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Thunder roared across the skies. The Warden observed each crack of lightning, how it grew fainter within moments and the winds blew softer than before. He watched curiously as the rain now drizzled softly as opposed to its initial thunderstorm that shook the skies just moments ago. The sudden shift was not unwelcome nor uncommon, but it feels odd. He's always had a habit of observing the skies but recently, there's been a change in the air that he can't describe. The kind of pressure most wouldn't notice upon first hand. A weight of something more, like if he kept watching the clouds he'd spot a wing or tail. Which was ridiculous considering no pokemon, alpha or otherwise, could fly in such extreme weathers.

At least no pokemon he could name for the moment.

It's strange but storms were something he was familiar with. Something he continuously admired even in his early days in Hisui. It was among the constants in his life he was certain of. But, the storms he remembers were akin to a dragon's roar. The intensity would streak the heavens with all its electrifying might. The lightning that painted his memories were a bright fluorescent blue while the lightning in Sinnoh appeared to be closer to white. Like ivory.

In a split second, the thunder returned in full gusto. Streaks of yellow and white clashing against one another, painting the skies in bright hues. From where he stood it would almost seem as if the two streaks were chasing each other, white constantly appearing in areas where yellow seemed to streak through, almost like it was trying to stop it. The white lightning spread itself across the skies like a large web, trying to prevent the yellow lightning from going anywhere and it seems, its goal lied upon the ground below. To the vast land of Hisui.

Unrelenting, the yellow lightning bursts into several streaks and a few actually managed to slip past the white web. Ingo braced himself as one of the streaks zipped over to the Highlands, the sound of lightning striking the ground echoed through the tunnels. His immediate instinct was to check on his Lady. He ran to her den, sprinting across perilous cliffs and steep edges to find her resting among her kits. The Noble gave him a worried mew as the thunder echoed outside. Before he could insist that he was fine and would return to his tent, the Noble had already tucked him under at least ten kits in her nest.

 As he eventually dozes off, he notes the silence that followed after the storm. No rain or howling wind, simply silence. As though the skies were in a state of shock.

Laventon wouldn't call himself a naive man, as much as his colleagues enjoyed teasing him so, but he would admit that he may have made a rather impulsive decision. Of course, he couldn't simply leave the young child to fend for themselves out in the wild like that. Especially considering just how far out she was on Prelude Beach. Whispers from residents of Jubilife could be heard all around. Each one marking the strange new girl following behind the professor. 

There were a few remarks regarding her attire, he catches someone mentioning a shrine maiden. He's heard of them of course but seldom ran into any temples or shrines to have actually seen one. He glances back to check on her and notes on the white robes and scarlet red hakama, an unusual combination for the people here. An especially ominous one for the superstitious. She catches his gaze, dark stone grey eyes staring back. She smiles at him, brushing back some of her long black hair.

" Yes?"

" It's nothing, my dear." He brushes it off. He nods to the guards at the entrance of the Hall and leads her towards Captain Cyllene's office.

" What is this?" The captain demanded, looking at the two sternly. " Professor, for what reason have you brought back a Zoroark here?"

" Zoroark? Oh- No! I assure you that Akari here is no Zoroark!" He reassured her. " I found her passed out on Prelude Beach, perhaps the storms had washed her up on our shores."

" Greetings, I am Akari. I am a shrine maiden but I can't remember which shrine I served. It's an honor to meet you." She bows respectively and the captain takes note of her posture, how she bowed gently and lowered her head at a certain angle. Cyllene couldn't help but be reminded of the shrine maidens back in Hoenn, the girl is a perfect example of how they moved.

" As curious as I am as to how a shrine maiden could have possibly ended up all the way here, I'm assuming you brought her here to get her settled?" The captain addressed the professor with a glare.

" I actually tried to get her some food first, this child is rather famished actually." The professor chuckled.

" It's alright!" Akari speaks up immediately but her stomach growls in protest. She looks down shamefully, covering her reddening face.

" You didn't take her to get something to eat first?" Cyllene glares at him even further.

" Believe me when I say that I tried but Beni turned her away." Laventon said in defence of himself.

" It's fine, really." Akari insisted. " I wouldn't mind staying outside the village. I have been taught well on how to catch and cook my own food."

" Outside?" Laventon gasped. " That simply can't do."

" You may stay in one of our guest rooms for the night." Cyllene interjected immediately. " I have been informed of your skill in catching pokemon and expect you to be able to earn your keep while you stay here. Tomorrow, you will be given a task to prove yourself worthy of being a survey corp."

" Thank you, honorable captain." Akari bowed once again.

" There is no need for that." She says dismissively. " Professor, be sure to find her something to eat before she goes to bed. I would rather not have her starving in the morning." She ordered, a wide smile spread across Akari's face. Eyes alight at the mention of food but she quickly gathers herself and gives the captain another bow of gratitude before being ushered to her room.

She sighs deeply once they've both left her office. How could such a young shrine maiden end up here, in Hisui? With the rift in the sky already spreading concern and fear among the populace, Cyllene prays that the girl's arrival would be more of a blessing than a curse. It concerns her to send out someone so young on their own to capture such dangerous pokemon. But, if she were to fail, then Cyllene would have an excuse to send her off to wherever would suit her more.

A shrine maiden might be welcomed by the two indigenous clans but their traditional practices may differ. They don't even what shrine she used to serve and Cyllene worries she might have thrown such a delicate girl to the wilds. She prays that things will turn out alright, for her sake and the child's.

Rei would say his new friend is rather...versatile. Without even giving him a chance to demonstrate how one should tuck and roll to dodge, she ran up to the nearest wild pokemon and caught it. The shinx even tried to attack her but simply rolled forward with a much faster recovery might he add.

By the end of the day, with at least fifteen pokemon caught in a day, he's starting to doubt she was ever a shrine maiden at all.

At lunch, they discovered just how much the girl can really eat, rivalling Cyllene's fill in one sitting. Beni kept an eye on her and nearly froze when she caught his stare. He swore her eyes had gleamed at him beneath the straw hat she wore, being the only part of her shrine maiden attire that she wouldn't part from. She smiles at him, her grin is wide and bared her teeth. Somehow, the expression felt more like a warning than a friendly gesture. He kept his gaze away for the duration of their meal, noting down the ominous grin for later.

Adaman arrived at Jubilife as early as he could, trying to avoid getting into another unnecessary spat with Irida would simply waste already precious time. He's escorted to the hall by the guards, who announced his arrival at the Commander's door.

" Lord Adaman." Kamado greeted him. " Commander." The young clan leader greeted in turn. They open their discussion with the usual news shared between their settlements, trades and conditions of their dwellings. Which then reached the point of why Adaman actually came for. Lord Kleavor is going rampant and although he is a Noble, he may cause harm upon those around him.

Irida arrived just in time to refute. Being as young as she was, she was fiercely protective of her clan and their Nobles. She insists that they do no harm to the Noble but with the fact that there were indeed injured clansmen on her end and members of the galaxy corp as well, they have to do something lest someone loses their life to the frenzied pokemon.

On cue, the newest recruit of the survey corps arrived. Her Rowlet sat over her shoulder, taking shade beneath her hat. Recognizing some of the red decorations hanging from the hat, Irida immediately questions the newcomer where she had gotten such a sacred item.

" I'm Akari." She introduced herself as a shrine maiden washed ashore. She bows respectfully as she greets the two clan leaders, posture perfectly angled in a way they've seen head priests and apprentices do.

" It's nice to meet you!" Adaman smiled. " Mai told me quite a bit about you." He chuckles fondly at the memory of Mai telling him about a new kid in Hisui, a shrine maiden that even pokemon fear. Seeing her now, he can't imagine how someone this young and polite would make an alpha flinch. That and the fact that she's won Lord Wrydeer's favor rather quickly.

Wrydeers are proud creatures, especially their Noble, whom had been known to kick off anyone he was displeased with. That proud pokemon, taken to a young little shrine maiden. Perhaps it is her previous disposition that allows her to be favoured, who knows how long she's lived in the temple. Perhaps she's curried the favor of Almighty Sinnoh as well.

" I have heard rumors that you came from the rift. A space beyond." Irida says. " Is this true?"

" I do not think so." Akari shook her head. " In what space would a shrine maiden have been if not a temple?" She joked.

" I have a proposition." Kamado said suddenly. " We will send this one to study Lord Wrydeer before any action will be taken."

" No offense but you suggest we send a stranger to see Lord Kleavor? A shrine maiden no less." Irida says skeptical, sending a look towards the strange girl.

" I think it'd be worth the shot." Adaman shrugged, starting off yet another one of their banters. Kamado sighed, sparing a look at Akari who watched the two banter with an amused smile.

" And what do you think?" He found himself asking the girl. She looked up in surprise, stammering momentarily before gathering herself.

" I think it would be good to observe him first. See what could be upsetting him before proceeding with a course of action." Akari says, reiterating what Kamado had said. " And, have you tried giving him more food? I can get very grumpy sometimes when I don't eat enough."

" I am told you eat ten plates per sitting." Kamado says bluntly. " Food is really all that's on your mind." Akari pulls her hat lower to hide her red face.

" Food is nice..." She mutters quietly.

" Pft." Adaman and Irida looked towards the commander as he coughed into his hand. " You may be dismissed."

" Akari," Captain Cyllene called her. " Join me downstairs in my office to go over the mission details." She ordered before leaving as suddenly as she appeared.

Lian was given a fair warning in advance that a stranger from the galaxy corp will be arriving to study Lord Kleaver. Upon her arrival, he was treated with the sight of a shrine maiden's hat perched over her head. They had a brief introduction and while he appreciated her politeness and bold attitude to insistently see the Noble, he has a duty to uphold as a warden.

He challenged her and she promptly wiped the floor with him. Especially since her Rowlet evolved in the process, becoming a Datrix.

" You've made quite a feast over there." He catches her gaze landing on the bountiful servings he's prepared for his Noble.

" I was planning on offering these to Lord Kleavor, but I can't even get close enough to give them." The young warden says sadly. " Because....well..." He trailed off a little, looking sheepish. " I get a little grumpy when I'm hungry sometimes."

" Right?!" Akari agreed immediately. " Nothing cheers me up like a good meal! Especially bean buns. I remember I used to eat them all up by myself and I couldn't let anyone share." She grinned wide, warm and welcoming.

" I usually keep all the pecha cakes to myself." Lian admitted.

" Pecha cakes?" Akari gasped. " Are they good? They sound nice!"

" Super good! Mai always makes them for everyone. They're super soft and have gooey pecha jam at the center." Lian nodded enthusiastically as he spoke, making Akari look more excited. " What's the bean buns like?" He asked in turn.

" Oh! They're plump. Like this big." She cups her palms together. " Usually the filling is all sweet red beans and its hella chewy."

" Are you two talking about food right now?" The two squawked as Irida appeared. " Didn't they send you to study Lord Kleavor?" The clan leader teased.

" Will do!" Akari hurried off, pulling her hat low in embarrassment.

" Akari!" The clan leader tried to call out but she was already too far. She was rather fast on her feet. " I hope she gets back safely."

" Oh, he is hungry. Mhm, famished. Absolutely starving. That is the hungriest pokemon I have ever seen." Akari said, appearing out of the nearby bushes with grass and dirt on her clothes and leaves in her hair.

" Did- Did you just went straight to see Lord Kleavor? Just like that." Rei stammered. " How are you not dead?!"

" Akari? Oh my goodness." Laventon immediately rushed over to her. " Are you alright? Are you hurt anywhere?"

" I'm fine!" Akari swiftly dodges his reach, keeping her hat close. " I was only observing him, then I was jumped by an alpha scyther. But, I got 'em! Wasshoi!" She holds up a pokeball triumphantly. " Oh, my report!"

A few weeks have passed since Ingo had witnessed the strange storm and how its yellow lightning struck the Nobles. While he was glad Lady Sneasler was alright, he can't help but feel sorry for the other Noble of the Highlands. Lord Electrode filled his arena with the smell of ozone due to the constant rampage of electricity he unleashed every now and then.

It was a relief hearing news of several Nobles that were frenzied then had now returned to normal. There's talk of the girl behind it all, an outsider who wears a distinctive hat of a shrine maiden. Rumors went around that she actually came from the rift but the girl had denied such claims rather easily with a wave of her hand.

Some called her a blessing, sent down by Sinnoh to aid them in a time of need. Others, thought her as cunning. That all she's done nothing more than a ruse, that her claims as shrine maiden were false.

Such rumors were quickly dispelled by the other wardens who've had the pleasure of meeting her. He's heard from Lian that she often visits the Nobles while doing her fieldwork around Hisui. That she would always bring an abundance of the Noble's food and even offer to eat together as she took breaks.

" She's quite similar to you." Irida says as she leads the Highlands Warden to Jubilife.

" How so?" He asked, curious.

" Although she may or may not be from the rift, she has quite a way with pokemon. I heard she could practically talk to them." She recalls playfully. Her mannerisms were dismissed as common habits of a shrine maiden. Much of the elder folk actually seem to like her quite a bit with how respectful she's shown herself to be in the faces of the Nobles. " She likes to shout out Wasshoi! a lot." Irida notes with a hum.

Plenty have seen her, or rather heard her shout out the phrase for every little thing. When she receives rewards for fulfilling requests, or when she jumps a cliff successfully with Lord Wrydeer, when she finishes her fieldwork and even when she catches alpha pokemon. She'd celebrate with a triumphant Wasshoi! It was actually weirdly endearing, aside from her gluttonous eating habits.

She eats well, neat but her plates could reach the skies. So much so, that they've heard even Beni give her a limit lower than even Cyllene's plate rule.

They arrive at the Hall where they find Akari just about exiting the building with Kamado and Rei following behind. " Lady Irida!" The girl greeted her cheerfully. A bundle of clothes clutched in her arms as Rei carried a staff decorated with a dozen bells and ribbons.

" Greetings, Akari. This is Ingo, he's warden to Lady Sneasler in the Highlands." He gives them a nod as he is introduced once more. Akari moves to bow but Kamado stops her, reminding her that it wasn't necessary.

" It's nice to meet you." The girl beamed.

" To you as well, young lady." Ingo tips his hat before he could stop himself. The gesture earning him puzzled looks except from Akari, who looked more amused than anything.

" We wanted to discuss our next course of action before facing Lord Electrode. If you don't mind of course." Irida added.

" Of course!" Akari nodded. " Just let me put these away for a minute, I'll be right back. Come on, Rei!"

" Hey, wait up!" The boy nearly stumbled to catch up with her.

" Akari proposed that she would do a Kagura dance." Kamado explained. " I had just granted her permission." The girl returned soon after, adjusting her hat a little and a sweet smile on her lips.

" I'm planning to perform after we've quelled all the frenzied pokemon. I still have some trouble remembering some things but I'm pretty sure I remember the steps." Akari says confidently. " I've been practicing for the past few months too, it's like my body still remembers how the steps go."

" Muscle memory." Ingo muttered, flexing his fingers a little. Akari catches his eye and smiles to him kindly.

" I truly hope you would be able to witness it." She says cheerfully.

Volo watched carefully as Akari meets with Ingo and Lady Sneasler at the base of Mount Coronet. He hasn't been able to actually make much contact with the girl since she's been actively avoiding him since he first battled her. He ducks right before her gaze landed on his hiding spot. Holding his breath, he made sure to stay as still as possible.

To correct his earlier statement, it isn't just because she avoids talking to him for long but the fact she could find him no matter where he hid and the moment they make eye contact, she'd surge forward. Volo's instincts would scream for him to run and he'd listen, only to contemplate for what he had to flee for.  It felt like he'd been spotted by some sort of Alpha.

" Volo?" He nearly jumped when he called her, with a hint of malice in her voice.

" Oh, Akari! My favourite customer." He pretends his hands aren't shaking under her stare. They had a polite conversation, asking how they've been doing and such. Each with their own dagger like smiles. Ingo finds himself caught in between their double conversation, the snide remarks, the veiled threats and the way their grins didn't reach their eyes. Volo's smile seemed more business oriented, made to appear friendly but only just for the sake of being polite. Akari's grin was that of a leisurely Luxray, the kind where they're toying with their food and a certain cruel amusement in their eyes. For her, she seems to find amusement in making Volo increasingly uncomfortable as time passes.

The walk through the tunnels with her were actually quite pleasant. She tells some of the few things she recalled regarding the ceremony she's planning. She makes comparison with some of the traditions within the clans. Through the short walk, he too recalls pieces of his past and relay them to her.

" A man that looks like you." Akari hummed thoughtfully. " A relative?"

" That is possible." Ingo agreed. " If so, I wonder if he's alright?"

" A sibling then." Akari concluded. " It sounds fitting."

" A sibling..." He pondered further. " And you?

" What?"

" Is there anyone you remember?" He asked her. The girl turned to him and opened her mouth to answer but stopped abruptly. " Akari?" Ingo called carefully. The smile she wore was reduced to a thin line, eyes widening beneath the rim of her hat. " Akari." He calls again but received no response. For a split second he saw the pupils of her eyes narrowing into sharp slits, her eyes gleaming and teeth gritting. " Akari!" He shakes her shoulder, before suddenly finding himself flying through the air.

Ingo landed on the ground with a groan, his vision swam for a moment before refocussing on Akari's worried face. " Oh no, I am so sorry." Akari apologized. " I- I was just, It was-"

" It's alright, Akari." Ingo groaned as she helped him up. " Remind me not to anger you." He says jokingly. " I'm alright. Are you okay?"

" I threw you over my shoulder, yes I'm fine."

Melli was being difficult as he always is, trying to impede Akari's efforts but her Decidueye was just as vicious as she was. " Wasshoi! Wasshoi!" Akari cheered her victory, smiling broadly as she praised her pokemon for a job well done.

" This isn't a loss! A draw, this is a draw!" Melli insisted.

" Whatever you say, Smelly." Akari laughed as the warden fumed, a few chuckles escaping Ingo's lips. " Now, Lord Electrode's favourite food. Cough it up." She demanded.

" I might but joke's on you! I don't even know what he likes to eat." Melli says confidently.

" That's just irresponsible." The girl says bluntly. " Wha- I'll have you know I've just been busy lately."

" Literally every other warden I've met knows exactly what kind of food their Nobles like."

" Name one!"

" Lian." Melli yelps. " Do you really just let your Noble starve?"

" Of course not!" He glances to the other warden. " Ingo doesn't know Lady Sneasler's favourite food!" He points an accusatory finger at the Pearl Clan warden.

" It's magikarp fillet." Ingo replied easily.

" Shut up!"

Hearing tales of her calming frenzies was one thing, witnessing it was another. Ingo felt the hairs on his neck raised on end, his silver eyes followed the quick moving form of the young girl. Thunder cracks and the ground where Akari stood was now scorched. " Yosh! I'm here, Lord Electrode!" She called to it, taunting. She dodges each strike masterfully, her steps are light and from where they stood, it almost seemed like she was dancing.

Frustrated, the Noble fired a Hyper Beam that barely misses her by a hair. She catches herself from stumbling to the ground, the souls or her shoes seemed to be scorched.

" Alright then," She kicks off her shoes, smiling as she adjusts her grip on the balm. " It's time to wake you up, my Lord." And she danced, stepping between the rippling lightning like they were skipping rope, her hands moving in tandem in graceful curves.

" Miss Akari, welcome to our settlement- WHERE ARE YOUR SHOES?" Irida yelled.

" We tried to get her to stop but she insisted we went straight to Avalugg." Adaman huffed, finally catching up to the girl. " Melli said Lord Electrode blasted them off."

" Lord Electrode?" For a moment, Gaeric's stern expression falters. " It barely scratched me, I'm fine." Akari insisted but Calaba was having none of it.

" Sit down and let me see." The elder warden gave no room for argument and Akari complied quietly, adjusting her hat even lower to hide her face. " It doesn't seem to have any burns but the snow will freeze your toes off. Literally."

They fit her with a new pair of winter boots and managed to persuade her to rest first with a good coaxing of food. With the Pearl Clan, she takes a rather small amount compared to her stacked plates at Jubilife, so much so that Irida had to inquire as to why.

" I do not mean to offend but I cannot imagine a settlement this cold would have enough if I were to really eat my fill." She says. " I heard the snowstorms here can be very harsh, so yoou'd need all the food you can get to stay warm. Please do not take any offence." She bowed to them once again.

As soon as they've deemed her rested and prepared, the young shrine maiden sets out to quell one last Noble.

" Here I am, Lord Avalugg." She says as she stands at the edge of the icy cliff. The enormous pokemon roared but she doesn't falter. " Worry not, I will chase away the lightning for you."

With the quelling of Lord Avalugg, peace returned to Hisui. Akari was met with many words of congratulations and treated to a feast in order to celebrate. She was ecstatic, smiling from ear to ear and bouncing on her heals. She tells them that she couldn't wait to perform for them in the early morning and invited all to her ceremonial dance to show gratitude of a disaster passing and welcoming a new day.

Or, that was what it should have been.

Kamado looked out the window with a grimace, eyeing the blood red skies with distaste and the growing rift. A knock on the door and Akari is presented to the room. She was fully dressed in her white and red garbs, her hat is angled high enough to let them see her face and what a nervous expression she wore. She looked wonderful, admittedly.

" Akari, the sky has turned red." She moved to speak but he stops her. " When lightning first frenzied the Nobles, you had appeared on the same day did you not?" He asks and she simply stares. " Am I to assume these two events are connected?" The girl looks stunned and instead of denying it as he expected, she looked more conflicted and he would daresay hesitant.

" Hang on, Commander." Adaman steps in. " Akari has done nothing but help us since she's got here."

" I am aware of that but look at her." She lowers her head. " Quelling noble frenzies and even offering assistance without a hint of hesitation. It's admirable of course but why? What do you hope to gain out of this? To be able to do what you do, just who and what are you?"

" Commander, there is no way Akari could've caused this." Irida defended her. " There's no such evidence for your baseless accusations."

" And yet is there any evidence suggesting otherwise?" He countered.

" I did not cause the rift." Akari speaks up, tone firm. " I've been trying to fix it and I have never held any ill intent here."

" But you are hiding something." Kamado says, his voice growing softer as she looks down. " Akari." He calls. " Akari, who are you?" He reaches forward and pulls off her hat. She reacts quickly, grabbing the other end so he couldn't take it away from her.

The room is still, all eyes are on the girl in red and white. Above her head, just before the cloth tied over her hair were two small stubs.

Horns.

Akari took one look at their shocked expression and felt tears welling up in her eyes. She yanked the hat back and rushed past Kamado, making her way through the window in quick succession.  She lands expertly on her feet, readjusting her hat onto her head. " Akari?" She glances up to see both the professor and her friend staring agape.

" Akari!" Cyllene shouted from the window sill, looking down with concern.

There are whispers on the street, something about her eyes and her teeth. The girl hastily covers her mouth and lowers her hat before sprinting towards the main gate. No one dared to stop, either too stunned or frightened of what was happening. Rei was the first to gave chase, followed by Laventon and Cyllene as the captain followed suite.

" Akari!" They called out to her. " Wait!" The girl halts at the gates entrance and neatly removes her shoes. The action leaving all those who witnessed it to be even more confused as she took a step outside of the gates.

" Stop her!" Commander Kamado ordered with a booming voice, causing her to flinch. They reached for her but were then blocked by the white body of the Noble Lord Wrydeer. He stomped his hooves, huffing angrily and swinging his head as to ward them off with his antlers. Akari climbed onto his back and within moments they were nothing more than specs on the horizon.

The news of Akari running away reached all throughout Hisui. There were whispers of her not even being human, but she wasn't a Zoroark either. From there rumors began to spread, some say she was a spy from another region, others that she was some malicious ghost and a few thought that she must've been a spirit of the legendary hero.

The leaders of the clans thought to look for her but it was opposed. With the current affairs of the red sky, they couldn't spare anyone in case anything were to happen. What made matters worse was that a horrible thunderstorm the day Akari disappeared had sent down another strike of yellow lightning.

Oddly enough, none of the Nobles had been struck. Which left to the horrifying question of who or what had been struck. Kamado had ordered a vigilant watch over all residents. Everyone is to travel in groups and keep a close eye on any alphas inhabiting the areas nearby.

The fact that Akari certainly wasn't human is kept under tight wraps for now. Cyllene is worried for her, if she was safe or if she found shelter anywhere. She's worried if that gluttonous child had eaten anything. She wasn't even wearing any proper gear before she left, her uniform was still in her old home and while she has six pokemon with her, the captain couldn't help but feel concerned.

" Captain Cyllene!" Rei rushed inside before even knocking.

" Rei, couldn't you have knocked?" She sighed.

" I know, I know. But, Volo wants to see you." He began. " He knows where Akari is."

" Frenzied?" Kamado echoed, shock evident in his tone. " You're certain?" He asked the man who was currently having his arm wrapped in bandages by Pesselle.

" Commander, she was glowing." Volo hisses a little as the bandages wrapped over the gash. " And it wasn't that I found her, she found me first. I was on my way to the ruins, usually pokemon stay clear of sacred spaces but she was nearby and this happened."

" She couldn't have." Laventon shook his head. " She wouldn't. Would she?"

" Well, if she's a Raijin, she's most definitely capable." Volo says.

" Raijin? The thunder deities? That's a myth." Irida says, Adaman agreeing with her.

" I came across a legend of the Raijin while revisiting some of the legends of our vast land." Volo began. " The legends state that Raijin once lived among humans alongside the pokemon. They were described as heralds of the sky and the songbirds of the heavens, dancers of the clouds. They would come by often and mingle among humans, sharing traditions and food. But, when war broke out between the humans, the Raijin were at a loss. They wanted to help the humans but weren't sure how. Somehow, that ended up with the Raijin joining the war. With time, the number of Raijin dwindled until not a single one has been seen in centuries. The last sighting was in fact back when the Celestica were wiped out. A small group of Raijin abandoned the war to protect themselves. Or so they say."

" So," Rei drawled. " Akari is a Raijin, i can get that but how do we quell her frenzy?"

" Well, how did she quell the Nobles before?" Volo asked, quietly thanking Pesselle for the treatment.

" We used balms but...Then, what would be Akari's favourite food?" The room grew silent as they thought deeply on this. The shrine maiden was no picky eater, her gluttonous behaviour certainly makes it even harder to pin down what she liked, on top of her constantly wearing a hat to hide her little horns.

" I think potato mochi would be the safest bet." Laventon suggested. " Everyone likes potato mochi." There was no argument there.

" Are we really going to just throw food at her?" Rei asked. " Wouldn't that just make her angrier? Akari hates wasting food." The memory of her nearly shrieking as she dove to catch a mochi before it fell to the ground came to surface.

" Isn't that perfect?" Adaman said aloud. " At the very least it might tire her out."

" Then, what? We capture her?" Irida asked.

" Talk her down. She isn't a pokemon." Cyllene said. " But, if we are doing this then we should make preparations. Where did you say she was again?" The captain asked Volo.

" Well...."

They made their way to the area nearby the Unown temple, the place where Volo had seen Akari last. " Lower your heads and watch your step." Beni advised them. " That girl could outdo an Ursaring if she finds us." They kept themselves hidden in the bushes as they went closer to the temple.

" Wait, someone's coming." Adaman whispered sharply and they soon heard the footsteps approaching the temple. " Hang on, is that...."

" Warden Ingo?" Irida muttered curiously.

The warden looked around, a basket on his back and what looked like a change in his posture. " Should we warn him?"

" Akari?" Ingo bellowed with his loud voice. Adaman swiftly covers Irida's mouth before she could call him. She glares at the man but he quickly gestures to the figure standing above the temple. The warden has his back to her and is looking around still. He must've sensed her at some point as he carefully turns around to look up.

Standing upon the temple barefoot was indeed the shrine maiden herself. The red parts of her attire had turned a glowing yellow and half of her hair as well. She didn't smile and her eyes remained hidden beneath the brim of her hat. There are marks around her eyes and two little tusks seem to be poking out of her lips.

" Ah, there you are." Ingo says. " I've brought you some food." She jumps down, landing perfectly on her feet as the bells on her hips jingles. Ingo doesn't falter as she growls quietly, flexing the sharp nails on her fingers. Slowly, he sets down the basket and carefully steps back.

She approaches the basket and wordlessly lifts it up. There was a fair amount of berries inside, along with what looked like a bit of bread. Ingo had his hands clasped behind his back and while not many would notice, his sleeves were a little more torn than the last time Irida saw him. He must've worked hard to gather a basketful of food for her.

Unlike most frenzies, Akari moves in silence. Her motions swift and elegant as though she were a breeze passing by. They could barely see her eyes staring at Ingo with a sharp intensity. She rejects the food, much to their surprise. Shoving it back to Ingo with a growl. She turns to leave but pauses briefly.

The group held their breath as her gaze lands on their hiding place. Her eyes meet with Beni's and she lunges forward. " Move!" The chef ordered, dropping a smoke bomb swiftly. Rei scrambled away as Akari landed near him and ran towards Ingo.

Volo yelped as she zeroed on him immediately, claws at ready. A Decidueye immediately hauled him away before she could land a hit, it screeched at its trainer, a desperate and longing sound. She growls, gnashing her teeth and baring her fangs. A warning.

She catches the projectile in fluid motion, almost inclined to throw it back before noticing that it was soft and squishy. Mochi. The treat is eaten whole without any hesitation. Her eyes followed to where Beni stood in his white uniform, poised for a fight.

" I have a dozen more but only if you're willing to do this peacefully." The look in her eyes didn't indicate she was listening at all. She growls, crouching low like a coiling snake ready to strike. He tosses up another mochi before diving to the side, barely avoiding her claws. " Very well." He takes a pokeball from his side, Gallade blocked another hit. " You lot better be thinking of a plan or evacuating. I don't think I can hold off this girl for long."

" Damn it." Adaman hissed. " It doesn't look like she's slowing down even with the mochi."

" Of course not." Irida sighed. " She's a person, not some wild pokemon! What were we thinking..."

" Apparently the same as I." Ingo admitted sadly. " She's never treated me with hostility the last few times I tried quelling her anger."

" Wait, you've been trying to quell her by yourself this whole time?" Rei gawked.

" Why didn't you tell us?" Irida asked.

" I didn't think anyone would react. Not as quickly at least. With the sky turned red, I can imagine tensions were high." The warden explained. " And I've heard the rumors. Akari is no demon." He states firmly.

" That may be but this doesn't seem to give her a good image." Volo gestures frantically at the girl who just made Gardevoir faint after Beni switched out Gallade. " And how come she only attacked me?"

" Only you?" Beni echoed, barely catching their conversation before shifting his focus back to the battle.

" She never really liked you." Rei began. " She always said you were hiding something, that you were suspicious. She also said she didn't like Beni."

" Such hostility for a mere disliking." Volo scoffed but he could tell it was more than that. She was reacting with hostility because that was probably what she senses from them both. Surely, there was something more that could help. " What else does she like?"

" Uh, mochi." He answered quickly and received blank stares. " Bells, her hat." All things she already has. " Oh!" Rei gasped. " Her drum!"

Beni's down to one pokemon. " Could use a little help here!" The Decidueye pulls him out of the way of another attack that misses his Mismagus.

" I'm not supposed to tell anyone but Akari did tell me where she was from." He admits as he digs through his inventory for the drums he found at her house in Jubilife. " The village she came from touched the clouds, she served a shrine their with her family. They were especially famous for their ritual dances, drums being the symbol of their clan." He laid out six drums, each with red decorative patterns upon it. " Her grandfather, uncle, father, mother, brother and hers." He picks up the smallest drum, presumably Akari's. " Do you remember that tune she always whistles?" Adaman tears his gaze away from the spec of blood on the largest drum.

" Well..." They trailed off.

" I remember." Irida says.

" Can you play it?" Sneasler was losing. Each of them hesitated to reach for their own pokemon to battle her.

" Yes." She said finally.

" On my signal, you need to play it." Beni steps back cautiously, bringing up one of his kunai as he calls back his Sneasler.

" I always thought of battling you." The ninja admits with a breath. " Though, not like this. Never like this." He holds his weapon steady and charges forward. Despite having battled pokemon physically just moments ago, the young Raijin was still capable of catching up to Beni's trained movements.

It isn't long until the ninja finds that the girl moves in a certain rhythm. Steps looking more akin to a dance upon closer inspection. He identifies the melody she traces, the shamisen song Kodo, matching the beat of her steps well. She growls in frustration as he's able to drive her back, giving them some distance.

Thump!

The girl freezes. Slowly, she turns her head towards the sound, her eyes landing on Rei who holds a drum in his hands. Her drum. She flexes her fingers, gripping and relaxing as a deep growl rumbled in her throat. Not unfamiliar with the sound, they recognised a warning when they hear it. Her eyes then trailed downwards, where the drums of her family were lined together. She paused in her step, faltering at the sight of the old dried blood specs.

Something inside her calls, louder than the painful surges that coursed through her veins. A melody fills the air as Irida plays the gentle tune that was known to her. One so achingly familiar. Carefully, Rei places the drum down and backs away.

Akari's eyes don't follow him, plastered on the six drums laid before her. She scans over them, remembering which one belonged to whom. With a heavy breath she stepped forward. She could see her grandfather, painting a new drum that would soon be hers. Another step, she sees her father demonstrating how the lightning roars with each thump of the drum. She sees her mother, singing to her as they decorated the drum together. Her uncle and brother, showing her the ropes as they practiced dancing and playing together. The light in their eyes when she finally made her first thunder crackle through the clouds. She couldn't have been happier.

Until the rift came. The rift the tore the sky and sent waves of unholy yellow streaks. Her family battled the uncaged chaos with their own lightning but was unable to drive them away. The lightning, born of pain, anguish and resentment, tore through her village. Dressed in her ceremonial garbs, Akari was prepared to join the battle, to scream out wasshoi! as she assisted her family to drive out the evil.

But, not then she knew, her family would fall. She descended the clouds at the strong gusts of her uncle's gales, straight unto Prelude Beach with only the clothes on her back and drum in hand. As she travelled around Hisui, she would find the drums and she would remember piece by piece where she came from and who she was.

She would remember her family's death.

She would remember their glory.

The way they screamed Wasshoi! Even in the face of eminent death. They are the storm, they are the gales that flies through the air. They are Raijin.

When she opens her eyes, she finds herself hovering over the ground. Her ceremonial garbs were pristine and much more refined than they were before. The bells adorning her hips let out soft echoing chimes and as she looks around a ring of gold floated behind her, the drums of her family shining beautifully upon it. Her feet touch the ground and she looks to the bewildered group staring at her in awe.

" Uh, hello?" She greeted them.

" Akari!" Rei threw his arms around her. She laughs as she catches him, finding him suspiciously shorter than before.

" What happened? Did you shrink?" She teased.

" What? No!" He sputtered. " You...! You were frenzied!"

" Frenzied?" She echoed.

" Yeah. Gave me quite the trouble." Beni admitted from where he stood, his white outfit stained in dirt and a little torn on the shoulder. Akari winces on his behalf and apologizes. " It's fine." He brushes off.

" But, hey! You guys did it!" Akari cheered for them. " I feel great so I'm guessing I'm frenzy-free now! Wasshoi!" She cheered once again.

" Wasshoi!" Rei joined in.

" Wasshoi!" Another voice bellowed alongside them and she smiles to find Ingo cheering with her.

" As sweet as this moment is, we do have a rift to close." Volo chuckled nervously as Akari turns to him nervously. " Just saying. I might know someone who could help us out."

Hearing Beni's report was one thing, but facing the young Raijin personally was another. She stands tall, somehow having grown a little since her frenzy, wearing her red and white robes with pride as a collection of drums hovered behind her in a golden halo. She looked as otherworldly as she should be.

A proper Raijin as the old portraits had depicted them. " Lady Akari." He greets her formally.

" Lady?" Akari laughs. She smiles to him as wide and bright as she always did. " No need for formalities, Commander." With her was a red chain, meant to bind the world back together. " So, are we battling or not?" He scoffs at her challenge, the barest smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

" Very well. Show me your conviction!" The battle is rather swift, though Beni would definitely say later on that she's much more formidable without her pokemon.

Thunder and lightning crashed in the skies. It roars in their ears like a great cry. Among them a voice sings loud and true, as though she were the thunder itself.

The skies sing after her as she danced among the clouds. A battle between the last Raijin and the Gods.

It is said that the battle ended abruptly with a flash of light. The sky calmed, returning to blue, the rift sealed away as though it never happened.

They had a festival to celebrate the great victory and completion of the very first Pokédex. Graced they were, with the dance of the shrine maiden.

The day after, a warden of the Pearl Clan announces his leave. He follows the shrine maiden up the temple and neither he or the maiden was ever seen again.

They remember every rhythm of her beating drums, the meaning behind each one.

A pair of twins made their way up the temple with the help of the Champion they met by chance. Ingo had the embarrassing mistake to have called her by a name she didn't recognise.

" Once again, I am deeply sorry for mistaking you for someone else, Miss Dawn." He apologized once again.

" I told you, Mr Ingo. It's fine." She laughed.

" It's a shame. I wanted to meet the girl that helped you get back." Emmet hummed thoughtfully.

Arriving at the temple of Sinnoh, Ingo looks around before finding a small stone shrine hidden in the furthest corner of the temple. He recognised Rei's writing to see the temple dedicated to the Raijins.

" Oh my Arceus, I've never seen this here before." Dawn exclaimed, pulling out her phone. " Hang on, I have to let Cynthia know about this."

" Of my shrine? I don't know if I would like outsiders finding this." Another voice, eerily identical to hers said next to her and caused Dawn to scream. Her eyes gleamed beneath her hat, red and white robes unchanged. She looked like she hadn't aged a day. " Hello, descendant."

" Miss Akari?!" She grinned wide, showing off her teeth.

" Hello again, Ingo! Wasshoi! Wasshoi!"