Chapter 13: Rangers and Relations

Sakura brushed aside the curtain of vines which hid the cavern mouth from sight, emerging from her temporary prison onto a mountain plateau, the open space holding a section of seemingly wild growth that Sakura recognized as a ‘wild garden’; a place in nature tended to and cultivated by Pokemon. The entire area was covered in greenery, berry trees interspersed with soft loam,  mountain grasses and shrubs covering the space between. Small groups of white and black foxes tumbled over each other, watched by upright kitsune.

“...if you do leave, I will ask that you keep this place a secret,” Zoroark warned as Sakura stepped into the open. “This is protected land, but the children here are valuable enough to be worth breaking the laws of man or morality for.”

“That goes without saying,” Sakura replied with a firm nod of her head. There was no way in hell she would ever reveal the location of this place. She’d take it with her to the grave.

“Thank you,” Zoroark nodded, even as Zorua bounced off to join some of the cavorting kits. “I suppose, if you believe you do have control over your grudge, we could speak with the elders,” she mused. “After breakfast, of course.” She led Sakura towards a pot, hanging on a wooden tick over purple flames, another Zoroark with their white locks pulled back into a ponytail.

“Other Zoroark?” Sakura sked, even as the cooking kitsune handed a bowl of porridge and a cup of water to her escort, then offered a second set to the girl. Sakura accepted the food with a nod.

“Not all of them,” Zoroark acknowledged. “This area has many species living nearby. I suspect the local Absol would want to be included in this, and I believe the Gothitelle Patriarch and his consort would want to meet you.” She huffed. “If we have made a mistake bringing you here–”

“You have.”

“-our transgression may have greater consequences,” Zoroark continued. “For now, eat. I suspect our messenger will be by shortly, bringing news. We may send her off again to spread the word.”

Sakura took a bite of her porridge, humming at the subtle flavored dish laced with juice and bits of berry. “You can tell I’m fine.” She stared dully back at Zoroark, who’d shot her a skeptical look. “Okay, healing. I am healing. I don’t understand why you feel the need to hold me any longer.”

“Even if you are not being harmed right now by your grudge, you are still in a distressing state, child,” Zoroark responded. “You attracted us. We would not want you to attract attention from something else, or somehow aggravate your wound, you use your metaphor.”

“I suppose that would make sense given the sheer amount of Pokemon that can interact with grudges directly,” Sakura allowed, obviously not happy about the fact the Zoroark had even a remote point in general, “But I’m fine.”

“Then you will not mind us confirming that,” Zoroark said back.

Sakura sighed, not at all pleased, scooping another bite of porridge into her mouth. At least the food was good…

Rin bit into her breakfast burrito, looking over the edge of her mount. Ahead of her, Summer patted her partner on the soft feathers, Latias cooing as she adjusted direction. When the Top Ranger had revealed that she possessed a auric bond with a Latias she could apparently just… summon by carving a symbol into the ground with her styler (with admirable skill), she could honestly admit she’d shat bricks, because what the actual fuck. But hearing the story behind the capture and the bond had changed her position on that. Apparently, Legendaries had a habit of choosing worthy partners and sticking close to or near them, or flat out becoming a trainer’s Pokemon. She’d actually done some research on the topic, only to be immediately walled by one of the Porygon that the international league maintained their data security with. They’d booted her with a firm “That’s classified”, and told her that if she wished to know more, she could wait until she was an ACE trainer.

Which, honestly, made sense. Professor Juniper had told her a little about Legendaries, but only in the most general terms. Legendaries ranged from ‘mere’ apex creatures which controlled vast territories, to literal deities. And this woman had one on call, and treated her the same way which her partner treated his Staraptor ride Pokemon. Of course, said treatment was fantastic, but that wasn’t the point Rin was trying to make.

On Earth, you could never really befriend a deity or phantasmal being. Here, it was only unusual. Humbling, in a way.

And a good reminder not to do anything to attract the attention of the Swords of Justice. Nope. Down that path lay ruin. Absolute and complete death, delivered by very angry justified deer with swords.

“Hey, we’re going to be swooping down pretty soon! We’re in the reserve zone now, and we should be able to find some Pokemon to lead us to the first skulk on the list!” Summer called over her shoulder. “Finish your food, you’ll want your hands free when we land!”

Rin nodded, stuffing the last quarter of her wrap into her maw. Swallowing the food, she had to gulp a second time as Latias began to descend. Coming down, Rin blinked as a dark figure came out of the woods to greet them.

“Rangers.” The dark Zoroark spoke, a baritone echoing as Latias came to a hover, Rin and Summer sliding off of their ride as she gave a gentle barrel roll. Beside them, Ben remained mounted on Staraptor as they landed. “Word going around is you’re seeking a missing kit.”

“We are, Elusive One,” Summer offered as she bowed respectfully, her Latias chirping in agreement, “Have you heard word of the missing child’s location?”

“Not as such.” Zoroark grimaced. “But my den has none of our Hollowed kin. And for that matter, we do not have such a stake in the local Council.” He spread his claws. “My children, siblings, and mate say that there has been more movement from other council members, though.”

“Can you lead us to them?” Ben asked respectfully, watching the Zoroark carefully for any signs that indicated he’d overstepped, and, thankfully, found none.

The Zoroark grimaced, sharp teeth exposed. “As much as I hate to say it, my family is not particularly well-liked. I could lead you to many places, but you would do better without the mistrust we would bring as a result. A thousand curses on my Grandsire,” he finished.

“Bad blood?” Rin asked.

“A horrible letch and a terrible prankster, all too eager to leave others to clean up his messes.” The kitsune sighed. “However, the local hound pack would certainly be willing to help. In fact, it is highly likely that Lady Absol is already in the know about what is going on, if she is not involved already.”

“Then we’ll make our way to their general location,” Summer nodded decisively, bowing once more towards the dark-type. “Thank you, Elusive One. Best wishes to you.”

“And to you as well, Ranger Summer. The winds have spoken much of your valor.” The fox bowed back before he faded away, as if their whole meeting itself had been an illusion.

Rin tilted her head. “...I’ve never had such a cordial meeting with a really ‘wild’ Pokemon,” she stated aloud. “Is that a ranger thing, or something more specific to you two?”

“How about you take the lead with this one Ben, I’ve gotta call this in,” Summer called as she remounted her Latias. Shaking his head with a fond sigh and gesturing for Rin to get on the Eon, he handed her a radio piece.

“Keep that in your ear, and I’ll explain as we make our way towards The Lady’s abode,” he called towards Rin, giving his Staraptor a pat as the pair took off, Rin not being able to catch any visible sign of him giving a command. Shrugging, the girl placed the earpiece in her ear.

[Alright, so you’re a faller, which means you’re more than likely missing a lot of general knowledge of our world that isn’t really covered formally anywhere. So, the Ranger Regions have put a lot of work into coexisting with Pokemon and Nature in general, to the point where Pokeballs, while not outlawed, are culturally frowned upon to the point where almost no one uses them, especially since Summer rediscovered Ranger Signs-slash-invented them. Don’t ask, time travel was involved. But, back to the point, there’s genuinely no need for them in Almia, Fiore, or Oblivia, which are the three Regions that fall under the Ranger Union’s exclusive domain,] Ben explained as they slowly made their way towards the East, both Rangers obviously keeping a beady eye on the forest for landmarks as they traveled.

So Rangers practice more naturalist or traditional ways of interactions with Pokemon? Something to look up, Rin mused.

[What you probably don’t know is, as a result of that dedicating to preserving the harmony of Nature and Humanity, Pokemon Rangers are very widely regarded as almost inherently trustworthy, to the point where Pokemon who aren’t actively panicking will generally happily assist us at least verbally even without the use of our capture styler, though we often formalize those temporary contracts if we need extended assistance by using them anyway, due to the mutually beneficial exchange it provides the wilds. A temporary Auric Bond with a human, essentially.]

[Sounds fantastic. And, since I assume the bond is tested during training, it’s really rare for them to end up corrupt or abusive?] Rin said back. [Even that idiot back at the base just seemed… incompetent, not malicious.]

[Pretty much! While there haven’t never been people who abuse Styler technology, it’s extremely uncommon for a Pokemon Ranger to go rogue. There’s only been one or two in our entire history, and in one of the two cases, an investigation showed that the Ranger accused of going rogue had been psychically compromised during a deep cover operation.] Ben explained, audibly wincing at the mention of the idiotic Area Ranger, [And yeah, the Ranger who was uh… incompetent is currently being recalled to Almia for… retraining. Because our relationship with the League is still relatively new, we really can’t afford to have anyone but our best and brightest within our limited Ranger Stations in the League Regions.]

[Right,] Rin agreed. [Ah… I hate to ask, but you two look barely older than me. How’d you end up outranking him? I’m assuming there’s no Nobility system in the Rangers…]

[There’s not!] Summer called over the radio, evidently having finished her report while Ben had been explaining things, [Ben and I are both Top Rangers as well as Sky Rangers, both of which greatly outrank anything but a Region Ranger in the League Regions. Like the League, the Ranger Union is meritocratic to a fairly large degree, and both Ben and I can claim to have literally saved a Region, on top of being in the top percentile of measurable skill within the Ranger Union. Additionally, we weren’t so much pulling ‘rank’ as promising to submit a report that would have made his life miserable to the relevant individuals. Him calling us ‘Commanders’ was mostly him being a dick and making a shitty joke at your expense.]

[Saved a region? I think I want to hear that story, if there’s not a movie in the works.] Rin answered excitedly, eyes sparkling with stars.

[The Ranger Corps are still auctioning off the rights to it,] Summer admitted, sounding sheepish about the whole thing.

[We can tell that story later. Staraptor’s spotted the pack below,] Ben cut in a little more curtly than he probably had to, [Come on, let’s go meet them!]

Rin was soon back on the ground, looking over Latias with a considering expression. “...is there any chance your brother would be interested in joining–”

“Nope!” The Eon Pokemon chirped.

“Didn’t think so. Well, I think I want a flying Ride Pokemon.” Rin declared. “Any suggestions?”

“Later. Let’s go find your sister first,” Summer chided, looking towards her partner, “Ben? Where are they?”

Before he could speak up, a mixed pack of Herdier, Lillpup, Houndour, and Growlithe boiled out of the woods, happy barks and woofs sounding before the horde of floof, wagging tails, and lapping tongues bowled over all three humans. After a few moments of licking and love, Rin heard a louder, deeper voice sounding over the group.

“Kids, calm down and give them some space!” The smaller dog Pokemon cleared away, revealing a Houndoom whose jaw was quirked in a grin. She spoke after eyeing the group. “Rangers coming here? Well, it’s always good to see you. Here to pick a pup for a youngster?”

“Hello Houndoom.” Summer replied with muffled laugh, gently pushing the Growlithe off her with more care than even professional breeders might use, “We’re more here to look for a youngster than pick up one, if I’m understanding you correctly.”

“Oh? Is this what my mate was called away for?” Houndoom sniffed. “Well, unfortunately, he didn’t tell me before he dashed off.”

Rin cleared her throat. “Ah, even if your mate was involved, we’re looking for my sister. Some of the locals directed us here for a tracker.”

Houndoom perked up, ears rising behind her horns. “Oh really? Well, I suppose Yawn could help you out. He’s being lazy again. What can you offer the pack in exchange?” She sniffed the air. “You could take and train one of our pups, but I smell psychic cat on you. Might be tricky. Anything else on offer?”

“What exactly are you looking for here, Houndoom?” Rin finally spoke up, having let the professionals handle things for now, “While I would be willing to take on one of your pups, it would depend on what Agate has to say on that matter.”

“Hmm. Do you have any Fire Stones? You smell like Elemental gems.” Houndoom asked.

“I do.” Rin replied with a nod, digging into her backpack and producing said stone, “Here, take it.”

“Well, you’re definitely paying us in full. Maybe too much…” Houndoom rumbled as she took the gem in her teeth. “Let me go get Yawn.” She turned and trotted off, and Rin took a few moments to pet the happy pack around her. A few minutes later, Houndoom came back, flanked by a shaggy, fluffy hound.

The Arcanine blinked sleepily. “Aww, auntie, do I have to work?”

“Yes you do. Now, you can nap more later.” Houndoom said harshly. “You’ve a little one to find.”

Summer blinked. “You understand them exactly, don’t you?” she accused, pouting a bit. “Any chance it’s not an auric or psionic trick?” she pleaded.

“Tohsaka-Juniper translation earpieces are still patent pending. And require top-line pokedex or phone devices on hand to work properly,” Rin replied, leading to both rangers perking up.

Summer grinned, before turning towards the Arcanine that had just come, “You’re here to help us?”

“I suppose… oh, hey, rangers!” The sleepy doggo perked up, tongue lolling out. “Oh, so I’m working for the Rangers! That’s great!” He looked around. “So, auntie mentioned tracking. What are we looking for? A rare species? Lunch? Runaway boyfriend? Girlfriend? A criminal?”

“My sister,” Rin answered, taking a piece of cloth from her back, “This should still have her scent on it.”

“Ah.” Yawn sniffed the undergarment, before tilting his head up and scenting the air. “...nothing close by, but the wind is carrying it from.. Hmm.” He shifted, turning to present his side. “Well, come on up! I think I know which way to go!”

Rin looked over at Summer. “Umm…”

“Mount up!” The ranger urged, waving one hand as Latias lifted her up. “We’ll follow behind.”

Rin nodded, pulling herself up onto the fluffy dog. “Okay, so– WHOA!” She screamed as the massive dog took off at high speed, leaving the pack behind, a red and brown streak following after. As the two rangers moved to catch up, Rin pulled herself a little closer to her ride. Hang on Sakura, I’m coming!

Sakura frowned as she stepped into the large chamber, looking at the rough-carved chairs and fluffy nests set around the room. Six Pokemon sat in the room, all of them turning to face her.

“I believe I can understand why you felt she might be one of your kin in the making.” The Gardevoir murmured, peering at Sakura. “Are you alright, child?” Beside her, the Gothitelle nodded quietly..

“Yes?” Sakura stated serenely, looking unbothered by the question despite the anger she felt at it. What right did these people have to completely disrupt her life because they were being paranoid and or worried about something that she was seeing a professional therapist for, one that was also a freaking Psychic.

“...your anger is not misplaced,” Gothitelle murmured. “Though our concern is not unwarranted.” He sighed. “Absol–”

“Chances of something happening to her in the next four months… low but not impossible. But the seeds of catastrophe are still present.” The black-and-white beast sighed. “If she was going on a normal journey, I would think the therapy she is already undergoing to be sufficient.” Red eyes turned to Sakura, gentle in their assessment. “Sakura, could you promise me that you could stay out of danger? Out of areas with high magic, or seeped in spiritual energies? At least for the next three years?”

“That would be physically impossible,” Sakura deadpanned, eyeing the Absol like he was particularly stupid. “Nevermind the fact that the Legendary Pokemon are becoming much more active recently, but this world is steeped in exactly the things you say to avoid by my metric, which is the only metric I have to assess that by.”

“I did have to ask. As for you, other…” Absol spoke, his gaze shifting slightly to gaze at Sakura’s shadow cast behind her. “Would you kill to defend her, should she be threatened?”

Sakura blinked, before sighing and temporarily ceding control to her Other. “That is a very complex question with a very complex answer, but the simple answer is yes.”

Absol sighed, and one of the Zoroark in the room took up the conversation. “That is admirable, but not advisable. You are, in essence, a ghost haunting Sakura. Any actions which would give you more energy would place greater strain on her soul and psyche. Killing for her or moving through areas of high spiritual energy… it might cause you to grow too much.” She grimaced. “You are stable. We didn’t need to bring you here to quiet your grudge or your minds. But you cannot go on like this.”

Absol chuffed. “Death is not warranted nor moral.”

Gothitelle nodded in agreement. “We could contact one of the Reverse Lord’s ambassadors? He could send an envoy to manage her…”

Zoroark shuddered. “We should not bother the Lord of Spirits for this. His displeasure is… uncomfortable.” She tapped her chin. “I assume you would refuse to be separated?”

Other blinked, laughed hysterically for several seconds while wheezing, then looked at the Zoroark again. “Wait. You’re serious. Who the hell gave you that idea? I’d love to have my own body, but not if it comes at any cost to Prime.”

“I meant by distance, though that is good to know. No, I assume you’d not want to be enshrined. I know of a couple of priests nearby who could do that.” Zoroark explained.

“Or rather, I know a few nearby.” Gothitelle corrected. “...hmm. Most of the methods we have…”

Absol perked up. “A thought. Zoroark, have you saved any quiet eggs?”

Zoroark blinked, looking over sharply. “...that is a thought.”

“I think you’ll need to explain,” Other spoke.

“Yes, we should.” Gothitelle peered at Sakura and the one within her. “You may be having someone join your family after all.”

Yawn sniffed at the air, pausing to hop between small spots of firm land. “I gotta say, being able to talk to a human– it makes this a lot easier. My former trainer never got what I was trying to say.”

“I’d imagine so. Communication in general is a very important thing to have between two thinking beings, otherwise misunderstandings will inevitably occur,” Rin nodded primly, a proud smirk on her face. “I… genuinely don’t know why no one ever took the time and effort to figure out a translation, to be honest.”

[Not like people haven’t tried,] Summer said into her ear, starting Rin before she remembered that she’d never turned off her microphone. [Didn’t you have to combine magic and technology to get it working? Most of the magic-users I’ve met don’t understand the mechanics that well,] she observed. [Everyone who cares knows Pokemon can understand us, and experienced humans can understand their own really well. It’s sometimes considered a privilege of high-skilled individuals.]

“That just seems silly, but it isn’t my place to judge cultural traditions I haven’t been immersed in for long yet,” Rin acknowledged, keeping her less kind thoughts to herself. She had, after all, not even seen a fragment of a fragment of this world. It really wasn’t her place to pass judgment.

Well, at least outside of the privacy of her thoughts. She could pass judgment all she wanted there. Then again, Magus culture had just as many, and far worse, hang ups which seemed… trite. So again, not going to judge too much.

The group fell into silence as they continued to ride, only the occasional chatter between Summer and Ben breaking the monotony. Finally, however, Yawn stopped near the tepid waters of the mire they were traversing, looking around with narrowed eyes. “Okay, her scent is getting a little stronger. And I think we’re nearing the Mountain Grotto Skulk, so that makes sense.” He sniffed again. “Hang on, what smells like Krookodile?”

[Rin, get ready, we can see the water moving down there!] Summer cried out, just before the swamp erupted, a half-dozen blue shapes arcing towards the dog and his rider.

“Agate, you’re up!” Rin called as she drew and threw her Starter’s Pokeball out at record speed, before reaching for Libra’s ball, then withdrawing her hand. Libra had a horrible matchup here, and she had support.

With a cry, Agate stood on the field, already falling into a meditative position as she used Miracle Eye without having to be commanded, before her eyes snapped open. “Rin, please remind yourself to buy a Thunderbolt Technical Machine. I’m getting tired of not having coverage against things Psychic doesn’t hit super-effectively.” She snapped up a fast barrier, knocking back the marauding reptiles.

One of the reflected Crocanaw poked his head up out of the water. “Nice work, kitty. Hey, do you like getting wet?” He grinned viciously, before opening his mouth and spewing a rush of water to batter the barrier, his fellow bask opening their mouths to join in. Agate scowled, even as one of the balls within Rin’s satchel pop open, Ana hitting the ground nearby. The lead Crocanaw blanched. “Oh fuck, leaf snake–”

“... You are impeding the search for my trainer,” the Snivy hissed, clearly beyond furious. “You have three seconds to piss off before I end all of you.”

“What Ana said.” Rin nodded sagely, even as Summer descended on her own rather terrifying Pokemon.

“Is there a problem here, little ones?” The Latias chirped cheerfully, a dangerous glint in the dragon’s eyes though her voice remained completely pleasant. “You wouldn’t want to impede our search, would you?”

“...hey, bro, do you know any ice moves?” One of the Croconaw shot off to their leader. As the leader opened his mouth a much larger shape emerged from the water from behind him, one clawed hand wrapping around his head.

“Kids, what the hell are you doing?” Rin gulped as the Alpha Feraligatr came upright over her child, looking around the area. “Lugia and birds, why are you picking on a group of Rangers? And a fucking Eon guardian?”

“...I wanted some training time?”

“Yeah, no.” The Feraligatr looked up at the humans. “Kids. They never think things through, what can you do?”

“... Not much honestly. Except kick their asses when they pick on the wrong group.” Summer blinked, taking a long look at Rin, who was looking very smug, “When did you hook up your translator to my communicator?”

“Your VoiceNav Program demanded I send it the algorithm. I complied because why not. Consider it a free sample. Also, your Styler is technically magitech now.” Rin stated with false dismissal, “Though, I have to ask, Sir Feraligatr, did you see a human my age around here?”

“...listen, I know you humans have trouble telling our genders apart, but I’m their mom,” Feraligatr grumped. “As for humans… not me, but one of the local Unfezant gossipmongers told me she saw a purple-haired girl carried off to the fox’s den.” She jerked one hand over her shoulder, a spiked nail pointing towards the mountain rising behind her.

“Apologies,” Rin bowed, before shutting up as Summer stepped forward.

“Thank you for the information, Ma’am. We’ll be going now, then.” The Aerial Ranger stated, before remounting her bonded Lati and taking to the skies, “Rin, we know which den they’re talking about now! Tell Yawn to follow us!”

“Alright, kids, let’s talk about your punishment. For starters, if you really want more training, how about we go fight the Leavanny colony?”

“But they always win!” Rin heard the Croconaw say petulantly.

Half an hour of travel later, the group came over the ridgeline to look down on a cultivated garden, Rin feeling a little fuzzy as she gazed down at the playing white and black foxes. “...question. As Rangers, is it hard to reprimand cute things?” She asked, looking at one of the fluffy foxes as it nommed a berry below, lowering her binoculars.

“Not really,” Summer shrugged, looking rather haunted. “Just because a Pokemon is cute doesn’t mean it isn’t capable of horrifying things. I can still remember a mission I had a while back after the Oblivia Crisis…”

“I think I want to hear that story later,” Rin replied. “Okay, so, how do we want to approach them?”

Ben shrugged. “We’re waiting for their scouts to see us, then come over to see what we want.”

“Indeed.” All three humans glanced up to see a Zoroark melt out of the shadows, crossing their forearms. “So. Are you Sakura’s sister?”

“Yep,” Rin replied glacially, eyes flinty as she looked at the Zoroark. “And you are?”

“Annoyed and resigned.” The kitsune sighed. “She said you’d come for her, and she was right.” He eyed the rangers. “Listen, she’s fine, but things are a little delicate right now. There’s a ritual underway, and your sister will still be a part of it. If you’ll just wait for a little bit, she should be out soon.”

“You’ve gotten her involved in what?” Rin hissed. In the bag at her hip, the two balls belonging to Sakura clacked against each other, both visible to the Zoroark.

The vulpine being winced. “It’s complicated, but the elders thought something was wrong with her, and it was decided she needed something with her soul fixed–”

Finally, it seemed Ren had heard enough. With a snarl, the Umbreon burst from his already furiously shaking ball, hissing at the Zoroark with malice dripping from his own aura.

“Uhh, if you want me to take you to her, I guess you can come watch. And I can get someone qualified to explain things…” The Zoroark said, taking a half-step back, waving his hands.

“Oh, if I don’t get answers, I’m going to do a lot more than just watch.” Rin hissed. “Lead on, then.”

The Zoroark nodded, turning and darting across the ridge, Rin and Ren in pursuit.

Sakura gulped as she stepped into the ritual circle. She eyed the pedestal in the middle of the circle with a bit of pain, staring at the still oblong perched there. “...there’s something very sad about a stillborn egg, I didn’t realize before now.”

“It is always a sadness. Some species, like Chansey and many birds, many of their eggs are inert.” The Zoroark elder stepped forward, tracing one clawed finger over the red rings and gray spots on the egg. “Word to the wise; if the egg has the coloration of the species, it had the potential for life.” She whispered. “And it is that potential we will draw upon for the ritual.”

“We will remember their sacrifice, willing or otherwise,” Other spoke through Sakura sombrely, “None deserve to die so young.”

“Indeed.” The Zoroark rumbled, looking to one side. Extending a hand, she took the object from one of the onlookers, holding the glass knife to Sakura. “A few drops of blood, infused with your aura if you can. Anoint the stillborn with it, and then move to your place.” As Sakura accepted the knife, the kitsune stepped from the circle and took her place nearby.

Sakura sliced across the back of her hand, then smeared the shallow cut over the egg. Wisps of shadow rose from the red smear. “That should do it, right?”

“More than enough.” The Zoroark nodded, and Sakura moved to the major node on the circle, across from the egg.

As soon as she reached the spot, the circle sprang to life. Absol, Zoroark, Gothitelle, and several other Pokemon channeled power into the circle.

As the blooming of power began, Sakura heard several yells from the rear. A Zoroark ducked into the room, scrambling to one side as Rin and Ren stalked in, only for both to come up short as they saw the circle. Rin gulped, eyes narrowing as she looked over the circle.

“... Fine, it looks like you actually know what you’re doing.” Rin allowed after several tense moments, before she looked towards Sakura, “You’re good with this?”

“Ah… yes,” Sakura nodded, even as her shadow began to be dragged towards the pedestal, a smile blooming across her face. “It may not have been necessary, but I’m glad you came, Nee-san.” She looked past Rin, brow creasing as she saw two other figures file in behind her sister. “Ah, who are they?”

“Rangers I recruited to help track you down. They were immensely helpful in actually getting to you, Sakura,” Rin replied with a small smile on her face, “Summer-san, Ben-san, we can stand down, this ritual is safe, and involves the consent of my sister.”

“Yeah, I tend not to mess with magic unless I’m desperate.” Summer said. “You never know what they’ll do. One artifact may release an ancient Pokemon, another might turn you into a Pokemon.” She shuddered. “Three days as a Psyduck. That was awful.”

Rin nodded absently, kneeling as she pulled out a notebook and tapped her ball, letting out Agate. “Could you take some video, please?” She asked, even as she began taking notes. “Multi-auric rituals… I didn’t know Pokemon had structured magics.”

“Of course, Rin. Just give me a second.” The Espeon stated respectfully, looking towards her brother, “Ren, are you okay?”

“I am fine, sister. For now, I will simply watch over my mistress.” The Umbreon replied, gaze never leaving his partner’s body, “It appears I will have a new member to the skulk soon, though.”

Rin glanced down. “Oh? Do you understand what’s going on?” She looked up again. “Grass and Ghost energies for new life, Dark for transference and shadow, Psychic for… control?” She frowned. “And Fairy for linking? I don’t think I understand all the elements going into this.”

“It is less that I know and more that I suspect Other is about to get a body of her own,” Ren stated idly as he watched the Pokemon work their magic. “And Rin, I would recommend you gain a mastery of aura at some point. It is distinctly different from the magic this world practices and the Magecraft and Magic that your world does.”

“I’m not as lucky as Emiya,” Rin responded tartly. “Aura requires a sort of… synergy of body and spirit I’ve not come close to mastering.” She looked up and studied the ritual again, then started. “Wait, so am I going to have two sisters, or…”

“Technically yes, going by human tradition. I would imagine you wouldn’t have a problem with one of them being a Zorua, would you?” Agate interjected with a sly smile. “And thank you Ren, I would have never figured it without you mentioning Other.”

“It was my pleasure, sister.” The Umbreon stated with a flick of his tail, closing the conversation.

“...I don’t know how other Magi would react to having a Phantasmal in the family.” Rin mused. “They’d pretend to be affronted to hide jealousy.” She paused. “Well, more Phantasmals. You both count.”

Sakura looked down, watching as her darker shadow pull further and further from her, reaching towards something else.

“Hey, original? In case this doesn't work… thanks for accepting me.” Other murmured within their shared head.

“How could I not? You are me, in some regards,” Sakura replied with a complicated expression on your face. “You are me, and I am you. While you came into existence thanks to my trauma, you are still a person of your own, and I shouldn’t shy away from that.”

“Yeah, but… still. See you soon, hopefully.” With a wrench, Sakura felt something give way, and a part of her mind she’d known was there came rushing back, faded and raw; at once a remembrance and a forgetting, as though something vital was lost but a burden was shed. Part of her soul, drawn off and wicked away, and yet leaving her whole regardless.

As she watched, the shadows whirled forward, sinking into the egg before the power dissipated and the circle beneath her went dark. Sakura gulped, stepping forward. “Is–” Before she could finish her sentence, the egg gave a tremendous lurch. Cracks formed across its surface, before it burst into a rain of brilliant light.

A small gray fox kit, fluffy hair tipped with deep violet, gold eyes tinged red, peered back at her. With a start, the newborn Zorua shook herself. “...this is different.”

“Huh.” Summer remarked from where she’d been watching, “You don’t see that everyday. Wouldn’t have worked outside of this specific species, either.”

“Ah, no. If you can be turned into a Pokemon, then you can be reborn as one,” Zoroark said, walking around to her. “Granted, the risk was almost non-existent under these circumstances, and you’d likely not be able to perform it with such a solid sense of self without finding your perfect match.”

“Well that’s good to know for future reference,” Ben stated with a smile, “Then again, there’s a shortcut to that as well.”

“Hm?” With a glance at her partner, Summer asked Ben the obvious.

“Secret~” The boy in question chirped with a smirk, looking very smug. “Let’s just say it’s a family thing.”

“Ah, family-specific spells.” Rin acknowledged. “They don’t involve transplanting part of your magical nervous system into your children, do they?”

“Nah, nothing like that,” Ben shook his head. “But I quite literally refuse to say more, so don’t ask.” Rin merely nodded. Honestly, his easy rejection was a lot calmer than she would have expected from a magus family. Lineage and lore theft was literally a war crime among Magi; which was one of the reasons the Tohsaka and the Edelfelt had been at each other's throats for centuries.

Sakura listened to the byplay as she walked over to her other half. “How do you feel?” She asked, looking into molten eyes.

“I feel… tiny. This is unfair,” Other huffed. “We are the same age, so why am I a newborn?”

“Well, you have just been born,” Zoroark said, stalking up to inspect her new kin. “Now, your power and spiritual weight seem ready for evolution, but your body is still very, very new. You will need to let it develop and grow into your power. Until then, you will remain a Zorua.”

“I suppose,” Other murmured. “We can work out my training plan after we figure out my name. And how this is going to work.” Her face scrunched into a frown. “I suppose I’ll need a Pokeball, unless you just want me to ride around on your shoulder or in your shadow.”

“It’ll probably be safer to catch you, Zorua.” Sakura admitted with a frown, clearly conflicted at the thought, before she brightened, “But if you don’t want to be in the ball all the time, feel free to hide in my shadow or ride on my shoulder!”

“That’s fine,” Other allowed, tilting her head as Rin approached. “Hello, sis. Did you learn anything interesting from my birth?”

“A few things, yes. Though nothing I want to or need to use for my own Magecraft or magic.” Rin allowed. “So, how are we going to be compensated for this… diversion?” She asked the Zoroark.

Zoroark arched one eyebrow. “Your sister now has a Shiny Zorua and will not be in danger of having a soul dissociation. We can offer an evening here, and perhaps some training tips. But I do not think we can offer more than that.”

“I did not believe that the Wilds considered kidnapping young in any scenario to be justified, Zoroark,” Summer interjected severely. “If this is what my Rangers in the area can expect, I will be reporting this to both the League and the Union.”

“We were responding to what could have become a spiritual break, and the local rangers had stopped responding to our requests months ago.” Zoroark spat back. “Now, we were in the wrong, and I will accept censure for that, but this incident is due to a communication breakdown months in the making.”

“I don’t think you understand the problem here.” Ben interjected placatingly, “And rest assured we’ll both be having words with the local Area Rangers. We were in the area for a reason, after all.” The boy took a breath, before his eyes hardened and he continued, “You broke the compact of Four Swords. And a Spiritual Break that has not happened yet is not enough of an excuse to do what you did, especially when the person in question has a Gothitelle specifically assigned to her case because of the risk of the Spiritual Break in question.”

“Enough.” And thus, the Legendary in the room spoke, clearly fed up with the argument, quieting all parties before they continued. “Zoroark. Do you deny that you broke the pact?” As she said the words, an oppressive feeling began to linger, as if the weight of the gods themselves were pressing down upon those within the ritual chamber.

“...I cannot deny we broke it.” Zoroark sighed. “With some caveats, but by the word and spirit, we are in the wrong.”

“And Rangers, do you promise to investigate the breakdown of communications? I am aware that in and of itself is your mission in this area as I am partnered to the one known as Summer, but it must be stated for formality’s sake.” The Latias continued, her voice her voice accompanied by the beating of hooves.

“We do.” Both Summer and Ben stated severely, before blinking as the oppressive atmosphere of the room disappeared as suddenly as it came.

“Then nothing more needs said.” The Latias stated firmly and with finality, “You will provide the wronged party recompense. It need not be a life, and should not, but supplies or treasures will suffice.”

“Hmm. You are a mage, yes? Would lore be considered treasure, young one?” Zoroark looked at Sakura. “Our clan has kept a trove of items taken from the sorcerers who once hunted and broke us to what we are. I do not believe you or your sisters would abuse them.”

“I accept.,” Sakura stated instantly, looking towards her sister, who nodded her head sharply, “As does Rin-nee.” She paused, clearly debating something internally. “I forgive you. But I would appreciate it if you or your clan never approached me again.”

“...understandable,” Zoroark sighed. “We will abide by that request.”

A few hours later, Sakura was happily cuddling with both of her older Pokemon, Other wrapped around her neck. “Yes, I’m glad you came. And don’t worry, I won’t be leaving anytime soon.” She looked up, seeing Rin across the newly built fire, paging through her notes. “I’ve got too much to lose, you know.”