The name's Dara Scintiller, she/her. I'm 17 years old, trans, and I live in Snowbelle City. Currently doing the Kalos Gym Challenge (8/8 badges obtained.)
Unless I'm trying really hard to watch my spelling, like now, I tend to make a lot of typos. Please don't get on my case about that.
Is there anything else...
Oh yeah, I'm also from one of Yveltal's blessed family lines. Not the same thing as being Chosen, but it means I can use Dark and Flying type moves when I'm stressed or emotionally unbalanced. Trying to get that under control.
And me too!
Right, that's my girlfriend Starrie. She'll type in blue, and I'll tag all her posts with "#starrie speaks."
I think that's it.
Mod Kirby here! Dara is a beloved character of mine who's rapidly progressed from "basically a joke" to "one of my main protagonists." I can't wait to show you guys the story I have in mind with her :)
My other blogs can be found at @kirbys-rotomblr-hub if you're interested! Dara's universe is entirely separated from the rest of my characters and the multiverse at large. Think of it like a distant exoplanet that hasn't been extensively explored.
Technically she's an AU of my oldest and most famous character- Darrin Scintiller. However, she wants nothing to do with him and his crimes and has done as much as possible to distance from him. Her universe is substantially different than his as well- i.e, Glissandra is a schoolteacher and obviously not married to Darrin anymore.
No transphobia thanks <3 Trans rights are human rights, Dara and I are both trans girls, if you don't like that you're not welcome here.
Pelipper Mail, Musharna Mail/Malice, and other such gimmicks are enabled. No Magic Anons, and only Union Circle if you've gotten permission in advance.
Pokemon in Dara's universe can use any of their level up moves, provided their current level is higher than the level needed to learn the move. Or in other words: they're not limited to just 4 moveslots.
Dara's current team:
LUMIOSE TEAM (In use during the "City of Possibilities" arc. Levels/movesets may not be totally accurate, and team members will change often.)
Paddy - Croconaw - Male - Lvl 29 - Ability: Torrent. Most frequently used moves are Water Gun, Bite, Protect, Bubble Beam, Ice Fang, Whirlpool, Slash, Aqua Jet, Rock Smash, and Breaking Swipe. Nature: Timid
Cindy - Fletchinder - Female - Lvl 29 - Ability: Big Pecks. Most frequently used moves are Quick Attack, Protect, Swift, Feather Dance, Wing Attack, Whirlwind, Flame Wheel, and Fire Spin. Nature: Naughty
Nightshade - Absol - Female - Lvl 33 - Ability: Pressure (Normal) Magic Bounce (Mega Evolved). Most frequently used moves are Phantom Force, Snarl, Shadow Sneak, Confuse Ray, Knock Off, Detect, Slash, Night Slash, Shadow Claw, Swords Dance, and Double Team. Nature: Adamant
Daisy Dukes - Flaaffy - Female - Lvl 29 - Ability: Static. Most frequently used moves are Thunder Shock, Tackle, Swift, Thunder Wave, Charge, Confuse Ray, Light Screen, and Cotton Guard. Nature: Adamant
Macy - Sableye - Male - Lvl 29 - Ability: Stall (Normal) Magic Bounce (Mega Evolved.) Most frequently used moves are Shadow Sneak, Protect, Take Down, Shadow Claw, Detect, Confuse Ray, Knock Off, Psybeam, and Ice Punch. Nature: Naive
Pinecone - Quilladin - Female - Lvl 29 - Ability: Overgrow. Most frequently used moves are Bite, Growth, Vine Whip, Rollout, Growl, Pin Missile, Leech Seed, Giga Drain, and Take Down. Nature: Impish
In Rotation
Thimble - Vivillion - Male - Lvl 14 - Ability: Shed Skin. Most frequently used moves are String Shot, Stun Spore, Poison Powder, Tackle, Protect, Infestation, Gust, and Light Screen. Nature: Naive
Stumble - Bunnelby - Female - Lvl 10 - Ability: Pickup. Most frequently used moves are Leer, Rock Smash, Tackle, Protect, and Mud Shot. Nature: Timid
Flutter - Beedrill - Female - Lvl 17 - Ability: Shed Skin. Most frequently used moves are Harden, String Shot, Poison Sting, Pin Missile, and Rock Smash. Nature: Quiet
Bois - Heracross - Male - Lvl 24 - Ability: Guts. Most frequently used moves are Protect, Rock Smash, Pin Missile, Aerial Ace, Take Down, Shadow Claw, and Brick Break. Nature: Brave
GREATER KALOS TEAM
Titan - Magnezone - Nonbinary - Around level 75 - Ability: Sturdy (normal) Electric Surge (Mega Evolved.) Can Mega Evolve. Most frequently used moves are Discharge, Magnet Rise, Zap Cannon, Metal Sound, Thunder and Gyro Ball. Nature: Quiet
Miracle - Minior - Male - Around level 30 - Ability: Shields Down. Most frequently used moves are Ancient Power, Stealth Rock, Take Down, and the unique move Starblast (95 power, Flying type, special. Hits all opponents, but causes recoil when used.) Nature: Jolly
BB/Bowling Ball - Trans male - Around level 30 - Ability: Huge Power. Most frequently used moves are Aqua Tail, Play Rough, Bounce, Belly Drum and Aqua Ring. Nature: Brave
Twinkle Toes - Female - Around level 70 - Ability: Chlorophyll. Most frequently used moves are Axe Kick, Leaf Blade, Stun Spore, Sunny Day, and Solar Blade. Nature: Hasty
Snowfox - Nonbinary - Around level 50 - Ability: Contrary. Most frequently used moves are Bitter Malice, Shadow Claw, Curse, Spite, and Shadow Ball. Nature: Lonely
Brisket - Female - Around level 36 - Ability: Blaze (Normal) Solar Power (Mega Evolved) Most frequently used moves are Dragon Claw, Flamethrower, Air Slash, Smokescreen, Dragon Breath and Fire Fang. Nature: Rash
SECONDARY/BOXED
Marbles - Solosis - Female - Around level 22 - Ability: Magic Guard. Most frequently used moves are Protect, Psybeam, Recover, and Psyshock. Nature: Bashful
Molar - Gible - Male - Around level 28 - Ability: Strong Jaw. Most frequently used moves are Sand Tomb, Dragon Breath, Bulldoze, Bite, and Thrash. Nature: Naughty
By the time Dara arrived at the spot where the Victreebel had been spotted, the sun had set. Ignoring her Rotom Phone telling her about the Battle Zone that just opened, she sprinted towards where Naveen was standing.
"Rogue Mega Evolution is like something out of a nightmare..." Naveen muttered as she approached. "Pokemon Mega Evolving with no Trainer and simply suffering? I'll help you take care of this."
"Let's not waste any time, then." Dara walked up to the Victreebel, which carried the same pinkish glow as the Slowbro and Camerupt from earlier. And once more, she felt that tide of anger rushing through her body the longer she stood in proximity to the Victreebel. "Naveen... do you..."
"Hm?" They turned their head, raising an eyebrow. "Is something wrong."
"Never mind." Dara made a mental note to bring that up to the rest of Team MZ later. "Let's just focus on the mission for right now."
"Hm." Naveen shrugged and turned their attention back to the Grass-type in front of them. "How lucky for us that Victreebel decided to show up in this courtyard. We may be able to take care of things before anyone even notices."
Now that she thought about it, how had they managed to avoid anyone else noticing the Rogue Mega Pokemon? Camerupt had been on a rooftop, but Slowbro was in the middle of a fairly crowded park. Had nobody wondered what all the commotion was about?
In any case, that didn't matter right now. All that was important was taking care of this Victreebel before it started rampaging down the streets.
Together with Naveen, they approached the Victreebel, and Dara's Rotom Phone chimed its usual message.
"The concentration of Mega Power in your vicinity is rising rapidly Warning: Rogue Mega Evolution is imminent!"
I'm ready. Dara thought, looking up at the admittedly quite menacing pitcher plant in front of her. She had never heard of Victreebel having a Mega Evolution before, but then again, she had never seen a Mega Feraligatr before she arrived here, either.
Victreebel let out a sharp cry as pinkish mist swirled around its body, forming a grassy arena beneath their feet. As it went rogue, the pupa around its body shattered, revealing...
What in the name of Xerneas's horns is THAT? Dara thought, looking in horror at its bloated form. She shook off her terror quickly. This was no time to be getting cold feet.
She began the battle with Priscilla the Houndour, who she very quickly switched out in favor of Cindy the Fletchinder. Despite her diminutive size in comparison to the colossal Victreebel looming above her, Cindy didn't falter, dashing nimbly to and fro and striking with Flame Wheel and Wing Attack, while Dara avoided Bullet Seeds from on high.
Eventually, she gathered enough Mega Power to activate her Key Stone, and swapped Cindy out for Nightshade. The Absol dealt several solid blows, but it only seemed to make the Victreebel even angrier.
"Well, this doesn't look good. You might want to start dodging." Naveen said, in their usual dry tone.
Dara tried, but the puddles of toxic sludge the Victreebel sprayed everywhere were hard to avoid. Poor Nightshade got the worst of it, though she shook the gunk from her pristine white fur and kept fighting on.
Another barrage of poison came raining down. Dara's sneaker ended up stuck fast in the filth, and while she tried to pull herself free, Nightshade was finally overwhelmed by the toxins and could fight no longer.
"NO!" Dara exclaimed as she recalled the Absol. She should've been paying more attention. Well, there was nothing for it now but to keep going.
She brought in Macy, but the Sableye just couldn't get close enough to attack. A Vine Whip from Victreebel hit Dara hard, and the last thing she saw was it opening its mouth to launch a Bullet Seed-
Dara snapped back to consciousness. She wasn't dead. Her body was moving automatically now, running circles around Victreebel.
"Hey kid." She heard Yveltal's voice in her mind, snarky but with the faintest tinge of genuine concern. "You got in a pretty nasty fix out there. Luckily I took over and dodged for ya. I'll let you get back to it now, but hey- try not doing that in the future, okay?"
"Thanks." Dara grumbled, as she could feel her limbs again. She was thankful for the save, but it was so very like Yveltal to be a jackass about it.
"Who are you talking to?" She heard Naveen ask, but ignored them.
The battle wore on. Dara barely noticed when Victreebel hit her with Vine Whips now, her adrenaline pumping so hard she felt invincible. Even so, she was careful to avoid the poison wells more carefully this time, continuing to whittle down Victreebel with repeated attacks from Macy.
Just as the Sableye's Mega Evolved state vanished and her Mega Bracelet stopped glowing, Victreebel let out a defiant roar.
"It's really growing angry now! Be careful." Naveen warned her.
When Victreebel next lobs poison at her, there are even more puddles than before, the overwhelming sweet stench making her head spin. She can hardly think, but she doesn't need to.
Like with Slowbro before, she can feel herself getting into a groove. Dodge. Strike. Dash. Weave. Don't stop. Don't ever stop.
And she doesn't. Not until a hunk of poison hits her right in the face, and for a horrifying moment she knows it's going to kill her, melt her down to her bones, until-
"HEY! Hey Blondie, stay with me!" Yveltal yells. "You're SO close! Lock the fuck in already!"
"I'M TRYING!" She yells back.
The next few minutes are a blur. She hardly remembers what happened- screaming commands, frantically digging items out of her bag, grimacing in pain as poison dampens her pant legs and seeps up into her skin.
But in the end, she does finally beat it, and seeing the stupid bag of nectar reel in pain and collapse makes all the suffering worth it in her eyes.
"Fuck." She sighs as she grabs the Victreebelite. She never thought anything could be worse than Camerupt, but here they are.
"Oh- let me heal your Pokemon." Naveen says, their voice remarkably casual considering what they just went through. "You got a Victreebelite stone? Well, if you're itching to try it and you've got a Weepinbell, you can evolve Weepinbell into Victreebel by using a Leaf Stone. But that aside, why do Mega Stones appear when we pacify Rogue Pokemon? What could it mean?"
"I don't fucking know?" Dara registers the look of hurt on Naveen's face and sighs. "Sorry. I'm... a little wound up, if you couldn't tell."
"I can't say I blame you." Naveen doesn't meet her eyes. "Perhaps the both of us should head back to Hotel Z for the night."
"Yeah. Yeah, maybe." Dara nods in agreement. She's not exactly in the mood to do any more Z-A Royale battles tonight.
Dara approached the building where the Rogue Mega Camerupt had been sighted, and noticed a face she didn't recognize right away. It was Tarragon and a couple of his workers.
"Well, if it ain't the new Hotel Z kid." The man stroked his beard as he turned to face her. "Yer quite the hot topic these days."
"Oh yeah?" Dara said, trying to walk past him but finding the way blocked. "Listen, if you don't mind, I really need to get up onto that roof, so..."
"Everyone's talkin' about the Trainers who shot up the ranks in a flash." Tarragon continued, as if he hadn't heard her. "I hear about this stuff 'cause I'm entered in the Z-A Royale myself, y'see. So tell me- what's a Trainer like yerself doin' in a place like this?"
"I'm doing some work on behalf of Quasartico, actually."
"Are ya now?" Tarragon raised a bushy eyebrow. "Fancy yerself one of them corporate folks? Well, we're gonna be tinkerin' with the scaffolding here, so can I ask ya to make lightning and bolt?"
"Listen to me." Dara was starting to get annoyed now. "There's a dangerous Pokemon up on that rooftop. If you don't let me through, then you leave me no choice but to force my way up."
"Dangerous?" Tarragon scratched his chin. "Thanks, kid, but in our line of work, we're a hair away from danger every day! I don't like gettin' rough with folks, but we've got a job to do, see? If yer gonna get in our way, I'll get one of these fellas to battle ya."
"Fine." Dara rolled her eyes, resolving to wrap this up quickly. She didn't have time to waste on pointless battles, not when there could be a Rogue Mega Evolution rampaging down the streets any second.
"Feelin' like a big shot after yer rise in the ranks?" Tarragon shook his head and looked towards one of his workers. "All right, let's show this kid!"
The construction worker sent out a Tynamo, and Dara switched out Nightshade for Macy. After taking a Spark that left the Sableye paralyzed, Dara activated her Mega Bracelet, which reacted with the Dark-type's Sablenite. A Shadow Sneak followed by Shadow Claw took Tynamo out, and the Numel that came in next didn't last much longer.
"No wonder everyone's talkin' about you..." The defeated worker muttered. "Sorry, boss... I lost..."
"Heh. Not bad, kid. I can see how ya managed to leap up in the ranks now." Tarragon admitted. "Here, lemme heal yer Pokemon to apologize for challengin' ya outta the blue like that."
Dara was still a little peeved at him for getting in her way, but that gesture made up for wasting her time at least partially.
"Ya beat us fair and square, so we'll get outta yer hair. All right, crew, let's clear out for a bit!" Tarragon and his workers headed out.
"I'm here!" Dara turned around to see Lida sprinting over. "And I guess the Pokemon that's set to Rogue Mega Evolve must be... up above us, huh?" The two women both glanced up at the massive obstacle course in front of them, the only way up to the rooftop. "Hold up, are we gonna climb THIS? Guess we've gotta... After all, there's a Rogue Mega-Evolving Pokemon up there that needs our help!"
"We've already wasted too much time. Let's go." Dara started climbing up the obstacle course. She could've just flown, but part of her still didn't want to reveal her true nature to the rest of Team MZ. What if they thought she was some kind of freak? No, it was better just to keep her status as a Yveltal chosen secret for now.
She momentarily veered off course to grab a Poke Ball and a Colorful Screw, then headed up to where she could see the Camerupt waiting on the rooftop. Opening her Rotom Phone to check that her team was in order, Dara realized something she had managed to miss before. Paddy was ready to evolve! Without hesitation, she pressed the button on the Croconaw's summary page to induce Evolution. And what a handsome Feraligatr he was, too!
Dara swapped Paddy's Quick Claw for the Feraligite, curious to see what his Mega Evolution would look like. She also boxed Pinecone for the moment, replacing him with Priscilla the Houndour.
And with that, Dara was ready to move.
"Who thought all that scaffolding was a good idea?" Lida panted as she got onto the roof as well. "Do you think we'll really find a Pokemon about to Rogue Mega Evolve up on this random rooftop?"
"Gee Lida, I dunno, have you tried looking with your eyes?" Dara suggested, gesturing at the Camerupt glowing with Mega Energy directly in front of them.
"Wait, you're right! The Camerupt! It really is here!" Lida exclaimed, either missing the sarcasm in her voice or choosing nobly to ignore it. "I do NOT wanna see what happens if we get knocked off the roof by an attack... But I guess it should be fine, huh? Our Rotom Phones will always save us!"
For a brief, horrible moment, the mental image of falling off the roof and her Yveltal wings unconsciously sprouting from her sweater sprung into Dara's mind. She squelched that notion as soon as possible.
"All right, let's save that Camerupt!" Lida cheered. "I'll give it all I got!"
Once again, surrounded by the swirls of Mega Energy emanating from Camerupt, Dara felt oddly angry. She looked over to Lida, but the woman looked as cheerful as usual.
"The concentration of Mega Power in your vicinity is rising rapidly!" Dara's Rotom Phone cautioned her. "Warning: Rogue Mega Evolution is imminent!"
I got this. Dara thought to herself. She had handled the Slowbro no problem, this would be just the same. All she had to worry about was defeating the Camerupt before its weight caused the roof to collapse beneath them.
Ugh. She really needed to stop generating these horrible mental pictures already.
The Camerupt glowed as energy poured out from its body, turning their surroundings into the same featureless pink expanse Dara had seen previously. Lida did a little spin in place, striking a battle pose, as the Fire-type Mega Evolved and the battle began.
Right off the bat, Dara was distracted by a text from Professor Laurel, of all people, letting her know there were more research tasks available, at literally the worst possible time. Paddy's only super effective move, Bubble Beam, proved surprisingly awkward to target, especially when Camerupt was firing off Earth Powers and raining down explosive boulders all over the arena. And top it all off, the Fire-type was fast. Dara was surprised by how many times it jumped directly in front of her, delivering devastating Headbutts that knocked her off balance.
But somehow, despite the overwhelming heat, the smoke threatening to make her black out, and the time she got caught on the edge of a firey explosion that singed her clothes and made her want to cough up a lung, she managed to land the final blow.
Dara didn't even realize at first. She could barely see through the heat haze and smog making her eyes water. But then she heard the descending bellow of the beast, and Camerupt flopped to the ground, defeated.
She had to take a moment to catch her breath. In front of her, a Cameruptite crystallized from the leftover Mega Energy, and she snatched it with a trembling hand.
"That sucked." Dara said simply, when she could speak again. "But at least it's done."
"Phew... yeah, agreed." Lida nodded. "You really are kind of like a secret weapon! Now I get what Taunie's been saying. Your Pokemon were great out there, especially your partner Paddy! He looks super cool Mega Evolved, too!"
"Huh? Oh yeah." Dara had been so lost in the heat of the moment (heh) that she had barely noticed Paddy's new form. She'd have to take a closer look later.
"Here, let me heal up your Pokemon. Lida to the rescue!" The woman grinned as she handed Dara some healing items. "But this wasn't the last case of Rogue Mega Evolution we need to deal with... Go and help Naveen with the Victreebel, alright?"
"Will do." Dara nodded stiffly. "See you around, Lida."
And she headed back down the obstacle course to go find the last Rogue Mega Evolution.
Dara went around the city for a while, picking up some side missions along the way and getting her team ready for the upcoming fight. Slowbro was a Water/Psychic type, so Nightshade, Pinecone, Macy, Daisy Dukes would be her best bets here.
She found her way to Aymlis Park, just across the way from the Pokemon Research Lab. It was admittedly a beautiful place, with a nice view of the lake and the Slowbro sitting on a small isthmus in the middle of it.
Dara could see Taunie standing there in front of the Slowbro, which was presumably their target, but it took her an embarrassingly long time to notice the staircase that led down to the little outcropping. Nonetheless, she figured it out eventually, and joined the other woman.
"Thanks for coming, Dara." Taunie's usual cheerful attitude had been replaced by a more serious demeanor. Maybe she could feel it too, that oppressive aura of Mega Power lingering in the air.
Once again, Dara found herself feeling strangely angry.
"No problem." She said, pushing down the unwanted emotion. "I mean, what was I going to do, leave you to handle this all by yourself?"
Taunie didn't crack a smile as she turned to the Slowbro. Dara could see faint motes of purple light swirling around its body now, and there was a low humming in the air that set her nerves on edge.
"Looks like that Slowbro there is on the verge of Rogue Mega Evolving." Taunie observed. Dara's Rotom Phone flew out of her pocket, beeping in alarm.
"The concentration of Mega Power in your vicinity is rising rapidly! Warning: Rogue Mega Evolution is imminent!"
I'm ready. Dara thought.
"The main thing about Mega Slowbro is that it's got really high Defense." Taunie reminded her. "So we've gotta Mega Evolve our Pokemon and use Plus Moves to handle it!"
The Slowbro turned and let out a battle cry as the Mega Power around it surged. The ground beneath them vanished, replaced by a glowing pink arena like the one Nightshade had created when she went rogue. Its body glowed brighter and brighter, a sphere forming around its body that then cracked to reveal the Psychic-type's shell covered form.
Dara's Rotom Phone buzzed, giving her some tutorial about Plus Moves that she quickly dismissed. There was no time for that.
She sent Pinecone out, the Quilladin merrily bounding over towards his target and attacking with Giga Drain and Vine Whip. Even the super effective moves barely left a mark on Slowbro's sturdy shell, and Dara was so focused on commanding her Pokemon that she didn't dodge the beam of psychic energy headed her way. Thankfully, maybe due to her status as Yveltal's Chosen, it didn't do much damage, but she still needed to be more careful.
Dodge and weave, roll and then attack. It felt like second nature at this point, and Dara could feel herself getting into a rhythm. After a few more attacks, she gathered enough Mega Energy to power her Mega Bracelet, and switched out Pinecone for Nightshade, Mega Evolving the Absol into her strongest form.
Now she was really getting somewhere. Each of the Dark-type's hits sent Slowbro reeling, and though it tried to fight back, Dara kept on her toes and didn't let up. She narrowly dodged two more of those giant Psybeams, and even when one hit her full-on, it barely registered.
"I think Mega Slowbro's getting even madder!" Taunie shouted a warning to her, and she moved back, Nightshade following behind. The Water-type released swirling pillars of water from its body, but Dara easily avoided the slow-moving whirlpools.
She continued to wear Slowbro down, feeling completely in her element. At one point, she took a Water Pulse to the face and gasped, but shook the bubbles off quickly. Finally, Slowbro had been backed into a corner, and though it formed a shield wall of more whirlpools around itself as a defense, Dara wasn't dissuaded.
"Nightshade, move through the whirlpools and use Knock Off!"
The Absol obeyed her Trainer without question, ignoring the damage that the raging currents caused. Dara could barely hear herself think over the rush of water, Slowbro's pained cries, and Taunie's own commands, but all at once it stopped. Slowbro reeled and then fell to the ground, the Mega Power leaving its body all at once and crystalizing into a Slowbronite, which Dara grabbed out of the air.
"Way to go, Dara!" Taunie grinned, pumping her fists as the two of them got back onto the mainland. "Slowbronite, huh... If you have a Slowbro hold that, it can Mega Evolve and help us take on Rogue Pokemon. Pinecone and the others did great too! I'll heal 'em up."
"Thanks a lot, Taunie." Dara smiled back at her. "Couldn't have done it without you."
"Just doing my part! We've got to help everyone we can- Pokemon and people alike. Good luck with the other Pokemon!"
Taunie walked off, probably heading back to Hotel Z for the time being. Dara had to start thinking about whether she'd go after Camerupt or Victreebel next.
"Rogue Mega Pokemon successfully pacified." Her Rotom Phone buzzed. "There are two remaining Pokemon at risk of undergoing Rogue Mega Evolution."
If she had thought to look up to the rooftops behind her, Dara might've noticed the four-legged white Pokemon watching her from up above.
Dara fell out of her bed and onto the ground in a tangle of blankets and pillows with a heavy crash.
She just lay there for a moment, stunned, feeling her heart race. She'd been having a nightmare... but about what? The details were already fading. She was underground, maybe, and there was some kind of wall... Twit. Twit was there, she remembered that. Why was Twit there?
On the nightstand, she could hear her Rotom Phone buzzing. Dara excavated herself out of the blankets and picked it up, seeing it was from Vinnie. She'd have to muster up all her energy and give a collected, professional reply.
"Whuz?" Dara said, stupidly.
"Dara." Vinnie answered, somehow sounding coherent despite the fact it was 3:02 in the morning. "I apologize for contacting you at such a late hour, but we have a situation. There are three areas across Lumiose City that have recently shown an abnormal surge in Mega Power. If wild Pokemon are affected by these surges, they may undergo Rogue Mega Evolution. We need you and the rest of Team MZ to be on the lookout and deal with any Rogue Mega-Evolved Pokemon that may appear before they endanger the public. Is this acceptable?"
"Yes. Right. Got it." Dara sobers up remarkably quickly as the gravity of the situation sinks in.
"I've already informed Taunie of what's going on. I believe she's going to call to order a meeting any moment now."
At three in the morning? Dara thought, incredulous, but didn't say anything.
Right on cue, a knock came at the door, and she could hear Taunie's voice on the other side.
"There we are." Vinnie said. "I won't take up any more of your time. Best of luck to you, Dara."
With a click, Vinnie hung up, and Dara went to go open the door. She was practically dragged downstairs to the official Team MZ meeting room (which was just the dining room), alongside Lida, who kept rubbing her eyes, and Naveen, who looked like they were about five seconds away from snapping and killing someone.
"Actually, would you give me a moment before you go in?" Naveen rubbed their cheek with one finger, a nervous habit of theirs Dara had picked up on.
"No problem, what's up?" Taunie replied. Dara had no idea how she remained so cheerful even at this time of night.
Naveen walked into the dining room and strung something up that Dara couldn't exactly see, or maybe it was just too dark to tell.
"Thank you all for waiting. You can come in now." Naveen yawned as the rest of Team MZ entered the dining/strategy meeting room. "Quasartico's thrown their support behind Taunie and Dara... Now it's time we start tackling the Rogue Mega Evolution problem in earnest. So I figured we could use something like this."
Strung up on the wall was a patchwork flag, with the Team MZ logo in the center.
"It's Team MZ's flag, complete with our logo. What... do you all think?" Naveen looked away, hunching their shoulders like they were preparing to be told it was garbage.
"Naveen, that's incredible!" Dara exclaimed. "How long did it take you to make this?"
"Totally agreed!" Taunie pumped her fists. "It's amazing! With sewing skills like these, you can see why everyone loves Naveen's work, right?"
"I sure can! You're really talented, Naveen." Dara grinned at them.
"Well, this is sort of my thing, after all." Naveen put a hand behind their head.
"Not to be a buzzkill or anything, but should we get to the strategy meeting now?" Lida interjected.
"I was just gonna say that, Lida. You beat me to it!" Taunie smiled. The energy in the room had shifted dramatically, from tired and hostile to enthusiastic, and Dara was very grateful for the change as they all took their seats.
"Okay, I hereby call this strategy meeting to order!" Lida exclaimed, standing at the head of the table. "According to the intel we got from Vinnie, Rogue Mega-Evolving Pokemon are probably going to appear in three locations. The first one is Aymlis Park in the Bleu District. This one's probably gonna be a Slowbro. The second is Jaune Sector 3, where we can expect a Camerupt to be the problem. This is Magenta Sector 9, where our target should be a Victreebel."
"Got it." Dara took the information down on her Rotom Phone as Lida spoke.
"Notice anything, Naveen?" Lida turned to them.
"No, nothing in particular."
"Come on, Naveen. Nothing at all?" Taunie frowned.
"Am I... missing something here?" Dara blinked.
"Go on then, team leader. Step up and explain it for everybody if Naveen's too distracted." Lida gestured towards Taunie.
"The place where the Slowbro is supposed to go rogue in the Bleu District isn't far from the Stone Emporium on Vernal Avenue." Taunie explained.
"Where?" Dara asked.
"Oh right, forgot you aren't a Lumiose native, Dara." Taunie grimaced. "It's a place where you can buy Evolution stones and Mega Stones and stuff."
"Ah, I see. If a Rogue Mega-Evolved Pokemon damaged the Stone Emporium, we might not be able to shop there anymore..." Naveen looked pensive. "Which would mean losing a source of valuable Mega Stones."
"Yup, what Naveen said!" Lida nodded. "We might wanna stop by the Stone Emporium to stock up on Mega Stones sometime soon. I bet that'd help us with all these Rogue Pokemon. What do you think, Dara?"
"Does the emporium have insurance?" Dara asked, suddenly noticing everyone staring at her. "What? That was a totally legit question!"
"THAT'S your takeaway?" Lida looked dumbfounded.
"OH NO!" Naveen suddenly shouted.
"What's up?" Lida turned to them, as Naveen's Rotom Phone came flying out of their pocket.
"I almost missed the start of Canari's daily stream."
"Canari streams at this hour?" Dara couldn't believe what she was hearing.
"Naveen, we're literally in the middle of a strategy meeting! Just watch the archived stream later!" Lida frowned. Dara had to agree with her, this seemed significantly more important.
"Clearly you don't understand." Naveen shook their head. "You can't savor being part of the chat when you're watching from the archive. Surely you agree, Dara?"
"I mean, I see where you're coming from for sure. You get to feel like you're part of something bigger than yourself, right?"
"Exactly!" Naveen nodded enthusiastically. "You understand, I knew you would."
"Huh. I guess there's more to watching a stream than just sitting there looking." Lida crossed her arms.
"Don't let 'em sidetrack you, Lida! Remember the strategy meeting!" Taunie called out from the other side of the table. "I think we should split up and each head to a different Pokemon's location. Then Dara can circle around and lend some firepower at each spot. Sound good?"
"How come?" Lida asked, quite reasonably.
"'Cause she's a super talented Trainer!" Taunie exclaimed. "We'll all feel better with her fighting at her our sides!"
"O-oh, gosh, thanks Taunie." Dara had to admit, the praise made her get Vivillion in her stomach. The other woman grinned.
"I get where Taunie's coming from, but that's a lot of pressure." Lida turned to her. "Are you OK with that plan, Dara?"
"I am." Dara nodded. If Taunie trusted her, then she could trust in herself too. "Let's give it a try."
"If you say so, then I guess..." Lida still didn't look convinced, but that was alright. Dara would just have to show her that she could handle this responsibility. "Naveen, make sure you pull your weight! Don't just let Dara handle everything, got it?"
Dara bit back a retort, remembering what Naveen had said about letting them fight their own battles.
"NO WAY!" Naveen exclaimed.
"What now?" Lida asked.
"Canari reacted to something I said in chat!" Ah. Well, that explained why they hadn't been participating in the conversation much.
"Whoa, that's amaz- No, wait! Naveen, we're still in a strategy meeting. Seriously, just watch it in the archive!"
"We've been over this." Naveen turned to her. "I couldn't have had that moment just now if I were watching it after the fact!"
"Maybe you've got a point..." Lida admitted.
"Okay, Naveen and Lida!" Taunie smiled. "We know what species of Pokemon we're after and where they'll be. And we should all look into the Pokemon species that're supposed to Rogue Mega Evolve so we'll have some solid strategies to deal with 'em."
"Yeah, I guess that makes sense..." Lida shook her head. "Well, Dara, since you'll have three targets, let's break this up into three missions! Number one: Pacify the Rogue Mega-Evolving Slowbro at Aymlis Park in the Bleu District! Taunie will head to that one first."
Dara's Rotom Phone chimed, the screen displaying that a mission had automatically been added to her list.
"Number two: Pacify the Rogue Mega Camerupt that should be on a rooftop in Jaune Sector 3. I'll help take point on this one."
"A Camerupt on a rooftop? That doesn't sound safe." Dara pointed out."
"Nope!" Lida chirped. "Which is exactly why we've got to take care of it as soon as we can. And number three will be Magenta Sector 9's Rogue Mega Victreebel. That's you, Naveen!"
"Rogue Mega Evolution is painful for Pokemon." Taunie explained. "In their pain, they might end up hurting whoever or whatever's around them. We've got to help everyone we can- Pokemon and people alike."
"Right. Let's not waste any time then." Dara said, already mentally preparing a strategy for each of the Rogue Megas.
"That does it for our strategy meeting!" Lida grinned. "Wanna watch the rest of Canari's stream together, Naveen?"
"No, thank you." Naveen shook their head. "I prefer watching Canari's streams on my own." It was a perfectly understandable sentiment, but the comically sad look Lida gave them made Dara feel a little bad for her.
As the four of them left the room, AZ walked up to Dara. He was so tall, she was still getting used to it even now. But she never felt scared or uncomfortable around him.
"Dara. I received word from Vinnie." He spoke. "So you have committed yourself to saving the Pokemon suffering from Rogue Mega Evolution. If that is the case, you should have this."
He handed her a Feraligite, the implications of which immediately had her excited. Her little Paddy could Mega Evolve someday? What would he look like when he did?
"The final evolution of the Totodile you received is the Pokemon Feraligatr. Feraligatr is capable of Mega Evolution, if you give it that Feraligite to hold."
"Thank you so much, AZ." She said, bowing slightly. The old man smiled.
"No gratitude is required, but it is appreciated nonetheless. I hope it proves useful to you in your adventures." The corners of his mouth crinkled upwards. "I've noticed more smiling faces here at the hotel since you arrived, Dara. I think this is because you help bring people and Pokemon closer together. Even if you don't realize it yourself. But listen well, Dara. People and Pokemon finding a way to live together in this city... It will be the test that decides the future survival of both. That is why we must protect Lumiose's Pokemon and people- to bring about a bright future for all."
"Kyukyuru~" Floette trilled as she spun around at his side.
Dara kept AZ's words in her mind as she walked outside to start the day, and prepare to take on the Rogue Mega Evolutions alongside the rest of Team MZ.
Dara walked up to Noveau Cafe, stopping for a moment to observe the truck. Ari had told her they were former Team Flare members, but didn't mean any harm... was the same true in this universe?
"What now?" She was distracted from her thoughts when she noticed Naveen sitting at one of the tables near the truck, grimacing as she and Taunie approached.
"Hey, Naveen! Mind if we eat with you?" The pink-haired woman asked cheerfully.
"I'm done eating, actually." They got up from their seat. "What I'd really like is some post-meal alone time."
"Oh yeah, no problem. Don't feel pressured." Dara quickly clarified. Naveen didn't smile, but they didn't look quite so done with it all.
"There is something I wanted to talk to you both about, actually. Are you sure you know what you're doing?"
The question took her off balance. Was she sure what she was doing?
"W-what do you mean?" Dara stuttered out at the same time as Taunie. Was this about the Rogue Mega Evolutions? Lumiose Syndrome? Had she done something wrong?
"Dara, if you keep winning your way up the ranks in the Z-A Royale..." Naveen looked grave. "eventually you'll have to face the gamer prodigy- the streaming sensation of the keyboard legions... You're going to have to battle Canari!"
"Who?" Dara blinked. Out of everything she was expecting Naveen to say, that hadn't been anywhere on her list.
"What? Have you not heard of her?!" Naveen brushed their hair out of their eyes. "She's an electrifying streamer who slings cutting commentary in her snarky-yet-affectionate tone! She's a bold, vibrant vision in her streetwear! And her gameplay- so daring, so dynamic! She's not just a local Lumiose star, either- her streams and skill are taking all of Kalos by storm! So tell me, do you really plan on battling Canari? THAT Canari? THE Canari?"
"Uh... yeah?" Dara didn't see what the problem was. "If she's part of the Z-A Royale, I kind of have to battle her at some point, right?"
"What Dara said!" Taunie nodded. "We won't reach Rank A if we don't!"
"YOU MUSTN'T!" Naveen exclaimed, with an energy so unlike what she normally saw from them that it threw Dara for a loop. "A Pokemon battle with Canari? The nerve. The closest we fans could ever get to her is perhaps claiming a Canari plush in exchange for Colorful Screws! It wouldn't be proper for the likes of us to even enter her orbit."
"You're acting like she's some kind of goddess or something." Dara said. "I'm sure her streams are great and all, but she's still a person like the rest of us."
"Sorry about Naveen... they're a big-time Canari fan." Taunie scratched her head.
"Taunie!" Dara said indignantly. Naveen was literally standing right there. She could at the very least keep her comments for when they weren't within earshot.
"What? You have to admit it's a little weird, you even said so yourself. Plus, they're not even a part of Canari's fan club, DYN4MO." Yes, she actually pronounced the 4 in the name separately. "They're called DYN4MO 'cause Eelektross, Canari's partner Pokemon, evolves from Tynamo. And the A in their name is a four- to make it gamer-y, I guess?"
"Taunie, you shouldn't be badmouthing people directly to their face." Dara said, still miffed with her. "I'm sure Naveen has their reasons for liking Canari so much, and there's nothing weird about it."
Naveen shot her an appreciative glance before continuing.
"Of course I'm not a member of DYN4MO. If I joined now, they'd think I'm some common bandwagoner, not the die-hard fan I am. There's more to fandom than being in the official club, anyway!"
Now there was a statement Dara could relate to. She had experienced her fair share of enjoying something but being too nervous to openly participate in the community.
"To me, what matters is watching all her content and learning all there is to know about her... Then I can design amazing outfits that she could wear on her streams! That's the dream, at least." Were they blushing?
"I think that's an awesome dream, Naveen." Dara smiled at them. "You should never give up on it."
"Isn't part of her appeal the fact that she just always wears her own regular clothes on stream?"
"TAUNIE." Dara said hotly, glaring at her.
"Dara, I appreciate you sticking up for me, truly, but I can fight my own battles." Naveen's voice had just a pinch of defensiveness, and Dara knew when it was time to back off. "What do you know, anyway, Taunie?! Would you deny my humble dream? To design an outfit for someone I so admire?"
"Whatever." Taunie rolled her eyes. "Dara, let's head back to Hotel Z for tonight."
Dara opened her mouth to protest that they hadn't even gotten their coffee, but decided it wasn't worth making a fuss over. She was exhausted after the long day, anyway.
"Naveen, you want to come back with us?"
"No thank you. I'll figure it out for myself."
"...Alright then." Dara sighed. Today had been a bit of a mixed bag, but hopefully tomorrow would be better. Right?"
i beat vinnie! he and his mega drampa were super tough, but we just barely squeaked out a win. we learned more about the situation in lumiose, and officially agreed to work with quasartico to stop any future rogue mega evolutions before they can hurt people.
i beat vinnie! he and his mega drampa were super tough, but we just barely squeaked out a win. we learned more about the situation in lumiose, and officially agreed to work with quasartico to stop any future rogue mega evolutions before they can hurt people.
With her Challenger's Ticket obtained and her Pokemon ready and raring to go, there was no more time to waste. Dara flew back to Quasartico and headed to the battle court. Vinnie stood there, and Dara had the strangest feeling he hadn't moved from his spot all night.
"If you believe you're ready, please prove it to me in battle." The man said. "You should know, however, that I also have the skill to defeat Rogue Mega-Evolved Pokemon."
Dara nodded, trying to muster up more confidence than she actually felt. The two of them moved to their sides of the court, then walked into the Poke Ball sigil on the floor in the middle. Xerneas above, he was huge. Not as big as AZ, but far more intimidating physically.
"Challenger's Tickets verified. You are cleared to start a promotion match." Dara's Rotom Phone buzzed.
"Then let us begin." Vinnie said simply.
"I won't hold anything back." Dara replied, and was shocked to hear Vinnie actually sound a little enthusiastic. It wasn't the first time he had showed emotion, but it still caught her off guard.
"I'm sure you won't mind if I have a bit of fun as well, then! This is a Pokemon battle, after all!"
Vinnie adjusted his glasses, showing his stoic expression underneath for a moment, then pulled out an Ultra Ball. Out came Houndoom, and Dara sent out Paddy.
"Rock Smash!" Dara called.
"Fire Spin." Vinnie commanded, the swirling vortex of flame damaging the Croconaw as it moved within striking distance. She called for a Bubble Beam that hit Houndoom hard and then moved Paddy out of the flames. Without thinking, she called for Rock Smash again, and Paddy toddled right back into the fire. Dara mentally smacked herself upside the head. She needed to focus.
Thankfully, even with that little misplay, Houndoom went down, but Paddy wasn't looking too hot. As the flames dissipated, out came Sharpedo, and Dara switched Paddy out for Pinecone.
Vinnie immediately set up a Whirlpool, but Dara wasn't about to make the same mistake twice. The Quilladin was surprisingly nimble despite his bulky body, and managed to take Sharpedo down with minimal fuss.
Next came... Buneary? Dara scoffed, wondering what Vinnie was playing at, but quickly realized this was no joke. The Normal-type used Charm to disorient Pinecone and hit him over and over, forcing Dara to switch out to Nightshade. The Absol managed to take Buneary down with Night Slash, but not before getting hit by a Draining Kiss and Quick Attack.
Vinnie's last Pokemon was Drampa. Dara could feel something building in the air around them. Static? No. Mega Energy.
The secretary cracked his neck as he spoke, the sound echoing across the court.
"Drampa, I have complete faith in you! Show her what you've learned over your long life!"
He revealed his Mega Stone, attached to the palm of his glove, and pressed his hands together to make the stone react. The hair on the back of Dara's neck stood up straight as Drampa was engulfed in a rush of rainbow light.
She wasted no time in activating her Mega Stone, assuming Nightshade had the situation under control- only to stagger when Drampa's Icy Wind struck, tossing the Absol backwards. Though she managed to get back on her feet and land a Night Slash and Knock Off, Twister was more than the Dark-type could handle.
Trying to shake that crushing loss off, Dara sent in Paddy, but Ice Fang and Breaking Swipe were just barely not enough to take Drampa down. At this point, she was getting backed into a corner, literally. Drampa was hovering in front of her as she commanded her Pokemon, while Vinnie stood and watched from afar.
Daisy Dukes came out next, but Thunder Shock barely registered, and an earlier Safeguard meant Thunder Wave did nothing. Now really panicking, Dara sent in Cindy, who finally managed to down Drampa with Fire Spin and Wing Attack.
As the dragon finally fell, Dara took a moment to catch her breath. She almost missed Vinnie reeling in shock, pushing his glasses up fully this time.
"How formidable!" He exclaimed. "Perhaps I put too great a burden on Buneary- it only just joined my team!"
Dara only wheezed in response as she stood back up. To her surprise, Vinnie was applauding and smiling.
"Superbly fought! Perhaps a messy victory, but a victory nonetheless. With this, I can now confidently say that you subduing that Rogue Mega Absol was no fluke."
"T-thank you." Dara managed, not sure whether to bow or shake his hand or what. "I... didn't mean to panic. I'll do better."
"You have nothing to apologize for, I assure you." Vinnie waved a hand that was larger than her entire head. "Drampa is a challenge for many Trainers even far above your rank. I see great potential in you."
Huh. Oddly, the praise from this hulking Pangoro of a man did make her feel a little better. She was going to make sure her panic didn't overtake her again.
"Now processing your special promotion." Dara's Rotom Phone chimed, and she saw the graphic on the screen indicated she had climbed all the way up to Rank F. It still didn't feel quite real. Maybe later, laying on her bed tonight, she'd be able to be happy about it.
"Woo, Rank F! Congrats, Dara!" Taunie came running onto the court to greet her. Had she been watching this entire time? "Time for me to shoot straight up the ranks, too!"
"Hey, good luck." Dara grinned and gave her a fistbump. Taunie beamed as she turned to face Vinnie.
"Please battle me in a promotion match!" It sounded less like a request and more like a demand.
"You've also obtained the necessary Challenger's Ticket, Taunie?" Vinnie nodded. "Very well. Let us begin."
Dara stepped back and watched the battle. Taunie clearly showed her battling prowess, with her team of Pignite, Bayleef, and Manectric. It wasn't flawless, but she certainly did better than Dara had. She tried to ignore the bitter swell of jealousy in her stomach. Taunie was her friend, she should be happy for her.
"Dara, Taunie, I congratulate you both on your promotion to Rank F!" Vinnie exclaimed. Though her heart wasn't really in it, Dara did give Taunie another fistbump, not wanting to leave the other woman hanging. "Do allow me to heal both of your teams before we continue on."
Oh thank Yveltal. Dara thought. Sure, she could've just flown to the nearest Pokemon Center, but still, it was a thoughtful gesture, and seeing her Pokemon all happy and healthy set her troubled mind a bit more at ease.
"And here is a TM for each of you. Consider having your Pokemon learn the move that it contains." He handed them the TM for Safeguard. Not a move Dara expected to use very often, but her Pokemon had sustained a couple of status conditions during the Z-A Royale last night. It could be worth considering.
"Now that you have joined the upper ranks, we can speak frankly about our next steps. Please join me inside as soon as you're ready."
Dara headed inside the Quasartico building, which was exactly as fancy as she had imagined. She felt completely out of place here.
"Please have a seat." Vinnie requested, and Dara reluctantly did so, on one of the egg-shaped chairs nearby.
"What a building. If Quasartico's got the cash to build this, I'm not surprised they got the Z-A Royale to catch on so quick." Taunie smiled.
It sure is a building, alright. Dara thought, glancing around at the walls covered in some kind of plant life, arranged in triangular shapes that must've been custom grown. Something about the symbolism of it all... taming and controlling nature, just like they had done with the Wild Zones... it didn't sit right with her.
"Dara." Vinnie's imperative voice got her to snap to attention. "You've had your rank raised, but I must confirm: Do you agree to lend us your aid to deal with cases of Rogue Mega Evolution when they arise?"
Dara didn't have to think about it for long. That Rogue Mega Absol could've been a serious danger to the people of Lumiose if she hadn't stopped it. It would be risky work, certainly, but she was determined to try.
"I do." She nodded. "I'll do whatever I can to help out."
"Such superb aplomb!" Vinnie smiled. "Only a handful of people are aware of the crisis that Lumiose City now faces- including the three of us. While Quasartico Inc. has been providing highly ranked Trainers with Mega Rings of our making, we've not divulged these sensitive truths to them. We must work in lockstep to resolve this current crisis- without the people of the city coming to realize that they were ever in any danger."
He shook his head, looking downwards.
"It's honestly amazing we've managed to keep it from them so far. For two entire years..."
"Two years?!" Dara blurted out, dumbfounded. "You've been keeping this under wraps for two years, and you haven't told anyone? How many Rogue Mega Evolutions have there been, exactly?"
Taunie shot her a warning look, but Vinnie only looked even more solemn than usual.
"I understand your concern entirely, Dara. Rest assured, we've been taking every possible precaution to protect the people of Lumiose. Now, may I continue?" It was an earnest request for permission. Dara sighed and slumped down in her chair. Vinnie cleared his throat. "Where was I? Ah, yes. Two years ago is when this all began for us... AZ had realized that the city was in peril, so he approached Quasartico Inc. with a proposal, knowing of our urban redevelopment efforts.
He said that Lumiose... was crying out in pain. Can you even imagine? The terror of being on the receiving end of a glare from that towering giant of a man..."
That's a bit rich coming from you. Dara thought, glancing over at Vinnie as he continued to speak.
"It was clear he was serious about his claims, so we began our own investigations into the matter. What we discovered was the existence of a mysterious power with the potential to trigger Rogue Mega Evolution in Lumiose City. We've been calling it "Mega Power", but why is it accumulating here in Lumiose? That is something our efforts still haven't been able to answer. And then, six months ago... we witnessed Rogue Mega Evolution occurring for the first time. AZ and his Floette did their utmost to pacify the poor Pokemon together, and yet..."
Dara imagined AZ fighting a Rogue Mega Pokemon, and the image of him dodge rolling came to mind. She had to hold back a snort. Thankfully, Vinnie didn't seem to notice.
"...AZ unfortunately lacks the constitution for lengthy battles, which left us with little recourse."
"That's when I stepped in to help." Taunie interjected.
"Wait- huh?" Dara stumbled over her words, shocked. Taunie had been in on this for that long?
"I took AZ's place and battled alongside Floette." Taunie explained.
"It took us all by surprise." Vinnie almost smiled.
"I was desperate to help him somehow!" Taunie exclaimed. "He's done so much for me, with the hotel and all. I knew I had to thank him somehow. Plus, it was Floette and her Light of Ruin that really saved the day. She's very special."
She sure is. Dara thought. She still hadn't forgotten that suspicious glance Floette had given her on the very first day she arrived in Lumiose. Like there was something wrong with her that only the little flower fairy could see. Was there?
"That's how your friend Taunie there found out about the threat to Lumiose- and what inspired her to create this "Team MZ", as you call it." Vinnie went on. "She has put every effort into reaching the upper ranks in order to be in a better position to help us deal with these cases of Rogue Mega Evolution. And now you have made it to those very ranks. Taunie. Dara. We will be depending on your strength."
From behind them, an elderly lady with platinum blonde hair and a stupid hairdo approached. Dara was immediately and unpleasantly reminded of her grandmother.
"Vinnie." The woman said, her Kalosian accent high and regal. "Who is that with you?"
Dara immediately didn't like this lady's vibes one bit.
"Madam President. These are the two young Trainers who have been working with AZ." Vinnie got up from his seat, towering over the president, who Dara now remembered as Jett.
"I see. Lovely to meet you both." There was nothing unfriendly in her voice, but no warmth either. She seemed entirely disinterested in them. No, that wasn't right. She was staring right at Taunie, but it was as if Dara didn't exist.
"I must return to my duties now that President Jett has arrived. Please do excuse me." Vinnie turned back to them with a stiff, formal nod. Part of her was tempted to ask him to stay, to not leave them alone with Jett, but she knew that was ridiculous. He had a job to be doing.
Even so, she felt suddenly vulnerable with him no longer standing there. Dara hadn't realized how comfortable she felt around Vinnie until he was gone.
"So, Dara- now you know why it's so important for Team MZ to be strong!" Taunie spoke up. "Okay, should we think about heading back to the hotel?"
"Yveltal's wings, please yes." Dara said.
"Language, young lady." Jett said, impassively, but she still continued to stare through Dara at the wall behind her.
Dara had never been happier to leave a building in her life.
