Chapter 1: New Acquaintances

  He awoke to a splitting headache. Not really the best way to start the day. For a moment, everything was blurred, shadows and light swirling together creating weird formations. The air was warm and damp, laced with the distant sound of trickling water, with the earthy scent of moss filling his nose. As he blinked the haze away, a bright orange blur bobbed into focus.

  "Oh! You're awake! You're actually awake!" chirped a Torchic excitedly, hopping in place. "I was starting to think you were, like, permanently done for! I mean, you were just lying there, not moving at all! I even tried yelling and poking, gently of course, but nothing! I thought I'd have to carry you all the way back by myself!" She let out a nervous laugh. "Which would've been really awkward, y'know, since I don't have, um... arms. Just wings."

  He groaned softly as he pushed himself upright. Every part of his body ached, his head especially throbbing like a war drum. His fur was matted with dirt, and his limbs felt like they'd been slammed against stone. Which, judging by the pain, they very well might have. But he also noted how some of his wounds clearly didn't stem from a simple fall. Although he had no idea what else they could be from.

  Hesitantly, he took in the surroundings, soft moss beneath him, ancient trees looming overhead, their leaves forming a glowing emerald dome. To his left was a small, clear pond, fed by a gentle waterfall cascading over moss-covered rocks. Mist clung to the air in shimmering tendrils. The whole place felt... otherworldly.

  "That fall must've been really something!" the Torchic said, pacing excitedly. "You crash-landed like a comet! Boom! Right into the glade! I mean, if I hadn't been here gathering herbs or whatever, you'd probably still be lying there, entirely unprotected and alone. You're really lucky all things considered, you know that, right?"

  He blinked. "Who... are you? And where exactly is here?"

  The Torchic stopped mid-bounce, puffed out her chest with proud confidence, and gave a dramatic spin. "I'm Yuki! Future world-famous explorer, as well as your rescuer!" She twirled once more for flair. "And you, mysterious Pikachu, have landed in the Umbral Abyss. Well... like, the very edge of it. Vian’s territory is safer than the rest. Though still dangerous of course!"

  He just stared at her. Then, something clicked. "Did you just call me a Pikachu?"

  "Well... yeah?" Yuki tilted her head, eyes wide. "You are a Pikachu, aren't you? I mean, yellow fur, zigzag tail, cheeky cheeks? Classic Pikachu! Well, if the elders didn't lie, at least! I've never seen a Pikachu after all!"

  Frowning, he turned towards the pond. He crawled closer and peered into the water's surface. ...The reflection that stared back at him was supposed to be him? A Pikachu, eyes tired and wide with disbelief, was unfortunately unmistakable, even for him. "…That's impossible," he muttered.

  Yuki padded up beside him. "What, did you think you were a Psyduck or something?" she joked. "You do look quite confused!"

  Before he could answer, a sharp pain shot through his skull again. He gasped and staggered, clutching at his head as a rush of static erupted behind his eyes. It was like trying to grab something just beyond his reach, images, memories, names, only for them to dissolve the moment he got close.

  "Hey, whoa, careful now!" Yuki shouted, rushing over to brace him with her side. "Don't push yourself! You're definitely very injured from that fall! No way I'm leaving you like this, weakened and clearly confused!"

  He clung to her for balance, the pain slowly ebbing. "I… really don't remember anything really, right now," he murmured, more to himself then to the overly energetic Torchic next to him.

  Yuki's gaze softened. "Well, we'll figure it out! You don't have to know everything right now! Temporary memory loss after such a fall can happen, I heard! But we can't stay out here forever, so come on, up we go! I'm taking you to my village! Juno's a great healer, she'll definitely be able to help you out more than I could!"

  With these words, Yuki started pushing him forward and they made their way slowly through the trees. Mossy trails wound between ancient trunks, and Yuki filled the quiet with endless chatter about the area, herself, and every little detail she thought might make him feel better. Though the splitting headache he had made it hard to really retain any of this new information.

  Eventually, she asked, "So... do you at least know your name?"

  He thought about it for a moment, but then just shook his head in response. He had no clue about anything right now. An unsettling experience.

  "Huh. Weird," she muttered. "Usually, Pokemon at least remember something when they bonk their head or fall from the sky! Not that I know many sky-fall stories personally! Or any, actually!"

  Just then, a breeze swept through the glade, rustling the trees. In that moment, a whisper seemed to ride the wind. It wasn't loud, nor clear, but it pierced through his mind like a thread of silver light.

  Auri.

  He stopped in his tracks, eyes wide. "…Auri," he whispered.

  Yuki paused and blinked. "Wait, that's your name? Are you sure? That sounded like you were just guessing. Like, dramatically guessing!"

  "I… I'm not sure. But… it feels right," he replied, more to himself than her. "Auri…"

  Yuki let out a laugh. "Well, Auri-it-is-then! Mystery solved! Maybe! You definitely don't sound convinced, but hey, it does have a nice ring to it, so why should it matter?"

  Auri gave a small smile despite himself. It wasn't much, but it was something. They crested a hill, and the village Yuki had talked about came into view, wooden homes nestled in the valley below, surrounded by a sturdy palisade of thick logs and directly built into the crater wall, most likely for protection. Warm smoke drifted from chimneys, and lanterns glowed gently in the encroaching dusk.

  "That's Newleaf Village, my home!" Yuki announced proudly, as if she had personally built it from the ground up. But before he could answer, a sharp gust tore through the air above them, followed by a blur of red and silver streaking down from the treetops. A deafening clang echoed through the glade as talons struck the ground in a perfect landing, sending dust and leaves flying in every direction.

  Auri recognized the Pokemon instantly. A Talonflame. She stood tall, wings partially outstretched, not in flight, but as a deliberate show of dominance. Auri felt her glare cut straight through him, sharp as a blade.

  "Yuki," the Talonflame said, voice low and clipped. "Who is this?"

  Yuki flinched but quickly scrambled forward. "Myra! It's okay! He's no threat whatsoever!" She gestured wildly with her wings. "I found him unconscious and terribly injured in the woods! I couldn't just leave him there like that!"

  Myra's eyes didn't move from Auri. "So, you brought a complete stranger into the heart of our territory. Unchecked und just like that."

  Yuki puffed herself up as much as she could, stepping protectively between Auri and Myra's smoldering gaze. "He's hurt! What was I supposed to do!? Leave him for the next Dungeon Pokemon that comes sniffing around!? Just because we're in Vian’s territory doesn't mean it's safe! You told us that often enough!"

  Myra's wings flared further, feathers bristling with restrained type energy. Her voice stayed calm, but there was no mistaking the iron beneath it. "And what if he's not what he seems? What if this is a bait? A trap? You know what we've had to deal with in the past! How do you even know that's not just a Dungeon Zoroark pretending!? It wouldn't be the first time!"

  The air was tense. Auri didn't dare move. Then, with a deep thump and a rustling of underbrush, another figure emerged from a narrow forest path. A massive Donphan, caked with dust and moss, plodded towards them. His tusks glinted faintly in the fading light, and he let out a loud, deliberate snort.

  "The girl's right Myra," he said, voice gruff but grounded. "He's in no shape to hurt anyone. He can barely stand. And I can assure you that he is not faking his injuries at the very least. Juno should be more than capable of finding out if he's a Dungeon Pokemon or not."

  Myra turned slightly to face the Donphan, still keeping one eye locked on Auri. Her feathers bristled with frustration. "That's not the point, Durro!" she snapped. "Protocol exists for a reason! We don't let unknowns walk up to our gates, no matter if he's a Dungeon Pokemon or a lost hatchling from the outside! He could be one of Velari's pack for all I care, I still wouldn't let him in!"

  She shot him a sharp look. "And why aren't you at the village gate where you're supposed to be?"

  The Donphan, seemingly named Durro, snorted. "I'm not saying we throw a festival in his honor," he replied, voice gravelly but measured. "But we've handled worse cases and kept them under control. And besides… he's just a kid. There is no way he could pose a danger to any of us. Not even to Yuki in his current state."

  The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

  Then, he gestured towards the treeline. "Also, I heard the shouting all the way from the gate. Zekel's covering my shift and Risa's calling the Captain as we speak. I didn’t expect to walk into a shouting match though. More like right into a real battle."

  Yuki practically sagged with relief. "Thank you! Finally, someone reasonable!"

  Myra's eye twitched at that, but before the argument could flare up again, a rustle in the brush snapped all heads towards the side path. Two more Pokemon approached fast.

  From the path emerged a large Arcanine, his mane crackling faintly with residual heat, paws heavy and sure against the ground. Every motion was purposeful, every step unhurried. A seasoned guardian and clearly someone of authority.

  Walking at his side was a sharp-eyed Hawlucha, posture upright, gaze flicking over the gathered group. She gave a small nod towards Durro. "I brought the Captain like you asked," she said. "He wanted to see for himself what's going on anyway."

  The Arcanine stopped in front of Auri, his golden eyes assessing him in silence.

  Yuki blinked and quickly darted forward. "Uncle Kaen! This is Auri! I found him hurt really badly, and completely unconscious, and I don't think he'd even survive the night without help!"

  The Arcanine didn't answer immediately. Instead, he turned slightly, addressing the group around him. "This is the cause of the commotion?" His voice was deep and smooth, tempered by experience, with a commanding presence that quieted the clearing.

  The Donphan nodded. "That's right. He's in rough shape. Doesn't seem like a threat. Also, little more than a kid. I vote to help him."

  The Arcanine looked back at Auri, eyes narrowing slightly. "You. What's your name?"

  Auri hesitated, still dizzy, but forced the word out. "Auri."

  More silence, the Arcanine humming in contemplation for a few moments before speaking again. "As Yuki here already said, I am Kaen and I am the acting Captain of the Newleaf village guards. And while you are unknown to us, you have not acted with hostility."

  He glanced towards the Torchic at Auri's side. "And you trust him, Yuki?"

  "I do!" Yuki chirped instantly, even surprising Auri for how little they actually knew of each other.

  Captain Kaen's gaze softened just a fraction, barely perceptible. "Then he will be allowed to receive treatment at the very least. But he will remain under watch until we understand more. Everything else will be decided later."

  Myra's wings bristled. "You're just going to let him in!? What if he's lying!? What if this is a trap!?"

  Captain Kaen didn't even turn. "I did not say he was free to roam. But we do not leave the wounded to die at our doorstep either, not without cause. Risa escort him to Juno. Stay with him. Myra, if you're that worried, feel free to fly a few patrols. You would be our best bet to notice anything amiss."

  The Hawlucha stepped forward, nodding. "Understood, Captain."

  Captain Kaen gave Auri one last look, then turned and began walking back the way he came, his job here done. Myra frowned deeply but said nothing more. Instead, she took to the air and did as Captain Kaen had asked her to.

  Yuki gave a triumphant little bounce and nudged Auri gently. "Told you it'd be fine!"

  Auri swayed slightly but managed a weak nod. His body still ached, and his mind still felt clouded… but at least he wasn't just left to fend off for himself out here. At least not yet.

  As Auri was gently led along the main path of the village, flanked by Risa on one side and Yuki bouncing at his other, it didn't take long before heads began to turn.

  "Who's that?"

  "A stranger?"

  "Is he hurt?"

  "He looks like he just came out of a horrendous battle against a Dungeon Pokemon…"

  "Isn't he just a kid!?"

  The voices came in murmurs from villagers going about their daily lives, watering gardens, washing berries in woven baskets, repairing damaged roofs. A young Cubone peered out from behind his mother's leg. A Bellossom waved politely, then whispered something to her partner. A Kecleon merchant paused mid-haggle to squint in Auri's direction.

  Auri hunched unconsciously, tail flicking with nerves. He still ached everywhere, the pain only dulled by the fact that walking gave him something else to focus on. Yuki, of course, was oblivious to the effects of the stares.

  "Don't worry about them!" she chirped brightly, hopping in front of him to walk backwards. "They're just curious! We don't get visitors here, like, ever! Well, except the merchants, but they don't count! You'll be fine once they realize you're sweet and friendly and, well, not dead."

  Risa gave her a side glance. "You're not helping."

  "I'm trying, okay?" Yuki huffed.

  Eventually, they reached a modest-looking house near the edge of a grassy clearing. It was built partially into the crater wall, its entrance framed with hanging windchimes and bundles of dried herbs. A carved wooden charm above the doorway identified it as the home of the healer.

  "Here we are! Juno, you're needed!" Yuki called out.

  The door opened nearly instantly. A tall and elegant Guardevoir, probably Juno Auri guessed, stood in the frame Yuki, my little helper. And Risa. What can I do for you?"

  "Auri here needs help!" Yuki chirped instantly and pushed him a step forward.

  Instantly the Guardevoir's gaze snapped to the injured Auri and her eyes narrowed with sharp concern. "Bring him in. Now."

  They obeyed without question. Inside, the space was cool and quiet, dimly lit by soft glowstones. The scent of crushed Pecha leaves and sun-dried Grassy Seeds hung in the air. Soft moss-padded nests lined the walls, while woven shelves held labeled pouches of berries, ground herbs, and glimmering apricorn dust.

  Juno gestured for Auri to lie down on a wide bedding mat woven from dried reeds and lined with soft Oran leaves, then immediately went to work examining him with soft glows of psychic energy across her fingers.

  Yuki sat nearby, tail feathers fidgeting. "I found him in the forest near the edge of the crater! He was unconscious, all injured and dirty. I thought he might have fallen off the cliffs, but… I've never even seen him here and I think I know most, if not all locals! And we're not due for new merchants yet either."

  Juno's gaze grew darker as she passed her hand over a bruised rib. "These wounds are definitely not just from a fall." She looked up. "Some of these injuries are old and seem to have gone multiple weeks without actual healing or even just proper rest, while others are still fresh, just a few hours old. Deep slashes, impact bruises, burn traces, broken und bruised bones, also a damaged and nearly depleted type energy reserve. This Pikachu's been through more than one very violent encounter."

  Auri didn't speak. His ears were lowered, and he stared at the floor. He had no memories of any of this. Whatever had happened to him, he didn't know.

  Risa frowned. "He claimed he doesn't remember anything. No name, no place, not even many of his own moves from what Yuki told me on the way over and they're supposed to be mostly instinctual. It's a miracle he even knows his own name, is my understanding."

  "Amnesia?" Juno murmured, surprised. She pressed her hand gently to Auri's head and scanned again with psychic energy. "...Yes. I sense disruption in his memory centers, that's quite clear. And thinking about that fall you mentioned, it makes sense. But I won't risk tampering with his mind. Not until I've spoken with Saph and Elder Ilyra at the very least."

  "I would also ask you to hold off on that from a security perspective. It sounds like Auri, with his memory intact and healed, could be a danger to some of the weaker Pokemon in the village. I wouldn't have any interest in explaining that particular scenario to Myra, and I doubt Durro or the Captain feel any different," Risa added quickly.

  Juno nodded slowly before standing up. "I've healed what I could and what my type energy reserve allows right now. For now, what he needs is rest. Deep rest. No decisions will be made tonight. It will take days for him to recover at the very least." She turned towards the others. "Out. Both of you."

  "What?!" Yuki squawked, flapping her wings. "No way! He's scared and injured and confused, he needs someone around!"

  "I'll keep watch," Risa added, arms folded. "That's what I'm here for. Captain's orders."

  "You can watch from outside as well," Juno said firmly. "If he's to recover at all, he needs quiet, not a chirping Torchic and a looming sentry."

  Yuki tried again. "But I-!"

  "Yuki." Juno's tone left no room for argument.

  "Ugh! Fine! I'll be back tomorrow, Auri!" she puffed, flailing her tiny wings as she stomped out.

  Risa gave Auri a glance. "I'll be right by the door. You're safe." She met Juno's eyes briefly. "If you actually think he poses a danger to you, instantly notify me. And keep him at least somewhat bound."

  "Him having been through many fights in a short amount of time doesn’t necessarily mean anything. But I’ll be careful," Juno promised. Once the door shut, the room became very still.

  Juno knelt beside Auri again. "I'm going to help you sleep. That's all."

  Auri nodded slightly, still nervous about everything going on around him. Things happened way too fast right now for him to properly keep up with everything.

  Juno raised one hand and a wave of [Calm Mind] flowed outward, a soothing ripple that slowed Auri's breathing. Warmth filled his limbs. His heartbeat quieted.

  "Next, [Hypnosis]," Juno whispered. Soft spirals of psychic light danced in the air. Auri's eyes fluttered sleepily, but then Juno's aura began to shift as she quietly prepared [Imprison], as promised to Risa.

  The moment the energy touched him, Auri's body convulsed. "No- NO!" he screamed, his breathing instantly turned ragged. He scrambled away from her, eyes wide in raw terror, sparks flying from his cheeks.

  The door flew open, Risa instantly inside, her type energy cycling and ready to use [Lunge] and [Take Down] if necessary. "What happened!?" she demanded harshly.

  Juno had frozen mid-usage of [Imprison], her hand still half-raised but without any type energy flooding the move anymore. There was no doubt in her mind, if not for the desolate state of Auri's type energy storage, she would have been hit by a truly dangerous move just now. "It's [Imprison]," she said quietly. "Something about it… he reacted like it was the worst thing in the world."

  Auri was backed against the far corner of the room, trembling. "I'm not using it again," Juno decided immediately. " It triggered a trauma I couldn't know of, and I won't put him through that again."

  Risa approached Auri slowly. "Hey. It's okay. You're alright. You're here, not where whatever happened."

  Juno exhaled softly and returned to her place beside Auri, this time with no further use of [Imprison]. Just [Calm Mind], then [Hypnosis]. He didn't resist. His breathing slowed again. His body sagged with exhaustion. And then, finally, Auri fell asleep.

  For a long moment, Juno and Risa just sat in silence. "…[Imprison] isn't an inherently harmful move, seeing how it only blocks your type energy reserve for a bit and it isn’t all that painful either if you don’t resist," Risa said, finally. "Could you put it on him now that he's asleep?"

  "Yes, I could, but I already stated quite clearly that I won't. I'm a healer, not a torturer. Also, I've never seen a Pokemon this sensitive to type energy. He instantly noticed the moment I started forming the move. He would probably just break through the [Hypnosis] and [Calm Mind] effect again, and it would destroy any trust he might build up to us. I don't know what, but something about [Imprison] has left a scar on his mind, " Juno murmured. "And if it was used on him in the past, especially over and over against his will…" She trailed off. She didn't want to take that possibility any further.

  "What could've happened to him?" Risa whispered.

  Juno didn't answer at first. She reached over and gently pulled the mosswoven coverlet a little higher over Auri's small, furred form.

  "I don't know," she said at last. "But for someone with no memories to react like that… it must have been truly unbearable."

  Risa hesitated. "Do you want to sleep somewhere else tonight? In case he panics again?"

  Juno shook her head. "No. If he wakes up scared, it'll be much better if I'm here. I'll keep my aura suppressed and I won't even touch any restricting moves just in case."

  Risa nodded. "Alright. I'll be just outside. Vira will probably take over at some point, but I'll inform her. Call us if you need us." With these words, she slipped out into the night.

  Juno stood in the quiet again, gazing down at the sleeping Pikachu. So small. So broken if his reaction just now head been any indicator. “…Who did whatever this is to you?” she murmured.

  Then she turned off the lights and retreated into the far corner of the room, letting the silence return.

  Important characters in the chapter:

  Pikachu (Auri) – Level 12

  Ability: Lightning Rod

  Battle Nature: Lonely

  Stats:

  TE Pool (Health/AP): 59 (Heavily Damaged/Unusable)

  Attack: 38

  Ranged Attack: 34

  Defense: 40

  Speed: 45

  Total: 216 (Strength Level: Kid)

  Moves:

  Close Combat Moves: [Nuzzle], [Tail Whip], [Quick Attack], [Thunder Wave], [Feint]

  Ranged Combat Moves: [Thunder Shock], [Electro Ball]

  Utility Moves: [Nasty Plot], [Charm], [Double Team], [Growl], [Agility], [Dig]

  Torchic (Yuki) – Level 14

  Ability: Speed Boost

  Battle Nature: Hasty

  Stats:

  TE Pool (Health/AP): 65

  Attack: 34

  Ranged Attack: 37

  Defense: 42

  Speed: 33

  Total: 211 (Strength Level: Kid)

  Moves:

  Close Combat Moves: [Scratch], [Quick Attack], [Feint], [Fire Spin], [Flame Charge], [Aerial Ace], [Counter], [Slash]

  Ranged Combat Moves: [Ember], [Sand Attack]

  Utility Moves: [Growl], [Detect], [Dig]

  Guardevoir (Juno) – Level 35

  Ability: Synchronize

  Battle Nature: Docile

  Stats:

  TE Pool (Health/AP): 184

  Attack: 83

  Ranged Attack: 125

  Defense: 142

  Speed: 93

  Total: 627 (Strength Level: Adult)

  Moves:

  Close Combat Moves: [Hypnosis], [Draining Kiss], [Imprison], [Skill Swap]

  Ranged Combat Moves: [Mystical Fire], [Disarming Voice], [Confusion], [Dazzling Gleam], [Psybeam], [Stored Power], [Gravity], [Misty Explosion]

  Utility Moves: [Misty Terrain], [Psychic Terrain], [Healing Wish], [Charm], [Heal Pulse], [Growl], [Double Team], [Teleport], [Life Dew], [Wish], [Calm Mind], [Psychic], [Protect], [Reflect], [Light Screen], [Trick], [Helping Hand]

  Hawlucha (Risa) – Level 46

  Ability: Mold Breaker

  Battle Nature: Adamant

  Stats:

  TE Pool (Health/AP): 224

  Attack: 145

  Ranged Attack: 104

  Defense: 170

  Speed: 156

  Total: 799 (Strength Level: Adult)

  Moves:

  Close Combat Moves: [Tackle], [Feint], [Lunge], [Wing Attack], [Aerial Ace], [Feather Dance], [Reversal] [Brick Break], [Bounce], [Swords Dance], [Flying Press], [High Jump Kick], [Take Down], [Low Kick], [Acrobatics]

  Ranged Combat Moves: [Swift]

  Utility Moves: [Hone Claws], [Detect], [Encore], [Taunt], [Roost], [Agility], [Protect], [Coaching]