They of the Sun
Chapter Twenty-Four: A New (Not So Great) Start

cyra

     "A new path, a new start," Plumeria stated from her perch up on one of the lower roofs of the mansion. The lulling sound of distant thunder echoed all around us, the rain having let up for the time being. "This challenge signifies your strength in the face of adversity. Your strength versus theirs. The strength that rises with they of the sun and sets with they of the moon."

      Throwing Pan at Golisopod was one thing, but throwing myself at it? This was new. It was crouched low to the ground on the other side of their spray-paint battlefield, it's claws clicking in anticipation. The long-since healed scar from Yungoos tingled. Was it really that long ago? I had stopped wearing the bandages during Akala, earning a few bumps and burns during Kiawe's trial... Sen and Hau painstakingly cheering me on. It's only been a few weeks. It's only been a few days... I shook the thoughts out of my head as Plumeria's hand raised.

     There's no point in getting so sentimental over something so stupid. The past? I don't know her.

A smirk tugged at my lips as I calmed my nerves. This was nothing, but easy. Plumeria let out a shout, her hand lowering. It took no time for Golisopod to launch itself at me, the sun's shine glimmering off its armor-like exoskeleton. Guzma and several of the grunts lingered nearby, but the Team Skull Boss gave no commands to his Pokémon. It was on its own just as much as I was.

I could only move out of the way so quickly, still being slow enough for Golisopod to grab hold of my elbow with its sharp claws and swinging me around before letting go. I refused to make a sound when I hit the ground at the feet of my new teammates. I refused to show pain or even grimace when they let out mocking tones. I refused to be on the same level they were. They were lowlife grunts. I was a lowlife but more than a mindless minion. My eyes opened, determination coursing through every fiber of my body. I stood carefully but as quickly as the pain let me. Guzma's Pokémon was unprecedentedly agile for its size. Already making its way across the field, talons glowing bright.

I heaved in breathes, ignoring pain, ignoring the whispers and jeers. This was what I was good at. I let the Bug-type get in close, it's claws launching towards me. No sidestepping again, this time the moment it was close enough, I took a run towards it. Keeping my focus on those gleaming talons, I slid underneath the six foot creature. It continued on forward, allowing me enough time to scramble to my feet and onto its back. Golisopod began to thrash as it felt me grab hold of its antennas. I grit my teeth and tightened my grip because this was going to be a helluva ride.

•••

lillie

     How could she? How could she? How could she?

     Actually, I knew very well how she could and she did. I was so angry? Upset? Hurt? All of the above. Maybe, if I wasn't such a... such a wallflower, I could've done something. I could've said something. We were so close... so close to helping her, to breaking through. To losing her.

     I took in a deep breath trying to stop my eyes from watering and my chest from heaving. Was I stupid for feeling this way? Like we could change her? She had the sparking flame in her soul that had drawn Tapu Koko to her... but whatever has happened to her dampened that to a little ember. I wonder what-

     "Lillie," Sen said, snapping me out of my thoughts as he handed me a Fresh Water. I stared at it, being pulled right back into my mind. Who knows where she is and how far she's gotten. If she's okay, if she's hurt... I couldn't help the little pathetic whimper that escaped my mouth. I stopped, crouching down to hug my knees. The worry was overwhelming. I could hear Nebby's twinkling voice from my bag; he was worried, too. I felt an arm around me.

"Don't worry... We'll find her and we'll talk to her. There's a village not too far from here, you can rest."

You can rest.

•••

cyra

     "Another one for our newest addition!" Guzma roared, drunkenly, raising a bottle over his head. He had his arm across my shoulders as praise, but I'm starting to think I'd be a crutch in a few more swigs. The members of Team Skull cheered along, throwing bottles back and forth. I thought it smelled sickly before, the smell had doubled. The giggles flittered through me as I realized I deserved this celebration. I doubt many could pin down a vicious Bug-type without getting stung or bit.

      I roared along with my newfound group as Guzma threw me up onto a car hood, crawling on after me. He stumbled to stand, dragging me along, even though my legs and elbows were beginning to feel fuzzy. Like someone had slapped jell-o to watch the tiny little waves go across. I really wasn't sure if my brain and limbs were connected, but they sure were trying to be. His words were blurbs of sounds and there was a bitter taste in my mouth... Was I spinning? Arceus. You know like in movies where girls are lifted up by the man they love (ahaha gross) and spun into a world all their own. I felt like that but much less graceful... and so much more alone.

     Get your shit together.

     I closed my eyes, trying to recollect the Beautifly buzzing around in my head and keep down the feeling of what could be a solidified burp down in my throat. Eyeing the edge of the junky car we were on, I began lowering myself from being Guzma's crutch. Bad choice.

      Before I knew it, the ground was whirling its way up to meet my face. Or was I on my way down? I stared at the ground for what seemed like eons, until I realized there was now a pair of red worn sneakers in my view. I could feel an arm wrapped beneath my waist, holding me up with too much pressure on my stomach. I could feel the wave of bile sloshing in my stomach, worming its way up to my throat; my mouth contorting to keep shut. I couldn't, I had to just let go of my liquid dinner for the night all over those disgustingly bright red shoes ... The relief washed over me which was great. But the annoyance in the glowing green eyes...

      Not so great.

      Gladion set me up right and began dragging me back to the manor. His hand was on a fresh cut from Golisopod but I wasn't even going to bother with a whine. I grit my teeth, digging my heels in to the ground. Admittedly, my body felt too limp to fight back. Every muscle was rather relaxed... Really relaxed. He must've noticed I was lagging behind, because he slowed his march to hold me up. I could still hear the rest of Team Skull running rampant, Guzma cheering. They didn't notice I was gone.... They didn't notice...

        "C'mon, brat," Gladion's words were sounding muffled, like my ears needed to be popped. "You can rest now."

          You can rest.