Chapter 6: The Mythical Trickster

  The voice came from nowhere and everywhere at once.

  "Oh, it’s definitely an improvement," it teased, just above their heads. "You just don’t realize how much yet."

  Both Auri and Yuki froze. The air shimmered, glittering faintly like heat haze laced with stardust. Then, with an effortless little pirouette midair, a small pink figure flickered into existence.

  She floated upside down, arms crossed, tail lazily curling through the air like ink in water. Wide, crystalline eyes blinked at them from her playful perch above the trail.

  "Mew," Auri said, narrowing his eyes, instinct kicking in almost instantly. He could feel the sheer amount of psychic-type energy that little Pokemon had push down on him. That was another mythical one, wasn't it?

  "Miu, actually," she corrected with a wink. "Miu the Mythical, Miu the Mischievous, Miu the All-Seeing… but only when I’m in the mood." Her smile curled even wider. "And I’ve definitely been in the mood lately."

  "We didn’t see you around before," Auri said cautiously. "How long have you been watching us?"

  Miu spun upright with a somersault. "Oh, I’ve been everywhere in the crater! Why would I ever bind myself to a single place inside? I usally go to where the most interesting stuff happens. But you," she pointed at Auri with a lazy smile. "You’ve been interesting."

  Auri frowned. "Meaning?"

  Miu leaned her cheek against her paw, sighing like she’d just remembered a pleasant dream. "Meaning your whole little mind-surgery was such a show! Three psychic types carefully tugging and patching and sealing…" She gave a delighted giggle. "I just had to take a peek."

  "You what?" Yuki stepped in between them, expression sharpening. "You watched that?"

  "Of course I did," Miu said sweetly. "You don’t throw a party like that and not expect a guest or two to crash. Ah, but don’t worry. I was very well-behaved." She turned a slow roll midair, smirking. "Mostly."

  "You peeked into my head," Auri repeated slowly.

  Miu clicked her tongue. “"Peeked’ is such a judgmental word. I observed. Studied maybe. And just in case added a teeny-tiny bit of protection, just to keep things tidy in there for you? I was a good guest, see?"

  Yuki flinched. "What does that mean!?"

  Miu beamed. "Oh, don't worry, it was nothing big. Just a little… seal on the deeper layers of his memories. The messy parts that your sweet little psychic crew couldn't have taken care of anyways. No trauma reactions anymore, my gift to you! Oh, that's why your Espeon friend left in a hury like that. She knew I joined the fun and really didn't want to involve herself with me. Quite mean of her, don't you think?"

  "You had no right!" Yuki shouted, sparks almost leaping from her beak in frustration. "You think this is some kind of game?! Auri’s memories, his life, it’s not your playground!"

  Miu blinked, mock-offended. "Not a game?" she echoed. "Everything’s a game, little fireball. And I always play to win!"

  "You don’t even care, do you?" Yuki growled. "You saw something in there, didn’t you? That’s why they’re all afraid. That’s why you’re doing this."

  Miu smiled. But it wasn’t the cheeky grin from a few seconds ago. It was smaller. Sharper. "Oh, I care. That's why I did what I did. There is no way I'd leave this up to mere chance."

  "You had no right-!" Yuki stepped forward again, fury flashing.

  "Oh, but I do," Miu interrupted, suddenly right in front of her, nose to beak, smile full of knowing glee. "Because I understand what’s in there, while all of you are stumbling in the dark. And most importantly, I have the strength to do as I wish." She twirled away just as fast, leaving a spark of psychic static in her wake.

  Auri frowned. "If you head actually viable reasons then tell us!"

  Miu’s grin widened. "Now why would I do that?" she purred. "Where’s the fun in explaining everything? Besides, even if I tried…" She paused midair, chin on her tail. "You wouldn’t believe me."

  Yuki growled under her breath. "You’re playing with fire."

  "I am fire," Miu replied cheerfully. "Also lightning, and frost, and illusions, and riddles, and probably a few other metaphors I forgot. I'm known as the origin Pokemon after all." She gave a dainty little bow midair. "But mostly? I’m just here to help."

  "That’s not help!" Yuki shouted.

  Miu shrugged, totally unfazed. "You’ll thank me one day. Probably. Or maybe you won’t. I’m fine either way. There's nothing you can do either way."

  Auri’s ears twitched. He looked at Miu, then down at the ground. His voice was quiet as he spoke, stopping Yuki's retort for MIu in its tracks. “Yuki... Stop. I'm not sure if I'm fine with this. But as Miu said, it doesn’t change anything. If even Miu, an incredibly strong mythical Pokemon, thinks I shouldn't get my memories back... then maybe it’s for the best."

  Yuki bit her tongue. She hated it. Every word of it. But she said nothing more.

  Miu clapped her paws together. "Wonderful! You’re such a good sport, little spark! So noble and predictable!"

  Auri narrowed his eyes. "Then why are you even here? If not to help... what do you want?"

  Miu tilted her head. "Oh, I already got what I wanted. It's just that I had to deposit fair payment for what I did," she said with a wink. "But I think for now I’ll come by from time to time. After all, a storm’s coming, and I love some action from time to time! Enjoy your peace, you two. It won’t last, of course… but that’s what makes it special!" With a final wink, Mew vanished completely.

  Auri blinked. "That… was a lot."

  Yuki glared at the space she’d occupied. "She’s insufferable."

  "But not necessarily wrong," Auri murmured.

  "That doesn’t make it right," Yuki said quietly.

  He looked down at her, then gave a small nod. "No. It doesn’t. But it won't change anything either."

  Her wing brushed his side again as they started walking, the silence between them tight and heavy.

  Yuki finally broke it. "I don’t care how many tricks she pulls. I’m not letting her be the one who decides who you are."

  He looked over at her. “Thanks.”

  For a long moment, neither of them spoke. Only the wind moved now, rustling through the leaves, brushing against their fur and feathers as if trying to sweep away what had just happened. But the air still felt heavy.

  Yuki let out a breath and turned in a slow circle, looking for any trace of Miu’s lingering presence. "Ugh! That she just vanished like that? No smoke? No dramatic laugh? What a missed opportunity!"

  Auri gave a soft, dry chuckle despite himself. " I'd say she was dramatic enough already."

  "Well yeah," Yuki said, flaring her wings briefly. "But if you’re gonna be a pink chaotic Drifloon with attitude, go all the way with it! That’s just commitment!"

  He gave her a small sideways glance. She was doing it again, making light of the tension, rolling forward like it hadn’t rattled her as much as it clearly had. But there was always a little edge in her voice when she did that. He appreciated it anyway.

  They started walking again, picking their way through the trail, but Auri’s paw halted mid-step. "Wait."

  Yuki stopped too. "What?"

  "Look." He pointed to a spot just beside the path, half-concealed beneath a cluster of moss and fallen leaves. Two faint glimmers caught the light, one orange/red, the other yellow/golden.

  They crouched beside them. The stones were small, smaller even than berries, and unusually smooth. One looked like polished amber with a warm glow just under the surface. The other was a soft yellow shade comparable to citrine, just also slightly translucent.

  "Did Miu drop these?" Yuki asked, peering closer. "Is this the 'gift' she spoke about? Or rather, the compensation for messing with us. For whatever reason she'd do that."

  Auri gave a slow shrug. "They probably are. And as to why she'd even compensate us, no idea. It’s not like we have any clue of what's going on in her head."

  Yuki huffed. "She probably thinks this is hilarious."

  "I still don’t get it, it wouldn't make any sense,” Auri said, frowning. "Why give us something at all after telling us she wouldn’t help? And if she wanted to mess with us further, would she really need to be so indirect about it?"

  "Yeah, but she also said like five contradictory things before all that. Half of what she said sounded like a dare, and the other half like an inside joke she forgot to explain. And she did say she thinks she has helped you, for some reason." Yuki nudged the reddish stone with her claw, then picked it up and held it to the light. "I still think she just wanted to mess with us one last time."

  Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

  Auri turned the golden one over in his paw. It didn’t glow, didn’t hum, didn’t feel particularly strange. Everything except its looks were entirely mundane. "She’s not going to just let this go," he muttered.

  Yuki tucked the reddish stone into her feathers. "Of course not. She practically said she’s going to keep watching us. I bet we’re her favorite new reality show now."

  Auri gave her a look.

  "What?" she grinned. "If she’s gonna be creepy, I’m gonna make jokes! That’s how this works!"

  He rolled his eyes, but there was a trace of a smile too.

  They stood in silence for a moment longer before Yuki puffed up slightly and gave him a gentle nudge with her wing. "Come on. There's another mythical psychic-type around that we can ask. I'm sure Vian will help if we ask nicely, unlike Miu!"

  Auri hesitated. "You think he’ll know more? Juno said he's more combat oriented than anything."

  "That's probably true, but surely he can tell us about Miu and maybe about these stones. That doesn't require many supporting psychic powers."

  They turned down the slope that led toward the foothills, where the Newleaf guards headquarters lay. The path wound between crooked trees and scattered stones, each step crunching soft moss and twigs beneath their paws and claws.

  Yuki kept the mood light, pointing out oddly shaped roots and leaves like they were part of a scavenger hunt, but Auri could feel the tension still threading through her words. She was walking fast. A little too fast.

  "...I know you just asked me that question, but are you okay?"

  "Me?" she blinked. "Of course. Just… trying to keep the mood up. You know, before we run into another ominous talking cloud or mythical cryptic weirdo, or something else like that."

  Auri gave a short laugh. "Fair."

  "Seriously though," she added, glancing up at him. "You doing alright? After everything she said?"

  He looked ahead, eyes focused somewhere far beyond the trees. "As I said, I don’t really know yet."

  Yuki didn’t push. She just nodded once, her pace slowing a little to match his.

  Yuki huffed. "Still feels like we’re playing her game."

  Auri glanced at her. "She called us predictable, you know. And I think that's one of the few things she actually meant."

  "I am predictable," Yuki grinned, eyes sparking. "Predictably awesome!"

  Just moments later, they reached the guards headquarters. As they stepped inside, the cool shade was a welcome change from the midday sun. Only a single guard was currently there, but that was enough for them.

  "Zekel!" Yuki called out, her voice echoing a bit more than expected. "Hey, you busy?"

  The Pangoro looked up from the scroll he was reading, one thick eyebrow rising. "Not enough to ignore a shouting Torchic that isn't supposed to be here and will probably mean trouble for me," he said dryly, but the corner of his mouth curled slightly. "What’s going on?"

  Auri stepped forward. "We were hoping to speak with Vian. Do you know where he is right now?"

  Zekel snorted. "If I knew where that one was, I’d bottle the knowledge and sell it for a fortune." He stood, stretching with a grunt. "You two in trouble?"

  "Not exactly," Yuki said, her voice taking a more serious note. "But we had a run-in with one of the mythicals and figured he might be able to help us out a little, regarding two small questions."

  Zekel studied them for a moment, his gaze lingering just a little longer than usual on Auri. Then he nodded. "Alright, that's easy enough to help you with. Your best shot is the northern shrine. He’s been going up there more often lately. Something about keeping the balance or… whatever mysterious nonsense he mutters to himself."

  "Thanks," Auri said.

  Zekel moved toward the door and opened it with a heavy paw. “Be careful and don't trouble the mythical too much, yeah? And if Vian’s actually interested in what you say, it means it’s probably quite serious." He paused, his expression darkening just slightly. "Even if Vian is one of the more reasonable of the mythicals, tread lightly. He can still flatten you like pancakes with nothing more then a thought."

  Yuki gave a confident nod. "We’ll be fine! Pink Drifloon with attitude or not, we’re not backing down!"

  Zekel blinked, than just shook his head. "I don’t want to know. Have a nice day, you two." With these words, he ushered them out of the guards headquarters again.

  Luckily, Yuki knew where the northern shrine was, with the village not being all that big and having been there on one or two occasions already. It also wasn't all that far from the headquarters and the duo didn't take long to reach it.

  The shrine itself was quiet. As Auri and Yuki walked the cobbled path up to its gate, no one else was really close by. Yuki slowed as they approached, her head tilting slightly. "So… this is it," she murmured. "Guess we’re just walking in."

  Auri nodded, glancing down at the small stone in his paw again. He really hoped they would get at least some answers here.

  The shrine’s entrance was half-shaded by overgrown ivy and flowering vines. It wasn’t grand, just a low structure of smoothed stone and likely very old. Auri stepped ahead, cautiously, before blinking as his senses tingled again. Again he felt the incredible fire-type energy and psychic-type energy that could only stem from a single mythical Pokemon he knew off. And indeed, inside the shrine, resting cross-legged on one of the worn stone platforms, was Vian, eyes closed, bathed in the colored light streaming through the high windows.

  "…Vian?” Auri asked carefully.

  The Victini opened one eye, the faintest smile on his lips. "Ah. Visitors."

  Yuki stepped in behind Auri, blinking. "Huh. So this really is where you ended up."

  Vian gave a soft hum as both eyes opened now, regarding them with calm interest. "Not many make their way out here. Especially not young ones like you."

  Auri fidgeted slightly. "We didn’t mean to interrupt anything. We just… thought you might be able to help us out with something."

  Vian’s eyes flicked between the two of them, then settled on Auri. "I often find that what brings someone here is worth listening to. Especially if it comes from two such interesting young Pokemon. So go ahead, what do you think I can help you two with?"

  Yuki spoke first. "Well, it's about Miu, really. The Mew."

  That earned Vian’s interest. His brows rose slightly. "Ah. So the Mythical Trickster has made her appearance at last. It was already overdue, I suspect."

  "She played some messed up prank," Yuki continued, crossing her wings. "Refused to help with Auri’s memory, maybe even worsening it, and then left these weird stones behind.”"

  Both of them pulled their own small stone out and held them up for Vian to see. They shimmered softly, even in the shade of the shrine.

  Vian’s expression didn’t shift much, but his posture subtly changed, somewhat straighter and more alert. He held out one paw. "May I?"

  Auri approached carefully and placed his stone in Vian’s grip. Yuki followed suit and gave her stone to Vian as well. The Victini’s eyes slipped closed the moment he touched them.

  Silence hung between them for several seconds. "…Truly fascinating. To think she was the one who had them this entire time," Vian murmured, almost too quietly to hear.

  He opened his eyes again and returned the stones without hesitation. "Whatever game Miu is playing these times, these 'stones' are no danger to you whatsoever. In fact, they are entirely inactive as of now and will remain so until you reach your final evolutions. She probably gave them to you as compensation. By messing with you two, she decided to bend our rules a little, after all."

  "Can you tell what they do? And what do you mean with rules?" Yuki asked, leaning in, clearly curious.

  "Regarding the 'stones' function I probably could,” Vian said, "but I’d rather not. They once belonged to two close friends of mine... I debated taking them from you, but I believe they'd want you two to have them in their stead. For now it would probably be better to just not think about them too much, beyond having them with you. Everything else you will find out in time. And regarding our rules... It's an open secret, really. Us Mythicals could easily pose a danger to the entire world if left without limits. Therefore we have certain rules we are bound to, enforced by the Creator himself. Even Miu has to act in accordance to them, and that's your compensation for her partially breaking them by messing with you. I would prefer not to talk further about that, though."

  "Is there a specific reason you want us to keep them close?" Auri asked, trying to gain a few more informations before Vian lost his patience with them.

  "I think," Vian said slowly, "that Miu wouldn't have given you these specific items if she didn't follow some hidden intentions. She could've compensated you differently, but decided to use this way. To most Mythicals of the Umbral Abyss, these two 'stones' hold a lot of meaning. It's definitely a message to us as much as it is to you. And as I said, they will prove incredibly valuable to you two in time. Keep them and one day, they might just prove their woth to you."

  Yuki groaned. "Of course she forces something mysterious like that on us."

  Vian gave a short chuckle, but didn't disagree. "If you want to carry them safely, you might consider visiting your local tailor. Eri, wasn’t it? She has an eye for detail and the threads to match."

  Yuki blinked. "Wait. You know Eri?"

  "I know of her," Vian replied lightly, rising to his feet. "I do try to somewhat keep up with who lives in the village, as well as the trends of the youth. Even if it's just things like dressing yourself in cloth, for whatever reason you young Pokemon do that. Personally, I think fur is more than enough, but everyone their own."

  Auri gave a little bow of thanks as he carefully took the stones back and pocketed his one, before giving the other back to Yuki. "Thanks, Vian. For taking a look."

  The Victini gave a nod, hands tucked behind his back now. "Anytime, little spark. I actually commend your decision to ask me for help. If Miu is moving pieces again, you’re better off being cautious."

  Yuki huffed, already turning. "Cautious, sure. But I swear, if she tries another prank..."

  "You’ll shout at the sky and hope she hears it?" Vian offered, a tiny smirk breaking through the calm facade.

  Yuki paused at the doorway, flicked a glance back, and grinned. "Something like that, I guess."

  In the end, they followed Vian's advice and decided to have the village's tailor make something for them to hold onto the stones. Everything else was simply impractical.

  The tailor’s workshop was tucked away on a quieter side street near the heart of the village, marked by soft banners fluttering from the low-hanging branches above. It was a warm and colorful place, the walls draped in dyed fabrics, with patterns that swirled like leaves caught in a summer breeze. A small wooden sign beside the entrance read, in simple script: Eri’s Stitchery.

  Yuki pushed aside the light curtain at the entrance and gestured for Auri to follow. "C’mon," she said. "Eri’s good with custom stuff."

  Auri nodded silently and followed her inside. The scent of thread wax and dried herbs hung softly in the air. Stacks of cloth lined the walls, sorted by tone and texture. At the back, a tall Leavanny worked with practiced ease, her needle-thin arms weaving gold thread into a half-finished shawl.

  She turned at the sound of pawsteps. "Oh, visitors? Welcome," she said kindly, her voice smooth and warm.

  Her eyes lingered on Auri for a moment longer, antennae flicking curiously. "You must be the newcomer! Auri, was it? I’ve been hearing little things here and there."

  Auri blinked in mild surprise, ears twitching. "Ah… yeah. That’s me."

  "New faces don’t show up here often," Eri said with a faint smile. "Nice to meet you."

  Yuki offered a small wave. “Heya, Eri! We’re looking to get a pair of scarves made! Special ones!"

  Eri tilted her head, one antenna twitching. "Scarves? For the two of you?" Her gaze flicked down to Yuki. "You’re picking up the habit now as well, hmm? You’ve never worn anything before except your satchel."

  Yuki grinned. "What can I say? The idea's growing on me and maybe I'll like it!"

  "Mm," Eri mused with a small smile. "Very well. Your support might see the trend spread faster and I won't complain about being able to make more clothes. What specifications do you have in mind?"

  Auri stepped forward and unwrapped the pouch slightly, revealing one of the shimmering psychic stones inside. "We need something that can carry one of these securely… close to the body."

  Eri blinked, but kept her hands politely to herself. "Unusual. I’ve never worked with a stone like that, but I can stitch a pouch into the lining of a scarf. Reinforced, snug, and with enough space to hide it without being obvious."

  "Exactly what we need," Yuki said. "And we want them matching."

  Auri send a surprised look to Yuki, who simply ignored him. With a small shake of his head, he decided to just stay silent and let Yuki do her thing.

  "Matching scarves for both of you?" Eri gave them a small, knowing look. "So we’re going for a bit of a partner look?"

  Yuki’s ears perked. “Heh. Yes we are.”

  "Can’t deny it'' probably suit you," Eri said as she moved to pull out sample threads. "You’re a team, aren’t you? Might as well look the part. Dark blue and silver should do the job."

  Eri laid a few fabric strips out, running her thin fingers over the material. "Give me a day, and I’ll have them ready. They’ll be secure, subtle, and stitched with care."

  "Thank you," Auri said quietly.

  "No trouble at all. I'll see you tomorrow."

  With a nod of thanks, the two stepped back outside into the soft northern breeze. After a moment, Yuki nudged him lightly with her shoulder. “So, no comments from you on the partner look, huh? I half expected you to protest."

  "…It’s practical," Auri muttered, glancing away. "And it was you who just came up with that idea, not me."

  "Sure that*s all you reasons?" Yuki replied with a smirk.

  "Well then, what now?" he quickly asked, changing the subject. And Yuki luckily went along with it.

  "Now we get to know each other better! It might not feel that way, but we didn't spend all that much time together outside of that one rescue mission. That needs to change!"

  "Sury, why not," Auri said with a shrug and followed Yuki to... whereever they were going.

  Important characters in the chapter:

  Pikachu (Auri) – Level 13

  Ability: Lightning Rod

  Battle Nature: Lonely

  Stats:

  TE Pool (Health/AP): 62 (Moderately damaged but usable)

  Attack: 41

  Ranged Attack: 36

  Defense: 43

  Speed: 48

  Total: 230 (Strength Level: Kid)

  Moves:

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

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

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

  Torchic (Yuki) – Level 15

  Ability: Speed Boost

  Battle Nature: Hasty

  Stats:

  TE Pool (Health/AP): 69

  Attack: 37

  Ranged Attack: 40

  Defense: 44

  Speed: 35

  Total: 225 (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]