#ruby expedition squad

So in the Ruby Expedition Squad, Vivian (my character) died, right? And she was also the Soul Key of Mesprit (thus bonded and effectively able to fuse with her in a way).

Soul Keys get a special form when they fuse. Cyrus and Vivian both have one. I may have gotten a bit overboard and drew something lmao

So this is the arc where we slowly turn the campaign into homestuck. A quick recap on the player characters!

Recreo Shirona, codename Agent Scholar. We thought he was just Cynthia’s cousin! Technically he is but it’s much more distant. Why? Well, he’s Volo’s son! Volo trained him to be a weapon (known as a Wielder). He’s half-Celestica (the DM, with my guidance as the group’s resident Jew, has turned them into Poke-Jews) and half-Pearl Clan. In that he’s also a direct descendent of Iridia. He’s something called a Soul Key—basically, some Celestica are capable of effectively fusing with a certain legendary Pokemon. Recreo’s is Xerneas.

Hontono Haraguchi, Gracie’s character. She’s a former Team Magma grunt who defected before they started doing actual ecoterrorism. Maxie’s basically her not-dad; he took her in as a child and mentored her. She’s also a medium, and recently gained the ability to touch ghosts! She’s also a member of Johto’s Dragon Clan, and is descended from the royal family of the Sinjoh Union.

Harper Lochstone. She’s the protege of Cynthia Shirona and Hoennian—she managed to escape after Hoenn exploded. She’s been training with Aura and is immune to fire, notably! She also just recently unlocked an awesome form she and her ace (Ruby the Latias) can go into called Aeon Break. It’s basically Battle Bond with both the trainer and Pokemon!

Vivian Silene, aka Commander Mercury—my character! She’s the child of the captain of the guards of Snowpoint Temple, and like Recreo is half-Celestica half-Pearl Clan. Viewed as a cursed child, her dad kicked her out at age ten. Then Cyrus found her, asked if anyone was going to psychologically condition her into becoming a serial torturer, and didn’t wait for an answer. He personally mentored her into being Team Galactic’s director of science, and had her become an expert in psychology (and crimes against humanity and Pokemon) to learn how to remove someone’s emotions the long way. She’s also the one that created the Red Chain. Ironically, she’s Mesprit’s Soul Key.

Okay some Kalos arc details!

08:03 - I’ve been given a scrap notebook and some pencils by my mother, who is alive. See below for a summary of what happened:

After conducting the ritual, I lived through another memory. More vivid than normal. I was fleeing on my Staraptor’s back–Team Galactic was falling. 

Over Route 2117, Mesprit ambushed me. The reason why I fell off of Staraptor that night–the reason why I am so broken is because of it. Mesprit cursed me. 

Mesprit cursed me, and it laughed.

I don’t blame it. Not after what I did to it. It’s a surprise that it was conscious, but its actions were warranted and justified.

I woke up to Rhea shaking me. She explains that I’m compromised. We make a plan to escape, but I realize that my journal and it are both missing. I put my mask back on, and ask Rhea about both items. She states that Harper has the journal, and Recreo’s Sneasel took it. I ask Master Cyrus for his assistance to retrieve the latter; I can replace a journal (as I have just done, thanks to Mother), but it is one-of-a-kind at the moment. He agrees that we shouldn’t leave it behind, and vanishes.

Master Cyrus returns. I leave my room, and meet the child. I manage to convince him to try and get my journal back. I hide in my room for now, however after a few minutes it’s evident that he’s unsuccessful.

I sneak over to the common area, and find Geno, Phoebe, and Hontono’s Mighthyena. I start talking to Geno about my missing journal; I have to speak in code due to Phoebe. Hontono’s Mighthyena leaves. Geno agrees to help me after I mention that it will be good training for him. We both begin to plan. My vision briefly distorts. My mother briefly appears in the back of the room. It appears that Geno and Phoebe have bonded–Phoebe doesn’t even question him when he asks her to hide in the bathroom. Geno asks me and Rhea if we are “villains”, due to my wearing a mask and the ‘G’ emblazoned on Rhea’s chest. I explain my past as Commander Mercury. He claims that I resolved some plot holes?. Regardless, we plan more openly now.

Geno sends out an Electrode to wait at the door to explode when it opens. We head outside. I send out Type: Null; we may have to fight. Geno recognizes it for what it is. He sends out some of his Pokemon, and Rhea sends out some of hers. Master Cyrus returns it to me, and I put it back on my ear. I warn him about Hontono’s Absol, and he backs away to safety. 

Geno freezes the back and emergency exits (I have to inform him of the latter). There’s an explosion–likely the Electrode. I know that I may need to rely on my harsher skillset, and so I choose to warn Geno and Rhea; it won’t do any good if they get rattled by my words. Geno is notably alright with this, bringing up what he had his Sharpedo do on Route 119. I also ask them if they have any revival items, as Grimoraunt had been knocked out when I woke up. Neither of them do.

We head over to the front exit of the RARAT, with Geno taking the lead. Everyone is gathered there. Geno surprises them by talking to Hontono normally, then suddenly commanding his Sharpedo to use Aqua Jet.

I step out to the open, so everyone can see me, and remove my mask. I’ll need my expression for this.

I threaten them. I threaten their safety, I threaten their wellbeing. I describe all the ways I can hurt them without a weapon. I explain that I can tear away everything and everyone they care about.

They get rattled.

It worked.

Hontono gives the group a pep talk. They get a little more moralized, but I can tell that they still dread what I said. I’ve made myself a monster in their eyes as well. Let them think that. It’s necessary.

Geno does not give them any more chances to recover, commanding his Ninetales to use Blizzard. A sizable number of the Pokemon fall, including Harper’s Blaziken. However, N steps forward, and proclaims that due to my words and actions I must be taken care of. He sends out his dragon–a Pokemon known as Reshiram–and commands it to use a move called Blue Flare.

Everything goes black. I’ve been hit, clearly.

I vaguely remember the sensation of the wind flowing around me as I fly on a Pokemon. In the distance, there’s the sound of a jet.

Eventually, I wake up.

I don’t know where I am, but it’s inside some sort of building. I’m on a cot. My Eevee is staring at me. He looks concerned. There are people talking outside, but I can’t make out what they say.

I don’t have time to focus on that, anyways.

Mother is here. Mother isn’t glitching anymore.

She’s sitting. Staring at me.

She apologizes to me: she had to flee Sinnoh.

Mother isn’t dead. Her name is Vespera.

We have the chance to talk. I start with orienting myself: she explains that we’re in Fallarbor Town. Apparently, she is traveling with Team Aqua, and this town is a common stopping point for them. It’s been twelve hours since I was hit by the Blue Flare.

I ask Mother if she had sought me out, but she states this was simply one of the times that Team Aqua was visiting the town–it was simply a coincidence. I’m not surprised. I express this; if she knows who I am, then it’s best to learn her motivations. Mother clarifies to me that she had been told not to see me by a man named Devoraba Cassius. The last name is familiar–it’s that of the family who used to live in the Old Chateau. Regardless, he had known that I was undercover.

Mother describes him as a “complicated, but generally good man” who is helping everyone –including her– with various problems. She goes on to explain what her problem is: Mother is cursed by Azelf. She is incapable of leaving an impact on the world. This includes minor things, like an inability to leave footprints or be seen by everyone, but also a more drastic measure: if Mother manages to affect the world, she gets shunted forwards in time. From her perspective, she has only been cursed for around six years. However, chronologically she is from the era when Sinnoh had been renamed to Sinnoh.

I connect that my birth must have triggered the latter effect of her curse. My prior treatment from Father is something that Mother claims she blames herself for. However, she did not anticipate how he had acted.

I make a decision: if Mother feels guilty for how my childhood turned out, then she may be made an ally. I still have my doubts about her sincerity, but considering the previous day’s developments I will need as much assistance as I can get. I have to endear myself to her, so I attempt to assure her that it isn't her fault. She herself claimed that she didn’t know that Father would treat me the way he did, after all, and she continuously emphasizes that she dislikes his actions towards me.

She’s quick to change the topic of conversation to Master Cyrus. I wouldn’t be surprised if she had used the topic of Father as a segway to start discussing him. Mother stresses her disapproval of Master Cyrus, and explains that his family has always been one that is cold and logic-focused. According to her, each generation gets more extreme.

Let him be cold and logic-focused. It’s the correct outlook on life.

Mother explains to me that we need all three aspects: knowledge, emotion, and willpower. Without one, humanity falls.

It’s nonsense.

Regardless, we’re silent for a few moments. Eventually, Mother breaks it, by mentioning that she was trying to watch me throughout my life. She knows what I was like as Commander Mercury, and what I’m like now. However, she’s confused as to how I changed. She didn’t know where I was these past five years, since I went into hiding.

I explain what Mesprit did to me.

Mother is silent as she absorbs this. 

Then she diverts the conversation. I would have done the same, frankly. It’s shameful thatShe brings the conversation back to Master Cyrus. She seems insistent to discuss him.

Regardless, Mother mentions that she’s upset that Master Cyrus raised me. She recognizes that I always had emotions (this is nonsense. I was complete, strong. Mesprit destroyed that), but Master Cyrus forced me to bury them deep down. She theorizes that all Mesprit did was resurface them.

She’s incorrect. Mesprit simply infected me.

Mother mentions that she’s… proud of me. She’s proud of my strength.

I’m not strong.

Not anymore.

I try to divert the conversation–I need to learn more about Mother, not the other way around. I mention that Father remarried, which she seems to accept. However, she does not let up talking about my situation.

Mother tells me that she wants to make sure that “this story has a good ending”. She understands that people want me dead, and so she wants to protect me. My initial thought is that this is prompted by her alleged guilt. I can’t see why she would feel so strongly for my safety otherwise; her protecting me puts her at risk.

Mother seems to notice me mulling this over. I’ll copy her response verbatim: “I don’t care that you’ve committed crimes against humanity. You’re my daughter.”

She either is trying to make me trust her, or is truly, sincerely guilty. I try to gauge which it is by warning her about the four legendary dragons that my new adversaries have, and that there is no doubt that Professor Rowan will be warned soon, if he hasn't already. Of course, this then means that Champion Cynthia will be alerted of my presence in Hoenn.

Mother does not seem perturbed, and instead mentions that she may be able to help; she knows the Champion’s grandmother. I’m unsure as to how this would help, but any potential angle of approach is worthy to explore.

Mother then mentions Master Cyrus again. More aptly, she brings up the fact that Master Cyrus is still accompanying me. I ask her how she knows: apparently, Devoraba is able to see him. At my inquiry, Mother provides a description, and I connect that Devoraba is the true name of Zagreus.

Mother then goes on to describe the Celestica people. She is one of them herself, describing herself to be as “pureblood Celestica as it gets”. Thus, I am half-Celestica. According to Mother, the Celestica are “the blessed people of Arceus”, with some being able to bond with legends. This has historically caused discrimination, leading to Devoraba’s goal: he wishes to protect the Celestica people, and is one of the bonded Celesticas. According to Mother, many of the ones who have gathered here are like him. 

The Celestica’s history included tragedies such as culling. Mother explains that this is why she was cursed; she is responsible for a small one.

Normally, the power to bond with the legendaries is more evenly split amongst the Celestica. However, as the generations grew smaller, this got less distributed. Thus, there are cases where a single person is able to forge a bond with a legendary Pokemon that is far stronger than even that of a trainer’s. Devoraba is one of these–namely, he is physically fused with Darkrai. Mother also states that he wants something from me, although she assures me that I would get something out of the exchange as well. I’m unsure what he would have to offer, but it couldn’t hurt to find out.

Our conversation moves on to the remnant of Team Galactic. Mother has met them in Dewford, apparently. Jupiter –who is going by Amelia, her real name– knows that she’s my mother. She… punched Mother because of this. I would have expected that from Cassidy, not Amelia. I even voice this surprise, which prompts Mother to admit that only Amelia knows of our relationship. She also states that Cassidy guards the outskirts of Dewford Town and trains a lot, however the training isn’t efficient. I can’t imagine she changed much, if at all, then, just as Devoraba mentioned back on Mt. Pyre. Mother also tells me that Roman is “nice now”, as his ego has been managed. I’ll believe when I see it.

We’re silent for a few moments again, but there’s a question that had been plaguing since we started talking. We fought in a tournament in Hearthome back when I was still a trainer. We were the finalists. Mother swept my team. I ask her why she battled me in the first place. She states that she didn’t recognize me, and that she needed the money to leave Sinnoh. I probably should have pressed as to why, but I had to focus on assuring her that she shouldn’t feel guilty for needing money herself.

Mother brings up something else, eventually: the reason why I look nothing like, and so much like Father. She theorizes it’s due to her curse. She can’t leave a lasting impression on the world, and that includes her own daughter’s appearance. It makes sense.

The conversation goes back to the discussion of curses from the Lake Guardians. Mother considers our shared situation ironic, and brings up that she’s lucky that she didn’t get cursed by Uxie. She can’t imagine how it would feel to have her personality effectively wiped due to losing her memories. I bring up that I know someone who suffered this fate, and mention Recreo.

Mother recognizes his name, and… panics. She sends out a Xatu from a unique-looking poke ball. Check the addendum for a description of this. She states that the Pokemon keeps her safe–it ensures that she won’t do anything that causes her to jump forward.

She initially struggles to figure out how to safely tell me about this. I encourage her to speak in code. If it’s important, it would be best to know.

She mentions that there may be someone behind the scenes. That Recreo’s existence implies something that, according to her, isn’t good.

At my inquiry, she states that Devoraba wouldn’t know about this.

Apparently, there is a man in Sinnoh. One who favored Recreo’s name. Mother met him once, and hated the interaction. She can’t say his name, but she does mention that there is a poem. One Recreo may know, but it isn’t as old as his normal interests: “There is a follower of the Renegade who wanders this world eternal, seeking his final damnation”.

Regardless, she determines that Recreo isn’t Cynthia’s cousin.

I would prefer to continue this line of conversation, but it seems like Mother can’t risk it, so I don’t. We’re silent for a little bit more again. I turn my attention to my Eevee, and ask her why he’s out of his poke ball. Mother states that he was trying to get out on his own, and so she helped him. She states that he was worried about me.

He shouldn’t be.

He also shouldn’t be out of his ball due to his still healing injury, and I tell Mother as much. However, she tells me to give him some slack. Encourages me to bond with my Eevee. She wants me to have a second chance at being a trainer.

It’s useless. That bridge is burnt.

I decide to ask Mother why I couldn’t see her during my time in Team Galactic, as she seemingly was still following me then. She believes it to be because of the lack of emotion there. 

It’s something to mull over another time. I ask her if she was on the RARAT yesterday, and she admits that she briefly teleported over to see me before fleeing again. I don’t understand her reason for this, but it’s not something I have time to dwell on, as she asks me what happened on the RARAT yesterday.

I start from the beginning of the situation: we were helping Regulus beneath Mt. Pyre. The mention of her name panics Mother, especially after I mention that Regulus got the Azure Flute and played it. She contacts someone on a pager, out of every possible method of commu. I continue my story, and mention Amaria. Mother recognizes the name, and states that she is one of the Five Sacred Swords of Johto. Considering the woman’s skill with the weapon and immortality, I suppose it fits.I then mention Grimoraunt, and the book that it’s possessing. Mother is relieved that I have it, as it’s part of a set of three: the Grimoires of Platinum, Diamond, and Pearl. Devoraba has the other two.

I continue my story after Mother assures me that I don’t need to give him my Pokemon. I wasn’t planning on it; I need as many battle-ready Pokemon as I can now that there are at least three skilled trainers in this region that are after me. 

I mention the ritual that I conducted. Mother gets concerned, and tells me how dangerous it is to use the magic in that book. I’ll keep it in mind; no need to take any unnecessary risks. I promise Mother as much as well.

After another minute or so of silence, I ask Mother why I can see Master Cyrus. I understand that mediums aren’t uncommon, and I had simply assumed that I was a weak one. However, Mother isn’t dead, so it seems unlikely that I was born with the ability. Mother has two theories:

It is simply because I am one of the ones closest to Master Cyrus. 

I am bonded to Mesprit due to my Celestica heritage.

The first one seems the most likely. I am Master Cyrus’ protege, and he practically raised me. However, it would be irresponsible of me to immediately write off the latter option; I have to prove that it is the case.

I ask Mother how people know if they’re tied to a legendary. She states that there are signs: inborn talents and abilities. Those with particularly strong signs were traditionally sent on journeys, but Devoraba now has machines that can determine someone’s aptitude.

I decide to ask Mother if she is tied to any legendary Pokemon. She is: Kyogre.

Mother realizes that I can mask emotions, and that Mesprit has taken a personal interest in me. She seems to be connecting something, but whatever it is feels like a stretch. I simply had to put on a brave face as a child, and practiced being able to act as part of my research in Team Galactic. Plus, Mesprit’s personal interest seems more like a personal vendetta. Along with Master Cyrus, and a few other scientists, I was personally responsible for creating the Red Chain. Mother likely was there to witness it; I don’t need to describe just why it would be furious at me.

This prompts her to bring up a possible solution to my curse: return it to Mesprit and beg for forgiveness. It’s not worth entertaining. Not only would it potentially not work, but it would require me returning to Sinnoh. Furthermore, it is still a useful asset and my last physical tie to Ma.

I voice that it would be dangerous for me to go to the Sinnoh Region, which Mother seems to accept. She mentions that someone she knows would like to return to the Sinnoh Region, but can’t: Devoraba’s little sister, Lucy. She apparently would like to see the snow again. I mention Mt. Chimney, and Mother states that she had brought that up as well. According to Lucy, it isn’t the same. Children can be so picky sometimes.

Mother appears to like Lucy, notably. She also claims that Devoraba is a good older brother.

Our conversation transitions over to Master Cyrus again. Mother claims that Master Cyrus is a hypocrite for feeling emotion. How can he have the goal of removing spirit from the world if it’s derived from his hatred of it? This isn’t hypocritical. Of course he’d dislike all the pain and hatred and strife that emotions bring. Anyone would. Anyone sane and reasonable, at least. Regardless, not only does she state that she can somehow make him cry (I have my doubts. I’ve never seen it happen), but she also claims that I would not have been so driven to work towards working for Team Galactic had it not been for the emotion driving his dream. According to Mother, every goal is dictated by emotion. It’s nonsense.

It’s now that I finally realize that Master Cyrus isn’t here. I try to look for him the best I can considering my injuries, but he’s nowhere to be seen.

Mesprit’s curse reacts again.

Mother…

Hugs me.

My skin doesn’t crawl.

Mother leaves to get water after I stop making a fool of myself. She also recalls me mentioning my journal, and promises to look for something to write on. I use the time to check on my Eevee. It’s still unpleasant to engage in physical contact, but it isn’t as bad as it could be. Perhaps the ritual did work a little.

She returns eventually, with a bottle of water that she chilled, some pencils, and the notepad that I am now writing in.

Thus ends the summary. My coat is gray now, and I’m not wearing gloves.

08:10 - Mother is watching me and smiling. I ask her if she needs something, and she simply claims that she is happy to see me with clear eyes. Apparently, it was a blur when she would follow me throughout Team Galactic. Coat gray. Hands ungloved.

08:15 - Mother comments on the state of my body. Namely, she offers to hide what the Blue Flare did to me the best she could with the help of her Lapras. I deny the offer; the scarring should help hide my identity more. It should be useful, even in this region. I then bring up the Lapras, which is a very rare Pokemon. She states it was her first one, and that she is the only holder of a Laprasite that she knows of. I express surprise at the fact that Lapras can Mega Evolve; apparently, all fully evolved Pokemon are capable of the phenomenon. Coat gray, hands ungloved.

08:20 - Mother asks if I brush my hair. I respond in the negative; all I do is comb my fingers through it to prevent knots. She asks me if she can brush it. I don’t understand the purpose of this. Coat gray, hands ungloved.

08:25 - I bring up my half-brothers after the conversation goes back to the Silene family, and mention the age difference between us. Mother seems saddened by this, and offers me a ring–see addendum for description. I realize it's her wedding ring. She claims that it’s an heirloom from Father’s side; it can be traced back to Mollisima, of the Pearl Clan. She asks if I know of this history, and I state that I don’t; Father never taught me anything more than the very bare minimum. Mother mentions that if I want to, I can ask an expert in Rustboro. It seems unnecessary. I tell her she should keep the ring; I have no ties to my family aside from my name. Coat gray, hands ungloved.

08:30 - Our conversation goes to the Commanders. I tell Mother my base thoughts on the three of them, omitting Charon. He was barely a CommanMother is prompted to tell me that Amelia is Master Cyrus’ second cousin; her full name is Amelia Constancy. In retrospect, it does make some sense. Coat gray, hands ungloved.

08:33 - Mother states that she is glad that I grew into an intelligent woman with genuine skills, but not how I used those skills. I only did what I thought necessary for the greater good. Coat gray, hands ungloved.

08:40 - We discuss our method of transportation. Mother asks me if I get seasick, as we will be traveling by boat. I confirm that I do not. She informs me of Team Aqua’s culture. Based on her descriptions, they seem loud and infantile. She promises me that her own ship is much quieter, and I can stay on it if I would prefer. I will keep this in mind. She also says that she is excited to get to know me. She clearly already knows me plenty, however; especially if she has been following me for most of my life. I do not understand the purpCoat gray, hands ungloved.

08:50 - Devoraba teleports into the room that we are in; based on his proceeding interaction with Mother, I assume this is who she contacted on her pager. I greet him by his real name, and he tells me that I should call him Zagreus when we are among Team Grimoire. I do not fully understand his reasoning behind this alias, but at least I now know who he is obscuring his true name from. Coat gray, hands ungloved.

09:00 - Mother tells Devoraba what worried her: a follower of the Renegade has some sort of plan in Snowpoint City. She’s struggling to safely explain this, so I jump in and explain that Recreo may have something to do with Snowpoint Temple. Aside from Lake Acuity, it is the only true landmark of mythical note. Devoraba appears concerned by this, and he and Mother discuss the possibility that Recreo is someone’s son. I request clarification, which Devoraba gives: there is an immortal Celestica by the name of Volo who has attempted to become a god in the past. The concern these two share is warranted. Coat gray, hands ungloved.

09:15 - I confirm with Devoraba that my cover has been blown, and he promises to try and smooth things over with the Ruby Expedition Squad. I don’t blame them if they are too hateful of me, but the possibility of lowering the number of people who wish to have me arrested or dead by at least three is not something I will reject. I also mention my journal, and he states that he will try to get it back as well. Coat gray, hands ungloved.

09:20 - The conversation returns to Volo. Devoraba and Mother are both worried about him tampering with Regigigas’ seal. I remember that Father is a member of the Templesguard, or at least was. I don’t keep tabs on my family, so he may have retired. Regardless, he could have some sway no matter what, so I ask Mother if it would be useful to warn him. She denies this; Volo is apparently too powerful. Devoraba states that he is a manipulative, psychopathic man–even more so than when my research in Team Galactic was operating at its maximum efficiency. I inform them that at least knowing that someone is manipulative makes it easier to deal with them; consciously or not, our guards go up. This seems to comfort both of them a little. Coat gray, hands ungloved.

09:30 - I ask what Volo looks like, and Devoraba provides a brief description. See the addendum, but most notably he has Arceus’ hair. Devoraba claims it to be worse than Roman’s bun..? He must have changed his hairstyCoat gray, hands ungloved.

09:33 - Devoraba mentions that Regulus’ presence in Hoenn can be useful in preventing Volo’s plans from coming to fruition. I explain that she had gotten the Azure Flute, but he does not seem worried like Mother had. He claims that this is a good thing; it means that Volo has to fight something that stands between him and godhood. I mention that Regulus is dangerous, and Devoraba states that her selfishness makes it easy to control her. This could be a threat still, especially if Volo recognizes that very flaw in her. Coat gray, hands ungloved.

09:40 - Devoraba promises to Mother that he will ensure that Snowpoint is scouted and monitored, and then leaves. Mother and I briefly discuss the conversation, and Devoraba himself. She claims that he is stretching himself too thin. I gathered as much based on her description of him previously and his demeanor. Coat gray, hands ungloved.

09:45 - We are silent for a few moments, but Mother eventually speaks up. She mentions a coincidence that she finds humorous: she was a doctor, and I turned out the way I did. I suppose there is an ironic coincidence there.I mention that I have only done what I thought would help people. Mother appears to not only accept this mindset, but be relieved by it. Was she worried that I was a sadist?I thank her for healing me; regardless of the guilt she claims to have, she had no need to do such a thing. Coat gray, hands ungloved.

09:50 - We discuss Team Grimoire. Mother brings up the topic of Amelia again, and states that she cares for me. Of course Amelia does; she has use for me. Mother claims that I am incorrect, and her reasoning is far simpler–that she sees me as a sister. Her evidence for this is when Amelia first cut my hair. I remember the day; she had taken care to remove all of the mats while still ensuring it was properly styled. Her argument is meaningless; Amelia did not shave my head due to the ability to avoid the cost of a wig. We don’t have a bond–our relationship is that of coworkers at best, and lieutenant and subordinate at worst. Coat gray, hands ungloved.

09:57 - Mother asks if I would like her to heal the scars on my face. They must be gruesome enough to warrant this question, along with her point that I should be allowed to feel comfortable with my appearance. If they are extensive, then it may be useful in concealing my identity. I refuse her offer. Coat gray, hands ungloved.

10:00 - Mother asks if I am alright to go. I confirm that I am, and stand. She warns me to take it easy, as my joints are still healing, and I promise her that I will. This hasn’t been the first time that I’ve suffered severe burns. We leave the house, with Mother leading the way. I return my Eevee to his poke ball before I go, and Mother asks if he has a nickname. I mention that Harper gave him one, but I don’t see the point in using it. I’m not putting up any sort of act that would require it right now. See addendum for description of the town. Coat gray, hands ungloved.

10:03 - As we walk, Mother mentions the possibility of teaching Return to my Eevee. She claims that it’s a powerful move, so it could be useful. I first point out that it’s a ™ move, but Mother informs me that Team Grimiore has TMs. I follow up my argument with the fact that I have no reason to forge the sort of bond that Return requires to be effective. Mother has nothing to say about this. Coat gray, hands ungloved.

10:10 - We’ve reached the dock–see addendum for description. There’s a man standing on it (see addendum for description). Mother talks to him, and he questions if she’s done caring for the “gruesome burn victim”. This is obviously me. Mother takes offense?, assumedly due to it being an insult to her healing ability. Regardless, I introduce myself to the man, and learn that his name is Archie–the former leader of Team Aqua. His response to me calling myself ‘Vivian’ is thus: “that’s a name”. It indeed is a name. He seems to be a simple man. Coat gray, hands ungloved.

10:20 - Mother tells him to set sail for Dewford Town, with a potential stop in Rustboro City. Archie expresses disappointment in this, as she never lets him “do anything fun”. Mother points out that his idea of fun is dangerous, and Archie argues that it would be a “big macho moment”. He apparently wants to punch Groudon. I fail to see the feasibility of this plan. Mother explains that Groudon would be on the land, which Archie proceeds to claim is his mortal enemy. This is noted, in case he is ever made an adversary. Coat gray, hands ungloved.

10:25 - Mother informs Archie that I am her daughter. Archie does not seem to be able to understand the possibility of this, and instead heads onto his ship. Mother leads me aboard hers–see addendum for description. I offer to help her, even if I do not know how to sail, but she tells me I should prioritize resting and healing. I’ll find another way to make myself useful. Coat gray, hands ungloved.

10:35 - Mother starts ordering her crew. They all appear to respect her. Coat gray, hands ungloved.

10:40 - Type: Null is missing from their poke ball. I have to find Geno. Coat gray, hands ungloved.

10:43 - Geno is below deck, talking to some of the pirates. I wait for him to be done, and then ask him where my Pokemon is. He states that he weaponized the fact that the RKS System makes Type: Null insane, as Hontono’s Latios had Mega Evolved to chase us and there was still the Reshiram. He seems genuinely guilty about leaving my Pokemon behind, and comes up with a convoluted plan to get them back. I point out that I can just send someone in to retrieve them; we’re headed to the remnants of Team Galactic. He doesn’t argue. Coat gray, hands ungloved.

10:50 - Geno asks me what I know about Paldea and Galar, and so I describe my understanding of their traditions (which he calls “gimmicks”) and events. He then manages to locate a Good Rod (he rejects an offered Old Rod), and states that he will be doing some fishing while we are here. He even offers to catch me a Pokemon, seeing as he abandoned mine. I’ll have to consider it. Coat gray, hands ungloved.

11:00 - I bring up the fact that Geno appears to view this all as a game, and specifically mention what he did at Route 119. The point I make for him is that it’s inefficient to kill off the local wild population; it means you can’t go back and train against them later. He seems to accept this. Coat gray, hands ungloved.

11:04 - At my request, Geno starts describing what he noticed about this world in relation to the gamified versions that he played. He’s offered to teach me what he knows, and begins with something he calls “load zones”. See addendum for his explanation, but he’s used them to catch a Feebas. His knowledge could be useful. It’s good that he’s here, and not with the Expedition Squad. Coat gray, hands ungloved.

17:01 - Someone knocks on the door. I ask Hontono to get it. I’m still holding the drill and bloody screws hands sticky. A man (see addendum for description) enters the control room and greets us. Coat black, hands gloved in cloth.

17:03 - The man introduces himself: N, of Unova. He greets all of us, and speaks directly to Harper. She encountered Kyurem, and assumedly caught it. N describes that Kyurem is part of a dragon. He has another part. Harper seems confused. Coat black, hands gloved in cloth.

17:10 - Amaria leaves to remove the corpses as N describes how he is here: he tracked Kyurem via Reshiram, but he doesn’t want Harper to give him Kyurem. Recreo is watching him with crossed arms. He looks either suspicious or wary. Coat black, hands gloved in cloth.

17:12 - N continues his explanation. He states again that Kyurem is one of three Pokemon that used to be one dragon. He also requests that we forgive Kyurem; it’s angry because it has no heart. This isn’t how that works in the slightest; Kyurem clearly still has a heart that is as incomplete as any other. Regardless, N wants to reunite the three dragons of Unova as it would help the region. He requests Harper assists, however Harper points out that we are currently in the middle of a disaster scenario; our hands are full. This is the right call. We have enough to do as it is. N agrees with her, and states that the original dragon, Taorio, would be able to help. In order to achieve this, however, we’d need all three legendary dragons and a powerful catalyst. Recreo mentions something about Splicers, however N states that this wouldn’t be strong enough. It all seems like a needless distraction. I may need to keep an eye on N, seeing as his methods of convincing everyone are borderline a threat. Coat black, hands gloved in cloth.

17:20 - Hontono asks N where the third dragon is. He states that it’s in Unova–likely in a “concealed state”. He also assures us that we could travel to Unova on the back of his dragon in the span of a few hours. Harper refuses to help, as a lot has just gone on. I’ll have to make sure she keeps this mindset. We can’t waste any more time. Coat black, hands gloved in cloth.

17:25 - I meet Harper in the hallway (appearance matches addendum) and check on her. She’s overwhelmed and relieved due to Maudie’s condition. I reassure her that Maudie is fine; all she needs is some rest, food, and water. Harper thanks me. I reassure her that there is no need for gratitude; I simply did what anyone else in my situation would. Regardless, Harper seems to feel like she is in my debt. This could be useful in the long term. Coat black, hands gloved in cloth.

17:27 - Harper asks if she can hug me. I allow her to. It seems like everyone has noticed my issuegeneral discomfort of touch. It’s manageable, so long as I don’t need to come up with a reason for it. She hugs me. My skin crawls. Coat black, hands gloved in cloth.

17:30 - Harper has decided that she needs some time to decompress. I state that I need the same; this way, I can be alone in my room. I’d like for Master Cyrus to annotate this journal. First, however, I need to clean everything up, give Maudie food and water, and move Phoebe. Coat black, hands gloved in cloth.

17:35 - Bathroom (appearance matches addendum). I clean the drill and screws, then get water from the common area (appearance matches addendum). Coat black, hands gloved in cloth.

17:38 - I head to the storage room with the water (appearance of hallway and storage room both match addendum). I put the drill and screws away, and then get some berry mash. I go to Maudie’s room (appearance of hallway, control room, and Maudie’s room match addendum) and administer the food and water. My skin is crawling again. Coat black, hands gloved in cloth.

17:44 - Phoebe is still at Maudie’s desk, so I pick her up. My skin crawls. I need to put her on a couch so she can rest. The appearance of the control room, hallway, and common area all match addendum. The child and Amaria are talking in about battle instruction in the hallway. Rhea appears to be guarding Recreo’s door. Coat black, hands gloved in cloth.

17:50 - My room (appearance matches addendum). The RARAT needs repairs, likely before it can get moving again. I give Master Cyrus my journal so he can annotate it. Coat black, hands gloved in cloth.

18:10 - Master Cyrus gives me my journal back. I learned about Grimoraunt’s battle capabilities in the interim. Coat black, hands gloved in cloth.

18:11 - He’s right. There has to be a way to remove this. Coat black, hands gloved in cloth.

18:12 - I send out Grimoraunt again, and ask if there’s a way to remove emotions. It states that I would need water from a lake in Sinnoh. That’s a nonstarter, given where we are. However, there is another ritual that it mentions: “The Incantation of the Warrior”--something that soldiers would do to prevent shellshock. Coat black, hands gloved in cloth.

18:13 - There’s a risk that Amaria will sense what I am doing, as she is an Aura User and this is inherently magical. I locate her in the hallway (appearance matches addendum), and ask her to find Terence and Karina, who are missing. She leaves. I return to my room. Coat black, hands gloved in cloth.

18:17 - Grimoraunt describes what I need to do. See addendum for instructions. Coat black, hands gloved in cloth.

18:20 - The child is outside my door. He wants me to help him not be so afraid, as I am a psychologist. I agree, but state that I’m a little busy going over some research notes; I’ll be able to make time with him to get started later today. He accepts this, and steps aside so I can leave. Coat black, hands gloved in cloth.

18:25 - I head to the common area (appearance matches addendum) and get a knife. I hide it. My hands feel sticky. The knife is heavy. Coat black, hands gloved in cloth.

18:27 - I’m just going to use my coffee mug. It’s fine; I can wash it. I return to my room (appearance matches addendum) Coat black, hands gloved in cloth.