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Oh dear, I long to be your warmth

Some day

When I'm gone away

We'll be all okay

song link

---

Req by @sleepytoby

He closed his eyes, as his feet carried him along. His shoulders were covered with a cloak of white, but he was colder than ever before.

How could he dare do this to you? All of this was never your fault, only his for accepting what he had to do. This wasn't ''saving the world'' because he wasn't saving you.

Putting distance literally between you and him made it all worse, so he did try to give you some comfort with his admin cloak, but your current state just made his mind be dragged deeper and deeper into the sea of emotions he was previously only a full ankle in.

Drowning. But he made no attempt to thrash around.

And thus, like a stone, he sank.

---

Your gaze flickered to the skies, as you heard the distant rumble of an engine.

There, you caught sight of the massive Eclipse Airship, which cast a shadow over the group, blocking out what could be seen of the sun.

The grunts looked up, one elbowing Jake, who wasn't paying attention at all. But you ignored his current state, as the airship stopped midair, and what seemed to be people on Pokémon fly down from it.

A few unfamiliar grunts hopped off their Pokémon as they landed, one of which being an Aerodactyl. They snickered as they saw you, perhaps thinking about how pathetic you looked now.

Maybe if it was a happier time, when you weren't surrounded by reminders of your mistakes, you would've grinned foolishly and laughed it off.

Because then, you were able to recover easily.

Again, your arms were roughly grabbed by grunts, causing you to be annoyed. No wonder they're grunts...

''Hey, I'd appreciate it if you didn't grab them like that.'' Jake finally spoke up, glaring at the grunts, who withered under his intense gaze and loosened their grip.

You did feel like caring. A small bit though. However, you found it wasn't easy to forgive him in retrospect. Feeling his stare on you, a brief glance back showed he really was looking at you.

Though, being stubborn, you lifted your chin a bit. If he really wanted to mend his bond with you again, he would have to prove himself in your eyes.

Besides.

The rope offered won't be helpful if the one at the bottom doesn't take hold of it and climb back to the top.

---

Engines whirred someplace nearby, their sound muffled, as you sat in the main area of the airship. A few of the Team Eclipse members sat nearby, some awkwardly standing up, holding onto straps attached to the ceiling.

''Approaching Eclipse Base, permission to land?" The pilot at the front requested, back turned to you and everyone else.

Some static sounded over the radio, too incoherent for you to hear it clearly. The pilot nodded at this, flicking a few switches and pressing a few buttons.

A grunt beside you with long, dark braided hair, and chocolate brown eyes looked at you, then to the rest of the group. ''Must've been a bad day for ya.''

''You think so?" You retorted, irritation clear in your voice. The grunt merely blinked at this, a frown evident, before looking away.

''Hey, don't be rude to xir.'' Another grunt insisted, who you look to. Xe looked back at you, and you sighed.

''Sorry.'' Was all that came out, before you lean back against the wall. Jake's silent, yet again, which wasn't surprising seeing as he was like that for most of the way to the base.

The engines began to slow their whirring, as the ones inside the ship with you began talking, a few getting antsy. Hearing a hiss of air, you look to the door as it opened, the ramp opening up.

You stood up yourself before anyone could force you to, walking out into the enormous hangar, occupied now by the Eclipse Airship.

Before you could go any further, someone grabbed your unrestrained hands, bringing them together, before something cold and metallic clamped onto both of your wrists.

Suppressing a groan, you kick backward, hitting a grunt that had done it in the shin. Ouch. Doing this didn't help the fact that now your wrists were handcuffed, but you felt a bit better about your current situation.

Jake went up ahead, leading your group out of the hangar. He then stopped soon after, as another one in admin clothing came up to your group.

You recognized the person to be Eclipse Admin Tyler, the one who you fought (and defeated) at the power core because of some planted explosives. Needless to say, someone wouldn't be too happy seeing you again.

Tyler looked past Jake, their expression growing dark at the sight of you. ''Hey... HEY! You're that kid who fought alongside that other kid at Anthian- WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE, HUH?!" They asked, yelling while doing so.

''They lost, you big explosion dummy.'' A grunt shot back, smirking as they looked at you.

''...what did you just call me?" Tyler questioned, sounding a bit angry as their eyes were directed to the offender. The grunt broke into a sweat, muttering under their breath.

''Nothing, si- I mean-'' The grunt stuttered, unsure how to address the admin before them.

Tyler simply rolled their eyes, a hint of a smirk on their face as the aggression melted away. ''..'Big explosion dummy'. It's better than what Gabe called me last Tuesday, that nerd has his ego so far up his a-''

''I think I'd appreciate it if you let us through.'' Jake interrupted, and Tyler looked to the boy, lowering their shades just a fraction.

''Hmm. Fine, bootlicker.'' The explosion-obsessed admin replied, adding the last part under their breath. Tyler then stepped aside, watching your group go past, chuckling with amusement. When you looked back at Tyler, you saw them standing in the middle of the hallway, looking at you, a large grin on their face.

All you had to do to see them disappear was to round a corner.

And the group did just that.

---

Unfortunately, the corner your group had to turn was right into a section before the hangar where the prison cells were located.

Two adults looked at you from behind the front plexiglass walls of the prison cells, which you realized were the archaeologists from Mitis. Both looked at Jake, the man, in particular, looking worried.

Jake drew in a breath, as he opened the door of the cell next to the archaeologists, placing his hand on your back as he made you go in it. The metal barred door slammed shut, and you turned to look at him.

Briefly, he put his hand on the bars of your cell door, before leaning his head on the bars as well, exhaling. Drawing away, Jake seemed to try his best not to make eye contact with you, but your gazes connected. He froze in place, before pulling away.

You waited for his footsteps to fade away before you leaned your back against the nearest comfortable wall in the cell, sliding down, you pulled your knees close to your chest as you buried your head in your arms.

You had lost.

You had no Pokémon.

Nothing.

So, you wouldn't be shocked if your friends hated you now.

That is if you had any left.

---

The sound of metal grating on metal woke you from your slumber, as you rubbed your eyes to clear them of sleep, a shadow fell over you. You had no time to look up as someone grabbed your arm, restraining it for a moment and making the handcuffs properly come off, before letting go.

''Come.'' A gruff voice sounded, and this time you had a chance to look, seeing the ridiculously red spiky hair of Eclipse Admin Harry, who was wearing his mask, as per usual.

Knowing you had no other choice, you followed his instruction.

---

Your hand landed on the doorknob, so you turned it, stepping in. The sight that greeted you wasn't the best, but you weren't hoping for that sort of thing so it didn't count.

A Decidueye standing nearby a desk had its leafy feathers stroked by none other than Cypress, the man who you had previously recognized as the region's Pokémon Professor, only to experience serious whiplash in the Anthian City Showdown.

To you, he was no longer a Professor when he walked down that ramp. He was a madman, commanding his followers to do whatever he needed them to, hardly letting his hands get dirty.

But here, you saw a small sliver of that side you experienced before Anthian. It was obvious he loved his Pokémon, evident by the way he was gentle to the Arrow Quill Pokémon, it still to his touch.

A smile was on his face, as he focused on the Decidueye, the Arrow Quill Pokémon then affectionately nipping at his fingers.

However, seconds after you came in, his gaze snapped over to you. Within the few moments that followed he returned the Pokémon back into its Pokéball and sat up straight in his chair.

As if you hadn't seen anything.

''I heard about the battle. I must commend you for your effort.'' He flatly stated, the second part laced with barely veiled sarcasm. His gaze did not meet yours, avoiding it.

Cypress then folded his hands together in front of him as he sat, not before taking a Rubik's cube on the desk off, and into a nearby drawer.

You sat down on one of the grey chairs in front of the desk, looking at the three monitors that sat on it, as well as the partially glowing Team Eclipse logo behind the man himself.

''Effort?" You snorted. You then glanced around in a fervent attempt to search for what could be your team's Pokéballs. Cypress seemed to take note of your gaze, holding something in his hand.

He then raised what was in his grip into the light, the Pokéballs clattering against the smooth metal of the desk. Your Pokéball belt, in all its glory, was in Cypress' hands.

You make a grab for it, but he tutted, pulling it out of your reach. ''Known you would've done that.'' His fingers curled over the Pokéballs, the fabric connecting each tightening as he held the central Pokéball with more force than the others.

''What do you want?" You questioned, carefully watching his movements as a smirk showed on his face within the blink of an eye.

''I want you to join Team Eclipse.'' He replied without hesitation, loosening his grip on the belt, but not entirely letting go. ''With you, Team Eclipse would worry about one less person getting left behind.''

He seemed guarded. His voice was flat, but the smirk seemed to only be a hallucination judging by its ephemeral existence. Still, he continued:

''But, I think in order for you to be truly satisfied with Team Eclipse, you would want your friends and close family to join us. This world is problematic and-''

''Well, that's only because you insist on leaving it behind. Have you ever tried to help fix it?" You shot back, heat bubbling up within you. But here wasn't where you stopped. No, you kept going. ''People and Pokémon can live together, but I guess you always have your head stuck in the sand, no wonder you weren't able to see differently!''

Cypress stared at you, his nose crinkled. For a moment, all was silent, before he pushed his glasses back up his nose, grumbling things under his breath. ''Always your type.'' He glared back at you, briefly meeting your gaze. ''Always, your type to say that. How could I ever expect something from you? It was always about the endless activism that ended in nothing.'' He spat.

''Have you ever tried?" You retorted, clenching your fists.

''Oh, yes, I have tried!'' Cypress cried out, narrowing his eyes. ''Many, many times. You can speak to a crowd to motivate them, yes, but it never has a hundred per cent guarantee that they'll do anything. Of course, doing anything in the dark doesn't help the greatest deal either.''

''No wonder, Cypress, that they don't like you, then!'' You retaliated, some of your bottled-up emotion spilling into your voice. ''You fail to see the progress made by those around you, even if it's small bits at a time, then complain about it barely working. Anthian City wasn't built in a day. Yet, your admin friend tried to blow it up in one, and see how that turned out?''

The man glared at you once again but bit his lip to prevent himself from going too far. A bit too hard though, as a bit of red leaked out. You averted your gaze, the door swinging open behind you.

Soon enough, Jake's shadow loomed over you. Cypress grabbed a nearby paper towel and wiped the blood off his bleeding lip. The boy then sat down beside you, looking at the Eclipse Boss.

''Make your choice, do you want to rot in a prison cell as deserved, or will you stand with us?" Cypress asked, his voice strained from the tension beforehand.

You looked to Jake, who met your gaze with worry. Both of the tensions you had observed in recent times were grabbing a different arm of yours. Pulling you in two different directions, like your body was to be split in half with an arm each if they were to have their way.

You could spite Jake and rot in that prison cell, which, the more you thought about it, sounded much more luxurious than staying in this room and arguing with a man who saw nothing other than his own views.

On the other hand, you could take up that opportunity offered to you. Cypress wouldn't be expecting it if you were to do it, perhaps you could twist the game a bit and play it your way.

Considering these options a bit more, you looked to the man as he awaited your answer.

---

The garments for the Eclipse uniform weren't the most comfortable, but the tailors were fit (and paid) for the job. Bigger, smaller, whatever was required, they made it fit your body type.

You would tell them about your thoughts on the grunt uniform, but since that wasn't within their paycheck you decided to keep your mouth shut for once.

Once you walked out into the cafeteria, a few stares came your way. Most were from strangers, but you saw one of the admins (not Jake, as he wasn't in there currently) look over at you and laugh. This was short-lived, fortunately.

Sitting down once you had your food, you had a moment's worth of heaven. Then, hell arrived at your doorstep as Admin Gabe sat down opposite you.

His hat was still on his head, so you were surprised it didn't fall off with all the extra bowing down to Cypress he did when compared to Jake. Still, the man with a hat was seemingly outclassed by the blue-haired boy in every way. Funnily enough, this appeared to infuriate him.

Jake could just walk by and Gabe could make all the faces he wanted in order to show his dislike for the admin younger than him. Unfortunately, this warranted some clearly unwanted feedback from others.

Laughing, a few catcalls, the one who was actually a full-grown man didn't act like one in response, instead, he made jabbing remarks in return. His brother always kept his head down while all this happened, eating his food or staying silent.

''What beach shore did you have to wash up on to be pitied enough to join our ranks?" Gabe questioned, snatching the knife from its place on the table as you're about to grab it.

''I would ask you the same thing, seeing as you got blasted off by Kyogre after insulting it.'' You returned the favour, grabbing your knife back. Gabe's silent. Then, his boots hit the seats of the table, and he's gone.

Chasing after trouble here wouldn't be worth it, so it was a good thing 'hatty' left you be. For now, you decided to just keep your head down and just eat.

The cafeteria food was terrible though.

---

The sleeping quarters for the grunts weren't that good, but heck, like you cared that much concerning the quality of things anymore. Or if you were a good person or not. What was the difference again?

Leaning against a bunk, the bottom one supposed to be yours (as another grunt already took the top), you just let yourself reflect on things leading up to this point.

It was a bit difficult to, though, with your thoughts in disorder and nothing really staying in one place for long. When they wandered to Jake, however, most of them stilled. However, an empty feeling resided within you when that happened.

Your shoulders tensed up as well. With a huff, you left the sleeping quarters, to find something to properly clear your blurry mind. All of a sudden, a hand latched onto your wrist, and you whipped around, facing the boy with golden-brown eyes and dark blue hair, pulling his hand off your wrist.

Jake.

''You really have blended into the position well,'' You watched his face as he flinched, ''grabbing onto me? I guess things really have changed between us.''

''Look, I-''

''Cut the bull-crap, Jake.'' You interrupted, narrowing your eyes. ''You've been silent to me so much it causes me to wonder if you really care about me anymore. Moping around never really solved anyone's issues.''

The boy took a moment, looking to the floor, then turning his gaze back up to you with a sigh. ''It's really complicated, (Y/n).'' His hand briefly brushed against yours, causing warmth to spike up in that area. ''And I know you want answers but if I did give you any, I would be letting people down. This has gone too far for me to go back, so, please, do me a favour and let me keep going with it.''

He distrusted you. And you knew it. Shoving that thought down, and fighting back some tears that threatened to spill, you gritted your teeth behind a tight-lipped smile.

''Okay. At least let us have some time together, then.'' You half-heartedly mumbled. He nodded in response.

---

The admin rooms were much, much better than the standard grunt sleeping quarters. For starters, each admin had their own room, alongside the ability for each room to differ from the rest.

In Jake's case, his room was mainly coloured with different shades of blue, in one spot appearing to look like the ocean, and accents of gold accompanying it as well as gold-coloured patterns.

The Team Eclipse logo was less obnoxiously placed here than other times you had seen it, which just so happened to be the ceiling light. Nowhere else in the room did it appear, thankfully.

Shelves lined the walls in various places, each sporting a symbol of water, even the alchemic symbol for water. Then you spotted a photo frame with him and his Vaporeon, not in his Admin clothes. He looked happy.

Next to it was a photo of you and him, Jake putting his arm behind you whilst you were doing Buneary ears to him. Both of you were wearing smiles on your face.

A cry could be heard, and you turned to its source, seeing Vaporeon bouncing on the bed joyfully, as Jake tried to move it off without harming the Bubble Jet Pokémon so he could sit down.

Eventually, he gave up, instead, he moved away from the bed and towards what seemed to be a set of blinds. He pulled them open, and what you expected to be light coming in was replaced by the harsh reality of an underwater landscape facing you.

On the other side of the glass.

Vaporeon's eyes lit up at the sight and immediately hopped off. Jake, finally getting the opportunity, moved onto the bed and you did the same, sitting on it as well. You also removed your gaze from the underwater scenery behind the glass, not wanting to tempt your fears.

''What made it come to all of this, Jake?" You looked down as you asked. Jake shifted in his place on the bed, the sheets crinkling in places where they bunched up. ''Tyler was talking about you being a goddamn bootlicker, for Arceus' sake.''

Jake's eyes immediately went to the photo frames, more specifically the one with you and him in it.

''I wish I could say. If I was able to, I would tell you everything and more, (n/n).'' His hand went to grip yours, and when he did, he lightly squeezed your hand as he looked back at you. ''Things aren't as simple as they used to be. But I'm afraid they won't be like that again.''

''I worry about that as well.'' You lean on a pillow, exhaling. He does the same, turning on his side however to face you. ''We're older than we used to be. We used to be unable to reach past our parent's heights, but now we've exceeded them. So, I don't feel like 'that kid' anymore. I'm just someone else now.''

You turned on your side to face him as well.

''You're still (Y/n), and that's good enough for me,'' Jake replied, momentarily letting go of your hand to reach out and tentatively hover his fingers just centimetres away from your face. He then gently stroked your cheek, a small smile on his face. ''You were always enough.''

''Why destroy yourself while feeling that way for another person, then?" Your question came out quicker than it appeared in your head.

''It's easier to feel that way for someone else rather than feel that for yourself,'' Jake answered with a knowing look, drawing his hand away. ''Because I've seen my own flaws so many times it all comes up first when I think about myself. Not the good things, but all the bad things.''

''And then you see perfection in someone else. And instead of caring for yourself, you give it to that person. But if they turn around and hurt you, it's apparently all your fault, when in truth it isn't.'' You try to say. You're a bit worried things may not make sense.

You just wanted to feel like a kid again, not having to worry about people destroying your home world after leaving it behind, and you were sure Jake didn't want to either.

And yet, here you were in the Team Eclipse base, the uncertainty of the future lingering in your thoughts longer than you wished it to.

Silence fell between the two of you, but like what was in the past with you and him, this kind of silence wasn't uncomfortable. It was content. No noises to fill it, just an emptiness that for once was not unwelcoming.

This, however, was short-lived.

An alarm pierced like a dagger into the silence, making the two of you flinch. Overhead, the ceiling light turned red and began flashing.

''WARNING, INTRUDER ALERT, THERE HAS BEEN A BREACH. THIS IS NOT A DRILL.''

Jake immediately got up from the bed, and so did you. He quickly strapped on his boots, grabbing his Pokéball belt and pulling it on. You did the same but soon found him helping you into your boots and Pokéball belt.

Opening the door, you held it open for him as he rushed through after returning Vaporeon, and you followed.

---

''Admins, grunts, gather at the assembly point, as well as the prisoners,'' Cypress spoke over the intercom. ''We shall prepare to leave!''

The assembly point was in the hangar, the Eclipse Airship readied, its engines whirring as grunts began entering it. The admins stood at the base of the ramp, looking towards the hallway entrance to the hangar. Cypress rounded the corner, taking long, powerful strides as his clothes whipped about in the resulting wind. His gaze was set forward as he headed for the airship.

''Is everything in place?" He questioned once he had stopped close to the admins, his eyes sweeping around the small assembled group, never once meeting anyone's gaze.

''Almost, sir.'' Harry nodded. ''One of the grunts has gone to fetch the prisoners.''

''I saw,'' Cypress slightly narrowed his eyes. ''They seem to be putting up quite the fight.''

''Especially that Dragon-Type trainer girl.'' Gabe unhelpfully piped up. The boss scowled at this.

You look over as footsteps thudded nearby. The Archaeologists- and Tess, walked toward the airship. The purple-haired girl's eyes widened as they landed on you, looking you up and down. Then, she lowered her head, and shame washed over you.

The admins briefly parted to let the captive group go onto the ramp. ''Alright, we're all here. Let's not waste any more time.'' Cypress told you and the admins. ''I will not wait a moment longer to reach my new kingdom!''

''Please, stop this, you're making a huge mistake.'' The female archaeologist pleaded. In the distance, a loud crash echoed somewhere nearby, and a few screams soon followed.

Then, an orange light appeared in the hallway to the hangar, with a few embers flitting into the air seconds later. The group didn't seem to notice this just yet.

''It's true, Hoopa is far too powerful for you to control.'' The male archaeologist added on. ''It nearly destroyed Roria when it was first discovered.''

''I hold the bottle that grants me power over the beast.'' Cypress proclaimed. ''You and your silly warnings will not stop me.''

You watched as the hallway into the hangar burst into flame, sending fragments flying. Jake put his hand on your back and you quickly got the message, going up the ramp past the captives, and Tess.

The last thing you saw before you go into the airship is a Charizard flying into the air, trailing fresh smoke- with someone on its back.

---

Deep within the tomb, at the final chamber, lay the brick portal, with wires hooked up to the frame. In front of it, was an archway, with the symbol of Arceus at its height, then the Hoopa symbol above that.

Here, the admins, Cypress, the captive group and you stood, awaiting something. Or, rather, someone.

''How long do you think will it take for him to come, ey?" Tyler looked to the others. ''I'm thinking five minutes, tops, putting 15k on it.''

''15k? That's an amateur's go-to- Tyler, I thought you liked to live on the edge. So, I'm going for three minutes, and, make that 40k!'' Gabe piped up.

You sighed, looking to the entrance to the chamber. ''100k, and thirty seconds.'' Most of the admins looked to you with wide eyes, except for Jake, who kept his gaze ahead.

''Holy s***, they're crazier than Tyler.'' You heard Harry muttering underneath his mask.

''There's probably some method to my madness.'' As you said this, an explosion sounded off in the distance. A quick glance over at Jake proved that he was keeping a timer, and right now it was up to ten seconds.

''I'm raising mine to 30k then,'' Tyler announced.

''80k, if yours goes over thirty seconds I automatically win,'' Gabe added. Harry looked at him, his frown evident from the top part of his (visible) face.

You then also turned your eyes over to Tess and the Archaeologists. All three of them are silent, with the Archaeologists keeping their gazes to the entrance of the chamber as more noises echoed through it.

Though not Tess. She's staring at you with dismay in her eyes. Unable to handle the piercingness of her gaze, you looked away.

Twenty seconds on the timer now.

Twenty-one.

Twenty-two.

Twenty-three.

Twenty-four.

Twenty-five.

Twenty-six.

Twenty-seven.

Twenty-eight-

A roar echoed throughout the final chamber, as the Charizard you saw before at the base soared into the air, its mouth emitting a stream of smoke as it went.

It did a flip midair before coming down, its rider then jumping off. Broze, the one who had been flying on the Charizard, slowly rose to his feet, glaring at Cypress.

In the corner of your eye, Harry had briefly pulled down his mask, showing his face in awe. He then quickly put it back up.

The admins who bet on him quietly handed over their due money to you as Cypress looked back at the Holder of the Bronze Brick. He then started to laugh sinisterly, the beginnings of an unhinged smile on his face.

''You never do give up, do you? You just don't know when to quit. I knew that about you, ever since that little incident with Linda in Gale Forest.'' The Eclipse Boss told the boy, who still glared at him, not knowing what else to say. ''Your parents thought they could hide that precious key from me by giving it to you."

''We were right to do that.'' The male archaeologist crossed his arms, who you now thought to address as Broze's father. ''We knew after we had shown you the key, your fascination with it was too serious. By sending it with Broze,'' His gaze flicked to his son. ''it would be far away from your hands.''

''And so it was, for quite some time.'' Cypress nodded as he looked back to the Holder of The Bronze Brick. ''You see, there was no easy way to steal it from you. As it turns out, it was easier to have you deliver it personally. And here we are, all gathered together, exactly as I planned.'' The boss then turned to Tyler, who looked at him. ''Hit it, Tyler!''

The admin sent their fist down on the keyboard of the computer that was hooked up to the portal. There was a moment as the cords touching the portal began to glow, to where they were white. Then, a flash, and you turned back to Cypress, awaiting his next move.

You heard a yelp from the direction of the Holder of The Bronze Brick and spotted the smirk on Cypress' face as he looked towards Broze. ''And she summons her missing piece.''

The necklace hovered above the poor kid, before zooming over the boss' head and growing bigger as it reached the top of the portal. When it was the size of the other pieces, it fell onto them perfectly, causing yet another flash.

With all these flashes, you were surprised you weren't blind yet. A loud crash and the rusted chains over the archway broke, with the stone behind them soon following, beyond, a tunnel into darkness.

Cypress then threw the Prison Bottle through the middle of the portal and past it, the artifact almost immediately shattering into pieces. You could've sworn you saw some type of spirit emerge from the remains, escaping into the pitch-black.

Something moved in that darkness. Your hand moved to your belt from the thought it'd give you some comfort, but what came out ruined these efforts.

The Dijin Pokémon was massive. Towering over your group, it emitted a sound that seemed like a laugh. You were all at the mercy of its power...

''I just love it when everything goes to plan!'' Cypress' unhinged smile finally makes its appearance, with him briefly spreading out his arms in what you thought was joy.

''You're making a huge mistake.'' Broze's father warned. ''You don't know what kind of power you're messing with.''

''Ah, that's where you're wrong.'' Cypress clasped his hands together, turning to the archaeologist. ''I have a pretty good idea of the power I'm messing with.'' He faced back to Hoopa. ''It's the power to travel to other worlds. The power to become the creator of my own reality. The power to control right and wrong.''

You watched as Cypress turned again, this time to face Broze, now holding a Pokéball in his grasp. ''Broze, I have no further need of you. I suspect that I will have to defeat you in battle to get rid of you for good.'' He told the boy. ''I'll try not to have too much fun with this.''

''Well, that's good for you, 'cause I might just ruin it!'' Broze finally retorted, pulling out a Pokéball and throwing it forward.

While the battle between the Holder of the Bronze Brick and the Boss went down, you moved a bit closer to Jake, flicking your gaze up to Hoopa as it intently watched the fight.

The blue-haired boy looked at you, then back to the battle as one of his hands gently grabbed one of yours that was nearest to him.

All of a sudden, you had to shield your eyes with your other hand from a light that was being emitted by the keystones of the two in battle.

Okay. You were seeing spots in your vision now. Thanks, Broze and Cypress. Thank. Youuuuu... Not.

The fight was brutal, both of the Pokémon getting beat up considerably, while Broze had a scowl on his face, the Eclipse Boss was silent and focused except for the times he commanded his Charizard. A roar and Broze's Charizard slammed Cypress' Charizard down, making it fall onto the stone ground and revert to its original form.

Cypress appeared to be frustrated but turned to look back at Hoopa regardless of his loss. ''...Hoopa! It is I who has awoken you this day! Grant me my wish, that I may discover a pure world in need of ruling!''

Hoopa hovered over the portal, all six of its arms moving in unison as the portal sparked, then in the middle, a purple spiral materialized, growing in size until it fitted the frame, the portal now activated.

''Isn't it glorious?'' Cypress questioned, gaze fixated on the Dijin Pokémon. Jake huffed beside you, letting go of your hand. ''You will all soon see that I'm not as mad as you believe. In fact, I am the most clever out of all,'' You almost wanted to tell him 'cleverest' was a word. ''of you. I am the only soul wise enough to devise such a plan and brave enough to carry it out.''

He continued, still, as you heard Jake mutter to you: "...Wish me luck.'' The boy's words caused your brows to furrow in confusion.

''-The almighty Hoopa, a Pokémon so talented and powerful... Ancient Rorians were so full of fear, they decided to imprison it here,'' Jake moved from the corner of your eye as Cypress still went on. ''And here it stayed, waiting for me to come along and- WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!"

Cypress' scream was heard as he was hoisted into the air by none other than Jake, who promptly threw the adult into the portal. Cue the shock and widened eyes, as the boy dusted his hands off.

You, however, had the biggest grin on your face. Internally, you were very confused, but heck, you had to admit that was quite a sight to see.

Jake's eyes were back on the gathered group, nonplussed by the feat he had just pulled. ''Am I the only one that's tired of that guy's monologuing?'' He asked, seemingly bored. ''I've been holding that in for a long time...'' Jake's gaze briefly landed on you, before refocusing.

''Jake, what is the meaning of this?" Gabe questioned disbelief showing on his face clear as day.

''It's the end of the line for Team Eclipse,'' Jake answered. ''nobody comes between me and my friends. Cypress made a huge mistake thinking he could take advantage of us like that.''

''You're making a huge mistake if you think you've stopped Team Eclipse. Cypress is on his way to our new world as we speak! This is only the beginning!'' Gabe fumed.

''You better join him, or you're next!'' Jake replied, looking to the admins.

''Say no more!'' Gabe barked in return, with him and the other admins- except Jake, of course, jumping into the portal after their leader.

Once they were all gone, the remaining group of you, Tess, Jake, Broze's parents and the Holder of the Bronze Brick himself gathered around a bit more closely.

''This portal will continue to grow out of control until Hoopa is defeated,'' Jake informed the group. ''I will stay here and fight. The rest of you need to leave now.''

Tess lifted her head at the topic at hand. ''Jake, we've fought for so long to rescue you and (Y/n). I'm not leaving your side now.'' She looked back at you, then at Jake again.

''The fight is not yet over.'' The boy replied. ''I need you to get to safety so that I can finish this.''

You crossed your arms, heaving a sigh. Jake spared you a glance, sighing as well. ''The ancient Rorians bound Hoopa because it destroyed their homes and way of life.'' He continued. ''If we aren't careful, the same will happen to us. Cypress planned to leave this world to be destroyed by Hoopa. Hoopa must be stopped before it's too late.''

His gaze was on you again, but he seemed to be looking at both you and Tess. ''Please go, Tess and (Y/n). This is not up for discussion. You must leave.''

The ground seemed to move underneath your feet, and the group turned to look at the portal. Anticipating it, you covered your eyes before you had the chance to be nearly blinded. Looking up, your heart sank, the portal now bigger than it used to be. ''The portal... it nearly doubled in size!'' Tess' surprised response came out.

''This... can't be good.'' You muttered to yourself as Jake faced the rest of the group once again.

''This is exactly what I feared would happen. The portal is only going to keep getting worse. You all need to run now!" He urged.

Broze's parents start walking away with their son, as they talked, but he soon stopped, with them quickly noticing.

Tess looked to you, and nodded, stepping aside as you took her place. ''Hey, you really need to stop doing this alone.'' You told him. ''I know how you were feeling over the course of this, but please don't let that stand in the way of things. We're supposed to do this together.'' Your back was turned, as you faced him.

Something hit the stone floor, and Jake looked at what it was, before yelling: ''LOOK OUT!'' As he pushed you out of the way, you felt the wind get knocked out of you. You watched on with horror as a wooden box slammed into Jake full force, sending him into the portal.

Too late, you scrambled to your feet, hand shooting out as the portal rippled- and he's gone. Tears gather in your eyes, but you're too broken to stop them as they start falling.

To add further insult to injury, Hoopa waved its arms, and the portal crumbled right before your eyes. A shout came from behind you, and Broze charged forward, a Quick Ball in his grasp. He cried out wordlessly as he threw it, full of anguish and loathing.

Miraculously, he caught it on the first try. But you don't care. All you do is stare at the broken pieces of the portal.

No warmth was left here in this world anymore.

And so, the frost returned, biting at your skin with no teeth.

[—> In which Jake ponders the past and compares his home Roria’s history with an unfamiliar one.]

(cw: coarse language)

Below the surface, in deep blue waters, a submarine descended, bubbles streaming off the sides and escaping the propeller blades to where they ascended towards the light. From above, the gradually darkening light filtered through the water and into the small windows in the side of the submarine, allowing its occupants to glimpse a myriad of aquatic Loomians as they passed. ‘’So… why exactly is there an entire city under the ocean?” Jake questioned, facing the others.

Lucy smiled, sitting with her legs criss-cross on her seat. ‘’A long time ago, there was a project to build a massive city that hovered in the sky, high above the ocean. They called it ‘Anthian City’. The project was at least somewhat successful, as they managed to get the main foundation to hover for a couple of years.’’ Jake’s mind went back to the Anthian he knew, as Lucy continued. He hadn’t completely zoned out, more so concentrating on the thought, with her voice merely in the background.

’’…Nobody is sure what caused it, but one day the city suddenly began to fall out of the sky.’’ The girl twin continued. Jake blinked in mild surprise. Well, that was odd…

The plan hadn’t been successful. Tyler’s voice rang out through the airship cabin, fists clenched and at times tugging at their hat, while Cypress looked on, eerily calm. ‘’It was those two brats that stormed in and ruined it!’’ The head admin fumed before taking a deep breath, turning their eyes to the captive in their midst. ‘’But at least we have him now.’’

Jake felt tears prick his eyes, yet for his own sake he had to resist crying or else they’d see it. What had he done? Running off like that? Tess was sure to be disappointed.

’’We got what we came for. Stop being an overgrown crybaby, Tyler.’’ Gabe gestured to the Prison Bottle sitting in its container, in sight but out of reach for Jake who was restrained anyway. ‘’Those airheads didn’t see us coming.’’

‘’You think you were stealthy?’’ Harry asked. ‘’I’d hardly call your methods anything close to that.’’

‘’And yours is better?” Gabe shot back. ‘’Dropping into the museum by smashing through the skylight and taking the bottle, that’s sure to be sooo stealthy…?’’

‘’I made sure to smoke bomb the place upon entry!’’ Harry huffed, though he furrowed his eyebrows briefly. ‘’I could’ve sworn I saw something in there- though, that’s not the point-‘’

‘’Enough, you two.’’ Cypress slid a hand down the side of his face, almost dislodging his glasses in the process. ‘’I would demote both of you if you were to continue, but your skills prove too valuable for such a thing to happen. Instead, I have to pay my medical bills in full to at least be able to tolerate your childishness.’’

Jake tensed up as Cypress looked over at him, his stare burning holes into the boy’s very core. The very image of the city of the skies falling into the seas below still shadowing his every thought. Even if it didn’t technically happen...
Something thudded above him. Immediately, he looked up, as did the Admins and Cypress. ‘’Sir, something’s on the roof!’’ The pilot shouted from the cockpit. Gabe scowled, taking out a Pokéball as he headed over to one of the side doors.

‘’Harry, take the other side. We’ll see if our little ‘guest‘ is fit for a farewell party.’’ Gabe ordered his brother, opening the side door as air rushed in, the man taking off his top hat and putting it on a nearby seat.

“What? Like the one we gave for your ex?” Harry rolled his eyes, taking his position at the other door. Gabe’s eyes darted over at him with a dangerous look in them. ‘’Oh. Yeah, one of your exes.’’

‘’Prick.’’ Gabe muttered before he leapt out, releasing his Pokémon from the Pokéball.

‘’Dickhead.’’ Harry laughed under his breath, jumping out.

‘’Idiots.’’ Tyler sat down, throwing a leg over the over. ‘’Can’t live with them, can’t live without them, am I right, boss?” They grinned, throwing a glance Cypress’ way.

‘’You have your moments.’’ Cypress quietly replied. Ouch.

“Jake?” A voice snapped him out of the memory. The boy cleared his throat, shifting on his seat and looking towards its source. Lucas sat up straight, meeting the former Team Eclipse Admin’s gaze. ‘’You okay?”

He nodded. Jake glanced out the window, scanning the blue surroundings for anything out of the ordinary, before leaning in closer. Faint lights twinkled in the distance, prompting a similarly faint smile on Jake’s face.

‘’Hey guys! It looks like we’re arriving.’’ Lucas announced once he too noticed the underwater city as the submarine approached it.

‘’Everyone ready?” Jake questioned. The others nodded. ‘’Let’s do this!’’ All of them got up, gathering their belongings once the submarine surfaced in the transit hub.

A few seats behind the group, Meredin smiled to himself, adjusting the shades on his face. He pretended to be gathering his belongings as the other passengers got up and exited, making sure to take his time while the ‘kids’ left the sub, one by one.

Jake paused for a second, being the last to go. He glanced around at the submarine’s interior, his gaze stopping on the man with the shades. Both stilled, Meredin glad to have his shades while he glared back. ‘’Go on ahead of me, kid.’’ Meredin tried smiling. ‘’I dropped something under the seat.’’

‘’I can help.’’ Jake offered.

’’No thanks.’’ The man answered all too quickly, swearing under his breath once he saw the boy lift an eyebrow. ‘’I’m alright. Besides, you gotta catch up with your friends, right?”

‘’Right.’’ Jake swallowed the lump in his throat. It was like looking at Cypress fresh from his betrayal, unsettling and out of the blue. He turned on his heel, finally leaving the sub.

‘’You took your time.’’ Mabel commented once he stepped out onto the ramp.

‘’I… er- dropped something.’’ The former admin excused, brushing past. He looked around, heaving a sigh that left his shoulders slumped.

An Anthian that wasn’t saved… became this?