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Chapter Text

Ever since Ingo vanished, Emmet became lost. The days and his thoughts blurred, clinging desperately to the truth that his sibling was fine. He had to be fine. He must be fine. There was no other possible destination on those rails, and he would not consider any other truths on those tracks.

When he wasn’t lost in thought, he’d been burying himself in work. Battles, Safety Checks, Trash collecting, power washing the graffiti off the walls: anything to keep himself from thinking. All of this was a mistake. He knew it was

He couldn’t change course.

It was late when a cloaked man entered the station. As soon as he spotted them, he felt his blood boil. He recognized that man-that monster, all too well. The one who had taken his dear siblings before. the one who had tried some desperate power grab to rule this land.
Ghetsis.

“You are banned from the subway.” His eyes flashed red.

“You’ve mistaken me for another“ he said. “That man, perhaps he might have been myself, but our experiences are very different, dragon.”

“What sort of lie are-You’re not lying? What are you talking about? How are you here? Why are you here?!” the questions spilled from his lips in a panic. This man, this man had to be lying. They had to be.

Immediately his mind was racing with all sorts of possible truths. This man had to be Ghetsis, but he wasn’t Ghetsis? He might have had something to do with Ingo, but he was also certain he couldn’t have. He wouldn’t be able to control his brother-but what if he had somehow gotten the light stone? No, that was impossible.

The other was smirking, amused by his confusion. “I have nothing to hide from you, dragon. In fact, I wished to speak with you. Tell you of truths you’ve yet to hear. “

“Why would you do that?” He took a step back.

“For my amusement. See what sort of wildfires might spin from such truths. “

Emmet nodded. So it was some twisted game. The fact that he was being so honest disgusted him. He was up to something. “Where.”

“You can chose, Dragon. I have no intention of trying to capture you. Nor your brother, wherever he’s gone. Or your sister. “

“You’re being, verrrry specific.”

“Oh, i’ve learned exactly how a Reshiram thinks. The lack of truth leads to paranoia. That kind of anxiety, will prevent you from comprehending my truths. “

Something was wrong. Yet, he also hadn’t told a lie. “May I bring others?”

“You can, but we both know you won’t. You’ve been isolating yourself for weeks, living like the rats in the sewer. If you told your friends that you intend to speak with me, of all people, they would try and stop you. they would worry for you. “

Emmet was burning with anger. He still wasn’t lying, but had he been spying on him? What about Elesa, or Iris? Well-he wasn’t wrong. He wanted more information, and so far, he had been nothing but honest.
———————
They met at the railroad just outside Nacrene City, just as the sun was starting to rise. It was a comfortable, quiet clearing. Perfect for a conversation, and if Ghetsis did betray him? Well there was bound to be someone who would witness the truth of the situation.

The robed man watched the other, smirking. He seamed to be enjoying himself, at least.

“Spill it. You speak nonsense, but they aren’t lies.”

“I’ll start with a question, dragon. Are you familiar with alternate timelines? The concept that what happened to you today, might not have happened in a different timeline?”

“..I am familiar. “ He looked to his hand for a moment. That wasn’t exactly a lie: he knew of the concept. He was starting to wish right now, that he had payed more attention to his cousins when they tried to teach him.

“I am a Ghetsis. However, I’m not the one you’re familiar with. We might have done the same things—but unlike him, I won.”

“You still keep my siblings prisoner?!” smoke poured from the corner of his mouth.

“No. I hold a version of you prisoner.” a pokeball to the ground, releasing a Reshiram.

Emmet blinked twice, his mind becoming static. This-this wasn’t some sort of lie, and that most certainly was a him-a Reshiram before him. “H-how? Wh-“

Ghetsis pet the dragon’s snout. “They’ve become quite the loyal friend.”

“-Release the Light stone, and we’ll see how loyal He-I am?!” Emmet had taken his own draconic form now, if only to compare himself with this other. As far as he could tell, this other was not wearing a collar.

“I don’t have it. dragon. “

“What do-“ Emmet shook his head. The man still wasn’t lying, but he wasn’t willing to accept this as a truth. “I wouldn’t. Not willingly. How.“

“Oh, Dragon. I never said you where willing. But there are other ways to control, besides machines and magic. Breaking a dragon’s will isn’t easy. But you yourself, prove its quite possible.”

Emmet felt ill. “How.”

“Heh. If you’re so curious, you can join me and live it yourself! Just don’t forget, there are other versions that mirror your successes. Other versions of me, that might keep strong Ideals as a partner.”

“No.” Reshiram’s eyes where glowing a deep red, now. Suddenly, a desperate thought snapped through. Emmet’s mind. If he could travel though other universes, other timelines, just to seek him out? Just to mock him, specifically? Then he could likely find his sibling. He snorted a puff of smoke.

“…I see now. You’re suggesting my servitude to find my sibling?”

“I’m not suggesting. I’ve no reason to help you, dragon. And you’ve no reason to assume I would assist you, even if you did offer. “ Fear flashed across the other Reshiram’s eyes, before it retreated to its pokeball.

Emmet’s heart was pounding. “Wait! Please!-I…I need to find him.”

“Fine, dragon. Restrain yourself, and meet me at the top of Dragonspiral tower, tomorrow evening. “

Chapter Text

Emmet knew full well he was walking into a lion’s den. He knew he’d get nothing meaningful from this. His brother, his family, his friends: they’d all be disappointed or disgusted by his recklessness.

He couldn’t blame them.

Yet, he needed to go. Ghetsis had set out the perfect bait, knowing that the dragon needed to seek out the truth. And he was offering many truths. The truths of his brother, the truths of that other Reshiram, the truths of his travels. He needed to know more. He had to.

The dragon was his biggest concern. Was there just a Reshiram, as twisted and cruel as that man? Someone who would willingly join his side and fight? Or was that man still manipulating him? Threatening him into following his commands? That felt more likely. More reasonable. If he could somehow help the other? All the better to try, right?

His heart stung. These-They were almost lies. It felt like a chill nipping at his chest. He couldn’t know if he could win a battle with his mirror, if things came to that. He couldn’t know if it would only be a Reshiram.

The dark stone was left with Elesa, alongside a brief note. Emmet had much to say, but nothing he could bear to say. Apologies felt hollow: those had to be done face to face. She might not even accept them. If he said too much, she’d probably call a search party. If he didn’t say enough, she’d probably call a search party.

Elesa. This is Emmet. I’ve decided to do something reckless. I cannot be certain I can protect the dark stone better than you can right now. Thank you. I owe you.

Certain that things were as safe as they could be, Emmet started to Dragonspiral Tower.

The climb was no different than usual, but Emmet felt sick. He wanted nothing more then to turn around and curl up under a bench in the subway. Maybe fight one of the local Rattatas over a slice of pizza. That would be safer. He needed to climb this tower, and that likely meant accepting whatever sort of deal that man offered. Then he’d have to find some way to escape on his own.

He didn’t want to think about what would happen if he couldn’t.

Ghetsis was already there, alongside his Reshiram. The pokemon was paying little attention to its trainer, focused more on the rubble. Red eyes faced Emmet, and he could hear the other’s voice loud and clear though his mind.

Flee. I know you’ve made a decision, but-it would be irresponsible if I didn’t at least ask you to reconsider..

Emmet would take this as a good sign. At least this other dragon wasn’t fighting because he agreed with that man. What did he do to you?-what’s he planning to do?”

I’ve been kept in the dark, and I-Reshiram’s voice silenced as he was ordered to his Pokeball. Emmet swallowed. Not much help: but it was a good sign. The dragon wasn’t fighting with Ghetsis, nor did he agree with him. It at least meant a potential ally.

“I didn’t think you would actually show up.” Ghetsis sneered. “you really must be desperate. “

“oh? So Reshiram wasn’t there to fight?” He glared at the man. He didn’t want to admit to his desperation, but it wasn’t as if he could lie about it. Or hide it. How long had he been planning this?“ I have some questions for you.. “

“Fine, ask them dragon.”

“This technology you have. To travel to other worlds…Universes. Can anyone use them? Could it open a specific-“

Ghetsis just snickered. “Any person can use them. It can open specific portals. Once you know the location of a specific portal, you can return to it as much as you like. In theory, it could be used to find your brother. In practice, it would be next to useless. You would have to get lucky. “

He could sense no lies. “Do you intend to try and control me. Or my family, for that matter?”

“Yes. “ The man leaned against his cane. “Letting a dragon loose in our base of operations would be foolish, as I'm certain you’d agree. You’ll need to be restrained. Handcuffs or a shock collar, your choice. That is as far as I plan to ‘control’ you , dragon.“

Emmet bit his lip. That was blunt, and rehearsed. Not a lie, but certainly a trick. “Will I be allowed to depart, or is your plan to keep me a prisoner.”

“I’m not feeding two legendary dragons! Your stay would be temporary.”

“Why are you trying to ‘help’.” Smoke poured from his mouth. “What exactly, are you getting out of this?”

“I get to watch a dragon who was victorious, flailing about on a wild swanna hunt. Perhaps, I can trick you into breaking a few things in the castle, giving me and the pirate more room to decorate with Model Ships! “

“…What?”

“you heard me, truthseeker.”

“Fine. Then I’ll go with you. “

************
His head was spinning. He couldn’t know if it was a symptom of traveling, or a symptom of bad fashion. Were those walls Prune? Who paints a wall, Prune?

He tested his shackles. They were heavy, cumbersome things, and he hadn’t had a chance to look at them. It felt like they where just a single thick slab of metal, with a hinge on the left and a padlock on the right. He was pretty sure that with time, he could melt though the lock.Was Ghetsis really this overconfident?

Ghetsis opened a door, beckoning him with a halfhearted swing of his cane. The trip to the laboratory was longer than Emmet would have liked, passing by rows of caged pokemon. He’d have to figure out a way to return and save them. He couldn’t do much now.

“We’re not made of infinite resources, dragon. One of our lesser portal rooms needed to be fit in our hospital. “

That explained the awful chemical smell, at least. “You have more then one?”

“Would you only have one?”

His arms were starting to feel numb. He shook his head, sighing. “…I thought it might be more portable…”

The lab-hospital was a large, cluttered room. Computers and chemicals were stacked up against the wall haphazardly. Large binders of research notes were scattered about the table, labeled only with names. Mostly Ein, whomever that was.

He turned his attention to a large machine taking up a large corner. It was a massive thing that looked like it was constructed with scrap and garbage that had been painted silver. It was humming with the force of at least 12 Kricketunes. A ‘portal’ was held open between the metal arms of the machine , crackling with energy. His head was spinning.

From here, he could ‘sense’ many places beyond the portal. He glanced to the man, silently demanding an explanation.

“Right now, the portal is just connected to the space in which all portals are connected. It’s also been shielded. It would be difficult for a creature to enter from the outside.”

“There are pokemon out there? In that…energy?”

“You, you really don’t know these things? I thought you legendary pokemon liked to talk.”

Emmet hummed. There probably was a legendary pokemon or two that dealt with this. It was too large to not have a conductor. He hadn’t spoken about things like this. “So you can just freely leave, but you need a key to return. Is that why we arrived at the entrance?”

Ghetsis nodded, tapping a nearby monitor with his cane. “Space there changes frequently, so mapping the entrances of these portals is of utmost importance. You just find the location, add those little numbers to those things, and our entrance portal will connect to that world’s exit. It's also possible to travel with certain pokemon, but those are not available at the moment. They will be shortly, but for now, we’ve had to make do with luck.“

“…you’re being verrry talkative. Why”

“Oh, I'm just waiting for the anesthetics to take hold.”

“What.” Flame collected at the corners of his mouth: it was colder than normal. The edges of his vision were starting to turn white. “H-How?”

“You’re shackles. “ He sneered.. “they’re designed to numb, and to administer an anesthetic. I suggest you sit, dragon. I doubt you’ll be able to stand for very long.”

Emmet’s mind was racing. he still hadn’t detected any lies from the man. His tongue was starting to feel dry and heavy. “I-you..I will escape, and -“

“Like I said, Dragon. I really have no interest in controlling you, or keeping you.”

Emmet frowned, moving to sit on the floor. He knew there’d be some sort of trick: and while he hadn’t anticipated these specific events, he was still certain he could get back on track. Somehow.

*************
Ghetsis was telling the truth. He had no interest in controlling Reshiram: Shadow Pokemon couldn’t be controlled. Not even by their own conductor.

When the heroine-when Hielda—had wielded the white stone, he wasn’t himself. He wasn’t the one conducting his life. His memories were fuzzy, and he could recall feelings more than events. His anger, his sorrow, and his relief.

This time, he was fully aware of his surroundings. He was in control: yet he was not in control. He could barely move, and his thoughts were as fast as the magnet train. The attacks he had perfected with his family had since been sealed. He knew the songs, but he couldn’t make himself sing.

His flames burned differently now. They no longer burned a deep, lively red. They’d darkened. They were wrong.

That man had ran a few tests with Emmet. It was not difficult to make him fight. It was difficult to make him stop. He’d gone four days battling against his restraints, his captors, other pokemon, the food bowl. Anything really, that he could lash out on. His heart was pounding. He couldn’t breathe. Yet he couldn’t make himself rest, nor could he pant.

If he hadn’t been sedated, again, he’d have burned himself out.

He was scared.

As Ghetsis said, he had no intention of feeding two legendary dragons, and that his stay would be temporary. He also claimed that finding Ingo would be a difficult task requiring years of time and a dragon’s luck. It wasn’t a lie, but they had countless psychic types, and Xerneas. With those resources, it had only taken them a few hours to find Hisui.

Emmet was abandoned in the mountains. Angry, tired, hungry, but free.

It was terrifying.

Pokemon attacked him. He fought back. The mountain burned with purple flame. He met a man with long hair. He’d burnt that man. He didn’t want to! He was angry, confused—his warning burned too brightly. He couldn’t speak: he hadn’t been able to for days. He couldn’t apologize. The man fought back. His left wing snapped, and the man fled.

He wanted to scream.

Emmet was angry, but he had no anger towards the man. He was impressed. That man was strong. He was trying to protect someone dear to him. That was a good thing!

He met a girl. They were verrry brave. They threw food at him. It took all his strength to burn the skies above. He didn’t want to hurt anyone! He wanted to stop hurting! He wanted to sleep. How many days has it been since he shut his eyes? Four? Five? Was this some sort of punishment? This pain was his fault after all: he had many opportunities to change tracks. He’d ignored all the safety checks. She was persistent. She stayed for two nights without rest. When his flames fell too close, she dodged with ease. He was thankful for that.

He was exhausted.

Next, came a dragon. They were familiar, somehow. He felt relieved. He felt ashamed. They battled, briefly. He was too tired, and the other, the other’s heart wasn’t in it. They yelled something to him: words that he was certain had meaning. Words like ‘Home’, ‘Bed’, and ‘Burrito’. He was certain he’d heard these terms before, but it felt like it had been years. He couldn’t remember why, but he trusted the other dragon.

For now, he’d follow.

Chapter Text

It had been several months since the rift had closed over Mount Coronet. It had been a time of celebration, though Ingo had spent less time celebrating, and more and more time assisting the Galaxy commander’s security team. 

Most of his memories had returned. It was something he was thankful for, but he couldn’t help but feel bitter. He couldn’t imagine how Drayden, Elesa, or Iris felt, vanishing as he did. He didn’t want to imagine how Emmet felt. He hated knowing that there was little he could do to change course. Not by his own hands, at least. 

The Heroine of Hisui, Akari, had been blessed by Arceus. they were most likely now their Aspect. At the very least, this part of Arceus would be traveling with Akari for some time. She had expressed a desire to return home. She told him she’d take him back to his time as well. In fact, that was the reason she initiated the conversation. She just needed to do more research in the pokedex, first.  

Ingo had started distracting himself, waiting for the day when they’d be able to return home. He started to view this trip almost as a vacation, a learning experience. And so, he started working on souvenirs. He’d carved extra pokeballs by hand, in order to give them as gifts. He started carving and buying small statues for the same reason. He spoke with Irida, deciding to take a few pokemon back home. His new partners, of course, but also a Sneasel, and a pair of Growlithe. 

He’d hoped that his brother might appreciate the symbolism of sharing a pokemon that always traveled in pairs. 

It was late when he first felt something was wrong. He spent an hour searching outside, presuming it was one of the wild pokemon. The Zoura were known for their anger, and their hunger. It wouldn’t be the first evening where he felt a crushing sense of dread, only to learn that its cause had been a Zoura after his lunch. 

At some point, he looked to the light stone. He couldn’t tell you why he looked at it: if it were for comfort or a compulsion. It was obvious. Something was wrong. Thin, charcoal-colored tracks were running along the surface of the stone. Ingo tried to swallow his fear. It was dark, and he often fell in the mud while walking through the highlands or mirelands. Perhaps it simply had gotten dirty. He didn’t fully believe this, but he did believe a good night’s rest would help him think more clearly. 

So he slept. 

As soon as dawn broke, he immediately examined the light stone. It took seconds to find the problem. There was a core now. Or a void. Some awful dark shape, resting in the center. Countless small tracks coiled about the stone, just under the surface. He gently wrapped it in silk cloth, before hiding it back in his pocket. It was still warm,  but he had to be careful. What if that precious stone snapped in two? 

He needed to find Akari. He needed to get home now .

******************************

Ingo was traveling through the highlands, when Reshiram had arrived suddenly. He could immediately tell something was wrong: he had never breathed purple flame in his life. What he couldn’t tell was why. This was unlike him: perhaps he had lost his memories, as he had?

He wanted to rush to his brother’s side. He wanted to help him. He couldn’t. 

“These tracks are unsafe. Please follow me, and I will transport us to the safety of Jubilife Village.” 

Akari pulled on his coat. “But -didn’t-“

“I’m not letting this overgrown Starly harm Lord Electrode!” 

“Then protect him. Please, take Lady Sneasler with you.” 

“I don’t need your help to fight that thing!”

Not exactly what he had in mind when he offered. 

“Melli there are only two ways off of this mountain. You can climb down with a Noble’s help, Or you can walk through Wayward Cave. By the time you’ve helped Lord Electrode, the cave will be impassable.” He didn’t want to consider the possibility that it already was. “Everyone, stay coupled and hold hands. We might not be able to see the torchlights past the smoke!”

He scowled as he looked at those purple flames. He would protect his brother. First, he had to ensure that Emmet couldn’t be saddled with the guilt of his actions. Burning down a mountain was terrible, but it was still a bearable mistake. Burning down a mountain, trapping roughly twenty people to their fates?  That was much less bearable. 

So he would ensure that never came to pass. With any luck, his brother might never realize just how dire the situation had become.  He took Akari’s hand, and started down the path. 

travel was slower then he’d have liked, and Wayward cave was worse then he’d hoped. Smoke was billowing from the cave’s entrance: there must have been fires below. Akari tugged his hand. 

“This–is this safe? Is the cave on fire?”

“No. There’s fire in the fields below, this is just traveling smoke.” Ingo’s voice was strained. Blue eyes darted from the cave to the river below. “…The route’s short. Everyone keep walking, keep your head down. If you can, cover your mouth and nose.” 

Static crackled along the edges of his coat, as he led them along the tunnels. He moved quickly. He wondered if he was leading them too quickly. It was impossible to see the torches past the smoke.It was impossible to know if the torches were even lit.  It was impossible to breathe. He coughed as he led them forward. He could hear his passengers cough. He could see the faint glow of fire as they approached the exit. He was too focused on his task. 

Ingo awoke some time later in the Galactic Team’s Medical center. He barely blinked before he heard a familiar voice. “You passed out at the cave exit. The security corps carried you here.”

“Ah. Thank you-oh. Has that dragon-“He coughed.

Those words felt cold. He felt bitter for saying them. That was his brother , not ‘some dragon’!  He didn’t want to worry about the Galactic Commander’s stubborn beliefs. Who knew how he would react, if he knew. He’d find a way to apologize. 

“He’s still there. Melli has a few burns, but he’ll recover soon. The clan leaders are having a debate about what to do. What’s his favorite food, again?”

“He enjoys simple, spicy di—He’s not Frenzied , Akari. The ones that where frenzied had a yellow-“

“Palkia and Dialga didn’t. “ she tapped at her phone. “The leaders are getting desperate: We have to do something!“

Ingo sat up, adjusting his weight. His lungs still hurt. He couldn’t remember when exactly they started hurting: he’d been too focused on his task. 

“Al-Alright. Closest thing here might be a dish made with those Sand radishes. Those are fairly spicy. But-but If I might be so bold, I have a request for you. I’m going to go with you. If these balms don’t work, I would like you to  ask Arceus to transport us to our home. All of us.”

“Yup, this is bad! What do you think happened, anyway?”

“I don’t know. His fire is normally bright red. Sometimes blue, but never that color. An illness, perhaps? Overworked himself, trying to find me? He might not have his memories, fickle things that they are. Hopefully I can talk him down; he really isn’t like this, normally. “

“Well we better do something, because Kamado is mad!” Ingo tilted his head, prompting her to continue. “He spent 20 minutes talking about how his great, great, great grandfather had chased away a Reshiram. That it is his family destiny to defeat this trial that Almighty Sinnoh has sent! He agreed to let me try to calm him down first. Soon as you’re able too, we’ll climb back up the mountain “

Ingo wasn’t certain what Kamado was talking about. Some sort of self-important lie? “I should be okay in an hour or so….was everyone else on our train okay?”

“Yeah. As good as they could be. Thank you Warden Ingo!” Akari sat up, a glint in her eyes. “i’ll start making those balms then!”

***********************************************

Ingo felt sick. 

Reshiram’s feathers were a mess. Most were damaged, and caked with dried mud. The dragon’s movements were frantic-clambering up the sides of the mountain or charging away from Akari. When he did attack, he aimed for the sky, or the grass at his feet. Anywhere but where Akari stood. He’d take that as a good sign: The blaze was an accident. He was more confused than enraged. If he couldn’t remember anything, then that would explain his actions. 

Their battle raged for hours. As they battled, Ingo took a seat at an abandoned camp. He’d agreed to give Akari time, and this battle likely wouldn’t last very long.  

By the third day, Ingo was now certain he was wrong. Emmet should have been exhausted, yet couldn’t even say the same about Akari. Was it Arceus’ blessings? The power of youth? Pure stubbornness? Was this how she impressed Azelf? This was probably how she impressed Azelf, wasn’t it? How are they not tired ?!

d

Then he noticed Emmet’s wing. 

Reshiram had shifted his left wing after he clambered up a marble pillar. The motion was off. Wobbly. Too stiff and too loose at the same time. His heart chilled. In a crackle of lighting, a dragon stood by Akari’s side. This is futile. His wing-His wing’s dislocated!”

  Akari stopped, holding a balm in hand. “..What? He’s been using it this whole time-“

“I saw! To ignore that pain-He’s not said a word this entire time. Not even a hiss—I was wrong. He’s being compelled. He cannot stop this battle of his own will.” Ingo turned to face the other, and then back to Akari. “I’ll try to calm him down. Ask Arceus to open a portal. “

  “Emmet!” Ingo called out, rushing to his brother’s side. A flame hit his side-and it hurt. Ingo shook his head. He'd worry about that later. looking to the other. “Emmet, its me! Its-Its-“ 

Lightning crackled across his scales, and blue eyes turned to the ground.  “Emmet, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t…we’ll fix this. I’ll help you change course. I will deliver you home. You can go to bed, I can order food. I can cook food. Burritos, Bread, A Spicy poffin—Anything you want! Lets—let's get home, okay?”

The other hung their head down, breathing out a puff of smoke. There were still no words. Ingo looked to his brother. He wasn’t wearing some sort of collar, and Ingo couldn’t feel the pull of a psychic pokemon.  “ Its okay Emmet. Whatever happened, I'll fix this. “

***********************************************

Pinwheel forest was Beautiful. Ingo had almost forgotten just how peaceful and dark the forest was. On better days, he’d love to take a nap under the trees, and listen to the sounds of birdsong. 

Right now, he had decisions to make.  Blue eyes glanced at Akari.  “…Can, can I borrow your phone?…or can you call someone for me? Text someone?”

“Your friend?”

Ingo nodded, looking back to Reshiram. The dragon had already fallen asleep, snoring out flame. “He’s still not in human form-he. Something is wrong. Unfortunately, as a dragon, He cannot ride the subway. I’d need to carry him past skyarrow bridge. Past the largest city of the region. Past a Desert . Into the Third largest city of the region-“

Akari just nodded. “If we start walking now, maybe we’ll get there in 4 days?”

“Maybe. I…I’m going to have too.” he said, moving to lift the dragon. “I need you to text my friend. She might not believe us. She’ll probably believe the news reports.”

“What if I asked Arceus to walk with us?” She giggled, at Ingo’s scowl. “No one’s going to pay attention to the legendary dragons, if they saw Arceus admiring their city! It’s a good distraction!”

“It might come to that. “ At least the pokemon center was nearby. “Elesa is a wonderful person, and I’m sure you’ll like them. Just, text her. Tell her we’re at Pinnwheel forest, and—“

“Already called!”

There was a crackling squeak. “What? she-might be helping out a pokemon trainer. She could be working at the gym? She could be in a photoshoot right now!”

“Well, she is YOUR friend. Don’t ya wanna speak with her!” 

“Yes. Yes I do. I just. I haven’t sorted through what I wished to say-What I can say. Can I even tell her I was time traveling?”

“I mean, why not? What would her knowing hurt? Phone’s ringing, still-“

“Maybe she won’t answer. You are using a strange phone after all.” 

“Oh, yeah. Maybe a text message would be better? Oh, someone answered-“

“Hello?” Elesa’s voice was unusually cold as she answered the phone. “How did you get this phone number?” 

Akari looked at Ingo for a moment, before shaking her head. “Ah-Unc— Ingo told me to call?” 

There was a long pause. “Prove it. Let me speak with him.” 

Static crackled across the screen.“Elesa, I’m. I’m also on this train. I—“

“Are you hurt? Where are you-what happened?” Elesa was talking quickly.  “Listen, I. I don’t know how to tell you this, but Emmet-Emmet’s gone . He was looking for you, and-“

“Emmet’s with us. He’s hurt. He’s hurt, and I don’t-“ Ingo’s voice crackled. He tried to swallow his fear. It would do no good in this situation. “Something’s wrong. His wing’s dislocated—I can fix that. His flame changed color. I-“

“Ingo! Ingo, is okay-it’s going to be okay. “ She spoke quickly, torn between her own relief, and trying to keep the ancient dragon calm. “Breathe. Take a deep breath. Focus on me right now. Where are you, exactly? “

“Pinwheel forest. Close to Skyarrow bridge-I didn’t. I—“

“Breathe. Just breathe.” he could hear some clanging noises over the phone. “Here’s what’s going to happen. I’m going to drive over there. We’re going to take Emmet to the pokemon center by your house. I’m going to buy you and your friend some food. While he’s recovering, you’re going to tell me everything that happened, okay? And ‘i'll tell you everything that happened, okay?“

“he’s. He’s still—Wait. Is Dad okay? What about Iris?”

“They went for a walk about a half hour ago? I can call them, if you-“

“No! No-I..Mean I want to, but-” Ingo’s voice cracked again. Akari looked to her uncle, and then back to her phone.  

“Elesa? Listen, Reshiram…Emmet, I mean. He had battled against her for three days, with a dislocated wing. We didn’t even realize it was dislocated.“

“What?! How—“

“I don’t know. But he’s hurt. I don’t want Iris to see him like that. “

“I understand. I’ll come over, I'll transport him to the pokemon center as quickly and stress-free as possible. You just, just stay there. Just, stay. I’ll be right over!”

**************************************************************

It took Elesa only an hour to arrive: and the group was certainly an odd sight. Ingo was safe. His skin was pale, his coat in tatters,  he was ready to break down in tears: but he was safe. Next to him stood a child: dressed in a sturdy, mud soaked Kimono. 

The white dragon wasn’t asleep, but not awake either. Half lidded eyes staring at them, but no effort to move. Ingo however, stepped forward. He pulled her into his arms, as tight as he could. “I missed you.”

“I missed you too. “ 

A few moments later, he stepped back, arms shaking. He looked back to the dragon, and then to Elsa. 

“I’m sorry. He’s been acting oddly, and his wing’s dislocated, Elesa. He’d never hurt you, but i’m not sure he recognizes anyone right now….”Elesa looked at him, waiting for him to continue.  “Akari and I both lost our memories in Hisui. While they’ve returned, we had time to recover. Months of time. Emmet has been there only for a few days, and he has not spoken to us. Not even telepathically. I do not know if the reason lies between that purple flame, or because he’s stressed and frightened.”

“He looks tired. Burnt himself out?” Ingo had been repeating a few things now. She couldn’t blame him: he must have been terrified. She’d have to show him the note at some point, but now? That wouldn’t help. 

“Yes. I. I can fix his wing now, actually. But I’m worried.His symptoms concern me: and I don’t want to make anything worse!”

“…the center will help him, Ingo. He’ll be okay.” Elesa looked to the dragon, and then to her car, and then back to the dragon “…He’ll fit just fine in the horse trailer. I don’t use that thing enough anyway…”

Ingo looked to the trailer, and then back to Elesa. She must have used it every week, when she took Zebstrika to the theater. She must have decided to bring it, when she heard how upset he was. 

“Does he really need to be chained up in there? I really don’t like the idea of it.” Akari muttered, looking at the trailer. 

Realization flashed across Elesa’s face. “oh-no,nonono no no, no! I am not restraining a dragon! I will never suggest that!  It's just. Do you two have any better ideas? I don’t want his injury to get worse, especially if he has to shrink down to fit his pokeball. “

Ingo just nodded. “It's better than any idea I have, I admit. Emmet, you’ll be okay resting in the trailer, right? I’ll be nearby. You’ll be able to see me in the window of the car-“

“You know, that thing’s rated to hold a couple of Mudsdale. As long as you’re in dragon form you can also ride in the horse trailer.”

Electricity crackled between Ingo’s fingers, and he let out a deep sigh of relief. “Really?! Yes, that’ll be much better!-I”

Elesa just smiled. “I missed you. I missed both of you. I’m still confused, but. his health comes first, right? The least I could do is just make sure you don’t have anything to worry about!”

Ingo nodded, as he moved to help Emmet settle for the trip. “I’ll make this up to you, Elesa. I just-I don’t know what I would have done.”

“I do, and it would have involved news reports of the legendary dragons walking across Skyarrow bridge! This is much nicer for all of us…Akari, right? Come on , you’ll ride in the car with me. Maybe you can tell me more about what’s happened?”

**************************************************************

Opelucid City was by far the safest place for the dragons. It was their home, and its people protected them for years. Any treatments that the dragons needed wouldn’t be leaked to those with cold, opportunistic hearts. 

It was also, almost literally, the farthest place they could go. 

Elesa had left her car in Nimbasca City. After all, it was where she lived and worked. There was no need for it in Opelucid city. Not when the stores were within walking distance, and no one really felt like doing much of anything anyway. Not when it was so difficult to even move. 

Nimbasca city would half to do. It was still their home: but it was also a place of entertainment. a place of tourist traps and amusement. It was likely a tourist or a reporter might start spreading rumors. She could deal with that.

The model glanced at the young trainer. As a gym leader, her tracks often crossed with thousands of new trainers, just starting out on their journeys to discover themselves. With a job like that, you picked up on some things. Kids who could become champions of something , long as they put effort. Kids who preferred to learn about the world around them. Kids that preferred to entertain, to let the spotlight shine on them. 

This one. This one had the makings of some sort of champion. Or perhaps a general. Something about the way they held themselves.They had seen hardship, and they had defeated it. 

“So- Endurance Fighter?”

Akari coughed, “hm?”

“Three days is a long time to battle. Do you specialize in endurance matches?”

“hm? Not particularly. That's just how long conflicts can last sometimes. Some pokemon are just full of energy, and it takes a long time for them to tire out. 

“Yeah, but. You’re pokemon were the ones battling. Did you raise them to try and keep their energy up?”

“I was the one battling.”

Elesa blinked. “You..you’re battling as partners with your pokemon, right? It’s not good to ignore their efforts”

“Elesa. I thought Emmet was frenzied. The others who were frenzied: they won’t attack pokemon . Not unless you find an opening to show them their strength.  I was the one battling.”

The car was silent for several moments.

“ What .”

“I mean. I understand what you’re saying. My pokemon are my precious friends. My partners. They do a lot for me. I mean. It wasn’t quite a battle. It was mostly just me running around, trying to throw balms at Emmet. In hopes of calming him down. “

Elesa knuckles tightened against the steering wheel. For a while, she had been picturing the small child trying to suplex a massive, feathery dragon. “I. I think I understand. At least a little? Well, we’ve arrived at our destination. “ she said, parking by the back entrance. 

A small crowd of people had gathered, to watch the group try to drag Reshiram inside the center. At the very least most seemed respectful: refusing to take photographs of a clearly injured pokemon. Reshiram snapped at the ground, and flapped a wing in anger—though eventually he followed his brother into the halls of the hospital. Blue eyes glared at the nurses, followed by gentle, stern growls. 

“I don’t know what happened, but Reshiram’s looking terribly weak and stressed. What sort of treatment do you suggest?”

One of the head nurses nodded, deciding that Elesa was acting as trainer for both of them. “Usually we would sedate both dragons, and go through every test we could reasonably perform. CAT scans, Xrays, bloodwork: just to try and minimize their stress. We won’t know what they’ll both need till they’ve had a few tests—“

“Just work on Reshiram for now. The two look after each other. If Zerkrom isn’t awake to protect Reshiram, then they’ll both be a lot more stressed. “

“Yeah. what…happened to him anyway?”Akari said. She glanced at the two dragons, pulling the edges of her kimono. 

“I wish I knew.-“

“you’re the doctor! don’t you have a clue?” Akari covered her mouth. “I'm sorry! i’m sorry, i’m just-“

“That's fine!” the nurse smiled, waving a hand. “Legendary pokemon are usually more difficult to diagnose and treat, and so we’re calling in a few experts from some of the other centers.  We’re still able to start some of the testing process, so we should figure out what’s wrong pretty quickly. Malnutrition and parasites are likely a factor: but Reshiram’s feathers are what’s bothering me. They’re damaged, but they don’t feel, natural? Right? Pokemon battles usually don’t leave such clean cuts, but dragons wouldn’t usually get tangled up in barbed wire or fishing line. “

“What are you trying to say?” Elesa’s eyes narrowed for a moment, reaching for her phone. Maybe she should be taking photographs. 

“I can’t say anything. He might have flown into a construction yard. Someone might have left those wires where he usually travels. He might have escaped someone who was that cruel and heartless: or saved another pokemon that had gotten in that situation. I’m not a detective, and its useless to theorize.” 

Elesa was already taking photos. 

“We'll be certain to document all of his injuries. He’s certainly a spicy boy-“

Reshiram bowed his head, trying to hide the silk plant he had just torn in two.  Or just starting to feel the effects of the tranquilizers. 

“He’s hurt.” Akari repeated. “He can be forgiven, right?”

“Of course! He's a good boi! such a good spicy kitty!” 

***********************************************************************************

Pokemon centers had changed over the years. There were none in Hisui, and the medical center was more for humans than they were for pokemon. If a pokemon couldn’t recover from a good nights’ rest, then unfortunately, there was little more that could be done. This place however, seemed to care for both pokemon and people. It seemed like it was now a place of respite, judging by the many trainers who would hang around the waiting room. 

There were televisions on, each playing some sort of sports program, or feel-good stories about baby Pokemon on adventures. Food was being sold. Food that was already cooked, or rations that were designed to last during long treks into the mountains and forests. Akari had taken note of them. How most seemed to include various ways to heat the food, and how they were advertising their long shelf life. How she probably would have liked them, when she was running around Hisui. The idea of a warm meal in the field felt like a fantasy!

Ingo was leaning against one of the sofas, hot chocolate in hand and eyes locked to the floor. Elesa was sitting next to him, holding her phone. “I’ll call your dad now, okay?”

He just nodded. “….Y. Yeah. I…I-I—“

“It's okay, Ingo. Its okay-“

“Emmet wouldn’t go to a fishing yard.”

Elesa blinked. “W-what are—oh! oh with the nurse! “

“He wouldn’t-Why were you two talking about that?!”

She reached into her bag, and held the dark stone out for Ingo to see. The man stared for a moment, confusion melting into realization “Ingo, you’re right. I don’t believe that for a second. The very idea that he decided he wanted to go on a fishing boat. He said he couldn’t protect the dusk stone-and that he was doing something reckless, so-“

lightning crackled beneath emmet’s coat, and his scowl deepened. Elesa placed a hand on his shoulder. 

“I believe he must have found some way to directly find you. It's my belief that either the route he took was terribly dangerous, or the people or pokemon guiding him were unconcerned, or unable to ensure his safety.“

He sipped his drink. He wanted to believe that. Besides, he wouldn’t entertain the thought that someone had deliberately hurt Emmet. It was possible: maybe even likely. He didn’t want to think about that. He reached into his coat pocket, pulling out the light Stone. Elesa made a short, quick sound.

“How-“

“I’m not sure. It..It almost looks worse than it did last time..” He voice was strained. Barely more then a whisper. He gently ran his fingers along the edge of the stone. He was barely grazing it, terrified it might shatter in his palm. “I’m not certain if these are voids within the stone, or something else entirely. I also do not know if this is my fault. That I had failed to properly protect and care for the light stone, and so Emmet suffered-I lived. In Hisui, I lived in a cold place. Full of snow, and full of water. A place where ancient powers lay swirling around. Perhaps in that setting-“

“ No .” she spoke sharply, taking his hand in hers. “I don’t think it’s your fault, Ingo.  Lets just call your dad. He might know something we don’t. Besides, he misses you.”