
VAPOREON: I did mean it, though.
VAPOREON: I'm going to drag both of your asses with me if I have to, and we're all going to fix this.
JOLTEON: I'm behind you the whole way.
JOLTEON: Once it all comes to a head, I promise – I'm in your corner.

The two spent another few minutes in mostly quiet company. She left him with the best-looking part of the flan and the rest of the check. He gave her directions to the inn he was staying at and another sharp look of sorrow.

DELPHOX: ☆ Come back soon, darling! ☆

 

[val-triplicate]

The guild's building was just five blocks from the restaurant, in a small business district. The building itself was smaller than she would have expected for such an important city, hardly any larger than Phox's Pho.

The bustle of the city was lesser here than it had been by the restaurant. This was the first time Vaporeon really had the chance to look around the place, or at least the willingness. It was certainly a lot. More Pokemon definitely lived here than in the static floors she’d seen, but it was spread out past what she could ever see. There were a lot of businesses and residences, often with gratingly garish signs and banners, but few Pokemon were out at this time of day.

Vaporeon walked into the guild hall and looked around. Nothing caught her eye before a Xatu teleported a few feet in front of her. She let out a startled yelp, and they cocked their head with a blank expression.

(XATU: Hello; it's good to finally meet you.)
(XATU: Vaporeon, correct?)
VAPOREON: Well. Sort of. But yes.
(XATU: Espeon has filled us in on the situation up to a few days ago.)
(XATU: She said you would need a new case manager, and support to reach and fight Reshiram.)

She winced. Their tone was clinical enough without calling her a "case."

(XATU: She cannot join herself; she wanted me to apologize to you for that.)
VAPOREON: I know. She's been injured.
(XATU: She will make a full recovery soon, if it helps.)
VAPOREON: Yeah, hooray.
VAPOREON: So what do you want me to do?
(XATU: I am not here to direct you, only to offer assistance.)
(XATU: Espeon was clear that you wanted to go yourself; I have been told not to discourage this.)
VAPOREON: I don't know who told you not to discourage me, but if it's Flareon you can both go fuck yourself.
(XATU: It was Guildmaster Alakazam; he believes you can succeed better than we could.)
VAPOREON: Hm. He's right, but I'm surprised he's not more overconfident.
VAPOREON: Guess that's what you get for being a mutant psychic banana.
(XATU: Are you certain you can only go alone?)
(XATU: Our resources are limited, but Guildmaster Alakazam has deemed your mission the highest priority.)
VAPOREON: Yes, I'm fucking sure.
VAPOREON: Don't you know who I am?
(XATU: Likely Articuno; Possibly Suicune; Perhaps Kyurem.)
(XATU: Potentially any Pokemon related to them, or any other.)
(XATU: Currently in a body you have little experience with.)
(XATU: Up against a long dungeon and a boss you do not have a type advantage against.)
VAPOREON: I'm a Water-type now, dumbass.
(XATU: Water beats Fire, but is resisted by Dragon.)
(XATU: You also use Ice frequently. This beats Dragon, but is resisted by Fire.)
VAPOREON: Even if I was worried, I refuse to take anyone with me.
VAPOREON: Innocent people have a nasty pattern of ending up frozen near me.
(XATU: Very well. Let us know what supplies you need; keep in mind we are spread thin at the moment.)
(XATU: We can also teleport you to the dungeon's entrance, but no farther.)

She scowled. It was really that easy? Just show up and these weak dorks would give her anything she wanted? Her gaze met theirs, and she was tempted to freeze its eyes shut so it couldn't keep staring at her.

(XATU: Please consider the offer of further assistance; it is always open.)
VAPOREON: Over my dead burned body am I asking for help.
(XATU: We will not force you; the resources will certainly be helpful elsewhere.)
(XATU: Let us know when you would like to depart; I advise gathering supplies first.)

Vaporeon walked past them with a frustrated lash of her tail. The help was appreciated, though she'd never admit it, but fucking hell did they piss her off.

There were a few more psychics zipping about, as well as some Flying-types being loaded with hefty saddlebags. A trio of powerful-looking Pokemon sat tensely on a sofa, as an angry Audino scolded them for their recklessness.

Vaporeon found an unoccupied seat and laid her face on a table. The other Pokemon left her alone – a few tables over, an overworked-looking Talonflame was doing much the same.

She recalled once again the events of the past few days. Murder, chaos, arrest, weird psychic therapy, almost murdering again, trudging through the fucking mud for days, and now here. One more teleport away from destiny. She was fucking terrified. Her fool mouth had signed her up to beat a god single-handedly after an entire dungeon.

Others milled about, few aware of the tempest that brewed in their midst. She tilted her head to the side. No one on this floor seemed to recognize her, but she'd seen a few more floors from outside that didn't seem open to the public.

Whatever. She was busy, and she hated this place anyway. If she wanted to waste a little more time before traipsing off to her death, she already knew where she wanted to go.

 

[val-triplicate]

Vaporeon walked down the street, looking around for shops and signs. Jolteon was still in town, so with luck he might be back at his hotel by now. That district was most of the way across the city, but something caught her eye first. Mawile's Blacksmithing. It was on the way, after all.

VAPOREON: Am I really gonna ask?
VAPOREON: I guess there's no harm in it.

The shop was among the smallest in the area, and stepping inside made this even more apparent. The forge couldn't have been more than 30 feet away, emitting absurd levels of sound and heat.

The Mawile's monstrous grin met her eyes the moment she stepped in. It took her a moment to remember how the species worked – the razor-sharp jaws would be the back head, then. It didn't react to her presence. With so much noise going on, she couldn't blame it. She wasn't intimidated, though, not after what she'd been through. If anything, she was curious.

VAPOREON: Uh, hello there.
MAWILE: Mm? Oh – a cust'mer.
MAWILE: Be right w'th you.

The blacksmith spent another five minutes finishing up the horseshoe she was working on, then turned around. Her voice was certainly odd – Vaporeon had expected her to talk with her back head, but she only used the front one. Now that she could see it face-to-face, it didn't seem like the front face really had the range of motion it'd need to speak clearly.

MAWILE: S'rry ab't that. Can't let the m'tal be wasted.
VAPOREON: Ah, yeah. I understand.
VAPOREON: So um, I was wondering if you made prosthetics?

She felt a little shy wiggling her stump for the smith.

MAWILE: Mm. I c'n.
MAWILE: Not cheap though. 500 incl'ding mat'rials.
MAWILE: 100 up front, at least. G've me about a m'nth?

Vaporeon thought to herself and nodded. She might be able to scrounge that up on the way, providing Reshiram didn't fry her outright.

VAPOREON: I think I can work with that. Let me see how much I have right now.

She dug into her bag for her purse. Fuck. There had been exactly 100 to start with, but she'd spent 10 of it at that restaurant. That's what she got for trying to be nice to herself for fucking once.

Vaporeon looked up and gave an awkward smile to the blacksmith. She wanted this really badly, but Mawile had been clear on the down payment... the gears in her head turned, trying to find a way through.

VAPOREON: Umm... Give me a bit, I'll be right back.
MAWILE: Take your t'me.

Vaporeon nodded and rushed backwards to Phox's Pho. The restaurant was still open, thankfully. It was just past the dinner rush now. She rushed up to the counter, dying of embarrassment.

DELPHOX: ☆ Oh? Hungry again already? ☆
DELPHOX: ☆ I don't know whether my food is that good, or just not filling! ☆
VAPOREON: Uhh... Look, I need some help and you were really nice to me.
VAPOREON: I need to make a little bit of money.
VAPOREON: Is there anything I can do? I can wash dishes, mop floors, anything.
DELPHOX: ☆ Oh! I would be happy to help however I can. ☆
DELPHOX: ☆ Let's see, what needs doing... ☆
DELPHOX: ☆ Hm. I think I have most everything covered, sadly. ☆
DELPHOX: ☆ I don't suppose extra food would help? ☆

Vaporeon whined.

VAPOREON: L-look, there's this... I have almost enough for a down payment on a new leg.
VAPOREON: I'll be able to pay you back really soon. Within a day or two.

Delphox's face softened.

DELPHOX: ☆ How much do you need? ☆
DELPHOX: ☆ I can loan you a bit, but times are tight with the sea so dormant. ☆
DELPHOX: ☆ I may have fibbed a bit about business being good, sad to say. ☆
VAPOREON: Just ten. I'll pay you back as soon as I can.
VAPOREON: I'm going dungeoning soon, and Jolteon can cover for me if I flake. I promise.

She nodded and gave Vaporeon the money.

DELPHOX: ☆ Best of luck, then. ☆
DELPHOX: ☆ Do come and show me once you have the leg! ☆

Vaporeon held the coins like they were made of glass. Mawile was clanging away again when Vaporeon returned. She finished up and turned around.

MAWILE: W'lcome back. Figured you j'st weren't int'rested.
MAWILE: You m'ke up your mind?

Vaporeon pulled the money from her purse, ten coins heavier than before. Mawile took them just as carefully, like they would vanish if she looked at them too hard.

VAPOREON: Yeah, I was just getting the last of the down payment.
MAWILE: Ah – r'lly? Thank you.
MAWILE: B'siness has been... sl'w. This will h'lp.
VAPOREON: Happy to help out!
VAPOREON: Tomorrow I'm setting out for Reshiram's dungeon to get the rest of the money, and the metal for you.
VAPOREON: I'll grab all the ore I can find, and you can keep it.
MAWILE: Oh? B'st of luck with th't.
MAWILE: There sh'ld be some good ir'n there.
MAWILE: I'll kn'ck the price d'wn if you get enough.
MAWILE: Wh'le you do th't, I'll start d'signing the piece.
VAPOREON: Thank you!
VAPOREON: I spent all my money, but if there's anything I can do for you in the meantime, I... I, uh... I would like to.

Mawile thought about it for a moment. She stared at Vaporeon with intense eyes and a muted expression.

MAWILE: M'surements would h'lp.
MAWILE: If you can st'nd my company for an hour or two, the l'mb will fit b'tter.
VAPOREON: Yeah, of course.
VAPOREON: I don't really get what you mean, though. Is there something unpleasant about you?
MAWILE: Is there n't?
MAWILE: The t'rrifying teeth?
MAWILE: The m'ffled voice?
MAWILE: The general m'sery?
MAWILE: None of th't is noticeable?
VAPOREON: I mean... I see most of that, but none of it bothers me.
VAPOREON: Your jaws balance out your cute face, your voice is just a disability, and everyone seems to be kind of miserable around here.
MAWILE: ...
MAWILE: You're the f'rst to tell me any of th't.
MAWILE: Pl'se. Stay a while. I need the c'mpany.

Vaporeon smiled again.

VAPOREON: I got nowhere to be until tomorrow.

She looked around the shop and took it in deeper, turning back to Mawile.

VAPOREON: Nice place you got here.
MAWILE: You th'nk so? I should have l'sted it among the pr'blems, really.
MAWILE: I l'ke it fine, but c'stomers hate the chaos of the f'rge.
MAWILE: Can't aff'rd anywhere bigger. S'meday.
VAPOREON: I hope things pick up for you.
VAPOREON: Your smile is really cute, and I'd like to see you happy.

Mawile almost dropped the tape measure. She teared up a little.

MAWILE: P-pl'se. Keep saying th't...
VAPOREON: ...has nobody ever said that to you before?
VAPOREON: I really do mean it.
MAWILE: N'ver. It's why I... n'vermind.

She sat down, processing a whole lot of emotions.

MAWILE: T'll me about y'rself, too?
MAWILE: Th're's not m'ch else to kn'w about me.

Vaporeon whined quietly. It might ruin everything between them to be honest. But Mawile deserved that trust. She had to be able to give it, or none of this would mean anything.

VAPOREON: I'm not really sure.
VAPOREON: I woke up with no memories, and I kind of went nuts for a while.
VAPOREON: Guild dragged me to see Mesprit, and I'm going to go see Reshiram to find out what happened to me.

Mawile studied her deeply. She couldn't take it. That stare, that searching, prying stare that seemed to cut into her and dig around for all her crimes and danger.

Yet the moment passed, and Mawile simply smiled. For some reason, it looked less panicked than before.

MAWILE: I appr'ciate you tr'sting me with that.
MAWILE: B'st of luck with R'shir'm. I've heard it's str'ng as they come.
VAPOREON: Yeah, but so am I. For whatever reason, I'm insanely strong.
VAPOREON: I can fire off a hyper beam that'd bring this whole building down.
MAWILE: Pl'se don't.
VAPOREON: Hey, I just said I could, not that I would.
VAPOREON: Feel free to point me at any rival blacksmiths, though.

Mawile laughed a bit. The gesture seemed to hurt her mouth a little, as it contorted in mild pain.

MAWILE: Heh. Again, pl'se don't.
MAWILE: Tink'ton is the cl'sest thing I have to a fr'nd on this cont'nent.
VAPOREON: Ah, that's nice. I'd like to have friends someday, too.
VAPOREON: So far I've mostly just hurt everyone I know.
VAPOREON: Hence the uh, bracelet from Mesprit.

MAWILE: Well, I'd... be gl'd to be your fr'nd, if you'll have me
MAWILE: You don't h've to worry about h'rting me. I'm not w'rth much anyway.

Vaporeon looked away. She sure she had a path to the door, just in case.

VAPOREON: I just... want to warn you first, though. Before we even consider that.
VAPOREON: I'm a murderer.
VAPOREON: I was too strong to have a mental block put on.
VAPOREON: That's why the guild sent me to Mesprit. They couldn't fix me.
VAPOREON: I nearly killed the guild member who took me, too.
MAWILE: ...
MAWILE: Why did you k'll them?
MAWILE: You said you w'nt nuts. Was there a r'son, or do you j'st... do that?

Vaporeon tensed. She's spilled this much, might as well be completely open.

VAPOREON: I don't know what I did before I woke up with no memories.
VAPOREON: When I did, there was someone there who taunted me until I snapped.
VAPOREON: A Flareon.
VAPOREON: There's also a Jolteon following me, and the three of us might be family.
VAPOREON: ...
VAPOREON: Scrafty tried to kill me first. I was scared, angry and recovering from fuck knows what.

Mawile nodded. She placed her hands on her lap.

MAWILE: Okay. I b'lieve you.
MAWILE: Thank you ag'n for being honest. I kn'w it isn't easy.
MAWILE: I'm n't afraid of you. You seem n'ce, and I can tell you c're.

Vaporeon shook and sobbed a little.

VAPOREON: Thank you... Thank you, it... It means the world to me.

After a few attempts aborted out of anxiety, Mawile offered her a hand. Vaporeon nuzzled it.

MAWILE: As does your k'ndness.
VAPOREON: You deserve it.
VAPOREON: Your heart must be so big, to try for someone like me.
MAWILE: We'll h've to see... it's been c'llecting dust for y'rs.
VAPOREON: I'll do anything for you.
MAWILE: Heh. A g'rl could think you're ask'ng her out with talk l'ke that.
VAPOREON: Hehe. Is that a no?
MAWILE: Ah- w't, really?
VAPOREON: Why not?
VAPOREON: Your face is cute, your jaws are badass, you got a heart of gold and you're damn talented.
VAPOREON: Anyone would be lucky to have you.
MAWILE: Ah... if- if you th'nk so. Who am I to disagree.
MAWILE: Then... V'poreon, will you be my- my g'rlfriend?

Vaporeon nuzzled her, on both the front face and the back.

VAPOREON: In a heartbeat, Mawile.

Mawile hugged her in a heartbeat of her own. It was a clumsy affair, all elbows and desperation. But there was love there, freshly-sown and ready to grow.

There would be time for the hotel later. There would be time for measurements, for conversations and for whatever damn destiny was still clawing at the door. For now, they had each other, and she couldn't be happier.

 

[val-triplicate]

Art by Rusty-Eevee!​

---

INTERMISSION FOUR

A FORGOTTEN STREAM OF THOUGHT

FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF ??????, TO ???????
​

---

I visit you again today.

I visit you as often as they allow me.

You tell me to leave. I don't know if you mean it.

It doesn't matter. It's not your choice anymore.


I ask you why you did it.

You explain it as best you can.

I don't understand, but I don't admit it.

I ask you why you let things get that bad.

You don't answer. This, I do understand.


I ask you if I could have prevented it.

I could have, but you don't admit it.

I ask you if I should have done it so you didn't have to.

You are furious at the thought, but you know I would have.

You know I wish I had.


You ask me what is going to happen to you.

I already know, but I don't admit it.

You ask me if I still love you.


I tell you that I do.​

 

[val-triplicate]

Vaporeon stayed the night with her new girlfriend, and stepped out into a sharply sunny day. She glanced around, studying a map posted on a sign. Ten minutes to the hotel, then five to the docks. Maybe she'd take one more detour before Reshiram, but she couldn't put off Jolteon again. He needed her as much as she needed him.

The hotel was one of the fancier ones on the block, advertising itself with large neon signs.

CHARGED INN!​

Vaporeon smiled. As expected, he must really like electricity. Hardly any businesses she'd seen had it at all.

She entered the lobby and gazed around. The place was slightly dark, similar to Phox's Pho. In this case, however, it was lit by odd glass tubes and artificial lighting. Vaporeon had never seen these before, and the basic world lore she could still remember didn't offer any hints.

An attentive Hawlucha stood behind the front desk, with an exhausted-looking Pichu next to him. She walked up to them, stepping carefully.

VAPOREON: Hey, um, I'm looking for my brother.
VAPOREON: He's a weird looking Jolteon. Is he still here?
HAWLUCHA: Jolteon, Jolteon...
HAWLUCHA: Yes, he's in Room 35.
HAWLUCHA: Shall I let him know you're coming?
VAPOREON: Yes please. Hopefully he's not busy.

The bird pressed a button on a grid behind him. It seemed to tire Pichu out a little more. After twenty-odd seconds, the button lit up green.

HAWLUCHA: He's ready to see you.
VAPOREON: Thanks.
HAWLUCHA: Is there anything else we can do for you?
HAWLUCHA: Any guest of our guests is a guest of ours.
VAPOREON: Are they ok?

She gestured with her stump towards Pichu.

PICHU: S-sorry.
PICHU: I'll be fine. I go on break in two minutes.
VAPOREON: Do you want some ice?

Pichu looked up at Hawlucha, who gave them a gentle smile.

HAWLUCHA: Take your break early, Pichu.
HAWLUCHA: I'll let Helioptile know her break is done.

The bird pressed a few buttons, summoning the replacement as the lights in the room dimmed.

VAPOREON: Oh... I meant as in... um... well, what form do you want it in?

They thought for a moment, then tapped their forehead.

PICHU: Maybe like a helmet?
PICHU: I could work off this headache at record speed.
VAPOREON: Uh, I can't really control it that well, but...
VAPOREON: Um, just come here and I'll- I'll blow it onto you.

Pichu caught their breath, then hopped up excitedly onto the counter. They held still with a smile. Fuck.

They really had no idea. She was so close to them now, she couldn't just back down. Vaporeon trembled lightly as she remembered the feeling of the Ice Beams passing through her jaws. The sticky, squelching crunch of bone as she stomped and stomped and-

Enough. She was better than this now. She had grown, and she had overcome so much. If she couldn't do a nice favor for a little mouse, how could she take on a god? How could she return to the woman who she'd talked into trusting her? She had to prove herself here and now. If she failed... whatever the consequences were, she'd deserve them.

Vaporeon took a deep breath. She counted to three, then back down. Next, three seconds of intense focus on Mesprit's bracelet. Before she could convince herself otherwise, she shut her eyes and blew the lightest dusting of ice she possibly could.

PICHU: Ah...
VAPOREON: A-are you okay??
PICHU: Huh? Yeah, this really helps!
PICHU: Thank you so much!
VAPOREON: Oh thank fuck...
HAWLUCHA: You have my thanks as well.
HAWLUCHA: We do what we can for our valued Electric employees, but ice is expensive.
VAPOREON: Fuck. Just... I don't know.
VAPOREON: Pass any thanks off to Mawile, the blacksmith.
VAPOREON: I have to get going.
HAWLUCHA: Of course. Enjoy your stay, ma'am.

The path onward was dark and uncertain as she walked. She bumped into a few things, but the lights returned a few moments later. Helioptile must have finished her break.

Room 35 was silent from the hallway, so Vaporeon put her head to the door. There was definitely someone in there, but the breathing sounded shaky and shallow. That was enough of that, she should have just knocked to begin with.

VAPOREON: Jolteon?
JOLTEON: C-come in, please.

Jolteon was lying on his side, wrapped under the bed's covers. He looked like he'd been crying for a while now. Poor bastard. His eyes lit up with emotion.

JOLTEON: Hey... good morning, Vaporeon.
JOLTEON: Are you heading off today?
VAPOREON: Yeah... just wanted to see you before I...
VAPOREON: Before it kills me.
JOLTEON: ...
JOLTEON: It won't kill you if you lose, you know.

Vaporeon ignored him. She reached out a paw, which he turned away from.

VAPOREON: Are you ok? You sound...
JOLTEON: I'm sure I can just tell you this.
JOLTEON: Reshiram can't be compelled to lie.
JOLTEON: If you win, it'll tell it what you want to know. Even he couldn't stop it.
VAPOREON: "He" being-
JOLTEON: BUT. If you lose.
JOLTEON: It'll tell you just the right combination of truths that...
JOLTEON: Please. Even if that happens.
JOLTEON: Just keep fighting. You can try again.
VAPOREON: What else would I do?
JOLTEON: ...
JOLTEON: Many who lose to Reshiram kill themselves.
JOLTEON: They can't handle what it has to say.
JOLTEON: I- I promise you! Things are never as bad as it makes it sound.
JOLTEON: But it just says... "THEY COULD NOT STAND THE TRUTH. THUS THEY DESERVED IT NOT."
VAPOREON: I promise.
VAPOREON: Whatever it says, I've been through worse.
VAPOREON: But I have to do this. I have to know.
VAPOREON: I'm trying to build a life now.
VAPOREON: I can't do that until I'm free.

Jolteon began to cry, loud and fearful sobs shaking the bed like a boat in a storm. Vaporeon climbed up and curled against him. He let out a quiet whine.

JOLTEON: Vaporeon...
VAPOREON: Yeah?
JOLTEON: If- if it's not too much to ask.
JOLTEON: Could I take you somewhere?
JOLTEON: A restaurant that we- that you'd like.
JOLTEON: Before... it all comes to a head.
VAPOREON: ...okay. Do you need some time to recover first?
JOLTEON: If you don't mind.
VAPOREON: Of course.
VAPOREON: I'll meet you here in an hour.

Jolteon smiled as bright as she'd ever seen him when Vaporeon returned. The thought made her heart sink a little – now that she'd seen behind it, the cheeriness was much more obviously forced.

VAPOREON: Hey.
JOLTEON: Hey! You ready?
VAPOREON: Sure am. Lead the way.
VAPOREON: Oh! Actually.
JOLTEON: Yeah?
VAPOREON: Let's stop by the docks first.
VAPOREON: I had something I wanted to look into.

The docks were too close to the hotel to spark any chatter, but Vaporeon hung close to Jolteon regardless. Her mental state felt like it randomized every day lately, and this new ability to feel even a little trust was one she was utterly drunk on.

The port seemed markedly desolate, even to someone who'd never seen one. All around were signs of disuse, from the empty stalls crowding the boardwalk to the pieces of ships dashed across the dock. Jolteon paced around with clear anxiety.

This was a long shot, and she knew it, but- there! Vaporeon dashed over to the Pokemon she'd been looking for.

VAPOREON: Excuse me!
OTHER VAPOREON: Oh! Hi, darling.
OTHER VAPOREON: You here for the atmosphere too?
OTHER VAPOREON: There's precious little left besides it.
VAPOREON: No, actually. I was looking for another Vaporeon specifically.
OTHER VAPOREON: Well, you've certainly found her. Vyss, at your service.

Vaporeon studied her with an intense expression.

VYSS: If you're looking to buy some fish, you won't find any.
VYSS: Not even if you could survive the waters. We checked.
VAPOREON: I, uh. I'll be looking into that, sorta.
VYSS: Oh? You're an adventurer then?
VYSS: I'd be thrilled to help if I can.
VAPOREON: Well, it's not really related.
VAPOREON: I'm just... curious about myself.
VAPOREON: I've never met another Vaporeon, but I know I'm not supposed to be like this.
VYSS: Ah... I wouldn't be too worried.
VYSS: I did notice, but I doubt most would.
VYSS: I've had this body for over a decade, after all.
VAPOREON: This one is very new to me... it's a long story.
VYSS: Well, I won't keep you. Best of luck with your quest, yes?
VAPOREON: Yeah. Thank you.
VAPOREON: Get your boat ready. I think the fish will be back sooner than you expect.

Jolteon walked alongside Vaporeon as he led her back through the town. Both were lost completely in thought for a number of minutes. Jolteon spoke first, his tone a gnarled mess of melancholic pride.

JOLTEON: You've really grown a lot.
VAPOREON: Yeah.
VAPOREON: Am I now... how I was before?
JOLTEON: ...
JOLTEON: You're happier now, I think.
VAPOREON: I see.
VAPOREON: ...
VAPOREON: Can you do me a favor?
JOLTEON: Anything at all. Anything I can, I mean.
VAPOREON: This could get broken in the fight.
VAPOREON: Hold onto it until I get back, okay?

She slipped off the bracelet and placed it in front of Jolteon. He put it gingerly on.

JOLTEON: I will. You'll- you'll be fine. It'll all be okay.

Vaporeon smiled gently as it glowed with psychic energy. Her emotions boiled in her mind, but she found grounding in her own self. She knew how to handle herself now. He needed it more.

 

[val-triplicate]

The restaurant was easy to miss, especially in the eclectic environment of Basin City. It was its own isolated building, which was unusual around here, and the bricks were of an odd style. But there were no signs to imply any purpose to the place, and no sign of use that she could tell. Vaporeon circled the supposed restaurant – there weren’t any entrances at all. What the hell was this place?

VAPOREON: Is, uh. Are you sure you have the right place?
JOLTEON: Yeah. It's a really long story, I'll tell you some other time.
JOLTEON: That part of the wall is fake, mostly. Just run through it.
VAPOREON: You're sure I'm not going to get my skull smashed.
JOLTEON: Positive. If it helps, I'll go first.

Jolteon backed up a few feet, then ran directly forward. The wall shimmered slightly as he passed through it.

JOLTEON: Water's fine! I promise!

Vaporeon took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Another test of her new claim of stability... well, she wasn't backing down now. She charged forward, ready to get turned into paste by the brick wall. Instead, she bowled directly into Jolteon.

VAPOREON: AUGH! Down in front!
JOLTEON: Shit, sorry!

The entire restaurant dazzled with psychic power, lights blazing from every angle. It reminded her of Phox's Pho, in a way. If that place had felt like home despite the novelty, though, this room radiated like the surface of a star – complete with a piercingly loud, high-pitched voice.

VICTINI: WELCOME! You finally fucking showed!
JOLTEON: Victini! A little tact!
VICTINI: Can't I be excited to see an old friend?
VAPOREON: An old- we knew each other?
VICTINI: Sure did! Oh, the stories I could tell you if I could tell you them!
VICTINI: I bet if I'm vague enough I could give you a sense of most of 'em.
JOLTEON: We're here for some food, Victini. Can you do that or not?
VICTINI: Can you do that or not? The fucking disrespect!

Vaporeon gave the floating weirdo a smile. His look of frustration vanished in an instant.

VAPOREON: Sorry I don't remember you. I'm still glad to see you though.
VICTINI: It's great to see you too!!! We have to hang out again.
VICTINI: Have you been keeping up with your updog?
VAPOREON: Sorry, I haven't. I think it got lost alongside my sugma.

Victini burst out laughing, and Vaporeon followed quickly after. Even Jolteon couldn't help but crack a smile, his tail wagging strongly.

VICTINI: I was so hoping you'd fall for that!
JOLTEON: And here I'd forgotten why you two got along so well.
VICTINI: No one else could get her out of her shell like me!
VICTINI: It's a shame it- well, you know.
VAPOREON: Heh. I'm used to the vague hints by now. Don't even sweat it.
VAPOREON: I got a request for you though, sunspot.
VICTINI: Hit me!
VAPOREON: I need a little victory.
VAPOREON: Or just something so tasty, I don't notice a Blue Flare to the face.
VICTINI: Sorry, Vaporeon. They were really clear I couldn't rig this match.
VICTINI: There was a whole fucking lecture on everything they'd do if I tried.
VICTINI: ...
VICTINI: However,
JOLTEON: NO, Victini.
VAPOREON: Second it is. Sorry, bud.
VICTINI: Ugh, you all are so BORING!
VICTINI: I can do it though. Just you watch, it's gonna blow your tits off.

Vaporeon leaned over to him to whisper. He responded in kind, purposefully loud enough for Jolteon to hear.

VAPOREON: He's moody, but be nice to him. He's going through a lot.
VICTINI: Yeah, I know. Has he opened up to you about his "being a little bitch" syndrome?
JOLTEON: The FOOD, please.

She gave Jolteon a hug, and the tension melted out of him. He looked away, embarrassed by how much it comforted him.

VAPOREON: You're sure you like this place?
JOLTEON: It's... complicated. We get along fine, there's just some bad blood.
JOLTEON: It's fine, though. There's no better chef in the world, as annoying as he can be.
VAPOREON: I'm fine, if you're worried for my sake. I can take a little tension.
JOLTEON: Of course. Sorry for worrying.

Victini waited patiently for as long as he could stand, which was a predictably brief window.

VICTINI: You done? You can't rush me on the food when you haven't even ORDERED!
VAPOREON: Oh. Right.
VAPOREON: Sorry, I guess I figured you'd already know.
VICTINI: What you like? Sure, but not what that body likes.
VICTINI: If it's allergic to Nanab and I kill you with it, my reviews will tank!
JOLTEON: Who's reviewing this place...?
VICTINI: Not you, that's for sure! Come by more often and maybe I'd care.
VAPOREON: I don't have any allergies, but go ahead and scan me if you want.
VAPOREON: I have nothing to hide.
VICTINI: Thanks!

Vaporeon felt an intrusion in her mind, with no warning given. It was still much lighter than Espeon's memory scan, but the caution and tact Delphox had used was completely absent here. If it was possible to have one's brain turned over and examined, it must feel something like this.

VAPOREON: Nngh. You get what you need, floaty?
VICTINI: Yep! It's mostly the same, I'll just have to do it on the fly this time.
VICTINI: It'll still be good though!
VICTINI: If it doesn't make you cry with joy, I'll throw my apron into the blender!

Victini vanished in a puff of smoke and stars. Loud noises rang out from the kitchen in back as he got to work.

VAPOREON: You holding up?
JOLTEON: Yeah. It's nice to spend time with you even if I'm kind of falling apart today.
VAPOREON: Just relax if you can. I'm not going anywhere yet either way.
JOLTEON: It helps that this place is almost always empty.
JOLTEON: I've never seen another customer here besides us.
VAPOREON: Did Flareon come here too?
VAPOREON: It seems like it'd either love or hate Victini.
JOLTEON: It... used to.
JOLTEON: It hasn't in a while. You'll see why soon.
JOLTEON: It's taken a lot of things very hard.
VAPOREON: I'll make it up to it.
JOLTEON: If we make it through all this, I think it'll forgive you eventually.
JOLTEON: Just... be patient with it, if that's what you want.
JOLTEON: I'll be talking to it and trying to make this as smooth as possible, I promise.
VAPOREON: Drag its ass gently. Got it.
JOLTEON: Heh. We'll see.

Vaporeon and Jolteon seated themselves in a nearby booth. The food took a good half hour, but the time spent resting in each other's company was a reward of its own. The moment she truly let her guard down, a staggering array of food materialized before her. There were steaming plates of steaks and pastas, a mountain of shrimp, and five times as many berry types as she'd seen in her life. Every dish was coated in its own sauce, giving off smells she could barely comprehend.

She didn't wait for permission and started digging in, slurping sauce and chomping down. Jolteon had a similar spread, and Vaporeon could smell the spice all the way from where she sat. Every one of his dishes was shaped like a middle finger, though he dug in with the same ferocity regardless.

...

Wow. Holy fucking shit. This – it was without description. Vaporeon's breath caught in her throat, half-convinced that her tongue would fall off from how good it tasted.

She felt energized, she felt powerful, she felt certain. The world was hers to explore, and every last bit of it would go her way. She felt certain of it. Forces would line up to stop her, and she would dodge them all so nimbly it would seem she wasn't trying at all.

She would be trying, though. It would be a fight for everything she cared about, and she would be scared. All she knew was that through all of it, through every last struggle and heartbreak – she knew she had what it took. She studied this confidence and let it overwrite some of the doubt, anger, and sadness in her soul.

VAPOREON: This- this was a great idea, Jolteon. Thank you so much.

Jolteon didn't respond. He was crying and whimpering softly, but a peaceful smile rested on his face.

JOLTEON: It's- it's going to be okay...

The tension released from his body, and he let his face drop hard onto the table.

VAPOREON: It's going to be ok.

She gave him a sweet smile. He heard her this time and smiled back.

JOLTEON: I love you, sis. We've got this.
VICTINI: Hehe. Everything to your liking?
VAPOREON: Heh. You could say that.
VAPOREON: Thank you, Victini. This is exactly what I needed.

He took a breath, and for a moment the smug cheerfulness slipped a fraction.

VICTINI: You'll do great, Vaporeon. I'm glad I could send you off.

Victini and Vaporeon shared a look of genuine trust, before the moment of vulnerability passed.

VAPOREON: Keep that chin up, you're not rid of this bitch yet.
VAPOREON: Jolt, we're going to the guild.
JOLTEON: Of course. I- I think I'm ready.
JOLTEON: Victini. Thank you.
VICTINI: First time I've gotten you to shut up like that – I must be getting better at this!
VAPOREON: See you soon, sunspot.

---

Xatu was well ready for them when they arrived. A sturdy backpack held all the supplies they could spare. She doubted she could carry much more, anyway.

(XATU: There is one more item I can offer you.)
(XATU: You do not have to accept it now.)

They teleported forth a Reviver Seed, delicate yet vibrant. They placed it in a sturdy glass orb and packed it with dirt to keep it safe.

VAPOREON: These... aren't these super rare and valuable?
(XATU: They are, yet this is an important mission.)
(XATU: This is the only one we have; you will not be getting another.)
(XATU: If you think you will fail, remember that you can choose not to activate it.)

She nodded seriously and accepted it.

VAPOREON: ...can you send a message to someone for me?
(XATU: Of course. What would you like it to say, and to whom?)
VAPOREON: Spidops.
VAPOREON: I want it to say... I'm sorry for yelling at you, and I lied about how much I hurt her.
VAPOREON: I lied to myself, too. I was always going to save her.
VAPOREON: I'm going to come see you if Reshiram doesn't kill me, so you have the option too.

Xatu was still for a moment, mentally looking through their files for the address.

(XATU: Of course. I will let her know.)
(XATU: Is there anything else, or are you ready to leave?)

She glared at them, impulsive hate in her eyes. It made her hate herself too, but she managed to calm down on the latter. She wasn't here to be nice, and Xatu didn't need her to be.

VAPOREON: No. Let's go.

In an instant, she was on another mountain. This one was not cold, despite the elevation. Heat radiated from below her paws – bearable, for now.

VAPOREON: Fucking mountains.
VAPOREON: If I make a lair, I'm having it be in a lake. Or an island.
JOLTEON: Heh. You assume you don't already have one.
VAPOREON: ...
VAPOREON: This might be the last time we see each other like this, right?
VAPOREON: Rather than... what we were before.

Jolteon hugged her tight. She hugged back weakly.

JOLTEON: Whatever happens is gonna happen.
JOLTEON: Stay strong, fight hard, and remember I love you.
JOLTEON: No matter who comes out of that mountain, I always will.
VAPOREON: ...thanks, bro.
VAPOREON: Then I won't keep you waiting.

She gave him one last squeeze, and stepped forth into the dungeon.

 

[val-triplicate]

The heat was unbearable in the volcano. Every cell of her body felt like it might boil away, but Vaporeon pressed on. Her type gave her a solid advantage against the Fire-types in the dungeon, at least. The Dragon-types scattered about fared little better either. There were also more items here than she had expected. Little mercies, and all. By the time she reached the first of two static floors, she was battered and unhappy, but she had plenty of stamina left.

The floor was just as crowded as the one in Magnet Pass, though the room was bigger. Despite the better typing, the dungeon was of higher level than she'd ever been to, and it clearly saw a fair bit of traffic. Pokemon walked about with purpose, shoving past each other as they made critical transactions and traded sparse greetings. A guild representative – an authoritative-looking Pyroar – approached her with a few items to restock with.

PYROAR: Heal your wounds and carry on. You have plenty left to go.
VAPOREON: Ugh... thank you. This place is harder than I thought.
VAPOREON: Hey, you haven't seen a weird Flareon around here, have you?
PYROAR: I have. It passed by a while ago, headed further in. Were you looking for it?
VAPOREON: It and Reshiram, of course. Thank you.
PYROAR: Of course. Best of luck – you have the guild's full support.

The second set of floors was a bit more difficult, and her resources began to dwindle slowly. A lucky find of a Max Elixir kept her fighting spirit on point, though collecting metal was more draining than she had expected. The Pokemon in this dungeon were at least more polite than she was used to, and the explorers she came across all walked with purpose.

When Vaporeon reached the second and final static floor, she was very winded. A Magmortar greeted her as the floor's guild representative, topping off her supplies.

MAGMORTAR: Take care and fight hard, ma'am.
MAGMORTAR: We won't have as much to spare if you need a second try.
VAPOREON: Aah... hah... thanks. Where's... Flareon?
MAGMORTAR: There's plenty of Flareons here.
MAGMORTAR: If you're looking for the one that seemed to be an explorer, then up ahead.
MAGMORTAR: It passed maybe a half an hour ago.
VAPOREON: Fuck... alright.

The heat was worse on the final set of floors. Dragon-types were rare this far in, the depths populated only by Pokemon who relished in the scorching air. It did make battles easier, not to have to worry about Dragon-type moves as often, but it sure didn't feel better.

The 60th floor would be the boss, and indeed the 59th floor seemed to be a non-static floor like normal. However, in place of the enemies and items she expected to find, there stood Flareon. It spoke with a carefully-constructed neutral tone.

VAPOREON: Ahh... haah... finally...
FLAREON: You took your time.

Vaporeon used Blizzard across the room to cool it down a bit. She was careful to avoid hitting Flareon. It dropped to a battle stance, but faltered as the attack passed it by.

FLAREON: Looking to avoid draining your resources?
FLAREON: Clever, but I'm not playing that game this time.

Vaporeon walked up to Flareon slowly. It blasted her with a weak Flamethrower. She growled but ignored it, closing the distance between them. Flareon grinned and put more power into the next one, but she weakened it just enough with a blast of water.

Once she reached her sibling, she pulled it into a forceful hug.

VAPOREON: You can stop now.

It trembled with anger, and attacked with a vicious bite.

FLAREON: I can stop now? I can STOP?
FLAREON: You have no fucking clue what's at a stake, and you think I can just stop.
FLAREON: Maybe you think I'm here because I hate you.

Flareon pushed her roughly off it. It growled as she lay on the ground.

FLAREON: I assure you, there is more at stake here than making you pay for what you've done.
VAPOREON: Yeah. I believe you.
VAPOREON: But fighting me isn't going to do anything but make it take longer for this to end.
VAPOREON: Are you just scared?
FLAREON: Of COURSE I'm fucking scared!
FLAREON: I have to deal with your goddamn fallout, and you get to do whatever the hell you want.
VAPOREON: Then why didn't you help me first?

It disappeared in a blink, ramming painfully into her with a Quick Attack.

FLAREON: If there was an answer that was better than this, we'd be doing it!
VAPOREON: There is! Calm the fuck down and STOP!
FLAREON: Fucking enlighten me, then.
FLAREON: This brilliant strategy from the goddamn head-empty, violence-first amnesiac.
VAPOREON: Well, here's a hint. You were fucking wrong.
VAPOREON: My path of friendship and flowers CURED me of my stupid pointless violence.
VAPOREON: So I'm going to bash my head against this infinite threat for everyone who got me here, for our brother, and for YOU.
VAPOREON: Just calm down and let me HELP END YOUR PAIN!

It growled angrily and bit her one more time for good measure.

FLAREON: Fine.
FLAREON: I'll spend the last affection I ever had for you to give you one goddamn chance.
FLAREON: If you aren't able to beat what's coming for you, I'll race him to kill you myself.
FLAREON: And sure. If you manage to pull this all off, we can have a picnic and have feelings again.
FLAREON: Just like old fucking times.
FLAREON: You'll need every damn advantage you can get, and you won't get any more from me.
VAPOREON: Deal.
VAPOREON: I'll throw my stupid wet body at him as many times as it takes.
VAPOREON: I'll suffer as much as you have, if it proves that I mean what I say.

She gave it another hug, took a moment for the pain to subside, and left for the final floor.

The final floor was dark as night, when she stepped in. She had taken stock just before encountering Flareon – all she had was one Oran Berry and the Reviver Seed left. No PP-restoring items left, but she had almost all of her energy left on that front. The only damage she'd taken since her last Oran was from Flareon.

A roar bellowed from the darkness, and towering torches burst into flame on every side of her. Standing in the middle, as proud as a lion with the intensity of ten, was Reshiram.

RESHIRAM: COME.
RESHIRAM: SHOW ME THAT YOUR PASSION IS WORTH THE PAIN IT WILL BRING.
RESHIRAM: SHOW ME THAT YOU SEEK TRUTH OVER SAFETY, THAT YOU SEEK TRUTH OVER ALL ELSE.
VAPOREON: All I am is pain. All I am is passion.
VAPOREON: I've been saving up every violent urge of my whole life JUST TO FORCE OUT THE TRUTH!

She readied herself for battle, searching for any advantage she could possibly grasp. Reshiram was resolute, and its eyes were twice as passionate as she could ever imagine. It was clearly no fool, and it wouldn't let its guard down for a moment, no matter what she did.

However, her experience with combat did give her a few insights. A powerful sense of pride would prevent it from switching tactics quickly, and it might be too willing to take small losses rather than let its guard down.

She darted past it, firing Blizzards at the ceiling and walls until they started to frost over. Each strike was precise, with just the amount of force it needed. She'd learned to control herself just in time.

Reshiram roared, pouring heat into the room to slow the process. It wouldn't outpace her, but one look at it told her it was stronger than she was. She would never win a battle of stamina. However, she didn't need to win this one. It was just helping her with her plan.

By the time Vaporeon gave up on the ice, it had melted into a large pool of water around Reshiram's feet. She leapt forward and melted into the water. Every time she got a chance, she popped out to blast a Hydro Pump at Reshiram's face from unpredictable angles.

It howled with anger, furious at the deceptive tactic. No matter – the truth would reveal itself. Another roar shook the room. The water around Vaporeon began to heat and boil, and she barely managed to avoid critical damage with a dolphin jump outwards.

Vaporeon aimed straight at it. From its stance, it had expected her to retreat. It clearly didn't understand her at all. She landed with her one front paw in its open jaw and slammed her arm down as hard as she could. A four-legged Vaporeon could probably have held on without the unimaginable pain that wedging between its teeth earned her, but she had to improvise.

Reshiram panicked and repeatedly bit down, trying to seize the opportunity for an attack. Vaporeon sobbed as her paw cracked and crunched, but she forced herself onward. It was working. She had all the room in the world to work now.

Vaporeon charged up Hyper Beam after Hyper Beam and blasted them down its throat. She threw in a few Icicle Crashes too, in hopes to lower its core temperature and start hampering its fire. Reshiram roared in pain, but kept biting harder while she attacked. Once it processed what she was up to, it charged a Hyper Beam of its own, and blasted her out of its mouth.

The beam hurt more than she had imagined possible, but she was clinging to consciousness yet. Reshiram panted for a moment, allowing a brief reprieve as it gathered its wits. Vaporeon was tempted to push forward, but her injuries were intense. She ate her Oran Berry, but took a Blue Flare to the face the moment she'd healed up.

Fuck. Everything still hurt, and she could barely walk with her injured paw. She swam instead, using Blizzard to freeze the battle's residual water into ice and pin Reshiram in place. It howled in anger, but didn't break through. She let it freeze around her too, spitting out just enough scalding water to make an exit point.

It waited until just the right moment, and burst straight through the ice to attack. Crashing through the ice winded it, but it had the element of surprise and it used it to the fullest. Another powerful bite pierced into Vaporeon's flesh, and she wondered if that might have outright killed her had she not healed.

She melted around the bite and slipped out. Its hide was tough, and its throat wasn't the weak point she'd hoped it would be. Maybe instead... Vaporeon flooded the floor with water one more time, and swam behind the colossal beast. It thrashed about, boiling the water in an instant. That was fine. She just had to make the jump.

Vaporeon leapt onto its tail. FUCK. Fuck it was hot. If anything was going to damage it, it was this, but she felt like she was going to die just being next to it. No time to spare. She breathed in, and let loose. Her berserk rage channeled everything that had ever made her feel angry, powerless, sad, or hateful. She directed her fiery force of murderous rage into its tail engine. She gave it everything she had and more, and then more.

From her saddlebag, she could feel the Reviver Seed humming with energy. She was so close, she could feel it... the seed vanished with a flash, and she felt fully healed. It felt great, for the split second before the overwhelming heat began to boil her once again. She grit her teeth and resumed her assault.

VAPOREON: Reshiram, I'm going to take you down!
VAPOREON: If it takes me a year. IF IT TAKES ME A THOUSAND!
RESHIRAM: GOOD!
RESHIRAM: IF A THOUSAND YEARS WAS ENOUGH TO STOP YOU, YOU WOULD NOT DESERVE MY TRUTHS IN A MILLION.

The tail shot up, and Vaporeon was launched into the air. A powerful burst of blue flame shot towards her, arcing and spinning. She countered it with Hyper Beam aimed square between its eyes. It was stronger. She knew it was stronger. This was all hopeless.

But she didn't give up. She couldn't. She had to know the truth, and she'd die for the chance if she had to. The flame connected with her, and Vaporeon fainted.

 

[val-triplicate]

Vaporeon's body screamed with soreness when she woke up. The pain of the battle had mostly faded, but what remained was still mind-rending. She looked up at Reshiram with fear in her eyes. She'd lost, hadn't she?

RESHIRAM: I AM PROUD OF YOU, SUICUNE.

She'd won? But, Suicune...

RESHIRAM: I HAD HOPED THIS WOULD BE THE OUTCOME.
VAPOREON: If I'm Suicune...
RESHIRAM: THAT IS CORRECT.
RESHIRAM: JOLTEON IS NONE OTHER THAN YOUR BROTHER, RAIKOU.
RESHIRAM: FLAREON, LIKEWISE, IS YOUR SIBLING ENTEI.

Vaporeon's head spun for a long time. She'd been so certain... it was a lot to take in, either way.

RESHIRAM: I MUST WARN YOU THAT MY PHRASING REGARDING IDENTITY IS AN OVERSIMPLIFICATION.
RESHIRAM: THE NATURE OF THE AFTERLIFE MEANS THAT SOULS-
VAPOREON: Shut up. Please, just. Stay on topic, okay?
RESHIRAM: OF COURSE, SUICUNE.
RESHIRAM: I MEAN ONLY TO AVOID LIES BY OMISSION.
RESHIRAM: IF TECHNICALITIES HOLD NO INTEREST FOR YOU, I WILL NOT BRING THEM UP AGAIN.
VAPOREON: Thanks. And... it's just Vaporeon, for now.

Vaporeon hadn't managed to get to her feet yet, and she certainly wasn't trying anymore. Questions spun so fast in her mind she could hardly grab one to ask. Yet the more she thought, the louder two in particular became. Why, and what now?

VAPOREON: Wait. What is this great threat that I'm supposed to be so scared of?
RESHIRAM: LUGIA.
RESHIRAM: YOU HAVE BEEN SENT HERE AS PUNISHMENT FOR WHAT YOU HAVE DONE.
RESHIRAM: YOUR TASK WAS SIMPLY TO SUFFER TO HIS SATISFACTION.
RESHIRAM: NOW THAT YOU KNOW THE TRUTH, ALL EFFORTS TO APPEASE HIM IN THIS WAY ARE NULL AND VOID.
VAPOREON: Is he the one who's been forcing the secrecy?
RESHIRAM: THAT IS CORRECT.
VAPOREON: How? Don't you outnumber him?
RESHIRAM: WE DO.
RESHIRAM: SHOULD WE DECIDE TO, WE COULD EASILY KILL HIM FOR HIS ABUSE OF POWER.
RESHIRAM: WERE WE TO DO SO, OR EVEN TO DISOBEY, ALL MORTALS WOULD PERISH.
RESHIRAM: DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THE IMPORTANCE THE SEA HOLDS TO THE SURVIVAL OF ALL.
VAPOREON: What about Kyogre?
RESHIRAM: KYOGRE HAS NOT BEEN SEEN IN MANY, MANY MILLENNIA.
RESHIRAM: AFTER HER WAR AGAINST HER BROTHER, THEY AND RAYQUAZA HAVE BEEN EFFECTIVELY DECEASED.
RESHIRAM: I WILL NOT TELL YOU MORE THAN THIS.

Right. That explained why everyone was losing their shit, but...

VAPOREON: What did I do?
VAPOREON: Was it the same insanity and instability that I had when I was bound and wiped?
VAPOREON: I can take it. Please, tell me.
RESHIRAM: YOU MURDERED MOLTRES.
RESHIRAM: IT WAS LUGIA'S FAVORITE CHILD.

She stood in silent shock. Of course it was murder. Of fucking COURSE she killed someone else. Vaporeon curled up and began to shake.

RESHIRAM: A LEGENDARY IS NOT MORTAL, BUT IT IS NOT UNKILLABLE.
RESHIRAM: IN A MOMENT OF FURY, YOU ENDED THE LIFE OF ONE WHO WOULD OTHERWISE HAVE BEEN WITH US FOR ALL TIME.
RESHIRAM: THE SLAYING WAS NOT UNPROVOKED, BUT-
VAPOREON: NO.
VAPOREON: Don't you DARE pretend I had any right to kill.
VAPOREON: I don't now and I didn't fucking then.
RESHIRAM: ETHICS ARE NOT MY DOMAIN, VAPOREON.
RESHIRAM: I MEANT ONLY TO GIVE YOU PERTINENT-
VAPOREON: PERTINENT MY ASS!
VAPOREON: I don't need forgiveness. I don't need reasons and nuanced justifications.
VAPOREON: I need RESULTS.
VAPOREON: If it were up to me, I'd let Lugia string me up for what I've done.
VAPOREON: But it fucking isn't. Too maybe people depend on me.
VAPOREON: As stupid as they are for it, they would miss me. I won't run from that either.
RESHIRAM: YOU IMPRESS ME ONCE MORE, VAPOREON.
RESHIRAM: I CAN SEE THE TRUTH BREAK YOU, YET YOU CARRY THE PIECES FORWARD TO YOUR GOAL REGARDLESS.
RESHIRAM: LET ME BE YOUR TOOL IN THIS. YOU NEED NOT MY BIOGRAPHIES, BUT MY DOSSIERS.
RESHIRAM: WHAT DO YOU WANT TO KNOW?
VAPOREON: What am I up against?
VAPOREON: Who is on his side, and who's on mine?
RESHIRAM: YOU ARE HATED, TO A DEGREE. MORE THAN THIS, YOU ARE FEARED.
RESHIRAM: TO THE GODS, YOU REPRESENT MURDER ITSELF.
RESHIRAM: MOST WISH TO SEE YOU PUNISHED, FOR YOU REPRESENT THE IDEA THAT THEY ARE NOT AS UNTOUCHABLE AS THEY HAD THOUGHT.
RESHIRAM: HOWEVER.
RESHIRAM: LUGIA IS NOW HATED MORE THAN YOU, AND THE MARGIN IS NOT CLOSE.
RESHIRAM: IF YOU REPRESENT MURDER, LUGIA REPRESENTS WAR.
RESHIRAM: IN ONE MOMENT, YOU MADE A GRAVE ERROR, AND YOU HAVE SET A DANGEROUS CHAIN OF EVENTS IN PLAY.
RESHIRAM: LUGIA, HOWEVER, IS HOLDING THE ENTIRE WORLD HOSTAGE IN HIS PAIN.
RESHIRAM: THESE ACTIONS ARE NOT CONSIDERED COMPARABLE, AND FEW WOULD SIDE WITH HIM WERE A CONCLUSIVE BATTLE POSSIBLE.
VAPOREON: ...
VAPOREON: I really don't want more of the same.
VAPOREON: Slaughter got me into this. I don't want it to be what gets me out.
RESHIRAM: A PEACEFUL SOLUTION MAY BE POSSIBLE. I WOULD NOT KNOW.
VAPOREON: Right. What about his allies? Surely he has some.
RESHIRAM: THE ONLY POKEMON WHO MIGHT NOT SUPPORT YOU ARE THOSE WHO WERE CLOSEST TO MOLTRES.
RESHIRAM: ITS BROTHER, ZAPDOS.
RESHIRAM: ITS SISTER, ARTICUNO.
RESHIRAM: ITS PARTNER, ENTEI.
VAPOREON: ...oh.
VAPOREON: Of course.
RESHIRAM: NONE HAVE SEEN ZAPDOS OR ARTICUNO SINCE MOLTRES WAS KILLED.
RESHIRAM: MANY WORRY THEY MAY BE DEAD AS WELL, BUT THEY ARE NOT.
RESHIRAM: THEY ARE SIMPLY COPING WITH THE LOSS IN THEIR OWN WAYS.
VAPOREON: What happened to Ho-oh?
RESHIRAM: YOUR MOTHER IS MORE BOUND THAN ANY OF US.
RESHIRAM: HER DAUGHTER KILLED THE CHILD OF HER CLOSEST FRIEND, AND SHE IS IN DEEP MOURNING FOR BOTH SIDES.
RESHIRAM: MORE THAN ANY OTHER, HO-OH HAS BEEN FORCED TO TAKE A ROLE THAT HAS TORN HER TO SHREDS.
RESHIRAM: PLEASE BE KIND TO HER WHEN YOU SEE HER. SHE IS WATCHING YOU ALWAYS.
VAPOREON: Alright. If that's everything then... I hope you'll be ok.

Her heart hurt. Her head hurt. She needed to lie down and sleep forever, but not now. Not yet. There was work to be done.

RESHIRAM: IT IS EVERYTHING I FEEL NEEDS TO BE SAID.
RESHIRAM: YOU MAY RETURN TO ASK MORE ON THIS TOPIC IF YOU FEEL THE NEED.
RESHIRAM: I WILL BE FINE. MY ROLE WAS APPROVED, AS MUCH AS LUGIA RESENTED IT.
RESHIRAM: HE COULD NOT COMPEL ME TO DENY YOU THE TRUTH, EVEN IF I WANTED TO.
VAPOREON: ...one more question.
VAPOREON: Why the FUCK am I missing a leg?
RESHIRAM: IT WAS ANOTHER PUNISHMENT FROM LUGIA.
RESHIRAM: HE DID NOT WANT YOU AT FULL POWER, EVEN IF YOU REGAINED YOUR MEMORIES.

She imagined the great beast tearing it free himself in violent fury.

RESHIRAM: IT HAS BEEN MENTIONED TO YOU BEFORE, BUT I WILL SAY IT AGAIN.
RESHIRAM: CHOOSE YOUR PATH FROM HERE CAREFULLY.
RESHIRAM: LUGIA WILL BE WAITING TO SPEAK WITH YOU, NOW THAT THE CURTAINS HAVE RAISED.
VAPOREON: I'll make this right... as best I can...

Reshiram flourished a wing, and Xatu appeared beside it.

RESHIRAM: RAIKOU HAS CONVINCED HIM TO GIVE YOU AN HOUR. NO MORE.
RESHIRAM: TAKE XATU AND GO WHEREVER YOU WISH, BUT DO NOT DELAY ANY FURTHER.
RESHIRAM: YOUR SIBLINGS ARE AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE VOLCANO, SHOULD YOU WISH TO SPEAK TO THEM.
VAPOREON: I do. Thank you, Reshiram.
RESHIRAM: FOR ALL OF OUR SAKES, VAPOREON. GOOD LUCK.

 

[val-triplicate]

Art by Rusty-Eevee!​

---

INTERMISSION FIVE​

A FORGOTTEN STREAM OF THOUGHT​

FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF VICTINI, TO SUICUNE​

---

I'm washing dishes. There's gotta be thirty.​

They're already clean, but that's not the point.​

It's just a chance to be away from the fight.
​

You've had this one before.​

Many times. Almost word-for-word.​

I could recite it if I wanted to.​

Last time, I took a nasty bruise breaking it up.​

This time, I'm washing dishes.​

You take the bruise instead.
​

There's silence in the room.​

It's loud enough I can hear it from the kitchen.​

You've both shown up with injuries before.​

This is the first time you'll leave with even more.​

It'll be the last time, too.
​

I put my dishes down and rush out to defuse.​

It's too little, too late.​

I reassure you that things get heated sometimes.​

You're both still welcome here, as long as you keep it civil.​

I know you won't keep it civil, but I would miss you.
​

I'll miss you both.​

 

[val-triplicate]

VAPOREON: Xatu... can I get you to send letters?

Vaporeon paced anxiously around the guild building. No one else was left inside it – she glanced outside. It seemed no one was left in the city at all.

(XATU: Yes. I will have the message sent directly to their location.)

The bird tossed a bottle of ink into the air, as well as some sheets of paper. Both were caught by psychic power, ready for near-instant writing.

VAPOREON: Okay, Espeon needs to know right the fuck away.
VAPOREON: We're the Legendary Beasts, Lugia is super pissed at me for killing his child, and that's why I am what I am.
VAPOREON: I have to let him grieve and help however I can.
VAPOREON: And... tell her thanks for still trying.

Xatu nodded, ink flying. In less than five seconds, they floated the finished letter over for her approval.

VAPOREON: Yeah, good. Send.
VAPOREON: Next, Victini.
VAPOREON: Tell him I'm sorry for taking so long, but I did it.

The letter produced for approval was vague, as Xatu did not understand what was being said. However, it got the main point she was trying to convey.

VAPOREON: Good enough, we're on the clock.
VAPOREON: Mawile... send her all this metal I gathered, and tell her I'm sorry that I can't come see her yet.
VAPOREON: But ask her if she wants to- to go on a date if I survive this.
VAPOREON: You guys fucking owe me for this all, so I'm going to send you the bill for that.
(XATU: Of course; for the fate of the world, that is a very easy ask.)
VAPOREON: Yeah, well it won't be the only one. But it's enough for now.

Xatu blinked, and the metal disappeared, replaced with a clunky cloth bundle. Another letter, an approval, and the letter and metal were both sent away.

VAPOREON: Ah, fuck... Luxio and Arbok.
VAPOREON: Tell them the whole story I told Espeon, and that I'll meet them in Basin City.

The letters written were identical, with Xatu knowing little context. Good enough. After twenty seconds of waiting, they found the two and sent off the letters.

(XATU: Are there any other letters you would like to send?)
VAPOREON: No. But there's three places I want to visit.
VAPOREON: The entrance of Forest Grotto, then to Spidops' cabin, then outside the volcano.

The bird gave a quick nod, and the two were at the first destination in an instant.

Vaporeon took a moment to find the bush where it had all gone down. On that night, she had left naught but bloody slush. By now, it was just bones. She gathered and buried them, along with a heart made out of pure ice.

VAPOREON: I'm sorry, little guy.
VAPOREON: You were at the worst place at the worst time, but... maybe the lesson you taught me will go on to save so many more.

The heart glistened with light as it was lowered into the ground. Wind rustled through the bush, and the sounds of the dungeon and the forest carried on as always.

She walked back to Xatu. They extended a wing, pointing to the ground in front of them. She stood there, and the next moment they were in front of a familiar cabin.

She gazed at it sadly. She tromped around to try and trigger a trap, but there weren't any this close to the door. Vaporeon sighed and called out.

VAPOREON: Hello? Is anyone home?

A bustle of activity came from behind the door, and it swung open with the tug of a web strand. Sitting at the table were Spidops, holding a cup of tea with two legs, and Espeon, holding a letter with her psychic abilities.

Right. Of course they'd be in the same place. That made this more efficient, if infinitely more stressful. Vaporeon stood dead still, waiting to either be told to fuck off or enter. Spidops sighed.

SPIDOPS: You might as well come in.
ESPEON: Vap- Suicune, is that you?
VAPOREON: You don't have to call me that.
ESPEON: Vaporeon, then.
ESPEON: It's good to hear you defeated Reshiram – how are you holding up?
VAPOREON: I'm mostly here to apologize again to Spidops.
VAPOREON: Partially to say my goodbyes, too. Lugia's going to fucking kill me.

There was a heavy silence. Spidops was ignoring her apology, but that was fair enough. Vaporeon had dodged Espeon's concern for her much the same.

ESPEON: I'm sorry my analysis was wrong.
VAPOREON: It was closer than I would have gotten alone.
VAPOREON: You were... the biggest help anyone's ever been to me and I'm really sorry I dragged you down that awful mountain for my obsession.
SPIDOPS: What's done is done.
SPIDOPS: It sounds like you have gotten the help you needed, and I am proud and furious to have married such a compassionate woman.

Espeon winced, guilt on her face. Both Eeveelutions were very close to tears.

ESPEON: I- I hope you take care of yourself, Vaporeon.
ESPEON: It does not sound like your journey is done, but I am proud to have helped you how I could.
VAPOREON: It might prove to be the deciding factor in saving this world.
VAPOREON: And yet all I feel is guilt, for all the regular Pokemon I have hurt.
VAPOREON: This journey began with two murders, and it might end in a third.

Espeon nodded. The worrying words hurt like a knife, but the commendation seemed to soothe just as much.

ESPEON: I made the right decision, then. I regret nothing at all.

A leg flew out, and Espeon yelped in pain.

ESPEON: W-what I mean to say is, I should not have risked my life for yours, but I am glad to have helped put this tragic tale on the right path.
VAPOREON: Thank you... that second one means more to me, actually.

Espeon smiled, seeming proud of that response.

VAPOREON: Xatu. Last stop, please.
ESPEON: Thank you for letting us know.
ESPEON: I can only appease my wife so much, but please do write.
VAPOREON: Yeah. If this is it, goodbye.
ESPEON: Goodbye, Suicune. Vaporeon.

The pair disappeared, leaving behind nothing at all. Vaporeon stretched out as much as she could, and looked around for her siblings. A Raikou and an Entei towered over the entrance sign. The electric cat looked right at her, but the fire dog did not meet her gaze.

VAPOREON: Rai. Tei. It's... good to see you two together.
RAIKOU: Sui. I'm glad to see you made it, sister.

Love and relief filled every part of Raikou's voice, but Entei's was colder than ever.

ENTEI: Let's see what you can do about this, then.
VAPOREON: ...you really loved it, Entei.

Vaporeon spoke softly. Entei growled and shook, tears in its eyes.

ENTEI: I did.
ENTEI: Someday I hope you feel that loss, too.

She stepped back. Raikou smacked his sibling, frustration rising.

RAIKOU: Be. Civil.
RAIKOU: We have a fight to stop.
VAPOREON: You mean I do.
RAIKOU: Lugia demanded to see you. He didn't say you had to come alone.
RAIKOU: I'm done being passive. If you're going down, I'm going down with you.
VAPOREON: I won't let you die for me.
VAPOREON: But... I'd appreciate you coming, even still.
VAPOREON: ...
VAPOREON: You can take his side if you want, Entei.
ENTEI: ...I meant what I said.
ENTEI: I don't place my grief above the fate of the world.
ENTEI: As much as Lugia thinks it will, the death of thousands will not bring it back.
ENTEI: ...if it would, the volcanoes would be erupting alongside the seas. But it would not.

Vaporeon paced as she usually did, working her nerve up as much as she could.

VAPOREON: I buried the last of my sins today.
VAPOREON: It's time to do the same for the past version of me.
RAIKOU: Whatever happens, Suicune, I'm behind you.
RAIKOU: If... if this goes sour, and we don't all make it, I'm proud of who you've become.
VAPOREON: Don't... call me Suicune right now, please.
VAPOREON: Until this is all over, I'm just Vaporeon.
RAIKOU: Of course, Vaporeon.
VAPOREON: Are we... ready to go?
ENTEI: ...
ENTEI: I will accompany you if you think it would help.
ENTEI: I will not be pleasant, but I will be civil. I would like this resolved.
VAPOREON: That's all I ask.
ENTEI: Then that is all you will receive.

She smiled at it and nodded to Xatu. A blinding flash of light enveloped the area, and they were gone.

 

[val-triplicate]

The energy in the cave was deafening. Winds whipped around the entire cave, and the pressure in the air felt almost lethal.

Three beasts stood on one side of a large stone clearing – two large, one small. Three birds stood on the other side – two large, one massive.

LUGIA: GROVEL.

He pointed to Vaporeon alone with his wing. This force, this pressure... Vaporeon was more scared than she could have ever imagined. She began crying and dropped to the floor in a bow, shivering and pleading.

VAPOREON: L-l-lugia... I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry!

Lugia was impassive, and held his wing out for a full minute. Finally, he dropped it to resting position, satisfied with Vaporeon's deference.

LUGIA: Up.

She stopped crying, and sniffled weakly as she sat up. The gaze that met hers was intense, and the fury of the oceans pierced through her soul.

LUGIA: You are here because you refused to stay in your proper place.
LUGIA: Your siblings pleaded and squealed for a peaceful resolution.
LUGIA: Should you wish to leave here alive, and return to a world with mortals, you will convince us this resolution is desirable.
VAPOREON: Y-y-yes, sir.
LUGIA: All must be convinced.
LUGIA: All who you have stolen my child away from.
LUGIA: All whose lives were shattered by your disgusting, bloated pride.
LUGIA: You have five minutes to think and prepare a case. Begin.
VAPOREON: Th-thank you...

The room's pressure doubled. For the first time since the incident, all remaining birds and beasts were in the same room, save for Ho-oh.

Articuno shuffled anxiously. She looked like she was itching to take off flying at any moment. Every few seconds her eyes would flit between Vaporeon and Lugia, but she couldn't stand to look at either. She just forced them closed.

Zapdos shuddered with discomfort, hatred and grief boiling in the same electric cauldron. He looked like he might attack to kill if she looked at him wrong, so she resolved to avoid his eyes.

Vaporeon sat and thought deeply. This was fucking awful. She'd already known she couldn't be trusted with power, but this was her first time being truly useless. Even fighting Reshiram they felt roughly equal, but here? She was a drop in the bucket compared to the might before her.

It was time to truly accept that she deserved no authority over anyone else. She didn't deserve it, she didn't want it, and she didn't need it. Every problem she'd ever caused had come from power, and every solution from giving it up.

She gave up against Espeon. She tried to make amends with Spidops, with Luxio and Arbok, and with Scrafty. When she was at her best, she could forget she was even strong at all.

How could she convince these titans that knew what she was better than she did? She looked to the people she hurt in her past life. She must have been as cruel and bitter then as when she'd woken up. No wonder they wanted to hurt her. Who wouldn't?

Then she looked to her siblings, who were once as small as she was and were now unbound and free.

VAPOREON: H-h-hey... r-r-raikou...

Raikou plodded anxiously over to her. He had never looked powerless, like she had. Neither he or their sibling had a drop of power reduced. However, they had both looked terrified, and they both still did. Nothing had changed for them, save for their relationship with their sister.

He nodded, unspeaking but prompting her to continue.

VAPOREON: E-en... t-tei...

It growled, shaking with frustration and grief, and turned to face her. It was clear it had been crying.

Vaporeon turned and looked to the birds again. And at Lugia. Her eyes were full of fear, but even more so full of remorse.

(VAPOREON: How can I claim to know suffering if I have no idea what you've been through?)
(VAPOREON: Please... I have to know. Don't hold it back...)

She begged mentally at the psychic god. Not for forgiveness, not for mercy, but to know what it wanted.

Lugia looked at her, disbelief in her presumptuousness flashing across his face.

Then, he grinned.

(LUGIA: You wish to know what I've been through?)
(LUGIA: You wish to experience that?)
(LUGIA: What a wonderful idea. Let me show you.)

A powerful explosion of psychic energy flushed through Vaporeon, and her mind was erased.

 

[val-triplicate]

Suicune opened her eyes. Where was she... right, of course. Voltaic Chasm, 38th floor. She hadn't heard from Raikou in a week, and she was getting worried. She smiled placidly as the part of her that remembered otherwise was silenced.

Something felt off as Suicune dashed down the twisting path of yellow rock. Shouldn't she have run into other Pokemon by now? Raikou was notorious for skipping out on his dungeon, but it wasn't like him not to at least keep it running. She sped up. Whatever was going on, it couldn't be good.

---

​

No. No, no, no, no... Suicune's knees buckled and she fell. Before her sat the corpse of her brother. Stood blankly above it, Moltres.

(VAPOREON: THAT... HOW... NO! NOOOOOO!!!!)

Some part of her knew this was not real, that Moltres was the dead one and not Raikou. However, this part was drowned out a million times over as she stared at the corpse.

Blood pooled from his body, his face permanently etched in a look of fear and horror. Moltres simply stared at it.

(VAPOREON: Raiii! Please!! It'll be ok!!)
(VAPOREON: You can't be! You can't be!!!)

No sound came from the cat or from the bird. The only sounds were from the dungeon around them. The sounds of life moving on for everyone else.

Time didn't stop for the world, only for her.

Nothing of any importance had occurred for anyone, only for her.

Everyone else got to be happy, got to give a pittance of sympathy and thank the stars it hadn't happened to them.

There was no getting back what she had lost. He was gone forever, and that bird bitch was still here.

For what? A rivalry?

For what? A few snide words in passing?

This was not the time for snide words. This was the time for action.

She couldn't make Moltres give back what it had taken. All she could do was make sure Moltres spent every second it had left in agonized regret.

It may have won the fight, but it would not win the war.

Anger surged through her, powerful and dominating.

Without knowing how, Suicune found herself by a lake of lava, face to face with the bird that had killed her brother.

(VAPOREON: YOU!!!)

Moltres stepped back, looking threatened. Good.

(LUGIA: I'm. I'm sorry.)
(LUGIA: I didn't mean to.)
(VAPOREON: SORRY ISN'T DAMN NEAR GOOD ENOUGH!!!)
(LUGIA: I'm sorry!!! I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry...)
(LUGIA: I didn't mean to hurt it, but- but I'm sorry, but I can't do anything else now...)

This was not true.

There was a way to get more.

Suicune was not the strongest Pokemon in the world, but she had influence.

She did not have power enough to make Moltres suffer, but Lugia did.

A shame to have to use a father against his child, but her brother was dead.

Nothing else mattered but revenge.

The pain and anger overwhelmed her. Without any perception of the time in between, she stood face-to-face with Lugia.

(VAPOREON: Lugia!)
(LUGIA: ...I am sorry for your loss.)
(VAPOREON: When has that ever been good enough?)
(LUGIA: ...)
(LUGIA: It needed to be said, regardless, for it is true.)
(VAPOREON: HE'S DEAD.)
(VAPOREON: FOREVER.)
(VAPOREON: GONE.)
(VAPOREON: AND YOU LET IT RUN WILD AND FREE.)
(VAPOREON: HOW MANY MORE WILL IT KILL?)
(VAPOREON: HOW MANY MORE FAMILIES LEFT CHILDLESS?)
(VAPOREON: WHEN WILL YOU STOP IT?!)
(LUGIA: I have contacted Mesprit. I have contacted Azelf.
(LUGIA: We will deal with the issue.)
(LUGIA: I can do nothing to soothe the hole in your heart.)
(LUGIA: You must deal with the loss yourself.)

This was, again, not true.

She could push him harder.

There was more he stood to lose that she could threaten.

There was more he could do to make no one else die like her brother had.

There was more he could do to make Moltres beg to be ALLOWED to die like her brother had.

Threaten his children.

Threaten the world.

Threaten everything you can get your paws on.

He will relent.

He will have to.

(VAPOREON: I will poison every river. I will drown every mortal.)
(VAPOREON: Everything I can touch, I will ruin until you DESTROY Moltres!)

Lugia's eyes sharpened with cold and fearful anger.

(LUGIA: You gain nothing and lose everything by following this path, Suicune.)
(VAPOREON: You refuse to give me what is only fair.)
(LUGIA: There is no fairness to be had for the loss you are going through.)
(VAPOREON: What do I even have left?)
(VAPOREON: A dead sibling, a broken family and enough pain to kill a lesser being.)
(LUGIA: You have your broken family. They need you.)
(VAPOREON: And I need revenge. Or you will feel everything I have.)
(VAPOREON: And I won't PRETEND to be sympathetic.)
(LUGIA: ...so be it.)
(LUGIA: When the hatred that is killing you finishes the job, I will not save you.)
(LUGIA: I will make the arrangements. If you change your mind on the path you have chosen, you will know where to find me.)

The scene shifted again, and she saw them all in one room. Lugia stood with his back to her, tears pouring down. Raikou lay dead, Moltres silent over him.

Then, at once, the vision vanished.

Lugia and Raikou were gone, replaced with flickering visions of Ho-oh and Moltres. In Moltres' place, she herself stood.

 

[val-triplicate]

All around, the other legendaries watched the two come out of their psychic trance. Vaporeon's mind narrowly withstood the toll, but her body buckled and puked water onto the cave floor.

LUGIA: That is but a brief glimpse of what you have put me through.
LUGIA: Do you see? Do you feel?
LUGIA: Does it destroy you fully, as it has destroyed me?
VAPOREON: I'm sorry... I'm sorry... I hurt you so much...
VAPOREON: I want to help... make it better somehow...

Lugia glared through her.

LUGIA: Who are you, wretched beast?
LUGIA: Who are you, who stands before me.
LUGIA: You have seen what Suicune took from me. You watched her take it from you.
LUGIA: Yet you speak of my suffering before your own.
LUGIA: If I had shown this most painful of memories to Suicune, she would have simply laughed.

Would she have? She seemed so broken in the memory Vaporeon saw... but then again, Vaporeon still knew almost nothing of her. Raikou had loved Suicune, that much was clear. Victini considered her a close friend too. Yet, neither had been willing to talk about what she'd been like before. Raikou only implied Suicune had lived a miserable experience.

If immortality had led her down this path, then she didn't need it. If it wasn't worth living as a mortal, it would never be as a god.

VAPOREON: Lugia...
LUGIA: Speak.
VAPOREON: Kill me. Kill her.
VAPOREON: Take my immortality.
VAPOREON: Watch me be a mortal, that will be my proof I've changed.
LUGIA: And if this fails to convince me?
VAPOREON: Then... then I die like that.
VAPOREON: The wicked bitch is dead. Moltres is avenged.
VAPOREON: If I've changed enough, you can let me be a god again.
VAPOREON: You can also just... kill me, whenever you want.
VAPOREON: I'll tell my- my family not to stop you.
LUGIA: You come into my lair to make the most presumptuous demand I have ever heard.
LUGIA: Why should I not just kill you now?
LUGIA: Why should I not kill your siblings in retribution?

Vaporeon stared into his eyes. He was terrifying still, but she'd seen what was haunting him. She knew what he wanted. She couldn't give it to him – no one could. But she could give him what he needed.

VAPOREON: Because it wouldn't help.
VAPOREON: Because... you don't want to.
VAPOREON: You're hurting. You're trying to make me hurt instead.
VAPOREON: I don't care about that. I've fucking earned it.
VAPOREON: But it wouldn't work, and that's what I care about.

Vaporeon let out a breath and drew another in. The pressure made it almost impossible to breathe, and she had to force her body to do it manually. She needed her bracelet so badly, now... but a glance showed it lighting up like it was on fire. He still needed it, and she had this.

VAPOREON: I've hurt people, too, Lugia.
VAPOREON: I've driven everyone I loved away, just like you have.

Articuno scraped her claws into the floor with a whimper, while Zapdos let out a deafening scream of despair. Good. She'd been guessing there, but she'd hit her mark.

VAPOREON: None of that helped even a little.
VAPOREON: What brought me forward was finding friends.
VAPOREON: Letting my family back in my life.
VAPOREON: I even found love, and a future.
VAPOREON: Don't you want that?

Lugia launched a beam of psychic energy directly at Vaporeon. It curved out of the way, then back towards her, then away again. She let out a terrified cry, but kept her eyes locked on him. He was crying now.

The attack, then... whether it was to preserve his pride or he'd just changed his mind didn't matter. She had him where she needed him. She had him where he needed to be, where he wanted to be. She just needed him to admit it.

VAPOREON: You can kill me now, if you want. I won't resist.
VAPOREON: Suicune killed Moltres. I killed Scrafty.
VAPOREON: I know I deserve it, but this isn't about me. It's about you.
VAPOREON: Kill me and you lose your chance to heal from this.
VAPOREON: You'll be miserable forever, just like I almost was.
VAPOREON: Look into my mind, Lugia. See my hope for a better life.
VAPOREON: Let me go, and you can have it too. You can be happy.

She smiled.

VAPOREON: You can be free.

 

[val-triplicate]

Lugia shambled to the cave's exit, a pool of water that lead directly into the ocean rather than the dungeon. He slammed his wings together with a powerful clap, and a cavern wall slid open.

LUGIA: Grant her request, Ho-oh.
LUGIA: I will be in touch.

Defeated and crying, Ho-oh stepped into the room as Lugia left it. She limped over and pulled Vaporeon into a big, quivering hug. Vaporeon looked away, crushed that she had no recognition at all of this grieving mother.

HO-OH: I'm so sorry... I'm so sorry.
HO-OH: I- I couldn't stop you, I couldn't save you... please, forgive me.
VAPOREON: Ho-oh. Let's talk after all this is over.
VAPOREON: It's ok.
HO-OH: ...okay. I-I'll be strong. For you, Suicune...
VAPOREON: For me. Not Suicune.

She sobbed louder.

HO-OH: I- I'll miss you.
HO-OH: I'll miss you now, and I- I'll miss you if you're- if he doesn't-

Vaporeon sat on the spot and considered. It took Ho-oh minutes to stop crying, and even longer to compose herself.

VAPOREON: It's going to be okay.
VAPOREON: We'll take this as it comes.
VAPOREON: I'm not... I'm not who I was anymore.
VAPOREON: I don't know if I'm still Suicune, but I know I'm not her anymore.
VAPOREON: I'm someone new, now. Someone yet to be fully made.
VAPOREON: I- I really need a mommy.
HO-OH: ...of course. My precious d-daughter... I am so sorry.

Vaporeon sat still, ready to be free. Ho-oh looked at her, the sadness unbearable. She took a deep breath, and began to work.

Powerful life magic surged through Vaporeon. She was born an Eevee, and grew to a Vaporeon. She had died in a fire, and had been brought back as the rains that quashed the flames. She had been granted life anew... and now it would be taken back.

The clock of her life ticked forward second by second, then spun back millennia in an instant. Then, the clock shattered.

HO-OH: ...it's done.
HO-OH: Please... I- I need to be alone...

When consciousness returned to Vaporeon, she felt... hollow. Like something deep inside her had died, and it might never come back.

VAPOREON: Mnn. I'm... free.

No more rage. No more insanity. No more conspiracies and traumatized machinations.

Her soul felt... wrong. It felt like it was a fraction of what it had always been, and it made it almost hard to breathe. Yet what was left was hers, now. It was easier to breathe, after a moment's rest. She struggled back to her feet. Her leg was still gone, but that wasn't a punishment anymore. It was who she was.

RAIKOU: C-can we talk, Suicune?
VAPOREON: Sure can, brother.
VAPOREON: For now... it's Vaporeon, please.

She wagged her tail. He cried harder than he already was.

VAPOREON: You came and met me as I am now... and we became siblings by choice, not by blood.
RAIKOU: I love you, Vaporeon...
RAIKOU: I- I know this has been the hardest thing you could have gone through, a-and you still let me be there with you.

She was still terrified of his huge, intimidating body, but the tears made it easier to accept.

RAIKOU: If you'll- if you'll have this ancient, weepy cat as a brother... I'd be honored, for as long as you have left.

She turned to Entei. It winced, overcome with too many emotions to count.

ENTEI: ...I'm sorry I doubted you.
ENTEI: You've given up everything in order to put this to rest.
ENTEI: Vaporeon.
ENTEI: I- I don't know how I feel anymore.
ENTEI: But you've done as you promised.
ENTEI: You saved us. You saved yourself. You even saved Lugia, despite his hatred...
VAPOREON: Yeah... you hurt me really bad. But I still kept trying.
ENTEI: ...you can stop trying, now.

It took a breath.

ENTEI: However, if you don't... I would be glad to make the amends I can.
VAPOREON: I'll be there while you do.
VAPOREON: Sister and sibling.

She stumbled over to hug it, but tripped onto her side, panting. Something inside it seemed to break, and it wrapped her in a warm hug.

RAIKOU: You should... also talk to Mom, before you go.
ENTEI: I know you haven't met her before today.
ENTEI: She's- she's been through more than us, though, so please.
ENTEI: If you have one more in you, it would mean a lot to us.
VAPOREON: Alright... but then I really need to go home.

She stood up again and walked over to the sobbing Ho-oh.

HO-OH: S-suicune...
HO-OH: Sorry... Vaporeon...
VAPOREON: It's okay. It's- it's gonna be okay.
HO-OH: What happens now...?
HO-OH: Are you- are you still her?
HO-OH: Is this... is this an evolution, or have I killed my daughter with my own claws...
VAPOREON: ...I don't know. Kind of, I think.
VAPOREON: But... I'll still be your daughter if it's okay.
HO-OH: Please...

Vaporeon embraced her mother for a long time, but the exhaustion was tightening and her. It was time to go.

VAPOREON: I love you, Mom.
VAPOREON: I love you, bro, and sib.
VAPOREON: I'll- I'll be in touch, I promise.
VAPOREON: I just need a lot of time to recover.
VAPOREON: I have somewhere I need to be.

As Vaporeon was teleported out, she gave her family the most comforting smile she could. As she arrived on the docks, the smile met the town's only remaining resident. Evacuation signs warning of a potential tsunami had cleared all the others off, but there was one who hadn't followed Entei's plea.

VAPOREON: MAWILE!

Vaporeon jumped up and rushed into the arms of her girlfriend. Mawile hugged back tightly, terror and confusion abandoned for relief.

VAPOREON: I'm... I'm so tired... let's go sleep...
MAWILE: You m'de it... of course, h'ney. R'ght this way.

She led her girlfriend carefully through the streets. Dissatisfied with the progress and worried about her health, Mawile stopped. She grabbed Vaporeon's torso and heaved upwards.

VAPOREON: H-hey... have I really gotten that light?
MAWILE: Urff.

She grunted and carried her swiftly, bridal-style.

MAWILE: I can pr'mise you, V'poreon.
MAWILE: You h've not.
VAPOREON: Oh. You uh... got all the metal I sent you from the volcano?

Vaporeon blushed and changed the subject. Mawile preened with pride, metal snapping from behind her.

MAWILE: I d'd. I've already started w'rking on the leg.
MAWILE: S'me of my b'st work yet.
VAPOREON: Thank you... I think I'm ready to walk on four legs again.
MAWILE: I'll be w'th you the whole way. If you'll h've me.
VAPOREON: Always. I just hope we can make this work...
VAPOREON: The truth of my power, and what happened in the cave...

She stopped abruptly, and struggled to shift weight around. Vaporeon was now facing directly at her, and Mawile used the opportunity to give her a kiss.

MAWILE: Sh'sh.
MAWILE: St'ries t'morrow.
MAWILE: You n'd some damn r'st.

She kept walking, letting Vaporeon stare into the unmoving front mouth, and the eyes full of love. The door to the shop slammed open, then slammed behind them. Same with the door to Mawile's room.

VAPOREON: Heheh... my handsome princess has carried me across the threshold...
MAWILE: I'll carry you fr'm that cave to the sky if I h've to.
MAWILE: Not now th'gh. I th'nk we both need to sl'p.

She placed Vaporeon gently down, and gave her a kiss with each mouth. Vaporeon kissed back before splaying out on the bed.

MAWILE: Sl'p, hon.
MAWILE: T'morrow, we t'ke on the w'rld.

- - - THE END - - -​

 

[val-triplicate]

Art by Cactus-Genome!​